bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Old World and New World Alphaviruses Use Different Virus-Specific Proteins for Induction of Transcriptional Shutoff
Authors: Garmashova Natalia , Gorchakov Rodion , Volkova Eugenia , Paessler Slobodan , Frolova Elena , Frolov Ilya
Published: November 2006

Alphaviruses
are widely distributed throughout the world. During the last few
thousand years, the New World viruses, including Venezuelan equine
encephalitis virus (VEEV) and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV),
evolved separately from those of the Old World, i.e., Sindbis virus
(SINV) and Semliki Forest virus (SFV). Nevertheless, the results of our
study indicate that both groups have developed the same characteristic:
their replication efficiently interferes with cellular transcription
and the cell response to virus replication. Transcriptional shutoff
caused by at least two of the Old World alphaviruses, SINV and SFV,
which belong to different serological complexes, depends on nsP2, but
not on the capsid protein, functioning. Our data suggest that the New
World alphaviruses VEEV and EEEV developed an alternative mechanism of
transcription inhibition that is mainly determined by their capsid
protein, but not by the nsP2. The ability of the VEEV capsid to inhibit
cellular transcription appears to be controlled by the amino-terminal
fragment of the protein, but not by its protease activity or by the
positively charged RNA-binding domain. These data provide new insights
into alphavirus evolution and present a plausible explanation for the
particular recombination events that led to the formation of western
equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) from SINV- and EEEV-like ancestors.
The recombination allowed WEEV to acquire capsid protein functioning in
transcription inhibition from EEEV-like virus. Identification of the
new functions in the New World alphavirus-derived capsids opens an
opportunity for developing new, safer alphavirus-based gene expression
systems and designing new types of attenuated vaccine strains of VEEV
and
EEEV.
Vaccinia Virus A6L Encodes a Virion Core Protein Required for Formation of Mature Virion
Authors: Meng Xiangzhi , Embry Addie , Sochia Debbi , Xiang Yan
Published: November 2006

Vaccinia virus A6L is a previously uncharacterized gene that is conserved in all sequenced vertebrate poxviruses. Here, we constructed a recombinant vaccinia virus encoding A6 with an epitope tag and showed that A6 was expressed in infected cells after viral DNA replication and packaged in the core of the mature virion. Furthermore, we showed that A6 was essential for vaccinia virus replication by performing clustered charge-to-alanine mutagenesis on A6, which resulted in two vaccinia virus mutants (vA6L-mut1 and vA6L-mut2) that displayed a temperature-sensitive phenotype. At 31°C, both mutants replicated efficiently; however, at 40°C, vA6L-mut1 grew to a low titer, while vA6L-mut2 failed to replicate. The A6 protein expressed by vA6L-mut2 exhibited temperature-dependent instability. At the nonpermissive temperature, vA6L-mut2 was normal at viral gene expression and viral factory formation, but it was defective for proteolytic processing of the precursors of several major virion proteins, a defect that is characteristic of a block in virion morphogenesis. Electron microscopy further showed that the morphogenesis of vA6L-mut2 was arrested before the formation of immature virion with nucleoid and mature virion. Taken together, our data show that A6 is a virion core protein that plays an essential role in virion morphogenesis.
Identification and comparative analysis of accessory gland proteins in Orthoptera
Authors: Braswell W. Evan , Andrés José A. , Maroja Luana S. , Harrison Richard G. , Howard Daniel J. , Swanson Willie J.
Published: November 2006

Accessory reproductive gland proteins (Acps) in Drosophila evolve quickly and appear to play an important role in ensuring the fertilization success of males. Moreover, Acps are thought to be involved in establishing barriers to fertilization between closely related species. While accessory glands are known to occur in the males of many insect groups, the proteins that are passed on to females by males during mating have not been well characterized outside of Drosophila. To gain a better understanding of these proteins, we characterized ESTs from the accessory glands of two cricket species, Allonemobius fasciatus and Gryllus firmus. Using an expressed sequence tag (EST) approach, followed by bioinformatic and evolutionary analyses, we found that many proteins are secreted and, therefore, available for transfer to the female during mating. Further, we found that most ESTs are novel, showing little sequence similarity between taxa. Evolutionary analyses suggest that cricket proteins are subject to diversifying selection and indicate that Allonemobius is much less polymorphic than Gryllus. Despite rapid nucleotide sequence divergence, there appears to be functional conservation of protein classes among Drosophila and cricket taxa.
Mitochondrial genomics of gadine fishes: implications for taxonomy and biogeographic origins from whole-genome data sets
Authors: Coulson Mark W. , Marshall H. Dawn , Pepin Pierre , Carr Steven M.
Published: November 2006

Phylogenetic analysis of 13 substantially complete mitochondrial DNA genome sequences (14 036 bp) from 10 taxa of gadine codfishes and pollock provides highly corroborated resolution of outstanding questions on their biogeographic evolution. Of 6 resolvable nodes among species, 4 were supported by >95% of bootstrap replications in parsimony, distance, likelihood, and similarly high posterior probabilities in bayesian analyses, one by 85%–95% according to the method of analysis, and one by 99% by one method and a majority of the other two. The endemic Pacific species, walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), is more closely related to the endemic Atlantic species, Atlantic cod (Gadus macrocephalus), than either is to a second Pacific endemic, Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus). The walleye pollock should thus be referred to the genus Gadus as originally described (Gadus chalcogrammus Pallas 1811). Arcto-Atlantic Greenland cod, previously regarded as a distinct species (G. ogac), are a genomically distinguishable subspecies within pan-Pacific G. macrocephalus. Of the 2 endemic Arctic Ocean genera, Polar cod (Boreogadus) as the outgroup to Arctic cod (Arctogadus) and Gadus sensu lato is more strongly supported than a pairing of Boreogadus and Arctogadus as sister taxa. Taking into consideration historical patterns of hydrogeography, we outline a hypothesis of the origin of the 2 endemic Pacific species as independent but simultaneous invasions through the Bering Strait from an Arcto-Atlantic ancestral lineage. In contrast to the genome data, the complete proteome sequence (3830 amino acids) resolved only 3 nodes with >95% confidence, and placed Alaska pollock outside the Gadus clade owing to reversal mutations in the ND5 locus that restore ancestral, non-Gadus, amino acid residues in that species.
Verification phase as a useful tool in the determination of the maximal oxygen uptake of distance runners
Authors: Midgley Adrian W. , McNaughton Lars R. , Carroll Sean
Published: November 2006

This study investigated the utility of a verification phase for increasing confidence that a “true” maximal oxygen uptake had been elicited in 16 male distance runners (mean age (±SD), 38.7  (± 7.5 y)) during an incremental treadmill running test continued to volitional exhaustion. After the incremental test subjects performed a 10 min recovery walk and a verification phase performed to volitional exhaustion at a running speed 0.5 km·h–1 higher than that attained during the last completed stage of the incremental phase. Verification criteria were a verification phase peak oxygen uptake ≤ 2% higher than the incremental phase value and peak heart rate values within 2 beats·min–1 of each other. Of the 32 tests, 26 satisfied the oxygen uptake verification criterion and 23 satisfied the heart rate verification criterion. Peak heart rate was lower (p = 0.001) during the verification phase than during the incremental phase, suggesting that the verification protocol was inadequate in eliciting maximal values in some runners. This was further supported by the fact that 7 tests exhibited peak oxygen uptake values over 100 mL·min–1 (≥ 3%) lower than the peak values attained in the incremental phase. Further research is required to improve the verification procedure before its utility can be confirmed.
Influence de la phase du cycle menstruel sur les réponses en catécholamines à l’exercice de sprint chez la femme
Authors: Botcazou Maïtel , Gratas-Delamarche Arlette , Allain Stéphanie , Jacob Christophe , Bentué-Ferrer Danièle , Delamarche Paul , Zouhal Hassane
Published: November 2006

The aim of the present study was to verify the menstrual cycle phase influence on catecholamine concentrations (adrenaline (A) and noradrenaline (NA)), peak power (Ppic), and peak lactatemia (Lapic) in response to a 6 s sprint exercise on a cycle ergometer in eight untrained women (19.1 ± 0.9 years, 167.7 ± 5.4 cm, 59.5 ± 4.7 kg). All women realize the 6 s sprint test in the morning, within the same menstrual cycle, in the follicular (PF) and the luteal phase (PL). Plasma catecholamine concentrations were determined at rest (A0 and NA0), immediately at the end of the sprint exercise (AEX and NAEX), and after 5 min of recovery (A5 and NA5). Ppic and Lapic were not significantly affected by the menstrual cycle phase. Catecholamine concentrations measured at rest, in response to the 6 s sprint test and after 5 min of recovery were not significantly different in PF and PL. Significant relationships were observed between AEX and Lapic (r = 0.53, p < 0.01) and between AEX and Ppic (r = 0.70, p < 0.01). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the menstrual cycle phase did not alter performance, lactatemia, and sympatho-adrenergic responses to a short sprint exercise in untrained women.
Occurrence of ceftriaxone-resistant commensal bacteria on a dairy farm and a poultry farm
Authors: Yang Hua , Dettman Brittany , Beam Jonathan , Mix Caroline , Jiang Xiuping
Published: November 2006

Approximately 40 samples of animal feces, drinking water, feed, bedding, pine wood shavings, compost, and manure slurry were collected from two animal research farms (one dairy and one poultry) and analyzed for ceftriaxone-resistant bacteria. Our study revealed that the total percentage of aerobic bacteria with reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥ 16 µg/mL) ranged from 0.9% to 10.8% in dairy feces and from 0.05% to 3.93% in chicken feces. The percentages of ceftriaxone-resistant bacteria (MIC ≥ 64 µg/mL) were in the range of 0.01%–2.3% in dairy feces and 0.01%–0.79% in chicken feces. Environmental samples contained a wide range of ceftriaxone-resistant bacterial populations. Among those environmental samples, fresh pine wood shavings used as chicken bedding contained the highest percentages (41.5%) of ceftriaxone-resistant bacteria, as determined by a plating method. A total of 105 ceftriaxone-resistant (MIC ≥ 128 µg/mL) bacterial isolates were isolated from the above samples and tested for resistance to nine antibiotics: ampicillin, ceftriaxone, streptomycin, kanamycin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and nalidixic acid. The most prevalent resistance pattern (34.3%) among isolates included resistance to all nine antibiotics. Results from this study suggest that ceftriaxone-resistant bacteria exist in farm environments, and the ceftriaxone resistance was frequently associated with resistance to multiple antibiotics. Environmental sources such as pine wood shavings used as bedding can be a potential reservoir for transmitting the multidrug-resistant bacteria.Key words: ceftriaxone, commensal bacteria, multiple antibiotic resistance.
Selected plant species from the Cree pharmacopoeia of northern Quebec possess anti-diabetic potential
Authors: Spoor Danielle C.A. , Martineau Louis C. , Leduc Charles , Benhaddou-Andaloussi Ali , Meddah Bouchra , Harris Cory , Burt Andrew , Fraser Marie-Hélène , Coonishish Jason , Joly Erik , Cuerrier Alain , Bennett Steffany A.L. , Johns Timothy , Prentki Marc , Arnason John T. , Haddad Pierre S.
Published: November 2006

Type II diabetes is a major health problem worldwide. Some populations, such as aboriginal peoples, are particularly at risk for this disease. In the Cree Nation of Quebec, Canada, prevalence in adults is approaching 20%, and the consequences are compounded by low compliance with modern medicine. In 2003, we conducted an ethnobotanical study of Cree medicinal plants used for the treatment of symptoms of diabetes. This served as the basis for a project designed to identify efficacious complementary treatment options more readily accepted by this population. The present study assesses the in vitro anti-diabetic potential of extracts from the 8 most promising plants to emerge from the ethnobotanical study. Cell-based bioassays were employed to screen for (i) potentiation of glucose uptake by skeletal muscle cells (C2C12) and adipocytes (3T3-L1); (ii) potentiation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and insulin production by pancreatic beta cells (INS 832/13); (iii) potentiation of triglyceride accumulation in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells; (iv) protection against glucose toxicity and glucose deprivation in pre-sympathetic neurons (PC12-AC). Additionally, anti-oxidant activity was measured biochemically by the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reduction assay. All plant extracts potentiated basal or insulin-stimulated glucose uptake to some degree in muscle cells or adipocytes. Adipocyte differentiation was accelerated by 4 extracts. Five extracts conferred protection in PC12 cells. Three extracts displayed free radical scavenging activity similar to known anti-oxidants. None of the plant extracts enhanced GSIS or insulin content in INS 832/13 beta cells. It is concluded that the Cree pharmacopoeia contains several plants with significant anti-diabetic potential.
Relationship between right ventricular wave speed and elastance in dogs
Authors: Sun Yichun , Wang Jiun-Jr , Belenkie Israel , Tyberg John V.
Published: November 2006

Wave speed (c) must be known to separate forward- and backward-going waves during wave-intensity analysis, which measures the energy transported by the waves in the circulation. c is related to elastance; the present study was performed to measure right ventricular (RV) c during the cardiac cycle and to compare c with RV elastance. In 7 dogs, we measured right atrial, pulmonary arterial, pericardial and 2 RV pressures, and pulmonary arterial flow. A pulse generator was connected to the RV apex, and c was measured by determining the transit time between the 2 high-fidelity RV pressure transducers; the distance was measured roentgenographically. Eight sonomicrometry crystals were implanted in the RV endocardium to calculate RV volume and, thereby, elastance. RV c ranged from ~1 m/s during diastole to ~4 m/s during systole. Log–log plots of c vs. elastance were linear. These slopes represent the power relationships between c and elastance and ranged from 0.30 to 0.56; for the combined data, it was 0.31. Given knowledge of c, forward- and backward-going waves can be identified and their energy quantitated. In the canine RV, c is approximately proportional to 1/3 the power of elastance: log c = 0.31·log E – 2.05.
A systematic review of mechanisms by which natural products of plant origin evoke vasodilatation
Authors: McNeill J. Robert , Jurgens Tannis M.
Published: November 2006

This article reviews the body of work aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of action by which natural products of plant origin exert a vasodilatory effect at the level of the vasculature. The search was restricted to 4 mechanisms: the nitric oxide system and (or) reactive oxygen species, the eicosanoid system, potassium channel function, and calcium channel function. The National Library of Medicine database was searched using “PubMed” without restriction to language. The search generated 266 references on 15 November 2005. Most studies were in vitro in nature and of these, most involved studies in the rat aorta. Many of the natural products evoked vasodilatation through an endothelium-dependent mechanism. The vasodilatation was attenuated or abolished by a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor and, in some of these studies, by an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase. A few studies reported a cyclooxygenase component, but most found no effect of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin. The vasorelaxation evoked by several natural products was attenuated by various potassium channel blocking agents, suggesting that some natural products exerted their effect either directly or indirectly through activation of potassium channels. Finally, a significant number of natural products evoked vasodilatation either through blockade of calcium channels or by inhibiting the release of calcium from intracellular stores. Many natural products evoked vasodilatation through multiple mechanisms. The information in this review on mechanisms of action should facilitate good clinical practice by increasing the predictive capabilities of the practitioner, notably the ability to predict adverse effects and interactions among medications. The knowledge should also help to provide leads to the ultimate goal of developing new therapeutic medications.
Increased severity of renal impairment in nephritic mice lacking the EP1 receptor
Authors: Rahal Sherine , McVeigh Lyne I. , Zhang Yahua , Guan Youfei , Breyer Matthew D. , Kennedy Chris R.J.
Published: November 2006

In experimental glomerulonephritis, inhibition of renal prostaglandin (PG) synthesis by nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) moderates proteinuria, yet can induce harmful effects on renal blood flow and Na+–K+–water balance thereby implicating 1 or more prostanoid receptor subtypes. We investigated the role of the PGE2 EP1 receptor in nephritis since it is expressed in the glomerulus, collecting duct and vasculature in which its activity might contribute to adaptive or maladaptive responses. Accordingly, a mouse model of accelerated antiglomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) nephrotoxic serum (NTS) nephritis was induced in mice with targeted-deletion of the EP1 receptor (EP1−/−). Proteinuria was similar between wild-type (wt) and EP1−/− NTS groups, thus negating a role for this subtype in modulating the glomerular permeability barrier in this model of anti-GBM NTS. However, overall renal damage was more acute in NTS EP1−/− mice, as evidenced by the degree of glomerular mesangial matrix expansion and the frequency of tubular dilatations. These changes in renal pathology were accompanied by stronger impairment of renal function in NTS EP1−/− mice, such that levels of serum creatinine, urea, Na+, and K+ were each significantly higher than those observed in NTS wt mice. Lastly, compared with wt mice, induction of NTS more severely reduced urine osmolality and body mass in EP1−/− mice. Taken together, the increased renal impairment seen in NTS EP1−/− mice suggests that the EP1 subtype plays a compensatory role in the context of acute nephritis.
Clinical aspects and physiopathology of Brugada syndrome: review of current concepts
Authors: Herbert E. , Chahine M.
Published: November 2006

Brugada syndrome (BS) is an inherited cardiac disorder characterized by typical electrocardiographic patterns of ST segment elevation in the precordial leads, right bundle branch block, fast polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in patients without any structural heart disease, and a high risk of sudden cardiac death. The incidence of BS is high in male vs. female (i.e., 8–10/1: male/female). The disorder is caused by mutations in the SCN5A gene encoding Nav1.5, the cardiac sodium channel, which is the only gene in which mutations were found to cause the disease. Mutations in SCN5A associated with the BS phenotype usually result in a loss of channel function by a reduction in Na+ currents. We review the clinical aspects, risk stratification, and therapeutic management of this important syndrome.
The relationships between terrestrial vertebrate species richness in China’s nature reserves and environmental variables
Authors: Zhao Shuqing , Fang Jingyun , Peng Changhui , Tang Zhiyao
Published: November 2006

Explaining species richness patterns over broad geographic scales is a central issue of biogeography and macroecology. In this study, we took spatial autocorrelation into account and used terrestrial vertebrate species richness data from 211 nature reserves, together with climatic and topographical variables and reserve area, to explain terrestrial vertebrate species richness patterns in China and to test two climatically based hypotheses for animals. Our results demonstrated that species richness patterns of different terrestrial vertebrate taxa were predicted by the environmental variables used, in a decreasing order, as reptiles (56.5%), followed by amphibians (51.8%), mammals (42%), and birds (19%). The endothermic vertebrates (mammals and birds) were closely correlated with net primary productivity (NPP), which supports the productivity hypothesis, whereas the ectothermic vertebrates (amphibians and reptiles) were strongly associated with both water and energy variables but weakly with NPP, which supports the physiologically based ambient climate hypothesis. The differences in the dependence of endothermic and ectothermic vertebrates on productivity or ambient climate may be due in part to their different thermoregulatory mechanisms. Consistent with earlier studies, mammals were strongly and positively related to geomorphologic heterogeneity, measured by elevation range, implying that the protection of mountains may be especially important in conserving mammalian diversity.
THE STRAIN DISTRIBUTIONS AND CARRIER'S CONFINING POTENTIALS OF SELF-ORGANIZED InAs/GaAs QUANTUM DOT
Authors: LIU YUMIN , YU ZHONGYUAN , HUANG YONGZHEN
Published: November 2006

On the basis of the finite element approach, we systematically investigated the strain field distribution of conical-shaped InAs/GaAs self-organized quantum dot using the two-dimensional axis-symmetric model. The normal strain, the hydrostatic strain and the biaxial strain components along the center axis path of the quantum dots are analyzed. The dependence of these strain components on volume, height-over-base ratio and cap layer (covered by cap layer or uncovered quantum dot) is investigated for the quantum grown on the (001) substrate. The dependence of the carriers' confining potentials on the three circumstances discussed above is also calculated in the framework of eight-band k·p theory. The numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental data of published literature.
Involvement of oxidants and AP-1 in angiotensin II-activated NFAT3 transcription factor
Authors: Tu Victoria C. , Sun Haipeng , Bowden G. Tim , Chen Qin M.
Published: November 2006

Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is associated with multiple pathophysiological cardiovascular conditions. Recent studies have substantiated the finding that oxidants may contribute to the development of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Activation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells-3 (NFAT3) transcription factor has been shown to result from endocrine inducers of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy such as angiotensin II (ANG II) and serves as an important molecular regulator of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In this study, we found that antioxidant enzyme catalase and antioxidants N-acetyl-l-cysteine, α-phenyl- N- tert-butylnitrone, and lipoic acid prevent ANG II from activating NFAT3 promoter-luciferase. H2O2 induces a time- and dose-dependent activation of NFAT3 transcription factor. A dominant negative form of NFAT3 transcription factor inhibited H2O2 from activating NFAT3 promoter. An inhibitor of ERKs, but not phosphoinositide 3-kinase or p38 MAPKs, blocked NFAT3 activation by H2O2. The NFAT3 binding site in the promoters of most genes contains a weak activator protein-1 (AP-1) binding site adjacent to the core consensus NFAT binding sequence. ERK inhibitor PD98059 was found previously to inhibit AP-1 activation by H2O2. Inactivation of AP-1 transcription factor by cotransfection of a dominant negative c-Jun, TAM67, prevented H2O2 or ANG II from activating NFAT3 promoter. NFAT3 promoter containing the core NFAT cis-element without AP-1 binding site failed to show activation by H2O2 treatment. Our data suggest that hypertrophy inducers ANG II and H2O2 may activate NFAT3 in cardiomyocyte through an AP-1 transcription factor-dependent mechanism.
Roger Sperry: pioneer of neuronal specificity
Authors: Grafstein Bernice
Published: November 2006

This essay looks at the historical significance of two APS classic papers that are freely available online:

Sperry RW.

Optic nerve regeneration with return of vision in anurans. J Neurophysiol 7: 57–69, 1944 ( http://jn.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/7/1/57 ).

Sperry RW.

Restoration of vision after crossing of optic nerves and after contralateral transplantation of eye. J Neurophysiol 8: 15–28, 1945 ( http://jn.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/8/1/15 ).
Cortical Response to Auditory Motion Suggests an Asymmetry in the Reliance on Inter-Hemispheric Connections Between the Left and Right Auditory Cortices
Authors: Krumbholz Katrin , Hewson-Stoate Nicola , Schönwiesner Marc
Published: November 2006

The aim of the current study was to measure the brain's response to auditory motion using electroencephalography (EEG) to gain insight into the mechanisms by which hemispheric lateralization for auditory spatial processing is established in the human brain. The onset of left- or rightward motion in an otherwise continuous sound was found to elicit a large response, which appeared to arise from higher-level nonprimary auditory areas. This motion onset response was strongly lateralized to the hemisphere contralateral to the direction of motion. The response latencies suggest that the ipsilateral response to the leftward motion was produced by indirect callosal projections from the opposite hemisphere, whereas the ipsilateral response to the rightward motion seemed to receive contributions from direct thalamocortical projections. These results suggest an asymmetry in the reliance on inter-hemispheric projections between the left and right auditory cortices for auditory spatial processing.
Horoballs in simplices and Minkowski spaces
Authors: Karlsson A. , Metz V. , Noskov G. A.
Published: November 2006

We obtain precise descriptions of all horoballs for Hilbert′s
geometry on simplices and for normed finite‐dimensional
vector spaces with norm given by some polyhedron. Certain
geometrical consequences are deduced and several other
applications are pointed out, which concern the dynamics of
important classes of nonlinear self‐maps of convex cones.
The Armendariz module and its application to the Ikeda‐Nakayamamodule
Authors: Koşan M. Tamer
Published: November 2006

A ring R is called a right Ikeda-Nakayama
(for short IN‐ring) if the left annihilator of the intersection of any two right ideals is the sum of the left annihilators, that is, if ℓ(I∩J) = ℓ(I) + ℓ(J) for all right ideals I and J of R. R is called Armendariz ring if whenever polynomials f(x) = a0 + a1x + ⋯+amxm, g(x) = b0 + b1x + ⋯+bnxn ∈ R[x] satisfy f(x)g(x) = 0, then aibj = 0 for each i, j. In this paper, we show that if R[x] is a right IN‐ring, then R is a right IN‐ring in case R is an Armendariz ring.
Aggregation modes of anionic oxacarbocyanines with polycations in solution and in ESAMs
Authors: Lodi Andrea , Ponterini Glauco
Published: November 2006

Interaction of oxacarbocyanines D‐G with three polycations in aqueous solutions results in the formation of two types of likely small, distorted aggregates rather than the classical J aggregates. On the contrary, the latter are extensively and almost exclusively obtained in electrostatically self‐assembled multilayers (ESAMs) prepared by alternate polycation/dye adsorption on quartz substrates. The J‐aggregate growth on supported polycations is qualitatively shared by the four cyanines, a fact that reveals the crucial role of the double anionic substitutions on the dyes. On the other hand, films with D and E, which are known to have a stronger tendency to give dimers in water, exhibit higher J‐band intensities and stability upon drying relative to those with F and G. Based on these observations, we suggest that energetic factors associated with cofacial dye/dye van der Waals interactions, ultimately related with the degree of planarity of the conjugated chromophores, may still play a major role in controlling aggregation equilibria in these complex systems.
Stochastic dominance theory for location-scale family
Authors: Wong Wing-Keung
Published: November 2006

Meyer (1987) extended the theory of mean-variance criterion to include the comparison among distributions that differ only by location and scale parameters and to include general utility functions with only convexity or concavity restrictions. In this paper, we make some comments on Meyer's paper and extend the results from Tobin (1958) that the indifference curve is convex upwards for risk averters, concave downwards for risk lovers, and horizontal for risk neutral investors to include the general conditions stated by Meyer (1987). We also provide an alternative proof for the theorem. Levy (1989) extended Meyer's results by introducing some inequality relationships between the stochastic-dominance and the mean-variance efficient sets. In this paper, we comment on Levy's findings and show that these relationships do not hold in certain situations. We further develop some properties among the first- and second-degree stochastic dominance efficient sets and the mean-variance efficient set.
New Development in Nanoporous Composites: Novel Functional Materials for Capturing Nitrosamines in Airstreams
Authors: Zhuang Ting Ting , Xu Jia Hui , Xia Jia Rong , Cao Yi , Zhou Shi Lu , Wang Ying , Chun Yuan , Zhu Jian Hua
Published: November 2006

The latest progresses of the series of research on the trapper of nitrosamines are reported in this paper, involving the attempts to elevate the selective adsorption of zeolites through enhancing adsorbent‐adsorbate interaction, in order to prepare the new functional nanoporous materials with high efficiency to eliminate the carcinogenic pollutants in environment and to protect public health. Incorporation of metal oxide such as copper oxide in NaY accelerated adsorption of volatile nitrosamines and anthracene, and moreover, coating zirconia onto the zeolite could dramatically suppress the release of nitrogen oxides in the decomposition of N‐nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) during temperature‐programmed surface reaction (TPSR) process.
Growth of Boron‐Rich Nanowires by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
Authors: Guo L. , Singh R. N. , Kleebe H. J.
Published: November 2006

B‐rich nanowires are grown on Ni coated oxidized Si(111) substrate using diborane as the
gas precursor in a CVD process at 20 torr and 900C∘. These nanowires have diameters around 20–100 nanometers and lengths up to microns. Icosahedron B12 is shown to be the basic building unit forming the amorphous B‐rich nanowires as characterized by EDAX, XRD, XPS, and Raman spectroscopies. The gas chemistry at low [B2H6]/ [N2] ratio is monitored by the in situ mass spectroscopy, which identified N2 as an inert carrier gas leading to formation of the B‐rich compounds. A nucleation
controlled growth mechanism is proposed to explain the rugged nanowire growth of boron. The role of the Ni catalyst in the synthesis of the B‐rich nanostructures is also discussed.
Theaflavin Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury in Rats Through Its Anti‐Inflammatory Effect and Modulation of STAT‐1
Authors: Cai Fei , Li Cai-Rong , Wu Ji-Liang , Chen Jian-Guo , Liu Chao , Min Qing , Yu Wei , Ouyang Chang-Han , Chen Jin-He
Published: November 2006

Theaflavin, a major constituent of black tea, possesses biological functions such as the antioxidative, antiviral, and anti‐inflammatory ones. The purpose of this study was to verify whether theaflavin reduces focal cerebral ischemia injury in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were anesthetized and subjected to 2 hours of MCAO followed 24 hours reperfusion. Theaflavin administration (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, IV) ameliorated infarct and edema volume. Theaflavin inhibited leukocyte infiltration and expression of ICAM‐1, COX‐2, and iNOS in injured brain. Phosphorylation of STAT‐1, a protein which mediates intracellular signaling to the nucleus, was enhanced 2‐fold over that of sham group and was inhibited by theaflavin. Our study demonstrated that theaflavin significantly protected neurons from cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion injury by limiting leukocyte infiltration and expression of ICAM‐1, and suppressing upregulation of inflammatory‐related prooxidative enzymes (iNOS and COX‐2) in ischemic brain via, at least in part, reducing the phosphorylation of STAT‐1.
Balance Between Pro‐ and Anti‐Inflammatory Cytokines in Mice Treated With Centruroides noxius Scorpion Venom
Authors: Petricevich Vera L.
Published: November 2006

CSV consists of a very complex of molecules and demonstrates significant cellular activities capable of stimulating immune functions in vivo. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of CSV on sex, weight, route of injection and the balance of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in mice. The susceptibility and route of injection were analyzed by lethal (LD50) determination. The effects of CSV were also analyzed in blood from immunized mice using detection by means of antibodies and mediators production. Several functional bioassays were employed: TNF activity was assayed by measuring its cytotoxic activity in L929 cells, and other cytokines were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, whereas nitric oxide levels were detected by Griess colorimetric reactions in sera from BALB/c mice. After injecting subcutaneously, the LD50 presented an increase of the CSV correlation and similar levels of susceptibility were obtained for female and male from BALB/c mice. Significant differences were observed in the time‐course of cytokine levels. The balance of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines TNF/IL‐10 and IL‐6/IL‐10 ratios were significantly higher in injected mice group when compared with those obtained for non‐injected group. The CSV is poor in antigenic composition and it is difficult to get antibodies specific to neutralizing the lethal factor. The effect of immunization with 0.5 LD50 of CSV on the balance of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines was measured. The maximum levels of TNF and IL‐6, IFN‐γ and NO were observed on days 7 and 21 after immunization, respectively. IL‐10 levels peaked between days 21 and 28 after immunization with CSV. With respect, to balance of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines it was possible to observe that negative correlation between serum levels of IL‐6/IL‐10 and TNF/IL‐10 exists. These ratios may possibly reflect the balance of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in serum, which may by manifested in the inflammatory status during the envenoming processes. In conclusion, an increase in the serum levels of TNF and IL‐6 may be a useful marker for scorpion envenomation.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γPromotes Adipogenic Changes in Growth Plate Chondrocytes In Vitro
Authors: Wang Lai , Shao Yvonne Y. , Ballock R. Tracy
Published: November 2006

Chondrocytes and adipocytes are two differentiated cell types which are both derived from mesenchymal cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ(PPARγ), a transcription factor involved in lineage determination during adipogenesis, is able to induce adipogenic differentiation in growth plate chondrocytes. Isolated epiphyseal chondrocytes were infected with a PPARγadenovirus or treated with the PPARγagonist ciglitazone. Both of these treatments resulted in lipid droplet accumulation and expression of the adipogenic markers aP2, lipoprotein lipase, and adipsin in chondrocytes. Proteoglycan matrix synthesis was decreased in the PPARγ-infected cells, as was the expression of the chondrogenic genes Col2a1 and aggrecan. Growth plate cells transfected with a PPARγexpression plasmid under the control of the collagenα1(II) promoter also demonstrated a similar adipogenic changes. Terminal differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes induced by thyroid hormone was also inhibited by overexpression of PPARγand ciglitazone treatment, with decreased expression of alkaline phosphatase and Runx2/Cbfa1 genes. These in vitro data suggest that PPARγis able to promote adipogenic differentiation in growth plate chondrocytes, while negatively regulating chondrogenic differentiation and terminal differentiation.
A Novel SV40 TAg Transgenic Model of Asbestos-Induced Mesothelioma: Malignant Transformation Is Dose Dependent
Authors: Robinson Cleo , van Bruggen Ivonne , Segal Amanda , Dunham Melissa , Sherwood Amanda , Koentgen Frank , Robinson Bruce W.S. , Lake Richard A.
Published: November 2006

Although it has been clear for >40 years that mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos, not all patients with this disease have a history of asbestos exposure. Other factors, including non-asbestos fibers and ionizing radiation, are known to cause malignant transformation of mesothelial cells. In addition, it is likely that genetics will play some role in susceptibility. Recently, it has been suggested that SV40 viral oncogenes could contribute to the carcinogenicity of asbestos. To better understand the role of SV40, we used the mesothelin promoter to construct MexTAg mice that express SV40 large T antigen (TAg) in the mesothelial compartment. We generated four MexTAg lines that carry high, intermediate, and low copy numbers of the transgene. All of these mice show a relatively low level of spontaneous tumor development. High-copy, 299h mice rapidly developed mesotheliomas when exposed to asbestos, and these tumors were faster growing and more invasive than those developing in wild-type and single-copy (266s) mice. In addition, we found a direct relationship between transgene copy number and survival after exposure to asbestos. A single copy of TAg was sufficient to immortalize mesothelial cells in vitro, but these cells did not show evidence of malignant transformation. In contrast, cell lines developed from mesothelial cells of animals carrying multiple copies of TAg were growth factor independent and could be cloned at limiting dilution in soft agar. These data provide the first in vivo demonstration of co-carcinogenicity between SV40 and asbestos. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10786-94)
Enhanced Antitumor Response by Divergent Modulation of Natural Killer and Natural Killer T Cells in the Liver
Authors: Subleski Jeff J. , Hall Veronica L. , Back Timothy C. , Ortaldo John R. , Wiltrout Robert H.
Published: November 2006

The use of interleukin-18 (IL-18) together with IL-12 induced high levels of IFN-γ in tumor-bearing mice and regression of liver tumors that was abolished in IFN-γ(−/−) mice. Natural killer (NK) and NKT cells were the major producers of IFN-γ in the livers of mice treated with IL-18 and/or IL-12. Liver NK cells were significantly increased by treatment with IL-18/IL-12, whereas the degree of liver NKT cell TCR detection was diminished by this treatment. Reduction of NK cells with anti-asGM1 decreased the antitumor activity of IL-18/IL-12 therapy and revealed NK cells to be an important component for tumor regression in the liver. In contrast, the antitumor effects of both IL-18 and IL-12 were further increased in CD1d(−/−) mice, which lack NKT cells. Our data, therefore, show that the antitumor activity induced in mice by IL-18/IL-12 is NK and IFN-γ dependent and is able to overcome an endogenous immunosuppressive effect of NKT cells in the liver microenvironment. These results suggest that immunotherapeutic approaches that enhance NK cell function while eliminating or altering NKT cells could be effective in the treatment of cancer in the liver. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 11005-12)
DNA Repair and Cell Cycle Control Genes and the Risk of Young-Onset Lung Cancer
Authors: Landi Stefano , Gemignani Federica , Canzian Federico , Gaborieau Valérie , Barale Roberto , Landi Debora , Szeszenia-Dabrowska Neonilia , Zaridze David , Lissowska Jolanta , Rudnai Peter , Fabianova Eleonora , Mates Dana , Foretova Lenka , Janout Vladimir , Bencko Vladimir , Gioia-Patricola Lydie , Hall Janet , Boffetta Paolo , Hung Rayjean J. , Brennan Paul
Published: November 2006

Exposure to tobacco smoke and to mutagenic xenobiotics can cause various types of DNA damage in lung cells, which, if not corrected by DNA repair systems, may lead to deregulation of the cell cycle and, ultimately, to cancer. Genetic variation could thus be an important factor in determining susceptibility to tobacco-induced lung cancer with genetic susceptibility playing a larger role in young-onset cases compared with that in the general population. We have therefore studied 102 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 34 key DNA repair and cell cycle control genes in 299 lung cancer cases diagnosed before the age of 50 years and 317 controls from six countries of Central and Eastern Europe. We have found no association of lung cancer risk with polymorphisms in genes related to cell cycle control, single-strand/double-strand break repair, or base excision repair. Significant associations (P < 0.05) were found with polymorphisms in genes involved in DNA damage sensing (ATM) and, interestingly, in four genes encoding proteins involved in mismatch repair (LIG1, LIG3, MLH1, and MSH6). The strongest associations were observed with heterozygote carriers of LIG1 −7C>T [odds ratio (OR), 1.73; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.13-2.64] and homozygote carriers of LIG3 rs1052536 (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.25-3.38). Consideration of the relatively large number of markers assessed diminishes the significance of these findings; thus, these SNPs should be considered promising candidates for further investigation in other independent populations. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 11062-9)
Biological Properties of IDN5174, a New Synthetic Camptothecin with the Open Lactone Ring
Authors: Beretta Giovanni L. , Petrangolini Giovanna , De Cesare Michelandrea , Pratesi Graziella , Perego Paola , Tinelli Stella , Tortoreto Monica , Zucchetti Massimo , Frapolli Roberta , Bello Ezia , Manzotti Carla , Fontana Gabriele , Bombardelli Ezio , Battaglia Arturo , Samorì Cristian , Zunino Franco
Published: November 2006

A series of water-soluble camptothecins obtained by linking a spermidine moiety to the 21-position of the open form through an amidic bond have been tested for their biochemical and biological activities. Growth inhibition assay on the human non–small cell lung cancer carcinoma NCI-H460 cell line revealed that the camptothecin analogues were less potent than topotecan and SN38 after 1 hour of treatment. The potency increased after 72 hours of exposure, being similar to that of reference camptothecins. The analysis of topoisomerase I–mediated DNA cleavage using the purified enzyme indicated that the novel camptothecin analogues retained ability to poison topoisomerase I and displayed the same cleavage pattern of SN38. Persistence of the DNA cleavage was comparable with that of SN38. Stabilization of the cleavable complex was not the result of hydrolysis of the N-C bond between polyamine and the drug because no free camptothecin was recovered at the end of DNA cleavage in presence of IDN5174, the analogue selected for detailed studies. IDN5174 exhibited an antitumor activity comparable with that of topotecan and irinotecan against NCI-H460 tumor xenograft. The pharmacokinetics in mice showed a favorable disposition in tumor tissue with low amount of camptothecin detectable in plasma and tumor (around 5-10%), thus supporting the efficacy of intact IDN5174. In conclusion, we found that IDN5174 maintained the biological and antitumor properties, in spite of lack of the closed E ring. The available results support the interpretation that the polyamine linked at the 21-position may allow a favorable drug interaction in the ternary complex. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10976-82)
Human Arrest Defective 1 Acetylates and Activates β-Catenin, Promoting Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Lim Ji-Hong , Park Jong-Wan , Chun Yang-Sook
Published: November 2006

Arrest defective 1 (ARD1), an acetyltransferase, is essential for the yeast life cycle. Although its human homologue (hARD1) has been identified, its biological functions in human cells remain unclear. In the present study, we examined the biological function of hARD1. In H1299 and A549 lung cancer cells, hARD1-silencing RNA inhibited cell proliferation and induced G1 arrest. Cyclin D1 was also found to be down-regulated in these growth-arrested cells, and the ectopic expression of cyclin D1 rescued cell growth. hARD1 knockdown repressed the promoter activity of the cyclin D1 gene, which inhibited the transcription of cyclin D1. Moreover, hARD1 knockdown reduced the binding of β-catenin/TCF4 transcription factor to cyclin D1 promoter and repressed its transcriptional activity. Inversely, hARD1 expression increased the transcriptional activity of β-catenin. Both endogenous and ectopically expressed hARD1 was coimmunoprecipitated with β-catenin. hARD1 knockdown did not affect β-catenin expression or degradation but noticeably reduced acetylated β-catenin. The β-catenin binding and acetylation by hARD1 were observed in vitro. Therefore, it is suggested that hARD1 participates in proliferation of lung cancer cells via the activation of β-catenin. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10677-82)
Changes of Serum β-Endorphin by Programmed Exercise Training Are Correlated with Improvement of Clinical Symptoms and Quality of Life in Female Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome
Authors: Hung Huei-Fong , Kao Pai-Feng , Lin Yu-Shuang , Chen Feng-Chia , Chen Fu-Chean , Tsai Jen-Chen , Chan Paul
Published: November 2006

Background: Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common entity in female population. Although this is a minor disease, it may cause annoying symptoms that impair quality of life (QOL), and no established therapy for this problem. The aim of this study isto examine whether programmed exercise training by treadmill in female MVP syndrome would improve clinical symptoms and QOL. Methods: An interventional study of 39 females with MVP syndrome with treadmill exercise endurance training for 12 weeks. Every individual received training for 30 min a day, thrice a week for 12 weeks. Baseline and post-exercise at 12 weeks serum β-endorphins were measured. Symptom improvement was assessed by the MVP symptom checklist questionnaire and the Euro-QOL-5D was used to measure QOL improvement in these females. Results: The mean serum β-endorphin increased from 0.5 to 1.68 ng/ml (p = 0.001) in the exercise group (n = 18) after 12 weeks exercise, whereas the control group (n = 21) did not show any significant changes (0.44 vs. 0.43 ng/ml). Major symptoms of MVP such as chest pain, palpitation, fatigue were improved significantly by the assessment of MVP symptom checklist. The QOL of the exercised females also showed significant changes. Conclusions: Through programmed exercise training in these MVP females, the improvement of symptoms and QOL is parallel to the increase of serum β-endorphin. This result implicates that MVP females should initiate exercise to tackle this annoying problem.