bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nociceptive responses to thermal and mechanical stimulations in awake pigs
Authors: Di Giminiani P. , Petersen L.J. , Herskin M.S. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundPorcine skin exhibits a high degree of homology to human skin, and the pig has recently been used as a cutaneous pain model. However, before the full potential of this novel in vivo cutaneous pain model can be achieved, several methodological aspects related to the management of awake animal studies in a large species require further examination. This manuscript describes the initial development of a porcine model of cutaneous nociception and focuses on interactions between the sensory modality, body size and the anatomical location of the stimulation site.MethodsPigs of different body sizes (30 and 60 kg) were exposed to thermal (CO2 laser) and mechanical (pressure application measurement device) stimulations to the flank and the hind legs in a balanced order. The median response latency and the type of behavioural response were recorded.ResultsSmall pigs exhibited significantly lower pain thresholds (shorter latency to response) than large pigs to thermal and mechanical stimulations. Stimulations at the two anatomical locations elicited very distinct sets of behavioural responses, with different levels of sensitivity between the flank and the hind legs. Furthermore, small animals exhibited lower levels of individual variability between single stimulations.ConclusionsOur data indicate that this experimental approach may be valuable for use in studies that focus on porcine cutaneous nociception.
Barrier protective effects of rosmarinic acid on HMGB1‐induced inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Yang Eun‐Ju , Ku Sae‐Kwang , Lee Wonhwa , Lee Sangkyu , Lee Taeho , Song Kyung‐Sik , Bae Jong‐Sup 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHigh mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a crucial cytokine that mediates response to infection, injury, and inflammation. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is an important component of the leaves of Perilla frutescens and has neuroprotective, anti‐microbial, anti‐oxidant, and anti‐cancer effects but little is known of its effects on HMGB1‐mediated inflammatory response. Here, we investigated this issue by monitoring the effects of RA on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐mediated release of HMGB1 and HMGB1‐mediated modulation of inflammatory responses. RA potently inhibited the release of HMGB1 and down‐regulated HMGB1‐dependent inflammatory responses in human endothelial cells. RA also inhibited HMGB1‐mediated hyperpermeability and leukocyte migration in mice. Furthermore, RA reduced CLP‐induced HMGB1 release and sepsis‐related mortality. Given these results, RA should be viewed as a candidate therapeutic agent for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases via inhibition of the HMGB1 signaling pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein phosphatase 2A Cα regulates osteoblast differentiation and the expressions of bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin via osterix transcription factor
Authors: Okamura Hirohiko , Yoshida Kaya , Yang Di , Haneji Tatsuji 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSerine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) participates in regulating many important physiological processes such as cell cycle, growth, apoptosis, and signal transduction. Osterix is a zinc‐finger‐containing transcription factor that is essential for osteoblast differentiation and regulation of many bone‐related genes. We have recently reported that decrease in α‐isoform of PP2A catalytic subunit (PP2A Cα) accelerates osteoblast differentiation through the expression of bone‐related genes. In this study, we further examined the role of PP2A Cα in osteoblast differentiation by establishing the stable cell lines that overexpress PP2A Cα. Overexpression of PP2A Cα reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Osteoblast differentiation and mineralization were also decreased in PP2A Cα‐overexpressing cells, with reduction of bone‐related genes including osterix, bone sialoprotein (Bsp), and osteocalcin (OCN). Luciferase assay showed that the transcriptional activity of the Osterix promoter region was decreased in PP2A Cα‐overexpressing cells. Introduction of ectopic Osterix rescued the expression of Bsp and OCN in PP2A Cα‐overexpressing cells. These results indicate that PP2A Cα and its activity play a negative role in osteoblast differentiation and Osterix is a key factor responsible for regulating the expressions of Bsp and OCN during PP2A Cα‐mediated osteoblast differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regeneration of articular cartilage by adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells: Perspectives from stem cell biology and molecular medicine
Authors: Wu Ling , Cai Xiaoxiao , Zhang Shu , Karperien Marcel , Lin Yunfeng 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAdipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) have been discovered for more than a decade. Due to the large numbers of cells that can be harvested with relatively little donor morbidity, they are considered to be an attractive alternative to bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells. Consequently, isolation and differentiation of ASCs draw great attention in the research of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Cartilage defects cause big therapeutic problems because of their low self‐repair capacity. Application of ASCs in cartilage regeneration gives hope to treat cartilage defects with autologous stem cells. In recent years, a lot of studies have been performed to test the possibility of using ASCs to re‐construct damaged cartilage tissue. In this article, we have reviewed the most up‐to‐date articles utilizing ASCs for cartilage regeneration in basic and translational research. Our topic covers differentiation of adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes, increased cartilage formation by co‐culture of ASCs with chondrocytes and enhancing chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs by gene manipulation. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiparametric functional nuclear magnetic resonance imaging shows alterations associated with plasmid electrotransfer in mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Baligand Celine , Jouvion Gregory , Schakman Olivier , Gilson Helene , Wary Claire , Thissen Jean‐Paul , Carlier Pierre G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundIn vivo gene electrotransfer is frequently used in preclinical gene therapy. Many studies have attempted to optimize protocols efficiency at the same time as reducing muscle damage. Most of them have reported histological evidence of muscle degeneration and completion of regeneration within 15 days. The functional consequences have rarely been addressed, which may reflect the lack of appropriate techniques. Yet, it is important to characterize the changes induced by the procedure itself because it may interfere with therapy. We used multiparametric functional (mpf)‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging to evaluate mice hindlimb muscle after electrotransfer of an empty plasmid.MethodsNMR experiments were performed in a 4T Bruker magnet. Arterial spin labeling imaging of perfusion and blood oxygenation level dependent contrast and 31P spectroscopy of phosphocreatine kinetics and pH were simultaneously acquired from the mice hindlimb during 2 min of electrically stimulated exercise and recovery.ResultsAfter 15 days, hindlimb cross‐sectional area decreased by 10% compared to control mice. Specific force‐time integral and end‐exercise pH were identical in both groups, whereas oxidative capacities increased. Perfusion values doubled, and oxygenation significantly decreased. Histology revealed: (i) degeneration/regeneration; (ii) a decrease in type IIb fibers and an increase in type I and IIa fibers; and (iii) increased capillary density.ConclusionsIn this model, loss in muscle mass was accompanied by important alterations of perfusion and bioenergetics. Fifteen days after electrotransfer, this was correlated with fiber type shift, capillary bed remodeling and degeneration/regeneration. mpf‐NMR provides new insights into the functional consequences of standard electrotransfer and represents a powerful tool for optimization and longitudinal assessment of preclinical gene therapy protocols. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling and design of magnetostrictive vibration‐powered generator using finite element method
Authors: Rezaeealam Behrooz , Ueno Toshiyuki , Yamada Sotoshi 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTThis work investigates the design of a vibration‐powered generator with one rod (unimorph) of iron–gallium (galfenol) and compares it with its two‐rod (bimorph) counterpart. Galfenol is a promising magnetostrictive material that combines high magnetic susceptibility and desirable mechanical properties and therefore very suitable for harvesting the vibration energy that involves bending stresses. In this study, an energy‐based magnetoelastic model, so‐called Armstrong model, is employed to predict the behavior of galfenol under multiaxial stresses. The Armstrong model of galfenol is implemented into a static 3D finite element model of the energy harvester by which the performances of the devices are predicted and experimentally observed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geometric morphometric shape analysis in an ovine model confirms that the upper esophageal sphincter is not round
Authors: Cates Daniel , Plowman Emily K. , Mehdizadeh Omid , Yen Kaicheng , Domer Amanda , Gilden Michael , Belafsky Peter C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Dysfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is a common cause of oral‐pharyngeal dysphagia (OPD). Dilation is a primary treatment, although current techniques are subject to a high rate of failure and recurrence. Devices available for UES dilation are cylindrical and were designed to distend the round lumen of the esophagus. Our objective was to determine the cross‐sectional dimension of the UES in an ovine model of OPD and compare it with that of the cervical esophagus.Study Design:Prospective cadaveric animal study.Methods:Three‐dimensional casts of the upper aerodigestive tract of 10 fresh cadaveric ewes were constructed using a platinum‐cured liquid silicone polymer. Cross‐sections at the level of the UES and cervical esophagus were digitized and mathematically compared using geometric morphometric shape analysis.Results:Consensus shape among all 10 animals revealed that the narrowest region of the maximally distended UES has a cross‐sectional shape that resembles a kidney, whereas the cervical esophagus approximates a circle. The shape of the UES and cervical esophagus were significantly different (P < .0001), and surface area calculations demonstrated that an inscribed circle significantly underestimated the area implied by the kidney‐shaped UES model.Conclusions:Current dilators used to treat UES dysfunction are cylindrical and based on the assumption that the UES is round. This is the first report to empirically analyze the cross‐sectional area of the UES utilizing an established ovine model. The data suggest that the cross‐sectional area of the UES is shaped like a kidney, and currently available cylindrical dilators are suboptimal for UES distention. Laryngoscope, 2013
Fibre reinforced sands: from experiments to modelling and beyond
Authors: Diambra A. , Ibraim E. , Russell A. R. , Muir Wood D. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYBased on hypotheses derived directly from experimental observations of the triaxial behaviour, a constitutive model for fibre reinforced sands is built in this paper. Both the sand matrix and the fibres obey their own constitutive law, whereas their contributions are superimposed using a volumetric homogenization procedure. The Severn‐Trent sand model, which combines well‐known concepts such as critical state theory, Mohr‐Coulomb like strength criterion, bounding surface plasticity and kinematic hardening, is adopted for the sand matrix. Although the fibres are treated as discrete forces with defined orientation, an equivalent continuum stress for the fibre phase is derived to allow the superposition of effects of sand and fibres. The fibres are considered as purely tensile elements following a linear elastic constitutive rule. The strain in the fibres is expressed as a fraction of the strain in the reinforced sample so that imperfect bonding is assumed at the sand‐fibre interface. Only those fibres oriented within the tensile strain domain of the sample can mobilize tensile stress—the orientation of fibres is one of the key ingredients to capture the anisotropic behaviour of fibre reinforced soil that is observed for triaxial compression and extension loading. A further mechanism of partition of the volume of voids between the fibres and the sand matrix is introduced and shown to be fundamental for the simulation of the volumetric behaviour of fibre‐reinforced soils. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glucocorticoids and insulin resistance in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Chow Eric J. , Pihoker Catherine , Friedman Debra L. , Lee Stephanie J. , McCune Jeannine S. , Wharton Claire , Roth Christian L. , Baker K. Scott 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundChildren treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are more likely to become overweight. Prolonged exposure to high‐dose glucocorticoids may cause insulin resistance and facilitate development of this phenotype.ProcedureBody mass indices (BMI) and insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment [HOMA]‐IR) were prospectively measured among on‐ (n = 31) and off‐therapy participants (n = 29). On‐therapy participants were assessed prior to and while on glucocorticoids (5 days of prednisone 40 mg m−2 or dexamethasone 6 mg m−2) given as part of routine maintenance chemotherapy, with a subset (n = 10) receiving an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) while on glucocorticoids.ResultsBaseline HOMA‐IR values among on‐ and off‐therapy participants were similar, but among on‐therapy participants, HOMA‐IR increased significantly with glucocorticoid exposure (median 3.39 vs. 1.26; P < 0.01) with 45.2% of participants having values >4.39 (upper 2.5th percentile among normal weight adolescents). Although baseline HOMA‐IR was significantly correlated with current BMI (r = 0.48, P < 0.01), change in HOMA‐IR following steroid exposure was not correlated with any demographic or treatment characteristic including current BMI. Among those with IVGTT data, HOMA estimates in general correlated with values derived from a minimal model analysis (r ∼ 0.7).ConclusionsHigh‐dose glucocorticoids given as part of routine chemotherapy were associated with a significantly increased insulin resistant state. Given the amount and duration of glucocorticoids children with ALL experience, these physiologic changes could be an important contributor to the development of therapy‐related obesity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 621–626. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Examining School‐Based Social Skills Program Needs and Barriers for Students with High‐Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders Using Participatory Action Research
Authors: Ostmeyer Katrina , Scarpa Angela 
Published: October 2012

Participatory action research (PAR) is a method used to develop interventions with the direct input of stakeholders. Social skills are a core deficit of children with high‐functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASD) that can affect academic performance and other areas of well‐being, yet empirically supported services are not always available. The current study examined data collected using PAR for the purpose of informing development of a school‐based social skills program for children with HFASD. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected during focus groups with school staff (n = 14) and parents (n = 2) of children with HFASD and observations of children with HFASD (n = 2) in a full‐inclusion elementary classroom. Results showed that both quantitative and qualitative data yielded helpful and unique forms of information as the first step of PAR, documenting the need for social skills interventions and barriers to implementation.
Physiotherapy Services Provided Outside of Business Hours in Australian Hospitals: A National Survey
Authors: Shaw Kathryn D. , Taylor Nicholas F. , Brusco Natasha K. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground and PurposePhysiotherapy services provided outside of business hours may improve patient and hospital outcomes, but there is limited understanding of what services are provided. This study described current services provided outside of business hours across Australian hospitals.MethodsDesignDescriptive, cross‐sectional, Web‐based survey.ParticipantsA random sample of Australian hospitals from the public or private sector located in either metropolitan or rural/regional areas.ResultsA total of 112 completed surveys were submitted. The most common service outside of business hours was a Saturday service, provided by 61% of participating hospitals with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 1.0 hour (0.0 and 3.4) of physiotherapy per 30 beds. Sunday services were provided by 43% of hospitals, and services provided outside of business hours from Monday to Friday were provided by 14% of hospitals. More private hospitals provided some form of physiotherapy service outside of business hours (91%) than public hospitals (48%). More metropolitan hospitals provided some form of physiotherapy service outside of business hours (90%) than rural/regional hospitals (28%). Few of the hospitals providing sub‐acute services had weekend physiotherapy (30%), but the majority of highly acute wards provided weekend physiotherapy (81%). Highly acute wards also provided more hours of service on a Saturday (median 8.1 hours per 30 beds, IQR 0.6–22.5) compared with acute wards (median 0.8 hours per 30 beds, IQR 0.0–2.8).ConclusionThere is limited availability of physiotherapy services in Australian hospitals outside of business hours. There are inequalities in physiotherapy services provided outside of business hours, with public, rural/regional and sub‐acute facilities receiving fewer services outside of business hours than private, metropolitan and highly acute facilities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Go out and lead”: Process safety management
Authors: Snowball David , Travers Ian 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis article shares the UK experience of risk control for major hazards and emphasizes the key role corporate governance and leadership play in the management of major hazard risks. The article outlines the joint work undertaken between industry and the Health and Safety Executive in promoting and developing both the concept and the practical application of process safety management and leadership for senior executives within major hazard industries. An accredited training course in process safety leadership and management has been launched which provides—for the first time—competence‐based training for senior executives in major hazard industries. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012.
International comparison on the application of societal risk criteria
Authors: Pitblado Robin , Bardy Mariana , Nalpanis Philip , Crossthwaite Philip , Molazemi Koheila , Bekaert Maarten , Raghunathan Vijay 
Published: October 2012

AbstractQuantitative risk assessment is now a common tool used for planning and approving high‐risk process facilities globally. The initial focus was toward individual risk contours as these were easier to apply and communicate, but a number of regulators and companies also wish to see societal risk (SR) results. This is particularly true for offsite risk predictions. There are quite significant differences in the global application and this article summarizes examples from Europe, North and South Americas, and the Middle East. The differences are not only to criteria lines on F‐N graphs but also to the definitions of what populations are included and excluded, and this can have a significant, but less obvious, impact on SR results. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012.
The effect of post‐growth thermal annealing on the emission spectra of GaAs/AlGaAs quantum dots grown by droplet epitaxy
Authors: Moon Pilkyung , Lee J. D. , Ha S. K. , Lee E. H. , Choi W. J. , Song J. D. , Kim J. S. , Dang L. S. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe fabricated GaAs/AlGaAs quantum dots by droplet epitaxy, and obtained the geometries of the dots by scanning transmission electron microscopy. Post‐growth thermal annealing is essential for the optical activation of quantum dots grown by droplet epitaxy. We measured the emission energy shifts of the dots and the underlying superlattice by post‐ growth thermal annealing, and specified the emission from dots by selectively etching the structure down to a low layer of quantum dots. We studied the influence of the degree of annealing on the optical properties of the dots from the peak shifts of the superlattice, since the superlattice has a uniform and well‐defined geometry. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Interactions Between Proteins and Carbon‐Based Nanoparticles: Exploring the Origin of Nanotoxicity at the Molecular Level
Authors: Zuo Guanghong , Kang Seung‐gu , Xiu Peng , Zhao Yuliang , Zhou Ruhong 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe widespread application of nanomaterials has spurred an interest in the study of interactions between nanoparticles and proteins due to the biosafety concerns of these nanomaterials. In this review, a summary is presented of some of the recent studies on this important subject, especially on the interactions of proteins with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and metallofullerenols. Two potential molecular mechanisms have been proposed for CNTs’ inhibition of protein functions. The driving forces of CNTs’ adsorption onto proteins are found to be mainly hydrophobic interactions and the so‐called π–π stacking between CNTs’ carbon rings and proteins’ aromatic residues. However, there is also recent evidence showing that endohedral metallofullerenol Gd@C82(OH)22 can be used to inhibit tumor growth, thus acting as a potential nanomedicine. These recent findings have provided a better understanding of nanotoxicity at the molecular level and also suggested therapeutic potential by using nanoparticles’ cytotoxicity against cancer cells.
Simulation and Application of Swirl‐Type Oxygen Lance in Vanadium Extraction Converter
Authors: Lv Ming , Zhu Rong , Wang Hui , Bai Ruiguo 
Published: October 2012

AbstractStirring effects and impacting characteristics of conventional and various swirl‐type oxygen lances (Swirl angles are 5°, 10°, and 13°, respectively) on the molten pool were studied. The mixing time, impacting depth and impacting diameter were measured by water model experiment. The flow field characteristics of gas–liquid two phase flow were simulated using Fluent software. It is found that 10° swirl‐type oxygen lance injection can get the shortest mixing time which is only 47.6 s. The area surrounded by isovelocity is larger in molten pool when injecting by the swirl‐type oxygen lance. When injecting by the 10° swirl‐type oxygen lance, the area is the largest and the flow velocity of liquid steel is the highest. On this basis, the 10° swirl‐type oxygen lance was experimented in 150 t vanadium extraction converter. The experiment shows that the swirl‐type oxygen lance can guarantee the normal smelting process. Compared with the conventional oxygen lance, the reduction ratio of vanadium content in semi‐steel is 17.8%, vanadium extraction rate is increased by 5.1%, V2O5 grade of vanadium slag is increased by 0.93% and iron loss is reduced. It provides a new technology to improve the recovery of vanadium resources in converter.