bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multicolor fluorescent in situ hybridization to define abutting and overlapping gene expression in the embryonic zebrafish brain
Authors: Lauter Gilbert , Söll Iris , Hauptmann Giselbert 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
In recent years, mapping of overlapping and abutting regulatory gene expression domains by chromogenic two-color in situ hybridization has helped define molecular subdivisions of the developing vertebrate brain and shed light on its basic organization. Despite the benefits of this technique, visualization of overlapping transcript distributions by differently colored precipitates remains difficult because of masking of lighter signals by darker color precipitates and lack of three-dimensional visualization properties. Fluorescent detection of transcript distributions may be able to solve these issues. However, despite the use of signal amplification systems for increasing sensitivity, fluorescent detection in whole-mounts suffers from rapid quenching of peroxidase (POD) activity compared to alkaline phosphatase chromogenic reactions. Thus, less strongly expressed genes cannot be efficiently detected.

Results
We developed an optimized procedure for fluorescent detection of transcript distribution in whole-mount zebrafish embryos using tyramide signal amplification (TSA). Conditions for hybridization and POD-TSA reaction were optimized by the application of the viscosity-increasing polymer dextran sulfate and the use of the substituted phenol compounds 4-iodophenol and vanillin as enhancers of POD activity. In combination with highly effective bench-made tyramide substrates, these improvements resulted in dramatically increased signal-to-noise ratios. The strongly enhanced signal intensities permitted fluorescent visualization of less abundant transcripts of tissue-specific regulatory genes. When performing multicolor fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments, the highly sensitive POD reaction conditions required effective POD inactivation after each detection cycle by glycine-hydrochloric acid treatment. This optimized FISH procedure permitted the simultaneous fluorescent visualization of up to three unique transcripts in different colors in whole-mount zebrafish embryos.

Conclusions
Development of a multicolor FISH procedure allowed the comparison of transcript gene expression domains in the embryonic zebrafish brain to a cellular level. Likewise, this method should be applicable for mRNA colocalization studies in any other tissues or organs. The key optimization steps of this method for use in zebrafish can easily be implemented in whole-mount FISH protocols of other organisms. Moreover, our improved reaction conditions may be beneficial in any application that relies on a TSA/POD-mediated detection system, such as immunocytochemical or immunohistochemical methods.
Papillary renal cell carcinoma with metastatic laparoscopic port site and vaginal involvement: a case report
Authors: Chuang Xue En , Loh Hwai Liang , Sim Hong Gee , Fong Kah Leng , Tan Min-Han 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Laparoscopic port-site metastasis is a rare but well recognized outcome following surgery in urological cancers, with its etiology not clearly understood. Additionally, vaginal metastasis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma is rare, and has not been previously reported in the setting of papillary renal cell carcinoma.

Case presentation
We present the case of a 71-year-old Chinese woman with metastatic type II papillary renal cell carcinoma with histologically verified vaginal involvement and a concurrent laparoscopic port-site metastasis. This was also associated with a unique constellation of widely disseminated metastatic sites, which include a local relapse, the peritoneum and the urethra.

Conclusion
Laparoscopic port-site metastases are associated with the presence of advanced cancer with multiple sites of metastasis. We hypothesize from the findings of our report and background data that this phenomenon is more likely to be related to tumor factors rather than operative factors. We also present what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first reported case in the literature of vaginal and urethral metastasis and the second reported case of laparoscopic port-site recurrence.
Synergy between inhibitors of androgen receptor and MEK has therapeutic implications in estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer
Authors: Naderi Ali , Chia Kee Ming , Liu Ji 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with limited therapeutic options. The molecular apocrine subtype constitutes 50% of ER-tumors and is characterized by overexpression of steroid response genes including androgen receptor (AR). We have recently identified a positive feedback loop between the AR and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways in the molecular apocrine subtype. In this feedback loop, AR regulates ERK phosphorylation through the mediation of ErbB2 and, in turn, ERK-CREB1 signaling regulates the transcription of AR in molecular apocrine cells. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic implications of the AR-ERK feedback loop in molecular apocrine breast cancer.

Methods
We examined a synergy between the AR inhibitor flutamide and the MEK inhibitor CI-1040 in the molecular apocrine cell lines MDA-MB-453, HCC-1954 and HCC-202 using MTT cell viability and annexin V apoptosis assays. Synergy was measured using the combination index (CI) method. Furthermore, we examined in vivo synergy between flutamide and the MEK inhibitor PD0325901 in a xenograft model of the molecular apocrine subtype. The effects of in vivo therapies on tumor growth, cell proliferation and angiogenesis were assessed.

Results
We demonstrate synergistic CI values for combination therapy with flutamide and CI-1040 across three molecular apocrine cell lines at four dose combinations using both cell viability and apoptosis assays. Furthermore, we show in vivo that combination therapy with flutamide and MEK inhibitor PD0325901 has a significantly higher therapeutic efficacy in reducing tumor growth, cellular proliferation and angiogenesis than monotherapy with these agents. Moreover, our data suggested that flutamide and CI-1040 have synergy in trastuzumab resistance models of the molecular apocrine subtype. Notably, the therapeutic effect of combination therapy in trastuzumab-resistant cells was associated with the abrogation of an increased level of ERK phosphorylation that was developed in the process of trastuzumab resistance.

Conclusions
In this study, we demonstrate in vitro and in vivo synergies between AR and MEK inhibitors in molecular apocrine breast cancer. Furthermore, we show that combination therapy with these inhibitors can overcome trastuzumab resistance in molecular apocrine cells. Therefore, a combination therapy strategy with AR and MEK inhibitors may provide an attractive therapeutic option for the ER-/AR+ subtype of breast cancer.
Stimulation of Activin A/Nodal signaling is insufficient to induce definitive endoderm formation of cord blood-derived unrestricted somatic stem cells
Authors: Filby Caitlin E , Williamson Robert , van Kooy Peter , Pébay Alice , Dottori Mirella , Elwood Ngaire J , Zaibak Faten 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSC) derived from umbilical cord blood are an attractive alternative to human embryonic stem cells (hESC) for cellular therapy. USSC are capable of forming cells representative of all three germ line layers. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of USSC to form definitive endoderm following induction with Activin A, a protein known to specify definitive endoderm formation of hESC.

Methods
USSC were cultured for (1) three days with or without 100 ng/ml Activin A in either serum-free, low-serum or serum-containing media, (2) three days with or without 100 ng/ml Activin A in combination with 10 ng/ml FGF4 in pre-induction medium, or (3) four days with or without small molecules Induce Definitive Endoderm (IDE1, 100 nM; IDE2, 200 nM) in serum-free media. Formation of definitive endoderm was assessed using RT-PCR for gene markers of endoderm (Sox17, FOXA2 and TTF1) and lung epithelium (surfactant protein C; SPC) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator; CFTR). The differentiation capacity of Activin A treated USSC was also assessed.

Results
Activin A or IDE1/2 induced formation of Sox17+ definitive endoderm from hESC but not from USSC. Activin A treated USSC retained their capacity to form cells of the ectoderm (nerve), mesoderm (bone) and endoderm (lung). Activin A in combination with FGF4 did not induce formation of Sox17+ definitive endoderm from USSC. USSC express both Activin A receptor subunits at the mRNA and protein level, indicating that these cells are capable of binding Activin A.

Conclusions
Stimulation of the Nodal signaling pathway with Activin A or IDE1/2 is insufficient to induce definitive endoderm formation from USSC, indicating that USSC differ in their stem cell potential from hESC.
Anatase TiO2 Thin Films Based CO Gas Sensor
Authors: Al-Homoudi Ibrahim A. , Rimai L. , Naik R. , Baird R.J. , Auner G.W. , Newaz G. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTTiO2 anatase thin films with different thickness (100 – 1200 nm) have been deposited on glass, sapphire and Si(100) substrates using pulsed DC magnetron reactive sputtering. The thin films were exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) gas at different concentrations (20–100 ppm) in a nitrogen carrier, and the resistance was measured as a function of the CO concentration for films of different thicknesses for temperatures in the range of (100 - 300°C). The films with good crystalline order showed better response than amorphous films. The response increased monotonically with CO concentration. The thicker films showed higher sensitivity. The anatase films deposited on sapphire generally had a larger response than those deposited on glass or on silicon. The films on sapphire substrate showed good response at temperatures as high as 300°C, while those deposited on glass and silicon had good responses only to 200°C. Furthermore, the addition of different concentrations of O2 and H2 affected the response as expected. The response to CO in the presence of N2 showed good reversibility which is evidence that complete regeneration on turn off the CO does not require exposure to oxygen or air. The response and the recovery times are fast.
Interferometer Type Pressure Microsensor
Authors: Heredia-J A. , Ramirez-Pichon Alonso , Mondragón J. Sánchez , Lucio A. Andrade , Pensado M. Basurto , Romero R. J. , Torres-J A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn this work, the fabrication of waveguide and nitride silicon membrane is presented. The measurement configuration chosen to detect the variation produced in the light properties is an Interferometer configuration of the Mach Zehnder Type (MZI), because of its high sensitivity. One of its arms is positioned on a floating silicon nitride membrane that becomes deformed under small pressures on the range of MPa. According to the parameters of the membrane and the waveguide we obtain a maximum deformation of 176 nm that produces a change of phase of 180° between the two waves, producing therein a null interferometer output for the maximum pressure.The analyses of theory suggest that this device will be able to sense a pressure value up to 13.376MPa.
Bimorph-type Magnetostrictive Actuator/Sensor Thin Films
Authors: Okazaki Teiko , Okanisi Norimasa , Miura Yuki , Michigami Munemi , Furuya Yasubumi , Takeuchi Ichiro , Wuttig Manfred 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTGiant magnetostrictive Fe-Pd and Fe-Ga thin films are expected as actuator/ sensor materials with high respective velocity and huge stress created by the magnetostriction. In order to develop magnetostrictive material induced by low magnetic field, we investigated bimorph-type magnetostrictive (positive magnetostriction / substrate / negative magnetostriction) thin films, that is, Fe-Pd(1, 3µm) or Fe-Ga(1, 3µm)/substlate /Ni(1, 3µm) by magnetron sputtering system. The substrate is Al(50µm) or kapton foil (125µm). Displacement of a upper part of these films was measured using an optical lever method. The displacement of the Fe70-Pd30(3µm )/ Al(50µm)/Ni(3µm)film ( length is 20 mm) was 280 μm under low DC magnetic field of 500 Oe and exhibits little hysteresis. These magnetostrictive properties are maintained under low alternating magnetic field. Moreover, the displacement of the film at the resonance frequency exhibits a peak and reached to 1.4 mm. The bimorph-type magnetostrictive thin film is useful for application in micro device as micro-pomp.
Effect of Boron Addition on Magnetostrictive and Mechanical Properties in Rolled Polycrystalline Fe-187%Ga Alloy
Authors: Na Suok-Min , Flatau Alison B. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTDuring attempts to roll Fe-18.7%Ga alloy (atomic%), an alloy of interest because single crystal samples exhibit magnetostriction of ∼400 ppm, cracks formed along grain boundaries and subsequently samples fractured during hot rolling such that the alloy was too brittle to make thin sheets. While variations to rolling schedules (temperatures, times, roll diameters, etc.) may improve rollability, in this paper we investigate the effect of boron addition on Fe-18.7% Ga alloy magnetostrictive and mechanical properties. Thin sheets of Fe-18.7%Ga alloy plus 0.5 and 1.0 at.%B were successfully fabricated to thickness of 0.35 mm using rolling processes. It was observed that the fracture surface of the B-free alloy clearly appeared as an intergranular fracture mode and that of the B-added alloys was changed to a transgranular fracture mode with grain refinement. The annealed sheets with boron content of 0.5 and 1.0 at.% exhibit the maximum magnetostriction values of 103 and 184 ppm, respectively. In the case of Fe-18.7%Ga plus 1.0 %B, Fe2B phase presents throughout the α-iron matrix in small amount.
Hot Carrier Effects in Self-aligned and Offset-Gated Polysilicon Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Arpatzanis N. , Hatzopoulos A. T. , Tassis D. H. , Dimitriadis Charalambos , Kamarinos G. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe effects of hot carriers on the transfer characteristics of self-aligned and offset-gated polysilicon thin-film transistors (TFTs), with channel length L = 10 μm and offset length ΔL = 2 μm, are investigated. In the self-aligned device, the on-state current is substantially reduced, whereas the subthreshold slope remains almost unaffected. In the offset gated device, the transfer characteristic is shifted first positively and then negatively, the on-state current is still substantially reduced and well-defined kinks are formed in the subthreshold region. The device degradation is found to become more pronounced in the offset gated device. A model explaining the post-stress performance of the offset-gated device is presented.
Structural Characteristics and Piezoelectric Properties of Electrospun Piezoelectric nanofibers
Authors: Shi Yong , Xu Shiyou , Kim Sang-Gook , Libera Matthew 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper reports the development and characterization of PZT nanofibers with average diameters ranged from 50 to 150 nm for various sensing and actuation applications. PZT nano fibers have been developed by sol-gel electrospinning process. Both randomly distributed and uniaxially aligned PZT fibers were obtained from the sol-gel solution with viscosity modified by polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). The diameters of the nano fibers can be further reduced or controlled for different applications. The morphology and structure of the nanofibers were examined with SEM, TEM and XRD. We used two-step process to anneal the electrospun fibers and XRD confirmed that pure perovskite phase was formed after the as-spun fibers being annealed at about 650°C. TEM results showed that the grain size of the fibers was about 10 nm. Microelectromechanical (MEMS) based micro-fabrication technologies were used to assist the development of the nano-fibers in designing the test samples, depositing and patterning the electrodes, and also testing the performance of the nano fibers. Different approaches have been explored to fabricate the uniaxially aligned nano fibers. SEM results showed that partial aligned PZT nano-fibers were obtained on the pre-patterned substrats. Interdigitated Electrodes were evaporated on the partial aligned fibers by using shadow mask. Hysteresis curve of the nano piezoelectric fibers was also obtained, however further tests are still needed to get accurate measurement. The obtained PZT nanofibers have promising application potentials in designing and enabling micro and nano devices.
Evolving Thin Polymer Film Driven by Electrostatic Field
Authors: Kim Dongchoul , Lu Wei 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTExperiments have shown that a thin polymer film subjected to an electrostatic field may lose stability at the polymer-air interface, leading to uniform self-organized pillars emerging out of the film surface. This paper presents a three dimensional dynamic model that accounts for the behavior. Attention is focused on the interplay of the thermodynamic forces and the kinetic processes. The coupled diffusion, viscous flow, and dielectric effect are incorporated into a phase field framework. The semi-implicit Fourier spectral method and the preconditioned biconjugate-gradient method are applied in the simulations for high efficiency and numerical stability. Numerical simulations reveal rich dynamics of the pattern formation process.
Pressure Effect on the Superconductivity of AnTGa5 Systems and Americium Metal (An=Np, Pu, Am - T=Co, Rh, Ir)
Authors: Griveau Jean-Christophe , Rebizant Jean , Wastin Franck , Colineau Eric , Jutier Frédéric , Lander Gerard H. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe report pressure studies on the magnetic and superconducting properties of PuTGa5 (T=Co, Rh) and Americium metal down to 0.4K. Recent discovery of superconductivity in the Plutonium based compounds PuTGa5 (T=Co, Rh) has shed a new light on the study of Actinides compounds. The fact that these systems present lots of similarities with the CeTIn5 (T=Co, Rh, Ir) must not hide some fascinating features of these materials: they display superconducting characteristics one order of magnitude higher than their Cerium counterparts or all 5f Superconducting Heavy. Moreover they present at ambient pressure a Non Fermi Liquid described by a T4/3 law which seems to maintain up to the highest pressure achieved (∼20 GPa) for the 2 Plutonium superconductors. Finally we report superconducting pressure diagram of americium metal under pressure up to 27 GPa and down to 0.4K. The complex superconducting diagram Tc(p) related to the several phases transition led us to examine the localization delocalization aspect of the 5f electrons in this metal through the Mott transition.
Localized and Itinerant States in Pu Materials
Authors: Joyce John , Wills J.M. , Durakiewicz T. , Butterfield M.T. , Guziewicz E. , Graham K.S. , Sarrao J.L. , Arko A.J. , Bauer E.D. , Moore D.P. , Morales L.A. , Eriksson O. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe electronic structure of Pu materials is examined using photoelectron spectroscopy. For delta-phase Pu metal as well as PuCoGa5 and PuIn3, the 5f electrons appear to be at the threshold between localized and itinerant character. A mixed level model computational scheme is used which results in non-magnetic solutions for the electronic structure and agrees well with the photoemission measurements. Several other computational schemes are assessed against photoemission results for delta Pu. Additional insight is provided by O2 and H2 dosing of the delta Pu samples and consideration of surface effects. The experimental and computational results are consistent with the 5f electrons in Pu materials exhibiting a dual nature with some fraction of the 5f levels localized and not participating in the bonding while the other fraction of 5f character is involved in bonding and hybridization with the conduction electrons.
Studying Actinide Correlations in Solution using High-Energy X-ray Scattering
Authors: Skanthakumar S. , Soderholm L. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractHigh energy x-ray scattering (HEXS) is becoming a valuable tool for quantifying actinide coordination environments in solution. The technique is described with and exemplified by a study on Th speciation. A comparison of data from two samples with pHs of 0 and 3.4 show differences in the Th structural environment that can be attributed to Th colloid formation at the higher pH. A further comparison of the HEXS data from the colloidal sample with Th L3-edge EXAFS data on the same sample clearly demonstrates the advantage of the scattering data when looking for correlations at second-near neighbor or longer distances.
Geochemical Approaches to Understanding a Shallow Groundwater Flow in the Kanamaru Uranium Mineralization Area (Japan)
Authors: Bros Regis , Seki Yoji , Kamei Atsushi , Kanai Yutaka , Okuzawa Koichi , Watanabe Yoshio 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPredicting the behaviour of radioactive wastes can be facilitated by comparison with the evolution of natural groundwater systems. During a study of the Kanamaru U mineralization (Japan), geochemical approaches for understanding a shallow (0-50 m) fresh groundwater flow system are being assessed. Deep granitic waters are Ca-HCO3-dominated and slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Shallow waters within sediments display lower pH and they are more dilute. Halide concentrations suggest the existence of a non marine Br-rich and Cl-depleted deep groundwater in the basement. 234U/238U and 230Th/234U activity ratios in the mineralized sedimentary rocks indicate that U mobilization took place within the last 350,000 years. U dissolution currently continues and it is controled by lateral groundwater flow whereas vertical diffusion appears negligible. Dissolved alkaline earths concentrations and the 87Sr/86Sr ratio indicate that solutes exchanges take place through uppermost low permeable granite followed by mixing with more dilute and Cl-type shallow groundwater.
High-throughput preparation of multinary liquid, thin-film and powder library by combinatorial electrostatic atomization system
Authors: Fujimoto Kenjiro , Ito Shigeru , Inoue Satoru , Watanabe Mamoru 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA newly developed high-throughput exploration system “M-ist Combi” can control mixing ration of five-component compounds. Furthermore, the M-ist Combi system can also be obtained not only thin film but also powder and liquid libraries by controlling applied voltage and used flexibly in either a normal atmosphere or controlled atmosphere. By combining the M-ist Combi system with combinatorial XRD apparatus, we successfully completed the high-throughput powder preparation and phase identification of over 150 samples in one day.
Rapid Optimization of Pentacene Buffer for Rubrene Thin Film Transistors by Using Combinatorial MBE
Authors: Haemori Masamitsu , Yamaguchi Jun , Yaginuma Seiichiro , Itaka Kenjji , Koinuma Hideomi 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBy means of insertion of thin pentacene buffer layer, we have succeeded in the fabrication of highly c-axis oriented rubrene (5,6,11,12-tetraphenylnaphthacene) thin films and their field effect transistors (FETs). In the case without pentacene buffers, only amorphous rubrene films were obtained and their FETs did not show operation. After optimization of pentacene buffer by using combinatorial thickness-gradient method, we obtained the crystalline rubrene thin films and their FETs showed p-type operation with a mobility of 0.05 cm2/V·s and an on-off ratio of 106.