bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of function mutation in toll-like receptor-4 does not offer protection against obesity and insulin resistance induced by a diet high in trans fat in mice
Authors: Vijay-Kumar Matam , Aitken Jesse D , Carvalho Frederic A , Ziegler Thomas R , Gewirtz Andrew T , Ganji Vijay 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) triggers inflammatory signaling in response to microbial lipoploysaccharide. It has been reported that loss of TLR4 protected against saturated fat-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. It is not known whether loss of TLR4 function offers protection against trans fat (TF) induced obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance. We investigated whether mice with loss of function mutation in TLR4 were resistant to TF-induced pathologies such as obesity, inflammation, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia.

Methods
C57BL/6j and C57BL/10 mice were cross bred to generate TLR4 mutant and wild type (WT). TLR4 mutant (n = 12) and WT (n = 12) mice were fed either low fat (LF) (13.5% fat energy) or high TF diets (60% fat energy) for 12 weeks. In vitro experiments were conducted on mouse macrophage cells (RAW 264.7 and J774A.1) to investigate whether elaidic (trans 18:1) or oleic acid (cis 18:1) would upregulate inflammatory markers.

Results
TLR4 mutant mice were ~26.4% heavier than WT mice. In both genotypes, mice that received TF diet were significantly heavier than those mice that received LF diet (P < 0.01). TLR4 mutant mice compared to WT mice had significantly higher fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance, serum leptin, and serum cholesterol when they received TF diet (P < 0.05). No upregulation of iNOS or COX2 in response to either elaidic or oleic acid in macrophage cells was observed.

Conclusions
Loss of function mutation in TLR4 not only did not protect mice from TF-induced obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hypercholesterolemia but also exacerbated the above pathologies suggesting that functional TLR4 is necessary in attenuating TF-induced deleterious effects. It is likely that TF induces pathologies through pathways independent of TLR4.
The role of the surfaces in the photon absorption in Ge nanoclusters embedded in silica
Authors: Cosentino Salvatore , Mirabella Salvatore , Miritello Maria , Nicotra Giuseppe , Lo Savio Roberto , Simone Francesca , Spinella Corrado , Terrasi Antonio 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe usage of semiconductor nanostructures is highly promising for boosting the energy conversion efficiency in photovoltaics technology, but still some of the underlying mechanisms are not well understood at the nanoscale length. Ge quantum dots (QDs) should have a larger absorption and a more efficient quantum confinement effect than Si ones, thus they are good candidate for third-generation solar cells. In this work, Ge QDs embedded in silica matrix have been synthesized through magnetron sputtering deposition and annealing up to 800°C. The thermal evolution of the QD size (2 to 10 nm) has been followed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques, evidencing an Ostwald ripening mechanism with a concomitant amorphous-crystalline transition. The optical absorption of Ge nanoclusters has been measured by spectrophotometry analyses, evidencing an optical bandgap of 1.6 eV, unexpectedly independent of the QDs size or of the solid phase (amorphous or crystalline). A simple modeling, based on the Tauc law, shows that the photon absorption has a much larger extent in smaller Ge QDs, being related to the surface extent rather than to the volume. These data are presented and discussed also considering the outcomes for application of Ge nanostructures in photovoltaics.PACS: 81.07.Ta; 78.67.Hc; 68.65.-k
Carbon nanotubes: are they dispersed or dissolved in liquids?
Authors: Geckeler Kurt Ernst , Premkumar Thathan 
Published: February 2011

AbstractCarbon nanotubes (CNTs) constitute a novel class of nanomaterials with remarkable applications in diverse domains. However, the main intrincsic problem of CNTs is their insolubility or very poor solubility in most of the common solvents. The basic key question here is: are carbon nanotubes dissolved or dispersed in liquids, specifically in water? When analyzing the scientific research articles published in various leading journals, we found that many researchers confused between "dispersion" and "solubilization" and use the terms interchangeably, particularly when stating the interaction of CNTs with liquids. In this article, we address this fundamental issue to give basic insight specifically to the researchers who are working with CNTs as well asgenerally to scientists who deal with nano-related research domains.
Distribution of interleukin-1 receptor complex at the synaptic membrane driven by interleukin-1β and NMDA stimulation
Authors: Gardoni Fabrizio , Boraso Mariaserena , Zianni Elisa , Corsini Emanuela , Galli Corrado L , Cattabeni Flaminio , Marinovich Marina , Di Luca Monica , Viviani Barbara 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that contributes to neuronal injury in various degenerative diseases, and is therefore a potential therapeutic target. It exerts its biological effect by activating the interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI) and recruiting a signalling core complex consisting of the myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) and the IL-1R accessory protein (IL-1RAcP). This pathway has been clearly described in the peripheral immune system, but only scattered information is available concerning the molecular composition and distribution of its members in neuronal cells. The findings of this study show that IL-1RI and its accessory proteins MyD88 and IL-1RAcP are differently distributed in the hippocampus and in the subcellular compartments of primary hippocampal neurons. In particular, only IL-1RI is enriched at synaptic sites, where it co-localises with, and binds to the GluN2B subunit of NMDA receptors. Furthermore, treatment with NMDA increases IL-1RI interaction with NMDA receptors, as well as the surface expression and localization of IL-1RI at synaptic membranes. IL-1β also increases IL-1RI levels at synaptic sites, without affecting the total amount of the receptor in the plasma membrane. Our results reveal for the first time the existence of a dynamic and functional interaction between NMDA receptor and IL-1RI systems that could provide a molecular basis for IL-1β as a neuromodulator in physiological and pathological events relying on NMDA receptor activation.
Knowledge-to-action processes in SHRTN collaborative communities of practice: A study protocol
Authors: Conklin James , Kothari Anita , Stolee Paul , Chambers Larry , Forbes Dorothy , Le Clair Ken 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe Seniors Health Research Transfer Network (SHRTN) Collaborative is a network of networks that work together to improve the health and health care of Ontario seniors. The collaborative facilitates knowledge exchange through a library service, knowledge brokers (KBs), local implementation teams, collaborative technology, and, most importantly, Communities of Practice (CoPs) whose members work together to identify innovations, translate evidence, and help implement changes.This project aims to increase our understanding of knowledge-to-action (KTA) processes mobilized through SHRTN CoPs that are working to improve the health of Ontario seniors. For this research, KTA refers to the movement of research and experience-based knowledge between social contexts, and the use of that knowledge to improve practice. We will examine the KTA processes themselves, as well as the role of human agents within those processes. The conceptual framework we have adopted to inform our research is the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) framework.Methods/designThis study will use a multiple case study design (minimum of nine cases over three years) to investigate how SHRTN CoPs work and pursue knowledge exchange in different situations. Each case will yield a unique narrative, framed around the three PARIHS dimensions: evidence, context, and facilitation. Together, the cases will shed light on how SHRTN CoPs approach their knowledge exchange initiatives, and how they respond to challenges and achieve their objectives. Data will be collected using interviews, document analysis, and ethnographic observation.DiscussionThis research will generate new knowledge about the defining characteristics of CoPs operating in the health system, on leadership roles in CoPs, and on the nature of interaction processes, relationships, and knowledge exchange mechanisms. Our work will yield a better understanding of the factors that contribute to the success or failure of KTA initiatives, and create a better understanding of how local caregiving contexts interact with specific initiatives. Our participatory design will allow stakeholders to influence the practical usefulness of our findings and contribute to improved health services delivery for seniors.
Effectiveness of Chêneau brace treatment for idiopathic scoliosis: prospective study in 79 patients followed to skeletal maturity
Authors: Zaborowska-Sapeta Katarzyna , Kowalski Ireneusz M , Kotwicki Tomasz , Protasiewicz-Fałdowska Halina , Kiebzak Wojciech 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Progressive idiopathic scoliosis can negatively influence the development and functioning of 2-3% of adolescents, with health consequences and economic costs, placing the disease in the centre of interest of the developmental medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Chêneau brace in the management of idiopathic scoliosis.

Methods
A prospective observational study according to SOSORT and SRS recommendations comprised 79 patients (58 girls and 21 boys) with progressive idiopathic scoliosis, treated with Chêneau brace and physiotherapy, with initial Cobb angle between 20 and 45 degrees, no previous brace treatment, Risser 4 or more at the final evaluation and minimum one year follow-up after weaning the brace. Achieving 50° of Cobb angle was considered surgical recommendation.

Results
At follow-up 20 patients (25.3%) improved, 18 patients (22.8%) were stable, 31 patients (39.2%) progressed below 50 degrees and 10 patients (12.7%) progressed beyond 50 degrees (2 of these 10 patients progressed beyond 60 degrees). Progression concerned the younger and less skeletally mature patients.

Conclusion
Conservative treatment with Chêneau orthosis and physiotherapy was effective in halting scoliosis progression in 48.1% of patients. The results of this study suggest that bracing is effective in reducing the incidence of surgery in comparison with natural history.
Molecular mechanisms for the destabilization and restabilization of reactivated spatial memory in the Morris water maze
Authors: Kim Ryang , Moki Ryouichi , Kida Satoshi 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Memory retrieval is not a passive process. Recent studies have shown that reactivated memory is destabilized and then restabilized through gene expression-dependent reconsolidation. Molecular studies on the regulation of memory stability after retrieval have focused almost exclusively on fear memory, especially on the restabilization process of the reactivated fear memory. We previously showed that, similarly with fear memories, reactivated spatial memory undergoes reconsolidation in the Morris water maze. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which reactivated spatial memory is destabilized and restabilized remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism that regulates the stability of the reactivated spatial memory.

Results
We first showed that pharmacological inactivation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor (NMDAR) in the hippocampus or genetic inhibition of cAMP-responsible element binding protein (CREB)-mediated transcription disrupted reactivated spatial memory. Finally, we showed that pharmacological inhibition of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and L-type voltage gated calcium channels (LVGCCs) in the hippocampus blocked the disruption of the reactivated spatial memory by the inhibition of protein synthesis.

Conclusions
Our findings indicated that the reactivated spatial memory is destabilized through the activation of CB1 and LVGCCs and then restabilized through the activation of NMDAR- and CREB-mediated transcription. We also suggest that the reactivated spatial memory undergoes destabilization and restabilization in the hippocampus, through similar molecular processes as those for reactivated contextual fear memories, which require CB1 and LVGCCs for destabilization and NMDAR and CREB for restabilization.
Altered dynamics and differential infection profiles of lymphoid and myeloid cell subsets during acute and chronic HIV-1 infection
Authors: Centlivre Mireille , Legrand Nicolas , Steingrover Radjin , van der Sluis Renee , Grijsen Marlous L , Bakker Margreet , Jurriaans Suzanne , Berkhout Ben , Paxton William A , Prins Jan M , Pollakis Georgios 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTThe dynamics of immune cell populations during acute HIV-1 infection are not fully deciphered, especially for non-T cells. In this study, we tested whether specific cellular subsets of the innate arm of the immune response are affected early after HIV-1 infection. Using a cohort of HIV-1-infected individuals, we have monitored the relative frequency of blood T lymphocytes, monocytes, and DCs at various infection stages and measured their respective intracellular HIV-1 DNA loads. The HIV-1 DNA load in naive CD4+ T lymphocytes, which are lost very early during acute infection, was ten- to 100-fold lower than in CD57– and CD57+ memory CD4+ T lymphocytes. We observed that despite rapid, persistent loss after HIV-1 infection, pDCs represented a non-negligible HIV-1 DNA reservoir. CD16+ proinflammatory cDCs and monocytes accumulated gradually, and HIV-infected CD16+ monocytes contained higher HIV-1 DNA loads than their CD16– counterpart during acute infection. During chronic infection, CD16+ cDCs exhibited higher HIV-1 DNA loads than the CD16– population. Overall, our results demonstrate that non-T cell compartments are a major HIV-1 DNA reservoir, and CD16+ monocytes and CD16+ cDCs potentially play an important role in HIV-1 dissemination.
Control of Crystalline Phases in Four-component Mixtures of 1-Naphthylmethylammonium n-Alkanoates
Authors: Tani Takahiro , Goto Yuta , Nonaka Kyoshiro , Shinkai Seiji , Sada Kazuki 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Various eutectic mixtures and organic alloys have been prepared by changing combination of four-component mixtures of 1-naphthylmethylammonium n-alkanoates, which implies high-fidelity control of molecular recognition in the solid state.
A Remarkable Enantioselectivity of Diastereomers of an l-Cysteinato CoIII3 Complex-anion toward a Racemic 2-Aminoethanethiolato CoIII2AgI3 Complex-cation
Authors: Yuan Hou Qun , Igashira-Kamiyama Asako , Konno Takumi 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The (ΛLLL)2 isomer of a CoIII3 trinuclear complex anion, [Co3(l-cys)6]3−, selected exclusively the (Λ)2 isomer of a CoIII2AgI3 pentanuclear complex cation, [Ag3Co2(aet)6]3+, from its racemic (Δ)2/(Λ)2 isomer, giving only the (Λ)2(ΛLLL)2 isomer of a 1:1 complex salt, [Ag3Co2(aet)6][Co3(l-cys)6]. Notably, the (Λ)2 isomer of [Ag3Co2(aet)6]3+ was also selected, but preferentially, by the (ΔLLL)2 isomer of [Co3(l-cys)6]3− in the course of the formation of [Ag3Co2(aet)6][Co3(l-cys)6].
Preparation and Characterization of Ca4Bi6O13 Complex Oxide
Authors: Obata Kenji , Matsumoto Kensuke , Uehara Takuya , Doi Akane , Obukuro Yuki , Matsushima Shigenori 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
A single phase of Ca4Bi6O13 crystal was obtained at lower calcination temperature in a citric acid complex method than in a solid-state reaction. From the diffuse reflection spectra, it was found that Ca4Bi6O13 is direct-gap material and that the optical band gap is 2.92 eV. After heating at 600 °C or above, the specific surface area of Ca4Bi6O13 powder was ca. three times larger when prepared by a citric acid complex method than by solid-state reaction. Further, it was confirmed that the photocatalytic activity of Ca4Bi6O13 for the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) was higher in a citric acid complex method than in a solid-state reaction under visible-light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm).
Do new concepts for deriving permissible limits for analytical imprecision and bias have any advantages over existing consensus?
Authors: Petersen Per Hyltoft , Sandberg Sverre , Fraser Callum G. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe Stockholm conference held in 1999 on “Strategies to set global analytical quality specifications (AQS) in laboratory medicine” reached a consensus and advocated the ubiquitous application of a hierarchical structure of approaches to setting AQS. This approach has been widely used over the last decade, although several issues remain unanswered. A number of new suggestions have been recently proposed for setting AQS. One of these recommendations is described by Haeckel and Wosniok in this issue ofClinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. Their concept is to estimate the increase in false-positive results using conventional population-based reference intervals, the delta false-positive rate due to analytical imprecision and bias, and relate the results directly to the current analytical quality attained. Thus, the actual estimates in the laboratory for imprecision and bias are compared to the AQS. These values are classified in a ranking system according to the closeness to the AQS, and this combination is the new idea of the proposal. Other new ideas have been proposed recently. We wait, with great interest, as should others, to see if these newer approaches become widely used and worthy of incorporation into the hierarchy.
Identification of Bcl-2/IgH fusion sequences using real-time PCR and chip-based microcapillary electrophoresis
Authors: Tabe Yoko , Kawase Yukiko , Miyake Kazunori , Satoh Naotake , Aritaka Nanae , Isobe Yasushi , Oshimi Kazuo , Komatsu Norio , Miida Takashi , Ohsaka Akimichi 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background: The determination of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification product sizes of the Bcl-2/IgH fusion gene from follicular lymphoma (FL) provides evidence of clonal identity.

Methods: The present study describes detection of Bcl-2/IgH fusion gene clonality utilizing a small, simple microcapillary electrophoretic chip combined with a real-time PCR method.

Results: The microcapillary electrophoretic chip system effectively detects size differences among the Bcl-2/IgH fusion gene amplification products of FL from patient samples; something that is not possible using traditional gel electrophoresis. We also describe the potential of this system to utilize formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples sectioned on charged slides.

Conclusions: The simple detection of Bcl-2/IgH fusion gene clonality using a microcapillary electrophoretic chip provides reliable information for monitoring minimal residual disease of FL, and can be an effective tool for use in clinical laboratories.
Wear of a Mobile Bearing Uni-Compartmental Knee Replacement Prosthesis: A Comparison of In Vitro and In Vivo Wear Rates
Authors: Ellison P. J. , Traynor A. , Casey B. P. , Collins S. N. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Wear induced osteolysis is cited as the primary cause of aseptic loosening in knee replacements. It has been postulated that mobile bearing (MB) knee prostheses reduce wear as they allow lower contact stress through high congruency between components while maintaining a wide range of joint motion. In vitro wear simulations are preclinical tests for predicting the performance of new designs of partial and total knee replacements. This study investigates the wear of a leading design of MB uni-compartmental knee replacement (UKR) by quantifying the in vitro wear rate and linear penetration of the polyethylene meniscal bearing. Three medial and three lateral MB UKRs (Uniglide, Corin, Ltd., U.K.) were tested in a three station wear simulator using force control as defined in ISO 14243-1. Volumetric wear was determined gravimetrically every half million cycles (MC) up to 10 MC. Maximum linear penetration wear was measured after 10 MC. Volumetric wear rates of 1.65±0.28 mm3/MC (mean±SD) and 1.66±0.31 mm3/MC were recorded for the medial and lateral bearings, respectively, and the wear of all bearings was linear. Previous simulator studies have reported mean wear rates of 3.8 to 10.4 mm3/MC for MB UKRs. Maximum linear penetration wear rates of 0.013±0.001 mm/MC and 0.012±0.001 mm/MC were recorded for the medial and lateral bearings, respectively, after 10 MC. This was in agreement with that reported for well functioning MB UKRs through in vivo measurement (0.01 mm/year) and compared favourably to that reported for fixed bearing designs (0.15 mm/year). The results of this study show that in vitro measurements correlate well to in vivo measurements of wear. This indicates that the current in vitro methodology for the simulation of wear in MB UKRs is a valid tool for preclinical assessment of MB UKR prostheses.
Modeling and Simulation of the Heat and Mass Transfer Characteristics of Binary Mixtures for Boiling Flow Applications
Authors: Srinivasan Vedanth , Wang De Ming 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
In this paper, we discuss the development of a new mass transfer model to simulate the thermal and phase change characteristics encountered by binary mixtures during a flow boiling process. The constructed boiling mass transfer model, based on detailed empirical analysis of the heat transfer coefficients pertinent to binary systems and fully implemented within the commercial computational fluid dynamics code AVL FIRE®, is exercised within a multi-fluid framework along with an interfacial area transport modeling procedure to study the heat and mass transfer characteristics of boiling flows inside a rectangular duct. Turbulence in the fluidic system and those generated by the bubbly flow are treated using an advanced k-ζ-f model. The simulation results, comprising of flow variables such as volume fraction, fluidic velocities, temperature and the resultant heat flux generated on the heated wall section, clearly monitors the suppression in heat transfer coefficients with enhancement in flow convection. Competing mechanisms such as phase change process and turbulent convection are identified to influence the heat transfer characteristics. In particular, the varying influence of the mass transfer effects on the heat flux characteristics with alteration in wall temperature is well demonstrated. For example, under low convection velocities, phase change dominates the heat removal from the wall with distinct bubbly flow activity in the boiling regions, while a considerable reduction in bubble dynamics and the phase change contribution towards heat removal with an increase in convection velocities can be clearly extracted. Comparisons of the predicted heat transfer coefficients for varying wall superheat and varying fluidic velocity indicate a very good agreement with experimental data wherever available. A description of the flow field inclusive of interfacial area and number density distribution is provided. The current model can be easily extended to simulate multi-phase flow in complex systems such as a cooling water jacket for automotive applications.