bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue plasminogen activator in central nervous system physiology and pathology
Authors: Melchor Jerry P. , Strickland Sidney
Published: March 2005

Although conventionally associated with fibrin clot degradation, recent work has uncovered new functions for the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)/plasminogen cascade in central nervous system physiology and pathology. This extracellular proteolytic cascade has been shown to have roles in learning and memory, stress, neuronal degeneration, addiction and Alzheimer’s disease. The current review considers the different ways tPA functions in the brain.
The urokinase receptor and the regulation of cell proliferation
Authors: Mazzieri Roberta , Blasi Francesco
Published: March 2005

The urokinase receptor is a multifunctional receptor modulating both proteolytic dependent and independent processes. It binds the extracellular proteolytic enzyme urokinase and engages lateral interactions with several transmembrane receptors, including integrins and the EGFR. Both, by initiating a proteolytic cascade acting on the extracellular matrix components, and by regulating the activity of important signal transducers, uPAR participates not only in the modulation of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, but also in the control of extracellular signals determining the proliferative state of a cell. Alteration of such a complex and finely modulated mechanism results in unregulated cell proliferation and altered tissue organization, typically associated with tumor progression.
Internal-Wave Energy Fluxes on the New Jersey Shelf
Authors: Hallock Zachariah R. , Field Robert L.
Published: March 2005

Internal-wave energetics derived from moored acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) observations on the New Jersey shelf are described. Horizontal and vertical velocity components from three 40-day ADCP records acquired near the shelf edge south of the Hudson Canyon were bandpass filtered to isolate high-frequency internal waves. In this band (0.5–7.5 h−1) the vertical component of velocity is significant and is integrated to yield elevation anomaly. Using the ADCP data with buoyancy frequency profiles from nearby CTD station data, kinetic energy (KE), baroclinic potential energy (PE), and energy flux were calculated. Results show depth-averaged KE and PE are nearly equal and of order 10−3 J kg−1, and there are significant northwestward fluxes, generally parallel to the bathymetry gradient, during most of the record, with depth-integrated magnitudes sometimes exceeding 100 W m−1. Vertical energy fluxes are small relative to horizontal fluxes. Vertical profiles of time-averaged flux suggest a dominant first internal-wave mode. Depth-integrated, time-averaged fluxes range from 9 to 24 W m−1, with the highest values occurring 18 km southwest of the Hudson Canyon. Two-dimensional probability density functions are estimated for energy flux. Group velocity of a large-amplitude internal-wave packet is estimated at 0.36 m s−1.
On the Structure of Turbulence in the Bottom Boundary Layer of the Coastal Ocean
Authors: Smith W. A. M. Nimmo , Katz J. , Osborn T. R.
Published: March 2005

Six sets of particle image velocimetry (PIV) data from the bottom boundary layer of the coastal ocean are examined. The data represent periods when the mean currents are higher, of the same order, and much weaker than the wave-induced motions. The Reynolds numbers based on the Taylor microscale (Reλ) are 300–440 for the high, 68–83 for the moderate, and 14–37 for the weak mean currents. The moderate–weak turbulence levels are typical of the calm weather conditions at the LEO-15 site because of the low velocities and limited range of length scales. The energy spectra display substantial anisotropy at moderate to high wavenumbers and have large bumps at the transition from the inertial to the dissipation range. These bumps have been observed in previous laboratory and atmospheric studies and have been attributed to a bottleneck effect. Spatial bandpass-filtered vorticity distributions demonstrate that this anisotropy is associated with formation of small-scale, horizontal vortical layers. Methods for estimating the dissipation rates are compared, including direct estimates based on all of the gradients available from 2D data, estimates based on gradients of one velocity component, and those obtained from curve fitting to the energy spectrum. The estimates based on vertical gradients of horizontal velocity are higher and show better agreement with the direct results than do those based on horizontal gradients of vertical velocity. Because of the anisotropy and low turbulence levels, a −5/3 line-fit to the energy spectrum leads to mixed results and is especially inadequate at moderate to weak turbulence levels. The 2D velocity and vorticity distributions reveal that the flow in the boundary layer at moderate speeds consists of periods of “gusts” dominated by large vortical structures separated by periods of more quiescent flows. The frequency of these gusts increases with Reλ, and they disappear when the currents are weak. Conditional sampling of the data based on vorticity magnitude shows that the anisotropy at small scales persists regardless of vorticity and that most of the variability associated with the gusts occurs at the low-wave-number ends of the spectra. The dissipation rates, being associated with small-scale structures, do not vary substantially with vorticity magnitude. In stark contrast, almost all the contributions to the Reynolds shear stresses, estimated using structure functions, are made by the high- and intermediate-vorticity-magnitude events. During low vorticity periods the shear stresses are essentially zero. Thus, in times with weak mean flow but with wave orbital motion, the Reynolds stresses are very low. Conditional sampling based on phase in the wave orbital cycle does not show any significant trends.
A Numerical Modeling Study of Warm Offshore Flow over Cool Water
Authors: Skyllingstad Eric D. , Samelson Roger M. , Mahrt Larry , Barbour Phil
Published: March 2005

Numerical simulations of boundary layer evolution in offshore flow of warm air over cool water are conducted and compared with aircraft observations of mean and turbulent fields made at Duck, North Carolina. Two models are used: a two-dimensional, high-resolution mesoscale model with a turbulent kinetic energy closure scheme, and a three-dimensional large-eddy simulation (LES) model that explicitly resolves the largest turbulent scales. Both models simulate general aspects of the decoupling of the weakly convective boundary layer from the surface, as it is advected offshore, and the formation of an internal boundary layer over the cool water. Two sets of experiments are performed, which indicate that complexities in upstream surface conditions play an important role in controlling the observed structure. The first (land–sea) experiments examine the transition from a rough surface having the same temperature as the ambient lower atmosphere, to a smooth ocean surface that is 5°C cooler. In the second (barrier island) experiment, a 4-km strip along the coastline having surface temperature 5°C warmer than the ambient atmosphere is introduced, to represent a narrow, heated barrier island present at the Duck site. In the land–sea case, it is found that the mesoscale model overpredicts turbulent intensity in the upper half of the boundary layer, forcing a deeper boundary layer. Both the mesoscale and LES models produce only a small change in the boundary layer shear and tend to decrease the momentum flux near the surface much more rapidly than the observations. Results from the barrier-island case are more in line with the observed momentum and turbulence structure, but still have a reduced momentum flux in the lower boundary layer in comparison with the observations. The authors find that turbulence in the LES model generated by convection over the heated land surface is stronger than in the mesoscale model, and tends to persist offshore for greater distances because of greater shear in the upper boundary layer winds. Analysis of the mesoscale model results suggests that better estimation of the mixing length could improve the turbulence closure in regions where the surface fluxes are changing rapidly.
Interpretation of the Structure and Evolution of Adjoint-Derived Forecast Sensitivity Gradients
Authors: Kleist Daryl T. , Morgan Michael C.
Published: March 2005

A 36-h adjoint-based forecast sensitivity study of three response functions defined in the lower troposphere—average temperature in an isolated region of the upper Midwest (R1), meridional temperature difference (R2), and average zonal component of the wind (R3)—is conducted with the goal of providing a synoptic and dynamic interpretation of the sensitivity gradient structure and evolution. In addition to calculating and interpreting the sensitivity gradients with respect to basic model variables along the model forecast trajectory, a technique is outlined that allows for the calculation of the sensitivity gradients with respect to variables derivable from the model state vector (including geopotential, relative vorticity, and divergence), and a method for visualizing the sensitivities with respect to the horizontal components of the wind is proposed and demonstrated.

The sensitivity of R1 to all model and derived variables revealed that R1 was controlled by nearly adiabatic processes associated with the addition or generation of temperature perturbations upstream of the region in which R1 was defined. For R2, the sensitivity gradients revealed the well-known influence of confluent horizontal flow and vertical tilting of isentropes to increase the north–south temperature gradient over the region within which R2 was defined. The sensitivity of R3 to the components of the horizontal wind reveals that simply adding or generating an upstream zonal wind perturbation is insufficient to change the zonal wind at 36 h as these wind perturbations upstream of the domain within which R3 is defined are torqued by the Coriolis force as they are advected toward the domain. These results suggest adjoint-derived sensitivities of quasi-conserved response functions may be more easily interpretable than sensitivities calculated for nonconserved response functions.
Making Health Savings Accounts Work
Authors: Neeleman Steve
Published: March 2005

Newly created health savings accounts (HSAs) promise to solve problems extant across the corporate benefit landscape—namely, rising health care costs. Frustrated employees abet this situation by overusing the health care system, justified by the conclusion that once they pay their premiums, they should use the services. Through reduced premiums and lower administrative overhead, HSAs can save employers from 10% to 30% on health care costs while expanding the range and quality of health care choices. However, successful implementation of HSAs requires a number of essential elements: thorough, easy-to-understand and readily accessible patient education; cost-conscious treatment recommendations that fit within medically approved algorithms; simple, yet seamless integration of banking functions into medial insurance claim processing; and the technology to make it all work. The ability of HSAs to attenuate rising health care costs rests not only on their inherent tax advantages but also on the optimized implementation and administration of such accounts.
Using Health Savings Accounts to Provide Low-Cost Health Care
Authors: Bond Michael T. , Dobeck Mark E. , Knapp Deborah Erdos
Published: March 2005

The recent Medicare Modernization Act made health savings accounts (HSAs) available to all non-Medicare individuals in the United States. HSAs can be combined with high-deductible health insurance plans to provide organizations with an economical approach for providing comprehensive health care coverage to their employees. Because unused funds accumulate over time, consumers are more likely to economize on their use of medical care. Proponents of HSAs argue that HSAs will slow the growth of health care costs in the United States Alternatively, critics suggest that HSAs will cause consumers to avoid necessary preventive care and will penalize the chronically ill. This article addresses these issues and includes examples of how HSAs affect both employers and employees.
Risk Factors for Reabuse in Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Cattaneo Lauren Bennett , Goodman Lisa A.
Published: March 2005

The identification of factors that contribute to reabuse in cases of intimate partner violence is a critical research aim in a variety of disciplines. Such information would have relevance in many contexts where systems or professionals struggle to intervene in such cases, especially in the context of limited resources. This article crosses disciplines to take stock of this body of literature and provide a road map for future research. We include literature in the areas of batterer treatment effectiveness, the effectiveness of criminal and civil court remedies, the evaluation of victim services, and the course of violent relationships over time absent any intervention. We describe the key dimensions along which these studies vary and detail the range of predictors examined by the studies, identifying the most consistent findings. Finally, we make recommendations concerning the methodology and content of future studies.
The Justice System for Juvenile Victims
Authors: Finkelhor David , Cross Theodore P. , Cantor Elise N.
Published: March 2005

This article proposes the idea that there is a de facto juvenile victim justice system, a complex set of agencies and institutions that responds to juvenile victims of crime and violence, including child maltreatment and conventional crime. The article offers a schematic model of that system and tries to quantify the case flow through its various components, that is, the likelihood that given certain actions (e.g., a substantiated finding of maltreatment), other actions will follow (e.g., services be provided). The model also highlights the activities of the system most likely to have consequential effects on victims. We argue that more professionals are needed who understand the system in its entirety, not just their own agency role, and who can help guide victims, families, and other professionals through its complexities. More efforts are also needed to integrate and rationalize the system, particularly through information exchange among its components.
Social, Legal, and Institutional Context of Heterosexual Aggression by College Women
Authors: Anderson Peter B. , Savage Jane S.
Published: March 2005

This review concerns women’s heterosexual aggression. Social context considers prevalence and incidence, gender roles and social norms, reactions to receiving aggression, and alcohol and drugs. Legal context focuses on state law and institutional context focuses on college and university codes of conduct. Primary findings: women engage in the full range of sexually aggressive behaviors attributed to men; the language of many legal codes place women’s heterosexually aggressive behaviors below the threshold for rape even when it involves physical force or the use of a weapon; many men, similar to many women, do not report receiving sexual aggression and may not define themselves as victims; regardless of reporting status or self-perception, some men do suffer physical and psychological symptoms as a result of receiving sexual aggression from women; and women’s heterosexual aggression may be more socially acceptable than men’s.
Freire and Dostoevsky
Authors: Roberts Peter
Published: March 2005

This article undertakes a critical comparative analysis of key themes in the work of Paulo Freire and Fyodor Dostoevsky. It is suggested that despite their apparent differences, Freire and Dostoevsky share much in common. The author argues that a careful reading of both Dostoevsky's novels and Freire's pedagogical texts can deepen our understanding of the significance of uncertainty, dialogue, love, and struggle in transformative education.
Inter‐ and Intra‐Individual Vitamin E Uptake in Healthy Subjects Is Highly Repeatable across a Wide Supplementation Dose Range
Authors: KELLY FRANK J. , LEE ROSALIND , MUDWAY IAN S.
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Vitamin E uptake after supplementation varies widely in the healthy population, and preliminary studies have indicated that individual responses are relatively stable over periods in excess of 1 year. This phenotypic stability suggests a genetic basis to this observed variation. To examine this issue further, we examined the repeatability of both baseline plasma α‐tocopherol and urinary α‐tocopherol metabolite concentrations, as well as individual responses of these parameters after vitamin E supplementation. In the first study, 65 subjects (33 males, 32 females, aged 30.7 ± 7.4 years) provided three plasma and urine samples for α‐tocopherol and metabolite analysis with each collection separated by at least 2 weeks. Plasma α‐tocopherol concentrations were found to be highly repeatable over this short interval (intra‐class correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.85), although the association deteriorated once values were corrected for plasma cholesterol (ICC = 0.64). Similarly, urinary α‐tocopherol metabolites 2(2′‐carboxyethyl)‐6‐hydroxychroman acid (α‐CEHC) and quinone lactone (QL) concentration were found to display a moderate degree of intra‐subject repeatability: ICC = 0.65 and 0.58, respectively. In a second study, plasma α‐tocopherol and urinary metabolite responses were investigated in 18 healthy, nonsmoking subjects (12 males, 6 females, aged 33.1 ± 9.1 years) after successive 6‐week periods of vitamin E (RRR‐α‐tocopherol acetate) supplementation at 15, 100, 200, and 400 mg/day. Plasma and urine samples were obtained on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 (7 days after the final supplement) of each dosing period and the strength of the underlying association between responses determined using Kendall's tau_b test. Individual plasma α‐tocopherol responses at the 100, 200, and 400 mg/day doses were found to be highly associated: τ, 0.51, P= 0.02 [100 vs. 200] and τ, 0.49, P= 0.03 [100 vs. 400] and τ, 0.56, P= 0.005 [200 vs. 400]. Together these data support the contention that α‐tocopherol uptake is a stable individual phenotype under genetic regulation.
Modulation of Hepatic Gene Expression by α‐Tocopherol in Cultured Cells and in Vivo
Authors: RIMBACH GERALD , FISCHER ALEXANDRA , STOECKLIN ELISABETH , BARELLA LUCA
Published: March 2005

To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of action of vitamin E (VE), global gene expression profiles using DNA arrays in rat liver and hepatocellular liver carcinoma cells (HepG2) were obtained. For the analysis of short‐term (49 days) and long‐term (290 days) VE deficiency, rats were fed semisynthetic diets either supplemented with or deficient in VE. In addition, HepG2 cells were treated with VE concentrations comparable to those that were achieved in the in vivo experiment. Differential gene expression in rat liver and that in HepG2 cells were measured by DNA arrays comprising up to 7,000 genes. Dietary VE deficiency over a 7‐week period did not induce any significant changes in the expression profile among the genes evaluated. However, long‐term VE deficiency upregulated coagulation factor IX (FIX), 5‐α‐steroid reductase type 1, and CD36 mRNA levels. Furthermore, VE deficiency resulted in a significant downregulation of hepatic γ‐glutamyl‐cysteinyl synthetase, the rate‐limiting enzyme of glutathione synthesis. According to the rat experiment, VE supplementation changed coagulation factor IX and CD36 expression in HepG2 cells; thus, in vivo data could be partly confirmed with the in vitro model. Overall, the current studies reveal that dietary VE has important long‐term effects on liver gene expression with potential downstream effects on extrahepatic tissues.
α‐Tocopherol Transfer Protein Deficiency in Mice Causes Multi‐Organ Deregulation of Gene Networks and Behavioral Deficits with Age
Authors: GOHIL KISHORCHANDRA , GODZDANKER ROY , O'ROARK ERIN , SCHOCK BETTINA C. , KAINI RAMESH R. , PACKER LESTER , CROSS CARROLL E. , TRABER MARET G.
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Functions of α‐tocopherol (α‐T) in vivo, other than those for fertility in females, are intensely debated. The discovery of α‐T deficiency in patients with ataxia (AVED) followed by the identification of mutations in the gene encoding α‐tocopherol transfer protein (TTP) in AVED patients demonstrates an essential role of α‐T and TTP for normal neurological function. α‐T molecular targets that account for α‐T‐sensitive neurological dysfunction remain to be discovered. We have used high‐density oligonucleotide arrays to search for putative α‐T‐sensitive genes in the CNS and other tissues in an in vivo model of α‐T deficiency imposed at birth by the deletion of the TTP gene in mice. Repression of genes affecting synaptic function and myelination and induction of genes for neurodegeneration in the motor cortex of α‐T‐deficient mice were identified. The expression of retinoic acid‐related orphan receptor alpha (ROR‐α) was repressed in the cortex and adrenal glands of TTP‐deficient mice. Deficiency of ROR‐α causes ataxia in mice and may account for ataxia in AVED patients. These observations suggest that some of the actions of α‐T are mediated by the transcription factor ROR‐α. The behavior of young TTP‐null mice was essentially normal, but older mice showed inactivity, ataxia, and memory dysfunction. mRNA profiles of old α‐T‐deficient cerebral cortices are compatible with repressed activity of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. In conclusion, gene‐expression profiling studies have identified novel α‐T‐modulated genes and cells in the CNS that may be causatively linked with delayed neurodegeneration and age‐related decline in behavioral repertoires.
Tocotrienol‐Rich Fraction from Palm Oil and Gene Expression in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: NESARETNAM KALANITHI , AMBRA ROBERTO , SELVADURAY KANGA RANI , RADHAKRISHNAN AMMU , CANALI RAFFAELLA , VIRGILI FABIO
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Vitamin E is important not only for its cellular antioxidant and lipid‐lowering properties, but also as an antiproliferating agent. It has also been shown to contribute to immunoregulation, antibody production, and resistance to implanted tumors. It has recently been shown that tocotrienols are the components of vitamin E responsible for growth inhibition in human breast cancer cells in vitro as well as in vivo through estrogen‐independent mechanisms. Although tocotrienols act on cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner and can induce programmed cell death, no specific gene regulation has yet been identified. In order to investigate the molecular basis of the effect of a tocotrienol‐rich fraction (TRF) from palm oil, we performed a cDNA array analysis of cancer‐related gene expression in estrogen‐dependent (MCF‐7) and estrogen‐independent (MDA‐MB‐231) human breast cancer cells. The human breast cancer cells were incubated with or without 8 μg/mL of toco‐trienols for 72 h. RNA was subsequently extracted and subjected to reverse transcription before being hybridized onto cancer arrays. Tocotrienol supplementation modulated significantly 46 out of 1200 genes in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. In MCF‐7 cells, tocotrienol administration was associated with a lower number of affected genes. Interestingly, only three were affected in a similar fashion in both cell lines: c‐myc binding protein MM‐1, 23‐kDa highly basic protein, and interferon‐inducible protein 9‐27 (IFITM‐1). These proteins are most likely involved in the cell cycle and can exert inhibitory effects on cell growth and differentiation of the tumor cell lines. These data suggest that tocotrienols are able to affect cell homeostasis, possibly independent of their antioxidant activity.
Vitamin E and the Oxidative Stress of Exercise
Authors: JACKSON M J , KHASSAF M , VASILAKI A , McARDLE F , McARDLE A
Published: March 2005

Abstract: There is clear evidence that contracting skeletal muscle generates a complex set of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and that the pattern and magnitude of this generation is influenced by the type and frequency of the muscle contraction protocol. The functions of these species in exercising organisms are still unclear although data have been presented indicating that they play a role in contraction‐induced muscle damage and/or in signaling adaptive responses to contractions. Vitamin E has been claimed to exert a regulatory effect on the actions of contraction‐induced oxidants for a considerable time, although evidence for any specific role in this area is lacking. A review of studies in this area suggests that vitamin E supplements are unlikely to reliably reduce the severity of contraction‐induced muscle damage but, in contrast, appear capable of modulating redox‐regulated adaptive responses to contractions. Full evaluation of the roles of oxidants and antioxidants such as vitamin E in responses of muscle to contractions should enable the manipulation of these processes with potential beneficial effects on maintenance of optimal muscle function.
Anti‐inflammatory Effects of α‐Tocopherol
Authors: SINGH UMA , JIALAL ISHWARLAL
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the western world. Its incidence has been increasing lately in the developing countries. Much evidence suggests a major role for inflammation in all phases of atherosclerosis. Cell adhesion molecules, cytokines, chemokines, and monocytes‐macrophages as well as T lymphocytes play a pivotal role in atherogenesis. C‐reactive protein (CRP), a downstream marker of inflammation, in addition to being a risk marker for CVD, could contribute to atherosclerosis. Dietary micronutrients with anti‐inflammatory properties, specially α‐tocopherol, may play an important role with regard to the prevention and treatment of CVD. α‐Tocopherol has been shown to have anti‐inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo. α‐Tocopherol therapy, especially at high doses, has been shown to decrease release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (such as interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α) and the chemokine interleukin‐8, and to decrease adhesion of monocytes to endothelium. In addition, α‐tocopherol has been shown to decrease CRP levels in patients with CVD and having related risk factors for CVD (such as diabetes and smoking). Furthermore, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) levels have also been shown to be decreased with α‐tocopherol supplementation in vivo. In this review, our focus will be on anti‐inflammatory effects of α‐tocopherol reported in in vivo studies.
Tocopherols and the Treatment of Colon Cancer
Authors: STONE WILLIAM L. , KRISHNAN KOYAMANGALATH , CAMPBELL SHARON E. , QUI MIN , WHALEY SARAH G. , YANG HONGSONG
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Vitamin E (VE) and other antioxidants may help prevent colon cancer by decreasing the formation of mutagens arising from the free radical oxidation of fecal lipids or by “non‐antioxidant” mechanisms. VE is not a single molecule, but refers to at least eight different molecules, that is, four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. Methods: Both animal models and human colon cancer cell lines were used to evaluate the chemopreventive potential of different forms of VE. Rats were fed diets deficient in tocopherols or supplemented with either α‐tocopherol or γ‐tocopherol. Half the rats in each of these groups received normal levels of dietary Fe and the other half Fe at eight times the normal level. In our cell experiments, we looked at the role of γ‐tocopherol in upregulating peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) in the SW 480 human cell line. Results: Rats fed the diets supplemented with α‐tocopherol had higher levels of VE in feces, colonocytes, plasma, and liver than did rats fed diets supplemented with γ‐tocopherol. Dietary Fe levels did not influence tocopherol levels in plasma, liver, or feces. For colonocytes, high dietary Fe decreased tocopherol levels. Rats fed the γ‐tocopherol‐supplemented diets had lower levels of fecal lipid hydroperoxides than rats fed the α‐tocopherol‐supplemented diets. Ras‐p21 levels were significantly lower in rats fed the γ‐tocopherol‐supplemented diets compared with rats fed the α‐tocopherol‐supplemented diets. High levels of dietary Fe were found to promote oxidative stress in feces and colonocytes. Our data with the SW480 cells suggest that both α‐ and γ‐tocopherol upregulate PPAR‐γ mRNA and protein expression. γ‐tocopherol was, however, found to be a better enhancer of PPAR‐γ expression than α‐tocopherol at the concentrations tested.
Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial
Authors: KLEIN ERIC A.
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Preclinical, epidemiological, and phase III data from randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trials suggest that both selenium and vitamin E have potential efficacy in prostate cancer prevention. In vitro evidence suggests that selenium and vitamin E work synergistically to cause cell‐cycle arrest, induce caspase‐mediated apoptosis, and act as antiandrogens in arresting clonal expansion of nascent tumors. The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT), sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, is an intergroup Phase III, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, population‐based clinical trial designed to test the efficacy of selenium and vitamin E alone and in combination in the prevention of prostate cancer. The study has a 2 × 2 factorial design with a target accrual of 32,400. Eligibility criteria include an age of at least 50 years for African Americans and of at least 55 years for Caucasians; a DRE not suspicious for cancer; a serum PSA no greater than 4 ng/mL; and a normal blood pressure. Randomization will be equally distributed among the four study arms, with intervention consisting of a daily oral dose of study supplement (200 μg l‐selenomethionine or 400 mg of racemic α‐tocopheryl) or matched placebo. Study duration is planned for 12 years, with a 5‐year uniform accrual period and a minimum of 7 and maximum of 12 years of intervention. The primary endpoint for SELECT is the clinical incidence of prostate cancer as determined by a recommended routine clinical diagnostic work‐up, including yearly DRE and serum PSA level. SELECT is the second large‐scale study of chemoprevention for prostate cancer. Enrollment began in 2001, with final results anticipated in 2013.
The Transcriptional Signature of Vitamin E
Authors: JOHNSON AMY , MANOR DANNY
Published: March 2005

Abstract: To investigate the ability of RRR‐α‐tocopherol to regulate gene expression, we interrogated RNA samples from treated cultured cells with Affymetrix oligonucleutodie arrays. We find that vitamin E potently regulates the expression of ca. 230 genes, functioning in metabolism, cell‐cycle progression, and transcriptional regulation.
Modulation of Cell Proliferation and Gene Expression by α‐Tocopheryl Phosphates: Relevance to Atherosclerosis and Inflammation
Authors: OGRU ESRA , LIBINAKI ROKSAN , GIANELLO ROBERT , WEST SIMON , MUNTEANU ADELINA , ZINGG JEAN‐MARC , AZZI ANGELO
Published: March 2005

Abstract: The effect of a mixture of α‐tocopheryl phosphate plus di‐α‐tocopheryl phosphate (TPm) was studied in vitro on two cell lines, RASMC (from rat aortic smooth muscle) and human THP‐1 monocytic leukemia cells. Inhibition of cell proliferation by TPm was shown in both lines and occurred with TPm at concentrations lower than those at which α‐tocopherol was equally inhibitory. TPm led in nonstimulated THP‐1 cells to inhibition of CD36 mRNA and protein expression, to inhibition of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein surface binding and oxLDL uptake. In nonstimulated THP‐1 cells, α‐tocopherol had only very weak effects on these events.
The Effect of Vitamin E on Secondary Bacterial Infection after Influenza Infection in Young and Old Mice
Authors: GAY RAINA , HAN SUNG NIM , MARKO MELISSA , BELISLE SARAH , BRONSON RODERICK , MEYDANI SIMIN NIKBIN
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Mortality from influenza is high in the elderly. Deaths are mainly due to secondary complications, including Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infections. Vitamin E (E) supplementation reduces influenza in aged mice. This study determined the efficacy of E supplementation on secondary bacterial infections after influenza in young and old mice. C57BL/6 mice were fed diets containing 30 or 500 ppm E for 4 weeks. Priming with influenza significantly increased SA in the lungs of infected mice fed control diet. Age did not have a significant effect on SA infection alone or SA infection after influenza infection. E supplementation did not have a significant effect on SA infection alone. However, E supplementation abolished the priming effect of influenza on SA.
Evolution of Serum α‐Tocopherol in the Postprandial and Postabsorptive Phases in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: MANUEL‐Y‐KEENOY BEGOÑA , VAN CAMPENHOUT ANN , VERTOMMEN JAN , VAN GAAL LUC , DE LEEUW IVO
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Blood glucose, lipids, α‐tocopherol, and malondialdehyde were monitored in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients for 8 hours after a standard fat‐rich breakfast and lunch. Although glucose and triglycerides increased, α‐tocopherol decreased and malondialdehyde increased in the postprandial phase. In the postabsorptive phase values returned to fasting levels. These results point to the possible relevance of postprandial α‐tocopherol depletion and lipid peroxidation to an increased cardiovascular risk in these patients.
Recognition of distinct target sites by a unique Labial/Extradenticle/Homothorax complex
Authors: Ebner Andreas , Cabernard Clemens , Affolter Markus , Merabet Samir
Published: March 2005

Hox genes encode evolutionarily conserved transcriptional regulators, which define regional identities along the anteroposterior axis of multicellular animals. In Drosophila, Hox proteins bind to target DNA sequences in association with the Extradenticle (Exd) and Homothorax (Hth) co-factors. The current model of Hox-binding selectivity proposes that the nucleotide sequence identity defines the Hox protein engaged in the trimeric complex, implying that distinct Hox/Exd/Hth complexes select different binding sites and that a given Hox/Exd/Hth complex recognizes a consensus DNA sequence. Here, we report that the regulation of a newly identified Lab target gene does not rely on the previously established consensus Lab/Exd/Hth-binding site, but on a strongly divergent sequence. Thus Lab, and most probably other Hox proteins, selects different DNA sequences in regulating downstream target genes. These observations have implications with regard to the current model of Hox-binding selectivity.
Swelling Behaviors of an Organosilylated Lithium Potassium Titanate in Organic Solvents
Authors: Ide Yusuke , Ogawa Makoto
Published: March 2005

An organically modified layered titanate, prepared by the reaction of K0.8Ti1.73Li0.27O4 with n-octadecyltrimethoxysilane, was dispersed in benzene, chloroform, toluene, n-decane, n-octanol, and ethyl acetate to form colloidal suspensions.
Solid Surface Enhancement Effects on Chemiluminescence: Effects of Number of Cationic Species in Solid Media
Authors: Yoshinaga Tetsutaro , Akimoto Shigekazu , Ichimura Teijiro , Hiratsuka Hiroshi , Hasegawa Miki , Kobayashi Michio , Hoshi Toshihiko
Published: March 2005

Solid surface enhancement effects on chemiluminescence (CL) have been studied using alkaline metal salts as solid media. Effects of number of cationic species (alkali metal ions: Na+ and K+ ions) on chemiluminescence of diaryl oxalate type CL reagent were investigated. It was found that sodium and potassium ions are the most active CL enhancers among alkaline metal ions, and the more sodium ions (or potassium ions) are included in the solid medium, the stronger the CL intensity.
Photochromic and Fluorescence Properties of a Hemiindigo in the Presence of Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Ikegami Masashi , Arai Tatsuo
Published: March 2005

The hemiindigo derivative having a pyrrole ring exhibited photochromic and thermochromic properties in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in phosphate buffer solution.
Preparation of Organic Light-emitting Field-effect Transistors with Asymmetric Electrodes
Authors: Sakanoue Tomo , Fujiwara Eiichi , Yamada Ryo , Tada Hirokazu
Published: March 2005

Light-emitting field-effect transistors (LEFET) based on poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexoxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) were prepared with asymmetric electrodes of a Au/Cr source and an Al drain on a SiO2 gate insulator (600 nm) through twice of photolithography and lift-off techniques. The light emission was observed when the gate voltages increased above −40 V at the drain voltage of −100 V. The luminous efficiency of the devices was significantly improved comparing to those with conventional electrodes of Au/Cr.
Ruthenium-catalyzed Hydrative Dimerization of Allenes
Authors: Saito Shinichi , Dobashi Naotomo , Wakatsuki Yasuo
Published: March 2005

Hydrative dimerization and hydration of allenes proceeded in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst and a strong acid such as trifluoroacetic acid. γ,δ-Unsaturated ketones and methyl ketones were isolated in moderate combined yields. No isomeric compound (isomeric enone) was isolated.
Energies of Low-lying Excited States and Reactivity of Giant Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with a Hole Inside
Authors: Yang Xia , Hajgató Balázs , Yamada Megumi , Ohno Koichi
Published: March 2005

By studying the lowest singlet and triplet excitations of a series of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by means of ZINDO and MO/8E methods, there appear blue shifts for those holed PAHs, in contrast to the ordinary π-conjugated systems with simple red shifts. In all investigated PAHs the even-layered holed PAHs show higher aromatic character. In addition, there is larger global softness in this kind of widely delocalized π-systems from reactivity indices.
Preparation of Nanostructured Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3 Glass-Ceramics by a Citrate Process
Authors: Xu Xiaoxiong , Wen Zhaoyin , Gu Zhonghua , Xu Xiaohe , Lin Zuxiang
Published: March 2005

A Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3 gel was successfully prepared by a citrate process and converted into nanostructured and highly Li+-conductive Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3 glass-ceramics through heat treatment at 700–900 °C. The experimental results indicated that the Li-ion conductivity of the glass-ceramics depended greatly on the grain size of the conducting phase in the specimens. An excellent room-temperature conductivity as high as 1.36 × 10−3 S cm−1 was obtained, which is one of the highest lithium-ion conductivity for solid electrolytes.
Small-angle X-ray Scattering from Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) Dispersed in Polymeric Matrix
Authors: Inada Toru , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Kawasaki Shinichi , Yamada Masahiro , Kobori Kana , Sakurai Kazuo
Published: March 2005

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was measured from CNT-dispersed resins and the data was analyzed in terms of a core-shell cylinder model. The structural parameters obtained from SAXS perfectly agreed with those from the electron microscopic observations. However, we found that SAXS was rather insensitive to how CNTs were dispersed in the resins.
Ultrastable Steroidal Nanotube Formed in Organic Solvents
Authors: Jung Jong Hwa , Lee Soo Jin , Han Sung-Hwan , Shinkai Seiji , Shimizu Toshimi
Published: March 2005

Cholesterol-based amphiphile not only formed the tubular structure in organic solvents such as acetonitrile as well as acetone, but also maintained the tubular structure until 72 °C.
Low-Temperature Synthesis of c Axis Oriented Submicrometer-scale ZnO Cones
Authors: Mane R S , Roh Seung Jae , Han Sung-Hwan
Published: March 2005

Submicrometer-scale, single crystalline ZnO cones required to function as ultrahigh frequency electroacoustic transducers has been synthesized using LbL chemical route on glass substrate and textured growth along c direction perpendicular to surface substrate after annealing film at 200 °C was observed.
Use of Alkaline Phosphatase Staining to Differentiate Canine Osteosarcoma from Other Vimentin-positive Tumors
Authors: Barger A. , Graca R. , Bailey K. , Messick J. , de Lorimier L.-P. , Fan T. , Hoffmann W.
Published: March 2005

Aspiration of lytic bone lesions is an excellent diagnostic test in the initial evaluation of primary bone neoplasia. However, cytologically, it can be difficult to differentiate osteosarcoma (OSA) from other bone neoplasms, including fibrosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, synovial cell sarcoma, and plasma cell myeloma. The purpose of this study is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining to differentiate OSA from other tumors that express vimentin by immunocytochemistry or immunohistochemistry. ALP is a hydrolytic enzyme present in multiple tissues including liver, kidney, intestine, placenta, and bone. Hypothetically, neoplasms actively producing bone should be specifically positive for ALP staining. Unstained, cytologic specimens were incubated for 8-10 minutes with nitroblue tetrazolium chloride/5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate toluidine salt-phosphatase substrate. A positive reaction stains the membrane of the cells gray to black. Samples were counterstained with a Romanowsky's stain to determine whether the sample was of representative cellularity. A total of 61 vimentin-positive neoplasms have been evaluated and confirmed histopathologically. Tumors that expressed vimentin and were positive for ALP included 33 OSAs, one multilobular tumor of bone, one amelanotic melanoma, and one chondrosarcoma. Tumors that expressed vimentin and were negative for ALP included chondrosarcomas (three of four), multiple fibrosarcomas, and multiple synovial cell sarcomas. The sensitivity is 100%, and the specificity is 89%. In conclusion, ALP appears to be a highly sensitive and fairly specific marker in the diagnosis of OSA.
A Prospective Analysis of Immunohistochemically Determined Estrogen Receptor α and Progesterone Receptor Expression and Host and Tumor Factors as Predictors of Disease-free Period in Mammary Tumors of the Dog
Authors: de las Mulas J. Martín , Millán Y. , Dios R.
Published: March 2005

The immunohistochemically determined estrogen receptor (ER) α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) status, as well as recognized, well-accepted prognostic indicators and host factors were prospectively analyzed in 84 cases of primary canine mammary carcinoma for their effect on disease-free period (recurrence free, metastasis free, or combined) (DFP) after an observation period of 18 months. The presence of one or both receptors, as well as tumor size, lymph node status, histologic grading, intravascular growth, and necrosis, were of prognostic value for DFP. In multivariate analysis, only tumor size and histologic grading proved to be independent prognosticators. None of the host factors analyzed were of prognostic value for DFP. ERα, PR, or both were detected in 173 out of 228 tumors: 70 ERα and PR; 5 ERα only; 98 PR only. Statistically significant differences regarding the presence of one or both receptors were observed between benign and malignant tumors and between complex, mixed, and simple histologic subtypes of benign and malignant tumors. In the group of malignant tumors ( n = 155), the presence of one or both receptors was more frequent in tumors smaller than 3 cm, without lymph node metastasis, with tubulopapillary rather than solid patterns of growth among simple carcinomas, of histologic grades I and II, without both intravascular growth and necrosis, and with lymphocyte cell infiltrates. The most frequent groups of hormone receptors-positive tumors were the ERα-positive and PR-positive group among benign and the ERα-negative and PR-positive group among malignant tumors.
Corporate Taxes and Financing Methods for Taxable Acquisitions*
Authors: DHALIWAL DAN S. , NEWBERRY KAYE J. , WEAVER CONNIE D.
Published: March 2005

We examine the influence of corporate taxes on U.S. firms' financing methods for taxable acquisitions of 100 percent of a target corporation's stock. We conduct tests of acquirer firms' use of debt or internal funds as the funding source for these acquisitions over the period 1987‐97. Our results provide the first empirical evidence that U.S. firms' use of debt to fund acquisitions significantly declines as foreign tax credit limitations reduce the marginal tax benefits received from borrowing. This finding is consistent with earlier speculation that U.S. foreign tax credit provisions could materially affect the capital costs of U.S. companies in debt‐financed acquisitions. We also find that these firms are generally high‐tax‐rate corporations whose financing choices are not significantly influenced by whether they acquire target‐firm tax loss carryovers. Our findings contribute to the accounting literature on the influence of taxes on the structure and financing of corporate acquisitions.
Alendronate Therapy May Be Effective in the Prevention of Bone Loss Around Titanium Implants Inserted in Estrogen‐Deficient Rats
Authors: Duarte Poliana Mendes , de Vasconcelos Gurgel Bruno César , Sallum Antonio Wilson , Nogueira Filho Getúlio Rocha , Sallum Enilson Antonio , Nociti Francisco Humberto
Published: March 2005

Background: This study evaluated whether alendronate (ALD) influences bone healing around titanium implants inserted in ovariectomized rats and whether it provides a residual effect after its withdrawal.

Methods: Bilateral ovariectomies were performed in 87 Wistar rats and one screw‐shaped titanium implant was placed in the tibiae. The animals were divided into the following groups: group SHAM (N = 15): sham surgeries; group OVX (N = 15): ovariectomy; group AT (N = 15): OVX plus alendronate administration for 80 days; group AW (N = 14): OVX plus alendronate administration for 40 days; group ET (N = 14): OVX plus 17β estradiol administration for 80 days; or group EW (N = 14): OVX plus 17β estradiol administration for 40 days. Bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC), bone area (BA) within the limits of implant threads, and bone density in a 500 µm‐wide zone lateral to the implant (BD) were obtained and measured for the cortical (zone A) and cancellous (zone B) regions.

Results: In zone A, data analysis showed no significant differences among the groups regarding BIC and BD (P >0.05), and a slight beneficial effect of estradiol on BA when compared with the OVX, EW, and AW groups (P <0.05). In zone B, OVX negatively impacted bone healing around the implants, resulting in reduced BA and BD (P <0.05). ALD (continuous/interrupted) and estradiol (only continuous) positively affected BIC, BA, and BD, resulting in values at the same level as the control group (SHAM).

Conclusions: ALD may prevent the negative influence of estrogen deficiency on bone healing around titanium implants inserted in OVX rats. This positive effect, in contrast to estradiol, is sustained following its withdrawal. J Periodontol 2005;76:107‐114.