bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Surface Electromyography: Applications in Neuromotor Rehabilitation
Authors: Bolek Jeffrey E.
Published: August 2012

Surface electromyography holds great potential in helping patients recover from injuries that result in motor impairments. To be able to assist the patient, the clinician must consider research obtained from the study of implicit/explicit learning, contextual interference, and basic learning theory. Quantitative surface electromyography (QSEMG) is a technique that is constructed around this basic research in order to present the optimal learning environment for the patient.
Safe Removal of the Urethral Catheter 2 Days Following Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: James Philip , Glackin Anthony , Doherty Alan
Published: August 2012

Purpose. To assess the risks and benefits of early urethral catheter removal following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Materials and Methods. Between June 2009 and April 2011, 114 patients underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for clinically organ-confined prostate cancer. Candidates for early removal of the urethral catheter were selected intraoperatively on the basis of the integrity of the vesicourethral anastamosis and the ease of recatheterisation. In the selected cohort of patients, the urethral catheter was removed at day 2. Recatheterisation rates within this group were recorded and analysed. Results. Of the 114 patients who underwent laparoscopic prostatectomy, 64 (56%) were deemed suitable for removal of catheter on second postoperative day prior to discharge. The first 20 patients selected for early removal of urethral catheter were covered with a suprapubic catheter inserted at the time of surgery. Out of 64 patients deemed suitable for early removal of urethral catheter, 53 (83%) were able to pass urine without complication. 11 patients (17%) developed urinary retention that necessitated recatheterisation. In all cases, reinsertion of catheter was performed easily and successfully without the need for cystoscopic guidance or adjuncts. Conclusions. Removal of the urethral catheter at day 2 following laparoscopic prostatectomy is a safe procedure in carefully selected patients.
Relationship between body size and geographic range size of elasmobranchs from the Tropical Eastern Pacific: An initial approximation for their conservation
Authors: Mejía-Falla PA , Navia AF
Published: August 2012

This study evaluated the relationship between body size and geographic range size, measured as extent and volume of occurrence of resident and endemic elasmobranchs of the Tropical Eastern Pacific. Data of body size, minimum and maximum depths, and latitudinal distribution of the species were obtained from the literature. Extent and volume of occurrence were measured from 3080.25-km2 quadrants, considering the northern and southern boundaries, the maximum depth, and the depth interval of the 82 species included. The relationships between body size and depth, extent of occurrence, and volume of occurrence, and between body size and bathymetric zones were evaluated using linear regression and a nonparametric analysis of variance, respectively. The relationship between body size and extent of occurrence was positive for all groups and significant only for the batoids. They occupy smaller depth intervals than sharks and are almost exclusively restricted to the euphotic zone; the resident sharks occur in the three bathymetric zones, but not the endemic sharks. The interspecific relationship of body size and volume of occurrence revealed a triangle with defined boundaries, with 22 species under the constraint line (13 sharks and 9 batoids), Pristis sp. and Manta birostris being the most prone to extinction. Although there were no factors or characteristics common to all 22 species, variables such as habits and reproductive traits influence their vulnerability, in addition to the human pressures to which they are subjected. In elasmobranchs, the triangular relationship between body size and range size is a good predictor of species susceptible to extinction, which is useful for assessing the threat status and taking action for management and prioritization of species at regional level.
Validation of age determination methods and growth studies of the sand sole Pegusa lascaris (Soleidae) from the eastern-central Atlantic
Authors: Pajuelo JG , Lorenzo JM
Published: August 2012

The age and growth of the sand sole Pegusa lascaris from the Canarian Archipelago were studied from 2107 fish collected between January 2005 and December 2007. To find an appropriate method for age determination, sagittal otoliths were observed by surface-reading and frontal section and the results were compared. The two methods did not differ significantly in estimated age but the surface-reading method is superior in terms of cost and time efficiency. The sand sole has a moderate life span, with ages up to 10 years recorded. Individuals grow quickly in their first two years, attaining approximately 48% of their maximum standard length; after the second year, their growth rate drops rapidly as energy is diverted to reproduction. Males and females show dimorphism in growth, with females reaching a slightly greater length and age than males. Von Bertalanffy, seasonalized von Bertalanfy, Gompertz, and Schnute growth models were fitted to length-at-age data. Akaike weights for the seasonalized von Bertalanffy growth model indicated that the probability of choosing the correct model from the group of models used was >0.999 for males and females. The seasonalized von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated were: L∞ = 309 mm standard length, k = 0.166 yr–1, t0 = –1.88 yr, C = 0.347, and ts = 0.578 for males; and L∞ = 318 mm standard length, k = 0.164 yr–1, t0 = –1.653 yr, C = 0.820, and ts = 0.691 for females. Fish standard length and otolith radius are closely correlated (R2 = 0.902). The relation between standard length and otolith radius is described by a power function (α = 85.11, v = 0.906).
Reproductive biology of the Pacific sierra Scomberomorus sierra (Pisces, Scombridae) in the central Mexican Pacific
Authors: Lucano-Ramírez G , Ruiz-Ramírez S , Palomera-Sánchez FI , González-Sansón G
Published: August 2012

Monthly samples of Pacific sierra Scomberomorus sierra were taken during nine years (1998–2000 and 2002–2007) with gillnets in Navidad Bay, Jalisco (Mexico). The sex ratio for the whole sampling period was not significantly different from 1 (F:M, 1:0.9). Monthly trends of the gonadosomatic index, the percentage of individuals with ripe gonads, and mean oocyte diameter indicate that this species reproduces in the period from April to June (spring). This reproduction period is also supported by the microscopic characteristics of gonads (highest percentage of oocytes in advanced vitellogenesis phase and high concentration of spermatozoa in lobular lumen and testis main duct). Total length (TL) ranged from 26.0 to 102.8 cm, with a mean of 53.3 cm. Mean maturation lengths calculated for females and males were 59.3 and 56.4 cm TL, respectively. Most individuals caught had a length which was smaller than the mean maturation length indicating that the fishery is based mostly on juvenile fish.
Larval growth and development of the smooth clam Callista chione (Mollusca: Bivalvia) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Pérez-Larruscain J , Delgado M , Ignasi Gairín J
Published: August 2012

This study describes the first data on larval development and growth of the smooth clam Callista chione under two different temperature regimes (19 and 23 ºC). The mean diameter of the oocytes was 89.5 ± 0.7 micrometers. After seven days, the mean length of D-shaped larvae was 132.9 ± 7.8 micrometers at 19 ºC and 148.38 ± 12.74 micrometers at 23 ºC. Metamorphosis took place between days 32 and 39. Differences in length associated with different culture temperatures were statistically significant on days 11, 13, and 20. At 23 ºC, larvae reached a length of 175.15 micrometers within 11 days, whilst during the same period they reached 137.88 micrometers at 19 ºC (a difference in growth of 39%); however, survival rate was higher at 19 ºC (8%) than at 23 ºC (2%).
Assessment of the impact of gillnets on the population structure of the shovelnose guitarfish Rhinobatos productus from the Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: Márquez-Farías JF
Published: August 2012

The shovelnose guitarfish Rhinobatos productus is the most abundant species in the artisanal ray fishery of the Gulf of California. This ray is captured when it approaches the coast for reproductive purposes and is highly vulnerable to gillnets used in the fishery. Despite the high production of elasmobranchs in the Gulf of California, studies on reproductive and technological aspects are scarce. In the present study, we analyzed the interaction between size-at-maturity and size-selectivity, which are represented by a logistic function and gamma distribution, respectively. Interaction of such vectors is applied to the size-frequency distribution of the population monitored in Sonora (Mexico) during 1998–2004. The effect of maturity ogives revealed a proportion of mature individuals of 68% and 83% for males and females, respectively. Gillnet selectivities with different mesh sizes had a varied effect on the size structure given that males reach smaller sizes than females. For males, selectivity curves of nets with mesh sizes of 3.5, 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 8.5 inches reduced the original length-frequency distribution by 59%, 9%, 8%, 85%, and 94%, respectively. The same nets reduced the original length-frequency distribution of females by 79%, 41%, 16%, 48%, and 63%. Gillnets with mesh sizes of 5.0 and 6.0 inches had higher selectivity for both sexes coinciding in the size interval of maximum abundance. The results of the present study revealed a negative impact of the fishery on the adult structure of the population and to a lesser extent on juveniles. A demographic analysis of this population incorporating both maturity and selectivity vectors will allow determining the resilience to the current exploitation pattern by elasticity analysis.
Deregulated Expression of the Clock Genes in Gliomas
Authors: Chen Zhijun , Liu Pingfei , Li Caiyan , Yongluo  , Chen Ivan , Liang Wu , Chen Xiaowei , Feng Yu , Xia Hechun , Wang Fan
Published: August 2012

Growing evidence shows that the deregulation of the circadian clock plays an important role in the development of malignant tumors, including gliomas. However, the molecular mechanisms of genes controlling circadian rhythm in glioma cells have not been explored. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry techniques, we examined the expression of the most important clock genes, clock, in 67 gliomas. Our results revealed that asynchronized expression of the clock gene was found in cancerous tissues in comparison with paired non-cancerous tissues. The expression levels of clock mRNA in grade III or IV glioma was significantly different from the surrounding non-tumor tissues (P < 0.01). The difference in the expression of clock in low-grade (grades 1 and II) gliomas and the surrounding non-glioma tissues was insignificant (P > 0.05). The intensity of immunoactivity for Clock in high-grade gliomas was significantly higher than that of low-grade gliomas (r = −0.403, P = 0.012 < 0.05), non-tumor tissues around high-grade gliomas (r = −0.376, P = 0.027 < 0.05), while there was no difference in the intensity of immunoactivity for Clock between low-grade gliomas and the surrounding non-tumor tissues (P > 0.05). The expression of PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) protein in high-grade gliomas was significantly higher than that of low-grade gliomas (P < 0.05). In this study, we found that the expression of clock in glioma cells and in the surrounding non-tumor cells. The expression of clock in high-grade gliomas was significantly higher than that of the low-grade gliomas and non-glioma. Therefore, we suggest that disturbances in clock expression may result in the disruption of the control of normal circadian rhythm, thus benefiting the survival of glioma cells and promoting carcinogenesis.
Ultrasound-Activated Microbubble Cancer Therapy: Ceramide Production Leading to Enhanced Radiation Effect in vitro
Authors: Nofiele J. I. T. , Karshafian R. , Furukawa M. , Al Mahrouki A. , Giles A. , Wong S. , Czarnota G. J.
Published: August 2012

Blood vessels within tumours represent a key component for cancer cell survival. Disruption of these vessels can be achieved by inducing vascular endothelial-cell apoptosis. Moreover, endothelial cell apoptosis has been proven to be enhanced by ceramide-increasing drugs. Herein, we introduce a novel therapeutic approach which uses ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles used in combination with radiation to cause a rapid accumulation of ceramide in endothelial cells in-vitro. We also test this modality directly with other cell types as a general method of killing cancer cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), acute myeloid leukemia cells (AML), murine fibrosarcoma cells (KHT-C), prostate cancer cells (PC3), breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and astrocytes were used to evaluate this mechanism of inducing cell death. Survival was measured by clonogenic assays, and ceramide content was detected using immunohistochemistry. Exposure of cell types to ultrasound-stimulated bubbles alone resulted in increases in ceramide for all cell types and survivals of 12 ± 2%, 65 ± 5%, 83 ± 2%, 58 ± 4%, 58 ± 3%, 18 ± 7% for HUVEC, AML, PC3, MDA, KHT-C and astrocyte cells, respectively. Results from selected cell types involving radiation treatments indicated additive treatment enhancements and increases in intracellular ceramide content one hour after exposure to ultrasound-activated microbubbles and radiation. Endothelial cell survival decreased from 8 ± 1% after 2 Gy of radiation treatment alone and from 12 ± 2% after ultrasound and microbubbles alone, to 1 ± 1% with combined treatment. In Asmase +/+ astrocytes, survival decreased from 56 ± 2% after 2 Gy radiation alone and from 17 ± 7% after ultrasound and microbubbles alone, to 5 ± 2% when combined. Using ASMase deficient astrocytes ( Asmase -/-) and Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), we also demonstrate that ultrasound-activated microbubbles stimulate ASMase activity and ceramide production. These findings suggest that ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles could be used as a new biomechanical method to enhance the effects of radiation.
Monitoring Anti-Angiogenic Therapy in Colorectal Cancer Murine Model using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI — Comparing Pixel-by-Pixel with Region of Interest Analysis
Authors: Haney Chad R. , Fan Xiaobing , Markiewicz Erica , Mustafi Devkumar , Karczmar Gregory S. , Stadler Walter M.
Published: August 2012

Sorafenib is a multi-kinase inhibitor that blocks cell proliferation and angiogenesis. It is currently approved for advanced hepatocellular and renal cell carcinomas in humans, where its major mechanism of action is thought to be through inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptors. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pixel-by-pixel analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is better able to capture the heterogeneous response of Sorafenib in a murine model of colorectal tumor xenografts (as compared with region of interest analysis). MRI was performed on a 9.4T pre-clinical scanner on the initial treatment day. Then either vehicle or drug were gavaged daily (3 days) up to the final image. Four days later, the mice were again imaged. The two-compartment model and reference tissue method of DCE-MRI were used to analyze the data. The results demonstrated that the contrast agent distribution rate constant ( Ktrans) were significantly reduced (p < 0.005) at day-4 of Sorafenib treatment. In addition, the Ktrans of nearby muscle was also reduced after Sorafenib treatment. The pixel-by-pixel analysis (compared to region of interest analysis) was better able to capture the heterogeneity of the tumor and the decrease in Ktrans four days after treatment. For both methods, the volume of the extravascular extracellular space did not change significantly after treatment. These results confirm that parameters such as Ktrans, could provide a noninvasive biomarker to assess the response to anti-angiogenic therapies such as Sorafenib, but that the heterogeneity of response across a tumor requires a more detailed analysis than has typically been undertaken.
Phenol and Phenolics
Authors: Cavender Finis L. , O'Donohue John
Published: August 2012

Phenol was originally isolated from coal tar streams, but now it is almost exclusively produced by the oxidation of cumene and subsequent cleavage of the cumene hydroperoxide to form phenol and acetone. The U.S. production of phenol for 1995 was 4.16 billion lb. Phenol is used in the petroleum industry to extract lube (lubricating) oil from residual oil. It is reacted with aldehydes such as formaldehyde to form “phenolic resins,” which are widely used as adhesives, structural products, and electrical laminates. Other uses include the manufacture of caprolactam (an intermediate in the manufacture of nylon), bisphenol A (an intermediate in the manufacture of epoxy resins and polycarbonates), herbicides, wood preservatives, hydraulic fluids, heavy‐duty surfactants, lube oil additives, tank linings and coatings, and intermediates for plasticizers and other specialty chemicals. Phenol is used medically in throat lozenges, disinfectants, and ointments; for facial skin peels; and to cause nerve block.

With rare exceptions, human exposure in industry has been limited to accidental contact of phenol with the skin or to inhalation of phenol vapors. Other major sources of inhalation exposure include residential burning and automobile exhaust. Similar details are given for phenolics, including chloro and bromo compounds.
Dendrimers
Authors: Kojima Chie
Published: August 2012

Dendrimers have globular and well‐controlled structures, and they are produced by organic synthesis. There are two types of synthetic pathway: divergent methods and convergent methods. Dendrimers are composed of a core, building units, and terminal groups. Many kinds of dendrimers can be obtained by choosing suitable components and modifying and encapsulating compounds. Dendrimers are several nanometers in size, that is, similar in size to proteins, and the size depends on the generation. Their physicochemical properties are very different from those of linear polymers. Low‐generation dendrimers generally have flexible and open structures, but high‐generation dendrimers have rigid spherical structures. The clustering effect at the periphery of a dendrimer and isolation in the dendrimer are unique properties. The uniform structures of dendrimers contribute to their reproducibility. They have been studied for various kinds of applications. They have been used as drug and gene carriers, diagnostic agents, drugs, and in catalysis. Their anisotropic structures enable the design of self‐immolative dendrimers, light‐harvesting dendrimers, and hierarchical dendrimers. The uniform core–shell structure of a dendrimer resembles an atomic shell, and the nanoelement concept was proposed by Tomalia, one of the pioneers of dendrimer research. This study describes both general and particular aspects of dendrimers such as polyamidoamine, polypropyleneimine, poly(aryl ether), polylysine, and polyester dendrimers.
Stimuli‐Responsive Dendronized Polymers
Authors: Li Wen , Zhang Afang
Published: August 2012

Stimuli‐responsive dendronized polymers, combining the “smart” property of stimuli‐responsive polymers and the nanosized, branched architectures of dendronized polymers, would find promising applications from material science to biology. Recent research progresses on thermoresponsive dendronized homo‐, block‐, and random copolymers formed through covalent linkage, thermoresponsive dendronized homo‐ and copolymers formed via supramolecular host–guest interactions, as well as ionic‐responsive dendronized homopolymers are discussed. Their synthetic methodologies, structural‐related stimuli‐responsive behavior, as well as their applications as solvatochromic sensors are described in detail. In contrast to their linear counterparts, these dendronized polymers carrying oligo(ethylene glycol) dendrons show unprecedented thermoresponsive behavior with small hystereses and sharp phase transitions during both heating and cooling processes, originated from the dendritic architecture. Supramolecular construction has been proved to be a superior route than the covalent way to avoid tedious synthesis and, at the same time, impart these polymers with truly tunable phase transition temperatures by just mixing different dendritic guests of different hydrophilicities. Ionic‐responsiveness of these bulky polymers is specifically dependent on the branching architecture. Although stimuli‐responsive dendronized polymers are pretty young, they have already shown advantages over conventional counterparts. Because of their architecture and bulkiness, as well as potential to be constructed through various chemistries, these stimuli‐responsive polymers may pave a novel route to fabricate molecular‐based nanodevices for encapsulations, recognitions and biorelated materials.
Edelmetalle in Polyoxometallaten
Authors: Izarova Natalya V. , Pope Michael T. , Kortz Ulrich
Published: August 2012

Polyoxometallate, die Edelmetallionen wie Ruthenium, Osmium, Rhodium, Palladium, Platin, Silber und Gold enthalten, bilden eine strukturell reichhaltige Klasse von Verbindungen. Hierzu gehören sowohl klassische Heteropolyanionen (Vanadate, Molybdate, Wolframate), in denen die Edelmetalle als Heteroatome vorliegen, als auch die erst kürzlich entdeckte Klasse der Polyoxometallate mit Edelmetallen als “Addenda”‐Atomen. Der Schwerpunkt dieses Aufsatzes liegt auf Komplexen, die in Lösung als diskrete Moleküle vorliegen und somit von Interesse für zukünftige Synthesen und Entwicklungen in der Reaktivität sind und potenzielle Anwendungen haben, z. B. in der Katalyse und den Nanowissenschaften.
Encapsulation and release of cladribine from chitosan nanoparticles
Authors: Domaratzki Rachel E. , Ghanem Amyl
Published: August 2012

This study shows the potential of chitosan (CH) nanoparticles as both an oral and IV drug delivery system using the anticancer drug cladribine as a model drug. Smooth, spherical nanoparticles were prepared by the ionotropic gelation of CH with sodium tripolyphosphate. Nanoparticle size depended on degree of hydration, drug loading, and crosslinking conditions, with the smallest nanoparticles in the size range of 212 ± 51 nm. Cladribine was entrapped in the CH matrix with an entrapment efficiency of up to 62%, depending on the initial loading. The release of cladribine followed a near‐Fickian diffusion rate over the first several hours and then reached a plateau. A second release phase began after 30–40 h of incubation in the release medium, and proceeded until ∼100 h. Loaded CH nanoparticles that were crosslinked with genipin showed a delayed release profile, with only 40% of loaded drug being released after 100 h. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Fabrication and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/silicone rubber composites
Authors: Iqbal Nadeem , Khan Mohammad Bilal , Sagar Sadia , Maqsood Asghari
Published: August 2012

To enhance the ablation performance and mechanical strength of silicone rubber (SR), pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were dispersed in the polymer matrix using dispersion kneader and two roller mixing mill. Electrical resistivity (100–300°C) was reduced with increasing filler concentration in the host matrix due to the presence and even dispersion of the nanofiller in the rubber matrix. The SR nanocomposite (1 wt % filler contents) has 28% better thermal stability and 100% improvement in the ultimate tensile strength is achieved as compared with the pristine polymer matrix counterpart. Oxy‐acetylene torch was used to evaluate the ablation rates, % char yield, and backface temperature evolution at the back facet of nanoablators during the flame exposure for a specific duration. Ablation performance of the fabricated ablative nanocomposites was enhanced with increasing nanotubes concentration in the polymer matrix. Thermal stability and heat quenching ability of the SR nanocomposites were gradually augmented with increasing filler loadings in the host matrix. Porous silica char, polymer pyrolysis, char composition, and uniform dispersion of MWNTs in the rubber matrix were also analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Reversal of Multidrug Resistance by Gefitinib Via RAF1/ERK Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Xiao Zhi , Ding Nianhua , Xiao Guiqing , Wang Shouman , Wu Yuhui , Tang Lili
Published: August 2012

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating malignancy, characterized by intrinsic or acquired resistance to conventional chemotherapies. Recent evidences suggest an involvement of tyrosine kinase pathway in the regulation of multidrug resistance (MDR) protein gene expression. The aim of this study was to test whether gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor could regulate the MDR protein gene expression and sensitize the resistant cancer cells to chemotherapy. The gene expression of MDR proteins (MRP1, MRP2, MRP3, and PGP) were evaluated by quantitative RT‐PCR, and expression levels of various tyrosine kinases were investigated by quantitative RT‐PCR and Western Blot in pancreatic cancer cell line. MTT assay was used for evaluating the effect of chemotherapeutic agents. Chemotherapeutics induced drug resistance by regulating the gene expression of MDR proteins (MRP1, MRP2, and MRP3), and increased the gene expression of RAF1/ERK and the phosphorylation of ERK in pancreatic cancer Bxpc‐3 cells. Gefitinib caused an inhibition of p‐ERK tyrosine kinase activation in a dose‐dependent manner, and reversed gemcitabine‐induced RAF1/ERK gene expression and p‐ERK activation. In addition, a reversal of MDR proteins gene expression was achieved by gefitinib, which sensitized resistant cells to gemcitabine. This study demonstrated that MDR of Bxpc‐3 cell is involved in the RAF1/ERK tyrosine kinase pathway. Gefitinib reverses the MDR protein gene expression and restores sensitivity of resistant cells to gemcitabine via RAF1/ERK signaling pathway. Combination of gefitinib with conventional chemotherapeutic agents may offer a new approach for the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The inclusivity of Wikipedia and the drawing of expert boundaries: An examination of talk pages and reference lists
Authors: Luyt Brendan
Published: August 2012

Wikipedia is frequently viewed as an inclusive medium. But inclusivity within this online encyclopedia is not a simple matter of just allowing anyone to contribute. In its quest for legitimacy as an encyclopedia, Wikipedia relies on outsiders to judge claims championed by rival editors. In choosing these experts, Wikipedians define the boundaries of acceptable comment on any given subject. Inclusivity then becomes a matter of how the boundaries of expertise are drawn. In this article I examine the nature of these boundaries and the implications they have for inclusivity and credibility as revealed through the talk pages produced and sources used by a particular subset of Wikipedia's creators—those involved in writing articles on the topic of Philippine history.
Ranking, relevance judgment, and precision of information retrieval on children's queries: Evaluation of Google, Yahoo!, Bing, Yahoo! Kids, and ask Kids
Authors: Bilal Dania
Published: August 2012

This study employed benchmarking and intellectual relevance judgment in evaluating Google, Yahoo!, Bing, Yahoo! Kids, and Ask Kids on 30 queries that children formulated to find information for specific tasks. Retrieved hits on given queries were benchmarked to Google's and Yahoo! Kids' top‐five ranked hits retrieved. Relevancy of hits was judged on a graded scale; precision was calculated using the precision‐at‐ten metric (P@10). Yahoo! and Bing produced a similar percentage in hit overlap with Google (nearly 30%), but differed in the ranking of hits. Ask Kids retrieved 11% in hit overlap with Google versus 3% by Yahoo! Kids. The engines retrieved 26 hits across query clusters that overlapped with Yahoo! Kids' top‐five ranked hits. Precision (P) that the engines produced across the queries was P = 0.48 for relevant hits, and P = 0.28 for partially relevant hits. Precision by Ask Kids was P = 0.44 for relevant hits versus P = 0.21 by Yahoo! Kids. Bing produced the highest total precision (TP) of relevant hits (TP = 0.86) across the queries, and Yahoo! Kids yielded the lowest (TP = 0.47). Average precision (AP) of relevant hits was AP = 0.56 by leading engines versus AP = 0.29 by small engines. In contrast, average precision of partially relevant hits was AP = 0.83 by small engines versus AP = 0.33 by leading engines. Average precision of relevant hits across the engines was highest on two‐word queries and lowest on one‐word queries. Google performed best on natural language queries; Bing did the same (P = 0.69) on two‐word queries. The findings have implications for search engine ranking algorithms, relevance theory, search engine design, research design, and information literacy.
Author name disambiguation: What difference does it make in author‐based citation analysis?
Authors: Strotmann Andreas , Zhao Dangzhi
Published: August 2012

In this article, we explore how strongly author name disambiguation (AND) affects the results of an author‐based citation analysis study, and identify conditions under which the traditional simplified approach of using surnames and first initials may suffice in practice. We compare author citation ranking and cocitation mapping results in the stem cell research field from 2004 to 2009 using two AND approaches: the traditional simplified approach of using author surname and first initial and a sophisticated algorithmic approach. We find that the traditional approach leads to extremely distorted rankings and substantially distorted mappings of authors in this field when based on first‐ or all‐author citation counting, whereas last‐author‐based citation ranking and cocitation mapping both appear relatively immune to the author name ambiguity problem. This is largely because Romanized names of Chinese and Korean authors, who are very active in this field, are extremely ambiguous, but few of these researchers consistently publish as last authors in bylines. We conclude that a more earnest effort is required to deal with the author name ambiguity problem in both citation analysis and information retrieval, especially given the current trend toward globalization. In the stem cell research field, in which laboratory heads are traditionally listed as last authors in bylines, last‐author‐based citation ranking and cocitation mapping using the traditional approach to author name disambiguation may serve as a simple workaround, but likely at the price of largely filtering out Chinese and Korean contributions to the field as well as important contributions by young researchers.
Enhanced oral bioavailability and anti‐tumour effect of paclitaxel by 20(s)‐ginsenoside Rg3in vivo
Authors: Yang Lei‐Qiong , Wang Bin , Gan Hui , Fu Shou‐Ting , Zhu Xiao‐Xia , Wu Zhuo‐Na , Zhan Da‐Wei , Gu Ruo‐Lan , Dou Gui‐Fang , Meng Zhi‐Yun
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of paclitaxel in combination with 20(s)‐ginsenoside Rg3 on its anti‐tumour effect in nude mice. In the Caco‐2 transport assay, the apparent permeability from the apical side to the basal side (Papp) (A‐B) andPapp(B‐A) of paclitaxel were measured when co‐incubated with different concentrations of 20(s)‐ginsenoside Rg3. The results indicated that the penetration of paclitaxel through the Caco‐2 monolayer from the apical side to the basal side was facilitated by 20(s)‐ginsenoside Rg3 in a concentration‐dependent manner. Meanwhile, 20(s)‐ginsenoside Rg3 inhibited P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), and the maximum inhibition was achieved at 80 µm(p < 0.05). The pharmacokinetic parameters of paclitaxel after oral co‐administration of paclitaxel (40 mg/kg) with various doses of 20(s)‐ginsenoside Rg3 in rats were investigated by anin vivopharmacokinetic experiment. The results showed that theAUCof paclitaxel co‐administered with 20(s)‐ginsenoside Rg3 was significantly higher (p < 0.001 at 10 mg/kg) compared with the control. The relative bioavailability (RB) % of paclitaxel with 20(s)‐ginsenoside Rg3 was 3.4‐fold (10 mg/kg) higher than that of the control. The effect of paclitaxel orally co‐administered with 20(s)‐ginsenoside Rg3 against human tumour MCF‐7 xenografts in nude mice was also evaluated. Paclitaxel (20 mg/kg) co‐administered with 20(s)‐ginsenoside Rg3 (10 mg/kg) exhibited an effective anti‐tumour activity with the relative tumor growth rate (T/C) values of 39.36% (p<0.05). The results showed that 20(s)‐ginsenoside Rg3 enhanced the oral bioavailability of paclitaxel in rats and improved the anti‐tumour activity in nude mice, indicating that oral co‐administration of paclitaxel with 20(s)‐ginsenoside Rg3 could provide an effective strategy in addition to the established i.v. route. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fungal Transformation and Schistosomicidal Effects of Pimaradienoic Acid
Authors: Porto Thiago S. , da Silva Filho Ademar A. , Magalhães Lizandra G. , dos Santos Raquel A. , Furtado Niege A. J. C. , Arakawa Nilton S. , Said Suraia , de Oliveira Dionéia C. R. , Gregório Luiz E. , Rodrigues Vanderlei , Veneziani Rodrigo C. S. , Ambrósio Sérgio R.
Published: August 2012

The schistosomicidal effects of pimaradienoic acid (PA) and two derivatives, obtained by fungal transformation in the presence of Aspergillus ochraceus, were investigated. PA was the only compound with antischistosomal activity among the three diterpenes studied, with the ability to significantly reduce the viability of the parasites at concentrations ranging from 25 to 100 μM. PA also promoted morphological alterations of the tegument of Schistosoma mansoni, separated all the worm couples, and affected the production and development of eggs. Moreover, this compound was devoid of toxicity toward human fibroblasts. In a preliminary in vivo experiment, PA at a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly diminished the number of parasites in infected Balb/c mice. Taken together, these results show that PA may be potentially employed in the discovery of novel schistosomicidal agents, and that diterpenes are an important class of natural compounds for the investigation of agents capable of fighting the parasite responsible for human schistosomiasis.
Melanogenesis Inhibitory Activity of Sesquiterpenes from Canarium ovatum Resin in Mouse B16 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Kikuchi Takashi , Watanabe Kensuke , Tochigi Yuichi , Yamamoto Ayako , Fukatsu Makoto , Ezaki Yoichiro , Tanaka Reiko , Akihisa Toshihiro
Published: August 2012

Four known sesquiterpene alcohols, i.e., 1–4, ten triterpene alcohols, i.e., 5–14, and four triterpene acids, i.e., 15–18, were isolated from the MeOH extract of Canarium ovatum resin (elemi resin). Upon evaluation of the previously described compounds 1–18 on the melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells induced with α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), three sesquiterpene alcohols, i.e., cryptomeridiol (1), 4‐epicryptomeridiol (2), and cadin‐1(14)‐ene‐7α,11‐diol (4), exhibited inhibitory effects with 27.4–34.1 and 39.0–56.9% reduction of melanin content at 50 and 100 μM, respectively, with no or very low toxicity to the cells (80.9–103.9% of cell viability at 100 μM). Western‐blot analysis revealed that compounds 1 and 2 reduced the protein levels of MITF (=microphtalmia‐associated transcription factor), tyrosinase, and TRP‐2 (=tyrosine‐related protein 2), mostly in a concentration‐dependent manner, suggesting that these compounds exhibit melanogenesis inhibitory activity on α‐MSH‐stimulated B16 melanoma cells by, at least in part, inhibiting the expression of MITF, followed by decreasing the expression of tyrosinase and TRP‐2. Three sesquiterpene alcohols, i.e., 1, 2, and 4, are, therefore, considered to be valuable as potential skin‐whitening agents.
Intravascular ultrasound‐guided systematic two‐stent techniques for coronary bifurcation lesions and reduced late stent thrombosis
Authors: Chen Shao‐Liang , Ye Fei , Zhang Jun‐Jie , Tian Nai‐Liang , Liu Zhi‐Zhong , Santoso Teguh , Zhou Yu‐Jie , Jiang Tie‐Ming , Wen Shang‐Yu , Kwan Tak W.
Published: August 2012

Background

The effects of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)‐guided complex approaches using drug‐eluting stents (DES) for coronary bifurcation lesions on clinical outcomes has not yet been studied in detail.

Objective

Our objective was to analyze the difference in 1‐year outcomes following two‐stent techniques involving implantation of DES for coronary bifurcation lesions between IVUS‐guided and angiography‐guided groups.

Methods

From May 26, 2007 to March 24, 2010, 628 patients received two‐stent techniques (324 in the IVUS‐guided group and 304 angiography‐guided) and were prospectively studied. We compared major adverse cardiac events (MACE, including cardiac death, stent thrombosis [ST], myocardial infarction [MI] and target lesion/vessel revascularization) at 12‐months follow‐up, before and after adjusting for propensity score matching.

Results

At 12‐months after the indexed procedure, patients in the angiography‐guided group had significantly increased in‐stent restenosis. Compared to the angiography‐guided group, the IVUS‐guided group had a significantly lower overall unadjusted ST rate (1.2% vs. 6.9%, P < 0.001), definite ST (0.6% vs. 5.3%, P < 0.001), late ST (0.6% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.003), MI (4.6% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.038) and cardiac death (0.9% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.049). By propensity score matching, 123 paired patients were matched. The late ST at 12‐months follow‐up was 0% in the IVUS‐guided group versus 4.9% in the angiography‐guided group (P = 0.029), resulting in significant differences in ST‐elevation MI between the two groups (2.4% vs. 9.8%, P = 0.030).

Conclusions

The IVUS‐guided two‐stent technique was associated with significantly reduced late stent thrombosis, with a resultant reduction in ST‐elevation MI. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomic correlates of supra‐normal ankle brachial indices
Authors: Weinberg Ido , Giri Jay , Calfon Marcella A. , Hawkins Beau M. , Weinberg Mitchell D. , Margey Ronan , Hannon Kathleen , Schainfeld Robert M. , Jaff Michael R.
Published: August 2012

Background

Supra‐normal ankle brachial index (ABI) (>1.40), poses diagnostic challenges to determine the presence, location, and severity of peripheral artery disease (PAD). The anatomic distribution of PAD in patients with elevated ABI has not been previously described.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients referred to the Massachusetts General Hospital vascular diagnostic laboratory from 5 January 2006 to 12 January 2011 who had both a supra‐normal ABI and contrast arteriography (CA) within 3 months of each other is reported. Angiographic patterns were described using the Trans Atlantic Inter Society Consensus II (TASC II) classification.

Results

One‐hundred sixteen limbs were analyzed in 92 patients. Mean age was 71.6 years (±11.2); 81.5% (75/92) were male; 85.9% Caucasian (79/92); 67.4% diabetics (62/92); 78.3% hypertensive (72/92); 67.4% hypercholesterolemic (62/92); and 64.1% were current or former tobacco users (59/92). Chronic hemodialysis was present in 18.5% (17/92) and 15.2% (14/92) received chronic corticosteroids. Intermittent claudication was present in 46.7% (43/92) and critical limb ischemia in 52.2% (48/92). Aortoiliac, femoral and infra‐popliteal involvement per angiography occurred in 14.9% (15/101), 56.1% (60/107), and 84.0% (84/100), respectively. Multilevel disease was present in 48.8% (42/86) of patients. PAD was absent in 4.7% (4/86) of patients. Toe brachial index <0.7 was found in 92% (92/100) of patients with angiographically confirmed PAD.

Conclusion

In symptomatic patients referred to a vascular laboratory who were found to have supra‐normal ABI, nearly one half exhibited multilevel PAD, and over 80% had infrapopliteal involvement. A supra‐normal ABI in such patients mandates evaluation for the presence and extent of PAD. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transradial access for peripheral vascular interventions
Authors: Staniloae Cezar S. , Korabathina Ravikiran , Coppola John T.
Published: August 2012

Transradial access for coronary interventions has grown substantially in the last few years. Currently, there is an increased interest in applying this approach to peripheral vascular interventions. This report reviews the current status of transradial peripheral interventions, and offers advice in terms of feasibility, equipment use, and technical challenges. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bipolar cell–photoreceptor connectivity in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) retina
Authors: Li Yong N. , Tsujimura Taro , Kawamura Shoji , Dowling John E.
Published: August 2012

Bipolar cells convey luminance, spatial, and color information from photoreceptors to amacrine and ganglion cells. We studied the photoreceptor connectivity of 321 bipolar cells in the adult zebrafish retina. 1,1′‐Dioctadecyl‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) was inserted into whole‐mounted transgenic zebrafish retinas to label bipolar cells. The photoreceptors that connect to these DiI‐labeled cells were identified by transgenic fluorescence or their positions relative to the fluorescent cones, as cones are arranged in a highly ordered mosaic: rows of alternating blue‐ (B) and ultraviolet‐sensitive (UV) single cones alternate with rows of red‐ (R) and green‐sensitive (G) double cones. Rod terminals intersperse among cone terminals. As many as 18 connectivity subtypes were observed, 9 of which—G, GBUV, RG, RGB, RGBUV, RGRod, RGBRod, RGBUVRod, and RRod bipolar cells—accounted for 96% of the population. Based on their axon terminal stratification, these bipolar cells could be further subdivided into ON, OFF, and ON–OFF cells. The dendritic spread size, soma depth and size, and photoreceptor connections of the 308 bipolar cells within the nine common connectivity subtypes were determined, and their dendritic tree morphologies and axonal stratification patterns compared. We found that bipolar cells with the same axonal stratification patterns could have heterogeneous photoreceptor connectivity whereas bipolar cells with the same dendritic tree morphology usually had the same photoreceptor connectivity, although their axons might stratify on different levels. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:3786–3802, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diversity‐Oriented Synthesis of Spiro‐ and Fused Azacycles from Ketone Molecular Templates
Authors: Maltais René , Poirier Donald
Published: August 2012

A new diversity‐oriented synthesis (DOS) methodology was developed to generate different types of azacycles (oxazinones, oxazolidinones, and morpholines) from β‐amino diols, which can be easily obtained from ketones. Considering the large number of natural products and synthetic templates bearing a ketone functionality, this DOS methodology opens the door to the exploration of chemical space regions around the ketone and will favor the discovery of bioactive compounds.
A semipermanent coating for preventing protein adsorption at physiological pH in kinetic capillary electrophoresis
Authors: de Jong Stephanie , Epelbaum Nicolas , Liyanage Ruchi , Krylov Sergey N.
Published: August 2012

Protein adsorption to the inner capillary wall hinders the use of kinetic capillary electrophoresis (KCE) when studying noncovalent protein–ligand interactions. Permanent and dynamic capillary coatings have been previously reported to alleviate much of the problems associated with protein adsorption. The characteristic limitations associated with permanent and dynamic coatings motivated us to look at a third type of coating – semipermanent. Here, we demonstrate that a semipermanent capillary coating, designed by Lucy and co‐workers, comprised of dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) and polyoxyethylene (POE) stearate, greatly reduces protein adsorption at physiological pH – a necessary requirement for KCE. The coating (i) does not inhibit protein–DNA complex formation, (ii) prevents the adsorption of the analytes, and (iii) supports an electoosmotic flow required for many applications of KCE. The coating was tested in three physiological buffers using a well‐known DNA aptamer and four proteins that severely bind to bare silica capillaries as standards. For every protein, a condition was found under which the semipermanent coating effectively suppresses protein adhesion. While no coating can completely prevent the adsorption of all proteins, our findings suggest that the DODAB/POE stearate coating can have a broad impact on CE at large, as it prevents the absorption of several well studied, highly adhesive proteins at physiological pH.
A New 30‐Noroleanane Saponin from Wedelia chinensis
Authors: Li Xing , Wang Yu‐Fang , Shi Qing‐Wen , Sauriol Françoise
Published: August 2012

A novel 30‐nortriterpenoid saponin, (3β)‐3‐hydroxy‐30‐noroleana‐12,20(29)‐dien‐28‐oic acid 3‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosiduronic acid 6‐methyl ester) (1), and a known compound, (3β)‐oleanolic acid 3‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosiduronic acid 6‐methyl ester) (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Wedelia chinensis. The structures were established by their spectral data including 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR, 1H,1H‐COSY, HMBC, HSQC, NOESY, and HR‐FAB‐MS data.
Polyprenylated Xanthones and Benzophenones from the Bark of Garcinia oblongifolia
Authors: Shan Wei‐Guang , Lin Tian‐Song , Yu Hai‐Ning , Chen Yan , Zhan Zha‐Jun
Published: August 2012

A new polyprenylated xanthone (=9H‐xanthen‐9‐one) and a new polyprenylated benzophenone, namely oblongifolixanthone A (1) and garciniagifolone A (2), were isolated from the bark of Garcinia oblongifolia, together with five known compounds including the four xanthones 3–5 and 7 and a benzophenone 6. The structures of 1 and 2 were established by detailed analysis of their spectroscopic data, especially 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectra and HR‐ESI‐MS data. All these compounds were assayed for their cytotoxic activities against three human tumor cell lines (HeLa, SGC7901, and HepG2). The 1,3,6,7‐tetrahydroxy‐9H‐xanthen‐9‐one (3) was inactive, and the other compounds showed weak to moderate activity.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation as Antibacterial Agents of Water‐Soluble Calix[4]arenes and Phenol Derivatives Incorporating Carboxylate Groups
Authors: Mourer Maxime , Fontanay Stéphane , Duval Raphaël E. , Regnouf‐de‐Vains Jean‐Bernard
Published: August 2012

As part of specific investigations dedicated to the building of a chemical library of calixarenes with anti‐infective properties, some H2O‐soluble calix[4]arene derivatives incorporating carboxylate groups at the upper rim and heterocycles at the lower rim have been prepared and characterized as have their constitutive functional monomers. In vitro antibacterial testing against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative reference strains shows that the derivative with two 5,5′‐dicarboxylated 2,2′‐bithiazole subunits in alternate positions at the lower rim displays an activity at ca. 70 μM (128 μg/ml) on S. aureus ATCC 29213.