bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular structures of regioisomeric 7‐arylidene hexahydroindazoles from 1H NMR spectra
Authors: Pivnenko Nikolay S. , Turov Alexander V. , Abakumov Vladimir V. , Kutulya Lidiya A. , Shishkina Svetlana V. , Shishkin Oleg V.
Published: March 2009

The structural characterization of two regioisomeric products of the interaction of 2,6‐bis‐(4‐methoxybenzylidene)‐3R‐methylcyclohexanone with methyl hydrazine was achieved using 1H NMR spectral data, including chemical shifts, coupling constants and results of COSY and nuclear overhauser effect (NOE) experiments. Configurations of the new chiral centers in the (3S,3aR,6R,7E)‐7‐(4‐methoxybenzylidene)‐3,4,5,7‐hexahydro‐3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐2,6‐dimethyl‐ and 2,4‐dimethyl‐2H‐indazoles were assigned on the basis of experimental data combined with molecular modeling by the density functional theory (DFT) method. The distinction in the helical twisting power of studied compounds under addition to a nematic liquid crystal is discussed on the basis of peculiarities of the molecular structures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Simpler Approach to Population Balance Modeling in Predicting the Performance of Ziegler‐Natta Catalyzed Gas‐Phase Olefin Polymerization Reactor Systems
Authors: Rawatlal Randhir
Published: March 2009

In this work, an alternative formulation of the Population Balance Model (PBM) is proposed to simplify the mathematical structure of the reactor model. The method is based on the segregation approach applied to the recently developed unsteady state residence time distribution (RTD). It is shown that the model can predict the performance of a reactor system under unsteady flow and composition conditions. Case studies involving time‐varying catalyst flowrates, reactor temperature and reactor pressure were simulated and found to predict reactor performance with reasonable accuracy. The model was used to propose a grade transition strategy that could reduce transition time by as much as two hours.

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Response evaluation of axially loaded fixed‐head pile groups in clayey soils
Authors: Comodromos Emilios M. , Bareka Spyridoula V.
Published: March 2009

The aim of this paper is to investigate the interaction between the piles in a group with a rigid head and correlate the response of a group of piles to that of a single pile. For this purpose, a computationally intensive study using 3‐D nonlinear numerical analysis was carried out for different pile group arrangements in clayey soils. The responses of the groups of piles were compared with that of a single pile and the variation of the settlement amplification factor Ra was then quantified. The influence of the number of piles, the spacing, and the settlement level on the group response is discussed. A previously proposed relationship for predicting the response of a pile group, based on its configuration and the response of a single pile, has been modified to extend its applicability for any pile spacing. The modified relationship provides a reasonable prediction for various group configurations in clayey soils. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The psychometric validation of the OAB family impact measure (OAB‐FIM)
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Matza Louis S. , Brewster‐Jordan Jessica , Thompson Christine , Bavendam Tamara
Published: March 2009

Aims

Although overactive bladder (OAB) impacts patient health‐related quality of life, the impact of OAB on family members is not known. Presently, no validated instruments exist to assess family impact, thus we examined the psychometric properties of a new instrument, the overactive bladder family impact measure (OAB‐FIM).

Methods

Dyads of OAB patient–family members and control patient–family members were recruited from clinics. Family members (spouses, significant others, or daughters) completed the 32‐item draft OAB‐FIM. Patients completed the overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB‐q) and the patient perception of bladder condition (PPBC). Both patients and family members completed two validated relationship measures. Item and exploratory factor analyses were performed to determine subscale structure; reliability and validity were assessed.

Results

One hundred ninety‐three patient–family member dyads (163 OAB, 30 control) participated. OAB patients were mostly women (82%); the control group was younger with fewer women (53%). Family members were predominantly men (OAB, 58%; control, 52%), and control family members were younger than OAB family members. Thirteen items were deleted from the draft OAB‐FIM based on item performance and factor structure based on exploratory factor analyses, leaving 19‐items in the final OAB‐FIM. Four subscales (Irritation, Activities, Travel, Concern) were derived for use among all family members; two additional subscales (Sleep, Sex) were derived for use with spouses/significant others. The OAB‐FIM discriminated between OAB and control family members with OAB family members demonstrating significant impact (all P < 0.0001). Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha >0.70) and 2‐week test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.73) were high for all subscales. Concurrent validity of the OAB‐FIM was demonstrated through statistically significant (P < 0.001) Spearman correlations with the OAB‐q (0.35–0.58) and the PPBC (0.31–0.56). The OAB‐FIM also demonstrated known‐groups validity, distinguishing between family members of OAB patients and family members of control patients.

Conclusions

This study supports the reliability and validity of a new measure to assess the impact of OAB on family members and demonstrates that family members are affected by another's medical condition. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:359–369, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multivariate methods to identify cancer‐related symptom clusters
Authors: Skerman Helen M. , Yates Patsy M. , Battistutta Diana
Published: March 2009

Multivariate methods are required to assess the interrelationships among multiple, concurrent symptoms. We examined the conceptual and contextual appropriateness of commonly used multivariate methods for cancer symptom cluster identification. From 178 publications identified in an online database search of Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, limited to articles published in English, 10 years prior to March 2007, 13 cross‐sectional studies met the inclusion criteria. Conceptually, common factor analysis (FA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) are appropriate for symptom cluster identification, not principal component analysis. As a basis for new directions in symptom management, FA methods are more appropriate than HCA. Principal axis factoring or maximum likelihood factoring, the scree plot, oblique rotation, and clinical interpretation are recommended approaches to symptom cluster identification. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 32:345–360, 2009
Is a history of gestational diabetes related to risk factors for coronary heart disease?
Authors: King Kathleen B. , Gerich John E. , Guzick David S. , King Kathleen U. , McDermott Michael P.
Published: March 2009

Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in 20 non‐diabetic women with and 20 without a distant history of gestational diabetes (hGDM), matched on age, body mass index, and time since GDM‐affected pregnancy, was compared in a case control study. Women with an hGDM had lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c), p = .02, and higher triglycerides, p ≤ .001, versus controls. The combination of high triglycerides and low HDL‐c occurred in 25% of hGDM cases versus 0% of controls, p ≤ .01. Two‐hour post‐load glucose indicated that 45% of hGDM cases were pre‐diabetic versus 20% of controls, p ≤ .05. Non‐diabetic women with a distant hGDM are at increased risk for DM and may be at increased risk for CHD. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 32:298–306, 2009
Preparation and characterization of biodegradable poly(lactic acid)‐ block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) multiblock copolymer
Authors: Yu Tao , Ren Jie , Gu Shuying , Yang Ming
Published: March 2009

Biodegradable copolymers of poly(lactic acid)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PLA‐b‐PCL) were successfully prepared by two steps. In the first step, lactic acid monomer is oligomerized to low molecular weight prepolymer and copolymerized with the (ε‐caprolactone) diol to prepolymer, and then the molecular weight is raised by joining prepolymer chains together using 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as the chain extender. The polymer was carefully characterized by using 1H‐NMR analysis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of 1H‐NMR and TGA indicate PLA‐b‐PCL prepolymer with number average molecular weights (Mn) of 4000–6000 were obtained. When PCL‐diols are 10 wt%, copolymer is better for chain extension reaction to obtain the polymer with high molecular weight. After chain extension, the weight average molecular weight can reach 250,000 g/mol, as determined by GPC, when the molar ratio of –NCO to –OH was 3:1. DSC curve showed that the degree of crystallization of PLA–PCL copolymer was low, even became amorphous after chain extended reaction. The product exhibits superior mechanical properties with elongation at break above 297% that is much higher than that of PLA chain extended products. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two thieno[3,4b]pyrazine‐containing copolymers: synthesis, characterization, and application in mercury ions detection
Authors: Wan Meixiu , Zou Yingping , Tan Songting , Li Yongfang
Published: March 2009

Two alternative copolymers of thieno[3,4b]pyrazine (TPZ) and triphenylamine (TPA) or phenylene (Ph), P(TPA‐TPZ) and P(Ph‐TPZ), were synthesized by Wittig–Horner polycondensation and characterized by 1H NMR, elemental analysis, GPC, TGA, cyclic voltammetry, UV–Vis absorption, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The polymers are soluble in common organic solvents and possess good thermal stability. Both of them shows strong solvatochromism phenomenon when dissolved in different solvents. The fluorescence of the copolymer solutions is efficiently quenched upon the addition of Hg2+, indicating that the two copolymers could be good Hg2+ detectors. More interestingly, the copolymers show high selectivity for the Hg2+ detection and P(TPA‐TPZ) shows higher sensitivity and selectivity toward the Hg2+ detection than P(Ph‐TPZ) does in the presence of other competing metal ions. The results imply that the conjugated polymers (CPs) containing the thieno[3,4b]pyrazine moiety are promising materials for chemosensors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of grid‐connect photovoltaic systems: benefits, opportunities and strategies
Authors: Passey R. J. , Watt M. E. , Snow M. , Outhred H. R. , Spooner T.
Published: March 2009

This paper presents an analysis of the potential impact of integrating photovoltaics (PV) into the Western Australian electricity networks. It uses real‐time load and Australian Bureau of Meteorology climate data to assess PV's ability to reduce peak generation requirements, defer network augmentation, reduce line losses and reduce the cost of conventional supply in the Western Australian electricity networks and regional grids. It then identifies existing market opportunities for PV in Western Australia (WA), examines whether these capture the identified benefits and discusses strategies for capturing the system benefits provided by PV. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factor structure of the Beck Hopelessness Scale in individuals with advanced cancer
Authors: Nissim Rinat , Flora David B. , Cribbie Robert A. , Zimmermann Camilla , Gagliese Lucia , Rodin Gary
Published: March 2009

Objective: Although the Beck Hopelessness Scale is often used with the seriously ill, its factor structure has been given relatively little consideration in this context.

Methods: The factor structure of this scale was examined in a sample of 406 ambulatory patients with advanced lung or gastrointestinal cancer, using a sequential exploratory‐confirmatory factor analysis procedure.

Results: A two‐factor model was consistent with the data: The first factor reflected a negative outlook and was labeled ‘negative expectations’; the second factor identified a sense of resignation and was labeled ‘loss of motivation.’

Conclusions: Implications regarding scoring of the scale in this population are discussed, as are implications of the two‐factor structure for our understanding of hopelessness in individuals with advanced cancer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Communication skills training and clinicians' defenses in oncology: an exploratory, controlled study
Authors: Bernard Mathieu , de Roten Yves , Despland Jean‐Nicolas , Stiefel Friedrich
Published: March 2009

Objective: The underlying mechanisms modifying clinician's communication skills by means of communication skills training (CST) remain unknown. Defense mechanisms, defined as psychological processes protecting the individual against emotional stress, may be a mediating factor of skills improvement.

Methods: Using an adapted version of the Defense Mechanism Rating Scale—Clinician, this study evaluated clinicians' defense mechanisms and their possible modification after CST. Interviews with simulated patients of oncology clinicians (N=57) participating in CST (pre‐/post‐CST with a 6‐month interval) were compared WITH interviews with the same simulated patients of oncology clinicians (N=56) who did not undergo training (T1 and T2 with a 6‐month interval).

Results: Results showed (i) a high number (mean=16, SD=6) and variety of defenses triggered by the 15‐min interviews, (ii) no evolution difference between groups, and (iii) an increase in mature defenses after CST for clinicians with an initial higher level of defensive functioning.

Conclusions: This is the first study describing clinicians' defensive functioning; results indicate a possible mediating role of defenses in clinician–patient communication. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multilayer Photoresist Stamps For Selective Plasma Treatment in Micrometer Scales
Authors: Stöhr Uwe , Dohse Antje , Hoppe Paul , Thomas Michael , Kadel Klaus , Klages Claus‐Peter , Reinecke Holger
Published: March 2009

A novel plasma stamp has been developed allowing selective plasma treatment and coating of flat surfaces using dielectric barrier discharges at atmospheric pressure. The stamp consists of a flat carrier material covered with photoresist. The resist is structured to form cavities in which the plasma is burning. The cavity footprint is the desired structure to be reproduced or “plasma printed” on the substrate. Cavities can have any geometry and widths down to 10 µm. It is shown that the substrate surfaces can be activated in the same scale as the cavity dimensions and that the treated areas reproduce the footprint of the cavities. To be able to coat surfaces selectively, the stamp consists of multiple resist layers forming a channel network. Using this network, the cavities can be filled with process gas containing polymerizable monomers. This plasma stamp technology introduces a new MEMS process with high potential for production processes and bioscience applications.

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Plasma Process. Polym. 3/2009
Authors: Sonnenfeld Axel , Spillmann Adrian , Arpagaus Cordin , Rudolf von Rohr Philipp
Published: March 2009

Cover: Plasma surface processing is used to overcome agglomeration of dry find powders and meet the demand for homogenously functionalized powder particle surfaces. The cover shows a scheme for a down‐stream reactor designed for efficient surface modification and functionalization of particulates. Further details can be found in the article by A. Sonnenfeld, A. Spillmann, C. Arpagaus, and Ph. Rudolf von Rohr* on page 170.
Sedation with propofol for flexible bronchoscopy in children
Authors: Hasan Rashed A. , Reddy Ramalinga
Published: March 2009

Background

The purpose of this study was to report our experience with intravenous propofol (IVP) sedation for flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in children.

Methods

The following data were collected: demographics, pre‐ and post‐procedure diagnoses, induction time (IT), sedation time (ST), procedure time (PT), time to discharge from the hospital (TTD), induction dose (ID) of IVP, total dose (TD) of IVP, and complications. HR, RR, systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and SpO2 were recorded every 5 min.

Results

One hundred three (66 males, 37 females) consecutive patients (age: 4.7 ± 4.3 years) and (weight: 21.2 ± 16 kg) were enrolled over a 3‐year‐period. Airway Abnormalities were diagnosed in 93 (90%) patients leading to a change in therapy in 68 (66%) patients. In 20 (19.4%) patients abnormalities unrelated to the primary indication for FB were found. IT was 4.64 ± 2 min, PT was 6.2 ± 3.1 min, ST was 27 ± 14 min, and TTD was 80 ± 44 min.

The ID and TD for IVP were 2.8 ± 0.1 mg/kg, and 3.1 ± 0.1 mg/kg respectively. Patients 4–7 years of age required higher induction doses (IDs) of propofol (3.5 ± 1 mg/kg) compared to infants (2.8 ± 0.9 mg/kg), 1–3 years of age (2.7 ± 0.78 mg/kg) and 8–17 years of age (2.4 ± 0.7 mg/kg) (P < 0.001). There was a correlation between the TD of IVP and TTD from the hospital (r = 0.5, P < 0.01). The drop in SBP (104 ± 15 vs. 92 ± 13 mm Hg, P < 0.05) and DBP (57 ± 13 vs. 46 ± 9 mm Hg, P < 0.05) during IVP were statistically significant compared to baseline, however none of the patients met the criteria for hypotension. Two patients developed short (<20 sec) respiratory pauses without hypoxia. No patient required fluid resuscitation or endotracheal intubation.

Conclusions

FB may be performed successfully in children using IVP and is associated with insignificant cardio‐respiratory complications. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:373–378. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and validation of calmodulin as a binding protein of an anti‐proliferative small molecule 3,4‐dihydroisoquinolinium salt
Authors: Jung Hye Jin , Shim Joong Sup , Park Jungchan , Ha Hyun‐Joon , Kim Jung‐Ho , Kim Joong‐Gon , Kim Nam Doo , Yoon Jeong Hyeok , Kwon Ho Jeong
Published: March 2009

IHY‐153 (2‐(2,5‐difluorobenzyl)‐3,4‐dihydro‐5‐(10‐hydroxydecyl)‐6‐methoxy‐1‐undecylisoquinolinium bromide) was recently discovered as a small molecule that potently inhibits proliferation of tumor cells by inducing cell‐cycle arrest at G0‐G1 phase. To investigate the basis of anti‐proliferative activity of IHY‐153, cellular binding proteins of biotinyl‐IHY‐153 were screened using T7 phage displayed human cDNA libraries. Calmodulin‐expressing phage specifically bound to immobilized IHY‐153 in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. The interaction between IHY‐153 and Ca2+/CaM was validated through phage competition binding assays, surface plasmon resonance analysis, and molecular modeling. IHY‐153 induced sustained phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and subsequently increased p21WAF1expression in colon cancer cells. These results demonstrate that IHY‐153, a novel small molecule, targets Ca2+/CaM and indicate that this compound functions as an anti‐proliferative agent by influencing Ca2+/CaM‐dependent signal transduction.
Integrative analysis of cancer pathway progression and coherence
Authors: Dalkic Ertugrul , Nash Daniel Elwin Walter , Fassia Mohammad Kasim , Chan Christina
Published: March 2009

We analyzed the cancer pathways in the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) database. The database provides a collective of signaling pathway members involved in cancer progression. However, the KEGG cancer pathways, unlike signaling pathways, have not been analyzed extensively with gene expression and mutation data. We transformed the colorectal cancer pathway into discrete X and Y scales and analyzed the relative expression levels of adenoma and carcinoma samples as well as the distribution of mutation targets. The X scale corresponds to the downstream location in a pathway, whereas the Y scale corresponds to the stage of the tumor. The gene expression values of the early stage pathway members are significantly higher than of the rest of the pathway members in colorectal adenoma tissues. The colorectal cancer pathway shows some degree of coherence in the carcinoma samples. The correlated gene pairs responsible for the coherence of the colorectal cancer pathway in the carcinoma samples are supported, in part, by the literature and may suggest novel regulatory associations. Finally, there are more mutation targets in the nucleus as well as the late tumor stages of the KEGG colorectal cancer pathway.
The expression of pluripotency marker Oct 3/4 in prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia
Authors: Monsef Nastaran , Soller Maria , Isaksson Margareth , Abrahamsson Per Anders , Panagopoulos Ioannis
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND

Oct 3/4 (Octamer 3/4), a member of POU family has been considered as an important stem cell marker and essential transcription factor during human embryogenesis. In recent years, there have also been reports on presence of Oct 3/4 in differentiated benign and malignant human cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the transcription and the protein expression of Oct 3/4 isoforms in prostate cancer and benign prostate tissue.

METHODS

Thirty sex adenocarcinomas and eight cases of benign prostate hyperplasia were studied. The transcription of Oct 3/4 was analyzed using RT‐PCR approach associated with restriction digestion analysis. Oct 3/4 protein expression was studied by immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections using two different antibodies.

RESULTS

We identified only the transcript 2 of Oct 3/4 in prostate tumors and benign prostate hyperplasia. Immunohistochemistry verified these results, demonstrating only cytoplasmic localization of Oct 3/4. Transcription of type 1 of Oct 3/4 as well as protein expression with nuclear localization of Oct 3/4 isoform 1 were not detected. Oct 3/4 immunopositive tumors were also displayed neuroendocrine differentiation and showed androgen receptor immunopositivity. The stem cell markers CD44 and CD117 were not detected in Oct 3/4 immunopositive cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that only the cytoplasmic isoform 2 of Oct 3/4 is present in prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia. The malignant and benign prostate cells, which are immunopositive for variant 2 of Oct 3/4, lack other stem cell markers supporting previously published data that variant 2 of Oct 3/4 is not a pluripotency marker. Prostate 69: 909–916, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soluble factors derived from stroma activated androgen receptor phosphorylation in human prostate LNCaP cells: Roles of ERK/MAP kinase
Authors: Shigemura Katsumi , Isotani Shuji , Wang Ruoxiang , Fujisawa Masato , Gotoh Akinobu , Marshall Fray F. , Zhau Haiyen E. , Chung Leland W. K.
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND

Accumulated evidence suggests stromal–epithelial interactions are critical to the progression of prostate cancer. In this study, we characterized AR phosphorylation in LNCaP cells co‐cultured with the conditioned medium (CM) from human prostate stromal fibroblasts.

METHODS

CM harvested from prostate stromal fibroblasts was added to LNCaP cells, and both anchorage‐dependent and ‐independent growth was determined. Status of AR phosphorylation at Ser‐81 and Ser‐213 was assessed by immunoblot analysis. ERK kinase activity was measured using MBP‐2 protein as the substrate.

RESULTS

The growth of LNCaP cells on plastic dishes increased by 1.7‐fold upon exposure to stromal CM or androgen, and their combination resulted in additive growth (2.4‐fold). Anchorage‐independent growth of LNCaP cells in soft agar, however, was induced synergistically at 80‐fold by both stromal CM and androgen. Stromal CM or androgen alone induced LNCaP cell growth by 10‐ and 26‐fold, respectively. We observed ERK kinase inhibitor, U0126, but not phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI‐3K), LY294002, or protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H‐89, inhibited stromal CM or androgen‐induced PSA promoter luciferase activities, and anchorage‐independent growth of LNCaP cells. Our results demonstrated for the first time how stromal CM acts in synergy with androgen by activation of ERK kinase and AR phosphorylation at Ser‐81 but not Ser‐213, for AR‐regulated PSA promoter and anchorage‐independent growth of human prostate cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

A stromal factor‐activated ERK pathway mediated by AR phosphorylation at Ser‐81 could be responsible for stimulating the growth of human prostate cancer cells. Prostate 69: 949–955, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automated site preparation in physics‐based rescoring of receptor ligand complexes
Authors: Rapp Chaya S. , Schonbrun Cheryl , Jacobson Matthew P. , Kalyanaraman Chakrapani , Huang Niu
Published: March 2009

Hydrogen atoms are not typically observable in X‐ray crystal structures, but inferring their locations is often important in structure‐based drug design. In addition, protonation states of the protein can change in response to ligand binding, as can the orientations of OH groups, a subtle form of “induced fit.” We implement and evaluate an automated procedure for optimizing polar hydrogens in protein‐binding sites in complex with ligands. Specifically, we apply the previously described Independent Cluster Decomposition Algorithm (ICDA) algorithm (Li et al., Proteins 2007;66:824–837), which assigns the ionization states of titratable residues, the amide orientations of Asn/Gln side chains, the imidazole ring orientation in His, and the orientations of OH/SH groups, in a unified algorithm. We test the utility of this method for identifying nativelike ligand poses using 247 protein‐ligand complexes from an established database of docked decoys. Pose selection is performed with a physics‐based scoring function based on a molecular mechanics energy function and a Generalized Born implicit solvent model. The use of the ICDA receptor preparation protocol, implemented with no knowledge of the native ligand pose, increases the accuracy of pose selection significantly, with the average RMSD over all complexes decreasing from 2.7 to 1.5 Å when applying ICDA. Large improvements are seen for specific classes of binding sites with titratable groups, such as aspartyl proteases. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radix Astragali extract promotes angiogenesis involving vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐related phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt‐dependent pathway in human endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hu Guang , Lin Hui‐Chao , Hong Si‐Jia , Deng Yan‐Hui , Tang Jing‐Yan , Seto Sai Wang , Kwan Yiu‐Wa , Waye Mary Miu‐Yee , Wang Yi‐Tao , Lee Simon Ming‐Yuen
Published: March 2009

Angiogenesis plays an important role in a wide range of physiological processes and many diseases are associated with dysregulation of angiogenesis. Radix Astragali, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, is a potential candidate for treating such diseases. However, the biological effects of Radix Astragali on angiogenesis and its underlying mechanisms are yet to be elucidated fully. This study describes the angiogenic effects of Radix Astragali extract (RAE) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro. It was shown that RAE treatment stimulated HUVEC to proliferate. A significant increase in migration was observed in RAE‐treated HUVEC using the wound healing migration assay. In addition, a significant increase in the number of branching points was observed during endothelial cell capillary formation after RAE treatment. It was shown that RAE enhances vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression, and that a specific blocker of VEGF receptor 2 (KDR/Flk) inhibited the RAE‐induced HUVEC proliferation. In addition, a decrease in the RAE‐induced HUVEC proliferation was observed after treatment with inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Taken together, these data suggest that RAE is a potent stimulator of angiogenesis and that its pro‐angiogenic effects involve the VEGF‐KDR/Flk and PI3K‐Akt‐eNOS pathways. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Furostanol saponins and ecdysones with cytotoxic activity from Helleborus bocconei ssp. intermedius
Authors: Rosselli Sergio , Maggio Antonella , Bruno Maurizio , Spadaro Vivienne , Formisano Carmen , Irace Carlo , Maffettone Carmen , Mascolo Nicola
Published: March 2009

Two furostanol saponins helleboroside A (1) and helleboroside B (2) were isolated from the methanol extract of Helleborus bocconei Ten. subsp. intermedius (Guss.) Greuter and Burdet, along with the furospirostanol saponin 4 and two ecdysones: ecdysterone (5) and polypodyne B (6). Compound 2 was enzymatically hydrolysed to give product 3. The biological activity of all compounds was tested against rat C6 glioma cells showing a significant cytotoxicity for compounds 3, 4 and 6. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral supplementation of Lithospermum erythrorhizon prevents the development of atopic dermatitis with reducing ceramide degradation in the epidermis of NC/Nga mice
Authors: Kim JungMin , Kim YoungRan , Seo DaeBang , Kim SungHan , Lee SangJun , Cho Yunhi
Published: March 2009

Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc. (LE) is widely used in the treatment of abnormal skin conditions, but its systemic efficacy, especially in atopic dermatitis (AD), is not clear. To examine the systemic efficacy of LE on the clinical manifestation of AD‐like skin lesions, NC/Nga mice, a murine model of AD, were fed a control diet (group CA: atopic control) or a diet with a 70% ethanol extract from 5% LE (group LE) for 10 weeks. In group LE, the clinical manifestation of AD‐like skin lesions was prevented as the level of serum IgE, epidermal hyperproliferation, and the number and duration of scratching episodes, which were greater in group CA, were significantly reduced to a similar level of the normal control group of BALB/c mice (group C). In addition, the level of ceramides, the major lipid maintaining the epidermal barrier, in the epidermis of group LE was increased, and was inversely associated with a decreased protein level of ceramidase, an enzyme of ceramide degradation. However, the mRNA and the protein levels of serine palmitoyl transferase (enzyme for de novo ceramide synthesis) in groups C, CA and LE did not differ. It was demonstrated that oral supplementation with LE extract prevented the development of atopic dermatitis with reducing ceramide degradation coupled with a low expression of ceramidase protein. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
St John's Wort treating patients with autistic disorder
Authors: Niederhofer Helmut
Published: March 2009

Problems of eye contact and expressive language limit the effectiveness of educational and behavioral interventions in patients suffering from pervasive developmental disorders. For that reason, additive psychopharmacological interventions are sometimes needed to improve symptomatology. In our preliminary open trial, three male patients with autistic disorder, diagnosed by ICD‐10 criteria, completed an open trial of St John's Wort. Subjects were included in the study if their eye contact and expressive language was inadaequate for their developmental level and if they had not tolerated or responded to other psychopharmacologic treatments (methylphenidate, clonidine or desipramine). Parent and mentor ratings on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, irritability, stereotypy, and inappropriate speech factors improved slightly during treatment with St John's Wort. Clinician ratings (Psychiatric Rating Scale Autism, Anger and Speech Deviance factors; Global Assessment Scale; Clinical Global Impressions efficacy) did not improve significantly. St John's Wort was only modestly effective in the short‐term treatment of irritability in some patients with autistic disorder. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of oleanolic acid from Ligustrum lucidum Ait in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Gao Dawei , Li Qingwang , Li Ying , Liu Zhihua , Fan Yusheng , Liu Zhiwei , Zhao Hongwei , Li Jian , Han Zengsheng
Published: March 2009

The present study evaluated the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of oleanolic acid (OA) from Ligustrum lucidum Ait (LLA) in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats. OA in the alloxan‐induced diabetic rats showed significant hypoglycemic activity by lowering blood glucose (at doses of 60 and 100 mg/kg for 40 days). The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c) in the OA‐treated diabetic rats were lower, and the high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c) level was higher than in the control diabetic rats. A significant reduction in the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels of diabetic rats following OA treatment was also observed. Furthermore, OA treatment decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, but increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐px) activities of the liver and kidney in diabetic rats. These results indicate that OA could protect the liver function avoiding alloxan‐induced damage; OA had hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant efficacy in the diabetic rats. The antioxidant ability of OA might be one of the mechanisms of its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preliminary study of effectiveness of aloe vera in scabies treatment
Authors: O.A. Oyelami , A. Onayemi , O.A. Oyedeji , L.A. Adeyemi
Published: March 2009

In an open, non‐comparative study carried out between August and December 2002 at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile‐Ife, Nigeria, 5 patients with scabies were successfully treated with crude gel of Aloe vera; thereafter the efficacy of the extract was compared with that of benzoate lotion among 30 patients. Sixteen patients were treated with Aloe vera and 14 patients had benzyl benzoate lotion. Itching was still present in 3 patients in the benzyl benzoate group and in 2 patients in the Aloe vera group after 2 courses of treatment. The scabietic lesions virtually disappeared in all of them. None of these patients had any noticeable side effects. It is concluded that Aloe vera gel is as effective as benzyl benzoate in the treatment of scabies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First preliminary results of an observation of Ginkgo Biloba treating patients with autistic disorder
Authors: Niederhofer Helmut
Published: March 2009

Deficits in reciprocal social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and imaginative activity are the main characteristics of autism. From the psychopharmacological point of view, clonidine, metylphenidate and neuroleptics may improve some of these aspects, but with a remarkable risk of adverse side effects. In our observational study, three patients received 2 × 100 mg Ginkgo Biloba EGb 761 for 4 weeks and showed some improvement on the Aberrant Behavior and Symptom Checklist. These results suggest, that Ginkgo Biloba might be effective at least as an add‐on therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Portulaca oleracea L. in the treatment of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding: a Pilot clinical trial
Authors: Shobeiri S. F. , Sharei S. , Heidari A. , Kianbakht S.
Published: March 2009

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common cause of referral to the gynecology clinic. Portulaca oleracea L., commonly named purslane, is used in Iranian folk medicine to treat AUB. To verify this use, ten premenopausal women with AUB comprising menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, polymenorrhea and intermenstrual bleeding who had not responded to standard drugs and were candidates for hysterectomy participated in the clinical trial. Endometrial biopsies demonstrated the etiologies of AUB in six (60%) patients, fibroma; one (10%) patient, endometrial hyperplasia and one (10%) patient, endometrial cyst. Endometrial biopsies of two (20%) subjects were normal. The subjects took 5 g of purslane seeds powder in a glass of water every 4 h orally 48 h after the onset of menstruation for 3 days. The participants were requested to report the effects of seeds powder on the volume, duration and pattern of bleeding. Eight (80%) patients reported that the duration and volume of bleeding had reduced and their patterns of periods had normalized. The seeds powder was ineffective in two (20%) patients. One of the patients had endometrial hyperplasia and the other had fibroma. No adverse effects were reported. AUB did not recur in the patients responding to treatment for the duration of a 3 months follow‐up. The results suggest that purslane seeds could be effective and safe in the treatment of AUB. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acupuncture can improve absorption of baicalin from extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in rats
Authors: Zhou Jue , Qu Fan , Burrows Elizabeth , Yu Yongping , Nan Rui
Published: March 2009

The aim of this research was to explore whether acupuncture could improve the absorption of baicalin from extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in normal rats. Twenty male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were divided randomly into two groups. Group A was treated with a combination of oral administration of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extracts and acupuncture. Group B was treated only with oral administration of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extracts, in the same dosage as Group A. After treatment, the plasma concentration of baicalin was detected and pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the plasma concentration of baicalin in Group A was significantly higher than in Group B, and that acupuncture at the acupoints Jizhong (Du6), Dazhui (Du14) and Zhongwan (Ren12) made the plasma concentration‐time course of baicalin produce a bimodal phenomenon, increased the area under the curve (AUC) and slowed the elimination of baicalin, thus significantly improving the absorption of baicalin from extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in rats. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medium‐range multimodel ensemble combination and calibration
Authors: Johnson Christine , Swinbank Richard
Published: March 2009

As part of its contribution to The Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment (THORPEX), the Met Office has developed a global, 15 day multimodel ensemble. The multimodel ensemble combines ensembles from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), Met Office and National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and is calibrated to give further improvements. The ensemble post‐processing includes bias correction, model‐dependent weights and variance adjustment, all of which are based on linear‐filter estimates using past forecast‐verification pairs, calculated separately for each grid point and forecast lead time.

Verification shows that the multimodel ensemble gives an improvement in comparison with a calibrated single‐model ensemble, particularly for surface temperature. However, the benefits are smaller for mean‐sea‐level pressure (mslp) and 500 hPa height. This is attributed to the higher degree of forecast‐error similarity between the component ensembles for mslp and 500 hPa height than for temperature. The results also show only small improvements from the use of the model‐dependent weights and the variance adjustment. This is because the component ensembles have similar levels of skill, and the multimodel ensemble variance is already generally well calibrated.

In conclusion, we demonstrate that the multimodel ensemble does give benefit over a single‐model ensemble. However, as expected, the benefits are small if the ensembles are similar to each other and further post‐processing gives only relatively small improvements. © Crown Copyright 2009. Reproduced with the permission of HMSO. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Chikungunya and the nervous system: what we do and do not know
Authors: Arpino Carla , Curatolo Paolo , Rezza Giovanni
Published: March 2009

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, has recently re‐emerged, causing epidemics on Indian Ocean Islands and the Indian subcontinent, and an unexpected outbreak in north–eastern Italy. CHIKV infection was first reported to affect the nervous system in the 1960s; in the early 1970s it was found to be associated with meningoencephalopathy, myelitis, and choroiditis, and animal studies appeared to confirm that CHIKV was neurotropic. Nonetheless, CHIKV has never been considered as a ‘true’ neurotropic virus. The re‐emergence of CHIKV infection in areas with efficient clinical facilities has allowed CHIKV‐related neurological disease to be better defined both in adults and children. Encephalopathy appears to represent the most common clinical manifestation among newborns infected through mother‐to‐child transmission. Although data are still scarce, the ratio between cases with and without CNS involvement for CHIKV appears to be comparable with that for other neurotropic viruses. Unfortunately, the neurotropism of CHIKV has not been completely defined, and different animal studies show inconsistencies with regard to the capacity of the virus to invade and replicate in the brain parenchyma. This merits further investigation in light of the emergence of the virus in previously unaffected areas and of the clinical evidence of CNS involvement in a considerable proportion of symptomatic cases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond explanations: What else do students need to understand science?
Authors: Hamza Karim M , Wickman Per‐Olof
Published: March 2009

Students' difficulties with learning science have generally been framed in terms of their generalized conceptual knowledge of a science topic as elicited through their explanations of natural phenomena. In this paper, we empirically explore what more goes into giving a scientific account of a natural phenomenon than giving such generalized explanations. We audio‐recorded pairs of upper secondary students during laboratory work in electrochemistry. We used a situative and pragmatist approach to study learning in action. This approach made it possible to study how the particulars and contingencies of working with a real electrochemical cell went into students' reasoning. Our results show that students needed to learn to make distinctions, recognize, and name the particulars in encounters with their cell. They also needed to learn what counts as reasonable readings and to deal with quantitative issues and correlations pertaining to their cell. We refer to these additional learning requirements as the students' taxonomic and measurement interests. Implications for what is involved in giving a scientific account of a natural phenomenon in school are discussed. The study constitutes an attempt to include, in a systematic way, also the particulars and contingencies of actual practice in an account of students' reasoning in science. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci. Ed 93:1026–1049, 2009
Reversible Size‐Tuning of Self‐Assembled Silver Nanoparticles in Phospholipid Membranes via Humidity Control
Authors: Oh Nuri , Kim Jung Hoon , Jin Sungho , Yoon Chong Seung
Published: March 2009

A monolayer of 5‐nm‐sized Ag nanoparticles embedded in a liquid‐crystalline lipid membrane undergoes a reversible morphological change during hydration and dehydration of the lipid membrane. High mobility of the encapsulating lipid molecules, chemically bound to the Ag atoms, induces redistribution of metal particles to produce significant and optically detectable changes in nanoparticle morphology. The morphological change occurs on a time scale that enables the Ag‐nanoparticle‐embedded membrane to be used as a convenient visual sensor for moisture and other organic solvents, as well as for biosensing by virtue of the biocompatibility of the lipid molecules. The mechanism demonstrated here can also be extended to construct guided nanostructures based on self‐assembled nanoparticles.
Cancer‐Cell Targeting and Photoacoustic Therapy Using Carbon Nanotubes as “Bomb” Agents
Authors: Kang Bin , Yu Decai , Dai Yaodong , Chang Shuquan , Chen Da , Ding Yitao
Published: March 2009

A unique approach using the large photoacoustic effect of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) for targeting and selective destruction of cancer cells is demonstrated. SWNTs exhibit a large photoacoustic effect in suspension under the irradiation of a 1064‐nm Q‐switched millisecond pulsed laser and trigger a firecracker‐like explosion at the nanoscale. By using such an explosion, a photoacoustic agent is developed by functionalizing the SWNTs with folate acid (FA) that can selectively bind to cancer cells overexpressing folate receptor on the surface of the cell membrane and kill them through SWNT explosion inside the cells under the excitation of millisecond pulsed laser. The uptake pathway of folate‐conjugated SWNTs into cancer cells is investigated via fluorescence imaging and it is found that the FA‐SWNTs can enter into cancer cells selectively with a high targeting capability of 17–28. Under the treatment of 1064‐nm millisecond pulsed laser, 85% of cancer cells with SWNT uptake die within 20 s, while 90% of the normal cells remain alive due to the lack of SWNTs inside cells. Temperature changes during laser treatment are monitored and no temperature increases of more than ± 3 °C are observed. With this approach, the laser power used for cancer killing is reduced 150–1500 times and the therapy efficiency is improved. The death mechanism of cancer cells caused by the photoacoustic explosion of SWNTs is also studied and discussed in detail. These discoveries provide a new way to use the photoacoustic properties of SWNTs for therapeutic applications.
Influencing factors for predicting financial performance based on genetic algorithms
Authors: Jiang Yanxia , Xu Lida , Wang Huacheng , Wang Hui
Published: March 2009

In this paper, considering the financial performance of China's listed companies as the dependent variable, a computational intelligence method based on genetic algorithms and discriminant analysis is employed to screen variables that influence financial performance and forecast the change of financial performance. Specifically, a new model based on genetic algorithms is developed to screen factors that influence financial performance of Chinese listed companies. The empirical results show that variables selected by genetic algorithms can predict financial performance well. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating web 2.0 with the case‐based reasoning cycle: A systems approach
Authors: He Wu , Xu Li D. , Means Tawnya , Wang Pan
Published: March 2009

Traditional case‐based reasoning (CBR) research has focused on the theories and heuristics of case representation, retrieval, reuse, revision and retention, while little attention has been paid to the users of CBR systems. In an effort to facilitate and improve the literature related to the CBR cycle as it relates to users, this paper proposes an extended CBR framework which allows users to play a more active role. The extended framework integrates the classical CBR R4‐Cycle approach with Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs and RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds. The purpose of the extended CBR 2.0 framework is to encourage and enable users to contribute to case retrieval, case revision, case reuse and case retention. This paper also introduces some ideas to deploy Web 2.0 technologies along with CBR systems, with a discussion of the integration of Web 2.0 and CBR systems in systems perspectives. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.