bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment indices for the seismic vulnerability of existing R.C. buildings
Authors: Thermou G. E. , Pantazopoulou S. J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe seismic vulnerability of old multi‐storey reinforced concrete (R.C.) buildings reinforced with substandard details is assessed as a function of interstorey drift demand imposed by the design earthquake while considering brittle termination of elastic response of the critical members of the structure due to a premature shear failure. Interstorey drift demand is related to column and wall translational stiffnesses which are expressed through analytical derivations in terms of the floor area ratios of gravity and lateral load bearing members in the critical floor. Interstorey drift capacity is related to the available transverse reinforcement and the axial load ratio of the vertical members. The significance of the area ratio of vertical members in the typical floor as an index of vulnerability is explored with reference to the limitations in the value of axial load ratio used in R.C. design in order to secure ductile flexural behavior, and also with reference to the stability index of gravity load bearing members. Interstorey Drift Spectra are derived for the existing R.C. buildings suitable for rapid seismic vulnerability screening but also as a guide for rehabilitation of the existing structures. Lightly reinforced or substandard reinforced concrete buildings that reportedly collapsed during previous earthquakes are used as example case studies in order to calibrate the proposed methodology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incorporation of diffuse interface in smoothed particle hydrodynamics: Implementation of the scheme and case studies
Authors: Das A. K. , Das P. K. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAn algorithm is proposed to incorporate diffuse interface (DI) modelling in the Lagrangian smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) for the simulation of interface and its evolution. The model assumes a smooth variation of properties across the interface of two immiscible fluids. The conventional Cahn–Hilliard equation has been adopted to take care of the property variation across the DI. However, it has been recast to be compatible with the particle‐based formulation. The momentum equation has also been modified to account for the surface energy. Three different case studies namely evolution of gas bubbles at submerged orifice, drop deformation in shear flow and deformation of droplets in parabolic flow have been selected for the application of DI‐based SPH (DI‐SPH) method of solution. For the sake of comparison the predictions have been made for all the cases by DI‐SPH as well as by the basic SPH without incorporating DI. Results of these two simulations have been compared with those already reported in the literature. In all the cases DI‐SPH shows a definite improvement in the prediction of the complex interface and their dynamics. The present work demonstrates the strength of the technique in the simulation of diverse multiphase flow problems with evolving interfaces. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nerve injury‐activated microglia engulf myelinated axons in a P2Y12 signaling‐dependent manner in the dorsal horn
Authors: Maeda Mitsuyo , Tsuda Makoto , Tozaki‐Saitoh Hidetoshi , Inoue Kazuhide , Kiyama Hiroshi 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain are poorly understood. However, several studies have implied a role for reactive microglia located in the dorsal horn in neuropathic pain. To clarify the roles of activated microglia in neuropathic pain, we investigated the interactions among microglia and other neural components in the dorsal horn using electron microscopy. Microglia were more abundantly localized in layers II–III of the dorsal horn than in other areas, and some of them adhered to and engulfed both injured and uninjured myelinated axons. This microglial engulfment was rarely observed in the normal dorsal horn, and the number of microglia attached to myelinated axons was markedly increased on postoperative day 7 on the operated side. However, after blocking the P2Y12 ATP receptor in microglia by intrathecal administration of its antagonist, AR‐C69931MX, the increase in the number of microglia attached to myelinated axons, as well as the development of tactile allodynia, were markedly suppressed, although the number of activated microglia did not change remarkably. These results indicate that engulfment of myelinated axons by activated microglia via P2Y12 signaling in the dorsal horn may be a critical event in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mental disorders affect older persons in Sweden – a register‐based study
Authors: Martinsson Gunilla , Wiklund‐Gustin Lena , Fagerberg Ingegerd , Lindholm Christina 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe study aimed to estimate the prevalence of mental disorders based on pharmaceutical use among the old (age ≥ 65) in Sweden for the years 2006–2008.MethodsData on the mental health of older persons were approximated on the basis of recommended prescriptions for pharmaceuticals, gathered from the Swedish Register on Prescribed Pharmaceuticals (SRPP). Each disorder (ICD‐10, F20‐F42, and F60‐F61) was analyzed to identify associated recommended pharmaceuticals. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification codes were applied. The data covered 188 024 individuals who received 2 013 079 prescriptions for pharmaceuticals for mental disorders during a 3‐year period. Persons with pharmaceuticals for dementia disorders were excluded from the calculations of the prevalence of mental disorders.ResultsThe prevalence of mental disorders among the old in Sweden, measured on the basis of pharmaceutical use, was 6.6% in 2006, 2007, and 2008, respectively. Men constituted one‐third of cases and women two‐thirds. Prevalence was lowest in the age group 65–69 and increased subsequently with age.ConclusionsThis fundamental register‐based study included a great number of older persons and shows that mental disorders affect every fifteenth older person in Sweden. The prevalence of mental disorders increases with increasing age. The results highlight the extent of mental disorders among older persons, which is important to know when planning care for these patients. This study, by investigating a large population, provides a solid basis for general planning as well as for future mental disorder research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hippocampal episode fields develop with learning
Authors: Gill Patrick R. , Mizumori Sheri J.Y. , Smith David M. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractSeveral recent studies have shown that hippocampal neurons fire during the delay period in between trials and that these firing patterns differ when different behaviors are required, suggesting that the neuronal responses may be involved in maintaining the memories needed for the upcoming trial. In particular, one study found that hippocampal neurons reliably fired at particular times, referred to as “episode fields” (EFs), during the delay period of a spatial alternation task (Pastalkova et al. (2008) Science 321:1322–1327). The firing of these neurons resulted in distinct sequential firing patterns on left and right turn trials, and these firing patterns could be used to predict the upcoming behavioral response. In this study, we examined neuronal firing during the delay period of a hippocampus‐dependent plus maze task, which involved learning to approach two different reward locations (east and west), and we examined the development of these firing patterns with learning. As in the previous study, hippocampal neurons exhibited discrete periods of elevated firing during the delay (EFs) and the firing patterns were distinct on the east and west trials. Moreover, these firing patterns emerged and began to differentiate the east and west conditions during the first training session and continued to develop as the rats learned the task. The finding of similar firing patterns in different tasks suggests that the EFs are a robust phenomenon, which may occur whenever subjects must maintain distinct memory representations during a delay period. Additionally, in the previous study (Pastalkova et al. (2008) Science 321:1322–1327), the distinct firing patterns could have been due to the differing goal locations, behavioral responses (left or right turns), or trajectories. In this study, neuronal firing varied with the goal location regardless of the trajectories or responses, suggesting that the firing patterns encode the behavioral context rather than specific behaviors. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trend detection in water quality data using time series seasonal adjustment and statistical tests
Authors: Awadallah A. G. , Fahmy Hussam , Karaman H.G. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractDetection of temporal and spatial trends can be considered one of the primary objectives of environmental monitoring networks. The overall goal of this paper is to make full use of water quality data available on Nile Delta drains in order to support the decision makers in managing the pollution problem. A more specific objective is to investigate several techniques in a systematic methodology to analyse water quality aimed at identifying temporal trends. Both seasonal adjustment time series analysis and statistical trend detection tests are used and compared. This approach was applied on two main drains in the Eastern Nile Delta (Bahr Hadus and Bahr El Baqar drains). The total dissolved salts (TDS) series was analysed as it has a length of 20 years from 1984 to 2004. The long time series gives an opportunity to apply both time series analysis and the statistical tests on the data and to compare the results of the two techniques. Both statistical techniques utilized arrived at the same results in general. The analysis showed improved (lower) salinity levels in the Bahr Hadus Drain. Although the Bahr El Baqar Drain belongs hydrobiologically to the same region, it is subject to fluctuations in salinity levels along the drain mainstream except near the outfall of the drain where the salinity level increased due to the reclamation activities taking place south of the Sahl El Hussania area. On the other hand, operation of the wastewater treatment plants of Greater Cairo have influenced the overall water quality conditions of the Bahr El Baqar Drain. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prostate specific antigen reduction following statin therapy: Mechanism of action and review of the literature
Authors: Mener David J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractProstate specific antigen (PSA) is a serine protease that is exclusively produced in the prostate, and its detection is the only laboratory test available for screening men for prostate cancer (PC). The interpretation of the assay is difficult since it is specific for prostate tissue and cellular growth, but not for PC. Pharmacologic therapy for hyperlipidemia, such as statins, may influence prostate cellular growth and subsequently PSA levels in patients. Dysregulated cellular growth in the prostate is mediated by inhibiting the rate‐limiting pathway step in cholesterol synthesis, thereby decreasing isoprenylate intermediates, decreasing cholesterol rich cellular membrane domains, and down‐regulating androgen and estrogen receptors. Statins, with variable efficacy, have been previously shown to inhibit cellular inflammation, angiogenesis, proliferation, migration/adhesion, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis in prostate cells by inhibiting the conversion of HMG‐CoA to mevalonate. An individual statin's molecular structure, need for enzymatic conversion, bioavailability, and peripheral tissue concentration may partially account for differing properties. By inhibiting prostatic cellular growth and promoting apoptosis, statins may subsequently decrease PSA levels, an effect recently observed in cohorts. There is scientific and clinical evidence supporting the observations that statins are associated with an overall reduction in serum PSA in men, when used for greater than 6 months, and especially when used for greater than 2 years. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(8): 584–590, 2010.
How adhesion/growth‐regulatory galectins‐1 and ‐3 attain cell specificity: Case study defining their target on neuroblastoma cells (SK‐N‐MC) and marked affinity regulation by affecting microdomain organization of the membrane
Authors: Kopitz Jürgen , Bergmann Marion , Gabius Hans‐Joachim 
Published: July 2010

AbstractGalectins are potent effectors with conspicuous cell‐type‐specific activity profile. Its occurrence poses the question on the nature of the underlying biochemical determinants, in human SK‐N‐MC neuroblastoma cells involved in negative growth regulation. Since increase of surface presentation of ganglioside GM1 and homodimeric galectin‐1 precedes growth inhibition, a direct interaction is suggested. We thus examined cell binding depending on glucosylceramide synthesis. It was drastically reduced by N‐butyldeoxynojirimycin and threo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐decanoylamino‐3‐morpholino‐1‐propanol, adding decisive evidence for the assumed galectin/ganglioside binding. Glycoproteins do not compensate ganglioside depletion which was verified by measuring lipid‐bound sialic acid. Binding affinity is significantly lowered by disrupting microdomain integrity, also effective for the competitive inhibitor galectin‐3. This was caused by cell treatment with either 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin or filipin III. In this cell system, target specificity and topology of ligand presentation act together to enable high‐affinity binding. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(8): 624–628, 2010.
Novel, UV‐curable coatings containing a tethered biocide: Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Chisholm Bret. J. , Stafslien Shane , He Jie , Patel Sandeep 
Published: July 2010

AbstractCationic, UV ‐curable coatings containing the tethered biocide, triclosan, were produced and their antimicrobial activity toward Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli determined. Two polysiloxanes functionalized with both cycloaliphatic epoxy and triclosan were synthesized using hydrosilylation. The functionalized polysiloxanes, with varied concentration of pendant triclosan, were used to produce UV‐curable coatings with reasonably good coating properties. Fourier transform (FT)‐Raman spectroscopy showed that the tethered triclosan moieties self‐concentrate on the coating surface. Using biological assays, it was determined that the coatings possessed nearly 100% antimicrobial activity toward the Gram‐positive bacterium, S. epidermidis, without leaching toxic components. For the Gram‐negative bacterium, E. coli, 60–80% reduction in biofilm retention was observed for all the coatings. Interestingly, the coatings were lesser effective in reducing E. coli cell viability suggesting that the tethered triclosan were able to substantially reduce the production of the biofilm extracellular matrix with minimal adverse affect on the bacterial cells attached to the coating surfaces. The high specificity of the coatings toward S. epidermidis indicates that a novel mode of contact‐active antimicrobial activity was achieved through the disruption of processes unique to the Gram‐positive cell wall. These novel UV‐curable coatings have potential applications in inhibiting implantable biomedical device associated infections. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Acute effects of microcystins exposure on the transcription of antioxidant enzyme genes in three organs (liver, kidney, and testis) of male Wistar rats
Authors: Xiong Qian , Xie Ping , Li Huiying , Hao Le , Li Guangyu , Qiu Tong , Liu Ying 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMicrocystins (MCs) induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in various tissues in mammals, whereas the endogenous antioxidant enzymes are responsible to scavenge the ROS. ROS can modulate the antioxidant enzyme activities by regulating the mRNA levels. The present study was undertaken to find out the relationship between the transcriptional alterations of antioxidant enzymes and MCs stimulation in rats. The time‐dependent changes of relative transcription abundance of catalase (CAT), Mn‐superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD), Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn‐SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and gamma‐glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ‐GCS) were investigated in three organs (liver, kidney, and testis) of male Wistar rats injected intravenously (i.v.) with 80 μg MC‐LRequivalent/kg body weight using the quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) method. We found that MCs could affect the transcriptional activities of these antioxidant enzymes in liver, kidney, and testis of MCs‐treated rats and we speculated the possible causation of the transcriptional change. The altered transcription of antioxidant enzymes may play an important role in counteracting the potential deleterious effects of elevated oxidative stress induced by MCs, and this will provide us new insights into the possible role of antioxidant enzymes in the toxicological mechanisms of MCs at molecular level. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:361–367, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20347
Characterization of photodynamic therapy responses elicited in A431 cells containing intracellular organelle‐localized photofrin
Authors: Hsieh Ya‐Ju , Yu Jau‐Song , Lyu Ping‐Chiang 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT), a photochemotherapeutic regimen used to treat several diseases, including cancer, exerts its effects mainly through induction of cell death. Using human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells as a model, we previously showed that distinct cell death types could be triggered by protocols that selectively delivered Photofrin (a clinically approved photosensitizer) to different subcellular sites (Hsieh et al. [2003] J Cell Physiol 194: 363–375]. Here, the responses elicited by PDT in A431 cells containing intracellular organelle‐localized Photofrin were further characterized. Two prominent cell phenotypes were observed under these conditions: one characterized by perinuclear vacuole (PV) formation 2–8 h after PDT followed by cell recovery or shrinkage within 48 h, and a second characterized by typical apoptotic features appearing within 4 h after PDT. DCFDA‐sensitive reactive oxygen species formed proximal to PVs during the response to PDT, covering areas in which both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi complex were located. Biochemical analyses showed that Photofrin‐PDT also induced JNK activation and altered the protein secretion profile. A more detailed examination of PV formation revealed that PVs were derived from the ER. The alteration of ER structure induced by PDT was similar to that triggered by thapsigargin, an ER Ca2+‐ATPase inhibitor that perturbs Ca2+ homeostasis, suggesting a role for Ca2+ in the formation of PVs. Microtubule dynamics did not significantly affect PV formation. This study demonstrates that cells in which intracellular organelles are selectively loaded with Photofrin mount a novel response to ER stress induced by PDT. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 821–833, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chondrogenic potential of subpopulations of cells expressing mesenchymal stem cell markers derived from human synovial membranes
Authors: Arufe M.C. , De la Fuente A. , Fuentes I. , de Toro F.J. , Blanco F.J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn this study we analyzed the chondrogenic potential of subpopulations of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from human synovial membranes enriched for CD73, CD106, and CD271 markers. Subpopulations of human synovial membrane MSCs enriched for CD73, CD106, and CD271 markers were isolated using a cytometry sorter and characterized by flow cytometry for MSC markers. The expression of Sox9, Nanog, and Runx2 genes by these cells was measured by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. The chondrogenesis of each subpopulation was assessed by culturing the cells in a defined medium to produce spontaneous spheroid formation and differentiation towards chondrocyte‐like cells. The examination of the spheroids by histological and immunohistochemical analyses for collagen type II (COL2), aggrecan, collagen type I (COL1), metalloprotease 13 (MMP13), and collagen type X (COLX) levels were performed to assess their chondrogenesis capacity. The adipogenesis and osteogenesis potential of each subpopulation was determined using commercial media; the resulting cells were stained with oil red O or red alizarin to test the degree of differentiation. The subpopulations had different profiles of cells positive for the MSC markers CD44, CD69, CD73, CD90, and CD105 and showed different expression levels of the genes Sox9, Nanog, and Runx2 involved in chondrogenesis, undifferentiation, and osteoblastogenesis, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that COL1, COL2, COLX, MMP13, and aggrecan were expressed in the spheroids as soon as 14 days of culture. The CD271+ subpopulation expressed the highest levels of COL2 staining compared to the other subpopulations. CD105 and Runx2 were shown by immunohistochemistry and genetic analysis to have significantly higher expression CD271+ subpopulation than the other subpopulations. Spheroids formed from CD271‐enriched and CD73‐enriched MSCs from normal human synovial membranes mimic the native cartilage extracellular matrix more closely than CD106+ MSCs and are possible candidates for use in cartilage tissue engineering. Both cell types have potential for promoting the differentiation of MSCs into chondrocytes, presenting new possibilities for achieving intrinsic cartilage repair. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 834–845, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multilineage differentiation potential of cells isolated from the human amniotic membrane
Authors: Díaz‐Prado Silvia , Muiños‐López Emma , Hermida‐Gómez Tamara , Rendal‐Vázquez Maria Esther , Fuentes‐Boquete Isaac , de Toro Francisco J. , Blanco Francisco J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe human amniotic membrane (HAM) contains two cell types from different embryological origins. Human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) are derived from the embryonic ectoderm, while human amnion mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSCs) are derived from the embryonic mesoderm. In this study, we localized, isolated, quantified and phenotypically characterized HAM‐derived cells and analysed their in vitro differentiation potential towards mesodermal cell lineages. Human amnion‐derived cells were isolated and characterized by flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction studies were performed for the analysis of multipotentiality. Immunophenotypic characterization of both cell types demonstrated the presence of the common, well‐defined human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers (CD90, CD44, CD73, CD166, CD105, CD29), as well as the embryonic stem‐cell markers SSEA‐4 and STRO‐1. Phenotypes of both cell populations were maintained from passages P0 to P9. The assessment of multilineage potential demonstrated that the hAMSCs showed greater adipogenic and chondrogenic potential. Both populations had the ability to retain their capacity for differentiation during culture passages from P0 to P4. Our data demonstrate the successful localization and isolation of hAMSCs and hAECs from the HAM. Both cell populations possessed similar immunophenotype. However, they differed in cell yield and multipotential for differentiation into the major mesodermal lineages. Our functional differentiation studies demonstrated that hAMSCs possess a much greater mesodermal differentiation capacity than hAECs. These considerations will be important for use of these cells for cell therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 846–857, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.