bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface‐dependent modulation of proliferation, bone matrix molecules, and inflammatory factors in human osteoblasts
Authors: Tonnarelli Beatrice , Manferdini Cristina , Piacentini Anna , Codeluppi Katia , Zini Nicoletta , Ghisu Sonia , Facchini Andrea , Lisignoli Gina 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSurface properties affect the biological properties of cells modulating the expression of different factors. Osteoblasts contribute both to new bone formation and controlling haematopoiesis through cytokines and growth factors. We analyzed the effect of bone (calcium‐phosphate bone slides), cartilaginous (hyaluronan‐based scaffold), and plastic substrate culture on human osteoblast proliferation, bone matrix molecule, and inflammatory factor expression. Osteoblast proliferation increased to a greater extent when the cells were grown for 14 days on plastic and bone slides, whereas hyaluronan‐based scaffold (HA‐scaffold) induced only a minimal increase. Collagen type I, osteonectin, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were expressed on osteoblasts grown on plastic and bone slides and down‐modulated at mRNA and protein level by HA‐scaffold. Bone slides showed the ability to increase osteopontin mRNA expression. The expression of CXCR4 and CXCL13 was upregulated by bone slides and HA‐scaffold, while CXCL12 and CXCR5 expression was down‐modulated. These data suggest a substrate‐dependent modulation of human osteoblast proliferation, bone matrix and inflammatory factor expression, which might help to understand the active role played by osteoblasts in bone microenvironment by coupling bone extracellular matrix, chemokines and the haematopoietic system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Identification of genes regulated by nanog which is involved in ES cells pluripotency and early differentiation
Authors: Liu Na , Feng Xiaoming , Fang Zhihong , Ma Fengxia , Lu Shihong , Lu Min , Han Zhongchao 
Published: April 2008

AbstractNanog plays an important role in embryonic stem (ES) cells pluripotency and self‐renewal, yet the precise mechanism through which Nanog accomplishes this important function remains unclear. To understand comprehensive molecular mechanism by which Nanog mediates, we identified genome‐wide molecular changes upon silencing Nanog in ES cells by using microarray technology. In order to downregulate Nanog expression efficiently, four siRNAs were designed on the basis of the conserved Nanog sequence and their effects on the Nanog expression were tested. Among these four siRNAs, Nanog‐siRNA‐P1 was found to be most effective. Once Nanog was downregulated, ES cells underwent differentiation by showing morphological change and decreased proliferation rate. Microarray analysis was then used to identify the altered gene expression after Nanog was silenced. A series of differentially expressed genes due to reduced expression of Nanog was identified as Nanog‐related genes. These genes identified here could provide insights into the roles of Nanog in ES cells self‐renewal and early differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2348–2362, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of prelamin A processing inhibitors on the differentiation and activity of human osteoclasts
Authors: Zini Nicoletta , Avnet Sofia , Ghisu Sonia , Maraldi Nadir Mario , Squarzoni Stefano , Baldini Nicola , Lattanzi Giovanna 
Published: April 2008

AbstractOsteoclast differentiation is a complex process involving cytoskeleton and nuclear reorganization. Osteoclasts regulate bone homeostasis and have a key role in bone degenerative processes. Osteolysis and osteoporosis characterize a subset of laminopathies, inherited disorders due to defects in lamin A/C. Laminopathies featuring bone resorption are characterized, at the molecular level, by anomalous accumulation of the unprocessed lamin A precursor, called prelamin A. To obtain a suitable cell model to study prelamin A effects on osteoclasts, prelamin A processing inhibitors FTI‐277 or AFCMe were applied to peripheral blood monocytes induced to differentiate towards the osteoclastic lineage. Previous studies have shown that treatment with FTI‐277 causes accumulation of non‐farnesylated prelamin A, while AFCMe inhibition of prelamin A maturation causes accumulation of a farnesylated form. We demonstrate that monocytes subjected to FTI‐277 treatment and mostly those subjected to AFCMe administration, differentiate towards the osteoclastic lineage more efficiently than untreated monocytes, in terms of number of multinucleated giant cells, mRNA expression of osteoclast‐related genes and TRACP 5b activity. On the other hand, the bone resorption activity of osteoclasts obtained in the presence of high prelamin A levels is lower with respect to control osteoclasts. This finding may help the understanding of the osteolytic and osteoporotic processes that characterize progeroid laminopathies. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 34–40, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Claudin‐16 reduces the aggressive behavior of human breast cancer cells
Authors: Martin Tracey A. , Harrison Gregory M. , Watkins Gareth , Jiang Wen G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractClaudin‐16 (Paracellin‐1) is a transmembrane tight junction (TJ) protein originally described as having a critical role in the re‐absorption of magnesium and calcium in the kidney. This study examined expression of Claudin‐16 in human breast cells and tissues to identify a possible link between expression and aggressiveness in cells and between Claudin‐16 levels and patient prognosis. Insertion of the Claudin‐16 gene into MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer cells resulted in cells that were significantly less motile and invasive in behavior, with increased adhesion to matrix. These cells also exhibited significantly increased TJ functionality and “tighter” colony morphology. Moreover, growth rates were reduced in both in vitro and in vivo assays (P < 0.002). Frozen sections from breast cancer primary tumors (matched tumor 124 and background 33) were immuno‐stained. RNA was reverse transcribed and analyzed by Q‐PCR (standardized using β‐actin, normalized with cytokeratin‐19 levels). Levels of expression of Claudin‐16 were significantly decreased in node positive tumors compared to negative (P = 0.016). Expression was significantly lower in patients with node positive tumors (P = 0.016) and in those who had died from breast cancer or had general poor prognosis (P < 0.015). Immunohistochemical staining showed decreased expression of Claudin‐16 in tumor sections (P < 0.00001). In conclusion, forced expression of Claudin‐16 in breast cancer cells resulted in a less aggressive phenotype and reduced in vivo tumor volume. Claudin‐16 expression was reduced in human breast cancer, particularly in patients with aggressive tumors and high mortality. This suggests that Claudin‐16 plays a role beyond that of an initial metastasis repressor in this cancer type. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 41–52, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the modeling of arginine‐bound carboxylates: A case study with Pyruvate Formate‐Lyase
Authors: Čondić‐Jurkić Karmen , Perchyonok V. Tamara , Zipse Hendrik , Smith David M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractHigh level ab initio and density functional calculations have been employed to determine the most appropriate manner in which to truncate an arginine‐bound carboxylate motif, using the substrate mechanism of Pyruvate Formate‐Lyase as a case study. The results show that, both qualitatively and quantitatively, a neutral carboxylic acid provides a more realistic approximation to the salt bridge arrangement than does a bare anionic carboxylate substituent. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Utilizing a library of synthetic affinity ligands for the enrichment, depletion and one‐step purification of leech proteins
Authors: Dong Dexian , Gui Yanli , Chen Dezhao , Li Rongxiu 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAlthough the concept of affinity purification using synthetic ligands had been utilized for many years, there are few articles related to this research area, and they focus only on the affinity purification of specific protein by a defined library of synthetic ligands. This study presents the design and construction of a 700‐member library of synthetic ligands in detail. We selected 297 ligand columns from a 700‐member library of synthetic ligands to screen leech protein extract. Of the 297, 154 columns had an enrichment effect, 83 columns had a depletion effect, 36 columns had a one‐step purification effect, and 58 columns had a one‐step purification via flowthrough effect. The experimental results achieved by this large library of affinity ligands provide solid convincing data for the theory that affinity chromatography could be used for the enrichment of proteins that are present in low abundance, the depletion of high abundance proteins, and one‐step purification of special proteins. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein–protein recognition as a first step towards the inhibition of XIAP and Survivin anti‐apoptotic proteins
Authors: Obiol‐Pardo Cristian , Granadino‐Roldán Jose Manuel , Rubio‐Martinez Jaime 
Published: April 2008

AbstractApoptosis, also called programmed cell death, is a conserved mechanism inherent to all cells that sentences them to death when they receive the appropriate external stimuli. Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are a family of regulatory proteins that suppress such cell death. XIAP is the most commonly studied member of the IAP family. It binds to and inhibits Caspases, an important family of apoptotic proteases. In addition, XIAP over‐expression has been detected in numerous types of cancer. Smac/DIABLO, a mitochondrial protein that binds to IAPs and promotes Caspase activation, has the opposite action to XIAP and can be considered a key protein in the regulation of IAPs. Survivin, the smallest IAP protein, has received a lot of attention due to its specific expression in many cancer cell lines. It has been shown to interact with Smac/DIABLO, even though the structure of this complex has not yet been reported.We analysed the protein–protein interactions appearing in the Smac/DIABLO–XIAP and Smac/DIABLO–Survivin complexes fully, using molecular dynamics simulations. This information is a first step towards the design of Smac/DIABLO peptidomimetics that could be used as innovative therapeutic agents for the treatment of malignancy.Our results complement the experimental interactions described for the first complex and provide a detailed description for the second. We show that Smac/DIABLO interacts in a similar way with both targets through its amino terminal residues. In addition, we identify a pharmacophore formed by eight stable protein–protein interactions for the XIAP complex and seven stable protein–protein interactions for the Survivin complex, which describe the whole contact surface.This information is used to suggest the binding mode of embelin, the first non‐peptidic inhibitor of XIAP, and two of its derivatives. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were also carried out to describe ligand and receptor flexibility.Finally, an MMGBSA protocol was used to obtain a more quantitative description of the binding in all the complexes studied. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass spectrometric studies of potent inhibitors of farnesyl protein transferase—detection of pentameric noncovalent complexes
Authors: Mirza Urooj A. , Chen Guodong , Liu Yan‐Hui , Doll Ronald J. , Girijavallabhan Viyyoor M. , Ganguly Ashit K. , Pramanik Birendra N. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFarnesyl protein transferase (FPT) inhibition is an interesting and promising approach to noncytotoxic anticancer therapy. Research in this area has resulted in several orally active compounds that are in clinical trials. Electrospray ionization (ESI) time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF‐MS) was used for the direct detection of a 95 182 Da pentameric noncovalent complex of α/β subunits of FPT containing Zn, farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and SCH 66336, a compound currently undergoing phase III clinical trials as an anticancer agent. It was noted that the desalting of protein samples was an important factor in the detection of the complex. This study demonstrated that the presence of FPP in the system was necessary for the detection of the FPT–inhibitor complex. No pentameric complex was detected in the spectrum when the experiment was carried out in the absence of the FPP. An indirect approach was also applied to confirm the noncovalent binding of SCH 66336 to FPT by the use of an off‐line size exclusion chromatography followed by liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS) for the detection of the inhibitor. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconstructing hydrological variability in Lake Baikal during MIS 11: an application of oxygen isotope analysis of diatom silica
Authors: Mackay Anson W. , Karabanov Eugene , Leng Melanie J. , Sloane Hilary J. , Morley David W. , Panizzo Virginia N. , Khursevich Galina , Williams Douglas 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn this paper we reconstruct hydrological variability in Lake Baikal during Marine Isotope Stage 11 (MIS 11) (427–362 ka BP) from oxygen isotope analysis of diatom silica. Highest δ18Odiatom values are found during MIS 11.3, highlighting the dominance of hydrological input from rivers flowing into the south and central basins of Lake Baikal, especially the Selenga River. Hydrological input from south basin rivers dominated for over 30 ka. However, there is evidence from both biogenic silica and δ18Odiatom records for an abrupt cooling event at ca. 390 ka BP. Stadial conditions at this time are coincident with an iceberg discharge event into the North Atlantic. The decline in δ18Odiatom values suggests increasing proportion of hydrological input from rivers to the north of Lake Baikal, due to greater influence of winter precipitation and snow‐melt. After a period of interstadial conditions during the early stages of MIS 11.1, biogenic silica and δ18Odiatom values decline, mirroring the slow growth in Northern Hemisphere ice sheets. Despite rigorous cleaning procedures, palaeoclimatic inferences need to be treated with caution due to contamination of the δ18Odiatom record; during stadial and glacial periods, contamination of the δ18Odiatom record is even more significant. © Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of NERC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silicon, oxygen and carbon isotope composition of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) phytoliths: implications for palaeoecology and archaeology
Authors: Hodson Martin J. , Parker Adrian G. , Leng Melanie J. , Sloane Hilary J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSix mature wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants from one crop were collected one week before harvest, and organs were separated as follows: culm, rachis, leaf sheaths, leaf blades and inflorescence bracts. Percentage silica (% SiO2), % C, % N and δ13C were determined in these samples. Phytoliths isolated from the individual organs were subsequently analysed for δ29Si, δ30Si, and δ18O, as well as % C, % N and δ13C from occluded organic material within the phytoliths. Percentage silica was highest in the leaf sheaths and leaf blades and lower in the inflorescence bracts, culm and rachis. δ30Si and δ29Si were highly correlated, and both increased in the upper parts of the plant. It appears there are two routes for Si transport within the plant, and that heavier isotopes increase towards the end of both routes. The δ18O results indicate that the culm and the leaf blades were the sites of highest δ18O, with lower values in the rachis, leaf sheath and inflorescence. There was no correlation between the accumulation of either heavy silicon isotope (29Si and 30Si) and heavy oxygen accumulation (18O). δ13C values were typical of C3 species, and whole plant and isolated phytolith values were similar. Low % N concentrations were detected in phytoliths. © Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of NERC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isotope offsets in marine diatom δ18O over the last 200 ka
Authors: Swann George E. A. , Leng Melanie J. , Sloane Hilary J. , Maslin Mark A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPrevious work has suggested that a species effect may be present in diatom oxygen isotope ratios (δ18Odiatom). While predominantly attributed to be a size‐related species effect, currently the precise mechanism remains unknown. Here, two size fractions of diatoms (38–75 µm and >100 µm) covering the last 200 ka are analysed for δ18O from ODP Site 882 in the North‐West Pacific Ocean. Synchronous variations of up to 13‰ occur in both size fractions. However, large isotope offsets (mean = 2.02‰) exist between the two fractions with no relationship between their magnitude and the overlying palaeoenvironmental conditions. In contrast to earlier work from the same site, no one size fraction is constantly higher or lower in δ18O relative to the other. As such, the dominant mechanism is most likely separate to the size effect previously detected. In addition, no relationship exists between the magnitude of the offsets and the species composition of the two size fractions. The presence of these isotope offsets imposes significant constraints upon the future use of δ18Odiatom in palaeoceanographic reconstructions and reiterates the need to extract and analyse only species‐ and size‐specific diatom samples. © Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of NERC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards an understanding of late Quaternary variations in the continental biogeochemical cycle of silicon: multi‐isotope and sediment‐flux data for Lake Rutundu, Mt Kenya, East Africa, since 38 ka BP
Authors: Street‐Perrott F. Alayne , Barker Philip A. , Leng Melanie J. , Sloane Hilary J. , Wooller Matthew J. , Ficken Katherine J. , Swain David L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSilicon is an essential nutrient for marine diatoms, which dominate the export of organic carbon to the deep ocean. Despite the dominance of the oceanic Si budget by fluvial inputs and the role of the land biosphere in controlling Si losses from rocks and soils to rivers, few studies have considered how continental biogeochemical Si fluxes varied on an orbital timescale. We reconstruct changes in Si cycling by the catchment‐lake ecosystem of Lake Rutundu, Mt Kenya (3078 m a.s.l.), over the last ca. 38 ka, using a novel combination of lake‐sediment fluxes and stable‐isotope (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, δ30Si) data. Under glacial conditions (38.3–14.3 ka BP), high diatom productivity was maintained by substantial losses of dissolved SiO2 and soil nutrients from a sparse, leaky, terrestrial ecosystem. During the following period of enhanced monsoon rainfall and seasonality (14.3–9.5 ka BP), rapid Si cycling by fire‐prone, mesic grassland was associated with substantial aeolian transport of opal phytoliths by smoke plumes, but greatly reduced nutrient losses in runoff. Invasion of tall, subalpine shrubs after 9.5 ka BP further enhanced landscape stability, leading to very low sediment fluxes of both phytoliths and diatoms. This case study offers new insights into processes that may have operated at biome to continental scales during the late Quaternary. © Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of NERC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser Materials Processing in Japan
Authors: Miyamoto Isamu 
Published: April 2008

AbstractJapan is one of the most advanced countries in terms of manufacturing technologies, and the role of lasers has become increasingly important since the beginning of 21st century [1]. The Japanese laser market is expanding steadily and competing with existing manufacturing technologies. In this article, recent market trends of laser processing systems using CO2 lasers, solid state lasers and excimer lasers in Japanese market are outlined. Hot topics of successful laser‐based manufacturing technologies for largescale production are also introduced.
Process Monitoring and Control of Laser Beam Welding
Authors: Kaierle Stefan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractLaser materials processing is widely used in industry today. For a long time, the statement „the best sensor is no sensor”︁was mentioned often in this field of technology. However, a change of paradigm can now be observed. ISO 9000 and other by law‐enforced regulations have led to the understanding that quality control is an essential tool in modern manufacturing and necessary in order to keep production results in deterministic boundaries.
Laser Drilling in Industrial Use
Authors: Dürr Ulrich 
Published: April 2008

AbstractLaser drilling makes about 3 % of the Laser material processing market and there are many niches within this market, each with special requirements. The most important share has through hole drilling. The respective holes have diameters between 0.005 to 1.5 mm and aspect ratios (depth/diameter) from less than 1 to above 50. They have different requirements with respect to geometrical tolerances and process side effects like thermal side effects as change of metallurgy, recast, cracks, burr etc. The situation is similar for blind holes. In the following through hole drilling will be discussed.
Betulinic acid suppresses constitutive and TNFα‐induced NF‐κB activation and induces apoptosis in human prostate carcinoma PC‐3 cells
Authors: Rabi Thangaiyan , Shukla Sanjeev , Gupta Sanjay 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDevelopment of chemoresistance in androgen‐refractory prostate cancer cells is partly due to constitutive activation of Rel/NF‐κB transcription factors that regulate several cell survival and anti‐apoptotic genes. In this study we examined whether betulinic acid (BetA), a pentacyclic triterpene from the bark of white birch, is effective in inhibiting NF‐κB expression in androgen‐refractory human prostate cancer cells exhibiting high constitutive NF‐κB expression. Treatment of PC‐3 cells with BetA inhibited DNA binding and reduced nuclear levels of the NF‐κB/p65. BetA‐mediated NF‐κB inhibition involved decreased IKK activity and phosphorylation of IκBα at serine 32/36 followed by its degradation. Reporter assays revealed that NF‐κB inhibition by BetA is transcriptionally active. These effects were found to correlate with a shift in Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and cleavage of poly(ADP)ribose polymerase more towards apoptosis. BetA also inhibited TNFα‐induced activation of NF‐κB via the IκBα pathway, thereby sensitizing the cells to TNFα‐induced apoptosis. Our studies demonstrate that BetA effectively inhibits constitutive NF‐κB activation and supports the rationale for targeting NF‐κB through combination protocols with BetA in androgen‐refractory prostate cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carbonic anhydrase III promotes transformation and invasion capability in hepatoma cells through FAK signaling pathway
Authors: Dai Huei‐Yue , Hong Chih‐Chen , Liang San‐Chi , Yan Ming‐De , Lai Gi‐Ming , Cheng Ann‐Lii , Chuang Shuang‐En 
Published: April 2008

AbstractCarbonic anhydrase III (CAIII) is distinguished from the other members of the CA family by low carbon dioxide hydratase activity, resistance to the CA inhibitor acetazolamide, and a predominant expression in the liver of males. In this report the effects of CAIII expression on liver cancer cells invasiveness were explored. Overexpression of CAIII in the HCC cell line SK‐Hep1 resulted in increased anchorage‐independent growth and invasiveness. And siRNA‐mediated silencing of CAIII expression decreased the invasive ability of SK‐Hep1 cells. Furthermore, CAIII transfectants showed elevated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src activity. Silencing of FAK expression in CAIII transfectants led to suppression of HCC cell invasion. More importantly, the CAIII transfectants acidified the culture medium at an accelerated speed than the control cells did. Taken together, these data suggest that the CAIII‐promoted invasive ability of HCC cells may probably be mediated through, at least in part, the FAK signaling pathway via intracellular and/or extracellular acidification. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.