bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do estrogens improve bone mineral density in osteoporotic women over age 65?
Authors: Marx Christopher W. , Dailey George E. , Cheney Carol , Vint Vinton C. , Muchmore Douglas B. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
A retrospective analysis of our experience with estrogen and fluoride treatment in 91 patients with postmenopausal osteopenia followed for 6–47 months has been performed. Treatment included calcium (1000 mg/day) and either conjugated estrogens (0.625 mg/day) or sodium fluoride (50 mg/day), or both. All patients had at least two serial dual-photon spinal bone mineral density measurements performed 6 months or more apart. Estrogen treatment was associated with increased bone mineral density (5.3%/year), as was fluoride alone (7.5%/year). Estrogen and fluoride together were additive (9.6%/year). In women over age 65 the estrogen effect was just as great (6.9%/year) as in younger women. Estrogen benefit occurred predominantly in the first 18 months of treatment (7.0%/year), after which time changes in bone mineral density were similar to those in untreated controls, who showed stable bone mineral density. We conclude that aggressive estrogen and fluoride treatment tailored to the severity of the individual's postmenopausal osteopenia results in short-term improvement in spinal bone mineral density. These data further support that elderly women respond to estrogen replacement therapy with absolute and relative increments in bone density similar to those in younger women.
Different pathways lead to mitochondrial fragmentation during apoptotic and excitotoxic cell death in primary neurons
Authors: Young Kenneth W. , Piñon Lucia G. P. , Bampton Edward T. W. , Nicotera Pierluigi 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMitochondrial fragmentation is recognized to be an important event during the onset of apoptosis. In this current study, we have used single cell imaging to investigate the role of the mitochondrial fission protein DRP‐1 on mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial fragmentation in primary hippocampal neurons undergoing necrotic or apoptotic cell death. Treatment of neurons with 500 nM staurosporine (apoptosis) or 30 μM glutamate (l‐Glu; excitotoxic necrosis) produced a fragmentation and condensation of mitochondria, which although occurred over markedly different time frames appeared broadly similar in appearance. In neurons exposed to an apoptotic stimuli, inhibiting DRP‐1 activity using overexpression of the dominant negative DRP‐1K38A slowed the rate of mitochondrial fragmentation and decreased total cell death when compared to overexpression of wild‐type DRP‐1. In contrast, responses to l‐Glu appeared DRP‐1 independent. Similarly, alterations in the fission/fusion state of the mitochondrial network did not alter mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake or the ability of l‐Glu to stimulate excitotoxic Ca2+ overload. Finally, apoptosis‐induced mitochondrial fragmentation was observed concurrent with recruitment of Bax to the mitochondrial membrane. In contrast, during glutamate excitotoxicity, Bax remained in the cytosolic compartment. We conclude that different pathways lead to the appearance of fragmented mitochondria during necrotic and apoptotic neuronal cell death. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:335–341, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20336
T‐loop phosphorylated Cdk9 localizes to nuclear speckle domains which may serve as sites of active P‐TEFb function and exchange between the Brd4 and 7SK/HEXIM1 regulatory complexes
Authors: Dow Eugene C. , Liu Hongbing , Rice Andrew P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractP‐TEFb functions to induce the elongation step of RNA polymerase II transcription by phosphorylating the carboxyl‐terminal domain of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. Core P‐TEFb is comprised of Cdk9 and a cyclin regulatory subunit, with Cyclin T1 being the predominant Cdk9‐associated cyclin. The kinase activity of P‐TEFb is dependent on phosphorylation of the Thr186 residue located within the T‐loop domain of the Cdk9 subunit. Here, we used immunofluorescence deconvolution microscopy to examine the subcellular distribution of phospho‐Thr186 Cdk9/Cyclin T1 P‐TEFb heterodimers. We found that phospho‐Thr186 Cdk9 displays a punctate distribution throughout the non‐nucleolar nucleoplasm and it co‐localizes with Cyclin T1 almost exclusively within nuclear speckle domains. Phospho‐Thr186 Cdk9 predominantly co‐localized with the hyperphosphorylated forms of RNA polymerase II. Transient expression of kinase‐defective Cdk9 mutants revealed that neither is Thr186 phosphorylation or kinase activity required for Cdk9 speckle localization. Lastly, both the Brd4 and HEXIM1 proteins interact with P‐TEFb at or very near speckle domains and treatment of cells with the Cdk9 inhibitor flavopiridol alters this distribution. These results indicate that the active form of P‐TEFb resides in nuclear speckles and raises the possibility that speckles are sites of P‐TEFb function and exchange between negative and positive P‐TEFb regulatory complexes. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:84–93, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stabilization of biomass‐derived pyrolysis oils
Authors: Venderbosch R.H. , Ardiyanti A.R. , Wildschut J. , Oasmaa A. , Heeres H.J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: Biomass is the only renewable feedstock containing carbon, and therefore the only alternative to fossil‐derived crude oil derivatives. However, the main problems concerning the application of biomass for biofuels and bio‐based chemicals are related to transport and handling, the limited scale of the conversion process and the competition with the food industry. To overcome such problems, an integral processing route for the conversion of (non‐feed) biomass (residues) to transportation fuels is proposed. It includes a pretreatment process by fast pyrolysis, followed by upgrading to produce a crude‐oil‐like product, and finally co‐refining in traditional refineries.RESULTS: This paper contributes to the understanding of pyrolysis oil upgrading. The processes include a thermal treatment step and/or direct hydroprocessing. At temperatures up to 250 °C (in the presence of H2 and catalyst) parallel reactions take place including re‐polymerization (water production), decarboxylation (limited CO2 production) and hydrotreating. Water is produced in small quantities (approx. 10% extra), likely caused by repolymerization. This repolymerization takes place faster (order of minutes) than the hydrotreating reactions (order of tens of minutes, hours).CONCLUSIONS: In hydroprocessing of bio‐oils, a pathway is followed by which pyrolysis oils are further polymerized if H2 and/or catalyst is absent, eventually to char components, or, with H2/catalyst, to stabilized components that can be further upgraded. Results of the experiments suggest that specifically the cellulose‐derived fraction of the oil needs to be transformed first, preferably into alcohols in a ‘mild hydrogenation’ step. This subsequently allows further dehydration and hydrogenation. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Power characteristics of surface aerators
Authors: Rao Achanta Ramakrishna , Patel Ajey Kumar , Kumar Bimlesh 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: The hydrodynamic conditions of a surface aeration system can be characterized by interpreting the power consumption of the impeller. Power consumed by aeration tanks depends on the geometries of the impeller and tank, which is generally denoted by the power number.RESULTS: The various geometric and dynamic parameters affecting the power number have been studied experimentally. Three flat‐bottomed cylindrical tanks of 1, 0.518 and 0.168 m2 cross sectional area, fitted with six flat bladed impellers were used as baffled and unbaffled circular tanks.CONCLUSIONS: Scale‐up criteria have been developed for baffled surface aeration tanks. General correlations have been developed for both baffled and unbaffled aeration systems which are useful in the design of surface aeration tanks. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of the final ethanol concentration on the acetification and production rate in the wine vinegar process
Authors: Baena‐Ruano Silvia , Jiménez‐Ot Carlos , Santos‐Dueñas Inés M. , Jiménez‐Hornero Jorge E. , Bonilla‐Venceslada José L. , Álvarez‐Cáliz Carmen , García‐García Isidoro 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: The acetification process needs an overall study of the variables influencing it in order to establish their optimum values. Based on industrial experience and available literature, including a recently proposed model by the authors, among the variables most strongly influencing the acetification process are the ethanol concentration at the time the reactor is unloaded, the unloaded volume and the loading rate. To ensure economically efficient industrial production of vinegar, and to check the predictions of the aforementioned model, the influence of the final ethanol concentration at unloading time on the mean acetification rate and on productivity has been studied in this work.RESULTS: An increase in the final ethanol concentration from 0.5 to 3.5% (v/v) increased the mean overall acetification rate and acetic acid production by 38 and 26%, respectively. The increase was established mainly during the loading phase.CONCLUSIONS: The final ethanol concentration is a key variable for process optimization. If a high rate is desired then a product containing much unused substrate will be obtained, which may be industrially unacceptable. These results suggest the necessity to investigate other possibilities when high values for yield and productivity must to be achieved. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Does increasing access to infrastructure services improve the targeting performance of water subsidies?
Authors: Angel‐Urdinola Diego F. , Wodon Quentin 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThere is ample evidence that utility subsidies imbedded in inverted block and other tariff structures are not well targeted to the poor, simply because the poor tend to have much lower access rates to water and electricity networks than richer households. This paper provides an analysis of the changes over time in the targeting performance of water consumption subsidies in Nicaragua. Becuase access rates to piped water increased substantially between 2001 and 2005, the targeting performance of consumption subsidies improved, despite the fact that the tariff structure remained essentially the same over time. It is shown that the observed changes in access rates had a much higher impact for improving the targeting performance of consumption subsidies than changes in the tariff structure could have had if they had been implemented. The results suggest that one of the best ways to improve the targeting of consumption subsidies may be to increase access rates, so that the poor have a better chance of receiving the subsidies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Norwegian‐grown Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.): morphology and content of sugars and fructo‐oligosaccharides in stems and tubers
Authors: Slimestad Rune , Seljaasen Randi , Meijer Kasia , Skar Siv Lene 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: Two field trials growing Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) are discussed. Twenty genetic variants were compared in order to find genotypes suitable for Norwegian production. A second trial investigated the above‐ground part of early and late variants.RESULTS: The highest yield (28.7 t ha−1) and highest amount of tubers per plant was obtained in early variants, e.g. the white Tysnes gave 1.72 kg tubers plant−1. Early variants had a markedly lower portion of smooth tubers. Late variants gave the most preferable tuber shape, but low yield. Only a weak correlation was found between dry matter content and total content of fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS) (r = 0.255) in the tubers. The mean content of FOS including sucrose through all variants was found to be 116 g kg−1 fresh weight (FW) or 550 g kg−1 dry weight (DW). The average chain length of FOS in the tubers was found to be DP3.9. There was no difference in tuber FOS content between early and late variants. The highest above‐ground amount biomass was found for the late variants when harvested in September. The content of soluble carbohydrates was found to be highest in stalks in August (sucrose and FOS major compounds).CONCLUSION: Early variants give the highest tuber yield under Norwegian growing conditions. Late variants give highest above‐ground biomass. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of organic production and fertilizer variables on the sensory properties of pac choi (Brassica rapa var. Mei Qing Choi) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. Bush Celebrity)
Authors: Talavera‐Bianchi Martin , Chambers IV Edgar , Carey Edward E , Chambers Delores H 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: The increased popularity of organic production has amplified the need for research that will help in understanding how this production system affects the final quality of vegetables. The effects of organic and conventional production on the sensory characteristics of pac choi (often called bok choy) and tomato were studied. Samples were grown in high tunnel and field environments at the Kansas State University Horticulture Research Center located in Olathe, Kansas. Highly trained descriptive panelists from the Sensory Analysis Center at Kansas State University used previously developed flavor lexicons for tomatoes and leafy greens to evaluate the samples.RESULTS: ANOVA at a 95% confidence level was used to detect significant differences between treatments for individual attributes. Crispness, green‐grassy/leafy, piney, and pungent attributes were normally higher in conventional pac choi only for the field samples. Pac choi grown in high tunnels showed slight differences only at individual amounts of fertilizer. Organic tomatoes grown in the field were generally juicier and less mealy compared to conventionally grown tomatoes. In the high tunnel, organic tomatoes were generally stronger in the characteristic tomato aroma. However, all differences generally were very small.CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that organic and conventional production systems do not create major sensory differences in the vegetables evaluated. The few differences that do exist are so small they may not be of practical importance. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Fruit physical, chemical and aromatic attributes of early, intermediate and late apricot cultivars
Authors: Lo Bianco Riccardo , Farina Vittorio , Indelicato Sergio Giuseppe , Filizzola Felice , Agozzino Pasquale 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: In order to reach good fruit quality, apricots require a balance of sugars and acids as well as a strong apricot aroma. In this study, fruit quality of early, intermediate and late apricot cultivars was evaluated by measuring physical, chemical and olfactory attributes. Multivariate analysis of quality and aroma attributes was used to identify groups of similar cultivars and association with ripening season.RESULTS: Physical, chemical and aromatic attributes showed great variation among cultivars but no relation to ripening season. Aromatic profiles (34 volatiles) of fruit tissues indicated qualitative and quantitative differences among cultivars. Ninfa and Mandorlon were richest in aroma, with a prevailing fruity component; Goldrich and Orange Red were also highly aromatic, with all odour components well represented; Pinkot, Alba and Pellecchiella were lowest in aroma, with a prevailing grassy component. Linear functions including five volatiles (concentrations) and fruit diameter or six aromatic compounds (odour units) and peel colour were found to discriminate cultivars by ripening season. Principal component analysis individuated three groups of cultivars: Ninfa and Mandorlon with sweet and fruity‐flavoured fruits; Bulida, Alba, Goldrich, Ouardy and Silvercot with large, acidic and well‐coloured fruits; and Fracasso, Pellecchiella, Palummella and Pinkot with small and floral/grassy‐flavoured fruits.CONCLUSION: In apricot, detailed analysis of the aromatic profile may represent an efficient tool for classification of genotypes by ripening season, and volatiles with relevant odour contribution may serve as quality markers for selecting towards an extended ripening season of best quality apricots. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Sensitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and rapid one‐step immunochromatographic strip for fumonisin B1 in grain‐based food and feed samples
Authors: Shiu Chang‐Min , Wang Jing‐Jhih , Yu Feng‐Yih 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: Maize contaminated with mycotoxin fumonisin B1 poses a global threat to agricultural production. In this study, polyclonal antibodies (pAb) specific to fumonisin B1 were generated from rabbits immunised with fumonisin B1–keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH). These antibodies were used to establish a sensitive competitive direct enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (cdELISA) and gold nanoparticle immunochromatographic strip for detecting fumonisin B1 levels in maize‐based foods and feeds.RESULTS: In cdELISA, fumonisins B1, B2 and B3 at concentrations of 0.42, 0.58 and 81.5 ng mL−1 respectively caused 50% inhibition (IC50) of binding of fumonisin B1–horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to the antibodies. Effective on‐site detection of fumonisin B1 was achieved by developing a rapid and sensitive pAb‐based gold nanoparticle immunochromatographic strip. This strip had a detection limit of 5 ng mL−1 for fumonisin B1 in maize‐based samples. Additionally, the whole analytical process could be completed within 10 min. Close examination of 15 maize‐based samples by cdELISA revealed that 11 were fumonisin‐positive, with a mean concentration of 435 ± 20.1 ng g−1. These results correlated well with those obtained by immunochromatographic strip.CONCLUSION: Both cdELISA and immunochromatographic strip methods established in this study are sensitive for rapid detection of fumonisins in agricultural commodities. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Applications of mass spectrometry to the study of siRNA
Authors: Beverly Michael B. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) has quickly become a well‐established laboratory tool for regulating gene expression and is currently being explored for its therapeutic potential. The design and use of double‐stranded RNA oligonucleotides as therapeutics to trigger the RNAi mechanism and a greater effort to understand the RNAi pathway itself is driving the development of analytical techniques that can characterize these oligonucleotides. Electrospray (ESI) and MALDI have been used routinely to analyze oligonucleotides and their ability to provide mass and sequence information has made them ideal for this application. Reviewed here is the work done to date on the use of ESI and MALDI for the study of RNAi oligonucleotides as well as the strategies and issues associated with siRNA analysis by mass spectrometry. While there is not a large body of literature on the specific application of mass spectrometry to RNAi, the work done in this area is a good demonstration of the range of experiments that can be conducted and the value that ESI and MALDI can provide to the RNAi field. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 30:979–998, 2011
Rehabilitation in Parkinson's disease: Assessing the outcome using objective metabolic measurements
Authors: Frazzitta Giuseppe , Maestri Roberto , Bertotti Gabriella , Uccellini Davide , Bazzini Giacomo , Abelli Paola , Aquilani Roberto 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjective measurements to assess the efficacy of rehabilitation treatment in Parkinson's disease, suitable to be carried out routinely in the clinical setting, are lacking. Metabolic parameters, reflecting the recruitment and co‐ordination of muscle fibers, might be simple instrumental measurements suitable for use as outcome markers. Twenty parkinsonian patients underwent a 4‐week rehabilitation treatment. Functional evaluation was based on Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Motor Section (UPDRS III), Berg's scale, 6‐minute walking test (6MWT), and the metabolic data recorded during the 6MWT namely the active energy expenditure (AEE), the kinetics of the energy consumption curve, and the peak value of energy consumption. Both rating scales and gait improved significantly (UPDRS III decreased by 32%, Berg increased by 21% and the 6MWT increased by 17%). We observed significant improvements also in metabolic measurements (35, 18, and 15 improvement in the kinetics of the energy consumption, AEE, and peak value of energy consumption, respectively). Hence, the rehabilitation protocol improved functional characteristics of the patients and these improvements were clearly reflected also by the metabolic measurements. The improvement in clinical scores corresponded with an increase in energy consumption during the 6MWT, indicating greater speed in the recruitment of motor units and of a capacity to maintain this recruitment over time. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Does age make a difference in caregiver strain? Comparison of young versus older caregivers in early‐stage Parkinson's disease
Authors: Carter Julie H. , Lyons Karen S. , Stewart Barbara J. , Archbold Patricia G. , Scobee Rebecca 
Published: March 2010

AbstractFamily care research has identified negative outcomes of providing care to a spouse with Parkinson's disease (PD), such as declining physical and mental health. Research has also identified protective variables that decrease negative outcomes such as high mutuality and rewards of meaning. It is important for clinicians to identify “at risk” family caregivers and provide earlier interventions. Despite the importance of age and developmental stage there is a paucity of research comparing young versus older spouse caregivers. This study compared the difference in negative aspects of strain and modulators of strain in young and older PD spouse caregivers. A series of hierarchical multiple regressions were used to examine the contribution of age on both positive and negative aspects of the care situation for 65 (37 young, 28 old) PD spouse caregivers. Negative variables included 3 dimensions of strain; strain from lack of personal resources, strain from worry, and global strain. Positive or protective variables included mutuality, preparedness, and rewards of meaning. Even in early stage disease before significant care is required, young spouses (40–55) were found to be at greater risk for negative consequences of the care situation reporting significantly more strain from lack of personal resources, and lower levels of mutuality and rewards of meaning than older (greater than 70) spouses. As expected, young spouses were more likely to be working, caring for children in the home, and in better physical health than older spouses. Clinicians are well‐situated to identify the unique needs of young spouses and intervene early in the caregiving trajectory. These findings provide ideas for targeted interventions. Future larger studies that compare young and older spouses should include later stage disease to more fully understand the developmental differences raised by the present findings. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society