bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression and immunolocalization of Gpnmb, a glioma‐associated glycoprotein, in normal and inflamed central nervous systems of adult rats
Authors: Huang Jian‐Jun , Ma Wen‐Jie , Yokoyama Shigeru 
Published: February 2012

AbstractGlycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma B (Gpnmb) is a type I transmembrane protein implicated in cell differentiation, inflammation, tissue regeneration, and tumor progression. Gpnmb, which is highly expressed in glioblastoma cells, is a potential therapeutic target. However, little is known about its expression, cellular localization, and roles in non‐tumorous neural tissues. In this study, we examined Gpnmb expression in the central nervous system of adult rats under both normal and inflammatory conditions. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that Gpnmb mRNA was expressed in the cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord of normal adult rats. Immunoperoxidase staining revealed that Gpnmb‐immunoreactive cells were widely distributed in the parenchyma of all brain regions examined, with the cells being most prevalent in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, cerebellar cortex, spinal dorsal horn, choroid plexus, ependyma, periventricular regions, and in layers II and III of the cerebral cortex. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that these cells were co‐stained most frequently with the microglia/macrophage marker OX42, and occasionally with the radial glia marker RC2 or the neuronal marker NeuN. Furthermore, an intraperitoneal injection of bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide increased the number of Gpnmb and OX42 double‐positive cells in the area postrema, which is one of the circumventricular organs, indicating infiltration of hematogenous macrophages. These results suggest that Gpnmb, which is expressed in microglia and macrophages in non‐tumorous neural tissues, plays an important role in the regulation of immune/inflammatory responses.
What happens when context thwarts an information architect's vision?
Authors: Haller Thom 
Published: February 2012

AbstractEditor's SummaryWorking with an organization to improve the structure and content of its Internet site can be discouraging and humbling when its stakeholders resist change. Proven writing skills that work in traditional formats do not always succeed in an online environment, coming across as verbose, obstructing clarity and impeding easy navigation. Suggestions to simplify wayfinding around the information space may be ignored, leaving the information architect with a sense of failure to deliver relief from information overload. Though not all recommendations will be accepted, the professional IA learns from each interaction and strives to deepen others' appreciation of the potential for effective site content and structure.
Detection of Early Abl Kinase Activation after Ionizing Radiation by Using a Peptide Biosensor
Authors: Tang Jiabin , Wang Jean Y. , Parker Laurie L. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe ubiquitously expressed Abl protein is a non‐receptor tyrosine kinase that undergoes nuclear–cytoplasmic shuttling and is involved in many signaling pathways in the cell. Nuclear Abl is activated by DNA damage to regulate DNA repair, cell‐cycle checkpoints and apoptosis. Previous studies have established that ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) activates nuclear Abl by phosphorylating serine 465 (S465) in the kinase domain in response to ionizing radiation (IR). Using a peptide biosensor that specifically reports on the Abl kinase activity, we found that an Abl‐S465A mutant, which is not capable of being activated by ATM through the canonical site, was still activated rapidly after IR. We established that DNA‐dependent protein kinase (DNAPK) is likely to be responsible for a second pathway to activate Abl early on in the response to IR through phosphorylation at a site other than S465. Our findings show that nuclear and cytoplasmic Abl kinase is activated early on (within 5 min) in response to IR by both ATM and DNAPK, and that although one or the other of these kinases is required, either one is sufficient to activate Abl. These results support the concept of early Abl recruitment by both the ATM and the DNAPK pathways to regulate nuclear events triggered by DNA damage and potentially communicate them to proteins in the cytoplasm.
Electrocatalysis Using Porous Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Menzel Nadine , Ortel Erik , Kraehnert Ralph , Strasser Peter 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe performance of electrochemical reactions depends strongly on the morphology and structure of the employed catalytic electrodes. Nanostructuring of the electrode surface represents a powerful tool to increase the electrochemically active surface area of the electrodes. Moreover, it can also facilitate faster diffusive mass transport inside three‐dimensional electrodes. This minireview describes recent trends in the development of synthesis routes for porous nanostructured electrode materials and discusses the respective important electrocatalytic applications. The use of structure‐directing agents will play a decisive role in the design and synthesis of improved catalysts.
Temporal analysis of Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) performance based on remotely sensed precipitation products
Authors: Tobin Kenneth J. , Bennett Marvin E. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNo study has systematically evaluated streamflow modelling between monthly and daily time scales. This study examines streamflow from seven watersheds across the USA where five different precipitation products were used as primary input into the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to generate simulated streamflow. Time scales examined include monthly, dekad (10 days), pentad (5 days), triad (3 days), and daily. The seven basins studied are the San Pedro (Arizona), Cimarron (north‐central Oklahoma), mid‐Nueces (south Texas), mid‐Rio Grande (south Texas and northern Mexico), Yocano (northern Mississippi), Alapaha (south Georgia), and mid‐St. Francis (eastern Arkansas). The precipitation products used to drive simulations include rain gauge, NWS Multisensor Precipitation Estimator, Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM), Multi‐Satellite Precipitation Analysis, TRMM 3B42‐V6, and Climate Prediction Center Morphing Method (CMORPH). Understanding how streamflow varies at sub‐monthly time scales is important because there are a host of hydrological applications such a flood forecast guidance and reservoir inflow forecasts that reside in a temporal domain between monthly and daily time scales. The major finding of this study is the quantification of a strong positive correlation between performance metrics and time step at which model performance deteriorates. Better performing simulations, with higher Nash–Sutcliffe values of 0.80 and above can support modeling at finer time scales to at least daily and perhaps beyond into the sub‐daily realm. These findings are significant in that they clearly document the ability of SWAT to support modeling at sub‐monthly time steps, which is beyond the capability for which SWAT was initially designed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diel stream geochemistry, Taylor Valley, Antarctica
Authors: Fortner Sarah K. , Lyons W. Berry , Munk LeeAnn 
Published: February 2012

AbstractUnlike temperate and polythermal proglacial streams, the proglacial streams in Taylor Valley (TV), Antarctica, are derived primarily from glacier surface melt with no subglacial or groundwater additions. Solute responses to flow reflect only the interaction of glacial meltwater with the valley floor surrounding the stream channel. We have investigated the major, minor and trace element 24‐h variations of two proglacial melt streams, Andersen Creek and Canada Stream, originating from the Canada Glacier in TV, Antarctica. Both streams exhibited diel mid‐austral summer diurnal flow variation, with maximum flow being more than 50 times the minimum flow. Dissolved (< 0.4 µm) major, minor and trace solute behaviors through diel periods were strongly controlled by the availability of readily solubilized material on the valley floor and hyporheic‐biological exchanges. Anderson Creek had generally greater solute concentrations than Canada Stream because of its greater receipt of eolian sediment. Andersen Creek also acquired greater solute concentrations in the rising limb of the hydrograph than the falling limb because of dissolution of eolian material at the surface of the stream channel coupled with minimal hyporheic‐biological exchange. Conversely, Canada Stream had less available eolian sediment, but a greater hyporheic‐biological exchange, which preferentially removed trace and major solutes in the rising limb and released them in the falling limb. Given the dynamic nature of discharge, eolian, and hyporheic‐biological processes, solute loads in TV streams are difficult to predict. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uncertainty issues of a conceptual water balance model for a semi‐arid watershed in north‐west of China
Authors: Li Zhanling , Shao Quanxi , Xu Zongxue , Xu Chong‐Yu 
Published: February 2012

AbstractHydrological models are useful tools for better understanding the hydrological processes and performing the hydrological prediction. However, the reliability of the prediction depends largely on its uncertainty range. This study mainly focuses on estimating model parameter uncertainty and quantifying the simulation uncertainties caused by sole model parameters and the co‐effects of model parameters and model structure in a lumped conceptual water balance model called WASMOD (Water And Snow balance MODeling system). The validity of statistical hypotheses on residuals made in the model formation is tested as well, as it is the base of parameter estimation and simulation uncertainty evaluation. The bootstrap method is employed to examine the parameter uncertainty in the selected model. The Yingluoxia watershed at the upper reaches of the Heihe River basin in north‐west of China is selected as the study area. Results show that all parameters in the model can be regarded as normally distributed based on their marginal distributions and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, although they appear slightly skewed for two parameters. Their uncertainty ranges are different from each other. The model residuals are tested to be independent, homoscedastic and normally distributed. Based on such valid hypotheses of model residuals, simulation uncertainties caused by co‐effects of model parameters and model structure can be evaluated effectively. It is found that the 95% and 99% confidence intervals (CIs) of simulated discharge cover 42.7% and 52.4% of the observations when only parameter uncertainty is considered, indicating that parameter uncertainty has a great effect on simulation uncertainty but still cannot be used to explain all the simulation uncertainty in this study. The 95% and 99% CIs become wider, and the percentages of observations falling inside such CIs become larger when co‐effects of parameters and model structure are considered, indicating that simultaneous consideration of both parameters and model structure uncertainties accounts sufficient contribution for model simulation uncertainty. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of genetic variation in comt and bdnf on resting‐state functional connectivity
Authors: Jang Joon Hwan , Yun Je‐Yeon , Jung Wi Hoon , Shim Geumsook , Byun Min Soo , Hwang Jae Yeon , Kim Sung Nyun , Choi Chi‐Hoon , Kwon Jun Soo 
Published: February 2012

AbstractGenetic imaging techniques allow investigation of the mechanisms by which genetic variants influence brain structure and function. The default mode network (DMN) is characterized by a default state of neuronal activity in the brain that is linked to core processes of human cognition. This study examined the role of catechol‐O‐methyl transferase (COMT) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphisms on functional connectivity between brain areas. Twenty‐three healthy volunteers underwent a resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan and genotyping of COMT and BDNF single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A resting‐state functional connectivity map was created using the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) as a seed region. The Val/Val homozygote group of the COMT Val158Met SNP showed significantly greater DMN connectivity in the medial and superior frontal gyri and cerebellum compared with the Met allele carrier group. For the BDNF Val66Met SNP, connectivity between the PCC and precuneus was stronger in the Val/Val homozygote group than in the Met allele carrier group. Different patterns of DMN connectivity related to BDNF and COMT SNPs were observed in this study. These findings suggest interaction between genes and functional connectivity in the brain and indicate that altered functional connectivity may be an endophenotype of cognitive vulnerability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 22, 97–102, 2012
Background and mathematical analysis of diffusion MRI methods
Authors: Özcan Alpay , Wong Kenneth H. , Larson‐Prior Linda , Cho Zang‐Hee , Mun Seong K. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe addition of a pair of magnetic field gradient pulses had initially enabled the measurement of spin motion to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. In the adaptation of diffusion weighted (DW)‐NMR techniques to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the taxonomy of mathematical models is divided in two categories: model matching and spectral methods. In this review, the methods are summarized starting from early DW NMR models followed up with their adaptation to DW MRI. Finally, a newly introduced Fourier analysis based unifying theory, so‐called Complete Fourier Direct MRI, is included to explain the mechanisms of existing methods. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 22, 44–52, 2012
Formation and preliminary in vitro evaluation of a zinc polycarboxylate cement reinforced with neat and acid‐treated wollastonite fibers
Authors: Greish Yaser E. , Hamdan Najwa M. , El Maghraby Hesham F. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractZinc polycarboxylate dental cement is known to form both molecular and mechanical bonds with native tooth materials. However, its relatively weak mechanical properties limit its applications. Wollastonite fibers, with different aspect ratios, were blended with ZnO, prior to its mixing with polyacrylic acid, at weight percentages up to 25%. Setting time, density, compressive strength, and Young's modulus of the formed composites were determined. Composition and morphology of the composites were determined by XRD, IR, and SEM before and after treatment in simulated body fluids. A slight delay in the setting time of the composites was observed. An overall improvement in the compressive strength and modulus of these composites was observed up to 5 wt % of wollastonites, followed by a decrease with increasing the proportion of wollastonite in the composites. Immersion of these composites in SBF solutions resulted in the formation of apatite deposits on the surfaces of the reinforcing fibers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Quantitative analysis of aqueous phase composition of model dentin adhesives experiencing phase separation
Authors: Ye Qiang , Park Jonggu , Parthasarathy Ranganathan , Pamatmat Francis , Misra Anil , Laurence Jennifer S. , Marangos Orestes , Spencer Paulette 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThere have been reports of the sensitivity of our current dentin adhesives to excess moisture, for example, water‐blisters in adhesives placed on over‐wet surfaces, and phase separation with concomitant limited infiltration of the critical dimethacrylate component into the demineralized dentin matrix. To determine quantitatively the hydrophobic/hydrophilic components in the aqueous phase when exposed to over‐wet environments, model adhesives were mixed with 16, 33, and 50 wt % water to yield well‐separated phases. Based upon high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection, it was found that the amounts of hydrophobic BisGMA and hydrophobic initiators are less than 0.1 wt % in the aqueous phase. The amount of these compounds decreased with an increase in the initial water content. The major components of the aqueous phase were hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and water, and the HEMA content ranged from 18.3 to 14.7 wt %. Different BisGMA homologues and the relative content of these homologues in the aqueous phase have been identified; however, the amount of crosslinkable BisGMA was minimal and, thus, could not help in the formation of a crosslinked polymer network in the aqueous phase. Without the protection afforded by a strong crosslinked network, the poorly photoreactive compounds of this aqueous phase could be leached easily. These results suggest that adhesive formulations should be designed to include hydrophilic multimethacrylate monomers and water compatible initiators. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Truncated peptides from melittin and its analog with high lytic activity at endosomal pH enhance branched polyethylenimine‐mediated gene transfection
Authors: Tan Ying‐Xia , Chen Chong , Wang Ying‐Li , Lin Song , Wang Yang , Li Su‐Bo , Jin Xiao‐Pan , Gao Hong‐Wei , Du Fu‐Sheng , Gong Feng , Ji Shou‐Ping 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundMelittin is a commonly used cell‐penetrating peptide (CPP) for improving branched polyethylenimine (BPEI)‐mediated gene transfection. However, its application is limited owing to the cytotoxicity generated by the lytic activity at neutral pH. In the present study, we report two truncated peptides from melittin and florae with improved transfection efficiency.MethodsTwo truncated peptides consisting of 1–20 residues of melittin (MT20) and florae (FL20) were synthesized. Circular dichroism (CD) spectrometry was used to analyze the secondary structures of the peptides. The membrane‐lytic activity of the peptides and their potency in enhancing cellular uptake of calcein were evaluated. The peptides and BPEI mixtures were mixed with plasmid DNA to prepare peptide/BPEI/DNA complexes. The physicochemical characters of complexes were measured and the effect of the peptides on BPEI‐mediated transfection was determined.ResultsCD analysis and structure observation showed that the truncated peptides have α‐helical conformation, which was necessary for penetrating activity. The truncated peptides exhibited several advantages than their parent peptides: (i) they showed higher hemolytic potency in acidic pH but lower lytic activity than their parent peptides in neutral pH; (ii) enhanced calcein efficiently release from both early and late endosome; (iii) they did not affect the DNA‐binding affinity of BPEI and the physicochemical characteristics of BPEI/DNA complexes. Moreover, the peptides could increase BPEI‐mediated transfection efficiency in different cell lines (293FT, B16F10 and CHO‐K1) by simply mixing with BPEI, without causing cytotoxicity.ConclusionsThe results obtained in the present study indicate that the truncated peptides with higher endosomal disrupting activity were better enhancers for increasing transfection efficiency. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating relationship between transfection and permeabilization by the electric field and/or the Pluronic® L64 in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Bureau Michel F. , Wasungu Luc , Jugé Lauriane , Scherman Daniel , Rols Marie‐Pierre , Mignet Nathalie 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundElectrotransfer can be obtained by the successive delivery of a high voltage short duration pulse (HV) inducing membrane destabilization and then a low voltage long duration pulse (LV), allowing DNA electrophoresis (HVLV mode). Pluronic® L64 (L64) (Fluka, Sigma‐Aldrich, L'Isle‐d'Abeau Chesnes, Saint‐Quentin Fallavier, France) has permeabilizing properties and amplifies the expression of DNA. We aimed to determine whether L64 could have an adjuvant effect on transfection by electrotransfer and whether the sequence L64 injection and then application of a LV pulse could induce transfection comparable to that observed with the HVLV mode.MethodsIn vitro, we used fluorescence‐activated cell sorting to evaluate Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell transfection by a plasmid coding green fluorescent protein, and permeabilization to propidium iodide. In vivo, the transfection efficiency of mice tibial cranial muscle was evaluated by optical imaging using a plasmid DNA encoding luciferase. For the same animals, permeabilization indices were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging from the uptake of a T1 contrast agent.ResultsUsing the HVLV mode, transfection efficiency was low in vitro on CHO cells but high for muscles in vivo. Pre‐treatment by L64 increased the transfection efficiency of electrotransfer for CHO cells but not for muscle. In mice muscles, the L64 amplified the expression of DNA. Nevertheless, neither transgene expression, nor permeability indices were further amplified by subsequent delivery of one LV pulse.ConclusionsA major finding of the present study is that the nature of the membrane modification induced by electric pulses is not comparable to that mediated by L64. The electrophoretic LV pulse does not induce additive effects to that of L64 for transfection improvement. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of pneumoperitoneum and body position on the morphology of abdominal vascular structures analyzed in MRI
Authors: Moyano‐Cuevas Jose L. , Sánchez‐Margallo Francisco M. , Maestre‐Antequera Juan , Dávila‐Gómez Luis , Pagador Jose B. , Sánchez‐Peralta Luisa F. , Latorre Rafael 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPurpose:To analyze the complications of laparoscopy in different vascular structures using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI has become a key tool in laparoscopic surgery. During these procedures, pneumoperitoneum creation and placing the patient in the surgical position provoke different changes in the splachnic circulation.Materials and Methods:Ten pigs were included in the study. MRI studies of the abdominal area were carried out in four different situations of abdominal pressure and body position.Results:Changes in the area of the lumen of the portal vein and the abdominal aorta were analyzed in all situations. A significant reduction in the area of the abdominal aorta was observed after the pneumoperitoneum in supine and anti‐Trendelemburg position. The lumen of the portal vein was significantly reduced in all analyzed situations except when placing the patient in anti‐Trendelemburg without pneumoperitoneum, in which case the area was increased.Conclusion:The creation of pneumoperitoneum provokes morphological changes in the lumen of different abdominal vessels as a consequence of the increase of pressure. Furthermore, the combination of pneumoperitoneum together with the anti‐Trendelemburg position results in a more significant reduction of the lumen of the portal vein and the abdominal aorta. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:177–182. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.