bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shake‐table tests of a three‐story reinforced concrete frame with masonry infill walls
Authors: Stavridis Andreas , Koutromanos I. , Shing P. B. 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYThis paper presents the shake‐table tests of a 2/3‐scale, three‐story, two‐bay, reinforced concrete frame infilled with unreinforced masonry walls. The specimen is representative of the construction practice in California in the 1920s. The reinforced concrete frame had nonductile reinforcement details and it was infilled with solid masonry walls in one bay and infill walls with window openings in the other bay. The structure was subjected to a sequence of dynamic tests including white‐noise base excitations and 14 scaled historical earthquake ground motion records of increasing intensity. The performance of the structure was satisfactory considering the seismic loads it was subjected to. The paper summarizes the design of the specimen and the major findings from the shake‐table tests, including the dynamic response, the load resistance, the evolution of damage, and the final failure mechanism. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioconcentration of methylmercury in microzooplankton in a temperate river
Authors: Kim Hyunji , Noh Seam , Kim Eunhee , Poopal Rama Krishnan , Lee Hak Young , Han Seunghee 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
To understand the bioconcentration of methylmercury (MeHg) at the base of the riverine food chain, we determined levels of dissolved organic carbon, microseston, Hg, and MeHg in surface water in relation to the microzooplankton MeHg from Yeongsan River. The spatial distribution of unfiltered Hg (0.29–3.1 ng/L) and dissolved Hg (0.15–0.74 ng/L) closely followed the microseston distribution. The spatial distribution of unfiltered MeHg (0.0078–0.077 ng/L) and dissolved MeHg (0.0069–0.018 ng/L) increased with increasing distance from the river mouth and appeared to arise from the shallow wetlands surrounding the upper riverbanks and then to be transported downstream. The logarithm of the MeHg bioconcentration factor for microzooplankton ranged from 5.3 to 6.0 (5.7 ± 0.18), and for microseston ranged from 4.0 to 5.4 (4.9 ± 0.35). Linear correlation statistics comparing microzooplankton MeHg and river water characteristics revealed that microzooplankton MeHg concentration was most significantly correlated with unfiltered MeHg (r = 0.83) and particulate MeHg (r = 0.80) levels. This result suggests that MeHg in unfiltered river water, which is relatively easy to determine, can be used as a surrogate for MeHg in microzooplankton that may influence MeHg levels in higher-trophic-level organisms. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2860–2867. © 2011 SETAC
A family of multi‐point flux approximation schemes for general element types in two and three dimensions with convergence performance
Authors: Pal Mayur , Edwards Michael G. 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYA family of flux‐continuous, locally conservative, control‐volume‐distributed multi‐point flux approximation (CVD‐MPFA) schemes has been developed for solving the general geometry‐permeability tensor pressure equation on structured and unstructured grids. These schemes are applicable to the full‐tensor pressure equation with generally discontinuous coefficients and remove the O(1) errors introduced by standard reservoir simulation schemes when applied to full‐tensor flow approximation. The family of flux‐continuous schemes is characterized by a quadrature parameterization. Improved numerical convergence for the family of CVD‐MPFA schemes using the quadrature parameterization has been observed for structured and unstructured grids in two dimensions.The CVD‐MPFA family cell‐vertex formulation is extended to classical general element types in 3‐D including prisms, pyramids, hexahedra and tetrahedra. A numerical convergence study of the CVD‐MPFA schemes on general unstructured grids comprising of triangular elements in 2‐D and prismatic, pyramidal, hexahedral and tetrahedral shape elements in 3‐D is presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Barriers to and facilitators for the use of an evidence‐based occupational therapy guideline for older people with dementia and their carers
Authors: Van't Leven Netta , Graff Maud J.L. , Kaijen Marleen , de Swart Bert J.M. , Olde Rikkert Marcel G.M. , Vernooij‐Dassen Myrra J.M. 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveImplementing evidence‐based guidelines is not a simple task. This study aimed to define barriers to and facilitators for implementing the proven and effective Community Occupational Therapy in Dementia (COTiD) guideline for older people with dementia and their carers.MethodsThe qualitative method we used was the grounded theory. We collected data from focus group interviews with 17 occupational therapists (OTs) and telephone interviews with 10 physicians and 4 managers. We analysed the data with the constant comparative method by identifying codes, categories, and main themes.ResultsThe main themes in barriers that OTs encountered were that they did not feel competent in treating older people with dementia at home according to the guideline; they had difficulties prioritising in this complex treatment, both for the client and themselves; and they were unsure about the minimal criteria for guideline adherence. The intensity of this programme was the main barrier. The barriers that confronted physicians and managers were lack of knowledge about occupational therapy and its reimbursement and lack of available trained OTs. For the OTs, the guideline's content and focus, evidence, and external support facilitated the use of the guideline. For physicians and managers, the guideline's evidence base and its benefits for clients and carers were the main facilitators.ConclusionsThis study generates knowledge for applying innovations in health care settings. Improvement of the OTs' knowledge and self‐confidence is needed for using the guideline. We expect that more competent OTs will motivate their physicians and managers to use this successful COTiD intervention. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute‐phase response reactants as objective biomarkers of radiation‐induced mucositis in head and neck cancer
Authors: Mohammed Fazilat F. , Poon Ian , Zhang Liying , Elliott Liz , Hodson Ian D. , Sagar Stephen M. , Wright James 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundCurrent evaluation of radiation‐induced mucositis in head and neck cancer relies on subjective scoring with interrater variability. We evaluated serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) as objective markers of radiation‐induced mucositis.MethodsWeekly serum CRP and ESR levels were measured in patients treated for head and neck cancer with radiation ± chemotherapy. Acute radiation toxicity was evaluated using National Cancer Institute of Canada‐Common Toxicity Criteria (NCIC‐CTC) version 2.0 and the Head and Neck Radiotherapy Questionnaire (HNRQ).ResultsESR and CRP levels were significantly elevated by 3 weeks (p = .01) and 6 weeks (p = .0002), respectively, and independent of age or pretreatment surgery. ESR was significantly dependent on radiation dose (p = .0004) and significantly higher with chemoradiation (p = .03).ConclusionSerum ESR and CRP rise reliably in a radiation dose‐dependent manner. ESR correlated with clinical symptoms and distinguished patients receiving chemoradiation. ESR and CRP may be an objective and sensitive marker of radiation‐induced mucositis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
miR-25 Targets TNF-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) Death Receptor-4 and Promotes Apoptosis Resistance in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Razumilava Nataliya , Bronk Steve F. , Smoot Rory L. , Fingas Christian D. , Werneburg Nathan W. , Roberts Lewis R. , Mott Justin L. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

It has been established that microRNA expression and function contribute to phenotypic features of malignant cells, including resistance to apoptosis. Although targets and functional roles for a number of microRNAs have been described in cholangiocarcinoma, many additional microRNAs dysregulated in this tumor have not been assigned functional roles. In this study, we identify elevated miR-25 expression in malignant cholangiocarcinoma cell lines as well as patient samples. In cultured cells, treatment with the Smoothened inhibitor, cyclopamine, reduced miR-25 expression, suggesting Hedgehog signaling stimulates miR-25 production. Functionally, miR-25 was shown to protect cells against TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. Correspondingly, antagonism of miR-25 in culture sensitized cells to apoptotic death. Computational analysis identified the TRAIL Death Receptor-4 (DR4) as a potential novel miR-25 target, and this prediction was confirmed by immunoblot, cell staining, and reporter assays.

Conclusion:

These data implicate elevated miR-25 levels in the control of tumor cell apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma. The identification of the novel miR-25 target DR4 provides a mechanism by which miR-25 contributes to evasion of TRAIL-induced cholangiocarcinoma apoptosis. (Hepatology 2012)
Myeloid Suppressor Cells Induced by Hepatitis C Virus Suppress T-Cell Responses Through the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Tacke Robert S. , Lee Hai-Chon , Goh Celeste , Courtney Jeremy , Polyak Stephen J. , Rosen Hugo R. , Hahn Young S. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Impaired T-cell responses in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients have been reported to be associated with the establishment of HCV persistent infection. However, the mechanism for HCV-mediated T-cell dysfunction is yet to be defined. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a pivotal role in suppressing T-cell responses. In this study we examined the accumulation of MDSCs in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) following HCV infection. We found that CD33+ mononuclear cells cocultured with HCV-infected hepatocytes, or with HCV core protein, suppress autologous T-cell responses. HCV core-treated CD33+ cells exhibit a CD14+CD11b+/lowHLADR−/low phenotype with up-regulated expression of p47phox, a component of the NOX2 complex critical for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In contrast, immunosuppressive factors, arginase-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), were not up-regulated. Importantly, treatment with an inactivator of ROS reversed the T-cell suppressive function of HCV-induced MDSCs. Lastly, PBMCs of chronic HCV patients mirror CD33+ cells following treatment with HCV core where CD33+ cells are CD14+CD11b+HLADR−/low, and up-regulate the expression of p47phox.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that HCV promotes the accumulation of CD33+ MDSC, resulting in ROS-mediated suppression of T-cell responsiveness. Thus, the accumulation of MDSCs during HCV infection may facilitate and maintain HCV persistent infection. (Hepatology 2012)
Osteopontin, an Oxidant Stress Sensitive Cytokine, Up-regulates Collagen-I via Integrin αVβ3 Engagement and PI3K/pAkt/NFκB Signaling
Authors: Urtasun Raquel , Lopategi Aritz , George Joseph , Leung Tung-Ming , Lu Yongke , Wang Xiaodong , Ge Xiaodong , Fiel Maria Isabel , Nieto Natalia 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

A key feature in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis is fibrillar Collagen-I deposition; yet, mediators that could be key therapeutic targets remain elusive. We hypothesized that osteopontin (OPN), an extracellular matrix (ECM) cytokine expressed in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), could drive fibrogenesis by modulating the HSC pro-fibrogenic phenotype and Collagen-I expression. Recombinant OPN (rOPN) up-regulated Collagen-I protein in primary HSCs in a transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)–independent fashion, whereas it down-regulated matrix metalloprotease-13 (MMP13), thus favoring scarring. rOPN activated primary HSCs, confirmed by increased α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression and enhanced their invasive and wound-healing potential. HSCs isolated from wild-type (WT) mice were more profibrogenic than those from OPN knockout (

Opn

−/−) mice and infection of primary HSCs with an Ad-OPN increased Collagen-I, indicating correlation between both proteins. OPN induction of Collagen-I occurred via integrin αvβ3 engagement and activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/phosphorylated Akt/nuclear factor kappa B (PI3K/pAkt/NFκB)–signaling pathway, whereas cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) binding and mammalian target of rapamycin/70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (mTOR/p70S6K) were not involved. Neutralization of integrin αvβ3 prevented the OPN-mediated activation of the PI3K/pAkt/NFκB–signaling cascade and Collagen-I up-regulation. Likewise, inhibition of PI3K and NFκB blocked the OPN-mediated Collagen-I increase. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) cirrhotic patients showed coinduction of Collagen-I and cleaved OPN compared to healthy individuals. Acute and chronic liver injury by CCl4 injection or thioacetamide (TAA) treatment elevated OPN expression. Reactive oxygen species up-regulated OPN

in vitro

and

in vivo

and antioxidants prevented this effect. Transgenic mice overexpressing OPN in hepatocytes (

Opn

HEP Tg) mice developed spontaneous liver fibrosis compared to WT mice. Last, chronic CCl4 injection and TAA treatment caused more liver fibrosis to WT than to

Opn

−/− mice and the reverse occurred in

Opn

HEP Tg mice.

Conclusion :

OPN emerges as a key cytokine within the ECM protein network driving the increase in Collagen-I protein contributing to scarring and liver fibrosis. (Hepatology 2012)
The Human Gallbladder Secretes Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 Into Bile: Towards Defining the Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 in the Enterobiliary Tract
Authors: Zweers Serge J.L.B. , Booij Klaske A.C. , Komuta Mina , Roskams Tania , Gouma Dirk J. , Jansen Peter L.M. , Schaap Frank G. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) plays a crucial role in the negative feedback regulation of bile salt synthesis. In the postprandial state, activation of ileal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) by bile salts results in transcriptional induction of FGF19 and elevation of circulating FGF19 levels. An intestinal-liver axis of FGF19 signaling results in down-regulation of bile salt synthesis. The aim of this study was to explore a broader signaling activity of FGF19 in organs engaged in the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts. For this aim, FGF19 expression and aspects of FGF19 signaling were studied in surgical specimens and in cell lines of hepatobiliary and intestinal origin. FGF19 messenger RNA was found to be abundantly expressed in the human gallbladder and in the common bile duct, with only minor expression observed in the ileum. Interestingly, human gallbladder bile contains high levels of FGF19 (21.9 ± 13.3 versus 0.22 ± 0.14 ng/mL in the systemic circulation). Gallbladder explants secrete 500 times more FGF19 than FXR agonist-stimulated ileal explants. Factors required for FGF19 signaling (i.e., FGFR4 and βKlotho) are expressed in mucosal epithelial cells of the gallbladder and small intestine. FGF19 was found to activate signaling pathways in cell lines of cholangiocytic, enteroendocrine, and enterocytic origin.

Conclusion :

The combined findings raise the intriguing possibility that biliary FGF19 has a signaling function in the biliary tract that differs from its established signaling function in the portal circulation. Delineation of the target cells in bile-exposed tissues and the affected cellular pathways, as well as a possible involvement in biliary tract disorders, require further studies. (Hepatology 2012)
A low‐dimensional hillslope‐based catchment model for layered groundwater flow
Authors: Broda S. , Larocque M. , Paniconi C. , Haitjema H. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractDespite the strong interaction between surface and subsurface waters, groundwater flow representation is often oversimplified in hydrological models. For instance, the interplay between local or shallow aquifers and deeper regional‐scale aquifers is typically neglected. In this work, a novel hillslope‐based catchment model for the simulation of combined shallow and deep groundwater flow is presented. The model consists of the hillslope‐storage Boussinesq (hsB) model representing shallow groundwater flow and an analytic element (AE) model representing deep regional groundwater flow. The component models are iteratively coupled via a leakage term based on Darcy's law, representing delayed recharge to the regional aquifer through a low conductivity layer. Simulations on synthetic single hillslopes and on a two‐hillslope open‐book catchment are presented, and the results are compared against a benchmark three‐dimensional Richards equation model. The impact of hydraulic conductivity, hillslope plan geometry (uniform, convergent, divergent), and hillslope inclination (0.2%, 5%, and 30%) under drainage and recharge conditions are examined. On the single hillslopes, good matches for heads, hydrographs, and exchange fluxes are generally obtained, with the most significant differences in outflows and heads observed for the 30% slope and for hillslopes with convergent geometry. On the open‐book catchment, cumulative outflows are overestimated by 1–4%. Heads in the confined and unconfined aquifers are adequately reproduced throughout the catchment, whereas exchange fluxes are found to be very sensitive to the hillslope drainable porosity. The new model is highly efficient computationally compared to the benchmark model. The coupled hsB/AE model represents an alternative to commonly used groundwater flow representations in hydrological models, of particular appeal when surface–subsurface exchanges, local aquifer–regional aquifer interactions, and low flows play a key role in a watershed's dynamics. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison between two different methods of immobilizing NGF in poly(DL‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration by EDC/NHS/MES and genipin
Authors: Hsieh Shu‐Chih , Tang Cheng‐Ming , Huang Wen‐Tao , Hsieh Ling‐Ling , Lu Chun‐Mei , Chang Chen‐Jung , Hsu Shan‐hui 
Published: September 2011

AbstractFor surface modification and nerve regeneration, chitosan, followed by nerve growth factor (NGF), was immobilized onto the interior surface of poly (lactic acit‐co‐glycolic) conduits, using EDC/NHS/MES system (EDCs) and genipin (GP). Four new conduits were, therefore, obtained and named by immobilizing order‐EDCs/EDCs, GP/EDCs, EDCs/GP, and GP/GP groups. The immobilized methods used were evaluated and compared, respectively. The researchers found that the EDCs‐ and GP‐cross‐linked chitosan displayed higher hydrophilic than pure poly (DL‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) in water contact angle experiment, which meant the cell compatibility was improved by the modification. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed that the GP‐cross‐linking of chitosan greatly improved cell compatibility while cultured rat PC12 cells were flatter and more spindle‐shaped than EDCs‐cross‐linked chitosan. The results concerning the GP‐cross‐linked chitosan revealed significant proliferation of the seeded cells relative to pure PLGA films, as determined by counting cells and MTT assay. The NGF was released from the modified conduits in two separate periods—an initial burst in 5 days and then slow release from day 10 to day 40. The GP/EDCs group had the highest NGF value among all groups after the 5th day. Finally, the controlled‐release conduits were used to bridge a 10 mm rat sciatic nerve defect. Six weeks following implantation, morphological analysis revealed the highest numbers of myelinated axons in the midconduit and distal regenerated nerve in GP/EDCs group. Therefore, the results confirm that GP/EDCs groups with good cell compatibility and effective release of NGF can considerably improve peripheral nerve regeneration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
A conductive nanostructured polymer electrodeposited on titanium as a controllable, local drug delivery platform
Authors: Sirivisoot Sirinrath , Pareta Rajesh A. , Webster Thomas J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractInfection and inflammation associated with orthopedic implants can be life threatening, time consuming, and expensive, thus, motivating the development of a local drug delivery platform that could prevent such deleterious events. For this purpose, nanostructured polypyrrole (PPy) incorporating antibiotics and anti‐inflammatory drugs (penicillin/streptomycin (P/S) or dexamethasone (Dex), respectively) were coated on commercially pure titanium through an easy to use electrochemical deposition method. As shown in our previous study, about 80% (compared with initial amount) of these incorporated drugs were released after electrical stimulation spanning five cycles (voltage was varied between −1 V and 1 V). In a further continuation of this work, nanostructured P/S incorporated PPy coatings on titanium were demonstrated to be bactericidal against Staphylococcus epidermis after 1 h, and when incorporated with Dex, inhibited macrophage (an inflammatory and immune response cell) growth after 8 and 13 h of in vitro culture. Moreover, nanostructured PPy‐drug films coated on titanium enhanced osteoblast (bone forming cells) proliferation, while at the same time, suppressed fibroblast (fibrous tissue forming cells) proliferation for up to 5 days. After electrical stimulation, antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory‐coated devices yielded lower bacteria colonies and macrophage growth compared with unincorporated‐drug PPy films (controls). This study, thus, suggests that drug incorporated nanostructured PPy coatings on titanium are capable of effectively treating potential orthopedic implant infection and inflammation, and lays the foundation for the further development of local and controllable on‐demand drug delivery coatings to improve orthopedic implant efficacy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Effect of thiol functionalization on the hemo‐compatibility of PLGA nanoparticles
Authors: Thasneem Y. M. , Sajeesh S. , Sharma Chandra P. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn this study, an attempt was made to reduce the interaction of poly(D,L‐lactic acid/glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles with the opsonins and phagocytic cells upon functionalization with thiol groups. Terminal carboxylic groups in PLGA were conjugated to the amino group of cysteine and nanoparticles were prepared by solvent evaporation technique. Detailed in vitro investigations were performed on PLGA and cysteine modified PLGA (Cys‐PLGA) nanoparticles to asses their blood compatibility. The effect of these nanoparticles on the release of proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) from human macrophage cells were evaluated. Thiolation was confirmed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Ellman's assay; both PLGA and modified nanoparticles had average size in the range of 250 nm. Thiolation was an effective strategy in reducing the protein adsorption, complement activation, and platelet activation of PLGA nanoparticles. PLGA and modified PLGA nanoparticles were compatible with the blood cells and no hemolytic effect was detected. Particles were noncytotoxic on L929 cells and release of proinflammatory cytokines from macrophage cells was rather unaffected with the modification strategy. From these studies, it seems that thiolation of particulate delivery system is an interesting approach in manipulating the blood‐particle interactions and appears to be an effective candidate for injectable drug delivery applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.