bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores by stromal interaction molecule 1 and sarcolipin during muscle differentiation
Authors: Seth Malini , Li Tianyu , Graham Victoria , Burch Jarrett , Finch Elizabeth , Stiber Jonathan A. , Rosenberg Paul B. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDuring muscle development, the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) undergoes remodeling to establish a specialized internal Ca2+ store for muscle contraction. We hypothesized that store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is required to fill Ca2+ stores and is, therefore, critical to creating a mature SR/ER. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) functions as a sensor of internal Ca2+ store content and an activator of SOCE channels. Myocytes lacking STIM1 display reduced SR Ca2+ content and altered expression of key SR proteins. Sarcolipin (SLN), an inhibitor of the SR calcium pump, was markedly increased in the muscle of mutant STIM1 mice. SLN opposes the actions of STIM1 by limiting SOCE, reducing SR Ca2+ content and delaying muscle differentiation. During mouse muscle development SLN is highly expressed in embryonic muscle, while the expression of STIM1 is up‐regulated postnatally. These results suggest that SOCE regulates SR/ER specialization and that SLN and STIM1 act in opposing fashions to govern SOCE during myogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 241:639–647, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrochemical Pretreatment of Pt Surface: Modification with Co/Al Layered Double Hydroxide for Analytical Applications
Authors: Gualandi I. , Solito A. G. , Scavetta E. , Tonelli D. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractCo/Al Layered Double Hydroxide thin films were prepared by electrodeposition on Pt electrodes previously submitted to different electrochemical pretreatments, consisting of a large number of potential cycles (Pt‐CVT) or a cathodic polarization (Pt‐CT) in a H2SO4 solution. Their features and analytical performance for the determination of aniline and phenol were compared to those of the film deposited on a mechanically polished Pt electrode (Pt‐MT). The Pt‐MT and Pt‐CVT electrodes displayed comparable sensitivities and equal limits of detection for both analytes. The Pt‐CT showed a lower sensitivity, but a range of linear response of about 5 orders of magnitude for aniline.
The application of a crosslinked pectin‐based wafer matrix for gradual buccal drug delivery
Authors: Shaikh Rubina P. , Pillay Viness , Choonara Yahya E. , Toit Lisa C. Du , Ndesendo Valence M. K. , Kumar Pradeep , Khan Riaz A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to develop crosslinked wafer matrices and establish the influence of the crosslinker type and processing sequence on achieving gradual buccal drug delivery. Three sets of drug‐loaded crosslinked pectin wafers were produced employing the model water‐soluble antihistamine, diphenhydramine and were compared with noncrosslinked wafers. The formulations were crosslinked with CaCl2, BaCl2, or ZnSO4 pre‐ or postlyophilization (sets 1 and 2) as well as pre‐ and postlyophilization (set 3), respectively. The surface morphology, porositometry, molecular vibrational transitions, textural attributes, thermal and in vitro drug release were characterized and supported by in silico molecular mechanics simulations. Results revealed that crosslinked wafers produced smaller pore sizes (107.63 Å) compared with noncrosslinked matrices (180.53 Å) due to molecular crosslinks formed between pectin chains. Drug release performance was dependent on the wafer crosslinking production sequence. Noncrosslinked wafers displayed burst‐release with 82% drug released at t30min compared with first‐order kinetic profiles obtained for prelyophilized crosslinked matrices (50% released at t30min followed by steady release). Wafers crosslinked postlyophilization displayed superior control of drug release (40% at t30min). Molecular mechanics simulations corroborated with the experimental data and established that Ba++, having the largest atomic radii (1.35 Å) formed a number of ionic bridges producing wafers of higher porosity (0.048 cm2/g) and had more influence on drug release. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Examining the role of combat loss among Vietnam War veterans
Authors: Currier Joseph M. , Holland Jason M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMilitary combat often presents service members with a dual burden of coping with traumas of various types while also grappling with the deaths of close personal friends. At present, much less is known about the effects of bereavement in the context of war compared to other combat‐related stressors. Studying a sample of combat veterans from the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS), we examined the contribution of combat loss in psychological functioning and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When controlling for gender, age, ethnicity, educational background, exposure to nonbereavement combat stressors, and recent bereavement experiences, combat loss was uniquely associated with past and current functional impairments among the veterans, βs = .07 and .06, respectively, but was not related to the severity of PTSD. These findings highlight that combat loss might act as a uniquely challenging stressor among many service members and more empirical research is needed on this topic.
Molecular Reinforcement of Transparent Materials With Acrylamide‐Modified Calix[4]arene as a Crosslinker
Authors: Garska Bernd , Maatz Gero , Tabatabai Monir , Ritter Helmut 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe synthesis of 5,11,17,23‐amino‐25,26,27,28‐propoxycalix[4]arene (calix[4]amine, 4) starting from 5,11,17,23‐nitro‐25,26,27,28‐propoxy‐calix[4]arene (3) via microwave‐assisted transfer hydrogenation is reported. Furthermore, the calix[4]amine (4) is functionalized with an acrylamide moiety. The swelling behavior in water, the influence on the glass transition temperature, and the shear modulus of a crosslinked N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (NDA) polymer with 5,11,17,23‐acrylamido‐25,26,27,28‐propoxycalix[4]arene (5) and EGDMA, respectively, are investigated.magnified image
Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and risk of dementia in Parkinson's disease: A prospective study
Authors: Postuma Ronald B. , Bertrand Josie‐Anne , Montplaisir Jacques , Desjardins Catherine , Vendette Mélanie , Rios Romenets Silvia , Panisset Michel , Gagnon Jean‐François 
Published: February 2012

AbstractOne of the most devastating nonmotor manifestations of PD is dementia. There are few established predictors of dementia in PD. In numerous cross‐sectional studies, patients with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) have increased cognitive impairment on neuropsychological testing, but no prospective studies have assessed whether RBD can predict Parkinson's dementia. PD patients who were free of dementia were enrolled in a prospective follow‐up of a previously published cross‐sectional study. All patients had a polysomnogram at baseline. Over a mean 4‐year follow‐up, the incidence of dementia was assessed in those with or without RBD at baseline using regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, disease duration, and follow‐up duration. Of 61 eligible patients, 45 (74%) were assessed and 42 were included in a full analysis. Twenty‐seven patients had baseline RBD, and 15 did not. Four years after the initial evaluation, 48% with RBD developed dementia, compared to 0% of those without (P‐adjusted = 0.014). All 13 patients who developed dementia had mild cognitive impairment on baseline examination. Baseline REM sleep atonia loss predicted development of dementia (% tonic REM = 73.2 ± 26.7 with dementia, 40.8 ± 34.5 without; P = 0.029). RBD at baseline also predicted the new development of hallucinations and cognitive fluctuations. In this prospective study, RBD was associated with increased risk of dementia. This indicates that RBD may be a marker of a relatively diffuse, complex subtype of PD. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Capacity games for partially complementary products under multivariate random demands
Authors: Fang Xiang 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn this study, we consider n firms, each of which produces and sells a different product. The n firms face a common demand stream which requests all their products as a complete set. In addition to the common demand stream, each firm also faces a dedicated demand stream which requires only its own product. The common and dedicated demands are uncertain and follow a general, joint, continuous distribution. Before the demands are realized, each firm needs to determine its capacity or production quantity to maximize its own expected profit. We formulate the problem as a noncooperative game. The sales price per unit for the common demand could be higher or lower than the unit price for the dedicated demand, which affects the firm's inventory rationing policy. Hence, the outcome of the game varies. All of the prices are first assumed to be exogenous. We characterize Nash equilibrium(s) of the game. At the end of the article, we also provide some results for the endogenous pricing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 59: 146–159, 2012
Alternating copolymers with degradability and quantitatively controlled thermosensitivity
Authors: Feng Lei , Liu Yu , Hao Jianyuan , Xiong Chengdong , Deng Xianmo 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTo combine temperature responsivity and degradability, novel alternating copolymers with polyester backbone and oligo(ethylene glycol) side chain were designed and prepared by alternating ring‐opening copolymerization of succinic anhydride (SA) and functional epoxide monomer(s). The epoxide monomer containing one ethylene glycol unit, 2‐((2‐methoxyethoxy)methyl)oxirane (MEMO), has displayed similar copolymerization activity to that containing two ethylene glycol units, 2‐((2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)methyl)oxirane (ME2MO), when copolymerized with SA. This feature led to the formation of alternating copolymers with statistical random distribution of MEMO/ME2MO units along the backbone when mixed MEMO/ME2MO comonomers were fed. These polyesters possess degradability and quantitatively controlled lower critical solution temperature (LCST; 18–50 °C) and Tg (−40 to −31 °C) both in linear relations with MEMO/ME2MO feed ratio. Fine control of LCST near body temperature is thus realized for the reported degradable and thermoresponsive polyesters, which have promising applications in biomedical fields. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis of arborescent styrene homopolymers and copolymers from epoxidized substrates
Authors: Moingeon Firmin , Wu Yan Rong , Cadena‐Sánchez Lorena Eugenia , Gauthier Mario 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe synthesis of arborescent styrenic homopolymers and copolymers was achieved by anionic polymerization and grafting. Styrene and p‐(3‐butenyl)styrene were first copolymerized using sec‐butyllithium in toluene, to generate a linear copolymer with a weight‐average molecular weight Mw = 4000 and Mw/Mn = 1.05. The pendant double bonds of the copolymer were then epoxidized with m‐chloroperbenzoic acid. A comb‐branched (or arborescent generation G0) copolymer was obtained by coupling the epoxidized substrate with living styrene‐p‐(3‐butenyl)styrene copolymer chains with Mw ≈ 5000 in a toluene/tetrahydrofuran mixture. Further cycles of epoxidation and coupling reactions while maintaining Mw ≈ 5000 for the side chains yielded arborescent copolymers of generations G1–G3. A series of arborescent styrene homopolymers was also obtained by grafting Mw ≈ 5000 polystyrene side chains onto the linear and G0–G2 copolymer substrates. Size exclusion chromatography measurements showed that the graft polymers have low polydispersity indices (Mw/Mn = 1.02–1.15) and molecular weights increasing geometrically over successive generations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Restrictive pulmonary dysfunction and its predictors in young patients with β‐thalassaemia major
Authors: Bourli Evangelia , Dimitriadou Meropi , Economou Marina , Vlachaki Efthimia , Christoforidis Athanasios , Maratou Eleni , Stanopoulos Ioannis , Argyropoulou Paraskevi , Aivazis Victor 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary dysfunction represents one of the most undervalued and less recognized complications in patients with β‐thalassaemia.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the pattern of pulmonary dysfunction and consequently to investigate possible associated factors that might contribute to lung impairment in young patients with β‐thalassaemia major.MethodsFifty‐two children and young adults (mean age: 21.33 ± 6.24 years) with β‐thalassaemia major on conventional treatment (transfusions and iron chelation therapy) were included in the study. A complete computerized pulmonary function testing (PFT) system for recording pulmonary diffusion capacity and simultaneous determination of alveolar volume and pulmonary volumes was equipped.ResultsResults showed that 20 patients (38.46%) had restrictive pulmonary pattern that was preferentially observed in older and shorter patients. Serum ferritin levels were higher in the restrictive group (2,096 ± 1,831 ng/dl) compared to patients with normal pulmonary function (1,354 ± 942 ng/dl) (P = 0.066). Diffusional impairment characterized by significantly lower DLCO*% values, was observed in the restrictive group (P = 0.004), implicating the 62.5% of the population studied. Paired linear correlations showed that age was negatively correlated to DLCO*% (r = −0.548, P < 0.001) and SaO2% (r = −0.789, P < 0.001) and with most of the pulmonary functional parameters that determine a restrictive. Multivariate regression analysis identified age as the major predictor for restrictive pulmonopathy followed by serum ferritin levels.ConclusionsOur study shows that pulmonary impairment is shown in a great proportion even among asymptomatic young thalassaemic patients, thus, regular screening of pulmonary function should be adopted in the routine clinical follow up of these patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:801–807. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Signaling molecules in the fetal rabbit model for congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Vuckovic Aline , Roubliova Xenia I. , Votino Carmela , Naeije Robert , Jani Jacques C. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractRationale and objectivesLittle is known about molecular changes in lungs of fetal rabbits with surgically induced diaphragmatic hernia (DH). Therefore, we examined in this model gene expressions of pivotal molecules for the developing lung.MethodsAt day 23 of gestation, DH was created in 12 fetuses from 4 does. Both lungs from six live DH fetuses and from six unoperated controls were harvested and weighed at term. Transcription of 15 genes involved in alveolarization, angiogenesis, regulation of vascular tone, or epithelial maturation was investigated by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Main resultsDH decreased lung‐to‐body weight ratio (P < 0.001). A bilateral downregulation was seen for genes encoding for tropoelastin (P < 0.01), lysyl oxidase (P < 0.05), fibulin 5 (P < 0.05), and cGMP specific phosphodiesterase 5 (P < 0.05). Lower mRNA levels for endothelial nitric oxide synthase occurred in the ipsilateral lung (P < 0.05).ConclusionsExperimental DH in fetal rabbits disrupted transcription of genes implicated in lung growth and function. Similarities with the human disease make this model appropriate for investigation of new prenatal therapies. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:1088–1096. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of Oxygen Control and Its Effect on Inclusion Characteristics during Electroslag Remelting of Die Steel
Authors: Shi Cheng‐Bin , Chen Xi‐Chun , Guo Han‐Jie , Zhu Zi‐Jiang , Ren Hao 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDeoxidation during electroslag remelting of S136 die steel was experimentally studied. The characteristics of inclusions in the electrode and ESR ingots were determined by image analyzer and SEM‐EDS. The results show that the oxygen content can be reduced from 89 ppm in the electrode to the lowest (12 ppm) in the ingot only when protective Ar gas remelting in combination with specially designed slag deoxidation treatment were employed simultaneously. The proportion of the oxygen combined as oxide inclusions increases with decreasing the total oxygen content in ESR ingot. The original inclusions in the electrode are mainly large (Mn,Cr)S and the large inclusions in the form of Al2O3 core surrounded by an outer sulfide layer, besides a few pure Al2O3 inclusions. After ESR process, while only pure Al2O3 inclusions with the size of about 1 µm were observed in ESR ingots. The large inclusions in the electrode were removed during ESR process. With higher oxygen content in the ingot, the contents of inclusions and large inclusions would be relatively higher. The results from industrial experiments have confirmed the availability of the present oxygen control technique. The mechanisms of oxygen behavior and control as well as inclusion evolution during ESR process were proposed based on experimental results along with thermodynamic analysis.
Visibility and measurement of Cesarean section scars in pregnancy: a reproducibility study
Authors: Naji O. , Daemen A. , Smith A. , Abdallah Y. , Saso S. , Stalder C. , Sayasneh A. , McIndoe A. , Ghaem‐Maghami S. , Timmerman D. , Bourne T. 
Published: February 2012

AbsractObjectivesTo evaluate the visibility of Cesarean section (CS) scars by transvaginal sonography (TVS) in pregnant women, to apply a standardized approach for measuring CS scars and to test its reproducibility throughout the course of pregnancy.MethodsIn this observational cohort study, 320 consecutive pregnant women with a previous Cesarean delivery were examined to assess scar visibility by two independent examiners. TVS was carried out at 11–13, 19–21 and 34–36 weeks' gestation. A scar was defined as visible when an area of hypoechogenicity representing myometrial discontinuity at the anterior wall of the lower uterine segment was identified. In a subset of patients (n = 111), visible scars were measured by two independent examiners in three dimensions: scar width, depth and length as well as the residual myometrial thickness (RMT). Descriptive analysis was used to assess scar visibility, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to show the strength of absolute agreement between two examiners for scar measurements. For RMT, a cut‐off of 2.4 mm was used and measurement agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficient.ResultsThe scar was visible in 284/320 cases (88.8%). Visible scars were significantly associated with anteverted uteri (P < 0.0001). Both examiners had 100% agreement on scar visibility at 12 and 20 weeks' gestation, while agreement was 96% at 34 weeks. The intra‐ and interobserver agreements for scar measurements were generally good (ICC 0.86 and 0.89, respectively). The kappa coefficient for the RMT was 0.27 in the first trimester, compared with 0.51 and 0.72 in the second and third trimesters, respectively.ConclusionCS scars remain visible in the majority of women throughout pregnancy. They can be reproducibly measured in three dimensions when assessed by TVS in all trimesters of pregnancy. The agreement between two observers for CS scar measurement can be considered good for the first trimester, compared with relatively moderate agreement for the second and third trimesters.
Proximate and Fatty Acid Composition of Some Commercially Important Fish Species from the Sinop Region of the Black Sea
Authors: Kocatepe Demet , Turan Hülya 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe proximate and fatty acid compositions of the commercially important fish species (Engraulis encrasicolus, Alosa alosa, Belone belone, Scorpaena porcus, Pomatomus saltatrix, Mullus barbatus) from the Sinop region of the Black Sea were examined. The fat contents ranged from 1.26% (for scorpion fish) to 18.12% (for shad). The protein contents were min 14.54% (for red mullet) and maximum 20.26% (for belone). The fatty acid compositions of the fish ranged from 27.83 to 35.91% for saturated fatty acids, 19.50–33.80% for monounsaturated fatty acids and 15.25–40.02% for polyunsaturated fatty acids. Among the saturated fatty acids, palmitic acid (16:0) (17.75–22.20%) was the dominant fatty acid for all the fish species. As a second saturated fatty acid, myristic acid (14:0) was observed in four of the fish species and its content ranged from 4.72 to 7.31%. Whereas, for the other two fish species, the second saturated fatty acid was stearic acid (18:0) ranging between 4.54 and 10.64%. Among the monounsaturated fatty acids, those occurring in the highest proportions were oleic acid (18:1n‐9c) (11.67–22.45%) and palmitoleic acid (16:1) (4.50–9.40%). Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3) (5.41–28.52%), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) (4.68–11.06) and linoleic acid (18:2n‐6) (1.38–3.49%) were dominant polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. All the species, in particular the belone, the anchovy and the shad had high levels of the n‐3 series.
Longitudinal analysis of serum miR-122 in a rat model of Wilson’s disease
Authors: Siaj Ramsi , Sauer Vanessa , Stöppeler Sandra , Gerß Joachim , Spiegel Hans-Ullrich , Köhler Gabriele , Zibert Andree , Schmidt Hartmut H.-J. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Purpose
MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) has recently been shown to represent a novel biomarker of liver disease. However, the presence of serum miR-122 after liver injury was mostly studied at singular time points. The course of serum miR-122 was determined at consecutive time points during the onset of disease.

Methods
Fulminant hepatitis was induced by a high-copper diet in Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats that were used as models for Wilson’s disease (WD). Levels of serum miR-122, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, and liver histology were determined.

Results
Toxic copper given to isolated hepatocytes induced release of miR-122 into the tissue culture medium. Levels of serum miR-122 were highly elevated (21.9 ± 5) in LEC rats after high-copper diet in fulminant hepatitis, whereas healthy rats showed low (<0.6) baseline levels of miR-122. Levels of miR-122 in the serum of LEC rats after high-copper diet continuously increased for about 4 weeks prior to the onset of fulminant hepatitis. In most of the animals (77.8%), significantly increased levels of miR-122 were detected about 2 weeks (13.7 ± 2 days) earlier as compared to hepatitis-associated serum markers ALT, AST, and bilirubin. Analysis of miR-122 in survivors after cell-based therapy of WD demonstrated a rapid decrease of miR-122 levels following hepatocyte transplantation. miR-122 expression in the serum was normalized to baseline levels in most of the (4/5) survivors.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that longitudinal analysis of miR-122 allows detection of severe liver disease at an early stage and might be excellently suited to monitor therapy, at least when severe liver disease can be restored as observed after cell-based therapy of WD.