bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resistin induces expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in human articular chondrocytes via transcription and messenger RNA stabilization
Authors: Zhang Zhiqi , Xing Xiaoyun , Hensley Gretchen , Chang Li‐Wei , Liao Weiming , Abu‐Amer Yousef , Sandell Linda J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo elucidate the effects of resistin on human articular chondrocytes and to generate a picture of their regulation at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels.MethodsHuman articular chondrocytes were cultured with resistin. Changes in gene expression were analyzed at various doses and times. Cells were also treated with the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D after resistin treatment or with the NF‐κB inhibitor IKK‐NBD before resistin treatment. Gene expression was tested by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Computational analysis for transcription factor binding motifs was performed on the promoter regions of differentially expressed genes. TC‐28 chondrocytes were transfected with CCL3 and CCL4 promoter constructs, pNF‐κB reporter, and NF‐κB and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) expression vectors with or without resistin.ResultsResistin‐treated human articular chondrocytes increased the expression of cytokines and chemokines. Levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) for matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1), MMP‐13, and ADAMTS‐4 also increased, while type II collagen α1 (COL2A1) and aggrecan were down‐regulated. The cytokine and chemokine genes could be categorized into 3 groups according to the pattern of mRNA expression over a 24‐hour time course. One pattern suggested rapid regulation by mRNA stability. The second and third patterns were consistent with transcriptional regulation. Computational analysis suggested the transcription factors NF‐κB and C/EBPβ were involved in the resistin‐induced up‐regulation. This prediction was confirmed by the cotransfection of NF‐κB and C/EBPβ and the IKK‐NBD inhibition.ConclusionResistin has diverse effects on gene expression in human chondrocytes, affecting chemokines, cytokines, and matrix genes. Messenger RNA stabilization and transcriptional up‐regulation are involved in resistin‐induced gene expression in human chondrocytes.
Design of nonlinear terminal guidance/autopilot controller for missiles with pulse type input devices
Authors: Yeh Fu‐Kuang 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis investigation addresses a nonlinear terminal guidance/autopilot controller with pulse‐type control inputs for intercepting a theater ballistic missile in the exoatmospheric region. Appropriate initial conditions on the terminal phase are assumed to apply after the end of the midcourse operation. Accordingly, the terminal controller seeks to minimize the distance between the commanded missile and the target missile to ensure a hit‐to‐kill interception. In particular, a 3D terminal guidance law is initially developed to eliminate the so‐called “sliding velocity, ” thus, constraining the relative motion between the missile and the target along the line of sight. Sliding mode control is adopted to design stable pulse‐type control systems. Then, a quaternion‐based attitude controller is used to orient appropriately the commanded missile, taking into account the fact that the missile is a rigid body, to realize interceptability. The stability of the overall integrated terminal guidance/autopilot system is then analyzed thoroughly, based on Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, extensive simulations are conducted to verify the validity and effectiveness of the integrated controller with the pulse type inputs developed herein. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Comparison of One‐Step and Two‐Step Meta‐Analysis Models Using Individual Patient Data
Authors: Mathew Thomas , Nordström Kenneth 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe problem of combining information from separate trials is a key consideration when performing a meta‐analysis or planning a multicentre trial. Although there is a considerable journal literature on meta‐analysis based on individual patient data (IPD),i.e. a one‐step IPD meta‐analysis,versusanalysis based on summary data,i.e. a two‐step IPD meta‐analysis, recent articles in the medical literature indicate that there is still confusion and uncertainty as to the validity of an analysis based on aggregate data. In this study, we address one of the central statistical issues by considering the estimation of a linear function of the mean, based on linear models for summary data and for IPD. The summary data from a trial is assumed to comprise the best linear unbiased estimator, or maximum likelihood estimator of the parameter, along with its covariance matrix. The setup, which allows for the presence of random effects and covariates in the model, is quite general and includes many of the commonly employed models, for example, linear models with fixed treatment effects and fixed or random trial effects. For this general model, we derive a condition under which the one‐step and two‐step IPD meta‐analysis estimators coincide, extending earlier work considerably. The implications of this result for the specific models mentioned above are illustrated in detail, both theoretically and in terms of two real data sets, and the roles of balance and heterogeneity are highlighted. Our analysis also shows that when covariates are present, which is typically the case, the two estimators coincide only under extra simplifying assumptions, which are somewhat unrealistic in practice.
High‐throughput RNAi screening to dissect cellular pathways: A how‐to guide
Authors: Falschlehner Christina , Steinbrink Sandra , Erdmann Gerrit , Boutros Michael 
Published: March 2010

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) has become a powerful tool to dissect cellular pathways and characterize gene functions. The availability of genome‐wide RNAi libraries for various model organisms and mammalian cells has enabled high‐throughput RNAi screenings. These RNAi screens successfully identified key components that had previously been missed in classical forward genetic screening approaches and allowed the assessment of combined loss‐of‐function phenotypes. Crucially, the quality of RNAi screening results depends on quantitative assays and the choice of the right biological context. In this review, we provide an overview on the design and application of high‐throughput RNAi screens as well as data analysis and candidate validation strategies.
Oral administration of a tri‐therapy for central pattern generator activation in paraplegic mice: Proof‐of‐concept of efficacy
Authors: Guertin Pierre A. , Ung Roth‐Visal , Rouleau Pascal 
Published: March 2010

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) is a neurological condition, for which no cure exists, typically leading to an immediate and irreversible loss of sensory and voluntary motor functions accompanied by significant health problems. We conducted proof‐of‐concept experiments aimed at assessing efficacy upon oral administration of a novel combination therapy for central pattern generator (CPG) activation and corresponding locomotor movement generation in completely paraplegic animals. Co‐administration orally (by gavage) of buspirone, levodopa and carbidopa was found to dose‐dependently induce episodes of steady weight‐bearing stepping in low‐thoracic (Th9/10) spinal cord‐transected (Tx) mice (with no other form of assistance or training). Robust hindlimb stepping with weight‐bearing capabilities was induced with the tri‐therapy but not with clinically relevant doses of these compounds administered separately. These results provide evidence suggesting that this drug combination may be ideally suited to constitute a first‐in‐class therapy (CPG activator) for locomotor activity induction in chronic SCI individuals, given that efficacy was shown using commercially available brain‐permeable small molecules, already known as safe for the treatment of various neurological indications.
Pretreatment of Siam weed stem by several chemical methods for increasing the enzymatic digestibility
Authors: Zhao Xuebing , Zhang Lihua , Liu Dehua 
Published: March 2010

AbstractSiam weed [Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & Robinson], an invasive exotic weed in China, was proposed as a feedstock for bioethanol production. This would be a promising way of using for an invasive weed that needs management and control. It was found that the glucan content of the weed stem was similar to that of sugarcane bagasse, but higher than those of corn stover and wheat straw. Several chemical pretreatment methods were applied to the weed stem to increase its enzymatic digestibility. Mild sulfuric acid (<120°C) or alkali pretreatment did not markedly increase the enzymatic digestibility. However, peracetic acid (PAA) pretreatment dramatically enhanced the enzymatic hydrolysis of the weed stem. Compared to some other common agricultural residues, the weed stem was more difficult to pretreat and digest by cellulase. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra analysis indicated that the cellulose‐related bands became more intensive after pretreatment, especially for PAA‐pretreated samples. According to X‐ray diffraction spectra, the biomass solids had higher crystallinity indices after pretreatment, although these indices were similar for all of the pretreated samples.
On‐chip cell culture on a microarray of extracellular matrix with surface modification of poly(dimethylsiloxane)
Authors: Hattori Koji , Sugiura Shinji , Kanamori Toshiyuki 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMicrofluidic cell culture chips allow to perform assays of small‐volume samples rapidly and reproducibly. Most of these chips are made of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), which is a flexible, durable, transparent and inexpensive polymer that can be easily applied to fabrication of microstructures by photolithography and replica molding. However, not many cells are able to grow on unmodified PDMS because the cells need appropriate scaffolds on the surface. Here we report surface modification of a PDMS substrate with a microarray of extracellular matrix (ECM) for on‐chip cell culture. The ECM proteins collagen and fibronectin were covalently immobilized on an 8 x 8 microarray format by micropatterned UV‐induced graft polymerization through a photomask and dehydration‐condensation reaction through a microfabricated stencil. Identical spots of ECMs were successfully formed and the geometry of the spots accurately corresponded to the micropattern of the photomask and stencil. We demonstrate the culture of CHO‐K1 cells on the ECM microarray chip. Cells proliferated on the fibronectin spots during the 2‐day culture.
Miniemulsion as efficient system for enzymatic synthesis of acid alkyl esters
Authors: de Barros Dragana P.C. , Fonseca Luís P. , Cabral Joaquim M. S. , Aschenbrenner Eugen M. , Weiss Clemens K. , Landfester Katharina 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe aim of this work is to devise an efficient enzymatic process for the production of linear alkyl esters in aqueous miniemulsion systems. The esterification reactions of linear alcohols and carboxylic acids were performed with three different enzymes, commercial Amano lipase PS from Pseudomonas cepacia, Lipase type VII from Candida rugosa, and lyophilized Fusarium solani pisi cutinase expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae SU50. The miniemulsion system shows a high potential for the synthesis of linear alkyl esters, for example, hexyl octanoate, which could be synthesized with an ester yield of 94% using Amano lipase PS. Even with hydrophilic alcohols as ethanol, ethyl decanoate could be obtained with a concentration of 0.45 M and a yield of 62% using F. s. pisi cutinase as catalyst. High esterification rates for ethyl‐ and hexyloleate in miniemulsion showed a significant shift in cutinase selectivity towards longer chain length carboxylic acids. The stepwise addition of the alcohol led to an increase of the esterification yield. Moreover, increasing the amount of dispersed organic phase, mainly consisting of the substrates, led to a significant increase of the final ester concentration (e.g., concentration of 1.4 M for ethyl decanoate for the esterification with Amano Lipase PS). Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 507–515. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serum‐free scaled up expansion and differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells to osteoblasts in suspension bioreactors
Authors: Alfred Roz , Gareau Tia , Krawetz Roman , Rancourt Derrick , Kallos Michael S. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe use of embryonic stem cell (ESC) derived cells has emerged as a potential alternative treatment for a number of degenerative diseases, including musculoskeletal diseases. Conventional ESC culturing methods use fetal bovine serum (FBS) as a major supplemental component of culture media, which is undesirable for clinical applications. These cultures are usually performed in small‐scale static vessels (gelatin‐coated dishes), which limit the number of cells that can be generated. It is essential to develop effective, reproducible protocols for efficient scalable production of ESC‐derived cells. Here we present serum‐free bioreactor protocols for (1) expansion and (2) differentiation of embryonic stem cells to osteoblasts. Cultivation of mESCs in serum‐free media, supplemented with 15% knockout serum replacement (KSR) resulted in a 27.1‐ and 48.6‐fold expansion in static culture and suspension respectively by day 5 of culture. Further induction to osteoblasts with a differentiation cocktail was verified by up‐regulation of osterix and osteocalcin. Mineralization was also enhanced, as indicated by an increase in the calcium deposition by osteogenic cells by day 28. These results will serve as the basis for developing protocols with human ESCs as a new treatment alternative for musculoskeletal diseases. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 829–840. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SOFT‐MI: A novel microfabrication technique integrating soft‐lithography and molecular imprinting for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Vozzi Giovanni , Morelli Ilaria , Vozzi Federico , Andreoni Chiara , Salsedo Elisabetta , Morachioli Annagiulia , Giusti Paolo , Ciardelli Gianluca 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAn innovative approach has been employed for the realization of bioactive scaffolds able to mimic the in vivo cellular microenvironment for tissue engineering applications. This method is based on the combination of molecular imprinting and soft‐lithography technology to enhance cellular adhesion and to guide cell growth and proliferation due to presence of highly specific recognition sites of selected biomolecules on a well‐defined polymeric microstructure. In this article polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) scaffolds have been realized by using poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microstructured molds imprinted with FITC‐albumin and TRITC‐lectin. In addition gelatin, an adhesion protein, was employed for the molecular imprinting of polymeric scaffolds for cellular tests. The most innovative aspect of this research was the molecular imprinting of whole cells for the development of substrates able to enhance the cell adhesion processes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 804–817. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthetic enzyme mixtures for biomass deconstruction: Production and optimization of a core set
Authors: Banerjee Goutami , Car Suzana , Scott‐Craig John S. , Borrusch Melissa S. , Aslam Nighat , Walton Jonathan D. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe high cost of enzymes is a major bottleneck preventing the development of an economically viable lignocellulosic ethanol industry. Commercial enzyme cocktails for the conversion of plant biomass to fermentable sugars are complex mixtures containing more than 80 proteins of suboptimal activities and relative proportions. As a step toward the development of a more efficient enzyme cocktail for biomass conversion, we have developed a platform, called GENPLAT, that uses robotic liquid handling and statistically valid experimental design to analyze synthetic enzyme mixtures. Commercial enzymes (Accellerase 1000 +/− Multifect Xylanase, and Spezyme CP +/− Novozyme 188) were used to test the system and serve as comparative benchmarks. Using ammonia‐fiber expansion (AFEX) pretreated corn stover ground to 0.5 mm and a glucan loading of 0.2%, an enzyme loading of 15 mg protein/g glucan, and 48 h digestion at 50°C, commercial enzymes released 53% and 41% of the available glucose and xylose, respectively. Mixtures of three, five, and six pure enzymes of Trichoderma species, expressed in Pichia pastoris, were systematically optimized. Statistical models were developed for the optimization of glucose alone, xylose alone, and the average of glucose + xylose for two digestion durations, 24 and 48 h. The resulting models were statistically significant (P < 0.0001) and indicated an optimum composition for glucose release (values for optimized xylose release are in parentheses) of 29% (5%) cellobiohydrolase 1, 5% (14%) cellobiohydrolase 2, 25% (25%) endo‐β1,4‐glucanase 1, 14% (5%) β‐glucosidase, 22% (34%) endo‐β1,4‐xylanase 3, and 5% (17%) β‐xylosidase in 48 h at a protein loading of 15 mg/g glucan. Comparison of two AFEX‐treated corn stover preparations ground to different particle sizes indicated that particle size (100 vs. 500 µm) makes a large difference in total digestibility. The assay platform and the optimized “core” set together provide a starting point for the rapid testing and optimization of alternate core enzymes from other microbial and recombinant sources as well as for the testing of “accessory” proteins for development of superior enzyme mixtures for biomass conversion. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 707–720. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elucidating mechanisms of solvent toxicity in ethanologenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Trinh Cong T. , Huffer Sarah , Clark Melinda E. , Blanch Harvey W. , Clark Douglas S. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractEthanol toxicity and its effect on ethanol production by the recombinant ethanologenic Escherichia coli strain KO11 were investigated in batch and continuous fermentation. During batch growth, ethanol produced by KO11 reduced both the specific cell growth rate (µ) and the cell yield (YX/S). The extent of inhibition increased with the production of both acetate and lactate. Subsequent accumulation of these metabolites and ethanol resulted in cessation of cell growth, redirection of metabolism to reduce ethanol production, and increased requirements for cell maintenance. These effects were found to depend on both the glycolytic flux and the flux from pyruvate to ethanol. Pyruvate decarboxylase (Pdc) and alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) activities measured during the batch fermentation suggested that decreased ethanol production resulted from enzyme inhibition rather than down‐regulation of genes in the ethanol‐producing pathway. Ethanol was added in continuous fermentation to provide an ethanol concentration of either 17 or 27 g/L, triggering sustained oscillations in the cell growth rate. Cell concentrations oscillated in‐phase with ethanol and acetate concentrations. The amplitude of oscillations depended on the concentration of ethanol in the fermentor. Through multiple oscillatory cycles, the yield (YP/S) and concentration of ethanol decreased, while production of acetate increased. These results suggest that KO11 favorably adapted to improve growth by synthesizing more ATP though acetate production, and recycling NADH by producing more lactate and less ethanol. Implications of these results for strategies to improve ethanol production are described. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 721–730. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First nine‐month complete invasive assessment (angiography, IVUS, and OCT) of the novel NEVO™ sirolimus‐eluting stent with biodegradable polymer
Authors: Abizaid Alexandre , Costa J. Ribamar , Feres Fausto 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAt present, percutaneous coronary intervention with drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation represents the default strategy to treat coronary artery disease in many institutions around the world. However, concerns regarding long‐term safety of first‐generation DES have prompted the development of novel DES systems such as the NEVO™ (Cordis Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Warren, NJ) sirolimus‐eluting stent with biodegradable polymer and reservoir technology. In the current report, we present, for the first time, a complete midterm invasive assessment of a patient treated with this novel device in the Res‐Elution I study. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Standardized definitions and clinical endpoints in carotid artery and supra‐aortic trunk revascularization trials
Authors: Nedeltchev Krassen , Pattynama Peter M. , Biaminoo Giancarlo , Diehm Nicolas , Jaff Michael R. , Hopkins L. Nelson , Ramee Stephen , van Sambeek Marc , Talen Aly , Vermassen Frank , Cremonesi Alberto 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground: Endovascular therapy has emerged as a promising alternative to open surgery for stroke prevention in patients with obstructive disease of the supra‐aortic arteries. Although most previous studies have used similar safety and efficacy endpoints, differences in definitions, timing of assessments, and standards of reporting have hampered direct comparisons across various trials. Methods and results: The DEFINE group, an informal collaboration of multidisciplinary physicians, involved in the therapy of patients with obstructive disease of the supra‐aortic arteries in Europe and the United States reviewed the current literature and, after extensive correspondence and meetings, proposed the definitions outlined in the present manuscript. Three meetings including all authors of the manuscript, along with representatives of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and commercial device manufacturers were held in Barcelona, Spain, in May 2008, in Munich, Germany, in July 2008, and in New York in November 2008. The proposed definitions encompass baseline clinical and anatomic characteristics, clinical and radiologic outcomes, complications, standards of reporting, and timing of assessment. Conclusions: Considering the broad consensus between the multidisciplinary scientific members and the regulatory authorities, the proposed definitions are expected to find adoption in future clinical investigations. These definitions can be applied to both endovascular and open surgery trials and will allow reliable comparisons between these two revascularization methods. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusion in a left anterior descending coronary artery using an ipsilateral intraseptal bridging collateral tracking technique
Authors: Suzuki Makoto , Takagi Yaemi , Tsuchikane Etsuo 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAs one of the great breakthrough techniques in the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the chronic total occlusions of coronary arteries, the controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal tracking, so called the “CART” technique, has been developed. We present a first case in whom CTO of the mid LAD coronary artery was well‐recanalized using the CART technique via the ipsilateral intraseptal bridging collaterals in the PCI. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.