bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transglutaminase 2 cross-linking activity is linked to invadopodia formation and cartilage breakdown in arthritis
Authors: Lauzier Annie , Charbonneau Martine , Paquette Marilène , Harper Kelly , Dubois Claire M 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Introduction

The microenvironment surrounding inflamed synovium leads to the activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), which are important contributors to cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritic (RA) joints. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), an enzyme involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) cross-linking and remodeling, is activated by inflammatory signals. This study was undertaken to assess the potential contribution of TG2 to FLS-induced cartilage degradation.

Methods

Transglutaminase (TGase) activity and collagen degradation were assessed with the immunohistochemistry of control, collagen-induced arthritic (CIA) or TG2 knockdown (shRNA)-treated joint tissues. TGase activity in control (C-FLS) and arthritic (A-FLS) rat FLSs was measured by in situ 5-(biotinamido)-pentylamine incorporation. Invadopodia formation and functions were measured in rat FLSs and cells from normal (control; C-FLS) and RA patients (RA-FLS) by in situ ECM degradation. Immunoblotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and p3TP-Lux reporter assays were used to assess transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) production and activation.

Results

TG2 and TGase activity were associated with cartilage degradation in CIA joints. In contrast, TGase activity and cartilage degradation were reduced in joints by TG2 knockdown. A-FLSs displayed higher TGase activity and TG2 expression in ECM than did C-FLSs. TG2 knockdown or TGase inhibition resulted in reduced invadopodia formation in rat and human arthritic FLSs. In contrast, increased invadopodia formation was noted in response to TGase activity induced by TGF-β, dithiothreitol (DTT), or TG2 overexpression. TG2-induced increases in invadopodia formation were blocked by TGF-β neutralization or inhibition of TGF-βR1.

Conclusions

TG2, through its TGase activity, is required for ECM degradation in arthritic FLS and CIA joints. Our findings provide a potential target to prevent cartilage degradation in RA.
Expression of Six1 in luminal breast cancers predicts poor prognosis and promotes increases in tumor initiating cells by activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathways
Authors: Iwanaga Ritsuko , Wang Chu-An , Micalizzi Douglas S , Harrell J Chuck , Jedlicka Paul , Sartorius Carol A , Kabos Peter , Farabaugh Susan M , Bradford Andrew P , Ford Heide L 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Mammary-specific overexpression of Six1 in mice induces tumors that resemble human breast cancer, some having undergone epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and exhibiting stem/progenitor cell features. Six1 overexpression in human breast cancer cells promotes EMT and metastatic dissemination. We hypothesized that Six1 plays a role in the tumor initiating cell (TIC) population specifically in certain subtypes of breast cancer, and that by understanding its mechanism of action, we could potentially develop new means to target TICs.

Methods
We examined gene expression datasets to determine the breast cancer subtypes with Six1 overexpression, and then examined its expression in the CD24low/CD44+ putative TIC population in human luminal breast cancers xenografted through mice and in luminal breast cancer cell lines. Six1 overexpression, or knockdown, was performed in different systems to examine how Six1 levels affect TIC characteristics, using gene expression and flow cytometric analysis, tumorsphere assays, and in vivo TIC assays in immunocompromised and immune-competent mice. We examined the molecular pathways by which Six1 influences TICs using genetic/inhibitor approaches in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we examined the expression of Six1 and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) in human breast cancers.

Results
High levels of Six1 are associated with adverse outcomes in luminal breast cancers, particularly the luminal B subtype. Six1 levels are enriched in the CD24low/CD44+ TIC population in human luminal breast cancers xenografted through mice, and in tumorsphere cultures in MCF7 and T47D luminal breast cancer cells. When overexpressed in MCF7 cells, Six1expands the TIC population through activation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MEK)/ERK signaling. Inhibition of ERK signaling in MCF7-Six1 cells with MEK1/2 inhibitors, U0126 and AZD6244, restores the TIC population of luminal breast cancer cells back to that observed in control cells. Administration of AZD6244 dramatically inhibits tumor formation efficiency and metastasis in cells that express high levels of Six1 ectopically or endogenously. Finally, we demonstrate that Six1 significantly correlates with phosphorylated ERK in human breast cancers.

Conclusions
Six1 plays an important role in the TIC population in luminal breast cancers and induces a TIC phenotype by enhancing both TGF-β and ERK signaling. MEK1/2 kinase inhibitors are potential candidates for targeting TICs in breast tumors.
Pro-adrenomedullin to predict severity and outcome in community-acquired pneumonia [ISRCTN04176397]
Authors: Christ-Crain Mirjam , Morgenthaler Nils G , Stolz Daiana , Müller Christian , Bingisser Roland , Harbarth Stephan , Tamm Michael , Struck Joachim , Bergmann Andreas , Müller Beat 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Pro-adrenomedullin (proADM) is helpful for individual risk assessment and outcome prediction in sepsis. A major cause of sepsis is community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The aim of this study was to investigate the value of proADM levels for severity assessment and outcome prediction in CAP.

Methods
Data from 302 patients admitted to the emergency department with CAP were included in a prospective observational study. Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein levels, leukocyte count, clinical variables and the pneumonia severity index (PSI) were measured. ProADM levels were measured with a new sandwich immunoassay for mid regional ProADM (MR-proADM, Brahms AG, Hennigsdorf/Berlin, Germany).

Results
ProADM levels, in contrast to C-reactive protein and leukocyte count, increased with increasing severity of CAP, classified according to the PSI score (ANOVA, p < 0.001). In patients who died during follow-up, proADM levels on admission were significantly higher compared to levels in survivors (2.1 (1.5 to 3.0) versus 1.0 (0.6 to 1.6) nmol/l, p < 0.001). In a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for survival, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for proADM was 0.76 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71–0.81), which was significantly higher compared to procalcitonin (p = 0.004), C-reactive protein (p < 0.001) and total leukocyte count (p = 0.001) and similar to the AUC of the PSI (0.73, p = 0.54). A clinical model including the PSI and proADM increased the prognostic accuracy to predict failure compared to a model relying on the PSI alone (AUC, 0.77 (0.70 to 0.84), p = 0.03).

Conclusion
ProADM, as a novel biomarker, is a useful tool for the risk stratification of patients with CAP.
Synthesis and Optical Property Analysis of Novel Anisotropic Light Diffusing Film
Authors: Nishizawa Masahiro , Sekiya Kazuo , Kawakami Toru , Uchida Tatsuo 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Radical copolymer films with alternating layer structure showed anisotropic diffusion of transmitting light. The haze value of these diffuser films increased according to the amount of initiator. Excessive initiator conditions caused disorder of the layer structure and the disordered light-guide paths would randomize the directions of transmitted light and consequently would enlarge the haze values of the films.
DFT Study on Hydrogen-Bond-Enhanced Aromaticity/Antiaromaticity of the Rings Involved in the π-Conjugated Hydrogen-Bond System: 3-Hydroxy-2H-benzocyclo(propen and penten)-2-ones and 6-Hydroxy-5H-benzocyclohepten-5-one
Authors: Imashiro Fumio 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
In a C=O···HO hydrogen bond incorporated into a π-conjugation system involving ring structures the hydrogen bond decreases the bond alternation of the system and enhances the aromaticity/antiaromaticity of the involved rings depending on the number of π-electrons, influencing stability of the system and barrier to proton transfer along the hydrogen bond.
Synthesis and Properties of Tris-Fused Tetrathiafulvalene Analogues Possessing [3]Dendralene Moieties
Authors: Kajiwara Yoshihiro , Hino Shojun , Misaki Yohji 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
New tris-fused tetrathiafulvalene analogues, in which the outer two TTF units were replaced by [3]dendralenes with triple 1,3-dithiole rings, were synthesized. A theoretical calculation of the unsubstituted derivative based on density functional theory (DFT) using B3LYP/6-31G(d) method suggested that branching 1,3-dithiole rings were almost perpendicular to the central TTF moiety. Cyclic voltammogram of the octakis(methylthio) derivative exhibited five pairs of redox waves at −0.03, 0.06, 0.37, 0.48, and 1.14 V (V vs. Fc/Fc+, in benzonitrile). The first, the second, and the fifth redox processes corresponded to simultaneous two-electron-transfer processes, while the others corresponded to one-electron transfer. The redox behavior and UV–vis–NIR spectra of the octamethyl derivative suggested that the positive charges in the dication and tetracation states distributed mainly on the outer branching vinylogous TTF moieties. A compressed pellet of the charge-transfer complexes of the octamethyl and octakis(methylthio) derivatives with TCNQF4 exhibited moderate conductivity of σrt = 10−3 S cm−1 and semiconductive behavior with activation energies of 0.10–0.13 eV.
Extended Stability of Sodium Bicarbonate Infusions Prepared in Polyolefin Bags
Authors: Sayre Brian E. , Prettyman Terrence , Kaushal Gagan 
Published: July 2012

Purpose To investigate the stability of 0.1 mEq/mL and 0.15 mEq/mL strengths of extemporaneously compounded sodium bicarbonate preparations. Methods Sterile preparations of sodium bicarbonate of 2 strengths (0.1 mEq/mL and 0.15 mEq/mL) were compounded in accordance with USP <797> standards. To carry out the stability testing, these products were stored under 3 temperature conditions: −20°C, 2°C-8°C, and 23°C-25°C. Under the stability studies, pH, particulate matter, and the active content were monitored for 30 days. Results Sodium bicarbonate infusions are stable for 21 days when stored at −20°C or 2°C −8°C and are stable for 7 days when stored at room temperature (23°C-25°C). These data demonstrate that sodium bicarbonate infusions have extended physical and chemical stability after preparation. Conclusions The stability analysis results show that the observed shelf life was far better than the recommended expiration dates. This will allow the hospitals to give longer dating to sodium bicarbonate preparations, provided they are prepared in a sterile environment and are in compliance with USP <797> guidelines.
Numerical Investigations to Quantify the Effect of Horizontal Membranes on the Performance of a Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Hommel Robert , Cloete Schalk , Amini Shahriar 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Reactive simulations of gas-solid flows occurring in fluidized beds with horizontal membrane insertion were carried out using computational fluid dynamics based on the kinetic theory of granular flows. The effect of altering the membrane arrangement on the overall reactor performance (degree of conversion achieved) was investigated by means of fractional factorial designs. When membranes served only as hydrodynamic modifiers to the flow, it was found that significant improvements could be obtained by optimising the membrane arrangement. A slightly larger improvement could be attained by injecting some of the reacting gas through the membranes. When compared to the improvements that can be attained by simply scaling up the reactor height and especially the reactor width, however, these improvements were of less significance. The use of membranes solely for altering reactor hydrodynamics by serving as obstructions and gas injection points can therefore not be merited. Further optimisation studies into membrane arrangement are therefore only recommended for specific processes in which the membranes play a central role by extracting some of the process gasses.
Kinetics of Nitrate Hydrogenation in Water on Alumina and Niobia Supported Palladium-Copper Catalysts
Authors: Salazar Joyce Barbosa , Ferreira Luciana Souza , Peixoto Fernando Cunha , Maia Monica Pinto , Passos Fabio B. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
The kinetics of nitrate hydrogenation in water over niobia- and alumina-supported Pd-Cu catalysts were examined. A Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model fitted concentration data, providing consistent kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. The kinetic model assumed a bimolecular surface reaction as the rate-determining step, with two types of sites. Pd-Cu/gamma-Al2O3 was active and selective under the reaction conditions. However, Pd-Cu/Nb2O5 deactivated during time on stream, and a deactivation function was added to the kinetic model to best fit the experimental data.
Micro- and Macromechanics of Hopper Discharge of Ultrafine Cohesive Powder
Authors: Tomas Jürgen , Kache Guido 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Typical flow problems, like arching or bridging, of ultrafine cohesive powders are caused by undesired particle adhesion, poor flowability and large compressibility and intensified by poor permeability. Thus, the physical understanding of micromechanics of ultrafine particle flow and permeation is very essential to design properly the product quality and to improve the process performance in particle technology.A force balance at a homogenously assumed, dynamic bridge is formulated at the hopper outlet that includes the dead weight, inertia, wall and drag forces. The permeation resistance is calculated as sum of a microscopic flow-around resistance of single particles plus the macroscopic bed resistance of the moving cohesive powder bridge. The resulting differential equation is shown for turbulent flow-through conditions of air. The first integration gives analytical discharge velocity-time function, steady-state discharge velocity and the characteristic discharge time of incipient (accelerated) flow. The second integration results in analytical height-time and velocity-height functions, discharge and residence times. This method results in physically consistent, analytical models that are comfortable to handle and easy to prove. The steady-state discharge velocity is compared with measurements of full-scale silos at Coperion and Zeppelin companies.
This publication describes the results of a closed collaboration between university and industry. The practical objective of the project was to solve the serious discharge problems of ultrafine, compressible, hardly permeable, cohesive powders by applying mechanical vibrations during their gravitational flow.
Wafer-scale micro-optics fabrication
Authors: Voelkel Reinhard 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Micro-optics is an indispensable key enabling technology for many products and applications today. Probably the most prestigious examples are the diffractive light shaping elements used in high-end DUV lithography steppers. Highly-efficient refractive and diffractive micro-optical elements are used for precise beam and pupil shaping. Micro-optics had a major impact on the reduction of aberrations and diffraction effects in projection lithography, allowing a resolution enhancement from 250 nm to 45 nm within the past decade. Micro-optics also plays a decisive role in medical devices (endoscopes, ophthalmology), in all laser-based devices and fiber communication networks, bringing high-speed internet to our homes. Even our modern smart phones contain a variety of micro-optical elements. For example, LED flash light shaping elements, the secondary camera, ambient light and proximity sensors. Wherever light is involved, micro-optics offers the chance to further miniaturize a device, to improve its performance, or to reduce manufacturing and packaging costs. Wafer-scale micro-optics fabrication is based on technology established by the semiconductor industry. Thousands of components are fabricated in parallel on a wafer. This review paper recapitulates major steps and inventions in wafer-scale micro-optics technology. The state-of-the-art of fabrication, testing and packaging technology is summarized.
Laplace-distributed increments, the Laplace prior, and edge-preserving regularization
Authors: Bardsley Johnathan M. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract.
For a given two-dimensional image, we define the horizontal and vertical increments at a pixel location to be the difference between the intensity values at that pixel and at the neighboring pixels to the right and above, respectively. For a typical image, it makes intuitive sense that the increments will usually be near zero, corresponding to areas of smooth variation in image intensity, but will often have large magnitude, corresponding to edges where sharp intensity changes occur. In this paper, we explore the use of the Laplace increment model, in which the increments are assumed to be independent and identically distributed Laplace random variables – a distribution with heavy tails allowing for large increment values – with zero mean. The prior constructed from the Laplace increment model is very similar to the total variation (TV) prior. We perform a theoretical analysis of its properties, which shows that the Laplace prior yields a regularization scheme with regularized solutions contained in the space of bounded variation, just as for the TV prior. Moreover, numerical experiments indicate that the Laplace prior yields reconstructions that are qualitatively very similar to those obtained using TV.
On inverse problems in partially ordered spaces with a priori information
Authors: Korolev Yury M. , Yagola Anatoly G. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract.
We consider ill-posed inverse problems for linear operator equations in Banach lattices with a priori information that the exact solution belongs to a compact set. We provide an error estimate for an approximate solution to the ill-posed problem. We also show the existence of a supremum and infimum of the set of approximate solutions and their convergence to the exact solution. After finite-dimensional approximation the problem of computation of the bounds is reduced to a linear programming problem.
Computerized Tomographic Morphometric Analysis of the Cervical Spine
Authors: Evangelopoulos DS , Kontovazenitis P , Kouris S , Zlatidou X , Benneker LM , Vlamis JA , Korres DS , Efstathopoulos N 
Published: July 2012

Background:
Detailed knowledge of cervical canal and transverse foramens’ morphometry is critical for understanding the pathology of certain diseases and for proper preoperative planning. Lateral x-rays do not provide the necessary accuracy. A retrospective morphometric study of the cervical canal was performed at the authors’ institution to measure mean dimensions of sagittal canal diameter (SCD), right and left transverse foramens’ sagittal (SFD) and transverse (TFD) diameters and minimum distance between spinal canal and transverse foramens (dSC-TF) for each level of the cervical spine from C1-C7, using computerized tomographic scans, in 100 patients from the archives of the Emergency Room.

Results:
Significant differences for SCD were detected between C1 and the other levels of the cervical spine for both male and female patients. For the transverse foramen, significant differences in sagittal diameters were detected at C3, C4, C5 levels. For transverse diameters, significant differences at C3 and C4 levels. A significant difference of the distance between the transverse spinal foramen and the cervical canal was measured between left and right side at the level of C3. This difference was equally observed to male and female subjects.

Conclusion:
CT scan can replace older conventional radiography techniques by providing more accurate measurements on anatomical elements of the cervical spine that could facilitate diagnosis and preoperative planning, thus avoiding possible trauma to the vertebral arteries during tissue dissection and instrument application.
Sonication of Intramedullary Nails: Clinically-Related Infection and Contamination
Authors: Esteban J , Sandoval E , Cordero-Ampuero J , Molina-Manso D , Ortiz-Pérez A , Fernández-Roblas R , Gómez-Barrena E 
Published: July 2012

Background and Aim:
Sonication is currently considered the best procedure for microbiological diagnosis of implant-related osteoarticular infection, but studies in nail-related infections are lacking. The study aim was to evaluate
implant sonication after intramedullary nail explantation, and relate it to microbiological cultures and clinical outcome.

Patients and Methods:
A study was performed in two University Hospitals from the same city. Thirty-one patients with implanted nails were prospectively included, whether with clinical infection (8 cases) or without (23 cases). Retrieved nails underwent sonication according a previously published protocol. The clinical and microbiological outcome patient
was related to the presence of microorganisms in the retrieved implant.

Results:
Positive results appeared in 15/31 patients (9 with polymicrobial infections) almost doubling those clinically infected cases. The most commonly isolated organisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis (19.2 %) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.4 %). A significant relationship was found between the presence of positive cultures and previous local superficial infection (p=0.019). The presence of usual pathogens was significantly related to clinical infection (p=0.005) or local superficial infection (p=0.032). All patients with positive cultures showed pain diminution or absence of pain after nail removal (15/15), but this only occurred in 8 (out of 16) patients with negative cultures.

Conclusions:
In patients with previously diagnosed infection or local superficial infection, study of the hardware is mandatory. In cases where pain or patient discomfort is observed, nail sonication can help diagnose the implant colonization with potential pathogens that might require specific treatment to improve the final outcome.