bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arecoline induces HA22T/VGH hepatoma cells to undergo anoikis - involvement of STAT3 and RhoA activation
Authors: Cheng Hsiao-Ling , Su Shu-Jem , Huang Li-Wen , Hsieh Bau-Shan , Hu Yu-Chen , Hung Thu-Ching , Chang Kee-Lung 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background
Our previous study showed that, in basal cell carcinoma cells, arecoline reduces levels of the tumor cell survival factor interleukin-6 (IL-6), increases levels of tumor suppressor factor p53, and elicits cell cycle arrest, followed by apoptosis. In preliminarily studies, we observed that arecoline induces detachment of the human-derived hepatoma cell line HA22T/VGH from the extracellular matrix. In the present study, we explored the fate of the detached HA22T/VGH cells and investigated the underlying mechanism.

Methods
HA22T/VGH cells or primary cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with arecoline, then changes in morphology, viability, apoptosis, and the expression of surface β1-integrin, apoptosis-related proteins, and IL-6 were examined. Furthermore, activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway and the RhoA/Rock signaling pathway, including p190RhoGAP and Src homology-2 domain-containing phosphatase SHP2, was examined.

Results
A low concentration of arecoline (≤ 100 μg/ml) caused cytoskeletal changes in HA22T/VGH cells, but not hepatocytes, and this was accompanied by decreased β1-integrin expression and followed by apoptosis, indicating that HA22T/VGH cells undergo anoikis after arecoline treatment. IL-6 expression and phosphorylation of STAT3, which provides protection against anoikis, were inhibited and levels of downstream signaling proteins, including Bcl-XL and Bcl-2, were decreased, while Bax expression, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and caspase-3 activity were increased. In addition, phosphorylation/activation of p190RhoGAP, a RhoA inhibitor, and of its upstream regulator, SHP2, was inhibited by arecoline treatment, while Rho/Rock activation was increased. Addition of the RhoA inhibitor attenuated the effects of arecoline.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that arecoline induces anoikis of HA22T/VGH cells involving inhibition of STAT3 and increased RhoA/Rock activation and that the STAT3 and RhoA/Rock signaling pathways are connected.
Mid-term outcomes for Endoscopic versus Open Vein Harvest: a case control study
Authors: Kirmani Bilal H , Barnard James B , Mourad Faisal , Blakeman Nadene , Chetcuti Karen , Zacharias Joseph 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background
Saphenous vein remains the most common conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting with increasing uptake of minimally invasive harvesting techniques. While Endoscopic Vein Harvest (EVH) has been demonstrated to improve early morbidity compared to Open Vein Harvest (OVH), recent literature suggests that this may be at the expense of graft patency at one year and survival at three years.

Methods
We undertook a retrospective single-centre, single-surgeon, case-control study of EVH (n = 89) and OVH (n = 182). The primary endpoint was death with secondary endpoints including acute coronary syndrome, revascularisation or other major adverse cardiac events. Freedom from angina, wound complications and self-rated health status were also assessed. Where repeat angiography had been performed, this was reviewed.

Results
Both groups were well matched demographically and for peri-operative characteristics. All cause mortality was 2/89 (2%) and 11/182 (6%) in the EVH and OVH groups respectively. This was shown by Cox Log-Rank analysis to be non-significant (p = 0.65), even if adjusting for inpatient mortality (p = 0.74). There was no difference in the rates of freedom from angina (p = 1.00), re-admission (p = 0.78) or need for further anti-anginals (p = 1.00). There was a significant reduction in the incidence of leg wound infections and complications in the endoscopic group (EVH: 7%; OVH: 28%; p = 0.0008) and the skew of high patient self-rated health scores in the EVH group (61% compared to 52% in the open group) approached statistical significance (p = 0.06).

Conclusions
While aware of the limitations of this small retrospective study, we are heartened by the preliminary results and consider our data to be justification for continuing to provide patients the opportunity to have minimally invasive conduit harvest in our centre. More robust evidence is still required to elucidate the implications of endoscopic techniques on conduit patency and patient outcome, but until the results of a large, prospective and randomised trial are available, we believe we can confidently offer our patients the option and benefits of EVH.
Slow waves during sleep in crayfish. Origin and spread
Authors: Mendoza-Angeles Karina , Hernández-Falcón Jesús , Ramón Fidel 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYPrevious results show that when unrestrained crayfish sleep, the electrical activity of the brain changes from multiple spikes (frequencies above 300 Hz) on a flat baseline to continuous slow waves at a frequency of 15–20 Hz. To study the temporal organization of such activity, we developed a tethered crayfish preparation that allows us to place electrodes on visually identified regions of the brain. Recording the electrical activity of different brain areas shows that when the animal is active (awake), slow waves are present only in the central complex. However, simultaneously with the animal becoming limp (sleeping), slow waves spread first to deuto- and then to protocerebrum, suggesting that the central complex of the crayfish brain acts as the sleep generator.
Hydrodynamic fin function of brief squid,Lolliguncula brevis
Authors: Stewart William J. , Bartol Ian K. , Krueger Paul S. 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYAlthough the pulsed jet is often considered the foundation of a squid's locomotive system, the lateral fins also probably play an important role in swimming, potentially providing thrust, lift and dynamic stability as needed. Fin morphology and movement vary greatly among squid species, but the locomotive role of the fins is not well understood. To begin to elucidate the locomotive role of the fins in squids, fin hydrodynamics were studied in the brief squid Lolliguncula brevis, a species that exhibits a wide range of fin movements depending on swimming speed. Individual squid were trained to swim in both the arms-first and tail-first orientations against currents in a water tunnel seeded with light-reflective particles. Particle-laden water around the fins was illuminated with lasers and videotaped so that flow dynamics around the fins could be analyzed using digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV). Time-averaged forces generated by the fin were quantified from vorticity fields of the fin wake. During the low swimming speeds considered in this study [&lt;2.5 dorsal mantle lengths (DML) per second], L. brevis exhibited four unique fin wake patterns, each with distinctive vortical structures: (1) fin mode I, in which one vortex is shed with each downstroke, generally occurring at low speeds; (2) fin mode II, an undulatory mode in which a continuous linked chain of vortices is produced; (3) fin mode III, in which one vortex is shed with each downstroke and upstroke, and; (4) fin mode IV, in which a discontinuous chain of linked double vortex structures is produced. All modes were detected during tail-first swimming but only fin modes II and III were observed during arms-first swimming. The fins produced horizontal and vertical forces of varying degrees depending on stroke phase, swimming speed, and swimming orientation. During tail-first swimming, the fins functioned primarily as stabilizers at low speeds before shifting to propulsors as speed increased, all while generating net lift. During arms-first swimming, the fins primarily provided lift with thrust production playing a reduced role. These results demonstrate the lateral fins are an integral component of the complex locomotive system of L. brevis, producing lift and thrust forces through different locomotive modes.
Effect of two types of stress (heat shock/high temperature and malnutrition/serum deprivation) on porcine ovarian cell functions and their response to hormones
Authors: Sirotkin Alexander V. 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARY
The aim of the present study was to understand the interrelationships between stress, hormones and basic ovarian functions in the ovary. For this purpose, we compared the expression of markers of proliferation (PCNA, cyclin B1), of apoptosis (Bax, caspase-3) and secretory activity (release of progesterone, P4, and insulin-like growth factor, IGF-I) in whole ovarian follicles and granulosa cells cultured in conditions of normal temperature (37.5°C) and feeding (with serum), high temperature (41.5°C, with serum) and malnutrition (37.5°C, without serum), with and without hormones [IGF-I, leptin and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)]. The expression of proliferation and apoptosis markers was evaluated by SDS PAGE–western blotting whereas radioimmunoassay (RIA) measured the release of hormones. High temperature dramatically induced a reduction in both proliferation and apoptosis markers in both ovarian follicles and granulosa cells and induced a significant increase in P4 and IGF-I release by ovarian granulosa cells but not in P4 secretion by ovarian follicles. Serum deprivation increased accumulation of cyclin B1 but not other markers of proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (Bax, caspase-3) or P4 release in ovarian follicles. On the contrary, it inhibited the expression of apoptotic marker (Bax), release of both P4 and IGF-I but it did not affect proliferation marker (PCNA) in granulosa cells. Adding IGF-I, leptin and FSH affected proliferation, apoptosis and secretory activity of ovarian cell functions but also prevented an inhibitory effect of high temperature on the expression of Bax and PCNA and an inhibitory action of serum deprivation on PCNA in ovarian follicles. Furthermore, treatment with these hormones prevented an inhibitory action of thermal stress on Bax, PCNA, P4 and IGF-I in ovarian granulosa cells. The present observations (1) confirm the involvement of hormones (IGF-I, leptin and FSH) in the control of proliferation, apoptosis and secretory activity of ovarian cells, (2) demonstrate for the first time that heat stress/increased temperature can induce a reduction in ovarian cell proliferation and apoptosis and an oversecretion of ovarian hormones, (3) show that malnutrition/serum deprivation can reduce both apoptosis and secretory activity of ovarian cells, (4) demonstrate the differences in the response of granulosa and other ovarian follicular cells to stresses, and (5) are the first demonstration that hormones (IGF-I, leptin and FSH) could be used for preventing the effect of stresses on ovarian cell functions.
Income breeding and temperature-induced plasticity in reproductive traits in lizards
Authors: Luo Lai-Gao , Ding Guo-Hua , Ji Xiang 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYWe used the northern grass lizard Takydromus septentrionalis as a model animal to examine the energy allocation strategy and whether body temperature can affect maternal reproductive traits in lizards. We maintained adult females collected from the field soon after winter dormancy under three thermal conditions (24.0±1.0°C, 28.0±1.0°C and 32.0±1.0°C) throughout the subsequent reproductive season, and then recorded their energy intake, digestive efficiency, body size and mass changes, and reproductive parameters. Manipulation of body temperature in reproducing females affected energy intake and several maternal reproductive characteristics. Females allocated energy to reproduction following the fulfillment of energetic requirements for metabolism and growth. The reduced energy availability for reproduction constrained females at low or high body temperatures to produce fewer and smaller eggs per season but had no role in influencing the number of eggs produced in single reproductive bouts. Females used currently acquired energy to fuel reproduction, and this strategy did not shift seasonally from the first to subsequent clutches. Our study supports the idea that the use of currently acquired energy for reproduction may be more widespread in ectotherms than thought before, and shows for the first time that egg size is thermally plastic in T. septentrionalis, where eggs produced in single reproductive bouts are believed to be well optimized for size.
Hard Magnets after Freezing of Spin Dynamics of Soft Magnets in Cobalt(II)–Radical Chain Compounds
Authors: Okamura Yoshitomo , Ishii Norio , Nogami Takashi , Ishida Takayuki 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Several metal–radical alternating chains ([Co(hfac)2(CnPNN)]) were prepared, and their crystal structures and magnetic properties were systematically studied, where CnPNN stands for a phenylnitronyl nitroxide ligand having a linear Cn alkoxy group at the ortho or para position. X-ray crystal structure analysis was successfully performed for [Co(hfac)2(p-C5PNN)] (p-5). The chain structure is similar to those of the known p-butoxy and o-ethoxy derivatives. Compound p-5 showed a very large coercive field of 51 kOe (4.1 MA m−1) and a saturation magnetization of 9.7 × 103 erg Oe−1 mol−1 at 6 K. o-Propoxy and o-pentoxy derivatives also exhibited large coercive fields of 50–54 kOe at 5–6 K. The activation energies of magnetization reorientation for the present compounds were estimated to be as large as 290–360 K from Arrhenius analysis using ac susceptibility data. In a temperature range of ca. 10–40 K, all of the present compounds behaved as very soft magnets, as indicated by no hysteresis in the ferromagnetic M–H curves. We propose a mechanism for the drastic soft–hard switch. The hard character grows immediately after freezing of the spin dynamics owing to the strong magnetic anisotropy.
Synthesis and Antileukemic Activity of 1-((S)-2-Amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazol-6-yl)-3-(substituted phenyl)urea Derivatives
Authors: Prasanna Doddakunche S , Kavitha Chandagirikoppal V , Vinaya Kambappa , Ranganatha Somasagara R , Raghava Byregowda , Kumar Yelekere C Sunil , Raghavan Sathees C , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Heterocyclic urea derivatives play an important role as anticancer agents because of their good inhibitory activity against receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), raf kinases, protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), and NADH oxidase, which play critical roles in many aspects of tumorigenesis. Benzothiazole moiety constitutes an important scaffold of drugs, possessing several pharmacological functions, mainly the anticancer activity. Based on these interesting properties of benzothiazoles and urea moiety to obtain new biologically active agents, we synthesized a series of novel 1-((S)-2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazol-6-yl)-3-(substituted phenyl)urea derivatives and evaluated for their efficacy as antileukemic agents against two human leukemic cell lines (K562 and Reh). These compounds showed good and moderate cytotoxic effect to cancer cell lines tested. Compounds with electron-withdrawing chloro and fluoro substituents on phenyl ring showed good activity and compounds with electron-donating methoxy group showed moderate activity. Compound with electron-withdrawing dichloro substitution on phenyl ring of aryl urea showed good activity. Further, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, flow cytometric analysis of annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) double staining and DNA fragmentation studies showed that compound with dichloro substitution on phenyl ring of aryl urea can induce apoptosis.
Development of Unique Chemical Phenomena within Nanometer-Sized, Self-Assembled Coordination Hosts
Authors: Yoshizawa Michito , Fujita Makoto 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
This account recounts the application of self-assembled coordination hosts as molecular tools and the development of unusual chemical reactions and interactions generated within their cavities. Starting from the simple molecular recognition of guest molecules, coordination hosts have been used to accelerate reaction rates, endow regio- and stereoselectivity, and create unique reactions in their nanometer-sized cavities. Coordination hosts were also used to develop a new, practical method for constructing discrete stacks of aromatic molecules with unique electronic and magnetic properties.
Agile + Usability. Agile Methoden, Usability Engineering, User Experience, User-Centered Design
Authors: Memmel Thomas , Obendorf Hartmut 
Published: May 2010

Zusammenfassung
Methoden und Techniken der agilen Softwareentwicklung sind inzwischen weit verbreitet und aus der Praxis kaum mehr wegzudenken. Usability Engineering und User Experience Design haben in agilen Projekten jedoch noch immer einen schweren Stand. Obwohl Usability-Methoden selbst oft inkrementell und iterativ sind, wird ihr Einsatz oft als zu schwergewichtig empfunden: der Anspruch von Usability Professionals, möglichst früh im Prozess ein stimmiges und vollständiges Design zu erarbeiten, passt auf den ersten Blick nicht zur evolutionären Arbeitsweise agiler Softwareentwicklungsprojekte. Um Möglichkeiten und Vorteile einer Verzahnung von Usability Engineering und agilen Methoden herauszuarbeiten, hat die German UPA daher den Arbeitskreis Agile gegründet. In diesem Beitrag werden Kernthemen des Arbeitskreises und Möglichkeiten zur Mitwirkung für Usability Professionals vorgestellt.
AK Intranets/Mitarbeiterportale
Authors: Wendland Karsten 
Published: May 2010

Zusammenfassung
Ein Mitarbeiterportal oder Intranet im Unternehmen einzuführen und am Leben zu halten kann ein schwieriges Geschäft sein. Vordenker und Umsetzer von Mitarbeiterportalen sind auf mehreren Ebenen gefordert: In ihrer Kreativität, ihrem technischen Sachverstand, ihrem redaktionellen Gespür und ihrem Fingerspitzengefühl im Einführungsprozess - oft ist weniger mehr, technische Finessen brauchen Zeit, um bei den Mitarbeitenden im Unternehmen anzukommen, und einzelne innovative Impulse können überraschend frische Eigendynamiken freisetzen. Für die erfolgreiche Nutzung von Blogs, Wikis, Foren, Chats, Video-Channels und anderen Web 2.0-Technologien im Mitarbeiterportal braucht es gute Grundkonzepte, richtige Zeitpunkte und durchdachte Einführungsstrategien. Der neue AK Mitarbeiterportale/Intranets der German UPA richtet sich an Interessierte, die mit aktuellen Fragestellungen zu Mitarbeiterportalen befasst sind und diese im Austausch miteinander bearbeiten wollen.
Qualitative Usability Tests als Ausgangspunkt von Marketingberatung und Produktinnovation
Authors: Wilmanns Hendrik 
Published: May 2010

Zusammenfassung
Usability Tests geben in der Regel ”nur“ Empfehlungen zur Optimierung von Benutzeroberflächen. Dadurch wird viel Potential verschenkt, denn typischerweise erfahren wir im Nutzungskontext Dinge über ein Produkt, die für den Erfolg sehr viel entscheidender sind als dessen bloße Anwenderfreundlichkeit: Wie Menschen es sich vorstellen, was sie darüber wissen und was nicht, was sie daran beeindruckt usw. Kurzum: Mit den Ergebnissen qualitativer Usability-Tests können wir dazu beitragen, die Kernfragen des Marketings zu beantworten: Wer sind die Nutzer und wie ”ticken“ sie? Der folgende Artikel ist ein Plädoyer für den Einsatz von Usability Tests.
”Tue Gutes und rede darüber.“ Erfolgreiche interne Kommunikation für User-Experience-Professionals
Authors: Petrovic Kostanija , Hennings Lennart , Kowallik Petra 
Published: May 2010

Zusammenfassung
Erfolgreiche interne Kommunikation kann User-Experience-Teams zu mehr Aufmerksamkeit innerhalb ihres Unternehmens verhelfen und die Grundlage für eine bessere Zusammenarbeit mit anderen Abteilungen sein. Dabei gilt es verschiedene Faktoren innerhalb der Organisation, bei der Projektarbeit und bei der Wahl der Kommunikationsmittel zu beachten. Unternehmen wie Apple, Bang & Olufsen und Braun werden wegen der User Experience (UX) ihrer Produkte geschätzt. Begriffe wie ”Design“ und ”Innovation“ werden mit diesen Firmen assoziiert und als Voraussetzung ihres Unternehmenserfolges wahrgenommen. Trotzdem gibt es sowohl in der Öffentlichkeit als auch in Unternehmen nur ein eingeschränktes Wissen über und Verständnis für die benutzerzentrierte Gestaltung von Produkten (User Centered Design). So erleben UX-Professionals in ihrem Arbeitsalltag, dass ihr Beitrag oft als Störung der Produktentwicklung bewertet wird: Sie würden zwar gut gemeinte Ratschläge liefern, diese seien aber unkritisch für den Produkterfolg und stehen daher ganz unten auf der Prioritätenliste stehen. Ein weiteres weit verbreitetes Vorurteil ist, dass die benutzerzentrierte Gestaltung den Produktentwicklungsprozess unnötig verzögert und die Projektlaufzeit unverhältnismäßig verlängert (Kuniavsky 2003). Um solchen Vorurteilen entgegenzutreten, und den Wert von UX zu vermitteln, müssen UX-Professionals erfolgreich kommunizieren. Der vorliegende Beitrag fokussiert das Thema interne Kommunikation und resultiert aus der Arbeit des Arbeitskreises In-house Usability der German UPA.
Gas-phase isothermal chromatography with short-lived technetium isotopes
Authors: Lin Mao-Sheng , Qin Zhi , Lei Fu-An , Guo Jun-Sheng , Zhang Li-Na , Ding Hua-Jie , Fan Fang-Li , Bai Jing , Wu Xiao-Lei 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
In order to study the gas-phase chemical behavior of transactinides, an on-line isothermal chromatography apparatus has been developed and applied to separate short-lived technetium isotopes in the form of TcO3 from fission products. The fission products from a 252Cf source were continuously and rapidly transported through the capillary to the isothermal chromatography apparatus using the N2/KBr gas-jet techniques. Volatile oxide molecules were formed at the reaction zone kept at 900 °C since a trace amount of oxygen existed in the N2 carrier gas. With the new developed isothermal chromatography apparatus, a selective separation of Tc from fission products was achieved. After isothermal chromatographic separation, 101,103,104,105,106,107,108Tc were dominantly observed together with their Ru daughters in the γ-spectrum, The chemical yields of 101Tc, 104Tc and 105Tc isotopes with longer half-lives are about 55−57%, and those of 103Tc, 106Tc, 107Tc and 108Tc isotopes with shorter half-lives dropped down to 25−28%. The adsorption enthalpy of the investigated compounds on quartz surfaces was determined to be −150±5 kJ/mol by fitting the measured retention curves with a Monte Carlo model. The observed species of technetium oxide is attributed to TcO3, which is in good agreement with previous experimental results. That means our system worked properly and it can be used to investigate the gas-phase chemical behavior of transactinides.