bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase in endothelin‐1‐induced cardiac differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Chen Ming , Lin Yong‐Qing , Xie Shuang‐Lun , Wang Jing‐Feng 
Published: November 2010

AbstractEndothelin‐1(ET‐1) is a potent vasoconstrictor involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases and is an important regulator of heart development. However, the role of ET‐1 in cardiac differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In the present study, we showed that ET‐1 significantly up‐regulated gene expression of the cardiac specific transcriptional factors Nkx2.5, GATA4, and conduction system specific marker CX40, with no affect on the gene expression of α‐MHC and β‐MHC in cardiac differentiation of mESCs. The percentage of beating embryoid bodies (EB) and the Troponin T (TnT) positive area in total EBs was unchanged following ET‐1 treatment, while the percentage of spindle cells that stained positively with TnT was increased in the presence of ET‐1. Further investigation indicated that the percentage of beating EBs and the TnT positive area were decreased by the extracellular signal‐related kinases (ERK)‐1/2 inhibitor U0126 and the p38 inhibitor SB203580, but not by the Jun amino‐terminal kinases (JNK) inhibitor SP600125. Inhibition of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK pathways also blocked the up‐regulation of Nkx2.5 and GATA4 by ET‐1, however only inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway had negatively effects on the increase in CX40 expression in response to ET‐1. ET‐1 induced an increase in the percentage of spindle cells was also inhibited by U0126. Our results suggest that ET‐1 plays a significant role in the cardiac differentiation of mESCs, especially in those cells committed to the conduction system, with the ERK1/2 pathway playing a critical role in this process. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1619–1628, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different apoptotic effects of wogonin via induction of H2O2 generation and Ca2+ overload in malignant hepatoma and normal hepatic cells
Authors: Wei Libin , Lu Na , Dai Qinsheng , Rong Jingjing , Chen Yan , Li Zhiyu , You Qidong , Guo Qinglong 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWogonin, a major active constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis, possesses potent anticancer activities both in vivo and in vitro. This paper describes the different apoptotic effects of wogonin in HepG2 and L02 cells and the possible mechanism for the differences. Through DAPI staining, Annexin‐V/PI double‐staining assay, JC‐1 detection and the expressions of the key apoptotic proteins, we find that wogonin prefers to induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells through the mitochondrial pathway, while has much less effects on L02 cells. Moreover, overexpression of Bcl‐2 can block wogonin‐induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. To illustrate the specific selective mechanism of wogonin in apoptosis induction, H2O2, ·O and Ca2+ are measured by 2′,7′‐dichlorfluorescein‐diacetate, dihydroethidium and Flou‐3 AM assay, respectively. The results show that the different apoptotic effects of wogonin in HepG2 and L02 cells are due to the different regulations to the redox balance of reactive oxygen species and the Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum. IP3R‐sensitive Ca2+ channels are the key targets of the wogonin‐increased H2O2. Besides, the activation of PLCγ1 plays as a bridge between H2O2 signal molecules and Ca2+ release. Taken together, wogonin preferentially kills hepatoma cells by H2O2‐dependent apoptosis triggered by Ca2+ overload. The results reveal that wogonin is a competitive anticancer drug candidate for the malignant hepatoma therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1629–1641, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PRL‐3 phosphatase and cancer metastasis
Authors: Al‐Aidaroos Abdul Qader O. , Zeng Qi 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe deregulated expression of members of the phosphatase of regenerating liver (PRL) family has been implicated in the metastatic progression of multiple human cancers. Importantly, PRL‐1 and PRL‐3 both possess the capacity to drive key steps in metastatic progression. Yet, little is known about the regulation and oncogenic mechanisms of this emerging class of dual‐specificity phosphatases. This prospect article details the involvement of PRLs in the metastatic cascade, the regulatory mechanisms controlling PRL expression, and recent efforts in the characterization of PRL‐modulated pathways and substrates using biochemical and high‐throughput approaches. Current advances and future prospects in anti‐cancer therapy targeting this family are also discussed. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1087–1098, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cartilage viability and catabolism in the intact porcine knee following transarticular impact loading with and without articular fracture
Authors: Backus Jonathon D. , Furman Bridgette D. , Swimmer Troy , Kent Collin L. , McNulty Amy L. , DeFrate Louis E. , Guilak Farshid , Olson Steven A. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractPosttraumatic arthritis commonly develops following articular fracture. The objective of this study was to develop a closed joint model of transarticular impact with and without creation of an articular fracture that maintains the physiologic environment during loading. Fresh intact porcine knees were preloaded and impacted at 294 J via a drop track. Osteochondral cores were obtained from the medial and lateral aspects of the femoral condyles and tibial plateau. Chondrocyte viability was assessed at days 0, 3, and 5 postimpact in sham, impacted nonfractured, and impacted fractured joints. Total matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, aggrecanase (ADAMTS‐4) activity, and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (S‐GAG) release were measured in culture media from days 3 and 5 posttrauma. No differences were observed in chondrocyte viability of impacted nonfractured joints (95.9 ± 6.9%) when compared to sham joints (93.8 ± 7.7%). In impacted fractured joints, viability of the fractured edge was 40.5 ± 27.6% and significantly lower than all other sites, including cartilage adjacent to the fractured edge (p < 0.001). MMP and aggrecanase activity and S‐GAG release were significantly increased in specimens from the fractured edge. This study showed that joint impact resulting in articular fracture significantly decreased chondrocyte viability, increased production of MMPs and aggrecanases, and enhanced S‐GAG release, whereas the same level of impact without fracture did not cause such changes. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:501–510, 2011
Potential‐induced Raman behavior of individual (R)‐di‐2‐naphthylprolinol molecules on a Ag‐modified Ag electrode
Authors: Luo Zhixun , Yang Wensheng , Luo Yi , Peng Aidong , Ma Ying , Fu Hongbing , Yao Jiannian , Loo Boon H. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe applicability of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy is demonstrated to probe the adsorption behavior of individual molecules on a Ag electrode. High‐quality SERS spectra of (R)‐di‐2‐naphthylprolinol (DNP) were obtained from ultradilute solutions (10−12 M) on the Ag‐nanoparticle‐modified Ag electrode, which is attributed to the high electromagnetic (EM) effect of the SERS‐active system as well as to the strong adsorption and interaction of DNP molecules with Ag. The stable SERS spectra present remarkable potential dependence, which gives evidence for the behavior of individual DNP molecules on the Ag surface. Based on statistical analysis for the probability of DNP molecules located in ‘hot spots’, we propose an SERS mechanism for individual molecules in the electrode system, in combination with the hot‐spot model and orientation of the probe molecules. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some notes on the economic assessment of land degradation
Authors: Requier‐Desjardins M. , Adhikari B. , Sperlich S. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractEconomic factors are an important direct and indirect driver of desertification and land degradation, associated with market failures and the lack of appropriate economic policies to address these failures. Hence, economic and political instruments and mechanisms are required to modify the market in such a way that it encourages land owners to invest in sustainable land management (SLM) options and thereby help to combat land degradation. This article synthesizes the economic aspects of land degradation, first in a rather general way. It then discusses existing valuation methods used to assign economic values to land degradation including the resulting problems which in turn hamper cost–benefit analyses. Finally, based on these points a brief review is given of potential financial mechanisms to combat land degradation and promote SLM. The paper argues that valuation of the economic costs of land degradation and desertification would increase awareness of the extent of the land degradation phenomenon and its impacts on rural development and agriculture. This could also be a useful tool for decision‐making on sectoral orientations for development assistance targeted at desertification, land degradation and drought. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging left ventricular tissue mechanics and hemodynamics during supine bicycle exercise using a combined tagging and phase‐contrast MRI pulse sequence
Authors: Sampath Smita , Derbyshire John Andrew , Ledesma‐Carbayo Maria J. , McVeigh Elliot R. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractImaging the left ventricular mechanical and hemodynamic response to the stress of exercise may offer early prognosis in select patients with cardiac disease. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining simultaneous measurements of longitudinal strain and transvalvular blood velocity during supine bicycle exercise stress in a wide bore magnetic resonance scanner. Combining information from the two datasets, we observe that although the time to peak strain (33.28 ± 1.86 versus 25.7 ± 2.12 as % of R–R interval) and time to peak mitral inflow velocity (44.37 ± 5.21 versus 35.5 ± 4.19 as % of R–R interval) from R‐wave of the QRS complex occurred earlier during stress, the time from peak strain to peak mitral inflow velocity was not statistically different (16.5 ± 3.23 versus 13.4 ± 3.06). Further, the percentage of longitudinal relaxation at peak mitral inflow velocity was higher during stress (63.5 ± 7.72 versus 84.32 ± 6.24). These results suggest that although diastole is shortened, early diastolic filling efficiency is augmented during exercise stress in normal volunteers in an effort to maintain stroke volume. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three‐dimensional mapping of the B1 field using an optimized phase‐based method: Application to hyperpolarized 3He in lungs
Authors: Santoro Davide , Rivoire Julien , Meise Florian , Terekhov Maxim , Salhi Zahir , Gast Klaus , Schreiber Laura M. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractA novel method is presented for the three‐dimensional mapping of the B1‐field of a transmit radio‐frequency MR coil. The method is based on the acquisition of phase images, where the effective flip angle is encoded in the phase of the nonselective hard pulse excitation. The method involves the application of a rectangular composite pulse as excitation in a three‐dimensional gradient recall echo to produce measurable phase angle variation. However, such a pulse may significantly increase the radio‐frequency power deposition in excess of the standard acceptable SAR limits, imposing extremely long TRs (>100 msec), which would result in acquisition times significantly greater than a single breath‐hold. In this study, the phases of the radio‐frequency excitation are modified, resulting in a different pulse sequence scheme. It is shown that the new method increases sensitivity with respect to radio‐frequency inhomogeneities by up to 10 times, and reduces the total duration of the pulse so that three‐dimensional B1 mapping is possible with 3He in lungs within a single breath‐hold. Computer simulations demonstrate the increase in sensitivity. Phantom results with 1H MRI are used for validation. In vivo results are presented with hyperpolarized 3He in human lungs at 1.5T. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electroluminescent block copolymers containing oxadiazole and thiophene via ATRP
Authors: Yang Qian , Jin Hao , Xu Yiding , Shen Zhihao , Fan Xinghe , Zou Dechun , Zhou Qifeng 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBlock copolymers containing thiophene units in one block and oxadiazole (OXD) units in the other were prepared. Atom transfer radical polymerization method was used to obtain the thiophene‐containing mesogen‐jacketed polymers, and the kinetic study indicated that the polymerization was controllable and the polymers could be used to initiate the polymerization of the OXD‐containing monomers. Photoluminescent spectra indicated that the fluorescence quantum yields of the polymers increased with increasing content of OXD. And, more OXD domains, that is, more interfaces between the hole‐transport parts and electron‐transport parts, resulting in the higher probability of exciplex formation. The electroluminescent devices containing the block copolymer with 64 mol % OXD as the emissive layer had a maximum brightness of 127 cd/m2 and an extremely low onset voltage of 7.7 V, which indicated that the injection and transport of charge carriers were facilitated and the number of charge carriers was sufficiently high in early time after the voltage was turned on. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Regression of prostate tumors upon combination of hormone ablation therapy and celecoxib in vivo
Authors: Abedinpour Parisa , Baron Véronique T. , Welsh John , Borgström Per 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDHormonal ablation is the standard of treatment for advanced androgen‐dependent prostate cancer. Although tumor regression is usually achieved at first, the cancer inevitably evolves toward androgen‐independence, in part because of the development of mechanisms of resistance and in part because at the tissue level androgen withdrawal is not fully attained. Current research efforts are focused on new therapeutic strategies that will increase the effectiveness of androgen withdrawal and delay recurrence. We used a syngeneic pseudo‐orthotropic mouse model of prostate cancer to test the efficacy of combining androgen withdrawal with FDA‐approved COX‐2 inhibitor celecoxib.METHODSGFP‐tagged TRAMP‐C2 cells were co‐implanted with prostate tissue in the dorsal chamber model and tumors were allowed to establish and vascularize. Tumor growth and angiogenesis were monitored in real‐time using fluorescent intravital microscopy (IVM). Androgen withdrawal in mice was achieved using surgical castration or chemical hormonal ablation, alone or in combination with celecoxib (15 mg/kg, twice daily).RESULTSCelecoxib alone decreased the growth of prostate tumors mostly by inducing mitotic failure, which resulted in increased apoptosis. Surprisingly, celecoxib did not possess significant angiostatic activity. Surgical or chemical castration prevented the growth of prostate tumors and this, on the other hand, was associated with disruption of the tumor vasculature. Finally, androgen withdrawal combined with celecoxib caused tumor regression through decreased angiogenesis and increased mitosis arrest and apoptosis.CONCLUSIONCelecoxib, a relatively safe COX‐2‐selective anti‐inflammatory drug, significantly increases the efficacy of androgen withdrawal in vivo and warrants further investigation as a complement therapy for advanced prostate cancer. Prostate 71:813–823, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
THE EQUALIZING EFFECT OF WIVES' EARNINGS ON INEQUALITIES IN EARNINGS AMONG HOUSEHOLDS
Authors: Mastekaasa Arne , Birkelund Gunn Elisabeth 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT
Since the 1970s, inequalities in earnings among men have risen in many countries. In the same period, married women's labour force participation has increased. This may affect inequality in household earnings in three ways, related to (a) the degree of inequality in women's earnings, (b) the share of women's earnings of total household earnings, and (c) the correlation of wife's and husband's earnings. Using Annual Norwegian Labour Force Surveys 1974–2004, with added register data on earnings, we find an equalizing effect of wives' earnings over time. Empirical analysis and simulations of hypothetical developments in household earnings inequality show that women's labour supply is the main explanation for these trends.
Participant‐generated imagery scripts produce greater EMG activity and imagery ability
Authors: Wilson Christine , Smith Dave , Burden Adrian , Holmes Paul 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIn this study, we examined whether movement imagery results in greater physiological responses and greater imagery ability when the imagery script is generated by the participant than when generated by the experimenter. Electromyography (EMG) was used to measure left and right biceps brachii and triceps muscle activity in 19 participants during physical and imagined performance of a set of 16 repetitions of a dumbbell curl performed with the right arm. EMG was measured during a relaxed baseline, physical trial and experimenter‐generated and participant‐generated imagery conditions. The experimenter‐generated scripts were based on previously published imagery studies using the same task, whereas the participant‐generated scripts were based on the self‐reported stimulus and response propositions of the participants. The results showed that self‐reported imagery ability ratings were higher, and EMG activity in the right bicep was greater, when the participants generated their own imagery scripts than when the script was produced by the experimenter. Results also showed that this effect was specific to the task‐relevant muscle and arm. These results support Lang's (1979, 1985) bioinformational theory and emphasize the importance of personalizing imagery interventions to produce a vivid imagery experience that is accompanied by task‐specific physiological responses.
Three‐dimensional glenohumeral arthrokinematics related to internal impingement in throwing athletes: Communication on six clinical cases
Authors: Baeyens Jean‐Pierre , Van Glabbeek Francis , Clijsen Ron , Vissers Dirk , Cabri Jan 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe aim of this study was to undertake a comparative arthrokinematic evaluation of the shoulder of throwers with internal impingement. The participants were six throwing athletes with internal impingement type I. The intra‐articular position of the humeral head on the glenoid in the apprehension test pose was evaluated using three‐dimensional reconstructions obtained on medical images. Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, external rotation gain, and the difference in posterior shoulder tightness were assessed goniometrically. No abnormal translation behaviour of the humeral head on the glenoid could be demonstrated, with a posterior positioning of the humeral head in relation to the centre of the glenoid of −6.6±0.9 mm and a superior positioning of +2.3±1.5 mm, despite the presence of a glenohumeral internal rotation deficit between the throwing shoulder and the contralateral shoulder of −26.3±7.2° and a difference in posterior shoulder tightness of −6.7±2.9 cm. In conclusion, the results do not support the biomechanically based hypotheses relating internal impingement at the end of the late preparatory phase of throwing with an increased posterior‐superior or anterior‐inferior glenohumeral translation. Instead, the results favour a physiological cause of symptomatic internal impingement.
Nutrition labelling in restaurants: a UK‐based case study
Authors: Zick Andrea , Wake Yvonne , Reeves Sue 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe food standards agency recently encouraged catering companies in the UK to introduce calorie labelling on menus or at the point of purchase. The purpose of this paper is to report the feasibility of implementing such a scheme in a restaurant in the UK.Design/methodology/approachA practical case study approach was adopted whereby all foods on the menu of a London‐based five star hotel restaurant were analysed nutritionally. The menu presented the amount of calories, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, fibre and sodium each dish contained. The issues surrounding the display of nutritional information on restaurant menus, perceived difficulties or barriers and resistance to the scheme by staff were documented qualitatively.FindingsTime constraints, and the consequential financial costs, were identified as being barriers that need to be surmounted if the scheme is to operate successfully. The scheme was also viewed as being of low priority by the restaurant operational team.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a greater understanding of the operational aspects of nutrition labelling in the catering industry.Originality/valueThis paper adds practical knowledge to the limited literature that exists in relation to nutrition labelling in restaurants in the UK and identifies barriers that need to be overcome for such schemes to be widely implemented and successful.
Attitudes towards entrepreneurship education: a comparative analysis
Authors: Packham Gary , Jones Paul , Miller Christopher , Pickernell David , Thomas Brychan 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of enterprise education on entrepreneurial attitude within European higher education institutions (HEIs) in France, Germany and Poland. The research seeks to consider whether differences between cultural and industrial heritage can influence entrepreneurial attitude and mediate the effectiveness of enterprise education.Design/methodology/approachResearch argues that Europe requires more entrepreneurs willing to innovate and create new ventures to facilitate economic growth. This research builds on prior studies, which have examined the impact of enterprise education and training on business start‐up. In particular the study utilises the concept of entrepreneurial attitude to measure how enterprise education influences students' perceptions of, and motivations towards, entrepreneurship as a viable career option. The study contrasts and compares the impact of a short enterprise course on entrepreneurial attitude among undergraduate students in French, German and Polish HEIs. A quantitative methodology employed a research instrument utilising five‐point Likert arrays to contrast attitudes and opinions of students both prior to, and after, the delivery of the course.FindingsEnterprise education has a positive impact on entrepreneurial attitude of French and Polish students. Conversely, the course had a negative impact on male German students. It was also found that while female students are more likely to perceive a greater benefit from the learning experience, the impact of enterprise education on entrepreneurial attitude is actually more significant for male students.Practical implicationsThe research findings are of interest to academia and policy makers. The study suggests that entrepreneurial attitude among European students can be influenced by exposure to enterprise education. The results also indicate that gender, cultural and industrial heritage can moderate the impact of enterprise education.Originality/valueThe paper provides evidence that differences between gender, culture and regional settings need to be considered in the design and delivery of enterprise programmes if they are to have the desired impact on entrepreneurial intent and graduate entrepreneurship.