bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
(Un‐)expected nocturnal activity in “Diurnal” Lemur catta supports cathemerality as one of the key adaptations of the lemurid radiation
Authors: Donati Giuseppe , Santini Luca , Razafindramanana Josia , Boitani Luigi , Borgognini‐Tarli Silvana 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe ability to operate during the day and at night (i.e., cathemerality) is common among mammals but has rarely been identified in primates. Adaptive hypotheses assume that cathemerality represents a stable adaptation in primates, while nonadaptive hypotheses propose that it is the result of an evolutionary disequilibrium arising from human impacts on natural habitats. Madagascar offers a unique opportunity to study the evolution of activity patterns as there we find a monophyletic primate radiation that shows nocturnal, diurnal, and cathemeral patterns. However, when and why cathemeral activity evolved in lemurs is the subject of intense debate. Thus far, this activity pattern has been regularly observed in only three lemurid genera but the actual number of lemur species exhibiting this activity is as yet unknown. Here we show that the ring‐tailed lemur, Lemur catta, a species previously considered to be diurnal, can in fact be cathemeral in the wild. In neighboring but distinct forest areas these lemurs exhibited either mainly diurnal or cathemeral activity. We found that, as in other cathemeral lemurs, activity was entrained by photoperiod and masked by nocturnal luminosity. Our results confirm the relationship between transitional eye anatomy and physiology and 24‐h activity, thus supporting the adaptive scenario. Also, on the basis of the most recent strepsirrhine phylogenetic reconstruction, using parsimony criterion, our findings suggest pushing back the emergence of cathemerality to stem lemurids. Flexible activity over 24‐h could thus have been one of the key adaptations of the early lemurid radiation possibly driven by Madagascar's island ecology. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adoptive regulatory T‐cell therapy protects against cerebral ischemia
Authors: Li Peiying , Gan Yu , Sun Bao‐Liang , Zhang Feng , Lu Binfeng , Gao Yanqin , Liang Weimin , Thomson Angus W. , Chen Jun , Hu Xiaoming 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveRecent evidence suggests that functional deficiency in regulatory T cells (Tregs), an innate immunomodulator, exacerbates brain damage after cerebral ischemia. We therefore evaluated the effect of Treg transfer in rodent models of ischemic stroke and further investigated the mechanism underlying Treg‐afforded neuroprotection.MethodsWe examined the therapeutic potential of Tregs and the mechanisms of neuroprotection in vivo in 2 rodent models of ischemic stroke and in vitro in Treg–neutrophil cocultures using a combined approach including cell‐specific depletion, gene knockout mice, and bone marrow chimeras.ResultsSystemic administration of purified Tregs at 2, 6, or even 24 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion resulted in a marked reduction of brain infarct and prolonged improvement of neurological functions lasting out to 4 weeks. Treg‐afforded neuroprotection was accompanied by attenuated blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption during early stages of ischemia, decreased cerebral inflammation, and reduced infiltration of peripheral inflammatory cells into the lesioned brain. Surprisingly, Tregs exerted early neuroprotection without penetrating into the brain parenchyma or inhibiting the activation of residential microglia. Rather, both in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that Tregs suppressed peripheral neutrophil‐derived matrix metallopeptidase‐9 production, thus preventing proteolytic damage of the BBB. In addition to its potent central neuroprotection, Treg treatment was shown to ameliorate poststroke lymphopenia, suggesting a beneficial effect on immune status.InterpretationOur study suggests that Treg adoptive therapy is a novel and potent cell‐based therapy targeting poststroke inflammatory dysregulation and neurovascular disruption. Ann Neurol 2013;74:458–471
LTBP4 genotype predicts age of ambulatory loss in duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Flanigan Kevin M. , Ceco Ermelinda , Lamar Kay‐Marie , Kaminoh Yuuki , Dunn Diane M. , Mendell Jerry R. , King Wendy M. , Pestronk Alan , Florence Julaine M. , Mathews Katherine D. , Finkel Richard S. , Swoboda Kathryn J. , Gappmaier Eduard , Howard Michael T. , Day John W. , McDonald Craig , McNally Elizabeth M. , Weiss Robert B. 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) displays a clinical range that is not fully explained by the primary DMD mutations. Ltbp4, encoding latent transforming growth factor‐β binding protein 4, was previously discovered in a genome‐wide scan as a modifier of murine muscular dystrophy. We sought to determine whether LTBP4 genotype influenced DMD severity in a large patient cohort.MethodsWe analyzed nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from human LTBP4 in 254 nonambulatory subjects with known DMD mutations. These SNPs, V194I, T787A, T820A, and T1140M, form the VTTT and IAAM LTBP4 haplotypes.ResultsIndividuals homozygous for the IAAM LTBP4 haplotype remained ambulatory significantly longer than those heterozygous or homozygous for the VTTT haplotype. Glucocorticoid‐treated patients who were IAAM homozygotes lost ambulation at 12.5 ± 3.3 years compared to 10.7 ± 2.1 years for treated VTTT heterozygotes or homozygotes. IAAM fibroblasts exposed to transforming growth factor (TGF) β displayed reduced phospho‐SMAD signaling compared to VTTT fibroblasts, consistent with LTBP4' role as a regulator of TGFβ.InterpretationLTBP4 haplotype influences age at loss of ambulation, and should be considered in the management of DMD patients. ANN NEUROL 2013;73:481–488
Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/silica nanocomposite membranes by electrospinning
Authors: Xiong Xi , Li Qiang , Zhang Xu‐Cheng , Wang Li , Guo Zhao‐Xia , Yu Jian 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPoly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/silica nanocomposite membranes containing up to 30% silica were prepared by electrospinning using colloidal silica as the source of silica and dimethyl formamide as the solvent. The fiber morphology was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The average fiber diameter is about 0.3 μm for PVDF/silica composite fibers having 10–30% silica. Silica nanoparticles were observed on all fiber surfaces with fairly good dispersion and distribution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimeter were used to investigate the crystallization behavior of PVDF and showed that a mixture of α‐, β‐, and γ‐phase crystals was obtained with little content of α phase and all the PVDF/silica composite membranes have similar degree of crystallinity. Static water contact angle measurements were performed to investigate the surface wettability of the membranes. The mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile tests, showing strong reinforcement effect. The tensile modulus and tensile strength increase significantly when silica is present. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Curing behaviors and thermal properties of benzoxazine and N, N′‐(2, 2, 4‐trimethylhexane‐1, 6‐diyl) dimaleimide blend
Authors: Wang Zhi , Ran Qichao , Zhu Rongqi , Gu Yi 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA blend of bisphenol‐A based benzoxazine (BA‐a)/N, N′‐(2, 2, 4‐Trimethylhexane‐1, 6‐diyl) dimaleimide (TBMI) with the ratio of 1:1 was prepared and its curing behaviors were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The curing mechanism was proposed based on the semiquantitative analysis from FTIR spectra. The model compound was used to study the catalysis effect of BA‐a on the curing reaction of TBMI. It was found the curing reactions of BA‐a and TBMI not only proceeded simultaneously, but their coreactions also occurred. The research further indicated that negative oxygen ions from ring opening of benzoxazine mainly promoted the polymerization of maleimide groups, even though the amine group of benzoxazine had a positive effect on the reaction of maleimide groups. Besides, BA‐a and TBMI blends showed improved thermal properties based on the results from DMA and TGA. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Eco‐friendly grafting of natural biopolymer chitosan onto acylated wool fabrics using ultrasonic and study its properties
Authors: Ranjbar‐Mohammadi Marziyeh , Hajir Bahrami S. , Arami M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe use of ultrasonic for accelerating the chemical and physical processes of wool has gained high importance. This study aims to develop a method for reducing the energy and material consumption and decreasing fiber damage. Ultrasonic equipment (20 kHz) was used for grafting chitosan to wool fabric. Experiments were carried out under different times and chitosan concentration. The results showed using this technique decreases the time required for grafting chitosan onto wool which is less than the other procedures. Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infra‐red, and weight gain analyses provided evidence that chitosan was grafted onto the acylated wool through the formation of new covalent bonds in a short time. Scanning electron microscope was used to study the morphology of wool samples before and after modification. The dyeing of the chitosan grafted‐acylated wool fabrics indicates higher dye ability and lower shrinkage compared to the acylated and raw wool samples. The findings of this study support the potential of using ultrasonic as a friendly environment method for grafting chitosan onto wool with enhanced dye ability and reduced shrinkage properties. The grafted samples showed good antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus as gram‐positive and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as gram negative bacteria. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Electropolymerization of sulfonated phenol by cyclic voltammetry
Authors: Hou Hongying , Vacandio Florence , Vona Maria Luisa Di , Knauth Philippe 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn this work, electropolymerization of sulfonated phenol were performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) on planar or nano‐architecture substrates. The corresponding CV curves were analyzed and compared. The obtained polymer was characterized by SEM, EDX, and FTIR. The results suggested that it was feasible to electropolymerize sulfonated phenol on different substrates. The facility of electropolymerization on different substrates was as follows: graphite carbon > stainless steel plate > ZrO2 nanotube. The peak current density of CV curve on stainless steel kept constant from the second cycle possibly attributed to the promoting effects of sulfonic acid groups: improving the ionic conductivity, changing the packing mode of polymer chains, and enhancing the permeability of the film to monomers. This work offered some insights into electrochemical synthesis of proton‐conducting membrane for varied special applications, such as micro‐sized fuel cell, sensor, battery, and other solid‐state ionic devices. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mesenchymal stem cells for systemic therapy: Shotgun approach or magic bullets?
Authors: Millard Susan M. , Fisk Nicholas M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractGiven their heterogeneity and lack of defining markers, it is surprising that multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have attracted so much translational attention, especially as increasing evidence points to their predominant effect being not by donor differentiation but via paracrine mediators and exosomes. Achieving long‐term MSC donor chimerism for treatment of chronic disease remains a challenge, requiring enhanced MSC homing/engraftment properties and manipulation of niches to direct MSC behaviour. Meanwhile advances in nanoparticle technology are furthering the development of MSCs as vehicles for targeted drug delivery. For treatment of acute injuries, systemic cell‐free exosome delivery may ultimately displace current emphasis on empiric donor‐cell transplantation for anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory and repair‐promoting effects. Exploration of potential clinical sources of MSCs has led to increased utilisation of perinatal MSCs in allogeneic clinical trials, reflecting their ease of collection and developmentally advantageous properties.
Identification and quantitation of vesivirus 2117 particles in bioreactor fluids from infected Chinese hamster ovary cell cultures
Authors: Qiu Yongchang , Jones Nathan , Busch Michelle , Pan Peng , Keegan Jesse , Zhou Weichang , Plavsic Mark , Hayes Michael , McPherson John M. , Edmunds Tim , Zhang Kate , Mattaliano Robert J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe prevention of adventitious agent contamination is a top priority throughout the entire biopharmaceutical production process. For example, although viral contamination of cell banks or cell cultures is rare, it can result in serious consequences (e.g., shutdown and decontamination of manufacturing facilities). To ensure virus free production, numerous in vivo and in vitro adventitious agent assays and biophysical characterizations such as electron microscopy are conducted on cell banks, raw materials, process materials, and drug substances throughout the manufacturing process. Molecular assays such as PCR and other nucleotide‐based techniques are also routinely used for screening and identification of any viral agents. However, modern techniques in protein identification of complex protein mixtures have not yet been effectively integrated throughout the industry into current viral testing strategies. Here, we report the identification and quantitation of Vesivirus 2117 particles in bioreactor fluid from infected Chinese hamster ovary cell cultures by global protein sequencing using mass spectrometry in combination with multi‐dimensional liquid‐chromatography. Following mass spectrometric data acquisition and rigorous data analysis, six virus specific peptides were identified. These peptides were fragments of two structural proteins, capsid protein pre‐cursor (four unique peptides) and small structural protein (two unique peptides), from the same species: Vesivirus 2117. Using stable heavy isotope‐labeled peptides as internal standards, we also determined the absolute concentration of Vesivirus particles in the bioreactor fluid and the ratio of two capsid proteins (VP1:VP2) in the particles as approximately 9:1. The positive identification of Vesivirus 2117 was subsequently confirmed by RT‐PCR. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1342–1353. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A yeast‐based rapid prototype platform for gene control elements in mammalian cells
Authors: Wei Kathy Y. , Chen Yvonne Y. , Smolke Christina D. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractProgramming genetic circuits in mammalian cells requires flexible, tunable, and user‐tailored gene‐control systems. However, most existing control systems are either mechanistically specific for microbial organisms or must be laboriously re‐engineered to function in mammalian cells. Here, we demonstrate a ribozyme‐based device platform that can be directly transported from yeast to mammalian cells in a “plug‐and‐play” manner. Ribozyme switches previously prototyped in yeast are shown to regulate gene expression in a predictable, ligand‐responsive manner in human HEK 293, HeLa, and U2OS cell lines without any change to device sequence nor further optimization. The ribozyme‐based devices, which exhibit activation ratios comparable to the best RNA‐based regulatory devices demonstrated in mammalian cells to‐date, retain their prescribed functions (ON or OFF switch), tunability of regulatory stringency, and responsiveness to different small‐molecule inputs in mammalian hosts. Furthermore, we observe strong correlations of device performance between yeast and all mammalian cell lines tested (R2 = 0.63–0.97). Our unique device architecture can therefore act as a rapid prototyping platform (RPP) based on a yeast chassis, providing a well‐developed and genetically tractable system that supports rapid and high‐throughput screens for generating gene‐controllers with a broad range of functions in mammalian cells. This platform will accelerate development of mammalian gene‐controllers for diverse applications, including cell‐based therapeutics and cell‐fate reprogramming. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1201–1210. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GM‐CSF enhances tumor invasion by elevated MMP‐2, ‐9, and ‐26 expression
Authors: Gutschalk Claudia M. , Yanamandra Archana K. , Linde Nina , Meides Alice , Depner Sofia , Mueller Margareta M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractGranulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) promotes tumor progression in different tumor models in an autocrine and paracrine manner. However, at the same time GM‐CSF is used in cancer therapies to ameliorate neutropenia. We have previously shown in GM‐CSF and G‐CSF expressing or negative skin or head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that GM‐CSF expression is associated with a highly angiogenic and invasive tumor phenotype. To determine the functional contribution of GM‐CSF to tumor invasion, we stably transfected a GM‐CSF negative colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT‐29 with GM‐CSF or treated the same cell line with exogenous GM‐CSF. While GM‐CSF overexpression and treatment reduced tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, respectively, it contributed to tumor progression. Together with an enhanced migratory capacity in vitro, we observed a striking increase in tumor cell invasion into the surrounding tissue concomitant with the induction of an activated tumor stroma in GM‐CSF overexpressing or GM‐CSF treated tumors. In a complex 3D in vitro model, enhanced GM‐CSF expression was associated with a discontinued basement membrane deposition that might be mediated by the increased expression and activation of MMP‐2, ‐9, and ‐26. Treatment with GM‐CSF blocking antibodies reversed this effect. The increased presence and activity of these tumor cell derived proteases was confirmed in vivo. Here, expression of MMP‐26 protein was predominantly located in pre‐ and early‐invasive areas suggesting MMP‐26 expression as an early event in promoting GM‐CSF dependent tumor invasion.
Overexpression of DRAM enhances p53‐dependent apoptosis
Authors: Takahashi Masahiro , Kakudo Yuichi , Takahashi Shin , Sakamoto Yasuhiro , Kato Shunsuke , Ishioka Chikashi 
Published: November 2012

AbstractTumor suppressor p53‐dependent apoptosis is thought to be one of the most important tumor‐suppressive mechanisms in human tumorigenesis. Till date, “super p53” mutants exhibiting more potent ability to induce apoptosis than wild‐type p53 have been reported. These super p53s may provide a clue for development of novel therapeutic targets. However, the major mechanism underlying the super p53‐dependent apoptosis remains unclear. To identify critical gene(s) in this mechanism, we performed a comprehensive and comparative expression analysis in p53‐null Saos‐2 cells with conditional expression of wild‐type p53 and S121F, which was previously reported as a super p53 mutant. We identified damage‐regulated autophagy modulator (DRAM) as one of the genes that were more upregulated by S121F than wild‐type p53. Although knockdown of DRAM was not sufficient for reducing the ability of S121F to induce apoptosis, DRAM overexpression enhanced the ability in a wild‐type p53‐dependent manner. Here, we show that DRAM is an important gene for the enhancement of p53‐dependent apoptosis. Additional analysis of the mechanism of super p53‐dependent apoptosis may lead to the identification of novel drug targets for cancer therapy.
Does elevatedpCO2affect reef octocorals?
Authors: Gabay Yasmin , Benayahu Yehuda , Fine Maoz 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIncreasing anthropogenicpCO2alters seawater chemistry, with potentially severe consequences for coral reef growth and health. Octocorals are the second most important faunistic component in many reefs, often occupying 50% or more of the available substrate. Three species of octocorals from two families were studied inEilat (Gulf ofAqaba), comprising the zooxanthellateOvabunda macrospiculataandHeteroxenia fuscescens(familyXeniidae), andSarcophytonsp. (familyAlcyoniidae). They were maintained under normal (8.2) and reduced (7.6 and 7.3)pHconditions for up to 5 months. Their biolological features, including protein concentration, polyp weight, density of zooxanthellae, and their chlorophyll concentration per cell, as well as polyp pulsation rate, were examined under conditions more acidic than normal, in order to test the hypothesis that risingpCO2would affect octocorals. The results indicate no statistically significant difference between the octocorals exposed to reducedpHvalues compared to the control. It is therefore suggested that the octocorals' tissue may act as a protective barrier against adversepHconditions, thus maintaining them unharmed at high levels ofpCO2.
The hydrologic implications of old field succession: depression storage and leaf litter
Authors: Richards Paul L. , Norris Mark D. , Lin Brenda B. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have noted the importance of vegetation in controlling run‐off in terrestrial landscapes. Here, we hypothesize that ecologic succession from mowed grassland to old field to forest will impact run‐off characteristics due to changing vegetation characteristics that affect soil surface processes. We test this idea by measuring depression storage and leaf litter water retention rates in 13 sites across this successional gradient. Sites of similar slope and soil type were also evaluated against one another to isolate the effect of vegetation diversity and management on depression storage. Results showed that average ideal depression storage increased with greater vegetation diversity and structure. Effective depression storage of unmanaged systems was significantly higher than mowed systems, implying that management activities retard the natural development of microtopography. Results of leaf litter water retention varied among land covers but contributed less than depression storage for water capture. These results demonstrate the tight linkages between vegetation succession and run‐off. Understanding these characteristics is necessary for developing effective hydrologic models. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accurate and efficient RTL power estimation based on power contour model
Authors: Kawauchi Hirofumi , Taniguchi Ittetsu , Tomiyama Hiroyuki , Fukui Masahiro 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper proposes a new RTL power estimation method based on a power contour model. The model achieves accurate and efficient power estimation. The experimental results show that the maximum error is reduced by 56.19% and the RMS error is also reduced by 3.41% compared to the conventional table‐based RTL power estimation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 182(3): 48–56, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22340