bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metformin Treatment Improves Erectile Function in an Angiotensin II Model of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Labazi Hicham , Wynne Brandi M. , Tostes Rita , Webb R. Clinton 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Increased angiotensin II (AngII) levels cause hypertension, which is a major risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). Studies have demonstrated that increased AngII levels in penile tissue are associated with ED. A recent study showed that metformin treatment restored nitric oxide synthase (NOS) protein expression in penile tissue in obese rats; however, whether metformin treatment can be beneficial and restore erectile function in a model of ED has not yet been established.

Aim
The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that AngII induces ED by means of increased corpus cavernosum contraction, and that metformin treatment will reverse ED in AngII-treated rats.

Methods
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with mini-osmotic pumps containing saline or AngII (70ng/minute, 28 days). Animals were then treated with metformin or vehicle during the last week of AngII infusion.

Main Outcome Measures
Intracavernosal pressure; corpus cavernosum contraction and relaxation; nNOS protein expression; extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and eNOS protein expression and phosphorylation.

Results
AngII-induced ED was accompanied with an increase in corpus cavernosum contractility, decreased nitrergic relaxation, and increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Metformin treatment improved erectile function in the AngII-treated rats by reversing the increased contraction and decreased relaxation. Metformin treatment also resulted in an increase in eNOS phosphorylation at ser1177.

Conclusions
Metformin treatment increased eNOS phosphorylation and improved erectile function in AngII hypertensive rats by reestablishing normal cavernosal smooth muscle tone.
An Oral Formulation of Angiotensin-(1-7) Reverses Corpus Cavernosum Damages Induced by Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Fraga-Silva Rodrigo A. , Costa-Fraga Fabiana P. , Savergnini Silvia Q. , De Sousa Frederico B. , Montecucco Fabrizio , da Silva Daniele , Sinisterra Ruben D. , Mach François , Stergiopulos Nikolaos , da Silva Rafaela F. , Santos Robson A.S. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The renin angiotensin system plays a crucial role in erectile function. It has been shown that elevated angiotensin-II levels contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). Oppositely, angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-[1-7]) mediates penile erection by activation of receptor Mas. Recently, we have developed a formulation based on Ang-(1-7) inclusion in cyclodextrin (CyD) [Ang-(1-7)-CyD], which allows for the oral administration of Ang-(1-7).

Aim
In the present study, we evaluated the effects of chronic treatment with Ang-(1-7)-CyD on penile fibrosis, oxidative stress, and endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic mice.

Methods
Apolipoprotein(Apo)E−/− mice fed a Western-type diet for 11 weeks received Ang-(1-7)-CyD or vehicle during the final 3 weeks. Collagen content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production within the corpus cavernosum were evaluated by Sirius red and dihydroethidium staining, respectively. Protein expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) subunits (p67-phox and p22-phox), and AT1 and Mas receptors in the penis was assessed by Western blotting. Nitric oxide (NO) production was measured by Griess assay in the mice serum. Cavernosal strips were mounted in an isometric organ bath to evaluate the endothelial function.

Main Outcome Measures
The effect of Ang-(1-7)-CyD treatment on penile fibrosis, oxidative stress, and endothelial function in hypercholesterolemia-induced ED.

Results
Ang-(1-7)-CyD treatment reduced collagen content in the corpus cavernosum of ApoE−/− mice. This effect was associated with an attenuation of ROS production and a diminished expression of NADPH. Furthermore, Ang-(1-7)-CyD treatment augmented the expression of nNOS and eNOS in the penis and elevated vascular NO production. Importantly, these effects were accompanied by an improvement in cavernosal endothelial function.

Conclusion
Long-term treatment with Ang-(1-7)-CyD reduces penile fibrosis associated with attenuation of oxidative stress. Additionally, cavernosal endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic mice was markedly improved. These results suggest that Ang-(1-7)-CyD might have significant therapeutic benefits for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Exportin 4 gene expression and DNA promoter methylation status in chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Zhang F. , Fan Y.‐C. , Mu N.‐N , Zhao J. , Sun F.‐K. , Zhao Z.‐H. , Gao S. , Wang K. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryExportin 4 (XPO4) is a novel identified candidate tumour‐suppressor gene involved in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was aimed to determine the clinical features of XPO4 mRNA expression and promoter methylation status in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. PBMCs were isolated from 44 HCC, 38 liver cirrhosis (LC), 34 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and 17 healthy controls (HCs). The mRNA level and promoter methylation status of XPO4 were determined by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR and methylation‐specific PCR, respectively. XPO4 mRNA level of HCC patients was significantly lower compared with LC and CHB patients as well as HCs (all P < 0.01, respectively), and significant differences of the XPO4 mRNA level were found in LC and CHB group than in HCs (LC vs HCs, P < 0.01; CHB vs HCs, P < 0.05). Methylation rate of XPO4 promoter was significantly increased in patients with HCC than in patients with CHB and HCs (both P < 0.05). DNA methylation pattern was responsible for the suppression of XPO4 transcription in the progression of HBV infection (P = 0.000). Furthermore, AFP level was significantly higher in HCC patients with XPO4 methylation than in those without methylation ((8702 ± 15635) μm vs (1052 ± 5370) μm, P < 0.05). In conclusion, transcription of XPO4 gene was gradually decreased and methylation rate of XPO4 promoter was increased with the progression of HBV infection. Methylation status of XPO4 in PBMCs tended to be a noninvasive biomarker to predict HCC and the progression of HBV infection.
Biomass and estimated production rates of metazoan zooplankton community in a tropical coral reef of Malaysia
Authors: Nakajima Ryota , Yoshida Teruaki , Othman Bin Haji Ross , Toda Tatsuki 
Published: July 2013

AbstractQuantitative research on composition, biomass and production rates of zooplankton community is crucial to understand the trophic structure in coral reef pelagic ecosystems. In the present study, micro‐ (35–100 μm) and net‐ (>100 μm) metazooplankton were investigated in a fringing coral reef at Tioman Island of Malaysia. Sampling was done during the day and night in August and October 2004, and February and June 2005. The mean biomass of total metazooplankton (i.e. micro + net) was 3.42 ± 0.64 mg C·m−3, ranging from 2.32 ± 0.75 mg C·m−3 in October to 3.26 ± 1.77 mg C·m−3 in August. The net‐zooplankton biomass exhibited a nocturnal increase from daytime at 131–264% due to the addition of both pelagic and reef‐associated zooplankton into the water column. The estimated daily production rates of the total metazooplankton community were on average 1.80 ± 0.57 mg C·m−3·day−1, but this increased to 2.51 ± 1.06 mg C·m−3·day−1 if house production of larvaceans was taken into account. Of the total production rate, the secondary and tertiary production rates were 2.20 ± 1.03 and 0.30 ± 0.06 mg C·m−3·day−1, respectively. We estimated the food requirements of zooplankton in order to examine the trophic structure of the pelagic ecosystem. The secondary production may not be satisfied by phytoplankton alone in the study area and the shortfall may be supplied by other organic sources such as detritus.
Thermal sensitivity of native and invasive seabreams
Authors: Vinagre Catarina , Narciso Luís , Cabral Henrique N. , Costa Maria J. , Rosa Rui 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis study compared the mortality and metabolic response of the Senegal seabream, Diplodus bellottii, an African species recently reported in Southern Europe and the white seabream Diplodus sargus, a native species, across a range of temperatures. The temperatures tested were 18, 26, 28 and 30 °C. Mortality was zero at 18 °C and very low at all other temperatures for both species, with the exception of D. bellottii, which experienced 32% mortality at 30 °C. Metabolic rates increased steadily with increasing temperatures, with a steep increase at 30 °C for D. bellottii. Thermal sensitivity ranged between 2 and 3 for both species and for all thermal intervals, with the exception of the thermal sensitivity between 28 and 30 °C for D. bellottii, which was 7. It was concluded that D. bellottii is under thermal stress at 30 °C. Diplodus bellottii may have expanded its distribution northwards due to an increase in sea surface temperatures. However, further warming may result in habitat loss for the juveniles, since Southern European estuarine systems will reach temperatures that may lead to lower fitness in juveniles of this species.
Inferring asteroid surface properties from radar albedos and circular‐polarization ratios
Authors: Virkki A. , Muinonen K. , Penttilä A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe model electromagnetic scattering from varying closely packed random aggregates of spheres imitating piles of rocks on the surface of an asteroid. We utilize the Multiple Sphere T‐Matrix Method software to study how different parameters affect the radar albedo and the circular‐polarization ratio, for example, the size distribution and electric permittivities of the spherical particles forming the aggregates, and to see if the computed radar albedos and circular‐polarization ratios can be linked to the observational data of asteroids detected using radar. The results of the simulations show the radar albedo and the circular‐polarization ratio as a function of size parameter for different silicate minerals, including anorthosite, peridotite olivine, and basalt. A direct vacuum‐rock surface interface will be considered as well as an approximation for a case in which the rocks are covered by a layer of powdered material, that is, fine regolith. The promising results show values on the range of observed values and imply that the highest circular‐polarization values (μc > 1) are measurable only for targets with surface material of high electric permittivity (ε′ > 4.0). However, the asteroid surface model requires further development before more robust conclusions can be made of the surface chemical and structural composition.
Thermal processing and crystallization of amorphous Mg‐Ca silicates
Authors: Day Sarah J. , Thompson Stephen P. , Evans Aneurin , Parker Julia E. , Connor Leigh D. , Tang Chiu C. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe structural evolution of sol–gel‐produced amorphous Mg(x)Ca(1–x)SiO3 silicates is investigated. Mid‐IR Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and synchrotron X‐ray diffraction are used to confirm the amorphous nature of the as‐prepared silicates, while subsequent in situ synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction measurements are used to study the evolution of crystalline mineral phases as a function of annealing temperature. Multiple silicate phases, including diopside, enstatite, forsterite, and SiO2, are identified, while Rietveld (i.e., structure) refinement of the diffraction data is used to quantify phase change relationships. Investigated as possible analogs for the refractory dust grain materials likely to have been present in the early solar nebula, the likely relevance of these investigations to the observed silicate compositions of chondritic meteorites and cometary bodies and the processing of their precursor materials is discussed.
Restriction to large‐scale gene flow vs. regional panmixia among cold seep Escarpia spp. (Polychaeta, Siboglinidae)
Authors: Cowart Dominique A. , Huang Chunya , Arnaud‐Haond Sophie , Carney Susan L. , Fisher Charles R. , Schaeffer Stephen W. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe history of colonization and dispersal in fauna distributed among deep‐sea chemosynthetic ecosystems remains enigmatic and poorly understood because of an inability to mark and track individuals. A combination of molecular, morphological and environmental data improves understanding of spatial and temporal scales at which panmixia, disruption of gene flow or even speciation may occur. Vestimentiferan tubeworms of the genus Escarpia are important components of deep ‐sea cold seep ecosystems, as they provide long‐term habitat for many other taxa. Three species of Escarpia, Escarpia spicata [Gulf of California (GoC)], Escarpia laminata [Gulf of Mexico (GoM)] and Escarpia southwardae (West African Cold Seeps), have been described based on morphology, but are not discriminated through the use of mitochondrial markers (cytochrome oxidase subunit 1; large ribosomal subunit rDNA, 16S; cytochrome b). Here, we also sequenced the exon‐primed intron‐crossing Haemoglobin subunit B2 intron and genotyped 28 microsatellites to (i) determine the level of genetic differentiation, if any, among the three geographically separated entities and (ii) identify possible population structure at the regional scale within the GoM and West Africa. Results at the global scale support the occurrence of three genetically distinct groups. At the regional scale among eight sampling sites of E. laminata (n = 129) and among three sampling sites of E. southwardae (n = 80), no population structure was detected. These findings suggest that despite the patchiness and isolation of seep habitats, connectivity is high on regional scales.
Population genetics of Wolbachia‐infected, parthenogenetic and uninfected, sexual populations of Tetrastichus coeruleus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)
Authors: Reumer Barbara M. , van Alphen Jacques J. M. , Kraaijeveld Ken 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWolbachia are endosymbiotic bacteria known to manipulate the reproduction of their hosts. These manipulations are expected to have consequences on the population genetics of the host, such as heterozygosity levels, genetic diversity and gene flow. The parasitoid wasp Tetrastichus coeruleus has populations that are infected with parthenogenesis‐inducing Wolbachia and populations that are not infected. We studied the population genetics of T. coeruleus between and within Wolbachia‐infected and uninfected populations, using nuclear microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA. We expected reduced genetic diversity in both DNA types in infected populations. However, migration and gene flow could introduce new DNA variants into populations. We therefore paid special attention to individuals with unexpected (genetic) characteristics. Based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, two genetic clusters were evident: a thelytokous cluster containing all Wolbachia‐infected, parthenogenetic populations and an arrhenotokous cluster containing all uninfected, sexual populations. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA did not exhibit concordant patterns of variation, although there was reduced genetic diversity in infected populations for both DNA types. Within the thelytokous cluster, there was nuclear DNA variation, but no mitochondrial DNA variation. This nuclear DNA variation may be explained by occasional sex between infected females and males, by horizontal transmission of Wolbachia, and/or by novel mutations. Several females from thelytokous populations were uninfected and/or heterozygous for microsatellite loci. These unexpected characteristics may be explained by migration, by inefficient transmission of Wolbachia, by horizontal transmission of Wolbachia, and/or by novel mutations. However, migration has not prevented the build‐up of considerable genetic differentiation between thelytokous and arrhenotokous populations.
Alternative sigma factor RpoN and its modulation protein YhbH are indispensable for Erwinia amylovora virulence
Authors: Ancona Veronica , Li Wenting , Zhao Youfu 
Published: July 2013

SummaryIn Erwinia amylovora, ECF (extracytoplasmic functions) alternative sigma factor HrpL regulates the transcription of hrp (hypersensitive response and pathogenicity)‐type III secretion system (T3SS) genes by binding to a consensus sequence known as the hrp box in hrp gene promoters. In turn, the expression of hrpL has been proposed to be positively controlled by alternative sigma factor 54 (σ54) (RpoN) and HrpS, a member of the σ54 enhancer‐binding proteins (EBPs). However, the function of RpoN has not been characterized genetically in E. amylovora. In this study, we investigated the role of RpoN, a nitrogen limitation sigma factor, and its modulation protein YhbH, a novel ribosome‐associated protein, in E. amylovora virulence. Our results showed that mutations in hrpS, hrpL, rpoN and yhbH, but not yfiA and rmf3, resulted in a nonpathogenic phenotype on immature pear fruits and apple shoots. Consistently, the expression of T3SS genes, including hrpL, dspE, hrpN and hrpA, was barely detected in hrpS, hrpL, rpoN and yhbH mutants. These mutants were also not capable of eliciting a hypersensitive response (HR) on tobacco; however, the overexpression of hrpL using an inducible promoter rescued the HR‐eliciting abilities of these mutants. These results suggest that a sigma factor cascade exists in the regulatory networks of E. amylovora and regulates important virulence factors. On the basis of this study and previously reported data, a model is proposed for the regulation of T3SS in E. amylovora.
The Development of Schenker's Concept of Interruption
Authors: Marston Nicholas 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis article draws on the rich resources of Heinrich Schenker's Nachlass in the Ernst Oster Collection (New York Public Library) to construct the development of interruption (Unterbrechung), a vital aspect of Schenker's mature understanding of musical form. In §90 of Der freie Satz (1935) Schenker makes a crucial distinction between the structural weight of the two configurations in an interrupted Ursatz, and gives priority to the first one: the effect of interruption depends on the sense that this will be succeeded by , rather than by the return to that is actually forthcoming. Subsequently, in §93, Schenker claims that the reasserted connects back to its first appearance, prior to the first arrival of . The article explores the tension between these two claims in relation to and Ursätze and reconstructs preliminary versions of the text relating to interruption in Der freie Satz. It concludes by suggesting that Schenker's shifting notation of interrupted structures reflects a continuing uneasiness with his own definition of interruption as a theoretical concept.
GLI2 cooperates with ZEB1 for transcriptional repression of CDH1 expression in human melanoma cells
Authors: Perrot Carole Y. , Gilbert Cristèle , Marsaud Véronique , Postigo Antonio , Javelaud Delphine , Mauviel Alain 
Published: July 2013

SummaryIn melanoma cells, high expression of the transcription factor GLI2 is associated with increased invasive potential and loss of E‐cadherin expression, an event reminiscent of the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Herein, we provide evidence that GLI2 represses E‐cadherin gene (CDH1) expression in melanoma cells via distinct mechanisms, enhancing transcription of the EMT‐activator ZEB1 and cooperative repression of CDH1 gene transcription via direct binding of both GLI2 and ZEB1 to two closely positioned Kruppel‐like factor‐binding sites within the CDH1 promoter. GLI2 silencing rescued CDH1 expression except in melanoma cell lines in which the CDH1 promoter was hypermethylated. Proximity ligation assays identified GLI2–ZEB1 complexes in melanoma cell nuclei, proportional to endogenous GLI2 and ZEB1 expression, and whose accumulation was enhanced by the classical EMT inducer TGF‐β. These data identify GLI2 as a critical modulator of the cadherin switch in melanoma, a molecular process that is critical for metastatic spread of the disease.
Cognitive Penetrability of Perception
Authors: Stokes Dustin 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPerception is typically distinguished from cognition. For example, seeing is importantly different from believing. And while what one sees clearly influences what one thinks, it is debatable whether what one believes and otherwise thinks can influence, in some direct and non‐trivial way, what one sees. The latter possible relation is the cognitive penetration of perception. Cognitive penetration, if it occurs, has implications for philosophy of science, epistemology, philosophy of mind, and cognitive science. This paper offers an analysis of the phenomenon, its theoretical consequences, and a variety of experimental results and possible interpretations of them. The paper concludes by proposing some constraints for analyses and definitions of cognitive penetrability.
Content, Mood, and Force
Authors: Recanati Francois 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn this survey paper, I start from two classical theses of speech act theory: that speech act content is uniformly propositional and that sentence mood encodes illocutionary force. These theses have been questioned in recent work, both in philosophy and linguistics. The force/content distinction itself – a cornerstone of 20‐century philosophy of language – has come to be rejected by some theorists, unmoved by the famous ‘Frege–Geach’ argument. The paper reviews some of these debates.
Study of Sperm Concentration, Seminal Plasma Composition and their Physiological Correlation in the Persian Sturgeon, Acipenser persicus
Authors: Aramli MS , Kalbassi MR , Nazari RM 
Published: July 2013

ContentsThe objectives of the present study were to determine ionic and organic composition of seminal plasma, sperm concentration and their relationships in the Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus). In this regard, ionic content (Na+, K+, Cl−, Ca2+ and Mg2+) and organic content (total protein, glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride) along with sperm concentration were measured in 17 specimens of the Persian sturgeon. The seminal plasma contained 59.53 ± 2.56 mm/l sodium, 9.1 ± 1.42 mm chloride, 4.72 ± 0.3 mm potassium, 1.45 ± 0.075 mm calcium and 0.7 ± 0.072 mm magnesium. The following organic contents were found: total protein 0.11 ± 0.02 g/dl, glucose 22.18 ± 4.16 mg/dl, cholesterol 6.67 ± 1.04 mg/dl and triglyceride 15.2 ± 0.65 mg/dl. The mean sperm concentration was estimated to be 1.6 ± 0.12 (×109 sperm/ml). A significant relationship was found between sperm concentration and K+ of seminal plasma (r = 0.533, p < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between ionic contents: Na+ vs Cl− (r = −0.854, p < 0.01) and Mg2+ vs K+ (−0.583, p < 0.05). Also, level of triglyceride was negatively correlated with Mg2+ (r = −0.503, p < 0.05). Presented data could be considered as a complementary study for developing special extenders and protectant solutions for improving artificial fertilization in this valuable species.