bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of variation in the ovine ultra‐high sulphur keratin‐associated protein KAP5‐4 gene using PCR‐SSCP technique
Authors: Gong Hua , Zhou Huitong , Plowman Jeffrey E. , Dyer Jolon M. , Hickford Jon G. H. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractKeratin‐associated proteins (KAPs) are one of the main structural components of the wool fibre. Variation in the KAP genes (KRTAPs) may affect the structure of KAPs and hence wool characteristics. In this study, we used PCR‐SSCP to analyse ovine KRTAP5‐4, a gene encoding a member of the KAP5 family. Five different PCR‐SSCP patterns were detected in the 250 sheep that were analysed. Either one or a combination of two patterns was observed for each sheep, which was consistent with these sheep being either homozygous or heterozygous at this locus. DNA sequencing revealed that these patterns represent five different DNA sequences. One of the sequences was identical to a published ovine KRTAP5‐4 sequence. The remaining four were unique, but shared a high homology with the published ovine KRTAP5‐4 sequence, suggesting that these sequences represent allelic variants of KRTAP5‐4. There were a total of six SNPs and one length polymorphism in the sequences. Of the five SNPs found in the coding region, four were non‐synonymous SNPs and would result in amino acid changes. The length polymorphism would affect the cysteine content of the putative peptide and this along with the SNPs may have an impact on the structure of KAP5‐4, and hence affect wool traits.
DNA repair and personalized breast cancer therapy
Authors: Li Shu‐Xia , Sjolund Ashley , Harris Lyndsay , Sweasy Joann B. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPersonalized cancer therapy is likely to be one of the next big advances in our search for a cure for cancer. To be able to treat people in an individualized manner, researchers need to know a great deal about their genetic constitution and the DNA repair status of their tumors. Specific knowledge is required regarding the polymorphisms individuals carry and how these polymorphisms influence responses to therapy. Researchers are actively engaged in biomarker discovery and validation for this purpose. In addition, the design of clinical trials must be reassessed to include new information on biomarkers and drug responses. In this review, we focus on personalized breast cancer therapy. The hypothesis we focus upon in this review is that there is connection between the DNA repair profile of individuals, their breast tumor subtypes, and their responses to cancer therapy. We first briefly review cellular DNA repair pathways that are likely to be impacted by breast cancer therapies. Next, we review the phenotypes of breast tumor subtypes with an emphasis on how a DNA repair deficiency might result in tumorigenesis itself and lead to the chemotherapeutic responses that are observed. Specific examples of breast tumor subtypes and their responses to cancer therapy are given, and we discuss possible DNA repair mechanisms that underlie the responses of tumors to various chemotherapeutic agents. Much is known about breast cancer subtypes and the way each of these subtypes responds to chemotherapy. In addition, we discuss novel design of clinical trials that incorporates rapidly emerging information on biomarkers. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selected technologies for measuring acquired genetic damage in humans
Authors: Shuga Joe , Zeng Yong , Novak Richard , Mathies Richard A. , Hainaut Pierre , Smith Martyn T. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractTechnical advances have improved the capacity to detect and quantify genetic variants, providing novel methods for the detection of rare mutations and for better understanding the underlying environmental factors and biological mechanisms contributing to mutagenesis. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has revolutionized genetic testing and remains central to many of these new techniques for mutation detection. Millions of genetic variations have been discovered across the genome. These variations include germline mutations and polymorphisms, which are inherited in a Mendelian manner and present in all cells, as well as acquired, somatic mutations that differ widely by type and size [from single‐base mutations to whole chromosome rearrangements, and including submicroscopic copy number variations (CNVs)]. This review focuses on current methods for assessing acquired somatic mutations in the genome, and it examines their application in molecular epidemiology and sensitive detection and analysis of disease. Although older technologies have been exploited for detecting acquired mutations in cancer and other disease, the high‐throughput and high‐sensitivity offered by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) systems are transforming the discovery of disease‐associated acquired mutations by enabling comparative whole‐genome sequencing of diseased and healthy tissues from the same individual. Emerging microfluidic technologies are beginning to facilitate single‐cell genetic analysis of target variable regions for investigating cell heterogeneity within tumors as well as preclinical detection of disease. The technologies discussed in this review will significantly expand our knowledge of acquired genetic mutations and causative mechanisms. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Achieving reliable seismic performance enhancement using multi‐stage friction pendulum isolators
Authors: Morgan Troy A. , Mahin Stephen A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAn objective in the design of seismically isolated structures is the selection of isolator properties so that performance enhancements are reliably achieved over a range of excitations and performance metrics. A challenge in the design of isolation systems is that, to withstand very severe or near‐fault motions, bearings often become so large, stiff and strong that they provide little isolation during moderate seismic events. Numerical investigations are presented to characterize the performance of a new multi‐stage friction pendulum (FP) isolation bearing, capable of progressively exhibiting different hysteretic properties at various levels of displacement demand. The feasibility of targeting these properties to achieve specific performance goals for a range of ground motion intensities and structural dynamic characteristics is investigated. In particular, the trade‐off between limiting very rare isolator displacement demands and inducing high inter‐story drift and floor accelerations is examined for a range of levels of seismic hazard. Nonlinear dynamic analyses of realistic building systems are presented, including a description of key structural demand parameters. To investigate the potential performance benefits of innovative devices, a complex multi‐level performance objective termed a seismic performance classification is introduced. Results indicate that multi‐stage FP bearings show improved reliability of meeting seismic performance objectives when multiple levels of seismic intensity are considered compared to those systems that incorporate conventional bilinear hysteretic energy dissipation mechanisms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Squamous cell cancer of the head and neck with distant metastasis at presentation
Authors: Kuperman David I. , Auethavekiat Vorachart , Adkins Douglas R. , Nussenbaum Brian , Collins Sharon , Boonchalermvichian Chaiyaporn , Trinkaus Kathryn , Chen Ling , Morgensztern Daniel 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground.Current literature reports widely different rates of distant metastasis at presentation for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We used the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database to determine the rate of and risk factors for distant metastasis.Methods.We identified patients with SCCHN diagnosed between 1988 and 2003. The rate of distant metastasis was determined and then stratified by tumor site, size, and nodal status. To evaluate the contribution of each individual factor, both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.Results.Among 73,247 patients identified, 2066 patients (2.82%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.70–2.94%) had distant metastasis. Independent risk factors for distant metastasis included primary site, nodal status, tumor size, age, and race.Conclusions.In SCCHN, there is a relationship between the risk of distant metastasis and tumor site, size, and nodal status. This information can be used to guide the evaluation and treatment of SCCHN. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Stage‐discharge uncertainty derived with a non‐stationary rating curve in the Choluteca River, Honduras
Authors: Westerberg I. , Guerrero J.‐L. , Seibert J. , Beven K. J. , Halldin S. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractUncertainty in discharge data must be critically assessed before data can be used in, e.g. water resources estimation or hydrological modelling. In the alluvial Choluteca River in Honduras, the river‐bed characteristics change over time as fill, scour and other processes occur in the channel, leading to a non‐stationary stage‐discharge relationship and difficulties in deriving consistent rating curves. Few studies have investigated the uncertainties related to non‐stationarity in the stage‐discharge relationship. We calculated discharge and the associated uncertainty with a weighted fuzzy regression of rating curves applied within a moving time window, based on estimated uncertainties in the observed rating data. An 18‐year‐long dataset with unusually frequent ratings (1268 in total) was the basis of this study. A large temporal variability in the stage‐discharge relationship was found especially for low flows. The time‐variable rating curve resulted in discharge estimate differences of − 60 to + 90% for low flows and ± 20% for medium to high flows when compared to a constant rating curve. The final estimated uncertainty in discharge was substantial and the uncertainty limits varied between − 43 to + 73% of the best discharge estimate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes of flow regimes and precipitation in Huai River Basin in the last half century
Authors: Zhang Yongyong , Shao Quanxi , Xia Jun , Bunn Stuart E. , Zuo Qiting 
Published: September 2010

AbstractHuai River Basin, as the sixth largest river basin in China, has a high‐regulated river system and has been facing severe water problems. In this article, the changing patterns of runoff and precipitation at 10 hydrological stations from 1956 to 2000 on the highly regulated river (Shaying River) and less‐regulated river (Huai River) in the basin are evaluated at the monthly, seasonal and annual scales using the Mann–Kendall test and simple linear regression model. The results showed that: (1) No statistically significant trends of precipitation in the upper and middle Huai River Basins were detected at the annual scale, but the trend of annual runoff at Baiguishan, Zhoukou and Fuyang stations in Shaying River decreased significantly, whereas the others were not. Moreover, the decreasing trends of runoff for most months were significant in Shaying River, although the trend of monthly precipitation decreased significantly only in April in the whole research area and the number of months in the dry season having significantly decreasing trends in runoff was more than that in the wet season. (2) The rainfall–runoff relationship was significant in both highly regulated river and less‐regulated river. In regulated river, the reservoirs have larger regulation capacity than the floodgates and thus have the smaller correlation coefficient and t‐value. In Huai River, the correlation coefficients decreased from upper stream to downstream. (3) The regulation of dams and floodgates for flood control and water supply was the principal reason for the decreasing runoff in Huai River Basin, although the decreasing precipitation in April in this basin was statistically significant. The findings are useful for recognizing hydrology variation and will provide scientific foundation to integrated water resources management in Huai River Basin. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the impact of climate change on the flow regime of the Han River basin using indicators of hydrologic alteration
Authors: Kim Byung‐Sik , Kim Bo‐Kyung , Kwon Hyun‐Han 
Published: September 2010

AbstractMost natural disasters are caused by water‐/climate‐related hazards, such as floods, droughts, typhoons, and landslides. In the last few years, great attention has been paid to climate change, and especially the impact of climate change on water resources and the natural disasters that have been an important issue in many countries. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall, the number of water‐related disasters is expected to rise. In this regard, this study intends to analyse the changes in extreme weather events and the associated flow regime in both the past and the future. Given trend analysis, spatially coherent and statistically significant changes in the extreme events of temperature and rainfall were identified. A weather generator based on the non‐stationary Markov chain model was applied to produce a daily climate change scenario for the Han River basin for a period of 2001–2090. The weather generator mainly utilizes the climate change SRES A2 scenario driven by input from the regional climate model. Following this, the SLURP model, which is a semi‐distributed hydrological model, was applied to produce a long‐term daily runoff ensemble series. Finally, the indicator of hydrologic alteration was applied to carry out a quantitative analysis and assessment of the impact of climate change on runoff, the river flow regime, and the aquatic ecosystem. It was found that the runoff is expected to decrease in May and July, while no significant changes occur in June. In comparison with historical evidence, the runoff is expected to increase from August to April. A remarkable increase, which is about 40%, in runoff was identified in September. The amount of the minimum discharge over various durations tended to increase when compared to the present hydrological condition. A detailed comparison for discharge and its associated characteristics was discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Injectable chitosan‐based hydrogel for implantable drug delivery: Body response and induced variations of structure and composition
Authors: Sun Jiali , Jiang Guoqiang , Qiu Tingting , Wang Yujie , Zhang Kuo , Ding Fuxin 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThermosensitive hydrogel composed of chitosan and glycerophosphate (CS/GP) is proposed to be the potential candidate of in situ gel‐forming implant for long‐term drug delivery. The present study was focused on the body response and induced structural and componential variations of the hydrogel, which were considered to impact on the drug delivery significantly but were scarcely reported. The body response was investigated by histological examination. It showed that the hydrogel caused an inflammatory response immediately after being implanted into Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats. The inflammatory response was mainly exhibited as inflammatory cell surrounding and infiltrating, tissue encapsulating, and vascularization in tissue. The effects of the inflammatory response on the structure and component of the CS/GP hydrogel were extensively explored through analyzing the hydorgel samples taken by surgery. The tissue encapsulation and osmotic pressure caused the water loss of the hydrogel and the compaction of the hydrogel network, and resulted in the porosity decreasing. The cell surrounding and infiltrating spawned big pores in the network and generated the subdivision of the network. All these structural and componential variations of the hydrogel in vivo were quite different from those in vitro and were supposed to exert significantly effects on drug release kinetics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Protective effects of 20‐hydroxyecdysone on CoCl2‐induced cell injury in PC12 cells
Authors: Hu J. , Zhao T.Z. , Chu W.H. , Luo C.X. , Tang W.H. , Yi L. , Feng H. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract20‐Hydroxyecdysone, which is found in the rhizomes, roots and the stems of many plants, is an ecdysteroid hormone that regulates molting in insects. We have previously shown that 20‐Hydroxyecdysone could alleviate neurological deficits induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage in rabbits. Thus, we hypothesized that 20‐Hydroxyecdysone might protect neurons against hypoxic–ischemic injury. In present study, the effects of 20‐Hydroxyecdysone on cobalt chloride (CoCl2)‐induced cellular injury in PC12 cells was investigated. The incubation of PC12 cells with CoCl2reduced the cell viability, increased the rate of apoptosis. However, when cells were treated with 20‐Hydroxyecdysone before or after CoCl2exposure, the CoCl2‐induced cellular injuries were significantly ameliorated. In addition, 20‐Hydroxyecdysone dramatically reduced the CoCl2‐induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, inhibited the release of cytochromecinto the cytosol and increased the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio. Furthermore, 20‐Hydroxyecdysone eliminated the CoCl2‐induced activation of caspase‐3. Taken together, these results indicate that 20‐Hydroxyecdysone may protect PC12 cells against CoCl2‐induced cell injury by inhibiting ROS production and modulating components of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Based on our results, 20‐Hydroxyecdysone may be a potential candidate for intervention in hypoxic–ischemic brain injuries such as stroke. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1512–1521, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Betulinic acid inhibits high glucose‐induced vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation and migration
Authors: Yoon Jung Joo , Lee Yun Jung , Kim Jin Sook , Kang Dae Gill , Lee Ho Sub 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells may perform a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular disease. The principal objective of this study was to determine the effects of betulinic acid (BA) on human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) proliferation induced by high glucose (HG). In this study, [3H]‐thymidine incorporation under 25 mM HG was accelerated significantly as compared with 5.5 mM glucose, and this increase was inhibited significantly by BA treatment. We utilized Western blotting analysis to evaluate the effects of BA on cell‐cycle regulatory proteins. HG induced the expression of cyclins/CDKs and reduced the expression of p21waf1/cip1/p27kip1. However, BA also attenuated the expression of HG‐induced cell‐cycle regulatory proteins. The results of gelatin zymography demonstrated that the HG‐treated HASMC secreted gelatinases, probably including MMP‐2/‐9, which may be involved in the invasion and migration of HASMC. Additionally, BA suppressed the protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP‐2/‐9 in a dose‐dependent manner. BA inhibited the production of HG‐induced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the formation of DCF‐sensitive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Further, BA suppressed the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of IκB‐α of NF‐κB under HG conditions. Our results showed that BA exerts multiple effects on HG‐induced HASMC proliferation and migration, including the inhibition of both MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 transcription, protein activity, and the downregulation of ROS/NF‐κB signaling, thereby suggesting that BA may be a possible therapeutic approach to the inhibition of diabetic vascular disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1501–1511, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rg1 protects iron‐induced neurotoxicity through antioxidant and iron regulatory proteins in 6‐OHDA‐treated MES23.5 cells
Authors: Xu Huamin , Jiang Hong , Wang Jun , Xie Junxia 
Published: September 2010

AbstractGinsenoside‐Rg1 is one of the pharmacologically active components isolated from ginseng. It was reported that Rg1 protected dopamine (DA) neurons in 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐induced Parkinson's disease (PD) models in vivo and in vitro. Our previous study also demonstrated that iron accumulation was involved in the toxicity of 6‐OHDA. However, whether Rg1 could protect DA neurons against 6‐OHDA toxicity by modulating iron accumulation and iron‐induced oxidative stress is not clear. Therefore, the present study was carried out to elucidate this effect in 6‐OHDA‐treated MES23.5 cells and the possible mechanisms were also conducted. Findings showed Rg1 restored iron‐induced decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential in MES23.5 cells, and increased ferrous iron influx was found in 6‐OHDA‐treated cells. Rg1 pretreatment could decrease this iron influx by inhibiting 6‐OHDA‐induced up‐regulation of an iron importer protein divalent metal transporter 1 with iron responsive element (DMT1 + IRE). Furthermore, findings also showed that the effect of Rg1 on DMT1 + IRE expression was due to its inhibition of iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) by its antioxidant effect. These results suggested that the neuroprotective effect of Rg1 against iron toxicity in 6‐OHDA‐treated cells was to decrease the cellular iron accumulation and attenuate the improper up‐regulation of DMT1 + IRE via IRE/IRP system. This provides new insight to understand the pharmacological effects of Rg1 on iron‐induced degeneration of DA neurons. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1537–1545, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hopping isn't always about the legs: forelimb muscle activity patterns during toad locomotion
Authors: Akella Trupti , Gillis Gary B. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAlthough toads are not known for their jumping ability, they are excellent at landing, using their forelimbs to stabilize and decelerate the body as they transition between hops. Forelimb muscles must play important roles during this landing behavior, but to date our understanding of forelimb muscle function during jumping in anurans, particularly after takeoff, is quite limited. Here, we use simultaneous high‐speed video and electromyography to characterize the timing and intensity of electrical activity patterns of six muscles that act at the shoulder or elbow joints in the cane toad, Bufo marinus. In particular, we aim to address the importance of these muscles with respect to various potential roles during hopping (e.g. contributing to propulsion during takeoff, resisting impact forces during landing). Five of the six recorded muscles exhibited their highest average intensities during the aerial phase of the hop, with the most intense activity present near forelimb touchdown. In contrast, no muscles exhibited high levels of activity in the initial phase of takeoff. We interpret these data to indicate that the forelimb muscles studied here are likely unimportant in augmenting force production during takeoff, but are critical for both mid‐air forelimb positioning and resisting the forces associated with impact. The onset timing of elbow extensors seems to occur at a nearly fixed interval before impact, regardless of hop length, suggesting that these muscles are particularly tuned to resisting impact. J. Exp. Zool. 315:1–11, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.