bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Sp3 and estrogen receptor α with the transcriptionally active trefoil factor 1 promoter in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Li Lin , Davie James R. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTo further explore the role of Sp1 and Sp3 in the estrogen regulated TFF1 gene transcription, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was used to determine the association of estrogen receptor α (ERα), Sp1 and Sp3 with the endogenous trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) gene promoter in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. ERα and serine 5 phosphorylated RNA polymerase II, the form of RNA polymerase II associated with transcription initiation, were recruited to the TFF1 gene promoter following estrogen addition to MCF‐7 cells cultured under estrogen deplete conditions. Both Sp1 and Sp3 were bound to the TFF1 gene promoter before and after estrogen treatment. Using the re‐ChIP assay, we demonstrate that either Sp1 or Sp3 but not both bind to a TFF1 promoter. The co‐occupancy of ERα and Sp1 on TFF1 promoter remains at similar level with and without estrogen, while that of ERα and Sp3 increased in the presence of estrogen. Further, we observed increased co‐occupancy of Sp3 and serine 5 phosphorylated RNA polymerase II on the TFF1 promoter after estrogen treatment of cells. Taken together, these results provide evidence that Sp3 and ERα are involved in the estrogen induced transcription of the TFF1 gene. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 365–369, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The binding of heparin to the extracellular matrix of endothelial cells up‐regulates the synthesis of an antithrombotic heparan sulfate proteoglycan
Authors: Trindade Edvaldo S. , Oliver Constance , Jamur Maria C. , Rocha Hugo A.O. , Franco Célia R.C. , Bouças Rodrigo I. , Jarrouge Thais R. , Pinhal Maria A.S. , Tersariol Ivarne L.S. , Gouvêa Tiago C. , Dietrich Carl P. , Nader Helena B. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractExposure of endothelial cells to heparin and other antithrombotic drugs specifically stimulates the synthesis of an antithrombotic heparan sulfate (HS). In the present work, biotinylated heparin (BiotHep) was used to characterize the binding site(s) of heparin responsible for the stimulus in HS synthesis on endothelial cells. No differences were observed between biotinylated and non‐biotinylated heparin in their ability to increase the synthesis of HS. In kinetic studies the BiotHep showed fast, saturable and specific binding with an apparent KD of 83 nM to adherent cells and 44 nM to the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the absence of cells. By confocal and electron microscopy, BiotHep bound only to the ECM, co‐localizing with fibronectin. The same pattern of binding to the ECM was observed using heparin conjugated with FITC or Alexa Fluor 488 in the presence or absence of fetal calf serum. However, after degradation of HS, heparin binds to the cell surface, indicating that endogenous HS possibly occupied the heparin binding sites. Analyses by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy of cells with non‐associated ECM, showed labeling of the cell surface using syndecan‐4 monoclonal antibody as well as wheat germ agglutinin, but no binding of heparin. Furthermore, the stimulation in HS synthesis is not elicited by heparin in the absence of ECM. These results indicate that the stimulus for the synthesis of HS does not require binding of the heparin to the cell surface, and the signaling may be mediated through the ECM. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 328–337, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distinct pattern of microglial response, cyclooxygenase‐2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in the aged rat brain after excitotoxic damage
Authors: Campuzano O. , Castillo‐Ruiz M.M. , Acarin L. , Castellano B. , Gonzalez B. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractMicroglial and inflammatory responses to acute damage in aging are still poorly understood, although the aged brain responds differently to injury, showing poor lesion outcome. In this study, excitotoxicity was induced by intrastriatal injection of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate in adult (3–4 months) and aged (22–24 months) rats. Cryostat brain sections were processed for the analysis of microglial response by lectin histochemistry and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression by immunohistochemistry and confocal analysis. Aged injured animals showed more widespread area of microglial response at 12 hr postlesion (hpl) and greater microglia/macrophage density at 3 days postlesion (dpl). However, aged reactive microglia showed prevalence of ramified morphologies and fewer amoeboid/round forms. Aged injured animals presented a diminished area of COX2 expression, but a significantly larger density of COX2+cells, with higher numbers of COX2+neurons during the first 24 hpl and COX2+microglia/macrophages later. In contrast, the amount of COX2+neutrophils was diminished in the aged. iNOS was more rapidly induced in the aged injured striatum, with higher cell density at 12 hpl, when expression was mainly neuronal. From 1 dpl, both the iNOS+area and the density of iNOS+cells were reduced in the aged, with lower numbers of iNOS+neurons, microglia/macrophages, neutrophils, and astrocytes. In conclusion, excitotoxic damage in aging induces a distinct pattern of microglia/macrophage response and expression of inflammatory enzymes, which may account for the changes in lesion outcome in the aged, and highlight the importance of using aged animals for the study of acute age‐related insults. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thyroid hormone increases astrocytic glutamate uptake and protects astrocytes and neurons against glutamate toxicity
Authors: Mendes‐de‐Aguiar Cláudia Beatriz Nedel , Alchini Ricardo , Decker Helena , Alvarez‐Silva Marcio , Tasca Carla Inês , Trentin Andréa Gonçalves 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThyroid hormone (T3) regulates the growth and differentiation of rat cerebellar astrocytes. Previously, we have demonstrated that these effects are due, at least in part, to the increased expression of extracellular matrix molecules and growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factor‐2. T3 also modulates neuronal development in an astrocyte‐mediated manner. In the mammalian central nervous system, excitatory neurotransmission is mediated mainly by glutamate. However, excessive stimulation of glutamate receptors can lead to excitotoxicity and cell death. Astrocytic glutamate transporters, GLT‐1 and GLAST, play an essential role in the clearance of the neuronal‐released glutamate from the extracellular space and are essential for maintaining physiological extracellular glutamate levels in the brain. In the present study, we showed that T3 significantly increased glutamate uptake by cerebellar astrocytes compared with control cultures. Inhibitors of glutamate uptake, such as L‐PDC and DL‐TBOA, abolished glutamate uptake on control or T3‐treated astrocytes. T3 treatment of astrocytes increased both mRNA levels and protein expression of GLAST and GLT‐1, although no significant changes on the distribution of these transporters were observed. The gliotoxic effect of glutamate on cultured cerebellar astrocytes was abolished by T3 treatment of astrocytes. In addition, the neuronal viability against glutamate challenge was enhanced on T3‐treated astrocytes, showing a putative neuroprotective effect of T3. In conclusion, our results showed that T3 regulates extracellular glutamate levels by modulating the astrocytic glutamate transporters. This represents an important mechanism mediated by T3 on the improvement of astrocytic microenvironment in order to promote neuronal development and neuroprotection. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate glutamate receptors in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus mediate the pressor response evoked by noradrenaline microinjected into the lateral septal area in rats
Authors: Scopinho América Augusto , Tavares Rodrigo Fiacadori , Busnardo Cristiane , Corrêa Fernando Morgan Aguiar 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe lateral septal area (LSA) is a part of the limbic system and is involved in cardiovascular modulation. We previously reported that microinjection of noradrenaline (NA) into the LSA of unanesthetized rats caused pressor responses that are mediated by acute vasopressin release. Magnocellular neurons of the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) of the hypothalamus synthesize vasopressin. In the present work, we studied which of these nuclei is involved in the pressor pathway activated by unilateral NA injection into the LSA as well as the local neurotransmitter involved. Chemical ablation of the SON by unilateral injection of the nonspecific synapses blocker cobalt chloride (1 mM/100 nl) did not affect the pressor response evoked by NA (21 nmol/200 nl) microinjection into the LSA. However, the response to NA was blocked when cobalt chloride (1 mM/100 nl) was microinjected into the PVN, indicating that this hypothalamic nucleus is responsible for the mediation of the pressor response. There is evidence in the literature pointing to glutamate as a putative neurotransmitter activating magnocellular neurons. Pretreatment of the PVN with the selective non‐N‐methyl‐D‐asparate (NMDA) antagonist NBQX (2 nmol/100 nl) blocked the pressor response to NA microinjected into the LSA, whereas pretreatment with the selective NMDA antagonist LY235959 (2 nmol/100 nl) did not affect the response to NA. Our results implicate the PVN as the final structure in the pressor pathway activated by the microinjection of NA into the LSA. They also indicate that local glutamatergic synapses and non‐NMDA glutamatergic receptors mediate the response in the PVN. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of historical changes in rainfall in the Indian Himalayas
Authors: Basistha Ashoke , Arya D. S. , Goel N. K. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe present study attempts to explore changes in rainfall pattern in the Indian Himalayas during 20th century using 80‐year data from 30 rain gauge stations maintained by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Modified Mann–Kendall test (MMK) was applied to detect trend, and Pettitt–Mann–Whitney (PMW) test was employed to detect possible shift. Implication of the change is discussed in terms of percentage change over mean. The results show that the most probable year of change in annual as well as monsoon rainfall in the region is 1964. There was an increasing trend upto 1964 (corroborating with all India and nearby plains), followed by a decreasing trend in 1965–1980 (exclusive to this region). In the entire region, changes are most conspicuous over the Shivaliks and the southern part of the Lesser Himalayas. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Interannual variations in the opening date of the Prudhoe Bay shipping season: links to atmospheric and surface conditions
Authors: Drobot S. D. , Maslanik J. A. , Anderson M. R. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis paper examines interannual variability in the opening date for the Prudhoe Bay shipping season (1953–2005), considers how variations in antecedent sea‐ice and atmospheric conditions influence the opening date, and then develops a forecasting technique to predict whether the opening date will be early, normal, or late. Analysis of antecedent sea ice and atmospheric conditions indicates that there are significant differences in the Bering Sea ice cover as early as February in years preceding early versus late opening dates. In particular, prior to early opening years, the sea‐ice cover in the southern Bering Sea is reduced in February, and as the season progresses, sea‐ice concentrations in the central and northern Bering Sea remain lower in years preceding early opening dates. Analysis of accumulated freezing degree days (FDDs) also suggests that temperatures are warmer over a broad area, ranging from the Bering Sea through the Chukchi Sea and the Beaufort Sea, in winter and spring months preceding early opening dates. Although the warmer temperatures may be related to reductions in sea ice in the Bering Sea, our results suggest that 500 hPa flow patterns and sea level pressure (SLP) patterns play are a larger role in controlling accumulations of FDD in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas. Finally, an ordinal regression model is presented to forecast whether the opening date will be early, normal, or late. On the basis of April sea‐ice concentrations and accumulated FDD, the model correctly forecasts the opening date class in 32 of the 53 years. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Synthesis of Processable Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Polymers Based on Poly(silsesquioxanes): Grafting from Polymerization Using ATRP
Authors: Kessler Daniel , Teutsch Carmen , Theato Patrick 
Published: June 2008

AbstractInorganic‐organic hybrid polymers have been synthesized utilizing atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from a functionalized poly(methylsilsesquioxane) (PMSSQ) macroinitiator. Different polymeric ATRP initiators were prepared by co‐condensation of functionalized trichlorosilanes with methyltrimethoxysilane. Various vinyl monomers have been successfully grafted from these macroinitiators, demonstrating a highly variable synthetic concept, which offers the chance to synthesize a wide spectrum of inorganic‐organic hybrid polymers. All synthesized polymers were soluble in various organic solvents. Spin‐coating these hybrid materials onto various substrates could produce stable and adherent surface coatings. Successful surface functionalization could be achieved on silicon, glass, metals or polymeric materials.magnified image
The electronic service quality model: The moderating effect of customer self‐efficacy
Authors: Yi Youjae , Gong Taeshik 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe research in the area has largely ignored the moderating effects of the customer trait, self‐efficacy, on the electronic service quality model. This study examines the degree to which electronic service quality dimensions influence overall service quality, which in turn affects customer satisfaction and loyalty. On the basis of self‐efficacy theory, this paper argues that outcome quality is the most important predictor of overall quality, whereas environment quality is the least important predictor of overall quality, particularly when self‐efficacy is high. Additionally, the paper demonstrates that self‐efficacy strengthens the link between customer satisfaction and both repurchase intention and word of mouth. Data collected from 162 participants provide support for most of these hypotheses. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Building customer relationships in an electronic age: The role of interactivity of E‐commerce Web sites
Authors: Yoon Doyle , Choi Sejung Marina , Sohn Dongyoung 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis study examines the role of perceived interactivity and other marketing tactics in relationship building with customers in the online retail environment by applying a relationship investment model adapted from De Wulf, Odekerken‐Schröder, and Iacobucci (2001). A proposed structure model was tested with data collected from an online survey of 571 respondents. In the model, three subdimensions of perceived interactivity and three marketing tactic variables were incorporated as the antecedents of perceived relationship investment that subsequently influenced perceived relationship quality and behavioral loyalty. Results suggest that two marketing tactics—direct mail (e‐mail) and tangible rewards—and two dimensions of perceived interactivity—synchronicity and two‐way communication—play as significant antecedents for the relationshipbuilding process of online retail brands. In addition, the findings confirm the relationships among perceived relationship investment, relationship quality, and behavioral loyalty, which indicates that the fundamental process of relationship building remains similar in the online environment. Reflecting the unique nature of the online retail environment, the model also clarifies the roles of interactivity as well as traditional relationship investment strategies in facilitating online retailers' relationship building with customers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Barely or fairly balancing drug risks? Content and format effects in direct‐to‐consumer online prescription drug promotions
Authors: Kees Jeremy , Bone Paula Fitzgerald , Kozup John , Ellen Pam Scholder 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA critical requirement of direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) drug promotion on the Internet is the concept of fair balance. This means that prescription drug Web sites should provide an accurate, balanced portrayal of the risks relative to the benefits of using prescription medications. However, one of the most pervasive findings in consumer research is that risk perceptions are often not aligned with the actual risk a consumer faces. This study examines the impact of certain presentation formats and types of risk information provided on a pharmaceutical Web site and the effect on consumers' perceptions of risk and fair balance. We find evidence of a bias of omission; that is, the risks of treating a health condition using a hypothetical prescription drug were perceived to be greater than the risk of inaction. Interestingly, we found no evidence that the presentation of a “black‐box” warning or the warning strength affected the broader construct of fair balance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photoactive Polythiophene:Titania Hybrids with Excellent Miscibility for Use in Polymer Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Chang Yi‐Ming , Su Wei‐Fang , Wang Leeyih 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA series of poly{(3‐hexylthiophene)‐co‐[3‐(6‐hydroxyhexyl)thiophene]}:titania (P3HT‐OH:TiO2) hybrids were synthesized via the in situ polycondensation of titanium (IV) n‐butoxide in the presence of P3HT‐OH. Introducing a hydroxyl moiety onto the side‐chain of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) significantly promotes the polymer‐titania interaction, resulting in the formation of homogeneous hybrid colloids. The UV‐vis spectra of P3HT‐OH:TiO2 films demonstrate that TiO2 markedly affects the stacking structure and the chain conformation of P3HT‐OH. The maximum absorption wavelength of these hybrid materials can be tailor‐made by merely varying the weight percentage of TiO2. Moreover, P3HT‐OH:TiO2 can be further utilized as an efficient compatibilizer in preparing photoactive P3HT:P3HT‐OH:TiO2 films with excellent miscibility. The photovoltaic cell based on such a hybrid exhibited a 2.4‐fold higher value of power‐conversion efficiency compared to the cell based on P3HT:TiO2.magnified image
Macromolecular Engineering of Biodegradable Polyesters by Ring‐Opening Polymerization and ‘Click’ Chemistry
Authors: Lecomte Philippe , Riva Raphaël , Jérôme Christine , Jérôme Robert 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBiodegradability makes aliphatic polyesters valuable candidates for biomaterials and environmentally friendly thermoplastics. Nevertheless, their chemical modification, which is mandatory for a series of potential applications, is usually a problem because it must be carried out under very mild conditions in order to prevent degradation by hydrolysis and/or transesterification from occurring. In this review, the copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition, which is a click reaction, is shown to be very efficient to bypass these problems and to tailor the macromolecular architecture and functionality of those polyesters without facing undesired degradation reactions.magnified image
Promoter methylation profile in preneoplastic and neoplastic gallbladder lesions
Authors: García Patricia , Manterola Carlos , Araya Juan Carlos , Villaseca Miguel , Guzmán Pablo , Sanhueza Antonio , Thomas Melanie , Alvarez Héctor , Roa Juan Carlos 
Published: June 2008

AbstractGallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a highly malignant neoplasm and represents the leading cause of cancer death in Chilean women. In order to determine the potential role of promoter methylation in gallbladder carcinogenesis, we investigated the frequency of this epigenetic mechanism by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) in 35 chronic cholecystitis (CC, separated according to the presence or absence of metaplasia), 19 early cancers (mucosa or muscularis propia invasion) and 48 advanced carcinomas with invasion of the gallbladder subserosa (25 cases) and serosa (23 cases). We examined 14 genes and observed an increase of multigenic methylation during tumoral progression which was not significantly associated with the patient's age. Four genes (DAPK1, DLC1, TIMP3, and RARβ2) displayed a progressive increase in their methylation status from CC without metaplasia to advanced carcinoma invading the serosa layer (P ≤ 0.05). The survival analysis indicated that a methylated condition of DLC1 gene is significantly associated with poor prognosis (P = 0.04), whereas a methylated state of MGMT gene correlated with better patient survival (P = 0.006). Our findings indicate that aberrant hypermethylation of promoter regions is an early, progressive and cumulative event in gallbladder carcinogenesis. Furthermore, the methylation levels seems to accumulate in the progression of CC without metaplasia to CC with metaplasia, a fact that could provide new evidence to consider this morphological adaptation of GB mucosa as a premalignant lesion. Finally, the methylation status of some individual genes could be useful biomarkers with potential clinical application in diagnosis or prognosis of GBC if they are validated in a greater number of clinical samples. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cognitive dysfunction in Nigerians with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Akinyemi Rufus O. , Okubadejo Njideka N. , Akinyemi Joshua O. , Owolabi Mayowa O. , Owolabi Lukman F. , Ogunniyi Adesola 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDespite the original description of Parkinson's disease (PD) as a disorder in which “the senses and intellect remain uninjured,” there is now sufficient evidence that cognitive dysfunction does occur. This research determined the frequency, pattern, and predictors of cognitive dysfunction among 51 Nigerian patients with PD compared with 50 demographically matched controls using the modified Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSI‘D’) and selected items from the Ibadan Neuropsychological Battery (I‐NB). In all, 21.6% patients with PD (4% of controls) exhibited cognitive impairment (P = 0.008) defined, for the purposes of this study, as total modified CSI‘D’ score below 2 SD of the mean score of the control group. Cognitive dysfunction in patients with PD encompassed memory, language, and executive dysfunction. Correlates of cognitive dysfunction included older age at PD onset (P = 0.001), older current age (P < 0.001), and higher UPDRS motor score (P = 0.005). After logistic regression, older age at onset of PD was the only independent predictor of cognitive dysfunction. (O.R = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.08–1.57, P = 0.006). Cognitive dysfunction occurs more frequently in Nigerians with PD compared to controls. Older age at disease onset is an important determinant of cognitive dysfunction in PD. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Familial Parkinsonism with digenic parkin and PINK1 mutations
Authors: Funayama Manabu , Li Yuanzhe , Tsoi Tak‐Hong , Lam Ching‐Wan , Ohi Takekazu , Yazawa Shogo , Uyama Eiichiro , Djaldetti Ruth , Melamed Eldad , Yoshino Hiroyo , Imamichi Yoko , Takashima Hiroshi , Nishioka Kenya , Sato Kenichi , Tomiyama Hiroyuki , Kubo Shin‐Ichiro , Mizuno Yoshikuni , Hattori Nobutaka 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTo clarify the genetic correlation between parkin and PINK1, we screened for PINK1 mutations in 175 parkinsonism patients with parkin mutations. We detected two sibling pairs and one sporadic patient carrying both parkin and PINK1 mutations. The age at onset of Parkinsonism of patients with the digenic mutations was lower than that of patients with the same parkin mutation alone. In addition, two of three patients carrying both parkin and PINK1 mutations had schizophrenia. These findings indicate that PINK1 mutation might modify parkin mutation‐positive Parkinsonism, and PINK1 mutations might be associated withpsychiatric disorders. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society