bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a prostate inhibitory substance in a pollen extract
Authors: Habib Fouad K. , Ross Margaret , Lewenstein Ari , Zhang Xin , Jaton Jean Claude
Published: February 2007

Recently, much attention has focused on the treatment of BPH with the pollen extract, Cernilton. The present investigation was designed to identify the active component in this agent which might be responsible for the symptomatic relief of BPH as previously reported [1,2]. Sequential purification of the active component present in the pollen extract was carried out by a combination of dialysis, gel filtration, and reverse phase chromatography. To monitor the biological activity of each of the purified fractions, a biological assay employing the human prostate cancer cell line DU145 was undertaken.

While we have identified a number of constituent components in the pollen extract, only one fraction designated V‐7 (FV‐7) maintained a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of DU145 cells. The inhibition was time‐ and dose‐dependent, and the concentrations of FV‐7 required to reduce the cell numbers by 50% (IC50) after 2 days of exposure was 5 μg/ml. FV‐7 was also inhibitory towards the primary culture of prostate stroma and epithelial cells, with the stroma/fibroblast showing greater sensitivity towards the HPLC‐purified component. However, it should be noted that this inhibitory activity measured in the primary culture cells was only achieved at higher concentrations of FV‐7. Preliminary characterization of the active ingredient identified FV‐7 as DIBOA which is a cyclic hydroxamic acid. FV‐7 and DIBOA induce similar inhibitory effects on the growth of DU145 cells.
Genetic instability assessed by sister chromatid exchange analysis in the dunning R‐3327 rat prostatic adenocarcinoma model and its relationship to metastatic potential
Authors: Sharief Yousuf , Mohler James L.
Published: February 2007

The original Dunning R‐3327 tumor, described in 1961, has given rise to distinct sublines of different metastatic potentials. The different phenotypes cannot be explained by differences in chromosomal number, DNA content, or nuclear pleomorphism. Sister chromatid exchange is an interchange between two strands of DNA indicative of DNA damage. The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges is a well‐accepted measure of genetic instability. To determine whether an assay of genetic instability could distinguish sublines capable of generating cells of the metastatic phenotype, cells from three sublines of low (<10%) metastatic potential and three sublines of high (>90%) metastatic potential were cultured in 10 μM 5‐bromodeoxyuridine to label DNA. Chromosome preparations were made and sister chromatids were differentiated with Hoechst 33258 dye and Giemsa stain. Sixty metaphase spreads from each subline were scored for SCE and chromosome number. The low metastatic sublines G, AT‐1, and AT‐2 had 0.32 ± standard deviation 0.10, 0.38 ± 0.12, and 0.14 ± 0.05 sister chromatid exchanges per chromosome, respectively. The high metastatic sublines AT‐3, MAT‐Lu, and MAT‐LyLu had 0.55 ± 0.17, 0.32 ± 0.1, and 0.33 ± 0.2 sister chromatid exchanges per chromosome, respectively. Subline differences in metastatic potentials cannot be explained by incidences of sister chromatid exchanges.
Inhibition of prostate cancer growth by vinblastine and tamoxifen
Authors: Pienta Kenneth J. , Replogle Tracy , Lehr Jeff E.
Published: February 2007

Hormone refractory prostate cancer continues to be an aggressive and fatal disease. Agents which inhibit microtubule function have been found to be cytotoxic to prostate cancer cells in preclinical and clinical settings. It was the aim of this study to assess the activity of tamoxifen and vinblastine, two microtubule inhibitors, in hormone refractory prostate cancer. In clinically achievable concentrations, the combination of tamoxifen and vinblastine was cytotoxic to both Dunning rat prostate adenocarcinoma cell line MAT‐LyLu (MLL) and human prostate cancer cells (PC‐3). In cell cycle analysis assays, tamoxifen and vinblastine inhibited cell cycle transit. In vivo, these two agents inhibited the growth of implanted MLL cells. It appears that tamoxifen and vinblastine may be effective agents for the treatment of patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer.
Androgenic and antiandrogenic control on epidermal growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and androgen receptor expression in human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP
Authors: Ravenna L. , Gulino A. , Lubrano C. , Sciarra F. , Di Silverio F. , D'Eramo G. , Vacca A. , Felli M. P. , Maroder M. , Frati L. , Petrangeli E.
Published: February 2007

Both androgen and antiandrogen treatments enhance the proliferation rate of the hormone‐dependent prostate cancer cell line LNCaP, expressing a mutated androgen receptor (AR). We studied the modification of the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), of its receptor (EGF‐R), and of androgen receptor (AR) in the LNCaP cell line, under basal conditions and during androgen (R1881) and antiandrogen hydroxy‐flutamide (OH‐FLU) treatment. After prolonged R1881 administration, a marked increase of EGF release was observed, completely blocked by the addition of OH‐FLU. The Scatchard plot analysis of EGF‐R binding revealed two classes of binding sites with high and low affinity. The administration of OH‐FLU alone or combined with R1881 did not modify the affinity constants, while the low‐affinity component disappeared after androgen administration. Both androgen and antiandrogen administration led to a significant increase of the EGF‐R high‐affinity component. AR mRNA and protein levels were downregulated by R1881 treatment. Following OH‐FLU administration, AR mRNA was slightly downregulated, and there was not a strict parallelism between AR mRNA levels and AR binding capacity. When combined with R1881, OH‐FLU partially counteracted the androgen‐induced AR downregulation. Our data show that EGF‐R binding capacity is the only parameter constantly raised in cell proliferation with respect to quiescent cells, and highlights the nonunivocal action of OH‐FLU on androgen‐induced effects.
Clearance of serum PSA after open surgery for benign prostatic hypertrophy, radical cystectomy, and radical prostatectomy
Authors: Haab François , Delmas Vincent , Boccon‐Gibod Laurent , Meulemans Alain , Boccon‐Gibod Liliane , Dauge Marie Christine
Published: February 2007

Objective: To study the clearance of serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) after several types of prostatic tissue ablation.

Methods: Serum PSA levels were measured (YANG Proscheck ultrasensitive assay) just before surgery, immediately after specimen removal, then twice weekly for 5 weeks or until it was undetectable (<0.05 ng/ml) in patients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer (n = 10), or radical prostatectomy for T1 T2 prostate cancer (n = 18) and daily for 6 days after open surgery for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) (n = 10).

Results: Open enucleation for BPH: the immediately postoperative PSA level was 6 times its preoperative value. It decreased following a monoexponential curve with a very short half‐life of 0.55 ± 0.39 days, range (0.14–1.3), reaching a value lower than the preoperative level in all cases, except one by day 3. After radical cystoprostatectomy: the decrease of serum PSA is monoexponential with a half life of 1.92 ± 1.2 days (0.57–4.24) reaching undetectable level (<0.05 ng/ml) in all patients by day 21. After radical prostatectomy: 11/18 patients (61%) showed a one‐component exponential decrease in PSA with a half‐life of 2.5 ± 1.33 days (range 0.97–4.6 days), and 7/18 showed a two‐component exponential decrease with a first half‐life of 0.94 ± 0.8 days and a second of 7.62 ± 6.35 days); 100% of the patients reached undetectable serum PSA by day 28 in the first group compared to 14.2% of the patients with a two component exponential decrease (P < 0.01). There was no difference between these groups as far as preoperative PSA levels and specimen pathology were concerned.

Conclusion: Serum clearance of PSA after extirpative prostatic surgery is closely related to the type and indication of procedure used. Radical cystoprostatectomy is probably the best model in which to study the pharmacokinetics of PSA.
Longitudinal evaluation of serum androgen levels in men with and without prostate cancer
Authors: Carter H. Ballentine , Pearson Jay D. , Metter E. Jeffrey , Chan Daniel W. , Andres Reubin , Fozard James L. , Rosner William , Walsh Patrick C.
Published: February 2007

Androgens are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. We evaluated androgen levels in 3 age‐matched groups of men who were part of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging: 1) 16 men with no prostatic disease by urologic history and exam (control group); 2) 20 men with a histologic diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who had undergone simple prostatectomy; and 3) 20 men with a histologic diagnosis of prostate cancer (16 with local/regional cancer, and 4 with metastatic cancer). Luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone (T), and free T were measured on stored AM sera by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Free T was also calculated from the measured concentrations of total T and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). The median number of repeated sex steroid measurements ranged from 6–9 over a period from 7–25 years prior to the diagnosis of prostate disease. There were no significant differences in age‐adjusted LH, total T, SHBG, or calculated free T levels among the groups at 0–5, 5–10, and 10–15 years before diagnosis. These data suggest that there are no measurable differences in serum testosterone levels among men who are destined to develop prostate cancer and those without the disease. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro propagated dendritic cells from prostate cancer patients as a component of prostate cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Tjoa Benjamin , Erickson Sheila , Barren Robert , Ragde Haakon , Kenny Gerald , Boynton Alton , Murphy Gerald
Published: February 2007

T cell‐mediated cancer immunotherapy requires efficient antigen‐presenting cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) are arguably the most efficient antigen‐presenting cells studied to date. Individuals with prostate cancer often undergo various therapies which may compromise their immune system, including the state of their DC precursors. We report the in vitro propagation of DCs from peripheral blood of patients with prostate cancer, most of whom are in clinical stages D1 or D2 and have undergone radiation therapy. After 7 days in culture, the number of DCs recovered were 20‐50‐fold higher than those isolated directly from peripheral blood. This number is comparable to findings of previous studies with healthy individuals. Cultured patients' DCs were capable of presenting tetanus toxoid to autologous T cells in vitro. Furthermore, T cells from 2 of 4 patients proliferated when cultured with their DCs and the lysate of a human prostate cancer cell line (LNCaP), demonstrating the potential role of autologous DCs in prostate cancer immunotherapy studies. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Purification of estramustine‐binding protein and production of monoclonal antibodies to its different components
Authors: Björk Per , Donn Folkert , Glad Cristina , Sundblad GÖRan , Vestberg Mikael , Kalland Terje
Published: February 2007

Estramustine‐binding protein (EMBP) is a heterodimeric 46‐kDa glycoprotein that is secreted from the prostate. Upon reductive cleavage it decomposes into two closely related components, C1 and C2, and the shared glycosylated peptide C3. EMBP binds estramustine and estromustine, the active metabolites of estramustine phosphate (Estracyt®), which is a drug with antimitotic properties used in the treatment of prostatic carcinoma. In the present study, a two‐step procedure (i.e., anion‐exchange and Con A‐Sepharose chromatography) is described for the isolation of EMBP in high yield from rat prostate tissue. Mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced using the major DEAE‐Sepharose fraction of EMBP as an immunogen. Eleven mAbs were selected by screening in a solid‐phase ELISA. One displayed high‐affinity binding with soluble EMBP (Ka ≈ 3 × 1010 M−1) and crossreacted with a human prostate tumor extract in a radioimmunoassay. The epitopes defined by these mAbs were analyzed by Western immunoblotting. All constituents of EMBP, except component C1, were identified by at least one antibody. Nine visualized either one or both of the two EMBP subunits under denaturing conditions, two of which retained their reactivity after reduction of disulfide bridges. One epitope was exposed to its mAb only when the antigen was in its reduced state. The immunoreactivity was eliminated by protease treatment, whereas deglycosylation with glycopeptidase F had a minimal effect. EMBP has been detected in tissues other than the prostate as well as in prostate neoplastic specimens and in several other human malignancies. Hence, these mAbs will be a useful tool in the characterization of EMBP in different tissues and in evaluating existing and in defining new indications for Estracyt therapy. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative evaluation of glandular and stromal compartments in hyperplastic dog prostates: Effect of 5‐alpha reductase inhibitors
Authors: Laroque P. A. , Prahalada S. , Molon‐Noblot S. , Cohen S. M. , Soper K. , Duprat P. , Peter C. P. , van Zwieten M. J.
Published: February 2007

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of 2 different 5‐alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride and MK‐0434) on the glandular and stromal compartments of hyperplastic canine prostates. In this study, dogs received 1 of the 2 compounds orally, at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 16 weeks; control dogs received a placebo. The morphological changes in the glandular and stromal compartments in the prostate were quantitated by a point‐counting method on Masson's trichrome‐stained sections. Treatment with 5‐alpha reductase inhibitors resulted in significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreases in mean prostatic volumes, microscopic evidence of prostatic atrophy, and significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreases in the absolute volumes of the prostatic glandular and stromal compartments compared to controls. In finasteride‐treated dogs, the mean percent change from baseline was: epithelium, −52; lumens, −58; fibrovascular stroma, −41; and smooth muscle, −29. In MK‐0434‐treated dogs, the mean percent change from baseline was: epithelium, −77; lumens, −58; fibrovascular stroma, −38; and smooth muscle, ‐42. The effect on the glandular compartment in dogs treated with MK‐0434 was slightly greater than in dogs treated with finasteride; however, the effect on the stroma was similar. These results clearly demonstrate that inhibition of 5‐alpha reductase enzyme activity affects growth and maintenance of both glandular and stromal compartments of dog hyperplastic prostates. It is likely that the decrease in size of the prostate in finasteride‐treated (Proscar®) men is due to shrinkage of both glandular and stromal compartments. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Demonstration of fibroblast growth factor receptor‐I in human prostate by polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Hamaguchi Akikazu , Tooyama Ikuo , Yoshiki Tatsuhiro , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: February 2007

The expression and localization of fibroblast growth factor receptor‐1 were investigated in human prostatic tissues with or without benign hyperplasia. Using a polymerase chain reaction method, we were able to demonstrate that prostatic tissues with benign hyperplasia expressed a significantly higher level of fibroblast growth factor receptor‐1 mRNA than normal prostatic tissues (P < 0.01 by Anova). Western blot analysis using an antiserum against the receptor gave 2 bands with molecular weights of about 140 kDa and 80 kDa; these correspond to the expected sizes of the long and secreted forms of the fibroblast growth factor receptor‐1, respectively. An immunohistochemical study using the same antiserum further demonstrated that the immunoreactive staining occurred mainly in the basal cells of the glandular epithelium and occasionally in the stromal cells. These results suggest that fibroblast growth factors may influence, at least in part, the proliferation of the epithelial cells seen in benign hyperplasia of human prostate. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of Ki‐67 defined growth fraction by monoclonal antibody MIB‐i in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded prostatic cancer tissues
Authors: Noordzij Marinus A. , van Der Kwast Theodorus H. , van Steenbrugge Gert Jan , van Weerden Wytske M. , Oomen Maria H. A. , Schröder Fritz H.
Published: February 2007

The applicability of MIB‐1, a monoclonal antibody directed against the Ki‐67 antigen, was studied in the PC‐82 and LNCaP prostatic tumor models at various levels of proliferative activity. Statistically significant correlations were found in LNCaP cultures between Ki‐67 and MIB‐1 scores (r = 0.84, P < 0.001), and in PC‐82 tumors between MIB‐1 scores and paraffin tissue Ki‐67 (pKi‐67) (r = 0.90, P < 0.001), frozen tissue Ki‐67 (fKi‐67) (r = 0.86, P < 0.001), and BrdU uptake (r = 0.70, P < 0.001), respectively. pKi‐67 scores were double the fKi‐67 scores, which may be due to methodological differences. MIB‐1 scores exceeded both the fKi‐67 and pKi‐67 scores. The affinity of MIB‐1 for the antigen is much higher than the affinity of Ki‐67, which may explain the differences. MIB‐1 is a promising means of evaluating the presence of only minute amounts of the Ki‐67 antigen in paraffin‐embedded human tumor material, especially in relatively slowly growing tumors. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell proliferation in dysplasia of the prostate: Analysis by PCNA immunostaining
Authors: McNeal John E. , Haillot Olivier , Yemoto Cheryl
Published: February 2007

Patterns of cell proliferation in the prostate were compared between benign epithelium and dysplasia. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining was used to quantitate proliferation, and basal cells were tallied separately from secretory cells with the aid of keratin immunostaining. Using a novel technique, absolute cell densities (cells/mm) were determined and used to calculate growth fractions.

In benign epithelium, 83% of PCNA+ cells were basal cells, while only 7% of PCNA+ cells in dysplasia were basal cells and there was a clear separation between groups. This dramatic shift of the proliferative compartment to the secretory cells in dysplasia was accompanied only by a moderate increase in overall secretory cell density and moderate reduction in basal cell density, but these ranges overlapped those of benign epithelium. The median PCNA+ secretory cell “growth fraction” was 0.12% in benign epithelium and 1.06% in dysplasia.

The findings presented give further support to the concept that dysplasia represents an evolutionary stage in the malignant transformation of prostatic epithelium. The patterns of change in PCNA immunostaining may reflect certain aspects of the biologic nature of malignant transformation. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of dihydrotestosterone, epidermal growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor on the cell kinetics of the PC3, DUI45, and LNCap prostatic cancer cell lines: Relationship with DNA ploidy level
Authors: Janssen Thierry , Kiss Robert , Dedecker Robert , Petein Michel , Pasteels Jean‐Lambert , Schulman Claude
Published: February 2007

The cell kinetics (percentage of cells in the S + G2 phases of the cell cycle) and the DNA ploidy levels (nuclear DNA content) were determined in 108 samples each of the PC3, DU145, and LNCaP prostate cancer models. This was carried out by means of the digital cell image analysis of Feulgen‐stained nuclei. Two to three hundred cell nuclei were analyzed for each of the 324 samples under study. The three cell lines were submitted to experimental conditions including the addition of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), either alone or in combination, to the culture media. The results show that under the present culture conditions, the PC3 cell line was DHT‐, EGF‐ and bFGF‐insensitive. In contrast to what is generally reported in the literature, the DU145 cell line was DHT‐ and EGF‐sensitive under the present culture conditions, but bFGF‐insensitive. The LNCaP cell line was DHT‐sensitive, but EGF‐ and bFGF‐insensitive. While mainly tetraploid, the three cell lines nevertheless exhibited a significant level of heterogeneity in their nuclear DNA content distributions. Indeed, the proportions of non‐tetraploid (diploid, hyperdiploid, triploid, hypertriploid, hypertetraploid, polymorphic) DNA histograms were 14% in the PC3, 16% in the DU145, and 29% in the LNCaP cell lines. These results suggest that the DNA ploidy level would not influence the hormone sensitivity level in the cell lines since they had significantly distinct hormone sensitivity profiles while remaining mainly tetraploid. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of estrogen receptor in diseased human prostate assessed by non‐radioactive in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Ehara Hidetoshi , Koji Takehiko , Deguchi Takashi , Yoshii Akira , Nakano Masahiro , Nakane Paul K. , Kawada Yukimichi
Published: February 2007

To understand the role of estrogen in the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia, expressions of estrogen receptor (ER) mRNA and ER protein by in situ hybridization and by immunohistochemistry, respectively, were investigated in human prostatic tissues. In non‐malignant region, ER mRNA and ER protein were found in cytoplasm and nucleus, respectively, of stromal cells, but not in glandular epithelial and basal cells. In benign regions, ER mRNA/ER protein positive cells were found in fibromyoadenomatous and myoadenomatous hyperplasia, but not in adenomatous hyperplasia. A striking feature was periacinar arrangement of ER mRNA/ER protein positive stromal cells in all prostate carcinoma treated with androgen withdrawal. The ER mRNA/ER protein positive cells were immunohistochemically identified as fibroblasts, myoblasts, and smooth muscle cells. These results indicate that stromal cells are the primary target of estrogen in prostate, and that androgen withdrawal upregulates the expression of ER gene. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adenocarcinoma of the prostate metastatic to the choroid of the eye
Authors: Keizur John J. , Kane Christopher J. , North Robert , Leidich Raymond B.
Published: February 2007

We report an unusual case of bilateral choroidal masses developing in a patient with metastatic prostate cancer. Visual symptoms resolved and ocular mass lesions regressed after initiating total androgen deprivation. The natural history and management of choroidal metastatis originating from prostate cancer is discussed. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Denoising of natural images using FREBAS transformation
Authors: Ito Satoshi , Yamada Yoshifumi
Published: February 2007

If two algorithms of Fresnel transformation are used with suitable parameters, the expansion of images modeled after multiresolution analysis (FREBAS transformation) is possible. This paper proposes a denoising technique of natural images using FREBAS transformation. Constrained least square filter applying in FREBAS transformed space removes noise superimposed on signals very well, however, that noise with specific patterns might remain on the images when processing images have small SN ratio. In this paper we focus our attention on this noise that exhibits isolationism in FREBAS transformed space and propose a new denoising technique that introduces non‐linear noise processing in FREBAS transformed space. It was shown that the noises with specific patterns were favorably removed in simulation experiment. In addition, we applied the proposed technique to natural images which contain noise to and compare the method with other denoising techniques from the viewpoint of SNR improvement, image degradation, remained noises. As a result, the proposed technique could remove noise while controlling image degradation and also obtain significant improvements in the SNR on average. In particular, we confirmed that the proposed technique had excellent denoising performance for images with large variations in amplitude. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(3): 1–11, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20675
Initiation of oviposition after winter diapause in the spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae): prediction and historical patterns
Authors: Raworth D. A.
Published: February 2007

The rate of development from winter diapause to initial oviposition for Tetranychus urticae on strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa, in southwestern British Columbia, Canada, was linearly related to temperature above 9.4 ± 0.71°C. Initial oviposition (IO) in the field, defined as the day at which half of the leaflets with T. urticae also had T. urticae eggs (IO0.5), was determined for 21 populations between 1988 and 2006 by logistic curve fitting to sequential field samples. Prediction of IO0.5 required adjustment of air temperatures for the effects of cloud opacity on microclimate, otherwise predictions were 20–30 days late. A thermal summation start date of 27 November was determined by iteratively summing day‐degrees (>9.4°C) from different start dates until IO0.5, for 10 calibration populations, and observing when the coefficient of variation for the mean thermal requirement was minimal. The thermal requirement for the 10 calibration populations was negatively correlated with accumulated cold‐rest hours (<4.0°C). Model predictions of IO0.5 were not significantly different from the validation data. Predictions for 1954–2003 were positively correlated with the mean monthly Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) during September–December and negatively correlated with year (R2 = 0.36, P < 0.0001), indicating some potential for prediction of IO0.5 2–3 months in advance. Estimated IO0.5 in 2003 was 12.8 days earlier than in the mid‐1950s, and variation in IO0.5 related to the SOI was 25.2 days. These results may be generally applicable to other temperate arthropods that emerge at the same time as T. urticae, such as the aphids Chaetosiphon fragaefolii on strawberry, and Ericaphis fimbriata on blueberry.
New insights into mitochondrial fusion
Authors: Zhang Yan , Chan David C.
Published: February 2007

Fusion controls mitochondrial morphology and is important for normal mitochondrial function, including roles in respiration, development, and apoptosis. Key components of the mitochondrial fusion machinery have been identified, allowing an initial dissection of its molecular mechanism. Outer and inner membrane fusion events are coordinately coupled but are mechanistically distinct. Mitofusins are mitochondrial GTPases that likely mediate outer membrane fusion. The dynamin‐related protein OPA1/Mgm1p is required for inner membrane fusion and maintenance of normal cristae structure. We highlight recent findings that have advanced our understanding of the mechanism, function, and regulation of mitochondrial fusion.
Cell–cell membrane fusion during mammalian fertilization
Authors: Primakoff Paul , Myles Diana G.
Published: February 2007

The mechanism of sperm–egg fusion in mammals is a research area that has greatly benefited from the use of gene deletion technology. Because fertilization is internal in mammals and the gametes (particularly the eggs) are sparse in number, in vitro studies have considerable limitations. Using gene deletions, a few cell surface proteins in both gametes have been identified as essential for gamete fusion. Ongoing studies are directed at analysis of the function of these proteins and the search for additional proteins that may be involved in this process. So far, no mammalian proteins have been found that also function in sperm–egg fusion of non‐mammalian species or in other types of cell–cell fusion.
Cell death in NF‐κB‐dependent tumour cell lines as a result of NF‐κB trapping by linker‐modified hairpin decoy oligonucleotide
Authors: Laguillier Christelle , Hbibi Ali Tadlaoui , Baran-Marszak Fanny , Metelev Valeri , Cao An , Cymbalista Florence , Bogdanov Alexei , Fagard Remi
Published: February 2007

The transcription factor NF‐κB is frequently activated in cancer, and is therefore a valuable target for cancer therapy. Decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) inhibit NF‐κB by preventing its binding to the promoter region of target genes. Few studies have used NF‐κB‐targeting with ODNs in cancer. Using a hairpin NF‐κB‐decoy ODN we found that it induced growth inhibition and cell death in NF‐κB‐dependent tumour cell lines. The ODN colocalized with the p50 subunit of NF‐κB in cells and directly interacted with it in nuclear extracts. In TNFα‐treated cells the ODN and the p50 subunit were found in the cytoplasm suggesting that the complex did not translocate to the nucleus. Transcriptional activity of NF‐κB was efficiently inhibited by the ODN, whereas a scrambled ODN was without effect on transcription. Thus, ODN‐mediated inhibition of NF‐κB can efficiently promote cell death in cancer cells providing a potentially powerful approach to tumour growth inhibition.
An empirical analysis of the factors impacting discount rates: Evidence from the U.S. Marine Corps
Authors: Hensel Nayantara , Deichert Martin
Published: February 2007

This analysis examines the impact of age, race, marital status, number of dependents, education, rank, years of service, and occupational code on personal discount rates. The study focuses on 3241 Marine Corps officers/enlisted personnel between 1992 and 1997 who separated from the Marine Corps through the VSI program (an annuity payment) or the SSB program (lump‐sum payment). The analysis finds that, although the degree of statistical significance varied between the officer model and the enlisted model, holding other factors constant, females and individuals with more years of service or education were less likely to take the lump‐sum payment, and that blacks and individuals with more dependents were more likely to take the lump‐sum payment. Across all demographic factors, enlisted personnel had statistically significantly higher average discount rates than officers, as is consistent with prior studies. The estimated personal discount rates averaged 14.9% for officers and 24% for enlisted Marines. This study contributes to the literature in that it is the only study to examine the Marines during this time period. Many of the results can be generalized to the civilian sector to assist in formulation of savings/retirement policies.
Efficiency of methionine retention in ducks
Authors: Adeola Olayiwola
Published: February 2007

The accretion of methionine and protein as a function of methionine intake was assessed in growing ducks between 22 and 42 d post-hatching. Four graded doses of dl-methionine at 0, 0·5, 1·0 or 1·5 g/kg diet were added to a methionine-limiting basal diet and fed to four replicate groups of four ducks each. The growth and efficiency of food use for growth increased linearly (P < 0·05) as a function of methionine intake. The accretion of body protein increased (P < 0·001) from 87·5 to 182·2 g, and that of methionine from 1616 to 3125 mg, over the 21 d period as dietary methionine increased. The accretion rate of methionine in the body (y, mg/d) as a function of methionine intake (x, mg/d) of ducks fed diets containing supplemental methionine at 0, 0·5, 1·0 or 1·5 g/kg diet from day 22 to day 42 post-hatching gave the regression equation: y = − 148·86 (se 32·558)+0·312 (se 0·0384)X, r2 = 0·8253. For protein accretion rate in the body (y, mg/d) as a function of methionine intake (x, mg/d), the regression equation was: y = − 9782 (se 2204)+19·505 (se 2·5994)x, r2 = 0·8009. There was a linear relationship between methionine (y, mg/d) and protein (x, mg/d) accretion in ducks that was described by the equation y = 12·757 (se 7·4019)+0·01 525 (se 0·00 107)x, r2 = 0·9355. The results of these studies suggest a constant utilisation of methionine over the range 2·4–3·9 g digestible methionine/kg diet, with an efficiency of 31 %. Furthermore, the results suggest a quantitative relationship of 15 mg methionine for every gram of protein accretion.
Soluble dietary fibre fraction ofTrigonella foenum-graecum(fenugreek) seed improves glucose homeostasis in animal models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes by delaying carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and enhancing insulin action
Authors: Hannan J. M. A. , Ali L. , Rokeya B. , Khaleque J. , Akhter M. , Flatt P. R. , Abdel-Wahab Y. H. A.
Published: February 2007

Trigonella foenum-graecum(fenugreek) seeds have been documented as a traditional plant treatment for diabetes. In the present study, the antidiabetic properties of a soluble dietary fibre (SDF) fraction ofT. foenum-graecumwere evaluated. Administration of SDF fraction (0·5 g/kg body weight) to normal, type 1 or type 2 diabetic rats significantly improved oral glucose tolerance. Total remaining unabsorbed sucrose in the gastrointestinal tract of non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic rats, following oral sucrose loading (2·5 g/kg body weight) was significantly increased byT. foenum-graecum(0·5 g/kg body weight). The SDF fraction suppressed the elevation of blood glucose after oral sucrose ingestion in both non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic rats. Intestinal disaccharidase activity and glucose absorption were decreased and gastrointestinal motility increased by the SDF fraction. Daily oral administration of SDF to type 2 diabetic rats for 28 d decreased serum glucose, increased liver glycogen content and enhanced total antioxidant status. Serum insulin and insulin secretion were not affected by the SDF fraction. Glucose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and insulin action were increased byT. foenum-graecum.The present findings indicate that the SDF fraction ofT. foenum-graecumseeds exerts antidiabetic effects mediated through inhibition of carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and enhancement of peripheral insulin action.
Neural blackboard architectures of combinatorial structures in cognition
Authors: van der Velde Frank , de Kamps Marc
Published: February 2007

Human cognition is unique in the way in which it relies on combinatorial (or compositional) structures. Language provides ample evidence for the existence of combinatorial structures, but they can also be found in visual cognition. To understand the neural basis of human cognition, it is therefore essential to understand how combinatorial structures can be instantiated in neural terms. In his recent book on the foundations of language, Jackendoff described four fundamental problems for a neural instantiation of combinatorial structures: the massiveness of the binding problem, the problem of 2, the problem of variables, and the transformation of combinatorial structures from working memory to long-term memory. This paper aims to show that these problems can be solved by means of neural “blackboard” architectures. For this purpose, a neural blackboard architecture for sentence structure is presented. In this architecture, neural structures that encode for words are temporarily bound in a manner that preserves the structure of the sentence. It is shown that the architecture solves the four problems presented by Jackendoff. The ability of the architecture to instantiate sentence structures is illustrated with examples of sentence complexity observed in human language performance. Similarities exist between the architecture for sentence structure and blackboard architectures for combinatorial structures in visual cognition, derived from the structure of the visual cortex. These architectures are briefly discussed, together with an example of a combinatorial structure in which the blackboard architectures for language and vision are combined. In this way, the architecture for language is grounded in perception. Perspectives and potential developments of the architectures are discussed.
Cruelty may be a self-control device against sympathy
Authors: Ainslie George
Published: February 2007

Dispassionate cruelty and the euphoria of hunting or battle should be distinguished from the emotional savoring of victims' suffering. Such savoring, best called negative empathy, is what puzzles motivational theory. Hyperbolic discounting theory suggests that sympathy with people who have unwanted but seductive traits creates a threat to self-control. Cruelty to those people may often be the least effortful way of countering this threat.
On the structural ambiguity in natural language that the neural architecture cannot deal with
Authors: Bod Rens , Fitz Hartmut , Zuidema Willem
Published: February 2007

We argue that van der Velde's & de Kamps's model does not solve the binding problem but merely shifts the burden of constructing appropriate neural representations of sentence structure to unexplained preprocessing of the linguistic input. As a consequence, their model is not able to explain how various neural representations can be assigned to sentences that are structurally ambiguous.
A murky portrait of human cruelty
Authors: Bandura Albert
Published: February 2007

In this commentary, I review diverse lines of research conducted at both the macrosocial and microbehavioral level that dispute the view that cruelty is inherently gratifying. Expressions of pain and suffering typically inhibit rather than reinforce cruel conduct in humans. With regard to functional value, cruelty has diverse personal and social effects, not just the alluring benefits attributed to it.
Language use, not language, is what develops in childhood and adolescence
Authors: Bickerton Derek
Published: February 2007

That both language and novel life-history stages are unique to humans is an interesting datum. But failure to distinguish between language and language use results in an exaggeration of the language acquisition period, which in turn vitiates claims that new developmental stages were causative factors in language evolution.
Cruelty as by-product of ritualisation of intraspecific aggression in cultural evolution
Authors: Behrendt Ralf-Peter
Published: February 2007

There are few commonalities between intraspecific aggression and predation and few convincing arguments for the conceptualisation of blood and pain as rewards for predation. Not cruelty, but ritualised intraspecific aggression is the predominant mechanism of accretion of social power and this, not cruelty, is what bestows reproductive advantages. Enjoyment of media cruelty is not reinforced by “emotional circuits” adapted to predation, but represents transient relief from culturally determined inhibition of aggression.
The role of developmental immaturity and plasticity in evolution
Authors: Bjorklund David F. , Grotuss Jason
Published: February 2007

Aspects of cognitive immaturity may serve both to adapt children to their immediate environment and to prepare them for future ones. Language may have evolved in children's groups in the context of play. Developmental plasticity provides variability upon which natural selection operates, and such plasticity, that likely played an important role in the evolution of language, characterizes human children today.
The problem with using associations to carry binding information
Authors: Doumas Leonidas A. A. , Holyoak Keith J. , Hummel John E.
Published: February 2007

van der Velde & de Kamps argue for the importance of considering the binding problem in accounts of human mental representation. However, their proposed solution fails as a complete account because it represents the bindings between roles and their fillers through associations (or connections). In addition, many criticisms leveled by the authors towards synchrony-based bindings models do not hold.
Money as civilizing ritual
Authors: Belk Russell
Published: February 2007

Although theorizing the non-tool motivations for desiring money is a worthwhile goal, Lea & Webley (L&W) offer a view that is too individualistic, too biological, and ultimately too linked to a tool-based view of money motivation. I argue that our fascination with money is social, learned, and ritualistic. Through the magic of money rituals we overcome biological motivations and become civilized.
Engineering the brain
Authors: Durstewitz Daniel
Published: February 2007

The target article presents a stimulating account for some of the most challenging issues in cognitive neuroscience. The theory solves in neural terms cognitive problems beyond the scope of previous models. But in many aspects the neural implementation is a quite literal translation of symbolic descriptions and therefore still lacks some of the truly self-organizing properties characteristic of biological networks.
Will the neural blackboard architecture scale up to semantics?
Authors: Dyer Michael G.
Published: February 2007

The neural blackboard architecture is a localist structured connectionist model that employs a novel connection matrix to implement dynamic bindings without requiring propagation of temporal synchrony. Here I note the apparent need for many distinct matrices and the effect this might have for scale-up to semantic processing. I also comment on the authors' initial foray into the symbol grounding problem.
Money, play, and instincts
Authors: Burghardt Gordon M.
Published: February 2007

The metaphor drug model of money slights the possibility that money may literally tap into and exploit brain systems underlying motivational systems, and it also ignores growing evidence on the common neural substrates of behavioral and “physiological” addictions. Additionally, many objects other than money can gain such drug-like properties. The treatment of play in the evolutionary explanation for the unique role of money in people ignores key conceptual and empirical issues.
Vector symbolic architectures are a viable alternative for Jackendoff's challenges
Authors: Gayler Ross W.
Published: February 2007

The authors, on the basis of brief arguments, have dismissed tensor networks as a viable response to Jackendoff's challenges. However, there are reasons to believe that connectionist approaches descended from tensor networks are actually very well suited to answering Jackendoff's challenges. I rebut their arguments for dismissing tensor networks and briefly compare the approaches.
Dynamic systems and the evolution of language
Authors: Gogate Lakshmi J.
Published: February 2007

Locke & Bogin (L&B) suggest that theoretical principles of ontogenetic development apply to language evolution. If this is the case, then evolutionary theory should utilize epigenetic theories of development to theorize, model, and elucidate the evolution of language wherever possible. In this commentary, I evoke principles of dynamic systems theory to evaluate the evolutionary phenomena presented in the target article.
Distributed neural blackboards could be more attractive
Authors: Grüning André , Treves Alessandro
Published: February 2007

The target article demonstrates how neurocognitive modellers should not be intimidated by challenges such as Jackendoff's and should explore neurally plausible implementations of linguistic constructs. The next step is to take seriously insights offlered by neuroscience, including the robustness allowed by analogue computation with distributed representations and the power of attractor dynamics in turning analogue into nearly discrete operations.
Signifying nothing? Myth and science of cruelty
Authors: Kotchoubey Boris
Published: February 2007

Nell proposes another myth about human aggression, following thousands of old myths from Homer to Lorenz. Like all myths, this one might be partially true and partially false. However, the use of emotional and propagandistic effects, rather than evaluation of empirical results, obscures any attempt to describe the truth about cruelty.

It is … full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 5
Why don't chimps talk and humans sing like canaries?
Authors: Johansson Sverker , Zlatev Jordan , Gärdenfors Peter
Published: February 2007

We focus on two problems with the evolutionary scenario proposed: (1) It bypasses the question of the origins of the communicative and semiotic features that make language distinct from, say, pleasant but meaningless sounds. (2) It does little to explain the absence of language in, for example, chimpanzees: Most of the selection pressures invoked apply just as strongly to chimps. We suggest how these problems could possibly be amended.
Neural circuits, matrices, and conjunctive binding
Authors: Hadley Robert F.
Published: February 2007

It is argued that van der Velde and de Kamps employ binding circuitry that effectively constitutes a form of conjunctive binding. Analogies with prior systems are discussed and hypothetical origins of binding circuitry are examined for credibility.
Recent advances and hypotheses regarding the neural networks involved in cruelty and pathological aggression
Authors: Mouras Harold
Published: February 2007

Functional neuroimaging studies allow examination of the cerebral networks involved in human behavior. For pathological aggression, several studies have reported a involvement of frontal and temporal areas, reflecting disruption of emotional regulatory systems. Recent genetic studies that bring together reward system dysfunction and violent behavior.
Constituent structure and the binding problem
Authors: Phillips Colin , Wagers Matthew
Published: February 2007

van der Velde's & de Kamps's model encodes complex word-to-word relations in sentences but does not encode the hierarchical constituent structure of sentences, a fundamental property of most accounts of sentence structure. We summarize what is at stake and suggest two ways of incorporating constituency into the model.
Difficulties differentiating dissociations
Authors: Kovacs Kristof , Plaisted Kate C. , Mackintosh Nicholas J.
Published: February 2007

We welcome Blair's argument that the relationship between fluid cognition and other aspects of intelligence should be an important focus of research, but are less convinced by his arguments that fluid intelligence is dissociable from general intelligence. This is due to confusions between (a) crystallized skills and g, and (b) universal and differential constructs.
Operant contingencies and “near-money”
Authors: Kemp Simon , Grace Randolph C.
Published: February 2007

We make two major comments. First, negative reinforcement contingencies may generate some apparent “drug-like” aspects of money motivation, and the operant account, properly construed, is both a tool and drug theory. Second, according to Lea & Webley (L&W), one might expect that “near-money,” such as frequent-flyer miles, should have a stronger drug and a weaker tool aspect than regular money. Available evidence agrees with this prediction.
Human cruelty is rooted in the reinforcing effects of intraspecific aggression that subserves dominance motivation
Authors: Potegal Michael
Published: February 2007

Intraspecific aggression (IA), in service to dominance, has far deeper roots in animal behavior and human evolution than does predation. The reinforcing properties of such aggression are most likely to be a major source of human cruelty.
Show me the status: Money as a kind of currency
Authors: Kniffin Kevin M.
Published: February 2007

Currencies that are recognized as money cannot be easily distinguished from alternative currencies such as status. Numerous examples demonstrate the need for status to be recognized as a motivator alongside, at least, money. Lea & Webley (L&W) acknowledge the roles of status; however, a closer focus is warranted.
Mechanisms of fluid cognition: Relational integration and inhibition
Authors: Viskontas Indre V. , Holyoak Keith J.
Published: February 2007

Blair argues that fluid cognition is dissociable from general intelligence. We suggest that a more complete understanding of this dissociation requires development of specific process models of the mechanisms underlying fluid cognition. Recent evidence indicates that relational integration and inhibitory control, both dependent on prefrontal cortex, are key component processes in tasks that require fluid cognition.