bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Male facial appearance signals physical strength to women
Authors: Fink Bernhard , Neave Nick , Seydel Hanna 
Published: December 2006

AbstractPrevious studies showed that male faces with extreme features that are likely to be associated with testosterone (T) are perceived as dominant and masculine. Women were reported to prefer masculinized male faces, as they may consider T markers to be an “honest” indication of good health. However, it is also likely that female preferences for certain male faces arise from the fact that dominant‐ and masculine‐looking males are signaling characteristics which may be beneficial in intrasexual conflict, and thereby also indicate potential achievers of high status, an important factor in female mate selection. Although numerous studies were built on this assumption, nothing is known about the relationship between perceived facial dominance and physical strength in men. We measured hand‐grip strength, as a measure of overall physical strength, in a sample of 32 male students, and recorded age, body weight, and height. Seventy‐nine women rated facial images of these men for dominance, masculinity, and attractiveness. After controlling for age and body weight, hand‐grip strength was found to correlate significantly positively with all three measures. The present data thus support the supposition that a male's physical strength is also signaled via facial characteristics of dominance and masculinity, which are considered attractive by women. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:82–87, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacological approaches to nitric oxide signalling during neural development of locusts and other model insects
Authors: Bicker Gerd 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA novel aspect of cellular signalling during the formation of the nervous system is the involvement of the messenger molecule nitric oxide (NO), which has been discovered in the mammalian vascular system as mediator of smooth muscle relaxation. NO is a membrane‐permeant molecule, which activates soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and leads to the formation of cyclic GMP (cGMP) in target cells. The analysis of specific cell types in model insects such asLocusta, Schistocerca, Acheta, Manduca, andDrosophilashows that the NO/cGMP pathway is required for the stabilization of photoreceptor growth cones at the start of synaptic assembly in the optic lobe, for regulation of cell proliferation, and for correct outgrowth of pioneer neurons. Inhibition of the NOS and sGC enzymes combined with rescue experiments show that NO, and potentially also another atypical messenger, carbon monoxide (CO), orchestrate cell migration of enteric neurons. Cultured insect embryos are accessible model systems in which the molecular pathways linking cytoskeletal rearrangement to directed cell movements can be analyzed in natural settings. Based on the results obtained from the insect models, I discuss current evidence for NO and cGMP as essential signalling molecules for the development of vertebrate brains. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 64:43–58, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Production of galacto‐oligosaccharides by immobilized recombinant β‐galactosidase from Aspergillus candidus
Authors: Zheng Pu , Yu Hongfeng , Sun Zhihao , Ni Ye , Zhang Wei , Fan Yunliu , Xu Yan 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe preparation of galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOSs) was studied using the immobilized recombinant β‐galactosidase from Aspergillus candidus CGMCC3.2919. The optimal pH and temperature for the immobilized enzyme were observed at pH 6.5 and 40°C, respectively. Increasing the initial lactose concentration increased the yield of GOSs. The dilution rate was found to be a key factor during the continuous production of GOSs. The maximum productivity, 87 g/L·h was reached when 400 g/L lactose was fed at dilution rate of 0.8/h. The maximum GOS yield reached 37% at dilution rate of 0.5/h. Continuous operation was maintained for 20 days in a packed‐bed reactor without apparent decrease in GOS production. The average yield of GOSs was 32%, corresponding to the average productivity of 64 g/L·h, which implied that the immobilized recombinant β‐galactosidase has potential application for GOS production.
Ethical questions concerning research on human embryos, embryonic stem cells and chimeras
Authors: Bobbert Monika 
Published: December 2006

AbstractResearch using human embryos and embryonic stem cells is viewed as important for various reasons. Apart from questions concerning legal regulations, numerous ethical objections are raised pertaining to the use of surplus embryos from reproductive medicine as well as the creation of embryos and stem cells through cloning. In the hopes of avoiding ethical problems, alternatives have been proposed including the extraction of egg cells from “dead” embryos derived from in vitro fertilization procedures, the extraction of pluripotent stem cells from blastocysts, technologies such as “altered nuclear transfer” (ANT) and “oocyte‐assisted reprogramming” (ANT‐OAR) as well as parthenogenesis. Initial ethical assessments show that certain questions pertaining to such strategies have remained unanswered. Furthermore, with the help of new or more differentiated biotechnological procedures, it is possible to create chimeras and hybrids in which human and non‐human cells are combined. Human‐animal chimeras, in which gametes or embryonic tissue have been mixed with embryonic or adult stem cells, demonstrate a different “quality” and “degree of penetration” from those produced in previous experiments. Not only does this have consequences regarding questions of patentability, this situation also raises fundamental questions concerning the human being's self image, the concept of person, identity and species and the moral rights and duties that are connected with such concepts. There is a need for legal regulation, on the national as well as the international level.
Quantum dots and peptides: A bright future together
Authors: Zhou Min , Ghosh Indraneel 
Published: December 2006

AbstractNanocrystalline semi‐conductor materials, called quantum dots (QDs), exhibit unique optical and spectroscopic properties, which include, broad absorption, narrow and tunable emission, resistance to photobleaching, strong luminescence, and long luminescent lifetimes. These remarkable properties of QDs have resulted in their use as an alternative to both small‐molecule and protein fluorophores in innumerable biological applications. The overlap of QDs with the rich chemistry and biology that is characteristic of the peptide arena is an emerging research area. Peptides engineered with appropriate cysteines or histidines have served as ligands for producing water soluble QDs as well as for tagging protein ligands and biosensors to QD surfaces. Incorporation of cell‐penetrating peptides on QD surfaces has allowed for the translocation of functionalized QDs into cells for intracellular imaging applications. QDs containing fluorescently labeled peptide substrates have shown utility in the development of novel protease assays. Moreover, QDs‐labeled peptides that serve as ligands for cellular receptors provide an alternative to antibody mediated imaging at the whole‐cell and single molecule level to study receptor distribution and trafficking. This review highlights the overlap between QD and peptide chemistry and speculates on future research directions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 88: 325‐339, 2007.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
In silico profiling of tyrosine kinases binding specificity and drug resistance using Monte Carlo simulations with the ensembles of protein kinase crystal structures
Authors: Verkhivker Gennady M. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe molecular basis of the tyrosine kinases binding specificity and drug resistance against cancer drugs Imatinib and Dasatinib is elucidated using Monte Carlo simulations of the inhibitor–receptor binding with the ensembles of protein kinase crystal structures. In silico proteomics analysis unravels mechanisms by which structural plasticity of the tyrosine kinases is linked with the conformational preferences of Imatinib and Dasatinib in achieving effective drug binding with a distinct spectrum of the tyrosine kinome. The differences in the inhibitor sensitivities to the ABL kinase mutants are rationalized based on variations in the binding free energy profiles with the conformational states of the ABL kinase. While Imatinib binding is highly sensitive to the activation state of the enzyme, the computed binding profile of Dasatinib is remarkably tolerant to the conformational state of ABL. A comparative analysis of the inhibitor binding profiles with the clinically important ABL kinase mutants has revealed an excellent agreement with the biochemical and proteomics data. We have found that conformational adaptability of the kinase inhibitors to structurally different conformational states of the tyrosine kinases may have pharmacological relevance in acquiring a specific array of potent activities and regulating a scope of the inhibitor resistance mutations. This study outlines a useful approach for understanding and predicting the molecular basis of the inhibitor sensitivity against potential kinase targets and drug resistance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 85:333–348, 2007.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
The relationship between instability of H2 production and compositions of bacterial communities within a dark fermentation fluidised‐bed bioreactor
Authors: Koskinen Perttu E.P. , Kaksonen Anna H. , Puhakka Jaakko A. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractMicrobial community composition dynamics was studied during H2 fermentation from glucose in a fluidised‐bed bioreactor (FBR) aiming at obtaining insight into the H2 fermentation microbiology and factors resulting in the instability of biofilm processes. FBR H2 production performance was characterised by an instable pattern of prompt onset of H2 production followed by rapid decrease. Gradual enrichment of organisms increased the diversity of FBR attached and suspended‐growth phase bacterial communities during the operation. FBR bacteria included potential H2 producers, H2 consumers and neither H2 producers nor consumers, and those distantly related to any known organisms. The prompt onset of H2 production was due to rapid growth of Clostridium butyricum (99–100%) affiliated strains after starting continuous feed. The proportion trend of C. butyricum in FBR attached and suspended‐growth phase communities coincided with H2 and butyrate production. High glucose loading rate favoured the H2 production by Escherichia coli (100%) affiliated strain. Decrease in H2 production, associated with a shift from acetate–butyrate to acetate–propionate production, was due to changes in FBR attached and suspended‐growth phase bacterial community compositions. During the shift, organisms, including potential propionate producers, were enriched in the communities while the proportion trend of C. butyricum decreased. We suggest that the instability of H2 fermentation in biofilm reactors is due to enrichment and efficient adhesion of H2 consumers on the carrier and, therefore, biofilm reactors may not favour mesophilic H2 fermentation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 742–758. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mimicking Enzymes: Cooperation between Organic Functional Groups and Metal Ions in the Cleavage of Phosphate Diesters
Authors: Livieri Monica , Mancin Fabrizio , Saielli Giacomo , Chin Jik , Tonellato Umberto 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA series of ligands derived from the bis‐2‐pyridinylmethylamine structure, which bear either additional hydroxyl or aromatic amino groups, were prepared and their ZnIIcomplexes were studied as catalysts for the cleavage of bis‐p‐nitrophenyl phosphate (BNP) and 2‐hydroxypropyl‐p‐nitrophenyl phosphate (HPNP) diesters. A comparative kinetic study indicated that the insertion of organic groups, capable of acting as nucleophiles or as hydrogen‐bond donors, substantially increases the hydrolytic activity of the metal complex. Dissection of the effects of the individual groups revealed that the increase in reactivity can reach up to three orders of magnitude. The improved efficiency of the systems studied, combined with the benefits resulting from the low pKavalue of the active nucleophile, result in an acceleration of the BNP cleavage at pH 7 of six orders of magnitude. The pH‐dependent reactivity profiles follow a bell‐shaped curve and the maximum reactivity is observed at pH 9. The mechanism of the reactions and the structure of the complexes were investigated in detail by means of kinetic analysis, NMR spectroscopy experiments, and theoretical calculations. The reactivity of the complexes that cleave HPNP closely resembles the reactivity observed for BNP, but the accelerations achieved are lower as a result of different reaction mechanisms.
Control of Channel Shapes in a Microporous Manganese(II)–Borophosphate Framework by Variation of Size and Shape of Organic Template Cations
Authors: Huang Ya‐Xi , Hochrein Oliver , Zahn Dirk , Prots Yurii , Borrmann Horst , Kniep Rüdiger 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe templated microporous compounds [H2(Templ.)][MnII{B2P3O12(OH)}], [templates: 1,3‐diaminopropane, C3H10N2 (DAP); piperazine, C4H10N2 (PIP); 1,4‐diazacyclo[2.2.2]octane, C6H12N2 (DABCO)] were prepared under mild hydrothermal conditions. The crystal structures (H2DAP‐Mn: Pmc21 (no. 26), a=1259.43(5), b=949.86(5), c=1135.92(5) pm, Z=4; H2PIP‐Mn: Ima2 (no. 46), a=1257.9(1), b=948.69(8), c=1158.19(8) pm, Z=4; H2DABCO‐H2PIP‐Mn: Ima2 (no. 46), a=1262.90(7), b=961.05(5), c=1151.42(7) pm, Z=4) are characterized by identical framework connectivities [MnII{B2P3O12(OH)}]2−, but vary in shapes (diameters) of the structural channels depending on the shapes of the templating molecule ions. The situation clearly reflects the directing effect of true templates during endotemplating reactions. The experimental results (preparation, chemical analyses, and X‐ray refinements) are supported by detailed ab initio calculations (structure optimizations).
Phase I/II study of subcutaneous homoharringtonine in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who have failed prior therapy
Authors: Quintás‐Cardama Alfonso , Kantarjian Hagop , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , O'Brien Susan , Faderl Stefan , Estrov Zeev , Giles Francis , Murgo Anthony , Ladie Nakia , Verstovsek Srdan , Cortes Jorge 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.Homoharringtonine (HHT) is a cephalotaxus alkaloid that inhibits the synthesis of proteins leading to apoptosis. Intravenous HHT has demonstrated activity in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) after failure with interferon.METHODS.A Phase I study was completed of subcutaneous (s.c.) HHT in patients with CML in accelerated or blast phases and demonstrated efficacy and good tolerance at the same doses used by intravenous (i.v.) administration. The maximal tolerated dose (MTD) was 1.25 mg/m2 s.c. twice daily. The cohort was then expanded to treated at the MTD to include patients in late chronic phase CML after imatinib failure. Therapy consisted of an i.v. loading dose of HHT 2.5 mg/m2 over 24 hours, followed by 1.25 mg/m2 s.c. twice daily for 14 days every 28 days until remission, then for 7 days every 28 days. Six patients (median age, 53 years) who had failed imatinib were treated and 5 were evaluable. Patients received a median of 4.5 courses of s.c. HHT.RESULTS.Complete hematologic remission was obtained in all 5 evaluable patients and 3 had cytogenetic (CG) responses: 1 complete and 2 minor. The 2 patients with BCR‐ABL kinase domain mutations at the start of therapy with HHT had a CG response and in both instances the mutations became undetectable. All patients developed myelosuppression and 3 had their HHT dose reduced due to prolonged neutropenia. Nonhematologic toxicity was mild and manageable.CONCLUSIONS.Subcutaneous HHT is well tolerated and may have clinical activity in patients with CML after imatinib failure. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Up‐front chemotherapy and radiation treatment in newly diagnosed nonsmall cell lung cancer with brain metastases
Authors: Moscetti Luca , Nelli Fabrizio , Felici Alessandra , Rinaldi Massimo , De Santis Stefano , D'Auria Giuliana , Mansueto Giovanni , Tonini Giuseppe , Sperduti Isabella , Pollera Francesco C. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.For patients with stage IV nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who present with brain metastasis (BMs), standard platinum‐based chemotherapy regimens have challenged the role of up‐front whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT).METHODS.In this survey, the authors analyzed the decision tree by which 6 oncologic centers guided the pattern of care in an unselected population of patients with NSCLC who presented with BMs at first diagnosis. The impact of front‐line, platinum‐based chemotherapy also was evaluated. Individual data were reviewed from 156 eligible patients who were referred to participating centers.RESULTS.Up‐front treatment included chemotherapy in 110 patients and WBRT followed by chemotherapy in 46 patients. The selection of first treatment was guided based mainly on the presence of by BM symptoms, with chemotherapy selected for 24% of patients in the chemotherapy cohort and for 76% of patients in the chemotherapy and WBRT cohort. Regardless of treatment, the brain response was 29% (27% and 35% for the chemotherapy and WBRT cohorts, respectively; P value not significant). For the entire population, the overall response rate was 37%, progression‐free survival was 6 months, and the median survival was 11 months. At multivariate analysis, significant predictors for survival were: brain response (hazard ratio [HR], 2.59; P = .0001), modified Radiation Therapy Oncology Group class (HR, 0.87; P = .003), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (HR, 1.49; P = .04).CONCLUSIONS.For patients with NSCLC who present with BMs at first diagnosis, the results of the current survey confirmed that the expected benefit of platinum‐based chemotherapy may be translated into clinical practice and that selected subsets of patients who receive frontline chemotherapy (ie, patients in whom BM symptoms are absent or are controlled by supportive therapy) may be spared from WBRT. Further prospective studies evaluating different approaches and interventions are warranted. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Topoisomerase 2α plays a pivotal role in the tumor biology of stage IV thymic neoplasia
Authors: Liu J. M. , Wang L. S. , Huang M. H. , Hsu W. H. , Yen S. H. , Shiau C. Y. , Li A. F. Y. , Tiu C. M. , Tseng S. W. , Huang B. S. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.Microsatellite studies in histologic types B3 and C thymic neoplasia detected gains on chromosome 17q, which contains the Her‐2/neu and its juxtaposed topoisomerase 2α (T2α) genes. The study aimed to evaluate their impact on tumor biology and survival of advanced thymic neoplasia patients.METHODS.From 1991 to 2005, 36 consecutive stage IV thymic carcinoma patients were treated, 18 men and 18 women, aged 11 to 84 years. There were 22 thymic carcinoma, 13 type B3, and 1 type B2 thymoma. Patients received treatment consisting of surgical resection, combination chemotherapy with the CAP (cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, cisplatin) regimen, or radiation therapy potentiated by high‐dose weekly 5‐fluorouracil infusion. Permutations of these 3 treatment modalities were prescribed as necessary.RESULTS.T2α gene amplification was detected in 4 of 14 thymic carcinoma and 1 of 15 type B3 thymoma. Three thymic carcinoma patients had Her‐2/neu coamplification and these 3 patients had rapidly growing tumor and extensive disease at initial diagnosis. CAP was prescribed in 28 patients and 20 patients responded (response rate, 71.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 52.8% to 85%); all responders overexpressed (≥10% nuclei positive) the T2α protein, whereas 4 nonresponders had very low expression. T2α overexpression predicts CAP response, and its absence predicts resistance (P = .001). Overall survival was significantly prolonged if the tumor was resectable (P = .001), of type B3 histology (P = .0039), and had no Her‐2 gene amplification (P = .0081).CONCLUSION.T2α and Her‐2/neu genes play a pivotal role in the tumor biology, CAP response, and survival of advanced thymic neoplasia patients. Cancer 2007;109:502–509. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
EphA2 overexpression is associated with angiogenesis in ovarian cancer
Authors: Lin Yvonne G. , Han Liz Y. , Kamat Aparna A. , Merritt William M. , Landen Charles N. , Deavers Michael T. , Fletcher Mavis S. , Urbauer Diana L. , Kinch Michael S. , Sood Anil K. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.EphA2 is overexpressed in the majority of ovarian cancers and predicts poor clinical outcome. Based on EphA2's emerging role in angiogenesis, we hypothesized that tumors overexpressing EphA2 demonstrate greater microvessel density (MVD) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression.METHODS.After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, 77 invasive epithelial ovarian tumors were analyzed for CD31, EphA2, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and MT1‐MMP expression.RESULTS.The median age of the patients was 59 years (range, 34‐83). EphA2 was overexpressed in 76% of tumors and was associated with advanced‐stage disease (P< .001) and high‐grade histology (P= .04). MVD was stratified into high (>12.7 vessels/high‐power field [HPF]) versus low (≤12.7 vessels/HPF) counts. High MVD was significantly associated with advanced stage (P< .001), presence of ascites (P< .001), and suboptimal surgical cytoreduction (P= .01). MMP expression was scored separately in the stromal (percentage of tumors with high expression: MMP‐2 = 43%; MMP‐9 = 74%; MT1‐MMP = 40%) and epithelial (percentage of tumors with high expression: MMP‐2 = 52%; MMP‐9 = 61%; MT1‐MMP = 44%) compartments. Endothelial cell EphA2 overexpression correlated with epithelial MMP‐9 (P= .02), whereas EphA2 overexpression in tumor cells was significantly associated with high MVD (P= .002), as well as strong stromal and epithelial MMP‐9 (P= .01 andP= .04, respectively), epithelial MMP‐2 (P= .006), and epithelial MT1‐MMP (P= .01) expression.CONCLUSIONS.EphA2 overexpression in endothelial and ovarian cancer cells was strongly associated with critical factors involved in angiogenesis and invasion. These findings may explain the poor clinical outcome of patients with EphA2 overexpression. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society.