bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Viscoelastic behaviour of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Tan Samuel CW , Pan Wen X , Ma Gang , Cai Ning , Leong Kam W , Liao Kin 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background
In this study, we have investigated the viscoelastic behaviour of individual human adult bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and the role of F-actin filaments in maintaining these properties, using micropipette aspiration technique together with a standard linear viscoelastic solid model.

Results
Under a room temperature of 20°C, the instantaneous and equilibrium Young's modulus, E
0 and E
∞, were found to be 886 ± 289 Pa and 372 ± 125 Pa, respectively, while the apparent viscosity, μ, was 2710 ± 1630 Pa·s. hMSCs treated with cytochalasin D up to 20 μM at 20°C registered significant drop of up to 84% in stiffness and increase of up to 255% in viscosity. At the physiological temperature of 37°C, E
0 and E
∞ have decreased by 42–66% whereas μ has increased by 95%, compared to the control. Majority of the hMSCs behave as viscoelastic solid with a rapid initial increase in aspiration length and it gradually levels out with time. Three other types of non-typical viscoelastic behavior of hMSCs were also seen.

Conclusion
hMSCs behave as viscoelastic solid. Its viscoelstic behaviour are dependent on the structural integrity of the F-actin filaments and temperature.
Comprehensive analysis of single-repeat R3 MYB proteins in epidermal cell patterning and their transcriptional regulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Shucai , Hubbard Leah , Chang Ying , Guo Jianjun , Schiefelbein John , Chen Jin-Gui 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background
Single-repeat R3 MYB transcription factors are critical components of the lateral inhibition machinery that mediates epidermal cell patterning in plants. Sequence analysis of the Arabidopsis genome using the BLAST program reveals that there are a total of six genes, including TRIPTYCHON (TRY), CAPRICE (CPC), TRICHOMELESS1 (TCL1), and ENHANCER of TRY and CPC 1, 2, and 3 (ETC1, ETC2 and ETC3) encoding single-repeat R3 MYB transcription factors that are approximately 50% identical to one another at the amino acid level. Previous studies indicate that these single-repeat R3 MYBs regulate epidermal cell patterning. However, each of the previous studies of these single-repeat R3 MYBs has been limited to an analysis of only a subset of these six genes, and furthermore, they have limited their attention to epidermal development in only one or two of the organs. In addition, the transcriptional regulation of these single-repeat R3 MYB genes remains largely unknown.

Results
By analyzing multiple mutant lines, we report here that TCL1 functions redundantly with other single-repeat R3 MYB transcription factors to control both leaf trichome and root hair formation. On the other hand, ETC1 and ETC3 participate in controlling trichome formation on inflorescence stems and pedicles. Further, we discovered that single-repeat R3 MYBs suppress trichome formation on cotyledons and siliques, organs that normally do not bear any trichomes. By using Arabidopsis protoplast transfection assays, we found that all single-repeat R3 MYBs examined interact with GL3, and that GL1 or WER and GL3 or EGL3 are required and sufficient to activate the transcription of TRY, CPC, ETC1 and ETC3, but not TCL1 and ETC2. Furthermore, only ETC1's transcription was greatly reduced in the gl3 egl3 double mutants.

Conclusion
Our comprehensive analysis enables us to draw broader conclusions about the role of single-repeat R3 MYB gene family than were possible in the earlier studies, and reveals the genetic basis of organ-specific control of trichome formation. Our findings imply the presence of multiple mechanisms regulating the transcription of single-repeat R3 MYB genes, and provide new insight into the lateral inhibition mechanism that mediates epidermal cell patterning.
Analysis of the grape MYB R2R3 subfamily reveals expanded wine quality-related clades and conserved gene structure organization across Vitis and Arabidopsis genomes
Authors: Matus José Tomás , Aquea Felipe , Arce-Johnson Patricio 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background
The MYB superfamily constitutes the most abundant group of transcription factors described in plants. Members control processes such as epidermal cell differentiation, stomatal aperture, flavonoid synthesis, cold and drought tolerance and pathogen resistance. No genome-wide characterization of this family has been conducted in a woody species such as grapevine. In addition, previous analysis of the recently released grape genome sequence suggested expansion events of several gene families involved in wine quality.

Results
We describe and classify 108 members of the grape R2R3 MYB gene subfamily in terms of their genomic gene structures and similarity to their putative Arabidopsis thaliana orthologues. Seven gene models were derived and analyzed in terms of gene expression and their DNA binding domain structures. Despite low overall sequence homology in the C-terminus of all proteins, even in those with similar functions across Arabidopsis and Vitis, highly conserved motif sequences and exon lengths were found. The grape epidermal cell fate clade is expanded when compared with the Arabidopsis and rice MYB subfamilies. Two anthocyanin MYBA related clusters were identified in chromosomes 2 and 14, one of which includes the previously described grape colour locus. Tannin related loci were also detected with eight candidate homologues in chromosomes 4, 9 and 11.

Conclusion
This genome wide transcription factor analysis in Vitis suggests that clade-specific grape R2R3 MYB genes are expanded while other MYB genes could be well conserved compared to Arabidopsis. MYB gene abundance, homology and orientation within particular loci also suggests that expanded MYB clades conferring quality attributes of grapes and wines, such as colour and astringency, could possess redundant, overlapping and cooperative functions.
Pre-clinical characterization of GMP grade CCL21-gene modified dendritic cells for application in a phase I trial in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Baratelli Felicita , Takedatsu Hiroko , Hazra Saswati , Peebles Katherine , Luo Jie , Kurimoto Pam S , Zeng Gang , Batra Raj K , Sharma Sherven , Dubinett Steven M , Lee Jay M 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackgroundOur previous studies have demonstrated that transduction of human dendritic cells (DC) with adenovirus encoding secondary lymphoid chemokine, CCL21, led to secretion of biologically active CCL21 without altering DC phenotype or viability. In addition, intratumoral injections of CCL21-transduced DC into established murine lung tumors resulted in complete regression and protective anti-tumor immunity. These results have provided the rationale to generate a clinical grade adenoviral vector encoding CCL-21 forex vivotransduction of human DC in order to assess intratumoral administration in late stage human lung cancer.MethodsIn the current study, human monocyte-derived DC were differentiated by exposure to GM-CSF and IL-4 from cryopreserved mononuclear cells obtained from healthy volunteers. Transduction with clinical grade adenoviral vector encoding CCL21 (1167 viral particles per cell) resulted in secretion of CCL21 protein.ResultsCCL21 protein production from transduced DC was detected in supernatants (24–72 hours, 3.5–6.7 ng/4–5 × 106cells). DC transduced with the clinical grade adenoviral vector were > 88% viable (n = 16), conserved their phenotype and maintained integral biological activities including dextran uptake, production of immunostimulatory cytokines/chemokines and antigen presentation. Furthermore, supernatant from CCL21-DC induced the chemotaxis of T2 cellsin vitro.ConclusionViable and biologically active clinical grade CCL21 gene-modified DC can be generated from cryopreserved PBMC.
Connexin-43 upregulation in micrometastases and tumor vasculature and its role in tumor cell attachment to pulmonary endothelium
Authors: Elzarrad M Khair , Haroon Abu , Willecke Klaus , Dobrowolski Radoslaw , Gillespie Mark N , Al-Mehdi Abu-Bakr 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background
The modulation of gap junctional communication between tumor cells and between tumor and vascular endothelial cells during tumorigenesis and metastasis is complex. The notion of a role for loss of gap junctional intercellular communication in tumorigenesis and metastasis has been controversial. While some of the stages of tumorigenesis and metastasis, such as uncontrolled cell division and cellular detachment, would necessitate the loss of intercellular junctions, other stages, such as intravasation, endothelial attachment, and vascularization, likely require increased cell-cell contact. We hypothesized that, in this multi-stage scheme, connexin-43 is centrally involved as a cell adhesion molecule mediating metastatic tumor attachment to the pulmonary endothelium.

Methods
Tumor cell attachment to pulmonary vasculature, tumor growth, and connexin-43 expression was studied in metastatic lung tumor sections obtained after tail-vein injection into nude mice of syngeneic breast cancer cell lines, overexpressing wild type connexin-43 or dominant-negatively mutated connexin-43 proteins. High-resolution immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blot analysis was performed using a connexin-43 monoclonal antibody. Calcein Orange Red AM dye transfer by fluorescence imaging was used to evaluate the gap junction function.

Results
Adhesion of breast cancer cells to the pulmonary endothelium increased with cancer cells overexpressing connexin-43 and markedly decreased with cells expressing dominant-negative connexin-43. Upregulation of connexin-43 was observed in tumor cell-endothelial cell contact areas in vitro and in vivo, and in areas of intratumor blood vessels and in micrometastatic foci.

Conclusion
Connexin-43 facilitates metastatic 'homing' by increasing adhesion of cancer cells to the lung endothelial cells. The marked upregulation of connexin-43 in tumor cell-endothelial cell contact areas, whether in preexisting 'homing' vessels or in newly formed tumor vessels, suggests that connexin-43 can serve as a potential marker of micrometastases and tumor vasculature and that it may play a role in the early incorporation of endothelial cells into small tumors as seeds for vasculogenesis.
Human infrapatellar fat pad-derived stem cells express the pericyte marker 3G5 and show enhanced chondrogenesis after expansion in fibroblast growth factor-2
Authors: Khan Wasim S , Tew Simon R , Adesida Adetola B , Hardingham Timothy E 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) is a possible source of stem cells for the repair of articular cartilage defects. In this study, adherent proliferative cells were isolated from digests of IPFP tissue. The effects of the expansion of these cells in fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) were tested on their proliferation, characterisation, and chondrogenic potential.

Methods
IPFP tissue was obtained from six patients undergoing total knee replacement, and sections were stained with 3G5, alpha smooth muscle actin, and von Willebrand factor to identify different cell types in the vasculature. Cells were isolated from IPFP, and both mixed populations and clonal lines derived from them were characterised for cell surface epitopes, including 3G5. Cells were expanded with and without FGF-2 and were tested for chondrogenic differentiation in cell aggregate cultures.

Results
3G5-positive cells were present in perivascular regions in tissue sections of the IPFP, and proliferative adherent cells isolated from the IPFP were also 3G5-positive. However, 3G5 expression was on only a small proportion of cells in all populations and at all passages, including the clonally expanded cells. The cells showed cell surface epitope expression similar to adult stem cells. They stained strongly for CD13, CD29, CD44, CD90, and CD105 and were negative for CD34 and CD56 but were also negative for LNGFR (low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor) and STRO1. The IPFP-derived cells showed chondrogenic differentiation in cell aggregate cultures, and prior expansion with FGF-2 enhanced chondrogenesis. Expansion in FGF-2 resulted in greater downregulation of many cartilage-associated genes, but on subsequent chondrogenic differentiation, they showed stronger upregulation of these genes and this resulted in greater matrix production per cell.

Conclusion
These results show that these cells express mesenchymal stem cell markers, but further work is needed to determine the true origin of these cells. These results suggest that the expansion of these cells with FGF-2 has important consequences for facilitating their chondrogenic differentiation.
The proteome of Toxoplasma gondii: integration with the genome provides novel insights into gene expression and annotation
Authors: Xia Dong , Sanderson Sanya J , Jones Andrew R , Prieto Judith H , Yates John R , Bromley Elizabeth , Tomley Fiona M , Lal Kalpana , Sinden Robert E , Brunk Brian P , Roos David S , Wastling Jonathan M 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Background
Although the genomes of many of the most important human and animal pathogens have now been sequenced, our understanding of the actual proteins expressed by these genomes and how well they predict protein sequence and expression is still deficient. We have used three complementary approaches (two-dimensional electrophoresis, gel-liquid chromatography linked tandem mass spectrometry and MudPIT) to analyze the proteome of Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite of medical and veterinary significance, and have developed a public repository for these data within ToxoDB, making for the first time proteomics data an integral part of this key genome resource.

Results
The draft genome for Toxoplasma predicts around 8,000 genes with varying degrees of confidence. Our data demonstrate how proteomics can inform these predictions and help discover new genes. We have identified nearly one-third (2,252) of all the predicted proteins, with 2,477 intron-spanning peptides providing supporting evidence for correct splice site annotation. Functional predictions for each protein and key pathways were determined from the proteome. Importantly, we show evidence for many proteins that match alternative gene models, or previously unpredicted genes. For example, approximately 15% of peptides matched more convincingly to alternative gene models. We also compared our data with existing transcriptional data in which we highlight apparent discrepancies between gene transcription and protein expression.

Conclusion
Our data demonstrate the importance of protein data in expression profiling experiments and highlight the necessity of integrating proteomic with genomic data so that iterative refinements of both annotation and expression models are possible.
Pivotal Advance: HMGB1 expression in active lesions of human and experimental multiple sclerosis
Authors: Andersson Åsa , Covacu Ruxandra , Sunnemark Dan , Danilov Alexandre I , Dal Bianco Assunta , Khademi Mohsen , Wallström Erik , Lobell Anna , Brundin Lou , Lassmann Hans , Harris Robert A 
Published: July 2008

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the CNS, most frequently starting with a series of bouts, each followed by complete remission and then a secondary, progressive phase during which the neurological deficit increases steadily. The underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for disease progression are still unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1), a DNA-binding protein with proinflammatory properties, is evident in active lesions of MS and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and that HMGB1 levels correlate with active inflammation. Furthermore, the expression of the innate HMGB1 receptors—receptor for advanced glycation end products, TLR2, and TLR4—was also highly increased in MS and rodent EAE. Additionally, in vitro activation of rodent CNS-derived microglia and bone marrow-derived macrophages demonstrated that microglia were equally as capable as macrophages of translocating HMGB1 following LPS/IFN-γ stimulation. Significant expression of HMGB1 and its receptors on accumulating activated macrophages and resident microglia may thus provide a positive feedback loop that amplifies the inflammatory response during MS and EAE pathogenesis.
Phase I-II Trial of Bortezomib Plus Oral Cyclophosphamide and Prednisone in Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Reece Donna E. , Rodriguez Giovanni Piza , Chen Christine , Trudel Suzanne , Kukreti Vishal , Mikhael Joseph , Pantoja Mariela , Xu Wei , Stewart A. Keith 
Published: July 2008

Purpose The combination of oral weekly cyclophosphamide and alternate day prednisone is a convenient regimen for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM), and we sought to improve its efficacy by adding bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor with proven antimyeloma activity. Patients and Methods We conducted a phase I-II trial evaluating six dose levels to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of this combination in relapsed/refractory MM. An additional 10 patients were evaluated at the highest dose level reached. Results Thirty-seven patients were treated on this study. The MTD was not defined. Both of the highest dose levels of bortezomib tested (1.3 mg/m2 on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 and 1.5 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15, each on a 28-day cycle) could be safely given with cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 per week and prednisone. At these dose levels, the overall response rate was 95% (complete responses [CR] plus partial response plus minimal response), with CR observed in more than 50% of patients. The weekly bortezomib regimen resulted in fewer instances of grade 3 thrombocytopenia and grade 1 to 2 peripheral neuropathy; the 1-year progression-free and overall survival probabilities with this dose level were 83% (95% CI, 73% to 96%) and 100%, respectively. Conclusion Weekly bortezomib 1.5 mg/m2 plus oral cyclophosphamide and prednisone produces an unprecedented response rate and encouraging 1-year survival in relapsed/refractory patients with MM. Further evaluation of this promising regimen is warranted both in relapsed and newly diagnosed disease.
A Convenient Method for the Synthesis of (Z)-α-Fluoroacrylates: Lewis Base-catalyzed Carbonyl Fluoroolefination Using Fluoro(trimethylsilyl)ketene Ethyl Trimethylsilyl Acetal
Authors: Michida Makoto , Mukaiyama Teruaki 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
A highly useful method is established for the stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-α-fluoroacrylates from various aldehydes and fluoro(trimethylsilyl)ketene ethyl trimethylsilyl acetal in the presence of a Lewis base catalyst. The ketene acetal, easily prepared from ethyl fluoroacetate, affords α-fluoroacrylates in high yields with excellent Z stereoselectivities under mild conditions.
Aerosol-assisted Rapid Fabrication of Well-dispersed and Highly Doped Titanium-containing Mesoporous Silica Microspheres
Authors: Yamauchi Yusuke , Kimura Tatsuo 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Ti-containing mesoporous silica microspheres with high Ti content are prepared by a spray-drying method. Ti species are well-dispersed and highly doped in the silicate frameworks without collapse of mesoporous structures.
Real‐Time PCR
Authors: Fraga Dean , Meulia Tea , Fenster Steven 
Published: July 2008

AbstractReal‐time PCR is a recent modification to the polymerase chain reaction that allows precise quantification of specific nucleic acids in a complex mixture by fluorescent detection of labeled PCR products. Detection can be accomplished using specific, as well as nonspecific fluorescent probes. Real‐time PCR is often used in the quantification of gene expression levels. Prior to using real‐time PCR to quantify a target message, care must be taken to optimize the RNA isolation, primer design, and PCR reaction conditions so that accurate and reliable measurements can be made. This short overview of real‐time PCR discusses basic principles behind real‐time PCR, some optimization and experimental design considerations, and how to quantify the data generated using both relative and absolute quantification approaches. Useful Web sites and texts that expand upon topics discussed are also listed.
A subspace algorithm for simultaneous identification and input reconstruction
Authors: Palanthandalam‐Madapusi Harish J. , Bernstein Dennis S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis paper considers the concept of input and state observability, that is, conditions under which both the unknown input and initial state of a known model can be determined from output measurements. We provide necessary and sufficient conditions for input and state observability in discrete‐time systems. Next, we develop a subspace identification algorithm that identifies the state‐space matrices and reconstructs the unknown input using output measurements and known inputs. Finally, we present several illustrative examples, including a nonlinear system in which the unknown input is due to the endogenous nonlinearity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive techniques for the MRAC, adaptive parameter identification, and on‐line fault monitoring and accommodation for a class of positive real infinite dimensional systems
Authors: Demetriou Michael A. , Ito Kazufumi , Smith Ralph C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA theoretical framework of the model reference adaptive control design, adaptive parameter identification and automated fault detection is developed for a class of positive real infinite dimensional systems. Uncertain terms are treated as additive perturbations of the plant operator and the framework provides a unified treatment for model reference control, parameter estimation and fault detection and accommodation. For each design problem the well‐posedness and stability of the proposed adaptive scheme are investigated. Extensions to the variable structure observer, to specific forms of the structured perturbation terms and to slowly time‐varying systems are also considered within the proposed framework. Such results are summarized as they capitalize on the proposed well‐posedness and stability results for the general cases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The optimal fuzzy robust regulator for TS discrete‐time systems: An LMI approach
Authors: Meda‐Campaña J. A. , Castillo‐Toledo B. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn this work, the problem of designing an optimal regulator for discrete‐time nonlinear systems when the plant can be modelled by a Takagi–Sugeno (TS) fuzzy system is addressed. The approach analyzed in this paper, under certain conditions, guarantees the tracking of references and allows the performance of the controller to be improved by means of the inclusion of some cost functions. The main result is given in terms of linear matrix inequality techniques, meaning that the design of the controller can be obtained in a practical way. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out in order to illustrate the validity of the fuzzy regulator. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Background magnetic fields during last three cycles of solar activity
Authors: Andryeyeva O.A. , Stepanian N.N. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis paper describes our studies of evolution of the solar magnetic field with different sign and field strength in the range from –100 G to 100 G. The structure and evolution of large‐scale magnetic fields on the Sun during the last 3 cycles of solar activity is investigated using magnetograph data from the Kitt Peak Solar Observatory. This analysis reveals two groups of the large‐scale magnetic fields evolving differently during the cycles. The first group is represented by relatively weak background fields, and is best observed in the range of 3–10 Gauss. The second group is represented by stronger fields of 75–100 Gauss. The spatial and temporal properties of these groups are described and compared with the total magnetic flux. It is shown that the anomalous behaviour of the total flux during the last cycle can be found only in the second group. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)