bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transgenic increases in seed oil content are associated with the differential expression of novel Brassica-specific transcripts
Authors: Sharma Nirmala , Anderson Maureen , Kumar Arvind , Zhang Yan , Giblin E Michael , Abrams Suzanne R , Zaharia L Irina , Taylor David C , Fobert Pierre R 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundSeed oil accumulates primarily as triacylglycerol (TAG). While the biochemical pathway for TAG biosynthesis is known, its regulation remains unclear. Previous research identified microsomal diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1, EC 2.3.1.20) as controlling a rate-limiting step in the TAG biosynthesis pathway. Of note, overexpression ofDGAT1results in substantial increases in oil content and seed size. To further analyze the global consequences of manipulatingDGAT1levels during seed development, a concerted transcriptome and metabolome analysis of transgenicB. napusprototypes was performed.ResultsUsing a targetedBrassicacDNA microarray, about 200 genes were differentially expressed in two independent transgenic lines analyzed. Interestingly, 24–33% of the targets showing significant changes have no matching gene inArabidopsisalthough these represent only 5% of the targets on the microarray. Further analysis of some of these novel transcripts indicated that several are inducible by ABA in microspore-derived embryos. Of the 200Arabidopsisgenes implicated in lipid biology present on the microarray, 36 were found to be differentially regulated in DGAT transgenic lines. Furthermore, kinetic reverse transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (k-PCR) analysis revealed up-regulation of genes encoding enzymes of the Kennedy pathway involved in assembly of TAGs. Hormone profiling indicated that levels of auxins and cytokinins varied between transgenic lines and untransformed controls, while differences in the pool sizes of ABA and catabolites were only observed at later stages of development.ConclusionOur results indicate that the increased TAG accumulation observed in transgenicDGAT1plants is associated with modest transcriptional and hormonal changes during seed development that are not limited to the TAG biosynthesis pathway. These might be associated with feedback or feed-forward effects due to altered levels of DGAT1 activity. The fact that a large fraction of significant amplicons have no matching genes inArabidopsiscompromised our ability to draw concrete inferences from the data at this stage, but has led to the identification of novel genes of potential interest.
Role of cAMP in the promotion of colorectal cancer cell growth by Prostaglandin E2
Authors: Löffler Ivonne , Grün Michael , Böhmer Frank D , Rubio Ignacio 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundProstaglandin E2 (PGE2), a product of the cyclooxygenase (COX) reaction, stimulates the growth of colonic epithelial cells. It is inferred that the abrogation of prostaglandins' growth-promoting effects as a result of COX inhibition underlies the advantageous effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Despite this appreciation, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure since cell culture studies have yielded discrepant results regarding PGE2's mitogenicity.MethodsWe have employed several alternative approaches to score cell proliferation and apoptosis of 4 CRC cell lines exposed to PGE2 under various conditions. To investigate the role of cAMP in PGE2's functions, activation of the cAMP pathway was assessed at different levels (changes in cAMP levels and PKA activity) in cells subjected to specific manipulations including the use of specific inhibitors or prostanoid receptor-selective agonists/antagonists.ResultsOur data document that the dose-response curve to PGE2 is 'bell-shaped', with nano molar concentrations of PGE2 being more mitogenic than micro molar doses. Remarkably, mitogenicity inversely correlates with the ability of PGE2 doses to raise cAMP levels. Consistent with a major role for cAMP, cAMP raising agents and pertussis toxin revert the mitogenic response to PGE2. Accordingly, use of prostanoid receptor-selective agonists argues for the involvement of the EP3 receptor and serum deprivation of HT29 CRC cells specifically raises the levels of Gi-coupled EP3 splice variants.ConclusionThe present data indicate that the mitogenic action of low PGE2 doses in CRC cells is mediated via Gi-proteins, most likely through the EP3 receptor subtype, and is superimposed by a second, cAMP-dependent anti-proliferative effect at higher PGE2 doses. We discuss how these findings contribute to rationalize conflictive literature data on the proliferative action of PGE2.
Antigen-independent adhesion and cell spreading by inducible costimulator engagement inhibits T cell migration in a PI-3K-dependent manner
Authors: Franko Jennifer L , Levine Alan D 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEngagement of the costimulatory protein ICOS activates effector/memory T cells in tissue by enhancing TCR-mediated proliferation and cytokine production. We now report that in an antigen-independent manner, ICOS also induces adhesion and spreading in human effector/memory T cells, consequently inhibiting cell migration. T cell spreading and elongation after ICOS ligation are accompanied by the formation of two types of actin-rich membrane protrusions: thin, finger-like structures similar to filopodia and short, discrete microspikes. Although filopodia/microspike formation occurs independently of the PI-3K signaling cascade, ICOS-mediated T cell elongation depends on PI-3K activity, which inhibits the accumulation of GTP-bound RhoA. Further inhibition of RhoA activation exacerbates the ICOS-mediated, elongated phenotype. We propose that in inflamed tissue, ICOS engagement by ICOS ligand on a professional or nonprofessional APC prevents the forward motility of the T cell by inhibiting RhoA-dependent uropod retraction. The resulting ICOS-induced T cell spreading and filopodia/microspike formation may promote antigen recognition by enhancing a T cell’s scanning potential of an adherent APC surface.
PAPA-1 Is a Nuclear Binding Partner of IGFBP-2 and Modulates Its Growth-Promoting Actions
Authors: Miyako Kenichi , Cobb Laura J. , Francis Malik , Huang Alden , Peng Bonnie , Pintar John E. , Ariga Hiroyoshi , Cohen Pinchas 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) have multiple cellular effects, which occur by both IGF-dependent and -independent mechanisms. IGFBP-2 is involved in the regulation of both normal and carcinogenic cell growth. To further understand the actions of IGFBP-2, we carried out a yeast two-hybrid screen to search for intracellular partner proteins using a human prostate cDNA library. We isolated Pim-1-associated protein-1 (PAP-1)-associated protein-1 (PAPA-1) as an IGFBP-2-binding protein, whose expression and subcellular localization is regulated by both IGFBP-2 and androgens. Coimmunoprecipitation and glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay confirmed the interaction in vitro, and confocal microscopy showed the colocalization of IGFBP-2 and PAPA-1 in the nucleus. Suppression of PAPA-1 by small interfering RNA treatment enhanced the growth-promoting effect of IGFBP-2. Conversely, IGFBP-2-promoted bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into LNCaP cells was abrogated by the simultaneous overexpression of myc-hPAPA-1. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts from IGFBP-2 knockout mouse showed diminished growth activity compared with wild type, and expression of FLAG-mPAPA-1 decreased cell proliferation in IGFBP-2 knockout, but not control mouse embryonic fibroblasts. These studies suggest that the growth-promoting role of IGFBP-2 in prostate cancer is inhibited by its intracellular interaction with PAPA-1.
Simultaneous reduction in cloud point, smoke, and NOx emissions by blending bioethanol into biodiesel fuels and exhaust gas recirculation
Authors: Shudo T , Nakajima T , Hiraga K 
Published: December 2008

Palm oil has the important advantage of productivity compared with other vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil and soybean oil. However, the cold flow performance of palm oil methyl ester (PME) is poorer than other vegetable-oil-based biodiesel fuels. Previous research by the current authors has shown that ethanol blending into PME improves the cold flow performance and considerably reduces smoke emission. The reduced smoke may be expected to allow an expansion in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) limit and lead to reduced oxides of nitrogen (NO x). This paper experimentally analyses the influence of EGR on smoke and NO x emissions with ethanol-blended PME. The results show that the combination of ethanol blending and EGR is effective in reducing NO x and smoke simultaneously without the thermal efficiency deteriorating. The smoke reduction can be attributed to an improved fuel—air mixing by an increased ignition delay owing to the low cetane number of ethanol and by a promoted fuel spray atomization caused by the low boiling point of ethanol. The increase in the oxygen content also leads to lower soot emission. The decrease in local equivalence ratio by ethanol blending was also suggested by the flame observation in which flame with high luminosity, high temperature, and high KL factor shrinks.
Cribriform-Morular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Cameselle-Teijeiro José , Menasce Lia P. , Yap Beng K. , Colaco Rovel J. , Castro Patricia , Celestino Ricardo , Ruíz-Ponte Clara , Soares Paula , Sobrinho-Simões Manuel 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
We describe an especially aggressive case of cribriform-morular variant (C-MV) of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in a 42-year-old man with familial adenomatous polyposis who died with lung and brain metastases 17 months after thyroidectomy. The angioinvasive neoplasm combined a mixture of trabecular, solid, cribriform, and follicular patterns of growth with CD10+ morules. Follicles were devoid of colloid, and the nuclear features typical of PTC were present in some areas and missing in others. Tumor cells were positive for thyroid transcription factor-1 and, in 40% of the tumoral mass, also were positive for chromogranin and synaptophysin and were negative for thyroglobulin and calcitonin. Strong nuclear staining for β-catenin was found in all tumor cells, as was positivity for p53 and cyclin D1. In addition to the germline heterozygous APC Ex 2–3 duplication mutation, a somatic homozygous silent p.Thr1493Thr gene variant was found in the neoplastic cells along with RET/PTC rearrangement. This tumor represents the first case of C-MV of PTC showing neuroendocrine differentiation.
Primary Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma With Intestinal Differentiation Mimicking Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Li Hong C. , Schmidt Lindsay , Greenson Joel K. , Chang Andrew C. , Myers Jeffrey L. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma with intestinal differentiation is rare and typically expresses proteins common to lung primaries. We report a case in a 51-year-old woman with a solitary 3.3-cm mass in the left lower lobe. Additional clinical investigation, including positron emission tomography scan with fluorine 18–labeled fluorodeoxyglucose, colonoscopy, and capsule endoscopy of her small bowel, revealed no evidence of tumor elsewhere. She underwent left lower lobectomy with mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Histologic examination revealed tall columnar cells without goblet cell differentiation arranged in a cribriform and acinar pattern with extensive central necrosis. Metastatic carcinoma was present in multiple hilar lymph nodes. Mediastinal lymph nodes were negative. Immunohistochemical stains demonstrated diffuse positivity for cytokeratin (CK) 20 and CDX-2 in neoplastic cells with negative staining for CK7 and thyroid transcription factor-1. CK7 expression has been documented in all 14 cases previously reported. This is the first description of pulmonary adenocarcinoma with intestinal differentiation with histopathologic and immunophenotypic findings indistinguishable from metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma.
Extent and Histologic Pattern of Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia Present on Core Needle Biopsy Specimens of the Breast Can Predict Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in Subsequent Excision
Authors: Wagoner Michael J. , Laronga Christine , Acs Geza 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) diagnosed by core needle biopsy (CNB) is regarded as an indication for surgical excision. We investigated whether histologic subtype and extent of ADH in a series of 123 CNB specimens can predict the presence of carcinoma on surgical excision. We found that ADH present in more than 2 foci in CNB specimens was a strong predictor of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) on excision (&gt;2 foci, 16/41 vs 6/82 for 1 or 2 foci; P &lt; .0001). The micropapillary subtype of ADH also predicted the presence of DCIS (P = .0006). Our study suggests that micropapillary histologic subtype and extent of ADH in CNB specimens can be applied to predict the presence of DCIS on surgical excision. By using the combination of the extent of ADH in CNB specimens (1 or 2 foci), the presence of microcalcifications within the lesion, and the lack of residual mammographic calcifications after CNB, we identified a low-risk group of patients (n = 25), none of whom had carcinoma on surgical excision. Patients with ADH restricted to fewer than 3 foci may not need surgical excision, especially when the mammographic abnormality is completely removed by CNB.
The Evolving Role of C-Reactive Protein in Atherothrombosis
Authors: Devaraj Sridevi , Singh Uma , Jialal Ishwarlal 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground: Inflammation is pivotal in all phases of atherosclerosis. Among the numerous inflammatory biomarkers, the largest amount of published data supports a role for C-reactive protein (CRP) as a robust and independent risk marker in the prediction of primary and secondary adverse cardiovascular events. In addition to being a risk marker, there is much evidence indicating that CRP may indeed participate in atherogenesis.Content: In this review, we focus on the role of CRP in promoting atherothrombosis by discussing its effects on endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells, monocyte-macrophages, and smooth muscle cells.Conclusions: CRP is clearly a risk marker for cardiovascular disease and is recommended for use in primary prevention. In addition, CRP appears also to contribute to atherogenesis. However, much further research is needed, especially in appropriate animal models, to confirm the possible role of CRP in promoting atherothrombosis.
Relation of Genetic Variation in the Gene Coding for C-Reactive Protein with Its Plasma Protein Concentrations: Findings from the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Cohort
Authors: Lee Cathy C , You Nai-chieh Yuko , Song Yiqing , Hsu Yi-Hsiang , Manson JoAnn , Nathan Lauren , Tinker Lesley , Liu Simin 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground: Although common genetic variants of the CRP gene (C-reactive protein, pentraxin related) have been associated with plasma concentrations of high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) in several cohorts of European Americans, relatively few studies have comprehensively assessed this association in well-characterized multiethnic populations.Methods: In a case–control study of diabetes nested in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Cohort, we comprehensively evaluated the association of genetic variation in CRP with plasma hsCRP concentrations. Thirteen haplotype-tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) were identified and subsequently genotyped in 3782 postmenopausal women.Results: The allele frequencies for these tSNPs and the haplotype blocks defined by these tSNPs varied significantly by ethnic group (P &lt; 0.0001). Consistent with prior studies of whites, rs3093068, rs1130864, and rs1417938 were significantly associated with higher hsCRP concentrations (geometric-mean increase per minor-allele change, 1.20–1.25 mg/L), and rs1205 and rs1800947 were significantly associated with lower hsCRP values (decrease of 1.28–1.48 mg/L). The associations with rs3093068 and rs1205 appeared to be stronger in Asians/Pacific Islanders than in whites (geometric-mean increase, 1.65 mg/L vs 1.25 mg/L, respectively). Minor alleles at rs3093075 and rs3093059 were associated with substantially increased hsCRP concentrations, whereas rs1800947 was associated with lower hsCRP values. All haplotype-based association results tended to be consistent with the associations seen with single CRP SNPs.Conclusions: Our large multiethnic case–control study of postmenopausal women provides evidence that common genetic variants in the CRP gene are substantially associated with plasma hsCRP concentrations in this case–control subcohort. The data also suggest ethnic variations in these associations.
Designing and Implementing an Information System for the Dental Office of Branckowitz & Young
Authors: Nikitkov Alex , Sainty Barbara 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTThis case provides students with the opportunity to create a functional information system (IS) for a service company. The case facilitates a guided hands‐on experience where students learn to analyze a business entity in the context of its environment; recognize what business processes comprise an entity's value chain; and develop, document, and implement a tailor‐made IS to support the entity's operation. In order to keep the amount of development realistic and the system transparent for students, the case focuses on a small service company: a dental office. The case uses a resource—events—agents (REA) analytical framework for modeling and Microsoft Access for IS implementation.The case is structured modularly, enabling instructors to either explain material or demonstrate analysis/development of a segment of an IS in class and then challenge the students to complete the module's development following the instructor's example. Instructors have the flexibility to give students fewer (or additional) directions in developing the information system, depending on the students' backgrounds and abilities. Instructors also have a choice to limit the scope of the development and implementation to any number of four business processes.
Visfatin in human pregnancy: maternal gestational diabetesvis-à-visneonatal birthweight
Authors: Mazaki-Tovi Shali , Romero Roberto , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Vaisbuch Edi , Erez Offer , Than Nandor Gabor , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Nhan-Chang Chia-Ling , Pacora Percy , Gotsch Francesca , Yeo Lami , Kim Sun Kwon , Edwin Samuel S. , Hassan Sonia S. , Mittal Pooja 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjective:Adipose tissue dysfunction, characterized by dysregulation of adipokines production and/or secretion, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of type-2 diabetes mellitus, a metabolic complication closely related to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Recently, an association between circulating maternal visfatin, a novel adipokine with metabolic and immunoregulatory properties, and impaired glucose metabolism as well as with altered fetal growth, has been proposed. The aims of this study were to determine whether there is an association between maternal plasma visfatin concentration, GDM, and a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborn.Study design:This cross-sectional study, included pregnant women at term in the following groups: 1) normal pregnancy and an appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) neonate (n=54); 2) normal pregnancy and an LGA newborn (n=47); 3) GDM and an AGA newborn (n=56); 4) GDM and an LGA newborn (n=45). The study population was further stratified by first trimester BMI (<25 vs. ≥25 kg/m2). Maternal plasma visfatin concentration was determined by ELISA. Parametric and non-parametric statistics were used for analysis.Results:1) Among women who delivered an AGA neonate, the median maternal plasma concentration of visfatin was higher in patients with GDM than in those with a normal pregnancy; 2) Among women with a normal pregnancy, those who delivered an LGA neonate had a higher median maternal plasma visfatin concentration than those who delivered an AGA neonate; 3) among patients with normal BMI, there were no significant differences in the median maternal plasma visfatin concentration between the four study groups; and 4) maternal GDM, as well as delivery of an LGA neonate were independently associated with a higher maternal plasma visfatin concentrations.Conclusion:The linkage between increased maternal circulating visfatin and the presence of GDM or delivery of an LGA neonate supports the hypothesis that perturbation of adipokines homeostasis may play a role in the pathophysiology of GDM or excess fetal growth.
Thermal Conductance of Ball Bearings in Vacuum: A Review
Authors: Takeuchi Yoshimi R. , Dickey James T. , Eby Matthew A. , Davis Sean E. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
In vacuum, heat transfer across a rotational device is usually governed by conductance across its bearings. The Aerospace Corporation experimentally measured this property and performed parametric studies to gain an understanding of the influence of operational variables such as temperature and preload. This paper explores the findings and compares conclusions presented by both the authors and previous researchers. A thorough literature review was carried out for this purpose. Thermal conductance and its response to operational variables was found to be different between static and moving bearings, as well as lubricated and dry conditions.
Evaluation of Silicone Sealants at High Movement Rates Relevant to Bomb Mitigating Window and Curtainwall Design
Authors: Yarosh Kenneth , Wolf Andreas T. , Sitte Sigurd 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Silicone sealants have a long history of successful use in high performance windows and curtainwalls, such as structural glazing systems. With the recent threat of terrorist attacks, there has been an increased use of windows designed to mitigate the impact of bomb blasts. Due to the high strength and durability characteristics of silicone sealants, structural silicone sealants have been utilized in new bomb blast mitigating window designs. Effective bomb blast mitigating window designs allow the window system to withstand a moderate bomb blast without causing significant injury to building occupants from the blast itself or flying glass shards. The occupants are protected because laminated or filmed glass, which can withstand the blast, is attached in the framing with a silicone sealant. Silicone sealants provide unique benefits to these window designs due to their strength properties and their ability to anchor the laminated glass in the framing during a blast situation. In this paper, three commercially available high strength structural silicone sealants are evaluated at applied load velocities (movement rates) up to 5.0 m/s. These elevated load velocities are intended to simulate loads encountered during a bomb blast. Sealant joints are fabricated to evaluate the sealant in tension, shear, and combined tension and shear loads. Sealants joints are also exposed to accelerated weathering (heat, water, and artificial light through glass). Results show that the sealant strength values increase substantially at elevated rates of applied load. The paper discusses the effect of joint configuration, load velocities, and accelerating weathering on the performance and durability of the silicone sealants tested.