bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The zeros of random polynomials cluster uniformly near the unit circle
Authors: Hughes C. P. , Nikeghbali A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this paper we deduce a universal result about the asymptotic distribution of roots of random polynomials, which can be seen as a complement to an old and famous result of Erdős and Turan. More precisely, given a sequence of random polynomials, we show that, under some very general conditions, the roots tend to cluster near the unit circle, and their angles are uniformly distributed. The method we use is deterministic: in particular, we do not assume independence or equidistribution of the coefficients of the polynomial.
The arithmetic of Prym varieties in genus 3
Authors: Bruin Nils 
Published: March 2008

AbstractGiven a curve of genus 3 with an unramified double cover, we give an explicit description of the associated Prym variety. We also describe how an unramified double cover of a non-hyperelliptic genus 3 curve can be mapped into the Jacobian of a curve of genus 2 over its field of definition and how this can be used to perform Chabauty- and Brauer–Manin-type calculations for curves of genus 5 with an fixed-point-free involution. As an application, we determine the rational points on a smooth plane quartic and give examples of curves of genus 3 and 5 violating the Hasse principle. The methods are, in principle, applicable to any genus 3 curve with a double cover. We also show how these constructions can be used to design smooth plane quartics with specific arithmetic properties. As an example, we give a smooth plane quartic with all 28 bitangents defined over $\mathbb {Q}(t)$. By specialization, this also gives examples over $\mathbb {Q}$.
Use of parenteral nutrition in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Soo Isaac , Gramlich Leah 
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this study is to describe patient-related variables in a cohort of advanced cancer patients (ACPs) enrolled in a home parenteral nutrition (HPN) program. This study reviewed the cohort of ACPs enrolled in the Northern Alberta Home Total Parenteral Nutrition Program (NAHTPNP). Thirty-eight ACPs received HPN during the study period, 24% of all patients admitted for PN. Of these, 27 (71%) were female. Mean age was 48.76 y (SD 13.8 y). Bowel obstruction was the most common indication for initiating HPN (84%, 32) and ovarian cancer was the most common malignancy (34%, 13). Patients who began HPN with a Karnofsky performance status (KPS) of greater than 50 (median of 70) were found to have a longer duration of life (median: 6 months) compared with patients who began HPN with a KPS of 50 or below (median = 50; median 3 months; p = 0.01; two-tailed). There was no difference in survival between malignancy type (p = NS). Advanced cancer is the fastest growing indication for enrollment in the HPN program. ACP demonstrated a 3% average annual increase proportionate to all indications for HPN starts, accounting for 7%–48% of HPN starts from 1999–2006. HPN is an increasingly used therapy for patients with advanced cancer, most commonly for intestinal failure in the setting of bowel obstruction. Initiation of HPN at a higher KPS was associated with a longer duration of life. Further studies are needed to validate the use of TPN in end-stage cancer patients.
Miniband Formation in Superlattices of Colloidal Quantum Dots and Conductive Polymers
Authors: Sun Ke , Li Yang , Stroscio Michael A. , Dutta Mitra 
Published: March 2008

We study the bound states and quasi-bound states in a 3- dimensional superlattice formed by an alternating structure of	colloidal quantum dots and conductive polymers. Calculations	of transmission coefficient of injected holes and electrons vs. their energy, by means of a transfer-matrix implementation1,	are performed. In this study, TiO2, CdSe, CdS and GaN quantum dots are investigated as in a 1-dimensional array of ten quantum dots, interspersed in conductive polymers PDCTh and MEH- PPV. These compound semiconductor quantum dots are selected in	view of their potential applications in single-photon	detectors, solar cells, etc.2,3 Discrete energy levels in such periodic nanoscale structures form minibands;4 moreover, for injection energies close to the barrier height, these minibands have substantial width and large transmission coefficients implying that they may be used to improve the charge transport efficiency in previously-identified c lasses of electronic and optoelectronic devices incorporating ensembles of colloidal quantum dots embedded in conductive polymers.
Combined lapatinib and cetuximab enhance cytotoxicity against gefitinib-resistant lung cancer cells
Authors: Kim Hwang-Phill , Han Sae-Won , Kim Sung-Hak , Im Seock-Ah , Oh Do-Youn , Bang Yung-Jue , Kim Tae-You 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Although non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells with somatic mutations in their epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) initially show a dramatic response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), these cells eventually develop resistance to TKI. This resistance may be caused by a secondary T790M mutation in the EGFR tyrosine kinase, which leads to the substitution of methionine for threonine in 790. In this study, we show that a combination of lapatinib and cetuximab overcomes gefitinib resistance in NSCLC with the T790M mutation. We observed that T790M lung cancer cells were resistant to gefitinib, and Stat3 was persistently activated in the resistant cells. A reversible EGFR and HER2 TKI, lapatinib, decreased Stat3 activation by blocking heterodimerization of EGFR and HER2, which led to a modest increase in the inhibitory effect on gefitinib-resistant T790M cells. In addition to lapatinib, the anti-EGFR antibody, cetuximab, induced down-regulation of EGFR and apoptotic cell death in T790M cells. Finally, combined lapatinib and cetuximab treatment resulted in significantly enhanced cytotoxicity against gefitinib-resistant T790M cells in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these data suggest that treatment with a combination of lapatinib and cetuximab, which induces dimeric dissociation and EGFR down-regulation, appears to be an effective strategy for treatment of patients with EGFR TKI-resistant NSCLC. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(3):607–15]
Antiangiogenic effect of gemcitabine following metronomic administration in a pancreas cancer model
Authors: Laquente Berta , Lacasa Cristina , Ginestà Mireia M. , Casanovas Oriol , Figueras Agnès , Galán Maica , Ribas Ignacio García , Germà Josep Ramon , Capellà Gabriel , Viñals Francesc 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Gemcitabine shows a marked antitumor effect as a result of its cytotoxic action toward proliferative cells. In this article, we aim to investigate the potential antitumor and antiangiogenic effect of gemcitabine following a metronomic schedule that involves the regular administration of cytotoxic drugs at doses lower than standard treatment. In vitro results showed that human endothelial cells are more sensitive to gemcitabine (IC50 3 nmol/L) than pancreatic tumor cells (IC50 20 nmol/L). For in vivo studies, we used an orthotopic implantation model of human pancreatic carcinoma in nude mice. Gemcitabine was administered i.p. following a low-dose schedule (1 mg/kg/d for a month) and compared with the conventional schedule (100 mg/kg days 0, 3, 6, and 9 postimplantation). Metronomic treatment effect on established tumor was equivalent to standard administration. The measure of CD31 endothelial marked area allowed us to show an in vivo antiangiogenic effect of this drug that was further enhanced by using metronomic administration. This effect correlated with an induction of thrombospondin-1, a natural inhibitor of angiogenesis. Our results allow us to hypothesize that, in addition to a direct antiproliferative or cytotoxic antiendothelial cell effect, a secondary effect involving thrombospondin-1 induction might provide an explanation for the specificity of the effects of metronomic gemcitabine treatment. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(3):638–47]
Hepatocellular carcinoma cell-specific peptide ligand for targeted drug delivery
Authors: Lo Albert , Lin Chin-Tarng , Wu Han-Chung 
Published: March 2008

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Novel treatment strategies derived from increased knowledge of molecular oncology are constantly being developed to cure this disease. Here, we used phage display to identify a novel peptide (SP94), which binds specifically to hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In vitro, the phage clone PC94 was shown to bind to hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines by ELISA and flow cytometry analysis. In vivo, PC94 homed specifically to tumor tissues but not to normal visceral organs in severe combined immunodeficient mice bearing human hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts. This homing ability could be competitively inhibited by synthetic peptide, SP94. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that PC94 localized to tumor tissues and that it could not be detected in SP94-competed tumor tissues. In addition, PC94 recognized the tumor tissue but not nontumor tissue in surgical specimens from hepatocellular carcinoma patients, with a positive rate of 61.3% (19 of 31). With the conjugation of SP94 and liposomal doxorubicin, the targeted drug delivery system enhanced the therapeutic efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts through enhanced tumor apoptosis and decreased tumor angiogenesis. Our results indicate that SP94 has the potential to improve the systemic treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(3):579–89]
Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Impairs the Practice-dependent Proficiency Increase in Working Memory
Authors: Ferrucci R. , Marceglia S. , Vergari M. , Cogiamanian F. , Mrakic-Sposta S. , Mameli F. , Zago S. , Barbieri S. , Priori A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
How the cerebellum is involved in the practice and proficiency of non-motor functions is still unclear. We tested whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the cerebellum (cerebellar tDCS) induces after-effects on the practice-dependent increase in the proficiency of a working memory (WM) task (Sternberg test) in 13 healthy subjects. We also assessed the effects of cerebellar tDCS on visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in four subjects and compared the effects of cerebellar tDCS on the Sternberg test with those elicited by tDCS delivered over the prefrontal cortex in five subjects. Our experiments showed that anodal or cathodal tDCS over the cerebellum impaired the practice-dependent improvement in the reaction times in a WM task. Because tDCS delivered over the prefrontal cortex induced an immediate change in the WM task but left the practice-dependent proficiency unchanged, the effects of cerebellar tDCS are structure-specific. Cerebellar tDCS left VEPs unaffected, its effect on the Sternberg task therefore seems unlikely to arise from visual system involvement. In conclusion, tDCS over the cerebellum specifically impairs the practice-dependent proficiency increase in verbal WM.
Re-thinking the “inter” in International Politics
Authors: Kratochwil Friedrich 
Published: March 2008

This article examines the politics that emerge from three different conceptions of the “inter”: exchange, interest and identity. It argues that the classical focus on “distributive justice” in political analysis is too narrow since it excludes important issues such as non-cognitive factors (loyalty) and inter-generational questions that are of particular importance to politics. It thus draws attention to the “particular” and (historically) contingent as defining characteristics of politics which have been marginalised by the contemporary emphasis on the “universal” in both epistemology and (analytical) ethics.
Induction of the IL-9 gene by HTLV-I Tax stimulates the spontaneous proliferation of primary adult T-cell leukemia cells by a paracrine mechanism
Authors: Chen Jing , Petrus Mike , Bryant Bonita R. , Phuc Nguyen Vinh , Stamer Mindy , Goldman Carolyn K. , Bamford Richard , Morris John C. , Janik John E. , Waldmann Thomas A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is human T cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I). The HTLV-I protein Tax alters gene expression, including those of cytokines and their receptors, which plays an important role in early stages of ATL. Here we demonstrate that expression of interleukin-9 (IL-9) is activated by Tax via an NF-κB motif in its proximal promoter, whereas IL-9 receptor-α (IL-9Rα) expression is not induced by Tax. However, supporting a role for IL-9/IL-9Rα in ATL, a neutralizing monoclonal antibody directed toward IL-9Rα inhibited ex vivo spontaneous proliferation of primary ATL cells from several patients. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from these patients revealed high level expression of IL-9Rα on their CD14-expressing monocytes. Furthermore, purified T cells or monocytes alone from these patients did not proliferate ex vivo, whereas mixtures of these cell types manifested significant proliferation through a contact-dependent manner. Taken together, our data suggest that primary ATL cells, via IL-9, support the action of IL-9Rα/CD14-expressing monocytes, which subsequently support the ex vivo spontaneous proliferation of malignant T cells. In summary, these data support a role for IL-9 and its receptor in ATL by a paracrine mechanism.
BCR-ABL1 alters SDF-1α–mediated adhesive responses through the β2 integrin LFA-1 in leukemia cells
Authors: Chen Ying-Yu , Malik Mobeen , Tomkowicz Brian E. , Collman Ronald G. , Ptasznik Andrzej 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and its receptor, CXCR4, are essential for normal hematopoietic progenitor cell movement and adherence within the bone marrow microenvironment. In leukemia, the BCR-ABL1 oncoprotein inhibits SDF-1–dependent cell trafficking within the bone marrow through a mechanism that is not fully understood. Here, we report that BCR-ABL1 in malignant cells constitutively increases expression of activation-dependent epitopes of the β2 integrin LFA-1. This is associated with the complete loss of responsiveness of LFA-1 to SDF-1–induced “inside-out” signaling involving CXCR4 and Lyn, leading to aberrant adhesive responses. These data provide a novel, LFA-1–mediated mechanism whereby BCR-ABL1 inhibits SDF-1 action in malignant progenitors.
Performance of AAV8 vectors expressing human factor IX from a hepatic-selective promoter following intravenous injection into rats
Authors: Graham Tracey , McIntosh Jenny , Work Lorraine M , Nathwani Amit , Baker Andrew H 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Vectors based on adeno-associated virus-8 (AAV8) have shown efficiency and efficacy for liver-directed gene therapy protocols following intravascular injection, particularly in relation to haemophilia gene therapy. AAV8 has also been proposed for gene therapy targeted at skeletal and cardiac muscle, again via intravascular injection. It is important to assess vector targeting at the level of virion accumulation and transgene expression in multiple species to ascertain potential issues relating to species variation in infectivity profiles.

Methods
We used AAV8 vectors expressing human factor IX (FIX) from the liver-specific LP-1 promoter and administered this virus via the intravascular route of injection into 12 week old Wistar Kyoto rats. We assessed FIX levels in serum by ELISA and transgene expression at sacrifice by immunohistochemistry using anti-FIX antibodies. Vector DNA levels in organs we determined by real time PCR.

Results
Administration of 1 × 1011 or 5 × 1011 scAAV8-LP1-hFIX vector particles/rat resulted in efficient production of physiological hFIX levels, respectively in blood assessed 4 weeks post-injection. This was maintained for the 4 month duration of the study. At 4 months we observed liver persistence of vector with minimal non-hepatic distribution.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that AAV8 is a robust vector for delivering therapeutic genes into rat liver following intravascular injection.
Hepatic abscess in a pre-existed simple hepatic cyst as a late complication of sigmoid colon ruptured diverticula: a case report
Authors: Chatzipetrou Maria , Avgerinos Efthimios , Christianakis Efstratios , Barmparas Galinos , Pashalidis Nikolaos , Stathoulopoulos Athanasios , Tsatsoulis Panayiotis , Smailis Dimitrios , Filippou Dimitrios 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Hepatic abscesses have been reported as a rare complication of diverticulitis of the bowel. This complication is recognized more commonly at the time of the diagnosis of diverticulitis, or ruptured diverticula, but also can be diagnosed prior to surgery, or postoperatively.

Case presentation
This report describes a man who developed an hepatic abscess within a simple hepatic cyst, two months after operation for ruptured diverticula of the sigmoid colon. The abscess was drained surgically and the patient made a complete recovery.

Conclusion
The development of an hepatic abscess in a pre-existing hepatic cyst, secondary to diverticulitis, is a rare complication. A high degree of clinical suspicion is required for immediate diagnosis and treatment.
Gene therapy for osteosarcoma: steps towards clinical studies
Authors: Dass Crispin R , Choong Peter F M 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Gene therapy, an applied form of biotechnology, relies on the delivery of foreign DNA into cells. More than 50% of all reported clinical trials for gene therapy are for cancer, though only a scant number for osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is a neoplasm afflicting young adults, who in their prime years of life suffer debilitation if not death. The disease is not entirely curable, even with surgery combined with aggressive chemotherapy. Thus, other forms of therapies are being evaluated, including gene therapy. There exist two major forms of gene transfer: viral and non-viral. This review only covers proof-of-principle work carried out in cancer beyond the cell culture stage, in animals. Drawing from the experiences of gene therapy against other cancers, studies for which have already reached the clinical phase, the review discusses potential pitfalls and solutions to enhance gene therapy for osteosarcoma.
Effect of ion-pairing and enhancers on scutellarin skin permeability
Authors: Wang Manli , Fang Liang , Ren Changshun , Li Ting 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe aim of this work was to investigate the effect of enhancers and organic amines on the in-vitro percutaneous absorption of the major pharmacologically active compound, scutellarin, obtained from breviscapine extract. The donor vehicle consisted of isopropyl myristate-ethanol in a ratio of 4:1. Percutaneous absorption across full thickness rat skin was investigated in-vitro using 2-chamber diffusion cells, with reverse-phase HPLC for quantification of the permeating scutellarin. Organic amines increased scutellarin permeation by ion-pair formation. We also found that the cumulative amount of scutellarin over a period of 12 h of scutellarin was inversely related to the molecular weight of organic amines (r = 0.9134), as well as the logarithm of scutellarin permeability coefficient inversely related to the partition coefficient of organic amines (r = 0.8929). All the permeation enhancers tested increased the cumulative amount of scutellarin over a period of 12 h, and the order of this increase was n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, oleic acid, menthol or Azone. Drug solubility in donor phase was markedly increased by Azone and n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and reduced by menthol and oleic acid. The combined effects of ethanolamine plus Azone, ethanolamine plus menthol, and Azone plus menthol were also investigated. Azone plus menthol had a synergistic effect on the cumulative amount of scutellarin over a period of 12 h.
Role of maltol in advanced glycation end products and free radicals: in-vitro and in-vivo studies
Authors: Kang Ki Sung , Yamabe Noriko , Kim Hyun Young , Yokozawa Takako 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Inhibitors of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have potential as preventive agents against diabetic complications. In-vitro AGE inhibitory activity, transition metal chelating, and free radical scavenging activity tests have been used to screen for and identify effective AGE inhibitors. In an ongoing project to elucidate AGE inhibiting active components of heat-processed ginseng, maltol was selected for more detailed investigation. Although there are several lines of evidence concerning the antioxidant activity of maltol, the in-vitro and in-vivo inhibitory effects of maltol on AGE generation have not been evaluated. In the present study, the in-vitro AGE inhibitory effects and free radical scavenging activity of maltol were investigated. In addition, the in-vivo therapeutic potential of maltol against diabetic renal damage was tested using streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. Maltol showed a stronger AGE inhibitory effect than aminoguanidine, a well known AGE inhibitor. In addition, the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of maltol on electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry was slightly stronger than that of aminoguanidine. Therefore, maltol was found to have stronger in-vitro AGE inhibiting activity compared with aminoguanidine. The administration of 50 mgkg−1 per day of maltol suppressed the elevated serum levels of glycosylated protein, renal fluorescent AGEs, carboxymethyllysine, receptors for AGEs, and nuclear factor-kappaB p65 in diabetic control rats. These beneficial effects of maltol against STZ-diabetic renal damage were thought to result from its free radical scavenging and AGE inhibitory effects.
The mandible opening response: quantifying aggression elicited by chemical cues in ants
Authors: Guerrieri Fernando J. , d'Ettorre Patrizia 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY
Social insects have evolved efficient recognition systems guaranteeing social cohesion and protection from enemies. To defend their territories and threaten non-nestmate intruders, ants open their mandibles as a first aggressive display. Albeit chemical cues play a major role in discrimination between nestmates and non-nestmates, classical bioassays based on aggressive behaviour were not particularly effective in disentangling chemical perception and behavioural components of nestmate recognition by means of categorical variables. We therefore developed a novel bioassay that accurately isolates chemical perception from other cues. We studied four ant species: Camponotus herculeanus, C. vagus, Formica rufibarbis and F. cunicularia. Chemical analyses of cuticular extracts of workers of these four species showed that they varied in the number and identity of compounds and that species of the same genus have more similar profiles. The antennae of harnessed ants were touched with a glass rod coated with the cuticular extract of (a) nestmates, (b) non-nestmates of the same species, (c) another species of the same genus and (d) a species of a different genus. The mandible opening response (MOR) was recorded as the aggressive response. In all assayed species, MOR significantly differed among stimuli, being weakest towards nestmate odour and strongest towards odours originating from ants of a different genus. We thus introduce here a new procedure suitable for studying the chemical basis of aggression in ants.