bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potent antitumor effect of TRAIL mediated by a novel adeno‐associated viral vector targeting to telomerase activity for human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yigang , Huang Fang , Cai Haibo , Zhong Suyang , Liu Xinyuan , Tan Wen‐Song 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundAdeno‐associated virus (AAV) has rapidly become a promising gene delivery vehicle for its excellent advantages of low pathogenicity and long‐term gene expression. However, lack of tissue specificity caused low efficiency of AAV transfer to target cells. The promoter of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) has been implicated in mediating gene expression in cancer cells as hTERT is transcriptionally upregulated in most cancer cells. Thereby, the hTERT promoter becomes a good candidate to enhance the targeting efficiency of AAV in cancer cells. Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) functions as a soluble cytokine to selectively kill various cancer cells without toxicity to most normal cells. It remains to be determined whether the hTERT promoter can efficiently mediate TRAIL gene therapy in cancer cells using AAV vector.MethodsA novel AAV vector containing the TRAIL gene under the control of the hTERT promoter (AAV‐hTERT‐TRAIL) was generated. The specific expression of hTERT‐controlled genes was evaluated in cell lines. The antitumor efficacy of AAV‐hTERT‐TRAIL was assessed in tumor cell lines and human hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft mouse model.ResultsTRAIL expression was observed in tumor cells infected with AAV‐hTERT‐TRAIL at both the protein and mRNA level. AAV‐hTERT‐TRAIL displayed cancer‐specific cytotoxicity and induced tumor cell apoptosis. Moreover, in animal experiments, intratumoral administration of AAV‐hTERT‐TRAIL significantly suppressed the growth of xenograft tumors and resulted in tumor cell death.ConclusionsAAVs in combination with hTERT‐mediated therapeutic gene expression provide a promising targeting approach for developing effective therapy for human cancers. These data suggest that AAV‐hTERT‐TRAIL is a potent therapeutic agent for cancer therapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dimerizable cationic lipid with potential for gene delivery
Authors: Candiani Gabriele , Pezzoli Daniele , Cabras Mariasara , Ristori Sandra , Pellegrini Cinzia , Kajaste‐Rudnitski Anna , Vicenzi Elisa , Sala Carlo , Zanda Matteo 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundDespite the use of currently optimized lipofection conditions, including transfection in serum‐depleted media, the efficiency of gene transfer is low and high transfection rates often induce cytotoxicity. A lipid formulation with transfection efficiency not inhibited by serum would provide an advance towards in vivo applications.MethodsWe explored the ability of the cationic lipid SH‐14 to dimerize upon DNA and form lipoplexes, and potentially release nucleic acids in the intracellular reducing milieu. We investigated the critical micelle‐forming concentration of SH‐14 and its intrinsic toxicity, size and Zeta potential measurements, the in vitro cytotoxicity of SH‐14/plasmid DNA lipoplexes and their ability to transfect cells.ResultsAmong all the charge ratios (CR, + /−) tested, lipoplexes at CR 10 with a mean diameter of 295 nm and a surface charge of + 20 mV, exhibited the best compromise between transfection efficiency and tolerability. SH‐14 presented the same cytotoxicity level whether alone or complexed in lipoplexes. Lipofections carried out in serum‐free medium shared a transfection efficiency, on average, of 40% and a cytotoxicity of 38%. An increase of 73% in transfection efficiency and 24% in cell viability were obtained, extending lipofection over 48 h in complete‐medium. Moreover, when serum concentration was increased from 10% to 50%, a three‐fold increase in plasmid dose led to more than 72% of cells being transfected with almost no sign of cytotoxicity.ConclusionsOverall, SH‐14 presents good potential as a novel transfection reagent to be used in the presence of serum. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene transfer into guinea pig cochlea using adeno‐associated virus vectors
Authors: Konishi Masaya , Kawamoto Kohei , Izumikawa Masahiko , Kuriyama Hiromichi , Yamashita Toshio 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundSeveral genes are candidates for treating inner ear diseases. For clinical applications, minimally invasive approaches to the inner ear are desirable along with minimal side‐effects.MethodsAdeno‐associated virus (AAV) was used as a vector into the guinea pig inner ear. Six AAV‐cytomegalovirus hybrids (AAV‐2/1, ‐2/2, ‐2/5, ‐2/7, ‐2/8 and ‐2/9) were infused into perilymph of the cochlea basal turn, an approach that could be used in cochlear implant surgery. At 7 days after injection, distribution of gene expression, hearing and morphology were evaluated. Adenoviral vector was also used to compare distributions of gene expression. Moreover, distribution of cell surface receptors of AAV in the cochlea was examined using immunohistochemistry.ResultsUsing the perilymphatic approach, adenovirus could be transferred to mesothelial cells lining the perilymph, but not sensory cells. Conversely, all AAV serotypes displayed tissue tropism to inner hair cells, with AAV‐2/2 showing particularly efficient transfer to sensory cells. This tissue tropism of AAV could not be explained by the distribution of AAV receptors. Hearing and morphology were largely unaffected.ConclusionsOur results indicate that AAV vector can be safely applied to the inner ear and AAV‐2/2 offers a good tool for transferring transgenes into sensory cells of the inner ear efficiently without toxicity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperpolarized 3He apparent diffusion coefficient MRI of the lung: Reproducibility and volume dependency in healthy volunteers and patients with emphysema
Authors: Diaz Sandra , Casselbrant Ingrid , Piitulainen Eeva , Pettersson Goran , Magnusson Peter , Peterson Barry , Wollmer Per , Leander Peter , Ekberg Olle , Akeson Per 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPurposeTo measure the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of hyperpolarized (HP) 3He gas using diffusion weighted MRI in healthy volunteers and patients with emphysema and examine the reproducibility and volume dependency.Materials and MethodsA total of eight healthy volunteers and 16 patients with emphysema were examined after inhalation of HP 3He gas mixed with nitrogen (N2) during breathhold starting from functional residual capacity (FRC) in supine position. Coronal diffusion‐sensitized MR images were acquired. Each subject was imaged on three separate days over a seven‐day period and received two different volumes (6% and 15% of total lung capacity [TLC]) of HP 3He each day. ADC maps and histograms were calculated. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the ADC at different days and volumes were compared.ResultsThe reproducibility of the mean ADC and SD over several days was good in both healthy volunteers and patients (SD range of 0.003–0.013 cm2/second and 0.001–0.009 cm2/second at 6% and 15% of TLC for healthy volunteers, and a SD range of 0.001–0.041 cm2/second and 0.001–0.011 cm2/second, respectively, for patients). A minor but significant increase in mean ADC with increased inhaled gas volume was observed in both groups.ConclusionMean ADC and SD of HP 3He MRI is reproducible and discriminates well between healthy controls and patients with emphysema at the higher gas volume. This method is robust and may be useful to gain new insights into the pathophysiology and course of emphysema. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of rainfall estimation uncertainty on streamflow estimations for catchments Wye and Tyne in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ekström Marie , Jones Philip D. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe main sources of uncertainty in rainfall‐runoff models are found in the input variables where the largest impact on estimated streamflow is generally given by the catchment rainfall. Hence, by quantifying the uncertainty of catchment rainfall, it is possible to provide an estimate, albeit conservative, of streamflow estimation uncertainty. In this article, 42 series of catchment average rainfall were used to estimate monthly streamflow for two river catchments in the United Kingdom over a period of 8 years, these were as follows: a composite series based on weighted rain gauge series, a series based on interpolated gridded rainfall data and an ensemble of 40 series, based on simulated rainfall grids conditioned on observed rainfall statistics. This study shows that, on average, the uncertainty in monthly streamflow, as given from the mean range of monthly simulated data, were approximately 28 and 42% of the long‐term mean for the two catchments respectively. By quantifying uncertainty in streamflow due to catchment rainfall uncertainty it was possible to identify contributions of other factors to the total streamflow estimation uncertainty. For example, streamflow uncertainty was, in this experiment, shown to respond also to the absolute magnitude of the streamflow, a consequence of the model being optimized for low flows. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Interannual variability of atmospheric water balance over South Peninsular India and Sri Lanka during northeast monsoon season
Authors: Prasanna Venkatraman , Yasunari Tetsuzo 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this study we have investigated atmospheric water balance over South Peninsular India and Sri Lanka during the months October to December (OND) using computed moisture convergence (C) and residual evaporation (E) from National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis data and Global Precipitation and Climatology Project (GPCP) precipitation data. The interannual signatures of OND precipitation, moisture convergence and evaporation over the South Peninsular India and Sri Lanka have been captured. The spatial and temporal characteristics of the hydrological cycle and the contribution of evaporation (E) and convergence (C) to precipitation (P) are discussed in detail. Over the South Peninsular India and Sri Lanka, evaporation (E) dominates during the entire monsoon months (OND). However, the interannual variability of precipitation over the domain is not necessarily influenced by the same criteria which influences the mean seasonal precipitation. The moisture from the Indian Ocean (IO) sector also modulates the precipitation over this region on a year‐to‐year basis. It has been noted that the positive northeast monsoon rainfall (NEMR) is associated with El Nino coupled with IO dipole, but negative NEMR is weakly associated only with La Nina over South Peninsular India and Sri Lanka. There also exists a significant land‐atmospheric interaction over the region in modulating the hydrological cycle on a year‐to‐year basis. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Fruit quality of mini‐watermelon as affected by grafting and irrigation regimes
Authors: Proietti Simona , Rouphael Youssef , Colla Giuseppe , Cardarelli Mariateresa , De Agazio Marina , Zacchini Massimo , Rea Elvira , Moscatello Stefano , Battistelli Alberto 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The Mediterranean region suffers water deficit that affects fruit yield and quality. Grafting improves crop tolerance to disease and drought, but the taste and quality of fruit may be negatively affected. The aim of the present work was to determine the quality parameters of mini‐watermelon, ungrafted or grafted onto a squash hybrid rootstock, and grown under different irrigation regimes: 1.0, 0.75, and 0.5 of evapotranspiration (ET) rates.RESULTS: The interaction between grafting and irrigation rate was not significant for the variables tested. The highest fruit yields were recorded at 1.0 ET and at 0.75 ET with respect to 0.5 ET, and they were obtained in grafted plants. Fruit quality was slightly affected by drought, with an increase in K, Mg and spermine concentrations, especially with 0.5 ET. Nitrate concentration in the watermelon pulp was very low (average 10 mg kg−1 fresh weight). Fruit quality parameters were similar in grafted and ungrafted plants, whereas the titratable acidity (TA), juice electrical conductivity, TSS/TA ratio, K and Mg concentrations were improved in the grafted one. Lycopene, dehydroascorbate (DAscA) and total vitamin C contents for grafted plants were higher by 40.5%, 13% and 7.3%, respectively, than those from ungrafted plants. Spermidine and putrescine concentrations were reduced by grafting (by 24% and 59%, respectively).CONCLUSION: Grafting of mini‐watermelon under irrigation deficit did not modify crop response to water availability, but increased productivity and induced small positive changes in plant quality and nutritional value. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Leukemia inhibitory factor induces an antiapoptotic response in oligodendrocytes through Akt‐phosphorylation and up‐regulation of 14‐3‐3
Authors: Slaets Helena , Dumont Debora , Vanderlocht Joris , Noben Jean‐Paul , Leprince Pierre , Robben Johan , Hendriks Jerome , Stinissen Piet , Hellings Niels 
Published: March 2008

AbstractLeukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) promotes the survival of oligodendrocytes (OLG) both in vitro and in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Here, we show that LIF protects mature rat OLG cultures selectively against the combined insult of the proinflammatory cytokines interferon‐γ and tumor necrosis factor‐α, but it does not protect against oxidative stress nor against staurosporine induced apoptosis. We further demonstrate that LIF activates the janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt pathway in mature OLG. We show that LIF protection is independent of suppressors of cytokine signaling and Bcl‐2 mRNA expression levels. To gain further insight into the protective mechanism, a quantitative proteomic approach (DIGE) was applied to identify differentially expressed proteins in LIF‐treated OLG. Our results indicate that LIF induces a shift in the cellular machinery toward a prosurvival execution program, illustrated by an enhanced expression of isoforms of the antiapoptotic molecule 14‐3‐3. These data provide further insight into the mechanisms of LIF‐mediated protection of mature OLGs.
Systematic gene expression profiling of mouse model series reveals coexpressed genes
Authors: Horsch Marion , Schädler Sandra , Gailus‐Durner Valerie , Fuchs Helmut , Meyer Helmut , de Angelis Martin Hrabé , Beckers Johannes 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA major aim of the Human Brain Proteome Project (HBPP) is a better understanding of the molecular etiology and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Transgenic and loss‐of‐function mouse mutant lines (MMLs) serve as experimental models. Transcriptome and proteome regulate each other in a complex and controlled way, and their comparative analysis is an essential aspect. As a fundamental study, we have assessed transcript profiles using a microarray containing 21 000 cDNA probes in a series of disease models within the German Mouse Clinic (GMC). Seventeen distinct organs of one adult stage were systematically collected for each submitted MML. Samples for gene expression profiling are individually selected based on conspicuous phenotypes in at least one of 14 GMC phenotype screens or on previous knowledge of the mutant phenotype. By microarray experiments expression patterns of 90 organs from 46 MMLs were analysed, identifying up to 232 differentially expressed genes in 45 organs. Here we present an overview of the results of all MMLs analysed and demonstrate the efficiency of systematic genome‐wide expression profiling for the detection of molecular phenotypes in organs of a mammalian model organism. We identify the recurring regulation of particular genes and groups of coexpressed genes in apparently unrelated MMLs.
A fusion PET–MRI system with a high‐resolution research tomograph‐PET and ultra‐high field 7.0 T‐MRI for the molecular‐genetic imaging of the brain
Authors: Cho Zang‐Hee , Son Young‐Don , Kim Hang‐Keun , Kim Kyoung‐Nam , Oh Se‐Hong , Han Jae‐Yong , Hong In‐Ki , Kim Young‐Bo 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe have developed a positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fusion system for the molecular‐genetic imaging (MGI) of the in vivo human brain using two high‐end imaging devices: the HRRT‐PET, a high‐resolution research tomograph dedicated to brain imaging on the molecular level, and the 7.0 T‐MRI, an ultra‐high field version used for morphological imaging. HRRT‐PET delivers high‐resolution molecular imaging with a resolution down to 2.5 mm full width at half maximum (FWHM), which allows us to observe the brain's molecular changes using the specific reporter genes and probes. On the other front, the 7.0 T‐MRI, with submillimeter resolution images of the cortical areas down to 250 μm, allows us to visualize the fine details of the brainstem areas as well as the many cortical and subcortical areas. The new PET–MRI fusion imaging system will provide many answers to the questions on neurological diseases as well as cognitive neurosciences. Some examples of the answers are the quantitative visualization of neuronal functions by clear molecular and genetic bases, as well as diagnoses of many neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The salient point of molecular‐genetic imaging and diagnosis is the fact that they precede the morphological manifestations, and hence, the early and specific diagnosis of certain diseases, such as cancers.
Synthesis and characterization of acrylamide/acrylic acid hydrogels crosslinked using a novel diacrylate of glycerol to produce multistructured materials
Authors: Lopez‐Ureta Luz Cecilia , Orozco‐Guareño Eulogio , Cruz‐Barba Luis Emilio , Gonzalez‐Alvarez Alejandro , Bautista‐Rico Fernando 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this work we propose a new crosslinking agent and the method to use it for the synthesis of acrylate based hydrogels. The use of this diacrylate of glycerol, synthesized in our laboratory, allows the generation of materials with well defined micro‐structures in the dry state, unique meso‐ and macro‐structures during swelling, and enhanced mechanical properties and swelling capacity in water. These properties depend on the crosslinking agent concentration, as well as synthesis thermal history. Poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) hydrogels are commonly crosslinked with N, N′‐methylenebisacrylamide or N‐isopropylacrylamide. Here we obtain and use a new crosslinking agent, obtained from the reaction between glycerol and acrylic acid to produce a Diacrylate of glycerol (DAG). Two synthesis methods at equivalent molar ratio of acrylamide/acrylic acid (AM/AA) were analyzed. The mechanical properties, the swelling capacity, and the morphology at microscale of these hydrogels showed a well defined transition at a critical concentration of crosslinking agent. DAG induces the generation of hydrogels with hierarchichal structure. The micro‐structure surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, the meso‐structure by polarized light microscopy and the macro‐structure by CCD imaging. The hydrogels with hierarchical structures showed improved mechanical properties when compared with structureless hydrogels. Control of the microstructure allows the generation of materials for different applications, i.e. templates or smart materials that interact with electromagnetic radiation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2667–2679, 2008
Synthesis of a hyperbranched polythioketal with 100% degree of branching
Authors: Sinananwanich Warapon , Ueda Mitsuru 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA 100% hyperbranched polymer was successfully prepared by using 2‐[4‐(4‐mercaptobutoxy)phenoxy]‐9H‐fluoren‐9‐one as an AB2 monomer in trifluoroacetic acid. The kinetics of the model reaction between 9‐fluorenone and 3‐mercaptopropionic acid was investigated. The reaction obeyed the second‐order kinetics, indicating that the first reaction, that is, the formation of the intermediate from 9‐fluorenone and 3‐mercaptopropionic acid, is considerably slower than the second one, that is, the reaction of the intermediate with 3‐mercaptopropionic acid. On the basis of this finding, a new monomer expected to produce a 100% branched hyperbranched polymer, 2‐[4‐(4‐mercaptobutoxy)phenoxy]‐9H‐fluoren‐9‐one, was designed and prepared. The obtained polymer was characterized by 1H and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy, which confirmed that the polymer was a 100% branched hyperbranched polymer. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2689–2700, 2008
Relationship between coracoacromial arch and rotator cuff analysed by a computer‐assisted method
Authors: Casino Daniela , Bruni Danilo , Zaffagnini Stefano , Martelli Sandra , Visani Andrea , Alvarez Pau Golanò , Marcacci Maurilio 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundIn this paper we describe and assess the feasibility of a computer‐assisted method which could be useful to investigate the mechanism of subacromial impingment of the shoulder.MethodsThe relationship between the infraspinatus and supraspinatus and the coracoacromial (CA) arch during passive elevation and abduction are described. The methodology is based on the use of a tracker for recording surfaces and passive movements and data elaboration using dedicated software.ResultsIn four cadavers, we observed that the minimal distances between the rotator cuff insertions and CA arch were realized at 45° abduction between the acromion and infraspinatus, at 50–90° elevation between the acromion and supraspinatus and also at 45–70° abduction between the CA ligament and supraspinatus. This study showed that the proposed method is able to provide repeatable kinematic data (ICC ≥ 0.90), numerical anatomical data comparable with the literature and, moreover, individual measurements on the shoulder joint.ConclusionsThis preliminary results support the extension of the methodology to an in vivo protocol to be used during computer‐assisted arthroscopic surgery. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensing of λDNA solutions by metal‐gap‐semiconductor devices
Authors: Hirokane Takaaki , Kanzaki Daisuke , Hashimoto Hideaki , Urabe Shinichi , Arima Kenta , Uchikoshi Junichi , Morita Mizuho 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe have proposed a metal‐gap‐semiconductor (MGS) sensing device. Different concentrations of λDNA solutions have been characterized by capacitance–voltage measurements of the sensing device. Hysteresis due to electron traps and flatband voltage shift due to negative charge are observed in capacitance–voltage curves. As the λDNA concentration increases, the flatband voltage shift toward the positive voltage increases in the concentration between 0.01 and 0.3 µg/µl. It is suggested that the hysteresis in capacitance–voltage curves arises from the capture and emission of electrons through the states of the λDNA solution, and the flatband voltage shift is attributed to the charge of the λDNA solution. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy of SPE‐grown bcc‐Fe, polycrystal and β‐FeSi2 phases on Si(111) surfaces
Authors: Hattori Azusa N. , Hattori Ken , Daimon Hiroshi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractUltrathin films of iron silicides were grown on Si(111) surfaces by solid phase epitaxy (SPE); iron deposition and subsequent annealing, and analyzed using in situ high energy‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We analyzed peaks using Lorentzian and Donaich‐Šunjić curves and estimated the validity of both fittings. Under the sequence from bcc‐Fe to polycrystal phase (the mixture of Fe3Si and β‐FeSi2), and then β‐FeSi2 phase with annealing process, the slight chemical shifts of Fe 2p3/2 toward higher binding energy (BE) and the reduction of peak asymmetry for Fe 2p3/2 and Fe 2p1/2 were observed. We attributed this behavior to the reduction of the metallicity in iron silicide films. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.