bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluctuation Spectroscopy: A New Approach for Studying Low‐Dimensional Molecular Metals
Authors: Müller Jens 
Published: March 2011

AbstractFluctuations (or noise) are often merely considered a nuisance, an unwanted disturbance limiting the accuracy of a scientific measurement. Electronic fluctuations, however, reveal hidden pieces of information not present in the mean quantity (the resistance) itself. Herein we describe resistance noise spectroscopy as a powerful new tool for investigating the low‐frequency dynamics of electronic processes in low‐dimensional organic conductors. Over the years, these molecular charge–transfer complexes have provided unprecedented model systems for exploring the physics of low‐dimensional materials. The combination of low dimensionality with other parameters, specific to molecular conductors, sets the stage for Coulomb correlation effects to become relevant and, under certain circumstances, even to dominate the properties of the π‐electron system. The combined effects of strong electron–electron and electron–phonon interactions give rise to the rich phenomenology of ground states encountered in these materials. To provide examples, we describe noise spectroscopy as a method to study the coupling of the correlated charge carriers to intramolecular modes of lattice vibrations and to investigate the inhomogeneous coexistence region of antiferromagnetic (Mott) insulating and superconducting phases.
Beliefs about Emotions as a Metacognitive Construct: Initial Development of a Self‐Report Questionnaire Measure and Preliminary Investigation in Relation to Emotion Regulation
Authors: Manser Rachel , Cooper Myra , Trefusis Jo 
Published: March 2011

Metacognitive theory, amongst other theories, gives an important role to beliefs about mental states, including beliefs about emotions, in the maintenance of distress. Mentalization theory as well as the dialectical behaviour therapy and emotion‐focused therapy literature specifies particular beliefs thought to be related to emotion dysregulation and therefore to a label of borderline personality disorder. The current study aimed to develop a questionnaire to measure the beliefs about emotions as specified by this literature and to test the relationship of this new measure to various aspects of emotion regulation in a non‐clinical sample of 289 participants. A factor analysis extracted six factors, which described beliefs about emotions as (a) overwhelming and uncontrollable; (b) shameful and irrational; (c) invalid and meaningless; (d) useless; (e) damaging; and (f) contagious. The final measure showed some promising psychometric properties. All of the questionnaire subscales were related to aspects of emotion dysregulation including distress, borderline personality disorder symptoms and behaviours associated with dysregulation of emotion, suggesting that beliefs about emotions could be an important metacognitive construct involved in the ability to regulate emotions. Beliefs about emotions may be a useful direct or indirect target for treatment of difficulties regulating emotions, and this could be achieved through the use of various therapeutic modalities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Message

This article provides information relevant to difficulties with emotion regulation. Such difficulties may underlie or be important in many clinically presenting difficulties notably a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder.
Beliefs about emotions develop the metacognitive therapy literature as well as being relevant to mentalization‐based treatment, dialectical behaviour therapy and emotion‐focused therapy.
The new questionnaire discussed may, in the future, be a useful tool in assessment and formulation, as well as evaluation of outcome in therapy.
Beliefs about emotions may be a direct or indirect target for therapeutic work, and the themes described in this article may be a useful guide as to some of the problematic beliefs that clients may hold.
Impact of 7‐ketocholesterol and very long chain fatty acids on oligodendrocyte lipid membrane organization: Evaluation via LAURDAN and FAMIS spectral image analysis
Authors: Kahn Edmond , Baarine Mauhamad , Dauphin Aurélien , Ragot Kévin , Tissot Nicolas , Seguin Alix , Ménétrier Franck , Kattan Zilal , Bachelet Claude‐Marie , Frouin Frédérique , Lizard Gérard 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn the context of multiple sclerosis and X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy, 7‐ketocholesterol (7KC) and very long chain fatty acids (C24:0, C26:0) are supposed to induce side effects respectively on oligodendrocytes which are myelin (which is a lipoproteic complex) synthesizing cells. The effects of 7KC (25, 50 μM), C24:0 and C26:0 (10, 20 μM) on cell viability and lipid membrane organization were investigated on 158N murine oligodendrocytes. Concerning 7KC and fatty acids (at 20 μM only): 1) cell growth was strongly inhibited; 2) marked induction of cell death was revealed with propidium iodide (PI); 3) no apoptotic cells were found with C24:0 and C26:0 (absence of cells with condensed and/or fragmented nuclei, of FLICA positive cells and of PI negative/SYTO16 negative cells); 4) some apoptotic cells were detected with 7KC. Fatty acids (at 20 μM only) and 7KC also induced a disorganization of lipid membranes revealed with Merocyanine 540. So, to point out the effects of 7KC (25 μM), C24:0 and C26:0 (20 μM) on the lateral organization of lipid membranes, we used LAURDAN, which gives simultaneous information about morphology and phase state of lipid domains: its emission is blue in the ordered lipid phase, green in the disordered lipid phase. To overcome the qualitative filtering settings of blue and green emission colors, data obtained by mono‐ and bi‐photon confocal microscopy were analyzed by spectral analysis. Sequences of emission images were obtained on both mono‐ and bi‐photon confocal microscopes and processed by means of Factor Analysis of Medical Image Sequences (FAMIS), which is a relevant tool to unmix emission spectra and provide pure color images. Only 7KC was capable to induce a green emission with LAURDAN. Thus, at concentrations inducing oligodendrocyte cell death, 7KC (25 μM) is more efficient than C24:0 and C26:0 (20 μM), to trigger lateral lipid membrane disorganization. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Regulation of intracellular Ca2+ by reactive oxygen species in osteoblasts treated with antimycin A
Authors: Choi Eun Mi 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the effects of antimycin A (AMA), an inhibitor of electron transport in mitochondria, on the release of intracellular calcium ion ([Ca2+]i), ROS and bone resorbing factors in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells. Pretreatment of osteoblasts with trolox, a ROS scavenger, and cyclosporin A, a potent inhibitor of calcium release from mitochondria, prevented the AMA‐induced increases in [Ca2+]i. However, [Ca2+]i increase by AMA was unaffected by dantrolene, which blocks the ryanodine receptor channel of the endoplasmic reticulum. BAPTA/AM (an intracellular Ca2+ chelator), dantrolene and cyclosporine A did not reverse the effect of AMA on ROS release. We also investigated whether intracellular calcium release inhibitor and antioxidant protect against AMA‐induced bone resorbing cytokine release. Trolox prevented the release of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), IL‐6, and TNF‐α induced by AMA. Moreover, the increased IL‐6 and TNF‐α release by AMA was markedly reduced by BAPTA/AM and cyclosporin A. However, BAPTA/AM did not reverse the effect of AMA on osteoprotegerin and RANKL. Taken together, these results demonstrate that mitochondrial ROS generation and Ca2+ influx by AMA is required for osteoblast death and bone resorbing cytokine release. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal study of apoptotic markers in lizard oviduct
Authors: Assisi Loredana , Raucci Franca , Di Fiore Maria Maddalena 
Published: March 2011

AbstractLizard oviduct is a very dynamic organ that undergoes high tissue remodelling as a function of the cyclic reproductive activity. Until today there are no studies of molecular actors involved in cell death in the lizard oviduct. Therefore, this report is focused on some of apoptotic markers responsible of programmed cell death in this organ during the main significant phases of reproductive cycle. Apoptotic cell recognition was based on the estimation of known following markers: cleaved caspase‐9 and‐3; tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and DNA fragmentation. By Western blotting, expected band sizes of 29 and 17 kDa, recognizing the anti‐caspase‐9 and caspase‐3, respectively, showed a stronger expression during the ovulation and postovulation. Enzymatic activity of caspase‐9 shows the highest value at ovulation, whereas that of caspase‐3 is recorded at postovulation. The expression and the activation of tTG protein are in line with the fragmentation of DNA. No tTG positive cells are detected at quiescence, when either no TdT‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive nuclei or DNA fragmentation is observed. At this time tTG activity is at a minimum. Indeed, a consistent DNA smear is observed from the DNA extracted at postovulation, when tTG activity reached its maximum and several transglutaminase immunoreactivity cells and TUNEL positive nuclei are observed. The temporal and dynamic outlines of apoptotic parameters match with seasonal modifications of the oviduct. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the seasonal apoptotic activity of the oviduct represents a key process in the remodelling of this tissue during the reproductive cycle. J. Exp. Zool. 315:291–301, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feeding of the megamouth shark (Pisces: Lamniformes: Megachasmidae) predicted by its hyoid arch: A biomechanical approach
Authors: Tomita Taketeru , Sato Keiichi , Suda Kenta , Kawauchi Junro , Nakaya Kazuhiro 
Published: March 2011

AbstractStudies of the megamouth shark, one of three planktivorous sharks, can provide information about their evolutionary history. Megamouth shark feeding has never been observed in life animals, but two alternative hypotheses on biomechanics suggest either feeding, i.e., ram feeding or suction feeding. In this study, the second moment of area of the ceratohyal cartilages, which is an indicator of the flexural stiffness of the cartilages, is calculated for 21 species of ram‐ and suction‐feeding sharks using computed tomography. The results indicate that suction‐feeding sharks have ceratohyal cartilages with a larger second moment of area than ram‐feeding sharks. The result also indicates that the ram–suction index, which is an indicator of relative contribution of ram and suction behavior, is also correlated with the second moment of area of the ceratohyal. Considering that large bending stresses are expected to be applied to the ceratohyal cartilage during suction, the larger second moment of area of the ceratohyal of suction‐feeding sharks can be interpreted as an adaptation for suction feeding. Based on the small second moment of area of the ceratohyal cartilage of the megamouth shark, the feeding mode of the megamouth shark is considered to be ram feeding, similar to the planktivorous basking shark. From these results, an evolutionary scenario of feeding mechanics of three species of planktivorous sharks can be suggested. In this scenario, the planktivorous whale shark evolved ram feeding from a benthic suction‐feeding ancestor. Ram feeding in the planktivorous megamouth shark and the basking shark evolved from ram feeding swimming‐type ancestors and that both developed their unique filtering system to capture small‐sized prey. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)‐mediated generation of reactive oxygen species causes cell cycle arrest and induces apoptosis via activation of caspase‐3, mitochondria dysfunction and nitric oxide (NO) in human osteogenic sarcoma U‐2 OS cells
Authors: Wu Chang‐Lin , Huang An‐Cheng , Yang Jai‐Sing , Liao Ching‐Lung , Lu Hsu‐Feng , Chou Su‐Tze , Ma Chia‐Yu , Hsia Te‐Chun , Ko Yang‐Ching , Chung Jing‐Gung 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBenzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a member of the isothiocyanate family, have been shown to exhibit antineoplastic ability against many human cancer cells. In this study, we found that exposure of human osteogenic sarcoma U‐2 OS cells to BITC and PEITC led to induce morphological changes and to decrease the percentage of viable cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. BITC and PEITC induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase at 48 h treatment and inhibited the levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins such as cyclin A and B1 in U‐2 OS cells but promoted the level of Chk1 and p53 that led to G2/M arrest. BITC and PEITC induced a marked increase in apoptosis (DNA fragmentation) and poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerase (PARP) cleavage, which was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and the activation of caspase‐9 and ‐3. BITC and PEITC also promoted the ROS production in U‐2 OS cells and the N‐acetylcysteine (NAC, an antoxidant agent) was pretreated and then treated with both compounds which led to decrease the levels of ROS and increase the cell viability. Interestingly, BITC and PEITC promoted the levels of NO production and increased the iNOS enzyme. Confocal laser microscope also demonstrated that BITC and PEITC promoted the release of cytochrome c and AIF, suggesting that both compounds induced apoptosis through ROS, caspase‐3 and mitochondrial, and NO signaling pathways. Taken together, these molecular alterations and signaling pathways offer an insight into BITC and PEITC‐caused growth inhibition, G2/M arrest, and apoptotic death of U‐2 OS cells. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1199–1209, 2011
Surface modification by glow discharge gasplasma treatment improves vascularization of allogenic bone implants
Authors: Ring Andrej , Tilkorn Daniel J. , Goertz Ole , Langer Stefan , Schaffran Angela , Awakowicz Peter , Hauser Jörg 
Published: March 2011

AbstractSufficient induction of blood vessel ingrowth decisively influence transplant functionality. In this study, microvascular response to transplants of surface modified bone substitutes were assessed in vivo. The surface modification of allogenic bone substitutes (dehydrated human femoral head) was achieved in a double‐conductive low‐pressure gasplasma reactor (Ar2/O2, 13.65 MHz, 1,000 W, 5 Pa). The modified bone substitutes (n = 10) as well as untreated bone substitutes serving as controls (n = 10) were placed into the dorsal skinfold chamber of female balb/c mice (n = 10). Dynamic assessment of microcirculatory parameters was performed using intravital fluorescence microscopy during an implantation period of 10 days. The angiogenic response was found markedly accelerated in gasplasma‐treated bone. Compared to untreated implants, the gasplasma‐activated bone substitutes showed significantly higher microvascular density on days 5 and 10. The quantification of the microvascular diameters, red blood cell velocity, and microvascular permeability displayed stable perfusion and vascular integrity of the newly developed blood vessels throughout the 10‐day observation period. The surface activation via cold low‐pressure glow discharge gasplasma supports the vascular integration of allogenic bone by earlier induction of the angiogenesis. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1237–1244, 2011
Correlation of digital sensibility and precision of pinch force modulation in patients with nerve repair
Authors: Shieh Shyh‐Jou , Hsu Hsiu‐Yun , Kuo Li‐Chieh , Su Fong‐Chin , Chiu Haw‐Yen 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe outcome measures for patients following peripheral nerve repairs commonly include muscle strength and sensory assessments. However, no significant discussion exists on the impact of nerve injury on sensorimotor control. The objective of this longitudinal study was to explore the effects of nerve regeneration on the control of pinch force in executing functional tasks. Seven patients with digital or median nerve repairs were assessed by a custom‐designed pinch device and conventional sensory tools at monthly intervals following nerve repair. These tools measured sensibility, maximum pinch strength, and anticipated pinch force adjustments to movement‐induced load fluctuations in a pinch‐holding‐up activity (PHUA). Six force‐related and temporal parameters for sensory measurement were used to determine improvements in pinch performance over time following sensory recovery. The results revealed significant differences in the parameters of peak pinch force, baseline pinch force, force ratio, and the percentage of maximal pinch force output at different points in the course of nerve regeneration. A strong relationship was also found between kinetic data from the PHUA test and the traditional sensibility tests for the nerve repair patients in the present study. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1210–1215, 2011
Longitudinal Study of Radiographic Spinal Osteoarthritis in a Macaque Model
Authors: Duncan Andrea E. , Colman Ricki J. , Kramer Patricia A. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractCross‐sectional analyses of naturally occurring spinal osteoarthritis (OA) in primates have shown that age and body mass are significant predictors, but whether or not these relationships hold true in longitudinal evaluations remains unclear. Because spinal OA manifests similarly in humans and monkeys and macaque monkeys age >3 times the rate of humans, macaque models offer opportunities for longitudinal study that are difficult in humans. Our objective was to characterize the longitudinal development over 11 years of spinal OA in 68 Macaca mulatta (41 males, 27 females, aged 11–32 years). Average disc space narrowing (DSN) and osteophytosis (OST) scores were computed for the thoracolumbar spine (T8–L7). Our longitudinal analyses confirmed the cross‐sectional results: age and body mass (p < 0.001) significantly predicted 50% and 39% of the variability in OST and DSN, respectively. Rates of change in DSN, but not OST, were associated with age at first radiograph. This study represents the first long‐term longitudinal assessment of OA in primates and establishes that the relationship among the covariates in the cross‐sectional and longitudinal approaches is similar. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1152–1160, 2011
Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizae on yield, nutrients, organic solutes, and antioxidant enzymes of two wheat cultivars under salt stress
Authors: Talaat Neveen B. , Shawky Bahaa T. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe efficacy of arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) on nutrients, organic solutes, and antioxidant enzymes of wheat under salt stress was investigated and related to root colonization and plant productivity. The mycorrhizal inoculation increased N, P, K, Ca, and Mg uptake, soluble sugars, free amino acids, and proline accumulation, as well as peroxidase and catalase activities under saline conditions as compared to nonmycorrhizal plants. On the other hand, Na concentration was lower in mycorrhizal than in nonmycorrhizal plants grown under saline conditions. Arbuscular mycorrhizae protected wheat against the detrimental effects of salinity and stimulated its productivity. Hence, mycorrhizal colonization can play a vital role in the mitigation of the adverse effects of salinity by improving the wheat osmotic adjustment response, enhancing its defense system, and alleviating oxidative damage to cells. Arbuscular mycorrhizae are able to alter plant physiology in a way that empowers the plant to grow more efficiently on salt‐affected lands.
Multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy
Authors: Yue S. , Slipchenko M.N. , Cheng J.‐X. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBecause each nonlinear optical (NLO) imaging modality is sensitive to specific molecules or structures, multimodal NLO imaging capitalizes the potential of NLO microscopy for studies of complex biological tissues. The coupling of multiphoton fluorescence, second‐harmonic generation, and coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) has allowed investigation of a broad range of biological questions concerning lipid metabolism, cancer development, cardiovascular disease, and skin biology. Moreover, recent research shows the great potential of using a CARS microscope as a platform to develop more advanced NLO modalities such as electronic‐resonance‐enhanced four‐wave mixing, stimulated Raman scattering, and pump‐probe microscopy. This article reviews the various approaches developed for realization of multimodal NLO imaging as well as developments of new NLO modalities on a CARS microscope. Applications to various aspects of biological and biomedical research are discussed.
Fabrication of nanoparticles using partially purified pomegranate ellagitannins and gelatin and their apoptotic effects
Authors: Li Zheng , Percival Susan S. , Bonard Suzanna , Gu Liwei 
Published: March 2011

AbstractScope: Nanoparticles possess unique chemical and biological properties compared to bulk materials. Bioactive food components encapsulated in nanoparticles may have increased bioavailability and bioactivities.Methods and results: Self‐assembled nanoparticles made of partially purified pomegranate ellagitannins (PPE) and gelatin were fabricated using three PPE‐to‐gelatin mass ratios (1:5, 5:5, and 7:5). The PPE contained 16.6% (w/w) of punicalagin A, 32.5% (w/w) of punicalagin B, and a small amount of ellagic acid‐hexoside and ellagic acid (1%, w/w). Nanoparticles fabricated using the ratio 5:5 had a particle size of 149.3±1.8 nm, positive zeta‐potential of 17.8±0.9 mV, production efficiency 53.0±4.2%, and spherical morphology under scanning electron microscopy. Loading efficiency of punicalagin A and punicalagin B in these particles were 94.2±0.4% and 83.8±0.5 %, respectively. Loading capacity was 14.8±1.5% and 25.7±2.2%, respectively. Only punicalagin anomers were able to bind with gelatin to form nanoparticles, whereas ellagic acid‐hexoside or ellagic acid could not. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that the interactions between ellagitannins and gelatin were hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. PPE‐gelatin nanoparticle suspension was less effective than PPE in inducing the early stage of apoptosis on human promyelocytic leukemia cells HL‐60. But they had similar effects in inducing late stage of apoptosis and necrosis.Conclusion: Pomegranate ellagitannins bind with gelatin to form self‐assembled nanoparticles. Ellagitannins encapsulated in nanoparticles had decreased apoptotic effects on leukemia cells HL‐60.