bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective study of dietary flavonoid intake and incidence of epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Gates Margaret A. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Hecht Jonathan L. , De Vivo Immaculata , Rosner Bernard , Hankinson Susan E.
Published: April 2007

Flavonoids are antioxidant compounds found in plants, including fruits, vegetables and tea. No prior prospective studies have examined the association between intake of flavonoids in the flavonol and flavone subclasses and ovarian cancer risk. We analyzed the association between intake of 5 common dietary flavonoids and incidence of epithelial ovarian cancer among 66,940 women in the Nurses' Health Study. We calculated each participant's intake of myricetin, kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin and apigenin from dietary data collected at multiple time points, and used Cox proportional hazards regression to model the incidence rate ratio (RR) of ovarian cancer for each quintile of intake. Our analysis included 347 cases diagnosed between 1984 and 2002, and 950,347 person‐years of follow‐up. There was no clear association between total intake of the 5 flavonoids examined and incidence of ovarian cancer (RR = 0.75 for the highestversuslowest quintile, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.51–1.09). However, there was a significant 40% decrease in ovarian cancer incidence for the highestversuslowest quintile of kaempferol intake (RR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.42–0.87;p‐trend = 0.002), and a significant 34% decrease in incidence for the highestversuslowest quintile of luteolin intake (RR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49–0.91;p‐trend = 0.01). There was evidence of an inverse association with consumption of tea (nonherbal) and broccoli, the primary contributors to kaempferol intake in our population. These data suggest that dietary intake of certain flavonoids may reduce ovarian cancer risk, although additional prospective studies are needed to further evaluate this association. If confirmed, these results would provide an important target for ovarian cancer prevention. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effectiveness of preventive interventions in BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers: A systematic review
Authors: Bermejo‐Pérez M.J. , Márquez‐Calderón S. , Llanos‐Méndez A.
Published: April 2007

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to assess the outcomes of preventive interventions (prophylactic surgery, intensive cancer screening, and chemoprevention) in women who carry mutations in BRCA1/2 genes, in terms of reducing breast and gynaecological cancer incidence and/or mortality. A search for relevant articles published between 1996 and 2005 (inclusive) was run on Medline, Embase and other databases. From the 749 journal articles retrieved from this search strategy, 18 studies were eligible for this review (2 systematic reviews, 10 cohort studies and 6 case‐control studies). The critical appraisal of the studies was performed by two independent reviewers with a list of ad hoc selected criteria. The synthesis of results was qualitative. Mastectomy and prophylactic gynaecological surgery (oophorectomy or salpingo‐oophorectomy) reduced breast and gynaecological cancer incidence in carriers of BRCA mutations, by comparison to surveillance. However, all the studies presented flaws in internal and external validity, none of these preventive interventions is risk‐free, and protection against breast and gynaecological cancer, as well as other cancers linked to BRCA mutations, is incomplete. No studies comparing surveillance programmes of varying intensity were found. Exposure to drugs (tamoxifen, and oral contraceptives) in women carrying BRCA mutations was assessed through a limited number of papers. All of these were case‐control studies with prevalent cases and presented major methodological flaws. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The development and evaluation of the intervention model for the Florida Infant Mental Health Pilot Program
Authors: Osofsky Joy D. , Kronenberg Mindy , Hammer Jill Hayes , Lederman Judge Cindy , Katz Lynne , Adams Sandra , Graham Mimi , Hogan Anne
Published: April 2007

The focus of this paper is on the development and evaluation of an intervention model for Florida's Infant and Young Child Mental Health Pilot Program, designed to identify families with children at risk for abuse and neglect, and to provide clinical evaluation and treatment services. The evaluation model, intervention strategies, and results presented in this paper are all part of the Florida pilot project developed as a response to the recommendations of the state's Strategic Plan for Infant Mental Health. Funded by the Florida legislature, the 3‐year, multisite pilot was designed to provide earlier identification, better evaluation, and more effective treatment services for high‐risk children under the age of three. The target population was children either at risk for out‐of‐home placement due to abuse and neglect, or those already in the child welfare system or adjudicated dependent by the state. The goals of the pilot project were: 1) to reduce the occurrence and re‐occurrence of abuse and neglect; 2) to enhance the child's developmental functioning; 3) to improve the parent‐child relationship; 4) to increase expeditious permanency placements; 5) to develop a model for intervention and treatment that could potentially be replicated in different sites; and 6) to document the components of a quality infant mental health intervention model and evaluate its effectiveness.
Dominance among unfamiliar peers starts in infancy
Authors: Plusquellec Pierrich , François Nathe , Boivin Michel , Perusse Daniel , Tremblay Richard E.
Published: April 2007

Dominance has been conceived for a long time in terms of asymmetry in agonistic conflicts. But this conception has shown its limits in the complexity of children's social worlds. Today, dominance is rather conceived in terms of asymmetry in resource control within children's dyads. Some observational studies have been done in this context, but only on small groups of familiar children and often up to 3 years of age. Our aim was to reveal whether asymmetry in resource control would occur between younger children who met each other for the first time in the presence of an attractive toy. We observed 201 dyads of 19‐month‐old unfamiliar peers in four repetitive competitive sessions for a toy. Resource control and asymmetry between participants were highly consistent between sessions. The level of asymmetry in resource control between participants was very high. This asymmetry was influenced neither by gender nor by age, and coercive behaviors in the situation, physical aggression rated by parents, birth order, and day‐care habits did not account for the asymmetry in our setting. However, body size at birth (although not at the time of testing) and anxiety rated by parents contributed significantly to the asymmetry in resource control.
Mothers' representations of their infants and parenting behavior: Associations with personal and social‐contextual variables in a high‐risk sample
Authors: Sokolowski Margaret Szewczyk , Hans Sydney L. , Bernstein Victor J. , Cox Suzanne M.
Published: April 2007

Associations between mothers' psychological distress, experiences of verbal and violent relational conflict, representations of the relationships with their infants, and parenting behavior were examined in 100 African American mothers of 17‐ to 20‐month‐old infants. Maternal representations of infants were assessed via the Working Model of the Child Interview (WMCI; Zeanah, Benoit, Hirshberg, & Barton, 1986). Results showed that mothers who experienced more conflict with their own mothers had increased odds of having disengaged representations of the relationship with their infants. Mothers who experienced more conflict with their infants' fathers had increased odds of having distorted views of their infants. Mothers who reported more hostile psychological symptomalogy had greater odds of not having a balanced representation of their infants (distorted or disengaged). Additionally, mothers with disengaged representations were less sensitive, more passive, and used less encouragement and guidance with their children. Maternal hostility and conflict were directly related to parenting and were not mediated by representations. Results show that representations and parenting behavior are linked and multiply determined.
Novel chlorhexidine releasing system developed from thermosensitive vinyl ether‐based hydrogels
Authors: Kiremitçi Arlin S. , Çiftçi Arzu , Özalp Meral , Gümüşderelioğlu Menemşe
Published: April 2007

The aim of this study is to determine the effective concentrations of chlorhexidine on the release for prolonged periods of time from a novel hydrogel system. A hydrogel that exhibits a volume phase transition in response to temperature was synthesized by radiation copolymerization of ethylene glycol vinyl ether and butyl vinyl ether in the presence of crosslinking agent, diethylene glycol divinyl ether. Hydrogel samples in the disc form (diameter, 10 mm and height, 1.5 mm) were utilized as a matrix for the release of an antimicrobial agent, chlorhexidine diacetate. Chlorhexidine loading into the hydrogel was performed by water sorption at 4°C, which allows high swelling and thus high loading capacity, i.e., ∼36 mg drug per gram of dry gel. Chlorhexidine release was examined as short‐term (24 h) and long‐term (27 days) by UV spectrophotometer. Microbial studies were carried out by micro‐dilution method in order to determine the effectiveness of the drug release. Minimum inhibitory concentration values for the pathogens of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei were determined. The long‐term chlorhexidine release is initially very fast. After that, the drug release reaches a slow but a steady rate. Such a release pattern provides an effective drug release. The prolonged release of chlorhexidine is continued up to the 27th day. MIC values for the two pathogens have been shown that the release rate from disc is effective to inhibit the growth of pathogens. These in vitro drug release results suggested that the thermosensitive hydrogelic system developed in this study can be evaluated as a delivery system for the release of chlorhexidine. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
MicroRNA‐223 is a key factor in osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Sugatani T. , Hruska K.A.
Published: April 2007

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncording RNAs that control gene expression by translational inhibition and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) degradation in plants and animals. Although miRNAs have been implicated in developmental and homeostatic events of vertebrates and invertebrates, the role of miRNAs in bone metabolism has not been explored. Here, we show that microRNA‐223 (miR‐223) is expressed in RAW264.7 cells, mouse osteoclast precursor cell lines, and plays a critical role in osteoclast differentiation. We constructed miR‐223 short interfering RNA (siRNA) or precursor miR‐223 (pre‐miR‐223) overexpression retroviral vectors, and established miR‐223 knockdown by siRNA or pre‐miR‐223 overexpression in stably infected RAW264.7 cells. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive multinucleated cells were observed in miR‐223 knockdown cells as well as control cells. In contrast, pre‐miR‐223 overexpression completely blocked TRAP‐positive multinucleated cell formation compared with control cells. Apoptotic cells were not observed in this study. Our results indicate that miR‐223 plays an essential role during osteoclast differentiation, and miR‐223 might be a viable therapeutic target for a range of bone metabolic disorders with excess osteoclast activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 996–999, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PKB/Akt inhibits ceramide‐induced apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells by blocking apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) translocation
Authors: Kim Nam Hyun , Kim Kyunghoon , Park Weon Seo , Son Hyeon S. , Bae Youngmee
Published: April 2007

Ceramide is a sphingolipid that is abundant in the plasma membrane of neuronal cells and is thought to have regulatory roles in cell differentiation and cell death. Ceramide is known to induce apoptosis in a variety of different cell types, whereas the physiological significance of gangliosides, another class of sphingolipids, in these processes is still unclear. We examined the mechanisms of ceramide‐induced cell death using a human neuroblastoma cell line. Treatment of the human neuroblastoma cell line SH‐SY5Y with ceramide induced dephosphorylation of the PKB/Akt kinase and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, ceramide‐induced neuronal cell death was not completely blocked by inhibition of caspase activity. This incomplete inhibition appeared to be attributable to the translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor to the nucleus. Furthermore, overexpression of active PKB/Akt or Bcl‐2 successfully blocked ceramide‐induced neuronal cell death through inhibition of the translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1160–1170, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The mouse C/EBPδ gene promoter is regulated by STAT3 and Sp1 transcriptional activators, chromatin remodeling and c‐Myc repression
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Sif Said , DeWille Jim
Published: April 2007

CCAAT/enhancer binding proteinδ (C/EBPδ) gene transcription is highly induced in G0 growth arrested mammary epithelial cells and “loss of function” alterations in C/EBPδ have been reported in human breast cancer. To gain a better understanding of the positive and negative factors that control C/EBPδ gene expression we investigated the role of transcriptional activators, coactivators, repressors, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling and basal transcriptional machinery components in growing and growth arrested HC11 mouse mammary epithelial cells. Growth arrest treatments result in increased STAT3 activation (pSTAT3) and increased C/EBPδ expression. Co‐immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrated that pSTAT3 and Sp1 interact and bind to the transcriptionally active C/EBPδ promoter. ChIP assays performed under exponentially growing (C/EBPδ non‐expressing) conditions demonstrated that the C/EBPδ promoter is preloaded with transcriptional activators (Sp1 and CREB) and transcriptional machinery components (TBP and RNA Pol II). In contrast, under G0 growth arrest (C/EBPδ expressing) conditions ChIP analysis detected pSTAT3, Sp1, NCoA/SRC1, CBP/p300, pCREB, TBP, and serine 2 phosphorylated Pol II (pPol II) in association with the C/EBPδ proximal promoter. C/EBPδ promoter‐associated histone post‐translational modification analysis revealed histone H3 and H4 acetylation and methylation patterns consistent with a constitutively “open” chromatin conformation. Chromatin remodeling experiments demonstrated that BRG1, the ATPase component of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is required for C/EBPδ transcription. Finally, C/EBPδ expression is repressed in proliferating mammary epithelial cells by c‐Myc via a mechanism that involves the binding of c‐Myc:Max dimers to C/EBPδ promoter‐bound Miz‐1. These results provide a molecular model of C/EBPδ transcriptional regulation under G0 growth arrest conditions. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1256–1270, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paradoxical roles for lysyl oxidases in cancer—A prospect
Authors: Payne Stacey L. , Hendrix Mary J.C. , Kirschmann Dawn A.
Published: April 2007

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) enzyme that catalyzes the cross‐linking of collagens or elastin in the extracellular compartment, thereby regulating the tensile strength of tissues. However, recent reports have demonstrated novel roles for LOX, including the ability to regulate gene transcription, motility/migration, and cell adhesion. These diverse functions have led researchers to hypothesize that LOX may have multiple roles affecting both extra‐ and intracellular cell function(s). Particularly noteworthy is aberrant LOX expression and activity that have been observed in various cancerous tissues and neoplastic cell lines. Both down and upregulation of LOX in tumor tissues and cancer cell lines have been described, suggesting a dual role for LOX as a tumor suppressor, as well as a metastasis promoter gene—creating a conundrum within the LOX research field. Here, we review the body of evidence on LOX gene expression, regulation, and function(s) in various cancer cell types and tissues, as well as stromal–tumor cell interactions. Lastly, we will examine putative mechanisms in which LOX facilitates breast cancer invasion and metastasis. Taken together, the literature demonstrates the increasingly important role(s) that LOX may play in regulating tumor progression and the necessity to elucidate its myriad mechanisms of action in order to identify potentially novel therapeutics. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 1338–1354, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Purification and growth of endothelial progenitor cells from murine bone marrow mononuclear cells
Authors: Wang Qi Ru , Wang Bao He , Huang Yan Hong , Dai Guo , Li Wei Ming , Yan Qi
Published: April 2007

This study reports the culture and purification of murine bone marrow endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) using endothelial cell‐conditioned medium (EC‐CM). Endothelial‐like cells appeared at day 5 in culture of bone marrow mononuclear cells in the presence of EC‐CM in the culture system, and these cells incorporated acetylated low‐density lipoproteins (Ac‐LDL) and reacted with endothelial‐specific Ulex Europaeus Lectin. Continued incubation of these cells at low density with EC‐CM for longer than 10 days resulted in the formation of endothelial cell colonies which gave rise to colonies of endothelial progeny and can be passed for many generations in the EC‐CM culture system. Cells derived from these colonies expressed endothelial cell markers such as vWF and CD31, incorporated Dil‐Ac‐LDL, stained positive for Ulex Europaeus Lectin, formed capillary‐like structures on Matrigel, and demonstrated a high proliferative capacity in culture. These bone marrow‐derived adherent cells were identified as EPCs. The purification and the formation of EPC colonies by using EC‐CM were associated with the cytokines secreted in the EC‐CM. VEGF, bFGF, and GM‐CSF in the EC‐CM stimulated the proliferation and growth of EPCs, whereas AcSDKP (tetrapeptide NAc‐Ser‐Asp‐Lys‐Pro) in EC‐CM suppressed the growth of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and fibroblasts. This approach is efficient for isolation/purification and outgrowth of bone marrow EPCs in vitro, a very important cell source in angiogenic therapies and regenerative medicine. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 21–29, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure and bonding of Ag(I)–DNA base complexes and Ag(I)–adenine–cytosine mispairs: An ab Initio study
Authors: Schreiber Marko , González Leticia
Published: April 2007

High levelab initiocalculations have been carried out to characterize the structure, bonding and energetics of Ag(I)–DNA base complexes, including adenine or cytosine, as well as Ag(I)–adenine–cytosine mispairs. The interactions of the Ag cation in all binding sites of all adenine and cytosine tautomers have been considered. The calculations show that in gas phase the canonical form of cytosine is stabilized upon metalation, whereas the lowest energy structure of Ag–adenine correspond to a rare tautomer. Interestingly, the theoretical inspection of metalated adenine–cytosine mispair reveals that the most stable structures are formed from the canonical cytosine and adenine tautomers. The lowest energy structure is planar with adenine and cytosine hydrogen‐bonded. Within few kcal/mol nonplanar, conformationally very flexible structures are found, in which the Ag(I) crosslinks an endocyclic nitrogen of adenine and the oxygen of cytosine. Metalated reverse‐Wobble type of structures, on the contrary, are predicted much higher in energy.
WATGEN: An algorithm for modeling water networks at protein–protein interfaces
Authors: Bui Huynh‐Hoa , Schiewe Alexandra J. , Haworth Ian S.
Published: April 2007

Water molecules at protein–protein interfaces contribute to the close packing of atoms and ensure complementarity between the protein surfaces, as well as mediating polar interactions. Therefore, modeling of interface water is of importance in understanding the structural basis of biomolecular association. We present an algorithm, WATGEN, which predicts locations for water molecules at a protein–protein or protein–peptide interface, given the atomic coordinates of the protein and peptide. A key element of the WATGEN algorithm is the prediction of water sites that can form multiple hydrogen bonds that bridge the binding interface. Trial calculations were performed on water networks predicted by WATGEN at 126 protein–peptide interfaces (X‐ray resolutions ≤ 2.0 Å), using different criteria for water placement. The energies of the predicted water networks were evaluated in AMBER8 and used in the choice of parameters for WATGEN. The 126 interfaces include 1264 experimentally determined bridging water sites, and the WATGEN algorithm predicts 72 and 88% of these sites within 1.5 and 2.0 Å, respectively. The predicted number of water molecules at each interface was much higher than the number of water molecules identified experimentally. Therefore, random placement of the same number of water molecules as that predicted at each interface was performed as a control, and resulted in only 22 and 40% of water sites placed within 1.5 and 2.0 Å of experimental sites, respectively. Based on these data, we conclude that WATGEN can accurately predict the location of water molecules at a protein–peptide interface, and this may be of value for understanding the energetics and specificity of biomolecular association. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
Co‐localization of the channel activating protease prostasin/(CAP1/PRSS8) with its candidate activator, matriptase
Authors: List Karin , Hobson John P. , Molinolo Alfredo , Bugge Thomas H.
Published: April 2007

Prostasin (CAP1/PRSS8) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored membrane serine protease believed to be critical for the regulation of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity. Prostasin is synthesized as an inactive zymogen that requires a site‐specific endoproteolytic cleavage to be converted to an active protease. We have recently reported that the tumor‐associated type II transmembrane serine protease, matriptase is necessary and sufficient for prostasin activation in the epidermis. In this study, the interrelationship between the two membrane serine proteases was investigated further by using enzymatic gene trapping combined with immunohistochemistry to delineate the spatial expression of matriptase and prostasin in mouse tissues. We utilized a knock‐in mouse with a promoterless β‐galactosidase marker gene inserted into the matriptase locus, as a unique tool for precise assessment of endogenous matriptase expression. The spatial expression of matriptase and prostasin in mouse tissues was delineated by combining in situ β‐galactosidase matriptase staining with immunohistochemical detection of prostasin. We report that prostasin displays a near‐ubiquitous co‐localization with its candidate activator matriptase in a variety of normal epithelial tissues. These include simple, stratified, and pseudo‐stratified epithelium of the integumentary system, digestive tract, respiratory tract, and urogenital tract. However, matriptase and prostasin expression segregates during epithelial multi‐stage carcinogenesis to eventually become localized in separate compartments of the tumor. These data suggest that a matriptase‐prostasin zymogen activation cascade may be functionally operative in multiple epithelial tissues, but matriptase promotes epithelial carcinogenesis independent of prostasin. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 237–245, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Orbital blood flow velocities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Erdogmus Besir , Yazici Selma , Yazici Burhan , Ataoglu Safinaz , Buyukkaya Ramazan , Yuksel Harun , Cura Sibel
Published: April 2007

Purpose.

To assess orbital blood flow changes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using Doppler sonography.

Patients and Methods.

The study comprised 35 patients who were diagnosed with RA and were treated at the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Duzce Medical School. A control group consisted of 35 healthy volunteers. Color Doppler imaging was used to measure peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV), from which the resistance index (RI) was calculated in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and posterior ciliary arteries (PCAs).

Results.

In the OA, PSV, EDV, and RI were, respectively, 36.7 ± 0.6 cm/sec, 9.7 ± 0.2 cm/sec, and 0.73 in the control group versus 34.7 ± 3.0 cm/sec, 9.1 ± 1.1 cm/sec, and 0.74 in the patient group. In the CRA, they were, respectively, 11.8 ± 1.7 cm/sec, 3.6 ± 0.7 cm/sec, and 0.66 in the control group versus 11.1 ± 1.7 cm/sec, 3.4 ± 0.7 cm/sec, and 0.68 in the patient group. In the PCAs, they were, respectively, 13.2 ± 1.2 cm/sec, 4.7 ± 0.6 cm/sec, and 0.65 in the control group versus 12.4 ± 1.2 cm/sec, 4.2 ± 0.6 cm/sec, and 0.66 in the PCAs. PSV, EDV, and RI of the PCAs and OA and RI of the CRA were significantly different between patients and controls, whereas there was no difference in the serum levels of glucose, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol. In the patient group, there was a significant correlation between orbital blood flow and duration of disease.

Conclusion.

Ocular blood flow appears to be slightly lower in RA patients than in healthy controls, suggesting that RA is a systemic inflammatory disease that may also involve ocular vessels. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007
Preoperative cerebral hemodynamics and shunting during carotid endarterectomy in patients with severe unilateral carotid stenosis
Authors: Telman Gregory , Kouperberg Efim , Nitecki Sami , Karram Toni , Schwarz Henry A. , Sprecher Elliot , Hoffman Aaron , Yarnitsky David
Published: April 2007

Purpose.

To estimate the possible predictors for the need for shunting during carotid endarterectomy in patients with severe unilateral carotid stenosis based on preoperative transcranial Doppler sonographic examination.

Materials and Methods.

One hundred twenty‐six patients were included in the study. Pulsatility index, flow acceleration, peak systolic velocity, and mean velocity were measured in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and anterior cerebral artery on both sides. Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) was evaluated in 21 patients with shunts and in 55 patients without shunts.

Results.

The shunted and nonshunted groups did not differ with regard to demographic and clinical characteristics. The side‐to‐side difference in peak systolic velocity and mean velocity of the MCA was significantly higher in patients with shunts. CVR were significantly higher in the patients without shunts (36.0 ± 17.2%) than in patients with shunts (16.6 ± 11.4%; p = 0.0003). The peak systolic velocity and mean velocity asymmetry of the MCA had relatively low receiver operating characteristics, whereas CVR exhibited a relatively high accuracy in predicting the need for shunting.

Conclusion.

Low CVR and increased asymmetry of MCA velocities were found in patients who subsequently required shunting during carotid endarterectomy. The relatively low accuracy of the MCA asymmetry should prevent the use of this criterion as a reliable preoperative predictor for shunting during carotid surgery, whereas CVR was more accurate and may prove useful in this setting. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007
Leucine‐rich repeat proteins of synapses
Authors: Ko Jaewon , Kim Eunjoon
Published: April 2007

Leucine‐rich repeats (LRRs) are 20–29‐aa motifs that mediate protein–protein interactions and are present in a variety of membrane and cytoplasmic proteins. Many LRR proteins with neuronal functions have been reported. Here, we summarize an emerging group of synaptic LRR proteins, which includes densin‐180, Erbin, NGL, SALM, and LGI1. These proteins have been implicated in the formation, differentiation, maintenance, and plasticity of neuronal synapses. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular localization of the full‐length isoform of the type 2 corticotropin releasing factor receptor in the postnatal mouse cerebellar cortex
Authors: Lee Kyung‐Hoon , Bishop Georgia A. , Tian Jin Bin , Jang Yoon‐Jin , Bui Bao Chi , Nguyen Truong Le Xuan , Ahn Jee‐Yin , King James S.
Published: April 2007

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and its cognate receptors, defined as Type 1 and Type 2 have been localized within the cerebellum. The Type 2 CRF receptor (CRF‐R2) is known to have both a full length (CRF‐R2α) and a truncated (CRF‐R2α‐tr) isoform. A recent study documented CRF‐R2α primarily in Bergann glia and astrocytes, as well as in populations of Purkinje cells in the adult cerebellum. The goal of the present study is to determine if CRF‐R2α is present in the postnatal cerebellum, and if so to describe its cellular distribution. RT‐PCR data showed that CRF‐R2α is expressed in the mouse cerebellum from birth through postnatal day 21. Between birth and P14, CRF‐R2α‐immunoreactivity was localized within the somata of Purkinje cells, and migrating GABAergic interneurons. GFAP‐immunoreactive astrocytes, including Bergmann glia, also expressed CRF‐R2α‐immunoreactivity from P3‐P14. There is a change, however, in CRF‐R2α immunolabeling within neurons as the cerebellum matures. Compared to its expression in the adult cerebellum, Purkinje cells, and GABAergic interneurons showed more extensive CRF‐R2α immunolabeling during early postnatal development. We postulate that CRF‐R2α could be involved in developmental events related to the survival and differentiation of Purkinje cells and GABAergic neurons, whereas in the adult, this isoform of the CRF receptor family is likely involved in modulating Bergmann glia that have been shown to play a role in regulating the synaptic environment around Purkinje neurons. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low wavenumber Raman scattering of nanoparticles and nanocomposite materials
Authors: Ivanda M. , Furić K. , Musić S. , Ristić M. , Gotić M. , Ristić D. , Tonejc A. M. , Djerdj I. , Mattarelli M. , Montagna M. , Rossi F. , Ferrari M. , Chiasera A. , Jestin Y. , Righini G. C. , Kiefer W. , Gonçalves R. R.
Published: April 2007

Low wavenumber Raman scattering of the acoustic vibrational modes of nanoparticles was used for the determination of the size distribution of free dielectric and semiconductor nanoparticles and of nanoparticles embedded in matrices. The theoretical background as well as the experimental results for the free noninteracting nanoparticles and for the nanoparticles in strong interaction with a surrounding matrix is described. The approach is based on a 1/ν dependence of the Raman light‐to‐vibration coupling coefficient and on the fact that each nanocrystallite of diameter D vibrates with its eigenfrequency ν ∼ 1/D. The model calculation considers the inhomogeneous broadening due to contribution from the particles of different sizes, and homogeneous broadening due to interaction of particles with the matrix. The comparison of the calculated and experimental low wavenumber Raman spectra are presented for SnO2, TiO2 and CdS free nanoparticles and TiO2, CdSxSe1−x and HfO2 nanoparticles embedded in a glass matrix. The particle‐size distributions determined by Raman scattering were compared to those found by TEM measurements. Raman spectroscopy proved to be a simple, fast and reliable method for size‐distribution measurements. By an inverse procedure, starting from the Raman spectra and known particle‐size distribution, a new method for the determination of the mean sound velocities of longitudinal and transverse phonons of nanoparticles is described. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purification of citrus limonoids and their differential inhibitory effects on human cytochrome P450 enzymes
Authors: Poulose Shibu M , Jayaprakasha Guddadarangavvanahally K , Mayer Richard T , Girennavar Basavaraj , Patil Bhimanagouda S
Published: April 2007

Recent studies demonstrated that citrus limonoids and flavonoids possess numerous health promoting properties. In the present study, glucosides of limonoids and flavonoids were purified from citrus molasses and limonoid aglycones from citrus seeds. Glucosides were separated on styrene (divinylbenzene), Q‐sepharose resins with increasing concentration of sodium chloride. A pH‐dependent cold precipitation was carried out for the isolation of naringin in large quantity. Major aglycones such as limonin and nomilin were isolated from seeds by direct crystallization and minor limonoids were purified by vacuum liquid chromatography. The structures of the isolated compounds were confirmed by NMR spectra. Individual limonoids were tested for O‐dealkylase and hydroxylase activities of human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes such as CYP1A2, CYP1B1, CYP3A4 and CYP19, using ethoxyresorufin, methoxyresorufin and dibenzylfluorescein as substrates. Partial to high inhibition of CYPs was observed in dose‐dependent assays. Significant (P < 0.001) reductions in enzyme activities were observed with purified compounds above 2 µmol. Kinetic analyses indicated that limonin glucoside inhibited CYP19 competitively (IC50, 7.1 µ mol L−1), whereas Nomilinic acid glucoside inhibited it noncompetitively (IC50, 9.4 µ mol−1). Nomilinic acid glucoside was the most potent limonoid, with an overall IC50 of < 10 µ mol, for all the enzymes tested. The differential inhibition of CYPs can be ascribed to structural variations of the limonoid nucleus. Limonoid inhibition of key CYPs involved in carcinogenesis supports growing evidence that citrus limonoids act as anticancer agents. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Hypoglycaemic role of Cucurbita ficifolia (Cucurbitaceae) fruit extract in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Xia Tao , Wang Qin
Published: April 2007

Cucurbita ficifolia is commonly used as an antidiabetic and antihyperglycaemic agent in Asia. However, the mechanisms of antidiabetic action of the plant remain to be clarified. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of C. ficifolia fruit extract on blood plasma, plasma insulin level, lipid peroxidation and number of β cells in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats. The results indicated that feeding with C. ficifolia fruit extract caused reduction in STZ‐induced hyperglycaemia while increase plasma insulin level in STZ diabetic rats, and markedly reduced the STZ‐induced lipid peroxidation in pancreas of the rats. Further there was a significant increase in the number of β cells in C. ficifolia‐treated animals when compared with untreated diabetics, however, their number was still less than that obtained for normal rats, indicating the mode of protection of C. ficifolia fruit extract on pancreatic β cells. The present study thus confirms a hypoglycaemic effect of C. ficifolia fruit extract and suggests that oral feeding of C. ficifolia fruit extract may have a role in the renewal of β cells in STZ diabetic rats or, alternatively, may permit the recovery of partially destroyed β cells. Our results provide some documentation to define the role and mode of action of C. ficifolia fruit extract in its potential and promising use in treating diabetes. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Interval Topology and Order‐Convergence in the Hyperspace of a Topological Space
Authors: Schmidt Hans‐Jürgen
Published: April 2007

In the hyperspace Exp X of all closed subsets of a topological space X interval and order topology solely use the ⊂‐relation in Exp X for their definitions whereas HAUSDORFF set convergence and VIETORIS topology use neighbourhoods in X itself. Nevertheless there exist intimate but non‐trivial relations between them.
Comparison Theorems in Homotopy Theory Via Operations on Homotopy Sets
Authors: Berrick A. J. , Kamps K. H.
Published: April 2007

In this paper we present comparison theorems in semicubical homotopy theory. Topological versions are more or less well known and have been obtained amongst others by A. DOLD ([6], [7]), I. M. JAMES ([11]), P. R. HEATH ([9]), S. P. LAM ([15]), and the first author ([2], [3]). A partially abstract approach has been given by the first author in [3]. We use operations on homotopy sets and the notion of CHEP (covering homotopy extension property).
Ein Störungssatz für lokalkonvexe Räume
Authors: Wenzel Lothar
Published: April 2007

Es wird gezeigt, daß gewisse additive Störungen infinitesimaler Erzeuger lokal gleichstetiger Halbgruppen eines lokalkonvexen Raumes E wieder zu infinitesimalen Erzeugern führen. Der bekannte Störungssatz im BANACH‐Raum ergibt sich als Spezialfall. Ein Beispiel belegt, daß die Verhältnisse in lokalkonvexen Räumen jedoch komplizierter sind.
Weak Convergence of Solutions of the Heat Equation with Gaussian Noise
Authors: Manthey Ralf
Published: April 2007

We show under which conditions the solution of the heat equation with a two‐parameter white GAUSSian noise can be approximated by solutions of this equation with physically real GAUSSian noise.
0‐1‐Gesetze für die Konvergenz von Integralfunktionalen gewisser Semimartingale
Authors: Engelbert H. J. , Schmidt W.
Published: April 2007

In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden Funktionale der Gestalt untersucht. Dabei sind X ein gewisses, stetiges Semimartingal und f eine nichtnegative meßbare Funktion. Die betrachtete Klasse von Semimartingalen enthält insbesondere Lösungen stochastischer Differentialgleichungen. Es werden 0‐1‐Gesetze sowie hinreichende Bedingungen für die Konvergenz dieser Funktionale bewiesen.
Boundary Value Problems with a Parameter of Differential Equations with Deviated Arguments
Authors: Jankowski Tadeusz
Published: April 2007

The aim of the present paper is to study boundary value problems with a parameter of differential equations with deviated arguments. The existence, uniqueness and continuous dependence of the solution on the right‐hand side of our problem are considered.
Humor and ad memorability: On the contributions of humor expectancy, relevancy, and need for humor
Authors: Kellaris James J. , Cline Thomas W.
Published: April 2007

Humor is often used in advertising to make messages more entertaining and memorable. There are circumstances, however, under which humor can impede the acquisition of information from ads. This study explores these circumstances by examining how the interplay of humor expectancy, humor relevancy, and individuals' need for humor influences message claims recall. Results of experimentation show that recall is damaged when humor is expected—especially when expected humor is conceptually related to the message. Additionally, the deleterious impact of humor expectancy on recall is more pronounced among individuals characterized by low need for humor. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The mediating effect of satisfaction on consumers' switching intention
Authors: Antón Carmen , Camarero Carmen , Carrero Mirtha
Published: April 2007

Most previous research on consumers' switching intention has focused on individual variables that have immediate effects on consumers' intentions or behaviors, rather than analyzing it as a complex phenomenon. This article provides evidence that some service provider behaviors precipitate relationship dissolution, whereas other behaviors create a predisposition to switch. This different effect is observed through the mediating effect of customer satisfaction. While poor service quality and low firm commitment undermine consumer satisfaction and have only an indirect effect on switching intentions, price unfairness and anger incidents have a strong effect on switching, both directly and indirectly through satisfaction. Implications are discussed for customer relationship management. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of narrative versus factual print ad copy on product evaluation: The mediating role of ad message involvement
Authors: Polyorat Kawpong , Alden Dana L. , Kim Eugene S.
Published: April 2007

The relative impact of narrative versus factual message strategies on product evaluation was explored. The role of ad message involvement (AMI) as a mediator was also investigated. Narrative versus factual print ad copy resulted in more favorable product evaluations for two fictitious brands, one each from the cell phone and sunglasses product categories. Narrative print ad copy also elicited higher ad message involvement which, in turn, mediate the differential effect of narrative versus factual copy on product evaluations. The study demonstrated one of the major pathways through which the relatively more persuasive effects of narrative versus factual print ad copy appears to operate. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sheathing Polymer Gels Fibrils with Nanotubules
Authors: Viswanathan C. , Mésini P. , Guenet J.‐M.
Published: April 2007

The aim of this preliminary study is to master the making of nanocomposites by physical processes. In particular, the sheathing of polymer fibrils by self‐assembled nanotubules is examined. Nanotubules recently prepared from 3,5‐Bis‐(5‐hexylcarbamoyl‐pentyloxy)‐benzoic acid decyl ester have been used for sheathing fibrils obtained by thermoreversible gelation of isotactic polystyrene. Investigations have been carried out by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Encapsulation of Indomethacin in PVP: Solid‐State NMR Studies
Authors: Guilbaud Jean‐Baptiste , Cummings Linda , Khimyak Yaroslav Z.
Published: April 2007

Summary:13C solid‐state NMR and 1H relaxation time measurements have been used to determine the structure of the crystalline and amorphous forms of the pharmaceutical drug indomethacin. Cross‐polarization dynamics parameters were calculated for individual NMR resonances providing an insight into the mobility of functional groups in two forms of indomethacin. The changes of mobility in indomethacin/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) formulation have been investigated via1H‐13C solid‐state NMR methods.

Differences between the amorphous material and its crystalline counterpart have been observed. The γ‐amorphous indomethacin rapidly crystallizes with time. It has been shown that encapsulation in the PVP stabilizes the amorphous form of the drug by preventing crystallization due to reduced mobility of the guest in the formulation.
Temperature‐Triggered Modification of Polymer‐ Solvent Interactions: From Fluid‐to‐Gel Transitions to Particle Capture
Authors: Saunders Jennifer M. , Alava Christina , Saunders Brian R.
Published: April 2007

Temperature‐responsive polymers are of considerable interest in the literature. In this work the ability to combine temperature‐responsive polymer‐solvent interactions with architectural control to achieve a range of macroscopic effects is considered. The first part of the work considers poly(DEA) (N,N‐dieth ylacrylamide) microgel particles. The particles exhibit temperature‐triggered particle collapse at temperatures more than ca. 27 °C. As a consequence concentrated temperature‐responsive microgel dispersions change from gels to fluids when heated. The opposite effect is observed when dispersions or emulsions are stabilised by temperature‐responsive polymer surfactants. Recent results involving a gel‐forming castor oil‐in‐water emulsion are considered. The gelled emulsion releases a model drug (lidocaine) according to first‐order kinetics. We extend the principle of temperature‐triggered control of particle‐surface interactions to test a new approach for immobilising particles on surfaces. The method consists of electrodepositing Laponite particles onto a carbon surface, grafting of poly(NIPAM) (N‐isopropylacrylamide) onto the deposited particles and then increasing the temperature of the modified surface to trigger capture of dispersed polystyrene particles. This new approach uses chemistry that is potentially applicable to any conductive surface.
NMR Study on Polymer‐Solvent Interactions during Temperature‐Induced Phase Separation in Aqueous Polymer Solutions
Authors: Spěváček Jiří , Hanyková Lenka
Published: April 2007

Some possibilities of NMR spectroscopy (mainly spin‐spin relaxation) in investigations of hydration and other polymer‐solvent interactions during the temperature‐induced phase separation in aqueous polymer solutions are described. A certain portion of water molecules bound in phase‐separated mesoglobules was revealed. The residence time of the bound HDO for poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME)/D2O solution (c = 6 wt%) is 1.2 ms. With time a slow release of originally bound water from the respective mesoglobules was observed. For highly concentrated PVME/D2O solutions (c = 20–60 wt%), the residence time of bound HDO ≫ 2.7 ms and fractions of bound water unchanged even for 70 h were found. A similar behaviour as described above for water (HDO) was also found for EtOH molecules in PVME/D2O/EtOH solutions.
FKM‐Richtlinie „Bruchmechanischer Festigkeitsnachweis für Maschinenbauteile”︁
Authors: Pyttel B. , Varfolomeyev I. , Berger C.
Published: April 2007

Seit 2001 gibt es die FKM‐Richtlinie „Bruchmechanischer Festigkeitsnachweis für Maschinenbauteile”︁ [1, 2]. Sie entstand in einem Forschungsvorhaben des Forschungskuratoriums Maschinenbau im Arbeitskreis „Bauteilfestigkeit”︁. Die Richtlinie beschreibt die Vorgehensweise einer bruchmechanischen Bewertung fehlerbehafteter Bauteile bei statischer und zyklischer Beanspruchung, die Konstrukteuren und Berechnungsingenieuren eine schnelle Umsetzung ermöglicht. Grundlage bilden nationale und internationale Dokumente, wie z. B. SINTAP [3], R6 [4], BS 7910 [5] und DVS‐2401 [6], neue Forschungsergebnisse und einige eigene Schwerpunkte. Seit 2004 gibt es auch eine englische Version der 2. Ausgabe der Richtlinie. Die Berechnungsprozeduren wurden in dem Computerprogramm FracSafe implementiert [7]. In der 3. Ausgabe wurden wesentliche Erweiterungen eingefügt. Sie erlauben die Berücksichtigung spezieller Effekte bei zyklischer Beanspruchung, von Mixed‐Mode‐Beanspruchung, dynamischer (schlagartiger) Beanspruchung, Spannungsrisskorrosion und probabilistische Berechnungen im bruchmechanischen Festigkeitsnachweis. Die Richtlinie beinhaltet ein Kompendium mit Spannungsintensitätsfaktoren und Grenzlastlösungen und eine Sammlung von Werkstoffdaten. Eine Vielzahl von Anwendungsbeispielen verdeutlicht die Handhabbarkeit. In diesem Artikel wird ein Überblick über die Richtlinie [1] gegeben.
Verschleißmechanismen von CrAlYN PVD Schichten bei erhöhten Temperaturen
Authors: Scheerer H. , Hoche H. , Allebrandt D. , Schramm B. , Abele E. , Berger C
Published: April 2007

In der spanenden Fertigung wird aus vielfältigen Gründen zunehmend auf den Einsatz von Kühl‐ und Schmieremulsion zugunsten der Trockenbearbeitung verzichtet. Die sich dadurch ergebenden höheren Belastungen der Werkzeugschneiden erfordern eine stete Weiterentwicklung der Beschichtungen. Am Institut für Werkstoffkunde (IfW) in Darmstadt entwickelte CrAlYN‐Beschichtungen zeigen besonders unter hoher Last und hoher Temperatur günstige tribologische Eigenschaften. Es wurden Proben unterschiedlichen Yttriumgehaltes eingehend charakterisiert und einer industriellen TiAlN‐Beschichtung gegenübergestellt. Obwohl die CrAlYN‐Schichten in ihrer Zusammensetzung noch nicht ausgereift sind und somit ein hohes Optimierungspotential bieten, zeigen sie vielfach vergleichbare und sogar bessere Eigenschaften als die bereits hochgradig optimierten TiAlN‐Schichten. Das mit zunehmendem Yttriumgehalt amorphere Gefüge der CrAlYN‐Schichten führt zu einer feinen und dichten Schichtmorphologie mit ebener und glatter Oberfläche, die gegenüber der porösen Stengelstruktur des TiAlN Vorteile sowohl beim Verschleiß durch Werkstoffzerrüttung als auch beim Oxidationswiderstand bietet. Außerdem ist eine deutlich verbesserte Adhäsion der Schicht auf dem Trägermaterial festzustellen, die sich in höheren ertragbaren Lasten beim Ritztest äußert.
Die Abteilung Medizin‐Produkte in der MPA Darmstadt – eine Erfolgsgeschichte
Authors: Stagge P.
Published: April 2007

Die Entwicklung (ab 1980) und Bedeutung der Abteilung Medizin‐Produkte in der MPA Darmstadt werden geschildert und zukünftige Perspektiven aufgezeigt. Dabei werden die Aktivitäten (Prüfung, Überwachung, Beratung, Schadensklärung, Kalibrierung und Normung) anhand der für die Prüfstelle wesentlichen, nicht aktiven Medizinprodukte beispielhaft erläutert (Kondome, med. Einmalhandschuhe, Katheter, Zahnbürsten).