bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ERK5 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways play opposing regulatory roles during chondrogenesis of adult human bone marrow‐derived multipotent progenitor cells
Authors: Bobick Brent E. , Matsche Alexander I. , Chen Faye H. , Tuan Rocky S. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAdult human bone marrow‐derived multipotent progenitor cells (MPCs) are able to differentiate into a variety of specialized cell types, including chondrocytes, and are considered a promising candidate cell source for use in cartilage tissue engineering. In this study, we examined the regulation of MPC chondrogenesis by mitogen‐activated protein kinases in an attempt to better understand how to generate hyaline cartilage in the laboratory that more closely resembles native tissue. Specifically, we employed the high‐density pellet culture model system to assess the roles of ERK5 and ERK1/2 pathway signaling in MPC chondrogenesis. Western blotting revealed that high levels of ERK5 phosphorylation correlate with low levels of MPC chondrogenesis and that as TGF‐β3‐enhanced MPC chondrogenesis proceeds, phospho‐ERK5 levels steadily decline. Conversely, levels of phospho‐ERK1/2 paralleled the progression of MPC chondrogenesis. siRNA‐mediated knockdown of ERK5 pathway components MEK5 and ERK5 resulted in increased MPC pellet mRNA transcript levels of the cartilage‐characteristic marker genes SOX9, COL2A1, AGC, L‐SOX5, and SOX6, as well as enhanced accumulation of SOX9 protein, collagen type II protein, and Alcian blue‐stainable proteoglycan. In contrast, knockdown of ERK1/2 pathway members MEK1 and ERK1 decreased expression of all chondrogenic markers tested. Finally, overexpression of MEK5 and ERK5 also depressed MPC chondrogenesis, as indicated by diminished activity of a co‐transfected collagen II promoter‐luciferase reporter construct. In conclusion, our results suggest a novel role for the ERK5 pathway as an important negative regulator of adult human MPC chondrogenesis and illustrate that the ERK5 and ERK1/2 kinase cascades play opposing roles regulating MPC cartilage formation. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:178–186, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GP96 C‐terminal improves Her2/neu DNA vaccine
Authors: Pakravan Nafiseh , Soleimanjahi Hoorieh , Mohammad Hassan Zuhair 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundDNA vaccines ensure protective immunity against tumors in a variety of experimental models. The favorite target tumor‐associated antigens have been those that are frequently expressed by human tumors, such as Her2. However, the efficacy of active vaccination is limited because Her2 is a self‐tolerated antigen. Many strategies have been applied to increase the efficacy of DNA vaccination, such as fusion or co‐administration of Her2 with cytokine and co‐stimulatory molecules. GP96 is involved in innate and adaptive immune responses and evokes potent activation and maturation of dendritic cells along with increased secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. On the basis of previous studies, we expected the C‐terminal of GP96 to act as a package and as a suitable substitute for both cytokine and co‐stimulatory genes.MethodsIn the present study, the C‐terminal of GP96 fused or co‐administered with Her2/neu‐containing constructs was used and the resultant immune response was evaluated and compared.ResultsThe data obtained showed that the construct containing the C‐terminal of GP96 fused with Her2/neu, but not the co‐administration of the two separated constructs, decreased CD4+CD25+foxp3+ regulatory T cells at the tumor site, enhanced cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity and increased interferon‐γ secretion.ConclusionsThe C‐terminal of GP96 has potent adjuvant activity in eliciting a significant immune response when fused with Her2/neu. It may be used as molecular adjuvant along with other tumor or bacterial/viral antigens. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the impact of climate and land use changes on streamflow trends in a monsoon catchment
Authors: Adnan Nor Aizam , Atkinson Peter M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractFlooding appears to be increasing in Kelantan, Malaysia, in terms of frequency as well as magnitude. This is likely to be due to changes in precipitation, but may also be contributed to by land use change. The Mann–Kendall non‐parametric method was used to test for trends in streamflow and precipitation at the 90% significance level. Several significant trends in streamflow were found for the upstream (River Galas) and downstream (River Kelantan) sub‐catchments for all variables (annual, seasonal and monthly time‐series). In particular, streamflow increased in all seasons in the upstream sub‐catchment, but increased in the wet season and decreased in the dry season downstream. Several trends were also observed for precipitation. Precipitation trends were increasing in the wet season and decreasing in the dry season for both upstream and downstream sub‐catchments. Analysis of land use change revealed that most changes occurred through conversion of forest to agricultural land (i.e. rubber and oil palm), predominantly in the upstream sub‐catchment. The analysis suggests a clear association between streamflow change and precipitation change, but also reveals that land use change may be an important contributing factor, particularly in the upstream sub‐catchment. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Effect of nicotine and tobacco administration method on the mechanical properties of healing bone following closed fracture
Authors: Hastrup Sidsel Gaarn , Chen Xinqian , Bechtold Joan E. , Kyle Richard F. , Rahbek Ole , Keyler Daniel E. , Skoett Martin , Soeballe Kjeld 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe previously showed different effects of tobacco and nicotine on fracture healing, but due to pump reservoir limits, maximum exposure period was 4 weeks. To allow flexibility in pre‐ and post‐fracture exposure periods, the objective of this study was to compare a new oral administration route for nicotine to the established pump method. Four groups were studied: (1) pump saline, (2) pump saline + oral tobacco, (3) pump saline/nicotine + oral tobacco, and (4) pump saline + oral nicotine/tobacco. Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 84) received a transverse femoral fracture stabilized with an intramedullary pin 1 week after initiating dosing. After 3 weeks, no difference was found in torsional strength or stiffness between oral nicotine/tobacco or pump nicotine + tobacco, while energy absorption with oral nicotine/tobacco was greater than pump nicotine + tobacco (p < 0.05). Compared to saline control, strength for oral nicotine/tobacco was higher than control (p < 0.05), and stiffnesses for pump nicotine + tobacco and oral nicotine/tobacco were higher than control (p < 0.05). No differences in energy were found for either nicotine–tobacco group compared to saline control. Mean serum cotinine (stable nicotine metabolite) was different between pump and oral nicotine at 1 and 4 weeks, but all groups were in the range of 1–2 pack/day smokers. In summary, relevant serum cotinine levels can be reached in rats with oral nicotine, and, in the presence of tobacco, nicotine can influence mechanical aspects of fracture healing, dependent on administration method. Caution should be exercised when comparing results of fracture healing studies using different methods of nicotine administration. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1235–1239, 2010
Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (PL 14736) improves ligament healing in the rat
Authors: Cerovecki Tomislav , Bojanic Ivan , Brcic Luka , Radic Bozo , Vukoja Ivan , Seiwerth Sven , Sikiric Predrag 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe improved medial collateral ligament (MCL) healing throughout 90 days after surgical transection. We introduced intraperitoneal, per‐oral (in drinking water) and topical (thin cream layer) peptide therapy always given alone, without a carrier. Previously, as an effective peptide therapy, stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV, an anti‐ulcer peptide effective in inflammatory bowel disease therapy (PL 14736)) particularly improved healing of transected tendon and muscle and wound healing effect including the expression of the early growth response 1 (egr‐1) gene. After MCL transection BPC 157 was effective in rats when given once daily intraperitoneally (10 µg or 10 ng/kg) or locally as a thin layer (1.0 µg dissolved in distilled water/g commercial neutral cream) at the site of injury, first application 30 min after surgery and the final application 24 h before sacrifice. Likewise, BPC 157 was effective given per‐orally (0.16 µg/ml in the drinking water (12 ml/day/rat)) until sacrifice. Commonly, BPC 157 µg‐ng‐rats exhibited consistent functional, biomechanical, macroscopic and histological healing improvements. Thus, we suggest BPC 157 improved healing of acute ligament injuries in further ligament therapy. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1155–1161, 2010
Age‐associated increases in the size of the infrapatellar fat pad in knee osteoarthritis as measured by 3T MRI
Authors: Chuckpaiwong Bavornrit , Charles Hal Cecil , Kraus Virginia B. , Guilak Farshid , Nunley James A. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObesity, as a primary risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA), has been shown to alter joint loading, but may also result in metabolic changes characterized by chronic, low‐level inflammation due to increased circulating levels of adipose‐derived cytokines, or “adipokines.” The presence of the infrapatellar fat pad in the knee suggests that local changes in adipokine concentrations may influence knee OA. This study examined the hypotheses that the volume of the infrapatellar fat pad is correlated to the body mass index (BMI) of OA patients, and that fat pad volume is greater in subjects with OA. Fat pad volume was measured in sequential magnetic resonance (MR) images taken over one year in a cohort of 15 control and 15 knee OA subjects. No differences were observed in the fat pad volume between the two groups at baseline, 3, 6, or 12 months. In control subjects, no significant correlations were present between any parameters (age, BMI, weight, volume of fat pad at any time point). However, in the osteoarthritic group, fat pad volume was correlated with age at every time point. One possible explanation is that local factors related to knee OA may also induce enlargement of the fat pad with age. Alternatively, subjects who are prone to growth or enlargement of the fat pad may also be more prone to symptomatic OA. These findings provide intriguing preliminary data on the potential role of the infrapatellar fat pad in OA, although additional study is required to better understand the mechanisms of this relationship. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1149–1154, 2010
Musculoskeletal deformities secondary to neurotomy of the superior trunk of the brachial plexus in neonatal mice
Authors: Kim H. Mike , Galatz Leesa M. , Das Rosalina , Patel Nikunj , Thomopoulos Stavros 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe developmental course of musculoskeletal deformities in neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) has not been studied extensively. The goals of this study were to: (1) evaluate a new animal model of NBPP, (2) characterize the development of musculoskeletal abnormalities in paralyzed shoulders, and (3) investigate the expression of myogenic and adipogenic genes in paralyzed rotator cuff muscles. Neonatal mice were divided into neurotomy and sham groups. The neurotomy group underwent surgical transection of the superior trunk of the brachial plexus within 24 h of birth. The sham group underwent the same surgical exposure, but the brachial plexus was left intact. Musculoskeletal deformities were evaluated with radiological and histological assays at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 30 weeks after birth. The supraspinatus muscles of a separate group of mice were used to examine expression of myogenic and adipogenic genes at 8 weeks. The neurotomized forelimbs developed deformities similar to those seen in human NBPP. The deformities progressed with age. The denervated supraspinatus muscles showed intramuscular fat accumulation and upregulation of both myogenic and adipogenic genes compared to the normal. The current study presents a useful animal model for future research examining musculoskeletal changes secondary to neonatal nerve injury. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1391–1398, 2010
Changes in chondrogenic phenotype and gene expression profiles associated with the in vitro expansion of human synovium‐derived cells
Authors: Han Hyuk‐Soo , Lee Sahnghoon , Kim Ji Hyun , Seong Sang Cheol , Lee Myung Chul 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe undertook this study to characterize changes in the proliferative capacities, chondrogenic phenotypes, and gene expression profiles of human synovium‐derived progenitor cells from osteoarthritic patients during in vitro expansion. Cells isolated from osteoarthritic synovia were cultured, and growth rates during serial passages were evaluated. Surface molecule expressions were determined by flow cytometry and cytogenetic analyses were performed. After chondrogenic differentiation in cell pellets, we evaluated type II collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis. To assess whether the in vitro expansion of synovium‐derived cells affects gene expression, we performed microarray analyses on cells at passage 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Synovium‐derived cells were rapidly expanded in vitro through passage 8 (about 130 days), and after passage 6, the proliferation rates decreased slightly with a wide range of individual variations. The expressions of CD166, CD49a, and CD106 decreased, whereas those of CD10, CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105 showed no significant change. Karyotype analysis revealed no evidence of chromosome abnormalities. The staining of type II collagen and GAG in differentiated cell pellets showed rapid weakening. Genome‐wide microarray analysis showed that synovium‐derived cells from late passages over‐expressed genes associated with cell cycle prolongation and cell aging, and less‐expressed genes associated with cell growth stimulation. The in vitro expansion of synovium‐derived cells was accompanied with decreased proliferative capacity and the chondrogenic phenotype, which might be modulated by change in gene expression patterns. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1283–1291, 2010
Correlations between effective permeability and marrow contact channels surface of vertebral endplates
Authors: Laffosse Jean‐Michel , Accadbled Franck , Molinier François , Bonnevialle Nicolas , de Gauzy Jérôme Sales , Swider Pascal 
Published: March 2010

AbstractHomeostasis of the intervertebral disc relies on nutrient supply and waste clearance through the dense capillary network that is in contact with the cartilage endplate (CEP). We developed a micro‐computerized tomography (micro‐CT) method to quantify the marrow contact channel surface (MCCS) with the CEP and to validate the hypothesis according to which MCCS was correlated to the effective permeability of the vertebral endplate (VEP) and influenced by the mechanical stimuli. The influence of compression loading on local vascularization was investigated. Six 4‐week‐old skeletally immature pigs were instrumented with left pedicle screws and rod at both T5–T6 and L1–L2 levels to create asymmetrical spine tethers. After 3 months of growth, three cylindrical specimens of the VEP (one central and two lateral right and left) were obtained from both the instrumented and the control levels. We used a previously validated method for measuring permeability. Micro‐CT analysis (resolution 12 µm) yielded a gray‐scale 2D‐image of the discal end of each specimen converted into a binary 2D‐image to derive the MCCS. Correlations between MCCS and effective permeability were assessed. Effective permeability and MCCS were significantly decreased compared to the control group especially on the tethered side (−41.5%, p = 0.004 and −52.5%, p = 0.0009, respectively). Correlations were significant and showed maximal value (r2 = 0.430, p < 0.0001) on the tethered side involving maximal compressive loadings. Mechanical stimuli, due to unbalanced growth, altered the vascularization and the convective properties of the CEP. The cascade of mechanobiological events should offer perspectives for research on disc degeneration and attempted treatment. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1229–1234, 2010
Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of coal: a review
Authors: Potgieter‐Vermaak S. , Maledi N. , Wagner N. , Van Heerden J. H. P. , Van Grieken R. , Potgieter J. H. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe advances in the characterization of amorphous carbons by Raman spectroscopy over the last four decades are of interest to many industries, especially those involving the combustion, gasification and pyrolysis of coal. Many researchers report on the Raman character of the natural organic matter in carbon‐containing compounds, such as coal, and relate the Raman bands to the structural order of the amorphous carbons. The basis of most of these studies evolved around the assignment of the G (graphitic, ∼1580 cm−1) band to crystalline graphite and any other bands, called D bands, (disorder, various from 1100 to 1500 cm−1) to any type of structural disorder in the graphitic structure. Concerning coal analysis, the information gained by Raman investigations has been used to describe char evolution as a function of temperature, the presence of catalysts and different gasification conditions. In addition, researchers looked at maturation, grade, doppleritization and many more aspects of interest. One aspect that has, however, not been addressed by most of the researchers is the natural inorganic matter (NIM) in the carbon‐containing compounds. Micro‐Raman spectroscopy (MRS) has many advantages over other characterization tools, i.e. in situ analysis, nondestructive, no sample preparation, low detection limit, micrometer‐scale characterization, versatility and sensitivity to many amorphous compounds. With the distinct advantages it has over that of other molecular characterization tools, such as powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry (FT‐IR) and scanning electron microscopy with X‐ray detection (SEM/EDS), it is surprising that it has not yet been fully exploited up to this point for the characterization of the NIM in coal and other amorphous carbons. This paper reviews the work published on the Raman characterization of the natural organic matter (NOM) of coals and reports on preliminary results of the NIM character of various South African coals, whereby various inorganic compounds and minerals in the coal have been characterized. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of criminal justice involvement on victims' mental health
Authors: Parsons Jim , Bergin Tiffany 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe aftermath of violent crime can leave victims with persistent emotional and mental health problems. Although research has shown the potential benefits of prosecuting cases through the courts, there is also a substantial literature that suggests that common features of the criminal justice system can exacerbate the impact of the initial crime, leading to a secondary victimization. The authors present a review of the research on the positive and negative impact of criminal justice involvement, and common points of failure in the efforts of justice institutions to meet the needs of victims. They conclude with recommendations for future work, including the need for research on restorative justice, victim impact statements, court notification systems, victim services, and victim advocates.
Influence of colloid suspensions of humic acids on the alkaline hydrolysis of N‐methyl‐N‐nitroso‐p‐toluene sulfonamide
Authors: Astray G. , García‐Río L. , Lodeiro C. , Mejuto J. C. , Moldes O. , Morales J. , Moyano F. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe influence of humic substances (HSs) upon the alkaline hydrolysis of N‐methyl‐N‐nitroso‐p‐toluene sulfonamide has been studied. Important inhibition of hydrolysis reaction has been reported. This inhibition has been explained in terms of association of reactants to the humic substances. Kinetic results have been modeled using the micellar pseudophase model. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 316–322, 2010
Kinetic isotope effects for the H2 + C2H ↔ C2H2 + H reaction based on the ab initio calculations and a global potential energy surface
Authors: Ju Liping , Wang Dongsheng 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn the present paper, kinetic isotope effects of the title reaction are studied with canonical variational transition state theory on the modified Wang Bowman (MWB) potential energy surface (PES) (Chem Phys Lett 2005, 409, 249) and the ab initio calculations at the quadratic configuration interaction (QCISD (T, full))/aug‐cc‐pVTZ//QCISD (full)/cc‐pVTZ level. The calculated rate constants for the isotopic variants of this title reaction on the MWB PES have good agreement with those of the present ab initio calculations over the temperature range of 20–5000 K for the forward reactions and 800–5000 K for the reverse reactions, respectively. In particular, the forward rate constants for the title reaction and its isotopically substituted reactions have negative temperature dependences at about 40 K. Rate expressions are presented for all the studied reactions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 289–298, 2010
Modeling and experimental studies on combustion characteristics of porous coal char: Volume reaction model
Authors: Sadhukhan Anup Kumar , Gupta Parthapratim , Kumar Saha Ranajit 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA generalized single‐particle model for the prediction of combustion dynamics of a porous coal char in a fluidized bed is analyzed in the present work using a volume reaction model (VRM). A fully transient nonisothermal model involving both heterogeneous and homogeneous chemical reactions, multicomponent mass transfer, heat transfer with intraparticle resistances, as well as char structure evolution is developed. The model takes into account convection and diffusion inside the particle pores, as well as in the boundary layer. By addressing the Stefan flow originated due to nonequimolar mass transfer and chemical reactions, this work enables a more realistic analysis of the combustion process. The model, characterized by a set of partial differential equations coupled with nonlinear boundary conditions, is solved numerically using the implicit finite volume method (FVM) with a FORTRAN code developed in‐house. The use of a FVM for solving such an elaborate char combustion model, based on the VRM, was not reported earlier. Experiments consisting of fluidized‐bed combustion of a single char particle were carried out to determine the internal surface area of a partially burned char particle and to enable model validation. Predicted results are found to compare well with the reported experimental results for porous coal char combustion. The effects of various parameters (i.e., bulk temperature and initial particle radius) are examined on the dynamics of combustion of coal char. The phenomena of ignition and extinction are also investigated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 299–315, 2010