bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Click‐iT™ assay with improved DNA distribution histograms
Authors: Hamelik Ronald M. , Krishan Awtar 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe Click‐iT™ Assay developed and commercialized by Invitrogen is based on incorporation of a new 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine analog, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) into newly synthesized DNA and its recognition by azide dyes via a copper mediated “click” reaction. This relatively convenient and useful procedure depends on fixation of cells with paraformaldehyde and staining of the DNA with 7‐aminoactinomycin‐D (7‐AAD). Both of these procedures result in DNA histograms with broad coefficients of variation (CV's). In this report, we have shown that after EdU incorporation, nuclei isolated by lysis can be incubated with the Click‐iT™ Assay and stained with propidium iodide for generation of DNA histograms with low CV's. This modified procedure results in better DNA histograms by replacing 7‐AAD with propidium iodide and also saves processing time by eliminating the fixation and permeabilization steps. © 2009 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Genetic and environmental influences on restrained eating behavior
Authors: Schur Ellen , Noonan Carolyn , Polivy Janet , Goldberg Jack , Buchwald Dedra 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective:We examined the relative contributions of genetic and environmental influences to restrained eating.Method:Restrained eating was assessed by the Restraint Scale in a survey mailed to all twins enrolled in the University of Washington Twin Registry. We used structural equation modeling to estimate genetic and nongenetic contributions to restrained eating.Results:1,196 monozygotic (MZ), 456 same‐sex dizygotic (DZ) twins, and 447 opposite‐sex twins were included in analyses. Restraint Scale scores were more closely correlated in MZ twins (rmale = .55, rfemale = .55) than in same‐sex DZ twins (rmale = .31, rfemale = .19). Based on structural equation modeling, the estimated heritability for restrained eating, adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and sex, was 43% (95% confidence interval 35–50%). There was little evidence for common environmental effects.Discussion:These results indicate an inherited component to restrained eating. Genes could influence restrained eating directly or through inherited mediators such as personality factors or tendencies to gain weight. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin is a critical mediator of IL‐13‐driven allergic inflammation
Authors: Miyata Masanori , Nakamura Yuki , Shimokawa Naomi , Ohnuma Yuko , Katoh Ryohei , Matsuoka Shuji , Okumura Ko , Ogawa Hideoki , Masuyama Keisuke , Nakao Atsuhito 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBoth thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and IL‐13 are essential cytokines for the development of allergic inflammation. However, a causal link between TSLP and IL‐13 has not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate whether IL‐13 induces TSLP expression and whether the induction contributes to the development of allergic inflammation. We found that IL‐13 induced TSLP expression in mouse nasal tissue specimens in a Stat6‐dependent manner. In addition, intranasal challenge of mice with IL‐13 induced TSLP expression in the nasal epithelium. Importantly, intranasal IL‐13 challenge induced eosinophilia and goblet cell hyperplasia in the nasal mucosa in mice, which was inhibited by the blockade of TSLP activity with anti‐TSLP Ab. These findings suggest that TSLP is an important mediator of IL‐13‐driven allergic inflammation in the nasal mucosa. Taken together with the recent findings that IL‐13 is a critical downstream element for TSLP‐driven allergic inflammation, TSLP may function both upstream and downstream of IL‐13, thus providing an additional rationale as to why TSLP plays such a central role in the development of allergic inflammation.
Characterization of biochar from fast pyrolysis and gasification systems
Authors: Brewer Catherine E. , Schmidt‐Rohr Klaus , Satrio Justinus A. , Brown Robert C. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThermochemical processing of biomass produces a solid product containing char (mostly carbon) and ash. This char can be combusted for heat and power, gasified, activated for adsorption applications, or applied to soils as a soil amendment and carbon sequestration agent. The most advantageous use of a given char depends on its physical and chemical characteristics, although the relationship of char properties to these applications is not well understood. Chars from fast pyrolysis and gasification of switchgrass and corn stover were characterized by proximate analysis, CHNS elemental analysis, Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller (BET) surface area, particle density, higher heating value (HHV), scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray fluorescence ash content analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy using a photo‐acoustic detector (FTIR‐PAS), and quantitative 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) using direct polarization and magic angle spinning. Chars from the same feedstocks produced under slow pyrolysis conditions, and a commercial hardwood charcoal, were also characterized. Switchgrass and corn stover chars were found to have high ash content (32–55 wt %), much of which was silica. BET surface areas were low (7–50 m2/g) and HHVs ranged from 13 to 21 kJ/kg. The aromaticities from NMR, ranging between 81 and 94%, appeared to increase with reaction time. A pronounced decrease in aromatic CH functionality between slow pyrolysis and gasification chars was observed in NMR and FTIR‐PAS spectra. NMR estimates of fused aromatic ring cluster size showed fast and slow pyrolysis chars to be similar (∼7–8 rings per cluster), while higher‐temperature gasification char was much more condensed (∼17 rings per cluster). © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Gellan gum: A new biomaterial for cartilage tissue engineering applications
Authors: Oliveira J. T. , Martins L. , Picciochi R. , Malafaya P. B. , Sousa R. A. , Neves N. M. , Mano J. F. , Reis R. L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractGellan gum is a polysaccharide manufactured by microbial fermentation of the Sphingomonas paucimobilis microorganism, being commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industry. It can be dissolved in water, and when heated and mixed with mono or divalent cations, forms a gel upon lowering the temperature under mild conditions. In this work, gellan gum hydrogels were analyzed as cells supports in the context of cartilage regeneration. Gellan gum hydrogel discs were characterized in terms of mechanical and structural properties. Transmissionelectron microscopy revealed a quite homogeneous chain arrangement within the hydrogels matrix, and dynamic mechanical analysis allowed to characterize the hydrogels discs viscoelastic properties upon compression solicitation, being the compressive storage and loss modulus of ∼40 kPa and 3 kPa, respectively, at a frequency of 1 Hz. Rheological measurements determined the sol‐gel transition started to occur at approximately 36°C, exhibiting a gelation time of ∼11 s. Evaluation of the gellan gum hydrogels biological performance was performed using a standard MTS cytotoxicity test, which showed that the leachables released are not deleterious to the cells and hence were noncytotoxic. Gellan gum hydrogels were afterwards used to encapsulate human nasal chondrocytes (1 × 106 cells/mL) and culture them for total periods of 2 weeks. Cells viability was confirmed using confocal calcein AM staining. Histological observations revealed normal chondrocytes morphology and the obtained data supports the claim that this new biomaterial has the potential to serve as a cell support in the field of cartilage regeneration. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
Interplay between 20S proteasomes and prion proteins in scrapie disease
Authors: Amici Manila , Cecarini Valentina , Cuccioloni Massimiliano , Angeletti Mauro , Barocci Simone , Rossi Giacomo , Fioretti Evandro , Keller Jeffrey N. , Maria Eleuteri Anna 
Published: August 2009

AbstractScrapie is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting the central nervous system in sheep. The key event in such neurodegeneration is the conversion of the normal prion protein (PrPC) into the pathological isoform (PrPSc). Misfolded prion proteins are normally degraded by the proteasome. This work, analyzing models of scrapie disease, describes the in vivo relationship between the proteasome and prions. We report that the disease is associated with an increase of proteasome functionality, most likely as a means of counteracting the increased levels of oxidative stress. Here, we show that prions coprecipitate with the 20S proteasome and that they colocalize within the same neuron, thus raising the possibility that PrP interacts with the proteasome in both normal and diseased brain, affecting substrate trafficking and proteasome functionality. This interaction, inducing proteasome activation, leads to different neuronal alterations and triggers apoptosis. Furthermore, testing the effects of isolated PrPC on purified 20S proteasomes, we obtain a concentration‐ and proteasome composition‐dependent decrease in the complex activity. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Taurine treatment inhibits CaMKII activity and modulates the presence of calbindin D28k, calretinin, and parvalbumin in the brain
Authors: Junyent F. , Romero R. , de Lemos L. , Utrera J. , Camins A. , Pallàs M. , Auladell C. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTaurine, 2‐aminoethanesulfonic acid, is present at high concentrations in many invertebrate and vertebrate systems and has several biological functions. In addition, it has been related to a neuroprotective role against several diseases such as epilepsy. In the present work, we treated mice with taurine and examined its effects on the expression of proteins in the hippocampus associated with calcium regulation. Taurine treatment alters the presence of calbindin‐D28k, calretinin, and parvalbumin in the brain, mainly in the hippocampus. It also reduced CaMKII activity, indicating that taurine could alter calcium signaling pathways. However, the activity of calpain, a protease related to apoptosis induced by calcium signalling, did not change. The concentration of taurine in the hippocampus was also unaffected by the treatment. These results provide new insight into the role of taurine in calcium homeostasis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FTY720 ameliorates MOG‐induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by suppressing both cellular and humoral immune responses
Authors: Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Rundle Jon , Patel Ryan , Marshall Ian , Stretton Jennifer , Eaton Rachel , Richardson Jill C. , Gonzalez Maria I. , Philpott Karen L. , Reynolds Richard 
Published: August 2009

AbstractFTY720, an oral sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator, has shown efficacy in phase II trials in patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Although this molecule is thought to immunosuppress by inhibiting lymphocyte egress from the lymph nodes, the full spectrum of FTY720's actions has not yet been uncovered. In this study, we investigated the effects of FTY720 treatment on disease severity and histopathology of MOG‐induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in the dark agouti (DA) rat, a model that closely mimics several features of MS. The effects of FTY720 on T‐cell subsets, anti‐MOG antibody production, and mRNA expression of a number of cytokines and other genes were also examined. Commencement of treatment before disease onset prevented the appearance of clinical disease. Therapeutic treatment after established disease reduced clinical scores and substantially attenuated inflammation, demyelination, and axon loss. EAE suppression was associated with a reduction in all measured T‐cell subsets in blood and spleen and a significant decrease in serum IgG2a levels. However, in the lymph nodes, all T‐cell subsets except for naïve T cells and recent thymic emigrants remained unaffected. In addition, FTY720 treatment led to a significant inhibition in interferon‐γ, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression in the MOG‐EAE spinal cord. In conclusion, our findings indicate that FTY720‐mediated S1P receptor modulation ameliorates chronic relapsing MOG‐EAE by suppressing both cellular and humoral immune responses. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A deficit of brain dystrophin 71 impairs hypothalamic osmostat
Authors: Benabdesselam Roza , Sene Abdoulaye , Raison Danièle , Benmessaoud‐Mesbah Ouahiba , Ayad Ghazi , Mornet Dominique , Yaffe David , Rendon Alvaro , Hardin‐Pouzet Hélène , Dorbani‐Mamine Latifa 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPatients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and mdx mice, devoid of dystrophin proteins, show altered ionic homeostasis. To clarify dystrophin's involvement in the central control of osmotic stimuli, we investigated the effect of the disruption of Dp71, the major form of dystrophin in the brain, on the hypothalamoneurohypophysis system (HNHS) osmoregulatory response. Dp71 and Dp140 are the principal DMD gene products in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and neurohypophysis (NH). They are present in astrocyte and pituicyte end‐feet, suggesting involvement in both intrinsic osmosensitivity of the SON and vasopressin (AVP) release from the NH. In Dp71‐null mice, the cellular distribution of Dp140 was modified, this protein being detected on the membrane of magnocellular soma. The plasma osmolality of Dp71‐null mice was lower than that of wild‐type mice under normal conditions, and this difference was maintained after salt loading, indicating a change in the set point for osmoregulation in the absence of Dp71. The increase in AVP levels detected in the SON and NH of the wild‐type was not observed in Dp71‐null mice following salt loading, and the increase in AVP mRNA levels in the SON was smaller in Dp71‐null than in wild‐type mice. This suggests that Dp71 may be involved in the functional activity of the HNHS. Its astrocyte end‐feet localization emphasizes the importance of neuronal–vascular–glial interactions for the central detection of osmolality. In the SON, Dp71 may be involved in osmosensitivity and definition of the “osmostat,” whereas, in the neurohypopohysis, it may be involved in fine‐tuning AVP release. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in hot days and heat waves in China during 1961–2007
Authors: Ding Ting , Qian Weihong , Yan Zhongwei 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBased on the daily maximum temperature (DMT) records at 512 stations during 1961–2007, the geographical patterns and temporal variations of hot days (HDs) and heat waves (HWs, including those persisting for 3–5 days and longer) over mainland China were studied. The HD (and hence HW) was defined in two ways, one by an absolute criterion, DMT > 35 °C, as applied in the nationwide meteorological agencies and another in a relative sense, DMT > the 90th percentile threshold of a local daily temperature distribution around the day. Two centers of high frequencies (over 5 days per year) of the absolute HDs during June–September were found in the regions of Xinjiang and the mid‐lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The highest frequencies of the absolute HWs were about 1.5 times per year in the Xinjiang region and to the south of the mid‐lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The frequencies of the relative HWs were about 1–1.5 times per year in most of China. The HDs and HWs increased significantly during the studied period in most of China, especially over the southeastern coast and northern China (by over 4 days per decade for relative HDs and 0.4 times per decade for relative HWs), but decreased significantly at some stations in the lower reaches of the Yellow River. Over most of China except northwestern China, the frequency of HDs was high during the 1960s–1970s, low in the 1980s, and high afterwards, with strong interannual variations. A remarkable increasing trend of HDs occurred after the 1990s in all regions. The changes in HDs and HWs were closely related to those in rain days and atmospheric circulation patterns at the interannual and interdecadal scales. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Pepper antioxidant composition as affected by organic, low‐input and soilless cultivation
Authors: Flores Pilar , Hellín Pilar , Lacasa Alfredo , López Alicia , Fenoll Jose 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to study the effects of organic (O), low‐input (LI) and soilless (SL) cultivation on pepper nutritional quality and antioxidant activity. For that, 24 commercial greenhouses were selected following strict criteria in order to reduce the influence of environmental conditions and realistically reflect commercial production systems. Fruits were harvested at two maturity stages (green and red) and three harvesting times during two consecutive years.RESULTS: Pepper antioxidant activity mainly stemmed from water‐soluble compounds, including organic acids and phenolic compounds. Only some differences in sugars and malic and citric acid concentrations were detected between the O and LI systems. Sugars, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid and hydrophilic antioxidant activity were higher in the SL system. In spite of these differences, overall differences between harvesting times or between years were far greater than those due to the cropping system.CONCLUSION: The main differences in the nutritional quality of pepper fruits were observed between the soil (O and LI) and SL (the most favourable) systems. The results highlight the importance of comparing different harvesting times and years in order to study the effect of cropping system on a specific crop. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect and moderation of gender identity congruity: Utilizing “real women” advertising images
Authors: Feiereisen Stéphanie , Broderick Amanda J. , Douglas Susan P. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe present article examines the predictive ability of gender identity congruity in explaining women's responses to advertising appeals. The contributions of the article are twofold: (1) to demonstrate whether advertisements that are congruent with female consumers' gender identities elicit strong positive responses and (2) to identify the factors that moderate/mediate the impact of gender identity congruity on consumer responses to advertisements. The research findings provide evidence of the ability of gender identity congruity to elicit positive responses to advertising appeals. The relationship between gender identity congruity and responses to the advertisement is mediated by advertising involvement. The moderating roles of national culture, physical concern, and physical view are also supported. Overall, the congruity theory provides a powerful framework to examine consumer responses to gender portrayals in advertising. ©2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coarse‐graining of multiscale crack propagation
Authors: Belytschko Ted , Song Jeong‐Hoon 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA method for coarse graining of microcrack growth to the macroscale through the multiscale aggregating discontinuity (MAD) method is further developed. Three new features are: (1) methods for treating nucleating cracks, (2) the linking of the micro unit cell with the macroelement by the hourglass mode, and (3) methods for recovering macrocracks with variable crack opening. Unlike in the original MAD method, ellipticity is not retained at the macroscale in the bulk material, but we show that the element stiffness of the bulk material is positive definite. Several examples with comparisons with direct numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generalized probabilistic approach of uncertainties in computational dynamics using random matrices and polynomial chaos decompositions
Authors: Soize Christian 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA new generalized probabilistic approach of uncertainties is proposed for computational model in structural linear dynamics and can be extended without difficulty to computational linear vibroacoustics and to computational non‐linear structural dynamics. This method allows the prior probability model of each type of uncertainties (model‐parameter uncertainties and modeling errors) to be separately constructed and identified. The modeling errors are not taken into account with the usual output‐prediction‐error method, but with the nonparametric probabilistic approach of modeling errors recently introduced and based on the use of the random matrix theory. The theory, an identification procedure and a numerical validation are presented. Then a chaos decomposition with random coefficients is proposed to represent the prior probabilistic model of random responses. The random germ is related to the prior probability model of model‐parameter uncertainties. The random coefficients are related to the prior probability model of modeling errors and then depends on the random matrices introduced by the nonparametric probabilistic approach of modeling errors. A validation is presented. Finally, a future perspective is introduced when experimental data are available. The prior probability model of the random coefficients can be improved in constructing a posterior probability model using the Bayesian approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patterns of internationalization of Chinese firms—empirical study based on strategic approach
Authors: Deng Xinming 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
In this study, firstly we provide an analytical framework for international activities, which are of theoretically significant importance to research and understand the patterns of internationalization. Then, we take 500 top Chinese enterprises as study objects and analyse deeply the behaviour of their FDI (foreign direct investment) scenario from three aspects, namely motivations, entry modes and location choices. The results reveal that: (1) Chinese companies' internationalization is still at the early stage and has not reached the upstream value chain of internationalization; (2) the internationalization business of Chinese companies is diversified in destinations; (3). Chinese companies' modes of entering overseas markets are flexible and most companies have actively tried diverse entry modes with more adaptability; (4) the rapid increase of the FDI by the transnational strategic assets‐seeking companies shows that Chinese companies are inclined to protect and improve competitive advantages through obtaining new assets rather than making use of existing competitive advantages as before. Some implications of findings are also discussed finally.
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.