bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in the matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐2 and the risk of human adenomyosis
Authors: Kang Shan , Zhao Xiwa , Xing Huimin , Wang Na , Zhou Rongmiao , Chen Shucheng , Li Wansheng , Zhao Jian , Duan Yanan , Sun Donglan , Li Yan 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) may contribute to the development of adenomyosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter regions of MMP‐2 (−1306C/T and −735C/T) and TIMP‐2 (‐418G/C) genes were related to the risk of adenomyosis development. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assay in 180 adenomyosis patients and 324 frequency‐matched control women in a Chinese population. There were significant differences in allele frequencies and genotype distributions of the MMP‐2 −1306C/T polymorphism between patients and control women (P = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). The frequency of C allele in patients (92.2%) was significantly higher than in the controls (87.0%) (P = 0.01). Compared with the C/T+T/T genotypes, the C/C genotype could significantly increase the risk of adenomyosis development, with an odds ratio of 1.83 (95% CI = 1.13–2.96). However, no statistically significant difference was found in allele frequencies and genotype distributions of MMP‐2 −735C/T and TIMP‐2 −418G/C SNPs between the two groups (all P values > 0.05). Two polymorphisms of MMP‐2 displayed linkage disequilibrium (D′ = 0.74). The haplotype analysis suggested no significant association of four haplotypes with the risk of adenomyosis development. Our results indicated an association of MMP‐2 −1306C/T polymorphism with the risk of adenomyosis, suggesting a potential role in adenomyosis development in North Chinese women. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytogenetic monitoring of coal workers and patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis in Turkey
Authors: Ulker Ozge Cemiloglu , Ustundag Aylin , Duydu Yalcin , Yucesoy Berran , Karakaya Asuman 
Published: February 2008

AbstractOccupational exposure to coal dust causes coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), which is a chronic inflammatory and fibrotic lung disease. Recently, chronic inflammation has been accepted as a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of neoplasia. The chronic inflammation provides dynamic setting for oxidative stress and formation of free radicals. Interaction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with DNA augments the likelihood of DNA structural and transcriptional errors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the genotoxic risk in pneumoconiotic patients and in those with occupational exposure to coal dust. Therefore, sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus (MN) tests were performed in Turkish CWP patients, coal workers, and an unexposed control group. Both SCE and MN frequencies in CWP patients were found significantly higher than in coal worker and unexposed groups. There were no differences between SCE and MN frequencies of coal worker and unexposed groups. On the other hand, no correlation between SCE frequency, duration of exposure, and age was observed in all three groups. There was also no effect of smoking on the frequencies of SCE and MN in the groups. Based on these results, it might be suggested that development of CWP leads to a significant induction of cytogenetic damage in peripheral lymphocytes of CWP patients. This is the first report on CWP patients with elevated cytogenetic endpoints. Further, a larger follow‐up study is warranted. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of a contaminated fish diet on germline expanded‐simple‐tandem‐repeat mutation frequency in mice
Authors: Somers Christopher M. , Valdes Eduardo V. , Kjoss Victoria A. , Vaillancourt Andre L. , Quinn James S. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractHerring gulls (Larus argentatus) in polluted areas on the North American Great Lakes were previously shown to have elevated germline mutation frequencies at minisatellite DNA loci. Airborne or dietary contaminants likely caused induced mutations, but the importance of each exposure type was unknown. Follow‐up experiments with lab mice determined that air pollution significantly induced germline mutations; however, an evaluation of mutations induced by the diet of herring gulls has not yet been conducted. To address this issue, we fed mice a high‐fish diet (58% wet mass) of the most common prey species for herring gulls nesting in Hamilton Harbour, a polluted industrial area on Lake Ontario. We bred the mice and screened pedigrees for germline mutations at expanded‐simple‐tandem‐repeat (ESTR) DNA loci. Mutation frequencies were compared to those in a reference group that was fed fish from Atlantic Canada, and a control group that was fed commercial chow. Germline mutation frequencies were highest in mice fed contaminated fish, but were only marginally or not significantly affected by diet treatment. Statistical power to detect differences among treatment groups was low, and the effect of diet may have more clearly emerged if larger sample sizes were available. Levels of organic pollutants in the fish from Hamilton Harbour were higher than those from Atlantic Canada, but their ability to induce ESTR mutations is unknown. Our findings suggest that a contaminated fish diet may contribute to the elevated germline mutation frequencies observed previously in gulls at this site, but air pollution is likely a more important route of exposure. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fuzzy Logic for reservoir operation with reduced rules
Authors: Sivapragasam C. , Sugendran P. , Marimuthu M. , Seenivasakan S. , Vasudevan G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis paper suggests the use of Fuzzy Logic for reservoir operation schemes. With the advantage of linguistic interpretation of optimal operating schemes, Fuzzy‐based models aid the reservoir operators in alleviating their reservations toward conventional optimization models that are usually difficult to understand and implement. Further, in this study, a clustering‐based novel method is suggested to provide the operators with a handful number of most meaningful operating rules, once the reservoir system is optimized. The proposed method is applied to a case study of the Pilavakkal reservoir system in Tamil Nadu. The results obtained are highly encouraging, with five simple operation schemes obtained from Fuzzy system. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2008
Kir4.1 and AQP4 associate with Dp71‐ and utrophin‐DAPs complexes in specific and defined microdomains of Müller retinal glial cell membrane
Authors: Fort Patrice E. , Sene Abdoulaye , Pannicke Thomas , Roux Michel J. , Forster Valerie , Mornet Dominique , Nudel Uri , Yaffe David , Reichenbach Andreas , Sahel Jose A. , Rendon Alvaro 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe dystrophin‐associated proteins (DAPs) complex consisting of dystroglycan, syntrophin, dystrobrevin, and sarcoglycans in muscle cells is associated either with dystrophin or its homolog utrophin. In rat retina, a similar complex was found associated with dystrophin‐Dp71 that serves as an anchor for the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 and the aqueous pore, aquaporin‐4 (AQP4). Here, using immunofluorescence imaging of isolated retinal Müller glial cells and co‐immunoprecipitation experiments performed on an enriched Müller glial cells end‐feet fraction, we investigated the effect of Dp71 deletion on the composition, anchoring, and membrane localization of the DAPs–Kir4.1 and/or –AQP4 complex. Two distinct complexes were identified in the end‐feet fraction associated either with Dp71 or with utrophin. Upon Dp71 deletion, the corresponding DAPs complex was disrupted and a compensating utrophin upregulation was observed, accompanied by diffuse overall staining of Kir4.1 along the Müller glial cells and redistribution of the K+ conductance. Dp71 deficiency was also associated with a marked reduction of AQP4 and β‐dystroglycan expression. Furthermore, it was observed that the Dp71–DAPs dependent complex could be, at least partially, associated with a specific membrane fraction. These results demonstrate that Dp71 has a central role in the molecular scaffold responsible for anchoring AQP4 and Kir4.1 in Müller cell end‐feet membranes. They also show that despite its close relationship to the dystrophin proteins and its correlated upregulation, utrophin is only partially compensating for the absence of Dp71 in Müller glial cells. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Macro‐ and micro‐level impacts of droughts: the case of the Zayandeh Rud river basin, Iran
Authors: Molle François , Hoogesteger Jaime , Mamanpoush Alireza 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe irrigation sector is usually the first water user to be restricted in case of drought and agriculture is most affected. It is very important for water planners to better understand the relationship between a water deficit and agricultural performance in times of drought. This paper examines the 1999–2002 drought in the Zayandeh Rud basin, central Iran. It reviews the impact of dam management, the impact of supply reduction on water allocation and agricultural production, and examines the coping strategies used by farmers at the local level. It shows that although volumes diverted were greatly reduced (and were even zero in 2002) the impact on production was much less, due to a series of adjustment and massive substitution of groundwater for surface water. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A unified approach to standardized‐residuals‐based correlation tests for GARCH‐type models
Authors: Chen Yi‐Ting 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a unified approach to generating standardized‐residuals‐based correlation tests for checking GARCH‐type models. This approach is valid in the presence of estimation uncertainty, is robust to various standardized error distributions, and is applicable to testing various types of misspecifications. By using this approach, we also propose a class of power‐transformed‐series (PTS) correlation tests that provides certain robustifications and power extensions to the Box–Pierce, McLeod–Li, Li–Mak, and Berkes–Horváth–Kokoszka tests in diagnosing GARCH‐type models. Our simulation and empirical example show that the PTS correlation tests outperform these existing autocorrelation tests in financial time series analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social power and forms of change: implications for psychopolitical validity
Authors: Speer Paul W. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractPrilleltensky's notion of psychopolitical validity elevates power as a key phenomenon of interest within community psychology. Importantly, two types of psychopolitical validity are articulated: epistemic—the explicit study of power, and transformative—understanding the role of power in social change. In this article, the author develops the concepts of epistemic and transformative power by presenting a framework for understanding their application to community phenomena. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blockade of adhesion molecule CD146 causes pregnancy failure in mice
Authors: Liu Qin , Zhang Bairu , Zhao Xingang , Zhang Ying , Liu Yixun , Yan Xiyun 
Published: February 2008

AbstractUnexplained pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriage seriously impair human fecundity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Recent studies suggest that the adhesion molecule CD146 may be involved in unexplained recurrent miscarriage. Here, we investigate the effect of CD146 on early pregnancy. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we found that CD146 was specifically expressed in the receptive maternal uteri and invasive embryonic trophoblasts during the early stages of pregnancy, but it was completely absent in the non‐pregnant uterus. Our in vitro studies demonstrated that blocking CD146 with a function‐perturbation antibody AA98 significantly inhibited the attachment of blastocysts onto the receptive uterine luminal epithelial monolayer, the trophoblastic outgrowth of blastocysts and ectoplacental cones, and the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases. Animal experiments showed that applying this antibody before embryo implantation caused pregnancy failure in mice. Our data present direct evidence for the role of CD146 in mediating embryonic attachment and trophoblastic invasion, and provide new insight into the molecular mechanism underlying unexplained pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriage. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 621–626, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypoxic induction of UCP3 in the growth plate: UCP3 suppresses chondrocyte autophagy
Authors: Watanabe Hitoshi , Bohensky Jolene , Freeman Theresa , Srinivas Vickram , Shapiro Irving M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe overall goal of the investigation was to examine the role of uncoupling proteins (UCPs) in regulating late stage events in the chondrocyte maturation pathway. We showed for the first time that epiphyseal chondrocytes expressed UCP3. In hypoxia, UCP3 mediated regulation of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) was dependent on HIF‐1α. We also showed for the first time that UCP3 regulated the induction of autophagy. Thus, suppression of UCP3 enhanced the expression of the autophagic phenotype, even in serum‐replete media. Predictably, the mature autophagic chondrocytes were susceptible to an apoptogen challenge. Susceptibility was probably associated with a lowered expression of the anti‐apoptotic proteins Bcl2 and BCLxL and a raised baseline expression of cytochrome c in the cytosol. These changes would serve to promote sensitivity to apoptogens. We conclude that in concert with HIF‐1α, UCP3 regulates the activity of the mitochondrion by modulating the transmembrane potential. In addition, it inhibits induction of the autophagic response. When this occurs, it suppresses sensitivity to agents that promote chondrocyte deletion from the growth plate. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 419–425, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Fra‐1‐dependent, matrix metalloproteinase driven EGFR activation promotes human lung epithelial cell motility and invasion
Authors: Adiseshaiah Pavan , Vaz Michelle , Machireddy Narsa , Kalvakolanu Dhananjaya V. , Reddy Sekhar P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe and others have shown a persistently high induction of Fra‐1 transcription factor (a dimeric partner of AP‐1) levels by respiratory carcinogens in pulmonary epithelial cells. Fra‐1 is frequently overexpressed in various human tumors and cancer cells. We have recently shown that Fra‐1 significantly promotes growth, motility, and invasion of human pulmonary epithelial cells, the precise molecular mechanisms by which this enhancement occurs are unclear. Because matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play key roles in wound healing and lung tumor metastasis, we tested the hypothesis that Fra‐1 promotes lung epithelial cell motility and invasion via MMP activation. We show here that MMP‐9 and MMP‐2 activated signaling plays a critical role in regulating Fra‐1‐induced lung epithelial cell growth and invasion. Ectopic Fra‐1 markedly stimulates MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 mRNA expression. Inhibition of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activity significantly attenuated Fra‐1‐driven cell motility and invasion. Furthermore, Fra‐1 induced EGFR phosphorylation in an MMP‐dependent manner, and an EGFR‐specific inhibitor was able to block Fra‐1‐enhanced cell motility and invasion. Taken together, our data suggest that Fra‐1 enhances lung cancer epithelial cell motility and invasion by inducing the activity of MMPs, in particular MMP‐2 and MMP‐9, and EGFR‐activated signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 405–412, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mesenchymal stem cells in tissue engineering
Authors: Godara Pankaj , Nordon Robert E , McFarland Clive D 
Published: February 2008

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSC) offer great promise in therapies aimed at repairing, replacing or regenerating damaged or diseased tissues and organs. This potential is due to their capacity for self‐renewal, ability to differentiate down a range of lineages, and potential in autologous therapies, free from major ethical concerns. This review examines the issues around the use of MSC in tissue engineering (TE) applications. Key issues facing widespread MSC therapeutic use include both the scarcity in adult tissues and the current lack of a simple unambiguous identifying marker. These major challenges facing the isolation, characterization and expansion of MSC to therapeutically significant numbers currently limit their usefulness as ‘off the shelf’ therapies. Balanced against this, recent evidence suggests that MSC have a much wider tissue distribution and greater plasticity than originally envisaged. Although therapeutic applications of MSC initially focused on mesenchymal lineages such as cartilage and bone, this is now broadening to include organs such as the heart and skin. Ultimately, the clinical utility of such MSC‐based therapies will depend on their performance and cost. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Fragmentation patterns of new esterified and unesterified aromatic 1‐hydroxymethylene‐1, 1‐bisphosphonic acids by ESI‐MSn
Authors: Hardouin Julie , Guénin Erwann , Monteil Maëlle , Caron Michel , Lecouvey Marc 
Published: February 2008

Abstract1‐Hydroxymethylene‐1,1‐bisphosphonic acids (HMBPs) are compounds that have interesting pharmacological applications. Unfortunately few studies exist on their analyses by mass spectrometry (MS). In this work, we have analyzed new aromatic HMBPs and their prodrugs with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MSn). We describe, for the first time, a complete study of fragmentation patterns, in both positive and negative‐ion modes. In positive mode, the cation dissociations are mainly elimination of water and phosphorus fragments. In negative mode, losses of ROH (RH, C6H5, CH3OC6H5) and HPO2 were observed. The results have revealed specific structural fingerprints for the screening of these compounds in complex biological mixtures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid change in early Holocene environments inferred from Lake Pupuke, Auckland City, New Zealand
Authors: Augustinus Paul , Bleakley Nerida , Deng Yanbin , Shane Phil , Cochran Ursula 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSediment cores from Lake Pupuke in Auckland City, New Zealand, contain a high‐resolution millennial to centennial‐scale record of changing climate and catchment hydrology spanning the past ca. 10 000 years. Here, we focus on the period between 9500 ± 25 and 7000 ± 155 cal. yr BP during which grain size, diatom palaeoecology, biogenic silica concentrations, sediment elemental and carbon isotope geochemistry reflect changes in sediment sources and lake conditions, with a significant event commencing at ca. 8240 cal. yr BP, commensurate with a lowering of lake level, faster erosion rates and increased sediment influx with a duration of ca. 360 yrs. However, the changes in the lake are not reflected in the terrestrial vegetation, where the pollen record indicates that podocarp forest dominated the Auckland region, with apparent environmental stability during this part of the early Holocene. The synchronous change in most of the proxies between ca. 8240 and 7880 cal. yr BP at Lake Pupuke indicates the presence of a sustained episode of relatively low lake level and concomitant increased rate of erosion in the early Holocene that appears to be at least partly coeval with the 8200 cal. yr BP meltwater event proposed for the North Atlantic region. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing changes in the sedimentary environment of a varved lake sediment record in southern central Finland around 8000 cal. yr BP
Authors: Ojala Antti E. K. , Heinsalu Atko , Kauppila Tommi , Alenius Teija , Saarnisto Matti 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe varved lake sediment record of Lake Nautajärvi in southern central Finland indicates fluctuations in the annual sedimentation pattern and lake environment around 8000 cal. yr BP. Annual accumulation of catchment‐derived mineral matter peaks a number of times and there are changes in the deposition rate of organic matter. Based on evidence from the Lake Nautajärvi sediment record, the climate was characterised by a millennial‐scale colder period that terminated at one or several cooling events around 8000 cal. yr BP. During one of these events, diatom composition undergoes a change from planktonic species dominance to more littoral species dominance at 8160 cal. yr BP, and a recovery around 8010 cal. yr BP. The timing of this 150‐year‐long diatom anomaly is convergent with increased catchment erosion and decreased organic matter accumulation. We interpret that during such a period, the environment was characterised by colder winter temperatures, prolonged duration of ice cover, higher than normal spring discharge and rapid development of thermal stratification in the spring, coupled with reduced water circulation and shorter growing seasons. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymerized Lyotropic Liquid Crystal Assemblies for Membrane Applications
Authors: Gin Douglas L. , Bara Jason E. , Noble Richard D. , Elliott Brian J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractCross‐linked lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) assemblies represent a new class of polymer materials for membrane applications. These materials are formed by the phase‐segregation and self‐assembly of polymerizable amphiphiles in water into condensed ordered ensembles that can be cross‐linked in situ with retention of microstructure. The resulting LLC polymer networks have ordered, nanometer‐scale aqueous and cross‐linked organic domains, which can be used to affect gas solubility and diffusivity through the polymer to help separate molecules via the solution–diffusion mechanism. The open aqueous domains can also be used for pore transport and size exclusion with resolution on the molecular size level. The use and application potential of cross‐linked LLC assemblies as gas separation membranes, selective vapor barrier materials, and water nanofiltration and desalination membranes are presented.magnified image
Analysis of the expression of biomarkers in urinary bladder cancer using a tissue microarray
Authors: Harris Loleta D. , La Cerda Jorge De , Tuziak Tomasz , Rosen Daniel , Xiao Lianchun , Shen Yu , Sabichi Anita L. , Czerniak Bogdan , Grossman H. Barton 
Published: February 2008

AbstractDysregulation of Akt, PTEN, Drg‐1, Cx‐26, and L‐plastin expression appear to be important in the progression of various cancers. Their expression in bladder cancer has not been well characterized. To assess the expression of these genes and their relationship to the outcome of bladder cancer, we used a bladder cancer tissue microarray (TMA) of 251 transitional cell carcinomas. We quantitated immunohistochemical staining of each protein using both automated and manual methods and correlated the expression levels with the clinicopathologic characteristics of the tumor and patient survival. Overall, the results from both automated and manual analyses were similar. We found a significant correlation between the expression of PTEN, Cx‐26 and L‐plastin with known clinically important pathologic features of bladder cancer (tumor grade, stage, and growth pattern). Aberrant localization patterns of Cx‐26 and Drg‐1 were observed in bladder tumors. There was also a significant correlation in expression among pAkt, PTEN, and L‐plastin. Although the expression of these genes correlated with factors known to be associated with patient outcome, none of them was an independent predictor of progression‐free or overall survival. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.