bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound guided site specific gene delivery system using adenoviral vectors and commercial ultrasound contrast agents
Authors: Howard Candace M. , Forsberg Flemming , Minimo Corrado , Liu Ji‐Bin , Merton Daniel A. , Claudio Pier Paolo 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe have evaluated if ultrasound imaging (US) and various commercially available contrast microbubbles can serve as a non‐invasive systemically administered delivery vehicle for site‐specific adenoviral‐mediated gene transfer in vitro and in vivo. The contrast agents were tested for their ability to enclose and to protect an adenoviral vector carrying the GFP marker gene (Ad‐GFP) into the microbubbles. We have also evaluated the ability of the innate immune system to inactivate free adenoviruses as well as unenclosed viruses adsorbed on the surface of the contrast agents and in turn the ability of the microbubbles to enclose and to protect the viral vectors from such agents. In vitro as well as in vivo, innate components of the immune system were able to serve as inactivating agents to clear free viral particles and unenclosed adenoviruses adsorbed on the microbubbles' surface. Systemic delivery of Ad‐GFP enclosed into microbubbles in the tail vein of nude mice resulted in specific targeting of the GFP transgene. Both fluorescence microscopy and GFP immunohistochemistry demonstrated US guided specific transduction in the targeted cells only, with no uptake in either heart, lungs or liver using complement‐pretreated Ad‐GFP microbubbles. This approach enhances target specificity of US microbubble destruction as a delivery vehicle for viral‐mediated gene transfer. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 413–421, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
hERG1 channels in human esophagus: Evidence for their aberrant expression in the malignant progression of Barrett's esophagus
Authors: Lastraioli Elena , Taddei Antonio , Messerini Luca , Comin Camilla E. , Festini Mara , Giannelli Matteo , Tomezzoli Anna , Paglierani Milena , Mugnai Gabriele , De Manzoni Giovanni , Bechi Paolo , Arcangeli Annarosa 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIon channels regulate a broad range of cellular activities. Alteration in ion channel function has been reported in different human pathologies, such as cardiac, neuromuscular, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. We investigated the expression of hERG1 K+ channels in the human upper gastrointestinal tract, focusing our attention on the lower esophagus. In particular, we analyzed by both Reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) endoscopic samples obtained from normal subjects, from patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux, associated or not with esophagitis, and from patients affected by Barrett's esophagus (BE), that is, intestinal metaplasia. None of the normal samples, nor those from patients with gastro‐esophageal reflux symptoms and reflux esophagitis expressed the hERG1 protein. On the other hand, 69% of patients with BE expressed hERG1. Since BE is a preneoplastic lesion, dysplasias (Ds) and adenocarcinomas (ADKs) arising on a previously diagnosed BE were also analyzed, and all the samples showed a high expression of the hERG1 protein. The surveillance of patients with BE showed that 89% of those who later developed ADKs displayed hERG1 expression. Data here reported, support the hypothesis that hERG1 expression marks an early step of the progression of normality to cancer in the human esophagus through a metaplastic and dysplastic stage. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 398–404, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Formation of elongated giant mitochondria in DFO‐induced cellular senescence: Involvement of enhanced fusion process through modulation of Fis1
Authors: Yoon Young‐Sil , Yoon Dong‐Sun , Lim In Kyoung , Yoon Soo‐Han , Chung Hae‐Young , Rojo Manuel , Malka Florence , Jou Mei‐Jie , Martinou Jean‐Claude , Yoon Gyesoon 
Published: August 2006

AbstractEnlarged or giant mitochondria have often been documented in aged tissues although their role and underlying mechanism remain unclear. We report here how highly elongated giant mitochondria are formed in and related to the senescent arrest. The mitochondrial morphology was progressively changed to a highly elongated form during deferoxamine (DFO)‐induced senescent arrest of Chang cells, accompanied by increase of intracellular ROS level and decrease of mtDNA content. Interestingly, under exposure to subcytotoxic doses of H2O2 (200 µM), about 65% of Chang cells harbored elongated mitochondria with senescent phenotypes whereas ethidium bromide (EtBr) (50 ng/ml) only reformed the cristae structure. Elongated giant mitochondria were also observed in TGF β1‐ or H2O2‐induced senescent Mv1Lu cells and in old human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs). In all senescent progresses employed in this study Fis1 protein, a mitochondrial fission modulator, was commonly downexpressed. Overexpression of YFP‐Fis1 reversed both mitochondrial elongation and appearance of senescent phenotypes induced by DFO, implying its critical involvement in the arrest. Finally, we found that direct induction of mitochondrial elongation by blocking mitochondrial fission process with Fis1‐ΔTM or Drp1‐K38A was sufficient to develop senescent phenotypes with increased ROS production. These data suggest that mitochondrial elongation may play an important role as a mediator in stress‐induced premature senescence. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 468–480, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myostatin induces cachexia by activating the ubiquitin proteolytic system through an NF‐κB‐independent, FoxO1‐dependent mechanism
Authors: McFarlane Craig , Plummer Erin , Thomas Mark , Hennebry Alex , Ashby Murray , Ling Nicholas , Smith Heather , Sharma Mridula , Kambadur Ravi 
Published: August 2006

AbstractMyostatin, a transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) super‐family member, has been well characterized as a negative regulator of muscle growth and development. Myostatin has been implicated in several forms of muscle wasting including the severe cachexia observed as a result of conditions such as AIDS and liver cirrhosis. Here we show that Myostatin induces cachexia by a mechanism independent of NF‐κB. Myostatin treatment resulted in a reduction in both myotube number and size in vitro, as well as a loss in body mass in vivo. Furthermore, the expression of the myogenic genes myoD and pax3 was reduced, while NF‐κB (the p65 subunit) localization and expression remained unchanged. In addition, promoter analysis has confirmed Myostatin inhibition of myoD and pax3. An increase in the expression of genes involved in ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis is observed during many forms of muscle wasting. Hence we analyzed the effect of Myostatin treatment on proteolytic gene expression. The ubiquitin associated genes atrogin‐1, MuRF‐1, and E214k were upregulated following Myostatin treatment. We analyzed how Myostatin may be signaling to induce cachexia. Myostatin signaling reversed the IGF‐1/PI3K/AKT hypertrophy pathway by inhibiting AKT phosphorylation thereby increasing the levels of active FoxO1, allowing for increased expression of atrophy‐related genes. Therefore, our results suggest that Myostatin induces cachexia through an NF‐κB‐independent mechanism. Furthermore, increased Myostatin levels appear to antagonize hypertrophy signaling through regulation of the AKT‐FoxO1 pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 501–514, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An unusual extended DNA loop attachment region is located in the human dystrophin gene
Authors: Iarovaia Olga V. , Borounova Victoria , Vassetzky Yegor S. , Razin Sergey V. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe have found and characterized an unusual extended area of DNA association with the nuclear matrix in the human dystrophin gene. This extended DNA loop anchorage region (LAR) has been mapped and characterized using a variety of biochemical and microscopy techniques. It spans approximately 200 kbp at chromosomal locations 950–1,150 Kb downstream to the beginning of the first exon of the dystrophin gene Dp427m and covers a part of the intron 43, exon 44, and most of intron 44. The extended LAR harbors the major recombination hot spot of the dystrophin gene and a replication origin. We propose a model where DNA topoisomerase II‐mediated cleavage at the nuclear matrix may enhance recombination events within this extended LAR. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 515–521, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Loss of Kv and MaxiK currents associated with increased MRP1 expression in small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Lam Hung D. , Lemay Anne‐Marie , Kelly Jackie , Hill Ceredwyn E. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractRegulatory volume decrease and exocrine secretion studies suggest a functional relationship between K+ and organic anion efflux. To test the hypothesis that the expression of K+ channels and MRP1 is reciprocally related, we employed the patch clamp and RT‐PCR techniques on weakly (H69) and strongly MRP1‐expressing (H69AR) small cell lung cancer cells. H69AR cells do not express the time‐ and voltage‐dependent delayed rectifying K+ current (Kv) reported earlier in H69 cells and confirmed here. About 80% of the Kv current in H69 cells inactivated at 0 mV, allowing us to identify other K+ currents present in these cells. Whole‐cell currents from cells dialyzed and bathed in K‐gluconate as the major ions exhibited inward rectification in both cell types. Inwardly rectifying (Kir) currents in both H69 and H69AR cells showed time‐dependent activation and slow inactivation at large negative potentials. H69 cells also express a threefold larger Ca2+‐stimulated K+‐selective and iberiotoxin‐sensitive current relative to H69AR cells. In excised inside‐out patches exposed to 145 mM symmetrical K+ solutions, H69 cells expressed a voltage‐ and Ca2+‐sensitive large conductance (128 ± 5 pS) K+ channel (MaxiK). MaxiK‐like currents were not observed at the whole‐cell or single‐channel level in H69AR cells. RT‐PCR identified MaxiKα transcripts in H69 but not H69AR cells. These results indicate that two K+ currents (MaxiK and Kv) and the organic anion transporter MRP1 are reciprocally expressed in H69 and H69AR cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 535–541, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Independent sets in tensor graph powers
Authors: Alon Noga , Lubetzky Eyal 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe tensor product of two graphs, G and H, has a vertex set V(G) × V(H) and an edge between (u,v) and (u′,v′) iff both u u′ ∈ E(G) and v v′ ∈ E(H). Let A(G) denote the limit of the independence ratios of tensor powers of G, lim, α(Gn)/|V(Gn)|. This parameter was introduced in [Brown, Nowakowski, Rall, SIAM J Discrete Math 9 (1996), 290–300], where it was shown that A(G) is lower bounded by the vertex expansion ratio of independent sets of G. In this article we study the relation between these parameters further, and ask whether they are in fact equal. We present several families of graphs where equality holds, and discuss the effect the above question has on various open problems related to tensor graph products. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory
Thermal Degradation of Poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene) and its Dehydrogenated Derivatives: Influence of a Controlled Microstructure
Authors: Natori Itaru , Natori Shizue 
Published: August 2006

AbstractSummary: The thermal degradation and carbonization of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene) (PCHD) with a controlled polymer chain, and its soluble dehydrogenated derivatives are reported for the first time. For PCHD, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis revealed a three‐stage thermal degradation. PCHD was completely decomposed and consumed at 600 °C. 1,2‐Cyclohexadiene (1,2‐CHD) units showed higher thermal stability than 1,4‐cyclohexadiene (1,4‐CHD) units in the polymer chain. The weight residue of approximately 75% dehydrogenated PCHD was between 55 and 65 wt.‐% at 800 °C. These extremely stable residues seem to originate from dehydrogenated CHD units (phenylene units), and are regarded as carbonized compounds. For soluble polyphenylene (PPH) homopolymer (i.e. completely dehydrogenated PCHD), a gradual thermal degradation was observed during the carbonization process. The weight residue for each polymer was between 60 and 70 wt.‐% at 800 °C. 1,4‐Phenylene (1,4‐Ph) units showed higher thermal stability than 1,2‐phenylene (1,2‐Ph) units. The existence of CHD units in the polymer chain accelerated the carbonization of Ph units (sequence). The results suggest that the soluble PPH homopolymer is one soluble precursor that can be utilized to obtain a new class of graphitic compounds.Thermogravimetric (TG) curves for completely dehydrogenated poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene) (soluble polyphenylene homopolymer).magnified imageThermogravimetric (TG) curves for completely dehydrogenated poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene) (soluble polyphenylene homopolymer).
Preparation of Carbazole‐Containing Amphiphilic Copolymers: An Efficient Method for the Incorporation of Functional Nanocrystals
Authors: Sun Haizhu , Zhang Junhu , Zhang Hao , Li Wei , Wang Chunlei , Li Minjie , Tian Ye , Zhang Dalong , Chen Hongyan , Yang Bai 
Published: August 2006

AbstractSummary: Novel statistical copolymers with blue fluorescence and amphiphilic groups were synthesized via the radical copolymerization of monomers NVK and OVDAC. The composition and properties of the copolymers were systematically investigated using FT‐IR, UV‐VIS, NMR, PL, DSC, and TGA. This copolymerization method yielded homogeneous random copolymers with variable composition and hence variable carrier transport properties. Besides, positively charged OVDAC groups of the copolymers made them easy to incorporate into negatively charged semiconductor nanocrystals to achieve luminescent composites. The resultant composites showed flexible processability that could be patterned through different methods.Processing route for the nanocrystal/poly(9–vinylcarbazole‐co‐octadecyl‐p‐vinylbenzyl‐dimethyl‐ammonium chloride) composite.magnified imageProcessing route for the nanocrystal/poly(9–vinylcarbazole‐co‐octadecyl‐p‐vinylbenzyl‐dimethyl‐ammonium chloride) composite.
Reliability of interconnection networks modeled by a product of graphs
Authors: Balbuena C. , García‐Vázquez P. , Marcote X. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe product graph Gm*Gp of two given graphs Gm and Gp, defined by J.C. Bermond et al. [J Combin Theory, Series B 36 (1984) 32–48] in the context of the so‐called (Δ,D)‐problem, is one interesting model in the design of large reliable networks. This work deals with product graphs for which we provide bounds for the connectivity parameter κ. Moreover, we state sufficient conditions that guarantee these product graphs to be maximally connected or superconnected. As a consequence, we deduce that even small networks with low reliability may lead to larger networks with high levels of fault‐tolerance. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 48(3), 114–120 2006
Corporate lobbying in Europe, managing knowledge and information strategies
Authors: Taminiau Yvette , Wilts Arnold 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Given that knowledge and information are critical resources for acquiring access to the EU policy process, the question of this paper is how firms should manage the knowledge and information strategies surrounding their lobbying attempts. Developing an appropriate resource base is critical for firms trying to bring their interests to bear on European decision‐making. The same holds for the ability to recognize potential points of entry to the EU policy process. Next to substantial knowledge and expertise, therefore, the ability to understand policy dynamics and the appropriate timing of lobbying attempts are critically important in corporate lobbying in Europe. The implication of this argument is that managing knowledge and information strategies become increasingly important for handlings firms' public affairs.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mixed motive approach to lobbying: applying game theory to analyse the impact of co‐operation and conflict on perceived lobbying success
Authors: Aitken‐Turff Freya , Jackson Nigel 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis study was motivated by the apparent discrepancy between guidance for public relations best practice using co‐operation and collaboration to resolve conflict, and the potential to use the positive elements of conflict and competition to lobby more effectively. Game theory matrix was applied to nine lobbying campaigns, and used narrative analysis to identify themes of co‐operation, conflict, and mixed motive lobbying in the transcripts. The primary research identified that:Conflict, co‐operation and mixed‐motive lobbying were apparent in all the case studies.Mixed motive lobbying was unattainable between organizations with diametrically opposed interests and this may limit its application.A further obstacle to mixed motive strategies is the high level of resources it uses.The numerical game theory matrix used in this study was of limited use, however, the conceptual framework the theory provided was effective at modelling conflict and co‐operation strategies.Formal co‐operative alliances were common in the sample. Smaller coalitions appeared to be more effective than the larger ones.Those engaged in high conflict campaigns perceived themselves to be more effective than those engaged in lower conflict campaigns, however, this would need to be examined more exhaustively to establish causality.Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Communicating corporate social responsibility: an exploratory case study of a major UK retail centre
Authors: Bowd Ryan , Bowd Les , Harris Phil 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Corporate 'social responsibility [CSR] is neither a fad nor an optional extra. The interest in it is reflective of a deeper change in the relationship between companies and their stakeholders. Healthy business requires a healthy community, and should be contributing to its creation and maintenance. The public increasingly wants to know about companies that stand behind the brands and products presented to them. And use their power to reward ‘good’ companies and punish the ‘bad’ ones. (Lewis, S. 2001).
CSR is becoming ever more important in the modern business environment, as is evident by the fact that most leading public companies include a specific statement on their CSR policy within their annual reports. Indeed, changing societal expectations, increasingly intrusive media reporting, and ever more sophisticated and powerful pressure groups have caused all organizations to consider more carefully their wider social responsibilities not only out of altruistic reasons, but because of the need to consider the potential impact of their policies on their wider stakeholder relationships.
It is argued in academic and professional writing that CSR orientated organizations benefit from a series of tangible and intangible benefits, when stakeholders are informed of their orientation. Corporations have reacted to these calls and this belief in a business case and are implementing CSR programmes or corporate change to bring about new corporate mindsets, and are in‐turn communicating the results of these programmes. However, in order to be able to effectively communicate it is necessary that organizations clearly understand the concept of CSR, both from a managerial perspective and homogeneous and individual stakeholder perspective.
Aiming to help address this lack of understanding, the proposed paper provides a case examination of stakeholder and management perspectives of CSR in the North West of England in a retail setting. The study was conducted in 2003 around a Major UK retail centre using a mix method approach that drew out management cognate viewpoints on CSR and quantitatively tested these findings against stakeholder viewpoints on CSR. The study is served as a pilot for future studies into the area.
It found that within the context of the case that the managers and stakeholders (when taken as one homogeneous group) shared a similar view of the concept of CSR. Additionally, the weaknesses of the research pilot brought to the surface methodological improvements that could impact on future researches into the area.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving outcomes for children with cancer in low‐income countries in Latin America: A report on the recent meetings of the Monza International School of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (MISPHO)‐Part I
Authors: Howard Scott C. , Marinoni Marco , Castillo Luis , Bonilla Miguel , Tognoni Gianni , Luna‐Fineman Sandra , Antillon Federico , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Pui Ching‐Hon , Ribeiro Raul C. , Sala Alessandra , Barr Ronald D. , Masera Giuseppe ,   The MISPHO Consortium Writing Committee
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe difference in survival for children diagnosed with cancer between high‐ and low‐income countries (LIC) continues to widen as curative therapies are developed in the former but not implemented in the latter. In 1996, the Monza International School of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (MISPHO) was founded in an attempt to narrow this survival gap. During its sixth and seventh meetings, members recognized the problem of lack of affordability of essential drugs to treat childhood cancer in many LIC, and initiated an advocacy program. In 1998, MISPHO spawned a collaboration of Central American pediatric oncology centers: the Asociación de Hemato‐Oncología Pediátrica Centroamericana (AHOPCA). AHOPCA members reported preliminary findings from several of the 10 cooperative protocols that are currently in progress. In 2003, a second regional collaborative group was formed that includes seven centers in South America. Twinning programs between MISPHO centers and centers in high‐income countries (HIC) have proven invaluable to harness the resources of these centers to improve pediatric oncology care in LIC. MISPHO educational efforts include oncology nursing, supportive care, cancer‐specific updates, epidemiology, and clinical research methods. Educational efforts are facilitated by educational content and online conferencing via www.cure4kids.org. Identifying preventable causes of abandonment of therapy and documenting the nutritional status of patients treated at MISPHO centers are areas of active research. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:364–369. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High resolution Rydberg spectroscopy of ultracold rubidium atoms
Authors: Grabowski A. , Heidemann R. , Löw R. , Stuhler J. , Pfau T. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe present experiments on two‐photon excitation of 87Rb atoms to Rydberg states. For this purpose, two continuous‐wave (cw)‐laser systems for both 780 nm and 480 nm have been set up. These systems are optimized to a small linewidth (well below 1 MHz) to get both an efficient excitation process and good spectroscopic resolution. To test the performance of our laser system, we investigated the Stark splitting of Rydberg states. We were able to see for both of the n = 41D finestructure states the electrical field dependent |mj| splitting. To show the ability of spatially selective excitation to Rydberg states, we excited rubidium atoms in an electrical field gradient and investigated both linewidths and lineshifts. Furthermore we were able to excite the atoms selectively from the two hyperfine ground states to Rydberg states. Finally, we investigated the Autler‐Townes splitting of the 5S1/2(F = 2)→5P3/2(F = 3) transition coupled to the light field via a Rydberg state to determine the Rabi frequency of this excitation step.