bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CTGF enhances migration and MMP‐13 up‐regulation via αvβ3 integrin, FAK, ERK, and NF‐κB‐dependent pathway in human chondrosarcoma cells
Authors: Tan Tzu‐Wei , Lai Chih‐Ho , Huang Chun‐Yiu , Yang Wei‐Hung , Chen Hsien‐Te , Hsu Horng‐Chaung , Fong Yi‐Chin , Tang Chih‐Hsin 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTumor malignancy is associated with several features such as proliferation ability and frequency of metastasis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a secreted protein that binds to integrins, modulates the invasive behavior of certain human cancer cells. However, the effect of CTGF on migration activity in human chondrosarcoma cells is mostly unknown. Here we found that CTGF increased the migration and expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐13 in human chondrosarcoma cells (JJ012 cells). RGD peptide, αvβ3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitors (PD98059 and U0126) but not RAD peptide inhibited the CTGF‐induced increase of the migration and MMP‐13 up‐regulation of chondrosarcoma cells. CTGF stimulation increased the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK). In addition, treatment of JJ012 cells with NF‐κB inhibitor (PDTC) or IκB protease inhibitor (TPCK) inhibited CTGF‐induced cell migration and MMP‐13 up‐regulation. Stimulation of JJ012 cells with CTGF also induced IκB kinase α/β (IKK α/β) phosphorylation, IκBα phosphorylation, p65 Ser536 phosphorylation, and κB‐luciferase activity. The CTGF‐mediated increases in κB‐luciferase activities were inhibited by RGD, PD98059, U0126 or FAK, and ERK2 mutant. Taken together, our results indicated that CTGF enhances the migration of chondrosarcoma cells by increasing MMP‐13 expression through the αvβ3 integrin, FAK, ERK, and NF‐κB signal transduction pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 345–356, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Processing of ethanol fermentation broths by Candida krusei to separate bioethanol by pervaporation using silicone rubber‐coated silicalite membranes
Authors: Ikegami Toru , Morita Tomotake , Nakayama Shunichi , Negishi Hideyuki , Kitamoto Dai , Sakaki Keiji , Oumi Yasunori , Sano Tsuneji , Haraya Kenji , Yanagishita Hiroshi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Pervaporation employing ethanol‐permselective silicalite membranes as an alternative to distillation is a promising approach for refining low‐concentration bioethanol solutions. However, to make the separation process practicable, it is extremely important to avoid the problems caused by the adsorption of succinate on the membrane during the separation process. In this work, the pervaporation of an ethanol fermentation broth without succinate was investigated, as well as the influence of several fermentation broth nutrient components.RESULTS: Candida krusei IA‐1 produces an extremely low level of succinate. The decrease in permeate ethanol concentration through a silicone rubber‐coated silicalite membrane during the separation of low‐succinate C. krusei IA‐1 fermentation broth was significantly improved when compared with that obtained using Saccharomyces cerevisiae broth. By treating the fermentation broth with activated carbon, bioethanol was concentrated as efficiently as with binary mixtures of ethanol/water. The total flux was improved upto 56% of that obtained from the separation of binary mixtures, compared with 43% before the addition of activated carbon. Nutrients such as peptone, yeast extract and corn steep liquor had a negative effect on pervaporation, but this response was distinct from that caused by succinate.CONCLUSION: For consistent separation of bioethanol from C. krusei IA‐1 fermentation broth by pervaporation, it is useful to treat the low nutrient broth with activated carbon. To further improve pervaporation performance, it will be necessary to suppress the accumulation of glycerol. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Muscle senescence in short‐lived wild mammals, the soricine shrews Blarina brevicauda and Sorex palustris
Authors: Hindle Allyson G. , Lawler John M. , Campbell Kevin L. , Horning Markus 
Published: March 2009

AbstractRed‐toothed (soricine) shrews are consummate predators exhibiting the highest energy turnovers and shortest life spans (ca. 18 months) of any mammal, yet virtually nothing is known regarding their physiological aging. We assessed the emerging pattern of skeletal muscle senescence (contractile/connective tissue components) in sympatric species, the semi‐aquatic water shrew (WS), Sorex palustris, and the terrestrial short‐tailed shrew (STS), Blarina brevicauda, to determine if muscle aging occurs in wild, short‐lived mammals (H0: shrews do not survive to an age where senescence occurs), and if so, whether these alterations are species‐specific. Gracilis muscles were collected from first‐year (n=17) and second‐year (n=17) field‐caught shrews. Consistent with typical mammalian aging, collagen content (% area) increased with age in both species (S. palustris: ∼50%; B. brevicauda: ∼60%). Muscle was dominated by stiffer Type I collagen, and the ratio of collagen Type I:Type III more than doubled with age. The area ratio of muscle:collagen decreased with age in both species, but was considerably lower in adult STS, suggesting species‐specificity of senescence. Extracellular space was age‐elevated in B. brevicauda, but was preserved in S. palustris (∼50 vs. 10% elevation). Though juvenile interspecific comparisons revealed no significance, adult WS myocytes had 68% larger cross‐sectional area and occurred at 28% lower fibers/area than those of adult STS. We demonstrate that age‐related muscle senescence does occur in wild‐caught, short‐lived mammals, and we therefore reject this classic aging theory tenet. Our findings moreover illustrate that differential age adjustments in contractile/connective tissue components of muscle occur in the two species of wild‐caught shrews. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:358–367, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dexamethasone‐conjugated polyethylenimine as an efficient gene carrier with an anti‐apoptotic effect to cardiomyocytes
Authors: Kim Hyunjung , Kim Hyun Ah , Bae Yun Mi , Choi Joon Sig , Lee Minhyung 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundDexamethasone is a potent glucocorticoid with anti‐inflammatory effects. Dexamethasone can protect ischemic cardiomyocytes from apoptosis. To apply the anti‐apoptotic effect of dexamethasone to ischemic disease gene therapy, dexamethasone‐conjugated polyethylenimine (PEI‐Dexa) was synthesized and evaluated as an anti‐apoptotic gene carrier.MethodsPEI‐Dexa was synthesized with low molecular weight polyethylenimine (PEI2K, 2 kDa). The transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity of PEI‐Dexa were evaluated by luciferase assay and the MTT assay. To evaluate the anti‐apoptotic effect, PEI‐Dexa/DNA complex was transfected into cells and the cells were treated with H2O2. Cell viability and apoptosis level were measured by the MTT assay and caspase‐3 assay, respectively.ResultsA transfection assay into H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes showed that PEI‐Dexa had the highest transfection efficiency at an 8 : 1 weight ratio (PEI‐Dexa/DNA). At this ratio, PEI‐Dexa had higher transfection efficiency than high molecular polyethylenimine (PEI25K, 25 kDa) and PEI2K. In addition, the cytotoxicity of PEI‐Dexa was lower than that of PEI25K. To evaluate the anti‐apoptotic effect, PEI‐Dexa/pSV‐Luc or PEI2K/pSV‐Luc was transfected into H9C2 cells and the cells were treated with H2O2. PEI‐Dexa was found to reduce caspase‐3 activity and increase cell viability compared to PEI2K. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) can protect ischemic cardiomyocytes from apoptosis. Therefore, pSV‐HO‐1 was cloned and transfected into H9C2 cells using PEI‐Dexa. The cells transfected with PEI‐Dexa/pSV‐HO‐1 complex had lower caspase‐3 activity and higher viability than the cells transfected with PEI‐Dexa/pSV‐Luc complex after the H2O2 treatment.ConclusionsPEI‐Dexa is an efficient gene carrier with an anti‐apoptotic effect and may be useful for anti‐apoptotic gene therapy in combination with pSV‐HO‐1. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of pediatric hospital medicine fellowships and training programs
Authors: Freed Gary L. , Dunham Kelly M. ,   Research Advisory Committee of the American Board of Pediatrics
Published: March 2009

AbstractOBJECTIVE:To explore the structure, components, and training goals of pediatric hospitalist fellowship programs in North America.DESIGN:We constructed a 17‐item structured questionnaire to be administered by phone. Questionnaire items focused on documenting goals, training, requirements, and clinical duties of pediatric hospitalist training programs. From February through June 2007, research staff contacted directors of the programs. Responses were analyzed to determine program characteristics, including goals, formal training requirements, clinical rotations, and participation in hospital administrative activities.RESULTS:All 8 training programs completed the survey. There appear to be 2 distinct tracks for pediatric hospitalist training programs: clinical or academic specialization. Currently there are no standards or requirements for fellowship training from an external accrediting body and the curriculum for these programs is likely driven by service requirements and speculation on the needs of a future generation of pediatric hospitalists. The stated goals of the programs were quite similar. Seven reported that the provision of advanced training in the clinical care of hospitalized patients, quality improvement (QI), and hospital administration are central goals of their training program. Six reported training in the education of medical students and residents to be a primary goal, while 5 indicated training in health services research as a primary goal.CONCLUSIONS:Pediatric hospitalist fellowships are in the very early stages of their development. In time, greater structure across institutions will need to be put in place if they are to succeed in becoming a necessary prerequisite to the practice of hospital medicine. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:157–163. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Subjective realities: Perceptions of identity and conflict in Ghana and Nigeria
Authors: Langer Arnim , Ukiwo Ukoha 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDrawing on perceptions survey research conducted in Ghana and Nigeria, this article explores whether differences in the salience of ethnic and religious identities and interethnic and religious attitudes and interaction, might contribute to explaining the different histories of violence and conflict in these two countries. Based on the finding that ethnic identities are more salient in the Nigerian sampled communities than in the Ghanaian ones, whereas national and occupational identities are more salient in Ghana than in Nigeria, the authors suggest that ethnic mobilisation is more likely to be successful in Nigeria than in Ghana. The authors argue that this finding could possibly explain why Nigeria has experienced more incidents of violent conflicts along ethnic lines than Ghana; although the causality is likely to go both ways. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relative influence of phosphorylation and methylation on responsiveness of peptides to MALDI and ESI mass spectrometry
Authors: Gropengiesser Jan , Varadarajan Balamurugan T. , Stephanowitz Heike , Krause Eberhard 
Published: March 2009

AbstractQualitative and quantitative analysis of post‐translational protein modifications by mass spectrometry is often hampered by changes in the ionization/detection efficiencies caused by amino acid modifications. This paper reports a comprehensive study of the influence of phosphorylation and methylation on the responsiveness of peptides to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. Using well‐characterized synthetic peptide mixtures consisting of modified peptides and their unmodified analogs, relative ionization/detection efficiencies of phosphorylated, monomethylated, and dimethylated peptides were determined. Our results clearly confirm that the ion yields are generally lower and the signal intensities are reduced with phosphopeptides than with their nonphosphorylated analogs and that this has to be taken into account in MALDI and ESI mass spectrometry. However, the average reduction of ion yield caused by phosphorylation is more pronounced with MALDI than with ESI. The unpredictable impact of phosphorylation does not depend on the hydrophobicity and net charge of the peptide, indicating that reliable quantification of phosphorylation by mass spectrometry requires the use of internal standards. In contrast to phosphorylation, mono‐ and dimethylated peptides frequently exhibit increased signal intensities in MALDI mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS). Despite minor matrix‐dependent variability, MALDI methods are well suited for the sensitive detection of dimethylated arginine and lysine peptides. Mono‐ and dimethylation of the arginine guanidino group did not significantly influence the ionization efficiency of peptides in ESI‐MS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corticospinal neurons respond differentially to neurotrophins and myelin‐associated glycoprotein in vitro
Authors: Richter Miranda W. , Roskams A. Jane 
Published: March 2009

AbstractElucidating the mechanisms that regulate the survival and outgrowth of corticospinal tract (CST) neurons and other CNS tracts will be a key component in developing novel approaches for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), and motor neuron disease (MND). However, the in vivo complexities of these diseases make a systematic evaluation of potential therapeutics that directly affect corticospinal regeneration or survival very challenging. Here, we use Thy1.2 transgenic mice expressing yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) in postnatal day 8 (P8) corticospinal neurons, as a source of CST neurons that have already established synapses in the spinal cord, to assess factors that influence neurite outgrowth and survival of axotomized CST neurons. After culture, YFP‐positive corticospinal neurons represent an enriched neuronal population over other glia and interneurons, survive, and extend processes over time. YFP‐positive CST neurons also continue to express the corticospinal markers CTIP2 and Otx1. CST neurons display different degrees of axon extension, dendritic branch length and elaboration, and neurite elongation in response to neurotrophin‐3 and ciliary neurotrophic factor, and an inhibitory outgrowth response when cultured on myelin‐associated glycoprotein. Some CST neurons are lost with extended culture, which provides a baseline from which we can also assess factors that enhance CST neuron survival. This assay thus allows us to assess independent aspects of CST axonal and dendritic outgrowth kinetics, which allows for the rapid and sensitive investigation of new therapies to address corticospinal neuron outgrowth in the context of CNS injury and neurodegenerative disorders. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human synapsin I mediates the function of nuclear respiratory factor 1 in neurite outgrowth in neuroblastoma IMR‐32 cells
Authors: Wang Jen‐Ling , Chang Wen‐Teng , Tong Chih‐Wei , Kohno Kimitoshi , Huang A‐Min 
Published: March 2009

AbstractNuclear respiratory factor (NRF)‐1 is a transcription factor with a novel function in neurite outgrowth. Synapsin I protein is a well‐known phosphoprotein in neuronal terminals and has been implicated in neuronal differentiation. Human synapsin I gene promoter has a putative NRF‐1 responsive element (NRE), but it is not known whether this NRE is functional. We hypothesized that synapsin I is downstream of NRF‐1 and mediates its function in neurite outgrowth. Gel electrophoretic mobility shift assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, site‐directed mutagenesis, and promoter studies indicated that NRF‐1 is a positive regulator of synapsin I promoter. Exogenous NRF‐1 overexpression increased synapsin I protein levels in IMR‐32 and HEK293T cells. Serum deprivation, which induces neurite outgrowth in IMR‐32 cells, increased the binding activity of NRF‐1 to synapsin I NRE and induced alternating synapsin I protein expression. Down‐regulating synapsin I expression markedly decreased the percentage of neurite‐bearing cells and the length of the longest neurite in IMR‐32 cells that stably or transiently overexpressed NRF‐1. We conclude that the human synapsin I gene is positively regulated by NRF‐1 and mediates the function of NRF‐1 in neurite outgrowth. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Shotgun mass spectrometry analysis of the human thalamus proteome
Authors: Martins‐de‐Souza Daniel , Maccarrone Giuseppina , Reckow Stefan , Falkai Peter , Schmitt Andrea , Turck Christoph W. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe thalamus plays pivotal roles in the central nervous system as relay center for organizing information, such as auditory and visual senses from diverse brain regions and their re‐distribution to the cerebral cortex. Brain diseases including schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder have been associated with the thalamus. We performed a shotgun proteome analysis of iTRAQ‐labeled tryptic peptides of human mediodorsal thalamus protein extracts coming from two healthy male and two healthy female subjects. The shotgun workflow consisted of IEF fractionation, RP LC and MALDI‐TOF/TOF mass spectrometric analysis. We were able to identify 542 proteins that are involved in different biological processes and from diverse cellular localizations. A considerable fraction of these proteins had not been identified by traditional proteomics methods such as 2‐DE. The thalamus proteome contributes to the knowledge of the human brain proteome and future applications in basic and clinical research.
Self‐reported health and physician diagnosed illnesses in women with posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder
Authors: Calhoun Patrick S. , Wiley Matthew , Dennis Michelle F. , Beckham Jean C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder has been associated with poor physical health. Depression is also associated with poor health, and may be responsible for the apparent relationship between PTSD and health outcomes. The current study examined self‐reported and physician diagnosed medical morbidity in women. Women with PTSD alone were compared to three other groups of women: women with PTSD and comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD), women with MDD only, or women with neither diagnosis (comparison group). Results suggest that PTSD, with or without MDD, is associated with poor health in women. Posttraumatic stress disorder severity was related to health complaints beyond the effects of both somatization and depressive symptoms among women with PTSD. Findings and implications are discussed in relation to previous research in the area.
Soliton solutions of the Toda hierarchy on quasi‐periodic backgrounds revisited
Authors: Egorova Iryna , Michor Johanna , Teschl Gerald 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe investigate soliton solutions of the Toda hierarchy on a quasi‐periodic finite‐gap background by means of the double commutation method and the inverse scattering transform. In particular, we compute the phase shift caused by a soliton on a quasi‐periodic finite‐gap background. Furthermore, we consider short range perturbations via scattering theory. We give a full description of the effect of the double commutation method on the scattering data and establish the inverse scattering transform in this setting (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On rank variation of block matrices generated by Nevanlinna matrix functions
Authors: Yong‐Jian Hu , Gong‐Ning Chen 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWithin the framework of the multiple Nevanlinna–Pick matrix interpolation and its related matrix moment problem, we study the rank of block moment matrices of various kinds, generalized block Pick matrices and generalized block Loewner matrices, as well as their Potapov modifications, generated by Nevanlinna matrix functions, and derive statements either on rank (or inertia) invariance in different senses or on rank variation of such types of block matrices (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Unitary reduction for the two‐dimensional Schrödinger operator with strong magnetic field
Authors: Eckstein Andrei 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe spectrum of the two‐dimensional Schrödinger operator with strong magnetic field and electric potential is contained in a union of intervals centered on the Landau levels. The study of the spectrum in any of these intervals is reduced by unitary equivalence to the study of a one‐dimensional operator. We give a precise description of this operator in the case when the electric potential is periodic and analytic in a strip (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Denervation and reinnervation of adult skeletal muscle modulate mRNA expression of neuregulin‐1 and ErbB receptors
Authors: Nicolino Silvia , Panetto Arianna , Raimondo Stefania , Gambarotta Giovanna , Guzzini Matteo , Fornaro Michele , Battiston Bruno , Tos Perluigi , Geuna Stefano , Perroteau Isabelle 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSkeletal muscle atrophy represents one of the main causes of poor outcome of microsurgical nerve reconstruction. Recent studies have pointed to the importance of the neuregulin/ErbB signaling pathway in the development and regeneration of the neuromuscular system. Here, we show by immunohistochemistry, RT‐PCR, and Western blotting analyses, in an in vivo model of adult skeletal muscle denervation/reinnervation, that expression of Neuregulin1 (NRG1) and ErbB receptors is regulated by the innervation condition. We found out that a significant upregulation of the α‐, but not β‐, isoform of NRG1, as well as of ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4‐cyt1 isoform occurs as a consequence of denervation of flexor digitorum muscles of the rat forelimb by median nerve transection. Moreover, after tubulization median nerve repair, and consequent muscle reinnervation, all messengers of the NRG1/ErbB system are promptly downregulated. Therefore, our results suggest the existence of a α‐NRG1‐mediated autocrine and/or paracrine trophic loop in skeletal muscles that is activated after denervation and promptly deactivated after nerve reconstruction. This myotrophic loop is a promising therapeutic target for the prevention of muscle atrophy. Yet, the recent demonstration of a similar α‐NRG1‐mediated gliotrophic loop in denervated Schwann cells provides a possible explanation for the effectiveness of muscle conduits for tubulization nerve repair. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Comparison of electromyographic responses for the superficial quadriceps muscles: Cycle versus knee‐extensor ergometry
Authors: Malek Moh H. , Coburn Jared W. , Tedjasaputra Vince 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) versus power output relationships for the three superficial quadriceps muscles during incremental cycle (CE) and knee‐extensor (KE) ergometry in the same subjects. Eight men performed incremental CE and KE tests to exhaustion. Surface EMG signals were recorded simultaneously from the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and vastus medialis (VM). Polynomial regression analyses on a subject‐by‐subject basis indicated that the relationship between EMG amplitude versus power output was best‐fit with either a linear, quadratic, or cubic model for CE, whereas the relationship was best‐fit with a linear model for all subjects for the KE test. No consistent relationship was found for EMG MPF within subjects and between muscle groups for CE or KE. Compared with CE, however, the EMG amplitude during KE exercise was, on average, approximately 87% and 30% higher for the RF and VM muscles, respectively. These results suggest that KE exercise may be a better mode of examining EMG amplitude in the quadriceps muscle during incremental exercise than traditional CE. Muscle Nerve, 2009