bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the permeability and optical clearing ability of different analytes in human normal and cancerous breast tissues by spectral domain OCT
Authors: Zhu Zhenguo , Wu Guoyong , Wei Huajiang , Yang Hongqin , He Yonghong , Xie Shusen , Zhao Qingliang , Guo Xiao 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe potential of OCT applied for early breast cancer detection attracted significant efforts. The permeability coefficients and the percentages of OCT signal enhancement for normal and cancerous breast tissues have been investigated from the experiments of 20% glucose, 40% glucose, and 20% mannitol in vitro. Obtained results indicate that the permeability coefficient in breast cancer tissue is prominently larger than that in normal breast tissue, while the optical clearing effect is just the reverse to that for each agent. The results suggest that OCT has the ability to distinguish cancer tissue from different aspect. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Caveolin‐1 overexpression is associated with simultaneous abnormal expression of the E‐cadherin/α–β catenins complex and multiple erbb receptors and with lymph nodes metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Masuelli Laura , Budillon Alfredo , Marzocchella Laura , Mrozek Marie‐Agnes , Vitolo Domenico , Di Gennaro Elena , Losito Simona , Sale Patrizio , Longo Francesco , Ionna Franco , Lista Florigio , Muraro Raffaella , Modesti Andrea , Bei Roberto 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe presence of lymph node metastases is one of the most important prognostic indicators in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). An alteration of the E‐cadherin–catenins complex and EGFR is essential for the invasiveness of cancer cells. Caveolin‐1, the major structural protein of the caveolae, represents a scaffolding molecule for several signaling proteins including EGFR. Although caveolin‐1 has been shown to play a role in inducing the invasive phenotype of cancer cells, its role appears to be cell‐type specific and for some tumors it has not been defined yet. In this study we used 57 HNSCC specimens to investigate whether the abnormal expression of caveolin‐1 was associated with the derangement of the E‐cadherin–catenins complex and with the overexpression of ErbB receptors. We demonstrate that in HNSCCs caveolin‐1 overexpression is associated with the simultaneous abnormal expression of at least one member of the E‐cadherin/α–β catenins complex and multiple ErbB receptors as well as with lymph node metastases. We also demonstrate that chronic stimulation of a human hypopharyngeal carcinoma cell line (FaDu) with EGF induced the internalization of β‐catenin and caveolin‐1 and their co‐localization with EGFR. Moreover, EGF treatment induced an increased physical interaction between EGFR/β‐catenin/caveolin‐1 and between E‐cadherin/β‐catenin/caveolin‐1. These molecular events were associated with an increased directional motility of FaDu cells in vitro. These findings may provide new insight into the biology of HNSCC progression and help to identify subgroups of primary HNSCCs with a more aggressive behavior. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3344–3353, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel anti‐ErbB3 monoclonal antibodies show therapeutic efficacy in xenografted and spontaneous mouse tumors
Authors: Aurisicchio Luigi , Marra Emanuele , Luberto Laura , Carlomosti Fabrizio , De Vitis Claudia , Noto Alessia , Gunes Zeynep , Roscilli Giuseppe , Mesiti Giuseppe , Mancini Rita , Alimandi Maurizio , Ciliberto Gennaro 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe role of the ErbB3 receptor in signal transduction is to augment the signaling repertoire of active heterodimeric ErbB receptor complexes through activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, which in turn promotes survival and proliferation. ErbB3 has recently been proposed to be involved in acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and is therefore a promising new drug cancer target. Since ErbB3 is a kinase defective receptor, it cannot be targeted by small molecule inhibitors, whereas monoclonal antibodies may offer a viable strategy for pharmacological intervention. In this study, we have utilized DNA electroporation (DNA‐EP) to generate a set of novel hybridomas directed against human ErbB3, which have been characterized for their biochemical and functional properties and selected for their ability to negatively regulate the ErbB3‐mediated signaling pathway. In vitro, the anti‐ErbB3 antibodies modulate the growth rate of cancer cells of different origins. In vivo they show antitumoral properties in a xenograft model of human pancreatic tumor and in the ErbB2‐driven carcinogenesis genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) for mammary tumor, the BALB/neuT. Our data confirm that downregulating the ErbB3‐mediated signals with the use of anti‐ErbB3 monoclonal antibodies is both feasible and relevant for therapeutic purposes and provides new opportunities for novel anti‐ErbB3 combinatory strategies for cancer treatment. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3381–3388, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanisms of cytosolic targeting of matrix metalloproteinase‐2
Authors: Ali Mohammad A.M. , Chow Ava K. , Kandasamy Arulmozhi D. , Fan Xiaohu , West Lori J. , Crawford Bryan D. , Simmen Thomas , Schulz Richard 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) is best understood for its biological actions outside the cell. However, MMP‐2 also localizes to intracellular compartments and the cytosol where it has several substrates, including troponin I (TnI). Despite a growing list of cytosolic substrates, we currently do not know the mechanism(s) that give rise to the equilibrium between intracellular and secreted MMP‐2 moieties. Therefore, we explored how cells achieve the unique distribution of this protease. Our data show that endogenous MMP‐2 targets inefficiently to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and shows significant amounts in the cytosol. Transfection of canonical MMP‐2 essentially reproduces this targeting pattern, suggesting it is the quality of the MMP‐2 signal sequence that predominantly determines MMP‐2 targeting. However, we also found that human cardiomyocytes express an MMP‐2 splice variant which entirely lacks the signal sequence. Like the fraction of ER‐excluded, full‐length MMP‐2, this variant MMP‐2 is restricted to the cytosol and specifically enhances TnI cleavage upon hypoxia‐reoxygenation injury in cardiomyocytes. Together, our findings describe for the first time a set of mechanisms that cells utilize to equilibrate MMP‐2 both in the extracellular milieu and intracellular, cytosolic locations. Our results also suggest approaches to specifically investigate the overlooked intracellular biology of MMP‐2. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3397–3404, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Agonist‐activated Ca2+ influx and Ca2+‐dependent Cl− channels in Xenopus ovarian follicular cells: Functional heterogeneity within the cell monolayer
Authors: Arellano Rogelio O. , Robles‐Martínez Leticia , Serrano‐Flores Bárbara , Vázquez‐Cuevas Francisco , Garay Edith 
Published: December 2011

AbstractXenopus follicles are endowed with specific receptors for ATP, ACh, and AII, transmitters proposed as follicular modulators of gamete growth and maturation in several species. Here, we studied ion‐current responses elicited by stimulation of these receptors and their activation mechanisms using the voltage‐clamp technique. All agonists elicited Cl− currents that depended on coupling between oocyte and follicular cells and on an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), but they differed in their activation mechanisms and in the localization of the molecules involved. Both ATP and ACh generated fast Cl− (FCl) currents, while AII activated an oscillatory response; a robust Ca2+ influx linked specifically to FCl activation elicited an inward current (Iiw,Ca) which was carried mainly by Cl− ions, through channels with a sequence of permeability of SCN− > I− > Br− > Cl−. Like FCl, Iiw,Ca was not dependent on oocyte [Ca2+]i; instead both were eliminated by preventing [Ca2+]i increase in the follicular cells, and also by U73122 and 2‐APB, drugs that inhibit the phospolipase C (PLC) pathway. The results indicated that FCl and Iiw,Ca were produced by the expected, PLC‐stimulated Ca2+‐release and Ca2+‐influx, respectively, and by the opening of ICl(Ca) channels located in the follicular cells. Given their pharmacological characteristics and behavior in conditions of divalent cation deprivation, Ca2+‐influx appeared to be driven through store‐operated, calcium‐like channels. The AII response, which is also known to require PLC activation, did not activate Iiw,Ca and was strictly dependent on oocyte [Ca2+]i increase; thus, ATP and ACh receptors seem to be expressed in a population of follicular cells different from that expressing AII receptors, which were coupled to the oocyte through distinct gap‐junction channels. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3457–3470, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cardiac and skeletal muscle expression of mutant β‐myosin heavy chains, degree of functional impairment and phenotypic heterogeneity in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Di Domenico Marina , Casadonte Rita , Ricci Pietroantonio , Santini Mario , Frati Giacomo , Rizzo Antonietta , Carratelli Caterina Romano , Lamberti Monica , Parrotta Elvira , Quaresima Barbara , Faniello Concetta M. , Costanzo Francesco , Cuda Giovanni 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSeveral mutations in distinct genes, all coding for sarcomeric proteins, have been reported in unrelated kindreds with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC). We have identified nine individuals from three families harboring two distinct mutations in one copy of the β‐myosin heavy chain (β‐MHC) gene. In this study, the expression of the mutant β‐myosin protein isoform, isolated from slow‐twitch fibers of skeletal muscle, was demonstrated by Northern and Western blot analysis; this myosin showed a decreased in vitro motility activity and produced a lower actin‐activated ATPase activity. Isometric tension, measured in single slow‐twitch fibers isolated from the affected individuals, also showed a significant decrease. The degree of impairment of β‐myosin function, as well as the loss in isometric tension development, were strictly dependent on the amount of the isoform transcribed from the mutated allele. Interestingly, a strong correlation was also demonstrated between mutant β‐myosin content and clinical features of FHC. On the other hand, we were unable to detect any correlation between mutant β‐myosin expression and degree of cardiac hypertrophy, thereby strengthening the hypothesis that hypertrophy, one of the hallmarks of FHC, might not necessarily be related to the clinical evolution of this disease. These findings lend support to the notion that additional factors rather than the mutated gene may play a pathogenetic role in cardiac wall thickening, whereas the prognosis appears to be strongly related to the amount of mutant protein. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3471–3476, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overlapping landscapes: A persistent, but misdirected concern when collecting and analyzing ecological data
Authors: Zuckerberg Benjamin , Desrochers André , Hochachka Wesley M. , Fink Daniel , Koenig Walter D. , Dickinson Janis L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA primary focus of wildlife ecology is studying how the arrangement, quality, and distribution of habitat influence wildlife populations at multiple spatial scales. A practical limitation of conducting wildlife–habitat investigations in the field, however, is that sampling points tend to be close to one another, resulting in spatial clustering. Consequently, when ecologists seek to quantify the effects of environmental predictors surrounding their sampling points, they encounter the issue of using landscapes that are partially or completely overlapping. A presumed problem of overlapping landscapes is that data generated from these landscapes, when used as predictors in statistical modeling, might violate the assumption of independence. However, the independence of error is the critical assumption, not the independence of predictor variables. Nonetheless, many researchers strive to avoid such overlaps through sampling design or alternative analytical procedures and specialized software programs have been created to assist with this. We present theoretical arguments and empirical evidence showing that changing the amount of overlap does not alter the degree of spatial autocorrelation. Using data derived from 2 broad‐scaled avian monitoring programs, we quantified the relationship between forest cover and bird abundance and occurrence at multiple landscapes ranging from 100 m to 24 km across. We found no clear evidence that increasing overlap of landscapes increased spatial autocorrelation in model residuals. Our results demonstrate that the concern of overlapping landscapes as a potential cause of violation of spatial independency among sampling units is misdirected and represents an oversimplification of the statistical and ecological issues surrounding spatial autocorrelation. Overlapping landscapes and spatial autocorrelation are separate issues in the modeling of wildlife populations and their habitats; non‐overlapping landscapes do not ensure spatial independency and overlapping landscapes do not necessarily lead to greater spatial autocorrelation in model errors. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Tailored excitation using nonlinear B0‐shims
Authors: Duan Qi , van Gelderen Peter , Duyn Jeff 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn high‐field MRI, RF flip angle inhomogeneity due to wavelength effects can lead to spatial variations in contrast and sensitivity. Improved flip angle homogeneity can be achieved through multidimensional excitation, but long RF pulse durations limit practical application. A recent approach to reduce RF pulse duration is based on parallel excitation through multiple RF channels. Here, an alternative approach to shorten multidimensional excitation is proposed that makes use of nonlinear spatial variations in the stationary (B0) magnetic field during a B0‐sensitive excitation pulse. As initial demonstration, the method was applied to 2D gradient echo (GE) MRI of human brain at 7 T. Using B0 shims with up to second‐order spatial dependence, it is demonstrated that root‐mean‐squared flip angle variation can be reduced from 20 to 11% with RF pulse lengths that are practical for general GE imaging applications without requiring parallel excitation. The method is expected to improve contrast and sensitivity in GE MRI of human brain at high field. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A micromechanical modeling of ductile behavior of a porous chalk: Formulation, identification, and validation
Authors: Lin J. , Xie S.Y. , Shao J.‐F. , Kondo D. 
Published: December 2011

SUMMARYPorosity strongly affects the overall ductile behavior of cohesive geomaterials undergoing plastic deformation. In the present paper, we proposed an original micromechanical approach that suitably couples Drucker–Prager‐type plasticity, evolving porosity under general triaxial loadings. The resulting model has the advantage to be based on a single macroscopic yield function, which also plays the role of plastic potential. It is shown that this yield function is particularly appropriate to account for the pore collapse and plastic shearing mechanisms that govern the mechanical behavior of the studied Lixhe chalk. Finally, the new model is implemented and validated by comparison to triaxial tests data, covering a wide range of confining pressures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amino functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by gamma ray irradiation and its epoxy composites
Authors: Zhang Chunhua , Zhu Fenglei , Wang Zhibo , Meng Linghui , Liu Yuyan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn this paper, γ‐ray radiation technique was utilized to simply functionalize multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) with amino groups. The successful amino functionalization of MWCNTs (MWCNTs‐Am) was proven and the physicochemical properties of MWCNTs before and after radiation grafting modifications were characterized using FT‐IR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicated that the γ‐ray radiation had the visible effects on the surface properties of MWCNTs. The effects of various functionalized MWCNTs on morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of an epoxy‐based nanocomposite system were investigated. Utilizing in situ polymerization, 1 wt% loading of MWCNT was used to prepare epoxy‐based nanocomposites. Compared to the neat epoxy system, nanocomposites prepared with MWCNT‐Am showed 13.0% increase in tensile strength, 20.0% increase in tensile modulus, and 24.1% increase in thermal decomposition temperature. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Processing and characterization of jute fiber reinforced hybrid biocomposites based on polylactide/polycaprolactone blends
Authors: Goriparthi Bhanu K. , Suman K.N.S. , Nalluri Mohan Rao 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe main focus of this work is to develop biocomposites with improved stiffness and toughness. For this purpose, hybrid biocomposites composed of surface modified jute fiber and varying weight fractions of polylactide (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) are fabricated by hot pressing of solvent impregnated prepregs. Mechanical, thermal (DSC), viscoelastic properties and biodegradation of the developed biocomposites were evaluated. Surface modification of the jute fiber resulted in improvement of tensile strength and modulus and reduction in impact toughness along with vibration damping capacity. The addition of biodegradable resin PCL to PLA matrix leads to recovery of the impact toughness and damping capacity of the biocomposites, without much sacrifice in stiffness and strength. Hybrid biocomposite with 10 wt% PCL attained an optimum balance between stiffness and toughness. In addition, PCL also accelerated the biodegradation rate of the composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Optimum consolidation of all‐polyester woven fabric‐reinforced composite laminates by film stacking
Authors: Wu C.M. , Chang C.Y. , Wang C.C. , Lin C.Y. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study involves the examination of all‐polyester composites prepared using the two‐step consolidation of lamina and composites. The raw materials in this process are poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plain woven fabric, used as reinforcement, and biodegradable polyester, used as a matrix. First, the all‐polyester laminae were produced at various consolidation temperatures (200, 210, 220, and 230°C) with a holding time of 1 min. Then, all‐polyester composites were prepared at various consolidation temperatures (200, 205, 210, 215, and 225°C) with a 3‐min holding time, using all‐polyester laminae consolidated at 220°C. This study established that proper lamina preparation is necessary for preparing a good composite, and a method is proposed that allows a wide processing window for composite preparation. The method is validated through the results of tensile, flexural, and Izod impact tests of lamina and composites. The optimum consolidation temperature observed was 220°C for all‐polyester lamina and 200–215°C for all‐polyester composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Hard‐block degradable thermoplastic urethane‐elastomers for electrospun vascular prostheses
Authors: Baudis Stefan , Ligon S. Clark , Seidler Konstanze , Weigel Guenter , Grasl Christian , Bergmeister Helga , Schima Heinrich , Liska Robert 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers with biodegradable chain extenders were synthesized and tested for mechanical performance and biocompatibility. The design of the TPUs was based on structural modification of a mechanically appropriate aromatic isocyanate‐based TPU. As the aromatic isocyanate was substituted with a less toxic but also less “hard” aliphatic isocyanate, the chain extender plays an important role on the mechanical properties. Here, the terephthalate ester chain extender was found to work better than hydroxyl ethyl lactate in providing polymers with mechanical properties similar to commercial aromatic isocyanate‐based TPUs. The polymers were degraded in aqueous solutions at elevated temperatures and compared to polylactic acid (PLA) to partially simulate biodegradation. The lactate‐based TPUs degraded about twice as fast as PLA while the terephthalate‐based TPU degraded much more slowly. The latter material was processed by electrospinning to give a tubular graft approximately the size of a large rat blood vessel. Initial results from implantation of these TPUs into rats are promising and indicate that biodegradation occurs and is likely beneficial to cell proliferation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Homopolymerization and copolymerization of a dilactone, 13,26‐dihexyl‐1,14‐dioxa‐cyclohexacosane‐2,15‐dione: Synthesis of bio‐based polyesters and copolyesters consisting of 12‐hydroxystearate sequences
Authors: Lee Chan Woo , Masutani Kazunari , Kato Tomokazu , Kimura Yoshiharu 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA dilactone, 13,26‐dihexyl‐1,14‐dioxacyclohexacosane‐2,15‐dione (12‐HSAD), was synthesized by lipase‐catalyzed reaction of 12‐hydroxystearic acid (12‐HSA) in high yield. It was subjected to the ring‐opening polymerization with various catalysts to obtain poly(12‐hydroxystearate) (PHS). The polymerization system of 12‐HSAD showed an interesting polymerization behavior because of its large ring system. The polymers produced by this polymerization were directly reacted with L‐lactide to obtain a diblock copolymer of poly(L‐lactide)‐block‐poly‐(12‐hydroxystearate) (PLLA‐b‐PHS). Characterization of the resultant copolymers was also performed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Single domain nonpolar (13$ \bar 4 $0) ZnO on (114) LaAlO3
Authors: Ho Yen‐Teng , Wang Wei‐Lin , Peng Chun‐Yen , Tian Jr‐Sheng , Shih Yi Sen , Yen Tzu‐Chen , Chang Li 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAn unconventional nonpolar plane (13$ \bar 4 $0) ZnO epitaxial film was grown on a 2‐inch (114) LaAlO3 (LAO) substrate by pulsed laser deposition. Reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) patterns of the grown ZnO surface demonstrate single crystalline characteristics with the orientation inclined with the a‐axis. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows that the grown ZnO film exhibits a stripe‐like surface morphology with the longitudinal direction parallel to the c‐axis. Cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) was used to characterize the microstructure and to determine the growth plane of ZnO grown film as (13$ \bar 4 $0). In addition, XRD pole‐figure measurements confirm the single domain growth of (13$ \bar 4 $0) ZnO on (114) LAO. Room temperature photoluminescence spectra of the ZnO film measured across the substrate show the same near band edge emission peak at 3.29 eV, indicating that the nonpolar (13$ \bar 4 $0) ZnO film has excellent uniform optical properties. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)