bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated MAL expression is accompanied by promoter hypomethylation and platinum resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Lee Paula S. , Teaberry Vanessa S. , Bland Amy E. , Huang Zhiqing , Whitaker Regina S. , Baba Tsukasa , Fujii Shingo , Secord Angeles Alvarez , Berchuck Andrew , Murphy Susan K. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe previously found that the gene encoding the Myelin and Lymphocyte protein, MAL, was among the most highly expressed genes in serous ovarian cancers from short‐term survivors (<3 years) relative to those of long‐term survivors (>7 years). In the present study, we have found that this difference in expression is partially attributable to differences in DNA methylation at a specific region within the MAL promoter CpG island. While MAL was largely unmethylated at the transcription start site (Region 1; −48 to +73 bp) in primary serous ovarian cancers, methylation of an upstream region (Region 2; −452 to −266 bp) was inversely correlated with MAL transcription in the primary cancers (R = −0.463) and ovarian cancer cell lines (R = −0.444). Following treatment of the OVCA432 cell line with 5‐azacytidine, methylation of Region 2 decreased from 73.3% to 34.7% (p = 0.007) while Region 1 was unaffected. This was accompanied by a 10‐fold increase in MAL expression. Since MAL transcripts are elevated in tumors from short‐term survivors, all of whom were treated with platinum‐based therapy, MAL may have a role in cisplatin response. We therefore determined the 50% growth inhibitory dose of cisplatin in 30 ovarian cancer cell lines and compared this to MAL expression. MAL transcript levels were higher in the resistant ovarian cell lines (p = 0.04). MAL methylation status may therefore serve as a marker of platinum sensitivity while MAL protein may be a target for development of novel therapies aimed at enhancing sensitivity to platinum‐based drugs in ovarian cancer.
General‐interest versus specialty journals: Using intellectual influence of econometrics research to rank economics journals and articles
Authors: Bao Yong , Lo Melody , Mixon Franklin G. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis paper demonstrates the potential problem in using existing economics journal rankings to evaluate the research productivity of scholars by constructing a new ranking of economics journals and articles. Based on 2142 econometrics sample articles published from 2000 to 2005, our ranking results show that the intellectual influence of an econometrics article published in several econometrics/statistics journals is much higher than if it were published in the most prestigious general‐interest journal. Given that a study's potential influence is integrated into the submission decision, this suggests a substantial downward bias toward econometricians when existing rankings are used to evaluate their research productivity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of polymer chemistry and fabrication method on protein release and stability from polyanhydride microspheres
Authors: Lopac Senja K. , Torres Maria P. , Wilson‐Welder Jennifer H. , Wannemuehler Michael J. , Narasimhan Balaji 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe release kinetics and stability of ovalbumin encapsulated into polyanhydride microspheres with varying chemistries were studied. Polymers based on the anhydride monomers sebacic acid (SA), 1,6‐bis(p‐carboxyphenoxy)hexane (CPH), and 1,8‐bis (p‐carboxyphenoxy)‐3,6‐dioxaoctane (CPTEG) were utilized. Microspheres were fabricated using two non‐aqueous methods: a solid/oil/oil double emulsion technique and cryogenic atomization. The studies showed that the two fabrication methods did not significantly affect the release kinetics of ovalbumin, even though the burst release of the protein was a function of the fabrication method and the polymer chemistry. Antigenic stability of ovalbumin released from microspheres prepared by cryogenic atomization was studied by western blot analysis. These studies indicate that the amphiphilic CPTEG:CPH polyanhydrides preserved protein structure and enhanced protein stability by preserving the immunological epitopes of released protein. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Enhancing the stability of power generation of single‐chamber microbial fuel cells using an anion exchange membrane
Authors: Mo Yinghui , Liang Peng , Huang Xia , Wang Huiyong , Cao Xiaoxin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBACKGROUD: A decreased power density could be observed in a single‐chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a cation exchange membrane (CEM), as a result of pH‐associated problem and a precipitated salt‐associated problem, due to the transport of cations other than protons through the membrane to the cathode. To inhibit cation transport and enhance the stability of power generation, an anion exchange membranes (AEM) was applied in a single‐chamber MFC.RESULTS: After 70 days' operation, the power density dropped 29% in the MFC with an AEM (AMFC), smaller than 48% in the MFC with a cation exchange membrane (CMFC). The reason for this difference lay in internal resistance development. Membrane resistance in the AMFC remained the same but that in the CMFC was increased by 67 Ω, and the cathode resistance increase in the AMFC was 54 Ω, while that in the CMFC was 123 Ω. The precipitated cations on the cathode catalyst surface in the CMFC, which accounted for the resistance increase, were up to 84 times larger than that in the AMFC.CONCLUSION: Because of its capacity for inhibiting cations, the AMFC possessed more stable membrane and cathode resistances; thus an enhanced power generation was obtained. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Regenerating titanium ventricular assist device surfaces after gold/palladium coating for scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Achneck Hardean E. , Serpe Michael J. , Jamiolkowski Ryan M. , Eibest Leslie M. , Craig Stephen L. , Lawson Jeffrey H. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractTitanium is one of the most commonly used materials for implantable devices in humans. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) serves as an important tool for imaging titanium surfaces and analyzing cells and other organic matter adhering to titanium implants. However, high‐vacuum SEM imaging of a nonconductive sample requires a conductive coating on the surface. A gold/palladium coating is commonly used and to date no method has been described to “clean” such gold/palladium covered surfaces for repeated experiments without etching the titanium itself. This constitutes a major problem with titanium‐based implantable devices which are very expensive and thus in short supply. Our objective was to devise a protocol to regenerate titaniumsurfaces after SEM analysis. In a series of experiments, titanium samples from implantable cardiac assist devices were coated with fibronectin, seeded with cells and then coated with gold/palladium for SEM analysis. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra were obtained before and after five different cleaning protocols. Treatment with aqua regia (a 1:3 solution of concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acid), with or without ozonolysis, followed by sonication in soap solution and sonication in deionized water, allowed regenerating titanium surfaces to their original state. Atomic force microscopy confirmed that the established protocol did not alter the titanium microstructure. The protocol described herein is applicable to almost all titanium surfaces used in biomedical sciences and because of its short exposure time to aqua regia, will likely work for many titanium alloys as well. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of phospholipase A2 activity in serum of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Merchant Mark , Heard Raphiel , Monroe Caleb 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPLA2 is a diverse class of enzymes with a broad spectrum of physiological functions. Secretory PLA2 isoforms have been reported to exhibit important innate immune function in higher vertebrates. This study was conducted to characterize PLA2 activity in the serum of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). We used a glycerophospholipid with a fatty acid in the sn‐2 position labeled with a fluorescent probe (BODIPY) to detect and quantify alligator serum PLA2 activity. Incubation of BODIPY‐labeled bacteria with different concentrations of alligator serum resulted in a concentration‐dependent detection of PLA2 activity. Kinetic studies showed that product formation was rapid, with substantial activity within 5 min, and maximal activity at approximately 20 min. The alligator PLA2 activity was temperature‐dependent, with activity at lower temperatures (5−10°C) approximately half of that observed at temperatures of 30–40°C. In addition, the generation of fluorescent product was reduced by a specific inhibitor (p‐bromophenacyl bromide) of secretory PLA2 in a concentration‐dependent manner, enforcing the idea that the observed activities are due to a secretory PLA2 enzyme in alligator serum. J. Exp. Zool. 311A: 662–666, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental plasticity in fish exposed to a water velocity gradient: a complex response
Authors: Fischer‐Rousseau Laurence , Chu Kevin Pokwah , Cloutier Richard 
Published: July 2009

AbstractDevelopmental plasticity plays a major role in evolution and provides an excellent context for unravelling the ecological implication of variation in abiotic factors to which developing fish are subjected. Water velocity has been known to induce plasticity in salmonids, but the ontogenetic component of these changes is poorly documented. Newly hatched specimens of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were reared in four constant water velocity treatments (0.4, 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 cm/sec) for a period of 100 days. Traditional and geometric morphometrics were used complementarily to characterize morphological changes among treatments throughout ontogeny and demonstrated early and complex developmental plasticity inO. mykiss. Certain traits display a constant direction of change, whereas other traits present a break point at 20–25 mm (∼40–60 dph) indicating a modification in the nature of changes between developmental stages. Plasticity in response to water velocity was detected from very early on (15–20 mm; ∼20–40 dph) and concerned mostly fin‐related traits. Body‐related traits did not respond conformingly to functional expectations as fishes reared in the fastest velocity treatment show a robust body shape more comparable to that of fish from the slowest treatment than do fish from the intermediate velocity. The noncongruence between treatment and response gradient suggests that different combinations of water velocity have the potential to lead to diverging interpretation of plasticity, both in an ecological and evolutionary context. Overall, the complex shape changes observed inO. mykissstress the importance of paying better attention to actual functional requirements and adaptations that occur at levels other than hydrodynamics.J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:67–85, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development's invisible hands: Introduction to special issue
Authors: Thomas Alan , Sumner Andy , Tribe Michael 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis Special Issue comes from the Development Studies Association (DSA) 30th Anniversary conference in 2008. The theme was ‘Development's Invisible Hands’, focusing on the forces likely to influence global change and re‐shape development agendas over the next 30 years. The first section comprises brief invited thinkpieces mainly from DSA past presidents. Interestingly, while some focus on Adam Smith's original ‘invisible hand’ analogy and others discuss a range of non‐market issues, several invoke Karl Polanyi on the limitations of market society. The second and third sections consist, respectively, of ‘synthesis’ papers on parallel panel themes and papers developed from the best panel presentations. The papers demonstrate the range of issues raised by questioning the future of development and development studies—while the limitations of future gazing are pointed up by the unexpected challenge to current development models presented since the conference by the global financial crisis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Where we stand and what we stand for: The DSA now and in the future
Authors: Bown Lalage 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe paper looks at some visible and invisible challenges to development studies—seen as comprising a policy‐related field—in relation to the UK and the DSA and against the background of world economic turmoil. They include: a revaluation of the multi‐disciplinary and inter‐disciplinary nature of the subject, to retain its broad base; the need to work within a comparative framework, linking poor and rich countries and the importance of a value base for development research. A strong appeal is made for better efforts to educate a wider public, especially in collaboration with the Development Education Association. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drivers of development over the next 30 years: Some speculations
Authors: Harriss John 
Published: July 2009

AbstractClass relationships are amongst the fundamental drivers of development, and it is argued here that over the next 30 years a major influence on the pattern and path of development will be exerted by the rise of the ‘new middle classes’ of Asia. At the same time, in the context of the blocked transition of the present, it seems unlikely that those who are marginalised and excluded will be able adequately to organise resistance, much less change structures of power, but poverty will be managed through welfare interventions like India's National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Putting aid in its place: Insights from early structuralists on aid and balance of payments and lessons for contemporary aid debates
Authors: Fischer Andrew M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractRecent debates on aid and development are waged on narrow terms in comparison to earlier debates in the 1950s and 1960s. The principal concern of the ‘structuralist’ pioneers of development economics, and the key absence in the current debates, was an understanding of the structural impediments faced by countries going through late industrialisation and rapid urban growth. These result in chronic trade deficits, shortages of foreign exchange and persistent balance of payments disequilibria. The positive potential of aid was understood to lie in its ability to mediate these imbalances in the context of national industrialisation strategies. By the same logic, this potential is lost if countries run trade surpluses. Current debates on aid mostly overlook this dual logic, despite the fact that both positive and negative experiences of post‐war development largely vindicate these structuralist insights, particularly in light of current global financial imbalances. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A combined atomic force microscopy imaging and docking study to investigate the complex between p53 DNA binding domain and Azurin
Authors: Bizzarri Anna Rita , Di Agostino Silvia , Andolfi Laura , Cannistraro Salvatore 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe tumor suppressor p53 interacts with the redox copper protein Azurin (AZ) forming a complex which is of some relevance in biomedicine and cancer therapy. To obtain information on the spatial organization of this complex when it is immobilized on a substrate, we have used tapping mode‐atomic force microscopy (TM‐AFM) imaging combined with computational docking. The vertical dimension and the bearing volume of the DNA binding domain (DBD) of p53, anchored to functionalized gold substrate through exposed lysine residues, alone and after deposing AZ, have been measured by TM‐AFM. By a computational docking approach, a three‐dimensional model for the DBD of p53, before and after addition of AZ, have been predicted. Then we have calculated the possible arrangements of these biomolecular systems on gold substrate by finding a good agreement with the related experimental distribution of the height. The potentiality of the approach combining TM‐AFM imaging and computational docking for the study of biomolecular complexes immobilized on substrates is briefly discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intraarterially delivered human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in canine cerebral ischemia
Authors: Chung Dai‐Jung , Choi Chi‐Bong , Lee Sung‐Ho , Kang Eun‐Hee , Lee Jae‐Hoon , Hwang Soo‐Han , Han Hoon , Lee Jong‐Hwan , Choe Bo‐Young , Lee Soo‐Yeol , Kim Hwi‐Yool 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe present study examined the effects of human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUCB‐derived MSCs) delivered through the basilar artery in a canine thromboembolic brain ischemia model. Cerebral ischemia was induced through occlusion of the middle cerebral artery by injecting thrombus emboli into 10 beagles. In the HUCBC group (n = 5), 1 × 106 HUCB‐derived MSCs were transplanted through the basilar artery 1 day after ischemic induction using an endovascular interventional approach. In the control group (n = 5), phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) was injected in the same manner in as the HUCBC group. Upon neurobehavioral examination, earlier recovery was observed in the HUCBC group. The HUCBC group showed a decrease in the infarction volume at 1 week after cerebral ischemic induction, whereas the control group showed an increase in the infarction volume at 1 week, by magnetic resonance image analysis. Transplanted cells had differentiated into neurons and astrocytes and were observed in and around endothelial cells that were positive for von Willebrand factor (vWF). HUCB‐derived MSCs expressed neuroprotective factors, such as brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), at 4 weeks after the transplantation. The transplanted cells demonstrated their efficacy by reducing the infarction lesion volume and through earlier recovery from the neurological deficit. These results suggest that intraarterial transplantation of HUCB‐derived MSCs could be useful in clinical treatment of cerebral ischemia. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutant huntingtin and glycogen synthase kinase 3‐β accumulate in neuronal lipid rafts of a presymptomatic knock‐in mouse model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Valencia Antonio , Reeves Patrick B. , Sapp Ellen , Li Xueyi , Alexander Jonathan , Kegel Kimberly B. , Chase Kathryn , Aronin Neil , DiFiglia Marian 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPatients with Huntington's disease have an expanded polyglutamine tract in huntingtin and suffer severe brain atrophy and neurodegeneration. Because membrane dysfunction can occur in Huntington's disease, we addressed whether mutant huntingtin in brain and primary neurons is present in lipid rafts, which are cholesterol‐enriched membrane domains that mediate growth and survival signals. Biochemical analysis of detergent‐resistant membranes from brains and primary neurons of wild‐type and presymptomatic Huntington's disease knock‐in mice showed that wild‐type and mutant huntingtin were recovered in lipid raft‐enriched detergent‐resistant membranes. The association with lipid rafts was stronger for mutant huntingtin than wild‐type huntingtin. Lipid rafts extracted from Huntington's disease mice had normal levels of lipid raft markers (Gαq, Ras, and flotillin) but significantly more glycogen synthase kinase 3‐β. Increases in glycogen synthase kinase 3‐β have been associated with apoptotic cell death. Treating Huntington's disease primary neurons with inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase 3‐β reduced neuronal death. We speculate that accumulation of mutant huntingtin and glycogen synthase kinase 3‐β in lipid rafts of presymptomatic Huntington's disease mouse neurons contributes to neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immuno‐capture as ultimate sample cleanup in LC‐MS/MS determination of the early stage biomarker ProGRP
Authors: Winther Bjørn , Nordlund Marianne , Paus Elisabeth , Reubsaet Léon , Halvorsen Trine Grønhaug 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis paper presents a selective and efficient sample preparation procedure for NLLGLIEAK, signature peptide for the small cell lung cancer (SCLC) biomarker ProGRP, in human serum. The procedure is based on immuno‐capture of ProGRP in 96‐wells microtiter plates coated with the mAb E146. After immuno‐capture and thorough rinse, trypsin was added for in‐well digestion. Subsequently the signature peptide was enriched by SPE and determined by LC‐MS/MS. Various steps in the procedure were optimized to achieve a low LOD such as dilution of sample, tryptic digestion, and SPE cleanup and peptide enrichment conditions. A single quadropole MS was used during optimization of the method. A triple quadropole MS was used in the method evaluation in order to improve sensitivity. The evaluation showed good repeatability (RSD, 11.9–17.5%), accuracy (3.0–6.6%), and linearity (r2 = 0.995) in the tested range (0.5–50 ng/mL). LOD and LOQ were in the pg/mL area (0.20 and 0.33 ng/mL, respectively), enabling the determination of clinically relevant concentrations. The method was applied to two patient samples and showed good agreement with an established immunological reference method. The final method was compared to a previous published LC‐MS method for the determination of ProGRP in serum based on protein precipitation and online sample cleanup. Both showed acceptable method performance, however, the immuno‐capture LC‐MS method was superior with respect to sensitivity. This illustrates the large potential of immuno‐capture sample preparation prior to LC‐MS in protein biomarker quantification.
Simultaneous spectrophotometric and chemometric determination of lipids in synthetic mixtures and human serum
Authors: Dumancas Gerard G. , Muriuki Mary , Purdie Neil , Reilly Lisa 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis article describes the development of a new paradigm in lipid testing wherein seven major human plasma lipids are determined simultaneously without the need for analytical separations. Included are cholesterol and the esters of linoleic, conjugated linoleic (CLA), arachidonic, linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, (EPA), and docosohexaenoic acids, (DHA). The simple quantitative colorimetric assay is rapid, rugged, inexpensive and specific to the ‐CH=CH‐CH2‐ functional group in both cyclic and acyclic structures. The critical moiety in the functional group is the α‐methylene (allylic) group that triggers the reaction. Without it, a double or triple bond is not reactive. The visible spectrum for a typical plasma sample turned out to be the linear sum of the weighted contributions from all seven analytes that – given the heterogeneity of blood samples – leads to a broad diversity in the spectral patterns. To resolve the spectral data, a number of chemometric techniques were investigated. Initially, calculations were made on spectral data that originated from prepared synthetic mixtures whose molar concentrations were known. The most encouraging algorithms employed are: coupling ridge regression (RR) with K‐matrix, partial least squares regression (PLS), and generalized standard addition method (GSAM). An attempt to apply GSAM to serum samples is validated using GC‐MS. The same serum samples are analyzed using GC‐MS and spectrophotometry and the ratios of omega‐6 to omega‐3 obtained from the analyses are compared. Results using both methods correspond very well. (The reaction between acetyl chloride and olefinic systems is described as a Friedel‐Crafts reaction but the mechanism of this process, the structure of the products, and the nature of the resulting chromophore remains to be fully identified.)