bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decorin enhances the proliferation and differentiation of myogenic cells through suppressing myostatin activity
Authors: Kishioka Yasuhiro , Thomas Mark , Wakamatsu Jun‐ichi , Hattori Akihito , Sharma Mridula , Kambadur Ravi , Nishimura Takanori 
Published: December 2007

AbstractDecorin, a small leucine‐rich proteoglycan, plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth. Our recent study has shown that immobilized decorin in the collagen matrix sequesters myostatin into the extracellular matrix and prevents its inhibitory action to myoblast proliferation in vitro. However, it still remains unclear whether free decorin could affect the proliferation and differentiation of myogenic cells by regulating myostatin activity. In the present study, we generated stable clonal C2C12 myoblasts that were over‐expressing decorin, and showed that decorin over‐expressing cells had an increased rate of proliferation as compared to control cells. Decorin over‐expressing cells formed multi‐giant hypertrophic myotubes with an elongated morphology and larger size as compared to control cells, although the initiation of differentiation in decorin over‐expressing cells was somewhat delayed as compared to control cells. Western blot analysis demonstrated that MyoD expression in decorin over‐expressing cells was lower than that in control cells until 12 h after induction to differentiate. At 48‐h differentiation, the expressions of MyoD, p21 and myogenin were dramatically increased in cells that over‐expressed decorin. Furthermore, we revealed that over‐expression of decorin suppressed the activity of myostatin endogenously synthesized in C2C12 myoblasts and attenuated the signaling of exogenous myostatin. Consistent with these results, knock‐down of decorin impairs C2C12 myoblast growth by increasing the sensitivity to exogenous myostatin. These results clearly show that decorin enhances the proliferation and differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts through suppressing myostatin activity. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 856–867, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene using recombinant Pseudomonas strain
Authors: Meesala Lavanya , Balomajumder Chandrajeet , Chatterjee Shamba , Roy Partha 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: The sulfur content in crude oil available from various sources ranges from 0.03 to values as high as 8.0 wt%. These high quantities of sulfur must be removed before the crude oil is processed because combustion of this oil would result in severe environmental pollution, such as acid rain. Due to high utility and operating costs, the conventional hydrodesulfurization process (HDS) is considered to be uneconomic. The biotechnological option, biodesulfurization (BDS) seems an attractive low cost, environmentally benign technology.RESULTS: This paper reports the development of a recombinant strain of bacteria designed by introducing desulfurizing, dsz genes containing plasmid pSAD 225‐32, which was isolated from Rhodococcus erythropolis IGTS8 into a gram negative solvent‐tolerant bacterium, Pseudomonas putida (MTCC 1194). This recombinant bacterium can desulfurize the dibenzothiophene (DBT) in the sulfur selective 4S‐pathway. It has been observed that for the same concentration of DBT, the recombinant strain's growth rate is greater than that of the parent strain. Increasing the concentration of DBT resulted in an increase of lag phase as well as decreased growth rate, which shows that the bacteria is following substrate inhibition type kinetics. This genetically modified bacterium can desulfurize 73.1% of 1.2 mmol L−1 DBT (dissolved in ethanol) in 67 h of cultivation time using growing cells.CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that further research in this area of biodesulfurization using genetically modified organisms may remove the bottlenecks presently in the way of commercialization of the BDS process. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Prognostic significance of depth of invasion, vascular invasion and numbers of lymph node retrievals in combination for patients with stage II colorectal cancer undergoing radical resection
Authors: Tsai Hsiang‐Lin , Cheng Kuang‐I , Lu Chien‐Yu , Kuo Chao‐Hung , Ma Cheng‐Jen , Wu Jeng‐Yih , Chai Chee‐Yin , Hsieh Jan‐Sing , Wang Jaw‐Yuan 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTo determine which aspects of tumor histology influenced the postoperative relapse and overall survival rates after radical resection of UICC stage II colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsData were collected on 259 patients with stage II CRC who underwent radical resection in Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital between January 2002 and December 2005.ResultsA univariate analysis identified that the depth of invasion, the presence of vascular invasion, the presence of perineural invasion, and the number of examined lymph nodes were significant prognostic factors for postoperative relapse. A combination of depth, vascular invasion, and numbers of lymph node retrieval as predictors of postoperative relapse showed that the more predictors that are involved, the higher chance that postoperative relapse would occur. Furthermore, T4 depth of tumor invasion, the presence of vascular invasion, and the number of examined lymph nodes <12 were considerably correlated to the poorer overall survival rates by survival analyses.ConclusionsThis study has revealed that the depth of invasion, the presence of vascular invasion, and number of examined lymph nodes, may prominently affect the prognosis of stage II CRC patients after radical resection. The increasing risk of postoperative relapse is proportionate to numbers of these three parameters. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:383–387. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway and enhanced activity of NF‐κB in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Wu Lingfei , Pu Zejin , Feng Jialin , Li Guoping , Zheng Zhichao , Shen Wenlv 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesNF‐κB, ubiquitin and proteasome have been shown be important factors in oncogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine whether NF‐κB could be a sensitive biomarker for gastric carcinoma.MethodsTumor and adjacent mucosal tissue specimens in 92 patients with gastric carcinoma were studied. The expression of NF‐κB was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The expression of IκBα, ubiquitin in cytoplasm and NF‐κB in nucleoplasm was assayed by Western blot. DNA binding‐activity of NF‐κB was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Fluorogenic technique was performed to measure the 26S proteasome activity.ResultsNF‐κB positive expression in tumor tissues (82.4%) was significant higher than that in adjacent mucosal tissues (32.7%, P < 0.05). The increase of NF‐κB activation was accompanied by the increases of ubiqutin, 26S proteasome activation and a degradation of IκBα but not the ubiquitin‐conjugated IκBα/NF‐κB complex in gastric carcinoma. NF‐κB expression was significantly increased in patients with lymph node metastasis, TNM stage III/IV or with the habit of high intake of pickled vegetables.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that the constitutive activation of NF‐κB is likely due to the activation of ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway and NF‐κB can be used as a prognostic biomarker. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:439–444. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcome after surgical treatment of suspected gastrointestinal stromal tumors involving the duodenum: Is limited resection appropriate?
Authors: Goh Brian K.P. , Chow Pierce K.H. , Kesavan Sittampalam , Yap Wai‐Ming , Wong Wai‐Keong 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIntroductionPresent surgical opinion is divided regarding the optimal method for the treatment of duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) with some supporting the selective use of limited resection (LR) versus others who prefer pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).MethodsA retrospective review of 22 patients who underwent surgery for suspected GIST involving the duodenum.ResultsThere were 15 GISTs, 1 leiomyosarcoma and 6 other non‐GIST benign submucosal tumors. Seven patients underwent LR and seven underwent PD for GIST. The median follow‐up was 42 (range, 2–174) months. Patients who underwent LR versus PD had similar mean disease‐specific survival [144 (95% CI, 92–196) vs. 130 (95% CI, 82–127) months, P = 0.808] and recurrence rates (14% vs. 29%, P = 0.515). All recurrences occurred at distant sites. Comparison between LR versus PD demonstrated that LR was associated with a significantly shorter operation time [125 (range, 50–305) vs. 350 (range, 210–465) min., P = 0.001] but similar morbidity rate (23% vs. 43%, P = 0.357). Comparison between GIST and other benign tumors demonstrated that size was the only statistically significant distinguishing factor [8.5 (range, 2.5–18.0) vs. 2.5 (range, 1.5–8.0) cm, P = 0.014].ConclusionBenign non‐GIST tumors may be distinguished from duodenal GIST as they are smaller in size. LR is a viable treatment option for suspected GIST involving the duodenum. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:388–391. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MMTCA Recognition by Molecular Imprinting in Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogels Based on Poly(acrylic acid) and Poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Ming‐Zhu , Liang Rui , Ding Sheng‐Long , Chen Zhen‐Bin , Chen Shi‐Lan , Jin Shu‐Ping 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA novel IPN hydrogel designed to recognize MMTCA is prepared by applying the molecular‐imprinting method. The IPN is characterized by FT‐IR, DSC, and SEM. Langmuir analysis shows that an equal class of adsorption is formed in the hydrogel. The adsorption equilibrium constant and the maximum adsorption capacity are evaluated, and the effect of the pH on MMTCA adsorption is discussed. The selectivity of the imprinted polymer for MMTCA is studied in aqueous solutions of MMTCA/aspirin/riboflavin. The results suggest that the MMTCA‐imprinted polymer shows superior selectivity for MMTCA as compared to riboflavin and aspirin. The reproducibility of the imprinted polymer to MMTCA is also studied.magnified image
Novel Synthesis of HPMA Copolymers Containing Peptide Grafts and Their Self‐Assembly Into Hybrid Hydrogels
Authors: Wu Kuangshi , Yang Jiyuan , Koňák Čestmír , Kopečková Pavla , Kopeček Jindřich 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA new pathway for the synthesis of HPMA graft copolymers was developed and their self‐assembly into hybrid hydrogels was investigated. Linear water‐soluble polyHPMA was chosen as the polymer backbone, whereas coiled‐coil forming peptides, covalently attached to the backbone, formed the grafts. Peptides of different chain lengths were chosen for evaluation. The results revealed that graft length greatly affected gelation ability. At least four heptads were needed to facilitate the hybrid system to form hydrogels under the experimental conditions used. The major factors affecting the kinetics of hydrogel self‐assembly were concentration and temperature.magnified image
Morphology and Properties of Polyethylene/Clay Nanocomposite Drawn Fibers
Authors: La Mantia Francesco Paolo , Dintcheva Nadka Tzankova , Scaffaro Roberto , Marino Rosamaria 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe influence of an elongational flow on the morphology of PE/clay nanocomposite drawn fibers was studied. An increase of the elastic modulus and the tensile strength as well as a decrease of the elongation at break are observed with increasing draw ratio. The applied elongational gradient orients the polymer chains and the clay particles along the spinning direction. When the applied flow results in the formation and the orientation of exfoliated nanoparticles, a pronounced increase of the mechanical properties is observed. The dispersed clay particles can be broken and oriented by the extensional flow, which might indicate a flow‐induced intercalated/exfoliated morphology transition.magnified image
Carbon Black Networking in Elastomers Monitored by Dynamic Mechanical and Dielectric Spectroscopy
Authors: Meier Johann G. , Klüppel Manfred 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe morphological structure of CB networks in elastomers and their flocculation dynamics under heat treatment and especially during vulcanization are analyzed by dynamic mechanical and dielectric spectroscopy. Dielectric spectra in the MHz range show that nanoscopic gaps between adjacent CB particles develop during heat treatment or vulcanization. These gaps are maintained by immobilized polymer layers acting as flexible bonds between the particles. Low‐frequency dielectric data indicate that the static percolation model qualitatively describes the dielectric properties of the conducting CB network on large length scales, but a superimposed kinetic aggregation process takes place on smaller length scales.magnified image
Chiral Polymeric Micelles From Electrostatic Assembly Between Achiral Porphyrins and Block Copolymers
Authors: Li Junbo , An Yingli , Chen Xi , Xiong De'an , Li Yan , Huang Nan , Shi Linqi 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA chiral polymeric micelle is described, formed from the self‐assembly of TPPS and PEG114‐b‐P(4VP)38 in aqueous media based on their electrostatic interaction. The self‐assembly behavior is studied by DLS, SLS, TEM, UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy, and CD spectroscopy. The experimental results indicate that the resultant hybrid spherical micelles with a hybrid P(4VP)/TPPS core and a PEG shell show chiral signatures. In addition, the chiral micelles have a large dimension and biphasic segregated structure because of the formation of H‐aggregates and J‐aggregates in the micellar core.magnified image
Existence of Two Different Isotropic Phases as a Reason for Bistable Phase Behavior of an LC Side‐Chain Polymethacrylate
Authors: Polushin Sergey , Rogozin Viacheslav , Beloborodov Ilya , Rjumtsev Evgeny , Kozlovsky Mikhail 
Published: December 2007

AbstractAn isotropic melt of a chiral side‐chain polymethacrylate was studied by electric birefringence technique. A phase transition between two different isotropic phases was detected by Kerr effect and confirmed by WAXS measurements. The obtained experimental data can explain the previously reported bistable phase behavior of the polymer, as conventional Sm A phase is formed in slow cooling whereas a TGB‐like, optically isotropic mesophase in fast cooling.magnified image
Superhydrophobic 3D Microstructures Assembled From 1D Nanofibers of Polyaniline
Authors: Zhu Ying , Li Jiuming , Wan Meixiang , Jiang Lei 
Published: December 2007

AbstractSuperhydrophobic dandelion‐like 3D microstructures self‐assembled from 1D nanofibers of PANI were prepared by a self‐assembly process in the presence of perfluorosebacic acid (PFSEA) as a dopant. The dandelion‐like microspheres (about 5 µm) are composed of uniform Y‐shaped junction nanofibers of about 210 nm average diameter and several micrometers in length, as measured by SEM. The dandelion‐like microstructure is coreless with a hollow cavity, and the shell thickness is about one third of the sphere diameter, as measured by TEM. Since PFESA dopant has a low surface energy perfluorinated carbon chain and two hydrophilic COOH end groups, it has dopant, is a “soft‐template” and brings about superhydrophobic functions at the same time. Moreover, it is proposed that the self‐assembly of PANI 1D nanofibers, driven by a combined interaction of hydrogen bonding, π‐π stacking and hydrophobic interactions, leads to the formation of the 3D microstructures.magnified image
Self‐Assembly of Diblock Copolymers into Novel Snowflake‐Shaped Aggregates Driven by Quadruple Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Wang Yu , Cao Yu , Qiu Yipeng , Tang Liming 
Published: December 2007

AbstractTwo well‐defined diblock copolymers with quadruple hydrogen‐bonding groups on one block, denoted PSUEA‐1 and PSUEA‐2, have been synthesized, and novel snowflake‐shaped nanometer‐scale aggregates, self‐assembled by such diblock copolymers in non‐polar solvents, have been observed. The micellar dimensions were investigated by DLLS and SLLS. Their morphologies were studied by TEM. Since the degrees of polymerization of the Upy‐containing blocks of PSUEA‐1 and PSUEA‐2 are quite similar and the polystyrene block of the PSUEA‐1 is longer than that of the PSUEA‐2, a subtle but identifiable difference between the sizes and structures of the PSUEA‐1 and PSUEA‐2 aggregates was noticed and characterized.magnified image
Micro‐Patterning of Polydiacetylene Supramolecules using Micromolding in Capillaries (MIMIC)
Authors: Baek Ji Hyun , Ahn Heejoon , Yoon Jaewon , Kim Jong‐Man 
Published: December 2007

AbstractMicrometer‐sized polydiacetylene (PDA) vesicle patterns on titanium substrates have been successfully fabricated by using a micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC) technique. The shape and width of the PDA patterns are well matched with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds used in the MIMIC process. However, the thicknesses of the patterned films are less than the depths of the PDMS molds, which may be a consequence of the poor water wettability of the PDMS and/or low concentrations of the PDA solutions. Heat‐treatment of the solid substrate, immobilized with blue‐phase PDAs, induces a blue‐to‐red‐phase transition and results in the formation of patterned fluorescence images.magnified image
Photochromic Spiropyran Dendrimers: ‘Click’ Syntheses, Characterization, and Optical Properties
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Ning Zhijun , Yan Yongli , Qian Shixiong , Tian He 
Published: December 2007

AbstractResorting to ‘click chemistry’, four photochromic dendrimers, A‐Tri‐SP, B‐Tri‐SP, C‐Tri‐SP, and D‐Hex‐SP, have been synthesized facilely in sound yields of 85, 88, 94, and 80%, respectively. These dendrimers have been obtained by the straightforward coupling of azido‐attached photochromic spiropyran units to acetylenic‐terminated dendritic cores. The photochromic dendrimers show typical photochromic properties both in tetrahydrofuran solution and in poly(methyl methacrylate) film. They are demonstrated to be endowed with superior performance in comparison to the corresponding spiropyran monomer in terms of larger optical density, better stability of the open ring form, higher sensitivity towards the coordination of ferric ions, and better two‐photon absorption properties.magnified image
Estimation of Macromolecular Configurational Properties from Atomistic Simulations of Oligomers under Nonequilibrium Conditions
Authors: Bernardin Frederick E. , Rutledge Gregory C. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractMulti‐scale modeling requires the selection and preservation of information crucial to understanding the behavior of a system at appropriate length and time scales. For a full description of processed polymers, such a model must successfully link rheological properties with atomic‐level structure. We propose a method for the calculation of an important rheological state descriptor, the polymeric configuration tensor 〈QQ〉, from atomistic simulations of oligomers. The method requires no adjustable parameters and can describe anisotropic polymer conformations at conditions of significant deformation. We establish the validity of the atomistic‐to‐macromolecular scaling by comparing the consistency of predictions of 〈QQ〉 among different polyethylene oligomer systems. We use this method with the previously reported semi‐grand canonical Monte Carlo method to deduce macromolecular and atomic‐level structural information interchangeably for systems with flow‐induced orientation.magnified image
Celecoxib‐induced growth inhibition in SW480 colon cancer cells is associated with activation of protein kinase G
Authors: Soh Jae‐Won , Kazi Julhash U. , Li Han , Thompson W. Joseph , Weinstein I. Bernard 
Published: December 2007

AbstractAlthough it is often assumed that the antitumor effects of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are due to inhibition of cyclooxgenase (COX) activity, specifically COX‐2, there is accumulating evidence that COX‐2 independent mechanisms can also play an important role. Studies with sulindac sulfone (Aptosyn) and related derivatives have revealed a novel pathway of tumor growth inhibition and apoptosis mediated by activation of the guanosine 3′,5′ monophosphate (cGMP)‐dependent enzyme protein kinase G (PKG). The present study indicates that concentrations of the NSAIDs celecoxib, indomethacin, and meclofenamic acid that inhibit growth of SW480 human colon cancer cells inhibit subcellular cGMP‐phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymatic activity and in intact cells induce a two‐ to threefold increase in intracellular levels of cGMP. This is associated with phosphorylation of the protein VASP, a marker of PKG activation, activation of JNK1 and a decrease in cellular levels of cyclin D1; effects seen with other agents that cause activation of PKG in these cells. On the other hand even a high concentration of the COX‐2 specific inhibitor rofecoxib (500 µM) did not inhibit growth of SW480 cells. Nor did rofecoxib inhibit cGMP‐PDE activity or cause other changes related to PKG activation in these cells. Since activation of the PKG pathways by celecoxib, indomethacin, and meclofenamic acid in this cell culture system required high concentrations of these compounds, it remains to be determined whether activation of this pathway contributes to the in vivo antitumor effects of specific NSAIDs. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation improves deglutition in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ciucci Michelle R. , Barkmeier‐Kraemer Julie M. , Sherman Scott J. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractRelatively little is known about the role of the basal ganglia in human deglutition. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) affords us a model for examining deglutition in humans with known impairment of the basal ganglia. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of subthalamic nuclei (STN) DBS on the oral and pharyngeal stages of deglutition in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD). It was hypothesized that DBS would be associated with improved deglutition. Within participant, comparisons were made between DBS in the ON and OFF conditions using the dependent variables: pharyngeal transit time, maximal hyoid bone excursion, oral total composite score, and pharyngeal total composite score. Significant improvement occurred for the pharyngeal composite score and pharyngeal transit time in the DBS ON condition compared with DBS OFF. Stimulation of the STN may excite thalamocortical or brainstem targets to sufficiently overcome the bradykinesia/hypokinesia associated with PD and return some pharyngeal stage motor patterns to performance levels approximating those of “normal” deglutition. However, the degree of hyoid bone excursion and oral stage measures did not improve, suggesting that these motor acts may be under the control of different sensorimotor pathways within the basal ganglia. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
For better or worse: The effect of levodopa on speech in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ho Aileen K. , Bradshaw John L. , Iansek Robert 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWhile the beneficial effect of levodopa on traditional motor control tasks have been well documented over the decades, its effect on speech motor control has rarely been objectively examined and the existing literature remains inconclusive. This paper aims to examine the effect of levodopa on speech in patients with Parkinson's disease. It was hypothesized that levodopa would improve preparatory motor set related activity and alleviate hypophonia. Patients fasted and abstained from levodopa overnight. Motor examination and speech testing was performed the following day, pre‐levodopa during their “off” state, then at hourly intervals post‐medication to obtain the best “on” state. All speech stimuli showed a consistent tendency for increased loudness and faster rate during the “on” state, but this was accompanied by a greater extent of intensity decay. Pitch and articulation remained unchanged. Levodopa effectively upscaled the overall gain setting of vocal amplitude and tempo, similar to its well‐known effect on limb movement. However, unlike limb movement, this effect on the final acoustic product of speech may or may not be advantageous, depending on the existing speech profile of individual patients. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society