bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of Fas and FasL in Taiwan cobra phospholipase A2‐treated human neuroblastoma SK‐N‐SH cells through ROS‐ and Ca2+‐mediated p38 MAPK activation
Authors: Chen Ku‐Chung , Kao Pei‐Hsiu , Lin Shinne‐Ren , Chang Long‐Sen 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe aim of the present study is to elucidate the signaling pathway involved in death of human neuroblastoma SK‐N‐SH cells induced by Naja naja atra phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Upon exposure to PLA2, p38 MAPK activation, ERK inactivation, ROS generation, increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and upregulation of Fas and FasL were found in SK‐N‐SH cells. SB202190 (p38MAPK inhibitor) suppressed upregulation of Fas and FasL. N‐Acetylcysteine (ROS scavenger) and BAPTA‐AM (Ca2+ chelator) abrogated p38 MAPK activation and upregulation of Fas and FasL expression, but restored phosphorylation of ERK. Activated ERK was found to attenuate p38 MAPK‐mediated upregulation of Fas and FasL. Deprivation of catalytic activity could not diminish PLA2‐induced cell death and Fas/FasL upregulation. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of arachidonic acid and lysophosphatidylcholine was not related to the expression of Fas and FasL. Taken together, our results indicate that PLA2‐induced cell death is, in part, elicited by upregulation of Fas and FasL, which is regulated by Ca2+‐ and ROS‐evoked p38 MAPK activation, and suggest that non‐catalytic PLA2 plays a role for the signaling pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 93–102, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feline herpesvirus‐1 down‐regulates MHC class I expression in an homologous cell system
Authors: Montagnaro S. , Longo M. , Pacilio M. , Indovina P. , Roberti A. , De Martino L. , Iovane G. , Pagnini U. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractCytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are an essential component of the immune defense against many virus infections. CTLs recognize viral peptides in the context of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on the surface of infected cells. Many viruses have evolved mechanisms to interfere with MHC class I expression as a means of evading the host immune response. In the present research we have studied the effect of in vitro Feline Herpesvirus 1 (FeHV‐1) infection on MHC class I expression. The results of this study demonstrate that FeHV‐1 down regulates surface expression of MHC class I molecules on infected cells, presumably to evade cytotoxic T‐cell recognition and, perhaps, attenuate induction of immunity. Sensitivity to UV irradiation and insensitivity to a viral DNA synthesis inhibitor, like phosphonacetic acid, revealed that immediate early or early viral gene(s) are responsible. Use of the protein translation inhibitor cycloheximide confirmed that an early gene is primarily responsible. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 179–185, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A multicore QM/MM approach for the geometry optimization of chromophore aggregate in protein
Authors: Kiyota Yasuomi , Hasegawa Jun‐Ya , Fujimoto Kazuhiro , Swerts Ben , Nakatsuji Hiroshi 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn this article, we present the multicore (mc) QM/MM method, a QM/MM method that can optimize the structure of chromophore aggregate in protein. A QM region is composed of the sum of the QM subregions that are small enough to apply practical electronic structure calculations. QM/MM energy gradient calculations are performed for each QM subregion. Several benchmark examinations were carried out to figure out availabilities and limitations. In the interregion distances of more than 3.5–4.0 Å, the mcQM/MM energy gradient is very close to that obtained by the ordinary QM/MM method in which all the QM subregions were treated together as a single QM region. In van der Waals complex, the error exponentially drops with the distance, while the error decreases slowly in a hydrogen bonding complex. On the other hand, the optimized structures were reproduced with reasonable accuracy in both cases. The computational efficiency is the best advantage in the mcQM/MM approach, especially when the QM region is significantly large and the QM method used is computationally demanding. With this approach, we could optimize the structures of a bacterial photosynthetic reaction center protein in the ground and excited states, which consists of more than 14,000 atoms. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2009
Evaluation of electroosmotic drag coefficient of water in hydrated sodium perfluorosulfonate electrolyte polymer
Authors: Yan Liuming , Shao Changle , Ji Xiaobo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe electroosmotic drag coefficient of water molecules in hydrated sodium perfluorosulfonate electrolyte polymer is evaluated on the basis of the velocity distribution functions of the sodium cations and water molecules with an electric field applied using molecular dynamics simulations. The simulation results indicate that both velocity distribution functions of water molecules and of sodium cations agree well with the classic Maxwellian velocity distribution functions when there is no electric field applied. If an electric field is applied, the distribution functions of velocity component in directions perpendicular to the applied electric field still agree with the Maxwellian velocity distribution functions but with different temperature parameters. In the direction of the applied electric field, the electric drag causes the velocity distribution function to deviate from the Maxwellian velocity distribution function; however, to obey the peak shifted Maxwellian distribution function. The peak shifting velocities coincide with the average transport velocities induced by the electric field, and could be applied to the evaluation of the electroosmotic drag coefficient of water. By evaluation of the transport velocities of water molecules in the first coordination shells of sodium cations, sulfonate anion groups, and in the bulk, it is clearly shown that the water molecules in the first coordination shell of sodium cations are the major contribution to the electroosmotic drag and momentum transfer from water molecules within the first coordination shell to the other water molecules also contributes to the electroosmotic drag. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2009
The use of platelets to affect functional healing of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) autograft in a caprine ACL reconstruction model
Authors: Spindler Kurt P. , Murray Martha M. , Carey James L. , Zurakowski David , Fleming Braden C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMany anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions have increased laxity postoperatively. We hypothesized that enhancing an ACL graft with a collagen‐platelet composite (CPC) would improve knee laxity and graft structural properties. We also hypothesized the platelet concentration in the CPC would affect these parameters. Twelve goats underwent ACL reconstruction with autologous patellar tendon graft. In six goats, a collagen‐platelet composite was placed around the graft (CPC group). In the remaining six goats, the collagen scaffold only was used (COLL group). Three goats were excluded due to complications. After 6 weeks in vivo, anterior–posterior (AP) laxity and tensile properties of the ACL reconstructed knees were measured and normalized against the contralateral intact knee. At a knee flexion angle of 30°, the average increase in AP laxity was 40% less in the CPC group than the COLL group (p = 0.045). At 60°, the AP laxity was 30% less in the CPC group, a difference that was close to statistical significance (p = 0.080). No differences were found between treatment groups with respect to the structural properties (p > 0.30). However, there were significant correlations between serum platelet concentration and AP laxity (R2 = 0.643; p = 0.009), maximum load (R2 = 0.691; p = 0.006), and graft stiffness (R2 = 0.840; p < 0.001). In conclusion, use of a CPC to enhance healing of an allograft ACL reconstruction inversely correlated with early sagittal plane laxity and the systemic platelet count was highly predictive of ACL reconstruction graft strength and stiffness at 6 weeks. These findings emphasize the importance of further research on delineating the effect of platelets in treating of ACL injuries. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 631–638, 2009
Effects of organic and conventional production systems on quality and nutritional parameters of processing tomatoes
Authors: Pieper Joy Rickman , Barrett Diane M 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The impact of organic and conventional production systems on quality and nutritional parameters of fruits and vegetables is still under discussion. The objective of this study is to determine whether the production system has a significant effect on the quality and nutritional content of one variety of processing tomatoes grown on a commercial scale by comparing three different growers for two production years.RESULTS: Conventional tomatoes appeared to be more mature at time of harvest as determined by visual inspection of color. Total and soluble solids were significantly higher and consistency was greater in organic tomatoes. Differences in nutrient content were not statistically significant between production systems. Glutamate, glutamine, and tyrosine levels were significantly higher in conventional tomatoes, as were total nitrogen and ammonium concentrations.CONCLUSION: Results from this study show that nutritional and quality parameters vary greatly by grower, production system, and year for the same tomato cultivar. Significantly higher average soluble solids content and consistency in organic tomatoes are especially important to the processing tomato industry. The apparent slower development of organic tomatoes may be responsible for many of the significant findings in this study and may explain some of the conflicting reports in previous literature. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Distinguishing a protected geographical indication vegetable (Almagro eggplant) from closely related varieties with selected morphological traits and molecular markers
Authors: Muñoz‐Falcón Julio E , Prohens Jaime , Vilanova Santiago , Ribas Francisco , Castro Angel , Nuez Fernando 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Certification of the authenticity of local landraces having a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status is essential when fake exotic varieties can be used to replace authentic local varieties. The Almagro eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a landrace used for making pickle products recognized by PGI status. Other pickling varieties from the region of Andalusia that are closely related have been detected in fields of the Almagro region. We have studied the diversity of Almagro and Andalusian accessions with morphological traits and molecular markers (amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and simple sequence repeats (SSRs)) with the aim of obtaining a characteristic fingerprint of the Almagro eggplant.RESULTS: Almagro eggplants have smaller plant parts and greater prickliness than Andalusian eggplants. No overlap in the ranges of variation was found between Almagro and Andalusian accessions for three traits (fruit pedicel width at the proximal end, fruit calyx length, and fruit calyx prickles). AFLP characterization showed that Almagro and Andalusian accessions are genetically diverse and share a common genetic background. On the other hand, SSR, allowed a clear distinction of Almagro and Andalusian varieties, and for two SSRs we found alleles exclusive of Almagro eggplant and universal to all Almagro accessions.CONCLUSION: By using selected morphological descriptors and specific molecular markers we have been able to distinguish the PGI Almagro eggplant from closely related varieties. SSRs have proved useful for detecting differences between the closely related Almagro and Andalusian accessions. The approach followed by us can be used for the protection and enhancement of other PGI vegetable crops. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Separation and identification of enzymatically prepared dephosphorylated products of myo‐inositolhexakisphosphate using LC‐MS
Authors: Vats Purva , Bhushan Bharat , Chakarborti Asit K. , Banerjee Uttam C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractLC‐MS technique described here is a new way for the separation and direct determination of UV–Vis insensitive inositol phosphates (InsP2‐InsP6). This circumvents the need of radioisotopic labeling and post‐column derivatization techniques. The method involves separation of various enzymatically dephosphorylated derivatives of InsP6 on C18‐column using MeOH/H2O (30:70 v/v) and their identification using electron spray ionization MS in positive ion mode (+pESI‐MS). The LC‐MS studies revealed that the purified phytase from Aspergillus niger van Teighem hydrolyzes InsP6 in a sequential manner leading to InsP2 (InsP2·2Na, tR 4.4–4.54 min, base peak m/z 382.9) as the end product.
Enantioseparation of esbiothrin by cyclodextrin‐modified microemulsion and micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Chu Bao‐Lin , Guo Bao‐Yuan , Wang Zhihua , Lin Jin‐Ming 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA comparison between chiral cyclodextrin‐modified microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (CD‐MEEKC) and cyclodextrin‐modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography (CD‐MEKC) for the enantiomeric separation of esbiothrin was carried out. For both methods, the separation conditions were optimized by varying CD types and concentration, running buffer pH and compositions, organic modifiers, and temperature. The optimal CD‐MEEKC conditions were 0.8% n‐heptane, 2.3% SDS, 6.6% n‐butanol, 90.3% 10 mM sodium tetraborate containing 3% (w/v, the ratio of CD mass to microemulsion volume) methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, pH 10, 25°C. The optimized CD‐MEKC conditions were 3.3% SDS, 96.7% 10 mM sodium tetraborate containing 5% (w/v) β‐CD, pH 10, 25°C. The difference in physicochemical properties of the buffer and CDs resulted in different optimal CD type. The competitive distribution between the microemulsion (or micelle) and chiral CD contributed to the chiral separation. Both methods provided excellent separation (Rs ∼︁ 3) with similar migration time (ca. 15 min). CD‐MEEKC provided higher separation efficiencies (>300000) than CD‐MEKC (>200000). The LODs for CD‐MEEKC and CD‐MEKC were 4.7 μg/mL and 3.2 μg/mL, respectively. The RSDs of migration time and peak area for CD‐MEEKC were slightly higher than for CD‐MEKC. Both the demonstrated CD‐MEEKC and CD‐MEKC methods provided high efficiencies, low LODs, and reproducible enantioseparations of esbiothrin.
Tourism activity, terrorism and political instability within the commonwealth: the cases of Fiji and Kenya
Authors: Fletcher John , Morakabati Yeganeh 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper discusses the effects of terrorism and political unrest on the level of tourism activities in two developing countries that are a part of the Commonwealth, Kenya and Fiji. The paper explores the nature of the attacks and their impacts on the case studies in terms of the effects on the number of tourism arrivals and the volume of receipts. The responses of the governments, the media and the international communities are also examined to see if there are any guidelines to the likely magnitude and duration of the effects. The selection of case studies was limited to developing countries that are also members of the Commonwealth and which have had severe political instability or cases of terrorist attacks, or both. In so doing the paper observes the relationship that exists between the changes in arrivals and the changes in tourism receipts as a result of the occurrence of political/terrorist events. Comparisons are made between the effects on arrivals and receipts and the attempted recovery of both destinations. Although there is some commonality found in the results, the evidence of such a strong stable relationship is by no means conclusive. However, the results do suggest that political events such as a coup and internal political problems have far more severe impacts on the level of tourism activity than a low‐to‐medium, one‐off terrorist attack. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Energetics of Large Deformations of a Single Polyimide Molecular Chain: DFT and MO Calculations
Authors: Fujinami Akinori , Ogata Shigenobu , Kimizuka Hajime , Shibutani Yoji 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe large‐deformation energetics of a single molecular chain of the rod‐like polyimide PMDA‐PDA was investigated using DFT, ab initio MO and semi‐empirical MO methods. The force/displacement curves were calculated from tensile testing simulations along the axis of the molecular chain, allowing a discussion of the distribution and change of local strain of the molecular chain. The deformation behavior of a single PMDA‐PDA molecular chain under finite deformations as functions of bending angle and dihedral angle between PMDA and PDA groups are compared. It is found that the semi‐empirical MO calculations provide sufficient accuracy to express the energetics of large deformations except for compressive deformation.magnified image
Common polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor gene and colorectal cancer development, prognosis, and survival
Authors: Dassoulas Konstantinos , Gazouli Maria , Rizos Spyros , Theodoropoulos George , Christoni Zoi , Nikiteas Nikolaos , Karakitsos Petros 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAngiogenesis plays an important role in growth, progression, and metastasis of tumors. The most important regulator of angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF expression has been associated with advance stage and poor survival of several cancers. In the present study we evaluated the association of functional polymorphisms in the VEGF gene with colorectal cancer development, prognosis, and survival. Three hundred twelve consecutive patients with surgically treated colorectal adenocarcinoma were enrolled in the present study. The genomic DNA was extracted from paraffin‐embedded tissue and five VEGF (−2578C>A, −1154G>A, −634G>C, −460T>C, and +936C>T) gene polymorphisms were determined using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. VEGF −2578C>A, −1154G>A, −634G>C, −460T>C, and +936C>T genotype and allele frequencies were similar among patients and controls. There was a trend showing carriers of the −2578A and +936T alleles more frequent among patients with CRC, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, no correlation was found between all these variants and tumor characteristics like size, histological grading, positive regional lymph node metastases or tumor stage. However, the −2578AA, −634CC, and +936TT genotypes found to be related with a significantly lower overall survival in our study. In conclusion, VEGF gene polymorphisms were found to be an independent prognostic marker for Greek CRC patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The surprising benefits of a parallel universe
Authors: La Manna Manfredi M.A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSuppose that the successful completion of a project requires performing n tasks, each of which has a probability of success p. The paper establishes under what conditions it may be profitable to engage in parallel multi‐tasking, i.e. tackling each task by following two independent routes. It is found that for ∀n>1 parallel multi‐tasking is profitable for a wide range of parameters when costs are linear and is always profitable for convex costs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical pattern and risk factors for dyskinesias following fetal nigral transplantation in Parkinson's disease: A double blind video‐based analysis
Authors: Olanow C. Warren , Gracies Jean‐Michel , Goetz Christopher G. , Stoessl A. Jon , Freeman Thomas , Kordower Jeffrey H. , Godbold James , Obeso Jose A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe objective of this study is to assess dyskinesias in 34 Parkinson's disease patients randomized to receive bilateral fetal nigral transplantation with 4 donors per side (12), 1 donor per side (11), or placebo (11). Videotape recordings were performed at the baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 month visits during the “practically defined off” (12 hours after last evening dopaminergic therapy) and “best on” (best response following morning dopaminergic therapy) states. Videotapes were analyzed in random order by a blinded investigator. Dyskinesias during “best on” (on‐medication dyskinesia) were observed in all, but 1 patient at baseline, and in all patients at each subsequent visit. There were no differences between groups. No patient had dyskinesia at baseline in “practically‐defined off” (“off‐medication” dyskinesia). Following transplantation, off‐medication dyskinesia was observed in 13 of 23 patients, but not in any patient in the placebo group (P = 0.019). There was no difference in dyskinesia score between patients in the 1 and 4 donor groups. On‐medication dyskinesias were typically generalized and choreiform, whereas off‐medication dyskinesias were usually repetitive, stereotypic movements in the lower extremities with residual Parkinsonism in other body regions. Off‐medication dyskinesias are common following transplantation and may represent a prolonged form of diphasic dyskinesias. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Two‐year follow‐up on the effect of unilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation in highly asymmetric Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kim Han‐Joon , Paek Sun Ha , Kim Ji‐Young , Lee Jee‐Young , Lim Yong Hoon , Kim Dong Gyu , Jeon Beom S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAlthough bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) provides greater relief from the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) than unilateral STN DBS, it has been suggested that unilateral STN DBS may be a reasonable treatment option in selected patients, especially those with highly asymmetric PD. In previous studies on the effect of unilateral STN DBS, the asymmetry of PD symptoms was not prominent and the mean follow‐up durations were only 3 to 12 months. In this study, we report our findings in a series of 8 patients with highly asymmetric PD who were treated with unilateral STN DBS and were followed for 24 months. Serial changes in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score and subscores in the ipsilateral, contralateral, and axial body parts were analyzed. Unilateral STN DBS improved the UPDRS motor score and the contralateral subscore in the on‐medication state for 5 nonfluctuating patients and in the off‐medication state for 3 fluctuating patients. However, the ipsilateral subscore progressively worsened and reversed asymmetry became difficult to manage, which led to compromised medication and stimulator adjustment. At 24 months, all the patients were considering the second‐side surgery. Our results suggest that bilateral STN DBS should be considered even in highly asymmetric PD. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
A triple‐mode bandpass filter using a modified circular patch resonator
Authors: Serrano Ariana L. C. , Correra Fatima Salete 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis article presents a triple‐mode bandpass filter using a modified circular patch resonator. Etched slots in the resonator split the TM degenerate fundamental modes and also perturb the TM mode, approximating their resonant frequencies to form a third‐order bandpass filter. A 2.42 GHz centered filter was designed and fabricated. Experimental results showed a fractional bandwidth of 29%, return loss better than 16 dB, insertion loss of 0.5 dB, and good second harmonic band rejection. The filter exhibited a size reduction of 51% compared with a filter using an unperturbed circular patch resonator at the same frequency. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 178–182, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23950