bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Claudin 18 is a novel negative regulator of bone resorption and osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Linares Gabriel R , Brommage Robert , Powell David R , Xing Weirong , Chen Shin-Tai , Alshbool Fatima Z , Lau K-H William , Wergedal Jon E , Mohan Subburaman 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Claudin 18 (Cldn-18) belongs to a large family of transmembrane proteins that are important components of tight junction strands. Although several claudin members are expressed in bone, the functional role for any claudin member in bone is unknown. Here we demonstrate that disruption of Cldn-18 in mice markedly decreased total body bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume, and cortical thickness in Cldn-18−/− mice. Histomorphometric studies revealed that bone resorption parameters were increased significantly in Cldn-18−/− mice without changes in bone formation. Serum levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b) and mRNA expression levels of osteoclast specific markers and signaling molecules were also increased. Loss of Cldn-18 further exacerbated calcium deficiency induced bone loss by influencing bone resorption, thereby resulting in mechanically weaker bone. In vitro studies with bone marrow macrophages revealed Cldn-18 disruption markedly enhanced receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation but not macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF)-induced bone marrow macrophage (BMM) proliferation. Consistent with a direct role for Cldn-18 in regulating osteoclast differentiation, overexpression of wild type but not PDZ binding motif deleted Cldn-18 inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. Furthermore, our findings indicate that Cldn-18 interacts with Zonula occludens 2 (ZO-2) to modulate RANKL signaling in osteoclasts. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Cldn-18 is a novel negative regulator of bone resorption and osteoclast differentiation. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Low fluence–high repetition rate diode laser hair removal 12‐month evaluation: Reducing pain and risks while keeping clinical efficacy
Authors: Barolet Daniel 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveHigh fluence diode lasers with contact cooling have emerged as the mainstay modality for hair removal. However, the use of these devices is associated with pain and side effects, especially in patients with dark or tanned skin. A novel concept of depilation at low fluence using 810 nm diode laser has been introduced as a solution to these shortcomings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lasting efficacy and safety of low‐level fluence 810 nm (15 J/cm2) and high repetition rate (5 Hz) F1 Diode Laser™ therapy on hair reduction in patients with various skin types.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThis randomised, controlled, bilaterally paired within‐patient, double‐blind study compared low level fluence 810 nm (15 Joules/cm2) laser diode therapy to nontreated shaved control areas on long‐term hair reduction. Seventeen patients with skin type II–V were treated four times at 1 month intervals. Hair count was assessed monthly over 10 months using an objective computerised method. Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse reactions monitoring.ResultsStatistically significant differences in hair count between treated and control sites were observed at each follow‐up visit. The majority of patients reported a slight but bearable sensation of heat during the laser treatment, and transient erythema post‐treatment.ConclusionsThis study showed that laser hair removal with the F1 Diode Laser™ system was generally well tolerated, safe, and efficacious in this small sample study of patients with various skin types. After just four treatments, permanent hair reduction following one complete hair cycle has been shown. Controlled studies on larger groups of patients within each skin phototype are needed to confirm these promising results. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:277–281, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Psychogenic palatal tremor may be underrecognized: Reappraisal of a large series of cases
Authors: Stamelou Maria , Saifee Tabish A. , Edwards Mark J. , Bhatia Kailash P. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:Palatal tremor is characterized by rhythmic movements of the soft palate and can be essential or symptomatic. Some patients can have palatal movements as a special skill or due to palatal tics. Psychogenic palatal tremor is recognized but rarely reported in the literature.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated all patients with palatal tremor seen in our center over a period of 10 years.Results:Of 17 patients with palatal tremor, we identified 10 patients with isolated palatal tremor. In 70% of those the diagnosis of psychogenic palatal tremor could be made. Of the remainder, 2 had palatal tics and 1 essential palatal tremor.Conclusions:We suggest that psychogenic palatal tremor may be underrecognized and propose that targeted clinical examination of positive signs for psychogenic movement disorders in these patients is essential. The correct identification of such patients has important clinical and scientific implications. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Can regenerated nerve fibers return to normal size? A long‐term post‐traumatic study of the rat median nerve crush injury model
Authors: Muratori Luisa , Ronchi Giulia , Raimondo Stefania , Giacobini‐Robecchi Maria G. , Fornaro Michele , Geuna Stefano 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWhether post‐traumatic regeneration can eventually result in rat peripheral nerve fibers regaining their pretrauma size is still an open question. While it has been shown that, after a sufficient duration in post‐traumatic time, the number of regenerated rat peripheral nerve fibers can return to pretrauma numbers and the animal can regain normal prelesion function, no information regarding long‐term changes in the size parameters of the regenerated nerve fibers is available. To fill this gap, we have investigated the post‐traumatic changes in myelinated axon and nerve fiber diameter, myelin thickness, and g‐ratio (the ratio of the inner axonal diameter to the fiber diameter) at three different time points following nerve injury: week‐6, week‐8, and week‐24. A standardized nerve crush injury of the rat median nerve obtained using a nonserrated clamp was used for this study. The results showed that, consistent with previous studies, fiber number returned to normal values at week‐24, but both axon and fiber diameter and myelin thickness were still significantly lower at week‐24 than prelesion, and the g‐ratio, which remained unchanged during the regeneration process, was significantly reduced at week‐24 in comparison to the prelesion value. On the basis of these results, the hypothesis that regenerated rat peripheral nerve fibers are able to return spontaneously to their normal pretrauma state, provided there is a sufficiently long recovery time postaxonotmesis, is not supported. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Effects of aromatic carboxylic dianhydrides on thermomechanical properties of polybenzoxazine‐dianhydride copolymers
Authors: Jubsilp Chanchira , Ramsiri Boonthariga , Rimdusit Sarawut 
Published: March 2012

AbstractEnhanced thermomechanical properties of bisphenol‐A based polybenzoxazine (PBA‐a) copolymers obtained by reacting bisphenol‐A‐aniline‐type benzoxazine (BA‐a) resin with three different aromatic carboxylic dianhydrides, i.e., pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), 3,3′,4,4′ biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (s‐BPDA), or 3,3′,4,4′ benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) were reported. Glass transition temperature (Tg), of the copolymers was found to be in the order of PBA‐a:PMDA>PBA‐a:s‐BPDA>PBA‐a:‐BTDA. The difference in the Tg of the copolymers is related to the rigidity of the dianhydride components. Furthermore, the Tg of PBA‐a:BTDA, PBA‐a:s‐BPDA, and PBA‐a:BTDA films was observed to be significantly higher than that of the neat PBA‐a owing to the enhanced crosslink density by the dianhydride addition. This greater crosslink density results from additional ester linkage formation between the hydroxyl group of PBA‐a and the anhydride group of dianhydrides formed by thermal curing. Moreover, the copolymers exhibit enhanced thermal stability with thermal degradation temperature (Td) ranging from 410°C to 426°C under nitrogen atmosphere. The char yield at 800°C of the copolymers was found to be remarkably greater than that of the neat PBA‐a with a value up to 60% vs. that of about 38% of the PBA‐a. Toughness of the copolymer films was greatly improved compared to that of the neat PBA‐a. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol)/potassium chloride polymer electrolytes for electrochemical cell applications
Authors: Pavani Y. , Ravi M. , Bhavani S. , Sharma A.K. , Narasimha Rao V.V.R. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA solid polymer electrolyte system based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) complexed with potassium chloride (KCl) salt was prepared by using solution cast technique. The complexation of KCl salt with the polymer was confirmed by X‐ray diffractrometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the melting temperatures and crystallinity of the pure PVA and complexed films. Ionic conductivities of the electrolytes have been determined by AC impedance studies in the temperature range 303–373 K. The conductivity was found to increase with the increase in dopant concentration and temperature. Transference number data suggests that the charge transport in this polymer electrolyte system is mainly due to ions. Optical absorption studies were made in the wavelength range 200–800 nm on pure and KCl doped PVA films. The absorption edge, direct band, and indirect band gap values were evaluated. It was found that the energy gaps and band edge values shifted to lower energies on doping. Electrochemical cells were fabricated with the configuration of K/(PVA + KCl)/(I2 + C + electrolyte) and discharge characteristics were studied under a constant load of 100 kΩ. Various cell parameters, such as open circuit voltage, short circuit current, power density, and energy density were determined. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Viscoelastic constitutive model for uniaxial time‐dependent ratcheting of polyetherimide polymer
Authors: Pan Douxing , Kang Guozheng , Jiang Han 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBased on the experimental observations, a cyclic nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive model was proposed to describe the uniaxial time‐dependent ratcheting of polyetherimide (PEI) polymer under tension–compression and tension–tension cyclic loading. The model was constructed by extending the nonlinear viscoelastic Schapery model (Schapery, Polym. Eng. Sci., 9, 295 (1969)). The extension emphasized the changes of parameter functions used in the original model, which enabled the model to describe the ratcheting of polymer material. Comparing the simulations with corresponding experimental results, the capability of the extended model to predict the uniaxial time‐dependent ratcheting of PEI was verified. It is shown that the extended model can reasonably describe the uniaxial time‐dependent ratcheting of the polymer under the tension–compression and tension–tension cyclic loading with different peak‐holdings, stress rates, and stress levels. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 52:1874–1881, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of mixing protocol on the performance of nanocomposites based on polyamide 6/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene blends
Authors: Oliveira A.D. , Larocca N.M. , Paul D.R. , Pessan L.A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractToughening of polyamide 6 (PA6) can be achieved by appropriate addition of an elastomeric matrix phase; however, this leads to a loss of rigidity and mechanical strength. As a result, much research has been directed at obtaining an optimal balance between toughness and rigidity for these thermoplastics. The approach explored here is the formation of nanocomposites from PA6/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) blends prepared by melt mixing with a modified montmorillonite (Cloisite® 30B) and styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer as a compatibilizer. The effect of the mixing sequence of the components on the morphology and properties is a primary focus. The morphology and mechanical properties of the materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and tensile and impact testing. Incorporation of the compatibilizer in the PA6/ABS blend increased toughness but decreased rigidity. A significant increase of modulus was observed for the nanocomposite blend compared with the blend or the matrix. This increase was attributed to the exfoliation of organoclay layers in the PA6 matrix phase. It was also observed that the morphology of the ABS dispersed phase was considerably influenced by the mixture sequence. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 52:1909–1919, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Post‐buckling of simply supported column made of nonlinear elastic materials obeying the generalized Ludwick constitutive law
Authors: Saetiew W. , Chucheepsakul S. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this article, the post‐buckling behavior of a simply supported column made of nonlinear elastic materials subjected to an end axial force is investigated. The column has a uniform rectangular cross‐section in which the stress–strain relationship of such materials is represented by the generalized Ludwick constitutive law. To derive the governing equations, both geometrical and material nonlinearities have been considered. Further, a set of highly nonlinear simultaneous first‐order differential equations with boundary conditions is established and numerically solved by the shooting method. Several numerical results are carried out and discussed highlighting the significant influences of the material nonlinearity parameter n on the equilibrium configurations and the equilibrium paths. From the results, there are many interesting features associated with the nonlinear hardening column such as a non‐monotonic bifurcation curve, the limit load point, snap‐through phenomenon, and hysteresis loop. Furthermore, the numerical results are compared with previous studies in order to test the validity and accuracy of the present method.
Comparing the impact of cloudiness on carbon dioxide exchange in a grassland and a maize cropland in northwestern China
Authors: Bai Yanfen , Wang Jian , Zhang Baocheng , Zhang Zhihui , Liang Ji 
Published: March 2012

AbstractLight quantity and quality strongly influence plant growth. However, different ecosystems have different capabilities to assimilate solar radiation. In this study, the effects of cloudiness intensity on the net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide (NEE) were compared between an alpine grassland (with lower leaf area index) at A'Rou and an oasis maize cropland (with higher leaf area index) at Yingke, using flux data obtained during the middle of the growing season (July–August) in 2008 and 2009. The results showed that the response of NEE to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was more negative (carbon uptake) under cloudy than under clear skies at both sites. The maximum NEE occurred when the clearness index (CI) ranged from 0.4 to 0.7 under cloudy skies. The maximum enhancements were 11.9% for solar elevation angles of 60–65° in the grassland, and 34.9% for solar elevation angles of 60–65° and 10.3% for angles of 35–40° in the maize cropland before the irrigation period. The response of NEE to CI changed slightly with solar elevation angle in the grassland compared to the maize cropland. The results indicate that enhanced NEE under cloudy skies can be attributed to increasingly diffuse PAR and interactions with environmental factors (air temperature and vapor pressure deficit).
Diverse norovirus genotypes identified in sewage-polluted river water in South Africa
Authors: MANS J. , NETSHIKWETA R. , MAGWALIVHA M. , VAN ZYL W. B. , TAYLOR M. B. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYThis study aimed to assess norovirus (NoV) contamination and genotype diversity in surface water in Gauteng, South Africa. Between January 2008 and December 2010, three rivers, namely Klip, Suikerbosrant, and Rietspruit were monitored for NoV genogroup (G)I and GII. Viruses were recovered using the glass wool adsorption-elution technique and detected by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. From 2008 to 2010, NoVs were detected in 66% (70/106) of Klip river samples. The Rietspruit and Suikerbosrant rivers were contaminated with NoV in 95% (20/21) and 21% (5/24) of samples, respectively. NoV-positive samples comprised of 33% GI, 29% GII and 38% of both GI and GII strains. Based on partial capsid gene analysis (region C), 16 NoV genotypes (6 GI, 10 GII) were identified. The major genotypes detected were GI.4, GI.5 and GII.4. These rivers could be a potential source of NoV infection for communities using the water for domestic or recreational purposes.
Improved Focused Ion Beam Target Preparation of (S)TEM Specimen—A Method for Obtaining Ultrathin Lamellae
Authors: Lechner Lorenz , Biskupek Johannes , Kaiser Ute 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSpecimen quality is vital to (scanning) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations. In particular, thin specimens are required to obtain excellent high-resolution TEM images. Conventional focused ion beam (FIB) preparation methods cannot be employed to reliably create high quality specimens much thinner than 20 nm. We have developed a method forin situtarget preparation of ultrathin TEM lamellae by FIB milling. With this method we are able to routinely obtain large area lamellae with coplanar faces, thinner than 10 nm. The resulting specimens are suitable for low kV TEM as well as scanning TEM. We have demonstrated atomic resolution byCs-corrected high-resolution TEM at 20 kV on a FIB milled Si specimen only 4 nm thick; its amorphous layer measuring less than 1 nm in total.
Electron Diffraction Based Analysis of Phase Fractions and Texture in Nanocrystalline Thin Films, Part III: Application Examples
Authors: Lábár J.L. , Adamik M. , Barna B.P. , Czigány Zs. , Fogarassy Zs. , Horváth Z.E. , Geszti O. , Misják F. , Morgiel J. , Radnóczi G. , Sáfrán G. , Székely L. , Szüts T. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this series of articles, a method is presented that performs (semi)quantitative phase analysis for nanocrystalline transmission electron microscope samples from selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns. Volume fractions and degree of fiber texture are determined for the nanocrystalline components. The effect of the amorphous component is minimized by empirical background interpolation. First, the two-dimensional SAED pattern is converted into a one-dimensional distribution similar to X-ray diffraction. Volume fractions of the nanocrystalline components are determined by fitting the spectral components, calculated for the previously identified phases with a priori known structures. These Markers are calculated not only for kinematic conditions, but the Blackwell correction is also applied to take into account dynamic effects for medium thicknesses. Peak shapes and experimental parameters (camera length, etc.) are refined during the fitting iterations. Parameter space is explored with the help of the Downhill-SIMPLEX. The method is implemented in a computer program that runs under the Windows operating system. Part I presented the principles, while part II elaborated current implementation. The present part III demonstrates the usage and efficiency of the computer program by numerous examples. The suggested experimental protocol should be of benefit in experiments aimed at phase analysis using electron diffraction methods.
Serine/Threonine/Tyrosine Protein Kinase Phosphorylates Oleosin, a Regulator of Lipid Metabolic Functions
Authors: Parthibane Velayoudame , Iyappan Ramachandiran , Vijayakumar Anitha , Venkateshwari Varadarajan , Rajasekharan Ram 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Plant oils are stored in oleosomes or oil bodies, which are surrounded by a monolayer of phospholipids embedded with oleosin proteins that stabilize the structure. Recently, a structural protein, Oleosin3 (OLE3), was shown to exhibit both monoacylglycerol acyltransferase and phospholipase A2 activities. The regulation of these distinct dual activities in a single protein is unclear. Here, we report that a serine/threonine/tyrosine protein kinase phosphorylates oleosin. Using bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis, we demonstrate that this kinase interacts with OLE3 and that the fluorescence was associated with chloroplasts. Oleosin-green fluorescent protein fusion protein was exclusively associated with the chloroplasts. Phosphorylated OLE3 exhibited reduced monoacylglycerol acyltransferase and increased phospholipase A2 activities. Moreover, phosphatidylcholine and diacylglycerol activated oleosin phosphorylation, whereas lysophosphatidylcholine, oleic acid, and Ca2+ inhibited phosphorylation. In addition, recombinant peanut (Arachis hypogaea) kinase was determined to predominantly phosphorylate serine residues, specifically serine-18 in OLE3. Phosphorylation levels of OLE3 during seed germination were determined to be higher than in developing peanut seeds. These findings provide direct evidence for the in vivo substrate selectivity of the dual-specificity kinase and demonstrate that the bifunctional activities of oleosin are regulated by phosphorylation.
The Small GTPase ROP6 Interacts with NFR5 and Is Involved in Nodule Formation inLotus japonicus
Authors: Ke Danxia , Fang Qing , Chen Chunfen , Zhu Hui , Chen Tao , Chang Xiaojun , Yuan Songli , Kang Heng , Ma Lian , Hong Zonglie , Zhang Zhongming 
Published: March 2012

AbstractNod Factor Receptor5 (NFR5) is an atypical receptor-like kinase, having no activation loop in the protein kinase domain. It forms a heterodimer with NFR1 and is required for the early plant responses to Rhizobium infection. A Rho-like small GTPase from Lotus japonicus was identified as an NFR5-interacting protein. The amino acid sequence of this Rho-like GTPase is closest to the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ROP6 and Medicago truncatula ROP6 and was designated as LjROP6. The interaction between Rop6 and NFR5 occurred both in vitro and in planta. No interaction between Rop6 and NFR1 was observed. Green fluorescent protein-tagged ROP6 was localized at the plasma membrane and cytoplasm. The interaction between ROP6 and NFR5 appeared to take place at the plasma membrane. The expression of the ROP6 gene could be detected in vascular tissues of Lotus roots. After inoculation with Mesorhizobium loti, elevated levels of ROP6 expression were found in the root hairs, root tips, vascular bundles of roots, nodule primordia, and young nodules. In transgenic hairy roots expressing ROP6 RNA interference constructs, Rhizobium entry into the root hairs did not appear to be affected, but infection thread growth through the root cortex were severely inhibited, resulting in the development of fewer nodules per plant. These data demonstrate a role of ROP6 as a positive regulator of infection thread formation and nodulation in L. japonicus.