bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Observation of low single scattering albedo of aerosols in the downwind of the East Asian desert and urban areas during the inflow of dust aerosols
Authors: Khatri Pradeep , Takamura Tamio , Shimizu Atsushi , Sugimoto Nobuo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe analyzed data observed at Fukue‐jima (32.752°N, 128.682°E), the downwind of the East Asian desert and urban areas, during the spring season (March–April) of 2008–2011 aiming to understand the light‐absorption capacity of Asian dust aerosols, which is a topic of controversy. We observed the decreasing tendency of single‐scattering albedo (SSA) with the decrease of Ångström exponent and the increase of the ratio of dust aerosol optical thickness to total aerosol optical thickness, suggesting the important role of coarse‐mode dust aerosols on observed low SSAs. The observational data further indicated that the low SSAs during strong dust events were less likely due to the effect of only strong light‐absorbing carbonaceous aerosols, such as black carbon (BC), indicating the association of aerosol size distribution on modulating SSA. Such observational results are justified by numerical calculations showing that aerosol size distribution can be the key factor on modulating SSA even without any change in relative amount of light‐absorbing aerosol as well as total aerosol optical thickness. Therefore, the observed low SSAs in the downwind regions during dust events could be partially due to the dominance of coarse‐mode aerosols over fine‐mode aerosols, which are usual in dust events, along with the effect of mixed light‐absorbing aerosols. The study further suggests that such effect of aerosol size distribution on SSA can be one of the important reasons for the low SSAs of dust aerosols in the source region as reported by some studies, if coarse‐mode aerosols dominate fine‐mode aerosols.
Microarray and FISH‐based genotype–phenotype analysis of 22 Japanese patients with Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome
Authors: Shimizu Kenji , Wakui Keiko , Kosho Tomoki , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Mizuno Seiji , Itomi Kazuya , Hattori Shigeto , Nishio Kimio , Samura Osamu , Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Kako Yuko , Arai Takashi , Oh‐ishi Tsutomu , Kawame Hiroshi , Narumi Yoko , Ohashi Hirofumi , Fukushima Yoshimitsu 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome of the distal 4p chromosome, characterized by craniofacial features, growth impairment, intellectual disability, and seizures. Although genotype–phenotype correlation studies have previously been published, several important issues remain to be elucidated including seizure severity. We present detailed clinical and molecular‐cytogenetic findings from a microarray and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)‐based genotype–phenotype analysis of 22 Japanese WHS patients, the first large non‐Western series. 4p deletions were terminal in 20 patients and interstitial in two, with deletion sizes ranging from 2.06 to 29.42 Mb. The new Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome critical region (WHSCR2) was deleted in all cases, and duplication of other chromosomal regions occurred in four. Complex mosaicism was identified in two cases: two different 4p terminal deletions; a simple 4p terminal deletion and an unbalanced translocation with the same 4p breakpoint. Seizures began in infancy in 33% (2/6) of cases with small (<6 Mb) deletions and in 86% (12/14) of cases with larger deletions (>6 Mb). Status epilepticus occurred in 17% (1/6) with small deletions and in 87% (13/15) with larger deletions. Renal hypoplasia or dysplasia and structural ocular anomalies were more prevalent in those with larger deletions. A new susceptible region for seizure occurrence is suggested between 0.76 and 1.3 Mb from 4pter, encompassing CTBP1 and CPLX1, and distal to the previously‐supposed candidate gene LETM1. The usefulness of bromide therapy for seizures and additional clinical features including hypercholesterolemia are also described. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and characterization of extruded nanocomposite based on polycarbonate/butadiene‐acrylonitrile‐styrene blend filled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Marcin Wegrzyn , Benedito Adolfo , Gimenez Enrique 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNanocomposites of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (PC/ABS) with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) prepared by masterbatch dilution are investigated in this work. Melt compounding with twin screw extruder is followed by complete characterization of morphology, rheological‐, mechanical‐, and thermal‐properties of the nanocomposites. Light‐transmission‐ and scanning electron microscopy shows the preferential location of MWCNT in the PC. Nevertheless, relatively good dispersion in the whole matrix is achieved, what is corroborated with the specific mechanical energy. The study of viscoelastic properties of PC/ABS‐MWCNT shows the fluid–solid transition below 0.5 wt % MWCNT. Beyond this point the continuous nanofiller network is formed in the matrix promoting the reinforcement. Addition of 0.5 wt % MWCNT reduces ductility of PC/ABS and enhances Young's modulus by about 30% and yield stress by about 20%. Moreover, theoretical values of stiffness calculated within this work agree with the experimental data. Electrical conductivity, showing percolation at 2.0 wt % MWCNT, are influenced by processing temperature. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40271.
Convenient microtiter plate‐based, oxygen‐independent activity assays for flavin‐dependent oxidoreductases based on different redox dyes
Authors: Brugger Dagmar , Krondorfer Iris , Zahma Kawah , Stoisser Thomas , Bolivar Juan M. , Nidetzky Bernd , Peterbauer Clemens K. , Haltrich Dietmar 
Published: December 2013

AbstractFlavin‐dependent oxidoreductases are increasingly recognized as important biocatalysts for various industrial applications. In order to identify novel activities and to improve these enzymes in engineering approaches, suitable screening methods are necessary. We developed novel microtiter‐plate‐based assays for flavin‐dependent oxidases and dehydrogenases using redox dyes as electron acceptors for these enzymes. 2,6‐dichlorophenol‐indophenol, methylene green, and thionine show absorption changes between their oxidized and reduced forms in the visible range, making it easy to judge visually changes in activity. A sample set of enzymes containing both flavoprotein oxidases and dehydrogenases – pyranose 2‐oxidase, pyranose dehydrogenase, cellobiose dehydrogenase, D‐amino acid oxidase, and L‐lactate oxidase – was selected. Assays for these enzymes are based on a direct enzymatic reduction of the redox dyes and not on the coupled detection of a reaction product as in the frequently used assays based on hydrogen peroxide formation. The different flavoproteins show low Michaelis constants with these electron acceptor substrates, and therefore these dyes need to be added in only low concentrations to assure substrate saturation. In conclusion, these electron acceptors are useful in selective, reliable and cheap MTP‐based screening assays for a range of flavin‐dependent oxidoreductases, and offer a robust method for library screening, which could find applications in enzyme engineering programs.
First report on long‐term clinical results after treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions with the Tryton dedicated bifurcation stent
Authors: Grundeken Maik J. , Kraak Robin P. , Baan Jan , Arkenbout E. Karin , Piek Jan J. , Vis M. Marije , Henriques Jose P.S. , Koch Karel T. , Tijssen Jan G.P. , de Winter Robbert J. , Wykrzykowska Joanna J. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundTo improve clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary interventions of coronary bifurcation lesions, the Tryton Side Branch Stent™ (Tryton Medical, Durham) was developed. Registry studies evaluating the Tryton stent has shown promising clinical results and the stent is currently compared with the provisional single stent strategy in a randomized trial. However, clinical results beyond one year are lacking, and therefore, we investigated the one‐ and two‐year outcomes after Tryton stent placement in a single‐center registry study.Methods and resultsAll patients in our center in whom Tryton placement was attempted between October 2010 and December 2011 were included. Clinical outcomes were defined as cardiac death, any myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR), target lesion revascularization (TLR), stent thrombosis (ST), and target vessel failure (TVF; composite of cardiac death, MI, and TVR). Event rates were estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. We included 91 patients. Almost half (42%) of the patients included had acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as indication for PCI (12% unstable angina, 14% NSTEMI, and 16% STEMI). Median follow‐up duration was 713 days (IQR 617–840). TVF rates were 14.5% (one year) and 20.3% (two year). Two‐year cardiac death, MI, TVR, TLR and ST rates were 4.4%, 10.2%, 12.7%, 9.2%, and 2.2%, respectively.ConclusionsIn this single‐center registry, use of the Tryton stent was associated with acceptable clinical outcomes at two‐year follow‐up. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of impaired 50‐gram oral glucose challenge test on fetal abdominal wall thickness
Authors: Aksoy Hüseyin , Aksoy Ülkü , Açmaz Gökhan , Tutuş Şadan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundPatients with impaired 50‐g oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) have not been investigated for fetal anterior abdominal wall thickness until now. We aimed to investigate patients with impaired 50‐g OGCT, but not gestational diabetes and match them with healthy uneventful pregnant participants for anterior abdominal wall thickness, estimated fetal weight, fetal gender, biparietal diameter, femur length and abdominal circumference.MethodsA total of 99 pregnant women between 26 and 28 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the study. These patients were divided into two groups according to their 50‐g OGCT results. Fifty‐one pregnant women with uncomplicated healthy singleton pregnancies constituted our control group, and 48 singleton pregnant women with impaired 50‐g OGCT but normal 100‐g oral glucose tolerance test constituted our study group.ResultsWe detected statistically significant high body mass index in impaired 50‐g glucose test group. Biparietal diameter, femur length, abdominal circumference and estimated fetal weight values were not significantly different between groups; however, anterior abdominal wall thickness value was significantly width in impaired 50‐g glucose test group. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences between two groups for gender of fetuses.ConclusionImpaired 50‐g glucose test in pregnancy is related not only to increased maternal body mass index but also to fetal fat distribution. Although fetal abdominal circumference measurement and estimated fetal weight were not different between study and control group, increased anterior abdominal wall thickness can be detected in impaired 50‐g OGCT group. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ice flow‐unit influence on glacier structure, debris entrainment and transport
Authors: Jennings Stephen J.A. , Hambrey Michael J. , Glasser Neil F. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThe links between structural glaciology, glacial debris entrainment and transport have been established in a number of different glacier settings. Here we document the structural evolution of a temperate Alpine valley glacier (Vadrec del Forno, Switzerland) and demonstrate that individual flow units within the glacier have very different structural and debris characteristics. The glacier consists of a broad accumulation area with multiple basins feeding a relatively narrow tongue and is formed from six distinct flow units. Each flow unit has its own characteristic structural assemblage. Flow units that narrow rapidly down‐glacier are dominated by primary stratification that has evolved into longitudinal foliation. In contrast, wider flow units preferentially develop an axial planar foliation. Glacier structure plays a limited role in the entrainment of debris, which is more strongly influenced by ice‐marginal rockfall and avalanche inputs onto the glacier surface. However, once entrained, glacier structure controls the reorientation and redistribution of debris within the ice mass. By taking a whole‐glacier approach to describing glacier structure and debris transport, we conclude that individual flow units are unique with regard to structure and debris transfer. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LNG Exports: North American LNG Exports Present Epic Opportunities and Risks
Authors: Goncalves Christopher 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNorth American liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports present formidable uncertainties, risks, and opportunities for LNG buyers, sellers, traders, investors, and lenders, both in North America and abroad. The disruptive impact of these exports and their low, hub‐based competitive pricing challenge industry participants to develop new commercial strategies, pricing and indexing formulas, risk‐mitigation tactics, and economic optimization solutions. For some industry participants, the changes present opportunities to create new businesses and/or transform companies; for others, the risks to existing revenue and profits could become existential.
Efficacy of pain treatment on mood syndrome in patients with dementia: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Husebo B. S. , Ballard C. , Fritze F. , Sandvik R. K. , Aarsland D. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundDepression is common in nursing home (NH) patients with dementia, and often clustered with anxiety and other mood symptoms. An association between pain and depressive symptoms has been reported, but the impact of pain management on depression and other mood symptoms has not been investigated.ObjectiveSecondary analyses of a cluster randomized clinical trial examine the response of dementia‐related mood symptoms to a Stepwise Protocol of Treating Pain.MethodThree‐hundred fifty‐two patients with moderate and severe dementia and significant behavioural disturbances, related to 60 clusters (i.e. clusters defined as single independent NH units) in 18 NHs of Western Norway, were included. All patients in the intervention group received individual daily pain treatment with paracetamol, extended release morphine, buprenorphine transdermal patch or pregabaline for 8 weeks, with additional follow‐up assessment 4 weeks after completion of the intervention. Clusters randomized to control received usual treatment. A mood cluster consisting of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, apathy and appetite items from the Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Nursing Home (NPI‐NH) was the primary outcome.ResultsAnalysed by Mann–Whitney U‐tests, Stepwise Protocol of Treating Pain conferred significant benefit in treatment of the NPI‐NH mood cluster (F = 13.4, df = 1;299, p < 0.001) and depression (F = 2.0, df = 1;301, p = 0.025). Further analyses highlighted improvements in apathy (F = 5.3, df = 1;300, p = 0.017), night‐time behaviours (F = 3.1, df = 1;301, p = 0.050), and appetite items (F = 11.6, df = 1;301, p = 0.005), but not irritability (p = 0.092) and anxiety (p = 0.125).ConclusionMood symptoms including depression significantly improved with pain treatment, emphasizing the importance of more rigorous treatment of pain in agitated people with dementia. Findings have potentially immediate clinical relevance. © 2013 The Authors. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
p38 and Extracellular Signal‐Regulated Kinases Activations have Opposite Effects on Primary‐Cultured Rat Cerebellar Granule Neurons Exposed to Sodium Arsenite
Authors: Liu Xiaona , Gao Yanhui , Yao Hongju , Zhou Lingwang , Pei Junrui , Sun Liyan , Wang Jing , Sun Dianjun 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTArsenic is a widespread environmental toxicant in the world and regarded as both a carcinogen and an anticarcinogen. The present study was designed to evaluate roles of mitogen‐activated protein kinases in sodium arsenite‐induced effects on primary‐cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Results revealed a decreased viability of the cells exposed to sodium arsenite (from 0 to 50 μM) in a dose‐dependent manner. Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate assay showed that apoptosis was obviously induced by arsenite treatment. High phosphorylation expressions of p38 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK1/2), but not of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases were observed due to arsenite treatment by western blotting analysis. Furthermore, SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38) decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells whereas arsenite‐stimulated toxicity was enhanced by U0126 (an inhibitor of ERK1/2). Taken together, these data suggest that p38 contributes to arsenite‐induced apoptosis of rat CGNs, but ERK1/2 may involve in cell growth and survival.
Regulator of G Protein Signaling 3 Protects Against Cardiac Hypertrophy in Mice
Authors: Liu Yu , Huang He , Zhang Yan , Zhu Xue Yong , Zhang Rui , Guan Li Hua , Tang Qizhu , Jiang Hong , Huang Congxin 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTRegulator of G protein signaling 3 (RGS3) is a negative regulator of G protein‐mediated signaling. RGS3 has previously been shown to be expressed among various cell types within the mature heart. Basic and clinical studies have reported abnormal expressions of RGS3 in hypertrophic hearts and in the failing myocardium. However, the role of RGS3 in cardiac remodeling remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of cardiac overexpression of human RGS3 on cardiac hypertrophy induced by aortic banding (AB) in RGS3 transgenic mice and wild‐type littermates. The extent of cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by echocardiography as well as pathological and molecular analyses of heart samples. RGS3 overexpression in the heart markedly reduced the extent of cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and left ventricular dysfunction in response to AB. These beneficial effects were associated with the inhibition of MEK‐ERK1/2 signaling. In vitro studies performed in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes confirmed that RGS3 overexpression inhibits hypertrophic growth induced by angiotensin II, which was associated with the attenuation of MEK‐ERK1/2 signaling. Therefore, cardiac overexpression of RGS3 inhibits maladaptive hypertrophy and fibrosis and improves cardiac function by blocking MEK‐ERK1/2 signaling. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 977–986, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microenvironment Is Involved in Cellular Response to Hydrostatic Pressures During Chondrogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Ye Rui , Hao Jin , Song Jinlin , Zhao Zhihe , Fang Shanbao , Wang Yating , Li Juan 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTChondrocytes integrate numerous microenvironmental cues to mount physiologically relevant differentiation responses, and the regulation of mechanical signaling in chondrogenic differentiation is now coming into intensive focus. To facilitate tissue‐engineered chondrogenesis by mechanical strategy, a thorough understanding about the interactional roles of chemical factors under mechanical stimuli in regulating chondrogenesis is in great need. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate the interaction of rat MSCs with their microenvironment by imposing dynamic and static hydrostatic pressure through modulating gaseous tension above the culture medium. Under dynamic pressure, chemical parameters (pH, pO2, and pCO2) were kept in homeostasis. In contrast, pH was remarkably reduced due to increased pCO2 under static pressure. MSCs under the dynamically pressured microenvironment exhibited a strong accumulation of GAG within and outside the alginate beads, while cells under the statically pressured environment lost newly synthesized GAG into the medium with a speed higher than its production. In addition, the synergic influence on expression of chondrogenic genes was more persistent under dynamic pressure than that under static pressure. This temporal contrast was similar to that of activation of endogenous TGF‐β1. Taken altogether, it indicates that a loading strategy which can keep a homeostatic chemical microenvironment is preferred, since it might sustain the stimulatory effects of mechanical stimuli on chondrogenesis via activation of endogenous TGF‐β1. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1089–1096, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
OA10 Is a Novel p38alpha Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase Inhibitor That Suppresses Osteoclast Differentiation and Bone Resorption
Authors: Jiang T. , Qin A. , Shao Z.Y. , Tian B. , Zhai Z.J. , Li H.W. , Zhu Z.A. , Dai K.R. , Ming H. Zheng , Yu Y.P. , Jiang Q. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTIn search of anti‐bone resorbing agents for the potential treatment of osteoporosis, we synthesized a novel compound Tert‐butyl 4‐(3‐[1H‐indole‐2‐carboxamido]benzoyl)piperazine‐1‐carboxylate (OA10) and found that OA10 is capable of inhibiting RANKL‐mediated osteoclast formation and osteoclastic bone resorption in a dose‐dependent manner. This biological effect is further supported by the fact that OA10 suppressed osteoclastic‐specific gene expression, including tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, cathepsin K receptor, and calcitonin receptor. Further molecular mechanism investigation revealed OA10 inhibited p38 phosphorylation, suppressed c‐fos and NFATc1 expression without affecting NF‐κB or JNK signaling pathways. Taken together, this study suggested that OA10 can inhibit osteoclastogenesis by suppressing p38‐c‐Fos‐NFATc1 cascade. OA10 may be developed as a therapeutic drug for osteoclast‐related osteolytic diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 959–966, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HtrA1 Downregulation Induces Cisplatin Resistance in Lung Adenocarcinoma by Promoting Cancer Stem Cell‐Like Properties
Authors: Xu Yongqing , Jiang Zhiming , Zhang Zhonghui , Sun Nannan , Zhang Ming , Xie Jian , Li Tao , Hou Yunfeng , Wu Dawei 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTCisplatin (CDDP) resistance usually develops during lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) therapy. However, the comprehensive mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we first established a CDDP‐resistant LAC cell line‐A549/CDDP from its parental cell line‐A549. The results showed that CDDP resistance in A549/CDDP cells correlates with acquirement of cancer stem cell‐like properties (increased percentage of CD133‐expressing subpopulation, sphere formation and levels of some pluripotency‐associated markers). HtrA1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels was reduced in CDDP‐resistant A549/CDDP cells compared with that in A549 cells. Ectopic expression of HtrA1 in A549/CDDP cells reversed cancer stem cell‐like properties and CDDP resistance. In A549 cells, stable knockdown of HtrA1 expression promoted cancer stem cell‐like properties and CDDP insensitivity, however, these effects were blocked by inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway using LY294002. Furthermore, HtrA1 knockdown could significantly stimulate PI3K/Akt signaling in A549 cells. In vivo studies, HtrA1 knockdown promoted tumorigenesis and conferred CDDP resistance in xenograft A549 tumors, which were reversed by intraperitoneal injection of LY294002. In conclusion, these results indicate that HtrA1 downregulation confers CDDP resistance by inducing cancer stem cell‐like properties via PI3K/Akt‐dependent pathway in A549 cells. Therefore, HtrA1 may be a potential target for overcoming CDDP resistance in LAC. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1112–1121, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.