bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomimetic scaffolds fabricated from apatite‐coated polymer microspheres
Authors: Davis Hillary E. , Rao Rameshwar R. , He Jiawei , Leach J. Kent 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe deposition of a bonelike mineral on the surface of polymer scaffolds results in the formation of hybrid biomaterials, possessing enhanced osteoconductivity while retaining appropriate biodegradability. However, current methods of fabricating such composite scaffolds use a prolonged incubation process, which permits scaffold deformation and premature loss of incorporated macromolecules. We hypothesized that the fabrication of biomineralized polymer scaffolds could be achieved using premineralized polymer microspheres generated through incubation in a modified simulated body fluid (mSBF). We explored the material characteristics of these substrates and characterized the in vitro osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) when cultured on these novel scaffolds. Unlike scaffolds prepared using the conventional approach, premineralized scaffolds maintained their initial conformation after fabrication, achieved improved mineral distribution throughout the substrate, and enabled significantly greater incorporation efficiency of a model protein. We did not detect differences in osteogenic differentiation as determined by alkaline phosphatase activity and osteopontin secretion. However, we did observe a significant increase in cell‐secreted calcium by hMSCs seeded on scaffolds prepared from premineralized polymer. These results demonstrate that the use of premineralized polymeric materials to fabricate biodegradable polymer scaffolds is an improved method for composite scaffold formation and may have numerous advantages for use in bone tissue engineering. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Identification of long range regulatory elements of mouse α‐globin gene cluster by quantitative associated chromatin trap (QACT)
Authors: Di Li‐Jun , Wang Li , Zhou Guo‐ling , Wu Xue‐song , Guo Zhi‐chen , Ke Xi‐song , Liu De‐pei , Liang Chih‐chuan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractChromatin from different regions of the genome frequently forms steady associations that play important roles in regulating gene expression. The widely used chromatin conformation capture (3C) assay allows determination of the in vivo structural organization of an active endogenous locus. However, unpredicted chromatin associations within a given genomic locus can not be identified by 3C. Here, we describe a new strategy, quantitative associated chromatin trap (QACT), which incorporates a modified 3C method and a quantitative assay tool, to capture and quantitatively analyzes all possible associated chromatin partners (ACPs) of a given chromatin fragment. Using QACT, we have analyzed the chromatin conformation of the mouse α‐globin gene cluster and proved the extensive interaction between HS26 and α‐globin genes. In addition, we have identified a candidate α1‐globin gene specific silencer 475A8 which shows the differentiation‐stage specific DNase I hypersensitivity. Functional analysis suggests that 475A8 may regulate the α1‐globin gene during terminal differentiation of committed erythroid progenitor cells. ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation) and cotransfection assays demonstrate that GATA‐1, a hemopoietic specific transcriptional factor, may increase α1‐globin gene expression by suppressing the function of 475A8 in terminally differentiated erythroid cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 301–312, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microgenomics profile the endogenous angiogenic phenotype in subpopulations of aggressive Melanoma
Authors: Demou Zoe N. , Hendrix Mary J.C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBeyond the elemental role of blood vessels in tumor growth, fluid conducting networks lacking endothelium (termed vasculogenic mimicry) were identified previously in metastatic melanoma and other cancer types. The etiology remains unclear, though it appears to involve dysregulation of the tumor‐specific phenotype and transdifferentiation. Instigating the molecular deciphering of this phenomenon, we established a novel technique for microdissecting the spontaneously formed vascular‐like networks and the randomly arranged cells (nests) from living 3D cultures of melanoma and performed microgenomics analysis. For the first time we show that despite the shared genotype, transcription was differentially regulated among the phenotypically distinct melanoma structures in vasculogenic mimicry. Several angiogenesis‐specific genes were differentially expressed in higher levels in network cells of both uveal and cutaneous melanoma with intriguing representation of the ephrin family of angiogenesis factors, which was confirmed with immunocytochemistry. Interestingly, the adjacent nest‐cells over‐expressed ECM‐related genes. Moreover, expression of angiogenesis‐specific genes in melanoma resembled that of normal microvascular cells and was enhanced in melanoma disseminating hematogenously. The findings suggest that melanoma plasticity could enable autopoiesis of vascular‐mimicking elements within the tumor infrastructure with significant clinical implications, such as response to anti‐angiogenic treatments. Identifying factors regulating tumor plasticity and heterogeneity at the molecular level is essential in designing effective anti‐cancer therapies. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 562–573, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histones and nucleosomes in Cancer sperm (Decapod: Crustacea) previously described as lacking basic DNA‐associated proteins: A new model of sperm chromatin
Authors: Kurtz Kathryn , Martínez‐Soler Fina , Ausió Juan , Chiva Manel 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTo date several studies have been carried out which indicate that DNA of crustacean sperm is neither bound nor organized by basic proteins and, contrary to the rest of spermatozoa, do not contain highly packaged chromatin. Since this is the only known case of this type among metazoan cells, we have re‐examined the composition, and partially the structure, of the mature sperm chromatin of Cancer pagurus, which has previously been described as lacking basic DNA‐associated proteins. The results we present here show that: (a) sperm DNA of C. pagurus is bound by histones forming nucleosomes of 170 base pairs, (b) the ratio [histones/DNA] in sperm of two Cancer species is 0.5 and 0.6 (w/w). This ratio is quite lower than the proportion [proteins/DNA] that we found in other sperm nuclei with histones or protamines, whose value is from 1.0 to 1.2 (w/w), (c) histone H4 is highly acetylated in mature sperm chromatin of C. pagurus. Other histones (H3 and H2B) are also acetylated, though the level is much lower than that of histone H4. The low ratio of histones to DNA, along with the high level of acetylation of these proteins, explains the non‐compact, decondensed state of the peculiar chromatin in the sperm studied here. In the final section we offer an explanation for the necessity of such decondensed chromatin during gamete fertilization of this species. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 574–584, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Raghuwanshi Anita , Joshi Sneha S. , Christakos Sylvia 
Published: July 2008

AbstractVitamin D is a principal regulator of calcium homeostasis. However, recent evidence has indicated that vitamin D can have numerous other physiological functions including inhibition of proliferation of a number of malignant cells including breast and prostate cancer cells and protection against certain immune mediated disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS). The geographic incidence of MS indicates an increase in MS with a decrease in sunlight exposure. Since vitamin D is produced in the skin by solar or UV irradiation and high serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) have been reported to correlate with a reduced risk of MS, a protective role of vitamin D is suggested. Mechanisms whereby the active form of vitamin D, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) may act to mediate this protective effect are reviewed. Due to its immunosuppressive actions, it has been suggested that 1,25(OH)2D3 may prevent the induction of MS. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 338–343, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quercetin‐induced ubiquitination and down‐regulation of Her‐2/neu
Authors: Jeong Jae‐Hoon , An Jee Young , Kwon Yong Tae , Li Lu‐Yuan , Lee Yong J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractHer‐2/neu (ErbB2) is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase and acts as a co‐receptor for the other EGFR family members. It is well known that high expression of Her‐2/neu is associated with a poor prognosis in breast cancer. Quercetin, a flavonoid present in many vegetables and fruits, has been studied extensively as a chemoprevention agent in several cancer models. In this study, we observed that quercetin decreased the level of Her‐2/neu protein in time‐ and dose‐dependent manners and also inhibited the downstream survival PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway in Her‐2/neu‐overexpressing breast cancer SK‐Br3 cells. We also observed that quercetin induced polyubiquitination of Her‐2/neu. When the proteasome pathway was blocked by MG‐132 during quercetin treatment, accumulation of the NP‐40 insoluble form of Her‐2/neu occurred. Interestingly, data from immunocomplex studies revealed that quercetin promoted interaction between Her‐2/neu and Hsp90 which is a molecular chaperone involved in stabilization of Her‐2/neu. In this condition, inhibition of Hsp90 activity by a specific inhibitor, geldanamycin (GA), or intracellular ATP depletion caused dissociation of Hsp90 from Her‐2/neu and promoted ubiquitination and down‐regulation of Her‐2/neu protein. In addition, the carboxyl terminus of Hsc70‐interacting protein (CHIP), a chaperone‐dependent E3 ubiquitin ligase, played a crucial role in the quercetin‐induced ubiquitination of Her‐2/neu. Inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity of Her‐2/neu by quercetin could indicate an lateration in the Her‐2/neu structure which promotes CHIP recruitments and down‐regulation of Her‐2/neu. We believe that by using quercetin, new therapeutic strategies can be developed to treat Her‐2/neu overexpressing cancers. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 585–595, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IFN‐γ synergizes with LPS to induce nitric oxide biosynthesis through glycogen synthase kinase‐3‐inhibited IL‐10
Authors: Lin Chiou‐Feng , Tsai Cheng‐Chieh , Huang Wei‐Ching , Wang Chi‐Yun , Tseng Hsiang‐Chi , Wang Yi , Kai Jui‐In , Wang Szu‐Wen , Cheng Yi‐Lin 
Published: July 2008

AbstractInterferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) plays a crucial role in innate immunity and inflammation. It causes the synergistic effect on endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)/NO biosynthesis; however, the mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3)‐mediated inhibition of anti‐inflammatory interleukin‐10 (IL‐10). We found, in LPS‐stimulated macrophages, that IFN‐γ increased iNOS expression and NO production in a time‐dependent manner. In addition, ELISA analysis showed the upregulation of tumor necrosis factor‐α and regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted, and the downregulation of IL‐10. RT‐PCR further showed changes in the IL‐10 mRNA level as well. Treating cells with recombinant IL‐10 showed a decrease in IFN‐γ/LPS‐induced iNOS/NO biosynthesis, whereas anti‐IL‐10 neutralizing antibodies enhanced this effect, suggesting that IL‐10 acts in an anti‐inflammatory role. GSK‐3‐inhibitor treatment blocked IFN‐γ/LPS‐induced iNOS/NO biosynthesis but upregulated IL‐10 production. Inhibiting GSK‐3 using short‐interference RNA showed similar results. Additionally, treating cells with anti‐IL‐10 neutralizing antibodies blocked these effects. We further showed that inhibiting GSK‐3 increased phosphorylation of transcription factor cyclic AMP response element binding protein. Inhibiting protein tyrosine kinase Pyk2, an upstream regulator of GSK‐3β, caused inhibition on IFN‐γ/LPS‐induced GSK‐3β phosphorylation at tyrosine 216 and iNOS/NO biosynthesis. Taken together, these findings reveal the involvement of GSK‐3‐inhibited IL‐10 on the induction of iNOS/NO biosynthesis by IFN‐γ synergized with LPS. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 746–755, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DiffTools: Electron diffraction software tools for DigitalMicrograph™
Authors: Mitchell D.R.G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA suite of software tools (DiffTools) has been developed for DigitalMicrograph—a software platform widely used in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) laboratories world‐wide. These tools include capabilities for calibration, center determination, rotational averaging with automatic peak location, pattern spot spacing and interspot angle determination, rotation and inset of a pattern into an image, pattern intensity inversion and enhancement, and calculation of basic crystallographic data. The implementation and application of these tools to experimental diffraction patterns is illustrated and measurement of d‐spacings with an accuracy of 0.63% or better is demonstrated. These tools, which are freely available via the Internet, enable users to rapidly and efficiently process selected area electron diffraction patterns. This can be performed entirely within the DigitalMicrograph environment using familiar menu‐based commands and user‐friendly dialog‐based scripts. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trust amply recompensed: Psychological research at Weyburn, Saskatchewan, 1957–1961
Authors: Mills John A. , Dyck Erika 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDuring the 1950s and 1960s professionals intensely debated the prospect of changes in the mental health system, largely as a result of the introduction of new therapies, revised theories of mental disorder, and shifting policies governing mental health accommodation. As well as giving rise to new subspecialties within medicine, psychiatrists in some jurisdictions at this time worked closely with psychologists in an attempt to offer a more comprehensive set of options that merged theory with practice. In Saskatchewan, mental health professionals worked closely with government officials and bureaucrats and produced a variety of innovative strategies that addressed changing priorities in this system. This article examines the role played by psychologists in Saskatchewan during this period as they worked cooperatively with psychiatrists and bureaucrats to merge medical, psychological, and political perspectives in a system aimed at accommodating mental illness in the wake of new theories and treatments that questioned the efficacy of care in institutionalized settings in the wake of growing suggestions for care in the community. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The development of early psychology of religion: A Dutch falsification of the received view
Authors: Belzen Jacob A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis article takes issue with the received view of the history of the psychology of religion. Contrary to the presentation of “the” psychology of religion by Beit‐Hallahmi in JHBS (1974) as declining after 1913, this article (1) states that the psychology of religion has never been a homogeneous enterprise, but rather a multiform one, with very different developments in different countries, and (2) presents the history of the Dutch Godsdienstpsychologische Studievereeniging [Study Association for the Psychology of Religion; GPSV] as one of the falsifications of the received view. The GPSV existed in the 1920s and as one of its most notable activities, it organized in 1926 the first international conference for the psychology of religion, an event described in some detail. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative morphology of stingray lateral line canal and electrosensory systems
Authors: Jordan Laura K. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractElasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) possess a variety of sensory systems including the mechanosensory lateral line and electrosensory systems, which are particularly complex with high levels of interspecific variation in batoids (skates and rays). Rays have dorsoventrally compressed, laterally expanded bodies that prevent them from seeing their mouths and more often than not, their prey. This study uses quantitative image analysis techniques to identify, quantify, and compare structural differences that may have functional consequences in the detection capabilities of three Eastern Pacific stingray species. The benthic round stingray, Urobatis halleri, pelagic stingray, Pteroplatytrygon (Dasyatis) violacea, and benthopelagic bat ray, Myliobatis californica, show significant differences in sensory morphology. Ventral lateral line canals correlate with feeding ecology and differ primarily in the proportion of pored and nonpored canals and the degree of branching complexity. Urobatis halleri shows a high proportion of nonpored canals, while P. violacea has an intermediate proportion of pored and nonpored canals with almost no secondary branching of pored canals. In contrast, M. californica has extensive and highly branched pored ventral lateral line canals that extended laterally toward the wing tips on the anterior edge of the pectoral fins. Electrosensory morphology correlates with feeding habitat and prey mobility; benthic feeders U. halleri and M. californica, have greater electrosensory pore numbers and densities than P. violacea. The percentage of the wing surface covered by these sensory systems appears to be inversely related to swimming style. These methods can be applied to a broader range of species to enable further discussion of the relationship of phylogeny, ecology, and morphology, while the results provide testable predictions of detection capabilities. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SPICE modelling of power Schottky diodes
Authors: Zarębski Janusz , Dąbrowski Jacek 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe paper concerns the problem of modelling of silicon and silicon carbide power Schottky diodes. The SPICE built‐in isothermal model of silicon diodes and the electrothermal model of silicon carbide Schottky diodes proposed by Infineon Technologies are investigated and modified. The quality of Schottky diodes modelling is estimated by measurements. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NFAT2 Is an essential mediator of orthopedic particle‐induced osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Yamanaka Yasuhiro , Abu‐Amer Wahid , Foglia Dominica , Otero Jesse , Clohisy John C. , Abu‐Amer Yousef 
Published: July 2008

AbstractParticle‐induced periprosthetic osteolysis is the major cause for orthopedic implant failure. This failure is mediated mainly by the action of osteoclasts, the principal cells responsible for bone resorption and osteolysis. Therapeutic interventions to alleviate osteolysis have been focused on understanding and targeting mechanisms of osteoclastogenesis. The nuclear transcription factor NFAT is an essential terminal differentiation factor of osteoclastogenesis. This transcription factor is known to cooperate with c‐jun/AP‐1 in mediating RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis. We have previously determined that RANKL is an essential cytokine mediator of particle‐induced osteoclastogenesis, and that PMMA particles activate JNK and c‐jun/AP‐1 in bone marrow macrophages (osteoclast precursors). In the current study, we investigated the effect of PMMA particles on the NFAT signaling pathway in osteoclast precursor cells. Our findings point out that PMMA particles stimulate nuclear translocation of NFAT2 in wild‐type osteoclast precursors, which is associated with increased osteoclastogenesis. More importantly, induction of osteoclastogenesis was selectively blocked in a dose‐dependent fashion by the calcineurin inhibitors, Cyclosporine‐A and FK506. Further, this activation was also blocked in a time‐dependent fashion by the NFAT inhibitor VIVIT. Finally, we provide novel evidence that PMMA particles induce binding of NFAT2 and AP‐1 proteins. Thus, our findings demonstrate that activation of the NFAT pathway in conjunction with MAP kinases is essential for basal and PMMA‐stimulated osteoclastogenesis. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Assessment of the efficacy of joint lavage in rabbits with osteoarthritis of the Knee
Authors: Fu Xin , Lin Lin , Zhang Jiying , Yu Changlong 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe investigated the efficacy of joint lavage to alter the progression of the disease process in a rabbit model of knee OA in varying stages of the disease. Thirty‐three white rabbits were operated to induce OA, and then the rabbits were divided into three groups (10 in each) randomly. In group 1, on week 1 after the operation, joint lavage was performed on both knees in five rabbits as treatment group, and the other five rabbits were used as control group received no intervention. By the end of week 2 after operation, the rabbits were sacrificed. In group 2, five received joint lavage on week 2, and all were sacrificed on week 3. In group3, five received joint lavage on week 3, and all were sacrificed on week 4. In each group, histological evaluation showed that both the breakdown of articular cartilage and the inflammation of synovium were less in the knees treated with joint lavage than that in the control knees. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay revealed that the expression of IL‐1β and TNF‐α in synovial fluid decreased significantly in the treatment group. Our findings suggested that joint lavage was beneficial for OA at different phases of OA in rabbit models. Joint lavage may be a beneficial method for the treatment of OA clinically. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:91–96, 2009
Electrodeposited polyaniline as a fiber coating for solid‐phase microextraction of organochlorine pesticides from water
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhong Ming , Chen Jianmin 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe study on the performance of polyaniline as a fiber coating for solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) purposes has been reported. Polyaniline coatings were directly electrodeposited on the surface of a stainless steel wire and applied for the extraction of some organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from water samples. Analyses were performed using GC‐electron capture detection (GC‐ECD). The results obtained show that polyaniline fiber coating is suitable for the successful extraction of organochlorine compounds. This behavior is most probably due to the porous surface structure of polyaniline film, which provides large surface areas and allowed for high extraction efficiency. Experimental parameters such as adsorption and desorption conditions were studied and optimized. The optimized method has an acceptable linearity, with a concentration range of 1–5000 ng/L. Single fiber repeatability and fiber‐to‐fiber reproducibility were less than 12 and 17%, respectively. High environmental resistance and lower cost are among the advantages of polyaniline fibers over commercially available SPME fibers. The developed method was applied to the analysis of real water samples from Yangtse River and Tianmu Lake.