bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deletion of β-adrenergic receptor 1, 2, or both leads to different bone phenotypes and response to mechanical stimulation
Authors: Pierroz Dominique D , Bonnet Nicolas , Bianchi Estelle N , Bouxsein Mary L , Baldock Paul A , Rizzoli René , Ferrari Serge L 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
As they age, mice deficient for the β2-adrenergic receptor (Adrb2−/−) maintain greater trabecular bone microarchitecture, as a result of lower bone resorption and increased bone formation. The role of β1-adrenergic receptor signaling and its interaction with β2-adrenergic receptor on bone mass regulation, however, remains poorly understood. We first investigated the skeletal response to mechanical stimulation in mice deficient for β1-adrenergic receptors and/or β2-adrenergic receptors. Upon axial compression loading of the tibia, bone density, cancellous and cortical microarchitecture, as well as histomorphometric bone forming indices, were increased in both Adrb2−/− and wild-type (WT) mice, but not in Adrb1−/− nor in Adrb1b2−/− mice. Moreover, in the unstimulated femur and vertebra, bone mass and microarchitecture were increased in Adrb2−/− mice, whereas in Adrb1−/− and Adrb1b2−/− double knockout mice, femur bone mineral density (BMD), cancellous bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), cortical size, and cortical thickness were lower compared to WT. Bone histomorphometry and biochemical markers showed markedly decreased bone formation in Adrb1b2−/− mice during growth, which paralleled a significant decline in circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF–binding protein 3 (IGF-BP3). Finally, administration of the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol increased bone resorption and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and decreased bone mass and microarchitecture in WT but not in Adrb1b2−/− mice. Altogether, these results demonstrate that β1- and β2-adrenergic signaling exert opposite effects on bone, with β1 exerting a predominant anabolic stimulus in response to mechanical stimulation and during growth, whereas β2-adrenergic receptor signaling mainly regulates bone resorption during aging. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Separation of L‐aspartic acid and L‐glutamic acid mixtures for use in the production of bio‐based chemicals
Authors: Teng Yinglai , Scott Elinor L. , Sanders Johan P. M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Amino acids are promising feedstocks for the chemical industry due to their chemical functionality. They can be obtained by the hydrolysis of potentially inexpensive protein streams such as the byproduct of biofuel production. However, individual amino acids are required before they can be used for the further production of chemicals. Here, the separation of L‐aspartic acid (Asp) and L‐glutamic acid (Glu) mixture, which can be isolated from protein hydrolysis solutions at low pH or from electrodialysis of complex amino acid mixtures, was studied.RESULTS: Glu was converted into L‐pyroglutamic acid (pGlu) which can be separated from the mixture of Asp and Glu due to its higher solubility in water. The conversion was carried out under aqueous or melt conditions. Under aqueous conditions, the conversion was studied as a factor of time, temperature and the amount of Glu. The conversion was specific with high yield and not effected by Asp. After pGlu was separated from Asp and residual Glu by solubility difference, it can be transferred back to Glu through hydrolysis.CONCLUSION: The conversion of Glu to pGlu is specific and can be applied to separation Asp and Glu for their use in the production of bio‐based chemicals. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Combustion synthesis of PbO from lead carboxylate precursors relevant to developing a new method for recovering components from spent lead–acid batteries
Authors: Yang Jiakuan , Kumar Ramachandran Vasant , Singh Deepak P. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: In the conventional recycling process, lead battery pastes are recovered as metallic lead by using an energy intensive decomposition and reduction process. Decomposition of PbSO4 requires the use of relatively high temperature and causes environmental pollution, i.e. emission of SO2 and lead particulates. A new process for treating the pastes at low temperature has been developed.RESULTS: Three major lead compounds are individually reacted with an aqueous solution of citric acid in order to leach and to crystallize lead citrate precursors, which are then subjected to calcination at relatively low temperatures to recover the lead directly as PbO the most common active material for preparing pastes for a new battery. Characterization of the citrate precursors have been carried out using DSC, XRD, and SEM. The combustion products were characterized by XRD and SEM.CONCLUSION: Lead(II) oxides along with a small amount of lead metal are the combustion products, which can be produced at a relatively low temperature of 350 °C. Resulting morphologies show that combustion products are in the 100–200 nm size range, providing high‐surface‐area PbO for making new battery paste materials. The work is aimed to develop a sustainable process for recovering lead from spent lead battery paste. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Electron microscopic observations on the alterations of tegumental surface of Raillietina echinobothrida treated with root‐peel extract of Potentilla fulgens
Authors: Roy Bishnupada , Dasgupta Shyamashree , Giri Bikash Ranjan 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPotentilla fulgens, a member of the family Rosaceae, has been known since ancient times in Northeast India for its antiparasitic, antitumour and antidiabetic properties. The crude ethanolic extract of the plant was assayed against Raillietina echinobothrida, the intestinal cestode parasite of domestic fowl to authenticate the putative anthelmintic efficacy and cestocidal potential in particular of the plant. Treatment of the worm in‐vitro with 25, 50 and 100 mg of crude extract per ml of phosphate buffered saline caused paralysis leading to death taking 4.02–4.20, 3.05–3.75 and 2.05–2.83 h respectively. Scanning electron microscopic observations on treated worms revealed deformation of surface architecture, particularly in scolex and surface microtriches. Severe distortion and disorganization of the tegumental and subtegumental layer along with cytoplasmic organelle was also observed under transmission electron microscope. The possible use of the plant as a potential anthelmintic against cestode parasite is discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strategies for prevention of Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Dubberke Erik 
Published: March 2012

AbstractInfection control is the most essential component of an effective overall management strategy for prevention of nosocomial Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The cornerstones of CDI prevention are appropriate contact precautions and strict hand hygiene. Other important tactics are effective environmental cleaning, identification and removal of environmental sources of C. difficile, and antibiotic stewardship. Hospitalists, as coordinators of care for each patient and advocates for quality care, can spearhead these efforts. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;7:S14–S17. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Current strategies for management of initial Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Kelly Ciarán P. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn the past decade, an epidemic strain of Clostridium difficile has led to increased incidence and severity of nosocomial C. difficile infections (CDI). Responsiveness to standard antimicrobial care for this strain is declining, and the morbidity and mortality of CDI and recurrent CDI are rising. Effective management requires a coordinated effort among all members of the healthcare team to facilitate early identification of patients at risk for CDI, early recognition of disease onset and confirmatory testing, prompt initiation of the most appropriate management approach, and ongoing monitoring throughout the continuum of care. Hospitalists, as coordinators of patient care, are in an ideal position to ensure that patients receive prompt and optimal treatment based on current clinical evidence and severity of the disease. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;7:S5–S10 © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Meeting the challenge of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Johnson Stuart 
Published: March 2012

AbstractRecurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a growing problem that poses significant management challenges. There is no strong evidence to support a particular treatment strategy for recurrent CDI, especially those with multiple recurrences. However, a key strategy for reducing recurrent CDI is prompt diagnosis and treatment, facilitated by early recognition of patients at risk for recurrence. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;7:S11–S13. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Glenoid cartilage mechanical properties decrease after rotator cuff tears in a rat model
Authors: Reuther Katherine E. , Sarver Joseph J. , Schultz Susan M. , Lee Chang Soo , Sehgal Chandra M. , Glaser David L. , Soslowsky Louis J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractRotator cuff repairs are commonly performed to reduce pain and restore function. Tears are also treated successfully without surgical intervention; however, the effect that a torn tendon has on the glenohumeral cartilage remains unknown. Clinically, a correlation between massive rotator cuff tears and glenohumeral arthritis has often been observed. This may be due to a disruption in the balance of forces at the shoulder, resulting in migration of the humeral head and subsequently, abnormal loading of the glenoid. Our lab previously demonstrated changes in ambulation and intact tendon mechanical properties following supraspinatus and infraspinatus rotator cuff tendon tears in a rat model. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of supraspinatus and infraspinatus rotator cuff tears on the glenoid cartilage. Nine rats underwent unilateral detachment of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons and were sacrificed after 4 weeks. Cartilage thickness significantly decreased in the antero‐inferior region of injured shoulders. In addition, equilibrium elastic modulus significantly decreased in the center, antero‐superior, antero‐inferior, and superior regions. These results suggest that altered loading after rotator cuff injury may lead to damage to the joint with significant pain and dysfunction. Clinically, understanding the mechanical processes involved with joint damage will allow physicians to better advise patients. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1435–1439, 2012
Furanocoumarins in celeriac from different farming systems: a 3‐year study
Authors: Schulzová Věra , Babička Luboš , Hajšlová Jana 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The aim of this 3‐year study was to investigate the effect of different celeriac cultivation strategies on the content of naturally occurring toxicants furanocoumarins, represented by psoralen, bergapten, xanthotoxin and isopimpinellin. The products from organic farming in which anaerobically fermented pig slurry was used were compared against those obtained from other treatment systems: mineral, combined and non‐fertilised.RESULTS: The average levels of furanocoumarins for all 3 years (determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) in varieties Albin and Kompakt were 2.6 mg kg−1 and 10.2 mg kg−1, respectively. In all crop years higher levels were found in variety Kompakt. By using linear discriminant analysis it was possible to separate the whole data set according to variety from 85.7%, in individual crop years the recognition ability was more than 90%. According to the crop year, it was possible to separate tested samples from 70.8%, for individual variety the separation was 100%.CONCLUSIONS: The method of fertilisation did not have a significant effect on the levels of plant secondary metabolites, furanocoumarins. The climatic conditions, in particular the growing periods and the celeriac variety, had an important role in the occurrence of furanocoumarins. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Organic food quality: a framework for concept, definition and evaluation from the European perspective
Authors: Kahl Johannes , Baars Ton , Bügel Susanne , Busscher Nicolaas , Huber Machteld , Kusche Daniel , Rembiałkowska Ewa , Schmid Otto , Seidel Kathrin , Taupier‐Letage Bruno , Velimirov Alberta , Załȩcka Aneta 
Published: March 2012

AbstractConsumers buy organic food because they believe in the high quality of the product. Furthermore, the EU legal regulatory framework for organic food and farming defines high quality of the products as an important goal of production. A major challenge is the need to define food quality concepts and methods for determination. A background is described which allows embedding of the quality definitions as well as evaluation methods into a conceptual framework connected to the vision and mission of organic agriculture and food production. Organic food quality is defined through specific aspects and criteria. For evaluation each criterion has to be described by indicators. The determination of indicators should be through parameters, where parameters are described by methods. Conversely, the conceptual framework is described according to underlying principles and starting definitions are given, but further work has do be done on the detailed scientific description of the indicators. Furthermore, parameters have to be defined for the evaluation of suitability of these indicators for organic food production. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Pyrolysis and mass spectrometry studies of meteoritic organic matter
Authors: Sephton M.A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMeteorites are fragments of extraterrestrial materials that fall to the Earth's surface. The carbon‐rich meteorites are derived from ancient asteroids that have remained relatively unprocessed since the formation of the Solar System 4.56 billion years ago. They contain a variety of extraterrestrial organic molecules that are a record of chemical evolution in the early Solar System and subsequent aqueous and thermal processes on their parent bodies. The major organic component (>70%) is a macromolecular material that resists straightforward solvent extraction. In response to its intractable nature, the most common means of investigating this exotic material involves a combination of thermal decomposition (pyrolysis) and mass spectrometry. Recently the approach has also been used to explore controversial claims of organic matter in meteorites from Mars. This review summarizes the pyrolysis data obtained from meteorites and outlines key interpretations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 31:560–569, 2012
Corneal confocal microscopy detects small‐fiber neuropathy in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A patients
Authors: Tavakoli Mitra , Marshall Andy , Banka Siddharth , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Fadavi Hassan , Kingston Helen , Malik Rayaz A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIntroduction: Although unmyelinated nerve fibers are affected in Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 1A (CMT1A) disease, they have not been studied in detail due to the invasive nature of the techniques needed to study them. We established alterations in C‐fiber bundles of the cornea in patients with CMT1A using non‐invasive corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). Methods: Twelve patients with CMT1A and 12 healthy control subjects underwent assessment of neuropathic symptoms and deficits, electrophysiology, quantitative sensory testing, corneal sensitivity, and corneal confocal microscopy. Results: Corneal sensitivity, corneal nerve fiber density, corneal nerve branch density, corneal nerve fiber length, and corneal nerve fiber tortuosity were significantly reduced in CMT1A patients compared with controls. There was a significant correlation between corneal sensation and CCM parameters with the severity of painful neuropathic symptoms, cold and warm thresholds, and median nerve CMAP amplitude. Conclusions: CCM demonstrates significant damage to C‐fiber bundles, which relates to some measures of neuropathy in CMT1A patients. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Parameter multi‐domain ‘hp’ empirical interpolation
Authors: Eftang Jens L. , Stamm Benjamin 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYIn this paper, we introduce two parameter multi‐domain ‘ hp’ techniques for the empirical interpolation method (EIM). In both approaches, we construct a partition of the original parameter domain into parameter subdomains: h‐refinement. We apply the standard EIM independently within each subdomain to yield local (in parameter) approximation spaces: p‐refinement. Further, for a particularly simple case, we introduce a priori convergence theory for the partition procedure. We show through two numerical examples that our approaches provide significant reduction in the EIM approximation space dimension and thus significantly reduce the computational cost associated with EIM approximations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aromatase inhibitor treatment of breast cancer cells increases the expression of let‐7f, a microRNA targeting CYP19A1
Authors: Shibahara Yukiko , Miki Yasuhiro , Onodera Yoshiaki , Hata Shuko , Chan Monica SM , Yiu Christopher CP , Loo Tjing Y , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Akahira Jun‐ichi , Ishida Takanori , Abe Keiko , Hirakawa Hisashi , Chow Louis WC , Suzuki Takashi , Ouchi Noriaki , Sasano Hironobu 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAromatase inhibitors (AIs) are considered the gold standard of endocrine therapy for oestrogen receptor‐positive postmenopausal breast cancer patients. AI treatment was reported to result in marked alterations of genetic profiles in cancer tissues but its detailed molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. Therefore, we profiled miRNA expression before and after treatment with letrozole in MCF‐7 co‐cultured with primary breast cancer stromal cells. Letrozole significantly altered the expression profiles of cancer miRNAs in vitro. Among the elevated miRNAs following letrozole treatment, computational analysis identified let‐7f, a tumour‐suppressor miRNA which targeted the aromatase gene (CYP19A1) expression. Quantitative real‐time PCR assay using MCF‐7 and SK‐BR‐3 cells as well as clinical specimens of a neoadjuvant study demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between aromatase mRNA and let‐7f expression. In addition, high let‐7f expression was significantly correlated with low aromatase protein levels evaluated by both immunohistochemistry and the western blotting method in breast cancer cases. Results of 3'UTR luciferase assay also demonstrated the actual let‐7f binding sites in CYP19A1, indicating that let‐7f directly targets the aromatase gene. Subsequent WST‐8 and migration assays performed in let‐7f‐transfected MCF‐7 and SK‐BR‐3 cells revealed a significant decrement of their proliferation and migration. These findings all demonstrated that let‐7f, a tumour suppressor miRNA in breast cancer, directly targeted the aromatase gene and was restored by AI treatment. Therefore, AIs may exert tumour‐suppressing effects upon breast cancer cells by suppressing aromatase gene expression via restoration of let‐7f. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of High‐speed Countercurrent Chromatography–Evaporative Light Scattering Detection for the Separation of Seven Steroidal Saponins from Dioscorea villosa
Authors: Yoon Kee Dong , Chin Young‐Won , Yang Min Hye , Choi Janggyoo , Kim Jinwoong 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTIntroductionSteroidal saponins in Dioscorea species are chemically characterised as spirostanol and furostanol saponins, and have been used as standard marker compounds due to their chemotaxonomical significance and their important biological activities.ObjectiveTo design a simple, rapid and efficient method for the separation of steroidal saponins with a high degree of purity using high‐speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD).MethodologyIn the first step, reversed‐phase mode HSCCC (flow rate: 1.5 mL/min; revolution speed: 800 rpm) using n‐hexane:n‐butanol:water [3:7:10 (v/v/v)] was employed to separate furostanol saponins from n‐butanol soluble extracts of Dioscorea villosa. After the first HSCCC run, spirostanol saponins retained in the stationary phase were subjected to the second HSCCC (normal‐phase mode; flow rate: 2.0 mL/min; revolution speed: 800 rpm). A two‐phase solvent system composed of chloroform:methanol:isopropanol:water [10:6:1:4 (v/v/v/v)] was employed in the second HSCCC. The structures of isolates were elucidated by 1H‐NMR, 13 C‐NMR, ESI‐MS and HPLC analysis.ResultsThree furostanol saponins, parvifloside (27.3 mg), methyl protodeltonin (67.1 mg) and trigofoenoside A‐1 (18.5 mg) were isolated from the n‐butanol soluble extract of D. villosa by the first HSCCC run. Subsquent normal‐phase HSCCC of the spirostanol‐rich extract led to the separation of four spirostanol saponins: zingiberensis saponin I (15.2 mg), deltonin (31.5 mg), dioscin (7.7 mg) and prosapogenin A of dioscin (3.4 mg). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid stereocomplex formation of polylactide using supercritical fluid technology
Authors: Purnama Purba , Hyun Kim Soo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIt is generally believed that stereocomplex polylactide is a prospect for rigorous application in the future due to enhancement of the physical properties of its homopolymers. There have been many studies about the formation and characterization of this stereocomplex. However, we are the first to report that supercritical fluid technology can yield a high‐degree stereocomplex polylactide (ca 98%) in a relatively short time (1 min). “This method generated a dry product and feasible for polylactide with weight‐average molecular weight (Mw) up to 70 000–160 000 g mol−1 or higher by modifying the material feed of the homopolymer.” The “feasible” term is used to explained that our system is suitable for stereocomplexation of the polylactide material with molecular weight 70 000–160 000 or above. We also discovered that modification of the material feed did not affect the properties of the stereocomplex polylactide generated. The process and outcome of this research indicate that supercritical fluid technology is suitable for a continuous stereocomplex polylactide formation process. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of multi‐walled carbon nanotube/aluminium nitride/polyetherimide nanocomposites
Authors: Wu Sheng‐Yen , Huang Yuan‐Li , Ma Chen‐Chi M , Yuen Siu‐Ming , Teng Chih‐Chun , Yang Shin‐Yi , Twu Chorng H. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA series of polyimide‐based nanocomposites containing polyimide‐grafted multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (PI‐g MWCNTs) and silane‐modified ceramic (aluminium nitride (AlN)) were prepared. The mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of hybrid PI‐g MWCNT/AlN/polyetherimide nanocomposites were investigated. After polyimide grafting modification, the PI‐g MWCNTs showed good dispersion and wettability in the polyetherimide matrix and imparted excellent mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. The utilization of the hybrid filler was found to be effective in increasing the thermal conductivity of the composites due to the enhanced connectivity due to the high‐aspect‐ratio MWCNT filler. The use of spherical AlN filler and PI‐g MWCNT filler resulted in composite materials with enhanced thermal conductivity and low coefficient of thermal expansion. Results indicated that the hybrid PI‐g MWCNT and AlN fillers incorporated into the polyetherimide matrix enhanced significantly the thermal stability, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the matrix. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry