bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered glutamate receptor function in the cerebellum of the Ppt1−/− mouse, a murine model of infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Finn Rozzy , Kovács Attila D. , Pearce David A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a family of devastating pediatric neurodegenerative disorders and currently represent the most common form of pediatric‐onset neurodegeneration. Infantile NCL (INCL), the most aggressive of these disorders, is caused by mutations in the CLN1 gene that encodes the enzyme palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1). Previous studies have suggested that glutamatergic neurotransmission may be disrupted in INCL, so the present study investigates glutamate receptor function in the Ppt1−/− mouse model of INCL by comparing the sensitivity of cultured wild‐type (WT) and Ppt1−/− cerebellar granule cells to glutamate receptor‐mediated toxicity. Ppt1−/− neurons were significantly less sensitive to AMPA receptor‐mediated toxicity but markedly more vulnerable to NMDA receptor‐mediated cell death. Because glutamate receptor function is regulated primarily by the surface expression level of the receptor, the surface level of AMPA and NMDA receptor subunits in the cerebella of WT and Ppt1−/− mice was also examined. Western blotting of surface cross‐linked cerebellar samples showed a significantly lower surface level of the GluR4 AMPA receptor subunit in Ppt1−/− mice, providing a plausible explanation for the decreased vulnerability of Ppt1−/− cerebellar neurons to AMPA receptor‐mediated cell death. The surface expression of the NR1, NR2A, and NR2B NMDA receptor subunits was similar in the cerebella of WT and Ppt1−/− mice, indicating that there is another mechanism behind the increased sensitivity of Ppt1−/− cerebellar granule cells to NMDA toxicity. Our results indicate an AMPA receptor hypofunction and NMDA receptor hyperfunction phenotype in Ppt1−/− neurons and provide new therapeutic targets for INCL. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Apple extract induces increased epithelial resistance and claudin 4 expression in Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Vreeburg Robert AM , van Wezel Esther E , Ocaña‐Calahorro Francisco , Mes Jurriaan J 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: The small intestinal epithelium functions both to absorb nutrients, and to provide a barrier between the outside, luminal, world and the human body. One of the passageways across the intestinal epithelium is paracellular diffusion, which is controlled by the properties of tight junction complexes. We used a differentiated Caco‐2 monolayer as a model for small intestinal epithelium to study the effect of crude apple extracts on paracellular permeability.RESULTS: Exposure of crude apple homogenate to the differentiated Caco‐2 cells increased the paracellular resistance, determined as trans‐epithelial electrical resistance (TEER). This increase was linearly related to the concentration of apple present. The TEER‐enhancing effect of apple extract was due to factors mainly present in the cortex, and the induction was not inhibited by protein kinase inhibitors. Apple‐induced resistance was accompanied by increased expression of several tight junction related genes, including claudin 4 (CLDN4).CONCLUSION: Crude apple extract induces a higher paracellular resistance in differentiated Caco‐2 cells. Future research will determine whether these results can be extrapolated to human small intestinal epithelia. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of red wines from South America based on sensory properties and antioxidant activity
Authors: Granato Daniel , Uchida Katayama Flávia Chizuko , de Castro Inar Alves 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: It is widely accepted that red wines constitute one of the most important sources of dietary polyphenolic antioxidants. However, it is still not known how some variables such as variety, vintage, country of origin, and retail price are associated with the antioxidant activity and sensory profile of South American red wines. In this regard, 80 samples produced in Brazil, Chile and Argentina were assessed in relation to their sensory properties, color and in vitro antioxidant activity, and results were subjected to multivariate statistical techniques.RESULTS: Samples were grouped in clusters, characterized by high, intermediate and low in vitro antioxidant activity, sensory properties and prices. It was possible to observe that wines with high antioxidant activity were associated to high retail prices and overall perception of sensory quality.CONCLUSION: South American wines produced from Vitis vinifera such as Syrah, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon had higher in vitro antioxidant activity and also higher sensory quality than wines produced from Vitis labrusca. This result was independent of vintage (2002‐2010), corroborating the idea that the same grape varietal, even when produced in different years, displays similar sensory characteristics and antioxidant activity. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of Lens culinaris agglutinin on gene expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in the mouse intestine
Authors: Pervin Monira , Paeng Noriko , Yasui Kensuke , Imai Shinjiro , Isemura Mamoru , Yokogoshi Hidehiko , Nakayama Tsutomu 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Lectins are proteins that bind specifically to the carbohydrate moiety of glyco‐conjugates. Japanese mistletoe lectin given intragastrically affected cytokine gene expression in the mouse intestine. This study examines the actions of Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) on the gene expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in the intestine.RESULTS: The results of quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction indicated that LCA caused an up‐regulation of the gene expression of glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). This change was correlated with an increase in the expression of two transcription factors, HNF1α and HNF4α. Experiments using human colonic cancer Caco‐2 cells demonstrated that LCA up‐regulated the gene expression of G6Pase and PEPCK whereas insulin had the opposite effect. In addition, the observed up‐regulation of HNF4α gene expression in the duodenum raises the possibility that the lectin promotes the colorectal cancer.CONCLUSION: Lentil beans should be cooked well to avoid unfavourable effects of LCA. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenolic composition of Tempranillo wines following early defoliation of the vines
Authors: Diago Maria P , Ayestarán Belén , Guadalupe Zenaida , Garrido Álvaro , Tardaguila Javier 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Early defoliation is a viticultural practice aimed at crop control. So far, the impact of early leaf removal on the monomeric phenolic composition of wines has not been explored. This study examines the effects of early defoliation on the phenolic profile and content in Tempranillo wines. The influence of the defoliation method (manual vs mechanical) and the timing of leaf removal (pre‐bloom vs fruit set) was investigated.RESULTS: Over two consecutive seasons, 2007 and 2008, the monomeric phenolic composition in Tempranillo wines was studied by high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection, and 22 compounds were identified and quantified. Overall, early defoliation led to wines more intensely coloured, of higher alcohol content and with larger concentrations of hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins (in 2008 only for mechanical treatments). In the absence of fungal infection, resveratrol was found to increase in wines corresponding to early defoliation treatments. The method of leaf removal seemed to be more critical than the timing of intervention, and larger effects on wine phenolic composition were observed for mechanical treatments.CONCLUSION: Early defoliation proved to be an effective technique for improving the phenolic composition of Tempranillo wines, by favouring the accumulation of hydroxycinnamics, flavonols and anthocyanins. This is an important achievement, as wine quality is often described by its colour and phenolic attributes. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and liquid chromatography for determination of guaifenesin enantiomers in human urine
Authors: Hatami Mehdi , Farhadi Khalil , Abdollahpour Assem 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA simple, rapid, and efficient method, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography‐fluorescence detector, has been developed for the determination of guaifenesin (GUA) enantiomers in human urine samples after an oral dose administration of its syrup formulation. Urine samples were collected during the time intervals 0–2, 2–4, and 4–6 h and concentration and ratio of two enantiomers was determined. The ratio of R‐(−) to S‐(+) enantiomer concentrations in urine showed an increase with time, with R/S ratios of 0.66 at 2 h and 2.23 at 6 h. For microextraction process, a mixture of extraction solvent (dichloromethane, 100 μL) and dispersive solvent (THF, 1 mL) was rapidly injected into 5.0 mL diluted urine sample for the formation of cloudy solution and extraction of enantiomers into the fine droplets of CH2Cl2. After optimization of HPLC enantioselective conditions, some important parameters, such as the kind and volume of extraction and dispersive solvents, extraction time, temperature, pH, and salt effect were optimized for dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction process. Under the optimum extraction condition, the method yields a linear calibration curve in the concentration range from 10 to 2000 ng/mL for target analytes. LOD was 3.00 ng/mL for both of the enantiomers.
Smartening‐up Voluntourism: SmartAid's Expansion of the Personality‐focused Performance Requirements Form (PPRF)
Authors: Atkins Stephen G. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThe new subdiscipline of Humanitarian Work Psychology (HWP) is described, with specifics describing how HWP will improve voluntourism and aid delivery. Illustrating HWP explains how modern managerial enhancements will make online volunteerism, and subsequent on‐site voluntourism, more likely to be a positive experience for all stakeholders. Initial empirical efforts have focused on development and delivery of online assessments for future voluntourists. Initial results tentatively support continued use of panel ratings to guide construction of online assessments. Implications for future HWP development strategies are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deciding on Copyrights on the Internet with the Analytic Network Process
Authors: Andreichicova Olga , Andreichicov Alexander 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThe analytic network process is a powerful tool for examining difficult decisions under uncertainty. This paper explores the urgent decision connected with the copyrights on Internet. This theme is being widely discussed, but nobody knows, what to do. We have attempted to do a multi‐criteria analysis of the problem, taking into consideration benefits, costs and risks. As alternatives, we examined different measures for the regulation of Internet content, and as main actors—content creators, customers and providers. The resulting outcomes show that free use of Internet content is the best alternative. Measures related to punishment turn out to have negative prospects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
rαStructures of partially oriented pentafluorobenzenes C6F5X (X = H, Cl, I) as determined from19F NMR spectra with13C satellites
Authors: Haloui Abir , Haloui Ezzeddine 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe19F spectra with natural‐abundance carbon‐13 satellites of C6F5X (X = H, Cl or I) in ZLI 1695 liquid crystal were analysed. Excluding fluorine‐fluorine dipolar coupling constants from the fitting, the vibrationally corrected structures of these molecules were derived and compared with those calculated at DFT/B3LYP level of theory with the aug‐cc‐pVTZ basis set. The results show that pentafluorobenzene did not exhibit noticeable distortion of the aromatic ring, while chloropentafluorobenzene and iodopentafluorobenzene molecules showed some deformations in their determined structures. Relative anisotropies of F–F couplings have been deduced with accuracy for C6F5H molecule. Due to uncertainties in structure determination of C6F5Cl and C6F5I molecules, it was not possible to obtain precise values for all the corresponding anisotropies. In addition, it was found that the orientation of these molecules in the solvent used can be qualitatively explained in terms of dispersion forces. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and palliative care: Where we are, and the road ahead
Authors: Blackhall Leslie J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPatients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have high symptom burdens, including pain, fatigue, dyspnea, and sialorrhea, and they must make difficult decisions about the use of life‐prolonging therapies, such as long‐term mechanical ventilation. The impact of ALS is also felt by family caregivers who often struggle to meet the heavy physical, financial, and emotional demands associated with the illness. Expert multidisciplinary care may improve both quality and length of life of patients with ALS. However, although advances have been made in the treatment of some symptoms, others, including pain management, remain poorly studied. Involvement of palliative care specialists as part of the ALS multidisciplinary team is recommended, as we continue to work toward improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Muscle Nerve, 2012
A possible link of oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy with potassium channel deficit
Authors: Dimitrov Alexander G. , Dimitrova Nonna A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIntroduction: The neurotoxic side effects of oxaliplatin (a reference drug in the treatment of digestive tract tumors) can force suspension of treatment. The mechanisms of neuropathy are unclear. We aimed to simulate oxaliplatin‐induced hyperactivity in myelinated axons (MA) based on published experimental data. Methods: A Hodgkin–Huxley‐type multi‐cable MA model was used, which took into account active internodal processes and accumulation of ions in MA with 21 nodes. Results: Even a very short (110–220 μm) internodal region devoid of potassium channels was sufficient to produce after‐discharges in response to a saltatory action potential. An increase in the density of sodium channels, slowdown of their inactivation, and negative shifts along one node–internode region of the voltage dependence of sodium and potassium activation and of sodium inactivation induced no after‐discharge. Conclusion: A combination of sodium channel blockers with drugs that obstruct the blockage of potassium channels or contribute to their opening could be effective in preventing oxaliplatin‐induced “hyperexcitability.” Muscle Nerve, 2012
Immunodetection analysis of muscular dystrophies in Mexico
Authors: Gómez‐Díaz Benjamín , Rosas‐Vargas Haydeé , Roque‐Ramírez Bladimir , Meza‐Espinoza Pedro , Ruano‐Calderón Luis A. , Fernández‐Valverde Francisca , Escalante‐Bautista Deyanira , Escobar‐Cedillo Rosa E. , Sánchez‐Chapul Laura , Vargas‐Cañas Steven , López‐Hernández Luz B. , Bahena‐Martínez Eliganty , Luna‐Angulo Alexandra B. , Canto Patricia , Coral‐Vázquez Ramón M. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIntroduction: The muscular dystrophies (MDs) result from perturbations in the myofibers. These alterations are induced in part by mechanical stress due to membrane cell fragility, disturbances in mechanotransduction pathways, muscle cell physiology, and metabolism. Methods: We analyzed 290 biopsies of patients with a clinical diagnosis of muscular dystrophy. Using immunofluorescence staining, we searched for primary and secondary deficiencies of 12 different proteins, including membrane, costamere, cytoskeletal, and nuclear proteins. In addition, we analyzed calpain‐3 by immunoblot. Results: We identified 212 patients with varying degrees of protein deficiencies, including dystrophin, sarcoglycans, dysferlin, caveolin‐3, calpain‐3, emerin, and merosin. Moreover, 78 biopsies showed normal expression of all investigated muscle proteins. The frequency rates of protein deficiencies were as follows: 52.36% dystrophinopathies; 18.40% dysferlinopathies; 14.15% sarcoglycanopathies; 11.32% calpainopathies; 1.89% merosinopathies; 1.42% caveolinopathies; and 0.47% emerinopathies. Deficiencies in lamin A/C and telethonin were not detected. Conclusion: We have described the frequency of common muscular dystrophies in Mexico. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Electroactive PI sphere generated by electrospraying
Authors: Weng Chang‐Jian , Huang Kuan‐Yeh , Jhuo Yu‐Sian , Chen Ya‐Lun , Feng Chun‐Fang , Cho‐Ming Chien , Yeh Jui‐Ming 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn this study, electroactive polyimide microspheres (EPSs) based on conjugating segments of electroactive aminocapped aniline trimer as diamine and 4,4′‐(4,4′‐isopropylidenediphenoxy)‐bis(phthalic anhydride) as dianhydride were successfully prepared by electrospraying technology and characterized by time of flight mass spectroscopy, 1H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The prepared electroactive polyimide was then dissolved in a suitable organic solvent (N,N‐dimethylformamide; N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) followed by electrospraying treatment under four different operational parameters (i.e. solution concentration, applied voltage, feeding rate and deposition distance) to give EPSs of various diameters. Moreover, EPSs deposited on the Pt electrode were tested in a 1.0 mol L−1 H2SO4 aqueous solution by cyclic voltammetry which showed an obvious redox peak similar to polyaniline. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Oxidation potential of thiophene oligomers: Theoretical and experimental approach
Authors: Camarada M. B. , Jaque P. , Díaz F. R. , del Valle M. A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIntrinsic properties of conducting polymers, such as oxidation potential and band gap, are very important for designing new materials with improved properties. Computational chemistry offers suitable tools capable of predicting these quantities. This work presents electrochemical information about accurate oxidation potentials of oligothiophenes and polymer band gap. These are compared to theoretical predictions based on electronic structure calculations at Density Functional Theory levels, coupled with self‐consistent reaction field. All computational protocols gave a qualitative prediction of the experimental trend. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Investigating the phytotoxicity of the graminicide fluazifop‐P‐butyl against native UK wildflower species
Authors: Blake Robin J , Westbury Duncan B , Woodcock Ben A , Sutton Peter , Potts Simon G 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: The selective graminicide fluazifop‐P‐butyl is used for the control of grass weeds in dicotyledonous crops, and commonly applied in amenity areas to reduce grass productivity and promote wildflower establishment. However, evidence suggests that fluazifop‐P‐butyl might also have phytotoxic effects on some non‐target plants. This study investigates the effects of fluazifop‐P‐butyl on the emergence, phytotoxicity and above‐ground biomass of nine perennial wildflower species and two grass species, following pre‐ and post‐emergent applications at half, full and double label rates in a series of glasshouse experiments.RESULTS: While pre‐ and post‐emergent applications of fluazifop‐P‐butyl caused reductions in seedling emergence and increased phytotoxicity on native wildflower and grass species, these effects were temporary for the majority of wildflower species tested, and generally only occurred at the double application rate. No differences in biomass were observed at any of the rates, suggesting good selectivity and no long‐term effects of fluazifop‐P‐butyl application on the wildflower species from either pre‐emergent or post‐emergent applications.CONCLUSION: These results have direct relevance to the management of amenity areas for biodiversity, as they confirm the suitability of these wildflower species for inclusion in seed mixtures where fluazifop‐P‐butyl is to be applied to control grass productivity. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Real‐time X‐ray diffraction imaging for semiconductor wafer metrology and high temperature in situ experiments
Authors: Danilewsky A. N. , Wittge J. , Hess A. , Cröll A. , Rack A. , Allen D. , McNally P. , dos Santos Rolo T. , Vagovič P. , Baumbach T. , Garagorri J. , Elizalde M. R. , Tanner B. K. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWe describe a rapid digital system for X‐ray diffraction imaging and demonstrate its application to the real‐time identification of edge defects in a silicon wafer that had been subjected to rapid thermal annealing. The application of the system to the in situ study of slip nucleation at the location of mechanical wafer defects, indents and a thermocouple, and the subsequent dislocation dynamics is presented.
Upper‐ocean singular vectors of the North Atlantic climate with implications for linear predictability and variability
Authors: Zanna L. , Heimbach P. , Moore A. M. , Tziperman E. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe limits of predictability of the meridional overturning circulation (MOC) and upper‐ocean temperatures due to errors in ocean initial conditions and model parametrizations are investigated in an idealized configuration of an ocean general circulation model (GCM). Singular vectors (optimal perturbations) are calculated using the GCM, its tangent linear and adjoint models to determine an upper bound on the predictability of North Atlantic climate.The maximum growth time‐scales of MOC and upper‐ocean temperature anomalies, excited by the singular vectors, are 18.5 and 13 years respectively and in part explained by the westward propagation of upper‐ocean anomalies against the mean flow. As a result of the linear interference of non‐orthogonal eigenmodes of the non‐normal dynamics, the ocean dynamics are found to actively participate in the significant growth of the anomalies. An initial density perturbation of merely 0.02 kg m−3 is found to lead to a 1.7 Sv MOC anomaly after 18.5 years. In addition, Northern Hemisphere upper‐ocean temperature perturbations can be amplified by a factor of 2 after 13 years.The growth of upper‐ocean temperature and MOC anomalies is slower and weaker when excited by the upper‐ocean singular vectors than when the deep ocean is perturbed. This leads to the conclusion that predictability experiments perturbing only the atmospheric initial state may overestimate the predictability time. Interestingly, optimal MOC and upper‐ocean temperature excitations are only weakly correlated, thus limiting the utility of SST observations to infer MOC variability. The excitation of anomalies in this model might have a crucial impact on the variability and predictability of Atlantic climate. The limit of predictability of the MOC is found to be different from that of the upper‐ocean heat content, emphasizing that errors in ocean initial conditions will affect various measures differently and such uncertainties should be carefully considered in decadal prediction experiments. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society