bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
shRNA‐mediated silencing of Gli2 gene inhibits proliferation and sensitizes human hepatocellular carcinoma cells towards TRAIL‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Liu Jianping , Wang Yang , Chen Jie , Chen Tao 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been reported in various cancer types including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As a key effector of this signaling, Gli2 plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis, including the activation of genes encoding apoptosis inhibitors and cell‐cycle regulators. In this study, we examined the role of Gli2 proliferation and survival of HCC cells. First, the expression levels of Hh pathway components were detected in a subset of HCC cell lines. To establish the role of Gli2 in maintaining the tumorigenic properties of HCC cells, we developed small hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting Gli2 and transfected it into SMMC‐7721 cell, which was selected with high level of Hh signaling expression. Next, effects of Gli2 gene silencing, on cell proliferation and on the expression of cell cycle‐related proteins were evaluated, then, whether down‐regulation of Gli2 renders HCC cell susceptible to TRAIL was examined in vitro. Knockdown of Gli2 inhibited cell proliferation and induced G1 phase arrest of cell cycle in SMMC‐7721 cell through down‐regulation of cyclin D1, cyclinE2, and up‐regulation of p21‐WAF1. Also, Gli2 gene siliencing sensitized SMMC‐7721 cell to tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand‐induced apoptosis by reducing the expression of the long and short isoform of c‐FLIP and Bcl‐2, and then augmented the activation of initiator caspases‐8/‐9 and effector caspases‐3, which induces PARP cleavage. In conclusion, our data suggest that Gli2 plays a predominant role in the proliferation and apoptosis resistance of HCC cells, and that knockdown of Gli2 may be a novel anticancer strategy for the treatment of HCC. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3140–3150, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of scanner in longitudinal studies of brain volume changes
Authors: Takao Hidemasa , Hayashi Naoto , Ohtomo Kuni 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPurpose:To evaluate the effects of drift in scanner hardware and inter‐scanner variability on global and regional brain volume changes using longitudinal data obtained on two scanners of the exact same model.Materials and Methods:A total of 208 subjects (70 females and 138 males, mean age = 56.5 ± 10.1 years) were scanned twice, at an interval of approximately 2 years (mean interval = 1.9 ± 0.15 years), using two 3.0 Tesla (T) scanners of the exact same model. The subjects were divided into four groups according to the combination of scanners used. The effects of scanner drift and inter‐scanner variability on global and regional brain volume changes were evaluated using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and structural image evaluation using normalization of atrophy (SIENA).Results:The mean whole brain volume calculated using VBM increased by 17.2 ± 29.3 mL, and the changes were significantly different between groups. The mean percentage brain volume change (PBVC) calculated using SIENA was −0.46 ± 0.71 %, and did not differ between groups. VBM showed several regions with a significant increase or decrease in volume; however, SIENA showed that edge displacement values were negative in most regions.Conclusion:Even with scanners of the exact same model, scanner drift, and inter‐scanner variability can cancel out actual longitudinal brain volume change. SIENA, which corrects for differences in imaging geometry using the outer skull surface for both time points, can reduce the effects of scanner drift and inter‐scanner variability on longitudinal morphometric results. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patient‐oriented functional results of total femoral endoprosthetic reconstruction following oncologic resection
Authors: Jones Kevin B. , Griffin Anthony M. , Chandrasekar Coonoor R. , Biau David , Babinet Antoine , Deheshi Benjamin , Bell Robert S. , Grimer Robert J. , Wunder Jay S. , Ferguson Peter C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesFunctional outcomes following oncologic total femoral endoprosthetic reconstruction (TFR) are lacking. We compared patient‐oriented functional results of TFRs to proximal femur and distal femur reconstructions (PFR and DFR). We also compared function and complications with regard to knee and hip componentry.MethodsFifty‐four TFR patients were identified from three institutional prospective databases. Forty‐one had fixed‐ and 13 had rotating‐hinge knees, 37 hemiarthroplasty and 17 total hip arthroplasty componentry. Toronto Extremity Salvage Scores (TESS) for n = 27 were compared between groups and to cohorts of PFR (n = 31) and DFR (n = 85) patients using the Mann–Whitney U‐test.ResultsFollow‐up averaged 4 years. Mechanical complications included five hip dislocations and one femoral malrotation. Four dislocations were in fixed‐hinge implants, all in those lacking abductor reattachment. TESS averaged 69.3 ± 17.8, statistically decreased from DFR (P = 0.002) and PFR patients (P = 0.036). No significant differences were detected between patients in the fixed‐hinge (n = 18) and rotating‐hinge (n = 9) groups (P = 0.944), or total hip (n = 8) and hemiarthroplasty (n = 19) groups (P = 0.633).ConclusionsTFR is reserved for extreme cases of limb salvage, portending a poor prognosis overall. Function reflects additive impairments from PFR and DFR. TFR outcomes differ little with rotating‐ or fixed‐hinge, total hip or hemiarthroplasty implants. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:561–565. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐Yielding Alkyne‐Tetracyanoethylene Addition Reactions: A Powerful Tool for Analyzing Alkyne‐Linked Conjugated Polymer Structures
Authors: Fujita Hiroyuki , Tsuboi Kazuma , Michinobu Tsuyoshi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPoly(o‐phenyleneethynylene) and poly(o‐phenylenebutadiynylene) derivatives are synthesized by the Sonogashira polycondensation or oxidative polymerization of an asymmetric monomer, 3,4‐diethynyl‐N,N‐dihexylaniline. Postfunctionalization of the poly(o‐phenyleneethylene) derivatives is unsuccessful due to the occurrence of undesired side reactions. In contrast, the poly(o‐phenylenebutadiynylene) derivative is converted into the donor–acceptor type polymer without side reactions. The resulting polymer features a well‐defined charge‐transfer (CT) band in the Vis–NIR region and redox activity in both the anodic and cathodic directions. The results suggest that the oxidative polymerization mainly proceeds through the pseudo two‐step pathway. magnified image
An epistemic event‐based correlation approach for managing pervasive networks
Authors: Ganapathy Vinayak , Pissinou Niki , Makki S. Kami , Ali Bakhtiar Qutub 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYExisting pervasive applications are based on time series data that possess the form of time‐ordered series of events. Such applications also embody the need to handle large volumes of unexpected events, often modified on‐the‐fly, containing conflicting information, and dealing with rapidly changing contexts while producing results with low latency. Correlating events across contextual dimensions holds the key to expanding the capabilities and improving the performance of these applications. In this paper we analyze complex‐event semantic correlation that examines epistemic uncertainty in computer networks by using Dempster–Shafer theory to support a high‐volume, event‐based, in‐network and non‐deterministic pervasive network management. We consider imprecision and uncertainty when an event is detected and associate a belief parameter with the semantics and the detection of composite events. The approach taps into in‐network processing capabilities of pervasive computer networks and can withstand missing or conflicting information gathered from multiple participating entities. In the end, we establish that a lightweight, distributed, large‐volume, event‐based technique which exploits epistemic uncertainty to correlate events along contextual dimensions provides a successful technique for enabling management of large‐scale and pervasive contemporary and future computer networks. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigations into the Phenolic Constituents of Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis perennis L.) by LC‐MS/MS and GC‐MS analyses
Authors: Lorenz Peter , Conrad Jürgen , Bertrams Julia , Berger Melanie , Duckstein Sarina , Meyer Ulrich , Stintzing Florian C. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTIntroductionDog's mercury (Mercurialis perennis L.) is a traditional European medicinal plant considered as a rich source of bioactive natural products. Yet phytochemical data of the plant are scant.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the hydrophilic phenolic constituents from M. perennis by aqueous and hydroalcoholic extraction.MethodologyExtracts of herbal parts were investigated in‐depth by HPLC(DAD)‐MS/MS and GC/MS analyses. In addition, a novel compound was isolated and fully characterised by 1‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments.ResultsSeveral conjugates of caffeic, p‐coumaric and ferulic acids together with glucaric or 2‐hydroxyglutaric acids (depsides) were detected in the aqueous extracts from aerial plant parts by use of LC‐MS/MS techniques as well UV‐spectral data. By implementation of preparative chromatography on polyamide pretreated with formic acid followed by vacuum liquid chromatography on reversed‐phase C18‐silica, one of the predominant depsides was isolated as a pure compound. The NMR spectra (1H and 13C NMR) together with 2D‐hetereonuclear multiple bond correlation NMR experiments (gHMBC and gHSQC) and chiral GC investigation, allowed identification of this compound as (−)‐(E)‐caffeoyl‐2‐(R)‐oxoglutarate. This structure was additionally supported by GC/MS data after silylation and methylation reactions. The hydroalcoholic extract from aerial parts was separated by solvent partition between ethyl acetate and n‐butanol. The latter fraction (n‐butanol) yielded a mixture of mono‐ and oligo‐glycosides of kaempferol and quercetin, all of them being assigned by LC‐MS/MS.ConclusionsThe present investigation constitutes the first comprehensive report on the hydrophilic constituents of the rarely studied plant Mercurialis and thus completes the phytochemical knowledge on M. perennis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterisation of the Degradation of Salvianolic Acid B Using an On‐line Spectroscopic Analysis System and Multivariate Curve Resolution
Authors: Xintian Zheng , Haibin Qu 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTIntroductionChinese herbal medicines contain complex ingredients that are unstable during the manufacturing process. Current off‐line methods are usually time‐consuming and inaccurate.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop a continuous‐flow‐based on‐line spectroscopic system for monitoring the degradation of unstable compounds in Chinese herbal medicines.MethodologyAn on‐line spectroscopic analysis system in the evaluation of the degradation of unstable compounds was implemented, using salvianolic acid B from Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) as a model compound. Resolution of the mixture spectra obtained during the reaction was performed with multivariate curve resolution (MCR), and the pure spectra and kinetic profiles of reactant species were reconstructed.ResultsThe degradation process of salvianolic acid B is probably a consecutive two‐step reaction of the form A → B → C, where A is salvianolic acid B, and B and C are the intermediate and final products, respectively. The intermediate and final products were suggested to be a mixture of lithospermic acid and danshensu [3‐(3, 4‐dihydroxyphenyl) lactic acid], and a mixture of danshensu and salvianolic acid A, respectively.ConclusionThe findings suggested that the combined use of on‐line spectroscopic analysis and MCR might be a cheap, readily available, sensitive tool to monitor the transformation of unstable components of Chinese herbal medicines. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of a rapid assay for prenatal testing of common aneuploidies and microdeletion syndromes
Authors: Shaffer Lisa G. , Coppinger Justine , Morton S. Annie , Alliman Sarah , Burleson Jessica , Traylor Ryan , Walker Cathryn , Byerly Steve , Lamb Allen N. , Schultz Roger , Ravnan J. Britt , Kashork Catherine D. , Torchia Beth S. , Sulpizio Scott , Sundin Kyle , Schermer Mack , Adler Karl , Dallaire Stephanie , Ballif Blake C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a novel, rapid prenatal assay for pregnancies with high likelihood of normal karyotypes, using BACs‐on‐Beads™ technology, a suspension array‐based multiplex assay that employs Luminex® xMAP® technology, for the detection of gains and losses in chromosomal DNA.MethodsFifteen relatively common microdeletions were selected that are not detectable, or may be missed, by karyotyping and usually do not present with abnormal ultrasound findings. Chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y were included. We validated the assay with 430 samples.ResultsAll microdeletions and aneuploidies were correctly identified, except for a 69,XXX incorrectly identified as a normal female and a male with ∼20% maternal cell contamination (MCC) that could not be distinguished from 69,XXY. MCC became apparent at 20 to 30%. Mosaicism was identified at 30 to 35% abnormal cells.ConclusionWe have developed an alternative to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) aneuploidy screening and microarray analysis in otherwise normal pregnancies undergoing invasive testing. We demonstrated that the assay will detect all microdeletions and aneuploidies of regions covered on the assay. We developed analytical software that displays results for well‐characterized syndromes but not abnormalities of unclear clinical significance. This assay is likely to be preferred by women seeking testing beyond routine karyotyping but who desire more information than provided by aneuploidy FISH. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular basis and prenatal diagnosis of β‐thalassemia among Balouch population in Iran
Authors: Miri‐Moghaddam E. , Zadeh‐Vakili A. , Rouhani Z. , Naderi M. , Eshghi P. , Khazaei Feizabad A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the molecular spectrum of β‐thalassemia mutations among at‐risk Balouch couples in Iran.MethodsMutations' detection in DNAs extracted from the blood of partners of at‐risk couples was characterized, and chorion villus sampling by amplification refractory mutation system and DNA sequencing was performed. Fetal diagnosis was also confirmed by linkage analysis.ResultsOut of a total of 1234 at‐risk Balouch couples referred to the center for prenatal diagnosis (PND) from June 2002 to June 2010, a high percentage of ‘67.4%’ were from consanguineous marriages and 37.4% had between one and four affected children. The trend in referring gradually increased from 34 cases in 2002 to 357 cases in 2010. The astonishing finding was that, unlike most previous studies, only IVS 1‐5 with an unusual frequency of 87.20% along with codon 8/9 (+G) with 4% constitutes about 91% of mutations. Altogether, 729 PNDs were made in 583 couples, 25% of whom had over one PND, and surprisingly five PNDs were made in the same woman within just 8 years.ConclusionRegarding the limited types of frequent mutations among Balouch population, it is hopefully believed that the incidence of β‐thalassemia could be controlled by a correct diagnosis in the due time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heavy metals in human amniotic fluid: a pilot study
Authors: Caserta D. , Mantovani A. , Ciardo F. , Fazi A. , Baldi M. , Sessa M. T. , la Rocca C. , Ronchi A. , Moscarini M. , Minoia C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectiveMany heavy metals are essential nutrients for a healthy life. However, significant evidence supports prolonged prenatal exposure as a risk factor for several adverse health effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of heavy metals in human amniotic fluid (AF) to demonstrate that there is an early fetal in utero exposure.MethodsThe concentrations of a variety of heavy metals, including Be, Ag, Ba, Pb, U, Hg, Sr, Cu, Mn, V, Pd, Sn, Sb, Te, Pt, Sc, Tl, Ni, As, Co, Zn and Se, were measured in 25 AF samples obtained from amniocentesis between 15 and 18 weeks of gestational, after informed consent.ResultsBe, Ag, Ba, Pb, U, Cu, Sr, Mn, V, Sn, Te, Pt, As, Tl, Sb, Co, Se and Zn concentrations were detected in measurable amounts in second trimester AF. Mg levels are elevated in all samples. Pd, Ni, Sc and Hg concentrations are below the detection limits in all samples.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that heavy metals pass into and accumulate in AF from a very early stage of gestation. Other studies are needed to evaluate the long‐term health effects of this early exposure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of copper alloy mold tooling on the performance of the injection molding process
Authors: Kelly A.L. , Mulvaney‐Johnson L. , Beechey R. , Coates P.D. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe performance of copper alloy mold tool materials in injection molding has been examined with respect to cycle time, part quality and energy consumption using in‐process monitoring techniques. A mold insert manufactured from conventional tool steel was compared to four identical inserts made from beryllium‐free copper alloys with copper contents ranging from 85 to 96%. Injection molding trials using high density polyethylene and polybutyl terepthalate were performed using a highly instrumented injection molding machine. Results showed that copper alloy mold tools exhibited cooling rates up to 29% faster than conventional tool steel and that cooling rate was related to thermal conductivity of the alloy. Lower cycle times were achievable with copper alloy than for tool steel before part quality deterioration occurred. The results suggest that copper alloy tooling has the potential to achieve significant reductions in cycle time without detriment to the process or product quality. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Lipid composition influences the release of Alzheimer's amyloid β‐peptide from membranes
Authors: Lemkul Justin A. , Bevan David R. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe behavior of the amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) within a membrane environment is integral to its toxicity and the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Ganglioside GM1 has been shown to enhance the aggregation of Aβ, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we explored the interactions between the 40‐residue alloform of Aβ (Aβ40) and several model membranes, including pure palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) and palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylserine (POPS), an equimolar mixture of POPC and palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (POPE), and lipid rafts, both with and without GM1, to understand the behavior of Aβ40 in various membrane microenvironments. Aβ40 remained inserted in POPC, POPS, POPC/POPE, and raft membranes, but in several instances exited the raft containing GM1. Aβ40 interacted with GM1 largely through hydrogen bonding, producing configurations containing β‐strands with C‐termini that, in some cases, exited the membrane and became exposed to solvent. These observations provide insight into the release of Aβ from the membrane, a previously uncharacterized process of the Aβ aggregation pathway.
Rough terrain mapping and classification for foothold selection in a walking robot
Authors: Belter Dominik , Skrzypczyński Piotr 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAlthough legged locomotion over a moderately rugged terrain can be accomplished by employing simple reactions to the ground contact information, a more effective approach, which allows predictively avoiding obstacles, requires a model of the environment and a control algorithm that takes this model into account when planning footsteps and leg movements. This article addresses the issues of terrain perception and modeling and foothold selection in a walking robot. An integrated system is presented that allows a legged robot to traverse previously unseen, uneven terrain using only onboard perception, provided that a reasonable general path is known. An efficient method for real‐time building of a local elevation map from sparse two‐dimensional (2D) range measurements of a miniature 2D laser scanner is described. The terrain mapping module supports a foothold selection algorithm, which employs unsupervised learning to create an adaptive decision surface. The robot can learn from realistic simulations; therefore no a priori expert‐given rules or parameters are used. The usefulness of our approach is demonstrated in experiments with the six‐legged robot Messor. We discuss the lessons learned in field tests and the modifications to our system that turned out to be essential for successful operation under real‐world conditions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A peak‐capture algorithm used on an autonomous underwater vehicle in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill response scientific survey
Authors: Zhang Yanwu , McEwen Robert S. , Ryan John P. , Bellingham James G. , Thomas Hans , Thompson Charles H. , Rienecker Erich 
Published: June 2011

AbstractDuring the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Response Scientific Survey on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ship Gordon Gunter Cruise GU‐10‐02 (27 May–4 June 2010), a Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) was deployed to make high‐resolution surveys of the water column in targeted areas. There were 10 2‐liter samplers on the AUV for acquiring water samples. An essential challenge was how to autonomously trigger the samplers when peak hydrocarbon signals were detected. In ship hydrocasts (measurements by lowered instruments) at a site to the southwest of the Deepwater Horizon wellhead, the hydrocarbon signal showed a sharp peak between 1,100‐ and 1,200‐m depths, suggesting the existence of a horizontally oriented subsurface hydrocarbon plume. In response to this finding, we deployed the AUV at this site to make high‐resolution surveys and acquire water samples. To autonomously trigger the samplers at peak hydrocarbon signals, we modified an algorithm that was previously developed for capturing peaks in a biological thin layer. The modified algorithm still uses the AUV's sawtooth (i.e., yo‐yo) trajectory in the vertical dimension and takes advantage of the fact that in one yo‐yo cycle, the vehicle crosses the horizontal plume (i.e., the strong‐signal layer) twice. On the first crossing, the vehicle detects the peak and logs the corresponding depth (after correcting for the detection delay). On the second crossing, a sampling is triggered when the vehicle reaches the depth logged on the first crossing, based on the assumption that the depth of the horizontal oil layer does not vary much between two successive crossings that are no more than several hundred meters apart. In this paper, we present the algorithm and its performance in an AUV mission on 3 June 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, we present an improvement to the algorithm and the corresponding results from postprocessing the AUV mission data. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.*This article is a US Government work
and, as such, is in the public domain of the United States of America.