bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PDZ-RhoGEF is essential for CXCR4-driven breast tumor cell motility through spatial regulation of RhoA
Authors: Struckhoff Amanda P. , Rana Manish K. , Kher Swapnil S. , Burow Matt E. , Hagan Joseph L. , Del Valle Luis , Worthylake Rebecca A. 
Published: July 2013

Summary
The CXCL12–CXCR4 chemokine signaling pathway is a well-established driver of cancer progression. One key process promoted by CXCR4 stimulation is tumor cell motility; however, the specific signaling pathways leading to migration remain poorly understood. Previously, we have shown that CXCL12 stimulation of migration depends on temporal regulation of RhoA. However, the specific RhoGEF that translates CXCR4 signaling into RhoA activity and cell motility is unknown. We screened the three regulator of G-protein signaling RhoGEFs (LSC, LARG and PRG) and found that PRG selectively regulated the migration and invasion of CXCR4-overexpressing breast tumor cells. Interestingly, we found that PDZ-RhoGEF (PRG) was required for spatial organization of F-actin structures in the center, but not periphery of the cells. The effects on the cytoskeleton were mirrored by the spatial effects on RhoA activity that were dependent upon PRG. Loss of PRG also enhanced adherens junctions in the epithelial-like MCF7-CXCR4 cell line, and inhibited directional persistence and polarity in the more mesenchymal MDA-MB-231 cell line. Thus, PRG is essential for CXCR4-driven tumor cell migration through spatial regulation of RhoA and the subsequent organization of the cytoskeletal structures that support motility. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis of human breast tumor tissues shows a significant increase of PRG expression in the invasive areas of the tumors, suggesting that this RhoGEF is associated with breast tumor invasion in vivo.
Uptake, handling, and excretion of Na+ and Cl- from the diet in vivo in freshwater and seawater-acclimated killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus, an agastric teleost
Authors: Bucking Carol , Wood Christopher M. , Grosell Martin 
Published: July 2013

Summary
A radiotracer approach using diets labeled with 22Na+, 36Cl-, and [14C]polyethylene-4000 (PEG-4000) was employed to investigate the role of intestinal uptake from the food in ion homeostasis in the killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). This euryhaline teleost lacks both a stomach and a capacity for Cl- uptake at the gills in freshwater. PEG-4000 appearance in the water was minimal up to 10-11 h post-feeding, indicating the virtual absence of Na+ and Cl- loss in the faeces up until this time. Rapid uptake of dietary Na+ and Cl- occurred and more than 88% of 22Na+ and 36Cl- were absorbed in the intestine by 3 h post-feeding, and excretion rates of Na+ and Cl- originating from the food were greatest during this period. Uptake and excretion of Cl- from the diet was 5-6-fold greater than that of Na+ in freshwater, and about 3-fold greater in seawater. Excretions of dietary Na+ and Cl- by seawater-acclimated killifish were far greater than by freshwater-acclimated killifish in this time frame, reflecting the much greater branchial efflux rates and turnover rates of the internal exchangeable pools. At both 3 h and 9 h post-feeding, the largest fraction of dietary Na+ was found in the carcass of freshwater-acclimated fish, followed by the external water, and finally the digestive tract. However in seawater-acclimated fish, more was excreted to the water, and less was retained in the carcass. For Cl-, which was taken up and excreted more rapidly than Na+, the majority of the dietary load had moved to the external water by 9 h in both freshwater and seawater animals. After 7 days training on a low salt natural diet (live Lumbriculus variegatus worms; 31.5 μmol Na+ g-1 wet weight) versus a high salt synthetic pellet diet (911 μmol Na+ g-1 dry food weight), freshwater killifish exhibited a lower absolute excretion rate of Na+ from the low salt diet, but relative uptake from the intestine and retention in the carcass were virtually identical from the two diets. Seawater killifish excreted relatively more Na+ from the low salt diet. Overall, our results emphasize the importance of dietary Na+ and Cl- in the electrolyte economy of the killifish, particularly in freshwater, and especially for Cl-.
Adjustments of global and hindlimb local properties during the terrestrial locomotion of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix)
Authors: Andrada Emanuel , Nyakatura John A. , Bergmann Florian , Blickhan Reinhard 
Published: July 2013

SummaryIncreasing insight into neuro-mechanical control strategies during perturbed locomotion is gained. In contrast, more general analyses on simple model (template) related parameters during avian terrestrial locomotion are still rare. Quails kinematic data obtained using X-ray videography combined with ground reaction force measurements were used as a basis to investigate how "global" template and "local" leg joint parameters in this small predominantly terrestrial bird change with speed and gait. Globally, quail locomotion approximates a spring-like behavior in all investigated gaits. However, ground reaction forces are more vertically oriented which may help to balance the trunk. At the joint level, practically all the spring like work was found to occur in the ITJ (intertarsal joint). From walking to grounded running the local stiffness of the ITJ decreases similarly to the reduction observed in global leg stiffness. Thus, in gaits without aerial phases the quails may modulate ITJ stiffness to regulate global leg stiffness, and therefore gait changes, to a significant degree. At higher speeds leg compression and leg stiffness are increased (the latter to values not significantly different to those obtained during walking). This enables the animals to shorten contact time and to generate aerial phases (running). However, we did not observe a change in the stiffness in the ITJ with a change of gait from grounded running to running. We hypothesize that a more extended leg at touch-down, controlled by the joint angles in knee and ITJ, has an important influence in the leg stiffness adjustment process during running.
Differential expression and novel permeability properties of three aquaporin 8 paralogs from seawater-challenged Atlantic salmon smolts
Authors: Engelund Morten B. , Chauvigné François , Christensen Birgitte M. , Finn Roderick N. , Cerdà Joan , Madsen Steffen S. 
Published: July 2013

Summary
Aquaporins may facilitate transepithelial water absorption in the intestine of seawater (SW) acclimated fish. Here we have characterized three full-length aqp8 paralogs from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Bayesian inference revealed that each paralog is a representative of the three major classes of aqp8aa, aqp8ab and aqp8b genes found in other teleosts. The permeability properties were studied by heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and the expression levels examined by qPCR, immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy, and immunoblotting of membrane fractions from intestines of SW challenged smolts. All three Aqp8 paralogs were permeable to water and urea, whereas Aqp8ab and -8b were, surprisingly, also permeable to glycerol. The mRNA tissue distribution of each paralog was distinct although some tissues, such as the intestine showed redundant expression of more than one paralog. Immunofluorescence microscopy localized Aqp8aa(1+2) to intracellular compartments of the liver and intestine, and Aqp8ab and Aqp8b to apical plasma membrane domains of the intestinal epithelium, with Aqp8b also in goblet cells. In a control experiment with rainbow trout, immunoelectron microscopy confirmed abundant labeling of Aqp8ab and -8b at apical plasma membranes of enterocytes in the middle intestine and also in subapical vesicular structures. During SW-challenge, Aqp8ab showed significantly increased levels of protein expression in plasma membrane enriched fractions of the intestine. These data indicate that the Atlantic salmon Aqp8 paralogs have neofunctionalized on a transcriptional as well as on a functional level, and that Aqp8ab may play a central role in the intestinal transcellular uptake of water during SW acclimation.
The protective effect of rapid cold-hardening develops more quickly in frozen versus supercooled larvae of the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica
Authors: Kawarasaki Yuta , Teets Nicholas M. , Denlinger David L. , Lee Richard E. 
Published: July 2013

Summary
During the austral summer, larvae of the terrestrial midge, Belgica antarctica (Diptera: Chironomidae), experience highly variable and often unpredictable thermal conditions. In addition to remaining freeze tolerant year-round, larvae are capable of swiftly increasing their cold tolerance through the rapid cold-hardening (RCH) response. The present study compared the induction of RCH in frozen versus supercooled larvae. At the same induction temperature, RCH occurred more rapidly and conferred a greater level of cryoprotection in frozen versus supercooled larvae. Furthermore, RCH in frozen larvae could be induced at temperatures as low as -12°C, which is the lowest temperature reported to induce RCH. Remarkably, as little as 15 min at -5°C significantly enhanced larval cold tolerance. Not only is protection from RCH acquired swiftly, but it is also quickly lost after thawing for 2 h at 2°C. Because the primary difference between frozen and supercooled larvae is cellular dehydration caused by freeze concentration of body fluids, we also compared the effects of acclimation in dehydrated versus frozen larvae. Since slow dehydration without chilling significantly increased larval survival to a subsequent cold exposure, we hypothesize that cellular dehydration caused by freeze concentration promotes the rapid acquisition of cold tolerance in frozen larvae.
A new approach to evaluate multimodal orientation behaviour of migratory passerine birds recorded in circular orientation cages
Authors: Ożarowska Agnieszka , Ilieva Mihaela , Zehtindijev Pavel , Åkesson Susanne , Muś Krzysztof 
Published: July 2013

SummaryCircular orientation cages have been used for several decades to record the migratory orientation of passerine migrants, and have been central when investigating of the functional characteristics of the biological compasses used for orientation. The technique offers unique possibilities to study the migratory behaviour of songbirds, but suffers from statistical limitations to evaluate the directions of the activity recorded in the cages. The migratory activity has been reported to vary, including complex multimodal orientation of migratory passerines tested in orientation cages irrespective of species studied. The currently applied circular statistical methods fail to describe orientation responses differing from unimodal and axial distributions. We propose for the first time a modelling procedure enabling the analyses of multimodal distributions either at an individual or group level. In this paper we compare the results of conventional methods and the recommended modelling approach. Migratory routes may be more complex than a simple migratory direction and multimodal behaviour in migratory species at the individual and population levels can be advantageous. Individuals may select the expected migratory direction, but may also return to more safe sites en route, i.e. sites already known, which provide food and/or shelter in reverse directions. In individual birds several directions may be expressed in the same test hour. At the species level multimodal orientation may give an opportunity to expand the range or may refer to differential migration route preferences in different populations of birds. A conflicting experimental situation may also result in different preferential orientation. In this paper we suggest a statistical solution to deal with these types of variations in orientation preferences.
Lizard tricks: Overcoming conflicting requirements of speed vs climbing ability by altering biomechanics of the lizard stride
Authors: Clemente Christofer J. , Withers Philip C. , Thompson Graham , Lloyd David 
Published: July 2013

SummaryAdaptations promoting greater performance in one habitat are thought to reduce performance in others. However, there are many examples of where, despite habitat differences, such predicted differences in performance do not occur. One such example is the relationship between locomotory performance to habitat for varanid lizards. To explain the lack of difference in locomotor performance we examined detailed observation of the kinematics of each lizard's stride. Differences in kinematics were greatest between climbing and non-climbing species. For terrestrial lizards, the kinematics indicated that increased femur adduction, femur rotation and ankle angle all contributed positively to changes in stride length, but they were constrained for climbing species, probably due to biomechanical restrictions on the centre of mass height (to increase stability on vertical surfaces). Despite climbing species having restricted stride length, no differences have been previously reported in sprint speed between climbing and non-climbing varanids. This is best explained by climbing varanids using an alternative speed modulation strategy of varying stride frequency to avoid the potential trade-off of speed vs stability on vertical surfaces. Thus, by measuring the relevant biomechanics for lizard strides, we have shown how kinematic differences among species can mask performance differences typically associated with habitat variation.
Ceramic Coating of Liposomal Gene Carrier for Minimizing Toxicity to Primary Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Tahara Keishiro , Moriuchi Takanobu , Tsukui Miku , Hirota Akira , Maeno Takanori , Toriyama Michinori , Inagaki Naoyuki , Kikuchi Jun-ichi 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Ceramic-coated liposomes, cerasomes, were used as a new gene carrier for transfecting primary hippocampal neurons, to overcome the fusibility of conventional liposomal carriers. Cerasomes successfully mediated the transfection of primary neurons and minimized toxicity without adverse effects on axonal growth to acquire their unique neuronal morphology.
Synthesis of Monofluoromethylcyclopropanes from Alkenes without Using Freons: Novel Synthesis of Chlorofluoromethyl Phenyl Sulfide and Its Application in Cyclopropanation
Authors: Kirihara Masayuki , Ogata Tomomi , Itou Atsushi , Naito Sayuri , Kishida Mari , Yamazaki Kento , Tabata Hidetsugu , Takahashi Hideyo 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Chlorofluoromethyl phenyl sulfide was prepared from the reaction of chloromethyl phenyl sulfide with Selectfluor™. Monofluorocyclopropanation of an alkene was achieved via cyclopropanation using a fluorocarbene derived from the product chlorofluoromethyl phenyl sulfide, followed by oxidation and desulfurization.
Investigation of Delamination on I-65 in Indiana
Authors: Lee Jusang , Ahn Hyungjun , Shah Ayesha , Sommer Kurt 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This paper presents an investigation of delamination on the northbound driving lane of I-65 near Brookston, IN, utilizing field pull-off tests to evaluate interface bonding strength. In addition, ultrasonic test, asphalt binder test, and mix property (mechanical and volumetric) tests [i.e., dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test, asphalt binder extraction, binder content, sieve analysis, and mix specific gravities] were conducted to explore the cause(s) of delamination. The pull-off test results showed that the delaminated pavement had a weaker interface bond, which generated more top-down fatigue cracking. In addition, the delaminated pavement contained more aged asphalt binder and a higher percentage of air voids, which could have accelerated top-down fatigue cracking as well. In conclusion, the causes of delamination were a combination of weak interface bonding and asphalt mix durability of the surface course.
Rheological Behavior of Asphalt–Rubber Binders Modified With Shale-Oil Residue and Polyphosphoric Acid
Authors: Faxina Adalberto Leandro , Furlan Ana Paula , Fabbri Glauco Tulio Pessa 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The objective of this paper is to assess the effects of adding two modifiers of different chemical nature on the rheological behavior of asphalt–rubber binders: the shale-oil residue and the polyphosphoric acid. Four modified asphalt–rubbers were prepared: asphalt–rubber–PPA (18 % crumb rubber + 1 % PPA), asphalt–rubber–oil (18 % rubber + 10 % shale-oil residue), asphalt–rubber–oil–PPA–1 (18 % rubber + 10 % oil + 1 % PPA) and asphalt–rubber–oil–PPA–2 (9 % rubber + 5 % oil + 0.5 % PPA). A reference asphalt–rubber was prepared using 18 % crumb rubber. The samples were submitted to oscillatory-shear tests to obtain data (complex modulus, G*, and phase angle, δ) to construct master curves. Compared to the base asphalt binder, the pure asphalt–rubber improves the rutting and strain-controlled fatigue resistances. The addition of 1 % PPA enhances even more the rutting resistance and improves slightly the fatigue resistance below 20°C. The most substantial increase in fatigue resistance is obtained when 10 % oil is added to the pure asphalt–rubber, but its rutting resistance is drastically reduced. Mixtures 1 (18 % rubber + 10 % oil + 1 % PPA) and 2 (18 % rubber + 5 % oil + 0.5 % PPA) have lower rutting resistance compared to the base asphalt–rubber, but only mixture 1 has higher fatigue resistance. Compared to the base asphalt binder, all modified asphalt–rubber binders present higher G*/sinδ values (at all rutting temperatures) and lower G*·sinδ values (only below 20°C) when traffic speed reduces. Taking this evidence into account, the asphalt–rubber and the asphalt–rubber–PPA are the most appropriate. Although shale-oil residue has shown opposite results at intermediate and high pavement temperatures (enhancing the fatigue resistance and reducing the rutting resistance), it is able to reduce the viscosity of the asphalt–rubber, enhancing the workability of the HMA mixes during construction.
Evaluation of Effect of Superplasticizer on Performance of Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Ahmad Shamsad 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This research was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of three typical brands of polycarboxylate-based superplasticizers on the performance of mixtures of self-compacting concrete, with the goal of selecting a suitable type and dosage of superplasticizer. Using different dosages of the three selected superplasticizers, several mixtures of self-compacting concrete were prepared and evaluated to study the effect of the type and dosage of superplasticizer on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. Slump flow and V-funnel time tests were conducted on fresh concrete for self-compactability, and compressive strength, water penetration depth, and water absorption tests were conducted on hardened concrete for strength and durability. The test results indicate that the type and dosage of superplasticizer have significant effects on the properties of both fresh and hardened self-compacting concrete. The experimental study presented in this paper depicts a typical methodology for selecting a suitable type and dosage of superplasticizer for producing efficient and economical mixtures of self-compacting concrete.
Comparison between Contact and Immersion Method in Ultrasonic Stress Measurement of Welded Stainless Steel Plates
Authors: Javadi Yashar , Najafabadi Mehdi Ahmadi , Akhlaghi Mehdi 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This study presents a comparison between contact and immersion ultrasonic method to measure welding residual stress of austenitic stainless steel plates (AISI 304L). Longitudinal critically refracted (LCR) waves are employed to measure the residual stresses. By using contact and immersion transducers, a 3D distribution of longitudinal residual stress for the entire of the welded plate is presented. A finite-element model of welding process, which is validated by the hole-drilling method, is used to verify the ultrasonic results. The results show no considerable differences between using contact or immersion transducers in ultrasonic stress measurement of stainless steel plates; however, some practical considerations are mentioned.
Particle Breakage of Cement Ellipsoid Aggregate—Part II: Investigation of Particle Crushing
Authors: Zhang Bing-yin , Jie Yu-xin , Kong De-zhi 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The breakage of particles during triaxial compression tests on cement ellipsoids is systematically analyzed in this paper. The particles after testing are categorized into three types: apparently intact particles, partly damaged particles, and completely broken particles. The fractions of each type of particle were measured. The mass percentages of partly damaged particles and completely broken particles were correlated. Therefore, when considering the crushing characteristics of particles in real coarse aggregates, the mass percentage of completely broken particles can also be used to evaluate the amount of partly damaged particles, which cannot be determined by means of simple sieving analysis. We also found that indices that express the amount of particle breakage for a single grain size are not suitable for characterizing the overall change in particle sizes, but indices that include multiple grain sizes have good coincidence with the observed particle breakage.
Engineering Properties of Prime Coats Applied to a Granular Base
Authors: Mohan Gouri , Yildirim Yetkin , StokoeII Kenneth H. , Erten Mustafa B. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Prime coats have been widely used to protect sub-base layers during pavement construction. The engineering properties of a prime-coated base course play an important role in the overall stability of a pavement system. In this study, prime coats MC-30, AEP, EC-30, CSS-1H, SS-1H, and terra prime (TP) were used for testing. Strength and permeability of the specimens were measured. Crushed limestone was used as the base course. The prime coats were either sprayed on or mixed with the base course to evaluate the effect of the application method. In addition, penetration of the prime coats into reference sand was evaluated. For the conditions of this study, according to a developed ranking system, the best performing prime coats were TP and MC-30, with slightly better performance from TP. The results provided here can be used as a guideline for selecting the proper prime coat for field applications.
Evaluating Convention Destination Images in Australia and Asia
Authors: Lin Chin-Tsai , Lin Chiu-Wen 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Meetings and conventions are important sub-sectors of tourism. Convention tourism organizations select destinations that are complex. Destination image is the key to attracting most meeting planners. Conventions create significant economic benefits and job opportunities for their destinations. This study explores the image-building of convention destinations in nine countries. This study used the grey-situation decision-making method and the technique for ordering preferences by similarity to the ideal solution to compare rankings and select ten criteria for image measurement. The evaluation was based on secondary data from the World Economic Forum of 2011 and the International Congress and Convention Association Report in 2011. The results show the strengths and weaknesses of the nine studied countries in terms of the convention image development conditions. Singapore has the best image in Asia, and marketers and meeting planners can use the study data to produce more attractive advertising.