bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic complexes of sodium oleate with β‐lactoglobulin
Authors: Lišková Kamila , Auty Mark A. E. , Chaurin Valérie , Min Soyoung , Mok K. Hun , O'Brien Nora , Kelly Alan L. , Brodkorb André 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA complex of α‐lactalbumin and oleic acid has previously been shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells in a number of in vitro and in vivo trials. This complex is called HAMLET or BAMLET, depending on the origin of α‐la (human/bovine alpha‐lactalbumin made lethal to tumour cells). In the current study, it was shown that bovine β‐lactoglobulin (β‐lg), upon binding sodium oleate (NaOle), the salt of oleic acid, also acquires cytotoxicity towards tumour cells (human monocytic cells U937), analogously to HAMLET/BAMLET complexes. The properties of the complex were characterized using FIR spectroscopy, HPLC and SDS‐PAGE. It was shown that the level of covalent oligomerization (dimers and trimers) of β‐lg increased with increasing the molar ratio of sodium oleate NaOle:β‐lg in the preparation procedure. At the same time, increasing the molar ratio of NaOle:β‐lg increased the cytotoxicity of the complex. The increase in cytotoxicity appeared to be dependent on the amount of bound NaOle in the complex, but not on the content of multimeric forms of β‐lg. The NaOle/β‐lg complex also showed similarity with BAMLET in penetrating the cell membrane and co‐localizing with the cell nucleus. Furthermore, DNA fragmentation studies suggested that tumour cells (U937) treated with the complex died by apoptosis, as in the case of BAMLET, and healthy cells appeared to be less affected by treatment, as shown with model rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells PC12. In conclusion, β‐lg and NaOle can form complexes with apoptosis‐inducing qualities comparable to those of BAMLET.Practical applications: Globular proteins such as the milk proteins α‐lactalbumin and β‐lactoglobulin can bind oleic acid, thereby converting into a complex with high biological activity against tumour cells. Its cytotoxicity is strongly dependent on the binding stoichiometry, indicating the importance of oleic acid in the cell death.
Structural Effects on the Physico‐Chemical and Catalytic Properties of Acidic Ionic Liquids: An Overview
Authors: Chiappe Cinzia , Rajamani Sunita 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAcidic ionic liquids (ILs) are key systems in synthesis and their performances depend greatly on their cation and anion structure and their liquid‐state organization. This microreview reports several examples of Brønsted and/or Lewis acidic ILs that have been selected to highlight the main peculiarities of these systems potentially fundamental for rational design and development of new ionic media and catalysts. Fundamental physico‐chemical properties, optimization of which through tailoring of molecular structures could favor more efficient and sustainable applications, are discussed.
Application of Current Fluxes to the Characterization of Ion Transfer at Solvent Polymeric Membranes with One and Two Polarized Interfaces
Authors: Torralba E. , Ortuño J. A. , Serna C. , González J. , Molina A. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractChronopotentiometric and reciprocal derivative chronopotentiometric E–t, dt/dE–E and dI/dE–E responses are analyzed for the ion transfer of a series of tetraalkylammonium cations and tricyclic catamphiphilic drugs, driven by an exponential and a constant current flux in a liquid membrane system of one and two polarized interfaces. Reciprocal derivative chronopotentiometry shows a strong resolving power, since the dt/dE–E and dI/dE–E responses obtained with this technique are narrower than those provided by some of the more powerful voltammetric techniques, like square wave voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. From the experimental results we have obtained the standard ion transfer potential of the different ions assayed.
Direct Electrochemistry and Application in Electrocatalysis of Hemoglobin in a Polyacrylic Resin‐Gold Colloid Nanocomposite Film
Authors: Li Peipei , Li Ying , Li Dafei , Liu Songqin 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA novel nanocomposite integrating the good biocompatibility of polyacrylic resin nanoparticles (PAR) and the good conductivity of colloidal gold nanoparticles was proposed to construct the matrix for the immobilization of hemoglobin (Hb) on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). UV‐vis spectra demonstrated that Hb preserved its native structure after being entrapped into the composite film. The direct electrochemistry of hemoglobin (Hb) in this nanocomposite films showed a pair of well‐defined and quasi‐reversible cyclic voltammetric peaks with a formal potential of −0.307 mV and a constant electron transfer rate of 2.51±0.2 s−1. The resultant amperometric biosensor showed fast responses to the analytes with excellent detection limits of 0.2 µM for H2O2 and 0.89 µM for TCA (S/N=3), and high sensitivity of 1108.6 for H2O2 and 77.14 mA cm−2 M−1 for TCA, respectively. The linear current response was found in the range from 0.59 to 7.3 µM (R2=0.9996) for H2O2 and from 5 to 85 µM (R2=0.9996) for TCA, while the superior apparent Michaelis–Menten constant was 0.012 mM for H2O2 and 0.536 mM for TCA, respectively. Therefore, the PAR‐Au‐Hb nanocomposite as a novel matrix opens up a possibility for further study on the direct electrochemistry of other proteins.
A high‐throughput dielectrophoresis‐based cell electrofusion microfluidic device
Authors: Hu Ning , Yang Jun , Yin Zheng‐Qin , Ai Ye , Qian Shizhi , Svir Irina B. , Xia Bin , Yan Jia‐Wen , Hou Wen‐Sheng , Zheng Xiao‐Lin 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA high‐throughput cell electrofusion microfluidic chip has been designed, fabricated on a silicon‐on‐insulator wafer and tested for in vitro cell fusion under a low applied voltage. The developed chip consists of six individual straight microchannels with a 40‐μm thickness conductive highly doped Si layer as the microchannel wall. In each microchannel, there are 75 pairs of counter protruding microelectrodes, between which the cell electrofusion is performed. The entire highly doped Si layer is covered by a 2‐μm thickness aluminum film to maintain a consistent electric field between different protruding microelectrode pairs. A 150‐nm thickness SiO2 film is subsequently deposited on the top face of each protruding microelectrode for better biocompatibility. Owing to the short distance between two counter protruding microelectrodes, a high electric field can be generated for cell electrofusion with a low voltage imposed across the electrodes. Both mammalian cells and plant protoplasts were used to test the cell electrofusion. About 42–68% cells were aligned to form cell–cell pairs by the dielectrophoretic force. After cell alignment, cell pairs were fused to form hybrid cells under the control of cell electroporation and electrofusion signals. The averaged fusion efficiency in the paired cells is above 40% (the highest was about 60%), which is much higher than the traditional polyethylene glycol method (<5%) and traditional electrofusion methods (∼12%). An individual cell electrofusion process could be completed within 10 min, indicating a capability of high throughput.
Insulator‐based dielectrophoresis of microorganisms: Theoretical and experimental results
Authors: Moncada‐Hernandez Hector , Baylon‐Cardiel Javier L. , Pérez‐González Victor H. , Lapizco‐Encinas Blanca H. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractDielectrophoresis (DEP) is the motion of particles due to polarization effects in nonuniform electric fields. DEP has great potential for handling cells and is a non‐destructive phenomenon. It has been utilized for different cell analysis, from viability assessments to concentration enrichment and separation. Insulator‐based DEP (iDEP) provides an attractive alternative to conventional electrode‐based systems; in iDEP, insulating structures are used to generate nonuniform electric fields, resulting in simpler and more robust devices. Despite the rapid development of iDEP microdevices for applications with cells, the fundamentals behind the dielectrophoretic behavior of cells has not been fully elucidated. Understanding the theory behind iDEP is necessary to continue the progress in this field. This work presents the manipulation and separation of bacterial and yeast cells with iDEP. A computational model in COMSOL Multiphysics was employed to predict the effect of direct current‐iDEP on cells suspended in a microchannel containing an array of insulating structures. The model allowed predicting particle behavior, pathlines and the regions where dielectrophoretic immobilization should occur. Experimental work was performed at the same operating conditions employed with the model and results were compared, obtaining good agreement. This is the first report on the mathematical modeling of the dielectrophoretic response of yeast and bacterial cells in a DC‐iDEP microdevice.
Adipogenesis and insulin sensitivity in obesity are regulated by retinoid‐related orphan receptor gamma
Authors: Meissburger Bettina , Ukropec Jozef , Roeder Eva , Beaton Nigel , Geiger Matthias , Teupser Daniel , Civan Burcak , Langhans Wolfgang , Nawroth Peter P. , Gasperikova Daniela , Rudofsky Gottfried , Wolfrum Christian 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObesity is a well‐known risk factor for the development of secondary complications such as type 2 diabetes. However, only a part of the obese population develops secondary metabolic disorders. Here, we identify the transcription factor retinoid‐related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ) as a negative regulator of adipocyte differentiation through expression of its newly identified target gene matrix metalloproteinase 3. In vivo differentiation of adipocyte progenitor cells from Rorγ‐deficient mice is enhanced and obese Rorγ−/− mice show decreased adipocyte sizes. These small adipocytes are highly insulin sensitive, leading to an improved control of circulating free fatty acids. Ultimately, Rorγ−/− mice are protected from hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in the state of obesity. In adipose stromal‐vascular fraction from obese human subjects, Rorγ expression is correlated with adipocyte size and negatively correlated with adipogenesis and insulin sensitivity. Taken together, our findings identify RORγ as a factor, which controls adipogenesis as well as adipocyte size and modulates insulin sensitivity in obesity. RORγ might therefore serve as a novel pharmaceutical target to treat obesity‐associated insulin resistance.
Power conversion systems for modern ac–dc power systems
Authors: Badrzadeh Babak 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYThis paper discusses the present and future power conversion systems for high voltage direct current transmission systems. It begins with an introduction into the commercially available semiconductor switching devices and future wide bandgap devices specifically silicon carbide devices. Different High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system configurations including the point‐to‐point, back‐to‐back, multi‐terminal, and hybrid ac and dc are discussed. Different configurations of the current source and voltage source converters are presented, and the concept of redundancy and availability for the current source and voltage source schemes is elaborated on. The most significant trends in dc power systems including the transformerless HVDC, ultra high voltage dc transmission, ac to dc replacement, tripole HVDC, dc grids, dc circuit breakers, and dc transformers are presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of circulating Bmi‐1 mRNA in plasma and its potential diagnostic and prognostic value for uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Chuanxin , Wang Lili , Du Lutao , Wang Shun , Zheng Guixi , Li Wei , Zhuang Xuewei , Zhang Xuhua , Dong Zhaogang 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBmi‐1 is overexpressed in uterine cervical cancer (UCC) and is found to be associated with adverse clinical characteristics and poor prognosis. However, little information is available on the status of circulating Bmi‐1 mRNA in UCC. Because circulating cell‐free nucleic acids have emerged as a novel class of markers for cancer detection, our research aims to address this question by detecting the circulating Bmi‐1 mRNA and to assess its diagnostic and prognostic potential in UCC. Reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR method was established to detect the circulating Bmi‐1 mRNA in plasma of 109 patients with UCC, 138 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and 80 healthy volunteers, and found that it was significantly increased in UCC compared with CINs and healthy controls (all at p < 0.001). Moreover, its high level was significantly correlated with advanced clinical stage (p < 0.001) and positive lymph nodes metastasis (p = 0.002). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.881, and the optimal cut‐off value was 0.057, providing a sensitivity of 69.7% and a specificity of 95.9%. The AUC for circulating Bmi‐1 mRNA showed higher diagnosis capability than that for SCC‐Ag (p = 0.035) or CA125 (p < 0.001) currently utilized. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated a correlation between increased circulating Bmi‐1 mRNA level and reduced disease‐free survival (DFS) (p = 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.015). And, Cox analysis indicated that it was an independent prognostic factor for DFS and OS. We conclude that circulating Bmi‐1 mRNA may be a potential noninvasive molecular marker for diagnosis and prognosis of UCC.
Meta‐analysis of gene expression profiles associated with histological classification and survival in 829 ovarian cancer samples
Authors: Fekete Tibor , Rásó Erzsébet , Pete Imre , Tegze Bálint , Liko István , Munkácsy Gyöngyi , Sipos Norbert , Rigó János , Györffy Balázs 
Published: August 2011

AbstractTranscriptomic analysis of global gene expression in ovarian carcinoma can identify dysregulated genes capable to serve as molecular markers for histology subtypes and survival. The aim of our study was to validate previous candidate signatures in an independent setting and to identify single genes capable to serve as biomarkers for ovarian cancer progression. As several datasets are available in the GEO today, we were able to perform a true meta‐analysis. First, 829 samples (11 datasets) were downloaded, and the predictive power of 16 previously published gene sets was assessed. Of these, eight were capable to discriminate histology subtypes, and none was capable to predict survival. To overcome the differences in previous studies, we used the 829 samples to identify new predictors. Then, we collected 64 ovarian cancer samples (median relapse‐free survival 24.5 months) and performed TaqMan Real Time Polimerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis for the best 40 genes associated with histology subtypes and survival. Over 90% of subtype‐associated genes were confirmed. Overall survival was effectively predicted by hormone receptors (PGR and ESR2) and by TSPAN8. Relapse‐free survival was predicted by MAPT and SNCG. In summary, we successfully validated several gene sets in a meta‐analysis in large datasets of ovarian samples. Additionally, several individual genes identified were validated in a clinical cohort.
Inhibition of autophagy potentiates the antitumor effect of the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shimizu Satoshi , Takehara Tetsuo , Hikita Hayato , Kodama Takahiro , Tsunematsu Hinako , Miyagi Takuya , Hosui Atsushi , Ishida Hisashi , Tatsumi Tomohide , Kanto Tatsuya , Hiramatsu Naoki , Fujita Naonobu , Yoshimori Tamotsu , Hayashi Norio 
Published: August 2011

AbstractMultikinase inhibitor sorafenib inhibits proliferation and angiogenesis of tumors by suppressing the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase. It significantly prolongs median survival of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but the response is disease‐stabilizing and cytostatic rather than one of tumor regression. To examine the mechanisms underlying the relative resistance in HCC, we investigated the role of autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved self‐digestion pathway, in hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Sorafenib treatment led to accumulation of autophagosomes as evidenced by conversion from LC3‐I to LC3‐II observed by immunoblot in Huh7, HLF and PLC/PRF/5 cells. This induction was due to activation of autophagic flux, as there was further increase in LC3‐II expression upon treatment with lysosomal inhibitors, clear decline of the autophagy substrate p62, and an mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 fluorescence change in sorafenib‐treated hepatoma cells. Sorafenib inhibited the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 and its inhibition led to accumulation of LC3‐II. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagic flux by chloroquine increased apoptosis and decreased cell viability in hepatoma cells. siRNA‐mediated knockdown of the ATG7 gene also sensitized hepatoma cells to sorafenib. Finally, sorafenib induced autophagy in Huh7 xenograft tumors in nude mice and coadministration with chloroquine significantly suppressed tumor growth compared with sorafenib alone. In conclusion, sorafenib administration induced autophagosome formation and enhanced autophagic activity, which conferred a survival advantage to hepatoma cells. Concomitant inhibition of autophagy may be an attractive strategy for unlocking the antitumor potential of sorafenib in HCC.
HLA‐G expression is associated with metastasis and poor survival in the Balb/c nu/nu murine tumor model with ovarian cancer
Authors: Lin Aifen , Zhang Xia , Xu Hui‐Hui , Xu Dan‐Ping , Ruan Yan‐Yun , Yan Wei‐Hua 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAberrant HLA‐G expression is associated with tumor invasiveness and poor clinical prognosis; however, there is a lack of preclinical animal model to address whether HLA‐G plays a causal role in the unfavorable prognosis of malignancies. In the current study, ovarian carcinoma cell lines (HO‐8910 and Ovcar‐3) were transfected with HLA‐G gene. HLA‐G expression was analyzed with western blot and flow cytometry. Transwell experiment was performed to analyze the cell migration and invasion capability and/or multicellular spheroid formation was investigated with the 3D culture assay in vitro. The effects of HLA‐G expression for tumor cell organ metastasis and for mouse survival was analyzed with the Balb/c nu/nu mouse model. Our data showed that HO‐8910‐G and Ovcar‐3‐G cells are of higher invasion potential compared with the parental HO‐8910 and Ovcar‐3 cells. Multicellular spheroid formation exists only in HO‐8910‐G cells in a 3D culture assay. In Balb/c nu/nu mouse model, widespread metastasis was observed in mice xenografted with HO‐8910‐G cells, but not in the group with parental cells. Mouse survival was dramatically decreased in HO‐8910‐G and Ovcar‐3‐G xenografted mice than that with HO‐8910 and Ovcar‐3 cells, respectively. In summary, our study provided the first evidence that HLA‐G expression is associated with tumor metastasis and with poor survival in an animal model with ovarian cancer.
ALCAM (CD166) expression and serum levels are markers for poor survival of esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Tachezy Michael , Effenberger Katharina , Zander Hilke , Minner Sarah , Gebauer Florian , Vashist Yogesh K. , Sauter Guido , Pantel Klaus , Izbicki Jakob R. , Bockhorn Maximilian 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe expression of the activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM and CD166) is increased in various types of cancer. We aimed to evaluate its role as a prognostic marker for esophageal cancer (EC). We retrospectively analyzed ALCAM expression in 299 primary lesions, 147 lymph node and 46 distant metastases from EC patients, on a tissue microarray using immunohistochemistry. Bone marrow samples from representative cancer patients (n = 16), taken before primary surgery, were stained by double‐immunofluorescence for ALCAM and cytokeratins (CK). Blood serum samples from 236 cancer patients and 127 controls were analyzed for serum ALCAM (s‐ALCAM) by ELISA. The immunohistochemical analysis showed increased ALCAM expression in the majority of lesions (primary tumor 71%, lymph node 76% and distant metastases 80%). ALCAM expression was not associated with histopathological parameters except for tumor grading (p = 0.015). ALCAM‐positive patients had significantly worse recurrence‐free and overall survival (OS; p = 0.002). Disseminated tumor cells (DTC) in bone marrow showed two phenotypes, ALCAM+/CK+ (36%) and ALCAM‐/CK+ (64%). Multivariate analysis revealed that ALCAM expression and elevated s‐ALCAM serum values are powerful prognostic variables for OS in patients with EC (hazard ratio [HR] 3.987, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.906–8.340, p < 0.001 and HR 1.915, 95%CI 1.021–3.592, p = 0.043). The results of our study provide preliminary evidence for the potential clinical utility of ALCAM as a prognostic biomarker for EC, which might be a basis for future clinical application. In addition, ALCAM expression in a subset of DTC of the bone marrow indicates a potential function in the metastatic cascade of EC.
BENCHMARK IRRIGATION PRACTICES ON OLIVES USING A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING APPROACH
Authors: Correia L. , El‐Ahmadi A. , Molle B. , Maia R. , Oliveira I. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTOlive production is currently increasing in Portugal, particularly in the Guadiana river basin. In Serpa and Moura, a traditional region of dry farming olive plantations now comprise up to 50% of the total irrigated area. The present paper reports some of the results of a benchmarking study conducted in the framework of the AquaStress Integrated Project in the Guadiana Case Study (GCS). The aim of the work was to produce references to anticipate water requirements when the future Ardila Irrigation System, which is connected to the Alqueva dam, opens in 2010. This system is intended to supply water to some 30 000 ha of newly irrigated land in the region. During the study, public participation workshops were held to understand the specific needs and points of view of farmers and other stakeholders. The benchmarking analysis was based on continuous monitoring of 28 olive farms and collection of information on practices and production options available in 2007.An originality of this work is the use of a structural equation modelling (SEM) procedure to identify the effects of farmers’ agricultural and irrigation practices on production and quality parameters. SEM is a statistical technique for testing and estimating causal relationships using a combination of statistical data and qualitative causal assumptions. It allows both confirmatory and exploratory modelling, meaning it is suited to both theory testing and development. The benchmarking process was based on participatory workshops that helped farmers understand how to improve their own irrigation and agricultural practices based on the experience of the rest of the group.Our approach was based on a heterogeneous set of plots, and results indicated that certain technical irrigation parameters, namely the number and discharge of drippers per tree, might have a greater influence on final production than total water applied. Such an approach could also be applied to data collected on a regular basis by extension services to identify on long term the influence of production management and practices on productivity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.