bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of human hair melanin and its degradation products by means of magnetic resonance techniques
Authors: Ghiani Simona , Baroni Simona , Burgio Daniela , Digilio Giuseppe , Fukuhara Masaki , Martino Paola , Monda Keiji , Nervi Carlo , Kiyomine Akira , Aime Silvio 
Published: February 2008

AbstractMelanin granules (MGs) have been extracted from human Chinese black hairs by either acid hydrolysis (CH‐type MGs) or enzymatic digestion (CP‐type MGs), and their chemical structure investigated at the solid state by means of 13C cross polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS NMR) and EPR spectroscopy. Both types of MGs contain a large amount of protein that is tightly bound to the true melanin polymer, with CP‐type MGs having a larger protein content than CH‐type ones. Moreover, MGs may also contain variable amounts of lipid‐like material. A high amount of paramagnetic metals is detected by EPR in CP‐type MGs, in particular Fe(III). Iron can be bound in two chemical forms: as isolated high spin Fe(III) ions with rhombic symmetry and as small oxy‐hydroxy Fe(III) aggregates. Iron is poorly available to chelators. CH‐type MGs contain much fewer metals. CP‐type MGs have then been subjected to partial bleaching by hydrogen peroxide in ammonia, yielding a residual solid, called residual oxidized melanin (ROM) and a soluble but still pigmented fraction called melanin free acid (MFA). MFA can be isolated by precipitation at acidic pH. The 13C‐CPMAS NMR and EPR spectra of these derivatives indicated that ROM has a structure very similar to that of parent MGs, whereas MFA shows a decrease of the protein content with respect to the melanin and a decreased amount of bound iron. Thus, the oxidative degradation of CP‐type MGs is a process not involving the bulk of MGs, but rather it proceeds from the solvent‐exposed outer parts to the interior. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of embryo presence on prostaglandins synthesis and prostaglandin E2 and F2α content in corpora lutea during periimplantation period in the pig
Authors: Wasielak M. , Glowacz M. , Kaminska K. , Waclawik A. , Bogacki M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe determined the expression of PGE2 synthase (mPGES‐1), PGF synthase (PGFS), carbonyl reductase/prostaglandin 9‐ketoreductase (CBR1) genes and the content of PGE2, PGF2α in porcine corpora lutea on Days 12–14 of pregnancy and Days 12–14 of the estrous cycle. For this study we used a surgically‐generated model in which one of the uterine horns was cut transversely and a part of this horn was detached from the uterine corpus. The expression of mPGES‐1, PGFS, and CBR1 genes and mPGES‐1/PGFS ratio were significantly higher in corpora lutea of the pregnant gilts compared to the corpora lutea from the parallel ovaries of the cyclic gilts. There was no difference in mPGES‐1, PGFS, CBR1 genes expression and mPGES‐1/PGFS ratio between corpora lutea ipsi‐(CL1) and contralateral (CL2) to the uterine horn with the developing embryos. The highest content of PGE2 was found in CL1 of the pregnant gilts. The PGE2/PGF2α ratio was significantly higher in CL1 of the pregnant gilts compared to corpora lutea from parallel ovary of the cyclic gilts. We suggest that the activity of the investigated genes is induced by compounds of embryonic origin which are not distributed only to the ipsilateral ovary but are transported within the mesometrium to both ovaries in a more systemic manner. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1208–1216, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pattern of metalloprotease activity and myofiber regeneration in skeletal muscles of mdx mice
Authors: Bani Cristiane , Lagrota‐Candido Jussara , Pinheiro Douglas Florindo , Leite Paulo Emílio Correa , Salimena Maria Cristina , Henriques‐Pons Andrea , Quirico‐Santos Thereza 
Published: February 2008

AbstractMatrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are key regulatory molecules in the formation, remodeling, and degradation of extracellular matrix components in both physiological and pathological processes. Skeletal muscles of mdx dystrophic mice show distinct patterns of inflammation and regeneration, suggesting that factors within the microenvironment influence the adaptive responses of muscles with predominantly slow‐twitch or fast‐twitch fibers. This study aimed to verify the pattern of MMP activity in gastrocnemius, soleus, and diaphragm muscles and correlate it with the regenerative capability at distinct stages of the mdx myopathy. Marked inflammation and myonecrosis was associated with increased MMP‐9 activity and TNF‐α (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha) production, whereas muscle regeneration, evidenced by NCAM (neural cell adhesion molecule) expression and MMP‐2 activity, varied at different stages of the disease. Soleus muscles showed a high percentage of NCAM‐positive myofibers in the early stages (2 weeks) of the disease, but they appeared in the gastrocnemius muscles at 12 weeks and in the diaphragm at 24 weeks. Increased MMP‐2 activity in the diaphragm throughout all stages of the disease suggests important tissue remodeling, which is probably associated with persistent inflammation. The results indicate that the microenvironment of distinct skeletal muscle may influence a particular kinetic pattern of MMP activity, which ultimately favors persistent inflammation and myofiber regeneration at different stages of the myopathy in mdx mice. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Ten‐second exercise is superior to 30‐second exercise for post‐exercise facilitation in diagnosing Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome
Authors: Hatanaka Yuki , Oh Shin J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAn incremental response after brief exercise or high‐rate stimulation on the repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) test is a critical diagnostic criterion for Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). This prospective study was performed to determine what duration of exercise shows the highest diagnostic sensitivity for LEMS. The compound muscle action potential amplitude in the abductor digiti quinti muscle was obtained at rest and after 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 20 s, 25 s, and 30 s of exercise. Incremental responses were compared for the different exercise durations in 24 studies performed in nine LEMS patients. The increment was highest with 5‐s and 10‐s exercises (244%–243%) and lowest with 30‐s exercise (84%). A gradual decrease in the increment was noted from 5‐ to 30‐s exercise. A significant difference in the increment was noted between 5‐ to 10‐s and 20‐s to 30‐s exercise. There was significantly higher diagnostic sensitivity with the 10‐s exercise compared with 30‐s exercise at 100% increment and 60% increment levels. Higher increment and diagnostic sensitivity were achieved with 10‐s exercise than with 30‐s exercise. Thus, 10‐s exercise should be the standard protocol for the RNS test for LEMS. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Maturation of stretch‐induced contractile activity and its muscarinic regulation in isolated whole bladder strips from rat
Authors: Gevaert Thomas , Owsianik Grzegorz , Hutchings Graham , Everaerts Wouter , Nilius Bernd , De Ridder Dirk 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAimBesides the establishment of neural reflex pathways, developmental changes in local bladder properties probably also contribute to the onset of mature voiding reflexes. Here we explored the behavior of stretch‐induced contractile activity (SIC) and its muscarinic regulation in neonatal and adult rat bladders.MethodsSIC was studied in bladder strips from D0, D7, D28 rat pups and adult rats (15 weeks). The responses to a non‐selective [Carbachol (CA), 10−8.5–10−6 M] and an M2‐selective muscarinic agonist [arecaidine but‐2‐ynyl ester tosylate (ABET), 10−9.5–10−7 M] were studied. The expression of M2 and M3 mRNA was investigated using quantitative PCR in whole bladders. The response of SIC to KCl (50 mM) and to the non‐adrenergic non‐cholinergic (NANC) drugs Substance P (1 µM) and α,β‐Methyleneadenosine 5′‐triphosphate lithium salt (MATP) (1 µM) were also studied.ResultsWe found evidence for an enhanced response to the muscarinic agonists CA and ABET in neonatal bladders. This might be due to the onset of a direct contractile role for M2, given the moderate M2‐properties of ABET and the absence of ABET‐effects on adult bladder strips. Further data showed an increased expression of both M2 and M3 at the mRNA level and a changed response of SIC to NANC drugs in neonatal bladder.ConclusionsThis study reveals a changed response of SIC to muscarinic and NANC drugs in neonatal rat bladder together with changes at the muscarinic mRNA level, which might all contribute to a better insight in the role of SIC in the onset of mature voiding. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:789–796, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The minimal important change of the PRAFAB questionnaire in women with stress urinary incontinence: Results from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hendriks Erik J.M. , Bernards Arnold T.M. , de Bie Rob A. , de Vet Henrica C.W. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAimTo estimate the minimal important change (MIC) of the total PRAFAB questionnaire (PRAFAB‐Q) score in women referred for physiotherapy intervention following primary or recurrent episodes of stress urinary incontinence. MIC values could be applied to individual patients and used as a threshold by which practitioners decide to continue, change or end a specific intervention.MethodsData were derived from a prospective cohort study of 279 mainly Caucasian women. MIC values were determined by: (1) the ‘mean change’ method, (2) the ROC method, and (3) the 95% limit cut‐off point, visualized by the ‘anchor‐based MIC distribution’. These MIC values were compared to the smallest detectable change (SDC) accounting for measurement error. The effect of initial baseline scores on the MIC was assessed.ResultsThe results of all methods used to define the MIC ranged from 1.9 to 2.7 points (SDC = 1.6) for the non‐severe and 3.6–4.1 (SDC = 2.3) for the severe stratified patients. All MIC estimates were larger than the measurement error as determined by the SDC.ConclusionsThe total PRAFAB‐Q score is a brief and simple outcome measure that easily can be used to monitor progress and to interpret meaningful improvement in individual women with stress UI in everyday clinical practice. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:379–387, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in parous/nulliparous pairs of identical twins
Authors: Buchsbaum Gunhilde M. , Duecy Erin E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAimTo evaluate the role of vaginal delivery in the development of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in four sets of identical twins.MethodsFour sets of identical twins were identified from 101 pairs of parous/nulliparous postmenopausal sister pairs, who completed a comprehensive questionnaire, and underwent clinical evaluation of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse as part of a study. Findings of identical twin sisters were compared to each other.ResultsAges ranged from 52 to 56 years; the parous sister in each pair had two vaginal deliveries. Two twin pairs reported no incontinence. One pair reported incontinence with activities and stress incontinence was confirmed with VLPP of 120 and 130 cm H2O in the nulliparous and parous sister respectively. In one pair only the nulliparous sister reported incontinence, however both sisters were diagnosed with stress incontinence with VLLP of 130 and 120 cm in the nulliparous and parous sister respectively. Using POP‐Q staging for relaxation of the pelvic support system, only one twin pair had a greater than 1 stage difference in any compartment.ConclusionsAll four pairs of identical twins were diagnosed with identical continence status. Three pairs were identical with regard to support in all three compartments. Vaginal delivery was not associated with urinary incontinence or clinically relevant differences in relaxation of the pelvic support system within four sets of postmenopausal identical twins with different parity status. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:496–498, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The detrusor glycogen content of a de‐obstructed bladder reflects the functional history of that bladder during PBOO
Authors: de Jong Bas W.D. , Wolffenbuttel Katja P. , Scheepe Jeroen R. , Kok Dirk J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAimsTo determine if detrusor glycogen content in a bladder after removal of a urethral obstruction reflects the situation of bladder dysfunction as it existed during the period of obstruction.MethodsThe glycogen content of the detrusor was scored using a Periodic Acid Schiff's (PAS) staining. It was related to the functional history of the bladder. Bladder tissue was obtained from a guinea‐pig model for posterior urethral valves where animals had been obstructed for up to 10 weeks, de‐obstructed and allowed to recover for 2‐‐8 weeks. Bladder urodynamic function had been documented with multiple measurements for the complete period of obstruction and de‐obstruction.ResultsThe degree of glycogen deposition in a bladder after de‐obstruction correlated directly with bladder function during obstruction. The strongest glycogen deposition was found in bladders having experienced the highest pressures, most instabilities, lowest compliance and highest contractility. In contrast, the bladder glycogen content was not related to the function of the bladder at the day the tissue was obtained, except for a relation between high glycogen content and continuing low compliance.ConclusionsThe glycogen content of a bladder reflects the history of bladder dysfunction, also when measured during a recovery period. This window on the functional history of a bladder may be of clinical value for picking out potential bad‐responders to therapy in patients with incomplete data on bladder function during a previous period of bladder obstruction. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:454–460, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prehistoric dental modification in West Africa – early evidence from Karkarichinkat Nord, Mali
Authors: Finucane B. C. , Manning K. , Touré M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis paper reports the earliest securely dated evidence for intentional dental modification in West Africa. Human remains representing 11 individuals were recovered from the sites of Karkarichikat Nord (KN05) and Karkarichinkat Sud (KS05) in the lower Tilemsi Valley of eastern Mali. The modified anterior maxillary dentitions of four individuals were recovered from KN05. The dental modification involved the removal of the mesial and distal angles of the incisor, as well as the mesial angles of the canines. The modifications did not result from task‐specific wear or trauma, but appear instead to have been produced for aesthetic purposes. All of the filed teeth belonged to probable females, suggesting the possibility of sex‐specific cultural modification. Radiocarbon dates from the site indicate that the remains pertain to the Late Stone Age (ca. 4500–4200 BP). Dental modification has not previously been reported from this region of West Africa and our findings indicate that the practice was more widespread during prehistory. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroendocrine transdifferentiation induced by VPA is mediated by PPARγ activation and confers resistance to antiblastic therapy in prostate carcinoma
Authors: Angelucci Adriano , Muzi Paola , Cristiano Loredana , Millimaggi Danilo , Cimini AnnaMaria , Dolo Vincenza , Miano Roberto , Vicentini Carlo , Cerù Maria Paola , Bologna Mauro 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDProstate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the Western Countries. When prostatectomy fails to eradicate the primary tumor, PCa is generally refractory to all therapeutic approaches. Valproic acid (VPA) is a promising anticancer agent recently assigned to the class of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. However molecular mechanisms underlying VPA action in PCa cells are largely unknown and further experimental validation to prove its potential application in clinic practice is needed.RESULTSIn our study we show that VPA is a potent inducer of neuro‐endocrine transdifferentiation (NET) in androgen receptor null PCa cells, both in vitro and in vivo. NET was an early event detectable through the expression of neuro‐endocrine (NE) markers within 72 hr after VPA treatment and it was associated to a reduction in the overall cell proliferation. When we interrupted VPA treatment we observed the recovery in residual cells of the basal proliferation rate both in vitro and in a xenograft model. The NET process was related to Bcl‐2 over‐expression in non‐NE PCa cells and to the activation of PPARγ in NE cells. The use of specific PPARγ antagonist was able to reduce significantly the expression of NE markers induced by VPA.CONCLUSIONSOur data indicate that the use of VPA as monotherapy in PCa has to be considered with extreme caution, since it may induce an unfavorable NET. In order to counteract the VPA‐induced NET, the inhibition of PPARγ may represent a suitable adjuvant treatment strategy and awaits further experimental validation. Prostate 68: 588–598, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional angiotensin II type 2 receptors inhibit growth factor signaling in LNCaP and PC3 prostate cancer cell lines
Authors: Chow L. , Rezmann L. , Imamura K. , Wang L. , Catt K. , Tikellis C. , Louis W.J. , Frauman A.G. , Louis S.N.S. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDThere is clear evidence of a tissue‐based renin‐angiotensin system in the prostate and studies to date suggest that AT1‐receptor blocking drugs inhibit the growth of some prostate cancer cell lines and delay the development of prostate cancer. The present studies examine the action of Ang II in two prostate cancer cell lines and report the presence of functional AT2‐receptors that regulate the actions of growth factors.METHODSImmunohistochemistry was used to identify the presence of Ang II and QPCR techniques to examine AT1‐ and AT2‐receptor mRNA expression in androgen‐dependent (LNCaP) and independent (PC3) cell lines. The effects of AT1‐ and AT2‐receptor activation upon EGF‐induced DNA synthesis and ERK2 phosphorylation in these cells were also examined.RESULTSFunctional AT2‐receptors together with Ang II were identified in both cell lines and stimulation of these receptors inhibited EGF‐induced DNA synthesis and ERK2 phosphorylation. AT1‐receptors, although present in both cell lines, were only functional in LNCaP cells where activation stimulated DNA synthesis.CONCLUSIONSFunctional AT2‐receptors are present and have the capacity to inhibit EGF‐induced prostate cancer cell growth in LNCaP and fast growing androgen‐independent PC3 cell lines, whereas functional AT1‐receptors are found only in LNCaP cells where their activation stimulates DNA synthesis. Prostate 68: 651–660, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Many body effects in the optical behavior of quantum well excitons
Authors: Kochereshko V. P. , Andronikov D. A. , Klochikhin A. A. , Crooker S. A. , Karczewski G. , Kossut J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractModulation‐doped CdTe/Cd0.7Mg0.3Te quantum well structures with a two dimensional electron gas of low and moderate density (from ne = 3 × 1010 cm–2 up to ne ≈ 1012 cm–2) have been studied. Photoluminescence spectra taken from the quantum well in magnetic fields from 0 T to 45 T at different electron densities were studied. The observed spectra were analyzed in terms of combined exciton‐electron processes. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of recapture on the emission statistics of short radiative lifetime quantum dots
Authors: Peter E. , Laurent S. , Bloch J. , Hours J. , Varoutsis S. , Martrou D. , Robert‐Philip I. , Beveratos A. , Lemaître A. , Cavanna A. , Patriarche G. , Senellart P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSingle photon emission is investigated for fast radiative quantum dots. A simple model including capture process shows that the probability that a second photon is emitted increases when decreasing the exciton radiative lifetime. This effect is experimentally demonstrated through photon correlation measurements on single GaAs quantum dots presenting various radiative lifetime. The same model is used to estimate the second order autocorrelation function for an InAs quantum dot experiencing strong Purcell effect. The calculation shows the limitations of using Purcell effect to realize efficient single photon sources. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence of a single InAs/AlAs quantum dot
Authors: Shamirzaev T. S. , Zhuravlev K. S. , Larsson M. , Holtz P. O. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractMicro‐photoluminescence (μ‐PL) of a simple InAs/AlAs quantum dot (QD) has been studied. It has been found that the μ‐PL emission related to the recombination in a single QD is strongly broadened probably due to spectral diffusion. Emissions related to the recombination of biexcitons and excitons occupying excited levels of the QD are observed in μ‐PL spectra at high excitation power densities. A red shift of the μ‐PL emissions related to recombination of excitons in the ground and excited levels of the QD with increasing excitation power gives clear evidence for type I alignment of the InAs/AlAs QD. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electromagnetically induced transparency in asymmetric double quantum wells in the transient regime
Authors: Silvestri Leonardo , Czajkowski Gerard 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe report computation of the nonlinear response of a probe light in the presence of a driving field satisfying the Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT) condition in the Λ configuration appropriate to an Asymmetric Double Quantum Well (ADQW). The novelty of the present results with respect to those of previous calculations is to consider the transient regime in which both the pump and the probe radiation are pulses of picosecond duration.We investigate the dependence of the transparency on pump and probe duration and also on the delay of the latter with respect to the former. We show the advantages of properly choosing the duration of the pump and the probe light and the asymmetry in the delay time of the probe. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A new type of liquid refractometer
Authors: Lin Jiun‐You , Chen Jing‐Heng , Chen Kun‐Huang , Su Der‐Chin 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA new liquid refractometer is proposed based on the phenomenon of total‐internal reflection and the technique of heterodyne interferometry. A special designed glass probe is immersed in the tested liquid, and a light beam is guided within this probe due to the total internal reflections. After the light beam is totally reflected at the other end of the probe, it goes back in an anti‐parallel direction of the original path. Because of multiple total‐internal reflections, the phase dif‐ ference, which is determined by the heterodyne interferometry between the p ‐ and s ‐polarizations, is greatly enhanced to result in an accurate refractive index. The feasibility of this method was demonstrated by our experimental results, and a resolution of 5×10–3 is obtained with our method. This method should, therefore, bear the merits of high accuracy, high stability, and easy operation. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)