bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microwave and Infrared Dielectric Response of Temperature Stable (1−x)BaMoO4–xTiO2 Composite Ceramics
Authors: Guo Jing , Zhou Di , Wang Hong , Chen Yuehua , Zeng Yi , Xiang Feng , Wu Ying , Yao Xi 
Published: July 2011

The (1−x)BaMoO4–xTiO2 (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.338, 0.4, 0.5, 0.66) ceramics were synthesized by the conventional mixed‐oxide process. The sintering behaviors, phase composition, chemical compatibility with silver, and microwave dielectric properties of pure (1−x)BaMoO4–xTiO2 ceramics and 0.662BaMoO4–0.338TiO2 ceramic with H3BO3–CuO addition were studied. Infrared reflectivity spectra of (1−x)BaMoO4–xTiO2 (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) composites were measured in the range of 50–4500 cm−1 at room temperature. X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that scheelite BaMoO4 and rutile TiO2 phase coexist with each other at 1275°C and both of them do not react with silver (Ag) at 850°C. When the mole fraction of TiO2 (x value) is 0.4, a temperature stable microwave dielectric material is obtained, with εr = 13.8, Q × f = 40 500 GHz (f = 8.02 G), and τf = −6.13 ppm/°C. Complex dielectric spectra gained from the infrared spectra were extrapolated down to microwave range, and they were in good agreement with the measured microwave permittivity and dielectric losses. With 5 wt% H3BO3 and 1 wt% CuO addition, the 0.662BaMoO4–0.338TiO2 ceramics can be sintered well below 900°C, and possess good microwave dielectric properties with εr = 14, Q × f = 48 360 GHz, and τf = +13.9 ppm/°C.
Fabrication of Spherical Silica Aerogel Granules from Water Glass by Ambient Pressure Drying
Authors: Hong Sun Ki , Yoon Mi Young , Hwang Hae Jin 
Published: July 2011

Spherical silica aerogel granules were fabricated from water glass. A silicic acid solution was mixed with n‐hexane and a surfactant, which was used as a stabilizer, to produce silicic acid droplets in n‐hexane. Ammonia was used to gelate the silicic acid droplets and the silica hydrogel droplets were subsequently surface‐modified using a TMCS (trimethylchlorosilane)/n‐hexane solution followed by solvent exchange from water to n‐hexane. Silica wet gel droplets were dried at 80°C under ambient pressure. A perfect spherical silica granule between 230 and 123 μm in diameter was obtained and its size can be controlled by surfactant content. On the other hand, the surfactant had little effect on the particle size distribution and its uniformity lies between 0.332 and 0.454. The tapping density, pore volume, and BET surface area of the silica aerogel granule were ~0.08 g/cm3, 3.0 cm3/g, and 700 m2/g, respectively. FT‐IR spectrum analysis showed that the surface of the silica granules was modified by Si–CH3 groups, which allowed the aerogel to be hydrophobic.
Cardiac shock wave therapy: assessment of safety and new insights into mechanisms of tissue regeneration
Authors: Di Meglio Franca , Nurzynska Daria , Castaldo Clotilde , Miraglia Rita , Romano Veronica , De Angelis Antonella , Piegari Elena , Russo Sergio , Montagnani Stefania 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAlthough low‐energy extracorporeal cardiac shock wave (ECSW) therapy represents an attractive non‐invasive treatment option for ischaemic heart disease, the precise mechanisms of its action and influence on the cardiac tissue remain obscure. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of SW application on cardiac function and structure. Four‐month‐old Fisher 344 rats were subjected to ECSW therapy. Echocardiographic measurements of cardiac function were performed at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Signs of inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in the control and treated hearts. ECSW application did not provoke arrhythmia or increase the troponin‐I level. At all time points, the left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening remained stable. Histological analysis revealed neither differences in the extracellular matrix collagen content nor the presence of fibrosis; similarly, there were no signs of inflammation. Moreover, a population of cardiac cells that responded eagerly to ECSW application in the adult heart was identified; c‐kit–positive, Ki67‐positive, orthochromatic cells, corresponding to cardiac primitive cells, were 2.65‐fold more numerous in the treated myocardium. In conclusion, non‐invasive ECSW therapy is a safe and effective way of activating cardiac stem cells and myocardial regeneration. Because many factors influence cellular turnover in the ischaemic myocardium during the course of ischaemic heart disease, cardiac remodelling, and heart failure progression, studies to identify the optimal treatment time are warranted.
Activators and inhibitors of the plasminogen system in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Barker Rachel , Kehoe Patrick G. , Love Seth 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAccumulation and deposition of Aβ is one of the main neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and impaired Aβ degradation may be one mechanism of accumulation. Plasmin is the key protease of the plasminogen system and can cleave Aβ. Plasmin is activated from plasminogen by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA). The activators are regulated by inhibitors which include plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) and neuroserpin. Plasmin is also regulated by inhibitors including α2‐antiplasmin and α2‐macroglobulin. Here, we investigate the mRNA levels of the activators and inhibitors of the plasminogen system and the protein levels of tPA, neuroserpin and α2‐antiplasmin in post‐mortem AD and control brain tissue. Distribution of the activators and inhibitors in human brain sections was assessed by immunoperoxidase staining. mRNA measurements were made in 20 AD and 20 control brains by real‐time PCR. In an expanded cohort of 38 AD and 38 control brains tPA, neuroserpin and α2‐antiplasmin protein levels were measured by ELISA. The activators and inhibitors were present mainly in neurons and α2‐antiplasmin was also associated with Aβ plaques in AD brain tissue. tPA, uPA, PAI‐1 and α2‐antiplasmin mRNA were all significantly increased in AD compared to controls, as were tPA and α2‐antiplasmin protein, whereas neuroserpin mRNA and protein were significantly reduced. α2‐macroglobulin mRNA was not significantly altered in AD. The increases in tPA, uPA, PAI‐1 and α2‐antiplasmin may counteract each other so that plasmin activity is not significantly altered in AD, but increased tPA may also affect synaptic plasticity, excitotoxic neuronal death and apoptosis.
Orais and STIMs: physiological mechanisms and disease
Authors: Berna‐Erro A. , Woodard G. E. , Rosado J. A. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIntroductionIntracellular Ca2+stores and disease ‐ Mechanisms of intracellular Ca2+homeostasis ‐ Abnormal intracellular Ca2+homeostasis and diseaseSensing Ca2+storesImportance of Orais and STIMs in tissuesParticipation of Orai and STIM in human diseases ‐ Orai1‐deficient function and human disease ‐ STIM1‐deficient function and human disease ‐ Orai1 and STIM1 in human diabetic plateletsOrai and STIM mutant mouse as models of disease ‐ Sudden and perinatal mortality ‐ Immunodeficiency ‐ Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases ‐ Skeletal muscle ‐ Thrombosis and haemostasis ‐ Neuronal systemEmerging studies of Orai and STIM in cancer and cell cycleConcluding remarksThe stromal interaction molecules STIM1 and STIM2 are Ca2+sensors, mostly located in the endoplasmic reticulum, that detect changes in the intraluminal Ca2+concentration and communicate this information to plasma membrane store‐operated channels, including members of the Orai family, thus mediating store‐operated Ca2+entry (SOCE). Orai and STIM proteins are almost ubiquitously expressed in human cells, where SOCE has been reported to play a relevant functional role. The phenotype of patients bearing mutations in STIM and Orai proteins, together with models of STIM or Orai deficiency in mice, as well as other organisms such asDrosophila melanogaster, have provided compelling evidence on the relevant role of these proteins in cellular physiology and pathology. Orai1‐deficient patients suffer from severe immunodeficiency, congenital myopathy, chronic pulmonary disease, anhydrotic ectodermal dysplasia and defective dental enamel calcification. STIM1‐deficient patients showed similar abnormalities, as well as autoimmune disorders. This review summarizes the current evidence that identifies and explains diseases induced by disturbances in SOCE due to deficiencies or mutations in Orai and STIM proteins.
P2X7 purinoceptor alterations in dystrophic mdx mouse muscles: relationship to pathology and potential target for treatment
Authors: Young Christopher N. J. , Brutkowski Wojciech , Lien Chun‐Fu , Arkle Stephen , Lochmüller Hanns , Zabłocki Krzysztof , Górecki Dariusz C. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal inherited muscle disorder. Pathological characteristics of DMD skeletal muscles include, among others, abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis and cell signalling. Here, in the mdx mouse model of DMD, we demonstrate significant P2X7 receptor abnormalities in isolated primary muscle cells and cell lines and in dystrophic muscles in vivo. P2X7 mRNA expression in dystrophic muscles was significantly up‐regulated but without alterations of specific splice variant patterns. P2X7 protein was also up‐regulated and this was associated with altered function of P2X7 receptors producing increased responsiveness of cytoplasmic Ca2+ and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation to purinergic stimulation and altered sensitivity to NAD. Ca2+ influx and ERK signalling were stimulated by ATP and BzATP, inhibited by specific P2X7 antagonists and insensitive to ivermectin, confirming P2X7 receptor involvement. Despite the presence of pannexin‐1, prolonged P2X7 activation did not trigger cell permeabilization to propidium iodide or Lucifer yellow. In dystrophic mice, in vivo treatment with the P2X7 antagonist Coomassie Brilliant Blue reduced the number of degeneration–regeneration cycles in mdx skeletal muscles. Altered P2X7 expression and function is thus an important feature in dystrophic mdx muscle and treatments aiming to inhibit P2X7 receptor might slow the progression of this disease.
Geography and Population in Australia: A Historical Perspective
Authors: HUGO GRAEME 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn contemporary Australia concerns about the future population have seen the creation of a federal ministry on population for the first time. One of the unique dimensions of the population (and immigration) debate in Australia compared with North America and Europe is a strong concern with the environmental implications of growth. The discourse around these issues has been strong in Australia from the colonial period and in the last century geographers have been among the social and physical scientists who have not only provided an empirical basis for the discussion but have been significant protagonists in the debate. This paper surveys the debates around Australia's population since the early years of European settlement and discusses the involvement of geographers. It argues that there is a great deal of continuity in the population debate and that it is important that the lessons of their history inform the contemporary discussion. There is both the need and opportunity for Australia to develop a coherent, holistic, sustainable population policy. It is important that contemporary geographers emulate their forebears and add their knowledge and expertise to the national discussion.
Genetic Alterations in MicroRNAs in Medulloblastomas
Authors: Lv Sheng‐Qing , Kim Young‐Ho , Giulio Fiaschetti , Shalaby Tarek , Nobusawa Sumihito , Yang Hui , Zhou Zheng , Grotzer Michael , Ohgaki Hiroko 
Published: July 2011

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate a variety of cellular processes via the regulation of multiple target genes. We screened 48 medulloblastomas for mutation, deletion and amplification of nine miRNA genes that were selected on the basis of the presence of potential target sequences within the 3′‐untranslated region of the MYCC mRNA. Differential PCR revealed deletions in miR‐186 (15%), miR‐135a‐1 (33%), miR‐548d‐1 (42%), miR‐548d‐2 (21%) and miR‐512‐2 (33%) genes, whereas deletion or amplification was detected in miR‐135b (23%) and miR‐135a‐2 (15%). In miR‐33b, deletion, amplification or a mutation at the precursor miRNA were detected in 10% of medulloblastomas. Overall, 35/48 (73%) medulloblastomas had at least one alteration. Real‐time RT‐PCR revealed MYCC overexpression in 11 of 37 (30%) medulloblastomas, and there was a correlation between MYCC overexpression and miR‐512‐2 gene deletion (P = 0.0084). Antisense‐based knockdown of miR‐512‐5p (mature sequence of miR‐512‐2) resulted in significant upregulation of MYCC expression in HeLa and A549 cells, while forced overexpression of miR‐512‐2 in medulloblastoma/PNET cell lines DAOY, UW‐228‐2, PFSK resulted in the downregulation of MYCC protein. Furthermore, the results of luciferase reporter assays suggested that miR‐512‐2 targets theMYCCgene. These results suggest that alterations in the miRNA genes may be an alternative mechanism leading to MYCC overexpression in medulloblastomas.
Distinguishing types 1 and 2M von Willebrand disease
Authors: FAVALORO E. J. , FORSYTH C. , KOUTTS J. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryDiscrimination of types 1 and 2M von Willebrand disease (VWD) is problematic. Type 1 VWD represents a quantitative deficiency of von Willebrand factor and type 2M a qualitative disorder. 2M VWD is considered a potentially more serious bleeding disorder than type 1 VWD and may also require a differential management approach given the higher bleeding risk and that desmopressin may be less effective. We describe a case of 2M VWD ‘masquerading’ as type 1 and show how the differential diagnosis can be obtained using standard laboratory assays. The case was genetically confirmed as a 3943C>T mutation, leading to R1315C.
Laccase‐catalysed oxidations of naturally occurring phenols: from in vivo biosynthetic pathways to green synthetic applications
Authors: Jeon Jong‐Rok , Baldrian Petr , Murugesan Kumarasamy , Chang Yoon‐Seok 
Published: July 2011

SummaryLaccases are oxidases that contain several copper atoms, and catalyse single‐electron oxidations of phenolic compounds with concomitant reduction of oxygen to water. The enzymes are particularly widespread in ligninolytic basidiomycetes, but also occur in certain prokaryotes, insects and plants. Depending on the species, laccases are involved in various biosynthetic processes contributing to carbon recycling in land ecosystems and the morphogenesis of biomatrices, wherein low‐molecular‐weight naturally occurring phenols serve as key enzyme substrates. Studies of these in vivo synthetic pathways have afforded new insights into fungal laccase applicability in green synthetic chemistry. Thus, we here review fungal laccase‐catalysed oxidations of naturally occurring phenols that are particularly relevant to the synthesis of fine organic chemicals, and we discuss how the discovered synthetic strategies mimic laccase‐involved in vivo pathways, thus enhancing the green nature of such reactions. Laccase‐catalysed in vivo processes yield several types of biopolymers, including those of cuticles, lignin, polyflavonoids, humus and the melanin pigments, using natural mono‐ or poly‐phenols as building blocks. The in vivo synthetic pathways involve either phenoxyl radical‐mediated coupling or cross‐linking reactions, and can be adapted to the design of in vitro oxidative processes involving fungal laccases in organic synthesis; the laccase substrates and the synthetic mechanisms reflect in vivo processes. Notably, such in vitro synthetic pathways can also reproduce physicochemical properties (e.g. those of chromophores, and radical‐scavenging, hydration and antimicrobial activities) found in natural biomaterials. Careful study of laccase‐associated in vivo metabolic pathways has been rewarded by the discovery of novel green applications for fungal laccases. This review comprehensively summarizes the available data on laccase‐catalysed biosynthetic pathways and associated applications in fine chemical syntheses.
Detection of parasitizing coccidia and determination of host crane species, sex and genotype by faecal DNA analysis
Authors: HONMA H. , SUYAMA Y. , NAKAI Y. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn Japan, the three main crane species are the endangered red‐crowned crane (Grus japonensis) inhabiting Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan; the vulnerable hooded crane (Grus monacha); and the vulnerable white‐naped crane (Grus vipio). Both the hooded and white‐naped cranes migrate in winter to Izumi in Kyushu, the southern island of Japan. In this study, we investigated the cranes and their coccidian parasites, through a targeted molecular approach using faecal DNA to develop a noninvasive method for infectious disease research. To determine the origin of noninvasively collected faecal samples, host species were identified by sequencing a region of approximately 470 bp of the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene in the faecal DNA. Furthermore, to avoid sample redundancy, individual determination was performed by fragment analysis using microsatellite and sex‐linked markers. For microsatellite genotyping, previously reported markers and markers isolated in this study were examined, and seven loci for red‐crowned cranes, eight for hooded cranes and six for white‐naped cranes displayed polymorphisms. A low error rate was demonstrated by comparing microsatellite data generated from faecal DNA samples with that generated from feather DNA samples, indicating a high reliability. Polymerase chain reaction–based capillary electrophoresis (PCR‐CE), employing genetic markers in the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA, was employed to detect crane coccidia. The sensitivity of detection of PCR‐CE using faecal DNA was inferior to that with traditional microscopy; however, our results suggest that PCR‐CE can depict crane coccidia diversity with higher resolution and it is a useful tool to characterize community composition of coccidia in detail.
Successful treatment of equine sarcoids with cisplatin electrochemotherapy: A retrospective study of 48 cases
Authors: TAMZALI Y. , BORDE L. , ROLS M. P. , GOLZIO M. , LYAZRHI F. , TEISSIE J. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study:Sarcoids are the commonest form of equine skin tumour. Several therapeutic measures have been described but none is considered to be universally effective. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a new anticancer therapy that utilises electrical field pulses to induce increased cell membrane permeability to antitumour hydrophilic drugs, such as cisplatin. The increased intracellular concentration of the drugs has a significant therapeutic benefit. The procedure has not been previously reported in a large number of horses.Objective:To validate ECT as a novel alternative treatment for equine sarcoids.Methods:A retrospective study evaluating the efficacy of cisplatin ECT in the treatment of equine sarcoids was performed. Electrochemotherapy treatments were applied under general anaesthesia at 2 week intervals with or without prior excision or debulking. Electric pulses were directly applied to the lesions following intra‐tumoural injections of an aqueous solution of cisplatin.Results:One‐hundred‐and‐ninety‐four sarcoids on 34 horses, 2 ponies, 11 donkeys and one mule were treated with ECT. The 4 year nonrecurrence rate was 97.9% for animals (47/48) and 99.5% (193/194) for tumours. When ECT was used as a single treatment, a significant influence of tumour size (ρ= 0.55) on the number of treatments required for cure was shown. When prior surgery was performed, there was a significant influence (P<0.001) of the excision quality (complete or incomplete) and the healing mode (closed or open wound) on the number of treatments. The most common adverse effect was a slight oedematous reaction for lesions located on thin skin regions.Conclusion and clinical relevance:Results demonstrate that ECT, with or without concurrent tumour debulking, is an effective alternative for treatment of equine sarcoids.
Distal border fragments and shape of the navicular bone: Radiological evaluation in lame horses and horses free from lameness
Authors: BIGGI M. , DYSON S. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study: The significance of distal border fragments of the navicular bone is not well understood. There are also no objective data about changes in thickness and proximal/distal extension of the palmar cortex of the navicular bone.Objectives: To describe the distribution of distal border fragments and their association with other radiological abnormalities of the navicular bone and describe the shape of the navicular bone in sound horses and horses with foot‐related lameness, including navicular pathology.Methods: Sound horses had radiographs acquired as part of a prepurchase examination. Lame horses had forelimb lameness abolished by palmar nerve blocks performed at the base of the proximal sesamoid bones. Diagnosis was assigned prospectively based on results of local analgesia and all imaging findings. The thickness of the palmar cortex of the navicular bone and size of proximal/distal extensions were measured objectively. Other radiological abnormalities were evaluated subjectively and each navicular bone graded.Results: Fifty‐five sound and 377 lame horses were included. All measurements were larger in lame compared with sound horses except the size of the distal extension of the palmar cortex. Fragments were observed in 3.6 and 8.7% of sound and lame horses respectively and in 24.1% of horses with a diagnosis of primary navicular pathology. There was an association between fragments and overall navicular bone grade, radiolucent areas at the angles of the distal border of the navicular bone and number and size of the synovial invaginations.Conclusions and potential relevance: The palmar cortex of the navicular bone was thicker in lame compared with sound horses. Distal border fragments were most frequent in horses with navicular pathology. Evaluation of changes in shape of the navicular bone may also be important for recognition of pathological abnormalities of the bone.
Existence and non-uniqueness of constant scalar curvature toric Sasaki metrics
Authors: Legendre Eveline 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe study compatible toric Sasaki metrics with constant scalar curvature on co-oriented compact toric contact manifolds of Reeb type of dimension at least five. These metrics come in rays of transversal homothety due to the possible rescaling of the Reeb vector fields. We prove that there exist Reeb vector fields for which the transversal Futaki invariant (restricted to the Lie algebra of the torus) vanishes. Using an existence result of E. Legendre [Toric geometry of convex quadrilaterals, J. Symplectic Geom. 9 (2011), 343–385], we show that a co-oriented compact toric contact 5-manifold whose moment cone has four facets admits a finite number of rays of transversal homothetic compatible toric Sasaki metrics with constant scalar curvature. We point out a family of well-known toric contact structures on S2×S3 admitting two non-isometric and non-transversally homothetic compatible toric Sasaki metrics with constant scalar curvature.
On anticyclotomic μ-invariants of modular forms
Authors: Pollack Robert , Weston Tom 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe prove the μ-part of the main conjecture for modular forms along the anticyclotomic Zp-extension of a quadratic imaginary field. Our proof consists of first giving an explicit formula for the algebraic μ-invariant, and then using results of Ribet and Takahashi showing that our formula agrees with Vatsal’s formula for the analytic μ-invariant.