bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnolol induces apoptosis via inhibiting the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Lee Dae‐Hee , Szczepanski Miroslaw‐Jerzy , Lee Yong J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe observed that treatment of prostate cancer cells for 24 h with magnolol, a phenolic component extracted from the root and stem bark of the oriental herb Magnolia officinalis, induced apoptotic cell death in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. A sustained inhibition of the major survival signal, Akt, occurred in magnolol‐treated cells. Treatment of PC‐3 cells with an apoptosis‐inducing concentration of magnolol (60 µM) resulted in a rapid decrease in the level of phosphorylated Akt leading to inhibition of its kinase activity. Magnolol treatment (60 µM) also caused a decrease in Ser(136) phosphorylation of Bad (a proapoptotic protein), which is a downstream target of Akt. Protein interaction assay revealed that Bcl‐xL, an anti‐apoptotic protein, was associated with Bad during treatment with magnolol. We also observed that during treatment with magnolol, translocation of Bax to the mitochondrial membrane occurred and the translocation was accompanied by cytochrome c release, and cleavage of procaspase‐8, ‐9, ‐3, and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP). Similar results were observed in human colon cancer HCT116Bax+/− cell line, but not HCT116Bax−/− cell line. Interestingly, at similar concentrations (60 µM), magnolol treatment did not affect the viability of normal human prostate epithelial cell (PrEC) line. We also observed that apoptotic cell death by magnolol was associated with significant inhibition of pEGFR, pPI3K, and pAkt. These results suggest that one of the mechanisms of the apoptotic activity of magnolol involves its effect on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mediated signaling transduction pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 1113–1122, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PACKMOL: A package for building initial configurations for molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Martínez L. , Andrade R. , Birgin E. G. , Martínez J. M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAdequate initial configurations for molecular dynamics simulations consist of arrangements of molecules distributed in space in such a way to approximately represent the system's overall structure. In order that the simulations are not disrupted by large van der Waals repulsive interactions, atoms from different molecules must keep safe pairwise distances. Obtaining such a molecular arrangement can be considered a packing problem: Each type molecule must satisfy spatial constraints related to the geometry of the system, and the distance between atoms of different molecules must be greater than some specified tolerance. We have developed a code able to pack millions of atoms, grouped in arbitrarily complex molecules, inside a variety of three‐dimensional regions. The regions may be intersections of spheres, ellipses, cylinders, planes, or boxes. The user must provide only the structure of one molecule of each type and the geometrical constraints that each type of molecule must satisfy. Building complex mixtures, interfaces, solvating biomolecules in water, other solvents, or mixtures of solvents, is straightforward. In addition, different atoms belonging to the same molecule may also be restricted to different spatial regions, in such a way that more ordered molecular arrangements can be built, as micelles, lipid double‐layers, etc. The packing time for state‐of‐the‐art molecular dynamics systems varies from a few seconds to a few minutes in a personal computer. The input files are simple and currently compatible with PDB, Tinker, Molden, or Moldy coordinate files. The package is distributed as free software and can be downloaded from http://www.ime.unicamp.br/∼martinez/packmol/. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Brief problem‐solving training for family caregivers of persons with recent‐onset spinal cord injuries: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Elliott Timothy R. , Berry Jack W. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractOur objective was to examine the effectiveness of a brief individualized problem‐solving intervention for family with caregivers of persons with recent‐onset spinal cord injury (SCI). Family caregivers were randomly assigned to a usual care control group (N=30) or an intervention group (N=30) in which participants were to receive three face‐to‐face problem‐solving training sessions (PST), educational materials, and telephone contacts as requested over the first year of caregiving. The participants included 60 caregivers (49 women, 11 men). The Social Problem‐Solving Inventory‐Revised, the Inventory to Diagnose Depression, and the SF‐36 were administered at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Caregivers in the intervention group reported a significant decrease in dysfunctional problem‐solving styles scores over time; there were no observable effects for PST on caregiver depression. There was also some indication that the intervention had beneficial effects on caregiver social and physical functioning. An intervention for new caregivers featuring brief PST, education, and contact may be associated with lower dysfunctional problem‐solving styles over time and may promote certain aspects of caregiver quality of life. We also discuss limitations and implications of the present study. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65: 1–17, 2009.
In vitro regulation of proliferation and differentiation within a postnatal growth plate of the cranial base by parathyroid hormone‐related peptide (PTHrP)
Authors: Wealthall Rosamund J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractParathyroid hormone‐related peptide (PTHrP) is known to be an important regulator of chondrocyte differentiation in embryonic growth plates, but little is known of its role in postnatal growth plates. The present study explores the role of PTHrP in regulating postnatal chondrocyte differentiation using a novel in vitro organ culture model based on the ethmoidal growth plate of the cranial base taken from the postnatal day 10 mouse. In vitro the ethmoidal growth plate continued to mineralize and the chondrocytes progressed to hypertrophy, as observed in vivo, but the proliferative zone was not maintained. Treatment with PTHrP inhibited mineralization and reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the hypertrophic zone in the ethmoidal growth plates grown ex vivo, and also increased the proliferation of non‐hypertrophic chondrocytes. In addition, exogenous PTHrP reduced the expression of genes associated with terminal differentiation: type X collagen, Runx2, and ALP, as well as the PTH/PTHrP receptor (PPR). Activation of the protein kinase A pathway using 8‐Br‐cAMP mimicked some of these pro‐proliferative/anti‐differentiative effects of PTHrP. PTHrP and PPR were found to be expressed within the ethmoidal growth plate using semi‐quantitative PCR, and in other cranial growth plates such as the spheno‐occipital and pre‐sphenoidal synchondroses. These results provide the first functional evidence that PTHrP regulates proliferation and differentiation within the postnatal, cranial growth plate. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 688–697, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pim‐3 is expressed in endothelial cells and promotes vascular tube formation
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Hanqin , Min Xinwen , Wang Yinfang , Tang Jie , Cheng Jishun , Li Dongfeng , Chen Xin , Cheng Fanjun , Wang Nanping , Yang Handong 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPim‐3 is a member of proto‐oncogene Pim family that encodes serine/threonine kinases. Pim proteins regulate both apoptosis and cellular metabolism by phosphorylating their substrates. Here, we report for the first time that Pim‐3 is highly expressed at mRNA and protein levels in endothelial cells (ECs). We found that Pim‐3 is concentrated at the cellular lamellipodia and co‐localized with focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Pim‐3 was dispersed from lamellipodia when ECs were treated with cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of actin polymerization. In addition, small‐interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated gene knockdown of Pim‐3 significantly impaired EC spreading, migration, and proliferation, leading to a reduction in tube‐like structure formation in a Matrigel assay. These results provide the novel evidence that Pim‐3 plays an essential role in EC spreading and migration, suggesting that Pim‐3 may be an important molecular target for the development of small‐molecule inhibitors of angiogenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 82–90, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Employee engagement carries ENSR through organizational challenges and economic turmoil
Authors: Kelleher Bob 
Published: February 2009

AbstractEmployee engagement is a two‐way street at ENSR, which invests in employees with the expectation of high individual and unit performance in return. How it adapted its employee‐centered strategy to changing internal needs and external circumstances, and maintained an environment of trust and transparency, is a lesson to other companies in how to weather weak economies and leverage strong economies for competitive advantage. A cyclical methodology keeps the engagement strategy current. Changes in focus have been implemented through targeted training; an extensive communication protocol; and effective decision‐making tools related to individual developmental strategies, business‐unit investment and performance improvement planning, and selection and retention practices for high‐performing employees. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Talent sourcing solutions in today's fragmented media reality
Authors: Adam Matthew 
Published: February 2009

AbstractGone are the days when a company could count on the Sunday classifieds to reach all its potential job candidates. Job seekers are using a plethora of new media tools, and it's time for employers to do the same. The author discusses recruiting strategies for conveying the employment brand, creating positive touch points to build relationships with job seekers not yet ready to apply, and reaching the large field of passive candidates not yet actively seeking a new employer. The author also discusses ways to turn a company jobs Web site into a powerful recruiting platform and provides ten online tools for driving applicant traffic to the site. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermal injuries in the insensate deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap: Case series and literature review on mechanisms of injury
Authors: Enajat Morteza , Rozen Warren M. , Audolfsson Thorir , Acosta Rafael 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWith the increasing use of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, complications that are particularly rare (less than 1%) may start to become clinically relevant. During DIEP flap harvest, cutaneous nerves innervating the flap are necessarily sacrificed, resulting in reduced sensibility. This impaired sensibility prevents adequate thermoregulatory reflexes, like vasodilatation, sweating, and protective behaviors, leaving the reconstructed breast considerably more susceptible to thermal insult. We present four DIEP flap cases who sustained postoperative thermal injury to the reconstructed breast. All four cases were operated on between 2001 and 2008, over the course of 600 DIEP flaps in our unit (an incidence of 0.7%). The injuries occurred between 2 and 18 months after reconstruction. Two patients sustained thermal injury while sunbathing, one while staying in a warm environment, and one sustained the injury while taking a shower. No flap losses ensued, but these were not without morbidity. A literature review discusses other similar cases in the literature and describes the mechanisms for these findings. As a majority of patients will regain both fine‐touch and heat sensation by 3 years postoperatively, it is pertinent that prophylactic measures be instituted during this period, such as the avoidance of sunbathing and the use of cooler shower temperatures for the first 3 years postoperatively. While performing sensory nerve coaptation is the gold standard for maximizing the success of sensory regeneration, this is not always sought and the 0.7% incidence of thermal injury we have encountered suggest the role for greater consideration of such injury. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2009.
The distal superficial femoral arterial branch to the sartorius muscle as a recipient vessel for soft tissue defects around the knee: Anatomic study and clinical applications
Authors: Herrera Fernando A. , Lee Charles K. , Kiehn Mark W. , Hansen Scott L. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractComplex wounds surrounding the knee and proximal tibia pose a significant challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Most of these defects can be managed using local or regional flaps alone. However, large defects with a wide zone of injury frequently require microvascular tissue transfers to aid in soft tissue coverage and closure of large cavities. We describe a unique recipient vessel for microvascular anastomosis for free flap reconstruction involving the knee and proximal tibia through anatomic and clinical studies. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2009.
Benzylic coupling constants in toluene derivatives by J doubling in the frequency domain and DFT calculations
Authors: Pérez‐Hernández Nury , Álvarez‐Cisneros Celina , Cerda‐García‐Rojas Carlos M. , Morales‐Ríos Martha S. , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe recently modified J doubling in the frequency domain method (MJDFDM) allowed the determination of 4, 5, 6J in toluene, a series of 4‐mono‐ and 3,5‐disubstituted toluene derivatives, as well as in 4‐picoline. The methyl and aromatic signals were subjected to successive deconvolution processes, which at the end led to singlet signals and afforded the corresponding coupling constant values with a high degree of accuracy. Density functional theory calculation of benzylic coupling constants by addition of the Fermi contact, the spin‐dipole, the diamagnetic spin‐orbit, and the paramagnetic spin‐orbit terms revealed good agreement between predicted and measured values when the B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level of theory was used. Evaluation of the substituent effect over the coupling constant was made for all studied compounds and some limitations of the methodology were evidenced. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous measurement of pulmonary partial pressure of oxygen and apparent diffusion coefficient by hyperpolarized 3He MRI
Authors: Yu Jiangsheng , Law Michelle , Kadlecek Stephen , Emami Kiarash , Ishii Masaru , Stephen Michael , Woodburn John M. , Vahdat Vahid , Rizi Rahim R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractHyperpolarized 3He (HP 3He) MRI shows promise to assess structural and functional pulmonary parameters in a sensitive, regional, and noninvasive way. Structural HP 3He MRI has applied the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for the detection of disease‐induced lung microstructure changes at the alveolar level, and HP 3He pulmonary partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) imaging measures the oxygen transfer efficiency between the lung and blood stream. Although both parameters are affected in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a quantitative assessment of the regional correlation of the two parameters has not been reported in the literature. In this work, a single acquisition technique for the simultaneous measurement of ADC and pO2 is presented. This technique is based on the multiple regression method, in which a general linear estimator is used to retrieve the values of ADC and pO2 from a series of measurements. The measurement uncertainties are also analytically derived and used to find an optimal measurement scheme. The technique was first tested on a phantom model, and then on an in vivo normal pig experiment. A case study was performed on a COPD patient, which showed that in a region of interest ADC was 29% higher while oxygen depletion rate was 61% lower than the corresponding global average values. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Referenceless phase velocity mapping using balanced SSFP
Authors: Nielsen Jon‐Fredrik , Nayak Krishna S. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPhase contrast MRI (PC‐MRI) is an established technique for measuring blood flow velocities in vivo. Although spoiled gradient recalled echo (GRE) PC‐MRI is the most widely used pulse sequence today, balanced steady state free precession (SSFP) PC‐MRI has been shown to produce accurate velocity estimates with superior SNR efficiency. We propose a referenceless approach to flow imaging that exploits the intrinsic refocusing property of balanced SSFP, and achieves up to a 50% reduction in total scan time. With the echo time set to exactly one half of the sequence repetition time (TE = TR/2), we show that non‐flow‐related image phase tends to vary smoothly across the field‐of‐view, and can be estimated from static tissue regions to produce a phase reference for nearby voxels containing flowing blood. This approach produces accurate in vivo one‐dimensional velocity estimates in half the scan time compared with conventional balanced SSFP phase‐contrast methods. We also demonstrate the feasibility of referenceless time‐resolved 3D flow imaging (called “7D” flow) in the carotid bifurcation from just three acquisitions. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radial sliding‐window magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with highly‐constrained projection reconstruction (HYPR)
Authors: Jeong Hyun J. , Cashen Ty A. , Hurley Michael C. , Eddleman Christopher , Getch Christopher , Batjer H. Hunt , Carroll Timothy J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSufficient temporal resolution is required to image the dynamics of blood flow, which may be critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment of various intracranial vascular diseases, such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and aneurysms. Highly‐constrained projection reconstruction (HYPR) has recently become a technique of interest for high‐speed contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE‐MRA). HYPR provides high frame rates by preferential weighting of radial projections while maintaining signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) by using a high SNR composite. An analysis was done to quantify the effects of HYPR on SNR, contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and temporal blur compared to the previously developed radial sliding‐window technique using standard filtered backprojection or regridding methods. Computer simulations were performed to study the effects of HYPR processing on image error and the temporal information. Additionally, in vivo imaging was done on patients with angiographically confirmed AVMs to measure the effects of alteration of various HYPR parameters on SNR as well as the fidelity of the temporal information. The images were scored by an interventional radiologist in a blinded read and were compared with X‐ray digital subtraction angiography (DSA). It was found that with the right choice of parameters, modest improvements in both SNR and dynamic information can be achieved as compared to radial sliding‐window MRA. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Muscle proteins during 60‐day bedrest in women: Impact of exercise or nutrition
Authors: Lemoine Jennifer K. , Haus Jacob M. , Trappe Scott W. , Trappe Todd A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAlmost no data exist regarding skeletal muscle responses to real or simulated spaceflight in women. We determined the impact of 60‐day bedrest (BR, n = 8), 60‐day bedrest with exercise‐training (BRE, n = 8), and 60‐day bedrest with a leucine‐enriched, high‐protein diet (BRN, n = 8) on muscle protein composition. Vastus lateralis and soleus muscle biopsies were analyzed for global protein fractions (mixed, sarcoplasmic, myofibrillar) and force‐specific proteins (myosin, actin, collagen). Concentrations (micrograms per milligram muscle wet weight) of these proteins were maintained (P > 0.05) in BR, despite large changes in quadriceps (−21%) and triceps surae (−29%) volume. Neither countermeasure influenced muscle protein content in either muscle (P > 0.05), despite exacerbation (BRN) or prevention (BRE) of atrophy. Pre‐bedrest comparisons showed less myofibrillar protein in the soleus (−16%, P < 0.05), primarily due to less myosin (−12%, P < 0.05) and more collagen (234%, P < 0.05) than the vastus lateralis. Muscle protein composition is tightly regulated in lower limb muscles of women, despite the most extreme weightlessness‐induced atrophy reported in humans. In contrast, men who underwent prolonged unloading were unable to proportionally regulate atrophy of the soleus. These findings have implications for astronauts and clinical conditions of sarcopenia regarding the maintenance of muscle function and prevention of frailty. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Juvenile myasthenia gravis
Authors: Chiang Laura M. , Darras Basil T. , Kang Peter B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractJuvenile myasthenia gravis shares a similar pathophysiologic origin with adult myasthenia gravis, but there are important differences, mostly relating to epidemiology, presentation, and therapeutic decision making. Gender ratios and the proportion of seropositive patients differ in the pre‐ and postpubertal age groups. The diagnostic evaluation is similar to that in adults, although special techniques are sometimes necessary to perform single‐fiber electromyography in younger patients. Therapeutic decisions in affected children and adolescents are complicated by the greater long‐term consequences of using steroids, and thus other interventions, such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasmapheresis, may play a greater therapeutic role in this population than in adults. Steroid‐sparing agents may contribute to the management of refractory cases, but they should be used with caution due to the risk of malignancy. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Expression of synemin in the mouse spinal cord
Authors: Mizuno Yuji , Guyon Jeffrey R. , Okamoto Koichi , Kunkel Louis M. 
Published: February 2009

Abstractβ‐Synemin was previously identified as an α‐dystrobrevin–interacting protein in muscle. To better understand its function in neural tissue, in situ and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to identify where the synemin isoforms are expressed in the spinal cord of C57BL/6 and dystrophin‐deficient (mdx) C57BL/10 mice. These analyses show that synemin transcript and its encoded protein colocalize in the anterior horn cells and that no differences in synemin expression were found in nerve tissue from C57BL/6 ormdxmice. The expression of synemin mRNA and protein predominantly in the anterior horn cells suggests that synemin performs an essential function in those cells. Because synemin is more highly expressed in the midbrain and pons, its function in neurological cells was further pursued by identifying coexpressed proteins in cells from those regions of the brain. These results show that neurons that express synemin also express tryptophan hydroxylase‐1, a marker of serotoninergic nerve fibers. Muscle Nerve, 2009