bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellular uptake and delivery monitoring of liposome/DNA complexes during in vitro transfection of CFTR gene
Authors: Serafino Anna Lucia , Novelli Giuseppe , Sario Sabrina Di , Colosimo Alessia , Amicucci Paola , Sangiuolo Federica , Mossa Giuseppe , Dallapiccola Bruno 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe cellular uptake and distribution of cationic liposomes Dc‐Chol/DOPE‐CFTR gene complexes were assessed by electronic and confocal laser scanner microscopy (CLSM) for the CFTR gene transfer to human adenocarcinoma and tracheal epithelial cell lines. Cationic lipid forms unilamellar and multilamellar vesicles capable of rapid and efficient transport of gene into target cells. The number of fluorescent complexes was increasing with time in cells up to 6 hours showing a punctate and homogeneous DNA distribution in the cytoplasmatic and nuclear compartments, including the nucleolus. No significant difference in the biochemical and cellular behavior was observed between the investigated system and other systems previously tested. This study adds new insights into the CFTR cationic liposome‐mediated gene delivery.
Cloning, expression, and characterization of a cDNA encoding snake venom metalloprotease
Authors: Jeon Ok‐Hee , Kim Doo‐Sik 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA cDNA clone, MT‐c, encoding metalloprotease was isolated from snake (Agkistrodon halys brevicadus) venom gland cDNA library. Deduced amino acid sequence indicated that MT‐c is composed of a signal sequence, amino‐terminal propeptide, a central metalloprotease domain, and a Lys‐Gly‐Asp (KGD) disintegrin domain. The partial cDNA encoding metalloprotease and disintegrin domain was subcloned and expressed in E. coll. The expressed MT‐c protein was purified and successfully refolded into functional form retaining the enzyme activity. Analyses of the purified recombinant protease activity revealed that the enzyme hydrolyzes extraceUular matrix proteins including type I gelatin, type 1V and type V collagen, while type I, II, III collagens and fibronectin were insensitive to the proteolytic digestion. The recombinant enzyme was also able to degrade fibrinogen by specifically cleaving Aα chain of the protein.
Uptake of vitamin E succinate by the skin, conversion to free vitamin E, and transport to internal organs
Authors: Trevithick John R. , Mitton Kenneth E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe percent solubility at 34°C (skin temperature) of radioactive tocopherol succinate was determined for a number of edible oils, and a semisynthetic oil, Myritol 318 (Henkel, Kankakee, IL, a medium chain triglyceride prepared from fractionated coconut oil). Its solubility in Myritol 318 was approximately 50% better than any of the other oils. 14C‐tocopherol succinate was diluted (1) into pure Myritol 318, a cosmetic base or (2) 50% tocopherol succinate in Myritol 318. These preparations were applied topically to a 2 cm diameter circle of the back saddle skin of a hairless mouse (strain skh‐1). After 24 hr, up to 65% of the label was absorbed by the skin and was also found in skin removed from areas of the back other than the application area, and internal organs such as liver and heart. Up to 6% was hydrolysed to free tocopherol. Topical treatment may be an alternative to oral administration in gastrointestinal malabsorption diseases.
Detection of Specific Protein Bands with Melatonin‐Like Immunoreactivity in Different Cell Lines and Human Brain Regions
Authors: Lahiri Debomoy K. , Davis Dawn , Nurnberger John I. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe pineal hormone melatonin regulates various neural and endocrine processes involved in mammalian circadian rhythms. To understand how melatonin mediates these functions, we investigated melatonin‐like immunoreactivity (MLI) in cell extracts and human brain. In Western immunoblots, we detected highmolecular‐mass protein bands (85‐135 kDa) that specifically reacted with the anti‐melatonin antibody. The specific protein bands were present in cell extracts from the human brain and cell lines of different origins. The immunoreactive signal of the 135‐kDa protein band was highest in a neuroendocrine PC12 cell line, which was 10‐fold higher than the signal observed in any cell extracts used. The commercial antibody employed in the Western blots was further purified against serum proteins and thyroglobulins. We have previously reported that the antibody against melatonin recognizes MLI as detected by a sensitive RIA. In the present report we have detected the putative melatonin‐specific binding proteins, which could contribute to the MLI. Our results suggest that melatonin binds with specific proteins in different cellular and brain extracts, the protein(s) being maximally synthesized in PC12 cells. These results may indicate a group of yet unknown proteins sharing a melatonin‐like epitope or the presence of melatonin‐binding protein(s) that regulate availability of free melatonin, or both.
Correlation between EBV DNA and Rearrangement and Expression of Bcl‐2 Gene in Aggressive Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Eissa Sanaa , Kassim Samar K. , Imam Maha , Khalifa Ali 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPrevious in vitro studies have shown that bcl‐2 expression can be induced by transfection of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐negative non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) cell lines with EBV. This induced expression of bcl‐2 isimportantforthelong survivalofEBV‐positive cells and might be a first step in tumorigenesis. The purpose of the presentstudy was to investigate the possibility ofsimilar correlation between bcl‐2 expression and EBV infection in vivo in a cohort of patients with aggressive NHL, who were uniformly evaluated and treated with effective chemotherapy. The 42 patients included were 25‐65 years old. None had prior treatment, discordant lymphoma, or human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity. Fresh biopsied samples were obtained and stored frozen for analysis of bcl‐2 gene rearrangement major break point and of EBV DNA by PCR. Bcl‐2 protein expression was estimated by Western blot, and enzyme immunoassay. With a median follow‐up of 30 months, overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were measured to determine the prognostic significance of these variables. Analyzable DNA was present in all samples, 24% demonstrating bcl‐2 rearrangement and 33% showing EBV DNA. Patients with bcl‐2 gene rearrangement tended to have shorter DFS, and OS than patients without translocation. Bcl‐2 protein expression was not correlated to gene rearrangement and had no significant influence on survival. The presence of EBV DNA in NHL had no prognostic significance but was correlated to bcl‐2 expression. EBV‐positive tumors showed higher bcl‐2 expression than EBV‐negative tumors did. Our results suggest a role of EBV infection in inducing bcl‐2 expression as a survival factor for EBV‐positive cells.
Gbetagamma‐Mediated Signaling: New Therapeutic Target for Proliferative Vascular Disease
Authors: Iaccarino Guido , Koch Walter J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractProliferation of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) severely affects the outcome of coronary artery bypass and angioplasty procedures, causing the failure of venous grafts or restenosis of the reopened vessel. Investigation into the mechanisms underlying the process of VSM cellular proliferation has provided evidence that intracellular signaling mechanisms triggered by extracellular hormonal factors acting through G protein‐coupled receptors, can mediate and sustain this pathological process. Inhibition of common pathways of G protein‐coupled receptor signaling has recently proven effective in preventing VSM cellular activation and proliferation. In particular, inhibition of the Gbetagamma‐mediated mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway results in the inhibition of VSM proliferation in vitro. Moreover, use of adenoviral vectors to deliver a peptide inhibitor of Gbetagamma signaling in vivo has resulted in inhibition of intimal hyperplasia in experimental models of vein‐graft failure and restenosis.
Single‐Stranded Oligodeoxyribonucleotides Are Substrates of Fpg Protein from Escherichia Coli
Authors: Ishchenko Alexander A. , Bulychev Nikolai V. , Maksakova Galia A. , Johnson Francis , Nevinsky Georgy A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe interaction of Escherichia coli Fpg protein, which catalyzes excision of several damaged purine bases including 8‐oxoguanine (oxoG) from DNA with a set of single‐ (ss) and double‐stranded (ds) 23‐mer oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) containing 8‐oxoguanine(s) at various positions, has been investigated. The affinities of different ss ODNs (KM = 0.55‐1.3 muM) were shown to be 12‐170 times less than those for corresponding ds ODNs (KM = 6‐60 nM). Depending on the position of the oxoG within the ODNs, relative initial rates of conversion of ss substrates may be less than, comparable, or greater than those for ds ODNs. The enzyme can remove 5′‐terminal oxoG from ODNs only if the 5′‐end is phosphorylated. Fpg does not release oxoG residues from the ultimate and penultimate 3′‐terminal positions. Duplexes containing two adjacent oxoG are poor substrates for the glycosylase.
Mechanism of Dihydrolipoate Stimulation of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition: Effect of Different Respiratory Substrates
Authors: Morkunaite Sarune , Teplova Vera V. , Saris Nils‐Erik L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe stimulation of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) by dihydrolipoate (DHLA) was studied in rat liver mitochondria in the presence of different respiratory substrates. The Ca2+ threshold for the induction of MPT was lowest for pyruvate, followed by 2‐hydroxybutyrate, 2‐oxoglutarate, glutamate plus malate, and succinate plus rotenone, both in the presence and absence of DHLA. DHLA was not able to induce MPT in the absence of Ca2+, in the presence of cyclosporin A, or rotenone with pyridine nucleotide‐dependent substrates. The difference in sensitivity of MPT to DHLA with various substrates was correlated with the redox state of pyridine nucleotides but not the redox state of glutathione. These findings demonstrate that DHLA induced MPT pore opening through the P‐site thiol. The similarities between the effect of DHLA and that of production of reactive oxygen species found in model experiments suggest that DHLA stimulates MPT by production of reactive oxygen species that exhaust the antioxidant defence.
Functional Protection of Human Haemoglobin Against Protein Dissociation
Authors: Brittain Thomas 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe spectroscopic and functional properties of human adult haemoglobin are clearly disrupted by concentrations of urea > 0.4 M. This disruption of structure and function is completely obviated by the presence of 0.2 M trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO). Spectroscopic data suggest that TMAO prevents urea‐induced production of high‐spin haem. Functional analysis shows that TMAO exerts its influence by counteracting urea‐induced destabilisation of the T state of the haemoglobin protein. Further studies show, however, that TMAO is not able to exert any such stabilising influences in the presence of high concentrations of typical organic solvent denaturants.
Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) Therapy of Tumors
Authors: Balachandran Siddharth , Barber Glen N. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractVesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is an essentially nonpathogenic negative‐stranded RNA virus, the replication of which is extremely sensitive to the antiviral effects of interferon (IFN). We demonstrate here that VSV selectively induces the cytolysis of numerous transformed human cell lines in vitro, with all the morphological characteristics of apoptotic cell death. Importantly, VSV can also potently inhibit the growth of p53‐null C6 glioblastoma tumors in vivo without infecting and replicating in normal tissue. With our previous findings demonstrating that primary cells containing the double‐stranded RNA‐activated protein kinase PKR and a functional IFN system are not permissive to VSV replication, these results suggest that signaling by IFN may be defective in many malignancies. Thus VSV might be useful in novel therapeutic strategies for targeting neoplastic disease.
Hydrogen Peroxide. Ubiquitous in Cell Culture and In vivo?
Authors: Halliwell Barry , Clement Marie Veronique , Ramalingam Jejakumar , Long Lee Hua 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is widely regarded as a cytotoxic agent whose levels must be minimized by the action of antioxidant defence enzymes. In fact, H2O2 is poorly reactive in the absence of transition metal ions. Exposure of certain human tissues to H2O2 may be greater than is commonly supposed; levels of H2O2 in the human body may be controlled not only by catabolism but also by excretion, and H2O2 could play a role in the regulation of renal function and as an antibacterial agent in the urine. Cell culture is a widely used method for the investigation of “physiological” processes such as signal transduction and regulation of gene expression, but chemical reactions involving cell culture media are rarely considered. Addition of reducing agents to commonly used cell‐culture media can lead to generation of substantial amounts of H2O2. Some or all of the reported effects of ascorbic acid and polyphenolic compounds (e.g., quercetin, catechin, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate) on cells in culture may be due to H2O2 generation by interaction of these compounds with cell culture media.
Oxidation of Methionine in Proteins: Roles in Antioxidant Defense and Cellular Regulation
Authors: Levine Rodney L. , Moskovitz Jackob , Stadtman Earl R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe roles of methionine residues in proteins have not been well defined, but a review of available studies leads to the conclusion that methionine, like cysteine, functions as an antioxidant and as a key component of a system for regulation of cellular metabolism. Methionine is readily oxidized to methionine sulfoxide by many reactive species. The oxidation of surface exposed methionines thus serves to protect other functionally essential residues from oxidative damage. Methionine sulfoxide reductases have the potential to reduce the residue back to methionine, increasing the scavenging efficiency of the system. Reversible covalent modification of amino acids in proteins provides the mechanistic basis for most systems of cellular regulation. Interconversion of methionine and methionine sulfoxide can function to regulate the biological activity of proteins, through alteration in catalytic efficiency and through modulation of the surface hydrophobicity of the protein.
Knowledge management in Iran aerospace industries: a study on critical factors
Authors: Jafari Mostafa , Akhavan Peyman , Rezaee Nour Jalal , Fesharaki Mehdi N. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the essential issues of knowledge management adoption, in order to establish a knowledge management program in Iran Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO).Design/methodology/approachThis paper has identified critical factors of knowledge management through Iran AIOs based on a comprehensive review of recent literature. For this purpose, a questionnaire was designed, applied and then analyzed by some statistical methods. The results discussed various perspectives from the knowledge management point of view, and provided some critical factors and a regression model for showing essential issues of subject.FindingsThe statistical analysis determined eight factors as critical issues in this large‐scale case study. These factors are “team working and KM features,” “leadership and commitment of CEO,” “appropriate organizational infrastructure,” “pilot, benchmarking and KM systems,” “job enrichment and security,” “culture, change management and strategy,” “collaborative and flexible organization” and “training and learning.” The overall results from the case study were positive as well, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the suggested regression model.Research limitations/implicationsThe extracted factors can act as a guideline for KM adoption in the organizations. This helps to ensure that the essential issues are covered during design and implementation phase of KM program. For academics, it provides a common language to discuss and study the factors crucial for knowledge management.Originality/valueThe paper may present high value to researchers in the knowledge management field and to practitioners involved with KM program in the organizations. This study further provides an integrated perspective of critical issues for KM adoption in the high‐tech industries including the aerospace industry. It gives valuable information and guidelines that hopefully will help the leaders to consider the important issues during knowledge management establishment in the organization.
Stereo vision‐based autonomous navigation for lunar rovers
Authors: Cui Pingyuan , Yue Fuzhan 
Published: July 2007

PurposeTo provide an autonomous navigation system to endow lunar rovers with increased autonomy both for exploration achievement of scientific goals and for safe navigation.Design/methodology/approachFirst, algorithm and technique of initial position determination of lunar rovers are introduced. Then, matched‐features set is build by multi steps of image processing such as feature detection, feature tracking and feature matching. Based on the analysis of the image processing error, a two‐stage estimation algorithm is used to estimate the motion, robust linear motion estimation is executed to estimate the motion initially and to reject the outliers, and Levenberg‐Marquardt non‐linear estimation is used to estimate the motion precisely. Next, a weighted ZSSD algorithm is presented to estimate the image disparities by analyzing the traditional ZSSD. Finally, a virtual simulation system is constructed using the development tool of open inventor, this simulation system can provide stereo images for simulations of stereo vision and motion estimation techniques, simulation results are provided and future research work is addressed in the end.FindingsAn autonomous navigation system is build based on stereo vision, the motion estimation algorithm and disparity estimation algorithm are developed.Research limitations/implicationsThe field test will be done in the near future to valid the autonomous navigation algorithm presented in this paper.Practical implicationsA very useful source of information for graduate students and technical reference for researchers who work on lunar rovers.Originality/valueIn this paper, stereo vision‐based autonomous navigation techniques for lunar rovers are discussed, and an autonomous navigation scheme which based on stereo vision is presented, and the validity of all the algorithms involved is confirmed by simulations.
A surrogate model for interference prevention in the limaçon‐to‐limaçon machines
Authors: Sultan Ibrahim A. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to replace the complicated iterative procedure used to prevent interference in limaçon‐to‐limaçon machines by a simplified mathematical equation which can be solved by a straightforward substitution of the required clearance value.Design/methodology/approachThe input data to the iterative procedure and the obtained results have been employed in regression models to construct the sought after equation. Searching for a proper form of this equation involved numerical experiments to study the effects of the various model parameters on the system response.FindingsThe numerical experiments conducted proved to be an effective model construction technique, and the regression model proposed has been found extremely accurate in the specified parameter space.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed equation is applicable within the parameter range chosen for the study. This range is the one often used for industrial applications. Should the parameters selected for a specific design fall outside the specified range, the proposed model structure may have to be varied to maintain a desirable level of accuracy.Practical implicationsThe interference study is a part of the iterative procedure employed to design the dimensions of the limaçon‐to‐limaçon machine. This iterative procedure searches for the proper design amongst hundreds of various possible solutions. The results of this paper will ensure a much faster convergence for the design procedure, since the interference study will be eliminated from the iterative section of the analysis.Originality/valueThe paper offers a valid and accurate model that can be efficiently used for the intended purpose.
Asian brands without borders: regional opportunities and challenges
Authors: Cayla Julien , Eckhardt Giana M. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis study aims to analyze Asian branding strategies at the regional level, and provide a map of opportunities and challenges for Asian regional branding.Design/methodology/approachThe study takes, a multi‐sited interpretive approach and interview 22 brand managers throughout the Asian region. The length of interviews was approximately 1.5 hours/respondent. In‐depth case studies of two prominent pan‐Asian brands, Tiger Beer and Zuji, were also conducted. An interpretive analysis to this data set was applied and five themes were developed.FindingsThe two major challenges for regional Asian branding are negative country of origin perceptions and regional positioning being inherently fragile. Despite these key challenges, our respondents saw clear opportunities for regional branding initiatives. Brands can achieve a regional positioning by focusing on Asian modernity rather than on common cultural heritage. They can also capitalize on newfound Asian pride and confidence, and finally they can use a Western stamp of approval to signal to Asians the viability of the brand.Originality/valueThe paper extends previous work on the globalization of marketing activities by advancing the region as an important unit of analysis. It helps understand the development of brands in a part of the world that is becoming more important at the economic and political level. The study shows how marketers are shaping culture in the Asian context. Finally, the paper contributes a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with a regional positioning and the development of regional branding strategies.
Who are the new amphetamine users? A 10‐year prospective study of young Australians
Authors: Degenhardt Louisa , Coffey Carolyn , Carlin John B. , Moran Paul , Patton George C. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTAims  Despite good evidence of increased availability and use of amphetamines world‐wide, relatively little is known about the epidemiology of young adult amphetamine use; relationships with social functioning, other drug use and mental health at this age; nor of the adolescent predictors of such use. We examined these issues using a representative cohort of young people followed‐up in Victoria, Australia.Methods  A stratified, random sample of 1943 adolescents was recruited from secondary schools across Victoria at age 14–15 years. This cohort was interviewed on eight occasions until the age of 24–25 years (78% follow‐up at that age). Cross‐sectional and predictive associations were assessed using logistic regression.Results  At age 24 years, 12% of the sample had used amphetamines in the past year, with 1–2% using at least weekly. Young adult amphetamine use was predicted strongly by adolescent drug use and was associated robustly with other drug use and dependence in young adulthood. Associations were stronger for more frequent users. Among young adults who had not been using amphetamines at age 20 years, the strongest predictor of use at age 24 years was the use of other drugs, particularly cannabis, at 20 years. Psychological distress did not predict independently an increased likelihood of amphetamine use in this cohort.Conclusion  Young people in Australia using amphetamine at age 24 years are highly likely to be significant polydrug users. The risks for both initiation of young adult amphetamine use, and maintenance of such use, pertain to the heavy use of other drugs. Interventions for heavy amphetamine users at this age are likely to require attention to multiple drug problems.