bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell permeabilization and inhibition of voltage‐gated Ca2+ and Na+ channel currents by nanosecond pulsed electric field
Authors: Nesin Vasyl , Bowman Angela M. , Xiao Shu , Pakhomov Andrei G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPrevious studies have found that nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) exposure causes long‐term permeabilization of the cell plasma membrane. In this study, we utilized the whole‐cell patch‐clamp method to study the nsPEF effect on currents of voltage‐gated (VG) Ca2+ and Na+ channels (ICa and INa) in cultured GH3 and NG108 cells. We found that a single 300 or 600 ns pulse at or above 1.5–2 kV/cm caused prolonged inhibition of ICa and INa. Concurrently, nsPEF increased a non‐inactivating “leak” current (Ileak), presumably due to the formation of nanoelectropores or larger pores in the plasma membrane. The nsPEF effects were similar in cells that were exposed intact and subsequently brought into the whole‐cell recording configuration, and in cells that were first brought into the whole‐cell configuration and then exposed. Although both Ileak and the inhibition of VG currents were enhanced at higher E‐field levels, these two nsPEF effects showed relatively weak correlation with each other. In some cells, Ileak increased 10‐fold or more while VG currents remained unchanged. At longer time intervals after exposure (5–15 min), ICa and INa could remain inhibited although Ileak had largely recovered. The causal relation of nsPEF inhibitory effects on VG currents and permeabilization of the plasma membrane is discussed. Bioelectromagnetics 33:394–404, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and validation of HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of piperine and guggulsterones in compound Unani formulation (tablets) and a nanoreservoir system
Authors: Kamal Y.T. , Mohammed Musthaba S. , Singh Mhaveer , Parveen Rabea , Ahmad Sayeed , Baboota Sanjula , Ali Imran , Siddiqui Khalid M. , Arif Zaidi S. M. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTAn attempt has been made to develop and validate a simultaneous HPLC method for novel approach of drug release via oil‐in‐water (o/w) nanoemulsion formulation and Habb‐e‐Khardal Unani tablet containing piperine and guggul sterones E and Z as main ingredients. Nanoemulsion was prepared by titration method using sefsol‐218 as an oily phase, cremophor‐EL as a surfactant, transcutol as a co‐surfactant and distilled water as an aqueous phase. The formulation was optimized on the basis of thermodynamic stability and dispersibilty test. The nanoformulation was evaluated for particle size, surface morphology, electrical conductivity and viscosity determination. The in vitro dissolution was carried out by dialysis bag method. Drugs were quantified using an HPLC method developed in‐house with a C18 column as stationary phase and acetonitrile and water as mobile phase at λmax of 240 nm. The optimized formulation showed higher drug release, lower droplet size and less viscosity as compared with the conventional Habb‐e‐Khardal Unani tablet. The present study illustrated the potential of nanoemulsion dosage form in improving biopharmaceutic performance of piperine and guggul sterone. The HPLC method was also found to be quite sufficient for the routine quality control of formulations containing piperine and guggul sterone E and Z as ingredients and also for in vitro drug release studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Red yeast rice‐garlic inhibits the markers of differentiation in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Park Hye‐Jin , Abanto Oliver D. , Ghosh Chiranjit , Hwang Seong‐Gu , Park Dong‐Ki , Kim In‐Sook 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study investigates the hypothesis that the ethyl acetate extract of rice fermented with red yeast (Monascuspilosus) in medium containing garlic (RYRGE) inhibits the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes by down regulating cellular induction of PPARγ, and C/EBPα. Mouse 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes were treated with 0.0, 0.125, and 0.25 mg/mL of RYRGE, and Oil Red O staining, triglyceride accumulation and glyceradehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity were measured as markers of adipocyte differentiation. The protein and mRNA expressions of PPARγ and C/EBPα were measured using Western Blot and RT‐PCR, respectively. The mRNA expressions of leptin and aP2 genes were measured using RT‐PCR. RYRGE significantly inhibited lipid accumulation and GPDH activity in dose‐dependent manner (p<0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of PPARγ and C/EBPα were dose‐dependently inhibited by RYRGE. Similarly, RYRGE decreased the gene expression of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2) and leptin in a dose‐dependent manner (p<0.05), which generally acts as an adipogenic marker proteins and C/EBPα and PPARγ target genes. These results indicate that RYRGE effectively attenuated adipogenesis by down‐regulating the expression of adipocyte transcription factors and related adipogenic gene expressions.
Development of moisture loss models in steam turbines
Authors: Kawagishi Hiroyuki , Onoda Akihiro , Shibukawa Naoki , Niizeki Yoshiki 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis paper describes physics‐based moisture loss models for designing wet‐steam turbines. Steam turbines operating under wet‐steam conditions experience thermodynamic and mechanical losses caused by the presence of moisture. The developed moisture loss models are composed of six categories: supersaturation loss, condensation loss, acceleration loss, braking loss, capturing loss, and pumping loss. These losses are calculated according to the wetness levels in the stationary blade and moving blade rows, and defined by the functions of steam properties and design factors of turbine stages. The supersaturation loss produced by non‐equilibrium expansion of the wet steam is modeled using the pressure ratio and the isentropic exponent of the supersaturated steam. The loss models are compared to full‐size test turbine data for prediction of the overall moisture losses. As a result, the developed loss models are found to be very effective for estimating the moisture losses of turbine stages. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 42(7): 651–664, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20395
Send More Tourists! Stakeholder Perceptions of a Tourism Industry in Late Stage Decline: the Case of the Isle of Man
Authors: Canavan Brendan 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTQualitative interviews, conducted in the Isle of Man, investigate local perceptions of a tourism industry in late stage decline. Social impacts of decline, including facilities loss, cultural changes and a heightening of perceived peripherality, which together undermine local identity, are pronounced despite successful economic diversification. Tourists are welcomed as they help to affirm the pride residents have in their island, create a more active atmosphere, provide social interaction opportunities and combat negative stereotyping. Overall, findings emphasise the diverse, unique and persistent benefits of tourism in the Isle of Man, despite decline. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adiabatic pulse preparation for imaging iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Harris Steven S. , Mao Hui , Hu Xiaoping P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSuperparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles produce changes in the surrounding microscopic magnetic field. A method for generating contrast based on the application of an adiabatic preparation pulse and the failure of the adiabatic condition surrounding the nanoparticles is introduced in this article. Images were obtained in the presence and absence of an adiabatic preparation pulse and the difference was obtained. With the use of an adiabatic full passage pulse, the contrast in the difference image depends linearly on iron concentration up to 1 mM. The use of an adiabatic zero passage pulse resulted in higher sensitivity to nanoparticles compared to the adiabatic full passage, while maintaining linear concentration dependence to 0.1 mM. This technique was shown to be insensitive to magnetization transfer and B0 inhomogeneity. With its linearity with iron concentration and insensitivity to changes in the main magnetic field, the new method is well suited for quantitative iron oxide nanoparticle imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective multivessel labeling approach for perfusion territory imaging in pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling
Authors: Helle Michael , Rüfer Susanne , van Osch Matthias J. P. , Jansen Olav , Norris David G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractRecently, a new method for perfusion territory imaging named superselective pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling was introduced. The method uses additional time‐varying gradients to create a circular labeling spot that can be adjusted in size and thus adapted to individual arteries. In this study, the additional gradients are adjusted in such a way that an elliptical labeling spot is formed, which can be applied to label the blood in multiple vessels simultaneously in conjunction with an increased labeling efficiency compared with the original superselective approach. When compared with other selective multivessel strategies, the proposed technique allows for an improved and flexible adaption of the labeling focus to different anatomical variations of the arteries in the neck so that a total of five perfusion territories from the data acquired in three measurements can be recalculated in a reduced scan time. These include not only the perfusion territories of the cerebrum but also the perfusion territories in the cerebellum fed by individual vertebral arteries. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quasi‐static magnetic resonance elastography at 7 T to measure the effect of pathology before and after fixation on tissue biomechanical properties
Authors: McGrath Deirdre M. , Foltz Warren D. , Al‐Mayah Adil , Niu Carolyn J. , Brock Kristy K. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractEvaluation of imaging for cancer detection and localization can be achieved by correlation of gold‐standard histopathology with imaging data. Usage of a 3D biomechanical‐based deformable registration for correlation of the histopathology of whole‐tissue specimens with ex vivo imaging necessitates measurement of the distribution of biomechanical properties in the ex vivo tissue specimen and changes that occur during pathology fixation. To measure high‐resolution 3D distributions of Young's modulus (E) prefixation and postfixation, a quasi‐static magnetic resonance elastography method was developed at 7 T. Use of echo‐planar imaging allowed for shorter imaging times, in line with limited time frames allowable for pathology specimens. The finite element modeling algorithm produced voxel‐wise E measures, and mechanical indentation was used for comparison. An initial preclinical evaluation with canine prostate specimens (n = 5) demonstrated a consistent increase in E with fixation (P < 0.002) by a factor of 4 (±1). Increases were a function of distance from the tissue edge and correlated with fixation time (ρ = 1, P < 0.02). The technique will be used to generate population‐averaged data of E from clinical ex vivo specimens prefixation and postfixation to inform registration of whole‐mount histopathology with in vivo imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patient‐individual local SAR determination: In vivo measurements and numerical validation
Authors: Voigt T. , Homann H. , Katscher U. , Doessel O. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTissue heating during magnetic resonance measurements is a potential hazard at high‐field MRI, and particularly, in the framework of parallel radiofrequency transmission. The heating is directly related to the radiofrequency energy absorbed during an magnetic resonance examination, that is, the specific absorption rate (SAR). SAR is a pivotal parameter in MRI safety regulations, requiring reliable estimation methods. Currently used methods are usually based on models which are neither patient‐specific nor taken into account patient position and posture, which typically leads to the need for large safety margins. In this work, a novel approach is presented, which measures local SAR in a patient‐specific manner. Using a specific formulation of Maxwell's equations, the local SAR is estimated via postprocessing of the complex transmit sensitivity of the radiofrequency antenna involved. The approximations involved in the proposed method are investigated. The presented approach yields a sufficiently accurate and patient‐specific local SAR measurement of the brain within a scan time of less than 5 min. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conformational selection through electrostatics: Free energy simulations of gtp and gdp binding to archaeal initiation factor 2
Authors: Satpati Priyadarshi , Simonson Thomas 
Published: December 2011

AbstractArchaeal Initiation Factor 2 is a GTPase involved in protein biosynthesis. In its GTP‐bound, “ON” conformation, it binds an initiator tRNA and carries it to the ribosome. In its GDP‐bound, “OFF” conformation, it dissociates from tRNA. To understand the specific binding of GTP and GDP and their dependence on the conformational state, molecular dynamics free energy simulations were performed. The ON state specificity was predicted to be weak, with a GTP/GDP binding free energy difference of −1 kcal/mol, favoring GTP. The OFF state specificity is larger, 4 kcal/mol, favoring GDP. The overall effects result from a competition among many interactions in several complexes. To interpret them, we use a simpler, dielectric continuum model. Several effects are robust with respect to the model details. Both nucleotides have a net negative charge, so that removing them from solvent into the binding pocket carries a desolvation penalty, which is large for the ON state, and strongly disfavors GTP binding compared to GDP. Short‐range interactions between the additional GTP phosphate group and ionized sidechains in the binding pocket offset most, but not all of the desolvation penalty; more distant groups also contribute significantly, and the switch 1 loop only slightly. The desolvation penalty is lower for the more open, wetter OFF state, and the GTP/GDP difference much smaller. Short‐range interactions in the binding pocket and with more distant groups again make a significant contribution. Overall, the simulations help explain how conformational selection is achieved with a single phosphate group. Proteins 2012; © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Affinity and selectivity of [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO for the D3 and D2 receptors in the rhesus monkey brain in vivo
Authors: Gallezot Jean‐Dominique , Beaver John D. , Gunn Roger N. , Nabulsi Nabeel , Weinzimmer David , Singhal Tarun , Slifstein Mark , Fowles Krista , Ding Yu‐Shin , Huang Yiyun , Laruelle Marc , Carson Richard E. , Rabiner Eugenii A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAlthough [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO has enabled quantification of the dopamine‐D3 receptor (D3R) in the human brain in vivo, its selectivity for the D3R is not sufficiently high to allow us to disregard its binding to the dopamine‐D2 receptor (D2R). We quantified the affinity of [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO for the D2R and D3R in the living primate brain. Two rhesus monkeys were examined on four occasions each, with [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO administered in a bolus + infusion paradigm. Varying doses of unlabeled (+)‐PHNO were coadministered on each occasion (total doses ranging from 0.09 to 5.61 μg kg−1). The regional binding potential (BPND) and the corresponding doses of injected (+)‐PHNO were used as inputs in a model that quantified the affinity of (+)‐PHNO for the D2R and D3R, as well as the regional fractions of the [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO signal attributable to D3R binding. (+)‐PHNO in vivo affinity for the D3R (Kd/fND ∼ 0.23–0.56 nM) was 25‐ to 48‐fold higher than that for the D2R (Kd/fND ∼ 11–14 nM). The tracer limits for (+)‐PHNO (dose associated with D3R occupancy ∼ 10%) were estimated at ∼0.02–0.04 μg kg−1 injected mass for anesthetized primate and at 0.01–0.02 μg kg−1 for awake human positron emission tomography (PET) studies. Our data enabled a rational design and interpretation of future PET studies with [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Racial disparities in allergic outcomes in African Americans emerge as early as age 2 years
Authors: Wegienka G. , Havstad S. , Joseph C. L. M. , Zoratti E. , Ownby D. , Woodcroft K. , Johnson C. C. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBackgroundRacial disparities in allergic disease outcomes have been reported with African Americans suffering disproportionately compared to White individuals.ObjectiveTo examine whether or not racial disparities are present as early as age 2 years in a racially diverse birth cohort in the Detroit metropolitan area.MethodsAll children who were participants in a birth cohort study in the Detroit metropolitan area were invited for a standardized physician exam with skin prick testing and parental interview at age 2 years. Physicians made inquiries regarding wheezing and allergy symptoms and inspected for and graded any atopic dermatitis (AD). Skin testing was performed for Alternaria, cat, cockroach, dog, Dermatophagoides farinae (Der F), Short Ragweed, Timothy grass, egg, milk and peanut. Specific IgE was measured for these same allergens and total IgE was determined.ResultsAfrican American children (n = 466) were more likely than White children (n = 223) to have experienced any of the outcomes examined: at least 1 positive skin prick test from the panel of 10 allergens (21.7% vs. 11.0%, P = 0.001); at least one specific IgE ≥ 0.35 IU/mL (out of a panel of 10 allergens) (54.0% vs. 42.9%, P = 0.02); had AD (27.0% vs. 13.5%, Chi‐square P < 0.001); and to ever have wheezed (44.9% vs. 36.0%, P = 0.03). African American children also tended to have higher total IgE (geometric means 23.4 IU/mL (95%CI 20.8, 27.6) vs. 16.7 IU/mL (95%CI 13.6, 20.6 IU/mL), Wilcoxon Rank Sum P = 0.004). With the exception of wheezing, the associations did not vary after adjusting for common social economic status variables (e.g. household income), environmental variables (endotoxin; dog, cat and cockroach allergen in house dust) or variables that differed between the racial groups (e.g. breastfeeding). After adjustment, the wheeze difference was ameliorated.ConclusionsWith disparities emerging as early as age 2 years, investigations into sources of the disparities should include the prenatal period and early life.
Control ofMycobacterium tuberculosisgrowth by activated natural killer cells
Authors: Guerra C , Johal K , Morris D , Moreno S , Alvarado O , Gray D , Tanzil M , Pearce D , Venketaraman V 
Published: December 2011

SummaryWe characterized the underlying mechanisms by which glutathione (GSH)-enhanced natural killer (NK) cells inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) inside human monocytes. We observed that in healthy individuals, treatment of NK cells with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a GSH prodrug in conjunction with cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2 + IL-12, resulted in enhanced expression of NK cytotoxic ligands (FasL and CD40L) with concomitant stasis in the intracellular growth of M. tb. Neutralization of FasL and CD40L in IL-2 + IL-12 + NAC-treated NK cells resulted in abrogation in the growth inhibition of M. tb inside monocytes. Importantly, we observed that the levels of GSH are decreased significantly in NK cells derived from individuals with HIV infection compared to healthy subjects, and this decrease correlated with a several-fold increase in the growth of M. tb inside monocytes. This study describes a novel innate defence mechanism adopted by NK cells to control M. tb infection.
MIGS: miRNA‐induced gene silencing
Authors: de Felippes Felipe Fenselau , Wang Jia‐wei , Weigel Detlef 
Published: December 2011

SummaryGene silencing is an important tool in the study of gene function. Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) and hairpin RNA interference (hpRNAi), both of which rely on small interfering RNAs, together with artificial microRNAs (amiRNA), are amongst the most popular methods for reduction of gene activity in plants. However, all three approaches have limitations. Here, we introduce miRNA‐induced gene silencing (MIGS). This method exploits a special 22‐nucleotide miRNA of Arabidopsis thaliana, miR173, which can trigger production of another class of small RNAs called trans‐acting small interfering RNAs (tasiRNAs). We show that fusion of gene fragments to an upstream miR173 target site is sufficient for effective silencing of the corresponding endogenous gene. MIGS can be reliably used for the knockdown of a single gene or of multiple unrelated genes. In addition, we show that MIGS can be applied to other species by co‐expression of miR173.
C‐reactive protein concentration predicts mortality in type 2 diabetes: the Diabetes Heart Study
Authors: Cox A. J. , Agarwal S. , M Herrington D. , Carr J. J. , Freedman B. I. , Bowden D. W. 
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 767–770 (2012)AbstractAims  Although current American Heart Association guidelines address C‐reactive protein concentration and cardiovascular disease risk, it remains unclear whether this paradigm is consistent across populations with differing disease burdens. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus represent one group at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and subsequent mortality. This study aimed to examine the relationship between C‐reactive protein concentrations and risk for all‐cause mortality in European Americans with Type 2 diabetes from the Diabetes Heart Study.Methods  A total of 846 European Americans with Type 2 diabetes and baseline measures of C‐reactive protein were evaluated. Vital status was determined after a follow‐up period of 7.3 ± 2.1 years (mean ± SD). C‐reactive protein concentrations were compared between living and deceased subgroups along with other known risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including blood lipids. Logistic regression was performed to determine risk for mortality associated with increasing C‐reactive protein concentrations.Results  At follow‐up 160 individuals (18.7%) were deceased. No significant differences in baseline serum glucose or lipid measures were observed between living and deceased subgroups. Baseline C‐reactive protein concentrations were significantly higher in the deceased subgroup (9.37 ± 15.94) compared with the living subgroup (5.36 ± 7.91 mg/l; P < 0.0001). Participants with C‐reactive protein concentrations of 3–10 mg/l were approximately two times more likely to be deceased at follow‐up (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.17–3.62); those with C‐reactive protein >10 mg/l were more than five times more likely to be deceased (OR 5.24; CI 2.80–9.38).Conclusions  This study documents the utility of C‐reactive protein in predicting risk for all‐cause mortality in European Americans with Type 2 diabetes and supports its use as a screening tool in risk prediction models.