bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Duodenal PKC-δ and Cholecystokinin Signaling Axis Regulates Glucose Production
Authors: Breen Danna M. , Yue Jessica T.Y. , Rasmussen Brittany A. , Kokorovic Andrea , Cheung Grace W.C. , Lam Tony K.T. 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE
Metabolism of long-chain fatty acids within the duodenum leads to the activation of duodenal mucosal protein kinase C (PKC)-δ and the cholecystokinin (CCK)-A receptor to lower glucose production through a neuronal network. However, the interfunctional relationship between duodenal PKC-δ and CCK remains elusive. Although long-chain fatty acids activate PKC to stimulate the release of CCK in CCK-secreting cells, CCK has also been found to activate PKC-δ in pancreatic acinar cells. We here evaluate whether activation of duodenal mucosal PKC-δ lies upstream (and/or downstream) of CCK signaling to lower glucose production.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We first determined with immunofluorescence whether PKC-δ and CCK were colocalized within the duodenal mucosa. We then performed gain- and loss-of-function experiments targeting duodenal PKC-δ and the CCK-A receptor and evaluated the impact on changes in glucose kinetics during pancreatic (basal insulin) clamps in rats in vivo.

RESULTS
Immunostaining of PKC-δ was found to colocalize with CCK in the duodenal mucosa. Intraduodenal coinfusion of either the CCK-A receptor antagonist MK-329 or CR-1409 with the PKC activator negated the ability of duodenal mucosal PKC-δ activation to lower glucose production during the pancreatic clamps in normal rats. Conversely, molecular and pharmacological inhibition of duodenal PKC-δ did not negate the ability of the duodenal CCK-A receptor agonist CCK-8 to lower glucose production, indicating that activation of duodenal PKC-δ lies upstream (and not downstream) of CCK signaling. Finally, intraduodenal PKC activator infusion failed to lower glucose production in rats with high-fat diet–induced duodenal CCK resistance.

CONCLUSIONS
In summary, activation of duodenal PKC-δ leads to the stimulation of CCK release and activation of the CCK-A receptor signaling axis to lower glucose production in normal rats, but fails to bypass duodenal CCK-resistance in high fat-fed rats.
Induction of Immunogenic Apoptosis by Blockade of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Activation with a Specific Antibody
Authors: Garrido Greta , Rabasa Ailem , Sánchez Belinda , López María Victoria , Blanco Rances , López Armando , Hernández Diana Rosa , Pérez Rolando , Fernández Luis Enrique 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Despite promising results in the use of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Abs for cancer therapy, several issues remain to be addressed. An increasing emphasis is being placed on immune effector mechanisms. It has become clear for other Abs directed to tumor targets that their effects involve the adaptive immunity, mainly by the contribution of Fc region-mediated mechanisms. Given the relevance of EGFR signaling for tumor biology, we wonder whether the oncogene inhibition could contribute to Ab-induced vaccine effect. In a mouse model in which 7A7 (an anti-murine EGFR Ab) and AG1478 (an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor) displayed potent antimetastatic activities, depletion experiments revealed that only in the case of the Ab, the effect was dependent on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Correspondingly, 7A7 administration elicited a remarkable tumor-specific CTL response in hosts. Importantly, experiments using 7A7 F(ab′)2 suggested that in vivo Ab-mediated EGFR blockade may play an important role in the linkage with adaptive immunity. Addressing the possible mechanism involved in this effect, we found quantitative and qualitative differences between 7A7 and AG1478-induced apoptosis. EGFR blocking by 7A7 not only prompted a higher proapoptotic effect on tumor metastases compared with AG1478, but also was able to induce apoptosis with immunogenic potential in an Fc-independent manner. As expected, 7A7 but not AG1478 stimulated exposure of danger signals on tumor cells. Subcutaneous injection of 7A7-treated tumor cells induced an antitumor immune response. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of a tumor-specific CTL response generated by Ab-mediated EGFR inhibition, suggesting an important contribution of immunogenic apoptosis to this effect.
Test of the month: The chromogenic antifactor Xa assay
Authors: Gehrie Eric , Laposata Michael 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAs the number of anticoagulant drugs increases and new ones are brought to market, the utility of the routine screening coagulation tests of today—namely the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time—will be significantly reduced in many clinical situations. Although the new anticoagulants are designed to require less frequent monitoring, it is imperative that the proper test is selected in situations where monitoring is needed. In addition, tests that are designed for the new generation of drugs may be informative in certain situations for monitoring the anticoagulants that have been in use for many years. Here, we present the chromogenic antifactor Xa assay and demonstrate its utility and its limitations in monitoring three anticoagulant drugs (unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and fondaparinux) as well as one emerging anticoagulant, rivaroxaban. Am. J. Hematol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Very rare defects: What can we learn?
Authors: Castilla Eduardo E. , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research conducted a study on very rare defects (VRDs) to test methodologies in their population surveillance and to increase the knowledge of their epidemiology. Eight VRDs: acardia (AC), amelia (AM), bladder exstrophy (BE), cloaca exstrophy (CE), conjoined twins (CT), cyclopia (CY), “true” phocomelia (PH), and sirenomelia (SI) were selected, all of whom showed prevalences in the order of 1/100,000 births, except for BE: 1/48,000 births. Materials in this investigation from 25 million pregnancy outcomes, were provided by 22 Clearinghouse‐member programs. The study protocol provided a working definition, a summary of the phenotypic characteristic, and a list of ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 codes for each VRDs. Learned lessons include: (1) The suspected associations of decreasing risk with advancing maternal age in AM and SI, and increasing risk in BE, and increasing frequency of twins in SI, were confirmed. (2) Morphologically similar defects showed dissimilar epidemiological characteristics, namely, AM and PH, and BE and CE. (3) Heterogeneity in total prevalences for most VRDs among different surveillance programs were attributed to operational reasons, except for SI and CT in which Amerindian ethnicity seems to be associated with higher prevalence. (4) Verbatim description is essential and must be stored in electronic files. In addition to codes. (5) Dysmorphologists or clinical geneticists are an essential part of the coordinating team of the surveillance program. (6) ICD coding system is insufficient. (7) Surveillance programs should be a valuable source of information on exposures to risk factors during pregnancy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cloacal exstrophy: An epidemiologic study from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research
Authors: Feldkamp Marcia L. , Botto Lorenzo D. , Amar Emmanuelle , Bakker Marian K. , Bermejo‐Sánchez Eva , Bianca Sebastiano , Canfield Mark A. , Castilla Eduardo E. , Clementi Maurizio , Csaky‐Szunyogh Melinda , Leoncini Emanuele , Li Zhu , Lowry R. Brian , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo , Merlob Paul , Morgan Margery , Mutchinick Osvaldo M. , Rissmann Anke , Ritvanen Annukka , Siffel Csaba , Carey John C. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractCloacal exstrophy presents as a complex abdominal wall defect thought to result from a mesodermal abnormality. Anatomically, its main components are Omphalocele, bladder Exstrophy and Imperforate anus. Other associated malformations include renal malformations and Spine defects (OEIS complex). Historically, the prevalence ranges from 1 in 200,000 to 400,000 births, with higher rates in females. Cloacal exstrophy is likely etiologically heterogeneous as suggested by its recurrence in families and occurrence in monozygotic twins. The defect has been described in infants with limb‐body wall, with trisomy 18, and in one pregnancy exposed to Dilantin and diazepam. Due to its rarity, the use of a nonspecific diagnostic code for case identification, and lack of validation of the clinical findings, cloacal exstrophy remains an epidemiologic challenge. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence, associated anomalies and maternal characteristics among infants born with cloacal exstrophy. We used data from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research submitted from 18 birth defect surveillance programs representing 24 countries. Cases were clinically evaluated locally and reviewed centrally by two authors. Cases of persistent cloaca were excluded. A total of 186 cases of cloacal exstrophy were identified. Overall prevalence was 1 in 131,579 births: ranging from 1 in 44,444 births in Wales to 1 in 269,464 births in South America. Live birth prevalence was 1 in 184,195 births. Prevalence ratios did not vary by maternal age. Forty‐two (22.6%) cases met the criteria for the OEIS complex, whereas 60 (32.3%) were classified as OEI and 18 (9.7%) as EIS (one with suspected VATER (0.5%)). Other findings included two cases with trisomy 13 (one without a karyotype confirmation), one with mosaic trisomy 12 (0.5%), one with mosaic 45,X (0.5%) and one classified as having amnion band sequence (0.5%). Twenty‐seven (14.5%) infants had other anomalies unrelated to cloacal exstrophy. Cloacal exstrophy is a rare anomaly with variability in prevalence by geographic location. The proportion of cases classified as OEIS complex was lower in this study than previously reported. Among all cases, 54.8% were reported to have an omphalocele. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amelia: A multi‐center descriptive epidemiologic study in a large dataset from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research, and overview of the literature
Authors: Bermejo‐Sánchez Eva , Cuevas Lourdes , Amar Emmanuelle , Bakker Marian K. , Bianca Sebastiano , Bianchi Fabrizio , Canfield Mark A. , Castilla Eduardo E. , Clementi Maurizio , Cocchi Guido , Feldkamp Marcia L. , Landau Danielle , Leoncini Emanuele , Li Zhu , Lowry R. Brian , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo , Mutchinick Osvaldo M. , Rissmann Anke , Ritvanen Annukka , Scarano Gioacchino , Siffel Csaba , Szabova Elena , Martínez‐Frías María‐Luisa 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis study describes the epidemiology of congenital amelia (absence of limb/s), using the largest series of cases known to date. Data were gathered by 20 surveillance programs on congenital anomalies, all International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research members, from all continents but Africa, from 1968 to 2006, depending on the program. Reported clinical information on cases was thoroughly reviewed to identify those strictly meeting the definition of amelia. Those with amniotic bands or limb‐body wall complex were excluded. The primary epidemiological analyses focused on isolated cases and those with multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). A total of 326 amelia cases were ascertained among 23,110,591 live births, stillbirths and (for some programs) elective terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomalies. The overall total prevalence was 1.41 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval: 1.26–1.57). Only China Beijing and Mexico RYVEMCE had total prevalences, which were significantly higher than this overall total prevalence. Some under‐registration could influence the total prevalence in some programs. Liveborn cases represented 54.6% of total. Among monomelic cases (representing 65.2% of nonsyndromic amelia cases), both sides were equally involved, and the upper limbs (53.9%) were slightly more frequently affected. One of the most interesting findings was a higher prevalence of amelia among offspring of mothers younger than 20 years. Sixty‐nine percent of the cases had MCA or syndromes. The most frequent defects associated with amelia were other types of musculoskeletal defects, intestinal, some renal and genital defects, oral clefts, defects of cardiac septa, and anencephaly. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Food Borne Pathogen Detection in Real Samples Based on Label Free Electrochemical Nucleic Acid Biosensors
Authors: Urkut Z. , Kara P. , Goksungur Y. , Ozsoz M. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe response surface methodology (RSM) is used for optimization of foodborne pathogen detection based on label free electrochemical nucleic acid biosensors. Listeria monocytogenes amplicons obtained from food samples are used as model case. The extent of hybridization is determined by using guanine oxidation signals obtained with Differential Pulse Voltammetry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. RSM is used to investigate the effects of hybridization parameters including target and salt concentration and hybridization time on the biosensor selectivity. The ratio of electrochemical transductions after hybridization with complementary and noncomplementary targets is the response of the statistical analysis obtaining a detection limit of 267 pM.
Inhibitory transcranial magnetic theta burst stimulation attenuates prefrontal cortex oxygenation
Authors: Tupak Sara V. , Dresler Thomas , Badewien Meike , Hahn Tim , Ernst Lena H. , Herrmann Martin J. , Deckert Jürgen , Ehlis Ann‐Christine , Fallgatter Andreas J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractRecent studies highlighted the great potential of newly established theta burst stimulation (TBS) protocols for non‐invasive human brain stimulation studies using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). While intermittent TBS over the primary motor cortex was found to potentiate motor evoked potentials, continuous TBS led to profound attenuations. Although numerous studies investigated the impact of TBS on motor cortex function, yet, only few imaging studies focused on its effects in other brain areas. Particularly for the prefrontal cortex, it is unclear whether TBS has similar effects compared to application over motor areas. In the current study continuous TBS was applied to either the left or right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a sample of healthy subjects. Changes in prefrontal oxygenation were measured during an emotional Stroop task by means of functional multi‐channel near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) before and after stimulation. Results showed bilaterally decreased prefrontal oxygenation following inhibitory stimulation of the left prefrontal cortex but no behavioral effect. No such alterations were observed following right‐hemispheric or sham stimulation. The results of the current study are in line with earlier findings and additionally demonstrate that also prefrontal oxygenation can be impaired by continuous TBS. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantum mechanically derived AMBER‐compatible heme parameters for various states of the cytochrome P450 catalytic cycle
Authors: Shahrokh Kiumars , Orendt Anita , Yost Garold S. , Cheatham Thomas E. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMolecular mechanics (MM) methods are computationally affordable tools for screening chemical libraries of novel compounds for sites of P450 metabolism. One challenge for MM methods has been the absence of a consistent and transferable set of parameters for the heme within the P450 active site. Experimental data indicate that mammalian P450 enzymes vary greatly in the size, architecture, and plasticity of their active sites. Thus, obtaining X‐ray‐based geometries for the development of accurate MM parameters for the major classes of hepatic P450 remains a daunting task. Our previous work with preliminary gas‐phase quantum mechanics (QM)‐derived atomic partial charges greatly improved the accuracy of docking studies of raloxifene to CYP3A4. We have therefore developed and tested a consistent set of transferable MM parameters based on gas‐phase QM calculations of two model systems of the heme—a truncated (T‐HM) and a full (F‐HM) for four states of the P450 catalytic cycle. Our results indicate that the use of the atomic partial charges from the F‐HM further improves the accuracy of docked predictions for raloxifene to CYP3A4. Different patterns for substrate docking are also observed depending on the choice of heme model and state. Newly parameterized heme models are tested in implicit and explicitly solvated MD simulations in the absence and presence of enzyme structures, for CYP3A4, and appear to be stable on the nanosecond simulation timescale. The new force field for the various heme states may aid the community for simulations of P450 enzymes and other heme‐containing enzymes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
CARBON BUDGET AND SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL IN A SANDY SOIL TREATED WITH COMPOST
Authors: Jaiarree S. , Chidthaisong A. , Tangtham N. , Polprasert C. , Sarobol E. , Tyler S. C. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThe effects of compost application on soil carbon sequestration potential and carbon budget of a tropical sandy soil was studied. Greenhouse gas emissions from soil surface and agricultural inputs (fertiliser and fossil fuel uses) were evaluated. The origin of soil organic carbon was identified by using stable carbon isotope. The CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions from soil were estimated in hill evergreen forest (NF) plot as reference, and in the corn cultivation plots with compost application rate at 30 Mg ha−1 y−1 (LC), and at 50 Mg ha−1 y−1 (HC). The total C emissions from soil surface were 8·54, 10·14 and 9·86 Mg C ha−1 y−1 for NF, HC and LC soils, respectively. Total N2O emissions from HC and LC plots (2·56 and 3·47 kg N2O ha−1 y−1) were significantly higher than from the NF plot (1·47 kg N2O ha−1 y−1). Total CO2 emissions from fuel uses of fertiliser, irrigation and machinery were about 10 per cent of total CO2 emissions. For soil carbon storage, since 1983, it has been increased significantly (12 Mg ha−1) under the application of 50 Mg ha−1 y−1 of compost but not with 30 Mg ha−1 y−1. The net C budget when balancing out carbon inputs and outputs from soil for NF, HC and LC soils were +3·24, −2·50 and +2·07 Mg C ha−1 y−1, respectively. Stable isotope of carbon (δ13C value) indicates that most of the increased soil carbon is derived from the compost inputs and/or corn biomass. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stimuli‐Responsive Water‐Soluble Fullerene (C60) Polymeric Systems
Authors: Yao Zhaoling , Tam Kam Chiu 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis review documents the advances in stimuli‐responsive water‐soluble fullerene (C60) polymeric systems. Stimuli‐responsive polymers, when grafted onto C60 impart “smart” and “responsive” characteristics, and these novel materials adopt various morphologies when subjected to external stimuli, such as pH, temperature, and salt. Various synthetic approaches for producing C60‐polymers are outlined and discussed. The responsive behavior, water solubility, and self‐assembly characteristics of these C60‐polymers make them attractive for applications such as drug delivery, temperature sensors, and personal care.
Determination of structural inhomogeneity of synthesized diamonds by backscattering electron diffraction
Authors: Fodchuk I. , Balovsyak S. , Borcha M. , Garabazhiv Ya. , Tkach V. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe technique based on analysis of geometry and intensity distribution profiles on Kikuchi patterns obtained due to electron backscattering diffraction for defining structural imperfection of diamond crystals has been suggested. To determine the geometry parameters in Kikuchi patterns with the maximal precision special software was developed. It is shown that application of electron diffraction (Kikuchi method) allows information to be obtained about the degree of perfection and homogeneity of real structure for diamond crystals synthesized by different methods.
Assessing the influence of the model trajectory in the adaptive observation Kalman Filter Sensitivity method
Authors: Oger N. , Pannekoucke O. , Doerenbecher A. , Arbogast P. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe purpose of adaptive observation strategies is to design optimal observation networks in a prognostic way. The implementation of such strategies is based on adaptive observation numerical techniques that provide guidance on where to deploy future additional observations. Most advanced techniques account for the dynamical aspects of the atmosphere and the data assimilation system (DAS). This study aims to assess the influence of the model trajectory on the Kalman Filter Sensitivity (KFS) method used at Météo‐France. KFS is an adjoint‐based method identifying sensitive areas by means of a forecast score variance. Targeted observations are designed to reduce this score variance. In its first version, KFS was not able to deal with trajectory uncertainties. An ensemble‐based approach is undertaken to investigate if it is possible to account for these uncertainties. We assess the robustness of the method regarding trajectory errors and propose a practical solution. To avoid high computational costs, a simplified framework is used. We perform experiments with a two‐layer quasi‐geostrophic model in an incremental 4D‐Var system. KFS is computed to target a potential vorticity anomaly interacting with a simplified jet stream. Numerical experiments show that the impact of additional observations depends equally on the suboptimal formulation of the DAS components and the trajectory errors. When the KFS sensitivity fields are constrained by the DAS components, the sensitivity values are determined by the selection of the reference trajectory. A targeting strategy based on the ensemble mean sensitivity field is proposed. Experiments show this to be more efficient than a random targeting strategy. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Morphological characteristics of Echinococcus granulosus derived from buffalo in Iran
Authors: HOSSEINI SEYED HOSSEIN , POUR ARASH AMIN , SHAYAN PARVIZ 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYCystic echinococcosis is a significant parasitic disease in Iran, where a variety of animals act as intermediate hosts. In this study, 25 isolates of Echinococcus granulosus obtained from water buffalo from various parts of Iran were characterized on the basis of the morphology of the metacestode and the adult worm. The characteristics of protoscoleces from the different studied areas were nearly similar. They showed 2 rows of alternating large and small hooks and their shapes were smooth in outline. In contrast to the protoscoleces, the adult rostellar hooks showed a rough outline. The results showed that the total length, the blade lengths of the large and small hooks and the number of hooks are almost similar to those isolated from sheep but significantly different from those isolated from camels. The growth rates of adult E. granulosus (total worm length, segmentation and maturation) of buffalo origin, at 35 and 41 days post-infection of dogs, were nearly comparable to the common sheep strain. The form of the strobila and the morphology of the reproductive system were also similar to those of sheep origin. This suggests that the common sheep strain (G1) of E. granulosus may also use buffaloes as its intermediate host.
Normative benchmarks are useful for studying individual differences in reasoning
Authors: Stupple Edward J. N. , Ball Linden J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWe applaud many aspects of Elqayam & Evans' (E&E's) call for a descriptivist research programme in studying reasoning. Nevertheless, we contend that normative benchmarks are vital for understanding individual differences in performance. We argue that the presence of normative responses to particular problems by certain individuals should inspire researchers to look for converging evidence for analytic processing that may have a normative basis.