bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and the risk of hip fracture in Alzheimer's disease patients: A case-control study
Authors: Tamimi Iskandar , Ojea Tomas , Sanchez-Siles Juan Manuel , Rojas Facundo , Martin Ignacio , Gormaz Irene , Perez Almudena , Dawid-Milner Marc Stefan , Mendez Luis , Tamimi Faleh 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Recent studies have reported the presence of acetylcholine (ACh) receptor subtypes in bone tissue, and have demonstrated that inhibition of the ACh receptors has negative effects on bone mass and fracture healing capacity. However, little is known about the potential clinical effects that increased ACh signaling might have on bone. Accordingly, this study was designed to determine whether the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), a group of drugs that stimulate ACh receptors and are used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), is associated with a decreased risk of hip fracture in AD patients. To accomplish this objective, a case-control analysis was performed using the AD population, aged above 75 years, based in the local health area of the Carlos Haya Hospital, in Malaga, Spain. The cases were 80 AD patients that suffered a hip fracture between January 2004 and December 2008. The controls were 2178 AD patients without hip fracture followed at our health care area during the same period of time. Compared with patients who did not use AChEIs, the hip fracture adjusted odds ratio (OR) for users of AChEIs was 0.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24–0.72), for users of rivastigmine was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.10–0.45), and for users of donepezil was 0.39 (95% CI, 0.19–0.76). Data were adjusted for the following parameters: body mass index, fall risk, smoking habits, cognition, dependence, degree of AD, comorbidity score, treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, age, and gender. Our data suggests that use of AChEIs donepezil and rivastigmine is associated with a reduced risk of fractures in AD patients. Many elderly patients with AD disease who are at risk of developing osteoporosis may potentially benefit from therapy with the AChEIs donepezil and rivastigmine. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
miR-93/Sp7 function loop mediates osteoblast mineralization
Authors: Yang Li , Cheng Peng , Chen Chao , He Hong-Bo , Xie Gen-Qing , Zhou Hou-De , Xie Hui , Wu Xian-Ping , Luo Xiang-Hang 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in osteoblast differentiation. However, the mechanisms of miRNAs regulating osteoblast mineralization still need further investigation. Here, we performed miRNA profiling and identified that miR-93 was the most significantly downregulated miRNA during osteoblast mineralization. Overexpression of miR-93 in cultured primary mouse osteoblasts attenuated osteoblast mineralization. Expression of the Sp7 transcription factor 7 (Sp7, Osterix), a zinc finger transcription factor and critical regulator of osteoblast mineralization, was found to be inversely correlated with miR-93. Then Sp7 was confirmed to be a target of miR-93. Overexpression of miR-93 in cultured osteoblasts reduced Sp7 protein expression without affecting its mRNA level. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-93 directly targeted Sp7 by specifically binding to the target coding sequence region (CDS) of Sp7. Experiments such as electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and promoter luciferase reporter assay confirmed that Sp7 bound to the promoter of miR-93. Furthermore, overexpression of Sp7 reduced miR-93 transcription, whereas blocking the expression of Sp7 promoted miR-93 transcription. Our study showed that miR-93 was an important regulator in osteoblast mineralization and miR-93 carried out its function through a novel miR-93/Sp7 regulatory feedback loop. Our findings provide new insights into the roles of miRNAs in osteoblast mineralization. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Glucuronoxylomannan facilitates generation of chondrocytes from bone marrow‐derived mononuclear cells
Authors: Zhou Aiguo , An Hong , Jiang Dianming , Zhang Jian 
Published: April 2012

AbstractChondrocyte generation is an important process in cartilage and bone repair. Factors facilitating the induction of chondrocyte need to be further investigated. The present study aims to investigate the role of glucuronoxylomannan (Gxm) in the generation of chondrocytes. Human bone marrow cells were prepared using to generate the chondrocytes in the presence of Gxm. The results showed that Gxm has the capacity to facilitate the generation of chondrocytes in which transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β played a critical role. The Bmmc‐derived CD14+ cells were the major source of TGF‐β in the culture. The present study indicates that Gxm is a potential drug candidate to be used in the generation of chondrocyte. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1690–1694, 2012
Influence of cooling speed on the solidification of a hyper‐eutectic CuSn alloy
Authors: Mardare Cezarina Cela , Hassel Achim Walter 
Published: April 2012

AbstractCuSn alloys with a hyper‐eutectic composition (97.53 at% Sn, 2.42 at% Cu and 0.05 at% impurities) were melted in a Bridgman‐type furnace and cooled at different velocities ranging from free fall to 13 µm/s. The formation of the intermetallic phase along the alloys, as well as the size, distribution and microstructure were observed as a function of cooling speed, showing different particle morphologies and growth. The intermetallic phase formed was Cu6Sn5 as confirmed by chemical analysis and X‐ray measurements. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) measurements indicate that the η′‐monoclinic phase of the Cu6Sn5 intermetallic was formed on all samples, together with the β‐Sn. magnified image
SEM images both transversal and longitudinal cross‐sections of alloys cooled at different velocities.
Comparative performance analysis of silicon nanowire tunnel FETs and MOSFETs on plastic substrates in flexible logic circuit applications
Authors: Lee Myeongwon , Jeon Youngin , Sik Son Kyung , Hyung Shim Joon , Kim Sangsig 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe report on the fabrication and electrical comparison between flexible tunnel field‐effect transistors (TFETs) and metal–oxide–semiconductor FETs (MOSFETs) on plastic substrates from device to circuit performance by use of fully CMOS‐compatible silicon nanowires (SiNWs) as the channel material. The SiNW TFETs exhibit ION/IOFF ratio of ∼105, which is about an order of magnitude lower than that of their MOSFET counterparts, viz. ∼106, mainly due to their high turn‐on voltage and low band‐to‐band tunneling (BTBT) efficiency. The SiNW complementary TFET (c‐TFET) inverter shows ultralow DC power consumption (at VDD = 3 V, Ppeak = 11.4 nW and Pstby = 26.8 pW, respectively), which are about three to four orders of magnitude lower than those of the SiNW CMOS inverter, viz. 17.4 µW and 0.39 µW, respectively. Due to the different pros and cons for each of these devices, our top–down approach should open up the opportunity to integrate SiNW TFETs with SiNW MOSFETs on one plastic substrate for flexible hybrid SiNW TFET‐MOSFET integrated circuits, where both high‐performance and low‐power functionality are required.
A mirror of two faces: Lin28 as a master regulator of both miRNA and mRNA
Authors: Huang Yingqun 
Published: April 2012

AbstractLin28 is an evolutionarily conserved RNA‐binding protein that plays important roles in development, pluripotency, tumorigenesis, and metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests that the pleiotropic roles of Lin28 in the diverse physiological and pathological processes are mechanistically linked to its ability to modulate not only the biogenesis of miRNAs, particularly the let‐7 family miRNAs, but also the translation of mRNAs important for cell growth and metabolism. Let‐7 negatively regulates the translation of oncogenes, cell cycle regulators, and metabolic pathway components. Lin28 relieves this repression by blocking the production of mature let‐7. Lin28 binds to the terminal loops of let‐7 precursors, leading to inhibition of processing and the induction of uridylation and precursor degradation. Lin28 also is a direct translational regulator: it selectively binds to a cohort of mRNAs and stimulates their translation. Recent advances in our understanding of Lin28‐mediated mechanisms of posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression reveal important roles of this protein in the fields of development, stem cells, metabolic diseases, and cancer. WIREs RNA 2012, 3:483–494. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1112This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Translation > Translation Regulation
Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Isopropylammonium Layered Uranyl Chromates: Syntheses and Crystal Structures of [(CH3)2CHNH3]3[(UO2)3(CrO4)2O(OH)3] and[(CH3)2CHNH3]2[(UO2)2(CrO4)3(H2O)]
Authors: Siidra Oleg I. , Nazarchuk Evgeny V. , Krivovichev Sergey V. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractTwo novel isopropylamine‐templated uranyl chromates, [(CH3)2CHNH3]3[(UO2)3(CrO4)2O(OH)3] (1) and [(CH3)2CHNH3]2[(UO2)2(CrO4)3(H2O)] (2) were prepared by hydrothermal method at 100 °C. The compounds were characterized by electron microprobe analysis and X‐ray diffraction crystal structure analysis [1: trigonal, P31m, a = 9.646(4), c = 8.469(4) Å, V = 682.4(5) Å3; 2: monoclinic, P21/c, a = 11.309(3), b = 11.465(3), c = 17.055(5) Å, β = 99.150(6)°, V = 2183.2(11) Å3]. The structure of 1 is based upon trimers of uranyl bipyramids interlinked by CrO4 tetrahedra to form [(UO2)3(CrO4)2O(OH)3]3– layers, whereas, in the structure of 2, UO7 and UO6(H2O) pentagonal bipyramids are linked through CrO4 tetrahedra into the [(UO2)2(CrO4)3(H2O)]2– layers. The structures show many similarities to related uranyl selenate compounds, thus providing additional data on similarities and differences between uranyl sulfates, chromates, selenates, and molybdates.
Highly Kinked Uranyl Chromate Nitrate Layers in the Crystal Structures of A[(UO2)(CrO4)(NO3)] (A = K, Rb)
Authors: Siidra Oleg I. , Nazarchuk Evgeny V. , Krivovichev Sergey V. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractTwo first uranyl chromate nitrates, K[(UO2)(CrO4)(NO3)] (1) and Rb[(UO2)(CrO4)(NO3)] (2), were prepared by solid‐state reactions and characterized by electron microprobe analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The compounds are isotypic [1: monoclinic, P21/c, a = 9.881(5), b = 7.215(4), c = 14.226(6) Å, β = 124.85(3)°, V = 832.3(7) Å3; 2: monoclinic, P21/c, a = 9.804(1), b = 7.359(1), c = 14.269(1) Å, β = 122.048(4), V = 872.6(1) Å3]. The structures of 1 and 2 are based upon the complex [(UO2)(CrO4)(NO3)]– layers with unprecedented structural topology, which consist of the UrO3NO3 units linked through CrO4 tetrahedra. The resulted kinked layer can be divided into chains arranged in the ladder fashion. The layers are parallel to (100) and are linked by A+ (A = K, Rb) cations located between the layers.
Factors promoting maternal trophic egg provisioning in non‐eusocial animals
Authors: Noriyuki Suzuki , Kawatsu Kazutaka , Osawa Naoya 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe adaptive function of trophic egg‐laying is generally regarded as extended parental investment to the offspring. However, the evolutionary factors promoting trophic egg‐laying are still unclear, because the amount of maternal investment per offspring should be ideally equal between smaller offspring with trophic eggs and larger offspring without any additional investment. Several authors have suggested that trophic egg‐laying should evolve only when egg size is constrained, but this hypothesis has not been evaluated. We investigated the evolutionary mechanisms of trophic egg‐laying by two different approaches. First, we evaluated morphological constraints on egg size in two sibling ladybird species,Harmonia axyridis, which is known to produce trophic eggs, andH. yedoensis. Second, we theoretically predicted the optimal proportion of trophic eggs to total eggs and egg size in relation to environmental heterogeneity, predictability of environmental quality, and investment efficiency of trophic egg consumption. The intra‐ and interspecific morphological comparisons suggest that morphological constraints on the evolutionary determination of egg size are weak at best in the two ladybird species. Moreover, we theoretically showed that small egg size and trophic egg‐laying are favoured in heterogeneous environments when mothers cannot adjust egg size plastically. We also showed that even a small reduction in investment efficiency makes a trophic egg strategy unlikely, despite relatively high environmental predictability. We conclude that trophic egg provisioning may be a flexible maternal adaptation to a highly heterogeneous environment rather than a response to a morphological constraint on egg size.
Variation in the demographics of a rare central Oregon endemic,Astragalus peckiiPiper (Fabaceae), with fluctuating levels of herbivory
Authors: Martin Elizabeth F. , Meinke Robert J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractUnderstanding variation in plant vital rates (survival, growth, and reproduction) and population demographic parameters for rare plant taxa facilitates effective management for long‐term persistence. We evaluated demographics of the rare plantAstragalus peckii(Fabaceae), a state‐listed Threatened plant in Oregon, USA, with particular emphasis on how a microlepidopteran herbivore,Sparganothis tunicana, impacted vital rates and population growth. Stage‐based transition matrix models were used to compute population growth rate (λ) and elasticity from 2006 to 2009 at two populations: Bull Flat, which was located in the main population center; and Chiloquin, a naturally isolated population. Population growth at Bull Flat was stable to slightly declining (λ= 0.96, 95 % CI 0.91–1.00) whereas at Chiloquin, the isolated population, population growth was increasing (λ= 1.20, 95 % CI 1.15–1.24). Microlepidopteran herbivory was associated with different plant responses in each population. At Bull Flat, plant survival was lower with greater herbivore presence. At Chiloquin, reproduction was reduced in plants when herbivores were active earlier in the growing season. Despite these effects on plant vital rates, we found lower population growth only during one transition period at Bull Flat when we compared matrices with and without herbivory. In addition to herbivory, we also address the potential role precipitation plays as a contributor to site differences and temporal variation within sites. Overall, we illustrate how two populations can have different responses to the same disturbance factor and highlight implications for management of different populations across the landscape.
Prenatal Genetic Testing: An Investigation of Determining Factors Affecting the Decision‐Making Process
Authors: Pivetti Monica , Melotti Giannino 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDespite the increase in popularity of prenatal genetic testing, relatively little is known about the role psychological factors play in the decision‐making process. In this analogue study, a sample of Italian female university students was used to investigate determining factors that predict the intention of undergoing prenatal genetic testing. Structural Equation Modelling was used to describe the dynamic interplay between knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and health‐related behaviour such as prenatal genetic testing. Following the Theory of Reasoned Action, three dimensions predicted the intention to undergo prenatal genetic testing: the need for more scientific information, a positive attitude towards genetic testing, and the inclination to terminate pregnancy after receiving a positive test result. Results showed that less religious women tended to be more in favour of prenatal tests and in undertaking such tests. This preliminary study provides genetic counsellors and policy makers with a clearer picture of their clients’ motives and attitudes behind the decision‐making process of prenatal genetic testing, contributing to improving both the communication process between counsellors and their clients and the organization of genetic services.
Studies on Mango (Mangifera indica, L.) Kernel Fat of Some Kenyan Varieties in Meru
Authors: Muchiri Daniel R. , Mahungu Symon M. , Gituanja Simon N. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractFour varieties (Boribo, Dodo, Kagege, and Kent) of ripe mango (Mangifera indica, L.) fruits were collected directly from the farmers in Meru County (Kenya), peeled, depulped and the stones deshelled. The mango kernels obtained were crushed, sun‐dried, and extracted using petroleum ether (b.p. 40–60 °C). The fat content of the mango kernels varied from 8.5 to 10.4 % depending on the variety. The mango seed kernels constituted about (4.76–6.70 %) crude protein (Nx6.25), (1.74–2.26 %) crude ash, (71.90–76.28 %) crude carbohydrate, (1743–1782 kJ) gross energy, (1547–1576 kJ) available energy, and mean protein:energy ratios of (2.63–3.76 mg/kJ) all on a moisture free basis. The moisture content of fresh mango seed kernels varied from 42.1 to 67.6 % depending on the variety. The fat had a melting point of 25–33 °C, an iodine value of 51.08–56.79, an acid value of 4.49–7.48, free fatty acid (as oleic) of 2.26–3.76, a saponification number of 188.8–195.9, unsaponifiable matter of 2.26–2.74 %, a peroxide value of 0.40–0.75, a refractive index(40 °C) of 1.4562–1.4597 and a specific gravity of 0.9017–0.9087. Investigation of the fatty acid composition revealed(GLC) nine fatty acids: tetradecanoic acid (trace‐0.05 %), pentadecanoic acid (trace–0.09 %), hexadecanoic acid (4.87–10.57 %), heptadecanoic acid (trace‐O.10 %), octadecanoic acid (24.22–32.80 %), 9‐(Z)‐octadecenoic acid (46.37–58.59 %), 9‐(Z), 12‐(Z)‐octadecadienoic acid (6.73–10.35 %), 9‐(Z), 12‐(Z), 15‐(Z)‐octadecatrienoic acid (0.601–1.8 %), and eicosanoic acid (0.62–1.64 %). The fat had the typical characteristics of a vegetable butter.
Microbial Conversion of Arachidonic Acid to Arachidonyl Alcohol by a New Acinetobacter Species
Authors: Nagao Toshihiro , Watanabe Yomi , Tanaka Shigemitsu , Shizuma Motohiro , Shimada Yuji 
Published: April 2012

AbstractArachidonyl alcohol rarely occurs in natural oils. It can be used as a substrate for production of several ether lipids possessing beneficial functions. Although arachidonyl alcohol has been produced on a laboratory scale by the chemical reduction of arachidonic acid, it will be difficult to scale up this process for industrial application. The aim of this study was to develop a new bioprocess for converting arachidonic acid to arachidonyl alcohol. Screening was conducted using 11 wax ester‐ (esters of fatty acids and fatty alcohols) producing strains reported in our previous study, and a single‐cell oil containing arachidonic acid. A new strain, Acinetobacter species N‐476‐2, most effectively converted arachidonic acid to arachidonyl alcohol, which accumulated inside the cells as a wax ester. GC–MS, FT–IR, and NMR analyses showed that this strain reduced the carboxyl group of 5‐cis,8‐cis,11‐cis,14‐cis‐arachidonic acid to a hydroxyl group without altering the position or configuration of the double bonds; the product was identified as 5‐cis,8‐cis,11‐cis,14‐cis‐arachidonyl alcohol. A time‐course study of cultivation showed that the amount of arachidonyl alcohol produced by the strain after 4 days was 2.2 mg/mL culture. The bioprocess using Acinetobacter sp. N‐476‐2 can be applied to the large‐scale production of arachidonyl alcohol.
Friendship 2.0: Adolescents' experiences of belonging and self‐disclosure online
Authors: Davis Katie 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThis study explores the role that digital media technologies play in adolescents' experiences of friendship and identity. The author draws on findings from in‐depth interviews with 32 adolescents (15 girls, 17 boys) ages 13–18 (M = 15.5 years) attending one of seven secondary schools in Bermuda. The adolescents were asked to describe the nature of their online exchanges with friends and the value they ascribe to these conversations. A thematic analysis of their responses revealed that online peer communications promote adolescents' sense of belonging and self‐disclosure, two important peer processes that support identity development during adolescence. At the same time, the unique features of computer‐mediated communication shape adolescents' experiences of these processes in distinct ways. Gender and age differences show that adolescents' online peer communications are not uniform; the characteristics that distinguish adolescents offline also shape their online activities.
Postprandial expression of growth-related genes in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) juveniles fasted for 1 week and fed a single meal to satiation
Authors: Valente Luísa M. P. , Bower Neil I. , Johnston Ian A. 
Published: April 2012

We investigated postprandial changes in transcript abundance following a single satiating meal in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) (about 70 g body mass) following fasting for 1 week at 12°C. The expression of twenty-three growth-related genes was determined in fast myotomal muscle using quantitative real-time PCR at the following postprandial time points: − 12, 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 h. The gut was fullest 1–6 h after feeding and emptied within 48–96 h. IGF-I, MyoD1c, MRF4 and myf5 transcripts were sharply up-regulated within 1 h of refeeding and are promising candidate genes involved in a fast-response signalling system that regulates fish myotomal muscle growth. These genes clustered together with MyoD1b and suggest a coordinated regulation to favour resumption of myogenesis as an early response to feeding. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II and the ubiquitin ligase MAFbx/atrogin-1 were initially down-regulated but restored to initial values after 12 h. It is also suggested that local production of IGF-I within the muscle might suppress catabolic pathways depressing MAFbx/atrogin-1.
Blood lead level modifies the association between dietary antioxidants and oxidative stress in an urban adult population
Authors: Hong Yun-Chul , Oh Se-Young , Kwon Sung-Ok , Park Min-Seon , Kim Ho , Leem Jong-Han , Ha Eun-Hee 
Published: April 2012

Oxidative stress may be affected by lead exposure as well as antioxidants, yet little is known about the interaction between dietary antioxidants and blood lead levels (BLL) on oxidative stress level. We investigated the interaction between dietary antioxidants and BLL on oxidative stress level. As part of the Biomarker Monitoring for Environmental Health conducted in Seoul and Incheon, Korea, between April and December 2005, we analysed data from 683 adults (female = 47·4 %, mean age 51·4 (sd 8·4) years) who had complete measures on BLL, dietary intakes and oxidative stress marker (urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)). Dietary intakes were assessed by a validated semi-quantitative FFQ, BLL was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and 8-OHdG by ELISA. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the influence of BLL on the association between dietary antioxidants and 8-OHdG. Geometric means of BLL and 8-OHdG concentrations were 4·1 (sd 1·5) μg/dl and 5·4 (sd 1·9) μg/g creatinine, respectively. Increases of vitamins C and E were significantly associated with the decrease of log10 8-OHdG in the adults from the lowest quartile of the BLL group ( ≤ 3·18 μg/dl, geometric mean = 2·36 μg/dl) than those of the highest quartile BLL group (>5·36 μg/dl, geometric mean = 6·78 μg/dl). Regarding antioxidant-related foods, vegetables excluding kimchi showed a higher inverse relationship with 8-OHdG in the lowest quartile BLL group than the highest group. These findings suggest a rationale for lowering the BLL and increasing the intake of dietary antioxidants in the urban population in Korea.