bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin receptor genes (mel‐1a, mel‐1b, mel‐1c) are differentially expressed in the avian germ line
Authors: Kawashima Takaharu , Stępińska Urszula , Kuwana Takashi , Olszańska BoŻenna 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe presence of melatonin receptor transcripts (mel‐1a, mel‐1b and mel‐1c) was investigated in primordial germ cells (PGCs), immature and mature oocytes, and sperm of Japanese quail by reverse transcription ‐ polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The mel‐1a transcript was detected in as few as in a thousand PGCs. Significant differences in the expression of melatonin receptor genes were found in differentiating germ cells: in PGCs only the mel‐1a receptor was expressed, in blastoderms and immature oocytes all three transcripts (mel‐1a, mel‐1b, mel‐1c) were present, while in mature ovulated oocytes the predominant transcript was mel‐1c (with sporadic occurrence of mel‐1a and mel‐1b). In sperm, mel‐1a and mel‐1c were present but mel‐1b was absent. This indicates that the expression of melatonin receptor genes changes throughout the differentiation of PGCs into adult gametes: during oocyte differentiation two additional transcripts, mel‐1b and mel‐1c, are synthesized in addition to mel‐1a, but at oocyte maturation, mel‐1a and mel‐1b are degraded and only mel‐1c remains. During male line (spermatozoa) differentiation mel‐1c is transcribed in addition to mel‐1a, with mel‐1b being completely absent. Since melatonin and the activities of enzymes participating in melatonin synthesis are present in the avian yolk, it is reasonable to suggest a role for this molecule in early avian development and germ line differentiation. We propose that melatonin may act as a signaling molecule regulating some differentiation processes (e.g., cell proliferation, migration, etc.) before the formation of neural and hormonal systems. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1408–1417, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of glycoside residues of porcine zona pellucida and ooplasm during follicular development and atresia
Authors: Pastor Luis M. , Lucas Xiomara , Pallares Jacinto , Bernal‐Mañas Carmen M. , A. Martinez Emilio , Roca Jordi , Vazquez Juan Maria , Morales Eva , Beltran Esther , Zuasti Adelina , Ferrer Concepcion 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe glycoside residues (glycoconjugates, GC) of the zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins are important during the first phases of fecundation. Our aim in this work was to determine the lectin affinity pattern of porcine ZP in order to analyze the changes that take place during: (a) preantral folliculogenesis, (b) the follicular atresia process, and (c) antral growth. Several prepubertal and adult pig ovaries and different sized antral follicles were used. Conventional carbohydrate histochemical techniques and peroxidase and digoxigenin (DIG) lectins were used to reveal the acid groups and the glycosidic residues of the ZP. It was seen that the ZP forms in the preantral follicles throughout their growth period. In primordial and primary follicles, ZP in the process of formation showed neutral GC. SBA, RCA‐I, MAA, WGA lectins, and AAA after methylation‐saponification (MS) were positive in the ZP of primordial and primary follicles. The affinity for SBA, RCA‐I, MAA, and WGA increased in the multilaminar‐primary follicles and new affinities for UEA‐I and LFA were observed. After MS, AAA, SNA, PNA, and SBA reactivity was observed. The ZP of antral follicle oocytes of different sizes showed the same lectin pattern as multilaminar‐primary follicles. The oocyte ooplasm and the follicular fluid of large antral follicles showed less affinity for WGA and LFA lectins and less intensive staining with AB (pH 2.5). Atresia did not change the antral or preantral follicle oocyte ZP lectin pattern. In conclusion, the follicles showed substantial changes in their ZP glycosidic composition as they developed, especially, during the change from primary to multilaminar‐primary follicles. The ZP glycosidic composition showed no significant change during the growth of antral follicles and follicular atresia in our study. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1473–1483, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Production of alpha 1,3‐Galactosyltransferase gene‐deficient pigs by somatic cell nuclear transfer: A novel selection method for gal alpha 1,3‐Gal antigen‐deficient cells
Authors: Fujimura Tatsuya , Takahagi Yoichi , Shigehisa Tamotsu , Nagashima Hiroshi , Miyagawa Shuji , Shirakura Ryota , Murakami Hiroshi 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to isolate alpha 1,3‐galactosyltransferase (GalGT)‐gene double knockout (DKO) cells using a novel simple method of cell selection method. To obtain GalGT‐DKO cells, GalGT‐gene single knockout (SKO) fetal fibroblast cells were cultured for three to nine passages and GalGT‐null cells were separated using a biotin‐labeled IB4 lectin attached to streptavidin‐coated magnetic beads. After 15–17 days of additional cultivation, seven GalGT‐DKO cell colonies were obtained from a total of 2.5 × 107 GalGT‐SKO cells. A total of 926 somatic nuclear transferred embryos reconstructed with the DKO cells were transferred into eight recipient pigs, producing four farrowed, three liveborns, and six stillborns. Absence of GalGT gene in the cloned pigs was confirmed by PCR and Southern blotting. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that αGal antigens were not present in the cells of the cloned DKO pigs. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1372–1378, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a cis‐acting element involved in cell‐specific expression of the zebrafish brain aromatase gene
Authors: Le Page Yann , Menuet Arnaud , Kah Olivier , Pakdel Farzad 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe cytochrome P450 Aromatase is the key enzyme catalyzing the conversion of androgens into estrogens. In zebrafish, the brain aromatase is encoded by cyp19b. Expression of cyp19b is restricted to radial glial cells bordering forebrain ventricles and is strongly stimulated by estrogens during development. At the promoter level, we have previously shown that an estrogen responsive element (ERE) is required for induction by estrogens. Here, we investigated the role of ERE flanking regions in the control of cell‐specific expression. First, we show that a 20 bp length motif, named G×RE (glial × responsive element), acts in synergy with the ERE to mediate the estrogenic induction specifically in glial cells. Second, we demonstrate that, in vitro, this sequence binds factors exclusively present in glial or neuro‐glial cells and is able to confer a glial specificity to an artificial estrogen‐dependent gene. Taken together, these results contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms allowing cyp19b regulation by estrogens and allowed to identify a promoter sequence involved in the strong estrogen inducibility of cyp19b which is specific for glial cells. The exceptional aromatase activity measured in the brain of teleost fish could rely on such mechanisms. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1549–1557 © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autoimmune‐mediated polyneuropathy triggered by borrelial infection?
Authors: Rupprecht Tobias A. , Elstner Matthias , Weil Sabine , Pfister Hans‐Walter 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA patient with proven borrelial infection of the central nervous system (CNS) and progressive weakness of the arms was treated with antibiotics. Although the initially elevated CXCL13 concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid decreased, indicating effective treatment of the infection, weakness progressed. Investigation revealed multiple nerve conduction blocks and the presence of GM1 antibodies, suggesting a multifocal motor neuropathy; the patient improved on treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins. This report of an autoimmune‐mediated polyneuropathy in a patient with borrelial CNS infection indicates that such patients might respond to immunomodulatory therapy if antibiotic treatment is not effective. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve, 2007
A clinical study of hirayama disease in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Ying‐Chih , Ro Long‐Sun , Chang Hong‐Shiu , Chen Chiung‐Mei , Wu Yih‐Ru , Lee Jian‐Der , Lyu Rong‐Kuo 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to review the clinical manifestations of 40 patients who fulfilled the clinical criteria for Hirayama disease (juvenile muscular atrophy of distal upper extremities), identified in our neuromuscular clinic between February 1995 and December 2005. Of these 40 patients, 87.5% were male. The mean age at onset was 16.8 years, which was 4.5 years later than the peak age of the normal growth curve. Progressive muscle weakness and wasting were characteristic and occurred predominantly in the distal part of the right upper limb. Neurogenic symptoms ceased to progress within 5 years in most patients (92.5%). About one third of patients had participated frequently in heavy physical activity before onset of muscle symptoms. Reduced amplitude of the compound muscle action potential of the ulnar nerve was the most prominent finding in nerve conduction studies. Electromyography showed acute or chronic neurogenic changes, most frequently in muscles supplied by the C7–T1 segments. Magnetic resonance imaging showed anterior shifting of the posterior dura and engorged posterior venous plexus at the cervical level in 95% of patients. Our results support the belief that Hirayama disease is a self‐limited, focal lower motor neuron disease involving the lower cervical segments. Disproportionate growth between the vertebral column and the contents of the spinal canal may be the underlying cause, and strenuous physical activity may be a precipitating factor. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Tape functionality: Sonographic tape characteristics and outcome after TVT incontinence surgery
Authors: Kociszewski Jacek , Rautenberg Oliver , Perucchini Daniele , Eberhard Jakob , Geissbühler Verena , Hilgers Reinhard , Viereck Volker 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAimTo investigate tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) position and shape using ultrasound (US) and correlate the findings to outcome.Material and MethodsThe results of TVT surgery were investigated in 72 women with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence. The main outcome parameters were US tape position in relation to the urethra and dynamic changes in TVT shape at rest and during straining.ResultsSixty‐two patients (86%) were continent, 6 (8%) significantly improved, and the operation failed in four cases (6%). The median tape position was at 66% of the urethral length measured by US. The median tape‐urethra‐lumen distance was 3.8 mm at rest. Tape placement in the upper or lower quarter of the urethra was associated with a higher failure rate. Tapes positioned less than 3 mm from the urethra significantly increased postoperative complications (P < 0.0001). The tape was flat at rest and curved during straining in 44 (61%) patients; 98% (43/44) of these women were continent after surgery. An unchanged tape shape was associated with a poorer outcome (P = 0.00038). Patients with a flat tape at rest and during straining failed in 25% and patients with a permanent curved shape in 10%.ConclusionsTVT position relative to the patient's urethra seems to play a role in treatment outcome. Outcome was best in patients with dynamic change in tape shape during straining and location of the tape at the junction between the lower and middle urethra and at least 3 mm from the urethral lumen. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:485–490, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A 19F‐NMR approach using reporter molecule pairs to assess β‐galactosidase in human xenograft tumors in vivo
Authors: Yu Jian‐Xin , Kodibagkar Vikram D. , Liu Li , Mason Ralph P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractGene therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for treatment of various diseases. However, widespread implementation is hampered by difficulties in assessing the success of transfection in the target tissue and the longevity of gene expression. Thus, there is increasing interest in the development of non‐invasive in vivo reporter techniques to assay gene expression. We recently demonstrated the ability to detect β‐galactosidase activity in stably transfected human prostate tumor xenografts in mice in vivo using 19F NMR. We now extend the studies to human MCF7 breast cancer cells growing as xenografts in nude mice. Moreover, by using two spectrally resolved reporters (o‐fluoro‐p‐nitrophenyl‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside and an isomer), two tumors could be interrogated simultaneously revealing lacZ transgene activity in a stably transfected tumor versus no activity in a wild‐type tumor. Most significantly, hydrolytic activity observed by 19F NMR corresponded to differential activity in lacZ‐expressing tumors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constructive model predictive control for constrained nonlinear systems
Authors: He De‐Feng , Ji Hai‐Bo 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis paper develops a new model predictive control (MPC) design for stabilization of continuous‐time nonlinear systems subject to state and input constraints. The key idea is to construct an analytic form of the controller with some undetermined parameters and to calculate the parameters by minimizing online a performance index. By using the method of control Lyapunov functions (CLFs), we construct an appropriate variation on Sontag's formula, with one degree of freedom reflecting ‘decay rate’ of CLFs. Moreover, the constructed univariate control law is used to characterize the terminal region that guarantees the feasibility of the optimal control problem. Provided that the initial feasibility of the optimization problem is satisfied, the stability of the control scheme can be guaranteed. An example is given to illustrate the application of the constructive MPC design. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the gene coding for the BRCA2‐Interacting protein PALB2 in hereditary prostate cancer
Authors: Tischkowitz Marc , Sabbaghian Nelly , Ray Anna M. , Lange Ethan M. , Foulkes William D. , Cooney Kathleen A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe genetic basis of susceptibility to prostate cancer (PRCA) remains elusive. Mutations in BRCA2 have been associated with increased prostate cancer risk and account for around 2% of young onset (<56 years) prostate cancer cases. PALB2 is a recently identified breast cancer susceptibility gene whose protein is closely associated with BRCA2 and is essential for BRCA2 anchorage to nuclear structures. This functional relationship made PALB2 a candidate PRCA susceptibility gene.METHODSWe sequenced PALB2 in probands from 95 PRCA families, 77 of which had two or more cases of early onset PRCA (age at diagnosis <55 years), and the remaining 18 had one case of early onset PRCA and five or more total cases of PRCA.RESULTSTwo previously unreported variants, K18R and V925L were identified, neither of which is in a known PALB2 functional domain and both of which are unlikely to be pathogenic. No truncating mutations were identified.CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that deleterious PALB2 mutations are unlikely to play a significant role in hereditary prostate cancer. Prostate 68: 675–678, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potentiation of 2‐Methoxyestradiol‐Induced cytotoxicity by blocking endothelin A receptor in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Mabjeesh Nicola J. , Shefler Alexander , Amir Sharon , Matzkin Haim 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND2‐Methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is an antitumoral and antiangiogenic compound that inhibits hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1, a key regulator of the hypoxic response that promotes tumor progression. HIF‐1α, the regulated subunit of HIF‐1, is overexpressed in premalignant, cancerous and metastatic lesions of prostate. Endothelin (ET)‐1 is a HIF target gene and one that plays an important role during prostate bone metastasis via its interaction with endothelin A (ETA) receptor. We reasoned that 2ME2 combined with an ETA receptor antagonist would induce potent cytotoxic effects in prostate cancer cells.METHODSPC‐3 and LNCaP cells were grown alone or cocultured with human osteoblasts. The cells were treated with 2ME2, with an ETA receptor antagonist (BQ‐123) or with combinations of both compounds. The cells were then evaluated for cytotoxicity, HIF‐1α protein expression and HIF‐1 transcriptional activity.RESULTSThe combination of 2ME2 with BQ‐123 induced synergistic cytotoxic effects in prostate cancer cells and in their cocultures with osteoblasts. No synergism was observed when 2ME2 was combined with the ETB selective antagonist, BQ‐788. These results correlated with inhibition of HIF‐1α protein expression, HIF‐1 transcriptional activity, and PSA mRNA expression.CONCLUSIONSThe ETA receptor antagonist was capable of potentiating the cytotoxic effects of 2ME2 in prostate cancer cells. These effects were apparently mediated through the inhibition of the HIF‐1 pathway. Our in vitro data strengthen the rationale for using 2ME2 in combination with ETA receptor antagonists for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Prostate 68: 679–689, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potent Oncolytic activity of human enteroviruses against human prostate cancer
Authors: Berry Linda J. , Au Gough G. , Barry Richard D. , Shafren Darren R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDOncolytic virotherapy offers a unique treatment modality for prostate cancer, especially stages that are resistant to current therapies, with the additional benefit of preferentially targeting tumor cells amongst an environment of healthy tissue. Herein, the low pathogenic enteroviruses; Coxsackievirus A21 (CVA21), as well as a bio‐selected variant of Coxsackievirus A21 (CVA21‐DAFv) and Echovirus 1 (EV1) are evaluated as novel oncolytic agents against human prostate cancer.METHODSThe surface expression of viral receptors required for enterovirus cell attachment/entry, including intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), decay‐accelerating factor (DAF) and integrin alpha2beta1 on a number of human prostate cancer lines was assessed by flow cytometry. Susceptibility to viral oncolysis was determined via in vitro cell lysis assays performed on cell monolayers cultured in micro titer plates. The in vivo oncolytic efficacy of the enteroviruses was assessed using xenograft models in immune compromized SCID‐mice following systemic challenge.RESULTSThe majority of prostate cancer lines tested expressed surface ICAM‐1 and/or DAF, or alpha2beta1, facilitating significant degrees of oncolysis following in vitro viral challenge. Systemic delivery of each of the three viruses induced reduction of xenograft tumor burdens in vivo, and a therapeutic dose‐response was demonstrated for escalating doses of EV1 in the LNCaP animal model.CONCLUSIONEnteroviruses CVA21, CVA21‐DAFv, and EV1 are potentially potent oncolytic agents against human prostate cancer. Prostate 68: 577–587, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutations on N‐terminal region of Taiwan cobra phospholipase A2 result in structurally distorted effects
Authors: Chiou Yi‐Ling , Lin Shinne‐Ren , Chang Long‐Sen 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn the present study, three Taiwan cobra PLA2 variants were prepared by adding an extra N‐terminal Met, substituting Asn‐1 by Met or deleting the N‐terminal heptapeptide. Recombinant PLA2 mutants were expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli), and purified to homogeneity by reverse phase HPLC. Fluorescence measurement showed that the hydrophobic character of the catalytic site, the microenvironment of Trp residues and energy transfer from excited Trp to 8‐anilinonaphthalene sulfonate (ANS) were affected by N‐terminal mutations. An alteration in the structural flexibility of the active site was noted with the mutants lacking the N‐terminal heptapeptide or with an extra N‐terminal Met added as evidenced by the inability of the two variants to bind with Ba2+. Moreover, modification of Lys residues and energy transfer within the protein‐ANS complex revealed that the Ca2+‐induced change in the global structure of PLA2 was different from that in N‐terminal variants. Together with the fact that an ‘activation network’ connects the N‐terminus with the active site, our data suggest that mutagenesis on the N‐terminal region affects directly the fine structure of the catalytic site, which subsequently transmits its influence in altering the structure outside the active site of PLA2. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile detection of specific RNA‐polypeptide interactions by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Sugaya Maki , Saito Ryota , Matsumura Yuriko , Harada Kazuo , Katoh Akira 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA simple method for the detection of specific RNA‐polypeptide interactions using MALDI‐TOF mass spectroscopy is described. Instead of direct observation of the RNA‐polypeptide complex, we attempted the indirect observation of the binding event by focusing on the disappearance of the free polypeptide signal upon interaction with RNA. As a result, specific binding of the Rev‐response element (RRE) RNA of the HIV with two RRE‐binding peptide aptamers, DLA and RLA peptides, as well as the bacteriophage λ boxB RNA with the λ N peptide was observed. We also show that specific RNA‐binding peptides can be identified from a mixture of peptides with varying RNA‐binding affinity, showing that the method could be applied to high‐throughput screening from simple peptide libraries. The method described in this study provides a quick and simple method for detecting specific RNA–polypeptide interactions that avoids difficulties associated with direct observation of RNA and RNA–polypeptide complexes, which may find various applications in the analysis of RNA–polypeptide interactions and in the identification of novel RNA‐binding polypeptides. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Creating and preserving multi‐partite entanglement with spin chains
Authors: D'Amico Irene , Lovett Brendon W. , Spiller Timothy P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe show how multi‐partite entanglement, such as of W‐state form, can be created in branched spin chain systems. We also discuss the preservation of such entanglement, once created.The technique could be applied to actual spin chain systems, or to other physical systems such as strings of coupled quantum dots, molecules or atoms. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Two‐photon processes in quantum dots: biexciton Rabi oscillations and exciton polarization flipping
Authors: Machnikowski Paweł 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe paper discusses two‐photon Rabi oscillations between the ground state of a quantum dot and the biexciton state, as well as two‐photon oscillations between the two single‐exciton states with different circular polarizations. The effect of phonon‐induced decoherence on these processes is also described. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)