bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Curcumin downregulates H19 gene transcription in tumor cells
Authors: Novak Kujundžić Renata , Grbeša Ivana , Ivkić Mirko , Katdare Meena , Gall‐Trošelj Koraljka 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCurcumin (diferuloymethane), a natural compound used in traditional medicine, exerts an antiproliferative effect on various tumor cell lines by an incompletely understood mechanism. It has been shown that low doses of curcumin downregulate DNA topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) which is upregulated in many malignances. The activity of TOP2A is required for RNA polymerase II transcription on chromatin templates. Recently, it has been reported that CTCF, a multifunctional transcription factor, recruits the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (LS Pol II) to its target sites genome‐wide. This recruitment of LS Pol II is more pronounced in proliferating cells than in fully differentiated cells. As expression of imprinted genes is often altered in tumors, we investigated the potential effect of curcumin treatment on transcription of the imprinted H19 gene, located distally from the CTCF binding site, in human tumor cell lines HCT 116, SW 620, HeLa, Cal 27, Hep‐2 and Detroit 562. Transcription of TOP2A and concomitantly H19 was supressed in all tumor cell lines tested. Monoallelic IGF2 expression was maintained in curcumin‐treated cancer cells, indicating the involvement of mechanism/s other than disturbance of CTCF insulator function at the IGF2/H19 locus. Curcumin did not alter H19 gene transcription in primary cell cultures derived from normal human tissues. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1781–1792, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute phase phospholipids related to the cardiolipin of mitochondria in the sera of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), chronic ciguatera fish poisoning (CCFP), and other diseases attributed to chemicals, Gulf War, and marine toxins
Authors: Hokama Yoshitsugi , Empey‐Campora Cara , Hara Cynthia , Higa Nicole , Siu Nathaniel , Lau Rachael , Kuribayashi Tina , Yabusaki Kenichi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis study examined 328 CFS sera in a study with 17 CCFP, 8 Gulf War Veterans (GWV), 24 Prostate Cancer (PC), and 52 normal sera in the modified Membrane Immunobead Assay (MIA) procedure for CTX. Three hundred and twenty‐eight CFS patients' sera were examined by the modified MIA with purified MAb‐CTX and 91.2% gave a titre ≥1:40. 76% of the 17 CCFP sera samples and 100% of the 8 GWV sera samples also had a titre ≥1:40. 92.3% of 52 normal sera showed titres of 1:20 or less, while 4 gave titres of ≥1:40. In addition, 41 sera were examined for Anti‐Cardiolipin (aCL) by a commercial ELISA procedure with 87.8% demonstrating IgM, IgM+IgA, or IgM+IgG aCL antibodies. These results showed mostly the IgM aCL antibody alone in the sera samples. In addition, 41 serum samples were examined for aCL, with 37 showing positive for aCL, representing 90.2% positive for the three disease categories examined: CFS, CCFP and GWV. Examination for antiMitochondrial‐M2 autoantibody (aM‐M2) in 28 patients (CFS (18), CCFP (5), and GWV (5)) was negative for aM‐M2. Inhibition analysis with antigens, CTX, CFS “Acute Phase Lipids”, commercial Cardiolipin (CL) and 1,2‐Dipalmitoyl‐sn‐Glycero‐3‐[Phospho‐L‐Serine] (PS) and antibodies, MAb‐CTX and aCL from patients' serum show that the phospholipids in CL and CTX are antigenically indistinguishable with antibodies MAb‐CTX and CFS‐aCL. Preliminary chemical analyses have shown the lipids to be phospholipids associated with CL of the mitochondria. We designate this “Acute Phase Lipid” comparable to “Acute Phase Proteins” (C‐reactive protein (CRP) and Serum Amyloid A (SAA)) in inflammatory conditions. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:99–105, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repeatability of joint proprioception and muscle torque assessment in healthy children and in children diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome
Authors: Fatoye Francis A. , Palmer Shea T. , Macmillan Fiona , Rowe Philip J. , van der Linden Marietta L. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground: Impairment of joint proprioception in patients with hypermobility syndrome (HMS) has been well documented. Both joint proprioception and muscle torque are commonly assessed in patients with musculoskeletal complaints. It is unknown, however, if these measures change significantly on repeated application in healthy children and in children with HMS.Aim: To investigate the between‐days repeatability of joint proprioception and muscle torque in these groups.Methods: Twenty children (10 healthy and 10 with HMS), aged eight to 15 years, were assessed on two separate occasions (one week apart) for joint kinaesthesia (JK), joint position sense (JPS), and the extensor and knee flexor muscle torque of the knee. JK was measured using threshold to detection of passive movement. JPS was measured using the absolute angular error (AAE; the absolute difference between the target and perceived angles). Knee extensor and flexor muscle torque was normalized to body weight.Results: Intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC) for JK, extensor and flexor muscle torque were excellent in both groups (range 0.83 to 0.98). However, ICC values for JPS tests were poor to moderate in the two groups (range 0.18 to 0.56). 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were narrow in both cohorts for JK and muscle torque (indicating low systematic error) but wide for the JPS tests. 95% LOA also demonstrated that the measuring instruments used in this study had low between‐days systematic error.Conclusions: Based on ICC and 95% LOA, the repeatability of JK and muscle torque measurements was excellent in both healthy children and those with HMS. The JPS test can only be assessed with poor to moderate repeatability. The use of the JPS test in these children should be undertaken with caution. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive wavelet viscosity method for hyperbolic conservation laws
Authors: Castaño Díez Daniel , Gunzburger Max , Kunoth Angela 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe extend the multiscale finite element viscosity method for hyperbolic conservation laws developed in terms of hierarchical finite element bases to a (pre‐orthogonal spline‐)wavelet basis. Depending on an appropriate error criterion, the multiscale framework allows for a controlled adaptive resolution of discontinuities of the solution. The nonlinearity in the weak form is treated by solving a least‐squares data fitting problem. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2008
Mapping of stress distribution in woven‐fabric composites
Authors: Shady E. , Gowayed Y. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMapping of the stress distribution in composite materials, both at the fiber/matrix interface and in the composite constituents, is important to understand the material mechanical response. Stress mapping can help predict composite behavior under certain stresses especially failure or delamination. In this work, two analytical models were proposed to map the stress distribution at fiber, matrix and fiber/matrix interface utilizing the concept of stress superposition. The first model dealt with the fiber in the longitudinal direction considering axisymmetric conditions. The second model addressed the fiber stress distribution in the transverse direction. Experimental data from four‐point flexural tests of woven fabric composites was processed using the Graphical Integrated Numerical Analysis (pcGINA) to obtain the maximum stress in the target laminate and this value was used as the input for the two analytical models. The value for the maximum interfacial shear stress was calculated using the models and results were compared to pull‐out fiber test values obtained from literature. Good agreement was observed between the model calculations and the literature data. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Crystallization behavior and morphology of poly(propylene terephthalate) copolymers containing neopenthyl glycol moieties
Authors: Soccio M. , Lotti N. , Finelli L. , Munari A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe melting behavior and the crystallization kinetics of random poly(propylene/neopenthyl terephthalate) copolymers (PPT‐PNT) were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry and hot‐stage optical microscopy. Multiple endotherms were evidenced in the PPT‐PNT samples, due to melting and recrystallization processes, similarly to PPT. By applying the Hoffman‐Weeks' method, the Tm° of the copolymers was derived. Baur's equation described well the Tm‐composition data. The isothermal crystallization kinetics was analyzed according to the Avrami's treatment. The introduction of NT units decreased the crystallization rate in comparison to pure PPT. Values of the Avrami's exponent close to three were obtained in all cases, regardless of Tc, in agreement with a crystallization process originating from predeterminated nuclei and characterized by three dimensional spherulitic growth. As a matter of fact, space‐filling spherulites were observed by optical microscopy at all Tcs. Banded spherulites were found for PPT‐PNT5 and PPT‐PNT10, the band spacing being affected by both Tc and composition. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 818–830, 2008
Magnetron–AF Plasma Polymerization
Authors: Yasuda Hirotsugu 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe magnetron–AF (audio frequency) plasma polymerization has the following unique advantageous features for industrial scale operation. 1) The dissociation glow in form of a toroidal glow shifts the main deposition from the electrode surface to the gas phase. 2) The toroidal glow electrode surface receives no or very little deposition of the plasma polymer, which makes the stable and prolonged operation of the plasma polymerization possible. 3) The magnetic field confines the glow volume to within the inter electrode volume, which dramatically reduces the deposition elsewhere in the reactor. 4) The magnetic field lowers the breakdown voltage of molecules dramatically, and makes it possible to operate plasma polymerization in low‐pressure domains with the characteristics of a low‐voltage/high‐current process.magnified image
Thermoluminescence glow‐peak shape methods based on mixed order kinetics
Authors: Kitis George , Chen Reuven , Pagonis Vasilis 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe peak shape methods used in thermoluminescence (TL) theory to evaluate the activation energy E, are based on first and second order kinetics equations. For the intermediate kinetic orders the peak shape methods are based on the empirical theory of general order kinetics. In the present work we derive peak shape methods based on the physically meaningful mixed order kinetics model. The derived equations are tested for their accuracy and are compared with other peak shape methods existing in the TL literature. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Plant extracts from central Asia showing antiinflammatory activities in gene expression assays
Authors: Dey Moul , Ripoll Christophe , Pouleva Reneta , Dorn Ruth , Aranovich Irina , Zaurov David , Kurmukov Anvar , Eliseyeva Marietta , Belolipov Igor , Akimaliev Anarbek , Sodombekov Ishenbay , Akimaliev Djamin , Lila Mary Ann , Raskin Ilya 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPlant natural products remain a good resource for the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals. A mouse macrophage‐based quantitative, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) system was optimized to screen plant extracts for antiinflammatory activities using three well known genetic markers of inflammation. Plants used for extraction were taxonomically identified and vouchered species from two Central Asian countries, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, collected through the International Cooperative Biodiversity Groups (ICBG) program. The mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase‐2, interleukin 1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase genes in RAW macrophages was determined quantitatively in response to treatment with plant extracts applied at 100 µg/mL. The screening of 1000 extracts from 449 plant species belonging to 68 plant families resulted in 75 extracts (7.5%) showing strong (75% or higher inhibition) activity against at least one target gene. Many extracts showed qualitative and quantitative differences in the levels of activities against each target gene. Extracts identified from this screen were able to reduce inflammatory symptoms in vivo, thereby validating the screening approach. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Commentary on Front and backstages of the diminished routinization of innovations, An entrepreneurial perspective on the firm‐environment relationship, and Cross‐boundary disruptors
Authors: Covin Jeffrey G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe papers by Bartunek, Trullen, Immediato, and Schneider (Front and backstages of the diminished routinization of innovations: what innovation research makes public and organizational research finds behind the scenes), Smith and Cao (An entrepreneurial perspective on the firm‐environment relationship), and Burgelman and Grove (Cross‐boundary disruptors: powerful interindustry entrepreneurial change agents) address the topic of change. The specific foci of these papers are quite different. While commonalities among the papers are certainly identifiable, highlighting the value of these writings is perhaps better achieved by focusing on their unique contributions to the change literature rather than by seeking to identify points of theoretical overlap within the broad domain of change. With this belief in mind, this commentary reviews several of the principal contributions of the three papers to the change literature. Promising research directions pertaining to the topic of change that build directly on observations made in the papers are then discussed. Copyright © 2008 Strategic Management Society.
Tissue kallikrein deficiency aggravates cardiac remodelling and decreases survival after myocardial infarction in mice
Authors: Pons Sandrine , Griol‐Charhbili Violaine , Heymes Christophe , Fornes Paul , Heudes Didier , Hagege Albert , Loyer Xavier , Meneton Pierre , Giudicelli Jean‐François , Samuel Jane‐Lise , Alhenc‐Gelas François , Richer Christine 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:Tissue kallikrein (TK) is a major kinin‐releasing enzyme present in arteries. TK is involved in cardioprotection in the setting of acute myocardial ischaemia but its role in post‐ischaemic heart failure (HF), a major cause of delayed mortality after myocardial infarction (MI), is unknown.Aim:To determine whether TK deficiency in the mouse influences survival and cardiac remodelling after MI.Methods:MI was induced in 10 week‐old male TK‐deficient mice and wild‐type littermates. Survival was assessed up to 14 months. Cardiac morphological and functional parameters were serially measured by echocardiography. In another experiment, myocardial capillary density and NOS content were evaluated at 3 months.Results:Infarct size was similar in both genotypes. MI resulted in severe cardiac dysfunction. Up to 12 months after MI, TK−/− mice displayed an increased mortality rate (P < 0.05, relative risk of death = 3.41) and aggravation of left ventricular hypertrophy and dilatation by comparison with TK+/+ (+18% and +27% respectively, both P < 0.05). NOS1 and NOS3 were abnormally regulated in the heart of TK+/+ mice after MI.Conclusions:TK exerts a protective role in HF in mice. Coronary effects are probably involved. As partial genetic deficiency in TK activity occurs in humans, TK‐deficient subjects may be at increased risk of mortality in HF.
Neck muscles cross‐sectional area in adolescents with and without headache – MRI study
Authors: Oksanen Airi , Erkintalo Minna , Metsähonkala Liisa , Anttila Pirjo , Laimi Katri , Hiekkanen Heikki , Salminen Jouko J. , Aromaa Minna , Sillanpää Matti 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground: Cervical musculature may play an important role in the genesis of tension‐type headache. However, there are no reports on a possible association between the morphometrical features of the neck flexion and extension muscles and adolescence headache.Aim: To examine differences in neck flexion and extension muscles cross‐sectional area (CSA) in adolescents with and without headache.Methods: A population‐based sample of 17‐year‐old adolescents with migraine (N=19), tension‐type headache (N=24) and healthy controls without headache (N=22) was examined. CSA of the neck muscles was measured from axial T1‐weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI).Results: Boys with tension‐type headache showed significantly smaller CSA of right sternocleidomastoid muscle than boys with migraine and girls with tension‐type headache showed significantly smaller CSA of combined right sternocleidomastoid and scalenus muscles than girls with migraine. In addition, boys with migraine had significantly larger CSA of both right sternocleidomastoid and combined right sternocleidomastoid and scalenus muscles, and left semispinalis capitis muscle and combined left semispinalis and splenius muscles than boys without headache. In boys and girls no other significant differences were observed in the CSA of neck flexion or extension muscles.Conclusions: This preliminary work demonstrates that both girls and boys with tension‐type headache and migraine have differences in the size of neck flexion muscles, especially unilaterally. In boys, unilaterally increased size of neck flexion and extension muscles is associated with migraine. These findings, if confirmed in further studies, may have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications for rehabilitation of adolescents with headache.
Regardless of genotype, offspring of VIP‐deficient female mice exhibit developmental delays and deficits in social behavior
Authors: Lim Maria A. , Stack Conor M. , Cuasay Katrina , Stone Madeleine M. , McFarlane Hewlet G. , Waschek James A. , Hill Joanna M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPharmacological studies indicate that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) may be necessary for normal embryonic development in the mouse. For example, VIP antagonist treatment before embryonic day 11 resulted in developmental delays, growth restriction, modified adult brain chemistry and reduced social behavior. Here, developmental milestones, growth, and social behaviors of neonates of VIP‐deficient mothers (VIP +/−) mated to VIP +/− males were compared with the offspring of wild type mothers (VIP +/+) mated to VIP +/+ and +/− males, to assess the contributions of both maternal and offspring VIP genotype. Regardless of their own genotype, all offsprings of VIP‐deficient mothers exhibited developmental delays. No delays were seen in the offspring of wild type mothers, regardless of their own genotype. Body weights were significantly reduced in offspring of VIP‐deficient mothers, with VIP null (−/−) the most affected. Regardless of genotype, all offspring of VIP‐deficient mothers expressed reduced maternal affiliation compared with wild type offspring of wild type mothers; +/− offspring of wild type mothers did not differ in maternal affiliation from their wild type littermates. Play behavior was significantly reduced in all offsprings of VIP‐deficient mothers. Maternal behavior did not differ between wild type and VIP‐deficient mothers, and cross‐fostering of litters did not change offspring development, indicating that offspring deficits were induced prenatally. This study illustrated that the VIP status of a pregnant mouse had a greater influence on the growth, development and behavior of her offspring than the VIP genotype of the offspring themselves. Deficiencies were apparent in +/+, +/− and −/− offspring born to VIP‐deficient mothers; no deficiencies were apparent in +/− offspring born to normal mothers. These results underscore the significant contribution of the uterine environment to normal development and indicate a potential usefulness of the VIP knockout mouse in furthering the understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders with social behavior deficits such as autism.
Regulation of RALDH‐1, RALDH‐3 and CYP26A1 by transcription factors cVax/Vax2 and Tbx5 in the embryonic chick retina
Authors: Golz Sarah , Mühleisen Thomas , Schulte Dorothea , Mey Jörg 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn vertebrate development, polarity of the dorsal–ventral eye axis is determined by the spatially restricted expression of transcription factors cVax/Vax2 in the ventral retina and Tbx5 in the dorsal retina. In addition, an early gradient of retinoic acid (RA) has been suggested to be involved in this process. Using retroviral transfection of the early eye anlage of chick embryos we investigated whether cVax/Vax2 and Tbx5 regulate the expression of enzymes that determine the retinal distribution of RA. Transfection of cVax/Vax2 completely abolished the spatial expression pattern of the RA synthesizing enzyme RALDH‐1, of the RA degrading enzyme Cyp26A1 and caused an ectopic expression of RALDH‐3 in the dorsal retina. Transfection of Tbx5 did not significantly alter the distribution of RALDH‐1 and RALDH‐3 but caused additional patches of Cyp26 outside of its normal domain of expression. The distribution of RA was experimentally changed either by ectopic expression of Cyp26A1, or by applications of RA. These manipulations did not affect the distribution of cVax/Vax2 or interfere with development of the retinotectal projection from dorsal retinal ganglion cells. The results show that in the chick retina the compartmentalized expression of RA metabolizing enzymes requires the spatially restricted expression of the transcription factors cVax/Vax2 and Tbx5. On the other hand, RA may not be decisive for the correct retinal projection toward the optic tectum.