bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropeptide Deficient Mice Have Attenuated Nociceptive, Vascular, and Inflammatory Changes in a Tibia Fracture Model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Guo Tian-Zhi , Wei Tzuping , Shi Xiaoyou , Li Wen-Wu , Hou Saiyun , Wang Liping , Tsujikawa Kazutake , Rice Kenner C , Cheng Kejun , Clark David J , Kingery Wade S 
Published: November 2012

Background: Distal limb fracture in man can induce a complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) with pain, warmth, edema, and cutaneous inflammation. In the present study substance P (SP, Tac1−/−) and CGRP receptor (RAMP1−/−) deficient mice were used to investigate the contribution of neuropeptide signaling to CRPS-like changes in a tibia fracture mouse model. Wildtype, Tac1−/−, and RAMP1−/− mice underwent tibia fracture and casting for 3 weeks, then the cast was removed and hindpaw mechanical allodynia, unweighting, warmth, and edema were tested over time. Hindpaw skin was collected at 3 weeks post-fracture for immunoassay and femurs were collected for micro-CT analysis. Results: Wildtype mice developed hindpaw allodynia, unweighting, warmth, and edema at 3 weeks post-fracture, but in the Tac1−/− fracture mice allodynia and unweighting were attenuated and there was no warmth and edema. RAMP1−/− fracture mice had a similar presentation, except there was no reduction in hindpaw edema. Hindpaw skin TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and NGF levels were up-regulated in wildtype fracture mice at 3 weeks post-fracture, but in the Tac1−/− and RAMP1−/− fracture mice only IL-6 was increased. The epidermal keratinocytes were the cellular source for these inflammatory mediators. An IL-6 receptor antagonist partially reversed post-fracture pain behaviors in wildtype mice. Conclusions: In conclusion, both SP and CGRP are critical neuropeptide mediators for the pain behaviors, vascular abnormalities, and up-regulated innate immune responses observed in the fracture hindlimb. We postulate that the residual pain behaviors observed in the Tac1−/− and RAMP1−/− fracture mice are attributable to the increased IL-6 levels observed in the hindpaw skin after fracture.
Microclimate monitoring of Ariadne’s house (Pompeii, Italy) for preventive conservation of fresco paintings
Authors: Merello Paloma , García-Diego Fernando-Juan , Zarzo Manuel 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Ariadne’s house, located at the city center of ancient Pompeii, is of great archaeological value due to the fresco paintings decorating several rooms. In order to assess the risks for long-term conservation affecting the valuable mural paintings, 26 temperature data-loggers and 26 relative humidity data-loggers were located in four rooms of the house for the monitoring of ambient conditions.

Results
Data recorded during 372 days were analyzed by means of graphical descriptive methods and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results revealed an effect of the roof type and number of walls of the room. Excessive temperatures were observed during the summer in rooms covered with transparent roofs, and corrective actions were taken. Moreover, higher humidity values were recorded by sensors on the floor level.

Conclusions
The present work provides guidelines about the type, number, calibration and position of thermohygrometric sensors recommended for the microclimate monitoring of mural paintings in outdoor or semi-confined environments.
The impact of parents’ years since migration on children’s academic achievement
Authors: Nielsen Helena Skyt , Rangvid Beatrice Schindler 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Abstract
In this paper, we employ register data for eight cohorts of second-generation immigrant pupils to identify the impact of each parent’s years since migration on their children’s school achievements. We exploit variation in years since migration and within-family variation. We find evidence of a positive impact of parents’ years since migration on children’s academic achievement. Mothers’ years of residence tend to be more important for Danish, while fathers’ years of residence tend to be more important for math. The effects vary by gender, and family-specific effects influence girls’ and boys’ educational attainment differently.

JEL codes
I21, J12, J620
The role of inflammation, the autonomic nervous system and classical cardiovascular disease risk factors on subendocardial viability ratio in patients with RA: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Sandoo Aamer , Protogerou Athanassios D , Hodson James , Smith Jacqueline P , Zampeli Evi , Sfikakis Petros P , Kitas George D 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Evidence indicates that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have increased susceptibility to myocardial ischaemia that contributes to myocardial infarction. The subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) can be measured using pulse wave analysis and reflects myocardial oxygen supply and demand. The objective of the present study was to examine specific predictors of SEVR in RA patients, with a specific focus on inflammation and classical cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Methods
Two patient cohorts were included in the study; a primary cohort consisting of 220 RA patients and a validation cohort of 127 RA patients. All patients underwent assessment of SEVR using pulse wave analysis. Thirty-one patients from the primary cohort who were about to start anti-inflammatory treatment were prospectively examined for SEVR at pretreatment baseline and 2 weeks, 3 months and 1 year following treatment. Systemic markers of disease activity and classical CVD risk factors were assessed in all patients.

Results
The SEVR (mean ± standard deviation) for RA in the primary cohort was 148 ± 27 and in the validation cohort was 142 ± 25. Regression analyses revealed that all parameters of RA disease activity were associated with SEVR, along with gender, blood pressure and heart rate. These findings were the same in the validation cohort. Analysis of longitudinal data showed that C-reactive protein (P < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P < 0.005), Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (P < 0.001), mean blood pressure (P < 0.005) and augmentation index (P < 0.001) were significantly reduced after commencing anti-TNFα treatment. Increasing C-reactive protein was found to be associated with a reduction in SEVR (P = 0.02) and an increase in augmentation index (P = 0.001).

Conclusion
The present findings reveal that the SEVR is associated with markers of disease activity as well as highly prevalent classical CVD risk factors in RA, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Further prospective studies are required to determine whether the SEVR predicts future cardiac events in RA.
Interleukin-32-induced thymic stromal lymphopoietin plays a critical role in macrophage differentiation through the activation of caspase-1 in vitro
Authors: Jeong Hyun-Ja , Nam Sun-Young , Oh Hyun-A , Han Na-Ra , Kim Young-Sick , Moon Phil-Dong , Shin Seung-Youp , Kim Min-Ho , Kim Hyung-Min 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Interleukin (IL)-32 is an inflammatory cytokine induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis in a variety of cell types and discovered in the synovial of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) play several roles in the pathogenesis of RA. However, the role of IL-32 and TSLP in RA has not been elucidated.

Methods
We evaluated the specific mechanism of between IL-32 and TSLP in RA using human monocyte cell line, THP-1 cells.

Results
Here we documented for the first time that IL-32 highly increased TSLP production in THP-1 cells and human blood monocytes. TSLP expression was induced by IL-32 via activation of caspase-1 and nuclear factor-κB. TSLP produced by IL-32 increased differentiation of monocytes but depletion of TSLP prevented differentiation of monocytes into macrophage-like cells. Chondroprotective drugs such as chondroitin sulfate (CS) and the traditional Korean medicine, BaekJeol-Tang (BT) decrease production of TSLP and activation of caspase-1 and nuclear factor-κB. In addition, CS and BT inhibited IL-32-induced monocytes differentiation.

Conclusions
Taken together, IL-32 and TSLP are important cytokines involved in the development of RA. The effects of CS and BT were associated with the downregulation of TSLP and caspase-1 through negative regulation of IL-32 pathways in RA.
Elevated troponin I and its prognostic significance in acute liver failure
Authors: Audimooolam Vinod K , McPhail Mark JW , Sherwood Roy , Willars Chris , Bernal William , Wendon Julia A , Auzinger Georg 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life-threatening multisystem illness complicated by multiple organ failure (MOF) and haemodynamic disturbances. Morbidity and mortality remains high and various prognostic and scoring models are in use to predict outcome. A recent observation in a large cohort of ALF patients suggested a prognostic value of troponin I (cTnI) and its role as a marker of subclinical myocardial injury and outcome.

Methods
Data from consecutive ALF patients over a four-year period from January 2007 to March 2011 were included. The aim of this study was to correlate any relationship that may exist between cTnI, mortality, severity of illness and non-hepatic organ failure.

Results
A total of 218 subjects (age 36 (16 to 90) years, M:F 103:115) were studied, of which 136 had an elevated cTnI > 0.05 μg/L. Higher organ failure scores were found with positive cTnI: APACHE II (19.5 (3 to 51) vs 14 (2 to 51), P = 0.001), APACHE III (81 (15 to 148) vs 59 (8 to 172), P = < 0.001) SOFA (15 (4 to 20) vs 13 (2 to 21), P = 0.027) and SAPS (48 (12 to 96) vs 34 (12 to 97), P = 0.001). Patients with positive cTnI had higher serum creatinine (192 μmol/l (38 to 550) vs 117 μmol/l (46 to 929), P < 0.001), arterial lactate (0.25, P < 0.001) and a lower pH (-0.21, P = 0.002). Also a higher proportion required renal replacement therapy (78% vs 60%, P = 0.006). Patients with elevated cTnI more frequently required vasopressors-norepinephrine (73% vs 50%, P = 0.008). Elevated cTnI did not predict outcome as effectively as other models (AUROC 0.61 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.68)).

Conclusions
More than 60% of ALF patients in this study demonstrated elevated cTnI. Despite a close correlation with organ failure severity, cTnI was a poor independent predictor of outcome. cTnI may not represent true myocardial injury and may be better viewed as a marker of metabolic stress.
The Early Detection Research Network's Specimen Reference Sets: Paving the Way for Rapid Evaluation of Potential Biomarkers
Authors: Feng Ziding , Kagan Jacob , Pepe Margaret , Thornquist Mark , Ann Rinaudo Jo , Dahlgren Jackie , Krueger Karl , Zheng Yingye , Patriotis Christos , Huang Ying , Sorbara Lynn , Thompson Ian , Srivastava Sudhir 
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND
The mission of the National Cancer Institute's Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) is to identify and validate cancer biomarkers for clinical use. Since its inception, EDRN investigators have learned a great deal about the process of validating biomarkers for clinical use. Translational research requires a broad spectrum of research expertise, and coordinating collaborative activities can be challenging. The EDRN has developed a robust triage and validation system that serves the roles of both “facilitator” and “brake.”

CONTENT
The system consists of (a) establishing a reference set of specimens collected under PRoBE (Prospective Specimen Collection Retrospective Blinded Evaluation) design criteria; (b) using the reference set to prevalidate candidate biomarkers before committing to full-scale validation; (c) performing full-scale validation for those markers that pass prevalidation testing; and (d) ensuring that the reference set is sufficiently large in numbers and volumes of sample that it can also be used to study future candidate biomarkers. This system provides rigorous and efficient evaluation of candidate biomarkers and biomarker panels. Reference sets should also be constructed to enable high-quality biomarker-discovery research.

SUMMARY
We describe the process of establishing our system in the hope that it will serve as an example of how to validate biomarkers for clinical application. We also hope that this description of the biospecimen reference sets available from the EDRN will encourage the biomarker research community—from academia or industry—to use this resource to advance biomarkers into clinical use.
An Interaction Screen Identifiesheadcaseas a Regulator of Large-Scale Pruning
Authors: Loncle Nicolas , Williams Darren W. 
Published: November 2012

Large-scale pruning, the removal of long neuronal processes, is deployed widely within the developing nervous system and is essential for proper circuit formation. InDrosophilathe dendrites of the class IV dendritic arborization sensory neuron ddaC undergo large-scale pruning by local degeneration controlled by the steroid hormone ecdysone. The molecular mechanisms that control such events are largely unknown.To identify new molecules that orchestrate this developmental degeneration, we performed a genetic interaction screen. Our approach combines the strength ofDrosophilaforward genetics with detailedin vivoimaging of ddaC neurons. This screen allowed us to identifyheadcase(hdc) as a new gene involved in dendrite pruning.hdcis evolutionarily conserved, but the protein's function is unknown. Here we show thathdcis expressed just before metamorphosis in sensory neurons that undergo remodeling.hdcis required in a cell-autonomous manner to control dendrite severing, the first phase of pruning. Our epistasis experiments with known regulators of dendrite pruning revealhdcas a founding member of a new pathway downstream of ecdysone signaling.
Adsorption of influenza A and B viruses on detonation nanodiamonds materials
Authors: Ivanova Marina V. , Burtseva Elena I. , Ivanova Valeria T. , Trushakova Svetlana V. , Isaeva Elena I. , Shevchenko Elena S. , Isakova Aleksandra A. , Manykin Anatoly A. , Spitsyn Boris V. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the data on sorption efficiency of nanodiamonds, detonation soot and its complexes with polyaniline for nano size biological objects: fragments of cDNA and epidemic influenza viruses, including A(H1N1, H3N2) and B strains, isolated in 1999-2010, pandemic strain A(H1N1)pdm09, influenza avian A(H5N2) viruses and reassortants A(H5N2) and A(H5N1). As the result of the sorption on detonation nanodiamonds (DND), detonation soot and their complexes with polyaniline, hemagglutination (HA) titers of virus solutions decreased by ≤ 4000 times for concentrated viruses, suspended in saline and by ≤8 times for allantoic viruses. The detonation soot was approximately 2.5 times more effective than DND. Detonation nanodiamond materials proved to be efficient sorbents for cDNA fragments of >190 bp size. No desorption of viruses from nanodiamonds and soot into saline was revealed (observation time 48 h). DND and soot at concentrations ≤ 1 mg/ml were not toxic for MDCK cells. A moderate increase of monocytes was registrated in blue rats after intra-abdominal immunization with DND+ virus complexes.
Nanodiamond-based Nanolubricants: polyester oil based formulations
Authors: Ivanov M. , Ivanov D. , Pavlyshko S.V. , Koscheev A. , Shenderova Olga A. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTIn the current work tribological properties of different compositions of lubricant additives based on detonation nanodiamond (DND) particles are reported. As compared to the previous findings using polyalphaolefin oil as a base oil for the additives, it is demonstrated that polymer esters are also a valuable base oil for the additive preparation. It is also demonstrated that synergistic compositions of DND with organic molybdenum provide significant improvement of the polyalphaolephin and mineral oils lubricating properties. Treatment of of DND with fluorine containing gases is an additional possibility toward reduced friction and wear of the DND-based nanolubricants.
Development of Zinc Phosphide as an Absorber Using Chemical Reflux Technique.
Authors: Adusumilli Siva P , Vasekar Parag , VanHart Daniel , Dhakal Tara , Westgate Charles R. , Desu Seshu 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTRecent trend in thin film solar cells is to use earth abundant materials such as zinc and iron. Zinc phosphide (Zn3P2) has been has been explored as a choice for solar cell absorber and is currently reviving attention. Zinc phosphide is synthesized from earth-abundant constituents. We have already optimized zinc phosphide phase both in nanocrystalline and bulk thin film form. The purpose of this study is to study growth conditions at different temperatures. In this study, Trioctylphosphine (TOP) is used as a source of phosphorous which reacts with zinc and results in the growth of Zn3P2. The synthesized zinc phosphide phase has been characterized using SEM, EDS, XRD and XPS. We report a simple and repeatable process for synthesis of Zn3P2 phase.
Durability of Materials in a Stress-Response Framework: Acrylic Materials for Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Murray Myles P. , Bruckman Laura S. , French Roger H. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTIn the development of novel materials for enhanced photovoltaic (PV) performance, it is critical to have quantitative knowledge of the initial performance, as well as the performance of these materials over the required 25-year lifetime of the PV system. Lifetime and degradation science (L&DS) allows for the development of new metrology and metrics, coupled to degradation mechanisms and rates. Induced absorbance to dose (IAD), a new metric being developed for solar radiation durability studies of solar and environmentally exposed photovoltaic materials, is defined as the rate of photodarkening or photobleaching of a material as a function of total absorbed solar radiation dose. In a reliability engineering framework, these quantitative degradation rates can be determined at various solar irradiances making possible real time and accelerated testing. The potential to predict power losses in a photovoltaic system over time caused by the accumulation of this kind of degradation can be calculated for real time applications or extrapolated for accelerated exposure conditions. Three formulations of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) used for mirror augmented PV systems were analyzed for the changes in IAD after accelerated testing.
Enhancing Materials Research Through Innovative 3D Environments and Interactive Manuals for Data Visualization and Analysis
Authors: Flores Claudia , Matlock Teenie , Dávila Lilian P. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTSpatial intelligence plays an important role in the success of nanoscience students specific to their visual ability to perceive structures in three dimensions. The NSF-funded IDEAS project makes use of a unique interactive 3D visualization system, based on immersive environment technology, for research and learning in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at UC Merced. In order to determine the effectiveness of the immersive system on nanoscience learning, a pilot project was conducted with undergraduate students, which showed the success of immersive systems in the science learning process. Overall, the immersive environment provided complete control in the construction and analysis of carbon-based nanostructure models. Results also showed the 3D visualization system benefited students with low spatial abilities. To facilitate a better understanding of the structure and properties of nanostructures, the IDEAS project has recently been expanded to allow accelerated simulations for materials research. It is important to integrate these new applications into undergraduate level courses in order to strengthen materials science education, recruit and retain future students, and to adapt modern technologies for future materials science educators. The expansion of the IDEAS project relies on the flexibility of this system to serve as a research tool as well as an innovative resource for science education. To adapt the 3D visualization and computing system and help engage students early in engineering research, our research group gathered practical technical documentation geared towards education of science users, based on both Cognitive Science and MSE Education (MSE-Ed) research. The work presented here involves developing educational resources through the design of audio-visual manuals for effective nanoscience learning. The manuals are being created using commercial software to produce interactive electronic books (ebooks). During the planning of the audio-visual manuals, we discovered that it is imperative to provide adequate educational tools as well as efficient guiding principles for the large number of visual, inductive, and active learners in general engineering education. This interdisciplinary project combines fundamental concepts from materials science and cognitive science, particularly project-based learning and active processing, while considering the concepts of overloading, and the unreliability of natural language, among other topics. This investigation will serve society by enhancing materials science research and education, as well as influencing engineering, chemistry, computer science and cognitive science fields, among others.
Plasma graft polymerization of Acrylic Acid and immobilization of Heparin to improve blood compatibility of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Authors: Eftekhari Samin , Mirzadeh Hamid 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTPolymeric materials have been attracted the attention of researchers in various R&D applications. In this research, attempts were made to evaluate the changes in blood compatibility of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by grafting acrylic acid (AAc) and immobilizing heparin by employing two-step plasma treatment. The PET surface was modified by using a novel method named “two-step plasma treatments” (TSPT). While first plasma is creating active sites for grafting, the second plasma polymerizing pre-adsorbed reactive monomer onto the surface of films. Finally, heparin immobilization was performed in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide. All films were characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface hydrophilicity of films was studied by water contact angle test and blood compatibility evaluated by Lactate dehydrogenase method (LDH Test). In vitro studies based on LDH results demonstrared that platelet adhesion onto the modified surfaces with heparin was drastically reduced in comparison with unmodified PET.
Characterization of Li7La3Zr2O12 Thin Films Prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Tan Jiajia , Tiwari Ashutosh 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTA pulsed laser deposition system was employed to fabricate thin films of Li7La3Zr2O12 solid electrolyte. The deposition process was carried out at room-temperature, resulting in amorphous films. These as-deposited films had a large optical band gap of 5.13 eV, and exhibited a lithium-ion conductivity of 3.35×10-7 S/cm. The films were then annealed, and the effect of annealing on the optical and electrical properties of the films was examined. After annealing at 1000 °C, the films were found to be cubic with a narrower band gap of 3.64 eV. In addition, these annealed films showed an inferior ionic conductivity than the as-deposited ones.