bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Characterization of Nonadrenergic Noncholinergic Neurotransmitter Release via Endocannabinoids: An in Vitro Study in Rabbit Corpus Cavernosum
Authors: Vural Ismail M. , Ozturk Gokce S. , Sarioglu Yusuf 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Corporal smooth muscle relaxation is mediated mainly but not completely by nitric oxide. Endocannabinoids modulate the various neurotransmitter systems.

Aim
In the present study, a possible role of endocannabinoids on non-nitrergic nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC)-mediated relaxations was investigated.

Methods
In precontracted tissues, control electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced NANC relaxation responses were obtained using varying frequencies of stimulation in the presence of L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), guanethidine, and atropine. To investigate the effects of cannabinoids on EFS-evoked non-nitrergic NANC relaxation responses, a similar experimental procedure was applied in the presence of cannabinoid receptor antagonists AM251 or AM630; vanilloid receptor antagonist capsazepine; or cannabinoid receptor agonists anandamide, arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide (ACEA), or JHW015.

Main Outcome Measures
Effects of cannabinoid receptor antagonists and agonists on EFS-evoked non-nitrergic NANC relaxation responses.

Results
L-NAME abolished EFS-induced relaxation responses at lower frequencies (2–4 Hz) and inhibited the relaxation responses at higher frequencies (8–32 Hz). AM251 and AM630 either together or separately inhibited, whereas anandamide, ACEA, and JHW015 enhanced non-nitrergic NANC relaxation responses. Anandamide did not alter EFS-induced non-nitrergic NANC relaxations in the presence of AM251 and AM630. Capsazepine enhanced non-nitrergic NANC relaxation responses.

Conclusion
These results suggest that non-nitrergic NANC relaxations may be mediated partially by cannabinoid-like neuronal factors acting at both cannabinoid CB1 and cannabinoid CB2 receptors.
Losartan, an Angiotensin Type I Receptor, Restores Erectile Function by Downregulation of Cavernous Renin-Angiotensin System in Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Yang Rong , Yang Bin , Wen Yanting , Fang Feng , Cui Souxi , Lin Guiting , Sun Zeyu , Wang Run , Dai Yutian 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The high incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in diabetes highlights the need for good treatment strategies. Recent evidence indicates that blockade of the angiotensin type I receptor (AT1) may reverse ED from various diseases.

Aim
To explore the role of cavernous renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathogenesis of diabetic ED and the role of losartan in the treatment of diabetic ED.

Methods
The AT1 blocker (ARB) losartan (30 mg/kg/d) was administered to rats with streptozocin (65 mg/kg)-induced diabetes. Erectile function, cavernous structure, and tissue gene and protein expression of RAS in the corpora cavernosa were studied.

Main Outcome Measure
We sought to determine the changes of cavernous RAS in the condition of diabetes and after treatment with losartan.

Results
RAS components (angiotensinogen, [pro]renin receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE], and AT1) were expressed in cavernosal tissue. In diabetic rats, RAS components were upregulated, resulting in the increased concentration of angiotensin II (Ang II) in the corpora. A positive feedback loop for Ang II formation in cavernosum was also identified, which could contribute to overactivity of cavernous RAS in diabetic rats. Administration of losartan blocked the effect of Ang II, downregulated the expression of AT1 and Ang II generated locally, and partially restored erectile function (losartan-treated group revealed an improved intracavernous pressure/mean systemic arterial pressure ratio as compared with the diabetic group (0.480 ± 0.031 vs. 0.329 ± 0.020, P &lt; 0.01). However, losartan could not elevate the reduced smooth muscle/collagen ratio in diabetic rats.

Conclusions
The cavernous RAS plays a role in modulating erectile function in corpora cavernosa and is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic ED. ARB can restore diabetic ED through downregulating cavernous RAS.
Potential of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Lin Guiting , Banie Lia , Ning Hongxiu , Bella Anthony J. , Lin Ching-Shwun , Lue Tom F. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a somatic stem cell population contained in fat tissue that possess the ability for self-renewal, differentiation into one or more phenotypes, and functional regeneration of damaged tissue, which may benefit the recovery of erectile function by using a stem cell-based therapy.

Aim
To review available evidence concerning ADSCs availability, differentiation into functional cells, and the potential of these cells for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods
We examined the current data (from 1964 to 2008) associated with the definition, characterization, differentiation, and application of ADSCs, as well as other kinds of stem cells for the cell-based therapies of ED.

Main Outcome Measures
There is strong evidence supporting the concept that ADSCs may be a potential stem cell therapy source in treating ED.

Results
The ADSCs are paravascularly localized in the adipose tissue. Under specific induction medium conditions, these cells differentiated into neuron-like cells, smooth muscle cells, and endothelium in vitro. The insulin-like growth factor/insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF/IGFR) pathway participates in neuronal differentiation while the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) pathway is involved in endothelium differentiation. In a preliminary in vivo experiment, the ADSCs functionally recovered the damaged erectile function. However, the underlying mechanism needs to be further examined.

Conclusion
The ADSCs are a potential source for stem cell-based therapies, which imply the possibility of an effective clinical therapy for ED in the near future.
Clinical recommendations for the use of lapatinib ditosylate plus capecitabine for patients with advanced or metastatic HER2‐positive breast cancer
Authors: SNYDER Raymond D , BOYLE Frances M , CHAN Arlene , CRAFT Paul S , BOER Richard DE , MAINWARING Paul N , McCARTHY Nicole J , WILCKEN Nicholas R 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPrimary and acquired resistance to trastuzumab pose a therapeutic challenge when treating patients with HER2 (erbB‐2)‐positive locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The recent introduction of lapatinib (Tykerb/Tyverb, GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, UK) provides a new management option for such patients. A prospective, randomized phase III clinical trial has confirmed that lapatinib in combination with capecitabine extends time to progressive disease in HER2‐positive MBC, compared with capecitabine alone in patients with disease progression despite prior anthracycline, taxane and trastuzumab therapy. Preliminary data also indicate that lapatinib may exert a beneficial effect on brain metastases, a common sanctuary site for HER2‐positive breast cancer following trastuzumab treatment. The tolerability of lapatinib is commensurate with that of other erbB family tyrosine kinase inhibitors and no significant new adverse events have emerged following its introduction into clinical practice. In particular, no additive cardiotoxicity has been observed when lapatinib is prescribed after trastuzumab therapy. Based on the published literature and supplemented by clinical experience, this article provides practical management recommendations for the use of lapatinib plus capecitabine in patients with MBC. Issues addressed include patient selection, baseline evaluation and monitoring for clinical benefit. The minimization and management of adverse events is also discussed in detail, particularly the dermatological and gastrointestinal effects, which are the most clinically significant side‐effects of lapatinib therapy. Further recommendations cover the minimization of drug interactions, anticipated dosing alterations and the optimal employment of oral anticancer regimens.
Self‐Organized Permeability in Carbonate Aquifers
Authors: Worthington S.R.H. , Ford D.C. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAdvances over the past 40 years have resulted in a clear understanding of how dissolution processes in carbonate rocks enhance aquifer permeability. Laboratory experiments on dissolution rates of calcite and dolomite have established that there is a precipitous drop in dissolution rates as chemical equilibrium is approached. These results have been incorporated into numerical models, simulating the effects of dissolution over time and showing that it occurs along the entire length of pathways through carbonate aquifers. The pathways become enlarged and integrated over time, forming self‐organized networks of channels that typically have apertures in the millimeter to centimeter range. The networks discharge at point‐located springs. Recharge type is an important factor in determining channel size and distribution, resulting in a range of aquifer types, and this is well demonstrated by examples from England. Most carbonate aquifers have a large number of small channels, but in some cases large channels (i.e., enterable caves) can also develop. Rapid velocities found in ground water tracer tests, the high incidence of large‐magnitude springs, and frequent microbial contamination of wells all support the model of self‐organized channel development. A large majority of carbonate aquifers have such channel networks, where ground water velocities often exceed 100 m/d.
Effectiveness of check dams in the control of general transitory bed scouring in semiarid catchment areas (South‐East Spain)
Authors: Conesa‐García C. , García‐Lorenzo R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe semiarid areas of the Spanish Mediterranean region are environments that are severely threatened by desertification. Hydrological‐forestry restoration is a very useful tool to fight these processes in programmes and projects of basin management. Check dams particularly can control bed erosion in ephemeral channels, among other things. The main aim of this study, then, is to evaluate how much check dams influence the degree of transitory general scouring in dry alluvial channels that function only sporadically and as torrents. Two areas were chosen: the Cárcavo and Torrecilla catchments (River Segura basin), both drained by ephemeral gullies and both having undergone hydrological correction projects during the 1970s. Equations based on grain bed movement commencement criteria were applied for floods of different water depths, bearing in mind bed texture changes and slope adjustment brought about by dam construction. The results are contrasted with the critical velocity values, which in turn depend on the flow depth and the cross‐section area before flooding. Finally, a comparison between real and predicted scouring is established for the cases analysed, including bankfull flow. Especially, the usefulness of Neill's method has been tested in relation to net erosion values measured in the field with successful results.
Teaching Health Law
Authors: Leonard Elizabeth Weeks 
Published: February 2009

In long Midwestern winters, two things are certain: snow and basketball. But two things that you cannot count on are snow day school closures and a home-team collegiate basketball championship. In Kansas last winter, we had both. Winter precipitation was much above average, resulting in a rare invocation of the University's inclement weather policy to cancel classes in early February. And the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team brought home the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship trophy for the first time in two decades. The Chancellor commemorated the achievement with a campuswide celebration, including all-day class cancellation. This is all well and good. I am all for respecting Mother Nature's forces and celebrating remarkable athletic accomplishments.But the combination of events does leave law professors nearing the end of the semester in a bit of a quandary. How to make up the cancelled classes to ensure compliance with American Bar Association accreditation instructional hours requirements? How to cover the missed course content? How to find mutually agreeable make-up class times and locations with a group of busy, upper-level law students?
Retinal Conformation and Dynamics in Activation of Rhodopsin Illuminated by Solid‐state 2H NMR Spectroscopy†
Authors: Brown Michael F. , Martínez‐Mayorga Karina , Nakanishi Koji , Salgado Gilmar F. J. , Struts Andrey V. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSolid‐state NMR spectroscopy gives a powerful avenue for investigating G protein‐coupled receptors and other integral membrane proteins in a native‐like environment. This article reviews the use of solid‐state 2H NMR to study the retinal cofactor of rhodopsin in the dark state as well as the meta I and meta II photointermediates. Site‐specific 2H NMR labels have been introduced into three regions (methyl groups) of retinal that are crucially important for the photochemical function of rhodopsin. Despite its phenomenal stability 2H NMR spectroscopy indicates retinal undergoes rapid fluctuations within the protein binding cavity. The spectral lineshapes reveal the methyl groups spin rapidly about their three‐fold (C3) axes with an order parameter for the off‐axial motion of For the dark state, the 2H NMR structure of 11‐cis‐retinal manifests torsional twisting of both the polyene chain and the β‐ionone ring due to steric interactions of the ligand and the protein. Retinal is accommodated within the rhodopsin binding pocket with a negative pretwist about the C11=C12 double bond. Conformational distortion explains its rapid photochemistry and reveals the trajectory of the 11‐cis to trans isomerization. In addition, 2H NMR has been applied to study the retinylidene dynamics in the dark and light‐activated states. Upon isomerization there are drastic changes in the mobility of all three methyl groups. The relaxation data support an activation mechanism whereby the β‐ionone ring of retinal stays in nearly the same environment, without a large displacement of the ligand. Interactions of the β‐ionone ring and the retinylidene Schiff base with the protein transmit the force of the retinal isomerization. Solid‐state 2H NMR thus provides information about the flow of energy that triggers changes in hydrogen‐bonding networks and helix movements in the activation mechanism of the photoreceptor.
Structural Coupling of 11‐cis‐7‐Methyl‐retinal and Amino Acids at the Ligand Binding Pocket of Rhodopsin†
Authors: Aguilà Mònica , Toledo Darwin , Morillo Margarita , Dominguez Marta , Vaz Belén , Alvarez Rosana , De Lera Angel R. , Garriga Pere 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIt was previously shown that opsin can be regenerated with the newly synthesized 11‐cis‐7‐methyl‐retinal forming an artificial visual pigment. We now extend this study to include mutants at positions close to the retinal to further dissect the interactions of native and artificial chromophores with opsin. Several mutants at M207, W265 and Y268 have been obtained and regenerated with 11‐cis‐retinal and the 7‐methyl analog. M207 is the site of the point mutation M207R associated with the retinal degenerative disease retinitis pigmentosa. All the studied mutants regenerated with 11‐cis‐retinal except for M207C which proved to be completely misfolded. The naturally occurring M207R mutant formed a pigment with an unprotonated Schiff base linkage, altered photobleaching and low MetarhodopsinII stability. Mutants regenerated with the 7‐methyl analog showed altered photobleaching reflecting a structural perturbation in the vicinity of M207. The newly obtained mutants at M207 also showed reduced levels of transducin activation with M207R showing essentially no transducin activation. Our results highlight the tight coupling of the vicinity of C7 of retinal and M207 and support the involvement of this amino acid residue in the conformational changes associated with rhodopsin photoactivation.
Mineralogical Characteristics and Cationic Exchange Properties of a Zeolite Mineral from Romana, NW Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Fercia Maria L. , Lonis Roberto , Peretti Roberto , Sau Antonio , Serci Antonello , Zucca Antonio 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAn investigation was conducted into the Tertiary ignimbrite formations in the Romana area in NW Sardinia. Scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive spectrometry indicated the presence of clinoptilolite and subordinate smectite, quartz, mordenite and calcite. Laboratory analyses of representative samples collected from the deposit indicated a cation exchange capacity ranging from 85 to 135 mEq per 100 g. Ion exchange experiments conducted in flasks containing different initial cation concentrations and in columns supplied with solution having constant cation concentration, showed different selectivity towards the cations examined, in the order: NH4+> Pb2+> Cd2+> Cu2+> Zn2+> Mn2+> Ni2+. Compared to the untreated material, under the experimental conditions used and considering the eluate, and the Italian regulatory limits for discharge into surface waters, the zeolite treated with a 1‐N NaCl solution yielded a 1.3–5‐fold increase in the volume of treated water, depending on the cation examined. The experimental results obtained show that the cationic exchange properties of the zeolite rock from the Romana deposit are comparable with the average quality of zeolites currently imported into Italy from non‐European countries.
Identity and dynamics of putative N2‐fixing picoplankton in the Baltic Sea proper suggest complex patterns of regulation
Authors: Farnelid Hanna , Öberg Tomas , Riemann Lasse 
Published: February 2009

SummaryHeterocystous filamentous cyanobacteria are regarded as the main N2‐fixing organisms (diazotrophs) in the Baltic Sea. However, some studies indicate that picoplankton may also be important. The aim of this study was to examine the composition of putative diazotrophs in the picoplankton (< 3 µm) and to identify links to environmental factors. Nitrogenase (nifH) genes were amplified from community DNA by nested PCR, followed by cloning and sequencing. Clone libraries from nine environmental samples collected from the central Baltic Sea (April–October 2003, 3 m depth) and a negative control yielded a total of 433 sequences with an average clone library coverage of 92%. The sequences fell within nifH Clusters I, II and III and formed 15 distinct groups (> 96% amino acid similarity). Most of the sequences (77%) fell into nifH Cluster I (cyanobacteria and α‐, β‐ and γ‐Proteobacteria). However, only 26 sequences were related to cyanobacteria (e.g. Pseudanabaena) and among these no unicellular phylotypes were found. Sequences clustering with alternative nitrogenases (anfH) and Archaea were found in one sample while sequences related to anaerobic phylotypes were found in six samples distributed throughout the season. The identified phylogenetic groups showed covariance with several environmental factors but no strong links could be established. This suggests a variable and complex regulation of diazotrophic groups within Baltic Sea picoplankton.
LocalBorrelia burgdorferisensu stricto andBorrelia afzeliistrains in a single mixed antigen improves western blot sensitivity: Table 1
Authors: Mavin S , Evans R , Milner R M , Chatterton J M W , Ho-Yen D O 
Published: February 2009

Aims:This study evaluates the use of localBorrelia burgdorferisensu stricto andBorrelia afzeliistrains in a single mixed antigen for in-house IgG western blots in the routine diagnostic setting by comparing it with the current in-house protocol.Methods:Sera from 233 patients from areas of Scotland with low and high prevalence for Lyme borreliosis were tested by western blots prepared from reference strain antigen (B burgdorferisensu stricto) and mixed antigen (B burgdorferisensu stricto andB afzelii). Results were scored using original and revised criteria, and results were compared.Results:The mixed antigen produced significantly more bands than the reference antigen. Using the original interpretation criteria the mixed antigen produced more positive results than the reference antigen (90 versus 85). When the revised criteria were applied to the mixed antigen there were 14 more patients with positive results than with the reference antigen (99 versus 85); this difference was significant. Although 22 patients were positive with the mixed antigen and revised criteria, but negative/equivocal with the reference antigen, eight patients who were positive with reference antigen remained negative with the mixed antigen. The positive predictive value of the two antigen preparations was the same (96%). The negative predictive value of the mixed antigen with revised criteria was higher than the reference antigen (96% versus 88%), but the specificity was similar (97% versus 98%).Conclusions:The mixed antigen and revised interpretation criteria have been successfully incorporated into the routine diagnostic testing service, increasing the sensitivity of the in-house IgG western blot test for Scottish patients.
Web page classification
Authors: Qi Xiaoguang , Davison Brian D. 
Published: February 2009

Classification of Web page content is essential to many tasks in Web information retrieval such as maintaining Web directories and focused crawling. The uncontrolled nature of Web content presents additional challenges to Web page classification as compared to traditional text classification, but the interconnected nature of hypertext also provides features that can assist the process.
As we review work in Web page classification, we note the importance of these Web-specific features and algorithms, describe state-of-the-art practices, and track the underlying assumptions behind the use of information from neighboring pages.
Flexible Hardware-Based Stereo Matching
Authors: Ambrosch Karina , Kubinger Wilfried , Humenberger Martin , Steininger Andreas 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTo enable adaptive stereo vision for hardware-based embedded stereo vision systems, we propose a novel technique for implementing a flexible block size, disparity range, and frame rate. By reusing existing resources of a static architecture, rather than dynamic reconfiguration, our technique is compatible with application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) as well as field programmable gate array (FPGA) implementations. We present the corresponding block diagrams and their implementation in our hardware-based stereo matching architecture. Furthermore, we show the impact of flexible stereo matching on the generated disparity maps for the sum of absolute differences (SADs), rank, and census transform algorithms. Finally, we discuss the resource usage and achievable performance when synthesized for an Altera Stratix II FPGA.