bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetics and mechanism of solid reactions in a micro fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Yu Jian , Yue Junrong , Liu Zhouen , Dong Li , Xu Guangwen , Zhu Jianhong , Duan Zhengkang , Sun Lixin 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA novel gas–solid Micro Fluidized Bed Reaction Analyzer (MFBRA) was developed to deduce reaction rates and kinetic parameters through measuring time‐dependent composition changes of evolved gases from the reactions. Application of the MFBRA to the decomposition of CaCO3 powder resulted in an apparent activation energy of 142.73 kJ/mol and a pre‐exponential factor of 399,777 s−1. This apparent activation energy was much lower than the thermogravimetry‐measured value of 184.31 kJ/mol, demonstrating a quicker reaction in the MFBRA. This was further verified by CuO reduction in CO, as accelerated by the fast diffusion and high heating rate in the MFBRA. Measurement of pyrolysis of coal and biomass in MFBRA found that the reaction process was completed in about 10 s, a time much shorter than the literature‐reported values in larger fluidized bed reactors. By monitoring the release of gas species from reactions at different temperatures, the MFBRA also allowed deeper insight into the mechanism of pyrolysis reactions. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Nest groups of wild bonobos at Wamba: selection of vegetation and tree species and relationships between nest group size and party size
Authors: Mulavwa Mbangi N. , Yangozene Kumugo , Yamba‐Yamba Mikwaya , Motema‐Salo Balemba , Mwanza Ndunda N. , Furuichi Takeshi 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe examined the location of nest groups, spatial distribution of nests within a nest group, and attributes of individual nests of wild bonobos at Wamba, Democratic Republic of Congo. We also examined the seasonal factors influencing nesting behavior and compared the nest group size with the 1 hr party size during daytime. We defined a nest group to be a cluster of nests that were built in the same evening and found within 30 m from the other nearest nest. Examination of the largest gap within a nest group suggested that 30 m was an acceptable cutoff value. Monthly rainfall or fruit abundance did not significantly influence the monthly mean nest group size. Nests were built in the swamp forest for as many as 13% observation days, suggesting the need for reevaluation of the use of swamp forest by bonobos. The use of swamp forest was influenced not by seasonal rainfall or fruit abundance, but by the fruiting of specific species. Preferred tree species for building nests accounted for 19.8% of standing trees, which suggested that the selection of sleeping sites was not largely restricted by the distribution of specific species. The mean 1 hr party size was almost identical through the day and was similar to the mean nest group size. Parties of bonobos sometimes split into smaller nest groups, especially when feeding on non‐preferred fruits during fruit scarcity. By contrast, when feeding on preferred fruits while ranging in large parties, they often aggregated to form even larger nest groups. When sleeping in small‐ or middle‐sized nest groups, they tended to aggregate the next morning. These tendencies may reflect the gregarious nature of bonobos who prefer to range or sleep together as far as circumstances allow. Am. J. Primatol. 72:575–586, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combination antibiotics as a treatment for chronic Chlamydia‐induced reactive arthritis: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, prospective trial
Authors: Carter J. D. , Espinoza L. R. , Inman R. D. , Sneed K. B. , Ricca L. R. , Vasey F. B. , Valeriano J. , Stanich J. A. , Oszust C. , Gerard H. C. , Hudson A. P. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveChlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) pneumoniae are known triggers of reactive arthritis (ReA) and exist in a persistent metabolically active infection state in the synovium, suggesting that they may be susceptible to antimicrobial agents. The goal of this study was to investigate whether a 6‐month course of combination antibiotics is an effective treatment for patients with chronic Chlamydia‐induced ReA.MethodsThis study was a 9‐month, prospective, double‐blind, triple‐placebo trial assessing a 6‐month course of combination antibiotics as a treatment for Chlamydia‐induced ReA. Eligible patients had to be positive for C trachomatis or C pneumoniae by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Groups received 1) doxycycline and rifampin plus placebo instead of azithromycin; 2) azithromycin and rifampin plus placebo instead of doxycycline; or 3) placebos instead of azithromycin, doxycycline, and rifampin. The primary end point was the number of patients who improved by 20% or more in at least 4 of 6 variables without worsening in any 1 variable in both combination antibiotic groups combined and in the placebo group at month 6 compared with baseline.ResultsThe primary end point was achieved in 17 of 27 patients (63%) receiving combination antibiotics and in 3 of 15 patients (20%) receiving placebo. Secondary efficacy end points showed similar results. Six of 27 patients (22%) randomized to combination antibiotics believed that their disease went into complete remission during the trial, whereas no patient in the placebo arm achieved remission. Significantly more patients in the active treatment group became negative for C trachomatis or C pneumoniae by PCR at month 6. Adverse events were mild, with no significant differences between the groups.ConclusionThese data suggest that a 6‐month course of combination antibiotics is an effective treatment for chronic Chlamydia‐induced ReA.
Transcription of proteinase 3 and related myelopoiesis genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with active Wegener's granulomatosis
Authors: Cheadle Chris , Berger Alan E. , Andrade Felipe , James Regina , Johnson Kristen , Watkins Tonya , Park Jin Kyun , Chen Yu‐Chi , Ehrlich Eva , Mullins Marissa , Chrest Francis , Barnes Kathleen C. , Levine Stuart M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveWegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a systemic inflammatory disease that is associated with substantial morbidity. The aim of this study was to understand the biology underlying WG and to discover markers of disease activity that would be useful for prognosis and treatment guidance.MethodsGene expression profiling was performed using total RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and granulocyte fractions from 41 patients with WG and 23 healthy control subjects. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to search for candidate WG‐associated molecular pathways and disease activity biomarkers. Principal components analysis was used to visualize relationships between subgroups of WG patients and controls. Longitudinal changes in proteinase 3 (PR3) gene expression were evaluated using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, and clinical outcomes, including remission status and disease activity, were determined using the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for WG (BVAS‐WG).ResultsEighty‐six genes in WG PBMCs and 40 in WG polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) were significantly up‐regulated relative to controls. Genes up‐regulated in WG PBMCs were involved in myeloid differentiation, and these included the WG autoantigen PR3. The coordinated regulation of myeloid differentiation genes was confirmed by GSEA. The median expression values of the 86 up‐regulated genes in WG PBMCs were associated with disease activity (P = 1.3 × 10−4), and WG patients with low‐level expression of the WG signature genes showed expression profiles that were only modestly different from that in healthy controls (P = 0.07). PR3 transcription was significantly up‐regulated in WG PBMCs (P = 1.3 × 10−5, false discovery rate [FDR] 0.002), but not in WG PMNs (P = 0.03, FDR 0.28), and a preliminary longitudinal analysis showed that the fold change in PR3 RNA levels in WG PBMCs corresponded to changes in the BVAS‐WG score over time.ConclusionTranscription of PR3 and related myeloid differentiation genes in PBMCs may represent novel markers of disease activity in WG.
Osteopontin deficiency impairs wear debris–induced osteolysis via regulation of cytokine secretion from murine macrophages
Authors: Shimizu Sadanori , Okuda Naoki , Kato Norihiko , Rittling Susan R. , Okawa Atsushi , Shinomiya Kenichi , Muneta Takeshi , Denhardt David T. , Noda Masaki , Tsuji Kunikazu , Asou Yoshinori 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying particle‐induced osteolysis, we focused on osteopontin (OPN), a cytokine and cell‐attachment protein that is associated with macrophage chemoattractant and osteoclast activation.MethodsWe compared OPN protein levels in human periprosthetic osteolysis tissues with those in osteoarthritis (OA) synovial tissues. To investigate the functions of OPN during particle‐induced osteolysis in vivo, titanium particles were implanted onto the calvaria of OPN‐deficient mice and their wild‐type (WT) littermates. Mice were killed on day 10 and evaluated immunohistologically. The effects of OPN deficiency on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines were examined using cultured bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMMs). BMMs from OPN‐deficient and WT mice were cultured with titanium particles for 12 hours, and the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in the conditioned media were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsExpression of OPN protein was enhanced in human periprosthetic osteolysis tissues as compared with OA synovial tissues. In the particle‐induced model of osteolysis of the calvaria, bone resorption was significantly suppressed by OPN deficiency via inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, whereas an inflammatory reaction was observed regardless of the genotype. Results of immunostaining indicated that OPN protein was highly expressed in the membrane and bone surface at the area of bone resorption in WT mice. When BMMs were exposed to titanium particles, the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), IL‐1β, and IL‐6, as well as chemotactic factors, such as monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α, in the conditioned medium were significantly reduced by OPN deficiency. Whereas phagocytic activity of BMMs was not attenuated by OPN deficiency, phagocytosis‐mediated NF‐κB activation was impaired in OPN‐deficient BMMs. These data indicated that OPN was implicated in the development of particle‐induced osteolysis via the orchestration of pro‐/antiinflammatory cytokines secreted from macrophages.ConclusionOPN plays critical roles in wear debris–induced osteolysis, suggesting that OPN is a candidate therapeutic target for periprosthetic osteolysis.
Do rheumatoid arthritis and lymphoma share risk factors?: A comparison of lymphoma and cancer risks before and after diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hellgren Karin , Smedby Karin E. , Feltelius Nils , Baecklund Eva , Askling Johan 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectivePatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in particular those with the most severe disease, are at increased risk of developing malignant lymphoma. Whether this increase is entirely a consequence of the RA disease and/or its treatment or is reflective of shared susceptibility to the two diseases remains unclear. We undertook this study to assess whether patients with RA are already at increased risk of lymphoma or of other cancers before the diagnosis of RA, and if the relative risk increases with time since RA diagnosis.MethodsPatients with incident RA (symptom duration <1 year) (n = 6,745) registered in the Swedish Early Arthritis Registry from 1997 through 2006 were identified. For each patient, 5 general population controls were randomly matched by sex, age, marital status, and residence (n = 33,657). For all study subjects, inclusion in the nationwide Swedish Cancer Register in 1958–2006 was determined. Relative risks (RRs) (with 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]) of lymphoma and of cancer overall, before and after diagnosis of RA, were estimated using conditional logistic regression and Cox regression, respectively.ResultsBefore diagnosis of RA, there was no observed increase in the risk of lymphoma (RR [odds ratio] 0.67 [95% CI 0.37–1.23]) or other cancers (RR 0.78 [95% CI 0.70–0.88]). During the first 10 years following diagnosis of RA, the overall RR (hazard ratio) of lymphoma development was 1.75 (95 % CI 1.04–2.96).ConclusionThese findings indicate that overall, a history of cancer, including lymphoma, does not increase the risk of subsequent RA development. Shared susceptibility to RA and lymphoma may thus be of limited importance. In contrast, increased lymphoma risks were observed within the first decade following RA diagnosis.
Decreased lymphatic vessel counts in patients with systemic sclerosis: Association with fingertip ulcers
Authors: Akhmetshina Alfiya , Beer Jürgen , Zwerina Karin , Englbrecht Matthias , Palumbo Katrin , Dees Clara , Reich Nicole , Zwerina Jochen , Szucs Gabriella , Gusinde Johannes , Nevskaya Tatiana , Distler Oliver , Kerjaschki Dontscho , Schett Georg , Distler Jörg H. W. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease that is characterized by microvascular disease and tissue fibrosis. Progressive loss and irregular architecture of the small blood vessels are well characterized, but the potential involvement of the lymphatic vessel system has not been analyzed directly in SSc. This study was undertaken to assess whether the lymphatic vascular system is affected in SSc, and whether changes to the lymphatic vessels are associated with dystrophic changes and tissue damage in patients with SSc.MethodsLymphatic endothelial cells in skin biopsy samples from patients with SSc and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers were identified by staining for podoplanin and prox‐1, both of which are specifically expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells but not in blood vascular endothelial cells. CD31 was used as a pan–endothelial cell marker. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal‐Wallis, Mann‐Whitney U, and Spearman's rank correlation tests.ResultsThe numbers of podoplanin‐ and prox‐1–positive lymphatic vessels were significantly reduced in patients with SSc as compared with healthy individuals. The number of podoplanin‐positive lymphatic precollector vessels was significantly lower in SSc patients with fingertip ulcers than in SSc patients without ulcers. Moreover, the number of lymphatic vessels correlated inversely with the number of fingertip ulcers at the time of biopsy and with the number of fingertip ulcers per year. The inverse correlation between lymphatic precollector vessel counts and fingertip ulcers remained significant after statistical adjustment for the blood vessel count, age, and modified Rodnan skin thickness score.ConclusionThese results demonstrate a severe reduction in the number of lymphatic capillaries and lymphatic precollector vessels in patients with SSc. Patients with decreased lymphatic vessel counts may be at particularly high risk of developing fingertip ulcers.
Helicobacter bilis colonization of the biliary system in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction
Authors: Kosaka T , Tajima Y , Kuroki T , Mishima T , Adachi T , Tsuneoka N , Fukuda K , Kanematsu T 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Helicobacter bilis is considered to be a causative factor in the pathogenesis of biliary cancer. This study investigated the prevalence of H. bilis colonization of the biliary system of patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM).

Methods
Bile juice and biliary tissue samples were collected from 17 patients with PBM and 27 controls who had benign biliary disease without PBM. DNA extracted from each biliary sample was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for H. bilis and Helicobacter pylori.

Results
PCR assays revealed that 12 of the 17 patients with PBM were positive for H. bilis DNA, compared with eight of 27 patients without PBM (P = 0·009). Among patients with PBM, H. bilis DNA was identified in six of eight children, including a 2-month-old infant, and in six of nine adults. The high prevalence of H. bilis DNA in the biliary system of patients with PBM was independent of age, sex, common bile duct dilatation, configuration of the pancreatic and bile ducts, and amylase activity in bile.

Conclusion
H. bilis colonization of the biliary system is extremely common in patients with PBM. This may point to a role in the pathogenesis of biliary cancer.
Near-infrared Raman spectroscopy for early diagnosis and typing of adenocarcinoma in the stomach
Authors: Teh S K , Zheng W , Ho K Y , Teh M , Yeoh K G , Huang Z 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using near-infrared (NIR) Raman spectroscopy for early diagnosis and typing of intestinal and diffuse adenocarcinoma of the stomach.

Methods
A dispersive-type NIR Raman system was used for tissue measurements. One hundred gastric tissue samples from 62 patients who underwent endoscopy or gastrectomy were used (70 normal tissue specimens and 30 adenocarcinomas). Principal components analysis (PCA) and multinomial logistic regression (MNLR) were used to develop diagnostic algorithms for tissue classification.

Results
High-quality Raman spectra ranging from 800 to 1800 cm−1 were acquired from gastric tissue within 5 s. There were significant differences in Raman spectra between normal stomach and the two gastric adenocarcinoma subtypes, particularly in the spectral ranges 850–1150, 1200–1500 and 1600–1750 cm−1, which contain signals related to proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. PCA–MNLR achieved predictive accuracies of 88, 92 and 94 per cent for normal stomach, and intestinal- and diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinomas respectively.

Conclusion
NIR Raman spectroscopy can detect gastric malignancy and identify the subtype of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Interim analysis of the Stockholm III trial of preoperative radiotherapy regimens for rectal cancer
Authors: Pettersson D , Cedermark B , Holm T , Radu C , Påhlman L , Glimelius B , Martling A 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
To address issues regarding the fractionation of radiotherapy (RT) and timing of surgery for rectal cancer, a multicentre trial has randomized patients to preoperative short-course RT with two different intervals to surgery, or long-course RT with delayed surgery. The present interim analysis assessed feasibility, compliance and complications after RT and surgery.

Methods
Some 303 patients were randomized to either short-course RT (5 × 5 Gy) and surgery within 1 week (group 1), short-course RT and surgery after 4–8 weeks (group 2) or long-course RT (25 × 2 Gy) and surgery after 4–8 weeks (group 3).

Results
Demographic data were similar between groups and there were few protocol violations (5·0–6 per cent). Eight patients (2·6 per cent) developed radiation-induced acute toxicity. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between groups (46·6, 40·0 and 32 per cent in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively; P = 0·164). Patients receiving short-course RT with surgery 11–17 days after the start of RT had the highest complication rate (24 of 37).

Conclusion
Compliance was acceptable and severe acute toxicity was low, irrespective of fractionation. Short-course RT with immediate surgery had a tendency towards more postoperative complications, but only if surgery was delayed beyond 10 days after the start of RT. Registration number: NCT00904813 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Vibrational and chiroptical spectroscopic characterization of γ‐turn model cyclic tetrapeptides containing two β‐Ala residues
Authors: Vass Elemér , Majer Zsuzsa , Kőhalmy Krisztina , Hollósi Miklós 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe optical spectroscopic characterization of γ‐turns in solution is uncertain and their distinction from β‐turns is often difficult. This work reports systematic ECD and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopic studies on γ‐turn model cyclic tetrapeptides cyclo(Ala‐β‐Ala‐Pro‐β‐Ala) (1), cyclo(Pro‐β‐Ala‐Pro‐β‐Ala) (2) and cyclo(Ala‐β‐Ala‐Ala‐β‐Ala) (3). Conformational analysis performed at the 6‐31G(d)/B3LYP level of theory using an adequate PCM solvent model predicted one predominant conformer for 1‐3, featuring two inverse γ‐turns. The ECD spectra in ACN of 1 and 2 are characterized by a negative n→π* band near 230 nm and a positive π→π* band below 200 nm with a long wavelength shoulder. The ECD spectra in TFE of 1‐3 show similar spectra with blue‐shifted bands. The VCD spectra in ACN‐d3 of 1 and 2 show a +/−/+/− amide I sign pattern resulting from four uncoupled vibrations in the case of 1 and a sequence of two positive couplets in the case of 2. A −/+/+/− amide I VCD pattern was measured for 3 in TFE‐d2. All three peptides give a positive couplet or couplet‐like feature (+/−) in the amide II region. VCD spectroscopy, in agreement with theoretical calculations revealed that low frequency amide I vibrations (at ∼1630 cm−1 or below) are indicative of a C7 H‐bonded inverse γ‐turns with Pro in position 2, while γ‐turns encompassing Ala absorb at higher frequency (above 1645 cm−1). Chirality, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Which Controls the Depolymerization of Cellulose in Ionic Liquids: The Solid Acid Catalyst or Cellulose?
Authors: Rinaldi Roberto , Meine Niklas , vom Stein Julia , Palkovits Regina , Schüth Ferdi 
Published: February 2010

AbstractCellulose is a renewable and widely available feedstock. It is a biopolymer that is typically found in wood, straw, grass, municipal solid waste, and crop residues. Its use as raw material for biofuel production opens up the possibility of sustainable biorefinery schemes that do not compete with food supply. Tapping into this feedstock for the production of biofuels and chemicals requires—as the first‐step—its depolymerization or its hydrolysis into intermediates that are more susceptible to chemical and/or biological transformations. We have shown earlier that solid acids selectively catalyze the depolymerization of cellulose solubilized in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) at 100 °C. Here, we address the factors responsible for the control of this reaction. Both cellulose and solid acid catalysts have distinct and important roles in the process. Describing the depolymerization of cellulose by the equivalent number of scissions occurring in the cellulosic chains allows a direct correlation between the product yields and the extent of the polymer breakdown. The effect of the acid strength on the depolymerization of cellulose is discussed in detail. Practical aspects of the reaction, concerning the homogeneous nature of the catalysis in spite of the use of a solid acid catalyst, are thoroughly addressed. The effect of impurities present in the imidazolium‐based ionic liquids on the reaction performance, the suitability of different ionic liquids as solvents, and the recyclability of Amberlyst 15DRY and BMIMCl are also presented.