bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemokine CXCL12 and its receptors in the developing central nervous system: Emerging themes and future perspectives
Authors: Zhu Yan , Murakami Fujio 
Published: June 2012

AbstractHomeostatic chemokine CXCL12 (also known as SDF‐1) and its receptor CXCR4 are indispensable for the normal development of the nervous system. This chemokine system plays a plethora of functions in numerous neural developmental processes, from which the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are beginning to be unravelled. Recent identification of CXCR7 as a second receptor for CXCL12 provides opportunities to gain deeper insights into how CXCL12 operates in the nervous system. Here, we review the diverse roles of CXCL12 in the developing central nervous system, summarize the recent progress in uncovering CXCR7 functions, and discuss the emerging common themes from these works and future perspectives. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2012
A Combined Experimental and Computational Study of the Magnetic Superexchange within a Triangular (μ3‐O)‐Pyrazolato‐FeIII3 Complex
Authors: Sameera W. M. C. , Piñero Dalice M. , Herchel Radovan , Sanakis Yiannis , McGrady John E. , Raptis Raphael G. , Zueva Ekaterina M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe triangular complex [FeIII3(μ3‐O)(μ‐4‐O2N‐C3H2N2)6Br3]2– has been characterized and studied by magnetic susceptibility measurements, 57Fe Mössbauer and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic methods. A combination of experimental and computational results has allowed the differentiation between two sets of acceptable isotropic exchange constants. The magnetic exchange within this complex has been modelled by a spin Hamiltonian involving antiferromagnetic exchange constants of average value Jav = –81.4 cm–1 and an antisymmetric exchange |dz| = 1.40 cm–1.
Adding Rubidium and Cesium to the Homologous Series of Alkali Metal Compounds of (Trimethylsilyl)methanides and 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidides (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 18/2012)
Authors: Clegg William , Kennedy Alan R. , Klett Jan , Mulvey Robert E. , Russo Luca 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe cover picture shows anions obtanied by deprotonation of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine with (trimethylsilyl)methane. These chameleon‐like anions can adapt to different environments when confronted by different metal cations. In this way, it is possible for these versatile and popular lizard‐like ligands to spread themselves over the complete homologous series of the alkali metals. Details are discussed in the article by J. Klett et al. on p. 2989 ff. magnified image
Less Expert Workers and Customer Complaints: Automotive Case Study
Authors: Mateo Ricardo , Tanco Martín , Santos Javier 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMany researchers consider absenteeism to be a significant problem for employers. Absenteeism lowers the overall level of worker expertise, which may affect product quality and trigger an increase in customer complaints. This research was carried out in a prominent automobile manufacturing company, with an assembly line–driven rigid production process. This article gathered customer quality complaints registered during the 17 months after cars were delivered to customers, from one year of car production, to analyze how employee absenteeism affects customer quality complaints. The empirical evidence presented by this research in the automotive industry confirms that absenteeism does not lead, necessarily, to a decrease in quality. This evidence must make organization redefine the value of their expert workers. Moreover, these results could have an impact on assembly‐line design and the use of worker job‐rotation programs for technologically sophisticated assembly lines. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Machining of a bioactive nanocomposite orthopedic fixation device
Authors: Sparnell Amie , Aniket  , El‐Ghannam Ahmed 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBioactive ceramics bond to bone and enhance bone formation. However, they have poor mechanical properties which restrict their machinability as well as their application as load bearing implants. The goal of this study was to machine bioactive fixation screws using a silica‐calcium phosphate nanocomposite (SCPC50). The effect of compact pressure, holding time, and thermal treatment on the microstructure, machinability, and mechanical properties of SCPC50 cylinders were investigated. Samples prepared by powder metallurgy technique at compact pressure range of 100–300 MPa and treated at 900°C/1 h scored a poor machinability rating of (1/5) due to the significant formation of amorphous silicate phase at the grain boundaries. On the other hand, lowering of compact pressure and sintering temperature to 30 MPa/3 h and 700°C/2 h, respectively, minimized the formation of the amorphous phase and raised the machinability rating to (5/5). The modulus of elasticity and ultimate strength of machinable SCPC50 were 10.8 ± 2.0 GPa and 72.8 ± 22.8 MPa, respectively, which are comparable to the corresponding values for adult human cortical bone. qRT‐PCR analyses showed that bone cells attached to SCPC50 significantly upregulated osteocalcin mRNA expression as compared to the cells on Ti‐6Al‐4V. Moreover, cells attached to SCPC50 produced mineralized bone‐like tissue within 8 days. On the other hand, cells attached to Ti‐6Al‐4V failed to produce bone mineral under the same experimental conditions. Results of the study suggest that machinable SCPC50 has the potential to serve as an attractive new material for orthopedic fixation devices. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 1545–1555, 2012.
Antimicrobial electrospun nanofibers of cellulose acetate and polyester urethane composite for wound dressing
Authors: Liu Xin , Lin Tong , Gao Yuan , Xu Zhiguang , Huang Chen , Yao Gang , Jiang Linlin , Tang Yanwei , Wang Xungai 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn this study, a series of nanofibrous membranes were prepared from cellulose acetate (CA) and polyester urethane (PEU) using coelectrospinning or blend‐electrospinning. The drug release, in vitro antimicrobial activity and in vivo wound healing performance of the nanofiber membranes were evaluated for use as wound dressings. To prevent common clinical infections, an antimicrobial agent, polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) was incorporated into the electrospun fibers. The presence of CA in the nanofiber membrane improved its hydrophilicity and permeability to air and moisture. CA fibers became slightly swollen upon contacting with liquid phase. CA not only increased the liquid uptake but also created a moist environment for the wound, which accelerated wound recovery. PHMB release dynamics of the membranes was controlled by the structure and component ratios of the membranes. The lower ratio of CA: PEU helped to preserve the physical and thermal properties of the membranes, and also reduced the burst release effectively and slowed down diffusion of PHMB during in vitro tests. The controlled‐diffusion membranes exerted long‐term antimicrobial effect for wound healing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 1556–1565, 2012.
The Action of the Group, q Even, and Related Combinatorial Structures
Authors: Cossidente Antonio , Marino Giuseppe , Penttila Tim 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe describe some geometrical properties of the action of the Cartan–Dickson–Chevalley exceptional group G2(q), q even, as a subgroup of the unitary group PSU6(q2).This allows us to provide a new description of the known 126‐hyperoval of and to construct even subsets of PG(2, q2).
Data evaluation of tar oil degradation using comprehensive GC2/ MS: individual compounds and principal component analysis
Authors: Vasilieva Viktoriya , Janik Les , Scherr Kerstin E. , Edelmann Eva , Loibner Andreas P. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Coal tar is a complex mixture of more than 100 compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylated PAHs, phenolic as well as NSO‐heterocyclic compounds (HAC). Many of these are associated with human and environmental risk. Information concerning the environmental fate of coal tar constituents, apart from the 16 PAHs listed as priority substances by the US‐EPA, is scarce. In the current study, aerobic degradation of aromatic tar oil constituents in ten historically contaminated soils was monitored under laboratory conditions using two‐dimensional comprehensive GC2/ MS.RESULTS: Fifty‐four aromatic compounds were detected in one single analysis. Degradation behavior of individual compounds was determined by their hydrophobicity, molecular size, degree of alkylation and isomeric conformation. Eight substances, including six US‐EPA PAHs and two benzofluorene isomers, were identified in nine out of ten soils as principal components in the residual contamination after degradation.CONCLUSION: Using GC2/ MS to reveal the degradation behavior of distinct coal tar constituents and applying PCA to identify contaminants resistant to microbial degradation can be useful for the optimization of bioremediation measures at contaminated sites. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Differential expression of galectin‐1 and its interactions with cells and laminins in the intervertebral disc
Authors: Jing Liufang , So Stephen , Lim Shaun W. , Richardson William J. , Fitch Robert D. , Setton Lori A. , Chen Jun 
Published: June 2012

AbstractGalectin‐1 (Gal‐1), an endogenous β‐galactoside‐binding protein, binds to laminins, which are highly expressed in the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the intervertebral disc (IVD). The objective of this study is to evaluate the expression of Gal‐1 protein in IVD tissues during aging and the effect of Gal‐1 on IVD cell adhesion to laminins. Tissues from rat, porcine, and human (scoliosis or disc degeneration) IVDs were used to evaluate Gal‐1 expression via immunostaining, RT‐PCR, and Western blot analysis. Attachment of isolated IVD cells (porcine and human) on select laminin isoforms (LM‐111 and LM‐511) was compared with/without pre‐incubation with exogenous Gal‐1. A biotinylated Gal‐1(B‐Gal‐1) was used to evaluate for binding to IVD cells and to select for IVD cells by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). NP cells expressed high levels of Gal‐1 protein as compared to anulus fibrosus (AF) cells in immature tissues, while exogenous Gal‐1 increased both NP and AF cell attachment to laminins and exhibited a similar binding to both cell types in vitro. With aging, Gal‐1 levels in NP tissue appeared to decrease. In addition, incubation with B‐Gal‐1 was able to promote the retention of more than 50% of IVD cells via MACS. Our results provide new findings for the presence and functional role of Gal‐1 within IVDs. Similar staining patterns for Gal‐1 and LM‐511 in IVD tissue suggest that Gal‐1 may serve as an adhesion molecule to interact with both cells and laminins. This MACS protocol may be useful for selecting pure IVD cells from mixed cells of pathological tissue. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1923–1931, 2012
Purification and characterization of an amylase from Opuntiaficus‐indica seeds
Authors: Ennouri Monia , Khemakhem Bassem , Ben Hassen Hanen , Ammar Imen , Belghith Karima , Attia Hamadi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: In Tunisia, prickly pear fruit grow spontaneously; it is consumed as fresh fruit, juice or jam. When the fruit is used for juice production, the seeds are discarded and go to waste. Our study aimed to extract biomolecules from seeds by producing value‐added products from the fruits.RESULTS: An amylase from Opuntia ficus‐indica seeds was extracted and purified to homogeneity. An increase in specific activity of 113‐fold was observed. The apparent molecular mass of the enzyme is 64 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature for enzyme activity were pH 5 and 60 °C, respectively. Under these conditions, the specific activity is 245.5 U mg−1. The enzyme was activated by Co2+ and Mg2+ (relative activity 117% and 113% respectively) at lower ion concentrations. It was strongly inhibited by Mn2+ and Fe2+. Cu2+ inhibited totally the activity of this enzyme, but Ca2+ has an inhibitory effect which increases with ion concentration.CONCLUSION: The extracted enzyme belongs to the exo type of amylases and is classified as a β‐cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase since it generates mainly β‐cyclodextrin from starch. It exhibits high thermal stability and a broad range of pH stability, making it a promising prospect for industrial and food applications. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Interleukin‐17 gene polymorphisms are associated with bladder cancer in a chinese han population
Authors: Zhou Bin , Zhang Peng , Wang Yanyun , Shi Shaoqing , Zhang Kui , Liao Hong , Zhang Lin 
Published: June 2012

AbstractInterleukin‐17 (IL‐17) has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammation and autoimmune disorders, and to be elevated in several types of cancer. The present study analyzed polymorphisms in IL‐17 gene and their impact on the pathogenesis of bladder cancer. The TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assay was used to genotype the SNP rs2275913 of IL‐17A and SNP rs763780 of IL‐17F in 301 bladder cancer patients and 446 ethnicity‐matched healthy controls. The frequencies of AA genotype and A allele of rs2275913, as well as TT genotype and T allele of rs763780 in the bladder cancer patients were significantly higher than that of controls, indicating that both of these two SNPs were associated with bladder cancer (P = 0.003, OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.12–1.69 for allele A of rs2275913, and P = 0.018, OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.07–2.00 for allele T of rs763780, respectively). Results of stratified analysis revealed that rs2275913 was associated with male, non‐smokers, and invasion of bladder cancer, while rs763780 was associated with invasion of bladder cancer. Our results suggested that the SNP rs2275913 of IL‐17A and SNP rs763780 of IL‐17F were associated with the development, as well as gender, smoking status and tumor stage of bladder cancer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo short TE localized 1H MR spectroscopy of mouse cervical spinal cord at very high magnetic field (11.75 T)
Authors: Tachrount Mohamed , Duhamel Guillaume , Laurin Jérôme , Marqueste Tanguy , de Paula André Maues , Decherchi Patrick , Cozzone Patrick J. , Callot Virginie 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMR spectroscopy allows a noninvasive assessment of metabolic information in healthy and pathological central nervous system. Whereas MR spectroscopy has been extensively applied in the brain, only few spectroscopic studies of the spinal cord (SC) have been performed so far. For mice, due to additional technical challenges, in vivo 1H SC MRS has not yet been reported. In this work, the feasibility of short echo time localized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy using Point RESolved Spectroscopy sequence for the examination of mouse cervical SC at 11.75 T is presented. Several optimizations were performed to improve the static field homogeneity, to reduce physiological motion effects and lipid contaminations arising from SC surrounding tissues, and to provide a careful metabolic quantification. Satisfactory spectrum quality was obtained. The described protocol allowed reliable quantification of five metabolites in the cervical SC. The mean reproducibility regarding the quantification of tNAA, tCr and tCho was ≥ 80%, > 70% for mI and > 55% for Glu, whereas the intersubject variabilities were ≤ 21%. The application of this protocol to transgenic mouse models in pathological conditions such as SC injury or neurodegenerative diseases may thus provide complementary information to MRI and increase our understanding of such pathologies. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IPSS is lower in hypertensive patients treated with angiotensin‐II receptor blocker: Posthoc analyses of a lower urinary tract symptoms population
Authors: Ito Hideaki , Taga Minekatsu , Tsuchiyama Katsuki , Akino Hironobu , Yokoyama Osamu 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimsThe existence of Angiotensin‐II (Ang‐II) receptors in the bladder wall and the pronounced contractile effect of Ang‐II on the human detrusor muscle have been well established. Studies have presented the role of Ang‐II as a mediator in smooth muscle growth and collagen production in the bladder with outlet obstruction. We investigated the associations between male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and hypertension (HT), and examined whether the medications used for HT treatment, particularly Ang‐II receptor blockers (ARBs) influence LUTS.MethodsAmong 4,298 men with LUTS who were nominated to participate in a Japanese study using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) to gain information on the effects and the safety of silodosin, a total of 3,790 men for whom a baseline IPSS was available were sub‐analyzed. We analyzed the influence of HT treatment on IPSSs.ResultsHT was the most common comorbidity (1,122 men, 29.6%), and 769 men (20.3%) were receiving some kinds of medication for the treatment. We found that the IPSS was lower in patients being treated for HT with ARB than in hypertensive patients who were not receiving any medication (16.8 ± 6.8 vs. 18.3 ± 6.6, P < 0.01). The baseline I‐PSS in patients treated for HT with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE‐I), calcium channel blocker (CCB), and normotensive patients were 18.3, 19.6, and 18.1, respectively.ConclusionThe IPSS is lower in patients with HT treated with ARB. Other drugs for HT, including ACE‐I and CCB, did not improve the IPSS. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 70–74, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pathogenesis of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, an autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Ishii Norito , Ohata Chika , Furumura Minao 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAutoimmune bullous diseases (ABDs) are organ‐specific autoimmune diseases, in which blisters on the skin and mucous membranes develop through binding of pathogenic autoantibodies to target antigens. There are two major ABD groups: the pemphigus group, showing autoantibodies to desmosomal components; and the subepidermal ABD group, showing autoantibodies to hemidesmosomal components in the epidermal basement membrane zone. Recent immunological, biochemical and molecular biological studies revealed many new autoantigens, including desmocollins, various plakin family proteins and integrins. A revised ABD classification includes new disease entities such as paraneoplastic pemphigus, IgA pemphigus and anti‐laminin γ1 pemphigoid. In addition to systemic corticosteroids and various immunosuppressive agents, various adjuvant therapies for ABDs have developed. Among them, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a promising therapy, although the therapeutic mechanisms are still unknown. Various disease models for ABDs have developed, particularly for pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), and these have provided insights into the pathogenesis of various ADBs that suggest possible new treatment strategies. However, the fundamental mechanisms in disruption of immune‐tolerance are still unknown. EBA shows autoimmunity to type VII collagen, the major component of anchoring fibrils, and EBA pathogenesis has been studied in various disease models. Previous studies suggested that, following binding of autoantibodies to type VII collagen, activation of complement, cytokine release, neutrophil migration, Fcγ receptors (FcgRs) and metalloproteinases play important roles in induction of subepidermal blisters. In this issue of the Journal of Pathology, Kasperkiewicz and colleagues reveal important roles of activating FcgRIV and inhibitory FcgRIIB in EBA pathogenesis that were recognized by conducting elegant studies using both genetic analysis and functional animal model methods. The expression equilibrium of the activating and inhibitory FcgRs can be modulated towards the inhibitory FcgRIIB by IVIG therapy, resulting in beneficial clinical effects of IVIG in EBA and other autoimmune skin‐blistering diseases. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials of central nervous system directed therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Richards Sue , Pui Ching‐Hon , Gayon Paul ,   on behalf of the Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Collaborative Group (CALLCG)
Published: June 2012

AbstractTreatment of the central nervous system (CNS) is an essential therapy component for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Individual patient data from 47 trials addressing 16 CNS treatment comparisons were analyzed. Event‐free survival (EFS) was similar for radiotherapy versus intrathecal (IT), and radiotherapy plus IT versus IV methotrexate (IV MTX) plus IT. Triple intrathecal therapy (TIT) gave similar EFS but poorer survival than intrathecal methotrexate (IT MTX), but additional IV MTX improved both outcomes. One trial resulted in similar EFS and survival with IV MTX plus IT MTX versus TIT alone. Radiotherapy can generally be replaced by IT therapy. TIT should be used with effective systemic therapy such as IV MTX. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:185–195. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface‐enhanced fluorescence of in situ synthesized polysilanesilver nanoparticles
Authors: Sacarescu Gabriela , Taran Elena , Donose Bogdan C , Simionescu Mihaela , Harabagiu Valeria , Sacarescu Liviu 
Published: June 2012

AbstractTo produce surface plasmons, silver nanoparticles are synthesized in situ in a pseudo‐template system based on polyhydrosilanes. Adsorption on the silver nanoparticle surface produces a thin layer of polymer with properties different from those of bulk polysilane. The metal‐adsorbed polymer layer serves as a spacer between the polysilane fluorophore and the plasmonic nanoparticle. This prevents quenching of the polysilane emission and leads to a strong surface‐enhanced fluorescence through coupling of surface plasmons having a resonance frequency that matches the emission frequency of the polymeric emitter. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) as a tool: aqueous dispersion of nanodiamonds by wrapping in the solid state
Authors: Kim Sung Ho , Debnath Dipen , Lee Woo Suk , Geckeler Kurt E 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAmong carbon‐based nanomaterials such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes and nanodiamonds, the latter are good candidates as prospective materials in the future due to their potential physical, chemical and biological properties. Thus, nanodiamonds were wrapped with biocompatible polymers in the solid state. The dispersibility of the polymer‐wrapped nanodiamonds in water was investigated with respect to reaction time and mass ratio of the polymers during the wrapping process. The dispersibility of the materials was monitored using UV spectroscopy, and the size distribution of the polymer‐wrapped nanodiamonds was analyzed using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements. In addition, molecular modeling calculations were performed. Finally, the best dispersion for the polymer‐wrapped nanodiamonds in water was found for a reaction time of 120 min. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry