bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photonic crystal enhanced fluorescence for early breast cancer biomarker detection
Authors: Cunningham Brian T. , Zangar Richard C. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPhotonic crystal surfaces offer a compelling platform for improving the sensitivity of surface‐based fluorescent assays used in disease diagnostics. Through the complementary processes of photonic crystal enhanced excitation and enhanced extraction, a periodic dielectric‐based nanostructured surface can simultaneously increase the electric field intensity experienced by surface‐bound fluorophores and increase the collection efficiency of emitted fluorescent photons. Through the ability to inexpensively fabricate photonic crystal surfaces over substantial surface areas, they are amenable to single‐use applications in biological sensing, such as disease biomarker detection in serum. In this review, we will describe the motivation for implementing high‐sensitivity, multiplexed biomarker detection in the context of breast cancer diagnosis. We will summarize recent efforts to improve the detection limits of such assays though the use of photonic crystal surfaces. Reduction of detection limits is driven by low autofluorescent substrates for photonic crystal fabrication, and detection instruments that take advantage of their unique features. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
IL‐6 augmented motility of airway epithelial cell BEAS‐2B via Akt/GSK‐3β signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Wei‐Chun , Kuo Cheng‐Yi , Tzang Bor‐Show , Chen Han‐Min , Kao Shao‐Hsuan 
Published: June 2012

AbstractCell migration plays a pivotal role in airway repair and remodeling involved in respiratory diseases such as asthma. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and fascin‐1 are involved in cell migration upon stimulation; however, the roles of IL‐6 and fascin‐1 in migration of airway epithelial cell remain sketchy. The present study was aimed to investigate influence of IL‐6 on cell motility with emphasis on the association with fascin‐1. Wound healing assay and transmigration assay were performed to examine effect of IL‐6 on migration and invasiveness of human bronchial epithelial cell BEAS‐2B. Level of mRNA expression was determined by RT‐PCR and quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR (Q‐PCR). Involvement of kinase and transcription factor signaling in IL‐6‐induced cell migration was investigated using immunoblot and specific inhibitors. IL‐6 significantly augmented cell migration and invasiveness in parallel with elevated fascin‐1 expression. Further investigation showed that IL‐6 dose‐dependently upregulated fascin‐1 expression in both mRNA and protein levels. We showed that IL‐6 activated Akt and inhibited glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β), highly associating with fascin‐1 mRNA expression. Additionally, IL‐6‐induced migration was significantly diminished by phosphatidyl inositol 3‐phosphate kinase (PI3K) inhibitor (wortamannin) and β‐catenin inhibitor FH535. Moreover, LiCl and SB216763, inhibitors of GSK‐3β augmented cell migration as well as fascin‐1 mRNA expression. Conclusively, these findings reveal that IL‐6‐induced migration of BEAS‐2B cell may be attributed to activation of Akt, inhibition of GSK‐3β, and the associated increase of β‐catenin and fascin‐1 expression, indicating an important role of Akt/GSK‐3β signaling and β‐catenin/fascin‐1 in IL‐6 associated airway remodeling. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3567–3575, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional structure of the promoter regions for the predominant low molecular weight isoforms of tropomyosin in human kidney cells
Authors: Savill Stuart A. , Leitch Helen F. , Harvey John N. , Thomas Trevor H. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractHigh and low molecular weight (LMW) tropomyosin isoforms, by regulation of actin filaments, have a major role in the regulation of cell behaviour. They affect malignant transformation, motility, differentiation, metastasis and cell membrane protein presentation. Expression of LMW isoforms from the TPM1 and TPM3 genes have an important role in these effects but the regulation of their expression is unknown. Luciferase assays on a progressively truncated 1.7 kb fragment upstream of the exon 1b translation start site in the TPM1 and TPM3 genes in HEK‐293 cells showed upstream activation sequences in TPM1 between −152 and −139 bp and in TPM3 between −154 and −102 bp. The effect of mutating candidate transcription factor binding sites identified an AML1‐like transcription factor binding site in TPM1 and a cAMP response element in TPM3. Downstream from the primary activation sequence in TPM1 was a repressor region corresponding to two Sp/KLF family binding GC boxes. Band shift assays confirmed that deletion of these sites altered transcription factor binding and ChIP assays confirmed the presence of AML1 and CREB at the TPM1 and TPM3 activation sequences in the respective promoters. Expression of LMW isoforms from TPM1 and TPM3 genes is regulated very differently. This facilitates regulation of the many cell processes involving these proteins. In situations where these proteins have a critical role, such as cancer metastasis, it also facilitates specific intervention. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3576–3586, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of SIRT1 expression with shear stress induced endothelial progenitor cell differentiation
Authors: Cheng Bin‐Bin , Yan Zhi‐Qiang , Yao Qing‐Ping , Shen Bao‐Rong , Wang Ji‐Yao , Gao Li‐Zhi , Li Yu‐Qing , Yuan Hai‐Tao , Qi Ying‐Xin , Jiang Zong‐Lai 
Published: June 2012

AbstractShear stress imposed by blood flow is crucial for differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Histone deacetylase SIRT1 has been shown to play a pivotal role in many physiological processes. However, association of SIRT1 expression with shear stress‐induced EPC differentiation remains to be elucidated. The present study was designed to determine the effect of SIRT1 on EPC differentiation induced by shear stress, and to seek the underlying mechanisms. Human umbilical cord blood‐derived EPCs were exposed to laminar shear stress of 15 dyn/cm2 by parallel plate flow chamber system. Shear stress enhanced EPC differentiation toward endothelial cells (ECs) while inhibited to smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The expressions of phospho‐Akt, SIRT1 and histone H3 acetylation (Ac‐H3) in EPCs were detected after exposure to shear stress for 2, 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively. Shear stress significantly activated Akt phosphorylation, augmented SIRT1 expression and downregulated Ac‐H3. SIRT1 siRNA in EPCs diminished the expression of EC markers, but increased the expression of SMC markers, and resulted in upregulation of Ac‐H3. Whereas, resveratrol, an activator of SIRT1, had the opposite effects on both EPC differentiation and histone H3 acetylation. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3‐kinase, suppressed endothelial differentiation of EPCs, decreased SIRT1, and upregulated Ac‐H3 expression. In addition, SIRT1 promoted tube formation of EPCs in matrix gels. These results provided a mechanobiological basis of shear stress‐induced EPC differentiation into ECs and suggest that PI3k/Akt‐SIRT1‐Ac‐H3 pathway is crucial in such a process. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3663–3671, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
JAK2 mediates the acute response to decreased cell volume in mouse preimplantation embryos by activating NHE1
Authors: Zhou Chenxi , Baltz Jay M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPreimplantation mouse embryos are particularly sensitive to increased osmolarity within their normal physiological range. The detrimental effects can be alleviated by organic osmolytes such as glycine transported into early embryos, an effect thought to be due to the organic osmolyte replacing a portion of intracellular inorganic ions accumulated during acute cell volume regulation. However, no mechanism of cell volume regulation dependent on inorganic ions has been identified in preimplantation embryos. We found that decreased cell volume rapidly activated Na+/H+ exchange in preimplantation mouse embryos. This activity was likely mediated by the NHE1 (Slc9a1) isoform, since it was blocked by the highly selective NHE1 inhibitor, cariporide, which also inhibited the ability of the 1‐cell embryo to maintain cell volume. How NHE1 is activated by decreased cell volume is not generally well understood. Full activation of NHE1 by decreased cell volume in 2‐cell mouse embryos required the activity of the tyrosine kinase Janus kinase 2 (Jak2), since NHE1 activation was inhibited by the general tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein, several selective inhibitors of Jak2, and dominant negative Jak2 expressed in 2‐cell embryos. Decreased cell volume furthermore resulted in increased tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins in 2‐cell embryos detected both by anti‐phosphotyrosine antibody and an antibody directed against active phospho‐Jak2. Thus, Jak2 apparently serves as a cell volume sensor in embryos. Evidence from pharmacological inhibitors further indicated that NHE1 activation by decreased cell volume was dependent on calmodulin activity, likely downstream of Jak2, and required active phospholipase C. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 428–438, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insulin receptor activation through its accumulation in lipid rafts by mild electrical stress
Authors: Morino‐Koga Saori , Yano Shuichiro , Kondo Tatsuya , Shimauchi Yuichiro , Matsuyama Shingo , Okamoto Yuka , Suico Mary Ann , Koga Tomoaki , Sato Takashi , Shuto Tsuyoshi , Arima Hidetoshi , Wada Ikuo , Araki Eiichi , Kai Hirofumi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractInsulin resistance is due to the reduced cellular response to insulin in peripheral tissues. The interaction of insulin with its receptor is the first step in insulin action and thus the identified target of insulin resistance. It has been well established that defects or mutations in the insulin receptor (IR) cause insulin resistance. Therefore, an IR activator might be a novel therapeutic approach for insulin resistance. Our previous report showed that mild electrical stress (MES) enhanced the insulin‐induced signaling pathway. However, the molecular mechanism of the effect of MES remains unclear. We assessed the effect of MES, which is characterized by low‐intensity direct current, on insulin signaling in vitro and in vivo. Here, we showed that MES activated the insulin signaling in an insulin‐independent manner and improved insulin resistance in peripheral tissues of high fat‐fed mice. Moreover, we found that MES increased the localization of IR in lipid rafts and enhanced the level of phosphorylated Akt in insulin‐resistant hepatic cells. Ablation of lipid rafts disrupted the effect of MES on Akt activation. Our findings indicate that MES has potential as an activator of IR in an insulin‐independent manner, and might be beneficial for insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 439–446, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Authentication of bee pollen grains in bright‐field microscopy by combining one‐class classification techniques and image processing
Authors: Chica Manuel 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA novel method for authenticating pollen grains in bright‐field microscopic images is presented in this work. The usage of this new method is clear in many application fields such as bee‐keeping sector, where laboratory experts need to identify fraudulent bee pollen samples against local known pollen types. Our system is based on image processing and one‐class classification to reject unknown pollen grain objects. The latter classification technique allows us to tackle the major difficulty of the problem, the existence of many possible fraudulent pollen types, and the impossibility of modeling all of them. Different one‐class classification paradigms are compared to study the most suitable technique for solving the problem. In addition, feature selection algorithms are applied to reduce the complexity and increase the accuracy of the models. For each local pollen type, a one‐class classifier is trained and aggregated into a multiclassifier model. This multiclassification scheme combines the output of all the one‐class classifiers in a unique final response. The proposed method is validated by authenticating pollen grains belonging to different Spanish bee pollen types. The overall accuracy of the system on classifying fraudulent microscopic pollen grain objects is 92.3%. The system is able to rapidly reject pollen grains, which belong to nonlocal pollen types, reducing the laboratory work and effort. The number of possible applications of this authentication method in the microscopy research field is unlimited. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Introducing the construct curiosity for predicting job performance
Authors: Mussel Patrick 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe present paper provides a conceptual and empirical examination regarding the relevance of the construct curiosity for work‐related outcomes. On the basis of a review and integration of the literature regarding the construct itself, the construct is conceptually linked with performance in the work context. In line with a confirmatory research strategy, the sample of the present study (N = 320) has requirements which reflect this conceptual link. Results from a concurrent validation study confirmed the hypothesis regarding the significance of curiosity for job performance (r = .34). Furthermore, incremental validity of curiosity above 12 cognitive and non‐cognitive predictors for job performance suggests that curiosity captures variance in the criterion that is not explained by predictors traditionally used in organizational psychology. It is concluded that curiosity is an important variable for the prediction and explanation of work‐related behavior. Furthermore, given the dramatic changes in the world of work, the importance is likely to rise, rather than to decline, which has important implications for organizational theories and applied purposes, such as personnel selection. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical chemical characterization of phosphate‐metal–humic complexes and relationships with their effects on both phosphorus soil fixation and phosphorus availability for plants
Authors: Urrutia Oscar , Guardado Iñaki , Erro Javier , Mandado Marcos , García‐Mina José M 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that phosphate can be complexed by humic acids (HA) through stable metal (M) bridges (PMHA). We studied the thermodynamic properties of PMHA and their relationships with the ability of PMHA to both decrease soil P fixation and increase P availability for plants. With this aim, we studied the theoretical stability of PFeHA, PAlHA and PCaHA by molecular modelling methods in relation to the degree and intensity of P absorption in soils and the ability of plants to take up complexed P.RESULTS: A density functional theory (DFT) quantum chemical study enabled us to obtain stable structures for the three PMHA complexes in water solution. The theoretical stabilities (ΔG0) were consistent with that for apparent stability obtained by Scatchard method, PFeHA ≥ PAlHA > PCaHA, though the differences were clearer by the DFT method. Also the reduction of soil P fixation and the release of P from PMHA in the presence of an anionic resin confirmed the stability order of the different PMHA. Plant studies confirmed the ability of diverse plant species to take up both P and metal complexed in PMHA.CONCLUSION: The results indicated the potential efficiency of PMHA‐based fertilizers to optimize P fertilization for crops cultivated in soils with high P fixation ability. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of the effect of condensed (acacia and quebracho) and hydrolysable (chestnut and valonea) tannins on rumen fermentation and methane production in vitro
Authors: Hassanat Fadi , Benchaar Chaouki 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Tannins added to animal diets may have a positive effect on energy and protein utilisation in the rumen. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of different sources and concentrations (20, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g kg−1 dry matter (DM)) of condensed (acacia and quebracho) and hydrolysable (chestnut and valonea) tannins on rumen microbial fermentation in vitro. The experiment also included a negative control with no tannins (control) and a positive control with monensin (10 mg L−1).RESULTS: In vitro gas production and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration decreased as tannin concentration increased. Addition of acacia, chestnut or valonea tannins at ≥ 50 g kg−1 or quebracho tannins at ≥ 100 g kg−1 resulted in a decrease (up to 40%) in methane (CH4) production compared with the control. Valonea tannins were the only tannin source that reduced (−11%) CH4 production at 50 g kg−1 without affecting VFA concentration. Tannin treatments reduced ammonia (NH3) and branched‐chain VFA concentrations, indicating a reduction in ruminal protein degradation. Monensin reduced CH4 production (−37%) and NH3 concentration (−20%) without affecting total VFA concentration.CONCLUSION: Supplying acacia, chestnut or valonea tannins at 50 g kg−1 has the potential to reduce CH4 production and ruminal protein degradation with minimum detrimental effects on efficiency of ruminal fermentation. Copyright © 2012 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Essential oils to control Botrytis cinerea in vitro and in vivo on plum fruits
Authors: Aminifard Mohammad Hossein , Mohammadi Samane 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The consequence of misusing chemical biocides in controlling pests and diseases has drawn the attention of policy makers to the development of methods potentially available in nature for this purpose. In the present study the inhibitory effects of black caraway, fennel and peppermint essential oils against Botrytis cinerea were tested at various concentrations in vitro and in vivo.RESULTS: The in vitro results showed that the growth of B. cinerea was completely inhibited by the application of black caraway and fennel oils at concentrations of 400 and 600 µL L−1 respectively. The in vivo results indicated that black caraway, fennel and peppermint oils at all applied concentrations inhibited B. cinerea growth on plum fruits compared with the control. In addition, all three oils at higher concentrations showed positive effects on fruit quality characteristics such as titrable acidity, total soluble solids, carbohydrate content, pH and weight loss percentage. Thus the oils inhibited the infection of plum fruits by B. cinerea and increased their storage life.CONCLUSION: This research confirms the antifungal effects of black caraway, fennel and peppermint essential oils both in vitro and in vivo on plum fruits postharvest. Therefore these essential oils could be an alternative to chemicals to control postharvest phytopathogenic fungi on plum fruits. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Pathologic fracture does not influence local recurrence and survival in high‐grade extremity osteosarcoma with adequate surgical margins
Authors: Xie Lu , Guo Wei , Li Yuanbo , Ji Tao , Sun Xin 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to estimate the risk factors having relationships with pathologic fracture of osteosarcoma of extremities and to evaluate the role of limb salvage surgery in this group of patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 28 consecutive cases of pathologic fracture of primary high‐grade localized osteosarcoma of extremities between June 1, 2001 and June 30, 2009. All patients underwent limb salvage surgery and neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy. They had a median age of 14 years (range, 6–30 years). The average follow‐up time was 40.7 months (range, 9–108 months). Clinicopathological factors were analyzed in relation to pathologic fracture. Their recurrence and survival rates were compared to those in cohort of 171 osteosarcoma patients without pathologic fracture who underwent limb salvage surgery during the same period at the same institution.ResultsLess than 15 years, telangiectatic histological subtype, tumor located at the proximal humerus, and radiographical manifested as osteolytic features were risk factors in relation to pathologic fracture. The overall 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were 50.5% and 45.4%, respectively, in the fracture group, and were not significantly different from those in the control group (71.0% and 61.9%, respectively). Of all 28 fracture patients, 4 experienced local recurrences (14.2%) and 14 developed distant metastasis (50%), which were not significantly different from the rates in the control group (8.8% and 37.4%, respectively).ConclusionLimb salvage surgery with adequate margins combined with neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy for pathologic fracture of osteosarcoma did not seem to significantly increase the risk of local recurrence or distal metastasis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:820–825. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RESERVOIR SILTATION AND SEDIMENT YIELD IN THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA: A FIRST ASSESSMENT
Authors: Baade J. , Franz S. , Reichel A. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTHuman‐induced soil erosion is a widespread phenomenon in South Africa, and soil erosion rates reported are among the highest in the world. In addition to human disturbance, unfavourable environmental conditions are mentioned to explain the situation. But data on ‘natural’ erosion from undisturbed sites are rare. This paper presents the first assessment of sediment yield as an integrate measure of erosion, deposition and sediment transport from five catchments located entirely within Kruger National Park (KNP). KNP has been spared from agricultural development for a century and represents a near to natural geo‐ecosystem in the semi‐arid savanna biome. Sediment yield estimates are based on a survey of post‐dam deposits in five reservoirs located in the south‐eastern part of KNP. Reservoir lifetime ranges from 40 to 60 years and the size of the catchments from 8 to 100 km2. The results show distinct relations of long‐term average sediment yield (SY) and area‐specific sediment yield (SSY) with catchment size. Despite the unfavourable semi‐arid environmental conditions, SY is comparatively low. SY varies from 130 ± 45 t y−1 for the 8 km2 catchment to 1130 ± 230 t y−1 for the 100 km2 catchment. SSY is 55 ± 15 t km−2 y−1 for catchments of 12 ± 3 km2 and 11 ± 2·4 t km−2 y−1 for the 100 km2 catchment. The latter finding suggests that decrease of SSY with increasing catchment size is not attributable to human disturbance only. However, further research is necessary to improve and enlarge the database and to verify first results and hypothetical conclusions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multicriteria Classification with Unknown Categories: A Clustering–Sorting Approach and an Application to Conflict Management
Authors: Rocha Clara , Dias Luis C. , Dimas Isabel 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThis work proposes an approach to cluster and sort a set of alternatives considering multi‐criteria categories with a partial order structure. It can be considered a heuristic approach because it does not attempt to derive an optimal partial order among all conceivable clusters of alternatives. Rather than this, it intends to be a simple approach that is transparent to the Decision Maker (DM) whose assistance is sought to help shaping the results. The approach proposed arises from the conjugation of traditional Clustering analysis and Multi‐criteria sorting tools. At the outset, the number of categories and their characteristics is unknown. First, we need to detect only the clusters themselves on the basis of a similarity measure independent of the preferences of the DM. Next, we detect potential partial order relations that might exist between them, according to the subjective preferences of the DM. Such preferences are elicited only after the DM has examined the clusters detected and deemed that these categories made sense. The new approach performs very well in a real‐world problem of management of intragroup conflicts and conflict handling strategies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.