bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ monitoring of 3D in vitro cell aggregation using an optical imaging system
Authors: Sawyer N.B.E. , Worrall L.K. , Crowe J.A. , Waters S.L. , Shakesheff K.M. , Rose F.R.A.J. , Morgan S.P.
Published: November 2007

Bioreactor systems that maintain cells and tissues in suspension are increasingly popular for culturing 3D constructs to avoid the loss of in vivo cell function associated with traditional 2D culture methods. There is a need for the online monitoring of such systems to provide better understanding and control of the processes involved and to prevent the disruption of these processes caused by offline sampling and endpoint analysis. We describe a system for the imaging and analysis of cell aggregation, over long periods, within a high aspect rotating vessel (HARV). The system exploits side illumination, using an adjustable beam pattern, to restrict the detected light to that scattered by the cell aggregates, thus eliminating the need for the fluorescent labeling of the cells. The in situ aggregation of mammalian cells (MCF‐7 breast carcinoma cells) was monitored over an 8 h period and image sequences showing the growth and motion of the aggregates within the bioreactor were obtained. Detailed size and population data have been derived characterizing the development of the aggregates during this time. We show how the number of resolvable aggregates increases to reach a peak and then declines as these aggregates merge. Once formed, remaining aggregates are found to consolidate to form more tightly packed bodies, typically reducing in cross‐sectional area by one third. These results provide the basis for the development of an automated feedback system to control the growth of 3D cell cultures for repeatable, reliable, and quality controlled experimentation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 159–167. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Remote Hydrogen Microwave Plasma CVD of Silicon Carbonitride Films From a Tetramethyldisilazane Source. Part 2: Compositional and Structural Dependencies of Film Properties
Authors: Wrobel A. M. , Blaszczyk‐Lezak I.
Published: November 2007

The silicon carbonitride (Si:C:N) films produced by hydrogen remote microwave plasma (RP)CVD from a 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisilazane precursor at various substrate temperatures (35–400 °C) are examined in terms of their physical (density), optical (refractive index), and mechanical (hardness, elastic modulus, friction coefficient) properties. The films' resistance to wear is predicted from the slope of the hardness/elastic modulus plot. Reasonable correlations between the properties of Si:C:N films and their compositional parameters (expressed by the atomic ratios C/Si, N/Si, and N/C) as well as structural parameters (represented by the relative integrated intensities of the absorption infrared (IR) bands from the Si–C and Si–N bonds) are found to exist. The effect of Si:C:N film coating on the surface mechanical properties of carbon steel and stainless steel is investigated.
An MOCVD Route to Barium Borate Thin Films from a Barium Hydro‐tri(1‐pyrazolyl)borate Single‐Source Precursor
Authors: Malandrino G. , Lo Nigro R. , Fragalà I. L.
Published: November 2007

BaB2O4 thin films are deposited by metal‐organic (MO)CVD using the barium(II) hydro‐tri(1‐pyrazolyl)borate, Ba[BH(pz)3]2, complex, that is tested for the first time as a single‐source precursor for the deposition of barium borate films. The related thermal analysis data reveal good volatility and high thermal stability with a low residue upon sublimation, despite the relatively high melting point (298.2 °C). Different BaB2O4 phases can be obtained depending on deposition temperatures. Films, deposited on Al2O3 (0001) substrates, are structurally and morphologically characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Editorial
Authors: Gerbasi R. , Figueras A.
Published: November 2007

In this editorial, two of Giovanni Battiston's colleagues remember him and give a brief overview of the papers published in this Special Issue dedicated to his memory.
The impact of becoming a mother on eating problems
Authors: von Soest Tilmann , Wichstrøm Lars
Published: November 2007

Objective:

This study examines the relationship between becoming a mother and changes in eating problems.

Method:

A sample of 1,206 initially childless Norwegian women was followed over a six‐year period and growth curve analyses were conducted.

Results:

Participants who became mothers over the course of the study showed a greater reduction in eating problems compared to still childless women. This relationship could be explained by a corresponding decrease in alcohol usage and impulsiveness in mothers compared to childless women. At the same time, appearance satisfaction increased comparatively less in mothers, resulting in turn in a reduction of the effect of motherhood on changes in eating problems.

Conclusion:

The results of this study indicate that motherhood has on the whole a positive effect on eating problems. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Eating disorder symptoms in pregnancy: A prospective study
Authors: Crow Scott J. , Agras W. Stewart , Crosby Ross , Halmi Katherine , Mitchell James E.
Published: November 2007

Objective:

Previous work suggests that eating disorder symptoms diminish with pregnancy. However, little prospective study has been conducted, and little is known about pregnancy symptoms in eating disorder not otherwise specified.

This research prospectively studies both eating behaviors and disordered eating cognitions in pregnant women with various eating disorder diagnoses.

Method:

Forty‐two participants became pregnant during 4‐year follow‐up of 385 women with full or subthreshold anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. Participants completed the Eating Disorders Examination (EDE) at 6‐month intervals. Mixed modeling procedures were used to examine change in eating disorder cognitions, binge eating, and purging.

Results:

EDE restraint, EDE shape concerns, EDE weight concerns, binge eating, and purging diminished from prepartum to intrapartum, but returned to approximately baseline levels postpartum.

Conclusion:

In this longitudinal sample of women with diverse eating disorder diagnoses, eating disorder symptoms improved during pregnancy, but worsened postpartum. These results highlight pregnancy as a potential time for eating disorder interventions. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Polymerization of MoV: Synthesis and Characterization of a Dinuclear MoV and a Hexanuclear Mixed‐Valence MoV/MoVI Complex
Authors: Meienberger Marc D. , Morgenstern Bernd , Stucky Stefan , Hegetschweiler Kaspar
Published: November 2007

1,3,5‐Trideoxy‐1,3,5‐tris(dimethylamino)‐cis‐inositol (tdci = L) reacts with MoCl5 in a mixture of MeOH/water at 80 °C to yield the pale purple syn‐[Mo2O4H(L)2]Cl3·14.5H2O (1Cl3·14.5H2O). Crystal data: space group P21/n, a = 8.797(2) Å, b = 25.439(5) Å, c = 23.077(5) Å, β = 90.44(3)°, V = 5164(2) Å3, Z = 4 for C24H84Cl3Mo2N6O24.5. In solutions of the dinuclear 13+, which were exposed to air for several weeks, slow formation of deep red crystals containing a novel, hexanuclear, mixed‐valence complex of composition [Mo4O8(L)2(MoO4)2]·≈27H2O (2·≈27H2O) was observed. The tetranuclear core of complex 2 was unambiguously identified by MS‐FAB spectrometry, and the entire structure was characterized by a crystal‐structure analysis: space group P21/c, a = 12.224(2) Å, b = 15.986(3) Å, c = 14.220(3) Å, β = 98.95(3)°, and V = 2744.9(9) Å3, Z = 2 for C24H109Mo6N6O49.5. The structure of the hexanuclear mixed‐valence complex 2 contains the well‐known [Mo4O8]4+ core in which two of the four MoV centers bond to MoVIO4 units by corner sharing. The remaining two MoV centers are each chelated by a tdci ligand. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed an irreversible reduction and oxidation of 13+ at a potential of about –1.15 V and +0.54 V vs. NHE, respectively. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Voltammetric Determination of Chloride Ion in Automotive Fuel Ethanol
Authors: Ferreira Heitor Breno Pereira , de Lima Tatiana Aparecida Fernandes , Barbeira Paulo Jorge Sanches
Published: November 2007

Cathodic stripping voltammetry with a hanging mercury drop electrode was used in this study to determine chloride ions in automotive fuel ethanol. Choosing the correct stripping voltammetric technique, the correct choice of deposition potential and time provided well defined voltammetric waves with good repeatability and relatively small errors, with a determination limit of 0.13 mg L−1, for only 10 s of deposition time, with better sensitivity and repeatability than the normalized method, as well as consumed less volume of the sample, being suitable for routine analysis.
Amperometric Glucose Biosensors Based on Glassy Carbon and SWCNT‐Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Carpani Irene , Scavetta Erika , Tonelli Domenica
Published: November 2007

Different carbonaceous materials, such as single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and glassy carbon submitted to an electrochemical activation at +1.80 V (vs. SCE) for 900 s, have been used with the aim of comparing their performances in the development of enzyme electrodes. Commercial SWCNTs have been pretreated with 2.2 M HNO3 for 20 h prior to use. The utility of activated GC as promising material for amperometric oxidase‐based biosensors has been confirmed. With glucose oxidase (GOx) as a model enzyme, glucose was efficiently detected up to 1 mM without the use of a mediator. Both electrodes operated in stirred solutions of 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 5.5), containing dissolved oxygen, at a potential of −0.40 V vs. SCE. Although the performances of the two carbonaceous materials were comparable, the biosensors based on activated GC were characterized by a practically unchanged response 40 days after the fabrication, a better signal to noise ratio, and a little worse sensitivity. In addition, the preparation procedure of such biosensors was more simple, rapid and reproducible.
Electroanalytical Determination of N‐Nitrosamines in Aqueous Solution Using a Boron‐Doped Diamond Electrode
Authors: de Oliveira Robson Tadeu Soares , Salazar‐Banda Giancarlo Richard , Machado Sergio Antonio Spinola , Avaca Luis Alberto
Published: November 2007

The electrochemical methods cyclic and square‐wave voltammetry were applied to develop an electroanalytical procedure for the determination of N‐nitrosamines (N‐nitrosopyrrolidine, N‐nitrosopiperidine and N‐nitrosodiethylamine) in aqueous solutions. Cyclic voltammetry was used to evaluate the electrochemical behaviors of N‐nitrosamines on boron‐doped diamond electrodes. It was observed an irreversible electrooxidation peak located in approximately 1.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) for both N‐nitrosamines. The optimal electrochemical response was obtained using the following square‐wave voltammetry parameters: f=250 Hz, Esw=50 mV and Es=2 mV using a Britton–Robinson buffer solution as electrolyte (pH 2). The detection and quantification limits determined for total N‐nitrosamines were 6.0×10−8 and 2.0×10−7 mol L−1, respectively.
Determination of Sulfite in Wine by Linear Sweep Voltammetry
Authors: Scampicchio Matteo , Lawrence Nathan S. , Arecchi Alessandra , Mannino Saverio
Published: November 2007

A new sensitive electrochemical assay of free sulfite in wine samples at a bare glassy carbon electrode is reported. The method is based on the titration of sulfite with Ellman's reagent using voltammetric detection of the final point. The electrochemical sensing protocol should facilitate rapid field screening of sulfite preservatives.
Survivable wavelength‐routed optical network design using genetic algorithms
Authors: Kavian Y. S. , Ren W. , Naderi M. , Leeson M. S. , Hines E. L.
Published: November 2007

The provision of acceptable service in the presence of failures and attacks is a major issue in the design of next generation dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) networks. Survivability is provided by the establishment of spare lightpaths for each connection request to protect the working lightpaths. This paper presents a genetic algorithm (GA) solver for the routing and wavelength assignment problem with working and spare lightpaths to design survivable optical networks in the presence of a single link failure. Lightpaths are encoded into chromosomes made up of a fixed number of genes equal to the number of entries in the traffic demand matrix. Each gene represents one valid path and is thus coded as a variable length binary string. After crossover and mutation, each member of the population represents a set of valid but possibly incompatible paths and those that do not satisfy the problem constraints are discarded. The best paths are then found by use of a fitness function and these are assigned the minimum number of wavelengths according to the problem constraints. The proposed approach has been evaluated on dedicated path protection and shared path protection. Simulation results show that the GA method is efficient and able to design DWDM survivable real‐world optical mesh networks. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factor structure of the 10‐item CES‐D scale among community dwelling older adults in Singapore
Authors: Lee Alex E. Y. , Chokkanathan Srinivasan
Published: November 2007

Objective

To establish the factor structure, reliability and validity of a brief CESD scale among Community dwelling older adults in Singapore.

Method

Data were derived from interviews conducted among 1,013 randomly selected non‐institutionalized older adults aged 65 years and above in Singapore. First, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to test three factors in the entire sample: a one‐factor model, a two‐factor model (Depressed affect, Positive affect) and a three‐factor model (Depressed affect, Somatic retardation, and Positive affect). Next, Multi‐Group Analysis was conducted to test the scale invariance for male and female older adults.

Results

Findings supported a two‐factor model––depressed affect and positive affect for the entire sample. In addition, multi‐group analysis showed the two‐factor structure to be invariant for male and female older adults.

Conclusion

Brief CESD demonstrates adequate reliability and validity. The CESD scores can be used to compare symptoms of depression between male and female older adults. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Terlipressin improves renal function in patients with cirrhosis and ascites without hepatorenal syndrome
Authors: Krag Aleksander , Mφller Sφren , Henriksen Jens H. , Holstein-Rathlou Niels-Henrik , Larsen Fin Stolze , Bendtsen Flemming
Published: November 2007

Patients with advanced cirrhosis and ascites are characterized by circulatory dysfunction with splanchnic vasodilatation and renal vasoconstriction, which often lead to ascites. The vasoconstrictor terlipressin improves renal function in hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). The aim of this study was to evaluate if terlipressin also improves renal function in patients with ascites without HRS. Twenty-three patients with cirrhosis participated; 15 with nonrefractory ascites were randomized to either terlipressin (N group, n = 11) or a placebo (P group, n = 4), and 8 had refractory ascites and received terlipressin (R group). The glomerular filtration rate (GFR), sodium clearance (

C

Na), lithium clearance (

C

Li), osmolal clearance (

C

Osm), and urine sodium concentration (

U

Na) were assessed before and after the injection of 2 mg of terlipressin or the placebo. GFR increased in the N group (69 ± 19 versus 92 ± 25 mL/min,

P

< 0.005) and in the R group (31 ± 19 versus 41 ± 31 mL/min,

P

< 0.05) after terlipressin. In the N group, terlipressin induced an increase in

C

Na (0.89 ± 0.21 versus 1.52 ± 1.45 mL/min,

P

< 0.05),

C

Li (17.3 ± 8.9 versus 21.5 ± 11.6 mL/min,

P

< 0.05), and

C

Osm (2.10 ± 0.81 versus 3.06 ± 2.0 mL/min,

P

< 0.05). In the R group, terlipressin induced an increase in

C

Na (0.11 ± 0.18 versus 0.35 ± 0.40 mL/min,

P

< 0.05) and

C

Li (5.5 ± 4.2 versus 9.5 ± 8.55 mL/min,

P

< 0.05).

U

Na increased in both groups after terlipressin (

P

< 0.005). Plasma norepinephrine (

P

< 0.05) and renin (

P

< 0.05) decreased after terlipressin. All parameters remained unchanged after the placebo.

Conclusion:

The vasopressin 1 receptor agonist terlipressin improves renal function and induces natriuresis in patients with cirrhosis and ascites without HRS. Vasoconstrictors may represent a novel future treatment modality for these patients. (Hepatology 2007.)
Acute ethanol exposure inhibits insulin signaling in the liver
Authors: He Jiman , de la Monte Suzanne , Wands Jack R.
Published: November 2007

Chronic ethanol consumption may produce hepatic injury and impair the ability of the liver to regenerate principally through its action on insulin signaling. These effects are mediated by insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) via the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase (MAPK/Erk) pathway and by survival signals through phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt). Because a protein phosphatase, phosphatase tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), has been reported to block insulin signaling through PI3K, we explored acute ethanol effects on signaling in the context of PTEN function. We measured upstream components of the insulin signal transduction pathway and Akt phosphorylation as an indicator of signaling through PI3K, including the generation of survival signals via glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and Bcl-2–associated death promoter (BAD). In addition, the physical association between PTEN and PI3K regulatory (p85α) and catalytic (p110α) subunits was evaluated both

in vitro

and

in vivo

. In Huh-7 cells, there was no effect of acute ethanol exposure on tyrosyl phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, IRS-1, and the association of IRS-1 with PI3K. However, Akt phosphorylation was impaired. The association of PTEN with the PI3K p85α subunit was substantially increased and led to the inhibition of downstream insulin-mediated survival signals through Akt, GSK3β, and BAD; the ethanol effect was reversed by PTEN knockdown with small interfering RNA. These results were confirmed in the liver.

Conclusion:

Short-term ethanol exposure rapidly attenuates insulin signaling. The major cellular mechanism involves the increased association of PTEN with the PI3K p85α subunit, which results in reduced phospho-Akt formation and impaired downstream survival signaling. These findings may have relevance to acute toxic effects of ethanol on the liver. (Hepatology 2007.)
Dendritic cells, the liver, and transplantation
Authors: Sumpter Tina L. , Abe Masanori , Tokita Daisuke , Thomson Angus W.
Published: November 2007

Interstitial liver dendritic cells (DCs) exhibit phenotypic diversity and functional plasticity. They play important roles in both innate and adaptive immunity. Their comparatively low inherent T cell stimulatory ability and the outcome of their interactions with CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as with natural killer (NK) T cells and NK cells within the liver, may contribute to regulation of hepatic inflammatory responses and liver allograft outcome. Liver DCs migrate in the steady state and after liver transplantation to secondary lymphoid tissues, where the outcome of their interaction with antigen-specific T cells determines the balance between tolerance and immunity. Systemic and local environmental factors that are modulated by ischemia-reperfusion injury, liver regeneration, microbial infection, and malignancy influence hepatic DC migration, maturation, and function. Current research in DC biology is providing new insights into the role of these important antigen-presenting cells in the complex events that affect liver transplant outcome. (Hepatology 2007.)
Influence of the tyrosine hydroxylase val81met polymorphism and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase val158met polymorphism on the antidepressant effect of milnacipran
Authors: Yoshida Keizo , Higuchi Hisashi , Takahashi Hitoshi , Kamata Mitsuhiro , Sato Kazuhiro , Inoue Kazuyuki , Suzuki Toshio , Itoh Kunihiko , Ozaki Norio
Published: November 2007

Objective

Genetic polymorphisms of the noradrenergic pathway can be factors to predict the effect of antidepressants when their pharmacological mechanisms of action include the noradrenergic system. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) val81met and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) val158met polymorphisms are associated with the antidepressant effect of milnacipran, a serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor.

Method

Eighty‐one Japanese patients with major depressive disorder were treated with milnacipran for 6 weeks. Severity of depression was assessed with the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Assessments were carried out at baseline and at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks of treatment. The method of polymerase chain reaction was used to determine allelic variants.

Results

The met/met genotype of the COMT val158met polymorphism was associated with a significantly faster therapeutic effect of milnacipran in the MADRS score during this study. No influence of the TH val81met polymorphism on the antidepressant effect of milnacipran was detected.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the COMT val158met polymorphism in part determines the antidepressant effect of milnacipran. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic predictors of long‐term toxicities after radiation therapy for breast cancer
Authors: Kuptsova Nataliya , Chang‐Claude Jenny , Kropp Silke , Helmbold Irmgard , Schmezer Peter , von Fournier Dietrich , Haase Wulf , Sautter‐Bihl Marie Luise , Wenz Frederik , Onel Kenan , Ambrosone Christine B.
Published: November 2007

Telangiectasia and subcutaneous fibrosis are the most common late dermatologic side effects observed in response to radiation treatment. Radiotherapy acts on cancer cells largely due to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS also induce normal tissue toxicities. Therefore, we investigated if genetic variation in oxidative stress‐related enzymes confers increased susceptibility to late skin complications. Women who received radiotherapy following lumpectomy for breast cancer were followed prospectively for late tissue side effects after initial treatment. Final analysis included 390 patients. Polymorphisms in genes involved in oxidative stress‐related mechanisms (GSTA1, GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, MPO, MnSOD, eNOS, CAT) were determined from blood samples by MALDI‐TOF. The associations between telangiectasia and genotypes were evaluated by multivariate unconditional logistic regression models. Patients with variant GSTA1 genotypes were at significantly increased risk of telangiectasia (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.11–3.11). Reduced odds ratios of telangiectasia were noted for women with lower‐activity eNOS genotype (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36–0.93). Genotype effects were modified by follow‐up time, with the highest risk observed after 4 years of radiotherapy for gene polymorphisms in ROS‐neutralizing enzymes. Decreased risk with eNOS polymorphisms was significant only among women with less than 4 years of follow‐up. All other risk estimates were nonsignificant. Late effects of radiation therapy on skin appear to be modified by variants in genes related to protection from oxidative stress. The application of genomics to outcomes following radiation therapy holds the promise of radiation dose adjustment to improve both cosmetic outcomes and quality of life for breast cancer patients. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human PARM‐1 is a novel mucin‐like, androgen‐regulated gene exhibiting proliferative effects in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Fladeby Cathrine , Gupta Shailly N. , Barois Nicolas , Lorenzo Petri I. , Simpson Jeremy C. , Saatcioglu Fahri , Bakke Oddmund
Published: November 2007

In this paper we characterize hPARM‐1, the human ortholog of rat PARM‐1 (prostatic androgen‐repressed message‐1) and demonstrate its role in prostate cancer. Immunofluorescence microscopy and ultrastructural analysis revealed the localization of hPARM‐1 to Golgi, plasma membrane and the early endocytic pathway but not in lysosomes. Biochemical and deglycosylation studies showed hPARM‐1 as a highly glycosylated, mucin‐like type I transmembrane protein. Analysis of expression of hPARM‐1 in various human tissues revealed its presence in most human tissues with especially high expression in heart, kidney and placenta. Androgen controls the expression of the gene as a marked 7‐fold increase is seen in the androgen‐dependent prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP on androgen stimulation. This is further supported by its decrease in expression in CWR22 xenograft upon castration. Moreover, ectopic expression of hPARM‐1 in PC3 prostate cancer cells increased colony formation, suggesting a probable role in cell proliferation. These results suggest that hPARM‐1 may have a role in normal biology of the prostate cell and in prostate cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activity of the histone deacetylase inhibitor belinostat (PXD101) in preclinical models of prostate cancer
Authors: Qian Xiaozhong , Ara Gulshan , Mills Evan , LaRochelle William J. , Lichenstein Henri S. , Jeffers Michael
Published: November 2007

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) represent a promising new class of anticancer agents. In the current investigation, we examined the activity of the HDACi belinostat in preclinical models of prostate cancer. In vitro proliferation assays demonstrated that belinostat potently inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cell lines (IC50 < 1.0 μM) and was cytotoxic to these cells. Washout experiments indicated that exposure to belinostat for relatively short periods of time (<12 hr) induced suboptimal growth‐inhibition and that cells exposed to 1.0 μM belinostat for 48 hr retained the capacity for regrowth following drug withdrawal, while cells exposed to 4.0 μM belinostat were irreversibly growth‐inhibited. Cell cycle analyses demonstrated that belinostat induced G2/M arrest and increased the percentage of cells with subG1 DNA content, thus confirming the growth‐inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of this compound. Normal prostate epithelial cells were generally less susceptible to the effects of belinostat than were prostate cancer cells. In an orthotopic prostate cancer tumor model, belinostat inhibited tumor growth by up to 43%. Moreover, metastatic lung lesions were present in 47% of vehicle‐treated animals but in none of the animals administered belinostat. Consistent with its observed antimetastatic activity, belinostat inhibited the migration of prostate tumor cells and increased the production of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) by these cells, the latter effect being replicated by siRNA knockdown of HDAC3. Belinostat also increased the expression of p21 and decreased the expression of potentially oncogenic proteins (mutant p53 and ERG). These results support the clinical evaluation of belinostat for the treatment of prostate cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Germline hypermethylation of the APC promoter is not a frequent cause of familial adenomatous polyposis in APC/MUTYH mutation negative families
Authors: Romero‐Giménez Jordi , Dopeso Higinio , Blanco Ignacio , Guerra‐Moreno Angel , Gonzalez Sara , Vogt Stefanie , Aretz Stefan , Schwartz Simo , Capella Gabriel , Arango Diego
Published: November 2007

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant syndrome predisposing to colorectal cancer and affects 1 in 5–10,000 births. Inheritance of a mutant allele of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene is the cause of ∼80% of FAP and 20–30% of an attenuated form of FAP (AFAP), whereas mutations in MUTYH account for a small proportion of the remaining cases. However, the genetic cause of FAP/AFAP in a significant number of families is not known, and cancer risk for individual members of these families cannot be assessed. There is, therefore, an acute need to identify the underlying genetic cause responsible for FAP/AFAP in APC/MUTYH mutation negative families. Hypermethylation of CpG islands in the promoter of tumor suppressor genes can result in gene silencing, has been shown to be functionally equivalent to genetic mutations and can be inherited. Moreover, APC promoter hypermethylation is observed in ∼20% of sporadic colorectal tumors and correlates with the loss of gene expression. In our study, we used bisulfite treatment and direct sequencing of 2 regulatory regions of APC containing a total of 25 CpG dinucleotides, to investigate the possible role of germline hypermethylation of the APC promoter in FAP and AFAP families that were negative for APC and MUTYH mutations. Analysis of 21 FAP and 39 AFAP families did not identify signs of abnormal promoter methylation, indicating that this form of epigenetic silencing is not a common cause of FAP/AFAP. These results substantially contribute to clarify the potential role of germline epimutations as a cause of inherited predisposition to cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CS‐706, a novel cyclooxygenase‐2 selective inhibitor, prolonged the survival of tumor‐bearing mice when treated alone or in combination with anti‐tumor chemotherapeutic agents
Authors: Senzaki Michiyo , Ishida Saori , Yada Ayumi , Hanai Masaharu , Fujiwara Kosaku , Inoue Shin‐Ichi , Kimura Tomio , Kurakata Shinichi
Published: November 2007

The potent chemopreventive activity of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitors has been demonstrated in a number of preclinical studies, but their potency in antitumor activity is still in dispute. In this report, we demonstrate the potent antitumor activity of a novel COX‐2 inhibitor, CS‐706 in mouse colorectal adenocarcinoma colon 26 tumor‐bearing mice treated with or without antitumor chemotherapeutic agents. Daily oral administration of CS‐706 at doses of 3–100 mg/kg from the day of tumor inoculation (Day 0) inhibited tumor growth dose‐dependently, and the maximal inhibition was 67% at a dose of 100 mg/kg. In contrast, celecoxib, a well‐known COX‐2 inhibitor, did not inhibit tumor growth at doses up to 100 mg/kg. Furthermore, CS‐706 at a dose of 1 mg/kg or above markedly prolonged the survival time of tumor‐bearing mice. Administration of 30 mg/kg CS‐706 from Day 7 combined with a single intravenous treatment of 10 mg/kg cisplatin on Day 7 completely regressed the tumors in all tumor‐bearing mice examined, whereas only in 1 of 10 mice tumor was regressed with cisplatin treatment. Similar combination effects were observed with 10 mg/kg CS‐706 and 60 mg/kg 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). Moreover, 10 mg/kg CS‐706 significantly inhibited angiogenesis induced by implanted chambers with colon 26 cells in a dorsal air sac assay in mice. Collectively, these results suggest that CS‐706 is a potent antitumor agent, especially in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, and that the anti‐angiogenic activity of CS‐706 may contribute at least in part to its marked antitumor activity. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of tumor suppressive activity by irradiation microcell‐mediated chromosome transfer and involvement of alpha B‐crystallin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lung Hong Lok , Lo Cathy Carfield , Wong Carmen Chak Lui , Cheung Arthur Kwok Leung , Cheong Ka Fu , Wong Nathalie , Kwong Fung Mei , Chan King Chi , Law Evan Wai Lok , Tsao Sai Wah , Chua Daniel , Sham Jonathan Shuntong , Cheng Yue , Stanbridge Eric J. , Robertson Gavin P. , Lung Maria Li
Published: November 2007

In previous studies, we successfully refined nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) critical regions (CRs) mapping to chromosome 11q13 and 11q22‐23. The chromosome 11 fragment containing the 1.8 Mb NPC CR at 11q13 (CR1), the CR at 11q22.3 mapped near D11S2000 (CR2), part of the CR at 11q23.1‐11q23.2 overlapping with D11S1300 and D11S1391 (CR3), and the CR at cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) locus (CR4), was chosen as the chromosome 11 donor cell line for the present study. Gamma irradiation was applied to cleave this truncated chromosome into smaller fragments and a new panel of donor cells containing further deleted fragments was produced. Subclones XMCH3.2 and XMCH3.4 were chosen for subsequent transfer to HONE1 cells; each contains a single copy of deleted chromosome 11 fragment with or without CR2 and the THY1 locus, previously shown to be involved in NPC. Both resultant chromosome 11 fragments in XMCH3.2 and XMCH3.4 caused tumor suppression. The association of alpha B‐crystallin (CRYAB), a gene identified as being differentially expressed by gene profiling of NPC and an immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line, and which is located near CR3, was found to be associated with tumor suppression in all the tumor‐suppressive hybrids. In addition, the expression level of this gene was down‐regulated in the 7 NPC cell lines and in 5 out of 14 normal/tumor tissue pairs in the present study. Both promoter hypermethylation and allelic loss may be involved in the inactivation of this gene, suggesting its possible role in NPC development. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interleukin‐6 activates PI3K/Akt pathway and regulates cyclin A1 to promote prostate cancer cell survival
Authors: Wegiel Barbara , Bjartell Anders , Culig Zoran , Persson Jenny Liao
Published: November 2007

Interleukin‐6 (IL6) is a growth and survival factor in human prostate cancer (PCa) cells with aggressive phenotypes and has been implicated in the progression of hormone refractory PCas. In the present study, we characterized the IL6‐triggered PI3K/Akt and MAPK/Erk signaling. We identified the A‐type cyclin, cyclin A1 as an important downstream target of PI3K/Akt. Treatment of cells with PI3K inhibitor or cotransfection with a vector expressing wild‐type PTEN decreased cyclin A1 promoter activity. Cyclin A1 promoter activity and its expression were upregulated by constitutively active myristoylated Akt and were downregulated by dominant negative Akt in response to IL6 stimulation. LNCaP cells overexpressing cyclin A1 are resistant to camptothecin‐induced apoptosis. Conversely, targeted knockdown of cyclin A1 via shRNA in LNCaP IL6+ cells resulted in decreased survival after treatment with camptothecin. This suggests that cyclin A1 is an important downstream target of PI3K/Akt that transduces survival signals in response to IL6 stimulation. Xenograft tumors generated from LNCaP‐IL6+ cells expressing IL6 had higher levels of cyclin A1 and had rapid tumor growth compared to LNCaP xenograft tumors. Taken together, IL6 might utilize PI3K/Akt and cyclin A1 to promote tumor cell survival in PCa. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oligodeoxynucleotide decoy therapy blocks type 1 procollagen transcription and the prolyl hydroxylase β subunit translation
Authors: Lok Chun‐Nam , Ehrlich H. Paul , White Sheryl L. , Buttolph Thomas R. , Cutroneo Kenneth R. , Chiu Jen‐Fu
Published: November 2007

Persistent transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) exposure to lungs increases type 1 collagen synthesis and deposition resulting in excess fibrosis which leads to morbidity and possibly death. We now report using human embryonic lung fibroblasts in the presence of TGF‐β1, a novel double‐stranded (ds) DNA decoy with phosphorothioate (PT) linkages, containing the TGF‐β cis‐element found in the distal promoter region of the COL1A1 gene which silences COL1A1 gene expression. In a cell‐free protein translation system, we have previously reported that collagen synthesis was inhibited by disulfide isomerase, the prolyl‐4‐hydroxylase (P‐4‐H) β subunit. By comparative proteomics dsdecoy therapy increased the levels of disulfide isomerase, the P‐4‐H β subunit. These findings taken together support the notion that the dsdecoy inhibits type 1 collagen synthesis at both the transcriptional and translational levels. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1066–1075, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low substratum rigidity of collagen gel promotes ERK phosphorylation via lipid raft to augment cell migration
Authors: Wei Wei‐Chun , Hsu Yu‐Chih , Chiu Wen‐Tai , Wang Chau‐Zen , Wu Ching‐Ming , Wang Yang‐Kao , Shen Meng‐Ru , Tang Ming‐Jer
Published: November 2007

Previous study demonstrated that low substratum rigidity down‐regulates focal adhesion proteins. In this study we found that cells cultured on collagen gel exhibited higher migration capacity than those cultured on collagen gel‐coated dishes. Low rigidity of collagen gel induced delayed but persistent phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Inhibition of collagen gel‐induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation by MEK inhibitors and ERK2 kinase mutant induced a rounding up of the cells and prevented collagen gel‐induced cell migration. Interestingly, phosphorylated ERK1/2 induced by low rigidity was present in focal adhesion sites and the lipid raft. MβCD (Methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin), a lipid raft inhibitor, inhibited collagen gel‐induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and cell migration. Overexpression of FAK C‐terminal fragment (FRNK) in MDCK cells triggered ERK phosphorylation. Meanwhile, low substratum rigidity induced degradation of FAK into a 35 kDa C‐terminal fragment. A calpain inhibitor that partially rescued FAK degradation also prevented low rigidity‐induced ERK phosphorylation. However, MβCD did not prevent low rigidity‐induced FAK degradation. Taken together, we demonstrate that the degradation product of FAK induced by collagen gel triggers activation of ERK1/2, which in turn facilitates cell spreading and migration through the lipid raft. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1111–1124, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glycogen synthase kinase‐3beta suppresses tumor necrosis factor‐alpha expression in cardiomyocytes during lipopolysaccharide stimulation
Authors: Shen E. , Fan Jue , Peng Tianqing
Published: November 2007

This study was to investigate the role of glycogen synthase kinase‐3beta (GSK‐3β) in cardiomyocyte tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) expression induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In cultured neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes, LPS induced TNF‐α expression and increased GSK‐3β activation. Inhibition of GSK‐3β by SB216763 or by over‐expression of a dominant negative mutant of GSK‐3β significantly enhanced TNF‐α expression in LPS‐stimulated cardiomyocytes, in association with an increase in p65 phosphorylation. In contrast, over‐expression of GSK‐3β by adenoviral vectors containing wild‐type GSK‐3β or a constitutively active GSK‐3β attenuated TNF‐α expression induced by LPS. Further evidence to support the inhibitory role of GSK‐3β in TNF‐α expression is that protein kinase B (Akt) signaling, an upstream inhibitor of GSK‐3β, promotes TNF‐α expression in LPS‐stimulated cardiomyocytes and this action of Akt signaling can be mimicked by GSK‐3β inactivation. Our study demonstrates that GSK‐3β plays an inhibitory role in cardiomyocyte TNF‐α expression during LPS stimulation, and it may be a potential therapeutic target for sepsis. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 329–338, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serine dehydratase and tyrosine aminotransferase activities increased by long‐term starvation and recovery by refeeding in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Peragón Juan , Barroso Juan B. , De la Higuera M. , Lupiáñez José A.
Published: November 2007

Here, we study a cycle of long‐term starvation followed by refeeding in relation to the kinetics of serine dehydratase (SerDH) and tyrosine aminotransferase (TyrAT) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We determine SerDH‐ and TyrAT‐ specific activity at different substrate concentrations in liver and white muscle of juvenile trout starved for 70 days and then refed for 6 hr, 32 hr, 4 days, and 9 days. SerDH showed a hyperbolic kinetic with a Km for L‐serine of 77.07±8.78 mM in the liver of control trout. After 70 days of starvation, the SerDH activity at saturate substrate concentration rose 100% over control. No significant changes were found in the Km values of the enzyme. After refeeding, the SerDH activity declined to control values. TyrAT also showed a hyperbolic kinetic with a Km for L‐tyrosine of 1.86±0.12 and 2.55±0.57 mM in liver and white muscle, respectively. In starved trout, TyrAT activity in liver and white muscle was about 64 and 267%, respectively, higher than control. After 9 days of refeeding, the control values recovered, although, at 6 hr of refeeding, hepatic TyrAT activity was higher than that for starvation. This work shows that SerDH and TyrAT are present in rainbow trout and that the two enzymes have regulatory functions in the catabolism of their respective amino acids in this species. J. Exp. Zool. 309:25–34, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Movers and shakers: evolution and development of the mesoderm
Authors: Davidson Brad
Published: November 2007

Groundbreaking research in a wide variety of organisms has begun to address fundamental questions regarding the evolutionary origin of mesoderm and how patterning of this emergent tissue layer has played a central role in the diversification of metazoan body plans. However, attempts to synthesize this growing body of research have been limited. To address this perceived gap, a symposium entitled “Movers and Shakers: The Evolution and Development of Mesoderm” was held at the 2006 Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference in Orlando, Florida. The papers derived from this symposium cover a broad range of organisms and approaches. It was our intention that integration of the data and methodologies from these diverse research programs would generate new hypotheses and collaborative efforts to decipher fundamental questions of mesoderm development and evolution. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:1–4, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An excluded minor theorem for the Octahedron plus an edge
Authors: Maharry John
Published: November 2007

Let G be the unique 4‐connected simple graph obtained by adding an edge to the Octahedron. Every 4‐connected graph that does not contain a minor isomorphic to G is either planar or the square of an odd cycle. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 57: 124–130, 2008
Prism‐hamiltonicity of triangulations
Authors: Biebighauser Daniel P. , Ellingham M. N.
Published: November 2007

The prism over a graph G is the Cartesian product G □ K2 of G with the complete graph K2. If the prism over G is hamiltonian, we say that G is prism‐hamiltonian. We prove that triangulations of the plane, projective plane, torus, and Klein bottle are prism‐hamiltonian. We additionally show that every 4‐connected triangulation of a surface with sufficiently large representativity is prism‐hamiltonian, and that every 3‐connected planar bipartite graph is prism‐hamiltonian. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 57: 181–197, 2008
Relationship between Enzyme Adsorption and Enzyme‐Catalyzed Degradation of Polylactides
Authors: Zhao Zhenxian , Yang Liu , Hua Jiajie , Wei Jia , Gachet Sylvie , Ghzaoui Abdelslam El , Li Suming
Published: November 2007

The adsorption of proteinase K on PLLA and PDLA films was studied by CA, surface tension, and microscopic measurements. ESEM clearly shows that proteinase K can irreversibly adsorb on PLLA film. In contrast, no enzyme adsorption was detected on PDLA film under the same conditions. The CA of PLLA film rapidly decreases after immersion in Tris buffer containing proteinase K, whereas that of PDLA remains unchanged. These findings indicate that enzyme adsorption may be a prerequisite for enzymatic degradation of polylactide substrates. Surface tension measurements allow calculation of the average area occupied per proteinase K molecule. The results show that the enzyme molecules exhibit a more compact conformation at higher temperature.

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Monitoring the Chemical Heterogeneity and the Crystallization Behavior of PP‐g‐PS Graft Copolymers Using SEC‐FTIR and CRYSTAF
Authors: Macko Tibor , Schulze Ulrich , Brüll Robert , Albrecht Andreas , Pasch Harald , Fónagy Tamás , Häussler Liane , Iván Béla
Published: November 2007

Graft copolymers of propene with styrene were analyzed with regard to their chemical heterogeneity using both SEC coupled to FT‐IR spectroscopy and CRYSTAF. The SEC‐FTIR indicates chemical homogeneity of the copolymer samples. The decrease in crystallization temperature in CRYSTAF does not correlate with the concentration of PS in the samples but it correlates decisively with the branching frequency. The length of the PS branches does not influence the crystallization temperature in CRYSTAF, although the longest branches in the individual samples were 44 times longer than the shortest ones.

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pH/Thermosensitive Hydrogels Formed at Low pH by a PMMA‐PAA‐P2VP‐PAA‐PMMA Pentablock Terpolymer
Authors: Stavrouli Nikoletta , Katsampas Ilias , Aggelopoulos Sotirios , Tsitsilianis Constantinos
Published: November 2007

A poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(acrylic acid)‐block‐poly(2‐vinyl pyridine)‐block‐poly(acrylic acid)‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA‐PAA‐P2VP‐PAA‐PMMA), pentablock terpolymer has been synthesized by anionic polymerization with sequential addition of monomers and studied in aqueous media at low pH. The system exhibits combined properties and adopts the behavior of ‘telechelic’ polyelectrolytes and that of double hydrophilic polyampholytes. This complex behavior leads to the pentablock terpolymer forming a pH and temperature sensitive reversible hydrogel at very low polymer concentration.

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Natural Polymer Characterization
Authors: Mano Eloisa Biasotto
Published: November 2007

Summary: A review about the characterization of natural polymers is given, describing the polymers found in Nature, methods to distinguish natural from syntheticpolymers, and what modern Polymer Science can learn from Nature
Sucrose‐Branched Polymer Synthesized by Protease from Bacillus Subtilis
Authors: Borges Maurício Rodrigues , Balaban Rosangela
Published: November 2007

Summary: Vinyl sugar ester, 1′‐O‐vinyladipoyl‐sucrose, was synthesized using sucrose and DVA (divinyl adipate) in organic medium (dimethylformamide), catalyzed by protease from Bacillus subtilis. Several reaction conditions were examined by means of qualitative analysis (TLC). The monomer obtained has undergone chemical polymerization with potassium persulfate and hydrogen peroxide to produce an amphiphilic polymer having sugar branches. The monomer was characterized by 13C‐NMR and FTIR spectra. The IR analysis confirmed the synthesis of the poly (1′‐O‐vinyladipoyl‐sucrose).
Synthesis and Characterization of Dendronized Polymers
Authors: Calderón Marcelo , Martinelli Marisa , Froimowicz Pablo , Leiva Angel , Gargallo Ligia , Radic´ Deodato , Strumia Miriam C.
Published: November 2007

Summary: This research aims at the synthesis of several dendrons with different functional groups on their surface, and their use as functionalizing agents of synthetic polymers. Two principal products were synthesized and characterized: dendronized MDI oligomers and dendronized PMMI. The results of the characterization studies of dendronized polymers demonstrated the influence of the polarity of dendrons and the dendronization pathway on the properties of the final products.
Reinforcement of Polyamide 6 with Nanoparticles
Authors: Giraldo Luis F. , Echeverri Mauricio , López Betty L.
Published: November 2007

Polyamide 6 has been reinforced by in situ polymerization of ε‐caprolactam by using either 2 wt % of multiwall carbon nanotubes of two different diameters and length or 2 wt % functionalized nonporous Stöber silica. The carbon nanotubes were synthesized by catalytic chemical vapor deposition of ethylene over two different supports: iron particles supported on MCM41 mesoporous silica and iron‐cobalt particles on CaCO3, in order to produce multiwall carbon nanotubes with average diameter of 32 and 58 nm respectively. The Stöber silica particles with diameters of 85 nm and 150 nm were functionalized with 3‐aminotrimethoxypropyl silane. The thermal stability of nanotubes/Polyamide 6 nanocomposites increases compared to the neat polyamide 6, and this increase is even larger when the functionalized silica nanoparticles are used as a filler. The crystallinity of polyamide is enhanced when carbon nanotubes are functionalized, but it decreases with or without functionalization of the silica particles. The nanotubes increase the temperature of crystallization in the nanocomposites due to the reduction in the mobility of polymer chains.