bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol selectively activates the canonical PI3K/AKT pathway: a bioinformatics-based evidence for androgen-activated cytoplasmic signaling
Authors: Dozmorov Mikhail G. , Yang Qing , Matwalli Adam , Hurst Robert E. , Culkin Daniel J. , Kropp Bradley P. , Lin Hsueh-Kung 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
5α-Androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α-diol) is reduced from the potent androgen, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), by reductive 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3α-HSDs) in the prostate. 3α-diol is recognized as a weak androgen with low affinity toward the androgen receptor (AR), but can be oxidized back to 5α-DHT. However, 3α-diol may have potent effects by activating cytoplasmic signaling pathways, stimulating AR-independent prostate cell growth, and, more importantly, providing a key signal for androgen-independent prostate cancer progression. A cancer-specific, cDNA-based membrane array was used to determine 3α-diol-activated pathways in regulating prostate cancer cell survival and/or proliferation. Several canonical pathways appeared to be affected by 3α-diol-regulated responses in LNCaP cells; among them are apoptosis signaling, PI3K/AKT signaling, and death receptor signaling pathways. Biological analysis confirmed that 3α-diol stimulates AKT activation; and the AKT pathway can be activated independent of the classical AR signaling. These observations sustained our previous observations that 3α-diol continues to support prostate cell survival and proliferation regardless the status of the AR. We provided the first systems biology approach to demonstrate that 3α-diol-activated cytoplasmic signaling pathways are important components of androgen-activated biological functions in human prostate cells. Based on the observations that levels of reductive 3α-HSD expression are significantly elevated in localized and advanced prostate cancer, 3α-diol may, therefore, play a critical role for the transition from androgen-dependent to androgen-independent prostate cancer in the presence of androgen deprivation.
Antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects of maslinic and oleanolic acids, two pentacyclic triterpenes from olives, on HT-29 colon cancer cells
Authors: Juan M. Emília , Planas Joana M. , Ruiz-Gutierrez Valentina , Daniel Hannelore , Wenzel Uwe 
Published: February 2008

We have previously reported the anticarcinogenic effects of an olive fruit extract composed of pentacyclic triterpenes, the main components of which are maslinic acid (73·25 %) and oleanolic acid (25·75 %). Here we examined the effects of the individual components on proliferation, necrosis and apoptosis rates by fluorescence-based techniques in human HT-29 colon cancer cells. Oleanolic acid showed moderate antiproliferative activity, with an ec50 of 160·6 (se 10·6) μmol/l, and moderate cytotoxicity at high concentrations ( ≥ 250 μmol/l). On the other hand, maslinic acid inhibited cell growth with an ec50 of 101·2 (se 7·8) μmol/l, without necrotic effects. Oleanolic acid, which lacks a hydroxyl group at the carbon 2 position, failed to activate caspase-3 as a prime apoptosis protease. In contrast, maslinic acid increased caspase-3-like activity at 10, 25 and 50 μmol/l by 3-, 3·5- and 5-fold over control cells, respectively. The detection of ROS in the mitochondria, which serve as pro-apoptotic signal, evidenced the different bioactivity of the two triterpenes. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed that maslinic acid generated superoxide anions while oleanolic acid-treated cells did not differ from the control. Completion of apoptosis by maslinic acid was confirmed microscopically by the increase in plasma membrane permeability, and detection of DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, the anticancer activity observed for olive fruit extracts seems to originate from maslinic acid but not from oleanolic acid. Maslinic acid therefore is a promising new compound for the chemoprevention of colon cancers.
Carnosic acid prevents the migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells by inhibiting the activation and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9
Authors: Yu Ya-Mei , Lin Hsing-Chun , Chang Weng-Cheng 
Published: February 2008

The migration and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation of vascular smooth muscle cells may play key roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Carnosic acid (CA) is a phenolic compound found in herbs, including rosemary and sage. Previous studies indicated that CA possesses antioxidant activityin vitro. In this study, we investigated the effects of CA on TNF-α-induced cell migration, the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, the translocation of NF-κB and the activation and expression of MMP-9 in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC). The Matrigel migration assay showed that CA (10 and 20 μmol/l) effectively inhibited TNF-α-induced migration of HASMC as compared with the control group. To explain this inhibitory effect, MMP-9 was assayed by gelatin zymography and Western blot. The results indicated that CA inhibited MMP-9 activity and expression. Furthermore, the production of reactive oxygen species and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p50 and p65 induced by TNF-α were dose-dependently suppressed by CA pretreament. These results indicate that CA has anti-inflammatory properties and may prevent the migration of HASMC by suppressing MMP-9 expression through down-regulation of NF-κB.
Evaluation of treatment effects by ranking
Authors: HALEKOH U. , KRISTENSEN K. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYIn crop experiments measurements are often made by a judge evaluating the crops' conditions after treatment. In the present paper an analysis is proposed for experiments where plots of crops treated differently are mutually ranked. In the experimental layout the crops are treated on consecutive plots usually placed side by side in one or more rows. In the proposed method a judge ranks several neighbouring plots, say three, by ranking them from best to worst. For the next observation the judge moves on by no more than two plots, such that up to two plots will be re-evaluated again in a comparison with the new plot(s). Data from studies using this set-up were analysed by a Thurstonian random utility model, which assumed that the judge's rankings were obtained by comparing latent continuous utilities or treatment effects. For the latent utilities a variance component model was considered to account for the repeated measurements. The estimation was based on a Bayesian approach, which was analysed via Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling. A simulation study showed that the approach was able to estimate the relative ordering of the treatments. The efficiency of the estimation increased with the overlap of the ranked observations. The approach was compared with a more traditional analysis of variance analysis applied to a proportional score for each plot by applying both methods to a real experiment. The relative ranking of the treatment effects were almost the same for both approaches. This method seems to be less sensitive to the judge and also eliminates any possible drift over the judging process in the more traditional method.
Annular self-similar solutions in ideal magnetogasdynamics
Authors: LOCK R. M. , MESTEL A. J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe consider the possibility of self-similar solutions describing the implosion of hollow cylindrical annuli driven by an azimuthal magnetic field, in essence a self-similar imploding liner z-pinch. We construct such solutions for gasdynamics, for ideal ‘β=0’ plasma and for ideal magnetogasdynamics (MGD). In the latter two cases some quantities are singular at the annular boundaries. Numerical solutions of the full ideal MGD initial value problem indicate that the self-similar solutions are not attractive for arbitrary initial conditions, possibly as a result of flux-freezing.
Criterion validity and user acceptability of a CD-ROM-mediated food record for measuring fruit and vegetable consumption among black adolescents
Authors: Di Noia Jennifer , Contento Isobel R 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the criterion validity and user acceptability of the Healthy Eating Self-Monitoring Tool (HEST), a CD-ROM-mediated food record for measuring fruit and vegetable consumption among economically disadvantaged black adolescents.DesignItem intakes, daily intake measures of fruit, vegetables and juices, and daily and total fruit and vegetable intake assessed with the HEST over a 3 d interval were compared with observed intake using Spearman correlations and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests. Mean ratings of participants’ interest in, enjoyment of and likelihood of recommending the HEST to peers were compared with an a priori criterion rating for establishing user acceptability of the HEST.SettingYouth services agencies in New York City.SubjectsEighty-nine black adolescents aged 11 to 14 years.ResultsSpearman correlations were significant for 67 % of items, for daily intake measures of fruit (days 1 and 3), vegetables and juices (days 1 and 2), and for fruit and vegetable intake (all three days). Wilcoxon signed ranks tests found non-significant intake differences for 78 % of these items, for daily intake measures of fruit and vegetables, and for fruit and vegetable intake (days 2 and 3). HEST-recorded 3 d intake of 14·65 servings was significantly correlated with and did not differ significantly from observed 3 d intake of 15·21 servings. Youths’ HEST-recorded intake was accurate to within 0·56 of a serving of their observed intake. Mean ratings of the HEST were above the criterion rating across user acceptability dimensions assessed.ConclusionsThe HEST is a promising food record approach that is acceptable to youths.
Constraints on food choices of women in the UK with lower educational attainment
Authors: Barker M , Lawrence WT , Skinner TC , Haslam CO , Robinson SM , Inskip HM , Margetts BM , Jackson AA , Barker DJP , Cooper C ,   the Food Choice Group, University of Southampton
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectiveWomen of lower educational attainment have less balanced and varied diets than women of higher educational attainment. The diets of women are vital to the long-term health of their offspring. The present study aimed to identify factors that influence the food choices of women with lower educational attainment and how women could be helped to improve those choices.DesignWe conducted eight focus group discussions with women of lower educational attainment to identify these factors. We contrasted the results of these discussions with those from three focus group discussions with women of higher educational attainment.SettingSouthampton, UK.SubjectsForty-two white Caucasian women of lower educational attainment and fourteen of higher educational attainment aged 18 to 44 years.ResultsThe dominant theme in discussions with women of lower educational attainment was their sense that they lacked control over food choices for themselves and their families. Partners and children exerted a high degree of control over which foods were bought and prepared. Women’s perceptions of the cost of healthy food, the need to avoid waste, being trapped at home surrounded by opportunities to snack, and having limited skill and experience with food, all contributed to their sense they lacked control over their own and their family’s food choices.ConclusionsAn intervention to improve the food choices of women with lower educational attainment needs to increase their sense of control over their diet and the foods they buy. This might include increasing their skills in food preparation.
White matter brain lesions in midlife familial hypercholesterolemic patients at 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Schmitz S. A. , O'Regan D. P. , Fitzpatrick J. , Neuwirth C. , Potter E. , Tosi I. , Hajnal J. V. , Naoumova R. P. 
Published: February 2008

Background: Patients with hypercholesterolemia of 60 years and older have an increased risk for white matter brain lesions and dementia. Purpose: To investigate whether patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) develop white matter lesions at 3-Tesla (T) MRI as early as in midlife. Material and Methods: Non-diabetic, nonsmoking, and non-hypertensive heterozygous FH patients on treatment with maximally tolerated dose of a statin for more than 5 years ( n = 14) and matched controls ( n = 22) aged 25 to 60 years of age were studied. Imaging was performed at 3T with a fluid-attenuated T2-weighted MR pulse sequence and a T1-weighted spin-echo pulse sequence following 10 ml of i.v. gadopentetate dimeglumine. Images were evaluated by two independent readers. Fasting blood samples were taken. Student's t test was employed at P<0.05. Results: Three volunteers and one FH patient had white matter lesions ( P<0.53). No other evidence of past ischemic stroke was observed. Mean total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were significantly higher in the FH group (6.0±1.1 vs. 5.1±0.9 mmol/l, P<0.02 and 4.1±0.9 vs. 3.1±0.8 mmol/l, P<0.004, respectively). Conclusion: Heterozygous FH patients on statin treatment in the age range of 25 to 60 years are not at increased risk of white matter lesions at 3T MRI.
Detection of cerebrospinal fluid leakage: initial experience with three-dimensional fast spin-echo magnetic resonance myelography
Authors: Tomoda Y. , Korogi Y. , Aoki T. , Morioka T. , Takahashi H. , Ohno M. , Takeshita I. 
Published: February 2008

Background: The pathogenesis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypovolemia is supposed to be caused by CSF leakage through small dural defects. Purpose: To compare source three-dimensional (3D) fast spin-echo (FSE) images of magnetic resonance (MR) myelography with radionuclide cisternography findings, and to evaluate the feasibility of MR myelography in the detection of CSF leakage. Material and Methods: A total of 67 patients who were clinically suspected of CSF hypovolemia underwent indium-111 radionuclide cisternography, and 27 of those who had direct findings of CSF leakage were selected for evaluation. MR myelography with 3D FSE sequences (TR/TE 6000/203 ms) was performed at the lumbar spine for all patients. We evaluated source images and maximum intensity projection (MIP) images of MR myelography, and the findings were correlated with radionuclide cisternography findings. MR myelography of five healthy volunteers was used as a reference. The MR visibility of the CSF leakage was graded as definite (leakage clearly visible), possible (leakage poorly seen), or absent (not shown). Results: CSF leakage was identified with source 3D FSE images in 22 (81.5%) of 27 patients. Of the 22 patients, 16 were graded as definite and six were graded as possible. For the definite cases, 3D FSE images clearly showed the extent of the leaked CSF in the paraspinal structures. In the remaining five patients with absent findings, radionuclide cisternography showed only slight radionuclide activity out of the arachnoid space. Conclusion: Source 3D FSE images of MR myelography seem useful in the detection of CSF leakage. Invasive radionuclide cisternography may be reserved for equivocal cases only.
Bioinformatic mining of EST‐SSR loci in the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Wang Y. , Ren R. , Yu Z. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryA set of expressed sequence tag‐simple sequence repeat (EST‐SSR) markers of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, was developed through bioinformatic mining of the GenBank public database. As of June 30, 2007, a total of 5132 EST sequences from GenBank were downloaded and screened for di‐, tri‐ and tetra‐nucleotide repeats, with criteria set at a minimum of 5, 4 and 4 repeats for the three categories of SSRs respectively. Seventeen polymorphic microsatellite markers were characterized. Allele numbers ranged from 3 to 10, and the observed and expected heterozygosity values varied from 0.125 to 0.770 and from 0.113 to 0.732 respectively. Eleven loci were at Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE); the other six loci showed significant departure from HWE (P < 0.01), suggesting possible presence of null alleles. Pairwise check of linkage disequilibrium (LD) indicated that 11 of 136 pairs of loci showed significant LD (P < 0.01), likely due to HWE present in single markers. Cross‐species amplification was examined for five other Crassostrea species and reasonable results were obtained, promising usefulness of these markers in oyster genetics.
Biologic response to subcutaneous and intranasal therapy with desmopressin in a large Amish kindred with Type 2M von Willebrand disease
Authors: SHARTHKUMAR A. , GREIST A. , DI PAOLA J. , WINAY J. , ROBERSON C. , HEIMAN M. , HERBERT S. , PARAMESWARAN R. , SHAPIRO A. 
Published: February 2008

Summary. The aim of this study was to characterize the adequacy and longevity of biological response to desmopressin (DDAVP) in a large Amish kindred of Type 2M von Willebrand disease (VWD) possessing C‐to‐T transition at nucleotide 4120 in exon 28 of A1 domain of von Willebrand factor (VWF) gene. Response to both intranasal (Stimate®) and subcutaneous DDAVP administration was assessed. Rise in ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) ≥ 40% at 90‐min post‐Stimate® and 1–2 h after subcutaneous DDAVP was defined as initial response; response longevity was assessed only after subcutaneous dosing by measuring VWF:RCo levels at time‐points 1, 2, 4 and 6 h. Eleven patients (five males, six females; age range: 20–56 years) participated in intranasal and 9/11 (four males, five females) in subcutaneous testing. Baseline haemostatic profiles included: VWF:RCo < 15%, VWF:Ag < 40% and normal VWF multimers. Initial response was comparable by both intranasal (6/11; 54.5%) and subcutaneous (4/9; 44%) routes; sustained response (VWF:RCo > 40% for 2 h) was observed in only one in nine (11%) patients tested. Median VWF:RCo peak levels after intranasal (40%) and subcutaneous (39%) routes were equivalent. Peak VWF:Ag levels were significantly higher after subcutaneous than intranasal DDAVP (94% vs. 54%; P = 0.03). Area under the curve for VWF:RCo was significantly decreased (170 μg h mL−1) compared with VWF:Ag (471 μg h mL−1) and FVIII:C (624.60 μg h mL−1). This study suggests that in this population: (i) intra‐individual DDAVP response is consistent with subcutaneous and intranasal administration; and (ii) extending DDAVP challenge test up to at least 6 h is required to characterize adequacy and longevity of biologic response prior to using DDAVP as a sole haemostatic intervention.
Mapping local field enhancements at nanostructured metal surfaces by second‐harmonic generation induced in the near field
Authors: CELEBRANO M. , ZAVELANI‐ROSSI M. , POLLI D. , CERULLO G. , BIAGIONI P. , FINAZZI M. , DUÒ L. , LABARDI M. , ALLEGRINI M. , GRAND J. , ADAM P.‐M. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryWe report on an aperture scanning near‐field optical microscope in which femtosecond pulses are coupled to a hollow‐pyramid aperture sensor. Such probe displays high throughput and preserves pulse duration and polarization, enabling the achievement of sufficiently high peak power in the near field to perform nonlinear optics on the nanoscale. We use the system to observe the nonlinear optical response of nanostructured metal surfaces with sub‐100‐nm spatial resolution. We study second‐harmonic generation from gold nanoparticles both isolated and in high‐density patterns, highlighting a strong dependence of the generation efficiency on the shape and on the fine structure of the nanoemitter. In particular, we present results on closely packed gold triangles as well as on nanoellipsoids with different local surface plasmon resonances.
Development of apertureless near‐field scanning optical microscope tips for tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: KODAMA T. , UMEZAWA T. , WATANABE S. , OHTANI H. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryIn this study, we suggested two types of novel metallized tip for the apertureless near‐field scanning optical microscope probe. The first is a silver nanorod immobilized tip and the other is a double metallized probe. We calculated the electric field enhancement factor and the electric field distribution of a single sphere, aggregated spheres, an ellipse and a nanorod by the finite‐differential time‐domain method to improve the silver nanosphere immobilized tip developed in our previous studies. The enhanced field of the nanorod is localized at the external surfaces. The simulation results of the nanorod revealed that the position of the maximum peak is shifted to a longer wavelength and that its electric field enhancement factor increases as the aspect ratio increases. Thus, we developed the silver nanorod immobilized tip, and the tip‐enhanced Raman spectrum of rhodamine 6G molecule on the substrate could be measured by the tip though it could not be detected by the previous nanosphere immobilized tip. Further, the finite‐differential time‐domain calculation predicted that the double metallized tips considerably enhance the electric field and that its enhancement factor in the longer wavelength region (500–600 nm) does not decrease when the tip is rounded. The results show that the proposed metallized tips were useful for the apertureless near‐field scanning optical microscope system.
High NA particle‐ and tip‐enhanced nanoscale Raman spectroscopy with a parabolic‐mirror microscope
Authors: STANCIU C. , SACKROW M. , MEIXNER A.J. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryDetecting efficiently the plasmon‐enhanced Raman signal of molecules created in the nanometre‐sized gap between a metal nanoparticle or the apex of a sharp tip and a metal surface is the key problem in particle‐ or tip‐enhanced local surface spectroscopy (Pettinger et al., 2004; Roth et al., 2006). The optical excitation field has to be polarized along the gap, and the field emerging from the gap has to be observed from the side. These geometrical restrictions usually limit the numerical aperture of the lens used for exciting the gap and collecting the scattered photons created in the gap. We present a novel method to overcome this problem. The solution is based on a confocal optical microscope with a high numerical aperture parabolic mirror for excitation and detection. Localized plasmons can be efficiently excited parallel to the surface normal by illuminating the parabolic mirror with a radially polarized doughnut mode and the field emerging sidewise from the gap can be efficiently collected by the rim of the parabolic mirror and directed to the detection system. First results on particle‐ and tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic measurements of benzotriazole molecules adsorbed on gold films are presented.
Scanning near‐field optical microscope based on a double resonant fibre probe montage and equipped with time‐gated photon detection
Authors: SEREBRYAKOV D. V. , SEKATSKII S. K. , CHERKUN A. P. , DUKENBAYEV K. , MOROZOV I. V. , LETOKHOV V. S. , DIETLER G. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryWe discuss scanning near‐field optical microscope based on original double resonant montage of a fibre probe onto the tuning fork and proprietary electronics capable of fast and precise measurements of the resonant frequency and the quality factor of sensor dithering. Special emphasis is given on the pulsed excitation/gated detection of optical signal. This option as well as the possibility of fast scanning facilitates a lot the problem of single fluorescence centres detection. To illustrate the performance of this microscope, we present first true single‐molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer scanning near‐field optical microscope images of single CdSe nanocrystals on glass slide surface and observation of an optical ‘pseudoresolution’ of densely packed 100‐nm‐diameter transfluorescent spheres in noisy conditions.