bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bridge effect of the C=C, C=N and N=N bonds on the long distance electronic charge transfer of para‒substituted stilbenoid compounds
Authors: Leiva Manuel A. , Morales Raul G. E. 
Published: March 2012

By means of 13C‒NMR spectroscopy and ab initio molecular orbital theory calculations, we have analyzed the bridge effect of the C=C, C=N and N=N bonds on the long distance charge transfer of 4‒dimethylamino‒4′‒nitrostilbenoid compounds in the ground electronic state.After a complete spectral assignment of the 13C‒NMR signals in these molecular compounds, we have characterized the effect of the nitrogen centres on the molecular bridge by means of the chemical shifts of the carbon centres, the theoretical charge densities and the dipolar moments.From an electronic molecular point of view, our results describe two main properties of the double bond bridge. The first is related to the local charge accumulation capacity given by the type of the atomic centres and the structural orientation of the double bond bridge, and the second property is related to the modulation of the electronic charge distribution through the molecular system by the electrical polarization of the bridge.Other complementary experimental evidences have permit us to establish new local molecular domains of the bridge effect in these stilbenoid compounds by means of linear correlations between 13C‒NMR chemical shifts of the aromatic carbon centres of the acceptor‒phenyl group and the molecular polarity of the species under study.
Adsorption characteristics of albumin on gold and titanium metals in Hanks’ solution using EQCM
Authors: Lori J. A. , Hanawa T. 
Published: March 2012

The adsorption of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) on gold and titanium surfaces in Hanks’ solution was monitored using the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) technique. The changes in mass and open circuit potential at rest potential and mass and current at constant potentials were measured before and after the introduction of BSA.The mass of BSA adsorbed on titanium reached a steady value within one hour, while the albumin adsorbed on gold continued to increase. The amount of BSA adsorbed by titanium increased with concentration and stabilized at 0.8 mg/ml while that on gold did not stabilize. This indicates a monolayer of the protein on titanium and multi‐layer on gold. The adsorption of BSA on gold and titanium was accelerated by the charge of potential.The time before stabilizing the adsorption‒desorption phenomena also increased with the BSA concentration.
Improved Efficacy of Dendritic Cell–Based Immunotherapy by Cutaneous Laser Illumination
Authors: Chen Xinyuan , Zeng Qiyan , Wu Mei X. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Purpose: The present study investigates a convenient laser-based approach to enhance dendritic cell (DC) migration and improve DC-based immunotherapy in murine models.
Experimental Design: Influence of laser illumination on dermal tissue microenvironment and migration of DCs following intradermal injection were determined by whole-mount immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscope, and flow cytometry. We also investigated in vivo expansion of CTLs by flow cytometry, CTL activity by in vitro CTL assay, and antitumor efficacy of DC immunization following cutaneous laser illumination in both preventive and therapeutic tumor models.
Results: Laser illumination was found to significantly enlarge perforations in the perilymphatic basement membrane, disarray collagen fibers, and disrupt cell–matrix interactions in the dermis. The altered dermal tissue microenvironment permitted more efficient migration of intradermally injected DCs from the dermis to the draining lymph nodes (dLN). Laser illumination also slightly but significantly enhanced the expression of costimulatory molecule CD80 and MHC I on inoculated DCs. As a result, more vigorous expansion of tumor-specific IFN-γ+CD8+ T lymphocytes and enhanced CTL activity against 4T1 but not irrelevant tumor cells were obtained in the laser-treated group over the control group. Laser-augmented DC immunization also completely abrogated early growth of 4T1 tumor and B16F10 melanoma in preventive tumor models and significantly extended the survival of 4T1-resected mice in a therapeutic tumor model.
Conclusion: These data suggest a simple, safe, laser-based approach to significantly enhance DC-based immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 18(8); 2240–9. ©2012 AACR.
Functional Protein Pathway Activation Mapping of the Progression of Normal Skin to Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Einspahr Janine G. , Calvert Valerie , Alberts David S. , Curiel-Lewandrowski Clara , Warneke James , Krouse Robert , Stratton Steven P. , Liotta Lance , Longo Caterina , Pellicani Giovanni , Prasad Anil , Sagerman Paul , Bermudez Yira , Deng Jianghong , Bowden G. Timothy , Petricoin Emanuel F. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Reverse phase protein microarray analysis was used to identify cell signaling derangements in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared with actinic keratosis (AK) and upper inner arm (UIA). We analyzed two independent tissue sets with isolation and enrichment of epithelial cells by laser capture microdissection. Set 1 served as a pilot and a means to identify protein pathway activation alterations that could be further validated in a second independent set. Set 1 was comprised of 4 AK, 13 SCC, and 20 UIA. Set 2 included 15 AK, 9 SCCs, and 20 UIAs. Activation of 51 signaling proteins, known to be involved in tumorigenesis, were assessed for set 1 and showed that the MEK–ERK [mitogen-activated protein (MAP)/extracellular signal-regulated (ERK; MEK)] pathway was activated in SCC compared with AK and UIA, and that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mTOR pathways were aberrantly activated in SCC. Unsupervised two-way hierarchical clustering revealed that AK and UIA shared a common signaling network activation architecture while SCC was dramatically different. Statistical analysis found that prosurvival signaling through phosphorylation of ASK and 4EBP1 as well as increased Bax and Bak expression was higher in AK compared with UIA. We expanded pathway network activation mapping in set 2 to 101 key signaling proteins, which corroborated activation of MEK–ERK, EGFR, and mTOR pathways through discovery of a number of upstream and downstream signaling molecules within these pathways to conclude that SCC is indeed a pathway activation–driven disease. Pathway activation mapping of SCC compared with AK revealed several interconnected networks that could be targeted with drug therapy for potential chemoprevention and therapeutic applications. Cancer Prev Res; 5(3); 403–13. ©2012 AACR.
Metformin and Cancer Stem Cells: Old Drug, New Targets
Authors: Bednar Filip , Simeone Diane M. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
In this issue of the journal, Bao and colleagues report (beginning on page 355) that the antidiabetic drug metformin targets pancreatic cancer stem cells through, at least partially, the modulation of miRNA expression and subsequent regulation of stem cell renewal and signaling factors. In this Perspective, we briefly discuss the cancer stem cell hypothesis, its clinical relevance, and how targeting the mTOR pathway may yield an avenue for disrupting the cancer stem cell compartment and thus yield long-term therapeutic benefit in multiple cancers. Cancer Prev Res; 5(3); 351–4. ©2012 AACR.
Diffusion of Protein through the Human Cornea
Authors: Charalel Resmi A. , Engberg Kristin , Noolandi Jaan , Cochran Jennifer R. , Frank Curtis , Ta Christopher N. 
Published: March 2012

<i>Aims:</i> To determine the rate of diffusion of myoglobin and bovine serum albumin (BSA) through the human cornea. These small proteins have hydrodynamic diameters of approximately 4.4 and 7.2 nm, and molecular weights of 16.7 and 66 kDa, for myoglobin and BSA, respectively. <i>Meth</i> <i> ods:</i> Diffusion coefficients were measured using a diffusion chamber where the protein of interest and balanced salt solution were in different chambers separated by an ex vivo human cornea. Protein concentrations in the balanced salt solution chamber were measured over time. Diffusion coefficients were calculated using equations derived from Fick’s law and conservation of mass in a closed system. <i>Results:</i> Our experiments demonstrate that the diffusion coefficient of myoglobin is 5.5 ± 0.9 × 10<sup>–8</sup> cm<sup>2</sup>/s (n = 8; SD = 1.3 × 10<sup>–8</sup> cm<sup>2</sup>/s; 95% CI: 4.6 × 10<sup>–8</sup> to 6.4 × 10<sup>–8</sup> cm<sup>2</sup>/s) and the diffusion coefficient of BSA is 3.1 ± 1.0 × 10<sup>–8</sup> cm<sup>2</sup>/s (n = 8; SD = 1.4 × 10<sup>–8</sup> cm<sup>2</sup>/s; 95% CI: 2.1 × 10<sup>–8</sup> to 4.1 × 10<sup>–8</sup> cm<sup>2</sup>/s). <i>Conclusions:</i> Our study suggests that molecules as large as 7.2 nm may be able to passively diffuse through the human cornea. With applications in pharmacotherapy and the development of an artificial cornea, further experiments are warranted to fully understand the limits of human corneal diffusion and its clinical relevance.
Body-part-specific Representations of Semantic Noun Categories
Authors: Carota Francesca , Moseley Rachel , Pulvermüller Friedemann 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWord meaning processing in the brain involves ventrolateral temporal cortex, but a semantic contribution of the dorsal stream, especially frontocentral sensorimotor areas, has been controversial. We here examine brain activation during passive reading of object-related nouns from different semantic categories, notably animal, food, and tool words, matched for a range of psycholinguistic features. Results show ventral stream activation in temporal cortex along with category-specific activation patterns in both ventral and dorsal streams, including sensorimotor systems and adjacent pFC. Precentral activation reflected action-related semantic features of the word categories. Cortical regions implicated in mouth and face movements were sparked by food words, and hand area activation was seen for tool words, consistent with the actions implicated by the objects the words are used to speak about. Furthermore, tool words specifically activated the right cerebellum, and food words activated the left orbito-frontal and fusiform areas. We discuss our results in the context of category-specific semantic deficits in the processing of words and concepts, along with previous neuroimaging research, and conclude that specific dorsal and ventral areas in frontocentral and temporal cortex index visual and affective–emotional semantic attributes of object-related nouns and action-related affordances of their referent objects.
Provisional Registration of a Retirement Fund under Scrutiny in Swaziland
Authors: Mhango Mtendeweka , Thejane P. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Recently the Industrial Court of Swaziland was faced with a complaint in Mngadi v Motor Vehicle Accident Fund’s Pension Fund, which raised two important issues of first impression in Swaziland retirement law. This note discusses the significance and effects of Mngadi on provisional registration of retirement funds in Swaziland. It argues that Mngadi should be welcomed because it clarifies the significance of the need for retirement funds to operate in accordance with their registered rules. The note also discusses the problems with the Registrar’s power to issue a provisional certificate of registration under Section 5 in light of the problems that emerged in Mngadi. The note argues that Mngadi should be welcomed because it highlights the characteristics of a defined benefit fund, and implicitly distinguishes it from a defined contribution fund. While Mngadi should generally be welcomed, the Industrial Court should be criticised for its failure to develop the law.
CpGPAP: CpG island predictor analysis platform
Authors: Chuang Li-Yeh , Yang Cheng-Huei , Lin Ming-Cheng , Yang Cheng-Hong 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Genomic islands play an important role in medical, methylation and biological studies. To explore the region, we propose a CpG islands prediction analysis platform for genome sequence exploration (CpGPAP).

Results
CpGPAP is a web-based application that provides a user-friendly interface for predicting CpG islands in genome sequences or in user input sequences. The prediction algorithms supported in CpGPAP include complementary particle swarm optimization (CPSO), a complementary genetic algorithm (CGA) and other methods (CpGPlot, CpGProD and CpGIS) found in the literature. The CpGPAP platform is easy to use and has three main features (1) selection of the prediction algorithm; (2) graphic visualization of results; and (3) application of related tools and dataset downloads. These features allow the user to easily view CpG island results and download the relevant island data. CpGPAP is freely available at http://bio.kuas.edu.tw/CpGPAP/.

Conclusions
The platform's supported algorithms (CPSO and CGA) provide a higher sensitivity and a higher correlation coefficient when compared to CpGPlot, CpGProD, CpGIS, and CpGcluster over an entire chromosome.
Identification and characterization of microRNAs in Phaseolus vulgaris by high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Peláez Pablo , Trejo Minerva S , Iñiguez Luis P , Estrada-Navarrete Georgina , Covarrubias Alejandra A , Reyes José L , Sanchez Federico 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously encoded small RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. MiRNAs play essential roles in almost all plant biological processes. Currently, few miRNAs have been identified in the model food legume Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean). Recent advances in next generation sequencing technologies have allowed the identification of conserved and novel miRNAs in many plant species. Here, we used Illumina's sequencing by synthesis (SBS) technology to identify and characterize the miRNA population of Phaseolus vulgaris.

Results
Small RNA libraries were generated from roots, flowers, leaves, and seedlings of P. vulgaris. Based on similarity to previously reported plant miRNAs,114 miRNAs belonging to 33 conserved miRNA families were identified. Stem-loop precursors and target gene sequences for several conserved common bean miRNAs were determined from publicly available databases. Less conserved miRNA families and species-specific common bean miRNA isoforms were also characterized. Moreover, novel miRNAs based on the small RNAs were found and their potential precursors were predicted. In addition, new target candidates for novel and conserved miRNAs were proposed. Finally, we studied organ-specific miRNA family expression levels through miRNA read frequencies.

Conclusions
This work represents the first massive-scale RNA sequencing study performed in Phaseolus vulgaris to identify and characterize its miRNA population. It significantly increases the number of miRNAs, precursors, and targets identified in this agronomically important species. The miRNA expression analysis provides a foundation for understanding common bean miRNA organ-specific expression patterns. The present study offers an expanded picture of P. vulgaris miRNAs in relation to those of other legumes.
Blocking effect of twin boundaries on partial dislocation emission from void surfaces
Authors: Zhang Lifeng , Zhou Haofei , Qu Shaoxing 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Recent discovery that nanoscale twin boundaries can be introduced in ultrafine-grained metals to improve strength and ductility has renewed interest in the mechanical behavior and deformation mechanisms of these nanostructured materials. By controlling twin boundary spacing, the effect of twin boundaries on void growth is investigated by using atomistic simulation method. The strength is significantly enhanced due to the discontinuous slip system associated with these coherent interfaces. Atomic-scale mechanisms underlying void growth, as well as the interaction between twin boundaries and the void, are revealed in details.
Hollow nitrogen-containing core/shell fibrous carbon nanomaterials as support to platinum nanocatalysts and their TEM tomography study
Authors: Zhou Cuifeng , Liu Zongwen , Du Xusheng , Mitchell David Richard Graham , Mai Yiu-Wing , Yan Yushan , Ringer Simon 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Core/shell nanostructured carbon materials with carbon nanofiber (CNF) as the core and a nitrogen (N)-doped graphitic layer as the shell were synthesized by pyrolysis of CNF/polyaniline (CNF/PANI) composites prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline on CNFs. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared and Raman analyses indicated that the PANI shell was carbonized at 900°C. Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were reduced by formic acid with catalyst supports. Compared to the untreated CNF/PANI composites, the carbonized composites were proven to be better supporting materials for the Pt nanocatalysts and showed superior performance as catalyst supports for methanol electrochemical oxidation. The current density of methanol oxidation on the catalyst with the core/shell nanostructured carbon materials is approximately seven times of that on the catalyst with CNF/PANI support. TEM tomography revealed that some Pt nanoparticles were embedded in the PANI shells of the CNF/PANI composites, which might decrease the electrocatalyst activity. TEM-energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping confirmed that the Pt nanoparticles in the inner tube of N-doped hollow CNFs could be accessed by the Nafion ionomer electrolyte, contributing to the catalytic oxidation of methanol.
Tailoring of Seebeck coefficient with surface roughness effects in silicon sub-50-nm films
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Bagga Anjana , Neeleshwar S 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe effect of surface roughness on the Seebeck coefficient in the sub-50-nm scale silicon ultra thin films is investigated theoretically using nonequilibrium Green's function formalism. For systematic studies, the surface roughness is modelled by varying thickness periodically with square wave profile characterized by two parameters: amplitude (A0) and wavelength (λ). Since high Seebeck coefficient is obtained if the temperature difference between the ends of device produces higher currents and higher induced voltages, we investigate how the generated current and induced voltage is affected with increasingA0andλ. The theoretical investigations show that pseudoperiodicity of the device structure gives rise to two effects: firstly the threshold energy at which the transmission of current starts is shifted towards higher energy sides and secondly transmission spectra of current possess pseudobands and pseudogaps. The width of the pseudobands and their occupancies determine the total generated current. It is found that current decreases with increasingA0but shows a complicated trend withλ. The trends of threshold energy determine the trends of Seebeck voltage with roughness parameters. The increase in threshold energy makes the current flow in higher energy levels. Thus, the Seebeck voltage, i.e. voltage required to nullify this current, increases. Increase in Seebeck voltage results in increase in Seebeck coefficient. We find that threshold energy increases with increasingA0and frequency (1/λ). Hence, Seebeck voltage and Seebeck coefficient increase vice versa. It is observed that Seebeck coefficient is tuneable with surface roughness parameters.
Fixed point theorems and demiclosedness principle for mappings of asymptotically nonexpansive type in Banach spaces
Authors: Deng Caixia , Zhang Jingxin , Cui Yunan 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
In this article, we prove the existence of fixed points for the mappings of asymptotically non-expansive type in a Banach space with its characteristic of noncompact convexity associated to the separation measure of noncompactness less than the weakly convergent sequence coefficient. We also verify the demiclosedness principle for mappings of asymptotically nonexpansive type in Banach spaces with locally uniform Opial condition.

Mathematics Subject Classification: 47H09; 47H10.
The cytokine tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis and its receptor fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 have a neuroprotective effect in the central nervous system
Authors: Echeverry Ramiro , Wu Fang , Haile Woldeab B , Wu Jialing , Yepes Manuel 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Cerebral cortical neurons have a high vulnerability to the harmful effects of hypoxia. However, the brain has the ability to detect and accommodate to hypoxic conditions. This phenomenon, known as preconditioning, is a natural adaptive process highly preserved among species whereby exposure to sub-lethal hypoxia promotes the acquisition of tolerance to a subsequent lethal hypoxic injury. The cytokine tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its receptor fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) are found in neurons and their expression is induced by exposure to sub-lethal hypoxia. Accordingly, in this work we tested the hypothesis that the interaction between TWEAK and Fn14 induces tolerance to lethal hypoxic and ischemic conditions.

Methods
Here we used in vitro and in vivo models of hypoxic and ischemic preconditioning, an animal model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and mice and neurons genetically deficient in TWEAK, Fn14, or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) to investigate whether treatment with recombinant TWEAK or an increase in the expression of endogenous TWEAK renders neurons tolerant to lethal hypoxia. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to study the effect of TWEAK on the expression of neuronal TNF-α, Western blot analysis to investigate whether the effect of TWEAK was mediated by activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and immunohistochemical techniques and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis to study the effect of TWEAK on apoptotic cell death.

Results
We found that either treatment with recombinant TWEAK or an increase in the expression of TWEAK and Fn14 induce hypoxic and ischemic tolerance in vivo and in vitro. This protective effect is mediated by neuronal TNF-α and activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 pathway via phosphorylation and inactivation of the B-cell lymphoma 2-associated death promoter protein.

Conclusions
Our work indicate that the interaction between TWEAK and Fn14 triggers the activation of a cell signaling pathway that results in the induction of tolerance to lethal hypoxia and ischemia. These data indicate that TWEAK may be a potential therapeutic strategy to protect the brain from the devastating effects of an ischemic injury.