bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of vertebroplasty filler materials on viability and gene expression of human nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Lazáry Áron , Speer Gábor , Varga Péter Pál , Balla Bernadett , Bácsi Krisztián , Kósa János P. , Nagy Zsolt , Takács István , Lakatos Péter 
Published: January 2008

AbstractConsequences of intradiscal cement leakage—often occurring after vertebral cement augmentation for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures—are still unknown. In this study, we have investigated the influences of vertebroplasty filler materials (polymethylmethacrylate‐, calcium phosphate‐ and calcium sulfate‐based bone cement) on isolated nucleus pulposus cells. Cell viability of cultured human nucleus pulposus cells were measured after treatment with vertebroplasty filler materials. Gene expression profile of selected genes was determined with quantitative real‐time PCR. The widely used polymethylmethacrylate and calcium phosphate cement significantly decreased cell number in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner while calcium sulfate cement affected cell viability less. Expression of genes involved in matrix metabolism of nucleus pulposus—aggrecan, collagens, small proteoglycans—as well as important transcription factors have also significantly changed due to treatment (e.g., 2.5‐fold decrease in aggrecan expression was determined in cultures due to polymethylmethacrylate treatment). Our results suggest that vertebroplasty filler materials—depending on the type of applied material—can accelerate the degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells resulting in a less flexible disc in case of intradiscal cement leakage. This process may increase the risk of a subsequent new vertebral fracture, the main complication of vertebral augmentation. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:601–607, 2008
Regulation of embryonic endochondral ossification by Smurf2
Authors: Wu Qiuqian , Wang Meina , Zuscik Michael J. , Chen Di , O'Keefe Regis J. , Rosier Randy N. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractSmurf2 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets TGF‐β receptor activated Smad2 and Smad3 for the proteasome in primary articular chondrocytes, thus stimulating their hypertrophic differentiation. Comparatively, how Smurf2 functions in growth plate chondrocytes in a developing long bone is an open question. In this study, we measured the mRNA levels of endogenous Smurf2 and type X collagen in chick growth plate at different embryonic stages to monitor the correlation between the level of Smurf2 expression and chondrocyte maturational stage. We found that high levels of Smurf2 were associated with the differentiative and proliferative stages, while Smurf2 levels were thereafter decreased as the chondrocytes matured toward hypertrophy. In addition, we injected Smurf2‐RCAS into chick wing buds at HH stage 20–23 and examined how the ectopic overexpression of Smurf2 in condensing chondrogenic mesenchyme affects the subsequent process of chondrocyte maturation and ossification during embryonic development. Histological analysis showed that overexpression of Smurf2 in a developing wing bud accelerated chondrocyte maturation and endochondral ossification, which may result from a decrease in TGF‐β signaling in the infected chondrocytes with Smurf2‐RCAS. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:704–712, 2008
One intra‐articular injection of hyaluronan prevents cell death and improves cell metabolism in a model of injured articular cartilage in the rabbit
Authors: Jansen Edwin J.P. , Emans Pieter J. , Douw Conny M. , Guldemond Nick A. , Van Rhijn Lodewijk W. , Bulstra Sjoerd K. , Kuijer Roel 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of one intra‐articular injection of hyaluronan on chondrocyte death and metabolism in injured cartilage. Twenty‐three 6‐month‐old rabbits received partial‐thickness articular cartilage defects created on each medial femoral condyle. In order to examine the effect on articular cartilage surrounding iatrogenic cartilage lesions, which can occur during arthroscopic procedures, Study 1 was performed: in 14 rabbits both knees were immediately rinsed with 0.9% NaCl. Experimental knees were treated with hyaluronan. Six rabbits were sacrificed at 2 days; eight rabbits 3 months postoperatively. Histomorphometric analysis was used for studying cell death in cartilage next to the defect. In order to examine the effect on longer lasting lesions, more reflecting the clinical situation, Study 2 was performed: after 6 months knee joints of nine rabbits were (i) irrigated with 0.9% NaCl, (ii) treated with hyaluronan after irrigation with 0.9% NaCl, or (iii) sham‐treated. After 7 days patellas were used to study the chondrocyte metabolism by measuring the [35S]sulfate incorporation. Study 1: Two days postoperatively, in hyaluronan‐treated cartilage the percentage of dead cells was 6.7%, which was significantly lower compared to 16.2% in saline‐treated cartilage. After 3 months the percentages of dead cells in both groups were statistically similar. Study 2: Hyaluronan treatment resulted in significantly higher [35S]sulfate incorporation compared to knees irrigated with 0.9% NaCl. These results suggest a potential role for hyaluronan in preventing cell death following articular cartilage injury. One injection of hyaluronan improved cartilage metabolism in knees with 6‐month‐old cartilage defects. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:624–630, 2008
Artificial biological ligament: Its making, testing, and experimental study on animals
Authors: Wang Kun , Zhu Lei , Cai Daozhang , Zeng Chun , Lu Huading , Xu Guofeng , Guo Xiaoming , Lin Siming , Cheng Shunqiao 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBy applying a novel biochemical technique using porcine tendon as the raw material with its antigen minimized, we developed an artificial biological ligament (ABL). We examined and tested its structure, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility and explored the feasibility of reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with ABL. By means of treating porcine tendon with epoxy crosslinking fixation, diversified antigen minimization process, mechanic enhancement modification, and surface activating process, we fabricated the ABL samples. We then analyzed its in vivo and in vitro performances, respectively, with animal (goat) implantation, histological examination, scanning electron microscope, cells culture, and mechanical tests before and after animal implants. The appearance of ABL was similar to that of normal human ligament. Histological examination showed that the ABL was composed of collagen fibers with no cells. Electron microscope examination revealed that the ABL was composed of hair‐appearing and fiber‐like objects running uniformly in a certain direction and closely parallel‐arranged. Three weeks after xenogenic marrow matrix cells were cultured on the surface of the ABL, it was noted that cells adhered and the matrix secreted by the cells precipitated around the cells. There were no cells found inside the ABL. The average diameter of ABL was 5 mm and the mechanical test at a speed of 100 mm/min showed that its average tensile limit was 927.19 N; the tension‐resistant strength was 47.22 N/mm. Those measurements were close to the corresponding parameters of the normal goat ACL. Twelve weeks after ABL replacement of the goat ACL, synovial membrane covering with the ingrowths of small blood vessels was seen on the surface of the implant. Fifty weeks after the replacement, the ABL material was partially replaced by regenerated host ligament‐like tissue. Around the ABL material fibers in the bone tunnel close to the joint surface the direct connection mode, ligament‐fibro cartilage‐calcified cartilage‐bone, was seen. As we used the unique biochemical technique and minimized the xenogenic protein immunogenicity of the porcine tendon, ABL showed acceptable biomechanical properties and superior biocompatibility. As a substitute for ligament in the reconstruction of the ACL, ABL has a promising prospect in clinical applications. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Applications of statistical condition estimation to the solution of linear systems
Authors: Laub A. J. , Xia J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis paper discusses some applications of statistical condition estimation (SCE) to the problem of solving linear systems. Specifically, triangular and bidiagonal matrices are studied in some detail as typical of structured matrices. Such a structure, when properly respected, leads to condition estimates that are much less conservative compared with traditional non‐statistical methods of condition estimation. Some examples of linear systems and Sylvester equations are presented. Vandermonde and Cauchy matrices are also studied as representative of linear systems with large condition numbers that can nonetheless be solved accurately. SCE reflects this. Moreover, SCE when applied to solving very large linear systems by iterative solvers, including conjugate gradient and multigrid methods, performs equally well and various examples are given to illustrate the performance. SCE for solving large linear systems with direct methods, such as methods for semi‐separable structures, are also investigated. In all cases, the advantages of using SCE are manifold: ease of use, efficiency, and reliability. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene flow from glyphosate‐resistant crops
Authors: Mallory‐Smith Carol , Zapiola Maria 
Published: January 2008

AbstractGene flow from transgenic glyphosate‐resistant crops can result in the adventitious presence of the transgene, which may negatively impact markets. Gene flow can also produce glyphosate‐resistant plants that may interfere with weed management systems. The objective of this article is to review the gene flow literature as it pertains to glyphosate‐resistant crops. Gene flow is a natural phenomenon not unique to transgenic crops and can occur via pollen, seed and, in some cases, vegetative propagules. Gene flow via pollen can occur in all crops, even those that are considered to be self‐pollinated, because all have low levels of outcrossing. Gene flow via seed or vegetative propagules occurs when they are moved naturally or by humans during crop production and commercialization. There are many factors that influence gene flow; therefore, it is difficult to prevent or predict. Gene flow via pollen and seed from glyphosate‐resistant canola and creeping bentgrass fields has been documented. The adventitious presence of the transgene responsible for glyphosate resistance has been found in commercial seed lots of canola, corn and soybeans. In general, the glyphosate‐resistant trait is not considered to provide an ecological advantage. However, regulators should consider the examples of gene flow from glyphosate‐resistant crops when formulating rules for the release of crops with traits that could negatively impact the environment or human health. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Cleaning of albumin‐contaminated Ti and Cr surfaces: an XPS and QCM study
Authors: Payet Vincent , Brunner Susanne , Galtayries Anouk , Frateur Isabelle , Marcus Philippe 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe cleaning of protein‐contaminated metallic surfaces is a major challenge for non‐disposable devices used for biomedical applications and in the food industry. The objective of this work is to estimate the cleaning efficiency of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) buffered at pH 7.4, as a function of temperature, for an immersion time of 15 h. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is pre‐adsorbed on pure Ti‐ and Cr‐deposited quartz crystals. BSA adsorption and removal were investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Before cleaning, the amount of adsorbed BSA corresponds to one monolayer, and the oxide thickness is about 5 nm for the Cr quartz (Cr3+ in oxide and hydroxide). For Ti quartz, the metal is not detected (10 nm or more of Ti4+ in TiO2). The C 1s and N 1s peaks indicate that the cleaning with SDS is achieved at 37 °C for Ti. For Cr, there are no significant changes from 37 to 60 °C. At 80 °C, the surface is partially cleaned (70% efficiency); at 90 °C, the surface cleaning with SDS is achieved (90% efficiency). The oxide layer of the chromium sample has not changed in composition and thickness.QCM measurements were performed at 37 °C. Switches between BSA and SDS solutions indicate that for Ti, SDS induces partial BSA removal (40% efficiency) after ∼20 min, while for Cr it seems that SDS adsorbs reversibly on the BSA layer, without any cleaning effect. Thus, QCM results are in agreement with XPS data obtained at the same temperature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The volume‐sensitive chloride channel inhibitors prevent both contractile dysfunction and apoptosis induced by doxorubicin through PI3kinase, Akt and Erk 1/2
Authors: de Tassigny Alexandra d'Anglemont , Berdeaux Alain , Souktani Rachid , Henry Patrick , Ghaleh Bijan 
Published: January 2008

AbstractContractile dysfunction and cardiomyopathies secondary to apoptotic cell death are limiting factors for treating cancer with doxorubicin. Inhibition of volume‐sensitive chloride currents (ICl,vol) has been reported to blunt doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. To investigate cellular contractility during acute induction of apoptosis by doxorubicin and to determine whether ICl,vol inhibitors are able to prevent the subsequent contractile dysfunction, electrically paced ventricular myocytes freshly isolated from adult rabbits were acutely exposed to doxorubicin in the presence and absence of ICl,vol inhibitors IAA‐94 or DIDS. Doxorubicin induced increases in both annexin V labelling and caspase‐3 activity and decreases in cell volume. Alteration in cardiac contractility was observed after doxorubicin exposure. Both IAA‐94 and DIDS abolished the doxorubicin‐induced decreases in peak shortening and cell volume as well as the increases in caspase‐3 activity and annexin V labelling. These protective effects of ICl,vol inhibitors were abolished by previous inhibition of PI3kinase, Akt and Erk 1/2. Thus, ICl,vol inhibitors prevent doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis and subsequent contractile dysfunction through PI3kinase/Akt and Erk 1/2. Inhibition of ICl,vol may represent a new pharmacological strategy for developing cytoprotective drugs against apoptotic cell death and contractile dysfunction.
‘Gentlemen, the Cheese Is All Gone!’ British POWs, the ‘Great Escape’ and the Anglo-German Agreement for Compensation to Victims of Nazism
Authors: SCHRAFSTETTER SUSANNA 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn 1964 the West German government agreed to provide £1 million in financial compensation to British victims of National Socialism. The distribution of the money, organised by the British foreign office, turned into a major public scandal, as a number of British POWs, among them survivors of the ‘great escape’, had their claims rejected. By examining the refusal of several British POWs to accept their exclusion from the scheme, the article addresses the interplay of political pressure and public opinion that led to a parliamentary inquiry into what became known as ‘the Sachsenhausen affair’ in 1967. Given that provisions of the agreement with West Germany had precluded indemnification to mistreated POWs, the distribution of the money almost inevitably led to bitterness and discontent. From this perspective, the article explores the impact of the Great Escape on British memory of the war, the public reception of the film The Great Escape (1963), and the way in which public memory influenced the debate on compensation.
The Global Development Race and the Samaritan's Dilemma: Development Aid Discourse in Danish Agriculture, 1960–1970
Authors: SVENDSEN GUNNAR LIND HAASE , SVENDSEN GERT TINGGAARD 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWhy has ‘development aid’ been donated by so-called developed to under-developed populations since the Second World War? Using discourse analysis, this article provides partial answers to this riddle. First, we suggest that donor motives may be rooted in an ideology of ‘being good’, which, paradoxically, motivates recipients to be helpless – that is, a Samaritan's dilemma. Second, drawing on journal articles published in 1960–70, we test this theory by tracing a global development discourse and ‘goodness ideology’ in a Western country such as Denmark – a process that was strongly influenced by the agricultural co-operative movement, which sought to export the ‘Danish co-operative model’.
Assessment of seawater pollution by heavy metals in the neighbourhood of Algiers: use of the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, as a bioindicator
Authors: Soualili Dina , Dubois Philippe , Gosselin Pol , Pernet Philippe , Guillou Monique 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Soualili, D., Dubois, P., Gosselin, P., Pernet, P., and Guillou, M. 2008 Assessment of seawater pollution by heavy metals in the neighbourhood of Algiers: use of the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, as a bioindicator. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 132–139. The objective of the study was to assess the levels of contamination by heavy metals near the Algiers metropolis, using a combination of chemical and toxicological data gained from analyses of sediments and biological parameters characteristic of the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus. Zinc, lead, cadmium, copper, and iron concentrations were determined in sediments and in sea urchin gonads. Sediment toxicity was assessed by bioassay based on the larval development of sea urchins. The most numerous larval abnormalities were found in a site near Algiers identified as highly polluted by lead. The levels of the other metals across the study area fell within the background concentrations reported in the literature for the Mediterranean Sea, with the exception of zinc, which showed high values in female gonads.
Cooperative Ethylene and Jasmonic Acid Signaling Regulates Selenite Resistance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Tamaoki Masanori , Freeman John L. , Pilon-Smits Elizabeth A.H. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractSelenium (Se) is an essential element for many organisms, but excess Se is toxic. To better understand plant Se toxicity and resistance mechanisms, we compared the physiological and molecular responses of two Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) accessions, Columbia (Col)-0 and Wassilewskija (Ws)-2, to selenite treatment. Measurement of root length Se tolerance index demonstrated a clear difference between selenite-resistant Col-0 and selenite-sensitive Ws-2. Macroarray analysis showed more pronounced selenite-induced increases in mRNA levels of ethylene- or jasmonic acid (JA)-biosynthesis and -inducible genes in Col-0 than in Ws-2. Indeed, Col-0 exhibited higher levels of ethylene and JA. The selenite-sensitive phenotype of Ws-2 was attenuated by treatment with ethylene precursor or methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Conversely, the selenite resistance of Col-0 was reduced in mutants impaired in ethylene or JA biosynthesis or signaling. Genes encoding sulfur (S) transporters and S assimilation enzymes were up-regulated by selenite in Col-0 but not Ws-2. Accordingly, Col-0 contained higher levels of total S and Se and of nonprotein thiols than Ws-2. Glutathione redox status was reduced by selenite in Ws-2 but not in Col-0. Furthermore, the generation of reactive oxygen species by selenite was higher in Col-0 than in Ws-2. Together, these results indicate that JA and ethylene play important roles in Se resistance in Arabidopsis. Reactive oxygen species may also have a signaling role, and the resistance mechanism appears to involve enhanced S uptake and reduction.
Myosin XI-K Is Required for Rapid Trafficking of Golgi Stacks, Peroxisomes, and Mitochondria in Leaf Cells of Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Avisar Dror , Prokhnevsky Alexey I. , Makarova Kira S. , Koonin Eugene V. , Dolja Valerian V. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
A prominent feature of plant cells is the rapid, incessant movement of the organelles traditionally defined as cytoplasmic streaming and attributed to actomyosin motility. We sequenced six complete Nicotiana benthamiana cDNAs that encode class XI and class VIII myosins. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that these two classes of myosins diverged prior to the radiation of green algae and land plants from a common ancestor and that the common ancestor of land plants likely possessed at least seven myosins. We further report here that movement of Golgi stacks, mitochondria, and peroxisomes in the leaf cells of N. benthamiana is mediated mainly by myosin XI-K. Suppression of myosin XI-K function using dominant negative inhibition or RNA interference dramatically reduced movement of each of these organelles. When similar approaches were used to inhibit functions of myosin XI-2 or XI-F, only moderate to marginal effects were observed. Organelle trafficking was virtually unaffected in response to inhibition of each of the three class VIII myosins. Interestingly, none of the tested six myosins appears to be involved in light-induced movements of chloroplasts. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that myosin XI-K has a major role in trafficking of Golgi stacks, mitochondria, and peroxisomes, whereas myosins XI-2 and XI-F might perform accessory functions in this process. In addition, our analysis of thousands of individual organelles revealed independent movement patterns for Golgi stacks, mitochondria, and peroxisomes, indicating that the notion of coordinated cytoplasmic streaming is not generally applicable to higher plants.
Arabidopsis UEV1DPromotes Lysine-63–Linked Polyubiquitination and Is Involved in DNA Damage Response
Authors: Wen Rui , Torres-Acosta J. Antonio , Pastushok Landon , Lai Xiaoqin , Pelzer Lindsay , Wang Hong , Xiao Wei 
Published: January 2008

AbstractDNA damage tolerance (DDT) in budding yeast requires Lys-63–linked polyubiquitination of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen. The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Ubc13 and the Ubc enzyme variant (Uev) methyl methanesulfonate2 (Mms2) are required for this process. Mms2 homologs have been found in all eukaryotic genomes examined; however, their roles in multicellular eukaryotes have not been elucidated. We report the isolation and characterization of four UEV1 genes from Arabidopsis thaliana. All four Uev1 proteins can form a stable complex with At Ubc13 or with Ubc13 from yeast or human and can promote Ubc13-mediated Lys-63 polyubiquitination. All four Uev1 proteins can replace yeast MMS2 DDT functions in vivo. Although these genes are ubiquitously expressed in most tissues, UEV1D appears to express at a much higher level in germinating seeds and in pollen. We obtained and characterized two uev1d null mutant T-DNA insertion lines. Compared with wild-type plants, seeds from uev1d null plants germinated poorly when treated with a DNA-damaging agent. Those that germinated grew slower, and the majority ceased growth within 2 weeks. Pollen from uev1d plants also displayed a moderate but significant decrease in germination in the presence of DNA damage. This report links Ubc13-Uev with functions in DNA damage response in Arabidopsis.