bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered expression pattern of integrin alphavbeta3 correlates with actin cytoskeleton in primary cultures of human breast cancer
Authors: Havaki Sophia , Kouloukoussa Mirsini , Amawi Kawther , Drosos Yiannis , Arvanitis Leonidas D , Goutas Nikos , Vlachodimitropoulos Dimitrios , Vassilaros Stamatis D , Katsantoni Eleni Z , Voloudakis-Baltatzis Irene , Aleporou-Marinou Vassiliki , Kittas Christos , Marinos Evangelos 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
Integrins are transmembrane adhesion receptors that provide the physical link between the actin cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. It has been well established that integrins play a major role in various cancer stages, such as tumor growth, progression, invasion and metastasis. In breast cancer, integrin alphavbeta3 has been associated with high malignant potential in cancer cells, signaling the onset of widespread metastasis. Many preclinical breast cancer studies are based on established cell lines, which may not represent the cell behavior and phenotype of the primary tumor of origin, due to undergone genotypic and phenotypic changes. In the present study, short-term primary breast cancer cell cultures were developed. Integrin alphavbeta3 localization was studied in correlation with F-actin cytoskeleton by means of immunofluorescence and immunogold ultrastructural localization. Integrin fluorescence intensities were semi-quantitatively assessed by means of computerized image analysis, while integrin and actin expression was evaluated by Western immunoblotting.

Results
In the primary breast cancer epithelial cells integrin alphavbeta3 immunofluorescence was observed in the marginal cytoplasmic area, whereas in the primary normal breast epithelial cells it was observed in the main cell body, i.e. in the ventrally located perinuclear area. In the former, F-actin cytoskeleton appeared well-formed, consisting of numerous and thicker stress fibers, compared to normal epithelial cells. Furthermore, electron microscopy showed increased integrin alphavbeta3 immunogold localization in epithelial breast cancer cells over the area of stress fibers at the basal cell surface. These findings were verified with Western immunoblotting by the higher expression of integrin beta3 subunit and actin in primary breast cancer cells, revealing their reciprocal relation, in response to the higher motility requirements, determined by the malignant potential of the breast cancer cells.

Conclusion
A model system of primary breast cancer cell cultures was developed, in an effort to maintain the closest resembling environment to the tumor of origin. Using the above system model as an experimental tool the study of breast tumor cell behavior is possible concerning the adhesion capacity and the migrating potential of these cells, as defined by the integrin alphavbeta3 distribution in correlation with F-actin cytoskeleton.
PCR-based karyotyping of Anopheles gambiae inversion 2Rj identifies the BAMAKO chromosomal form
Authors: Coulibaly Mamadou B , Pombi Marco , Caputo Beniamino , Nwakanma Davis , Jawara Musa , Konate Lassana , Dia Ibrahima , Fofana Abdrahamane , Kern Marcia , Simard Frédéric , Conway David J , Petrarca Vincenzo , Torre Alessandra della , Traoré Sékou , Besansky Nora J 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
The malaria vector Anopheles gambiae is polymorphic for chromosomal inversions on the right arm of chromosome 2 that segregate nonrandomly between assortatively mating populations in West Africa. One such inversion, 2Rj, is associated with the BAMAKO chromosomal form endemic to southern Mali and northern Guinea Conakry near the Niger River. Although it exploits a unique ecology and both molecular and chromosomal data suggest reduced gene flow between BAMAKO and other A. gambiae populations, no molecular markers exist to identify this form.

Methods
To facilitate study of the BAMAKO form, a PCR assay for molecular karyotyping of 2Rj was developed based on sequences at the breakpoint junctions. The assay was extensively validated using more than 700 field specimens whose karyotypes were determined in parallel by cytogenetic and molecular methods. As inversion 2Rj also occurs in SAVANNA populations outside the geographic range of BAMAKO, samples were tested from Senegal, Cameroon and western Guinea Conakry as well as from Mali.

Results
In southern Mali, where 2Rj polymorphism in SAVANNA populations was very low and most of the 2Rj homozygotes were found in BAMAKO karyotypes, the molecular and cytogenetic methods were almost perfectly congruent. Elsewhere agreement between the methods was much poorer, as the molecular assay frequently misclassified 2Rj heterozygotes as 2R+j standard homozygotes.

Conclusion
Molecular karyotyping of 2Rj is robust and accurate on 2R+j standard and 2Rj inverted homozygotes. Therefore, the proposed approach overcomes the lack of a rapid tool for identifying the BAMAKO form across developmental stages and sexes, and opens new perspectives for the study of BAMAKO ecology and behaviour. On the other hand, the method should not be applied for molecular karyotyping of j-carriers within the SAVANNA chromosomal form.
Detection, characterization and regulation of antisense transcripts in HIV-1
Authors: Landry Sébastien , Halin Marilène , Lefort Sylvain , Audet Brigitte , Vaquero Catherine , Mesnard Jean-Michel , Barbeau Benoit 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackgroundWe and others have recently demonstrated that the human retrovirus HTLV-I was producing a spliced antisense transcript, which led to the synthesis of the HBZ protein. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the existence of antisense transcription in HIV-1 and to provide a better characterization of the transcript and its regulation.ResultsInitial experiments conducted by standard RT-PCR analysis in latently infected J1.1 cell line and pNL4.3-transfected 293T cells confirmed the existence of antisense transcription in HIV-1. A more adapted RT-PCR protocol with limited RT-PCR artefacts also led to a successful detection of antisense transcripts in several infected cell lines. RACE analyses demonstrated the existence of several transcription initiation sites mapping near the 5' border of the 3'LTR (in the antisense strand). Interestingly, a new polyA signal was identified on the antisense strand and harboured the polyA signal consensus sequence. Transfection experiments in 293T and Jurkat cells with an antisense luciferase-expressing NL4.3 proviral DNA showed luciferase reporter gene expression, which was further induced by various T-cell activators. In addition, the viral Tat protein was found to be a positive modulator of antisense transcription by transient and stable transfections of this proviral DNA construct. RT-PCR analyses in 293T cells stably transfected with a pNL4.3-derived construct further confirmed these results. Infection of 293T, Jurkat, SupT1, U937 and CEMT4 cells with pseudotyped virions produced from the antisense luciferase-expressing NL4.3 DNA clone led to the production of an AZT-sensitive luciferase signal, which was however less pronounced than the signal from NL4.3Luc-infected cells.ConclusionThese results demonstrate for the first time that antisense transcription exists in HIV-1 in the context of infection. Possible translation of the predicted antisense ORF in this transcript should thus be re-examined.
Morphine Reduces Local Cytokine Expression and Neutrophil Infiltration after Incision
Authors: Clark J David , Shi Xiaoyou , Li Xiangqi , Qiao Yanli , Liang DeYong , Angst Martin S , Yeomans David C 
Published: October 2007

Background: Inflammation and nociceptive sensitization are hallmarks of tissue surrounding surgical incisions. Recent studies demonstrate that several cytokines may participate in the enhancement of nociception near these wounds. Since opioids like morphine interact with neutrophils and other immunocytes, it is possible that morphine exerts some of its antinociceptive action after surgical incision by altering the vigor of the inflammatory response. On the other hand, keratinocytes also express opioid receptors and have the capacity to produce cytokines after injury. Our studies were directed towards determining if opioids alter cytokine production near incisions and to identify cell populations responsible for producing these cytokines. Results: A murine incisional model was used to measure the effects of acute morphine administration (0.1–10 mg/kg) on nociceptive thresholds, neutrophil infiltration and cytokine production in hind paw skin 30 minutes and 2 hours after incision. Incised hind paws displayed profound allodynia which was reduced by morphine (0.1–10 mg/kg) in the 2 hours following incision. Skin samples harvested from these mice showed enhanced levels of 5 cytokines: IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and keratinocyte-derived cytokine (KC). Morphine reduced these incision-stimulated levels. Separate analyses measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) and using immunohistochemistry demonstrated that morphine dose-dependently reduced the infiltration of neutrophils into the peri-incisional tissue. The dose of morphine required for reduction of cytokine accumulation, however, was below that required for inhibition of peri-incisional neutrophil infiltration. Additional immunohistochemical studies revealed wound edge keratinocytes as being an important source of cytokines in the acute phase after incision. Conclusion: Acute morphine administration of doses as low as 0.1 mg/kg reduces peri-incisional cytokine expression. A reduction in neutrophil infiltration does not provide a complete explanation for this effect, and keratinocytes may be responsible for some incision area cytokine production. These studies suggest that morphine may alter the inflammatory milieu of incisional wounds, but these alterations do not likely contribute significantly to analgesia in the acute setting.
Gene expression profiling and histopathological characterization of triple-negative/basal-like breast carcinomas
Authors: Kreike Bas , van Kouwenhove Marieke , Horlings Hugo , Weigelt Britta , Peterse Hans , Bartelink Harry , van de Vijver Marc J 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Introduction
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous group of tumors, and can be subdivided on the basis of histopathological features, genetic alterations and gene-expression profiles. One well-defined subtype of breast cancer is characterized by a lack of HER2 gene amplification and estrogen and progesterone receptor expression ('triple-negative tumors'). We examined the histopathological and gene-expression profile of triple-negative tumors to define subgroups with specific characteristics, including risk of developing distant metastases.

Methods
97 triple-negative tumors were selected from the fresh-frozen tissue bank of the Netherlands Cancer Institute, and gene-expression profiles were generated using 35K oligonucleotide microarrays. In addition, histopathological and immunohistochemical characterization was performed, and the findings were associated to clinical features.

Results
All triple-negative tumors were classified as basal-like tumors on the basis of their overall gene-expression profile. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed five distinct subgroups of triple-negative breast cancers. Multivariable analysis showed that a large amount of lymphocytic infiltrate (HR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.09–0.96) and absence of central fibrosis in the tumors (HR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.03–0.62) were associated with distant metastasis-free survival.

Conclusion
Triple-negative tumors are synonymous with basal-like tumors, and can be identified by immunohistochemistry. Based on gene-expression profiling, basal-like tumors are still heterogeneous and can be subdivided into at least five distinct subgroups. The development of distant metastasis in basal-like tumors is associated with the presence of central fibrosis and a small amount of lymphocytic infiltrate.
Antifungal Prophylaxis in Cancer Patients After Chemotherapy or Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Robenshtok Eyal , Gafter-Gvili Anat , Goldberg Elad , Weinberger Miriam , Yeshurun Moshe , Leibovici Leonard , Paul Mical 
Published: October 2007

Purpose To evaluate the effect of antifungal prophylaxis on all-cause mortality as primary outcome, invasive fungal infections (IFIs), and adverse events. Many studies have evaluated the role of antifungal prophylaxis in cancer patients, with inconsistent conclusions. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials comparing systemic antifungals with placebo, no intervention, or other antifungal agents for prophylaxis in cancer patients after chemotherapy. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, conference proceedings, and references were searched. Two reviewers independently appraised the quality of trials and extracted data. Results Sixty-four trials met inclusion criteria. Antifungal prophylaxis decreased all-cause mortality significantly at end of follow-up compared with placebo, no treatment, or nonsystemic antifungals (relative risk [RR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.95). In allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients, prophylaxis reduced all-cause mortality (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.85), fungal-related mortality, and documented IFI. In acute leukemia patients, there was a significant reduction in fungal-related mortality and documented IFI, whereas the difference in mortality was only borderline significant (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.06). Prophylaxis with itraconazole suspension reduced documented IFI when compared with fluconazole, with no difference in survival, and at the cost of more adverse events. On the basis of two studies, posaconazole prophylaxis reduced all-cause mortality (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.98), fungal-related mortality, and IFI when compared with fluconazole. Conclusion Antifungal prophylaxis decreases all-cause mortality significantly in patients after chemotherapy. Antifungal prophylaxis should be administered to patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT, and should probably be administered to high-risk acute leukemia patients.
The Inventions of Edward Geisler Herbert
Authors: Herbert T. M. 
Published: October 2007

This autobiographical note was written by Edward Herbert a few years before his death, and gives an account of a lifetime devoted to research, mainly on the hardness and machinability of metals. Though taking an important part in the engineering business that bore his name, Herbert was essentially a research worker rather than a business man, and towards the close of his life he withdrew more and more into the laboratory which he had equipped at his home. The present note emphasizes the continuity of Herbert's work. Thus his original automatic saw was converted into the first experimental file testing machine; the study of the cutting action of file teeth suggested the tool steel tester, the anomalous results of which led to the tool-work thermocouple and the “Pendulum” hardness tester. Then followed in logical sequence his work on critical work-hardening temperatures, the work-hardening capacity of hard steels, the “Cloudburst” process, the age-hardening of superhardened steel, periodic ageing fluctuations and the effects of magnetic treatments; and finally, the invention of the continuous hardness tester and the scanning of diamond scratches as a means of recording fluctuations in hardness due to ageing.
The Modern Paper-Making Machine
Authors: Orr W. H. 
Published: October 2007

During the last two decades both the speed and width of paper machines have increased considerably. This has resulted in the adoption of many devices which prior to that time were still looked on with doubt. The increase in width and weight of the rolls of modern newsprint machines has made the removable wet end practically standard. Similarly the increase in speed has only been made possible by the use of the projection slice, suction couch, and press rolls, which are being fitted with success to machines of all types. The shells of suction rolls must be free from blowholes and this has entailed the use of centrifugal castings, and has been the means of developing their technique. A further development is the vacuum-forming paper machine, probably the most revolutionary modification of the Fourdrinier machine yet proposed. The two-wire machine gives a paper free from any wire mark, and recently a wire has been produced which goes some way towards the elimination of the wire mark. Electric drives arc nearly standard on all new machines.
The Production of High-Speed Helical Gears, with Special Reference to the Elimination of Transmission Noises
Authors: Couling S. A. 
Published: October 2007

The paper records experience gained in the production of quiet-running high-speed helical gears. Sources of gear noise, and the early attempts at their elimination, are briefly stated, together with experiments of a similar nature with which the author has been associated. High-frequency noises, either due to the number of contacts per second or to the indexing wormwheel of the hobbing machine, are distinct from, and more irritating to the ear, than indeterminate noises due to rough running. Ear reaction to gear noise is dealt with, and a method of producing gears is given whereby the noise pulsations are made high enough to be less objectionable to the ear. Hobbing machines with the indexing wormwheel and table solid are advocated, as opposed to machines having the “creep” mechanism. One firm's experience along these lines is given, together with a description of the method which they adopted to eliminate some causes of gear noise. Examples of sets in service, and of their tooth loads and noise levels, are given, as well as special analytical test figures.
A3B Intermetallics: Defect chemistry and nonstoichiometry
Authors: Ipser Herbert 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
The defect chemistry of different ordered intermetallic compounds with the A3B stoichiometry was investigated. Three groups were distinguished according to their crystal structure: L12 compounds (Ni3Al, Ni3Ga, Pt3Ga, Pt3In), D019 compounds (Ti3Al), and D03 compounds (Fe3Al, Ni3Sb). Statistical-thermodynamic models were derived based on a Wagner-Schottky approach, and the calculated activity curves (thermodynamic activity vs. composition) were compared with experimental activity data. In this way, we attempted to obtain at least estimated values for the energies of formation of the different types of point defects present in the corresponding compound, both as configurational defects (which are responsible for nonstoichiometry) and as thermal defects. In the majority of cases, thermodynamic activities had to be determined experimentally in the present study, using either an emf method with a solid electrolyte (Ni3Ga, Pt3Ga, Pt3In, Fe3Al) or a Knudsen cell-mass spectrometric method (Ni3Sb).
Representation of configuration in coordination polyhedra and the extension of current methodology to coordination numbers greater than six (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Hartshorn Richard M. , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie , Kalio René , Leigh G. Jeffery 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Established IUPAC recommendations for the representation of configuration are reviewed briefly, and then methodologies are examined for dealing with regular polyhedra that are typically used when working with coordination numbers greater than 6. More than one method is available and can be used for many such geometries, but the deviations from regular polyhedral geometries that are typically found in such molecules can make it difficult to arrive reproducibly at the same description for a complex using purely objective criteria. Recommendations are made for some geometries of coordination numbers 7, 8, and 9, but not for higher coordination numbers.
Definitions of terms relating to the structure and processing of sols, gels, networks, and inorganic-organic hybrid materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2007)
Authors: Alemán J. V. , Chadwick A. V. , He J. , Hess M. , Horie K. , Jones R. G. , Kratochvíl P. , Meisel I. , Mita I. , Moad G. , Penczek S. , Stepto R. F. T. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
This document defines terms related to the structure and processing of inorganic, polymeric, and inorganic-organic hybrid materials from precursors, through gels to solid products. It is divided into four sections - precursors, gels, solids, and processes - and the terms have been restricted to those most commonly encountered. For the sake of completeness and where they are already satisfactorily defined for the scope of this document, terms from other IUPAC publications have been used. Otherwise, the terms and their definitions have been assembled in consultation with experts in the relevant fields. The definitions are intended to assist the reader who is unfamiliar with sol-gel processing, ceramization, and related technologies and materials, and to serve as a guide to the use of standard terminology by those researching in these areas.
Can Comparison of MZ- and DZ-Twin Concordance Rates be Used Invariably to Estimate Heritability?
Authors: Tishler Peter V. , Carey Vincent J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractProponents of the validity of the classical MZ-DZ twin comparison model for calculating heritability claim that the environments influencing MZ and DZ twin individuals are essentially identical. This ‘equal environments assumption’ may or may not be universally true when applied to the analysis of subjective traits. We examined the validity of this assumption as applied to the propensity for smoking cigarettes, reasoning that equality of environments should lead to equal smoking prevalences in MZ and DZ twin individuals. We identified 8 twin populations with data on smoking. We compiled odds ratios (ORs) for ever smoking in MZ and DZ twin individuals in these 8 studies and overall, using a fixed-effects meta-analytic method based on the Mantel-Haenszel procedure. The prevalence of smoking was less in MZ twin individuals than in DZ twin individuals in 7 of 8 studies. The overall OR was 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.84, 0.89). ORs were virtually unchanged when the analyses were stratified for gender and age, and no differences were found in relation to the location of the study, the date of the study or the birth years of the cohorts. For cigarette smoking, the environments of MZ and DZ twins may not be co-equal. For subjective traits, heritability estimates may be influenced by these unequal environmental factors that differentially affect their development and characteristics in MZ and DZ twins.