bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It's all relative: Competition and status drive interpersonal perception
Authors: Russell Ann Marie T. , Fiske Susan T.
Published: November 2008

Structural features of interpersonal relationships, particularly competition and status, can cause people, respectively, to (dis)like and (dis)respect each other, although they think they are reacting to the target's personality. Two studies manipulate structural relationships between students in a 2 × 2 between‐participants design. Competition and status, respectively, differentiate perceptions of the target's warmth and competence. In Study 1's pre–post design, the pre‐ and post‐interaction warmth, but status affected only pre‐interaction competence. Study 2 post‐interaction‐only design did replicate both of Study 1's pre‐interaction results. Competing targets were judged less warm than cooperating targets; high‐status targets were judged more competent than low‐status targets. These experiments demonstrate the structural predictors of the intergroup stereotype content model at the interpersonal level. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agency and communion are inferred from actions serving interests of self or others
Authors: Cislak Aleksandra , Wojciszke Bogdan
Published: November 2008

Agentic qualities are associated with self‐interests of the trait possessor and communal qualities are associated with interests of other people (with whom the trait possessor interacts with). Based on this idea we hypothesized that information on behavior serving self‐interests leads to inferences of agency while information on identical actions performed in the service of others' interests leads to inferences of communion. These hypotheses were supported in a study where participants perceived a politician who acted for or against his own interest and (orthogonally) acted for or against interests of other people. Additionally, actions serving other‐interest influenced attitudes toward the politician to a higher degree than actions serving his self‐interest. The other‐interest influence on attitudes was mediated by inferences of communal qualities of the politician while the self‐interest influence on attitudes was mediated by inferences of agentic qualities of the politician. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agency and communion in spontaneous self‐descriptions: Occurrence and situational malleability
Authors: Uchronski Mirjam
Published: November 2008

This study investigated agency and communion in self‐descriptions using a free‐response format as well as an established rating scale. I hypothesized that agency and communion as fundamental dimensions of social judgment also emerge in spontaneous self‐descriptions; that self‐descriptions comprise more communal than agentic content; and that self‐descriptions vary intraindividually with context (work vs. family). In accord with these predictions, more than two‐thirds of participants' (N = 73) self‐descriptions could reliably be coded in terms of agency and communion. Participants generally used more communal than agentic attributes to describe themselves, but they did not rate the former as more important. Participants used more agentic characteristics to describe themselves in a work context than in a family context; conversely, they used more communal characteristics to describe themselves in a family context than in a work context. The correlations between spontaneous self‐descriptions and rating‐scale answers were low. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generality and specificity in stereotypes of out‐group power and benevolence: Views of Chechens and Jews in the Russian federation
Authors: Leach Colin Wayne , Minescu Anca , Poppe Edwin , Hagendoorn Louk
Published: November 2008

We examined the ascription of five characteristics (moral, peaceful, antagonistic, smart, show initiative) to Chechens and Jews in a large, diverse, sample of participants in the Russian Federation. Factor analysis showed these five characteristics to fit within the expected two‐dimensional structure of power (smart, show initiative) and benevolence (moral, peaceful, antagonistic). Consistent with historical stereotypes, Factor analysis showed power to be the more empirically important dimension regarding Jews, whereas benevolence was the more empirically important dimension regarding Chechens. Although the two‐dimensional model of judgment was supported, attention to the specific characteristics that fell along these dimensions offered complementary information. For example, the ascription of high benevolence to Jews was more pronounced on the characteristics antagonistic and peaceful than on morality. In contrast, the ascription of low benevolence to Chechens was more pronounced on the characteristic peaceful than on antagonistic or moral. Together, the two general dimensions of power and benevolence, and the specific characteristics that fall along these dimensions, offer a comprehensive model of the content of out‐group stereotypes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Method of fundamental solutions for partial‐slip fibrous filtration flows
Authors: Zhao Shunliu , Povitsky Alex
Published: November 2008

In this study a Stokeslet‐based method of fundamental solutions (MFS) for two‐dimensional low Reynolds number partial‐slip flows has been developed. First, the flow past an infinitely long cylinder is selected as a benchmark. The numerical accuracy is investigated in terms of the location and the number of the Stokeslets. The benchmark study shows that the numerical accuracy increases when the Stokeslets are submerged deeper beneath the cylinder surface, as long as the formed linear system remains numerically solvable. The maximum submergence depth increases with the decrease in the number of Stokeslets. As a result, the numerical accuracy does not deteriorate with the dramatic decrease in the number of Stokeslets. A relatively small number of Stokeslets with a substantial submergence depth is thus chosen for modeling fibrous filtration flows. The developed methodology is further examined by application to Taylor–Couette flows. A good agreement between the numerical and analytical results is observed for no‐slip and partial‐slip boundary conditions. Next, the flow about a representative set of infinitely long cylindrical fibers confined between two planar walls is considered to represent the fibrous filter flow. The obtained flowfield and pressure drop agree very well with the experimental data for this setup of fibers. The developed MFS with submerged Stokeslets is then applied to partial‐slip flows about fibers to investigate the slip effect at fiber–fluid interface on the pressure drop. The numerical results compare qualitatively with the analytical solution available for the limit case of infinite number of fibers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HDAC and Hsp90 inhibitors down‐regulate PTTG1/securin but do not induce aneuploidy
Authors: Hernández Agustín , López‐Lluch Guillermo , Navas Plácido , Pintor‐Toro José A.
Published: November 2008

Human securin regulates correct chromatid separation. However, there are conflicting reports on the aneugenic effects of its gene deletion. Here we show that PTTG1/securin gene expression is dramatically repressed when Hsp90 or histone deacetylases are inhibited. However, these treatments do not increase the proportion of aneuploid cells. This was also confirmed using RNAi (silencing of PTTG1/securin ≥80%). As expected, histone deacetylases arrested cells in both G1 and G2. However, sec−/− HCT116 cells showed a greater disposition to arrest cells in G2 than sec+/+ cells due to insufficient induction of CDKN1A. These results indicate that chromatid separation is controlled through redundant mechanisms and reveal a new aspect of securin in cell cycle regulation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐risk human papillomavirus DNA load in a population‐based cervical screening cohort in relation to the detection of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer
Authors: Hesselink Albertus T. , Berkhof Johannes , Heideman Daniëlle A.M. , Bulkmans Nicole W.J. , van Tellingen Jurjen E.H. , Meijer Chris J.L.M. , Snijders Peter J.F.
Published: November 2008

In a population‐based cervical screening cohort, we determined the value of type‐specific viral load assessment for the detection of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer (≥CIN2). Viral load was determined by type‐specific real‐time PCR in women with single HPV16,‐18,‐31 and ‐33 infections, as determined by GP5+/6+‐PCR. Study endpoints were the detection of cumulative ≥CIN2 or ≥CIN3 within 18 months of follow‐up. High viral loads of HPV16,‐31, and ‐33 were predictive for ≥CIN2 (relative risk of 1.6 (95% CI: 1.3–1.9), 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1–2.7) and 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1–3.1) per 10‐fold change in viral load, respectively). For HPV18, the relative risk was of similar magnitude (1.5, 95% CI: 0.7–3.1), though not significant (p = 0.3). Subsequently, we determined the sensitivities of viral load for ≥CIN2 and ≥CIN3 in HPV DNA‐positive women using viral load thresholds previously defined in a cross‐sectional study. These thresholds were based on the 25th, 33rd and 50th percentiles of type‐specific HPV16,‐18,‐31 or ‐33 viral load values found in women with normal cytology. For all types, combined sensitivities for ≥CIN2 were 93.5%, 88.8% and 77.7% for the 25th, 33rd and 50th percentile thresholds, respectively. Response‐operator‐characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed that viral load testing on HPV DNA‐positive women in addition to or instead of cytology may result in an increased sensitivity for ≥CIN2, but at the cost of a marked decrease in specificity in relation to cytology. Similar results were obtained when using ≥CIN3 as endpoint. In conclusion, in a cervical screening setting viral load assessment of HPV16, 18, 31 and 33 has no additive value to stratify high‐risk HPV GP5+/6+‐PCR‐positive women for risk of ≥CIN2 or ≥CIN3. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypoxia increases normal prostate epithelial cell resistance to receptor‐mediated apoptosis via AKT activation
Authors: Walsh Sinead , Gill Catherine , O'Neill Amanda , Fitzpatrick John M. , Watson R. William G.
Published: November 2008

The aging prostate is associated with changes in its vascular structure, which could lead to changes in oxygen levels. Hypoxia is an important environmental change that leads to the progression of many cancers mediated through a number of cellular changes, which included resistance to apoptosis. The role of hypoxia in initiating tumour development has not been previously investigated. We demonstrate that normal prostate epithelial cells develop a resistance to receptor‐mediated apoptosis following 24 hr of 1% hypoxia. This effect is associated with the altered expression of a number of pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic proteins, which leads to inhibition of Cytochrome c release and downstream caspase activation. This is mediated via decreased Bax translocation and upstream Caspase 8 activity. Despite increased expression of cIAP‐2, small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown does not restore susceptibility to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Gene expression analysis indicated potential changes in AKT activation, which was confirmed by increased phosphorylation of AKT. Inhibition of this phosphorylation reversed the resistance to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. AKT activation is emerging as a key survival signal in prostate cancer. This study demonstrates that short exposure to low oxygen can increase resistance to immune surveillance mechanisms and might confer a survival advantage onto normal prostate epithelial cells so that they can survive subsequent genomic instability and other carcinogenetic insults leading to the early development of prostate cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Karyopherin proteins, Crm1 and Karyopherin β1, are overexpressed in cervical cancer and are critical for cancer cell survival and proliferation
Authors: van der Watt Pauline J. , Maske Christopher P. , Hendricks Denver T. , Parker M. Iqbal , Denny Lynette , Govender Dhirendra , Birrer Michael J. , Leaner Virna D.
Published: November 2008

The Karyopherin proteins are involved in nucleo‐cytoplasmic trafficking and are critical for protein and RNA subcellular localization. Recent studies suggest they are important in nuclear envelope component assembly, mitosis and replication. Since these are all critical cellular functions, alterations in the expression of the Karyopherins may have an impact on the biology of cancer cells. In this study, we examined the expression of the Karyopherins, Crm1, Karyopherin β1 (Kpnβ1) and Karyopherin α2 (Kpnα2), in cervical tissue and cell lines. The functional significance of these proteins to cancer cells was investigated using individual siRNAs to inhibit their expression. Microarrays, quantitative RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence revealed significantly higher expression of Crm1, Kpnβ1 and Kpnα2 in cervical cancer compared to normal tissue. Expression levels were similarly elevated in cervical cancer cell lines compared to normal cells, and in transformed epithelial and fibroblast cells. Inhibition of Crm1 and Kpnβ1 in cancer cells significantly reduced cell proliferation, while Kpnα2 inhibition had no effect. Noncancer cells were unaffected by the inhibition of Crm1 and Kpnβ1. The reduction in proliferation of cancer cells was associated with an increase in a subG1 population by cell cycle analysis and Caspase‐3/7 assays revealed increased apoptosis. Crm1 and Kpnβ1 siRNA‐induced apoptosis was accompanied by an increase in the levels of growth inhibitory proteins, p53, p27, p21 and p18. Our results demonstrate that Crm1, Kpnβ1 and Kpnα2 are overexpressed in cervical cancer and that inhibiting the expression of Crm1 and Kpnβ1, not Kpnα2, induces cancer cell death, making Crm1 and Kpnβ1 promising candidates as both biomarkers and potential anticancer therapeutic targets. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MET gene amplification or EGFR mutation activate MET in lung cancers untreated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Kubo Takafumi , Yamamoto Hiromasa , Lockwood William W. , Valencia Ilse , Soh Junichi , Peyton Michael , Jida Masaru , Otani Hiroki , Fujii Tetsuya , Ouchida Mamoru , Takigawa Nagio , Kiura Katsuyuki , Shimizu Kenji , Date Hiroshi , Minna John D. , Varella‐Garcia Marileila , Lam Wan L. , Gazdar Adi F. , Toyooka Shinichi
Published: November 2008

We analyzed MET protein and copy number in NSCLC with or without EGFR mutations untreated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). MET copy number was examined in 28 NSCLC and 4 human bronchial epithelial cell lines (HBEC) and 100 primary tumors using quantitative real‐time PCR. Positive results were confirmed by array comparative genomic hybridization and fluorescence in‐situ hybridization. Total and phospho‐MET protein expression was determined in 24 NSCLC and 2 HBEC cell lines using Western blot. EGFR mutations were examined for exon 19 deletions, T790M, and L858R. Knockdown of EGFR with siRNA was performed to examine the relation between EGFR and MET activation. High‐level MET amplification was observed in 3 of 28 NSCLC cell lines and in 2 of 100 primary lung tumors that had not been treated with EGFR‐TKIs. MET protein was highly expressed and phosphorylated in all the 3 cell lines with high MET amplification. In contrast, 6 NSCLC cell lines showed phospho‐MET among 21 NSCLC cell lines without MET amplification (p = 0.042). Furthermore, those 6 cell lines harboring phospho‐MET expression without MET amplification were all EGFR mutant (p = 0.0039). siRNA‐mediated knockdown of EGFR abolished phospho‐MET expression in examined 3 EGFR mutant cell lines of which MET gene copy number was not amplified. By contrast, phospho‐MET expression in 2 cell lines with amplified MET gene was not down‐regulated by knockdown of EGFR. Our results indicated that MET amplification was present in untreated NSCLC and EGFR mutation or MET amplification activated MET protein in NSCLC. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Market interdependence and financial volatility transmission in East Asia
Authors: Gallo Giampiero M. , Velucchi Margherita
Published: November 2008

In this paper, we adapt the Multiplicative Error Model (MEM) to analyze the interdependence of volatility across markets. The MEM specifies the dynamics of a volatility proxy (absolute returns) for one market including terms accounting for an asymmetric impact of good or bad news on the market, and possible volatility spillover terms from other markets. The specific empirical focus of the paper is on the interdependence structure of seven East Asian markets between 1990 and 2005. We pay specific attention to the stability of the significance of the links across markets on subperiods that consider or exclude the 1997 crisis and contrast results between earlier samples and more recent ones. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EMMPRIN (basigin/CD147) expression is not correlated with MMP activity during adult mouse mammary gland development
Authors: Szymanowska Malgorzata , Hendry Kay A.K. , Robinson Claire , Kolb Andreas F.
Published: November 2008

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN/basigin/CD147) is a cell surface protein, which has been associated with the induction of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes during cancer metastasis. EMMPRIN plays a role in a variety of physiological processes as is evident by the diverse deficiencies detectable in EMMPRIN knockout mice. We have analysed the role of EMMPRIN in the induction of MMP genes during mammary gland differentiation and involution. Co‐transfection studies showed that EMMPRIN has diverse effects on MMP promoter activity in different mammary and non‐mammary cell lines. Expression of EMMPRIN mRNA is enhanced markedly by insulin in a mammary gland cell line but appears to have no direct effect on MMP gene expression in these cells. Microarray analysis and quantitative PCR show that EMMPRIN is expressed throughout mammary gland differentiation in the mouse. Its expression decreases during early pregnancy and briefly after induction of mammary gland involution by litter removal. Immunohistochemical analysis shows that EMMPRIN expression is limited to the stromal compartment during pregnancy, whereas it is strongly expressed in the epithelium during lactation. In summary the data argue against a causal role for EMMPRIN for the induction of MMP gene expression during adult mammary gland development. These data therefore support a physiological role for EMMPRIN other than MMP induction in mammary gland biology. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 52–62, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toward anab initiofragment database for bioisosterism: Dependence of QCT properties on level of theory, conformation, and chemical environment
Authors: Devereux Michael , Popelier Paul L. A. , McLay Iain M.
Published: November 2008

The goal of this work is to assess the scope and suitability of atomic and bond properties for use in a bioisostere fragment database. This database will contain fragment descriptors that can be used to represent portions of larger molecules and similarity in properties between fragments, which will then be used to find bioisosteric replacements in future work. Seventeen common organic fragments relevant to drug design featured as “linker groups” that were capped by two terminal groups. Each terminal group could be one of the set of 12 possible sets: 10 aromatic heterocycles, a phenyl ring, or an ethyl. This enabled a systematic investigation of the chemical environment, enriched with conformational flexibility within the linker group, for a total of 307 different atoms. Five different levels of theory were investigated. This work paves the way to the construction of a quantum mechanical bioisosteric fragment database, for which transferability of stored fragment properties is of fundamental importance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Enriched environment restores hippocampal cell proliferation and ameliorates cognitive deficits in chronically stressed rats
Authors: Veena J. , Srikumar B. N. , Mahati K. , Bhagya V. , Raju T. R. , Shankaranarayana Rao B. S.
Published: November 2008

Adult neurogenesis, particularly in the subgranular zone, is thought to be linked with learning and memory. Chronic stress inhibits adult hippocampal neurogenesis and also impairs learning and memory. On the other hand, exposure to enriched environment (EE) is reported to enhance the survival of new neurons and improve cognition. Accordingly, in the present study, we examined whether short‐term EE after stress could ameliorate the stress‐induced decrease in hippocampal cell proliferation and impairment in radial arm maze learning. After restraint stress (6 hr/day, 21 days) adult rats were exposed to EE (6 hr/day, 10 days). We observed that chronic restraint stress severely affected formation of new cells and learning. Stressed rats showed a significant decrease (70%) in the number of BrdU (5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine)‐immunoreactive cells and impairment in the performance of the partially baited radial arm maze task. Interestingly, EE after stress completely restored the hippocampal cell proliferation. On par with the restoration of hippocampal cytogenesis, short‐term EE after stress resulted in a significant increase in percentage correct choices and a decrease in the number of reference memory errors compared with the stressed animals. Also, EE per se significantly increased the cell proliferation compared with controls. Furthermore, stress significantly reduced the hippocampal volume that was reversed after EE. Our observations demonstrate that short‐term EE completely ameliorates the stress‐induced decrease in cell proliferation and learning deficit, thus demonstrating the efficiency of rehabilitation in reversal of stress‐induced deficits and suggesting a probable role of newly formed cells in the effects of EE. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Iptakalim ameliorates MPP+‐induced astrocyte mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing mitochondrial complex activity besides opening mitoKATP channels
Authors: Zhang Shu , Ding Jian‐Hua , Zhou Fang , Wang Zhi‐Yuan , Zhou Xi‐Qiao , Hu Gang
Published: November 2008

In addition to the established role of the mitochondrion in energy metabolism, regulation of cell death has been regarded as a major function of this organelle. Our previous studies have demonstrated that iptakalim (IPT), a novel ATP‐sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel) opener, protects against 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐pyridinium ion (MPP+)–induced astrocyte apoptosis via mitochondria and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signal pathways. The present study aimed to investigate whether IPT can protect astrocyte mitochondria against MPP+‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction. We showed that treatment with IPT could ameliorate the inhibitory effect of MPP+ on mitochondrial respiration and ATP production by using mitochondrial complex I–supported substrates. IPT could also inhibit the increased production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria induced by MPP+. However, mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive potassium (mitoKATP) channel blocker 5‐hydroxydecanoate (5‐HD) could partly abolish all of the above effects of IPT. Because mitochondrial complex dysfunction impairs mitochondrial respiration and ATP production, a further experiment was undertaken to study the effects of IPT on the activity of mitochondrial complex (COX) I and COX IV. It was found that IPT inhibited the decrease in mitochondrial COX I and COX IV activity induced by MPP+, but 5‐HD failed to abolish these effects. Taken together, these findings suggest that IPT may protect astrocyte mitochondrial function by regulating complex activity in addition to opening mitoKATP channels. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spectral analysis of transport equations with bounce‐back boundary conditions
Authors: Latrach K. , Lods B.
Published: November 2008

We investigate the spectral properties of the time‐dependent linear transport equation with bounce‐back boundary conditions. A fine analysis of the spectrum of the streaming operator is given and the explicit expression of the strongly continuous streaming semigroup is derived. Next, making use of a recent result from Sbihi (J. Evol. Equations 2007; 7:689–711), we prove, via a compactness argument, that the essential spectrum of the transport semigroup and that of the streaming semigroup coincide on all Lp‐spaces with 1<p<∞. Application to the linear Boltzmann equation for granular gases is provided. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local existence of solutions of a three phase‐field model for solidification
Authors: Caretta Bianca Morelli Calsavara , Boldrini José Luiz
Published: November 2008

In this article we discuss the local existence and uniqueness of solutions of a system of parabolic differential partial equations modeling the process of solidification/melting of a certain kind of alloy. This model governs the evolution of the temperature field, as well as the evolution of three phase‐field functions; the first two describe two different possible solid crystallization states and the last one describes the liquid state. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using social marketing to increase breast cancer screening among African American women: perspectives from African American breast cancer survivors
Authors: Talbert Patricia Yvonne
Published: November 2008

Despite progressive preventative techniques, intervention programs, and guidelines to help reduce breast cancer mortality, African American women (AAW) remain affected by breast cancer in greater numbers compared to Caucasians. As rates of breast cancer mortality continue to increase among AAW, a greater need for change emerges, which should include crafting culturally specific social marketing programs that promote breast cancer awareness among AAW. This exploratory study focuses on social marketing strategies to promote this awareness. The research underscores several social marketing strategies from the perspective of AAW (N = 130) breast cancer survivors. Qualitative data were collected from focus groups regarding social marketing strategies needed to promote breast cancer awareness. The discussions revealed social marketing campaigns that are culturally sensitive and unswerving are more likely to increase behavior modification. Furthermore, messages from other AAW tailored toward a specific market are more beneficial for promoting breast cancer screening.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on the formation defect of nano imprinted optical waveguide devices and nano‐indentation detection
Authors: Weng Y.‐J. , Weng Y.‐C. , Yang S.‐Y. , Wong J.‐L
Published: November 2008

In this study, we try to discuss the formation defects found in the application of air‐assisted soft mold UV‐cured nano imprint lithography technology in the manufacture of optical waveguide devices, and find a solution. Meanwhile, we try to utilize the nano‐indentation technology in the material quality detection for optical waveguide devices. The results tell us that there is a corresponding relationship between the indentation hardness and procedure parameters under nano‐meter level depth. For example, the indentation tends to be harder when it is lowly loaded and shallow in depth. Closer it gets to the edge of waveguide's turning, lower the indentation hardness will be. At the same time, different exposal process results in different structural intensity. Therefore, the high structural intensity without forming defects of optical waveguide with less optical loss and better optical transmission. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New host homopolymers containing pendant triphenylamine derivatives: Synthesis, optical, electrochemical properties and its blend with Ir(ppy)3 for green phosphorescent organic light‐emitting devices
Authors: Lee Chih‐Cheng , Yeh Kun‐Ming , Chen Yun
Published: November 2008

Two vinyl homopolymers poly(N‐(4‐(4‐(4‐vinylbenzyloxy)styryl)phenyl)‐N‐phenylbenzenamine) (PVST) and poly(4‐vinyltriphenylamine) (PTPA) containing pendant hole‐transporting triphenylamine and 4‐oxystyryltriphenylamine groups, respectively, were synthesized by radical polymerization and employed as hosts for tris(2‐phenylpyridine) iridium [Ir(ppy)3] phosphor. Structural influences of the hole‐transporting groups upon optoelectronic properties were investigated by photophysical, electrochemical, and electroluminescent methods. The polymers were readily soluble in common organic solvents and their weight‐average molecular weights (Mw) were 5.68 × 104 and 1.90 × 104, respectively. The emission spectra (both photoluminescence, PL and electroluminescent, EL) of the blends [PTPA with 4 wt % Ir(ppy)3] showed dominant green emission (517 nm) attributed to Ir(ppy)3 due to efficient energy transfer from PTPA to Ir(ppy)3. The HOMO levels of PVST and PTPA, estimated from onset oxidation potentials in their cyclic voltammograms, were −5.14 and −5.36 eV, which are much higher than −5.8 eV of the conventional poly(9‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) host owing to high hole‐affinity of the triphenylamine groups. The optoelectronic performances of phosphorescent EL devices, using PVST and PTPA as hosts and Ir(ppy)3 as dopant (indium tin oxide, ITO/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/PVST or PTPA:Ir(ppy)3(4 wt %):PBD(40 wt %)/BCP/Ca/Al), were investigated. The maximum luminance and luminance efficiency of the PTPA device were 9220 cd/m2 and 6.1 cd/A, respectively, which were significantly improved relative to those of PVK and PVST. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7960–7971, 2008
Linear polyurethanes made from threitol: Acetalized and hydroxylated polymers
Authors: Marín Romina , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián
Published: November 2008

A set of novel linear polyurethanes was synthesized by reaction in solution of 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) or 4,4′‐methylene‐bis(phenyl diisocyanate) with 2,3‐acetalized threitols, specifically, 2,3‐O‐methylidene‐L‐threitol and 2,3‐O‐isopropylidene‐D‐threitol. The polyurethanes containing acetalized threitols had weight‐average molecular weights between 40,000 and 65,000 Da. Most of them were amorphous and they displayed Tg higher than their unsubstituted analogs. Deprotection of acetalized polyurethanes by treatment with acid allowed preparing semicrystalline polyurethanes bearing two free hydroxyl groups in the repeating unit. The crystalline structure and crystallizability of the hydroxylated polyurethane made from HDI were investigated taken as reference the polyurethane made from 1,4‐butanediol and HDI. The hydrolytic degradability of threitol derived polyurethanes was comparatively evaluated under a variety of conditions. Highest degradation rates were obtained upon incubation at pH 10 at temperatures above Tg, the aliphatic hydroxylated polyurethane being the fastest degrading compound. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7996–8012, 2008
Benzophenone‐(phenylthio)acetic acid phosphonium salts as initiators of free‐radical photopolymerization of vinyl monomers: Mechanistic studies
Authors: Bartoszewicz Jarogniew , Hug Gordon L. , Pietrzak Marek , Kozubek Halina , Paczkowski Jerzy , Marciniak Bronislaw
Published: November 2008

The mechanism of the benzophenone‐sensitized photooxidation of phosphonium salts of (phenylthio)acetic acid was studied as a means for understanding how these salts function as coinitiators in the free‐radical photopolymerization of vinyl monomers. Both steady‐state and nanosecond flash photolytic methods were used to determine, in a quantitative manner, the mechanism of primary and secondary photoreactions for three quaternary phosphonium salts containing butyl and/or phenyl groups, i.e., P+(C4H9)4, P+(C4H9)(C6H5)3, and P+(C6H5)4. It was found that the initial polymerization rates were the same for all three phoshonium salts of (phenylthio)acetic acid and were equal to those found previously for tetralkyl ammonium salts. The polymerization rates were more than twice the rates found for direct initiation by benzophenone and by the benzophenone‐(phenylthio)acetic acid initiating system. These results correlate well with the large quantum yields of •CH2SC6H5 radicals (the main initiating radicals) found in the complementary photochemical investigation. It was found that a detailed knowledge of the photochemical reactions in the photoinitiating systems was critical to understand the kinetics of polymerization. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 8013–8022, 2008
Cortex Lycii Radicis extracts improve insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in obese‐diabetic rats
Authors: Ye Zhen , Huang Qi , Ni Hai Xiang , Wang Dong
Published: November 2008

Here we evaluate the effects of ethanol and aqueous extracts from Cortex Lycii Radicis (CLR) on insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in obese‐diabetic rats, which were induced by high fat feeding for 3 weeks after injection with streptozotocin (STZ). Diabetic rats treated with ethanol or aqueous extracts of CLR at 15 and 30 g/kg dosage for 7 weeks, had decreased body weights, concentration of serum glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), while the insulin‐sensitivity index (ISI) improved significantly compared with the control group. In addition, high contents of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and low adiponectin level were observed in the control group and levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in CLR groups showed obvious differences with the control group. Histopathologic examination also showed degrees of hepatocyte edema although hepatocyte ballooning degeneration was lessened in all CLR groups. Overall, ethanol extract from CLR seemed to be more effective than aqueous extracts in improving insulin resistance, resulted in elevating insulin sensitivity, adjusting glucose and lipid metabolism, correcting cytokines levels and ameliorating liver function, especially protecting the liver against lipoid degeneration. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipase inhibitory activity in alcohol extracts of worldwide occurring plants and propolis
Authors: Möller Niels Peter , Roos Nils , Schrezenmeir Jürgen
Published: November 2008

In the search for lipase inhibitory agents, 144 alcohol plant extracts and propolis were screened for pancreatic lipase activity in vitro using methods with methylresorufin and triolein as substrates. Ethanol extracts of Linum usitatissimum (oil flax) and Helianthus annuus (sunflower seeds) showed the strongest lipase inhibitory actions with ID50 values of 1:370 and 1:166, respectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxic effects of oral administration of extracts of dried calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (Malvaceae)
Authors: Fakeye Titilayo O. , Pal Anirban , Bawankule D. U. , Yadav N. P. , Khanuja S. P. S.
Published: November 2008

The effects of a 90‐day oral administration of water and alcohol extracts of dried calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa were evaluated in albino rats. Haematological, biochemical and histopathological changes were monitored every 30 days.

The death of the animals was preceded by a severe loss in weight, accompanied with diarrhoea in animals on the 2000 mg/kg dose. There was an increase in food intake (g) per kg body weight per day in the aqueous (A) and ethanol (E) 300 mg/kg extract groups. Significant reductions in the erythrocyte count with no difference in total leucocyte count were observed. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was enhanced by the administration of aqueous and 50% ethanol extract with a significant increase in its level at higher doses (p < 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatinine levels were significantly affected by all the extracts at the different dose levels. However, aqueous extracts exhibited a significant increase in creatinine levels (p < 0.05) at higher doses. The cholesterol levels were generally not significantly affected by the extracts. No significant histopathological changes were observed, although there was a significant reduction in the weight of the spleen of the animals administered with ethanol and water extracts when compared with the control (p < 0.01). Other organs were of the same relative weight. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicological studies of wogonin in experimental animals
Authors: Qi Qi , Peng Jian , Liu Wei , You Qidong , Yang Yong , Lu Na , Wang Guangji , Guo Qinglong
Published: November 2008

Wogonin, one active ingredient extract from the radix of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, is known to possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological, medicinal and therapeutic properties, especially the anticancer activity studied recently. However, no extensive safety studies have been conducted to date. In this paper, the acute and sub‐chronic toxicity of the agent were determined using albino mice and Sprague‐Dawley rats as animal models. Histopathological examination and viscera parameter investigation were also carried out after autopsy. The LD50 of wogonin administered by the intravenous injection was 286.15 mg/kg and the 95% confidence limit was 278.27–295.26 mg/kg. A long period of treatment with a high dose of wogonin (120 mg/kg) could induce heart injury in rats. These results provide a foundation for the further clinical investigation of this promising anticancer agent. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
20(S)‐ginsenoside Rg3, a neuroprotective agent, inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition pores in rat brain
Authors: Tian Jingwei , Zhang Shumin , Li Guisheng , Liu Zhifeng , Xu Benming
Published: November 2008

Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae), is a well‐known traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Ginsenosides, which are triterpene derivatives that contain sugar moieties, are the main active ingredients of ginseng. 20(S)‐Ginsenoside Rg3, a triterpene glycoside which chemically belongs to the protopanaxadiol ginsenoside group, is effective in attenuating brain infarction after cerebral ischemia, but the detailed mechanism is not known. This study examined the effect of 20(S)‐ginsenoside Rg3 on mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) in the rat brain. 20(S)‐Ginsenoside Rg3 at 2–16 µm inhibited Ca2+‐ and H2O2‐induced swelling of mitochondria isolated from rat brains. The addition of Ca2+ generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in isolated mitochondria. 20(S)‐Ginsenoside Rg3 (2–16 µm) inhibited Ca2+ induced generation of ROS. At the same time, 20(S)‐ginsenoside Rg3 significantly improved mitochondrial energy metabolism, enhanced ATP levels and the respiratory control ratio. These results suggest that 20(S)‐ginsenoside Rg3 inhibits the opening of MPTP by free radical scavenging action in the brain, and this implies that inhibition of MPTP may contribute to the neuroprotective effect of 20(S)‐ginsenoside Rg3. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Artepillin C (ARC) in Brazilian green propolis selectively blocks oncogenic PAK1 signaling and suppresses the growth of NF tumors in mice
Authors: Messerli Shanta M. , Ahn Mok‐Ryeon , Kunimasa Kazuhiro , Yanagihara Miyako , Tatefuji Tomoki , Hashimoto Ken , Mautner Victor , Uto Yoshihiro , Hori Hitoshi , Kumazawa Shigenori , Kaji Kazuhiko , Ohta Toshiro , Maruta Hiroshi
Published: November 2008

There are mainly three types of propolis whose major anticancer ingredients are entirely different: (1) CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester)‐based propolis in Europe, Far East and New Zealand, (2) artepillin C (ARC)‐based Brazilian green propolis and (3) Brazilian red propolis. It was shown previously that NF (neurofibromatosis)‐associated tumors require the kinase PAK1 for their growth, and CAPE‐based propolis extracts such as Bio 30 suppress completely the growth of NF tumors in vivo by blocking PAK1 signaling. Also it was demonstrated that ARC suppresses angiogenesis, suggesting the possibility that ARC also blocks oncogenic PAK1 signaling. Here it is shown for the first time that both ARC and green propolis extract (GPE) indeed block the PAK1 signaling selectively, without affecting another kinase known as AKT. Furthermore, it was confirmed that ARC as well as GPE suppress almost completely the growth of human NF tumor xenografts in mice, as does Bio 30. These results suggest that both CAPE‐based and ARC‐based propolis extracts are natural anti‐PAK1 remedies and could be among the first effective NF therapeutics available on the market. Since more than 70% of human cancers such as breast and prostate cancers require the kinase PAK1 for their growth, it is quite possible that GPE could be potentially useful for the treatment of these cancers, as is Bio 30. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective diary study of the role of psychological stress and negative mood in the recurrence of herpes simplex virus (HSV1)
Authors: Faulkner Susan , Smith Andrew
Published: November 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between psychological stress and negative mood and the recurrence of herpes simplex (HSV1). A range of standard, baseline measures of health and psychological well‐being were collected from 20 participants who suffered from HSV1 recurrences (with a history of recent recurrence) and 18 matched controls. Longitudinal data was collected over a 16‐week period using weekly diaries. Participants recorded weekly levels of psychological stress, negative mood, negative events and hassles and kept a weekly health record documenting the recurrence of HSV1 and the incidence of other infectious illness. The longitudinal relationship between stress, negative mood and recurrence of HSV was assessed.

Participants who suffered from frequent HSV1 recurrences were significantly higher on standard measures of stress and negative mood than those who only suffered occasional or no recurrences. Furthermore, there was a longitudinal relationship between high levels of perceived stress and the recurrence of HSV1.

It was concluded that those suffering from frequent reactivation of HSV1 may be more vulnerable to the effect of stress on immune function and, in this study, higher levels of psychological stress were associated with the subsequent reactivation of HSV1. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
912 Open Pectus Excavatum Repairs: Changing Trends, Lessons Learned: One Surgeon’s Experience
Authors: Fonkalsrud Eric W.
Published: November 2008

Background

Severe pectus excavatum (PE) is common, often causing physiologic impairment. Inconsistent results have been reported using a variety of open surgical techniques with extensive subperiosteal costal cartilage resection.

Methods

Since 1969, 912 (80% men) symptomatic PE patients (mean severity index 4.9) underwent open surgical correction at UCLA Medical Center by one surgeon. Almost all patients had dyspnea, reduced endurance, tachypnea, and tachycardia with exertion. The mean age at operation was 19.8 years. Asymmetric depression was present in 465 (51%) patients; combined PE and pectus carinatum was present in 33 patients. Recurrent PE deformities were repaired on 73 patients. Progressively less deformed costal cartilage was resected during the 38‐year period; almost all of the last 303 patients had only short segments excised from both ends with suture reattachment. Transverse wedge sternal osteotomy was used on all patients, and 883 (97%) had a sternal support strut for 6 to 9 months.

Results

Dyspnea, endurance, tachypnea, and tachycardia was improved in almost all patients within 5 months after repair. Repair for recurrent deformities and resection of mild localized cartilage protrusion was reduced more than threefold when minimal cartilage resection with wire reattachment was used. Postoperative complications in the last 537 patients were less frequent, pain was less severe, and results were better than when more extensive previous repairs were used (mean follow‐up 7.6 years). Very good or excellent results were reported by 94.2% of all patients.

Conclusions

In this largest series of open PE repair, progressively less extensive operative techniques have resulted in low morbidity, mild pain, short hospitalization, and very good physiologic and cosmetic results.
20 Jahre externe Qualitätssicherung in der Zytogenetik
Authors: Held K.R. , Brandt S. , Eiben B.
Published: November 2008

Das erste regionale Projekt für eine externe Qualitätssicherung (EQA) in der klinischen Zytogenetik entstand in Deutschland im Jahr 1989. 1993 erfolgte eine überregionale Ausweitung des Programms. Gegenwärtig nehmen 92 Laboratorien aus Deutschland, 11 aus der Schweiz und 5 aus Österreich an den Ringversuchen zur Qualitätssicherung teil. Basierend auf dem Quality Assessment Scheme der Association of Clinical Cytogeneticists (1988) aus Großbritannien wurden in der ersten Periode der Ringversuche die Qualität der Chromosomenpräparation und die Schnelligkeit in der Routinediagnostik sowohl in der Prä- (nach Amniozentese) als auch in der Postnataldiagnostik (Lymphozyten) evaluiert. Als ein Ergebnis dieser kontinuierlichen EQA stieg die durchschnittliche Bandenauflösung von unter 400 bphs 1994 auf ungefähr 450 bphs in der pränatalen Zytogenetik und von ungefähr 400 bphs auf über 500 bphs in der postnatalen Diagnostik. 1999 wurde das EQA-Verfahren durch Ringversuche zur Diagnostik, Interpretation und Dokumentation von Strukturaberrationen ausgeweitet (RV-“Strukturanalyse“). Eine numerische Bewertung für die Erkennung, die Interpretation sowie die Befundmitteilung von zugesandten Karyotypen, für die aktuelle Fälle aus teilnehmenden Laboratorien genutzt wurden, erlaubt den Teilnehmern eine Abschätzung ihrer Fähigkeit, bei vorgegebener Präparatequalität strukturelle Aberrationen, häufige Fehler bei der Karyotypisierung und Fehler bei der Dokumentation der Karyotypformel entsprechend der ISCN-Nomenklatur zu erkennen. Die kontinuierliche Teilnahme an Ringversuchen zur EQA in der Zytogenetik, an der sich die Mitglieder der teilnehmenden Laboratorien aktiv beteiligen können, führt zu einer Anhebung der Qualität in der Chromosomenpräparation sowie gleichzeitig einer Verbesserung in der Diagnostik durch Vermeidung typischer häufiger Fehler in der Karyotypisierung und fehlerhafter Benutzung der ISCN-Nomenklatur.
Array-CGH für die Analyse von Tumorgenomen
Authors: Weber R.G.
Published: November 2008

Durch Array-CGH („comparative genomic hybridization“) können genomweit Kopienzahlveränderungen mit hoher Auflösung erfasst werden. In der letzten Dekade zeigte sich, dass diese in Tumorgenomen häufig und in größerer Anzahl vorliegen können. Über Abweichungen im Array-CGH-Profil einer Tumor-DNA können Tumorsuppressor- oder Protoonkogene kartiert werden, sodass krebsrelevante Gene identifiziert werden konnten. Weiterhin werden Aberrationsmuster erfasst, was zur molekularen Subklassifikation von Tumortypen mit diagnostischer Bedeutung führte. Auch zur Identifizierung neuer prognostischer Marker konnten Array-CGH-Analysen beitragen. In Zukunft werden eine Datenbewertung durch Einbeziehung von Analysen auf anderen molekularen Ebenen und eine gezielte Anwendung mit chromosomen- oder tumorspezifischen Mikroarrays wichtig sein.
The developmental pattern of resistance to peer influence in adolescence: Will the teenager ever be able to resist?
Authors: Sumter Sindy R. , Bokhorst Caroline L. , Steinberg Laurence , Westenberg P. Michiel
Published: November 2008

Common folklore seems to suggest that adolescents are particularly susceptible to peer influence. However, from the literature the exact age differences in susceptibility to peer influence remain unclear. The current study's main focus was to chart the development of general susceptibility to peer pressure in a community sample of 10–18 year olds (N = 464) with the recently developed Resistance to Peer Influence Scale (RPI). The one‐factor structure of the RPI was cross‐validated in the present sample, and the RPI was equally reliable at all ages. As expected, general resistance to peer influence increased during adolescence. In addition, gender differences were most pronounced during mid‐adolescence, when girls were more resistant to peer influence than boys. These findings are explained in terms of psychosocial maturation during adolescence.