bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conformation dependence of DNA electrophoretic mobility in a converging channel
Authors: Liao Wei‐Ching , Watari Nobuhiko , Wang Shengnian , Hu Xin , Larson Ronald G. , Lee Ly James 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe electrophoresis of λ‐DNA is observed in a microscale converging channel where the center‐of‐masses trajectories of DNA molecules are tracked to measure instantaneous electrophoretic (EP) mobilities of DNA molecules of various stretch lengths and conformations. Contrary to the usual assumption that DNA mobility is a constant, independent of field and DNA length in free solution, we find DNA EP mobility varies along the axis in the contracting geometry. We correlate this mobility variation with the local stretch and conformational changes of the DNA, which are induced by the electric field gradient produced by the contraction. A “shish‐kebab” model of a rigid polymer segment is developed, which consists of aligned spheres acting as charge and drag centers. The EP mobility of the shish‐kebab is obtained by determining the electrohydrodynamic interactions of aligned spheres driven by the electric field. Multiple shish‐kebabs are then connected end‐to‐end to form a freely jointed chain model for a flexible DNA chain. DNA EP mobility is finally obtained as an ensemble average over the shish‐kebab orientations that are biased to match the overall stretch of the DNA chain. Using physically reasonable parameters, the model agrees well with experimental results for the dependence of EP mobility on stretch and conformation. We find that the magnitude of the EP mobility increases with DNA stretch, and that this increase is more pronounced for folded conformations.
Precautions to improve the accuracy of quantitative determinations of biomarkers in clinical diagnostics
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Nasim , Wilhelmsen Tore W. , Nyberg Fred , Hjertèn Stellan 
Published: August 2010

AbstractAlthough protein biomarkers have a great potential as biomarkers for diagnosis of diseases, they are seldom used in hospitals. There are many reasons for this, for instance, the difficulties to (i) find a biomarker for which the concentration in body fluids clearly differs between patients and healthy subjects, (ii) attain purification of the biomarker close to 100%, which is required for production of conventional protein antibodies as well as artificial gel antibodies for selective capture of a biomarker, (iii) design a standard curve for rapid and accurate determination of the concentration of the biomarker in the body fluid because of adsorption of the biomarker onto vials, pipettes, etc., (iv) determine accurately the sample volume delivered by a pipette, (v) avoid polymerization of the biomarker upon storage and to decide whether it is in the form not only of monomers, but also of dimers, trimers, etc., in the native state, (vi) determine the degree of possible glycosylation and amidation of the biomarker and (vii) decide whether glycosylation and amidation positively or negatively affects the possibility to use the protein as a biomarker. In this article, we discuss in quantitative terms the difficulties (iii–vii) and how to overcome them, which also may help to overcome the difficulty (ii), which in turn minimizes difficulty (i).
Metal-induced shifts in benthic macroinvertebrate community composition in Andean high altitude streams
Authors: Loayza-Muro Raúl A. , Elías-Letts Rafaela , Marticorena-Ruíz Jenny K. , Palomino Edwin J. , Duivenvoorden Joost F. , Kraak Michiel H.S. , Admiraal Wim 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
High altitude creates unique challenging conditions to biota that limit the diversity of benthic communities. Because environmental pollution may add further stress to life at high altitude, the present study explored the effect of metal pollution on the macroinvertebrate community composition in Andean streams between 3,500 to 4,500 meters above sea level (masl) during wet and dry seasons. At polluted sites, showing a high conductivity and a low pH, metal concentrations (e.g., Al, 13.07 mg/L; As, 3.49 mg/L; Mn, 19.65 mg/L; Pb, 0.876 mg/L; Zn, 16.08 mg/L) ranged from 8-fold up to 3,500-fold higher than at reference sites. The cumulative criterion unit allowed quantifying the potential toxicity of metal mixtures at the contaminated sites. Principal component analysis of physical chemical variables showed that reference sites were more likely to be structured by transparency, water discharge, and current velocity, while polluted sites appeared to be determined by metals and conductivity. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated a strong influence of highly correlated metals in structuring invertebrate communities, which were dominated by dipterans, coleopterans, collembolans, and mites at polluted sites. At reference sites crustaceans, ephemeropterans, plecopterans, and trichopterans were the most representative taxa. We concluded that severe metal pollution induced changes in macroinvertebrate community composition in high-altitude Andean streams, with a replacement of sensitive taxa by more tolerant taxa. Yet relatively species-rich communities persisted under harsh conditions. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2761–2768. © 2010 SETAC
Developmental triclosan exposure decreases maternal and neonatal thyroxine in rats
Authors: Paul Katie B. , Hedge Joan M. , DeVito Michael J. , Crofton Kevin M. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Disruption of maternal thyroid hormones during fetal developmental may result in irreversible neurological consequences in offspring. The present study tested the hypothesis that perinatal triclosan exposure of dams decreases thyroxine in dams and offspring prior to weaning. Pregnant Long–Evans rats received triclosan by oral gavage (0–300 mg/kg/d) in corn oil from gestational day (GD)6 through postnatal day (PND)21. Serum was obtained from pups on PND4, 14, and 21, and from dams on PND22. Serum thyroxine (T4) was reduced 31% in dams on PND22. In pups, a unique pattern of hypothyroxinemia was observed; serum T4 decreased 27% in PND4 pups with no significant reduction observed on PND14 or PND21. Comparable reductions of approximately 30% in serum T4 at 300 mg/kg/d for dams and PND4 neonates and a lack of effect at PND14 and PND21 suggest that toxicokinetic or toxicodynamic factors may have contributed to a reduced exposure or a reduced toxicological response during the lactation period. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2840–2844. © 2010 SETAC
Fire suppressing performance of superfine potassium bicarbonate powder
Authors: Kuang Kaiqian , Chow W. K. , Ni Xiaomin , Yang Donglei , Zeng Wenru , Liao Guangxuan 
Published: August 2010

AbstractFire suppression effectiveness of a new kind of dry powder based on potassium bicarbonate was studied in this paper. The powder consisted of superfine potassium bicarbonate and some organic and inorganic additives, which was denoted as ‘K‐powder’. The physical and chemical characteristics of the K‐powder were characterized by a series of techniques of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) and thermal gravity analysis, etc. Performance of the new potassium‐based powder in fire suppression was studied by laboratory‐scale experiments, which exhibited much superior fire suppression efficacy than that of the commercial bicarbonate powder. Such improvements could be reasonably ascribed to the special chemical composition, microstructure and radiation effect on the mechanisms. The preparation, fire suppression and possible fire‐extinguishing mechanisms were studied in detail. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multistage metamorphism and deformation in high‐pressure metabasites of the northern Adula Nappe Complex (Central Alps, Switzerland)
Authors: Zulbati Fabio 
Published: August 2010

AbstractMetabasites from the northern Adula Nappe Complex (ANC) display a complex microstructural evolution recording episodes of deformation and metamorphic re‐equilibration that were obliterated in the surrounding phengite‐bearing schists. Pre‐D1 and D1 deformation episodes are preserved as mineral inclusions within garnet cores of some amphibole‐bearing eclogites and record high‐temperature greenschist‐/amphibolite‐facies conditions. D2 produced an eclogite‐facies foliation which developed at 580 ± 70°C and 19 ± 3 kbar. D3 was a composite deformation episode which can be divided into three sub‐episodes D3m, D3a and D3b which occurred as the metamorphism evolved from post‐eclogitic high‐pressure and low‐temperature conditions through to amphibolite‐facies conditions at 590 ± 30°C and 11.7 ± 1.3 kbar. The D3 deformation episode was responsible for the development of the S3 regional‐scale foliation in the surrounding schists, whilst D4 caused the development of an S4 greenschist foliation. The composite nature of the D3 episode indicates that rocks of the northern ANC experienced a protracted post‐eclogitic structural reworking and that the current structure of this part of the Alps is a late‐Alpine feature. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward a knowledge infrastructure for traits-based ecological risk assessment
Authors: Baird Donald J , Baker Christopher J O , Brua Robert B , Hajibabaei Mehrdad , McNicol Kearon , Pascoe Timothy J , de Zwart Dick 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
The trait approach has already indicated significant potential as a tool in understanding natural variation among species in sensitivity to contaminants in the process of ecological risk assessment. However, to realize its full potential, a defined nomenclature for traits is urgently required, and significant effort is required to populate databases of species–trait relationships. Recently, there have been significant advances in the area of information management and discovery in the area of the semantic web. Combined with continuing progress in biological trait knowledge, these suggest that the time is right for a reevaluation of how trait information from divergent research traditions is collated and made available for end users in the field of environmental management. Although there has already been a great deal of work on traits, the information is scattered throughout databases, literature, and undiscovered sources. Further progress will require better leverage of this existing data and research to fill in the gaps. We review and discuss a number of technical and social challenges to bringing together existing information and moving toward a new, collaborative approach. Finally, we outline a path toward enhanced knowledge discovery within the traits domain space, showing that, by linking knowledge management infrastructure, semantic metadata (trait ontologies), and Web 2.0 and 3.0 technologies, we can begin to construct a dedicated platform for TERA science. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:209–215. © 2010 SETAC
Azacytidine impairs NK cell reactivity while decitabine augments NK cell responsiveness toward stimulation
Authors: Schmiedel Benjamin J. , Arélin Viktor , Gruenebach Frank , Krusch Matthias , Schmidt Susanne M. , Salih Helmut R. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractAzacytidine and decitabine are approved for treatment of acute myeloid leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes. While clinical responses are attributed to epigenetic effects and induction of apoptosis in malignant cells, these azanucleosides also affect antitumor immune responses. NK cells as components of innate immunity may confine development and progression of cancer. Numerous therapeutic strategies presently aim to reinforce NK reactivity against hematopoietic malignancies. We here comparatively analyzed the effect of the two clinically available azanucleosides and report that NK cytotoxicity and IFN‐γ production are significantly impaired by pharmacological concentrations of azacytidine but enhanced by decitabine. This was not due to alterations in the target cells but caused by direct effects on NK cells depending on the chemical modifications by which azanucleosides differ from their physiological analogues. Although azacytidine impaired mRNA synthesis and induced apoptosis in NK cells, decitabine did not per se alter NK cell viability or reactivity but enhanced responsiveness to activating stimuli by inducing transcription of genes involved in NK reactivity. Tantalizingly, these effects were independent of incorporation of the azanucleosides into DNA during cell division. While azacytidine impairs NK antitumor immunity, decitabine augments NK reactivity by yet unidentified mechanisms and may thus serve well in therapeutic strategies combining its effects on malignant cells with its ability to enhance NK functions.
G‐protein‐coupled receptor for short‐chain fatty acids suppresses colon cancer
Authors: Tang Yong , Chen Yakun , Jiang Hongmei , Robbins Gregory T. , Nie Daotai 
Published: August 2010

AbstractGPR43 is a G‐protein‐coupled receptor for short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Expression of GPR43 is detected in hematopoietic tissues and the large intestine. SCFAs are derived from bacterial fermentation and metabolism of undigested dietary fibers and have been recognized for their cancer prevention activities in the colon. The role of SCFAs, particularly butyrate, in colon cancer therapy has been extensively studied, and its tumor suppressive functions are believed to be due to their intracellular actions, notably inhibition of histone deacetylase. In our study, we show that SCFAs also exert their antitumor effects via receptor GPR43 and that GPR43 is frequently lost in colon cancer cells. Immunohistostaining revealed that GPR43 immunoreactivity was high in normal colon tissues (N = 31) but was markedly reduced or completely lost in most colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues (N = 70) and their corresponding lymph node metastatic adenocarcinomas (N = 38). RT‐PCR analysis detected the presence of full length GPR43 mRNA in only one (HT‐29) of nine established human colon cancer cell lines. Restoration of GPR43 expression in HCT8 human colonic adenocarcinoma cells induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and activated caspases, leading to increased apoptotic cell death after propionate/butyrate treatment. Restored GPR43 expression, coupled with propionate treatment, induced an upregulation of p21 and a decrease in the levels of cyclin D3 and cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) 1 and 2, while the CDK4 and CDK6 levels remained unchanged. Our results suggest that GPR43 functions as a tumor suppressor by mediating SCFA‐induced cell proliferation inhibition and apoptotic cell death in colon cancer.
Safety and tolerability of a modified filter‐type device for leukocytapheresis using ACD‐A as anticoagulant in patients with mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis. Results of a pilot study
Authors: Muratov Vladislaw , Lundahl Joachim , Mandic‐Havelka Aleksandra , Elvin Kerstin , Öst Åke , Shizume Yasumasa , Furuya Kaoru , Löfberg Robert 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCellsorba™ is a medical device for leukocytapheresis (LCAP) treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Cellsorba™ EX Global type has been developed from Cellsorba E for intended use with ACD‐A as anticoagulant. We evaluated safety and efficacy of the modified Cellsorba using ACD‐A in a pilot trial comprising patients with active UC, despite receiving 5‐ASA. A total of 10 LCAP treatments/patients were administered. Safety assessment focused on clinical signs and symptoms, hematological variables, as well as levels of bradykinin and IL‐6. Efficacy was determined using the Mayo clinical/endoscopic scoring index as well histological assessment of biopsies. Additional aim was to evaluate the impact of apheresis system lines and filter on selected regulatory molecules. All six subjects completed the trial without any serious adverse events. WBC, platelet counts, and levels of bradykinin and IL‐6 were not significantly affected. The median Mayo score decreased from 8.0 to 3.5 at week 8 (and to 2 at week 16 for the responders). Four patients were responders, of whom two patients went into remission. Median histological scores decreased from 3.5 to 2.0 in these four patients. Concentration of LL‐37 increased within the apheresis system lines. LCAP with Cellsorba EX using ACD‐A as anticoagulant was found to be a safe and well‐tolerated procedure in patients with active UC. The positive impact on efficacy parameters merits further evaluation in a controlled fashion. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiogenesis and Inflammation Signaling Are Targets of Beer Polyphenols on Vascular Cells
Authors: Negrão Rita , Costa Raquel , Duarte Delfim , Taveira Gomes Tiago , Mendanha Mário , Moura Liane , Vasques Luísa , Azevedo Isabel , Soares Raquel 
Published: August 2010

AbstractEmerging evidence indicates that chronic inflammation and oxidative stress cluster together with angiogenic imbalance in a wide range of pathologies. In general, natural polyphenols present health‐protective properties, which are likely attributed to their effect on oxidative stress and inflammation. Hops used in beer production are a source of polyphenols such as xanthohumol (XN), and its metabolites isoxanthohumol (IXN) and phytoestrogen 8‐prenylnaringenin (8PN). Our study aimed to evaluate XN, IXN, and 8PN effects on angiogenesis and inflammation processes. Opposite in vitro effects were observed between 8PN, stimulating endothelial and smooth muscle cell (SMC) growth, motility, invasion and capillary‐like structures formation, and XN and IXN, which inhibited them. Mouse matrigel plug and rat skin wound‐healing assays confirmed that XN and IXN treatments reduced vessel number as well as serum macrophage enzymatic activity, whereas 8PN increased blood vessels formation in both assays and enzyme activity in the wound‐healing assay. A similar profile was found for serum inflammatory interleukin‐1β quantification, in the wound‐healing assay. Our data indicate that whereas 8PN stimulates angiogenesis, XN and IXN manifested anti‐angiogenic and anti‐inflammatory effects in identical conditions. These findings suggest that the effects observed for individual compounds on vascular wall cells must be carefully taken into account, as these polyphenols are metabolized after in vivo administration. The modulation of SMC proliferation and migration is also of special relevance, given the role of these cells in many pathological conditions. Furthermore, these results may provide clues for developing useful therapeutic agents against inflammation‐ and angiogenesis‐associated pathologies. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1270–1279, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p53 and p21(Waf1) Are Recruited to Distinct PML‐Containing Nuclear Foci in Irradiated and Nutlin‐3a‐Treated U2OS Cells
Authors: Shen Hong , Maki Carl G. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractPromyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML‐NBs) are multiprotein complexes that include PML protein and localize in nuclear foci. PML‐NBs are implicated in multiple stress responses, including apoptosis, DNA repair, and p53‐dependent growth inhibition. ALT‐associated PML bodies (APBs) are specialized PML‐NBs that include telomere‐repeat binding‐factor TRF1 and are exclusively in telomerase‐negative tumors where telomere length is maintained through alternative (ALT) recombination mechanisms. We compared cell‐cycle and p53 responses in ALT‐positive cancer cells (U2OS) exposed to ionizing radiation (IR) or the p53 stabilizer Nutlin‐3a. Both IR and Nutlin‐3a caused growth arrest and comparable induction of p53. However, p21, whose gene p53 activates, displayed biphasic induction following IR and monophasic induction following Nutlin‐3a. p53 was recruited to PML‐NBs 3–4 days after IR, approximately coincident with the secondary p21 increase. These p53/PML‐NBs marked sites of apparently unrepaired DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs), identified by colocalization with phosphorylated histone H2AX. Both Nutlin‐3a and IR caused a large increase in APBs that was dependent on p53 and p21 expression. Moreover, p21, and to a lesser extent p53, was recruited to APBs in a fraction of Nutlin‐3a‐treated cells. These data indicate (1) p53 is recruited to PML‐NBs after IR that likely mark unrepaired DSBs, suggesting p53 may either be further activated at these sites and/or function in their repair; (2) p53–p21 pathway activation increases the percentage of APB‐positive cells, (3) p21 and p53 are recruited to ALT‐associated PML‐NBs after Nutlin‐3a treatment, suggesting that they may play a previously unrecognized role in telomere maintenance. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1280–1290, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of borealin by phosphorylation at serine 219
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Bekier Mike E. , Taylor William R. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe chromosomal passenger complex consisting of Borealin, INCENP, Survivin, and Aurora B follows a dynamic pattern of localization to perform its role as a regulator of chromosome alignment, aspects of the spindle assembly checkpoint, and cytokinesis. Post‐translational modifications of chromosomal passenger proteins play an important role in regulating the localization and function of the complex. Borealin displays a slower electrophoretic mobility during mitosis as a result of phosphorylation. Here we show that phosphorylation at S219 is responsible for this mobility shift. An S219A mutant of Borealin that cannot be phosphorylated at this site displays a defect in centromere localization that is evident in cells arrested in mitosis with nocodazole. Further, the S219A form of Borealin is unable to efficiently rescue mitotic defects that occur upon knock‐down of the endogenous protein. These defects are correlated with a reduction in the intensity of Mad2 staining at kinetochores in cells expressing the S219A form of Borealin. These results highlight an important role for phosphorylation of Borealin at S219 in the proper progression through mitosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1291–1298, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FGF2 promotes Msx2 stimulated PC‐1 expression via Frs2/MAPK signaling
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Jin , Hudson Mark , Kim Sungsu , Hatch Nan E. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractPC‐1 is an enzymatic generator of pyrophosphate and a critical regulator of tissue mineralization. We previously showed that fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF2) specifically induces PC‐1 expression in calvarial pre‐osteoblasts and that this occurs via a transcriptional mechanism involving Runx2. Because aberrant FGF signaling and Msx2 activity result in similar craniofacial skeletal defects and because Msx2 is an established regulator of osteoblastic gene expression, here we investigate Msx2 as an additional mediator of PC‐1 gene expression. mRNA analysis and experiments utilizing PC‐1 gene promoter/luciferase reporter constructs demonstrate that Msx2 promotes transcription of the PC‐1 gene downstream of FGF2. Results indicate that both Msx2 and Runx2 are recruited to a conserved core Msx2 binding site within the PC‐1 gene promoter upon FGF2 stimulation, and that Msx2 and Runx2 function together to induce PC‐1 gene expression in osteoblastic cells. Here we show that FGF signaling promotes Msx2 transcriptional activity on the PC‐1 gene promoter via the Frs2/MAPK signaling pathway. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Msx2 functioning as a transcriptional enhancer downstream of FGF2 in calvarial pre‐osteoblasts. As activating mutations in FGF receptors and Msx2 result in similar craniofacial skeletal disorders, our findings support the idea that FGF signaling and Msx2 activity influence cranial osteogenesis via the same molecular mechanism. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1346–1358, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.