bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring Change of Body Fluid during Physical Exercise using Bioimpedance Spectroscopy and Finite Element Simulations
Authors: Röthlingshöfer Lisa , Ulbrich Mark , Hahne Sebastian , Leonhardt Steffen 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Athletes need a balanced body composition in order to achieve maximum performance. Especially dehydration reduces power and endurance during physical exercise. Monitoring the body composition, with a focus on body fluid, may help to avoid reduction in performance and other health problems. For this, a potential measurement method is bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS). BIS is a simple, non-invasive measurement method that allows to determine different body compartments (body fluid, fat, fat-free mass). However, because many physiological changes occur during physical exercise that can influence impedance measurements and distort results, it cannot be assumed that the BIS data are related to body fluid loss alone. To confirm that BIS can detect body fluid loss due to physical exercise, finite element (FE) simulations were done. Besides impedance, also the current density contribution during a BIS measurement was modeled to evaluate the influence of certain tissues on BIS measurements. Simulations were done using CST EM Studio (Computer Simulation Technology, Germany) and the Visible Human Data Set (National Library of Medicine, USA). In addition to the simulations, BIS measurements were also made on athletes. Comparison between the measured bioimpedance data and simulation data, as well as body weight loss during sport, indicates that BIS measurements are sensitive enough to monitor body fluid loss during physical exercise.
Neutrophil protease inhibition reduces neuromyelitis optica–immunoglobulin G–induced damage in mouse brain
Authors: Saadoun Samira , Waters Patrick , MacDonald Claire , Bell B. Anthony , Vincent Angela , Verkman A.S. , Papadopoulos Marios C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjective:Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system associated with pathogenic autoantibodies against the astrocyte water channel protein aquaporin‐4 (AQP4). The presence of neutrophils is a characteristic feature in NMO lesions in humans. Neutrophils are not generally found in multiple sclerosis lesions. We evaluated the role of neutrophils in a mouse NMO model.Methods:NMO lesions were produced in mice by intracerebral injection of immunoglobulin G (IgG) isolated from NMO patient serum and human complement. We previously reported that this mouse model produces the characteristic histological features of NMO, including perivascular complement activation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and loss of myelin, AQP4, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Lesions are absent when AQP4 null mice are used or when IgG from non‐NMO patients is injected.Results:We found remarkably reduced neuroinflammation, myelin loss, and AQP4 loss in brains of neutropenic mice at 24 hours and 7 days, and increased severity of NMO lesions in mice made neutrophilic by granulocyte colony stimulating factor. NMO lesions were greatly reduced by intracerebral administration of the neutrophil protease inhibitors Sivelestat and cathepsin G inhibitor I or by intraperitoneal injection of Sivelestat alone. Immunostaining of human NMO lesions for neutrophil elastase revealed many degranulating perivascular neutrophils, with no equivalent perivascular neutrophils in human multiple sclerosis lesions.Interpretation:Our data implicate a central role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of early NMO lesions and suggest the potential utility of neutrophil protease inhibitors such as Sivelestat in NMO therapy. ANN NEUROL 2012;
Mechanisms of plastic deformation in biodegradable polylactide/poly(1,4‐cis‐isoprene) blends
Authors: Kowalczyk Marcin , Piorkowska Ewa 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPolylactide (PLA), a main representative of biodegradable and made from renewable resources polymers, is surprisingly brittle at ambient temperature. In this article it is investigated how to increase its toughness by a strategy called “rubber toughening” using poly(1,4‐cis‐isoprene), a major component of natural rubber, which is immiscible with PLA, could be well dispersed in PLA matrix and is biodegradable. Immiscible blends of PLA with poly(1,4‐cis‐isoprene) were prepared by melt blending and their properties were studied and optimized. Incorporation of as low as 5 wt % of rubber increased the strain at break of compression molded film during uniaxial drawing, and also improved its tensile impact strength by 80%. The complex mechanism of plastic deformation in the blends leading to improvement of ductility and toughness was revealed. The rubbery particles initiated crazing at the early stages of deformation, as evidenced by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and also by small angle X‐ray scattering. Crazing was immediately followed by cavitation inside rubber particles, which further promoted shear yielding of PLA. The sequence of those mechanisms was proven by microscopic investigation. All three elementary mechanisms acting in the sequence indicated are responsible for surprisingly efficient toughening of PLA by a major component of natural rubber. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Morphology and electrical properties of carbon black/poly(ethylene terephthalate)/polypropylene composite
Authors: Farimani H. Ebrahimi , Ebrahimi N. Golshan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis work attempts to develop a carbon black (CB) filled conductive polymer composite based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polypropylene (PP). The process follows by localizing the CB particles in the minor phase (PET), and then the conductive masterbatch was elongated to form conductive microfibrils in PP matrix during melt extrusion process. After compression molding, a fine conductive three‐dimensional microfibrillar network is constructed. For comparison purpose, CB, PET, and PP are mixed using different pattern. The morphology and the volume resistivity of the obtained composites are evaluated. Electrical conductivity investigation shows that the percolation threshold and resistivity values are dependent on the CB concentration. The best morphological observation shows that the PET phases forms well‐defined microfibrils, and CB particles overwhelmingly localize in the surfaces of the PET microfibrils, which led to a very low percolation threshold, i.e., 4.5 phr, and a reasonable conductivity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Suppression of oxLDL‐Induced MMP‐9 and EMMPRIN Expression by Berberine via Inhibition of NF‐κB Activation in Human THP‐1 Macrophages
Authors: Huang Zhouqing , Meng Shu , Wang Liansheng , Wang Yue , Chen Ting , Wang Changqian 
Published: December 2011

AbstractUpregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) by macrophages leads to atherosclerotic plaque rupture by degradation of the extracellular matrix. NF‐κB activation regulates many key inflammatory genes linked to atherosclerosis. In the present study, the function of berberine, a natural extract from Rhizoma coptidis, on MMP‐9 and EMMPRIN expression, the role of NF‐κB activation in oxLDL‐stimulated macrophages, and the possible mechanism in which NF‐κB activation is involved were investigated. Berberine inhibited the expression of MMP‐9 and EMMPRIN at both mRNA and protein levels. The phosphorylation of IκB‐α and nuclear translocation of p65 protein were reduced by berberine, suggesting that NF‐κB activation was inhibited by berberine in oxLDL‐stimulated macrophages. Overall, berberine suppressed the expression of MMP‐9 and EMMPRIN by at least reducing partly the activity of NF‐κB in oxLDL‐induced macrophages. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of fat and muscle in energy dispersive X‐ray diffraction‐based identification of heroin using multivariate data analysis
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Fang , Yu Daoyang , Sun Bai , Li Minqiang , Liu Jinhuai 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTAs for the detection of drug body packing, skin is a typical interference factor. In this paper, multivariate data analysis was proposed to analyze the impact of fat and muscle on heroin identification based on the profile of spectra of energy dispersive X‐ray diffraction. In the space of principal components, the results showed that different pure samples (heroin, muscle, fat) clustered in different areas, whereas the location of mixture samples moved between locations of pure samples. The impact of fat and muscle lies in moving the feature points between pure materials in the space of principal components. Furthermore, the model of heroin covered by fat and muscle of different thicknesses was set up, and a linear relationship was proven to be suitable. Our findings indicate that multivariate data analysis would be a promising method in the detection of drug body packing. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of diabetic retinopathy prevalence and associated risk factors in Chinese diabetic and pre‐diabetic subjects: Shanghai diabetic complications study
Authors: Pang Can , Jia Lili , Jiang Sunfang , Liu Wei , Hou Xuhong , Zuo Yuhua , Gu Huilin , Bao Yuqian , Wu Qiang , Xiang Kunsan , Gao Xin , Jia Weiping 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of diabetic retinopathy is not well studied in the Chinese pre‐diabetic population, also known as impaired glucose regulation. Hence, we investigated the prevalence of and risk factors associated with retinopathy in diabetic and pre‐diabetic subjects from Chinese communities.MethodsA total of 3736 Chinese subjects were recruited from urban communities in Shanghai. The participants were classified as normal glucose tolerance, impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and diabetes based on the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. The levels of diabetic retinopathy (DR) were assessed with non‐mydriatic retinal photographs according to the Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale.ResultsThe prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes and impaired glucose regulation subjects was 9.4% and 2.5%, respectively. In subjects with IGR, hypertension (odds ratio: 3.54, p = 0.028), including elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure and obesity (odds ratio: 3.53, p = 0.028) were significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy after age and sex adjustments. The factors associated with retinopathy in diabetes included diabetes duration, blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin levels, and the presence of albuminuria. Diabetic retinopathy was significantly associated with fasting plasma glucose in known diabetes, whereas in newly‐diagnosed subjects, diabetic neuropathy was closely correlated to postprandial plasma glucose.ConclusionsHyperglycemia was a strong risk factor for diabetic retinopathy. In pre‐diabetic subjects, diabetic retinopathy was also associated with hypertension and obesity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tim‐1 regulates Th2 responses in an airway hypersensitivity model
Authors: Curtiss Miranda L. , Gorman Jacob V. , Businga Thomas R. , Traver Geri , Singh Melody , Meyerholz David K. , Kline Joel N. , Murphy Andrew J. , Valenzuela David M. , Colgan John D. , Rothman Paul B. , Cassel Suzanne L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractT‐cell immunoglobulin mucin‐1 (Tim‐1) is a transmembrane protein postulated to be a key regulator of Th2‐type immune responses. This hypothesis is based in part upon genetic studies associating Tim‐1 polymorphisms in mice with a bias toward airway hyperrespon‐siveness (AHR) and the development of Th2‐type CD4+ T cells. Tim‐1 expressed by Th2 CD4+ T cells has been proposed to function as a co‐stimulatory molecule. Tim‐1 is also expressed by B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, but its role in responses by these cell types has not been firmly established. Here, we generated Tim‐1‐deficient mice to determine the role of Tim‐1 in a murine model of allergic airway disease that depends on the development and function of Th2 effector cells and results in the generation of AHR. We found antigen‐driven recruitment of inflammatory cells into airways is increased in Tim‐1‐deficient mice relative to WT mice. In addition, we observed increased antigen‐specific cytokine production by splenocytes from antigen‐sensitized Tim‐1‐deficient mice relative to those from controls. These data support the conclusion that Tim‐1 functions in pathways that suppress recruitment of inflammatory cells into the airways and the generation or activity of CD4+ T cells.
HLA‐G inhibition of NK‐cell cytolytic function is uncoupled from tumor cell lipid raft reorganization
Authors: Baudhuin Jeremy , Lesport Emilie , Sousa Sylvie , Migraine Julie , Vigneron James , Lemaoult Joel , Carosella Edgardo D. , Mooney Nuala , Favier Benoit 
Published: December 2011

AbstractHLA‐G is a non‐classical HLA class I molecule with tolerogenic properties and restricted tissue distribution. The expression of HLA‐G can be induced by tumors thus providing an efficient way to escape the anti‐tumoral immune response. Although lipid rafts regulate diverse immunological mechanisms their relationship with HLA‐G remains controversial. Our results show that HLA‐G‐mediated inhibition of both the interaction between NK and tumor cells, and of intracellular calcium flux in NK cells conjugated to their target cells were independent of lipid raft integrity. In addition, cytotoxicity assays indicated that HLA‐G continued to efficiently inhibit NK‐cell cytolytic function in several different tumor cells independently of lipid raft integrity. Confocal microscopy with 3D reconstruction combined with biochemical analysis showed that HLA‐G was mainly localized outside the lipid rafts of tumor cells after cross‐linking with specific antibody and remained excluded from lipid rafts during interaction with the ILT2 inhibitory receptor of NK cells. This study indicates that the inhibitory function of HLA‐G is uncoupled from lipid raft organization, further distinguishing HLA‐G from classical HLA molecules and providing novel information in the understanding of tumor immune escape mechanism mediated through HLA‐G.
Effect of protocol parameters on contrast agent washout curve separability in breast dynamic contrast enhanced MRI: A simulation study
Authors: Freed Melanie 
Published: December 2011

AbstractVariability in diagnostic performance of breast dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI has highlighted the need for improved standardization. While guidance exists on some aspects of the technique, currently, there is no standardized method for selecting repetition time and flip angle, which are important determinants of image contrast. This study develops a theoretical framework for quantitative optimization of temporal aspects of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI based on area under the receiver operating curve. Optimizations in simulation demonstrate the potential for increases in area under the receiver operating characteristic curve by up to 0.20 and specificity at a sensitivity of 90% by up to 19%, depending on the protocol. These results suggest that careful selection of repetition time and flip angle can improve diagnostic performance and identify these quantities as potentially important parameters for future standardization. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantification of protein isoforms in mesenchymal stem cells by reductive dimethylation of lysines in intact proteins
Authors: She Yi‐Min , Rosu‐Myles Michael , Walrond Lisa , Cyr Terry D. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMass spectrometry (MS)‐based quantification of highly homologous proteins in complex samples has proven difficult due to subtle sequence variations and the wide dynamic range of protein isoforms present. Herein, we report the use of reductive dimethylation on intact proteins to quantitatively compare protein isoform expression in the nucleus and cytoplasm of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and normal stroma. By coupling fixed‐charge MS/MS scanning, high‐resolution UPLC FT‐MS data‐dependent acquisition and MASCOT‐based data mining, hydrogen/deuterium‐labeled dimethyl‐lysine peptides were simultaneously captured allowing the accurate comparison of 123 protein isoforms in parallel LC MS/MS runs. Thirty‐four isoforms were identified that had expression levels specific to MSC. Where possible, proteomic analyses were verified by Western blotting and were demonstrated to be divergent from the level of gene transcription detected for certain proteins. Our analysis provides a protein isoform signature specific to MSC and demonstrates the suitability of dimethyl‐lysine labeling on intact proteins for quantifying highly homologous proteins on a proteome‐wide scale.
Impact of North Atlantic evaporation hot spots on southern Alpine heavy precipitation events
Authors: Winschall A. , Pfahl S. , Sodemann H. , Wernli H. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study investigates transient events of intense ocean evaporation with an amplitude exceeding 250 W m−2, a duration of a few days, and a spatial extent of about 10ˆ6 km2 over the eastern North Atlantic (referred to as ‘evaporation hot spots’) and their impact on southern Alpine heavy precipitation. First, moisture sources for a heavy precipitation event in the Piedmont in November 2002 are studied using a water‐tagging simulation with a regional model. The results reveal three main moisture sources: land evapotranspiration, and evaporation from the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic, with the last source contributing the most. This was partly due to an evaporation hot spot that appeared along the western edge of a prominent upper‐level trough about two days prior to the onset of heavy precipitation. In the hot spot area strong surface winds induced by the upper‐level trough led to intense evaporation of water that was transported around the trough to the Piedmont region during subsequent days, where it contributed to the heavy precipitation. Secondly, analyses by the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) are used to investigate climatologically the potential relationship between eastern North Atlantic evaporation hot spots and southern Alpine precipitation. During a 10‐year time period, 42 hot spots have been identified in the eastern North Atlantic. It is shown that they typically occur along the western flank of prominent upper‐level troughs, and that the evaporating moisture is transported to Europe within one to four days. A climatological analysis of southern Alpine heavy precipitation events shows that they are frequently preceded by intense North Atlantic evaporation. Hence the climatological analysis further supports the conclusion from the Piedmont 2002 tagging experiment that intense evaporation over the North Atlantic and the subsequent moisture transport, both induced by the upper‐level trough, are potential key factors for the development of southern Alpine heavy precipitation events. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Elusive Fluoro Sulfinyl Nitrite, FS(O)NO, Produced by Photolysis of Matrix‐isolated FS(O)2N
Authors: Zeng Xiaoqing , Beckers Helmut , Neuhaus Patrik , Grote Dirk , Sander Wolfram 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTriplet fluoro sulfonyl nitrene, FS(O)2N (X3A") was generated by ArF excimer laser irradiation (λ = 193 nm) of FS(O)2N3 isolated in solid noble gas matrices. The novel nitrene was characterized by IR (15N‐, 18O‐, and 34S‐labeling), UV/Vis, and EPR spectroscopy. The elusive sulfinyl nitrite, FS(O)NO, was formed in a spin‐forbidden reaction upon photolysis (λ > 320 nm) of triplet FS(O)2N. Triplet‐singlet intersystem crossing (ISC) was found to compete with a spin‐allowed fragmentation of the sulfonyl nitrene, which yields SO2 + FN (3Σ–) and FNO + SO (3Σ–). Guided by DFT calculations the complex photo‐decomposition of FS(O)2N (X3A") is discussed.
Ternary Indides Eu2Pd2In and Eu2Pt2In
Authors: Muts Ihor , Zaremba Vasyl I. , Pöttgen Rainer 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe indides Eu2Pd2In and Eu2Pt2In were synthesized from the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in an induction furnace. The samples were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction. The structures were refined on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometer data: HT‐Pr2Co2Al type, C2/c, a = 1035.7(2), b = 592.9(1), c = 823.6(2) pm, β = 104.26(1) °, wR2 = 0.026, 1075 F2 values, 25 variables for Eu2Pd2In and a = 1017.2(2), b = 588.7(1), c = 826.5(1) pm, β = 103.76(1) °, wR2 = 0.062, 706 F2 values, 25 variables for Eu2Pt2In. The indium atoms have four platinum (palladium) neighbors in strongly distorted tetrahedral coordination at Pt–In and Pd–In distances ranging from 273 to 275 pm. These InPd4/2 and InPt4/2 units are condensed via common edges to infinite InPd2 and InPt2 chains, which are surrounded by the europium atoms. The chains form the motif of hexagonal rod packing.
New perspectives on nutritional interventions to augment lipid utilisation during exercise
Authors: Gonzalez Javier T. , Stevenson Emma J. 
Published: December 2011

The enhancement of fat oxidation during exercise is an aim for both recreational exercising individuals and endurance athletes. Nutritional status may explain a large part of the variation in maximal rates of fat oxidation during exercise. This review reveals novel insights into nutritional manipulation of substrate selection during exercise, explaining putative mechanisms of action and evaluating the current evidence. Lowering the glycaemic index of the pre-exercise meal can enhance lipid utilisation by up to 100 % through reduced insulin concentrations, although its application may be restricted to specific training sessions rather than competition. Chronic effects of dietary glycaemic index are less clear and warrant future study before firm recommendations can be made. A flurry of recent advances has overthrown the conventional view ofl-carnitine supplementation, with skeletal muscle uptake possible under certain dietary conditions and providing a strategy to influence energy metabolism in an exercise intensity-dependent manner. Use of non-carbohydrate nutrients to stimulate musclel-carnitine uptake may prove more beneficial for optimising lipid utilisation, but this requires more research. Studies investigating fish oil supplementation on fat oxidation during exercise are conflicting. In spite of some strong putative mechanisms, the only crossover trial showed no significant effect on lipid use during exercise. Ca may increase NEFA availability although it is not clear whether these effects occur. Ca and caffeine can increase NEFA availability under certain circumstances which could theoretically enhance fat oxidation, yet strong experimental evidence for this effect during exercise is lacking. Co-administration of nutrients to maximise their effectiveness needs further investigation.
18.—Deep-sea Drilling with D/V Glomar Challenger.
Authors: Peterson M. N. A. , Field A. J. 
Published: December 2011

The H.M.S. Challenger and D/V Glomar Challenger; it gives those of us who have had the pleasure and good fortune to be associated with the Glomar Challenger and the Deep Sea Drilling Project the greatest of pride to be identified in the name of what was undoubtedly the most progressive of all deep-sea explorations, the voyage of the H.M.S. Challenger one hundred years ago.As its sequel, we are deeply indebted to those who explored the deep ocean basins in the Challenger before, and whose courageous and inspired explorations were instrumental in making our Glomar Challenger possible.