bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oils of Lavandula pedunculata (Miller) Cav.
Authors: Zuzarte Monica , Gonçalves Maria J. , Cavaleiro Carlos , Dinis Augusto M. , Canhoto Jorge M. , Salgueiro Lígia R.
Published: August 2009

The chemical composition and antifungal activity of the essential oils of Lavandula pedunculata (Miller) Cav., harvested in North and Central Portugal, were investigated. The essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The minimal‐inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal‐lethal concentration (MLC) of the essential oils and of their major constituents were used to evaluate the antifungal activity against different strains of fungi involved in candidosis, dematophytosis, and aspergillosis. The oils were characterized by a high percentage of oxygenated monoterpenes, the main compounds being 1,8‐cineole (2.4–55.5%), fenchone (1.3–59.7%), and camphor (3.6–48.0%). Statistical analysis differentiated the essential oils into two main types, one characterized by the predominance of fenchone and the other one by the predominance of 1,8‐cineole. Within the 1,8‐cineole chemotype, two subgroups were well‐defined taking into account the percentages of camphor. A significant antifungal activity of the oils was found against dermatophyte strains. The essential oil with the highest content of camphor was the most active with MIC and MLC values ranging from 0.32–0.64 μl/ml.
New Nitrogen‐Containing Sesquiterpenoids from the Taiwanese Soft Coral Cespitularia taeniataMay
Authors: Cheng Yuan‐Bin , Chen Ching‐Yeu , Kuo Yao‐Haur , Shen Ya‐Ching
Published: August 2009

Chemical investigation of the EtOH extract of the soft coral Cespitularia taeniata May collected in Taiwan has resulted in the isolation of two new sesquiterpene lactams, taenialactams A and B (1 and 2, resp.), and a new sesquiterpene lactone, taenialactone A (3), together with 8β‐methoxyatractylenolide (4) and atractylenolactam (5). The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. The in vitro cytotoxic activities of the isolated metabolites were tested against KB, Daoy, and WiDr cell lines. A biogenetic pathway for these novel compounds was proposed.
Triterpenoids from the Roots of Actinidia chinensis
Authors: Zhou Xue‐Feng , Zhang Peng , Pi Hui‐Fang , Zhang Yong‐Hui , Ruan Han‐Li , Wang Hui , Wu Ji‐Zhou
Published: August 2009

Two new triterpenoids, 1 and 2, were isolated from the hepatoprotective AcOEt fraction of the roots of Actinidia chinensis, together with eight known 12‐en‐28‐oic acids of oleanane or ursane type, 3–10. The two new compounds were elucidated as 2α,3β‐dihydroxyurs‐12‐en‐28,30‐olide (1) and 2α,3β,24‐trihydroxyurs‐12‐en‐28,30‐olide (2), on the basis of spectroscopic (IR, NMR, and MS) analyses. The chemotaxonomic significances of some triterpenoids were also discussed.
Biocatalytic Production of Acyclic Bis[bibenzyls] from Dihydroresveratrol by Crude Momordica charantia Peroxidase
Authors: Xie Chun‐Feng , Yuan Hui‐Qing , Qu Jian‐Bo , Xing Jie , Lü Bei‐Bei , Wang Xiao‐Ning , Ji Mei , Lou Hong‐Xiang
Published: August 2009

Biotransformation of dihydroresveratrol by crude Momordica charantia peroxidase provided six new acyclic bis[bibenzyls] 1–6. Their structures were established on the basis of NMR and MS analyses as CC, COC, and CCH2C dimers of dihydroresveratrol. Compounds 1–6 were tested for antiproliferative activity against human prostate cancer PC3 cell line in vitro, and 2 and 6 were found to be more potent than the parent compound.
Atomic Diversity, Molecular Diversity, and Chemical Diversity: The Concept of Chemodiversity
Authors: Testa Bernard , Vistoli Giulio , Pedretti Alessandro , Bojarski Andrzej J.
Published: August 2009

This minireview is meant as an introduction to the following paper. To this end, it presents the general background against which the joint paper should be understood. The first objective of the present paper is thus to clarify some concepts and related terminology, drawing a clear distinction between i) atomic diversity (i.e., atomic‐property space), ii) molecular or macromolecular diversity (i.e., molecular‐ or macromolecular‐property spaces), and iii) chemical diversity (i.e., chemical‐diversity space). The first refers to the various electronic states an atom can occupy. The second encompasses the conformational and property spaces of a given (macro)molecule. The third pertains to the diversity in structure and properties exhibited by a library or a supramolecular assembly of different chemical compounds. The ground is thus laid for the content of the joint paper, which pertains to case ii, to be placed in its broader chemodiversity context.
The second objective of this paper is to point to the concepts of chemodiversity and biodiversity as forming a continuum. Chemodiversity is indeed the material substratum of organisms. In other words, chemodiversity is the material condition for life to emerge and exist. Increasing our knowledge of chemodiversity is thus a condition for a better understanding of life as a process.
Mechanistic Insights into the Cytochrome P450‐Mediated Oxidation and Rearrangement of Littorine in Tropane Alkaloid Biosynthesis
Authors: Nasomjai Pitak , Reed Darwin W. , Tozer David J. , Peach Michael J. G. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Covello Patrick S. , O'Hagan David
Published: August 2009

During the biosynthesis of certain tropane alkaloids, littorine (1) is rearranged to hyoscyamine (3). Recent evidence indicates that this isomerisation is a two‐step process in which the first step is an oxidation/rearrangement to give hyoscyamine aldehyde (2). This step is catalysed by CYP80F1, a cytochrome P450 enzyme, which was recently identified from the plant Hyoscyamus niger; CYP80F1 also catalyses the hydroxylation of littorine at the 3′‐position. The mechanisms of the reactions catalysed by CYP80F1 were probed with synthetic deutero and arylfluoro analogues of 1. Measurement of the primary kinetic isotope effects indicates that C3′ hydrogen abstraction is the rate‐limiting step for the oxidation/rearrangement of natural littorine, and for the 3′‐hydroxylation reaction of the unnatural S enantiomer of littorine. The character of the intermediates in the oxidation/rearrangement and hydroxylation reaction was probed with the use of arylfluorinated analogues of (R)‐littorine (natural stereoisomer) and (S)‐littorine (unnatural stereoisomer) as substrates for CYP80F1. The relative conversions of ortho‐, meta‐ and para‐fluorolittorine analogues were used to obtain information on the likely intermediacy of either a benzylic radical or benzylic carbocation intermediate. The data suggest that hydroxylation takes place via a benzylic carbocation intermediate, whereas the product profile arising from rearrangement is more consistent with a benzylic radical intermediate.
Identification and Role of a 6‐Deoxy‐4‐Keto‐Hexosamine in the Lipopolysaccharide Outer Core of Yersinia enterocolitica Serotype O:3
Authors: Pinta Elise , Duda Katarzyna A. , Hanuszkiewicz Anna , Kaczyński Zbigniew , Lindner Buko , Miller Wayne L. , Hyytiäinen Heidi , Vogel Christian , Borowski Sabine , Kasperkiewicz Katarzyna , Lam Joseph S. , Radziejewska‐Lebrecht Joanna , Skurnik Mikael , Holst Otto
Published: August 2009

The outer core (OC) region of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:3 lipopolysaccharide is a hexasaccharide essential for the integrity of the outer membrane. It is involved in resistance against cationic antimicrobial peptides and plays a role in virulence during early phases of infection. We show here that the proximal residue of the OC hexasaccharide is a rarely encountered 4‐keto‐hexosamine, 2‐acetamido‐2,6‐dideoxy‐D‐xylo‐hex‐4‐ulopyranose (Sugp) and that WbcP is a UDP‐GlcNAc‐4,6‐dehydratase enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of the nucleotide‐activated form of this rare sugar converting UDP‐2‐acetamido‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucopyranose (UDP‐D‐GlcpNAc) to UDP‐2‐acetamido‐2,6‐dideoxy‐D‐xylo‐hex‐4‐ulopyranose (UDP‐ Sugp). In an aqueous environment, the 4‐keto group of this sugar was present in the 4‐dihydroxy form, due to hydration. Furthermore, evidence is provided that the axial 4‐hydroxy group of this dihydroxy function was crucial for the biological role of the OC, that is, in the bacteriophage and enterocoliticin receptor structure and in the epitope of a monoclonal antibody.
Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Resin Glycosides Ipomoeassin A–F and Analogues
Authors: Nagano Takashi , Pospíšil Jiři , Chollet Guillaume , Schulthoff Saskia , Hickmann Volker , Moulin Emilie , Herrmann Jennifer , Müller Rolf , Fürstner Alois
Published: August 2009

A multitasking C‐silylation strategy using the readily available compound 26 as a surrogate for cinnamic acid represents the key design element of a total synthesis of all known members of the ipomoeassin family of resin glyosides. This protecting group maneuver allows the unsaturated acids decorating the glucose subunit of the targets to be attached at an early phase of the synthesis, prevents their participation in the ruthenium‐catalyzed ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) used to form the macrocyclic ring, and protects them against reduction during the hydrogenation of the resulting cycloalkene over Wilkinson’s catalyst. As the C‐silyl group can be concomitantly removed with the O‐TBS substituent using tris(dimethylamino)sulfonium difluorotrimethylsilicate (TASF) in acetonitrile, no separate protecting group manipulations were necessary in the final stages, thus contributing to a favorable overall “economy of steps”. In addition to the naturally occurring ipomoeassins, a small set of synthetic analogues has also been prepared by “diverted total synthesis”. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was assayed with two different cancer cell lines. The recorded data confirm previous findings that the acylation‐ and oxygenation pattern of these amphiphilic glycoconjugates is highly correlated with their biological activity profile. Ipomoeassin F turned out to be the most promising member of the series, showing IC50 values in the low nanomolar range.
Clock synchronization in Cell/B.E. traces
Authors: Biberstein M. , Harel Y. , Heilper A.
Published: August 2009

Cell/B.E. is a heterogeneous multicore processor that was designed for the efficient execution of parallel and vectorizable applications with high computation and memory requirements. The transition to multicores introduces the challenge of providing tools that help programmers tune the code running on these architectures. Tracing tools, in particular, often help locate performance problems related to thread and process communication. A major impediment to implementing tracing on Cell is the absence of a common clock that can be accessed at low cost from all cores. The OS clock is costly to access from the auxiliary cores and the hardware timers cannot be simultaneously set on all the cores. In this paper, we describe an offline trace analysis algorithm that assigns wall‐clock time to trace records based on their thread‐local time stamps and event order. Our experiments on several Cell SDK workloads show that the indeterminism in assigning wall‐clock time to events is low, on average 20–40 clock ticks (translating into 1.4–2.8 µs on the system used in our experiments). We also show how various practical problems, such as the imprecision of time measurement, can be overcome. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlling processing usage at user level: a way to make resource sharing more flexible
Authors: dos Reis Valéria Quadros , Cerqueira Renato
Published: August 2009

General purpose Operating Systems do not provide effective mechanisms for application processing reservation. To overcome this limitation, some initiatives aim at guaranteeing processing by instrumenting kernels or by isolating the performance through the creation of virtual machines. However, these proceedings may be impractical if the kernel code is not available or high overheads should be avoided. As will be described in this paper, CPUReserve works differently from these approaches. It is a processing reservation system that runs at user level. CPUReserve allows the configuration of the active scheduling policy and simplifies the development of new ones. Thus, it can be used in many computing scenarios such as distributed and shared environments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust multi‐objective resource allocation scheme incorporating uncertainty and service differentiation
Authors: Kuijl Alexander v. d. , Emmerich Michael T. M. , Li Hui
Published: August 2009

Grid computing emerges as an infrastructure for large‐scale data processing, resource sharing, and scientific computing. In this paper we propose a Grid scheduling algorithm using multi‐attribute utility theory and multi‐objective optimization (MOO). The algorithm makes the optimal decisions based on the available set of objectives. By comparing with a deadline‐and‐budget algorithm with three objectives, we show that the proposed MOO scheduling algorithm is capable of obtaining a broader set of non‐dominated solutions. The obtained solutions are also of higher quality, which are in close proximity to the Pareto optimal front. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrothermal synthesis and electrochemical properties of MnO2 nanostructures
Authors: Wang Ning , Pang Hongtao , Peng Hongrui , Li Guicun , Chen Xiguang
Published: August 2009

Manganese oxide (MnO2) nanowires with diameters of 40–50 nm and lengths up to several micrometers have been successfully synthesized through a simply hydrothermal route. The influences of synthetic parameters, such as reaction time, and reaction temperature, on the growth and morphologies of MnO2 nanowires have been investigated. It is found that MnO2 nanowires can be evolved into MnO2 microrods with the reaction time/temperature increased. The electrochemical characterization of MnO2 nanostructures was carried out in 1 M Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte at the scan rate of 10 mV s‐1. The results indicate that the MnO2 microrods obtained when the reaction performed at 200 °C for 24 h showed the best performance for supercapacitor. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Review: Indentation size effect, indentation cracks and microhardness measurement of brittle crystalline solids – some basic concepts and trends
Authors: Sangwal K.
Published: August 2009

Indentation size effect, indentation cracks and microhardness measurement of some brittle crystals are reviewed against the background of the existing concepts of indentation deformation of crystalline solids. Several approaches reported in the literature devoted to relationships between applied indentation test loadPand indentation diagonal lengthdare applied to analyze the experimentally observed normal and reverse indentation size effect (ISE) in brittle compounds. Using typical examples of normal and reverse ISE it is shown that the indentation induced cracking model does not give load‐independent hardness and the final expression describing the experimental data for various compounds is essentially another form of the Meyer law. Analysis of experiment data on crack lengths and indentation diagonals for different indentation loads suggests that the origin of ISE is associated with the processes of formation of indentation cracks following the general concepts of fracture mechanics. The load‐independent hardnessH0may be determined reliably from plots ofP/dagainstdof the proportional resistance model or ofHVagainst 1/das predicted by strain gradient plasticity theories. It was found that the load‐independent hardness of depends on crystal orientation and state of the indented surface. Finally, some comments on determination of fracture toughness and brittle index of crystals are made. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modification of the mass weighing in A3B5 automated Czochralski crystal growth techniques
Authors: Rossolenko S. N.
Published: August 2009

Modification of weight signal of LEC, VCZ crystal growth processes based on the knowledge of the weight signal in the past during the pulling process was considered. This modification is necessary for development and improvement of the direct automated weight control in these techniques of crystal growth. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On‐line monitoring of lithium carbonate dissolution
Authors: Sun Yuzhu , Song Xingfu , Wang Jin , Luo Yan , Yu Jianguo
Published: August 2009

Dissolution of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) in aqueous solution was investigated using three on‐line apparatuses: the concentration of Li2CO3was measured by electrical conductivity equipment; CLD (Chord Length Distribution) was monitored by FBRM (Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement); crystal image was observed by PVM (Particle Video Microscope). Results show dissolution rate goes up with a decrease of particle size, and with an increase in temperature; stirring speed causes little impact on dissolution; ultrasound facilitates dissolution obviously. The CLD evolution and crystal images of Li2CO3powders in stirred fluid were observed detailedly by FBRM and PVM during dissolution. Experimental data were fitted to Avrami model, through which the activation energy was found to be 34.35 kJ/mol. PBE (Population Balance Equation) and moment transform were introduced to calculate dissolution kinetics, obtaining correlation equations of particle size decreasing rate as a function of temperature and undersaturation. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Precision enhancement in ETSI‐Hata propagation model tuning using experimental data in a dense urban area
Authors: Atamanesh Mehran , Farzaneh Forouhar
Published: August 2009

In this paper an enhanced ETSI‐Hata propagation model tuning is presented. The three‐dimensional (3D) digital terrain map (DTM) was included in the simulation process. For the enhancement of the model tuning process and precision verification of ETSI‐Hata model, the real 3D map of the buildings of the simulated area was incorporated over the DTM. Multiple knife edge diffraction method and the antenna effective height method were used to calculate the diffraction loss. This method was applied for a real urban scenario. For every sector in the coverage area, a tuned model was exploited. Using a genetic algorithm, frequency planning for the entire urban area was performed, which resulted in an improvement in the quality of service. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the participant‐support method for information acquisition in the “Multiplex Risk Communicator”
Authors: Watanabe Tomohiro , Yamamoto Yuji , Yajima Hiroshi , Sasaki Ryoichi
Published: August 2009

In this paper, we propose a smooth risk communication support method for the Multiplex Risk Communicator. There has been a diversification of the social risks to the information‐based society, leading to complex social issues, and risk communication is necessary in order to solve the complicated social problems that arise concerning stakeholders with various levels of knowledge and differing standards regarding risks.

We introduce a portal system that assists participants to achieve an optimal combination of countermeasures. The characteristics of the proposed method are: first, to classify the stage when participants acquire information; second, to enable smooth transitions during the information acquisition stage; and third, to support information acquisition by offering information portals. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(9): 24–35, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10092
Nonlinear dielectric properties of yeast cells cultured in different environment conditions
Authors: Kawanishi Gomon , Fukuda Naoki , Muraji Masafumi
Published: August 2009

The harmonics of an electric current passing through a yeast suspension exhibit particular patterns according to the biological activity of the cells, constituting the nonlinear dielectric response of yeast cells, and the measurement of these patterns is a technique for determining the activity of living cells. The concentrations of glucose and oxygen in yeast culture medium influence whether fermentation or respiration of the yeast cells occurs. Measurements were made with yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cultured aerobically and anaerobically at sufficient glucose concentrations (aerobic and anaerobic fermentation), and also under aerobic conditions at a limited glucose concentration (respiration). The results showed that the harmonics were barely detectable for yeast cells in aerobic fermentation and respiration, but that cells in anaerobic fermentation produced substantial third and fifth harmonics. It is inferred that environmental conditions affect yeast cells' nonlinear dielectric response; furthermore, it appears that measurement of these nonlinear properties may be an effective means of determining the activity of yeast cells adjusted to the conditions of their cultivation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(9): 17–23, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10094
Benzothiazolin‐2‐ylidene and Azole Mixed‐Ligand Complexes of Palladium
Authors: Yen Swee Kuan , Koh Lip Lin , Huynh Han Vinh , Hor T. S. Andy
Published: August 2009

A series of mixed‐ligand, mononuclear complexes trans‐[PdX2(NSHC)(azole)] [NSHC = N,S‐heterocyclic carbene; azole = imidazole, 1‐(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)‐1H‐imidazole, benzimidazole, benzothiazole and benzoxazole] have been prepared and characterised by X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction. These complexes catalyse the sp2–sp3 cross‐coupling of fluoroaryl halides with arylboronic acid to give diarylmethanes with good yields and high turnovers. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Bromination of Non‐α‐Tocopherols: A Comparative Synthetic, Kinetic and Computational Study
Authors: Patel Anjan , Böhmdorfer Stefan , Hofinger Andreas , Netscher Thomas , Rosenau Thomas
Published: August 2009

The bromination chemistry of the three non‐α‐tocopherols and of their truncated model compounds in apolar solvents was extensively studied and compared to that of the α‐congener. Bromination occurs at free aromatic positions for all non‐α‐tocopherols. In the case of δ‐tocopherol, there is a preference for C‐5 over C‐7. In the presence of a 5‐methyl substituent, as in β‐tocopherol, formation of the 5a‐bromo derivative by an oxidation/addition mechanism via the corresponding o‐quinone methide becomes a competitive process. By measurement of product ratios at different temperatures, the relative and absolute activation energies of the reaction systems with parallel reactions going on (β‐ and δ‐tocopherol) were established. The kinetic data were in very good agreement with DFT results that showed the product ratio for δ‐tocopherol bromination to correlate with the stabilities of the cationic bromination intermediates. All products were comprehensively characterized, providing reliable analytical standards and reference compounds. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Conditional versus unconditional mean‐squared prediction errors for Gaussian processes with constant but unknown mean
Authors: Cullmann Andreas Dominik , Saborowski Joachim
Published: August 2009

For prediction in a Gaussian random field, we give an explicit formulation of the conditional mean‐squared prediction error (cmspe). If the prediction method is ordinary kriging, we find that this error in most applications is likely to be very close to the ordinary kriging variance. This is additionally demonstrated based on a case study. Finally, we discuss the difference between these two errors compared to the error introduced by using estimated instead of true covariance parameters. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic comparison of a Croatian isolate and CEPH European founders
Authors: Navarro Pau , Vitart Véronique , Hayward Caroline , Tenesa Albert , Zgaga Lina , Juricic Danica , Polasek Ozren , Hastie Nicholas D. , Rudan Igor , Campbell Harry , Wright Alan F. , Haley Chris S. , Knott Sara A.
Published: August 2009

Human isolates have been postulated as a good resource for the identification of QTL due to reduced genetic diversity and a more homogeneous environment. Isolates may also have increased linkage disequilibrium (LD) due to small effective population size and, either loss or increase in frequency of alleles that are rare in the general population from which they originate. Here we investigate the difference in allele and genotype frequencies, LD and homozygous tracts between an isolate—several villages from the island of Vis in Croatia—and an outbred population of European origin: the Hapmap CEPH founders. Using the HumanHap300 v1 Genotyping BeadChip, we show that our population does not differ greatly from the reference CEU outbred population despite having a slightly higher proportion of monomorphic loci, a slightly higher long‐range LD, and a greater proportion of individuals with long homozygous tracts. We conclude that genotyping arrays should perform equally well in our isolate as in outbred European populations for disease mapping studies and that SNP–trait associations discovered in our well‐characterized Croatian isolate should be valid in the general European population from which they descend. Genet. Epidemiol. 34: 140–145, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A cross‐validation procedure for general pedigrees and matched odds ratio fitness metric implemented for the multifactor dimensionality reduction pedigree disequilibrium test
Authors: Edwards Todd L. , Torstensen Eric , Dudek Scott , Martin Eden R. , Ritchie Marylyn D.
Published: August 2009

As genetic epidemiology looks beyond mapping single disease susceptibility loci, interest in detecting epistatic interactions between genes has grown. The dimensionality and comparisons required to search the epistatic space and the inference for a significant result pose challenges for testing epistatic disease models. The multifactor dimensionality reduction–pedigree disequilibrium test (MDR‐PDT) was developed to test for multilocus models in pedigree data. In the present study we rigorously tested MDR‐PDT with new cross‐validation (CV) (both 5‐ and 10‐fold) and omnibus model selection algorithms by simulating a range of heritabilities, odds ratios, minor allele frequencies, sample sizes, and numbers of interacting loci. Power was evaluated using 100, 500, and 1,000 families, with minor allele frequencies 0.2 and 0.4 and broad‐sense heritabilities of 0.005, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.1 for 2‐ and 3‐locus purely epistatic penetrance models. We also compared the prediction error (PE) measure of effect with a predicted matched odds ratio (MOR) for final model selection and testing. We report that the CV procedure is valid with the permutation test, MDR‐PDT performs similarly with 5‐ and 10‐fold CV, and that the MOR is more powerful than PE as the fitness metric for MDR‐PDT. Genet. Epidemiol. 34: 194–199, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association tests using kernel‐based measures of multi‐locus genotype similarity between individuals
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Indranil , Feingold Eleanor , Weeks Daniel E. , Thalamuthu Anbupalam
Published: August 2009

In a genetic association study, it is often desirable to perform an overall test of whether any or all single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a gene are associated with a phenotype. Several such tests exist, but most of them are powerful only under very specific assumptions about the genetic effects of the individual SNPs. In addition, some of the existing tests assume that the direction of the effect of each SNP is known, which is a highly unlikely scenario. Here, we propose a new kernel‐based association test of joint association of several SNPs. Our test is non‐parametric and robust, and does not make any assumption about the directions of individual SNP effects. It can be used to test multiple correlated SNPs within a gene and can also be used to test independent SNPs or genes in a biological pathway. Our test uses an analysis of variance paradigm to compare variation between cases and controls to the variation within the groups. The variation is measured using kernel functions for each marker, and then a composite statistic is constructed to combine the markers into a single test. We present simulation results comparing our statistic to the U‐statistic‐based method by Schaid et al. ([2005] Am. J. Hum. Genet. 76:780–793) and another statistic by Wessel and Schork ([2006] Am. J. Hum. Genet. 79:792–806). We consider a variety of different disease models and assumptions about how many SNPs within the gene are actually associated with disease. Our results indicate that our statistic has higher power than other statistics under most realistic conditions. Genet. Epidemiol. 34: 213–221, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gender differences in the relationship between depression and cardiac autonomic function among community elderly
Authors: Chen Hsi‐Chung , Yang Cheryl C. H. , Kuo Terry B. J. , Su Tung‐Ping , Chou Pesus
Published: August 2009

Objective

The mechanism underlying the differential effect of depression on morbidity and mortality in men and women remains unknown. This survey was designed to examine gender effects on the relationship between depressive symptoms and cardiac autonomic function among community dwelling elderly.

Methods

Six hundred and six randomly selected community‐dwelling elderly men and women  ≥ 65 years of age were enrolled. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Cardiac autonomic function was evaluated by measuring heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Frequency‐domain indices of HRV were obtained.

Results

Among the subjects, 58.4% were male with a mean age of 77.9 years. Stratified analyses by gender revealed a dose–response association between depressive symptoms and lower cardiac vagal control among elderly males (p = 0.003). Male subjects with mild depressive symptoms (depression scores: 5–6) showed prominent cardiac sympathetic predominance compared with the reference group (depression scores: < 5) (p = 0.005). In contrast, these findings did not exist among elderly females.

Conclusions

The association of depressive symptoms with poor cardiac vagal control and sympathetic predominance was more robust among elderly males than females. This finding may help explain gender differences in the association of depression with morbidity and mortality. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of reminiscence therapy on psychological well‐being, depression, and loneliness among the institutionalized aged
Authors: Chiang Kai‐Jo , Chu Hsin , Chang Hsiu‐Ju , Chung Min‐Huey , Chen Chung‐Hua , Chiou Hung‐Yi , Chou Kuei‐Ru
Published: August 2009

Objectives

To examine the effects of reminiscence therapy on psychological well‐being, depression, and loneliness among institutionalized elderly people.

Methods

In an experimental study design, 92 institutionalized elderly people aged 65 years and over were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups. Those participants in the experimental group received reminiscence therapy eight times during 2 months to examine the effects of this therapy on their psychological well‐being.

Results

After providing the reminiscence therapy to the elderly in the experimental group, a significant positive short‐term effect (3 months follow‐up) on depression, psychological well‐being, and loneliness, as compared to those in the comparison group was found.

Conclusions

Reminiscence therapy in this study sample improved socialization, induced feelings of accomplishment in participants, and assisted to ameliorate depression. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatiotemporal mapping of sex differences during attentional processing
Authors: Neuhaus Andres H. , Opgen‐Rhein Carolin , Urbanek Carsten , Gross Melanie , Hahn Eric , Ta Thi Minh Tam , Koehler Simone , Dettling Michael
Published: August 2009

Functional neuroimaging studies have increasingly aimed at approximating neural substrates of human cognitive sex differences elicited by visuospatial challenge. It has been suggested that females and males use different behaviorally relevant neurocognitive strategies. In females, greater right prefrontal cortex activation has been found in several studies. The spatiotemporal dynamics of neural events associated with these sex differences is still unclear. We studied 22 female and 22 male participants matched for age, education, and nicotine with 29‐channel‐electroencephalogram recorded under a visual selective attention paradigm, the Attention Network Test. Visual event‐related potentials (ERP) were topographically analyzed and neuroelectric sources were estimated. In absence of behavioral differences, ERP analysis revealed a novel frontal‐occipital second peak of visual N100 that was significantly increased in females relative to males. Further, in females exclusively, a corresponding central ERP component at around 220 ms was found; here, a strong correlation between stimulus salience and sex difference of the central ERP component amplitude was observed. Subsequent source analysis revealed increased cortical current densities in right rostral prefrontal (BA 10) and occipital cortex (BA 19) in female subjects. This is the first study to report on a tripartite association between sex differences in ERPs, visual stimulus salience, and right prefrontal cortex activation during attentional processing. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Propynal Equivalents and Diazopropyne: Synthesis of All Mono‐13C Isotopomers
Authors: Seburg Randal A. , Hodges Jonathan A. , McMahon Robert J.
Published: August 2009

Mechanistic and spectroscopic investigations of reactive C3H2 hydrocarbons necessitated the preparation of diazopropyne isotopomers bearing mono‐13C substitution at each of the three unique positions. The diazo compounds and their tosylhydrazone precursors were prepared from the mono‐13C isotopomers of propynal (in the form of either the aldehyde or the diethyl acetal). The introduction of 13C‐labeling at either alkyne position in propynal utilized the Corey–Fuchs procedure for chain homologation.
Bioactive Cytochalasins from Aspergillus flavipes, an Endophytic Fungus Associated with the Mangrove Plant Acanthus ilicifolius
Authors: Lin Zhen‐Jian , Zhang Guo‐Jian , Zhu Tian‐Jiao , Liu Rui , Wei Hong‐Juan , Gu Qian‐Qun
Published: August 2009

Five new cytochalasins, Z16–Z20 (1–5), and three known ones, 6–8, were isolated from Aspergillus flavipes, an endophytic fungus associated with Acanthus ilicifolius. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectral analysis. Cytochalasin Z17 (2) and rosellichalasin (8) showed cytotoxic activities against A‐549 cell lines with IC50 values of 5.6 and 7.9 μM, respectively.
Acylglycerols (=Glycerides) from the Glandular Trichome Exudate on the Leaves of Paulownia tomentosa
Authors: Asai Teigo , Hara Noriyuki , Kobayashi Sawa , Kohshima Shiro , Fujimoto Yoshinori
Published: August 2009

Chemical investigations of the glandular trichome exudates on the leaves of Paulownia tomentosa (Scrophulariaceae) led to the identification of the thirty acylglycerols (=glycerides) 1–30, including five known ones (2, 3, 6, 9, and 15) (Fig. 1). Spectroscopic analysis combined with GC/MS studies of the glycerides and the liberated fatty acids, in the form of trimethylsilyl ether derivatives and trimethylsilylated methyl esters, respectively, established that the constituents belonged to 1,3‐di‐O‐acetyl‐2‐O‐(fatty acyl)glycerols, 1‐O‐acetyl‐2‐O‐(fatty acyl)‐sn‐glycerols, and 2‐O‐(fatty acyl)glycerols, wherein the fatty acyl moiety was either an eicosanoyl or an octadecanoyl group bearing OH and/or AcO groups at the 3‐, 3,6‐, 3,7‐, 3,8‐, or 3,9‐positions. The 1‐O‐acetyl‐2‐O‐[(3R,6S)‐3‐(acetyloxy)‐6‐hydroxyeicosanoyl]‐sn‐glycerol (12; 20% of the total glycerides), 2‐O‐[(3R,8R)‐3,8‐bis(acetyloxy)eicosanoyl]glycerol (17; 14%), 2‐O‐[(3R,9R)‐3,9‐bis(acetyloxy)eicosanoyl]glycerol (18; 12%), and 2‐O‐[(3R)‐3‐(acetyloxy)eicosanoyl]glycerol (10; 12%) were relatively abundant constituents. The configurations of the stereogenic centers of the fatty acyl moieties were determined by 1H‐NMR analysis of the monoesters obtained from (R)‐ and (S)‐2‐(naphthalen‐2‐yl)‐2‐methoxyacetic acid ((R)‐ and (S)‐2NMAOH and the hydroxy‐substituted fatty acid methyl esters (Fig. 2). The configuration at C(2) of the glycerol moiety of the 1‐O‐acetyl‐2‐O‐(fatty acyl)glycerols was determined to be (2S) by chemical conversion of, e.g., G‐2 (=2/3 1 : 10) to (+)‐3‐O‐[tert‐butyl)diphenylsilyl]‐sn glycerol of known absolute configuration.
A Convenient Synthesis of Imidazolidin‐4‐ones via Domino Reactions
Authors: Chen Xueming , Wei Hui , Chen Yunyun , Li Xingshu
Published: August 2009

A series of imidazolidin‐4‐one derivatives was synthesized via a domino reaction of aldiminoesters and dialkylzinc. Chiral ligands were also examined in this reaction to obtain optically active products.
Three New Alkaloids from the Leaves of Uncaria rhynchophylla
Authors: Ma Bin , Wu Chun‐Fu , Yang Jing‐Yu , Wang Rui , Kano Yoshihiro , Yuan Dan
Published: August 2009

Three new alkaloids, 2′‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐11‐hydroxyvincoside lactam (1), 22‐O‐demethyl‐22‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosylisocorynoxeine (2), and (4S)‐corynoxeine N‐oxide (3) were isolated from the leaves of Uncaria rhynchophylla, together with four known tetracyclic oxindole or indole alkaloids, isocorynoxeine N‐oxide (4), rhynchophylline N‐oxide (5), isorhynchophylline N‐oxide (6), and dihydrocorynantheine (7), and an indole alkaloid glycoside, strictosidine (8). The structures of 1–3 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, ESI‐TOF‐MS, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, as well as CD experiments. The activity assay showed that 8 (IC50=8.3 μM) exhibited potent inhibitory activity on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)‐induced nitrogen monoxide (NO) release in N9 microglia cells. However, only weak inhibitory activities were observed for 1–7 (IC50>100 μM for 1–6 or >30 μM for 7).
Absolute Conformations of the (−)‐[9](2,5)Pyridinophane Molecule
Authors: Fedorovsky Maxim , Gerlach Hans , Hug Werner
Published: August 2009

[9](2,5)Pyridinophane was first synthesized, and its enantiomers were separated, more than 40 years ago, but the molecule's absolute conformations could not be determined up to now. We show here, by the comparison of measured and computed vibrational optical activity (VOA), that the CIP descriptor (P) applies to the (−)‐enantiomer. This assignment is based on the VOA of bands from vibrations localized on the pyridine ring bent by the tense (CH2)9 chain extending from position 2 to 5. The VOA of vibrations localized on the chain is in agreement with this assignment. Its behavior differs from the VOA of the bent pyridine ring, and conclusions drawn from the chain's VOA alone would not be sufficient, because the close‐to‐enantiomorphic geometries of the chain present in some of the 14 conformers of (−)‐[9](2,5)pyridinophane lead to VOA with an opposite sign. Understanding of how VOA is generated is crucial for the unambiguous assignment of the molecule's absolute conformations.
Two New Alkaloids from Incarvillea sinensis
Authors: Huang Da‐Sen , Zhang Wei‐Dong , Pei Yue‐Hu , Peng Xiao‐Yang , Huang Zheng‐Sheng , Li Hui‐Liang , Shen Yun‐Heng
Published: August 2009

Two new alkaloids, incarvines E (1) and F (2), were isolated from the EtOH extract of the whole plant of Incarvillea sinensis. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR.
Alkaloids from the Leaves and Stems of Daphniphyllum calycinum
Authors: Zhan Zha‐Jun , Rao Gui‐Wei , Hou Xiao‐Rong , Li Cheng‐Ping , Shan Wei‐Guang
Published: August 2009

One new alkaloid, named caldaphnidine H (1), together with eight known ones, daphnioldhanin G (2a), methyl homosecodaphniphyllate (3), daphnezomine M (4), daphniyunine A (5), calyciphylline A (6), deoxycalyciphylline B (7), deoxyisocalyciphylline B (8), and calyciphylline B (9) was isolated from the leaves and stems of Daphniphyllum calycinum. The structure of 1 was established by spectral methods, especially 2D‐NMR techniques. The structure of daphnioldhanin G (2b) reported previously was revised to 2a mainly by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and spectral analysis.
Three Unusual New Sesquiterpenes from Alpinia oxyphylla
Authors: Xu Jun‐Ju , Tan Ning‐Hua , Chen Yi‐Shan , Pan Xu‐Lin , Zeng Guang‐Zhi , Han Hong‐Jin , Ji Chang‐Jiu , Zhu Mei‐Ju
Published: August 2009

Two new norcadinene sesquiterpenes oxyphyllones C and D (1 and 2, resp.), and one new 1,10‐secoguaiane sesquiterpene, (+)‐mandassidion (3), together with two known compounds, oxyphyllenodiol B (4) and (1R,2R)‐p‐menth‐3‐ene‐1,2‐diol (5), were isolated from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including 2D‐NMR spectroscopic techniques. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 exhibited no cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines.
Lignans from the Bark of Zanthoxylum planispinum
Authors: Yang Guang‐Zhong , Hu Yun , Yang Bo , Chen Yu
Published: August 2009

A new dimeric lignan, named biplanispine A (1) which represents the first example of a dimeric 2,6‐diaryl‐3,7‐dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane skeleton from a Rutaceae plant, together with 13 known lignans 2–14, was isolated from the bark of Zanthoxylum planispinum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D‐NMR techniques. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activities by the disc diffusion method. Compounds 7 and 9 showed interesting antibacterial activities at 200 μg/disc; they were as effective as kanamycin sulfate at 10 μg/disc against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.
No pharmacokinetic interaction between paliperidone extended‐release tablets and trimethoprim in healthy subjects
Authors: Thyssen An , Cleton Adriaan , Talluri Krishna , Leempoels Jos , Janssens Luc , Boom Sandra , Eerdekens Marielle
Published: August 2009

Objective

The effect of trimethoprim, a potent organic cation transport inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of paliperidone extended‐release tablets (paliperidone ER), an organic cation mainly eliminated via renal excretion, was assessed.

Methods

Open‐label, two‐period, randomized, crossover study in 30 healthy males. Single dose of paliperidone ER 6 mg was administered either alone on day 1 or day 5 during an 8‐day treatment period of trimethoprim 200 mg twice daily. Serial blood and urine samples were collected for PK and plasma protein binding of paliperidone and its enantiomers. The 90% confidence interval (CI) of ratios with/without trimethoprim for PK parameters of paliperidone and its enantiomers calculated.

Results

Creatinine clearance decreased from 119 to 102 mL min−1 with trimethoprim. Addition of trimethoprim increased unbound fraction of paliperidone by 16%, renal clearance by 13%, AUC∞ by 9%, and t½ by 19%. The 90% CIs for ratios with/without trimethoprim were within the 80–125% range for Cmax, AUClast, and renal clearance. For AUC∞, 90% CI was 79.37–101.51, marginally below the lower bound of the acceptance range. Paliperidone did not affect steady‐state plasma concentrations of trimethoprim.

Conclusions

No clinically important drug interactions are expected when paliperidone ER is administered with organic cation transport inhibitors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does the presence of a pharmacological substance alter the placebo effect?—results of two experimental studies using the placebo‐caffeine paradigm
Authors: Walach Harald , Schneider Rainer
Published: August 2009

Objectives

We employed the placebo‐caffeine paradigm to test whether the presence or absence of a substance (caffeine) influences the placebo effect. Methods: In experiment 1 consisting of four conditions with n = 15 participants each (control, placebo, two double‐blind groups, each with placebo only), we maximized the placebo effect through expectation. Effects were assessed with physiological (blood pressure, heart rate), psychomotor (response times), and well‐being indicators (self‐report). In experiment 2, caffeine was administered in one of the double‐blind groups, and another condition was added where caffeine was given openly.

Results

Effect sizes were medium to large for some outcome parameters in experiment 1 and 2, showing partial replicability of the classical placebo effect. Although not formally significant, differences between the double blind placebo conditions of the two experiments (with and without caffeine present) were medium to small. There was a significant difference (p = 0.03) between experiment 1 and experiment 2 in the physiological variables, and a near significant interaction effect between groups and experiments in the physiological variables (p = 0.06).

Conclusion

The question warrants further scrutiny. The presence of a pharmacological substance might change the magnitude of the placebo response. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cluster randomized, controlled trial of breast and cervix cancer screening in Mumbai, India: methodology and interim results after three rounds of screening
Authors: Mittra Indraneel , Mishra Gauravi A. , Singh Shalini , Aranke Sangeeta , Notani Perin , Badwe Rajendra , Miller Anthony B. , Daniel Elkan E. , Gupta Subhadra , Uplap Pallavi , Thakur Meenakshi H. , Ramani Subhash , Kerkar Rajendra , Ganesh Balasubramanian , Shastri Surendra S.
Published: August 2009

Cervix and Breast cancers are the most common cancers among women worldwide and extract a large toll in developing countries. In May 1998, supported by a grant from the NCI (US), the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India, started a cluster‐randomized, controlled, screening‐trial for cervix and breast cancer using trained primary health workers to provide health‐education, visual‐inspection of cervix (with 4% acetic acid‐VIA) and clinical breast examination (CBE) in the screening arm, and only health education in the control arm. Four rounds of screening at 2‐year intervals will be followed by 8 years of monitoring for incidence and mortality from cervix and breast cancers. The methodology and interim results after three rounds of screening are presented here. Good randomization was achieved between the screening (n = 75360) and control arms (n = 76178). In the screening arm we see: High screening participation rates; Low attrition; Good compliance to diagnostic confirmation; Significant downstaging; Excellent treatment completion rate; Improving case fatality ratios. The ever‐screened and never‐screened participants in the screening arm show significant differences with reference to the variables religion, language, age, education, occupation, income and health‐seeking behavior for gynecological and breast‐related complaints. During the same period, in the control arm we see excellent participation rate for health education; Low attrition and a good number of symptomatic referrals for both cervix and breast.