bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and conditioned pain modulation influence the perception of pain in humans
Authors: Liebano R.E. , Vance C.G. , Rakel B.A. , Lee J.E. , Cooper N.A. , Marchand S. , Walsh D.M. , Sluka K.A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundResearch in animal models suggests that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) produce analgesia via two different supraspinal pathways. No known studies have examined whether TENS and CPM applied simultaneously in human subjects will enhance the analgesic effect of either treatment alone. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether the simultaneous application of TENS and CPM will enhance the analgesic effect of that produced by either treatment alone.MethodsSixty healthy adults were randomly allocated into two groups: (1) CPM plus active TENS; (2) CPM plus placebo TENS. Pain threshold for heat (HPT) and pressure (PPT) were recorded from subject's left forearm at baseline, during CPM, during active or placebo TENS, and during CPM plus active or placebo TENS. CPM was induced by placing the subjects' contralateral arm in a hot water bath (46.5 °C) for 2 min. TENS (100 μs, 100 Hz) was applied to the forearm for 20 min at a strong but comfortable intensity.ResultsActive TENS alone increased PPT (but not HPT) more than placebo TENS alone (p = 0.011). Combining CPM and active TENS did not significantly increase PPT (p = 0.232) or HPT (p = 0.423) beyond CPM plus placebo TENS. There was a significant positive association between PPT during CPM and during active TENS (r2 = 0.46; p = 0.003).ConclusionsTENS application increases PPT; however, combining CPM and TENS does not increase the CPM's hypoalgesic response. CPM effect on PPT is associated with the effects of TENS on PPT.
Pore size‐dependent immunogenic activity of mesoporous silica‐based adjuvants in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Xiupeng , Li Xia , Ito Atsuo , Sogo Yu , Ohno Tadao 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCommonly used aluminum hydroxide (Alum) adjuvant provokes a strong type 2 helper T cell (Th2) response for mediating antibody production but is rather ineffective for disease prevention that requires type 1 helper T cell (Th1) response for mediating cellular immunity in human vaccination. Here, for the purpose of inducing Th1 antitumor immunity, a mesoporous silica (MS)‐based adjuvant is prepared. Three kinds of MS particles with nearly identical particle size and surface area but different pore sizes of 4, 7 and 10 nm were prepared. No serious in vitro cytotoxicity was observed for the MS particles at 5, 20, 50, and 100 μg/mL. Pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) were immobilized with apatite (Ap) on MS to prepare the MS‐based and PAMP‐loaded adjuvants (MS–Ap–PAMP adjuvants). Macrophage‐like cells cultured in the presence of MS–Ap–PAMP adjuvant with a MS pore size of 10 nm showed the maximum in vitro immunogenic activity. Injection of the MS–Ap–PAMP adjuvant with a MS pore size of 10 nm in combination with liquid nitrogen‐treated tumor tissue (derived from Lewis lung carcinoma cells) to C57BL/6 mice markedly inhibited the development of rechallenged tumor in vivo, while no such antitumor immunity was induced in injection of Alum mixed with PAMP in combination with liquid nitrogen‐treated tumor tissue. The MS–Ap–PAMP adjuvant contributed to the elicitation of a potent systemic Th1 antitumor immunity in vivo. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 967–974, 2014.
Constitutive formulations for the mechanical investigation of colonic tissues
Authors: Carniel Emanuele Luigi , Gramigna Vera , Fontanella Chiara Giulia , Stefanini Cesare , Natali Arturo N. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA constitutive framework is provided for the characterization of the mechanical behavior of colonic tissues, as a fundamental tool for the development of numerical models of the colonic structures. The constitutive analysis is performed by a multidisciplinary approach that requires the cooperation between experimental and computational competences. The preliminary investigation pertains to the review of the tissues histology. The complex structural configuration of the tissues and the specific distributions of fibrous elements entail the nonlinear mechanical behavior and the anisotropic response. The identification of the mechanical properties requires to perform mechanical tests according to different loading situations, as different loading directions. Because of the typical functionality of colon structures, the tissues mechanics is investigated by tensile tests, which are performed on taenia coli and haustra specimens from fresh pig colons. Accounting for the histological investigation and the results from the mechanical tests, a specific hyperelastic framework is provided within the theory of fiber‐reinforced composite materials. Preliminary analytical formulations are defined to identify the constitutive parameters by the inverse analysis of the experimental tests. Finite element models of the specimens are developed accounting for the actual configuration of the colon structures to verify the quality of the results. The good agreement between experimental and numerical model results suggests the reliability of the constitutive formulations and parameters. Finally, the developed constitutive analysis makes it possible to identify the mechanical behavior and properties of the different colonic tissues. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1243–1254, 2014.
A coupled model of the global cycles of carbonyl sulfide and CO2: A possible new window on the carbon cycle
Authors: Berry Joe , Wolf Adam , Campbell J. Elliott , Baker Ian , Blake Nicola , Blake Don , Denning A. Scott , Kawa S. Randy , Montzka Stephen A. , Seibt Ulrike , Stimler Keren , Yakir Dan , Zhu Zhengxin 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCarbonyl sulfide (COS) is an atmospheric trace gas that participates in some key reactions of the carbon cycle and thus holds great promise for studies of carbon cycle processes. Global monitoring networks and atmospheric sampling programs provide concurrent data on COS and CO2 concentrations in the free troposphere and atmospheric boundary layer over vegetated areas. Here we present a modeling framework for interpreting these data and illustrate what COS measurements might tell us about carbon cycle processes. We implemented mechanistic and empirical descriptions of leaf and soil COS uptake into a global carbon cycle model (SiB 3) to obtain new estimates of the COS land flux. We then introduced these revised boundary conditions to an atmospheric transport model (Parameterized Chemical Transport Model) to simulate the variations in the concentration of COS and CO2 in the global atmosphere. To balance the threefold increase in the global vegetation sink relative to the previous baseline estimate, we propose a new ocean COS source. Using a simple inversion approach, we optimized the latitudinal distribution of this ocean source and found that it is concentrated in the tropics. The new model is capable of reproducing the seasonal variation in atmospheric concentration at most background atmospheric sites. The model also reproduces the observed large vertical gradients in COS between the boundary layer and free troposphere. Using a simulation experiment, we demonstrate that comparing drawdown of CO2 with COS could provide additional constraints on differential responses of photosynthesis and respiration to environmental forcing. The separation of these two distinct processes is essential to understand the carbon cycle components for improved prediction of future responses of the terrestrial biosphere to changing environmental conditions.
Proteolytic activity from chicken intestine and pancreas: extraction, partial characterization and application for hyaluronic acid separation from chicken comb
Authors: Srisantisaeng Pimporn , Garnjanagoonchorn Wunwiboon , Thanachasai Saipin , Choothesa Apassara 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe potential utilization of viscera and combs, by‐products from the chicken‐processing industry, was investigated. Chicken combs have been reported to consist of hyaluronic acid (HA) bound to protein. Thus proteases extracted from broiler viscera were applied to digest combs to separate HA, a high‐value ingredient widely used in pharmaceutical and medical products.RESULTSThe highest activity of crude protease extracted from chicken intestine and pancreas was 0.35 U mg−1 enzyme at 60 °C and pH 7.5. pH stability of the enzyme was attained from pH 6 to 8, while its thermal stability declined from 30 to 50 °C, with complete activity loss occurring after 30 min at temperatures above 60 °C. Therefore the optimal conditions for broiler comb digestion by crude protease in this study were chosen as pH 7.5 and 50 °C. The results showed that the yield of crude enzyme‐extracted HA was lower (P < 0.05) than that obtained by commercial papain digestion. Similar identity of extracted HA and HA standard was verified by cellulose acetate electrophoresis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.CONCLUSIONThe crude enzyme extract from chicken intestine and pancreas had high proteolytic activity and could be used successfully to separate HA from broiler combs. The method provides an appropriate means to add value to poultry‐processing waste. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of the Bio‐Based Epoxy Prepolymer Structure on Network Properties
Authors: Chrysanthos Marie , Galy Jocelyne , Pascault Jean‐Pierre 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThree different bio‐based epoxy prepolymers are studied: one that is synthesized from isosorbide and two that are commercial prepolymers derived from sorbitol and cardanol. The chemical structures are analyzed by SEC, ESI–TOF MS, and FTIR analyses. The bio‐based prepolymers exhibit different structures, either aromatic with long aliphatic chains for the epoxy prepolymer derived from cardanol (DGECAR), with high functionality for the sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SPGE) or a short and cyclic structure for the epoxy prepolymer derived from isosorbide (DGEDAS0). A traditional petroleum‐based epoxy prepolymer, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) is also used for comparison. Gelation and reactivity of the different precursors with an isophorone diamine hardener are studied using rheological measurements and differential scanning calorimetry. Glass transition temperatures of the epoxy networks are evaluated and the thermal stability is also studied by thermo‐gravimetric analysis.magnified image
In Situ Mechanical Characterization of Short Vegetal Fibre‐Reinforced High‐Density Polyethylene Using X‐Ray Tomography
Authors: Kaouache Belkhiri , Addiego Frédéric , Hiver Jean‐Marie , Ferry Olivier , Toniazzo Valérie , Ruch David 
Published: May 2013

AbstractX‐ray micro‐computed tomography (μCT) is used to generate 3D‐ and 2D‐imaging reconstruction of the meso‐structure of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/short hemp fibre composites subjected to in situ tensile testing. These composites exhibit marked fibre/matrix debonding mechanisms starting at low strain level that are carefully analysed. In particular, debonding causes the formation of micro‐cracks that first starts at the tip of fibres oriented parallel to the tensile direction and along fibres oriented perpendicular to the tensile direction. With increasing strain level, the thickness of these micro‐cracks increases and coalescence mechanisms between adjacent micro‐cracks are noted. The coalescence mechanism of some micro‐cracks is believed to be at the origin of the material rupture.
Residual and pre‐treatment application of starycide insect growth regulator (triflumuron) to control Aedes aegypti in containers
Authors: Jacups Susan P. , Paton Christopher J. , Ritchie Scott A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundDengue is not endemic in Australia, although the vector mosquito Aedes aegypti is. In order to prevent dengue establishment, Australia maintains tight control of vector mosquitoes. Tight control programs often necessitate regular repeat application of treatments, and this is resource intensive. We sought to investigate the efficacy and longevity of triflurumon Starycide® Insect Growth Regulator under field conditions in tropical Australia against Aedes. We compared two doses (0.48 and 0.96 ppm), applied to water receptacles with delayed flooding by zero, two, and four weeks.ResultsWe found greater than 90% inhibition of pupae development was achieved for up to 12 weeks. A dose of 0.96 ppm, when delayed for two or four weeks before flooding, provided 50 times inhibition relative to controls, for up to 22 weeks, suggesting triflumuron bound to the plastic substrate and offered a greater residual effect than applications without delayed flooding.ConclusionWe conclude that triflurumon offers excellent efficacy and longevity against Aedes in artificial containers. If deployed under standard conditions, re‐application may not be required for up to 22 weeks, furthermore, initial applications could be performed under dry conditions, and this application method may improve the residual effects. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Interpreting raw biological mass spectra using isotopic mass‐to‐charge ratio and envelope fingerprinting
Authors: Li Li , Tian Zhixin 
Published: May 2013

RATIONALESoft ionization, high‐resolution mass spectrometry is widely used to characterize large biological molecules, such as proteins. Deconvolution ('deisotoping') of isotopic envelopes (iEs) in biological mass spectra into monoisotopic or average masses is challenging due to low signals and heavily overlapped iEs, resulting in many wrong interpretations.METHODSIsotopic envelopes (iEs) are directly used without deisotoping to identify biological molecules. An algorithm, isotopic mass‐to‐charge ratio (m/z) and envelope fingerprinting (iMEF), was implemented in the ProteinGoggle search engine for top‐down intact protein database searching. iMEF combines isotopic m/z fingerprinting (iMF) and isotopic envelop fingerprinting (iEF), where 'Isotopic mass‐to‐charge ratio' means the m/z value of the most abundant isotopic peak within the iE of a precursor or product ion. iMF is used to 'fish' precursor or product ion candidates from the database, which is pre‐built and contains all iE information (precursor and product ions) of all proteoforms of the studied system. iEF identifies matching precursor or product ions. A protein is finally identified with user‐specified total number of matching product ions and post‐translational modification scores.RESULTSThe working principles of iMEF and ProteinGoggle, and the definition of a set of related parameters and scoring metrics, are illustrated with high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometric analysis of a mixture of ubiquitin and the HUMAN histone H4 proteoforms. Ubiquitin was confidently identified from its CID, ETD, and HCD spectra with 57, 91, and 66 matching product ions, respectively; 125 proteoforms were confidently found from the H4 dataset. The locations of PTMs in 54 and 6 isoforms were partially and fully identified.CONCLUSIONSDatabase search with iMEF bypasses 'deisotoping' avoiding associated errors, and also provides full quality control of matching precursor and product ions and finally protein IDs. Overlapped iEs of different product ions could also be confidently unwrapped in situ. Improvement and addition of more functionalities and utilities of ProteinGoggle are underway. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable selection in monotone single‐index models via the adaptive LASSO
Authors: Foster Jared C. , Taylor Jeremy M.G. , Nan Bin 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe consider the problem of variable selection for monotone single‐index models. A single‐index model assumes that the expectation of the outcome is an unknown function of a linear combination of covariates. Assuming monotonicity of the unknown function is often reasonable and allows for more straightforward inference. We present an adaptive LASSO penalized least squares approach to estimating the index parameter and the unknown function in these models for continuous outcome. Monotone function estimates are achieved using the pooled adjacent violators algorithm, followed by kernel regression. In the iterative estimation process, a linear approximation to the unknown function is used, therefore reducing the situation to that of linear regression and allowing for the use of standard LASSO algorithms, such as coordinate descent. Results of a simulation study indicate that the proposed methods perform well under a variety of circumstances and that an assumption of monotonicity, when appropriate, noticeably improves performance. The proposed methods are applied to data from a randomized clinical trial for the treatment of a critical illness in the intensive care unit. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maintenance of stem cell self-renewal in head and neck cancers requires actions of GSK3β influenced by CD44 and RHAMM
Authors: Shigeishi Hideo , Biddle Adrian , Gammon Luke , Emich Helena , Rodini Camila O. , Gemenetzidis Emilios , Fazil Bilal , Sugiyama Masaru , Kamata Nobuyuki , Mackenzie Ian C. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Cells sorted from head and neck cancers on the basis of their high expression of CD44 have high potency for tumor initiation. These cells are also involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and we have previously reported that cancer stem cells (CSCs) exist as two biologically distinct phenotypes. Both phenotypes are CD44high but one is also ESAhigh and maintains epithelial characteristics, the other is ESAlow, has mesenchymal characteristics and is migratory. Examining CD44-regulated signal pathways in these cells we show that CD44, and also RHAMM, act to inhibit phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). We show that inhibitory phosphorylation reduces the formation of both “tumor spheres” and “holoclone” colonies, functional indicators of stemness. GSK3β inhibition also reduces the expression of stem cell markers such as Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog and upregulates expression of the differentiation markers Calgranulin B and Involucrin in the CD44high/ESAhigh cell fraction. Transition of CSCs out of EMT and back to the epithelial CSC phenotype is induced by GSK3β knockdown. These results indicate that GSK3β plays a central role in determining and maintaining the phenotypes and behavior of CSCs in vitro and are likely to be involved in controlling the growth and spread of tumors in vivo.
Five gene products are required for assembly of the central pyrrole moiety of coumermycin A1
Authors: Novotna Jitka , Gust Bertolt , Kulik Andreas , Spizek Jaroslav , Heide Lutz 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Coumermycin A1 is an aminocoumarin antibiotic produced by Streptomyces rishiriensis. It exhibits potent antibacterial and anticancer activity. The coumermycin A1 molecule contains two terminal 5-methyl-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid moieties and one central 3-methylpyrrole-2,4-dicarboxylic acid moiety (CPM). While the biosynthesis of the terminal moieties has been elucidated in detail, the pathway leading to the CPM remains poorly understood. In this work, the minimal set of genes required for the generation of the CPM scaffold was identified. It comprises the five genes couR1, couR2a, couR2b, couR3, and couR4 which are grouped together in a contiguous 4.7 kb region within the coumermycin A1 biosynthetic gene cluster. The DNA fragment containing these genes was cloned into an expression plasmid and heterologously expressed in Streptomyces coelicolor M1146. Thereupon, the formation of CPM could be shown by HPLC and by HPLC-MS/MS, in comparison to an authentic CPM standard. This proves that the genes couR1–couR4 are sufficient to direct the biosynthesis of CPM, and that the adjacent genes couR5 and couR6 are not required for this pathway. The enzyme CouR3 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to near homogeneity. The protein exhibited an ATPase activity similar to that reported for its close ortholog, the threonine kinase PduX. However, we could not show a threonine kinase activity of CouR3, and; therefore, the substrate of CouR3 in CPM biosynthesis is still unknown and may be different from threonine.
Carnitine levels in 26,462 individuals from the nationwide screening program for primary carnitine deficiency in the Faroe Islands
Authors: Rasmussen Jan , Nielsen Olav W. , Janzen Nils , Duno Morten , Køber Lars , Steuerwald Ulrike , Lund Allan M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrimary carnitine deficiency (PCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of fatty acid oxidation and has been associated to episodes of sudden death in the Faroe Islands. Data are presented from the nationwide population based Faroese screening program to find people with low carnitine levels indicating PCD.MethodsWhole blood samples from dried blood spots were analysed by tandem mass spectrometry with and without butylation. Genetic analyses were performed in all people with non‐butylated free carnitine (fC0) below 7 μmol/L.Results55 % (n = 26,462) of the entire population was screened and 89 PCD patients were identified, yielding an overall prevalence of 1:297 of PCD in the Faroe Islands. Carnitine levels were positively correlated to age in both males and females (p < 0.003) although levels decreased in females when reaching fertile age. The gender difference in mean carnitine levels was significant during female fertile age (4.71 μmol/L fC0 in the age group 25–30 years, p < 0.01). A lower cut‐off of 5 μmol/L in fC0 identified all homozygous for the severe genotype c.95A > G (p.N32S) (n = 20).ConclusionCarnitine levels differ by gender and age. A lower cut‐off of 5 μmol/L in fC0 was appropriate to identify c.95A > G homozygotes. The prevalence of PCD in the Faroe Islands is the highest reported in the world (1:297).
Effect of photoperiod and temperature on the intensity of pupal diapause in the cotton bollworm,Helicoverpa armigera(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Chen Chao , Xia Qin-Wen , Fu Shu , Wu Xian-Fu , Xue Fang-Sen 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe intensity of pupal diapause in the cotton bollworm,Helicoverpa armigera(Hübner) was investigated under both laboratory and natural conditions. By transferring diapausing pupae induced under LD 11:13, LD 12:12 and LD 13:11 at 20, 22 and 25 °C to 25 °C combined with LD 15:9 to terminate diapause the rearing day length of 11 h evoked greater intensity of diapause than did 12 and 13 h at 25 °C; whereas the rearing temperature of 25 °C evoked more intense diapause than did 20 and 22 °C under LD 11:13. By transferring diapausing pupae induced under LD 12:12 at 20 and 22 °C to six temperatures of 18, 20, 22, 25, 28 and 31 °C combined with LD 15:9 to terminate diapause, the duration of diapause was significantly shortened from 146 days at 18 °C to 24 days at 31 °C, showing that high temperatures significantly accelerate diapause development. Furthermore, the duration of diapause was significantly longer at the rearing temperature of 22 °C than that at 20 °C when the diapause-terminating temperatures were 20 and 22 °C. Chilling at 5 °C did not shorten the duration of diapause but lengthened it when chilling period was included. However, chilling plays an important role in synchronizing adult emergence. Rearing temperature of 22 °C also evoked more intense diapause than did 20 °C in most chilling treatments. When the overwintering pupae were transferred at different times from natural temperatures to 25 °C, it was found that the earlier the transfer took place, the earlier the adults emerged when the time spent under natural conditions was included. However, cool temperatures before March showed an enhanced effect on diapause development at 20 °C, suggesting that the high diapause-terminating temperature can offset the effect of chilling on diapause development. The result of diapause termination under natural conditions suggests that the developmental threshold for post-diapause development inH. armigerashould be around 17.5 °C.