bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of microRNAs in central nervous system development and pathology
Authors: Meza‐Sosa Karla F. , Valle‐García David , Pedraza‐Alva Gustavo , Pérez‐Martínez Leonor 
Published: September 2011

AbstractGene expression regulation is essential for correct functioning of the cell. Complex processes such as development, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and cell cycling require a fine tuning of gene expression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that have been recognized as key components of the gene expression regulatory machinery. By sequence complementarity, miRNAs recognize target mRNAs and inhibit their function through degradation or by repressing their translation. The development of the central nervous system (CNS) requires precise and exquisitely regulated gene expression patterns. It is now widely recognized that miRNAs have the capacity to provide such fine regulation both in time and in space. High‐throughput analyses as well as classical molecular biology approaches have allowed the identification of essential miRNAs for CNS development and function. Moreover, recent studies in several model organisms are beginning to show intricate regulatory networks involving miRNAs, transcription factors, and epigenetic regulators during CNS development. Here we review recent findings on the role that miRNAs play in the development of the CNS as well as in neuropathologies such as schizophrenia, Parkinson disease, and Alzheimer's disease, among others. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of extensive circumferential periosteal stripping on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the murine femoral cortex
Authors: Mercurio Andrew D. , Motta Tatiana , Green Eric , Noble Garrett , Hart Richard T. , Allen Matthew J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractExtensive periosteal stripping (PS) is a risk factor for post‐radiation pathologic fracture following surgery for extremity soft tissue tumors. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of PS on bone structure and mechanical properties. Thirty‐one skeletally mature mice underwent PS, with circumferential removal of periosteum from an 8‐mm segment of the mid‐diaphysis of the left femur. Thirty‐one control mice underwent sham surgery in which the femur was isolated without manipulation of the periosteum. At 2, 6, 12, or 26 weeks following surgery, the left femora were examined by micro‐CT to quantify cortical thickness (CtTh), cross‐sectional area (CSA), bone volume (BV), and polar moment of inertia (PMI). Three‐point mechanical bend testing was performed and peak load, stiffness, and energy to failure were determined. PS resulted in significantly decreased CtTh, CSA, BV, and PMI at all time points. Peak load, stiffness, and energy to failure were significantly reduced at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. There were no significant differences in mechanical properties at 26 weeks. In this mouse model, extensive circumferential PS resulted in sustained changes in bone structure that were still evident after 6 months, accompanied by reductions in bone strength that persisted for at least 3 months. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:561–568, 2012
Review of periprosthetic osteolysis in total joint arthroplasty: An emphasis on host factors and future directions
Authors: Beck Ryan T. , Illingworth Kenneth D. , Saleh Khaled J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPeriprosthetic osteolysis is one of the leading causes of total joint revision procedures. If allowed to progress in the absence of radiographic diagnosis and/or proper medical treatment, osteolysis may result in aseptic loosening yielding failure of the implant and the need for complex revision arthroplasty. The purpose of this review was to assess the current understanding of periprosthetic osteolysis with an emphasis on host factors and future directions. A PubMed search was conducted using the following key words; osteolysis, periprosthetic osteolysis, osteolysis imaging. Pertinent articles, as it pertained to the outline of the review, were selected. Periprosthetic osteolysis stems from numerous risk factors. Osteolysis host characteristic risk factors include gender, body weight, and genetics. Current implant designs have reduced the incidence of this disease; however no current design has been able to replicate the in vivo characteristics and therefore development of wear particles continues to be seen. Advanced methods of imaging diagnosis are on the rise, however early imaging diagnosis is currently ineffective. Pharmacologic intervention appears to be a logical avenue for medical intervention, but no approved drug therapy to prevent or inhibit periprosthetic osteolysis is currently available. Although the rate of periprosthetic osteolysis seems to be decreasing with advances in implant design and increased knowledge of the biological process of wear particle induced osteolysis, the rapid increase in the total number of total joint arthroplasties over the next two decades means that better ways of detecting and treating periprosthetic osteolysis are greatly needed. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:541–546, 2012
Effectiveness of a redesigned vaginal implant transmitter in mule deer
Authors: Bishop Chad J. , Anderson Charles R. , Walsh Daniel P. , Bergman Eric J. , Kuechle Peter , Roth John 
Published: September 2011

AbstractOur understanding of factors that limit mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations may be improved by evaluating neonatal survival as a function of dam characteristics under free‐ranging conditions, which generally requires that both neonates and dams are radiocollared. The most viable technique facilitating capture of neonates from radiocollared adult females is use of vaginal implant transmitters (VITs). To date, VITs have allowed research opportunities that were not previously possible; however, VITs are often expelled from adult females prepartum, which limits their effectiveness. We redesigned an existing VIT manufactured by Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS; Isanti, MN) by lengthening and widening wings used to retain the VIT in an adult female. Our objective was to increase VIT retention rates and thereby increase the likelihood of locating birth sites and newborn fawns. We placed the newly designed VITs in 59 adult female mule deer and evaluated the probability of retention to parturition and the probability of detecting newborn fawns. We also developed an equation for determining VIT sample size necessary to achieve a specified sample size of neonates. The probability of a VIT being retained until parturition was 0.766 (SE = 0.0605) and the probability of a VIT being retained to within 3 days of parturition was 0.894 (SE = 0.0441). In a similar study using the original VIT wings (Bishop et al.2007), the probability of a VIT being retained until parturition was 0.447 (SE = 0.0468) and the probability of retention to within 3 days of parturition was 0.623 (SE = 0.0456). Thus, our design modification increased VIT retention to parturition by 0.319 (SE = 0.0765) and VIT retention to within 3 days of parturition by 0.271 (SE = 0.0634). Considering dams that retained VITs to within 3 days of parturition, the probability of detecting at least 1 neonate was 0.952 (SE = 0.0334) and the probability of detecting both fawns from twin litters was 0.588 (SE = 0.0827). We expended approximately 12 person‐hours per detected neonate. As a guide for researchers planning future studies, we found that VIT sample size should approximately equal the targeted neonate sample size. Our study expands opportunities for conducting research that links adult female attributes to productivity and offspring survival in mule deer. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
LOCAL PERCEPTIONS OF WOODY VEGETATION DYNAMICS IN THE CONTEXT OF A ‘GREENING SAHEL’: A CASE STUDY FROM BURKINA FASO
Authors: Sop T. K. , Oldeland J. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTAfter decades of drought in the Sahel, several studies have reported a ‘(re)greening’ of the area. However, most of these studies were based on large scale climatological or remotely sensed observations, with little or no ground truthing. The aim of this study was to assess the local perceptions of the distribution of socio‐economically important tree species in the Sub‐Sahel of Burkina Faso. Semi‐structured interviews were performed with 87 groups of informants from 20 villages belonging to three ethnic groups (Mossi, Fulani and Samo). Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to compare perceptions between the targeted ethnic groups. According to the locals, more than 80 per cent of the 90 listed species were declining, with over 40 per cent identified as threatened, including numerous plants of great economic value. Increasing species were mostly drought‐tolerant plants such as Balanites aegyptiaca. A few species were listed as locally extinct. Gender and age did not significantly affect local knowledge, whereas ethnicity did. The major causes of species decline were identified to be drought, deforestation and bushfires. In all ethnic groups, informants observed a southward shift in species distribution. Local perceptions suggest a general decline in woody vegetation. Thus, the alleged (re)greening in the Sahel might not have reversed the degradation of woody species in the area. Data derived from local ecological knowledge were consistent with that of many ecological studies, suggesting the reliability of people's knowledge for obtaining ecological data. Information from this study can be used as baseline for conservation of species identified as threatened. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurements of the persistent singlet state of N2O in blood and other solvents—Potential as a magnetic tracer
Authors: Ghosh R. K. , Kadlecek S. J. , Ardenkjaer‐Larsen J. H. , Pullinger B. M. , Pileio G. , Levitt M. H. , Kuzma N. N. , Rizi R. R. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe development of hyperpolarized tracers has been limited by short nuclear polarization lifetimes. The dominant relaxation mechanism for many hyperpolarized agents in solution arises from intramolecular nuclear dipole–dipole coupling modulated by molecular motion. It has been previously demonstrated that nuclear spin relaxation due to this mechanism can be removed by storing the nuclear polarization in long‐lived, singlet‐like states. In the case of N2O, storing the polarization of the nitrogen nuclei has been shown to substantially increase the polarization lifetime. The feasibility of utilizing N2O as a tracer is investigated by measuring the singlet‐state lifetime of the N2O when dissolved in a variety of solvents including whole blood. Comparison of the singlet lifetime to longitudinal relaxation and between protonated and deuterated solvents is consistent with the dominance of spin‐rotation relaxation, except in the case of blood. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel method to measure the shear strength of exfoliated montmorillonite/polymer nanocomposite films
Authors: Lin Keng‐Jen , Hsueh Chun‐Hway , Lin King‐Fu 
Published: September 2011

AbstractShear fracture of exfoliated montmorillonite/poly(methyl acrylate‐co‐methyl methacrylate) (MMT/P(MA‐co‐MMA)) nanocomposite films fabricated via soap‐free emulsion polymerization was studied using a unique test fixture that is capable of controlling the inclined angle between the loading axis and the shear fracture plane. It was found that fracture of the films depended on both shear and normal stresses and could be described by the Mohr–Coulomb criterion. The effects of MMT content on the intrinsic shear strength (i.e. the shear strength at zero normal stress) τs were also examined. The obtained τs increased from 1.66 to 2.78 MPa as 1 wt% MMT was incorporated into P(MA‐co‐MMA) and then increased almost linearly to 5.32 MPa when the content of MMT increased to 15 wt%. Also, the fracture‐surface morphology of the composite film depended on both the MMT content and the inclined angle (and hence the normal‐to‐shear stress ratio). For low MMT contents and low normal‐to‐shear stress ratios, striations normal to the shear direction appeared on the fracture surface. As the MMT content or the stress ratio increased, the fracture surface became rough accompanied by the presence of interfacial micro‐cracking between MMT nanoplatelets and the matrix. With further increase in MMT content and high stress ratio, the MMT nanoplatelets were compressed into large flakes on the fracture surface. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
SARS‐CoV heptad repeat 2 is a trimer of parallel helices
Authors: Celigoy Jessica , Ramirez Benjamin , Caffrey Michael 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, the envelope heptad repeat 2 (HR2) plays a critical role in viral entry. Moreover, HR2 is both the target for novel antiviral therapies and, as an isolated peptide, presents a potential antiviral therapeutic. The structure of HR2, as determined by NMR spectroscopy in the presence of the co‐solvent trifluoroethanol (TFE), is a trimer of parallel helices, whereas the structure of HR2, as determined by X‐ray crystallography, is a tetramer of anti‐parallel helices. In this work, we added a nitroxide spin label to the N‐terminal region of HR2 and used paramagnetic relaxation enhancement to assess the orientation of the HR2 helices under different solution conditions. We find that the relaxation effects are consistent with an orientation corresponding to a trimer of parallel helices in both the presence and absence of TFE. This work suggests that the different orientation and oligomerization states observed by NMR and X‐ray are due to the 11 additional residues present at the N‐terminus of the NMR construct.
Microstructual Evolution of a Nb‐Microalloyed Advanced High Strength Steel Treated by Quenching‐Partitioning‐Tempering Process
Authors: Zhong N. , Wang Y. , Zhang K. , Rong Y. H. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe recently developed “quenching and partitioning” heat treatment and “quenching‐partitioning‐tempering” heat treatment are novel processing technologies, which are designed for achieving advanced high strength steels (AHSS) with combination of high strength and adequate ductility. Containing adequate amount of austenite phase is an important characteristic of the above steel, and the partitioning treatment is a key step in Q&P or Q‐P‐T process during which the austenite phase is enriched with carbon and achieves thermal stability. However, the microstructural evolution of the steel during the partitioning process is rather complicated. In present study, evolution of complex microstructure in a low carbon steel containing Nb during the Q‐P‐T process has been studied in detail. The microstructural evolution of the steel was investigated in terms of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The experimental results show that the Nb‐microalloyed steel demonstrates a complex multiphase microstructure which consists of lath martensite with high dislocation density, retained austenite, alloy carbide, transition carbide, and a few twin martensite after the Q‐P‐T process. The experimental results can be helpful for the design of Q‐P‐T heat treatment and for the control of mechanical properties of Q‐P‐T steel.
Necrosis and Angioinvasion Predict Adverse Outcome in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors After Curative Surgical Resection: Results of a Single‐Center Series
Authors: Demir Resit , Pohl Johann , Agaimy Abbas , Peros Georgios , Perrakis Aristoteles , Merkel Susanne , Hohenberger Werner , Klein Peter 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe prediction of outcome in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (P‐NETs) still represents a challenge. Several clinicopathologic parameters have been proposed to predict adverse outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of tumor necrosis and angioinvasion on the outcome after curative R0 resection of P‐NETs.MethodsWe reviewed our institutional experience over the last 30 years. A total of 82 patients with a mean age of 54 years (range 17–83 years) underwent surgical resection of P‐NETs during the period from 1964 to 2006. There were 41 men and 41 women. The patients’ outcomes after R0 surgical treatment were analyzed in relation to the presence or absence of tumor cell necrosis and angioinvasion as judged by histologic methods.ResultsThe overall (n = 82) 5‐year survival was 52.4% (±6.0%). Forty‐eight of the patients underwent a R0 resection successfully. These patients showed a 5‐year survival of 59.04% (±7.8%); the median survival was 101 ± 36 months. Necrosis status was documented on 47 of the R0 resected patients (97.9%). The survival median of patients with tumor cell necrosis was significantly shorter than those without necrosis (41 ± 25 vs. 173 ± 69 months, respectively, P = 0.006). The patients’ mean 5‐year survival was also significantly decreased (28.9 ± 15.0% vs. 68.5.6 ± 8.9%). Angioinvasion status was documented on 43 of the R0 resected patients (90.0%). The median survival of these patients was decreased from 173 ± 51 to 54 ± 18 months when angioinvasion was observed in the histological sections (P = 0.104). The patients’ mean 5‐year survival was also decreased from 69.2 ± 9.3% to 35.9 ± 14.0%.ConclusionsLong‐term survival of patients with P‐NETs is influenced by various pathologic factors. Among our patients, there was not a significant difference in overall survival based on the diameter of the primary tumor or the lymph node status after R0 surgical resection. The presence of necrosis in the TNM and World Health Organization classification for pancreatic endocrine tumor was associated with significant poor overall survival in each classification category. Hence, necrosis represents an independent variable for poor prognosis.
How the integration of traditional birth attendants with formal health systems can increase skilled birth attendance
Authors: Byrne Abbey , Morgan Alison 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundForty years of safe motherhood programming has demonstrated that isolated interventions will not reduce maternal mortality sufficiently to achieve MDG 5. Although skilled birth attendants (SBAs) can intervene to save lives, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) are often preferred by communities. Considering the value of both TBAs and SBAs, it is important to review strategies for maximizing their respective strengths.ObjectivesTo describe mechanisms to integrate TBAs with the health system to increase skilled birth attendance and examine the components of successful integration.MethodA systematic review of interventions linking TBAs and formal health workers, measuring outcomes of skilled birth attendance, referrals, and facility deliveries.ResultsThirty‐three articles met the selection criteria. Mechanisms used for integration included training and supervision of TBAs, collaboration skills for health workers, inclusion of TBAs at health facilities, communication systems, and clear definition of roles. Impact on skilled birth attendance depended on selection of TBAs, community participation, and addressing barriers to access. Successful approaches were context‐specific.ConclusionsThe integration of TBAs with formal health systems increases skilled birth attendance. The greatest impact is seen when TBA integration is combined with complementary actions to overcome context‐specific barriers to contact among SBAs, TBAs, and women.
A variant in the heart-specific fatty acid transport protein 6 is associated with lower fasting and postprandial TAG, blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Auinger Annegret , Helwig Ulf , Pfeuffer Maria , Rubin Diana , Luedde Mark , Rausche Tim , Eddine El Mokhtari Nour , Fölsch Ulrich R. , Schreiber Stefan , Frey Norbert , Schrezenmeir Jürgen 
Published: September 2011

Fatty acid transport protein 6 (FATP6) is primarily expressed in the heart and seems to be involved in cardiac fatty acid uptake. Therefore, we investigated whether a variation in the 5′-untranslated region of the FATP6 gene is associated with features of the metabolic syndrome and signs of myocardial alteration or heart failure. A total of 755 male participants from a Metabolic Intervention Cohort Kiel were genotyped for the FATP6–7T>A polymorphism (rs2526246) and phenotyped for features of the metabolic syndrome. Participants underwent a glucose tolerance test and the postprandial assessment of metabolic variables after a standardised mixed meal. Left ventricular heart function was evaluated in fifty-four participants. Fasting (P = 0·01) and postprandial (P = 0·02) TAG concentrations were significantly lower in AA homozygotes when compared with wild-type carriers. Homozygosity of allele A was associated with significantly lower postprandial insulin concentrations after a glucose load and significantly lower systolic (P = 0·01) and diastolic (P = 0·01) blood pressure values compared with wild-type carriers. Accordingly, left ventricular heart mass was significantly lower in twenty-seven AA homozygotes in comparison with twenty-seven TT homozygotes, matched for BMI (P = 0·04). In conclusion, the effects of the FATP6 polymorphism on TAG are mediated by affluent dietary fat. The FATP6–7T>A polymorphism may protect from traits of the metabolic syndrome and CVD.
Water balance throughout the adult life span in a German population
Authors: Manz Friedrich , Johner Simone A. , Wentz Andreas , Boeing Heiner , Remer Thomas 
Published: September 2011

Mild dehydration, defined as a 1–2 % loss in body mass caused by fluid deficit, is associated with risks of functional impairments and chronic diseases. Whether water requirements change with increasing age remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation is to quantify hydration status and its complex determining factors from young to old adulthood to analyse age-related alterations and to provide a reliable database for the derivation of dietary recommendations. Urine samples collected over a 24 h period and dietary records from 1528 German adults (18–88 years; sub-sample of the first National Food Consumption Survey) were used to calculate water intake (beverages, food and metabolic water) and water excretion parameters (non-renal water losses (NRWL), urine volume, obligatory urine volume) and to estimate hydration status (free-water-reserve) and ‘adequate intake (AI)’. Median total water intake (2483 and 2054 ml/d, for men and women, respectively (P < 0·0001)), decreased with increasing age only in males (P = 0·001). Obligatory urine volume increased in both sexes (P < 0·0001) due to decreased renal concentration capacity. The latter was balanced by a decrease of NRWL (P < 0·05), leaving the free-water-reserve and therefore hydration status almost unchanged. Calculated ‘AI’ of total water was the same for young (18–24 years) and elderly ( ≥ 65 years) adults (2910 and 2265 ml/d, for men and women, respectively). The present study is the first population-based examination showing that total water requirements do not change with age although ageing affects several parameters of water metabolism. Reduced sweat loss with increasing age appears to be primarily responsible for this observation.