bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand TRAIL in skin protects mice against chemical carcinogenesis
Authors: Kedinger Valerie , Muller Stephanie , Gronemeyer Hinrich 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Gene ablation studies have revealed that tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL, Apo2L, TNFSF10) plays a crucial role in tumor surveillance, as TRAIL-deficient mice exhibit an increased sensitivity to different types of tumorigenesis. In contrast, possible tumor-protective effect of increased levels of endogenous TRAIL expression in vivo has not been assessed yet. Such models will provide important information about the efficacy of TRAIL-based therapies and potential toxicity in specific tissues.

Methods
To this aim, we engineered transgenic mice selectively expressing TRAIL in the skin and subjected these mice to a two-step chemical carcinogenesis protocol that generated benign and preneoplastic lesions. We were therefore able to study the effect of increased TRAIL expression at the early steps of skin tumorigenesis.

Results
Our results showed a delay of tumor appearance in TRAIL expressing mice compared to their wild-type littermates. More importantly, the number of tumors observed in transgenic animals was significantly lower than in the control animals, and the lesions observed were mostly benign. Interestingly, Wnt/β-catenin signaling differed between tumors of wild-type and TRAIL transgenics.

Conclusion
Altogether, these data reveal that, at least in this model, TRAIL is able on its own to act on pre-transformed cells, and reduce their tumorigenic potential.
Insertion of the human sodium iodide symporter to facilitate deep tissue imaging does not alter oncolytic or replication capability of a novel vaccinia virus
Authors: Haddad Dana , Chen Nanhai G , Zhang Qian , Chen Chun-Hao , Yu Yong A , Gonzalez Lorena , Carpenter Susanne G , Carson Joshua , Au Joyce , Mittra Arjun , Gonen Mithat , Zanzonico Pat B , Fong Yuman , Szalay Aladar A 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Oncolytic viruses show promise for treating cancer. However, to assess therapeutic efficacy and potential toxicity, a noninvasive imaging modality is needed. This study aimed to determine if insertion of the human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) cDNA as a marker for non-invasive imaging of virotherapy alters the replication and oncolytic capability of a novel vaccinia virus, GLV-1h153.

Methods
GLV-1h153 was modified from parental vaccinia virus GLV-1h68 to carry hNIS via homologous recombination. GLV-1h153 was tested against human pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1 for replication via viral plaque assays and flow cytometry. Expression and transportation of hNIS in infected cells was evaluated using Westernblot and immunofluorescence. Intracellular uptake of radioiodide was assessed using radiouptake assays. Viral cytotoxicity and tumor regression of treated PANC-1tumor xenografts in nude mice was also determined. Finally, tumor radiouptake in xenografts was assessed via positron emission tomography (PET) utilizing carrier-free 124I radiotracer.

Results
GLV-1h153 infected, replicated within, and killed PANC-1 cells as efficiently as GLV-1h68. GLV-1h153 provided dose-dependent levels of hNIS expression in infected cells. Immunofluorescence detected transport of the protein to the cell membrane prior to cell lysis, enhancing hNIS-specific radiouptake (P < 0.001). In vivo, GLV-1h153 was as safe and effective as GLV-1h68 in regressing pancreatic cancer xenografts (P < 0.001). Finally, intratumoral injection of GLV-1h153 facilitated imaging of virus replication in tumors via 124I-PET.

Conclusion
Insertion of the hNIS gene does not hinder replication or oncolytic capability of GLV-1h153, rendering this novel virus a promising new candidate for the noninvasive imaging and tracking of oncolytic viral therapy.
Origins of 1/f noise in nanostructure inclusion polymorphous silicon films
Authors: Li Shibin , Jiang Yadong , Wu Zhiming , Wu Jiang , Ying Zhihua , Wang Zhiming , Li Wei , Salamo Gregory 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn this article, we report that the origins of 1/f noise in pm-Si:H film resistors are inhomogeneity and defective structure. The results obtained are consistent with Hooge's formula, where the noise parameter, αH, is independent of doping ratio. The 1/f noise power spectral density and noise parameter αH are proportional to the squared value of temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The resistivity and TCR of pm-Si:H film resistor were obtained through linear current-voltage measurement. The 1/f noise, measured by a custom-built noise spectroscopy system, shows that the power spectral density is a function of both doping ratio and temperature.
Efficient thermoelectric energy conversion on quasi-localized electron states in diameter modulated nanowires
Authors: Zianni Xanthippi 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIt is known that the thermoelectric efficiency of nanowires increases when their diameter decreases. Recently, we proposed that increase of the thermoelectric efficiency could be achieved by modulating the diameter of the nanowires. We showed that the electron thermoelectric properties depend strongly on the geometry of the diameter modulation. Moreover, it has been shown by another group that the phonon conductivity decreases in nanowires when they are modulated by dots. Here, the thermoelectric efficiency of diameter modulated nanowires is estimated, in the ballistic regime, by taking into account the electron and phonon transmission properties. It is demonstrated that quasi-localized states can be formed that are prosperous for efficient thermoelectric energy conversion.
Thermal conductivity and thermal boundary resistance of nanostructures
Authors: Termentzidis Konstantinos , Parasuraman Jayalakshmi , Da Cruz Carolina Abs , Merabia Samy , Angelescu Dan , Marty Frédéric , Bourouina Tarik , Kleber Xavier , Chantrenne Patrice , Basset Philippe 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Abstract
We present a fabrication process of low-cost superlattices and simulations related with the heat dissipation on them. The influence of the interfacial roughness on the thermal conductivity of semiconductor/semiconductor superlattices was studied by equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics and on the Kapitza resistance of superlattice's interfaces by equilibrium molecular dynamics. The non-equilibrium method was the tool used for the prediction of the Kapitza resistance for a binary semiconductor/metal system. Physical explanations are provided for rationalizing the simulation results.

PACS
68.65.Cd, 66.70.Df, 81.16.-c, 65.80.-g, 31.12.xv
Positive selection in the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase gene of Newcastle disease virus and its effect on vaccine efficacy
Authors: Gu Min , Liu Wujie , Xu Lijun , Cao Yongzhong , Yao Chunfeng , Hu Shunlin , Liu Xiufan 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
To investigate the relationship between the selective pressure and the sequence variation of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein, we performed the positive selection analysis by estimating the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions with 132 complete HN gene sequences of Newcastle disease viruses (NDVs) isolated in China.

Results
The PAML software applying a maximum likelihood method was used for the analysis and three sites (residues 266, 347 and 540) in the HN protein were identified as being under positive selection. Codon 347 was located exactly in a recognized antigenic determinant (residues 345-353) and codon 266 in a predicted linear B-cell epitope. Substitutions at codon 540 contributed to the N-linked glycosylation potential of residue 538. To further evaluate the effect of positively selected sites on the vaccine efficacy, we constructed two recombinant fowlpox viruses rFPV-JS6HN and rFPV-LaSHN, expressing the HN proteins from a genotype VII field isolate Go/JS6/05 (with A266, K347 and A540) and vaccine strain La Sota (with V266, E347 and T540), respectively. Two groups of SPF chickens, 18 each, were vaccinated with the two recombinant fowlpox viruses and challenged by Go/JS6/05 at 3 weeks post-immunization. The results showed that rFPV-JS6HN could elicit more effective immunity against the prevalent virus infection than rFPV-LaSHN in terms of reducing virus shedding.

Conclusions
The analysis of positively selected codons and their effect on the vaccine efficacy indicated that the selective pressure on the HN protein can induce antigenic variation, and new vaccine to control the current ND epidemics should be developed.
Ret-Dependent and Ret-Independent Mechanisms of Gfl-Induced Sensitization
Authors: Schmutzler Brian S , Roy Shannon , Pittman Sherry K , Meadows Rena M , Hingtgen Cynthia M 
Published: April 2011

Background: The GDNF family ligands (GFLs) are regulators of neurogenic inflammation and pain. We have previously shown that GFLs increase the release of the sensory neuron neuropeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from isolated mouse DRG. Results: Inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway abolished the enhancement of CGRP release by GDNF. Neurturin-induced enhancement in the stimulated release of CGRP, used as an indication of sensory neuronal sensitization, was abolished by inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K) pathway. Reduction in Ret expression abolished the GDNF-induced sensitization, but did not fully inhibit the increase in stimulus-evoked release of CGRP caused by neurturin or artemin, indicating the presence of Ret-independent GFL-induced signaling in sensory neurons. Integrin β-1 and NCAM are involved in a component of Ret-independent GFL signaling in sensory neurons. Conclusions: These data demonstrate the distinct and variable Ret-dependent and Ret-independent signaling mechanisms by which GFLs induce sensitization of sensory neurons. Additionally, there is a clear disconnect between intracellular signaling pathway activation and changes in sensory neuronal function.
A case of zootherapy with the tarantula Brachypelma vagans Ausserer, 1875 in traditional medicine of the Chol Mayan ethnic group in Mexico
Authors: Machkour-M'Rabet Salima , Hénaut Yann , Winterton Peter , Rojo Roberto 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Background
In practically every human culture, the use of arthropods as medicinal resources has been reported. In Mexico, the Mayan people mainly use plants but occasionally also animals and minerals in their medicine. This article is the first to report the traditional use of the tarantula Brachypelma vagans by medicine men in the Chol community, an ancient indigenous group that inhabits the southeastern part of Mexico. We also describe the utility of such arachnids in traditional medicine.

Methods
This study was carried out in different Chol communities in the states of Chiapas and Campeche (southeastern Mexico) from 2003 until 2007. We interviewed the local medicine men, patients and non-Chol people in each village visited to collect information about the rituals involved and the effectiveness of this traditional medicine and also their opinion of this traditional medicine.

Results
In all independent villages, the people who present an illness called 'aire de tarantula' or tarantula wind with symptoms including chest pain, coughing and asthma, were treated by the medicine man (called 'hierbatero') with a tarantula-based beverage. From village to village, the beverage has a similar base composition but some variations occur in additional ingredients depending on the individual medicine man. Like in all traditional Mayan medicine, the ritual of the ceremony consists of drinking the tarantula-based beverage and this is principally accompanied by chants and burning of incense.

Conclusions
The recipe of the tarantula-based beverage and the procedure of this ritual ceremony were fairly constant in all the villages visited. Our work shows that despite the tarantula's bad image in several cultures, in others positive use is made of these spiders, as in modern medicine.
Treatment of forefoot problems in older people: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial comparing podiatric treatment to standardised shoe advice
Authors: van der Zwaard Babette C , Elders Petra JM , Knol Dirk L , Gorter Kees J , Peeraer Louis , van der Windt Daniëlle AWM , van der Horst Henriëtte E 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundFoot problems in general and forefoot problems in particular can lead to a decrease in mobility and a higher risk of falling. Forefoot problems increase with age and are more common in women than in men. Around 20% of people over 65 suffer from non‐traumatic foot problems and 60% of these problems are localised in the forefoot. Little is known about the best way to treat forefoot problems in older people. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of two common modes of treatment in the Netherlands: shoe advice and podiatric treatment. This paper describes the design of this study.MethodsThe study is designed as a pragmatic randomised clinical trial (RCT) with 2 parallel intervention groups. People aged 50 years and over who have visited their general practitioner (GP) with non traumatic pain in the forefoot in the preceding year and those who will visit their GP during the recruitment period with a similar complaint will be recruited for this study. Participants must be able to walk unaided for 7 metres and be able to fill in questionnaires. Exclusion criteria are: rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathy of the foot or pain caused by skin problems (e.g. warts, eczema). Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be assessed by a screening questionnaire and baseline assessment. Those consenting to participation will be randomly assigned to either a group receiving a standardised shoe advice leaflet (n = 100) or a group receiving podiatric treatment (n = 100). Primary outcomes will be the severity of forefoot pain (0‐10 on a numerical rating scale) and foot function (Foot Function 5‐pts Index and Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index). Treatment adherence, social participation and quality of life will be the secondary outcomes. All outcomes will be obtained through self‐administered questionnaires at the start of the study and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Data will be analysed according to the “intention‐to‐treat” principle using multilevel level analysis.DiscussionStrength of this study is the comparison between two common primary care treatments for forefoot problems, ensuring a high external validity of this trial.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2212
The Pax gene eyegone facilitates repression of eye development in Tribolium
Authors: ZarinKamar Nazanin , Yang Xiaoyun , Bao Riyue , Friedrich Frank , Beutel Rolf , Friedrich Markus 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
The Pax transcription factor gene eyegone (eyg) participates in many developmental processes in Drosophila, including the Notch signaling activated postembryonic growth of the eye primordium, global development of the adult head and the development of the antenna. In contrast to other Pax genes, the functional conservation of eyg in species other than Drosophila has not yet been explored.

Results
We investigated the role of eyg during the postembryonic development of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. Our results indicate conserved roles in antennal but not in eye development. Besides segmentation defects in the antenna, Tribolium eyg knockdown animals were characterized by eye enlargement due to the formation of surplus ommatidia at the central anterior edge of the compound eye. This effect resulted from the failure of the developing gena to locally repress retinal differentiation, which underlies the formation of the characteristic anterior notch in the Tribolium eye. Neither varying the induction time point of eyg knockdown nor knocking down components of the Janus kinase/Signal Transducer and Activators of Transcription signaling pathway in combination with eyg reduced eye size like in Drosophila.

Conclusions
Taken together, expression and knockdown data suggest that Tribolium eyg serves as a competence factor that facilitates the repression of retinal differentiation in response to an unknown signal produced in the developing gena. At the comparative level, our findings reveal diverged roles of eyg associated with the evolution of different modes of postembryonic head development in endopterygote insects as well as diversified head morphologies in darkling beetles.
Pyothorax in a cat managed by intrathoracic debridement and postoperative ventilatory support
Authors: Doyle Ronan S. , Bellenger Christopher R. , Campoy Luis , McAllister Hester 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA domestic-longhair cat presented due to lethargy, dyspnoea and hypersalivation. Radiographic examination revealed a bilateral pleural effusion, which was diagnosed as pyothorax based on cytological examination. Ultrasonographic examination revealed extensive loculations within the thoracic cavity. Exploratory sternotomy, under general anaesthesia, allowed the removal of approximately 100 ml of purulent fluid and debridement of a partially walled-off abscess and necrotic material from the pleural cavity. Postoperative positive-pressure ventilation was required due to severe respiratory depression. Intensive postoperative care, including intensive continuous monitoring, thoracostomy tube drainage and lavage of the pleural cavity and oesophagostomy tube feeding, was performed. Complete resolution of clinical signs had occurred by 15 days postoperatively. Clinical or radiographic abnormalities were not detected at a follow-up examination one year after surgery.
Identification and characterization of alkaline serine protease from goat skin surface metagenome
Authors: Pushpam Paul Lavanya , Rajesh Thangamani , Gunasekaran Paramasamy 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Metagenomic DNA isolated from goat skin surface was used to construct plasmid DNA library in Escherichia coli DH10B. Recombinant clones were screened for functional protease activity on skim milk agar plates. Upon screening 70,000 clones, a clone carrying recombinant plasmid pSP1 exhibited protease activity. In vitro transposon mutagenesis and sequencing of the insert DNA in this clone revealed an ORF of 1890 bp encoding a protein with 630 amino acids which showed significant sequence homology to the peptidase S8 and S53 subtilisin kexin sedolisin of Shewanella sp. This ORF was cloned in pET30b and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). Although the cloned Alkaline Serine protease (AS-protease) was overexpressed, it was inactive as a result of forming inclusion bodies. After solubilisation, the protease was purified using Ni-NTA chromatography and then refolded properly to retain protease activity. The purified AS-protease with a molecular mass of ~63 kDa required a divalent cation (Co2+ or Mn2+) for its improved activity. The pH and temperature optima for this protease were 10.5 and 42°C respectively.
Oxidative cleavage of non-phenolic β-O-4 lignin model dimers by an extracellular aromatic peroxygenase
Authors: Kinne Matthias , Poraj-Kobielska Marzena , Ullrich René , Nousiainen Paula , Sipilä Jussi , Scheibner Katrin , Hammel Kenneth E. , Hofrichter Martin 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe extracellular aromatic peroxygenase of the agaric fungusAgrocybe aegeritacatalyzed the H2O2-dependent cleavage of non-phenolic arylglycerol-β-aryl ethers (β-O-4 ethers). For instance 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)propane-1,3-diol, a recalcitrant dimeric lignin model compound that represents the major non-phenolic substructure in lignin, was selectivelyO-demethylated at thepara-methoxy group to give formaldehyde and 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)propane-1,3-diol. The phenol moiety of the latter compound was then enzymatically oxidized into phenoxy radicals and a quinoid cation, which initiated the autocatalytic cleavage of the dimer and the formation of monomers such as 2-methoxy-1,4-benzoquinone and phenoxyl-substituted propionic acid. The introduction of18O from H218O2and H218O at different positions into the pro-ducts provided information about the routes of ether cleavage. Studies with a14C-labeled lignin model dimer showed that more than 70% of the intermediates formed were further coupled to form polymers with molecular masses above 10 kDa. The results indicate that fungal aromatic peroxygenases may be involved in the bioconversion of methoxylated plant ingredients originating from lignin or other sources.
Improvement of Aircraft Aerodynamic Performance Using Piezoelectric Actuators
Authors: Min Li , Wei-min Chen , Wei Li 
Published: April 2011

AbstractTo flight vehicle designer, the ability to adapt air vehicle aerodynamic shape so as to increase the optimum flight envelope is highly desirable. In this work, by distributing piezoelectric actuators on the top and bottom surfaces of a rectangular wing, the improvement of aerodynamic performance of flight vehicle is studied. The approach of the Fictitious Control Surface (FCS) is evaluated at a group of dynamic pressure and wing stiffness, through examining four aspects including the improvement of rolling power, the increase of lift, the decrease of the induced drag and the decrease of the bending moment at root of wing. Then an experimental model of high-speed wind tunnel is designed in order to validate the results of theoretical analysis. The ground tests and wind tunnel tests demonstrate that the lift and rolling moment can be increased by using the favorable aeroelastic effect. And quantificationally the experimental results agree well with the analytical results.
The Optimal Design and Analysis of Piezoelectric Cantilever Beams for Power Generation Devices
Authors: Shen Dongna , Ajitsaria Jyoti , Choe Song-Yul , Kim Dong-Joo 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTWith the rapid development of wireless remote sensor systems, battery is becoming the limiting factor in the lifetime of the device and miniaturization. As a way to eliminate battery in the system, the conversion of ambient vibration energy has been addressed. The piezoelectric cantilever beam with a proof mass was exploited for energy conversion since it can generate large strain and power density. The design of cantilever beams was optimized through numerical analysis and FEM simulation at higher acceleration condition. The investigated parameters influencing the output energy of piezoelectric bimorph cantilevers include dimensions of cantilever beam and proof mass. The resonant frequency and robustness of cantilever structure were also considered for enhancing power conversion efficiency and implementing devices at high acceleration condition. The power density generated by the optimized piezoelectric device was high enough (> 1200 μW/cm3) to operate microsensor systems. However, high stress near clamping area of cantilever beam could lead to the fracture at high acceleration condition.
Shape Memory at Nanometer Scales
Authors: Frick Carl Pieter , Lang Travis W. , Spark Kevin , Gall Ken 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTNickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloys undergo relatively large recoverable inelastic deformations via a stress-induced martensitic phase transformation. The nanoindentation experimental results presented in this study are the first to show evidence of discrete forward and reverse stress-induced thermoelastic martensitic transformations in nanometer scaled volumes of material. Shape recovery due to indentation, followed by subsequent heating, is demonstrated for indents depths in the sub 10 nm range via atomic force microscopy. It is also shown that the local material structure can be utilized to modify transformation behavior at nanometer scales, yielding insight into the nature of stress-induced martensitic phase transformations at small scales and providing opportunity for the design of nanometer sized NiTi actuators.