bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA miR‐146a is induced by HTLV‐1 tax and increases the growth of HTLV‐1‐infected T‐cells
Authors: Tomita Mariko , Tanaka Yuetsu , Mori Naoki 
Published: December 2009

AbstractHuman T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) is the causative agent of adult T‐cell leukemia (ATL), which is an aggressive and fatal CD4+ T cell malignancy. MicroRNA (miRNA), a novel class of RNA that regulates gene expression, is involved in many cellular processes such as growth, development and apoptosis. It has recently been linked to several cancer phenotypes. However, aberrant miRNA expression and its pathologic significance in ATL are not well documented. Here, we investigated the role of miRNAs in HTLV‐1‐related leukemogenesis. The results showed that miR‐146a was upregulated in HTLV‐1‐infected T‐cell lines compared to uninfected T‐cell lines. Tax‐induced miR‐146a expression in a NF‐κB‐dependent manner and inhibited the expression of gene harboring the target sequence of miR‐146a on its 3′UTR. Inhibition of miR‐146a function by anti‐miRNA inhibitor reduced the proliferation of HTLV‐1‐infected T‐cell lines but not that of uninfected T‐cell lines. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐146a enhanced the growth of an HTLV‐1‐infected T‐cell line. Our findings suggest that miR‐146a is a potentially suitable therapeutic target of ATL.
Topography of the chorda tympani nerve and the tensor tympani muscle in carnivores provides a new synapomorphy for Herpestidae (Carnivora, Mammalia)
Authors: Ruf Irina , Maier Wolfgang 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe topographical relationship of the chorda tympani nerve (chorda tympani) to the tensor tympani muscle in the middle ear of carnivores provides new phylogenetic information. The examination of histological serial sections of 16 carnivore species representing most families revealed two distinct character states concerning the course of the chorda tympani: a hypotensoric state with the nerve running below the insertion tendon of the tensor tympani muscle, and an epitensoric state with the nerve running above the tendon. The shift from the plesiomorphic hypotensoric chorda tympani to the apomorphic epitensoric condition occurred once in carnivore phylogeny: Only in the herpestid species under study does the chorda tympani cross above the tensor tympani muscle. Therefore, we introduce the epitensoric pattern as a new synapomorphy for herpestids. Within the herpestids we find the following structural distinctions: Herpestes javanicus and Galerella sanguinea have a chorda tympani running in a sulcus directly above the insertion of the tensor tympani muscle, whereas in the eusocial herpestid species Suricata suricatta and Mungos mungo the chorda tympani lies far above the insertion of the muscle. J. Morphol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of extracts of spices on rumen methanogenesis, enzyme activities and fermentation of feeds in vitro
Authors: Patra Amlan Kumar , Kamra Devki Nandan , Agarwal Neeta 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: An experiment was conducted to study the effects of boiling water, methanol and ethanol extracts (0, 0.25 and 0.50 mL) of seeds of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel), flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (clove), bulbs of Allium sativum (garlic), bulbs of Allium cepa (onion) and roots of Zingiber officinalis (ginger) on rumen methanogenesis, fibrolytic enzyme activities and fermentation characteristics in vitro.RESULTS: Ethanol and methanol extracts of fennel, clove and garlic at 0.50 mL and clove at 0.25 mL inhibited (P < 0.05) methane production. Carboxymethylcellulase activity was reduced (P < 0.05) by ethanol and methanol extracts (0.50 mL) of fennel and clove (0.25 and 0.50 mL). The extracts of clove reduced (0.25 and 0.50 mL) xylanase and acetylesterase activities, and the fennel extract (0.50 mL) reduced (P < 0.05) xylanase activity. However, the extracts of garlic (0.50 mL) increased (P < 0.05) acetylesterase activity. Concentrations of volatile fatty acids were reduced (P < 0.05) by the extracts of garlic and onion. The extracts of garlic caused a decrease (P < 0.05) in acetate:propionate ratio (A:P) at 0.50 mL, whereas A:P was increased (P < 0.05) by the inclusion of 0.50 mL extracts of clove. Methanol and ethanol extracts of clove decreased (P < 0.05) in vitro organic matter degradability. Extracts (0.50 mL) of clove decreased (P < 0.05) the numbers of total protozoa, small entodiniomorphs and holotrichs, whereas extracts of onion, ginger and garlic enhanced (P < 0.05) protozoal numbers (both entodiniomorphs and holotrichs).CONCLUSION: Ethanol and methanol extracts of fennel and garlic have potential to inhibit rumen methanogenesis without adversely affecting rumen fermentation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Cultural tourism behaviour and preferences among the live‐performing arts audience: an application of the univorous–omnivorous framework
Authors: Barbieri Carla , Mahoney Edward 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis study uses the omnivorous–univorous theoretical framework of the arts marketing studies to identify relationships between the live‐performing arts and cultural tourism behaviours and preferences. Patrons of a major performing arts centre were segmented in three groups — sporadic, univores and omnivores — and examined regarding their cultural tourism behaviours and preferences. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among groups in terms of demographic characteristics, art and culture consumption and cultural tourism behaviour and preferences. Study results add to the body of knowledge of tourism, suggesting that the culture omnivorous consumption behaviour reported in art marketing studies is also relevant to cultural tourism. Results suggest the existence of omnivorous cultural tourists seeking a wide variety of cultural products and experiences. The identification of a group of individuals with little interest and consumption of culture, including cultural travel destinations, also emerges from this study. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free deep circumflex iliac artery vascularised bone flap for reconstruction of the distal radius: Planning with CT angiography
Authors: Ting Jeannette W. C. , Rozen Warren M. , Leong James , Crock John 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDistal radius fractures in the younger population are often comminuted and intra‐articular, which can increase the complexity of their management. In addition, these patients tend to place high demands on their wrists, and the prevention of functional arthritis necessitates excellent anatomical reduction. Complicated cases such as these are often limited in their management options. We present a complex case of distal radius fracture and bone loss in which initial therapy with nonvascularized bone graft failed, and osteomyelitis was a further complicating factor. With the aid of preoperative planning with computed tomographic angiography (CTA), a deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) bone flap was able to be assessed as a reconstructive option. The use of preoperative CTA, the first description of such imaging in this role, was able to delineate the bone to be harvested, confirm its vascular supply, and plan flap harvest. The use of a vascularized bone flap in this setting was thus undertaken and was able to provide an autologous anatomical support for the wrist while reducing the risk of recurrent infection and still preserving internal fixation. This unique application of the free DCIA bone flap was potentiated by CTA, achieving complete healing and good functional outcomes. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
Sperm‐borne protein, PAWP, initiates zygotic development in Xenopus laevis by eliciting intracellular calcium release
Authors: Aarabi Mahmoud , Qin Zheng , Xu Wei , Mewburn Jeffrey , Oko Richard 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe previously reported postacrosomal sheath WW domain binding protein (PAWP) as a candidate sperm borne, oocyte‐activating factor. PAWP enters the oocyte during fertilization and induces oocyte activation events including meiotic resumption, pronuclear formation, and egg cleavage. However, in order to provide proof that PAWP is a primary initiator of zygotic development it is imperative to show that PAWP initiates intracellular calcium signaling, which is considered essential for oocyte activation. Utilizing Xenopus laevis as our model, we injected recombinant PAWP or Xenopus sperm into metaphase II‐arrested oocytes and observed a significant rise in intracellular calcium levels over controls. Concurring intensities and durations of PAWP and sperm‐induced calcium waves, detected by infrared two‐photon laser‐scanning fluorescence microscopy, were prevented by coinjection of a competitive PPGY‐containing peptide derived from PAWP but not by the point‐mutated form of this peptide. This study also correlates PAWP and sperm‐induced calcium release with meiotic resumption in Xenopus. The similar mode of oocyte activation, and the ability of the competitive peptide in blocking both sperm‐ and PAWP‐induced calcium release, provide evidence for the first time that sperm‐anchored PAWP is a primary initiator of zygotic development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 249–256, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal operating policies in a commodity trading market with the manufacturer's presence
Authors: Zhao Hui , Bisi Arnab 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWith the help of the Internet and express delivery at relatively low costs, trading markets have become increasingly popular as a venue to sell excess inventory and a source to obtain products at lower prices. In this article, we study the operational decisions in the presence of a trading market in a periodic‐review, finite‐horizon setting. Prices in the trading market change periodically and are determined endogenously by the demand and supply in the market. We characterize the retailers'optimal ordering and trading policies when the original manufacturer and the trading market co‐exist and retailers face fees to participate in the trading market. Comparing with the case with no trading fees, we obtain insights into the impact of trading fees and the fee structure on the retailers and the manufacturer. Further, we find that by continually staying in the market, the manufacturer may use her pricing strategies to counter‐balance the negative impact of the trading market on her profit. Finally, we extend the model to the case when retailers dynamically update their demand distribution based on demand observations in previous periods. A numerical study provides additional insights into the impact of demand updating in a trading market with the manufacturer's competition. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
Multi‐item capacitated lot‐sizing problems with setup times and pricing decisions
Authors: Önal Mehmet , Romeijn H. Edwin 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe study a multi‐item capacitated lot‐sizing problem with setup times and pricing (CLSTP) over a finite and discrete planning horizon. In this class of problems, the demand for each independent item in each time period is affected by pricing decisions. The corresponding demands are then satisfied through production in a single capacitated facility or from inventory, and the goal is to set prices and determine a production plan that maximizes total profit. In contrast with many traditional lot‐sizing problems with fixed demands, we cannot, without loss of generality, restrict ourselves to instances without initial inventories, which greatly complicates the analysis of the CLSTP. We develop two alternative Dantzig–Wolfe decomposition formulations of the problem, and propose to solve their relaxations using column generation and the overall problem using branch‐and‐price. The associated pricing problem is studied under both dynamic and static pricing strategies. Through a computational study, we analyze both the efficacy of our algorithms and the benefits of allowing item prices to vary over time. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
Initial testing of topotecan by the pediatric preclinical testing program
Authors: Carol Hernan , Houghton Peter J. , Morton Christopher L. , Kolb E. Anders , Gorlick Richard , Reynolds C. Patrick , Kang Min H. , Maris John M. , Keir Stephen T. , Watkins Amy , Smith Malcolm A. , Lock Richard B. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundTopotecan is a small molecule DNA topoisomerase I poison, that has been successful in clinical trials against pediatric solid tumors and leukemias. Topotecan was evaluated against the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program (PPTP) tumor panels as part of a validation process for these preclinical models.ProceduresIn vivo three measures of antitumor activity were used: (1) an objective response measure modeled after the clinical setting; (2) a treated to control (T/C) tumor volume measure; and (3) a time to event (fourfold increase in tumor volume for solid tumor models, or ≥25% human CD45+ cells in the peripheral blood for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ALL models) measure based on the median event‐free survival (EFS) of treated and control animals for each xenograft.ResultsTopotecan inhibited cell growth in vitro with IC50 values between 0.71 and 489 nM. Topotecan significantly increased EFS in 32 of 37 (87%) solid tumor xenografts and in all 8 of the ALL xenografts. Seventy‐five percent of solid tumors met EFS T/C activity criteria for intermediate (n = 17) or high activity (n = 7). Objective responses were noted in eight solid tumor xenografts (Wilms, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, neuroblastoma). Among the six neuroblastomas, three achieved a PR. For the ALL panel, two maintained CRs, three CRs, and two PRs were observed.ConclusionsTopotecan demonstrated broad activity in vitro and in vivo against both the solid tumor and ALL panels, with significant tumor growth delay generated in all the panels. These results further demonstrate the validity of the PPTP panel for preclinical testing of new drugs. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:707–715. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transitioning childhood cancer survivors to adult‐centered healthcare: insights from parents, adolescent, and young adult survivors
Authors: Casillas Jacqueline , Kahn Katherine L. , Doose Michelle , Landier Wendy , Bhatia Smita , Hernandez Joanna , Zeltzer Lonnie K. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective: To determine Latino adolescent and young adults (AYA) cancer survivors' perceived barriers or facilitators to transition from pediatric to adult‐centered survivorship care and to also assess the parents' perspective of care.Methods: Partnering with a community‐based organization that serves Latino survivors, we conducted a qualitative, constant comparative analytic approach exploring in‐depth themes that have salience for Latino pediatric cancer survivors seeking care in the adult healthcare setting. Twenty‐seven Latino AYA survivors (⩾15 years of age) completed key informant interviews and 21 Latino parents participated in focus groups.Results: Both AYA survivors and parents identified two major facilitative factors for survivorship care: Involvement of the nuclear family in the AYA's survivorship care in the adult healthcare setting and including symptom communication in late effects discussions. Barriers to care included: perceived stigma of a cancer history and continued emotional trauma related to discussions about the childhood cancer experience.Conclusions: Barriers to survivorship care include cancer stigma for both patient and nuclear family, which can impact on seeking survivorship care due to constraints placed on discussions because it remains difficult to discuss ‘cancer’ years later. Future research can evaluate if these findings are unique to Latino childhood cancer survivors or are found in other populations of AYA cancer survivors transitioning to adult‐centered healthcare. This community‐based participatory research collaboration also highlights the opportunity to learn about the needs of childhood cancer survivors from the lens of community leaders serving culturally diverse populations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of site‐directed mutants of residues R58, R59, D116, W340 and R372 in the active site of E. coli cystathionine β‐lyase
Authors: Lodha Pratik H. , Jaworski Allison F. , Aitken Susan M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractCystathionine β‐lyase (CBL) catalyzes the hydrolysis of L‐cystathionine (L‐Cth) to produce L‐homocysteine, pyruvate, and ammonia. A series of active‐site mutants of Escherichia coli CBL (eCBL) was constructed to investigate the roles of residues R58, R59, D116, W340, and R372 in catalysis and inhibition by aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG). The effects of these mutations on the kcat/K for the β‐elimination reaction range from a reduction of only 3‐fold for D116A and D116N to 6 orders of magnitude for the R372L and R372A mutants. The order of importance of these residues for the hydrolysis of L‐Cth is: R372 >> R58 > W340 ≈ R59 > D116. Comparison of the kinetic parameters for L‐Cth hydrolysis with those for inhibition of eCBL by AVG demonstrates that residue R58 tethers the distal carboxylate group of the substrate and confirms that residues W340 and R372 interact with the α‐carboxylate moiety. The increase in the pKa of the acidic limb and decrease in the pKa of the basic limb of the kcat/K versus pH profiles of the R58K and R58A mutants, respectively, support a role for this residue in modulating the pKa of an active‐site residue.
Retrospective analysis of prostate cancer recurrence potential with tissue metabolomic profiles
Authors: Maxeiner Andreas , Adkins Christen B. , Zhang Yifen , Taupitz Matthias , Halpern Elkan F. , McDougal W. Scott , Wu Chin‐Lee , Cheng Leo L. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn clinical care of prostate cancer patients, an improved method to assess the risk of recurrence after surgical treatment is urgently needed. We aim to retrospectively evaluate the ability of ex vivo tissue magnetic‐resonance‐spectroscopy‐based metabolomic profiles to estimate the risk of recurrence.METHODSPCa recurrence is defined biochemically as the detection of serum PSA after radical prostatectomy. Sixteen consecutive PCa‐recurrent cases, those with an initial PSA increase of 0.69 ± 0.26 ng/ml monitored 47.7 ± 2.6 months after prostatectomy were paired by age and Gleason score with cases without recurrence of the same pathological and clinical stages (n = 16/each). We analyzed ex vivo intact‐tissue spectroscopy results from these 48 individuals at the time of prostatectomy at 14T. From these spectra, we identified the 27 most common and intense spectral metabolic regions for statistical analyses.RESULTSPrincipal component analysis (PCA) on these spectral regions from cases of clinical‐stage‐matched groups with and without recurrence identified four pathology‐related principal components. Canonical analysis of these four and the first nine principal components for cases in the two groups defined metabolomic profiles as the canonical score that can differentiate the two groups with statistical significance. By applying the coefficients from PCA and canonical analysis to the pathological‐stage‐matched groups, recurrence was predicted with an accuracy of 78%.CONCLUSIONSResults indicate the potential of tissue metabolomic profiles measured with ex vivo spectroscopy to identify PCa aggressiveness in terms of cancer recurrence. With further study, this may greatly contribute to the future design of clinical strategy for personalized treatment of PCa patients. Prostate 70: 710–717, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Natural oxidation of InN quantum dots: the role of cubic InN
Authors: González David , Lozano Juan G. , Herrera Miriam , Browning Nigel D. , Ruffenach Sandra , Briot Olivier , García Rafael 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe natural aging process occured in indium nitride quantum dots (QDs) heterostructures as a consequence of exposure to the atmosphere has been studied by means of transmission electron microscopy and electron beam related techniques. The comparison between GaN‐capped and uncapped InN QDs kept at room conditions during 36 months indicates the structural changes that take place. While the capping layer seems to act in a protective way avoiding any change in the QDs, the uncapped structures suffer a series of phase transformations, where the original wurtzite structure is replaced by a layer of cubic phases. The main constituent of this layer is shown to be bcc‐In2O3 formed by the substitution of the nitrogen atoms by oxygen from the atmosphere. This supposes a transformation from a hexagonal to a cubic structure, explained by the existence of an oxygen‐rich cubic InN acting as an intermediate phase. The difference in the formation enthalpy between the original and the final product, together with the good match between the crystals would explain this transformation that shows the high instability of InN at environmental conditions. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Deep traps analysis in AlGaN/GaN heterostructure transistors
Authors: Chikhaoui W. , Bluet J M. , Bru‐Chevallier C. , Dua C. , Aubry R. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors are investigated by DLTS measurements. 6 different are extracted with the following activation energies: 0.12 eV, 0.15 eV, 0.21 eV, 0.42 eV, 0.49 eV and 0.94 eV. Based on comparison with literature results and measurements as a function of the pulse reverse bias, the trap localisation in the structure is discussed. Additional measurements as a function of the filling pulse duration reveal the presence of decorated extended defects in the samples. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Prevalence and characteristics of female sexual dysfunction in a sample of women from Upper Egypt
Authors: Hassanin Ibrahim M.A. , Helmy Yasser A. , Fathalla Mohamed M.F. , Shahin Ahmed Y. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo study the prevalence and associated risk factors for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Upper Egypt.MethodsMarried women attending the outpatient clinic of Sohag University Hospital between February 2008 and March 2009 were recruited. Through direct interviews, each woman completed a questionnaire that included questions on sexual dysfunction.ResultsFrom 648 recruited patients, 47 declined to participate in the study. Of the 601 remaining participants, 462 women (76.9%) reported 1 or more sexual problems. Low sexual desire was the most common sexual problem (66.4%). Patients with FSD were significantly more likely to be older than 40 years, have sexual intercourse fewer than 3 times a week, have been married for 10 years or more, have 5 children or more, be circumcised, have a husband aged 40 years or more, and be postmenopausal. Age of the women maintained a statistically significant positive relationship with FSD in the regression model (odds ratio 1.39; 95% CI, 1.26–1.53).ConclusionsThere was a high prevalence of FSD in this sample of women from Upper Egypt. The prevalence of sexual problems increased with increasing age of the women.
“To Serve Revenge for the Dead”: Chinese Communist Responses to Japanese War Crimes in the PRC Foreign Ministry Archive, 1949–1956
Authors: Cathcart Adam , Nash Patricia 
Published: December 2009

AbstractUsing newly available documents from the PRC Foreign Ministry Archive, this article traces the evolving legacies of the War of Resistance in the first seven years of the People's Republic. Analysis is offered of PRC campaigns against Japanese bacteriological war crimes, criticisms of American dealings with Japanese war criminals, and the 1956 trial of Japanese at Shenyang. Throughout, behind-the-scenes tensions with the Soviet Union and internal bureaucratic struggles over the Japanese legacy regarding these matters are revealed. The article thereby aims to shed light on how the War of Resistance affected post-war China's foreign relations, demonstrating how the young Republic advantageously used wartime legacies as diplomatic tools in relations with the superpowers and within the orchestrated clangour of domestic propaganda campaigns.