bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Joint immobilization prevents murine osteoarthritis and reveals the highly mechanosensitive nature of protease expression in vivo
Authors: Burleigh Annika , Chanalaris Anastasios , Gardiner Matthew D. , Driscoll Clare , Boruc Olga , Saklatvala Jeremy , Vincent Tonia L. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjectiveMechanical joint loading is critical for the development of osteoarthritis (OA). Although once regarded as a disease of cartilage attrition, OA is now known to be controlled by the expression and activity of key proteases, such as ADAMTS‐5, that drive matrix degradation. This study was undertaken to investigate the link between protease expression and mechanical joint loading in vivo.MethodsWe performed a microarray analysis of genes expressed in the whole joint following surgical induction of murine OA (by cutting the medial meniscotibial ligament). Gene expression changes were validated by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction in whole joints and microdissected tissues of the joint, including the articular cartilage, meniscus, and epiphysis. Following surgery, mouse joints were immobilized, either by prolonged anesthesia or by sciatic neurectomy.ResultsMany genes were regulated in the whole joint within 6 hours of surgical induction of OA in the mouse. These included Arg1, Ccl2, Il6, Tsg6, Mmp3, Il1b, Adamts5, Adamts4, and Adamts1. All of these were significantly regulated in the articular cartilage. When joints were immobilized by prolonged anesthesia, regulation of the vast majority of genes was abrogated. When joints were immobilized by sciatic neurectomy, regulation of selected genes was abrogated, and OA was prevented up to 12 weeks postsurgery.ConclusionThese findings indicate that gene expression in the mouse joint following the induction of OA is rapid and highly mechanosensitive. Regulated genes include the known pathogenic protease ADAMTS‐5. Targeting the mechanosensing mechanisms of joint tissue may offer new strategies for disease modification.
New Formulation of Dynamic Output Feedback Robust Model Predictive Control with Guaranteed Quadratic Boundedness
Authors: Ding Baocang 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe dynamic output feedback robust model predictive controller for a system with both polytopic uncertainty and bounded disturbance is addressed in this paper. This controller utilizes a main optimization problem to find the control law and a simple auxiliary optimization problem to refresh the bounds on the true state. The main optimization problem, which is not necessarily solved at each sampling instant, achieves the near‐optimal solution. The auxiliary optimization, which is solved at each sampling instant, is followed with a simple criterion which determines whether or not to solve the main optimization problem at the next sampling time. By applying the proposed method, the augmented state of the closed‐loop system is guaranteed to converge to the neighborhood of the equilibrium point.
Operator‐Based Robust Right Coprime Factorization and a Nonlinear Control Scheme for Nonlinear Plant with Unknown Perturbations
Authors: Bu Ni , Deng Mingcong 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis paper is concerned with operator‐based robust right coprime factorization for nonlinear plants with unknown perturbations. Firstly, the right factorization for by nonlinear plant with unknown perturbations is realized using isomorphism and some sufficient conditions are proposed to guarantee the robust stability of the obtained nonlinear feedback control system as well as the plant output asymptotically tracking to the reference input. Secondly, a quantitative control scheme is designed to satisfy the sufficient conditions. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposal is demonstrated by the simulation results.
Computer tomographic evaluation of talar edge configuration for osteochondral graft transplantation
Authors: Wiewiorski Martin , Hoechel Sebastian , Wishart Katarina , Leumann André , Müller‐Gerbl Magdalena , Valderrabano Victor , Nowakowski Andrej Maria 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTo successfully surgically reconstruct osteochondral lesions of the talus, the exact three‐dimensional (3D) configuration of the upper articular surface of the talus has to be respected. We assessed the talar geometry by measuring the coronal and sagittal talar edge radius and the frontal talar profile in multiplanar reconstructions of computer tomographic (CT) studies of 79 patients (83 feet) with a healthy ankle joint. An image visualization software designated for coordinate measurement was used to perform the measurement. In the coronal plane, the mean lateral talar edge radius was 4.0 mm and the medial 4.5 mm. In the sagittal planes the mean lateral talar edge radius was 20.3 mm, the radius of the sulcus 20.7 mm and the medial talar edge radius 20.4 mm. The talus showed a concave shape in coronal cuts. These results show a significant difference between medial and lateral talar edge configuration in coronal planes. The measurements of the lateral and medial sagittal radius and the mid‐sagittal radius in the sulcus tali show no statistically significant difference. The depth of the talar sulcus shows no correlation to age or sex. Different sizes of custom‐made tissue‐engineered grafts according to the location of the osteochondral lesion at the talus are needed for exact surgical reconstruction of the anatomy. Osteochondral lesions are three dimensional; therefore, a 3D preoperative planning tool by CT scan or MRI is mandatory. Clin. Anat. 25:773–780, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Redox‐Active Nickel in Carbon Nanotubes and Its Direct Determination
Authors: Ambrosi Adriano , Pumera Martin 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe presence of residual metal‐catalyst impurities in carbon nanotubes is responsible for their toxicity. It is important to differentiate between the total amount of impurities and the redox‐active (bioavailable) amount of such impurities because only the bioavailable impurities exhibit toxic effects. Herein, we report a simple and specific method for quantifying the amount of redox‐active Ni present in various commercial samples of CNTs. It is based on the electrochemical oxidation of Ni(OH)2 that is formed in alkaline solutions when Ni impurities are opened to the surrounding environment. Metallic Ni impurities play an extremely active role in toxicological assays as well as in undesired catalytic processes, and thus a method to rapidly quantify the amount of redox‐active Ni is of great importance.
Polycyclic Cage Structures as Lipophilic Scaffolds for Neuroactive Drugs
Authors: Joubert Jacques , Geldenhuys Werner J. , Van der Schyf Cornelis J. , Oliver Douglas W. , Kruger Hendrik Gert , Govender Thavendran , Malan Sarel F. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPolycyclic cage scaffolds have been successfully used in the development of numerous lead compounds demonstrating activity in the central nervous system (CNS). Several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, schizophrenia, and stroke, as well as drug abuse, can be modulated with polycyclic cage derivatives. These cage moieties, including adamantane and pentacycloundecane derivatives, improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of conjugated parent drugs and serve as an important scaffold in the design of therapeutically active agents for the treatment of neurological disorders. In this Minireview, we focus on the recent developments in the field of polycyclic cage compounds, as well as the relationship between the lipophilic character of these cage‐derived drugs and the ability of such compounds to target and reach the CNS and improve the pharmacodynamic properties of compounds conjugated to it.
A Two‐Step Strategy for Structure–Activity Relationship Studies of N‐Methylated Aβ42 C‐Terminal Fragments as Aβ42 Toxicity Inhibitors
Authors: Li Huiyuan , Zemel Reeve , Lopes Dahabada H. J. , Monien Bernhard H. , Bitan Gal 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNeurotoxic Aβ42 oligomers are believed to be the main cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Previously, we found that the C‐terminal fragments (CTFs), Aβ(30–42) and Aβ(31–42) were the most potent inhibitors of Aβ42 oligomerization and toxicity in a series of Aβ(x–42) peptides (x=28–39). Therefore, we chose these peptides as leads for further development. These CTFs are short (12–13 amino acids) hydrophobic peptides with limited aqueous solubility. Our first attempt to attach hydrophilic groups to the N terminus resulted in toxic peptides. Therefore, we next incorporated N‐methyl amino acids, which are known to increase the solubility of such peptides by disrupting the β‐sheet formation. Focusing on Aβ(31–42), we used a two‐step N‐methyl amino acid substitution strategy to study the structural factors controlling inhibition of Aβ42‐induced toxicity. First, each residue was substituted by N‐Me‐alanine (N‐Me‐A). In the next step, in positions where substitution produced a significant effect, we restored the original side chain. This strategy allowed exploring the role of both side chain structure and N‐Me substitution in inhibitory activity. We found that the introduction of an N‐Me amino acid was an effective way to increase both the aqueous solubility and the inhibitory activity of Aβ(31–42). In particular, N‐Me amino acid substitution at position 9 or 11 increased the inhibitory activity relative to the parent peptide. The data suggest that inhibition of Aβ42 toxicity by short peptides is highly structure‐specific, providing a basis for the design of new peptidomimetic inhibitors with improved activity, physicochemical properties, and metabolic stability.
A Theoretical Investigation Into the 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azidotrimethylsilane Onto Nanographene
Authors: Yuan Yanli , Chen Peiyu , Ren Xingye , Wang Hongming 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe mechanism of the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of azidotrimethylsilane (ATS) onto nanographene (NG) is thoroughly investigated at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) level. Calculations reveal that the reaction occurs through a two‐step reaction mechanism. The first step is the chemical adsorption and the second one is the decomposition of the thereby formed nitride upon thermal activation, giving rise to an N‐bridged product ultimately. The latter is the rate‐determining step. Two possible pathways are compared to show that the [3+2] channel is favored over the [3+4] channel. The former is a symmetric synchronous process, whereas the latter follows an asymmetric concerted way, which can be rationalized by means of the frontier molecular orbital (FMO) theory. The reactivity of NG is discussed in detail, revealing that it is the electron density at the functionalization site which dominates the reactivity rather than the energetic effect. As a result, the edge area is calculated to be much more reactive than the centre.
Soil respiration in response to year‐to‐year variations in rainfall in a tropical seasonal forest in northern Thailand
Authors: Kume Tomonori , Tanaka Nobuaki , Yoshifuji Natsuko , Chatchai Tantasirin , Igarashi Yasunori , Suzuki Masakazu , Hashimoto Shoji 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTIn a tropical deciduous forest in northern Thailand, an area affected by the Asian monsoon, we made soil respiration measurements for 4 years to determine their inter‐annual variability. We also made continuous measurements of soil moisture, soil temperature, and soil CO2 concentration. Annual soil respiration rates were estimated using two methods: multiple regression analysis and Fick's first law of diffusion. During the study period, between June 2000 and December 2004, the annual rainfall and the length of the wet period showed considerable year‐to‐year variation, differing by 1162–1435 mm year−1 falling over 146–189 days, respectively. In response to the inter‐annual variability in rainfall, annual soil respiration rates estimated by the two models also showed large inter‐annual variations for the 4 years (coefficient of variation = 14–17%). The range in the inter‐annual variation for soil respiration was comparable with values for net ecosystem exchange reported in other Southeast Asian tropical forests. Historical rainfall records at this site showed further large inter‐annual variations that occurred in times other than in the study period, suggesting that long‐term monitoring would be required for a better understanding of the C balance at this site. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immune Biosensor Based on the ISFETs for Express Determination of Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Starodub Nickolaj F. , Ogorodnijchuk Julia O. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA new type of immune biosensor was proposed based on ISFET with CeOx instant of Si3N4 gate surface which promotes the sensitivity and stability of the analysis. This biosensor was used for the determination of Salmonella typhimurium in the model solution. It was demonstrated that the sensitivity of the analysis of salmonella was about 2–3 cells mL−1 with the maximal response up to 5×105 cells mL−1. The total time of the measurements can be reduced to 15–20 min if the transducer surface was previously prepared and if one part of the specific antibodies are immobilized on it and the other one labeled by horse radish peroxidase is added to the analyzed solution. Each chip may be reused up to 5 times without signal decreasing after its treatment by 0.1 M HCl for 5 min followed by washing with 5 mM phosphate buffer, pH 7.5. To immobilize immune components the transducer surface was preliminary treated by cystamine with sequential application of glutaraldehyde for covalent binding of Staphylococcal protein A which provides the next immobilization of the specific antibodies with orientation towards the solution.
Selective Voltammetric Analysis of o‐Diphenols from Olive Oil Using Na2MoO4 as Electrochemical Mediator
Authors: Del Carlo M. , Amine A. , Haddam M. , della Pelle F. , Fusella G. C. , Compagnone D. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe complexing ability of molybdate vs. o‐diphenols has been exploited for their selective electrochemical detection. Graphite screen printed and carbon paste electrodes have been evaluated as electrochemical transducers for the selective mediated detection of o‐diphenol compounds in the presence of Na2MoO4. Immobilization of the mediator onto the electrode surface has also been achieved using different types of single and multiwall carbon nanotubes. The best sensor in terms of selectivity, sensitivity and stability was the Mo‐MW‐CNT‐NH2 modified electrode. Using the mediator either in solution or immobilized, detection of o‐diphenols with linearity in the ppm range was achieved. An amperometric flow injection analysis set‐up was used to detect the o‐diphenolic content of phenolic extracts obtained from olive oil samples.
Evaluation of Rayleigh damping and its influence on engineering demand parameter estimates
Authors: Erduran Emrah 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYThe effects of Rayleigh damping model on the engineering demand parameters of two steel moment‐resisting frame buildings were evaluated. Two‐dimensional models of the buildings were created and response history analysis were conducted for three different hazard levels. The response history analysis results indicate that mass‐proportional damping leads to high damping forces compared with restoring forces and may lead to overestimation of floor acceleration demands for both buildings. Stiffness‐proportional damping, on the other hand, is observed to suppress the higher‐mode effects in the nine‐story building resulting in lower story drift demands in the upper floors compared with other damping models. Rayleigh damping models, which combine mass‐proportional and stiffness‐proportional components, that are anchored at reduced modal frequencies lead to reasonable damping forces and floor acceleration demands for both buildings and does not suppress higher‐mode effects in the nine‐story building. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reflective Functioning in 70 Patients Suffering from Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Pedersen Signe Holm , Lunn Susanne , Katznelson Hannah , Poulsen Stig 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjectiveThis study is the first to evaluate the reflective functioning abilities of patients suffering from bulimia nervosa (BN).MethodSeventy patients fulfilling Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for BN were interviewed with the Adult Attachment Interview, which was subsequently coded for reflective functioning (RF).ResultsOn average, the sample of patients suffering from BN had close to normal mentalizing abilities. However, the distribution of RF scores was significantly different from the distribution of RF in a non‐clinical control group, showing a more polarized pattern with more low and high RF scores.ConclusionThe study indicates that the theory of mentalization may contribute to understanding BN. However, bulimic pathology may develop and be maintained despite good mentalizing abilities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Disturbance, geomorphic processes and recovery of wildfire slopes in North Tyrol
Authors: Sass Oliver , Heel Michael , Leistner Iris , Stöger Florence , Wetzel Karl‐Friedrich , Friedmann Arne 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTWildfires in the sub‐alpine belt of the Austrian Limestone Alps sometimes cause severe vegetation and soil destruction with increased danger of secondary natural hazards such as avalanches and debris flows. Some of the affected areas remain degraded to rocky slopes even decades after the fire, raising the question as to whether the ecosystems will ever be able to recover. The mean fire interval, the duration of recovery and the role of geomorphic processes for vegetation regeneration are so far unknown. These questions were tackled in a broad research approach including investigation of historical archives to determine the frequency of historical wildfires, mapping vegetation regeneration on 20 slopes of different post‐fire ages, and soil erosion measurements on two slopes. To date, > 450 historical wildfires have been located in the study area. The mean fire interval per square kilometre is c. 750 years, but can be as low as 200–500 years on south‐facing slopes. Vegetation regeneration takes an extremely long time under unfavourable conditions; the typical window of disturbance is between 50 and 500 years, which is far longer than in any other wildfire study known to us. Soil erosion constantly increases in the years after the fires and the elevated intensity can be maintained for decades. A two‐part vegetation regeneration model is proposed depending upon the degree of soil loss. In the case of moderate soil erosion, spreading grassland communities can slow down shrub re‐colonization. In contrast, after severe soil destruction the slopes may remain degraded for a century or longer, before rather rapid regeneration occurs. The reasons are not fully understood but are probably governed by geomorphic process intensity. The interdependence of vegetation regeneration and geomorphic processes is a paradigm of ecology–geomorphology interaction, and is a unique example of a very long‐lasting disturbance response caused by wildfire in a non‐resilient ecosystem. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
European Neolithization and Ancient DNA: An Assessment
Authors: Deguilloux Marie‐France , Leahy Rachael , Pemonge Marie‐Hélène , Rottier Stéphane 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNeolithic processes underlying the distribution of genetic diversity among European populations have been the subject of intense debate since the first genetic data became available. However, patterns observed in the current European gene pool are the outcome of Paleolithic and Neolithic processes, overlaid with four millennia of further developments. This observation encouraged paleogeneticists to contribute to the debate by directly comparing genetic variation from the ancient inhabitants of Europe to their contemporary counterparts. Pre‐Neolithic and Neolithic paleogenetic data are becoming increasingly available for north and northwest European populations. Despite the numerous problems inherent in the paleogenetic approach, the accumulation of ancient DNA datasets offers new perspectives from which to interpret the interactions between hunter‐gatherer and farming communities. In light of information emerging from diverse disciplines, including recent paleogenetic studies, the most plausible model explaining the movement of Neolithic pioneer groups in central Europe is that of leapfrog migration.
The microRNAs, MiR‐31 and MiR‐375, as candidate markers in Barrett's esophageal carcinogenesis
Authors: Leidner Rom S. , Ravi Lakshmeswari , Leahy Patrick , Chen Yanwen , Bednarchik Beth , Streppel Mirte , Canto Marcia , S.Wang Jean , Maitra Anirban , Willis Joseph , Markowitz Sanford D. , Barnholtz‐Sloan Jill , Adams Mark D. , Chak Amitabh , Guda Kishore 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThere is a critical need to identify molecular markers that can reliably aid in stratifying esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) risk in patients with Barrett's esophagus. MicroRNAs (miRNA/miR) are one such class of biomolecules. In the present cross‐sectional study, we characterized miRNA alterations in progressive stages of neoplastic development, i.e., metaplasia–dysplasia–adenocarcinoma, with an aim to identify candidate miRNAs potentially associated with progression. Using next generation sequencing (NGS) as an agnostic discovery platform, followed by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) validation in a total of 20 EACs, we identified 26 miRNAs that are highly and frequently deregulated in EACs (≥4‐fold in >50% of cases) when compared to paired normal esophageal squamous (nSQ) tissue. We then assessed the 26 EAC‐derived miRNAs in laser microdissected biopsy pairs of Barrett's metaplasia (BM)/nSQ (n = 15), and high‐grade dysplasia (HGD)/nSQ (n = 14) by qPCR, to map the timing of deregulation during progression from BM to HGD and to EAC. We found that 23 of the 26 candidate miRNAs were deregulated at the earliest step, BM, and therefore noninformative as molecular markers of progression. Two miRNAs, miR‐31 and −31*, however, showed frequent downregulation only in HGD and EAC cases suggesting association with transition from BM to HGD. A third miRNA, miR‐375, showed marked downregulation exclusively in EACs and in none of the BM or HGD lesions, suggesting its association with progression to invasive carcinoma. Taken together, we propose miR‐31 and −375 as novel candidate microRNAs specifically associated with early‐ and late‐stage malignant progression, respectively, in Barrett's esophagus. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SETTING PAY FOR PERFORMANCE TARGETS: DO POOR PERFORMERS GIVE UP?
Authors: Dowd Bryan , Feldman Roger , Nersesian WILLIAM 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTWe examine the effect of a health plan's pay for performance incentives on the percentage of outpatient drug prescriptions that are filled with generic rather than brand‐name drugs in physicians' practices in an established physician network – the generic prescription rate (GPR). The financial reward was based on the performance of the entire network, but the network implemented rewards at the practice level. Practice‐level rewards were awarded on an all‐or‐nothing basis if the GPR met or exceeded specialty‐specific targets that increased each year. Although that design gave the practices a strong incentive to meet the target, practices performing far below the target might ‘give up’, costing the network its reward. Using a partial adjustment model, we estimate that in the absence of pay for performance, the average equilibrium value of GPR was 58.3%. We estimate that GPR would be maximized if the target were set at 77%. The GPR‐maximizing target would induce an improvement in average GPR from 58.3% to 65.8% or 7.5 percentage points. When the target is set above 80%, practices with equilibrium GPR below 58.3% will ‘give up’ in the sense that they will not improve relative to their equilibrium value. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.