bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor-Associated Macrophages Regulate Murine Breast Cancer Stem Cells Through a Novel Paracrine EGFR/Stat3/Sox-2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Jian , Liao Debbie , Chen Cong , Liu Yan , Chuang Tsung-Hsien , Xiang Rong , Markowitz Dorothy , Reisfeld Ralph A. , Luo Yunping 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis has gained significant recognition as a descriptor of tumorigenesis. Additionally, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are known to promote growth and metastasis of breast cancer. However, it is not known whether TAMs mediate tumorigenesis through regulation of breast CSCs. Here, we report that TAMs promote CSC-like phenotypes in murine breast cancer cells by upregulating their expression of Sox-2. These CSC-like phenotypes were characterized by increased Sox-2, Oct-4, Nanog, AbcG2, and Sca-1 gene expression, in addition to increased drug-efflux capacity, resistance to chemotherapy, and increased tumorigenicity in vivo. Downregulation of Sox-2 in tumor cells by siRNA blocked the ability of TAMs to induce these CSC-like phenotypes and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, we identified a novel epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Stat3)/Sox-2 paracrine signaling pathway between macrophages and mouse breast cancer cells that is required for macrophage-induced upregulation of Sox-2 and CSC phenotypes in tumor cells. We showed that this crosstalk was effectively blocked by the small molecule inhibitors AG1478 or CDDO-Im against EGFR and Stat3, respectively. Therefore, our report identifies a novel role for TAMs in breast CSC regulation and establishes a rationale for targeting the EGFR/Stat3/Sox-2 signaling pathway for CSC therapy.
Prostaglandin E2 Increases Hematopoietic Stem Cell Survival and Accelerates Hematopoietic Recovery After Radiation Injury
Authors: Porter Rebecca L. , Georger Mary A. , Bromberg Olga , McGrath Kathleen E. , Frisch Benjamin J. , Becker Michael W. , Calvi Laura M. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), which continuously maintain all mature blood cells, are regulated within the marrow microenvironment. We previously reported that pharmacologic treatment of naïve mice with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expands HSPCs. However, the cellular mechanisms mediating this expansion remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that PGE2 treatment in naïve mice inhibits apoptosis of HSPCs without changing their proliferation rate. In a murine model of sublethal total body irradiation (TBI), in which HSPCs are rapidly lost, treatment with a long-acting PGE2 analog (dmPGE2) reversed the apoptotic program initiated by TBI. dmPGE2 treatment in vivo decreased the loss of functional HSPCs following radiation injury, as demonstrated both phenotypically and by their increased reconstitution capacity. The antiapoptotic effect of dmPGE2 on HSPCs did not impair their ability to differentiate in vivo, resulting instead in improved hematopoietic recovery after TBI. dmPGE2 also increased microenvironmental cyclooxygenase-2 expression and expanded the α-smooth muscle actin-expressing subset of marrow macrophages, thus enhancing the bone marrow microenvironmental response to TBI. Therefore, in vivo treatment with PGE2 analogs may be particularly beneficial to HSPCs in the setting of injury by targeting them both directly and also through their niche. The current data provide rationale for in vivo manipulation of the HSPC pool as a strategy to improve recovery after myelosuppression.
Obese rats with deficient leptin signaling exhibit heightened sensitivity to olfactory food cues
Authors: Thanos Panayotis K. , Robison Lisa S. , Robinson John K. , Michaelides Michael , Wang Gene‐JACK , Volkow Nora D. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe Zucker rat is used as a model of genetic obesity, and while Zucker rats have been well studied for their reduced sensitivity to leptin signaling and subsequent weight gain, little work has examined their responses to environmental signals that are associated with “hedonic” feeding. This study evaluated the effects of a high‐fat food olfactory cue (bacon) in stimulating nose‐poke food‐seeking behavior on first exposure (novel) and after a period of access for consumption (familiar) in lean and obese Zucker rats at either 4 or 12 months of age, and under ad‐lib fed (unrestricted; U) or chronically food‐restricted (70% of ad‐lib; R) conditions. Baseline nose‐poke levels were comparable amongst all groups. At 4 months of age, only ObU rats displayed increased behavioral activation to familiar food cues. Twelve‐month‐old Ob rats, regardless of diet, exhibited substantially greater food‐seeking behavior when exposed to both the novel and familiar olfactory cues. A strong positive correlation between body weight and nose‐poke entries for the familiar food cue was observed at both ages, while this correlation for the novel food cue was significant in 12–month‐old rats only. Similarly, there were strong positive correlations between food intake and poke entries for the familiar food cue was observed at both ages, while this correlation for the novel food cue was significant in 12–month‐old rats only. Although it is possible that differences in olfactory sensitivity contribute to these behavioral effects, our findings support the interactions between food intake, obesity, and food‐seeking behavior and are consistent with leptin inhibiting the brain's reactivity to food cues and suggest that the enhanced sensitivity to the food cues with leptin deficiency is likely to contribute to overeating and weight gain. Synapse, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Channel estimation algorithms for cooperative spectrum sensing in amplify‐and‐forward cooperative system
Authors: Wu Xuan‐Li , Luo Mingxin , Liu Kai , Shen Qinghua 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTIn amplify‐and‐forward (AF)‐based cooperative spectrum sensing system, the bit‐error‐rate (BER) performance and detection probability will decrease because of the existence of channel estimation error. In this paper, the influence of channel estimation error on system performance is firstly deduced, and then, linear minimum mean‐square error (LMMSE) channel estimation algorithm with filtering delay time‐domain windowing (LMMSE‐filtering‐DTW) technique and modified singular value decomposition‐based LMMSE algorithm are proposed to improve the channel estimation performance for code division multiple access system and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system in AF cooperative scenario, respectively. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the two proposed channel estimation algorithms in cooperative spectrum sensing, and when Eb/ N0 is bigger than 20 dB, given the required false alarm probability smaller than 15%, the difference of detection probability between the channel obtained using the proposed channel estimation algorithms and the ideal channel is less than 2.5%, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity of southern California wind energy to turbine characteristics
Authors: Capps Scott B. , Hall Alex , Hughes Mimi 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTUsing output from a high‐resolution meteorological simulation, we evaluate the sensitivity of southern California wind energy generation to variations in key characteristics of current wind turbines. These characteristics include hub height, rotor diameter and rated power, and depend on turbine make and model. They shape the turbine's power curve and thus have large implications for the energy generation capacity of wind farms. For each characteristic, we find complex and substantial geographical variations in the sensitivity of energy generation. However, the sensitivity associated with each characteristic can be predicted by a single corresponding climate statistic, greatly simplifying understanding of the relationship between climate and turbine optimization for energy production. In the case of the sensitivity to rotor diameter, the change in energy output per unit change in rotor diameter at any location is directly proportional to the weighted average wind speed between the cut‐in speed and the rated speed. The sensitivity to rated power variations is likewise captured by the percent of the wind speed distribution between the turbines rated and cut‐out speeds. Finally, the sensitivity to hub height is proportional to lower atmospheric wind shear. Using a wind turbine component cost model, we also evaluate energy output increase per dollar investment in each turbine characteristic. We find that rotor diameter increases typically provide a much larger wind energy boost per dollar invested, although there are some zones where investment in the other two characteristics is competitive. Our study underscores the need for joint analysis of regional climate, turbine engineering and economic modeling to optimize wind energy production. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The experience of artificial urinary sphincter implantation by a single surgeon in 15 years
Authors: Shen Yuan‐Chi , Chiang Po‐Hui 
Published: November 2012

AbstractArtificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is the gold standard treatment for urinary incontinence owing to sphincter incompetence. We reviewed our experience in AUS implantation. From 1995 to 2009, 19 patients underwent 25 AUS implantations performed by a single surgeon. The cause of incontinence was sphincter incompetence, which was secondary to prostate surgery, neurogenic bladder, radiation, and post‐traumatic urethral lesion. Twenty‐three prostheses were placed in the bulbar urethra for male patients: 11 AUS cuffs were placed through the perineal approach and 12 through the penoscrotal approach. Two procedures were applied over the bladder neck for the female patients. Through a retrospective review of charts, continence and complications were analyzed. The mean follow‐up time was 50.0 ± 42.9 months (range: 2–146 months). There were 16 successful surgeries (64%), and these patients were free from the need for a pad. In eight surgeries (32%), the devices were removed due to infection, while one implantation (4%) was unsuccessful due to perforation into the bulbar urethra. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.024) in failure rates between patients who received radiotherapy (100%) and other patients (22.7%). There was no statistically significant difference in dry and revision rates (p > 0.05) between the perineal and penoscrotal approach. Accordingly, over half of the patients with total incontinence benefitted from AUS implantation. In consideration of the high failure rate for patients receiving radiotherapy, caution should be exercised in the use of implantation. Secondary implantation has a satisfactory success rate in selected patients. The same success rate was noted for both perineal and penoscrotal approaches.
ONE-POINT EXTENSIONS AND LOCAL TOPOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: KOUSHESH M. R. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA space $Y$ is called an extension of a space $X$ if $Y$ contains $X$ as a dense subspace. An extension $Y$ of $X$ is called a one-point extension of $X$ if $Y\setminus X$ is a singleton. P. Alexandroff proved that any locally compact non-compact Hausdorff space $X$ has a one-point compact Hausdorff extension, called the one-point compactification of $X$. Motivated by this, Mrówka and Tsai [‘On local topological properties. II’, Bull. Acad. Polon. Sci. Sér. Sci. Math. Astronom. Phys.19 (1971), 1035–1040] posed the following more general question: For what pairs of topological properties ${\mathscr P}$ and ${\mathscr Q}$ does a locally-${\mathscr P}$ space $X$ having ${\mathscr Q}$ possess a one-point extension having both ${\mathscr P}$ and ${\mathscr Q}$? Here, we provide an answer to this old question.
ON THE REGULAR DIGRAPH OF IDEALS OF COMMUTATIVE RINGS
Authors: AFKHAMI M. , KARIMI M. , KHASHYARMANESH K. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractLet$R$be a commutative ring. The regular digraph of ideals of$R$, denoted by$\Gamma (R)$, is a digraph whose vertex set is the set of all nontrivial ideals of$R$and, for every two distinct vertices$I$and$J$, there is an arc from$I$to$J$whenever$I$contains a nonzero divisor on$J$. In this paper, we study the connectedness of$\Gamma (R)$. We also completely characterise the diameter of this graph and determine the number of edges in$\Gamma (R)$, whenever$R$is a finite direct product of fields. Among other things, we prove that$R$has a finite number of ideals if and only if$\mathrm {N}_{\Gamma (R)}(I)$is finite, for all vertices$I$in$\Gamma (R)$, where$\mathrm {N}_{\Gamma (R)}(I)$is the set of all adjacent vertices to$I$in$\Gamma (R)$.
Selenium inclusion decreases oxidative stress indicators and muscle injuries in sea bass larvae fed high-DHA microdiets
Authors: Betancor Mónica B. , Caballero M , Terova Genciana , Saleh Reda , Atalah Eyad , Benítez-Santana Tibiábin , Bell J. Gordon , Izquierdo Marisol 
Published: November 2012

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of Se inclusion in high-DHA and vitamin E microdiets (5 g DHA/100 g dry weight and 300 mg vitamin E/100 g dry weight; 5 g DHA/100 g dry weight and 300 mg vitamin E/100 g dry weight supplemented with Se) in comparison with a control diet (1 g DHA/100 g dry weight and 150 mg vitamin E/100 g dry weight) on sea bass larval growth, survival, biochemical composition, malonaldehyde (MDA) content, muscle morphology and antioxidant enzymes (AOE), insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and myosin expression. For a given DHA and vitamin E dietary content, Se inclusion favoured larval total length and specific growth rate, and reduced the incidence of muscular lesions, MDA contents and AOE gene expression. In contrast, IGF gene expression was elevated in the 5/300 larvae, suggesting an increased muscle mitogenesis that was corroborated by the increase in mRNA copies of myosin heavy chain. The results of the present study denoted the beneficial effect of Se not only in preventing oxidative stress, as a glutathione peroxidase cofactor, but probably due to other as yet unknown physiological functions.
Acute effects of mustard, horseradish, black pepper and ginger on energy expenditure, appetite,ad libitumenergy intake and energy balance in human subjects
Authors: Gregersen N. T. , Belza A. , Jensen M. G. , Ritz C. , Bitz C. , Hels O. , Frandsen E. , Mela D. J. , Astrup A. 
Published: November 2012

Chilli peppers have been shown to enhance diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) and reduce energy intake (EI) in some studies, but there are few data on other pungent spices. The primary aim of the present study was to test the acute effects of black pepper (pepper), ginger, horseradish and mustard in a meal on 4 h postprandial DIT. The secondary aim was to examine the effects on subjective appetite measures,ad libitumEI and energy balance. In a five-way placebo-controlled, single-blind, cross-over trial, twenty-two young (age 24·9 (sd4·6) years), normal-weight (BMI 21·8 (sd2·1) kg/m2) males were randomly assigned to receive a brunch meal with either pepper (1·3 g), ginger (20 g), horseradish (8·3 g), mustard (21 g) or no spices (placebo). The amounts of spices were chosen from pre-testing to make the meal spicy but palatable. No significant treatment effects were observed on DIT, but mustard produced DIT, which tended to be larger than that of placebo (14 %, 59 (se3)v.52 (se2) kJ/h, respectively,P= 0·08). No other spice induced thermogenic effects approaching statistical significance. Subjective measures of appetite (P>0·85),ad libitumEI (P= 0·63) and energy balance (P= 0·67) also did not differ between the treatments. Finally, horseradish decreased heart rate (P= 0·048) and increased diastolic blood pressure (P= 0·049) compared with placebo. In conclusion, no reliable treatment effects on appetite, EI or energy balance were observed, although mustard tended to be thermogenic at this dose. Further studies should explore the possible strength and mechanisms of the potential thermogenic effect of mustard actives, and potential enhancement by, for example, combinations with other food components.
Hypotensive and heart rate-lowering effects in rats receiving milk fermented by specific Lactococcus lactis strains
Authors: Rodríguez-Figueroa J. C. , González-Córdova A. F. , Astiazaran-García H. , Vallejo-Cordoba B. 
Published: November 2012

Previous studies have demonstrated that milk fermented by specific Lactococcus lactis strains significantly inhibits the activity of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). However, the relationship between the ACE inhibitor and its in vivo action has revealed discrepancies. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the antihypertensive and heart rate (HR)-lowering effect of milk fermented by specific L. lactis in a murine model. Spontaneously hypertensive male rats (271 (SD14) g) were randomised into four treatment groups that were orally administered with milk fermented by L. lactis NRRL B-50 571 or L. lactis NRRL B-50 572 at 35 or 50 mg protein/kg body weight (BW), respectively. Further, two more groups were fed with different solutions as controls: a saline solution as the negative control and Captopril™ (40 mg/kg BW), a proven ACE inhibitor, as the positive control. Blood pressure and HR were monitored by the tail-cuff method before the treatments and at 2, 4, 6 and 24 h post-oral administration. The results demonstrated that milk fermented by L. lactis NRRL B-50 571 as well as by L. lactis NRRL B-50 572 presented an important systolic and diastolic blood pressure- and HR-lowering effect. Thus, milk fermented by specific L. lactis strains may present potential benefits in the prevention and treatment of CVD associated with hypertension in humans.
Validation of a Mexican food photograph album as a tool to visually estimate food amounts in adolescents
Authors: Bernal-Orozco M. Fernanda , Vizmanos-Lamotte Barbara , Rodríguez-Rocha Norma P. , Macedo-Ojeda Gabriela , Orozco-Valerio María , Rovillé-Sausse Françoise , León-Estrada Sandra , Márquez-Sandoval Fabiola , Fernández-Ballart Joan D. 
Published: November 2012

The aim of the present study was to validate a food photograph album (FPA) as a tool to visually estimate food amounts, and to compare this estimation with that attained through the use of measuring cups (MC) and food models (FM). We tested 163 foods over fifteen sessions (thirty subjects/session; 10–12 foods presented in two portion sizes, 20–24 plates/session). In each session, subjects estimated food amounts with the assistance of FPA, MC and FM. We compared (by portion and method) the mean estimated weight and the mean real weight. We also compared the percentage error estimation for each portion, and the mean food percentage error estimation between methods. In addition, we determined the percentage error estimation of each method. We included 463 adolescents from three public high schools (mean age 17·1 (sd1·2) years, 61·8 % females). All foods were assessed using FPA, 53·4 % of foods were assessed using MC, and FM was used for 18·4 % of foods. The mean estimated weight with all methods was statistically different compared with the mean real weight for almost all foods. However, a lower percentage error estimation was observed using FPA (2·3v. 56·9 % for MC and 325 % for FM,P< 0·001). Also, when analysing error rate ranges between methods, there were more observations (P< 0·001) with estimation errors higher than 40 % with the MC (56·1 %), than with the FPA (27·5 %) and FM (44·9 %). In conclusion, although differences between estimated and real weight were statistically significant for almost all foods, comparisons between methods showed FPA to be the most accurate tool for estimating food amounts.
Vitamin D in pregnancy at high latitude in Scotland
Authors: Haggarty Paul , Campbell Doris M. , Knox Susan , Horgan Graham W. , Hoad Gwen , Boulton Emma , McNeill Geraldine , Wallace Alan M. 
Published: November 2012

The aims of the present study were to determine compliance with current advice on vitamin D and to assess the influence of season, dietary intake, supplement use and deprivation on vitamin D status in pregnant mothers and newborns in the north of Scotland where sunlight exposure is low. Pregnant women (n 1205) and their singleton newborns were studied in the Aberdeen Maternity Hospital (latitude 57°N) between 2000 and 2006. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were measured at 19 weeks of gestation in mothers and at delivery in newborns. During pregnancy, 21·0 (95 % CI 18·5, 23·5) % of women took vitamin D supplements. The median intake was 5 μg/d and only 0·6 (95 % CI 0·1, 1·0) % took the recommended 10 μg/d. Supplement use, adjusted for season, dietary intake and deprivation, significantly increased maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) by 10·5 (95 % CI 5·7, 15·2) nmol/l (P< 0·001); however, there was no significant effect on cord 25(OH)D (1·4 (95 % CI − 1·8, 4·5) nmol/l). The biggest influence on both maternal and cord 25(OH)D was season of birth (P< 0·001). Compared with the least deprived women (top three deciles), the most deprived pregnancies (bottom three deciles) were characterised by a significantly lower seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D ( − 11·6 (95 % CI − 7·5, − 15·7) nmol/l in the mother and − 5·8 (95 % CI − 2·3, − 9·4) nmol/l in the cord), and a lower level of supplement use (10 (95 % CI 4, 17) v. 23 (95 % CI 20, 26) %). More should be done to promote vitamin D supplement use in pregnancy but the critical importance of endogenous vitamin D synthesis, and known adaptations of fat metabolism specific to pregnancy, suggest that safe sun advice may be a useful additional strategy, even at high latitude.
Exercise enhancement of hepatic insulin-sensitising substance-mediated glucose uptake in diet-induced prediabetic rats
Authors: Chowdhury Kawshik K. , Legare Dallas J. , Lautt W. Wayne 
Published: November 2012

The sensitisation of insulin action in response to a meal (i.e. meal-induced insulin sensitisation, MIS) represents one of the major means of increased glucose disposal in peripheral tissues during the postprandial state. MIS occurs when the release of hepatic insulin-sensitising substance (HISS) stimulates skeletal muscle glucose uptake. Our previous study had demonstrated that the HISS pathway is impaired in age-associated insulin resistance, and in the rats which were part of that study, voluntary exercise improved the response to insulin by restoring HISS action. The present study tests the hypothesis that voluntary exercise would reverse insulin resistance in diet-induced models of insulin resistance, and that the benefits are attributed through the improvement in HISS action. In this study, two experimental diets, a high-fat diet (for 4 weeks) and 35 % sucrose solution (for 9 and 16 weeks), were used to induce insulin resistance in rats. These rats were assigned to the exercise/no-exercise intervention. The effect of 7 d voluntary running-wheel exercise was determined by measuring insulin- and HISS action in the exercised rats and comparing them with the non-exercised controls. Voluntary exercise reversed insulin resistance, caused by dietary manipulation, through restoration of the HISS action. The direct insulin action was not changed by either diet or exercise. The metabolic improvements and reduced adiposity correlated with the extent of reversal of HISS action induced by exercise. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity in diet-induced insulin resistance primarily by restoration of HISS-mediated glucose uptake.