bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: A Green Chemical Synthesis of 2‐Alkylbenzimidazoles from 1,2‐Phenylenediamine and Propylene Glycol, or Alcohols Mediated by Ag—TiO2/Clay Composite Photocatalyst.
Authors: Selvam K. , Swaminathan M.
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Biocatalytic Acylation Sudies on Novel 3‐Aryl‐3‐hydroxymethyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐ones.
Authors: Kumar Vijayendra , Kumar Rajesh , Raunak Raunak , Poonam Poonam , Sharma Sunil K. , Prasad Ashok K. , Cholli Ashok L. , Olsen Carl E. , Parmar Virinder S.
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Route to 2‐Substituted Tetrahydroquinolines via Palladium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroamination of Anilino‐Alkynes.
Authors: Patil Nitin T. , Wu Huanyou , Yamamoto Yoshinori
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Lewis Acid Promoted Conjugate Addition of Dienol Silyl Ethers to Nitroalkenes: Synthesis of 3‐Substituted Azepanes.
Authors: Denmark Scott E. , Xie Min
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Phase Transfer of Fluoride Ion by Phosphonioborins
Authors: Agou Tomohiro , Kobayashi Junji , Kim Youngmin , Gabbai Francois P. , Kawashima Takayuki
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Comparative Studies on the Behavior of 3‐Amino‐2‐phenyl‐4(3H)‐quinazolinone (I) Towards Some Organophosphorus Reagents.
Authors: Boulos Leila S. , Arsanious Mona H. N. , Yakout El‐Sayed M. A.
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Ni‐Catalyzed Addition Reaction of Allylic Selenides to Alkynes.
Authors: Yamashita Koh‐ichiro , Takeda Hideaki , Kashiwabara Taigo , Hua Ruimao , Shimada Shigeru , Tanaka Masato
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Electrophilic Cyclization of (Z)‐Selenoenynes: Synthesis and Reactivity of 3‐Iodoselenophenes.
Authors: Alves Diego , Luchese Cristiane , Nogueira Cristina W. , Zeni Gilson
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Sesquiterpenoids and Flavonoids from the Aerial Parts of Tithonia diversifolia and Their Cytotoxic Activity.
Authors: Kuroda Minpei , Yokosuka Akihito , Kobayashi Ryosuke , Jitsuno Maki , Kando Hiroaki , Nosaka Kosuke , Ishii Hiroyasu , Yamori Takao , Mimaki Yoshihiro
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Cytotoxic Germacranolide Sesquiterpene from Inula cappa.
Authors: Xie Hong‐Gang , Chen Hong , Cao Bo , Zhang Hong‐Wu , Zou Zhong‐Mei
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Improved Synthesis of O‐Linked, and First Synthesis of S‐Linked, Carbohydrate Functionalized N‐Carboxyanhydrides (glycoNCAs).
Authors: Gibson Matthew I. , Hunt Gregory J. , Cameron Neil R.
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Calycotomine (VI) via Pictet—Spengler Type Reaction of N,O‐Acetal TMS Ethers as N‐Acyliminium Ion Equivalents.
Authors: Yang Jung‐Eun , In Jin‐Kyung , Lee Mi‐Sung , Kwak Jae‐Hwan , Lee Heesoon , Lee Soo Jae , Kang Han‐Young , Suh Young‐Ger , Jung Jae‐Kyung
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Modular and Practical Synthesis of 6‐Substituted Pyridin‐3‐yl C‐Nucleosides.
Authors: Joubert Nicolas , Pohl Radek , Klepetarova Blanka , Hocek Michal
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Lignans from Schisandra propinqua var. propinqua.
Authors: Lei Chun , Huang Sheng‐Xiong , Chen Ji‐Jun , Pu Jian‐Xin , Yang Li‐Bin , Zhao Yong , Liu Jin‐Ping , Gao Xue‐Mei , Xiao Wei‐Lie , Sun Han‐Dong
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Two New Butenolide Derivatives from Saussurea katochaete
Authors: Li Ya , Shi Yan‐Ping
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Facile Microwave Assisted Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activities of Naturally Occurring (E)‐Cinnamyl (E)‐Cinnamates and (E)‐Aryl Cinnamates.
Authors: Mahajan Rajesh P. , Patil Ulhas K. , Patil Shamkant L.
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Single‐Molecule Imaging: Catalysts under the Microscope
Authors: Higgins Simon J. , Nichols Richard J.
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Aromatic Iridacycles
Authors: Bleeke John R.
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemical Fluorination of Organic Compounds
Authors: Dinoiu Vasile
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Transition to Organic Materials Science. Passive, Active, and Hybrid Nanotechnologies
Authors: Tour James M.
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: 1,2‐Dithiolene Ligands and Related Selenium and Tellurium Compounds
Authors: Arca Massimiliano , Aragoni M. Carla
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Stereochemistry of Optically Active Chalcogen Compounds
Authors: Shimizu Toshio , Kamigata Nobumasa
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Sulfur Trioxide — Pyridine Complex, a Versatile Organic Reagent
Authors: Kusch Dirk
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Employing Natural Product‐like Combinatorial Libraries in the Discovery of Lead Libraries
Authors: Abreu Pedro M. , Branco Paula S. , Matthew Susan
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The Use of Polymer‐Supported Reagents and Scavengers in the Synthesis of Natural Products
Authors: Ley Steven V. , Baxendale Ian R. , Myers Rebecca M.
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Selected Recent Developments in the Enantioselective Reduction of Imines by Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Roszkowski Piotr , Czarnocki Zbigniew
Published: December 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Combination of all‐trans retinoic acid and paclitaxel‐induced differentiation and apoptosis in human glioblastoma U87MG xenografts in nude mice
Authors: Karmakar Surajit , Banik Naren L. , Ray Swapan K.
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND.

Glioblastoma, which is the most malignant brain tumor, remains incurable and almost always causes death. As a new treatment strategy, the combination of all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and paclitaxel was explored for controlling the growth of glioblastoma U87MG xenografts.

METHODS.

Human glioblastoma U87MG xenografts were developed in athymic nude mice for treatments with ATRA, paclitaxel, and ATRA plus paclitaxel. The efficacy of treatments in controlling tumor growth was assessed by histologic examination, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescent labelings.

RESULTS.

Astrocytic differentiation in U87MG xenografts was associated with increased GFAP expression and decreased telomerase expression. The combination of ATRA and paclitaxel was found to cause more apoptosis than paclitaxel alone. Apoptosis occurred with down‐regulation of MEK‐2 and overexpression of p‐ERK, p‐JNK, and p‐p38 MAPK. Down‐regulation of both Akt and p‐Akt also favored the apoptotic process. Combination therapy activated the receptor‐mediated pathway of apoptosis with induction of TNF‐α, activation of caspase‐8, and cleavage of Bid to tBid. Combination therapy also induced the mitochondria‐mediated pathway of apoptosis with an increase in the Bax:Bcl‐2 ratio and mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and Smac/Diablo into the cytosol. In addition, combination therapy promoted phosphorylation of Bcl‐2 for its inactivation and down‐regulated NF‐κB and BIRC proteins, indicating suppression of several cell survival factors. Western blot analysis demonstrated that activation of cysteine proteases such as calpain, caspase‐12, caspase‐9, and caspase‐3 contributed to apoptosis. Immunofluorescent labelings confirmed overexpression of cysteine proteases in apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS.

Treatment of U87MG xenografts with a combination of ATRA and paclitaxel induced differentiation and also multiple molecular mechanisms for apoptosis. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Cost‐effectiveness of targeted and tailored interventions on colorectal cancer screening use
Authors: Lairson David R. , DiCarlo Melissa , Myers Ronald E. , Wolf Thomas , Cocroft James , Sifri Randa , Rosenthal Michael , Vernon Sally W. , Wender Richard
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is cost‐effective but underused. The objective of this study was to determine the cost‐effectiveness of targeted and tailored behavioral interventions to increase CRC screening use by conducting an economic analysis associated with a randomized trial among patients in a large, racially and ethnically diverse, urban family practice in Philadelphia.

METHODS.

The incremental costs per unit increase were measured in individuals who were screened during the 24 months after intervention. Percent increase in screening was adjusted for baseline differences in the study groups. Each intervention arm received a targeted screening invitation letter, stool blood test (SBT) cards, informational booklet, and reminder letter. Tailored interventions incrementally added tailored messages and reminder telephone calls.

RESULTS.

Program costs of the targeted intervention were $42 per participant. Additional costs of adding tailored print materials and of delivering a reminder telephone call were $150 and $200 per participant, respectively. The cost per additional individual screened was $319 when comparing the no intervention group with the targeted intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS.

The targeted intervention was more effective and less costly than the tailored intervention. Although tailoring plus reminder telephone call was the most effective strategy, it was very costly per additional individual screened. Mailed SBT cards significantly boosted CRC screening use. However, going beyond the targeted intervention to include tailoring or tailoring plus reminder calls in the manner used in this study did not appear to be an economically attractive strategy. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Aberrant agouti‐related protein system in the hypothalamus of the anx/anx mouse is associated with activation of microglia
Authors: Nilsson Ida , Lindfors Charlotte , Fetissov Sergueï O. , Hökfelt Tomas , Johansen Jeanette E.
Published: December 2007

Agouti‐related protein (AgRP) is a key orexigenic neuropeptide expressed in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and a marker for neurons conveying hormonal signals of hunger to the brain. Mice homozygous for the anorexia (anx) mutation are characterized by decreased food intake, starvation, and death by 3–5 weeks of age. At this stage immunoreactivity for AgRP is increased in cell bodies but decreased in the nerve terminals. We studied when during early postnatal development the aberrant phenotype of the AgRP system becomes apparent in anx/anx mice and possible underlying mechanisms. AgRP and ionized calcium binding adapter molecule (Iba1), a marker for activated microglia, as well as Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR‐2), were studied by immunohistochemistry at postnatal days P1, P5, P10, P12, P15 and P21 in anx/anx and wild‐type mice. We found that the AgRP system in the anx/anx mouse develops similarly to the wild type until P12, when AgRP fibers in anx/anx mice cease to increase in density in the main projection areas. At P21, AgRP fiber density in anx/anx mice was significantly reduced vs. P15, in certain regions. At P21, many strongly AgRP‐positive cell bodies were observed in the anx/anx arcuate nucleus vs. only few and weakly fluorescent ones in the wild type. The decrease in AgRP fiber density in anx/anx mice overlapped with an increase in Iba1 and TLR‐2 immunoreactivities. Thus, the aberrant appearance of the AgRP system in the anx/anx mouse in the early postnatal development could involve a microglia‐associated process and the innate immune system. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1128–1140, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhancer detection in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis with transposase‐expressing lines of Minos
Authors: Sasakura Yasunori , Konno Aru , Mizuno Katsutoshi , Satoh Nori , Inaba Kazuo
Published: December 2007

A juevinile of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis expressing RFP. The RFP cassette was used as a marker of the transgene expressing Minos transposase in the male germ cells. RFP was expressed in the endostyle, peripharyngeal band, retropharyngeal band, and muscle. See Sasakura et al., Developmental Dyanmics 237:39–50.
Realization of acceleration control using multirate sampling method
Authors: Mizuochi Mariko , Tsuji Toshiaki , Nishi Hiroaki , Ohnishi Kouhei
Published: December 2007

This paper focuses on the realization of high‐performance motion control based on acceleration control. The characteristics of acceleration control are investigated and the relationship between the performance and sampling frequency of the system is discussed. This paper then describes that a higher sampling frequency is required for acquisition of output information than for updating the input value. Based on this idea, a new multirate sampling method for an acceleration control system is proposed. A disturbance observer for the multirate system is designed by adopting a new definition of disturbance torque. A bilateral system is introduced as a preeminent example of a system that requires robust acceleration control. Both simulations and experiments are performed on the system, and the validity of the proposition is verified by the results. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 162(4): 72–81, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20507
Friction term discretization and limitation to preserve stability and conservation in the 1D shallow‐water model: Application to unsteady irrigation and river flow
Authors: Burguete J. , García‐Navarro P. , Murillo J.
Published: December 2007

Friction is one of the relevant forces included in the momentum equation of the 1D shallow‐water model. This work shows that a pointwise discretization of the friction term unbalances this term with the rest of the terms in the equation in steady state. On the other hand, an upwind discretization of the friction term ensures the correct discrete balance. Furthermore, a conservative technique based on the limitation of the friction value is proposed in order to avoid unbounded values of the friction term in unsteady cases of advancing front over dry and rough surfaces. This limitation improves the quality of unsteady solutions in wet/dry fronts and guarantees the numerical stability in cases with dominant friction terms. The proposed discretization is validated in some test cases with analytical solution or with measured data and used in some practical cases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro study of axonal migration and myelination of motor neurons in a three‐dimensional tissue‐engineered model
Authors: Gingras Marie , Beaulieu Marie‐Michèle , Gagnon Vicky , Durham Heather D. , Berthod François
Published: December 2007

Primary motor neurons are difficult to study in conventional culture systems because of their short‐term survival without trophic support from glia. In addition, axonal migration on a two‐dimensional Petri dish does not reflect the three‐dimensional (3D) environment in vivo. A unique in vitro 3D model of motor nerve regeneration was developed to study motor neuron axonal migration and myelination. Mouse spinal cord motor neurons were seeded on a collagen sponge populated with Schwann cells and fibroblasts. This fibroblast‐populated sponge was intended to mimic the connective tissue through which motor axons have to elongate in vivo. Addition of conventional neurotrophic supplements was not required for motor neuron survival but was necessary to promote deep neurite outgrowth, as assessed by immunostaining of neurofilament M. A vigorous neurite elongation was detected inside the sponge after only 14 days of neuron culture, reaching more than 850 μm. The model also allowed the maturation of motor fibers as one‐third of them were positive for neurofilament H. Neurites growing in the sponge were subject to myelination when Schwann cells were present, as shown by myelin basic protein immunostaining and electron microscopy. We demonstrated in this model the spontaneous formation of numerous thick myelin sheaths surrounding motor fibers after long‐term culture (28 days). Thus, this model might be a valuable tool to study the effect of various cells and/or attractive or repulsive molecules on motor neurite outgrowth in vitro and also for the study of myelination and pathogenesis of motor neuron diseases. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of jet array arrangement on the flow characteristics of the outlet hole in short confined channels
Authors: Haiyong Liu , Manzhao Kong , Songling Liu , Tianrong Shen
Published: December 2007

This experimental study is part of the research program related to the aerodynamic characteristics of impingement in a confined channel. Experimental research on better understanding flow structure in confined channel with impingement cooling is rarely found in open literature. The main purposes of this project are (1) gaining greater insight into the structure of the impingement jet flow and flow in the outlet hole; (2) understanding the effect of impingement hole arrangement build up on the flow structure and aerodynamic parameters within holes and channels with different aspect ratios. The test models are two confined channels with three staggered circular jet holes, and a single large size outlet hole placed downstream of the jet plate. The structure parameters of these orifices are different. In this paper, detailed flow field in the outlet hole was measured with a straight five‐hole probe, and the discharge coefficient of outlet holes with different aspect ratios was also studied in each channel. Experimental data shows that the jet arrangement has little influence on the flow behavior of the outlet hole when the aspect ratio of the passage was 1, but it played an important role on the discharge coefficient. Distinctively different flow patterns were found in two models with the aspect ratios of 3 and 5, while the variation of the discharge coefficient showed a slight influence on impingement hole arrangement. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(1): 20–28, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20188
Simulation of free surface MHD‐flow and heat transfer around a cylinder
Authors: Ying Fang , Hulin Huang
Published: December 2007

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) free‐surface flow and heat transfer of liquid metal around a cylinder under different Reynolds numbers were simulated numerically. The effects of the application of a magnetic field on wake and vortex shedding were analyzed. The characteristics of flow fields and temperature as well as Lorentz forces under two different Reynolds numbers were presented. The results showed that magnetic field could not only change substantially the flow pattern, but also suppress turbulent viscosity and surface renewal, which degraded heat transfer. Under the same Hartmann numbers, compared with the MHD‐flow and heat transfer of lower Reynolds numbers, the turbulence intensity and interaction between free surface and wake were still stronger for higher Reynolds numbers; consequently, the heat transfer was still high. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(1): 11–19, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20189
MicroRNAs and cancer: Profile, profile, profile
Authors: Barbarotto Elisa , Schmittgen Thomas D. , Calin George A.
Published: December 2007

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a new class of small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs, RNAs that do not codify for proteins) that can regulate gene expression by targeting messenger RNAs of protein coding genes and other ncRNA transcripts. miRNAs were recently found to be involved in the pathophysiology of all types of analyzed human cancers mainly by aberrant gene expression. This is characterized by abnormal levels of expression for mature and/or precursor miRNA transcripts in comparison to the corresponding normal tissues. miRNA profiling has allowed the identification of signatures associated with diagnosis, prognosis and response to treatment of human tumors. Therefore, miRNAs fingerprinting represents a new addition to the tools to be used by medical oncologists. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using qualitative methods to assess teaching effectiveness
Authors: Lattuca Lisa R. , Domagal‐Goldman Jennifer M.
Published: December 2007

The authors describe how qualitative methods can be used to conduct peer evaluations of teaching and program‐level assessments of teaching effectiveness, and improve teaching and learning outcomes
Effect of the photoreaction solvent on surface and bulk properties of poly(lactic acid) and poly(hydroxyalkanoate) films
Authors: Rasal Rahul M. , Bohannon Bradley G. , Hirt Douglas E.
Published: December 2007

The major objective of this research was to modify the surface properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) films by using a sequential two‐step photografting approach. In step 1, benzophenone was photografted on the film surface and in step 2, hydrophilic monomers acrylamide and acrylic acid were photopolymerized from the film surfaces. Another objective was to study the effect of the reaction solvent in step 2 on surface and bulk properties of these films. ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy and water contact angle goniometry were used to characterize the resultant film surfaces. When ethanol was used as the solvent in step 2, there was significant penetration of the monomers into the films, and bulk properties such as toughness and percent elongation at break were drastically affected. The penetration of these monomers into the bulk was characterized using transmission FTIR microspectroscopy. Microtomed sections of the surface‐modified films were placed in a diamond compression cell to perform the FTIR microspectroscopic analyses. The observed monomer penetration into the films was successfully reduced by using water instead of ethanol in step 2, and resultant films showed higher toughness and percent elongation at break than films surface‐modified using ethanol as a solvent in step 2. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Identification of human astrovirus infections among children with acute gastroenteritis in the Southern Part of Vietnam during 2005–2006
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Hoang LePhuc , Pham Le Duc , Hoang Kim Trong , Mizuguchi Misashi , Okitsu Shoko , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: December 2007

A molecular epidemiological study on common diarrheal viruses was conducted in a children's hospital in Ho Chi Minh City between December 2005 and November 2006. Fecal samples were collected from 502 pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis, and were screened for eight types of viral agents. Human astroviruses (HAstVs), which were detected with a prevalence of 13.9%, became the second most frequent viral enteropathogen. Although detected in both dry and rainy seasons, the majority (92.8%) of HAstVs in this study were found in the rainy season. Patients aged between 6 and 23 months were found to be more infected from astrovirus when compared to other age groups. The ratio between boys and girls was 2.3:1. The overall mean severity score of astrovirus positive patients was 11.8 ± 2.45. The mean severity score of the inpatients was statistically higher than that of the outpatients; however, there was no difference in severity scores between the age groups observed. The clinical manifestations of astrovirus infections among the Vietnamese children were diarrhea, vomiting, fever, coughing, and coryza. All of the detected astroviruses belonged to genotype 1. The phylogenetic tree clearly indicated that HAstVs‐1 worldwide could be classified into four different lineages, in which, Vietnamese astroviruses and other recently isolated strains from other countries clustered into the distinct lineage, 1d. These results provide important information on astrovirus infections among Vietnamese children. J. Med. Virol. 80:298–305, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute gastroenteritis cases associated with noroviruses infection in the state of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Ferreira M.S.R. , Xavier M.P.T.P. , Fumian T.M. , Victoria M. , Oliveira S.A. , Pena L.H.A. , Leite J.P.G. , Miagostovich M.P.
Published: December 2007

In March 2005, the Epidemiological Surveillance Service of Resende, municipality of the Middle Paraiba Valley, State of Rio de Janeiro, reported a sudden spontaneous occurrence of acute gastroenteritis cases in children in a public day care center. Further, between May and June 2005, gastroenteritis outbreaks or sporadic cases of gastroenteritis were reported in two other municipalities, Piraí and Rio Claro, also located in the Middle Paraiba Valley. From March to June 2005, 50 fecal samples were collected in this region and those samples were tested for the presence of bacteria and other parasites and were demonstrated to be negative. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and an enzyme immunoassay were performed for adenovirus and rotavirus detection and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate the presence of norovirus (NoV) and astrovirus. In addition, a quantitative TaqMan real time PCR for NoV was performed for quantification of viral DNA in order to compare the results with those obtained by conventional RT‐PCR. NoV was detected in 33 out of 50 (66%) samples, and a 100% correlation between both methodologies was obtained. These results are demonstrating that NoV was the etiological agent responsible for those acute gastroenteritis cases. Partial nucleotide sequence analysis of the capsid gene revealed that the circulating strain was NoV GII/4 confirming the worldwide distribution of this genotype. The results highlight the role of NoV as a main viral agent responsible for gastroenteritis cases in children and adults both in outbreaks as well as in sporadic cases of acute gastroenteritis. J. Med. Virol. 80:338–344, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The increasing prevalence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection in South London
Authors: Cross Timothy J.S. , Rizzi Paolo , Horner Mary , Jolly Anita , Hussain Munther J. , Smith Heather M. , Vergani Diego , Harrison Phillip M.
Published: December 2007

On the basis of historical studies, hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is considered uncommon in the United Kingdom (UK) and mainly confined to intravenous drug users. In order to assess the current prevalence of HDV co‐infection in patients with chronic hepatitis B (HBV), a retrospective analysis was performed of 962 consecutive HBV‐infected adult patients referred to King's College Hospital between January 1st 2000 and March 31st 2006. The 82 subjects positive for HDV antibody (8.5%) had a similar age to those without HDV (median 36 years, interquartile range 30–47, vs. 35 years, 29–43). Excluding non‐UK residents, the prevalence of HDV Antibody was 7.1%. Most HDV‐infected subjects were born in regions where HDV is endemic, for example, Southern or Eastern Europe (28.1%), Africa (26.8%) or Middle‐East (7.3%). Forty one (50%) were considered to have acquired HDV infection via intra‐familial transmission but intravenous drug use was still a common route of transmission (24.4%). Comparing HBV/HDV co‐infected to HBV mono‐infected patients, a higher proportion were hepatitis C antibody positive (25.6% versus 3.8%; odds ratio 8.89, 95% confidence interval 4.4–17.9; P < 0.00001) and more had cirrhosis (26.8% vs. 12.9%; odds ratio 2.64, 95% confidence interval 1.55–4.49; P < 0.0001) but, despite this, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma was similar (odds ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval 0.62–2.91). Although HDV infection is reportedly declining in some endemic regions, our data demonstrate a high prevalence in South London. HDV co‐infection is associated with increased morbidity and patients with HBV should be tested for HDV infection. J. Med. Virol. 80:277–282, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved tracing of hepatitis B virus transmission chains by phylogenetic analysis based on C region sequences
Authors: Boot Hein J. , Cremer Jeroen , Koedijk Femke D.H. , van Ballegooijen W. Marijn , Op de Coul Eline L.M.
Published: December 2007

An effective vaccine is available for the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is a very contagious human pathogen. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection is very low in the Netherlands (<0.5%), and no universal vaccination is in place. Instead, a program of vaccination for targeted groups at high risk of HBV exposure has been implemented. Because transmission of HBV can occur by various routes, the effectiveness of this targeted vaccination strategy is difficult to assess. Molecular typing data for the surface protein encoding gene of HBV isolates, in combination with epidemiological data, provide some insight into the main transmission routes. Due to the low mutation rate of the HBV genome, many isolates have identical S region sequences, which hampers phylogenetic analysis and identification of transmission chains. The molecular epidemiological analysis of acute HBV isolates based on the surface and core protein encoding regions were compared. The nucleotide diversity found in the C region was statistically significant greater (1.5 times) than in the S region, and phylogenetic analysis based on the C region showed a higher resolution. C region analysis resulted in an almost 50% reduction of genotype A isolates with identical sequences. C region analysis also indicated that no long‐chain transmission of genotype D strains is occurring in the Netherlands, as all genotype D isolates have unique C region sequences. Defining the goals of molecular typing of HBV isolates should precede the choice for phylogenetic analysis on the basis of either C or S region sequences. J. Med. Virol. 80:233–241, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor is a marker of dysmetabolism in HIV‐infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Andersen Ove , Eugen‐Olsen Jesper , Kofoed Kristian , Iversen Johan , Haugaard Steen B.
Published: December 2007

Circulating soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) reflects the immune and pro‐inflammatory status of the HIV‐infected patient. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) suppresses suPAR. Independent of the immune response to HAART, suPAR remains elevated in some HIV‐infected patients, reflecting possibly a low‐grade pro‐inflammatory state. Low‐grade inflammation has been implicated in insulin resistance and other features of dysmetabolism. Accordingly it is hypothesized that circulating suPAR is associated with the metabolic status of HIV‐infected patients on HAART. Fasting plasma suPAR was determined in 36 normoglycaemic HIV‐infected patients on HAART (n = 18 lipodystrophic, and n = 18 non‐lipodystrophic) who had estimated insulin sensitivity (Rd) and non‐oxidative glucose disposal (NOGM) by euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamps, indirect calorimetry, and glucose tracer infusion. Five patients had circadian suPAR concentrations measured (24 hr, 20 min‐intervals). suPAR and non‐HDL‐cholesterol were higher and Rd, NOGM, and limb fat were lower in lipodystrophic patients than in non‐lipodystrophic patients (P < 0.05). suPAR correlated positively with non‐HDL‐cholesterol and inversely with Rd, NOGM and limb fat (P < 0.005, n = 36). suPAR also correlated positively with leukocyte count and TNF‐α (P < 0.01, n = 36) but not with IL‐6. In multiple regression analyses suPAR was a stronger predictor of dysmetabolism than TNF‐α and IL‐6. Circadian suPAR did not systematically fluctuate. In conclusion, suPAR may reflect the metabolic status of the HIV‐infected patient on HAART, thus linking low‐grade inflammation, immune constitution, lipid and glucose metabolism, and fat redistribution. Circadian suPAR concentration appeared stable, suggesting that sampling schedule does not affect measurement. Further studies addressing whether suPAR predicts lipodystrophy and dysmetabolism in HIV‐infected patients are warranted. J. Med. Virol. 80:209–216, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the essential spectrum of hypoelliptic pseudo‐differential operators
Authors: Buzano Ernesto , Ziggioto Andrea
Published: December 2007

We describe the essential spectrum of a hypoelliptic pseudo‐differential operator which is the sum of a constantcoefficients operator and an operator with coefficients vanishing at infinity. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A continuation principle for a class of periodically perturbed autonomoussystems
Authors: Kamenskii Mikhail , Makarenkov Oleg , Nistri Paolo
Published: December 2007

The paper deals with a T ‐periodically perturbed autonomous system in ℝn of the form

with ε > 0 small. The main goal of the paper is to provide conditions ensuring the existence of T ‐periodic solutions to (PS) belonging to a given open set W ⊂ C ([0, T ],ℝn ). This problem is considered in the case when the boundary ∂W of W contains at most a finite number of nondegenerate T ‐periodic solutions of the autonomous system $ \dot x $ = ϕ (x). The starting point of our approach is the following property due to Malkin: if for any T ‐periodic limit cycle x 0 of $ \dot x $ = ϕ (x) belonging to ∂W the so‐called bifurcation function f (θ), θ ∈ [0, T ], associated to x0, see (1.11), satisfies the condition f(0) ≠ 0 then the integral operator

equation image

does not have fixed points on ∂W for all ε > 0 sufficiently small. By means of the Malkin's bifurcation function we then establish a formula to evaluate the Leray–Schauder topological degree of I – Qε on W. This formula permits to state existence results that generalize or improve several results of the existing literature. In particular, we extend a continuation principle due to Capietto, Mawhin and Zanolin where it is assumed that ∂W does not contain any T ‐periodic solutions of the unperturbed system. Moreover, we obtain generalizations or improvements of some existence results due to Malkin and Loud. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Solution of a multiple Nevanlinna–Pick problem for Carathéodory functions via orthogonal rational functions in the matrix case
Authors: Lasarow Andreas
Published: December 2007

We consider an interpolation problem of Nevanlinna–Pick type for matrix‐valued Carathéodory functions, where the values of the functions and its derivatives up to certain orders are given at finitely many points of the open unit disk. For the non‐degenerate case, i.e., in the particular situation that a specific block matrix (which is formed by the given data in the problem) is positive Hermitian, the solution set of this problem is described in terms of orthogonal rational matrix‐valued functions. These rational matrix functions play here a similar role as Szegő's orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle in the classical case of the trigonometric moment problem. In particular, we present and use a connection between Szegő and Schur parameters for orthogonal rational matrix‐valued functions which in the primary situation of orthogonal polynomials was found by Geronimus. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Alkyne‐Linked Poly(1,8‐carbazole)s: A Novel Class of Conjugated Carbazole Polymers
Authors: Michinobu Tsuyoshi , Osako Haruka , Shigehara Kiyotaka
Published: December 2007

Novel conjugated carbazole polymers based on the alkyne‐linked 1,8‐carbazole structure are synthesized in high yield by the Sonogashira cross‐coupling reaction and acetylenic oxidative coupling reaction. The polymers are thermally stable and highly soluble in common organic solvents such as CHCl3, CH2Cl2, and THF. As compared to ethynylene‐linked polymer, the butadiynylene‐linked polymer display a bathochromic shift in the absorption maximum and end absorption position. In addition, the fluorescence behaviors in CH2Cl2 are almost identical for both polymers. Electrochemical measurements indicate that the ethynylene‐linked polymer possesses a lower first oxidation potential than the butadiynylene‐linked one.

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Botulinum toxin type B vs. type A in toxin‐naïve patients with cervical dystonia: Randomized, double‐blind, noninferiority trial
Authors: Pappert Eric J. , Germanson Terry
Published: December 2007

The objective of this study was to compare efficacy, safety, and duration of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) and type B (BoNT‐B) in toxin‐naïve cervical dystonia (CD) subjects. BoNT‐naïve CD subjects were randomized to BoNT‐A or BoNT‐B and evaluated in a double‐blind trial at baseline and every 4‐weeks following one treatment. The primary measure was the change in Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) from baseline to week 4 post‐injection. Secondary measures included change in TWSTRS‐subscale scores, pain, global impressions, and duration of response and safety assessments. The study was designed as a noninferiority trial of BoNT‐B to BoNT‐A. 111 subjects were randomized (55 BoNT‐A; 56 BoNT‐B). Improvement in TWSTRS‐total scores 4 weeks after BoNT‐B was noninferior to BoNT‐A (adjusted means 11.0 (SE 1.2) and 8.8 (SE 1.2), respectively; per‐protocol‐population (PPP)). The median duration of effect of BoNT‐A and BoNT‐B was not different (13.1 vs. 13.7 weeks, respectively; P‐value = 0.833; PPP). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of injection site pain and dysphagia. Mild dry mouth was more frequent with BoNT‐B but there were no differences for moderate/severe dry mouth. In this study, both BoNT‐A and B were shown to be effective and safe for the treatment of toxin‐naive CD subjects. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Broadband gap‐coupled half hexagonal microstrip antennas
Authors: Ray K. P. , Pandey M. D. , Deshmukh A. A.
Published: December 2007

Three configurations of compact gap‐coupled half hexagonal microstrip antennas have been presented for broad bandwidth. Parametric studies for the effect of coupling gap and feed point location on the performance of these antennas have been investigated and the results have been validated experimentally. Increase in bandwidth is more than twice for the two configurations and about four times for the third case when compared with that of the corresponding hexagonal microstrip antenna. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 271–275, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23069
A frequency reconfigurable bow‐tie slot antenna with wide bandwidth
Authors: Lee Woosung , Kim Hyungrak , Yoon Young Joong
Published: December 2007

In this article a wide bandwidth frequency reconfigurable antenna is presented. The basic geometry of the antenna is a microstrip‐fed bow‐tie slot antenna. This type of antenna allows bandwidth to increase and it is modified to mount switches easily as well as to maintain good impedance matching in all operating bands. Both the simulated and measured results show that the proposed antenna has good frequency reconfigurability with wide bandwidth. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 404–406, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23086
A compact branch‐line coupler using defected ground structures
Authors: Maddah‐Ali Mohsen , Dalili Oskouei Hamid , Forooraghi Keyvan
Published: December 2007

A compact branch‐line coupler (BLC) with a size reduction of about 70% of a conventional BLC has been introduced. The coupler has been designed using a defected ground structure (DGS). No bonding wire or via holes have been used. The simulation results have been verified by measurement with good agreement. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 386–389, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23118