bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations in cholesterol regulation contribute to the production of intratumoral androgens during progression to castration‐resistant prostate cancer in a mouse xenograft model
Authors: Leon Carlos G. , Locke Jennifer A. , Adomat Hans H. , Etinger Susan L. , Twiddy Alexis L. , Neumann Rachel D. , Nelson Colleen C. , Guns Emma S. , Wasan Kishor M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDEmerging evidence suggests that androgens and the androgen receptor (AR) are important mediators of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression. Increased expression of several enzymes responsible for cholesterol synthesis and conversion into downstream androgens has been documented in human CRPC tumors in comparison to primary tumors. Based on these observations it is hypothesized that cholesterol and its overall regulation within the cell are altered, thus modifying precursor levels for de novo androgen synthesis within the castrate tumoral environment.METHODSTumoral steroid levels were assessed by LC‐MS. Free and esterified cholesterol was quantified by LC‐MS and a fluorescent assay. Gene and protein expression were assessed by RT‐PCR and immunoblotting.RESULTSHerein, using a prostate cancer xenograft mouse model it is demonstrated by Western blot analysis that proteins responsible for cholesterol regulation (LDL‐r, SR‐B1, HMG‐CoA reductase, ACAT1,2, ABCA1) are altered during disease progression to increase influx and synthesis of cholesterol as well as free cholesterol formation from cholesteryl ester stores. In turn this can provide increased amounts of precursor for intratumoral steroidogenesis after castration. Androgens‐ testosterone and dihydrotestosterone‐ coincidently increase at CRPC to physiologically relevant levels leading to the induction of AR expression and PSA production. Furthermore, cellular cholesterol homeostasis is maintained by increased cholesterol efflux at CRPC so that excess free cholesterol does not cause toxicity to the tumor cells.CONCLUSIONSCellular cholesterol regulation processes are altered during progression to CRPC. Free cholesterol from increased biosynthesis or uptake is likely a precursor for intratumoral de novo androgen synthesis. Prostate 70: 390–400, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of 17 prostate cancer susceptibility loci with prostate cancer risk in Chinese men
Authors: Zheng Siqun Lilly , Hsing Ann W. , Sun Jielin , Chu Lisa W. , Yu Kai , Li Ge , Gao Zhengrong , Kim Seong‐Tae , Isaacs William B. , Shen Ming‐Chang , Gao Yu‐Tang , Hoover Robert N. , Xu Jianfeng 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDSeveral genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) in populations of European descent have identified more than a dozen common genetic variants that are associated with prostate cancer risk.METHODSTo determine whether these variants are also associated with prostate cancer risk in the Chinese population, we evaluated 17 prostate cancer susceptibility loci in a population‐based case–control study from Shanghai, including 288 prostate cancer cases and 155 population controls.RESULTSAfter adjustment for age, two of the 17 loci were significantly associated with prostate cancer risk, while the other 15 loci were suggestively associated with prostate cancer risk in this population. The strongest associations were found for chromosome 8q24 Region 2 (rs1016343: OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.35–3.20, P = 9.4 × 10−4) and 8q24 Region 1 (rs10090154: OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.31–3.28, P = 0.002); additional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) assessed in these two 8q24 regions were also significant (ORRegion2 = 1.92–2.05, P = 9.4 × 10−4 to 0.003, and ORRegion1 = 1.77–1.81, P = 0.01 for all SNPs).CONCLUSIONSOur study shows that multiple prostate cancer risk loci identified in European populations by GWAS are also associated with prostate cancer risk in Chinese men, a low‐risk population with mostly clinically relevant cancers. Larger studies in Chinese and Asian populations are needed to confirm these findings and the role of these risk loci in prostate cancer etiology in Asian men. Prostate 70: 425–432, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CCL2 is induced by chemotherapy and protects prostate cancer cells from docetaxel‐induced cytotoxicity
Authors: Qian David Z. , Rademacher Brooks L.S. , Pittsenbarger Janet , Huang Chung‐Ying , Myrthue Anne , Higano Celestia S. , Garzotto Mark , Nelson Peter S. , Beer Tomasz M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDMetastatic prostate cancer is either inherently resistant to chemotherapy or rapidly acquires this phenotype after chemotherapy exposure. In this study, we identified a docetaxel‐induced resistance mechanism centered on CCL2.METHODSWe compared the gene expression profiles in individual human prostate cancer specimens before and after exposure to chemotherapy collected from previously untreated patients who participated in a clinical trial of preoperative chemotherapy. Subsequently, we used the gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approach in vitro to identify a potential mechanism underlying chemotherapy resistance.RESULTSAmong the molecular signatures associated with treatment, several genes that regulate the inflammatory response and chemokine activity were upregulated including a significant increase in transcripts encoding the CC chemokine CCL2. Docetaxel increased CCL2 expression in prostate cancer cell lines in vitro. CCL2‐specific siRNA inhibited LNCaP and LAPC4 cell proliferation and enhanced the growth inhibitory effect of low‐dose docetaxel. In contrast, overexpression of CCL2 or recombinant CCL2 protein stimulated prostate cancer cell proliferation and rescued cells from docetaxel‐induced cytotoxicity. This protective effect of CCL2 was associated with activation of the ERK/MAP kinase and PI3K/AKT, inhibition of docetaxel‐induced Bcl2 phosphorylation at serine 70, phosphorylation of Bad, and activation of caspase‐3. The addition of a PI3K/AKT inhibitor Ly294002 reversed the CCL2 protection and was additive to docetaxel‐induced toxicity.CONCLUSIONThese results support a mechanism of chemotherapy resistance mediated by cellular stress responses involving the induction of CCL2 expression and suggest that inhibiting CCL2 activity could enhance therapeutic responses to taxane‐based therapy. Prostate 70: 433–442, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the catalytic hydrogenation of graphite for graphene nanoribbon fabrication
Authors: Schäffel Franziska , Warner Jamie H. , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Rellinghaus Bernd , Büchner Bernd , Schultz Ludwig , Rümmeli Mark H. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractRecent research into the channelling of few layer graphene via catalytic hydrogenation using metallic catalyst nanoparticles shows that this technique is potentially a key engineering route for graphene nanoribbon fabrication with atomic precision. In this contribution we utilized gas phase prepared cobalt nanoparticles to create etch trenches in multi‐layer graphene. Aberration‐corrected low voltage high resolution transmission electron microscopy allowed us to directly determine the etch direction of various tracks. The etch channels are shown to be commensurate with the graphite crystal lattice. More importantly, preferred etching along armchair edges was observed, indicating that tailored fabrication of graphene nanostructures with well‐defined armchair edges may be possible applying ultrafine catalyst particles.
Two component doping of fullerene–cubane cocrystals
Authors: Kürti Jenő , Koltai János , Zólyomi Viktor , Pekker Sándor 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe present a first principles study of the electronic band structure of doped fullerene–cubane (C60C8H8) cocrystals using density functional theory at the local density approximation level. Three high symmetry orientations of the fullerene molecules were considered. The calculated electronic bands of the fullerene–cubane cocrystal are narrower than those of the pristine fullerene, indicating a possible higher superconducting critical temperature in the doped cocrystal. However, the charge transfer turned out to be incomplete thus acting in the opposite way. Different oxidation state of the fullerene molecules can be achieved by doping with various alkali (K, Na) and alkali earth (Ba, Ca) atoms. Depiction of the C60C8H8cocrystal. The large green and orange orbs are the tetrahedral voids, which can in principle be filled with, for example, alkali or alkali earth atoms.magnified image
Environmental influence on linear optical spectra and relaxation dynamics in carbon nanotubes
Authors: Malić Ermin , Hirtschulz Matthias , Maultzsch Janina , Reich Stephanie , Knorr Andreas 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe present theoretical investigations on linear optical spectra and the temporal non‐equilibrium dynamics of single‐walled carbon nanotubes. In particular we discuss the importance of the surrounding medium. Our approach is based on the density matrix theory, which in combination with tight‐binding wave functions allows the calculation of linear and nonlinear optical properties of arbitrary nanotubes. Its strength lies in the straightforward way to describe non‐equilibrium properties, such as Coulomb driven ultrafast intrasubband carrier relaxation. We find a strong influence of the surrounding dielectric medium on the position of the peaks, the excitonic binding energy, and the carrier relaxation time. Furthermore, simple scaling laws describing the dependence on the dielectric background constant $\varepsilon _{{\rm bg}}$ are shown.
Fabrication of graphene nanoribbons via nanowire lithography
Authors: Fasoli A. , Colli A. , Lombardo A. , Ferrari A. C. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractGraphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are the counterpart of nanotubes in graphene nanoelectronics. The search for a cheap, parallel, and deterministic technique for practical implementation of these structures is still open. Nanowire lithography (NWL) consists in using nanowires (NWs) as etch masks to transfer their one‐dimensional morphology to an underlying substrate. Here, we show that oxidized silicon NWs (SiNWs) are a simple and compatible system to implement NWL on graphene. The SiNWs morphology is transferred onto a graphene flake by a low‐power O2 plasma in a deep‐reactive‐ion‐etcher. The process leads to conformal GNRs with diameter comparable to the overlaying NW lateral dimensions. The diameter can be further reduced by multiple O2 etching steps. Field‐effect measurements show the transition to a semiconductor for low diameters.
Stochastic dynamic response of masonry minarets subjected to random blast and earthquake‐induced ground motions
Authors: Haciefendi̇oğlu Kemal , Bi̇ri̇nci̇ Fahri 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis paper presents the stochastic seismic response analysis of masonry minarets subjected to random underground blast and earthquake‐induced ground motions by using a three‐dimensional finite element model. The random blast and earthquake‐induced ground motions are represented by the power spectral density function and applied to each support point of the three‐dimensional finite element model of the masonry minaret system. This research conducted a parametric study to estimate the effects of the blast‐induced ground motion on the stochastic response of the minaret. Therefore, the analyses were carried out for the different values of the charge weight and the distance from the charge centre. In addition, in order to investigate the effect of earthquake‐induced ground motion on the stochastic response of the masonry minaret, three different soil conditions—soft, medium and firm soils—are considered in the analyses. Finally, it is noted that underground blast and earthquake effects cause the stochastic behaviour of minaret to change considerably. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Duodenum‐preserving total pancreatectomy for pancreatic neoplasms
Authors: Hatori Takashi , Kimijima Akira , Fujita Izumi , Furukawa Toru , Yamamoto Masakazu 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground/PurposeTotal pancreatectomy (TP) is sometimes performed to treat low‐grade malignant neoplasms that are spreading to the entire pancreas. However, TP impairs quality of life, due to the resulting loss of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine function, and an organ‐preserving procedure should be chosen to minimize the impact of pancreatic dysfunction. Recently, we performed four duodenum‐preserving TPs (DPTPs) on patients with low‐grade malignant neoplasms of the entire pancreas and we introduce our operative technique and results herein.MethodsDPTP is performed with the objective of preserving the arterial arcade of the posterior pancreas so as to maintain good blood flow in the duodenum and common bile duct. Care must also be taken to preserve the splenic artery and vein to protect the spleen. When patients are also undergoing a bile duct resection, an end‐to‐side choledochoduodenostomy is also performed to reconstruct the biliary tract.ResultsPatient 1: DPTP with preservation of the spleen, conserving splenic vessels, was performed on a patient with hereditary pancreatic carcinoma with pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia‐3 (PanIN‐3). Patient 2: DPTP with splenectomy was performed on a patient with multiple metastases of the entire pancreas from renal cell carcinoma. Patient 3: DPTP with preservation of the common bile duct and the spleen, conserving splenic vessels, was performed on a patient with minimally invasive carcinoma derived from intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). Patient 4: DPTP with preservation of the spleen, conserving splenic vessels, was performed on a patient with minimally invasive carcinoma derived from IPMN. No deaths or morbidity occurred. All patients were placed on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy and given a daily dose of insulin of approximately 30 U. Complete professional rehabiliation was achieved in all patients. All patients except one gained weight, and the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels have been maintained at around 7%.ConclusionsDPTP is a useful organ‐preserving procedure for low‐grade malignant neoplasms spreading within the entire pancreas. This procedure minimizes the impact of pancreatic dysfunction and allows the patient to maintain good nutrition after surgery.
Environmental factors influencing the load of long‐range transported air pollutants on Pinus amamiana in Yakushima Island, Japan
Authors: Kume Atsushi , Nagafuchi Osamu , Akune Suguru , Nakatani Nobutake , Chiwa Masaaki , Tetsuka Kenshi 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWith the industrialization in East Asia, greater amounts of ozone and acidic aerosols are transported to Japan. Yakushima Island (30°20′N, 130°31′E) is affected directly by long‐range transboundary air pollution from the continent because there are no industrial areas and sources of pollution between the continent and the island. Recently, there has been a significant decline of Pinus amamiana in the island and the actual condition of air pollution was investigated. A significant amount of air pollutants were detected in winter. The daily mean tropospheric O3 concentration was nearly 100 ppb in winter. A large amount of non‐sea salt sulfate (nss‐SO42−) was deposited on the needle surfaces in the northwest part of the island and dry deposition rates of SO42− were remarkably higher in February than in November. About half of the increase in SO42− was nss‐SO42− and the rate in February was over four to five times as high as that in November. The load of dry deposition on the crown of trees was strongly influenced by the topographic position of the slope. The amount of deposited SO42− was larger on trees growing on ridges and the tendency of P. amamiana to grow on ridges where it sticks out over 20 m enhances the load of dry deposition and O3 on the needle surfaces. The potassium leakage and ethylene emission from needles were remarkably increased and the needle mass per area decreased from November to February. It was suggested that the additional input of nss‐SO42− acidifies the needle surface and accelerates leaf surface deterioration and leaching from needles and soils.
Molecular Self‐Aggregation of Tetradecylbenzene Sodium Sulfonate Isomers
Authors: Qi Jing , Luan Jimei , Hou Qijun , Qiao Weihong , Li Zongshi 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis paper deals with the effect of the surfactant isomeric structure on self‐aggregation in aqueous solution. The relationship between the molecular structure of a series of tetradecylbenzene sulfonate isomers (with the benzene ring located at different positions along the alkyl chain) and surface tension was made clear. It is found that the critical micelle concentration increases and the surface tension at critical micellar concentration decreases as the benzene group moves toward the center of the alkyl chain. The structure of micelles was studied by 1H‐NMR relaxation, which indicates that the density of methylene protons in the surface layer of the micellar core decreases as the branching of the hydrophobic group increases. The spontaneous vesicle formation in aqueous solution was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The results reveal that, as the benzene group moves toward the center of alkyl chain, the assembly structure changes from micelle to vesicle, then to lamellar bilayers, while the critical packing parameter increases.
A Review of the Application and Pharmacological Properties of α‐Bisabolol and α‐Bisabolol‐Rich Oils
Authors: Kamatou Guy P. P. , Viljoen Alvaro M. 
Published: October 2009

Abstractα‐Bisabolol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol which was first isolated from Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae) in the twentieth century and has since been identified in other aromatic plants such as Eremanthus erythropappus, Smyrniopsis aucheri and Vanillosmopsis species. Recently, α‐bisabolol was identified as a major constituent of Salvia runcinata essential oil, a plant indigenous to South Africa. The use of α‐bisabolol or bisabolol‐rich oil as an anti‐inflammatory agent is ubiquitous. This compound also exhibits several other pharmacological properties such as analgesic, antibiotic and anticancer activities. Mutagenicity and genotoxicity of bisabolol have also been investigated. Due to the low toxicity associated with bisabolol the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted this constituent with Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) status which has promoted its use as an active ingredient in several commercial products. This review aims to summarise the role of α‐bisabolol in pharmacological and/or physiological processes and to discuss some of the possible mechanisms of action of this commercially important molecule.
Conserved methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene exon 17 promoter in rats subjected to a maternal methyl‐supplemented diet
Authors: Herbeck Yury E. , Gulevich Rimma G. , Amelkina Olga A. , Plyusnina Irina Z. , Oskina Irina N. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIt is well known that the early life experiences affect stress responses and other physiological and behavioral traits in adulthood. Both rat and human studies have shown that early postnatal effects are associated with methylation of the hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor gene exon 17 (rat) and 1‐F (human) promoters. Methylation of these sites is also seen following methionine administration in adult rats. However, it remains unclear whether similar alterations in DNA methylation profiles can result from prenatal influences. To address this question, we fed pregnant rats a methyl‐supplemented diet that resulted in alteration of the stress response. However, methylation analysis revealed no effect of methyl supplements on methylation patterns of the glucocorticoid receptor gene exon 17 promoter in offspring. These results suggest that the pre‐ and postnatal effects of methyl supplementation have different mechanisms.
Using audits to reduce the incidence of uterine rupture in a Malawian district hospital
Authors: van den Akker Thomas , Mwagomba Beatrice , Irlam James , van Roosmalen Jos 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo improve obstetric care and reduce the incidence of uterine rupture through the use of audits.MethodsData were collected from medical records and from questioning women who sustained uterine rupture over a 12‐month period in Thyolo District Hospital, Malawi. Audit sessions were performed every 2–3 weeks for the first 3 months with relevant members of the hospital staff, after which an extended audit was held with input from two external expert obstetricians. Cases were also audited by the principal investigator for delays in referral, diagnosis, and treatment.ResultsThirty‐five cases of uterine rupture were diagnosed at the facility during the study period. Sixteen ruptures were diagnosed during the first 3 months, an incidence of 19.2 per 1000 deliveries. Following audit and implementation of recommendations, the incidence of uterine rupture decreased by 68% (OR 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16–0.63) to 6.1 per 1000 deliveries over the next 9 months. The overall case fatality rate was 11.4%, and the perinatal mortality rate was 829 per 1000 live births.ConclusionsAudit is an inexpensive, appropriate, and effective intervention to improve the quality of facility‐based maternal care and decrease the incidence of uterine rupture in low‐resource settings. Ensuring constructive self‐criticism, continuous professional learning, and good participation by district health managers in audit sessions may be important requirements for their success.
Where there is no anesthetist – increasing capacity for emergency obstetric care in rural India: An evaluation of a pilot program to train general doctors
Authors: Mavalankar Dileep , Callahan Katie , Sriram Veena , Singh Prabal , Desai Ajesh 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectiveThe lack of anesthesia providers in rural public sector hospitals is a significant barrier to providing emergency obstetric care. In 2006, the state of Gujarat initiated the Life Saving Anesthetic Skills (LSAS) for Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) training program for medical offers (MOs). We evaluated the trained MOs’ experience of the program, and identified factors leading to post‐training performance.MethodsThe sample was chosen to equally represent performing and nonperforming LSAS‐trained MOs using purposive sampling qualitative interviews with trainees across Gujarat (n = 14). Data on facility preparedness and monthly case load were also collected.ResultsBeing posted with a specialist anesthesiologist and with a cooperative EmOC provider increased the likelihood that the MOs would provide anesthesia. MOs who did not provide anesthesia were more likely to have been posted with a nonperforming or uncooperative EmOC provider and were more likely to have low confidence in their ability to provide anesthesia. Facilities were found to be under prepared to tackle emergency obstetric procedures.ConclusionProgram managers should consider extending the duration of the program and placing more emphasis on practical training. Posting doctors with cooperative and performing EmOC providers will significantly improve the effectiveness of the program. A separate team of program managers who plan, monitor, and solve the problems reported by the trained MOs would further enhance the success of scaling up the training program.