bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
V6 The feasibility of laparoscopic rectal resection for cancer
Authors: Khan J. , Qureshi T. , Parvaiz A. 
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  Total mesorectal excision (TME) has offered the lowest recurrence rates and best survival in rectal cancer patients. Recently several multi‐centre trials have demonstrated the feasibility of laparoscopic colonic resections for cancer. However the technical difficulties and lack of supporting data has prevented surgeons from attempting laparoscopic TME for operable rectal cancer. We present a video demonstration of lap TME technique performed at our unit for rectal cancer resections.Methods:  The surgical technique involves using two 10 mm and two 5 mm ports to perform rectal resections. Adherence to advanced oncological principles like high tie of IMA and IMV is the rule. Splenic flexure is routinely mobilised for mid to low rectal cancers. Total mesorectal excision is performed using diathermy hook. Rectal washout is performed before transection of the rectum using lap stapler device.Results:  Between October 2006–December 2007, 30 rectal cancers have been operated laparoscopically at our institution using this technique. There were four APER and 26 anterior resections. The median age was 72 years with a median BMI of 25. Median operative time was 235 min with a median hospital stay of 7 days. There were no leaks.Conclusions:  With proper training and experience, laparoscopic rectal cancer resection is technically feasible and safe to perform with good oncological outcomes.
EXTRA‐FIRM NETWORKS AND KOREAN INVESTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: GRESS DOUGLAS R. , POON JESSIE 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper focuses on Korean firms’ relationships with extra‐firm institutional actors through an investigation of their international investment in the United States. The study draws from two surveys that were conducted in 2004. The first survey was conducted on US State Offices of Trade and Investment (SOTI) in Seoul, and the second survey on Korean subsidiaries that are located in the United States. The results indicate that extra‐firm relationships are perceived to be much more important by US SOTIs. Several offices correlate the presence of Korean investment in their home states to the offices’ activities with Korean parent companies in Seoul arising from synergies created with other Korean institutional actors. Korean subsidiaries in the United States do not evaluate competition between places to be as important in their locational decision; however, regular intra‐firm discussions of country‐specific policies are found to correlate with perceived firm‐level benefits from locational choices. The results further suggest a shift in traditional control of extra‐firm interactions from the headquarters in Seoul to the subsidiary in the United States.
Regulation of neural progenitor cell development in the nervous system
Authors: Corbin Joshua G. , Gaiano Nicholas , Juliano Sharon L. , Poluch Sylvie , Stancik Elizabeth , Haydar Tarik F. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe mammalian telencephalon, which comprises the cerebral cortex, olfactory bulb, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and amygdala, is the most complex and intricate region of the CNS. It is the seat of all higher brain functions including the storage and retrieval of memories, the integration and processing of sensory and motor information, and the regulation of emotion and drive states. In higher mammals such as humans, the telencephalon also governs our creative impulses, ability to make rational decisions, and plan for the future. Despite its massive complexity, exciting work from a number of groups has begun to unravel the developmental mechanisms for the generation of the diverse neural cell types that form the circuitry of the mature telencephalon. Here, we review our current understanding of four aspects of neural development. We first begin by providing a general overview of the broad developmental mechanisms underlying the generation of neuronal and glial cell diversity in the telencephalon during embryonic development. We then focus on development of the cerebral cortex, the most complex and evolved region of the brain. We review the current state of understanding of progenitor cell diversity within the cortical ventricular zone and then describe how lateral signaling via the Notch‐Delta pathway generates specific aspects of neural cell diversity in cortical progenitor pools. Finally, we review the signaling mechanisms required for development, and response to injury, of a specialized group of cortical stem cells, the radial glia, which act both as precursors and as migratory scaffolds for newly generated neurons.
Spatial memory formation induces recruitment of NMDA receptor and PSD‐95 to synaptic lipid rafts
Authors: Delint‐Ramírez Ilse , Salcedo‐Tello Pamela , Bermudez‐Rattoni Federico 
Published: June 2008

AbstractNMDA receptors (NMDARs) activation in the hippocampus and insular cortex is necessary for spatial memory formation. Recent studies suggest that localization of NMDARs to lipid rafts enhance their signalization, since the kinases that phosphorylate its subunits are present in larger proportion in lipid raft membrane microdomains. We sought to determine the possibility that NMDAR translocation to synaptic lipid rafts occurs during plasticity processes such as memory formation. Our results show that water maze training induces a rapid recruitment of NMDAR subunits (NR1, NR2A, NR2B) and PSD‐95 to synaptic lipid rafts and decrease in the post‐synaptic density plus an increase of NR2B phosphorylation at tyrosine 1472 in the rat insular cortex. In the hippocampus, spatial training induces selective translocation of NR1 and NR2A subunits to lipid rafts. These results suggest that NMDARs translocate from the soluble fraction of post‐synaptic membrane (non‐raft PSD) to synaptic lipid raft during spatial memory formation. The recruitment of NMDA receptors and other proteins to lipid rafts could be an important mechanism for increasing the efficiency of synaptic transmission during synaptic plasticity process.
Antipsychotic drugs increase N‐acetylaspartate and N‐acetylaspartylglutamate in SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Arun Peethambaran , Madhavarao Chikkathur N. , Moffett John R. , Namboodiri Aryan M. A. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract N‐Acetylaspartate (NAA) and N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) are related neuronal metabolites associated with the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia. NAA is a valuable marker of neuronal viability in magnetic resonance spectroscopy, a technique which has consistently shown NAA levels to be modestly decreased in the brains of schizophrenia patients. However, there are conflicting reports on the changes in brain NAA levels after treatment with antipsychotic drugs, which exert their therapeutic effects in part by blocking dopamine D2 receptors. NAAG is reported to be an agonist of the metabotropic glutamate 2/3 receptor, which is linked to neurotransmitter release modulation, including glutamate release. Alterations in NAAG metabolism have been implicated in the development of schizophrenia possibly via dysregulation of glutamate neurotransmission. In the present study we have used high performance liquid chromatography to determine the effects of the antipsychotic drugs haloperidol and clozapine on NAA and NAAG levels in SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, a model system used to test the responses of dopaminergic neurons in vitro. The results indicate that the antipsychotic drugs haloperidol and clozapine increase both NAA and NAAG levels in SH‐SY5Y cells in a dose and time dependant manner, providing evidence that NAA and NAAG metabolism in neurons is responsive to antipsychotic drug treatment.
The Effect of Etching Technique on the Retention of Adhesively Cemented Prefabricated Dowels
Authors: Potesta Fiorella L. , Broome James C. , O'Neal Sandra J. , Givan Daniel A. , Ramp Lance C. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract Purpose: To determine if etching technique influences the bond strength of resin cement to root canal dentin. Materials and Methods: Fifty‐five extracted teeth were endodontically treated, dowel space prepared, and divided into five groups. Each group was treated with different etchant consistencies: acid gel, semi‐gel, low‐viscosity gel, liquid, and a self‐etching primer. After dowel cementation, four sections were removed from each root and a push‐out test was performed. Results: Significant effects were found for etching procedure and for location within the root canal. The apical segment produced the lowest bond strength. Self‐etching primer showed the highest bond strength. Conclusions: The consistency of etchant material influenced the bond strength of a prefabricated dowel in the canal.
Fabricating a Hollow Obturator with Visible Light‐Cured Resin System
Authors: Kocacikli Mustafa , Yalug Suat , Yazicioglu Huseyin , Yilmaz Caner 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObturators are routinely used in the rehabilitation of maxillectomy defects. Ideally, obturators should be easily constructed to produce a comfortable and stable prosthesis. This article describes a technique that provides an easy method for the construction of an obturator prosthesis using a visible light‐cured (VLC) resin. As a result, technicians can easily construct obturators in little time; this would, in turn, provide patients with light, comfortable, and tolerable prostheses.
Activation of autologous leukemia‐specific T cells in acute myeloid leukemia: monocyte‐derived dendritic cells cocultured with leukemic blasts compared with leukemia‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Draube Andreas , Beyer Marc , Wolf Jürgen 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts can be differentiated into dendritic cell (DC) like cells (AML‐DC). These cells have a mature DC‐like phenotype, are strong stimulators in mixed leukocyte reactions and can be used to generate leukemia‐specific cytotoxic T cells. However, recent reports about naturally existing leukemic DC with immunoregulatory dysfunctions in peripheral blood of AML patients caused concerns about the use of AML‐DC for therapeutic purposes.Systematic intra‐individual comparisons between AML‐DC and non‐leukemic DC derived from monocytes (MoDC) in AML patients are missing. Thus, we investigated the ability to generate MoDC from peripheral blood of 17 AML patients in first remission and their functional integrity to stimulate leukemia‐specific T cells by simple coculture with leukemic blasts. Phenotypic analysis of AML‐DC and MoDC from the same individual patients revealed that MoDC exhibit a more homogenous mature DC phenotype. Additionally, functional analysis demonstrated the ability of remission MoDC to activate autologous leukemia‐specific T cells in 11 of 12 patients, whereas AML‐DC led to a specific T cell activation in four of eight patients. The presented findings might have impact on the design of further therapeutic studies using autologous antigen‐presenting cells.
Differential expression of microRNAs in hematopoietic cell lineages
Authors: Merkerova Michaela , Belickova Monika , Bruchova Hana 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectives:  MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in a wide variety of normal and pathological cellular processes. A number of studies identified hematopoietic‐specific miRNAs that are necessary for correct function of blood cells. Out of our microarray data, we chose 13 miRNAs that showed differential expression in peripheral blood cells (miR‐15b, miR‐16, miR‐24, miR‐30c, miR‐106b, miR‐142‐3p, miR‐142‐5p, miR‐150, miR‐155, miR‐181, miR‐223, miR‐342, and miR‐451) and examined their expression in separated hematopoietic cell lineages.Methods:  Using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, we measured relative expression of the miRNAs in fractions of reticulocytes, platelets, granulocytes, monocytes, B‐ and T‐lymphocytes as well as in several hematopoietic cell lines.Results:  We observed that miR‐16 and miR‐142‐3p were highly expressed in all native cell lineages, miR‐451 reached the maximal expression in reticulocytes, miR‐223 in platelets, granulocytes and monocytes, and miR‐150 in B‐ and T‐lymphocytes. Hierarchical clustering analysis grouped the lineage samples according to their origin based on the expression of these miRNAs. To validate discrimination power of the miRNAs, we quantified expression of the 13 miRNAs in several immortalized cell lines. Although the cell lines showed miRNA expression patterns considerably different from those of native cell lineages, clustering analysis distinguished between myeloid, lymphoid and non‐hematopoietic cells.Conclusions:  In conclusion, the study reports the expression levels of 13 miRNAs in particular blood cell lineages as well as immortalized cell lines. We demonstrate that the expression profiles of these miRNAs may be used for discrimination of the hematopoietic cell lineages.
Control of lipid oxidation during exercise: role of energy state and mitochondrial factors
Authors: Sahlin K. , Harris R. C. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDespite considerable progress during recent years our understanding of how lipid oxidation (LOx) is controlled during exercise remains incomplete. This review focuses on the role of mitochondria and energy state in the control of LOx. LOx increases in parallel with increased energy demand up to an exercise intensity of about 50–60% of VO2max after which the contribution of lipid decreases. The switch from lipid to carbohydrate (CHO) is of energetic advantage due to the increased ATP/O2 yield. In the low‐intensity domain (<50%VO2max) a moderate reduction in energy state will stimulate both LOx and CHO oxidation and relative fuel utilization is mainly controlled by substrate availability and the capacity of the metabolic pathways. In the high‐intensity domain (>60%VO2max) there is a pronounced decrease in energy state, which will stimulate glycolysis in excess of the substrate requirements of the oxidative processes. This will lead to acidosis, reduced levels of free Coenzyme A (CoASH) and reduced levels of free carnitine. Acidosis and reduced carnitine may limit the carnitine‐mediated transfer of long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA) into mitochondria and may thus explain the observed reduction in LOx during high‐intensity exercise. Another potential mechanism, suggested in this review, is that Acyl‐CoA synthetase (ACS), an initial step in LCFA catabolism, functions as a regulator of LOx. ACS activity is suggested to be under control of CoASH and energy state. Furthermore, evidence exists that additional control points exist beyond mitochondrial FA influx. The nature and site of this control remain to be investigated.
An objective, rapid and reproducible method for scoring AFLP peak‐height data that minimizes genotyping error
Authors: WHITLOCK R. , HIPPERSON H. , MANNARELLI M. , BUTLIN R. K. , BURKE T. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAmplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprint data are now commonly collected using DNA sequencers. AFLP genotypes are still often scored by eye from such data — a time‐consuming, error‐prone and subjective process. We present a semi‐automated method of genotyping sequencer‐collected AFLPs at predefined fragment locations (loci) within the fingerprint. Our method uses thresholds of AFLP‐polymerase chain reaction‐product fluorescence intensity (peak height) in order to: (i) exclude AFLP loci that are likely to contribute high rates of error to data sets, and (ii) determine the AFLP phenotype (fragment presence or absence) at the retained loci. Error rate analysis is an integral part of this process and is used to determine optimal thresholds that minimize genotyping error, while maximizing the numbers of retained loci. We show that application of this method to a large AFLP data set allows genotype calls that are rapid, objective and repeatable, facilitating the extraction of reliable genotype data for molecular ecological studies.
Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the livebearing fish Poecilia parae
Authors: NATER ALEXANDER , KRÜTZEN MICHAEL , LINDHOLM ANNA K. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe developed 16 novel polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for Poecilia parae, a livebearing fish used in evolutionary studies because of its Y‐linked colour and size polymorphism. A set of 199 clones was sequenced out of an enriched genomic library, and we achieved an enrichment efficiency of nearly 80%. Primers were designed for 16 pure repeats, and 59 P. parae were screened for polymorphism. Cross‐amplification was tested on Poecilia picta and Poecilia reticulata, the guppy. The new microsatellite markers showed an exceptionally high allelic diversity and low stutter formation, proving their suitability for a broad range of applications in these species.
Seventy new microsatellites for the pied flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca and amplification in other passerine birds
Authors: LEDER E. H. , KARAISKOU N. , PRIMMER C. R. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) is a small migratory passerine bird commonly distributed across Europe which has been the focus of considerable ecological and evolutionary research. Here, we present details of 70 microsatellite markers for the species adding to the six which are currently available. Sixty‐six markers were also polymorphic in the closely related collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis), while 54 were polymorphic in another related passerine, the bluethroat (Luscinia svecica), and 12 were polymorphic in the more distantly related Siberian jay (Perisoreus infaustus).
Properties of Friction-Stir Welded Aluminum Alloys 6111 and 5083
Authors: Gan W. , Okamoto K. , Hirano S. , Chung K. , Kim C. , Wagoner R. H. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractFriction-stir welding (FSW) promises joints with low porosity, fine microstructures, minimum phase transformation, and low oxidation compared with conventional welding techniques. It is capable of joining combinations of alloys not amenable to conventional welding. Certain combinations of FSW parameters were used to create FSWs of aluminum alloys 5083-H18 and 6111-T4, and the physical weld defects were measured. The mechanical behavior of FSW welds made under the most favorable choice of parameters was determined using tensile tests and hardness measurements and was correlated to the microstructures of the weld and base material. Stir zones (SZs) in the 5083 specimens were much softer than the strain-hardened base materials. SZs in the 6111 material are approximately as hard as the base material. Natural aging of 6111 FSW specimens occurred in some parts of the heat-affected zone and produced hardening for up to 12weeks after welding. Annealing of 5083 FSW specimens produced abnormal grain growth (AGG) for welds produced under certain welding conditions and in certain parts of the weld zone. AGG is more severe for low-heat conditions, i.e., higher tool travel speed but lower rotational speed. The conditions for most favorable FSW are presented, as well as the expected microstructures and mechanical properties, along with the weld conditions that promote AGG.
Constitutive Modeling and Finite Element Analysis of the Formability
of TRIP Steels
Authors: Serri J. , Cherkaoui M. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The semiphysics constitutive model developed by Cherkaoui et al. (2006, “From Micro to Macroscopic Description of Martensitic Transformation in Steels: A Viscoplastic Model,” Philos. Mag., in press;) has been implemented in the user’s material subroutine of the finite element code ABAQUS∕EXPLICIT (2006, Version 6.6 Manuals, Dassault Systemes) to predict the thermomechanical behavior of unstable transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel sheets under conditions of forming, which are essentially composite materials with evolving volume fractions of the individual phases. These steels undergoing α′ martensitic phase transformation exhibit an additional inelastic strain resulting from the phase transformation itself and from the plastic accommodation in parent (austenite) and product (martensite) phases due to different sources of internal stresses. This inelastic strain known as the TRIP strain enhances ductility at an appropriate strength level due to the typical properties of the martensite. A numerical analysis of the effects of the martensitic phase transformation on formability is performed. A validation of the stress-strain behavior and the volume fraction of the martensite are carried out in the case of multiaxial paths at various temperatures. The effects of the stress state and of the kinetics of the martensite phase transformation are analyzed in the case of the cup drawing test. Finally, the numerical predictions are compared to experimental tests on type AISI304 austenitic stainless steels and TRIP800 multiphase industrial steels.
Enhancement of the Alcoholytic Activity of α-Amylase AmyA fromThermotoga maritimaMSB8 (DSM 3109) by Site-Directed Mutagenesis
Authors: Damián-Almazo Juanita Yazmin , Moreno Alina , López-Munguía Agustin , Soberón Xavier , González-Muñoz Fernando , Saab-Rincón Gloria 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTAmyA, an α-amylase from the hyperthermophilic bacteriumThermotoga maritima, is able to hydrolyze internal α-1,4-glycosidic bonds in various α-glucans at 85°C as the optimal temperature. Like other glycoside hydrolases, AmyA also catalyzes transglycosylation reactions, particularly when oligosaccharides are used as substrates. It was found that when methanol or butanol was used as the nucleophile instead of water, AmyA was able to catalyze alcoholysis reactions. This capability has been evaluated in the past for some α-amylases, with the finding that only the saccharifying fungal amylases fromAspergillus nigerand fromAspergillus oryzaepresent measurable alcoholysis activity (R. I. Santamaria, G. Del Rio, G. Saab, M. E. Rodriguez, X. Soberon, and A. Lopez, FEBS Lett. 452:346-350, 1999). In the present work, we found that AmyA generates larger quantities of alkyl glycosides than any amylase reported so far. In order to increase the alcoholytic activity observed in AmyA, several residues were identified and mutated based on previous analogous positions in amylases, defining the polarity and geometry of the active site. Replacement of residue His222 by glutamine generated an increase in the alkyl glucoside yield as a consequence of a higher alcoholysis/hydrolysis ratio. The same change in specificity was observed for the mutants H222E and H222D, but instability of these mutants toward alcohols decreased the yield of alkyl glucoside.