bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
YC‐1 induces apoptosis of human renal carcinoma A498 cells in vitro and in vivo through activation of the JNK pathway
Authors: Wu S Y , Pan S L , Chen T H , Liao C H , Huang D Y , Guh J H , Chang Y L , Kuo S C , Lee F Y , Teng C M 
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of YC‐1{3‐(5′‐hydroxy methyl‐2′‐furyl)‐1‐benzylindazole}‐induced human renal carcinoma cells apoptosis and to evaluate the potency of YC‐1 in models of tumour growth in mice.Experimental approach:YC‐1‐mediated apoptosis was assessed by analysis of MTT, SRB, DAPI staining and flow cytometry analysis. Knockdown of JNK protein was achieved by transient transfection using siRNA. The mechanisms of action of YC‐1 on different signalling pathways involved were studied using western blot. Fas clustering was analysed by confocal microscopy and in vivo efficacy was examined in a A498 xenograft model.Key results:YC‐1 displayed cytotoxicity in renal carcinoma cells at 10−7–10−8 M. Increased condensation of chromatin was observed and an increase in the cell population in subG1 phase. Moreover, YC‐1 triggered mitochondria‐mediated and caspase‐dependent pathways. YC‐1 significantly induced Fas ligand expression, but did not modify either the protein levels of death receptors or ligands. In addition, Fas clustering in cells responsive to YC‐1 was observed, suggesting involvement of a Fas‐mediated pathway. Furthermore, YC‐1 markedly induced phosphorylation of JNK and a JNK inhibitor, SP600125, and siRNA JNK1/2 significantly reversed YC‐1‐induced cytotoxicity and protein expression. We suggest that YC‐1 induced JNK phosphorylation, the upregulation of FasL and Fas receptor clustering to promote the activation of caspases 8 and 3, resulting in apoptosis. Finally, we demonstrated the antitumour effect of YC‐1 in vivo.Conclusions and implications:These data suggest that YC‐1 is a good candidate for development as an anticancer drug.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 505–513; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.292; published online 21 July 2008
α1‐Adrenoceptors in the lateral septal area modulate food intake behaviour in rats
Authors: Scopinho A A , Resstel L B M , Corrêa F M A 
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:Control of food intake is a complex behaviour which involves many interconnected brain structures. The present work assessed if the noradrenergic system in the lateral septum (LS) was involved in the feeding behaviour of rats.Experimental approach:In the first protocol, the food intake of rats was measured. Then non‐food‐deprived animals received either 100 nL of 21 nmol of noradrenaline or vehicle unilaterally in the LS 10 min after local 10 nmol of WB4101, an α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist, or vehicle. In the second protocol, different doses of WB4101 (1, 10 or 20 nmol in 100 nL) were microinjected bilaterally into the LS of rats, deprived of food for 18 h and food intake was compared to that of satiated animals.Key results:One‐sided microinjection of noradrenaline into the LS of normal‐fed rats evoked food intake, compared with vehicle‐injected control animals, which was significantly reduced by α1‐adrenoceptor antagonism. In a further investigation, food intake was significantly higher in food‐deprived animals, compared to satiated controls. Pretreatment of the LS with WB4101 reduced food intake in only food‐deprived animals in a dose‐related manner, suggesting that the LS noradrenergic system was involved in the control of food intake.Conclusion and implications:Activation by local microinjection of noradrenaline of α1‐adrenoceptors in the LS evoked food intake behaviour in rats. In addition, blockade of the LS α1‐adrenoceptors inhibited food intake in food‐deprived animals, suggesting that the LS noradrenergic system modulated food intake behaviour and satiation.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 752–756; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.295; published online 21 July 2008;
Biosynthesis of H2S is impaired in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice
Authors: Brancaleone V , Roviezzo F , Vellecco V , De Gruttola L , Bucci M , Cirino G 
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has been involved in cardiovascular homoeostasis but data about its role in animal models of diabetic pathology are still lacking. Here, we have analysed H2S signalling in a genetic model of diabetes, the non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice.Experimental approach:NOD mice exhibit a progressive endothelial dysfunction characterized by a reduced reactivity of blood vessels as diabetes develops. NOD mice were divided into three groups according to different glycosuria values: NOD I, NOD II and NOD III. Age‐matched non‐obese resistant (NOR) mice were used as controls. H2S levels in plasma and aortic tissue were measured. Functional studies in aorta were carried out in isolated organ baths using both an exogenous source of H2S (NaHS) and the metabolic precursor (L‐cysteine). Real time PCR and western blot analysis were also carried out on aortic tissues.Key results:NOD mice exhibited a progressive reduction of H2S plasma levels, which paralleled disease severity. L‐cysteine‐induced H2S production by aortic tissues was also progressively reduced. L‐cysteine‐induced vasorelaxation was significantly reduced in NOD mice while NaHS‐induced relaxation was unaffected. ODQ (guanylate cyclase inhibitor), L‐NAME (NO synthase inhibitor) or PAG, an inhibitor of cystathionine‐γ‐lyase (CSE) inhibited H2S production induced by L‐cysteine.Conclusions and implications:In NOD mice, endogenous H2S production is significantly impaired. Also, the ability of isolated aorta to respond to exogenous H2S is enhanced and endothelium‐derived NO appears to be involved in the enzymatic conversion of L‐cysteine into H2S.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 673–680; doi:fn1; published online 21 July 2008
Inhibition of cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 by the phospholipase‐blocker, arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone
Authors: Leis H J , Windischhofer W 
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:Arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (ATK) is widely used as an inhibitor of cytosolic group IV phospholipase A2(cPLA2) and calcium‐independent group VI phospholipase A2(iPLA2). ATK thus reduces arachidonic acid (AA) substrate for cyclooxygenase (COX; also known as prostaglandin H synthase) and attenuates prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. It has been shown previously, that ATK blocks thromboxane B2production induced by exogenous AA in human platelets. It remains, however, unknown whether ATK also directly modulates the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX).Experimental approach:Time courses for inhibition of COX by ATK was obtained using osteoblast‐like MC3T3‐E1 cells, with exogenous AA as substrate and the pure enzymes COX‐1 and COX‐2. PGE2was measured by GC‐MS.Key results:ATK was a potent inhibitor of COX‐1 and COX‐2 with IC50values of 0.5 and 0.1 μMin MC3T3‐E1 cells and of 1.7 and 2.6 μMusing the pure enzymes. Inhibition was reversible, with slow‐ and tight‐binding characteristics. The arachidonyl carbon chain was essential, as the saturated palmitoyl analogue had no effect.Conclusions and implications:Attenuation of PG synthesis by ATK is taken to be the consequence of PLA2inhibition and the findings of many studies are interpreted on that basis. If there are, however, alternative routes for AA liberation (such as phospholipase C/diacyl glycerol lipase or phospholipase D), this interpretation can lead to false conclusions. As ATK is a widely used and important pharmacological tool in eicosanoid research, knowledge of its interactions with other major enzymes of the cascade is of considerable importance.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)155, 731–737; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.304; published online 21 July 2008
Oculomotor Nucleus
Authors:   Allen Institute for Brain Science, Burnell Josh , Ng Lydia , Guillozet-Bongaarts Angela 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis report contains a gene expression summary of the oculomotor nucleus, derived from the Allen Brain Atlas (ABA) in situ hybridization mouse data set. The structure's location and morphological characteristics in the mouse brain are described using the Nissl data found in the Allen Reference Atlas. Using an established algorithm, the expression values of the oculomotor nucleus were compared to the values of the macro/parent-structure, in this case the midbrain, for the purpose of extracting regionally selective gene expression data. The genes with the highest ranking selectivity ratios were manually curated and verified. 50 genes were then selected and compiled for expression characterization. The experimental data for each gene may be accessed via the links provided; additional data in the sagittal plane may also be accessed using the ABA. Correlations between gene expression in the oculomotor nucleus and the rest of the brain, across all genes in the coronal dataset (~4300 genes), were derived computationally. A gene ontology table (derived from DAVID Bioinformatics Resources 2007) is also included, highlighting possible functions of the 50 genes selected for this report.
Dentate Gyrus
Authors:   Allen Institute for Brain Science, Dalley Rachel , Ng Lydia , Guillozet-Bongaarts Angela 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis report contains a gene expression summary of the dentate gyrus (DG), derived from the Allen Brain Atlas (ABA) in situ hybridization mouse data set. The structure's location and morphological characteristics in the mouse brain are described using the Nissl data found in the Allen Reference Atlas. Using an established algorithm, the expression values of the dentate gyrus were compared to the values of the macro/parent-structure, in this case the hippocampal region, for the purpose of extracting regionally selective gene expression data. The genes with the highest ranking selectivity ratios were manually curated and verified. 50 genes were then selected and compiled for expression characterization. The experimental data for each gene may be accessed via the links provided; additional data in the sagittal plane may also be accessed using the ABA. Correlations between gene expression in the dentate gyrus and the rest of the brain, across all genes in the coronal dataset (~4300 genes), were derived computationally. A gene ontology table (derived from DAVID Bioinformatics Resources 2007) is also included, highlighting possible functions of the 50 genes selected for this report.
Context Effects on Musical Chord Categorization: Different Forms of Top‐Down Feedback in Speech and Music?
Authors: McMurray Bob , Dennhardt Joel L. , Struck‐Marcell Andrew 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA critical issue in perception is the manner in which top‐down expectancies guide lower level perceptual processes. In speech, a common paradigm is to construct continua ranging between two phonetic endpoints and to determine how higher level lexical context influences the perceived boundary. We applied this approach to music, presenting participants with major/minor triad continua after brief musical contexts. Two experiments yielded results that differed from classic results in speech perception. In speech, context generally expands the category of the expected stimuli. We found the opposite in music: The major/minor boundary shifted toward the expected category, contracting it. Together, these experiments support the hypothesis that musical expectancy can feed back to affect lower‐level perceptual processes. However, it may do so in a way that differs fundamentally from what has been seen in other domains.
Comparison between clonal and sexual plantlets ofDetarium microcarpumGuill. & Perr., a savanna tree species in Burkina Faso
Authors: Ky‐Dembele Catherine , Tigabu Mulualem , Bayala Jules , Ouédraogo Sibiri Jean , Odén Per Christer 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAn understanding of the proportion of true seedlings, seedling sprouts and root suckers in the forest is essential for directing the genetic composition of the future crop. We conducted a study to determine the difference between these plantlets ofDetarium microcarpumbased on morphological characters and carbohydrate contents in leaves and roots. For individuals ≤50 cm in height, root suckers had the highest values for height, stem length, internode number, root diameter, rachis length and leaflet number. The concentrations of starch and total nonstructural carbohydrates in the roots of seedling sprouts were superior. Plantlets did not differ in the concentration of leaf carbohydrates. For individuals >50 cm in height, root suckers had larger values for stem length, root diameter, leaflet length and width. Roots of seedling sprouts showed higher concentrations of soluble sugars and total soluble sugars. True seedlings were distinguished from seedling sprouts and root suckers using all morphological traits except collar diameter and leaflet number. Root suckers and seedling sprouts showed a closer morphological resemblance; thus resulted in slightly more than 50% discrimination success. In conclusion, discrimination between seedling sprouts and root suckers appeared to be more difficult than between true seedlings and clonal plantlets.
Detection of inner tube defects in co‐axial circle and Bain breathing systems: a comparison of occlusion and Pethick tests
Authors: Szypula K. A. , Ip J. K. , Bogod D. , Yentis S. M. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe performance of the occlusion and Pethick tests in detecting faulty inner tubes in co‐axial circle and Bain systems was compared. Twelve co‐axial circle and 12 Bain anaesthetic breathing systems were tested using the occlusion and the Pethick tests. For each system, three tubes were intact, and the remaining nine had a defect deliberately created in the inner tube (three proximal, three middle and three distal). The investigators were blinded to which of the tubes were defective, and to each other’s results. The results showed 100% specificity for both tests. The sensitivity of the occlusion test for detecting faulty breathing systems was found to be good (98%). Our results suggest that the occlusion test should be performed in preference to the Pethick test when testing co‐axial circle and Bain systems.
Morph‐dependent form of asymmetry in mandibles of the stag beetleProsopocoilus inclinatus(Coleoptera: Lucanidae)
Authors: OKADA YASUKAZU , FUJISAWA HIROAKI , KIMURA YOUSUKE , HASEGAWA EISUKE 
Published: July 2008

Abstract1. The form of asymmetry in bilateral organs usually follows the same pattern within single populations. However, some exceptions may occur when a population consists of different phenotypes that are from different ontogenic backgrounds and under different selective pressures. We investigated the asymmetric patterns of mandibles of larvae, females, and males in the stag beetleProsopocoilus inclinatus.2. Larval mandibles exhibited directional asymmetry both in length and cross direction, whereas female mandibles showed directional asymmetry in cross direction. These asymmetric structures might be more effective in cutting wood fibres.3. For the relation of male mandible length to body size, a model with a switch point showed a better fit to the data than a convex curve model. This shows that the males are dimorphic with two distinct morphs.4. The form of asymmetry in male mandible length differed between the morphs. The smaller males exhibited left‐biased directional asymmetry in common with larvae, whereas the larger males exhibited fluctuating asymmetry.5. This is a novel finding of a morph‐dependent asymmetry. The morph‐dependent asymmetry in males may be as a result of different selection on each morph or a developmental constraint from larval mandibles to adult ones.
The comparative accuracy of different pleural biopsy techniques in the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Attanoos R L , Gibbs A R 
Published: July 2008

Aims:  To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of closed and open pleural biopsies in diagnosing malignant pleural mesothelioma.Methods and results:  The autopsy study group comprised 45 malignant mesotheliomas. All prior pleural biopsy investigations were reviewed. Forty‐one of 45 (91%) had had an antemortem diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. In these 41 cases, 57 prior diagnostic pleural biopsies had been performed [36 closed needle biopsies: 31 blind; five computed tomography (CT)‐guided and 21 open pleural biopsies]. For definitive diagnosis open pleural biopsy yielded a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 100%. For definitive diagnosis closed blind pleural biopsies yielded a sensitivity of 16% and specificity of 94%. Thirty‐two per cent of ‘blind’ biopsies were inadequate. CT‐guided pleural biopsies yielded a definitive diagnostic accuracy of 100% (5/5). Biopsy specimen size was important in obtaining a positive definitive diagnosis. Diagnosis was attained in 75% of specimens >10 mm in size compared with 8% <10 mm in size.Conclusions:  Overall, all procedures had utility but definitive diagnostic accuracy for ‘blind’ closed pleural biopsy was low (16%), dependent on biopsy specimen size and tumour subtype. Sarcomatoid subtype malignant mesothelioma yielded the lowest diagnostic accuracy. For all subtypes of malignant mesothelioma, open pleural biopsy produced the highest diagnostic accuracy (100% sensitivity, 95% specificity).
Influence of physiographic and climatic factors on spatial patterns of acorn production in Maryland and Virginia, USA
Authors: Fearer Todd M. , Norman Gary W. , Pack Sr James C. , Bittner Steve , Healy William M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim  The aims of this study were to identify the effects physiographic differences have on the spatial synchrony of acorn production within red (Quercus rubra) and white (Quercus alba) oak subgenus groups, to identify climatic factors associated with acorn production patterns, and to assess if and how these relationships vary across a distinct physiographic boundary.Location  Maryland and Virginia in the eastern United States.Methods  Using data from 36 survey sites in Virginia (1973–2000) and Maryland (1977–2000), we described the spatial synchrony of annual acorn production based on Mantel tests and modified correlograms at three spatial scales: (1) the entire study area, (2) within two ecological regions (mountain and Piedmont), and (3) between these ecoregions. Using climate data obtained from the National Climate Data Centre, we described the relationship between climate and acorn production within each ecological region using linear regression.Results  Spatial synchrony in the white oak group acorn production was strong among sites closest together, and declined with distance. The average April temperature during the year of acorn drop was positively related to acorn crop size within the mountain and Piedmont ecoregions. Spatial synchrony in the red oak group was strong among sites closest together and declined with distance in the mountain region. Synchrony was weaker in the Piedmont than in the mountain ecoregion and declined slightly with increasing distance. Between the mountain and Piedmont ecoregions, synchrony was not detected among the closest sites, but was detected with increasing strength as the distance between site pairs increased. In the Piedmont ecoregion, the number of April freeze events and total July precipitation, both 2 years prior to acorn drop, were negatively related to red oak acorn production. In the mountains, average July temperature 2 years prior to acorn drop was positively related to acorn production.Main conclusions  Physiographic differences affected the spatial acorn production synchrony in the red oak but not in the white oak subgenus group. Climatic factors related to annual acorn production variability differed between subgenus groups and physiographic regions. The physiographic differences between the mountain and Piedmont ecoregions may define spatial patterns of acorn production synchrony in some oak species and mediate climatic influences on acorn production.
Patient falls: acute care nurses’ experiences
Authors: Rush Kathy L , Robey‐Williams Cathy , Patton Laura Michelle , Chamberlain Debra , Bendyk Heather , Sparks Teresa 
Published: July 2008

Aim.  To describe the findings from a qualitative study exploring acute care nurses’ experiences with patient falls.Background.  Patient falls continue to be a problem in acute care settings for nurses at the point of care. Despite the growing body of knowledge related to risk factors and interventions for fall prevention, minimal attention has been given to nurses’ perspectives of patient falls.Design.  A qualitative descriptive design was used.Method.  Focus group discussions were conducted with nurses working on a cross‐section of inpatient acute care settings. Audio‐taped sessions were transcribed and analysed thematically.Results.  Nurses described their experience of falls as ‘knowing the patient as safe’, an ongoing affirmation that the patient was free from harm. In this focused, narrowly defined and highly specific knowing, nurses employed the key strategies of assessment, monitoring and communicating. Variable conditions influenced whether these strategies were effective in giving nurses the knowledge they needed to keep the patient safe. When strategies failed to provide nurses with knowledge of their patients as safe and patients fell, this created considerable stress for nurses and prompted them to use a range of coping strategies.Conclusion.  Knowing the patient as safe has the potential to resolve the tension between patient safety and independence. The critical, often taken for granted, activities used by nurses in this knowing must be expanded to include the meaning falls have for patients and attend to factors beyond nurses control such as environmental redesign and staffing.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses play an important role in fall prevention through knowing the patient as safe but must be supported through the use of a multi‐faceted approach extending from the individual nurse to the institutional level.
Structural frameworks for considering microbial protein‐ and nucleic acid‐dependent motor ATPases
Authors: Thomsen Nathan D. , Berger James M. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryMany fundamental cellular processes depend on enzymes that utilize chemical energy to catalyse unfavourable reactions. Certain classes of ATPases provide a particularly vivid example of the process of energy conversion, employing cycles of nucleotide turnover to move and/or rearrange biological polymers such as proteins and nucleic acids. Four well‐characterized classes of ATP‐dependent protein/nucleic acid translocases and remodelling factors are found in all three domains of life (bacteria, archaea and eukarya): additional strand catalytic ‘E' (ASCE) P‐loop NTPases, GHL proteins, actin‐fold enzymes and chaperonins. These unrelated protein superfamilies have each evolved the ability to couple ATP binding and hydrolysis to the generation of motion and force along or within their substrates. The past several years have witnessed the emergence of a wealth of structural data that help explain how such molecular engines link nucleotide turnover to conformational change. In this review, we highlight several recent advances to illustrate some of the mechanisms by which each family of ATP‐dependent motors facilitates the rearrangement and movement of proteins, protein complexes and nucleic acids.