bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prussian Blue Analogues of Reduced Dimensionality
Authors: Gengler Régis Y. N. , Toma Luminita M. , Pardo Emilio , Lloret Francesc , Ke Xiaoxing , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Gournis Dimitrios , Rudolf Petra 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMixed‐valence polycyanides (Prussian Blue analogues) possess a rich palette of properties spanning from room‐temperature ferromagnetism to zero thermal expansion, which can be tuned by chemical modifications or the application of external stimuli (temperature, pressure, light irradiation). While molecule‐based materials can combine physical and chemical properties associated with molecular‐scale building blocks, their successful integration into real devices depends primarily on higher‐order properties such as crystal size, shape, morphology, and organization. Herein a study of a new reduced‐dimensionality system based on Prussian Blue analogues (PBAs) is presented. The system is built up by means of a modified Langmuir–Blodgett technique, where the PBA is synthesized from precursors in a self‐limited reaction on a clay mineral surface. The focus of this work is understanding the magnetic properties of the PBAs in different periodic, low‐dimensional arrangements, and the influence of the “on surface” synthesis on the final properties and dimensionality of the system.
Inertial Manipulation and Transfer of Microparticles Across Laminar Fluid Streams
Authors: Gossett Daniel R. , Tse Henry Tat Kwong , Dudani Jaideep S. , Goda Keisuke , Woods Travis A. , Graves Steven W. , Di Carlo Dino 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA general strategy for controlling particle movement across streams would enable new capabilities in single‐cell analysis, solid‐phase reaction control, and biophysics research. Transferring cells across streams is difficult to achieve in a well‐controlled manner, since it requires precise control of fluid flow along with external force fields or precisely manufactured mechanical structures. Herein a strategy is introduced for particle transfer based on passive inertial lift forces and shifts in the distribution of these forces for channels with shifting aspect ratios. Uniquely, use of the dominant wall‐effect lift parallel to the particle rotation direction is explored and utilized to achieve controllable cross‐stream motion. In this way, particles are positioned to migrate across laminar streams and enter a new solution without significant disturbance of the interface at rates exceeding 1000 particles per second and sub‐millisecond transfer times. The capabilities of rapid inertial solution exchange (RInSE) for preparation of hematological samples and other cellular assays are demonstrated. Lastly, improvements to inline flow cytometry after RInSE of excess fluorescent dye and focusing for downstream analysis are characterized. The described approach is simply applied to manipulating cells and particles and quickly exposing them to or removing them from a reacting solution, with broader applications in control and analysis of low affinity interactions on cells or particles.
Vasculogenic and Osteogenesis-Enhancing Potential of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells
Authors: Liu Yuchun , Teoh Swee-Hin , Chong Mark S. K. , Lee Eddy S. M. , Mattar Citra N. Z. , Randhawa Nau'shil Kaur , Zhang Zhi-Yong , Medina Reinhold J. , Kamm Roger D. , Fisk Nicholas M. , Choolani Mahesh , Chan Jerry K. Y. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Umbilical cord blood-derived endothelial colony-forming cells (UCB-ECFC) show utility in neovascularization, but their contribution to osteogenesis has not been defined. Cocultures of UCB-ECFC with human fetal-mesenchymal stem cells (hfMSC) resulted in earlier induction of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (Day 7 vs. 10) and increased mineralization (1.9×; p &lt; .001) compared to hfMSC monocultures. This effect was mediated through soluble factors in ECFC-conditioned media, leading to 1.8–2.2× higher ALP levels and a 1.4–1.5× increase in calcium deposition (p &lt; .01) in a dose-dependent manner. Transcriptomic and protein array studies demonstrated high basal levels of osteogenic (BMPs and TGF-βs) and angiogenic (VEGF and angiopoietins) regulators. Comparison of defined UCB and adult peripheral blood ECFC showed higher osteogenic and angiogenic gene expression in UCB-ECFC. Subcutaneous implantation of UCB-ECFC with hfMSC in immunodeficient mice resulted in the formation of chimeric human vessels, with a 2.2-fold increase in host neovascularization compared to hfMSC-only implants (p = .001). We conclude that this study shows that UCB-ECFC have potential in therapeutic angiogenesis and osteogenic applications in conjunction with MSC. We speculate that UCB-ECFC play an important role in skeletal and vascular development during perinatal development but less so in later life when expression of key osteogenesis and angiogenesis genes in ECFC is lower.
Modulating Glypican4 Suppresses Tumorigenicity of Embryonic Stem Cells While Preserving Self-Renewal and Pluripotency
Authors: Fico Annalisa , De Chevigny Antoine , Egea Joaquim , Bösl Michael R. , Cremer Harold , Maina Flavio , Dono Rosanna 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Self-renewal and differentiation of stem cell depend on a dynamic interplay of cell-extrinsic and -intrinsic regulators. However, how stem cells perceive the right amount of signal and at the right time to undergo a precise developmental program remains poorly understood. The cell surface proteins Glypicans act as gatekeepers of environmental signals to modulate their perception by target cells. Here, we show that one of these, Glypican4 (Gpc4), is specifically required to maintain the self-renewal potential of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and to fine tune cell lineage commitment. Notably, Gpc4-mutant ESCs contribute to all embryonic cell lineages when injected in blastocyts but lose their intrinsic tumorigenic properties after implantation into nude mice. Therefore, our molecular and functional studies reveal that Gpc4 maintains distinct stemness features. Moreover, we provide evidence that self-renewal and lineage commitment of different stem cell types is fine tuned by Gpc4 activity by showing that Gpc4 is required for the maintenance of adult neural stem cell fate in vivo. Mechanistically, Gpc4 regulates self-renewal of ESCs by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling activities. Thus, our findings establish that Gpc4 acts at the interface of extrinsic and intrinsic signal regulation to fine tune stem cell fate. Moreover, the ability to uncouple pluripotent stem cell differentiation from tumorigenic potential makes Gpc4 as a promising target for cell-based regenerative therapies.
The GCTM-5 Epitope Associated with the Mucin-Like Glycoprotein FCGBP Marks Progenitor Cells in Tissues of Endodermal Origin
Authors: Stamp Lincon A. , Braxton David R. , Wu Jun , Akopian Veronika , Hasegawa Kouichi , Chandrasoma Parakrama T. , Hawes Susan M. , McLean Catriona , Petrovic Lydia M. , Wang Kasper , Pera Martin F. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMonoclonal antibodies against cell surface markers are powerful tools in the study of tissue regeneration, repair, and neoplasia, but there is a paucity of specific reagents to identify stem and progenitor cells in tissues of endodermal origin. The epitope defined by the GCTM-5 monoclonal antibody is a putative marker of hepatic progenitors. We sought to analyze further the distribution of the GCTM-5 antigen in normal tissues and disease states and to characterize the antigen biochemically. The GCTM-5 epitope was specifically expressed on tissues derived from the definitive endoderm, in particular the fetal gut, liver, and pancreas. Antibody reactivity was detected in subpopulations of normal adult biliary and pancreatic duct cells, and GCTM-5-positive cells isolated from the nonparenchymal fraction of adult liver expressed markers of progenitor cells. The GCTM-5-positive cell populations in liver and pancreas expanded greatly in numbers in disease states such as biliary atresia, cirrhosis, and pancreatitis. Neoplasms arising in these tissues also expressed the GCTM-5 antigen, with pancreatic adenocarcinoma in particular showing strong and consistent reactivity. The GCTM-5 epitope was also strongly displayed on cells undergoing intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's esophagus, a precursor to esophageal carcinoma. Biochemical, mass spectrometry, and immunochemical studies revealed that the GCTM-5 epitope is associated with the mucin-like glycoprotein FCGBP. The GCTM-5 epitope on the mucin-like glycoprotein FCGBP is a cell surface marker for the study of normal differentiation lineages, regeneration, and disease progression in tissues of endodermal origin.
Dendrimers—revolutionary drugs for infectious diseases
Authors: Lazniewska Joanna , Milowska Katarzyna , Gabryelak Teresa 
Published: July 2012

AbstractOver recent years innovative nanomolecules in a form of dendrimers have been gaining increasing interest. These compounds can be designed and modified in many ways giving a molecule which meets required expectations. For this reason dendrimers are the object of intensive studies in many fields of nanoscience including one of the most thriving—biomedicine. Numerous studies provide evidence that some dendrimers exhibit activities against many species/strains of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and prions. These types of dendritic nanostructures which are distinguished by antipathogenic properties and low cytotoxicity to eukaryotic cells may be potentially applied in medicine as novel drugs for various infectious diseases, especially those which are persistent, marked by high mortality rate, or untreatable. Dendrimers can exert their effect via different mechanisms of action, which are, in most cases, related to multivalency of the nanomolecule. The application of dendrimers is likely to be a breakthrough in prevention and treatment of infectious diseases which still beset humanity and may significantly improve the quality of people's life.WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol2012, 4:469–491. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1181This article is categorized under:Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease
The molecular circuitry underlying pluripotency in embryonic stem cells
Authors: Warmflash Aryeh , Arduini Brigitte L. , Brivanlou Ali H. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCells in the pluripotent state have the ability to self‐renew indefinitely and to differentiate to all the cells of the embryo. These cells provide an in vitro window into development, including human development, as well as holding extraordinary promise for cell‐based therapies in regenerative medicine. The recent demonstration that somatic cells can be reprogrammed to the pluripotent state has raised the possibility of patient and disease‐specific induced pluripotent cells. In this article, we review the molecular underpinning of pluripotency. We focus on the transcriptional and signaling networks that underlie the state of pluripotency and control differentiation. In general, the action of each of the molecular components and pathways is dose and context dependent highlighting the need for a systems approach to understanding pluripotency. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1182This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Fates
Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling
Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration
A Meta‐Analysis of Perioperative Outcomes of Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Hematological Disorders
Authors: Bai Yan‐Nan , Jiang Hui , Prasoon Pankaj 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundDue to changes in surgical trends, laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become the standard approach for most splenectomies performed for hematological disorders, barring any contraindications. The perioperative outcomes of LS for this indication have not been updated for several years. Controversy still surrounds whether LS should be performed for massive splenomegaly. The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic splenectomy for hematological disorders.MethodsLiterature searches were conducted to identify studies comparing the perioperative outcomes of the laparoscopic and open approaches for hematological disorders. The results were pooled by using standard meta‐analysis methods.ResultsThirty‐eight studies with a total of 2,914 patients comparing LS to open splenectomy (OS) for hematological disorders were identified. Mortality was low in both groups. The pooled complications of the LS group were significantly fewer than those of the OS group (−0.11, p < 0.001), and the NNT was 9 (95 % confidence interval, 6–20). For massive spleens, a similar result was observed (−0.12, p = 0.009). Accessory spleen resection and blood loss also were comparable between the two approaches. Additionally, LS was associated with longer operative times (57.38 min, p < 0.00001) and shorter hospital stays (2.48 days, p < 0.00001).ConclusionsLS is preferred compared to OS, based on lower complication rates and better handling of comorbid conditions. LS is associated with shorter hospital stays but longer operative times. We conclude that LS may be considered an acceptable option even in cases of a massive spleen. To strengthen the clinical evidence, more high‐quality clinical trials on different issues are necessary.
Serum antibodies to periodontal pathogens are a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sparks Stein Pamela , Steffen Michelle J. , Smith Charles , Jicha Gregory , Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Abner Erin , Dawson Dolph 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundChronic inflammation in periodontal disease has been suggested as a potential risk factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to examine serum antibody levels to bacteria of periodontal disease in participants who eventually converted to AD compared with the antibody levels in control subjects.MethodsSerum samples from 158 participants in the Biologically Resilient Adults in Neurological Studies research program at the University of Kentucky were analyzed for immunoglobulin G antibody levels to seven oral bacteria associated with periodontitis, including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Campylobacter rectus, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Tannerella forsythia, and Prevotella intermedia. All 158 participants were cognitively intact at baseline venous blood draw. In all, 81 of the participants developed either mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD or both, and 77 controls remained cognitively intact in the years of follow‐up. Antibody levels were compared between controls and subjects with AD at baseline draw and after conversion and controls and subjects with MCI at baseline draw and after conversion using the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. AD and MCI participants were not directly compared. Linear regression models were used to adjust for potential confounding.ResultsAntibody levels to F nucleatum and P intermedia were significantly increased (α = 0.05) at baseline serum draw in the patients with AD compared with controls. These results remained significant when controlling for baseline age, Mini‐Mental State Examination score, and apolipoprotein epsilon 4 status.ConclusionsThis study provides initial data that demonstrate elevated antibodies to periodontal disease bacteria in subjects years before cognitive impairment and suggests that periodontal disease could potentially contribute to the risk of AD onset/progression. Additional cohort studies profiling oral clinical presentation with systemic response and AD and prospective studies to evaluate any cause‐and‐effect association are warranted.
Feedback control for form-drag reduction on a bluff body with a blunt trailing edge
Authors: Dahan Jeremy A. , Morgans A. S. , Lardeau S. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe objective of this numerical study is to increase the base pressure on a backward-facing step via linear feedback control, to be ultimately translated to a drag reduction on a blunt-based bluff body. Two backward-facing step cases are simulated: a laminar two-dimensional (2D) flow at a Reynolds number of ${\mathit{Re}}_{\theta } = 280$, and a turbulent three-dimensional (3D) flow at ${\mathit{Re}}_{\theta } = 1500$ using large-eddy simulation. The control is effected by a full-span slot jet with zero-net-mass-flux, and two jet locations are examined. Linear system identification is performed to characterize the flow response to actuation, used to synthesize a control law. The control strategy is based on the premise that an attenuation of the instantaneous pressure fluctuations on the base of the step should lead to an increase in the time-averaged base pressure. Open-loop harmonic forcing is examined within a broad frequency range for both the 2D and 3D flows, which are found to respond differently to actuation. The controllers based on disturbance attenuation lead to sensible increases in base pressure (up to 70 % in 2D and 20 % in 3D) with higher efficiency than the best results achieved in open-loop. The results support the conjecture about the link between the base pressure fluctuations and mean, although it is shown that such a black-box model approach is not suitable for optimization without further physical insight.
Axisymmetric superdirectivity in subsonic jets
Authors: Cavalieri André V. G. , Jordan Peter , Colonius Tim , Gervais Yves 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe present experimental results for the acoustic field of jets with Mach numbers between 0.35 and 0.6. An azimuthal ring array of six microphones, whose polar angle, $\theta $, was progressively varied, allows the decomposition of the acoustic pressure into azimuthal Fourier modes. In agreement with past observations, the sound field for low polar angles (measured with respect to the jet axis) is found to be dominated by the axisymmetric mode, particularly at the peak Strouhal number. The axisymmetric mode of the acoustic field can be clearly associated with an axially non-compact source, in the form of a wavepacket: the sound pressure level for peak frequencies is found be superdirective for all Mach numbers considered, with exponential decay as a function of $ \mathop{ (1\ensuremath{-} {M}_{c} \cos \theta )}\nolimits ^{2} $, where ${M}_{c} $ is the Mach number based on the phase velocity ${U}_{c} $ of the convected wave. While the mode $m= 1$ spectrum scales with Strouhal number, suggesting that its energy content is associated with turbulence scales, the axisymmetric mode scales with Helmholtz number – the ratio between source length scale and acoustic wavelength. The axisymmetric radiation has a stronger velocity dependence than the higher-order azimuthal modes, again in agreement with predictions of wavepacket models. We estimate the axial extent of the source of the axisymmetric component of the sound field to be of the order of six to eight jet diameters. This estimate is obtained in two different ways, using, respectively, the directivity shape and the velocity exponent of the sound radiation. The analysis furthermore shows that compressibility plays a significant role in the wavepacket dynamics, even at this low Mach number. Velocity fluctuations on the jet centreline are reduced as the Mach number is increased, an effect that must be accounted for in order to obtain a correct estimation of the velocity dependence of sound radiation. Finally, the higher-order azimuthal modes of the sound field are considered, and a model for the low-angle sound radiation by helical wavepackets is developed. The measured sound for azimuthal modes 1 and 2 at low Strouhal numbers is seen to correspond closely to the predicted directivity shapes.
Can breast cancer patients use soyafoods to help reduce risk of CHD?
Authors: Messina Mark , Messina Virginia , Jenkins David J. A. 
Published: July 2012

Over the past 20 years, the popularity of soyafoods has increased in part because of research suggesting that these foods convey health benefits independent of their nutrient content. For example, in 1999, the US Food and Drug Administration approved a health-claim for soyafoods and CHD based on the hypocholesterolaemic effects of soya protein. However, soyafoods have become controversial in recent years because of concerns that their uniquely rich phyto-oestrogen (isoflavone) content may cause untoward effects in some individuals. Most notable in this regard is the concern that soyafoods are contraindicated for breast cancer patients and women at high risk of developing this disease. Furthermore, the hypocholesterolaemic effects of soya protein have been challenged. However, the results of recently published meta-analyses indicate that soya protein directly lowers circulating LDL-cholesterol levels by approximately 4 %. There is also intriguing evidence that soyafoods reduce CHD risk independent of their effects on lipid levels. In regard to the breast cancer controversy, recently published clinical and epidemiological data do not support observations in rodents that soyabean isoflavones increase breast cancer risk. In postmenopausal women, isoflavone exposure does not adversely affect breast tissue density or breast cell proliferation. Furthermore, both US and Chinese prospective epidemiological studies show that post-diagnosis soya consumption is associated with an improved prognosis. Therefore, soyafoods should be considered by women as healthy foods to include in diets aimed at reducing the risk of CHD regardless of their breast cancer status.
Comparison of the incorporation of orally administered DHA into plasma, erythrocyte and cheek cell glycerophospholipids
Authors: Klingler Mario , Klem Sabrina , Demmelmair Hans , Koletzko Berthold 
Published: July 2012

Adequate intake ofn-3 fatty acids plays an important role in human health. The analysis of various blood lipids is used as a measure of fatty acid status in humans. Cheek cell phospholipids (PL) have also been proposed as biological markers, but are rarely used in clinical studies due to limitations in sample quality and quantity. An improved method for the analysis of cheek cell glycerophospholipid fatty acids is applied in a 29 d supplementation trial with 510 mg DHA daily. The DHA increases in cheek cell, plasma and erythrocyte glycerophospholipids are compared. High correlations are shown for glycerophospholipid DHA between cheek cells and plasma (r0·88) and erythrocytes (r0·76) before study commencement. After the daily supplementation of DHA, the half-maximal glycerophospholipid DHA level is reached after about 4 d in plasma, 6 d in erythrocytes and 10 d in cheek cells. The mean DHA increase (mol%) relative to baseline was most prominent in plasma (186 %), followed by cheek cells (180 %) and erythrocytes (130 %). Considering a lag phase of about 5 d, cheek cells reflect short-term changes in dietary fat uptake. Based on the data of the present study, they can be used alternatively to plasma and erythrocyte PL as non-invasiven-3 fatty acid status markers.