bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Active and inactive forms of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Candrea Elisabeta , Senila Simona , Tatomir Corina , Cosgarea Rodica 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundCutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, with high implications on the morbidity and mortality of patients. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 have been involved in melanoma progression because they degrade important components of the basement membrane. We studied the relationship between the levels of active and inactive MMP 2, MMP 9, and clinicopathological parameters.Materials and methodsExpression of both active and latent forms of MMP 2 and MMP 9 was evaluated by zymography in 21 melanoma tissue samples and 19 benign melanocytic nevi samples.ResultsIn the melanoma group, inactive MMP 2 was detected in 100% of samples and active MMP 2 in 95%. Inactive MMP 9 was detected in 85% of samples and active MMP 9 in 38%. In the nevi group, 78.9% of samples expressed inactive MMP 2, 5.26% active MMP 2, 21% inactive MMP 9, and 0% active MMP 9. Both forms of MMP 2 and MMP 9 were found to be correlated with skin tumor malignancy. Expression of active and latent MMP 9 was higher in tumors >2 mm thick (P = 0.03, P = 0.014). A correlation was also found between positive lymph node metastasis, inactive MMP 9, and active MMP 9 expression (r = 0.59 P < 0.01, r = 0.668, P < 0.01). The amount of active and latent form of MMP 2 did not have an impact on lymph node metastasis.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that active and latent MMP 2 and MMP 9 correlate with melanoma, and both forms of MMP 9 correlate with positive lymph node metastasis.
Immediate effects of physical therapy on gait disturbance and frontal assessment battery in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Sohmiya Makoto , Wada Naoki , Tazawa Masayuki , Okamoto Koichi , Shirakura Kenji 
Published: October 2012

Aim:  To examine whether the Frontal Assessment Battery is associated with the immediate effects of physical therapy on gait disturbance in patients with Parkinson's disease.Methods:  A total of 18 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr stage range 3–4) who were able to ambulate independently and who were not demented were included. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of Frontal Assessment Battery scores: the high score group (score ≥13, n = 11) and the low score group (score ≤12, n = 7). A 3‐D motion analysis system was used to acquire gait parameter data before and after a 30‐min physical therapy program. Stride length, step length, cadence, walking velocity, single support time and double support time were measured. The range of motion of the hip, knee and ankle joint, and maximal trunk displacement on the horizontal plane were measured.Results:  In the high‐score group, significant improvement was observed in walking velocity, stride length and step length, and in the range of motion of the hip and knee joint. Maximal trunk displacement decreased significantly. In contrast, no significant improvement was observed in the low‐score group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Frontal Assessment Battery scores were a predictor of improvement in the range of motion of bilateral hip and knee joints, and maximal trunk displacement.Conclusions:  We showed that the subtests of motor learning of the Frontal Assessment Battery might be associated with the immediate effects of physical therapy on gait disturbance in Parkinson's disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 630–637.
SCALE ECONOMIES AND HETEROGENEITY IN BUSINESS MONEY DEMAND: THE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE
Authors: Ganugi Piero , Grossi Luigi , Ianulardo Giancarlo 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the demand for money by firms and the existence of economies of scale in the Italian manufacturing industry. We estimate a model for cash elaborated by Fujiki and Mulligan using a different estimation procedure from the previous literature. We then introduce an iterative procedure based on backward exclusion of firms from model estimation which points out the high heterogeneity of Italian companies in money demand. Our estimates show that the Italian manufacturing industry, considered as a whole, does not enjoy scale economies in money demand. However, our iterative procedure points out that the cause of this result has to be ascribed to small firms which are characterized by thin cash money holdings and a consequent very modest opportunity cost.
Experience and Reason in Einstein's Epistemology
Authors: Glenn S. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAlbert Einstein insists that his epistemology made his discovery of relativity possible. He believed it was his understanding of the relationship of experience and reason that allowed him to reconsider certain “truths” of physics. Specifically, he believed that reality and thought were independent but related, and that conceptual systems are independent of but conditioned by experience. Failure to understand the relation between experience and reason had, Einstein believed, limited progress in science. His understanding of the relation, on the other hand, enabled him to formulate relativity theory and therefore provides one example of the relevance of philosophy to scientific inquiry.
A Dogma of Naturalism
Authors: Sinclair Nathan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractOne of the major historical effects of Quine's attacks upon the analytic‐ synthetic distinction has been to popularise the belief that philosophy is continuous with science. Currently, most philosophers believe that such continuity is an inevitable consequence of naturalism. This article argues that though Quine's semantic holism does imply that there is no sharp distinction between truths discoverable by scientific investigation and truths discoverable by philosophical investigation, it also implies that there is a perfectly sharp and natural distinction between natural science and naturalistic philosophy.
Selection and Characterization of Autographa californica Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus DNA Polymerase Mutations
Authors: Feng Guozhong , Thumbi David K. , de Jong Jondavid , Hodgson Jeffrey J. , Arif Basil M. , Doucet Daniel , Krell Peter J. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTAutographa californicamultiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) DNA polymerase (DNApol) is essential for viral DNA replication. AcMNPV mutants resistant to aphidicolin, a selective inhibitor of viral DNA replication, and abacavir, an efficacious nucleoside analogue with inhibitory activity against reverse transcriptase, were selected by the serial passage of the parental AcMNPV in the presence of increasing concentrations of aphidicolin or abacavir. These drug-resistant mutants had either a single (C543R) (aphidicolin) or a double (C543R and S611T) (abacavir) point mutation within conserved regions II and III. To confirm the role of these point mutations in AcMNPV DNA polymerase, adnapolknockout virus was first generated, and several repair viruses were constructed by transposing thednapolwild-type gene or ones containing a single or double point mutation into thepolyhedrinlocus of thednapolknockout bacmid. The single C543R or double C543R/S611T mutation showed increased resistance to both aphidicolin and abacavir and, even in the absence of drug, decreased levels of virus and viral DNA replication compared to the wild-type repair virus. Surprisingly, thednapolmutant repair viruses led to the generation of occlusion-derived viruses with mostly single and only a few multiple nucleocapsids in the ring zone and within polyhedra. Thus, these point mutations in AcMNPV DNA polymerase increased drug resistance, slightly compromised virus and viral DNA replication, and influenced the viral morphogenesis of occlusion-derived virus.
Zerumbone suppresses IKKα, Akt, and FOXO1 activation, resulting in apoptosis of GBM 8401 cells
Authors: Weng Hsing-Yu , Hsu Ming-Jen , Wang Ching-Chung , Chen Bing-Chang , Hong Chuang-Ye , Chen Mei-Chieh , Chiu Wen-Ta , Lin Chien-Huang 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Zerumbone, a sesquiterpene compound isolated from subtropical ginger, Zingiber zerumbet Smith, has been documented to exert antitumoral and anti- inflammatory activities. In this study, we demonstrate that zerumbone induces apoptosis in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM8401) cells and investigate the apoptotic mechanism.

Methods
We added a caspase inhibitor and transfected wild-type (WT) IKK and Akt into GBM 8401 cells, and measured cell viability and apoptosis by MTT assay and flow cytometry. By western blotting, we evaluated activation of caspase-3, dephosphorylation of IKK, Akt, FOXO1 with time, and change of IKK, Akt, and FOXO1 phosphorylation after transfection of WT IKK and Akt.

Results
Zerumbone (10∽50 μM) induced death of GBM8401 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry studies showed that zerumbone increased the percentage of apoptotic GBM cells. Zerumbone also caused caspase-3 activation and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) production. N-benzyloxycarbonyl -Val-Ala-Asp- fluoromethylketone (zVAD-fmk), a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor, hindered zerumbone-induced cell death. Transfection of GBM 8401 cells with WT IKKα inhibited zerumbone-induced apoptosis, and zerumbone significantly decreased IKKα phosphorylation levels in a time-dependent manner. Similarly, transfection of GBM8401 cells with Akt suppressed zerumbone-induced apoptosis, and zerumbone also diminished Akt phosphorylation levels remarkably and time-dependently. Moreover, transfection of GBM8401 cells with WT IKKα reduced the zerumbone-induced decrease in Akt and FOXO1 phosphorylation. However, transfection with WT Akt decreased FOXO1, but not IKKα, phosphorylation.

Conclusion
The results suggest that inactivation of IKKα, followed by Akt and FOXO1 phosphorylation and caspase-3 activation, contributes to zerumbone-induced GBM cell apoptosis.
Social scent marks do not improve avoidance of parasites in foraging bumblebees
Authors: Fouks Bertrand , Lattorff H. Michael G. 
Published: October 2012

Summary
Foraging is a result of innate and acquired mechanisms, and is optimized in order to increase fitness. During foraging an animal faces many threats - such as predation and infection. The uptake of parasites and diseases while foraging is common and an individual should be adapted to detect and avoid such threats, using cues either from the abiotic environment, or the parasite. Social animals possess an additional cue to detect such contaminated food sources: information provided by conspecifics. Bumblebees avoid contaminated flowers, but the cues used by the bees to distinguish contamination remain unknown. We tested under controlled laboratory conditions the use of scent marks derived from other foragers in choosing between a contaminated and uncontaminated flower. As a positive control we tested the bees' choice towards two flowers, one scented with geraniol and including a highly rewarding sugar solution and the other not scented and containing a poorer reward. The bees mainly chose the uncontaminated and the rewarding scented flower. Scent marks did not increase the efficiency of the bumblebees in choosing the better flower. The bees from both experiments behaved similarly, showing that the main and most relevant cue used by them to choose the uncontaminated flower is the odour from the parasite itself. The adaptation of bumblebees to avoid flowers contaminated by Crithidia bombi, arose from the long term host-parasite interaction between these species. This strong adaptation results in an innate behaviour of bees and a detection and aversion of the odour of contaminated flower nectar.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of N‐Hydroxy‐α‐imino Phosphonates Using Brønsted Acid as Activator: The First Catalytic Enantioselective Approach to Chiral N‐Hydroxy‐α‐amino Phosphonates
Authors: Goulioukina Nataliya S. , Shergold Ilya A. , Bondarenko Grigorii N. , Ilyin Mikhail M. , Davankov Vadim A. , Beletskaya Irina P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe enantioselective synthesis of ring‐substituted [N‐(hydroxy)amino](phenyl)methylphosphonic esters via asymmetric hydrogenation of the corresponding N‐hydroxy‐α‐imino phosphonates with up to 90% ee was developed using catalytic amounts of palladium(II) acetate and (R)‐BINAP in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol with a Brønsted acid as an activator.
Achiral Co‐Catalyst Induced Switches in Catalytic Asymmetric Reactions on Racemic Mixtures (RRM): From Stereodivergent RRM to Stereoconvergent Deracemization by Combination of Hydrogen Bond Donating and Chiral Amine Catalysts
Authors: Ma Guangning , Lin Shuangzheng , Ibrahem Ismail , Kubik Grzegorz , Liu Leifeng , Sun Junliang , Córdova Armando 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA stereochemical divergent approach for the highly enantioselective synthesis of distinct bicyclic products with multiple stereocenters from a racemate using a single chiral catalyst is disclosed. It is based on switches of the overall reaction pathways in the chiral amine‐catalyzed cascade reactions between racemic γ‐nitro ketones and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes using different achiral co‐catalysts. The utility of the method is exemplified by the highly diasteroselective switch and stereoconvergent deracemization process by combination of chiral amine and achiral hydrogen‐bond‐donating catalysts.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes of Nickel as Efficient Catalysts for Hydrosilylation of Carbonyl Derivatives
Authors: Postigo Lorena , Royo Beatriz 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWell‐defined nickel(II) complexes bearing bidentate tetramethylcyclopentadienyl‐functionalised N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands (Cp*‐NHCMe)NiX (X=Cl, O‐t‐Bu) have been prepared and applied as efficient catalysts for the hydrosilylation of carbonyl groups. The nickel‐alkoxide (Cp*‐NHCMe)Ni(O‐t‐Bu) complex displayed remarkable catalytic activity in the reduction of aldehydes, affording quantitative conversion to the corresponding alcohols in 5 min at 25 °C. Mechanistic studies, based on stoichiometric reactions, revealed that the transient nickel hydride (Cp*‐NHCMe)NiH complex is the active species in the hydrosilylation of carbonyls.
Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Cyclization Reaction of 2‐(Alk‐2′‐ynyl‐ oxy)benzonitriles or 2‐(Alk‐2′‐ynylamino)benzonitriles: A Facile Way to 2H‐Chromene and 1,2‐Dihydroquinoline Derivatives
Authors: Xia Guoqin , Han Xiuling , Lu Xiyan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAn efficient synthesis of 2H‐chromenes and 1,2‐dihydroquinolines from palladium(II)‐catalyzed tandem reactions of 2‐(alk‐2′‐ynyloxy)benzonitriles or 2‐(alk‐2′‐ynylamino)benzonitriles was developed. This tandem reaction involves an intermolecular trans‐acetoxypalladation of an alkyne followed by an addition to the nitrile group to quench the carbon‐palladium bond and complete the catalytic cycle without the necessity of a redox system.
Hydrosilylation of Aldehydes and Ketones Catalyzed by an N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Nickel Hydride Complex under Mild Conditions
Authors: Bheeter Linus P. , Henrion Mickaël , Brelot Lydia , Darcel Christophe , Chetcuti Michael J. , Sortais Jean‐Baptiste , Ritleng Vincent 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHalf‐sandwich N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐nickel complexes of the general formula [Ni(NHC)ClCp†] (Cp†=Cp, Cp*) efficiently catalyze the hydrosilylation of aldehydes and ketones at room temperature in the presence of a catalytic amount of sodium triethylborohydride and thus join the fairly exclusive club of well‐defined nickel(II) catalyst precursors for the hydrosilylation of carbonyl functionalities. Of notable interest is the isolation of an intermediate nickel hydride complex that proved to be the real catalyst precursor.
Selective Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct Arylation of Furo[3,2‐b]pyridines
Authors: Carrër Amandine , Rousselle Patricia , Florent Jean‐Claude , Bertounesque Emmanuel 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA method for palladium‐catalyzed direct arylation has been developed for the selective functionalization of the C‐3 and C‐7 positions of 2‐substituted furo[3,2‐b]pyridines. An unconventional reactivity resulting from the annulation of a pyridine ring with a furan ring is outlined and results in an unprecedented C‐7H bond activation. The role of the pivalic acid additive is rationalized by invoking a concerted metallation–deprotonation pathway (CMD) for both arylations.
Diurnal cortisol rhythms and child growth: Exploring the life history consequences of HPA activation among the Tsimane'
Authors: Nyberg Colleen H. , Leonard William R. , Tanner Susan , Mcdade Thomas , Huanca Tomas , Godoy Ricardo A. ,   Taps Bolivia Study Team
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjective:Although psychosocial stress has also been implicated as a contributor to growth failure by imposing energetic constraints during development, the direct physiological pathways by which these life history trade‐offs are imposed are not well understood. This study explores associations between diurnal cortisol rhythms and differential patterns of linear child growth among the Tsimane, a horticulturalist and foraging society in the Bolivian Amazon.Methods:Waking and bedtime salivary cortisol samples (n= 243) were collected from 53 Tsimane' children ages 1.6–6 over 3 days as part of a larger study of developmental trajectories in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dynamics. Anthropometric measurements and survey data were collected in conjunction with the Tsimane' Amazonian panel study (TAPS).Results:Among children under the age of 6, diurnal rhythms in stunted versus nonstunted children vary dramatically: stunted children display elevated cortisol at both the AM (P= 0.03) and PM (P= 0.02) collection points. Multilevel regression analysis demonstrates an inverse relationship between cortisol and height‐for‐agez‐score status (P= 0.00), which is mediated, in part, by infection (P= 0.00), and is strongest among male children (n.s.). Moreover, the poorest statural growth is exhibited among children with high cortisol living in more acculturated Tsimane' communities, a proxy for a more adverse developmental milieu.Conclusions:This study reports a small, but significant, life history cost of elevated diurnal cortisol rhythms on linear growth among Tsimane' children, and provides critical insight into the developmental origins of health differentials among an indigenous Amazonian population experiencing rapid lifestyle changes. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mutational spectrum of Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome
Authors: Waterham Hans R. , Hennekam Raoul C.M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSmith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS; OMIM #270400) is an autosomal recessive malformation syndrome characterized by a large spectrum of morphogenic and congenital anomalies. SLOS is caused by mutations in the DHCR7 gene, which encodes 7‐dehydrocholesterol reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the final step in cholesterol biosynthesis. We report on 154 currently known mutations in DHCR7 identified in patients affected with SLOS and discuss their coding consequences. These 154 mutations include 130 missense, 8 nonsense, 8 deletions, 2 insertions, 1 indel, and 5 splice site mutations. Using information available from published case reports and from patients identified in our clinical diagnostic laboratory, we analyzed correlations between genotype, clinical presentation and 7‐dehydrocholesterol level. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measurement of the ultrafast temporal response of a plasmonic antenna
Authors: Becker Maria , Huang Wayne Cheng‐Wei , Batelaan Herman , Smythe Elisabeth J. , Capasso Federico 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA measurement on the temporal response of a plasmonic antenna at the femtosecond time scale is reported. The antenna consists of a square array of nanometer‐size gold rods. The far‐field dispersion of light reflected from the plasmonic antenna is found to be less than that of a 1.2 mm thick glass slide. Assuming a simple oscillating dipole model this implies that the near‐field of the antenna may be used as an electron switch that responds faster than 20 fs. Alternatively, ultrafast electron diffraction may be used to investigate the near‐field dynamics of the plasmonic antenna.
In vivo cleavage of transgene donors promotes nuclease‐mediated targeted integration
Authors: Cristea Sandra , Freyvert Yevgeniy , Santiago Yolanda , Holmes Michael C. , Urnov Fyodor D. , Gregory Philip D. , Cost Gregory J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTargeted DNA integration is commonly used to eliminate position effects on transgene expression. Integration can be targeted to specific sites in the genome via both homology‐based and homology‐independent processes. Both pathways start the integration process with a site‐specific break in the chromosome, typically from a zinc‐finger nuclease (ZFN). We previously described an efficient homology‐independent targeted integration technique that captures short (<100 bp) pieces of DNA at chromosomal breaks created by ZFNs. We show here that inclusion of a nuclease target site on the donor plasmid followed by in vivo nuclease cleavage of both the donor and the chromosome results in efficient integration of large, transgene‐sized DNA molecules into the chromosomal double‐strand break. Successful targeted integration via in vivo donor linearization is demonstrated at five distinct loci in two mammalian cell types, highlighting the generality of the approach. Finally, we show that CHO cells, a cell type recalcitrant to homology‐based integration, are proficient at capture of in vivo‐linearized transgene donors. Moreover, we demonstrate knockout of the hamster FUT8 gene via the simultaneous ZFN‐ or TALE nuclease‐mediated integration of an antibody cassette. Our results enable efficient targeted transgene addition to cells and organisms that fare poorly with traditional homology‐driven approaches. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 871–880. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accurate retention time determination of co‐eluting proteins in analytical chromatography by means of spectral data
Authors: Dismer Florian , Hansen Sigrid , Oelmeier Stefan Alexander , Hubbuch Jürgen 
Published: October 2012

AbstractChromatography is the method of choice for the separation of proteins, at both analytical and preparative scale. Orthogonal purification strategies for industrial use can easily be implemented by combining different modes of adsorption. Nevertheless, with flexibility comes the freedom of choice and optimal conditions for consecutive steps need to be identified in a robust and reproducible fashion. One way to address this issue is the use of mathematical models that allow for an in silico process optimization. Although this has been shown to work, model parameter estimation for complex feedstocks becomes the bottleneck in process development. An integral part of parameter assessment is the accurate measurement of retention times in a series of isocratic or gradient elution experiments. As high‐resolution analytics that can differentiate between proteins are often not readily available, pure protein is mandatory for parameter determination. In this work, we present an approach that has the potential to solve this problem. Based on the uniqueness of UV absorption spectra of proteins, we were able to accurately measure retention times in systems of up to four co‐eluting compounds. The presented approach is calibration‐free, meaning that prior knowledge of pure component absorption spectra is not required. Actually, pure protein spectra can be determined from co‐eluting proteins as part of the methodology. The approach was tested for size‐exclusion chromatograms of 38 mixtures of co‐eluting proteins. Retention times were determined with an average error of 0.6 s (1.6% of average peak width), approximated and measured pure component spectra showed an average coefficient of correlation of 0.992. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 683–693. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.