bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indoor secondhand tobacco smoke emission levels in six Lebanese cities
Authors: Saade Georges , Seidenberg Andrew B , Rees Vaughan W , Otrock Zaher , Connolly Gregory N
Published: April 2010

Background

To date, Lebanon has failed to enact comprehensive clean indoor air laws despite ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which calls for the protection of non-smokers from exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS). Complicating the problem of SHS exposure in Lebanon is the widespread use of the tobacco water-pipe. While most research on SHS has involved cigarette smoking as a source of emissions, other sources, including tobacco water-pipes, may be an important contributor.

Methods

PM2.5concentrations (μg/m3) were measured in a sample of 28 public venues located in six major Lebanese cities. Active smoker density (number of smokers/100 m3) was calculated for both water-pipe and cigarette smokers. Venues were then categorised as having higher density of water-pipe smokers or higher density of cigarette smokers, and resultant emission levels were compared between the two groups.

Results

Cigarette and water-pipe smoking was observed in 14 venues, while cigarette smoking only and water-pipe smoking only were found in 12 venues and one venue, respectively. Among all smoking-permitted venues, the mean PM2.5concentration was 342 μg/m3. Venues with a higher density of water-pipe smokers (n =14) showed a similar median PM2.5concentration (349 μg/m3) compared with venues with a higher density of cigarette smokers (n =13; 241 μg/m3; p=0.159). The mean PM2.5concentration in the single venue with a voluntary smoke-free policy was 6 μg/m3.

Conclusions

Despite ratification of the FCTC in 2005, both cigarette and water-pipe smoking are commonly practised in enclosed public places throughout Lebanon, leading to unsafe levels of indoor particulate pollution. Smoke-free policies are needed in Lebanon to protect the public's health, and should apply to all forms of tobacco smoking.
Using a cessation-related outcome index to assess California's cessation progress at the population level
Authors: Tang Hao , Abramsohn Erin , Park Hye-Youn , Cowling David W , Al-Delaimy Wael K
Published: April 2010

Background

The California Tobacco Control Program (CTCP) has employed strategies to change social norms around smoking in order to decrease the prevalence of smoking and tobacco-related diseases. Research is scarce on CTCP's impact on overall smoking cessation in California.

Methods

Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) data from 1992–1993 to 2006–2007 was used to create a cessation-related outcome index (CROI), which was a summarised z score of the following determinants: plan to quit, quit attempt and recent quit rate for each of the 50 US states. CROI trends over the period of six separate TUS-CPSs were plotted for California and other comparison states, for 18–34 year olds and for those 35 years or older separately in the context of historical cigarette price z score trend.

Results

California had a consistently high CROI for both age groups. The CROI trend line increased moderately in California for both age groups despite a declining cigarette price z score trend. In contrast, other selected states with a declining cigarette price z score trend had a declining CROI trend for both age groups.

Conclusions

The increase of CROI in California while cigarette price z score trend declined suggests that the implementation of CTCP, even without a significant direct cessation component, has had a profound impact on cessation outcomes.
Can you please put it out? Predicting non-smokers' assertiveness intentions at work: Table 1
Authors: Aspropoulos Eleftherios , Lazuras Lambros , Rodafinos Angelos , Eiser J Richard
Published: April 2010

Objective

The present study aimed to identify the psychosocial predictors of non-smoker employee intentions to ask smokers not to smoke at work. The predictive effects of past behaviour, anticipated regret, social norms, attitudinal, outcome expectancy and behavioural control beliefs were investigated in relation to the Attitudes–Social influence–self-Efficacy (ASE) model.

Methods

Data were collected from Greek non-smoker employees (n=137, mean age=33.5, SD=10.5, 54.7% female) in 15 companies. The main outcome measure was assertiveness intention. Data on participants' past smoking, age, gender and on current smoking policy in the company were also collected.

Results

The majority of employees (77.4%) reported being annoyed by exposure to passive smoking at work, but only 37% reported having asked a smoker colleague not to smoke in the last 30 days. Regression analysis showed that the strongest predictor of non-smokers' assertiveness intentions was how often they believed that other non-smokers were assertive. Perceived control over being assertive, annoyance with secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure at work and past assertive behaviour also significantly predicted assertiveness intentions.

Conclusions

Assertiveness by non-smoker employees seems to be guided mainly by normative and behavioural control beliefs, annoyance with SHS exposure at work, and past behaviour. Interventions to promote assertiveness in non-smokers might benefit from efficacy training combined with conveying the messages that the majority of other non-smokers are frequently annoyed by exposure to SHS, and that nearly half of all non-smokers are assertive towards smokers.
Understanding the impact of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act on hospitality establishments' outdoor environments: a survey of restaurants and bars
Authors: Kennedy Ryan David , Elton-Marshall Tara , Mutti Seema , Dubray Jolene , Fong Geoffrey T
Published: April 2010

Background

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) came into effect in May 2006 and included restrictions to outdoor hospitality areas by only permitting smoking on a patio if the area had no roof.

Objectives

(1) To assess the impact of the SFOA on the prevalence of smoke-free patios in Ontario and (2) to determine the proportion of venues where structural alterations were made rather than going smoke-free in order to achieve compliance with the SFOA.

Methods

A telephone survey of 403 hospitality sector operators/owners in four clustered samples of Ontario, Canada.

Results

Based on completed surveys, the SFOA resulted in an increase in prevalence of smoke-free patios, from 5% (n=21) to 25% (n=99). Of the patios where smoking was permitted before the SFOA (n=382), 42% (n=161) had physical structures that would make smoking not permissible under the new act. Operators of half of these venues (n=80) made their patios smoke-free, with most indicating they had no choice given the costs or physical limitations to changing their outdoor environment. The other half (n=81) reported making physical changes, including removing roof structures to achieve compliance.

Conclusion

The SFOA resulted in greater protection from outdoor secondhand smoke; however, most patios still permitted smoking. Half of the venues that complied with the SFOA by going smoke-free did so involuntarily because of structural and/or financial limitations. The majority of venue operators preferred to permit smoking on their patios, and only made their patios smoke-free when they were required to do so by law.
Comprehensive smoke-free legislation and displacement of smoking into the homes of young children in Hong Kong
Authors: Ho Sai Yin , Wang Man Ping , Lo Wing Sze , Mak Kwok Kei , Lai Hak Kan , Thomas G Neil , Lam Tai Hing
Published: April 2010

Objective

To investigate the effect of comprehensive smoke-free legislation in 2007 on the exposure of children to secondhand smoke (SHS) in Hong Kong.

Methods

Two cross-sectional questionnaire surveys were conducted, before (2006) and after (2008) the implementation of smoke-free legislation, among primary 2–4 students (equivalent to US grades 2–4) from 19 and 24 randomly selected schools, respectively. Adjusted ORs for SHS exposure at home and outside home post-legislation compared with pre-legislation were calculated. The strength of the association between SHS exposure and respiratory symptoms in each survey was used as an indirect indicator of the intensity of exposure.

Results

Among 3243 and 4965 never smoking students in the 2006 and 2008 surveys, the prevalence of SHS exposure in the past 7 days increased both at home (from 10.2% to 14.1%) and outside home (from 19.8% to 27.2%). Post-legislation, students were 56% more likely (p<0.01) to report SHS exposure at home coupled with an insignificantly stronger association between SHS exposure and respiratory symptoms. Similarly, students were 60% more likely (p<0.001) to report SHS exposure outside home in 2008, but the association between SHS exposure and respiratory symptoms became insignificantly weaker. Parental smoking rates were similar before and after legislation.

Conclusions

The prevalence of exposure to SHS at home and outside home have both increased among primary school students in Hong Kong post-legislation. Comprehensive smoke-free legislation without strong support for smoking cessation might have displaced smoking into the homes of young children.
Quit attempts in response to smoke-free legislation in England
Authors: Hackshaw Lucy , McEwen Andy , West Robert , Bauld Linda
Published: April 2010

Objectives

To determine whether England's smoke-free legislation, introduced on 1 July 2007, influenced intentions and attempts to stop smoking.

Design and setting

National household surveys conducted in England between January 2007 and December 2008. The sample was weighted to match census data on demographics and included 10 560 adults aged 16 or over who reported having smoked within the past year.

Results

A greater percentage of smokers reported making a quit attempt in July and August 2007 (8.6%, n=82) compared with July and August 2008 (5.7%, n=48) (Fisher's exact=0.022); there was no significant difference in the number of quit attempts made at other times in 2007 compared with 2008. In the 5 months following the introduction of the legislation 19% (n=75) of smokers making a quit attempt reported that they had done so in response to the legislation. There were no significant differences in these quit attempts with regard to gender, social grade or cigarette consumption; there was however a significant linear trend with increasing age (χ2=7.755, df=1, p<0.005). The prevalence of respondents planning to quit before the ban came into force decreased over time, while those who planned to quit when the ban came into force increased as the ban drew closer.

Conclusion

England's smoke-free legislation was associated with a significant temporary increase in the percentage of smokers attempting to stop, equivalent to over 300 000 additional smokers trying to quit. As a prompt to quitting the ban appears to have been equally effective across all social grades.
The impact of a 100% smoke-free law on the health of hospitality workers from the city of Neuquén, Argentina
Authors: Schoj Veronica , Alderete Mariela , Ruiz Ernesto , Hasdeu Santiago , Linetzky Bruno , Ferrante Daniel
Published: April 2010

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of 100% smoke-free environment legislation on respiratory and sensory irritation symptoms and respiratory function among bar and restaurant workers from the city of Neuquén, Argentina.

Methods

Pre-ban and post-ban studies without a comparison group in an Argentinean city were conducted. A baseline survey and spirometric measurements were performed with a total of 80 bar and restaurant workers 1 month before (October 2007) and 3 months after (March 2008) the implementation of the new 100% smoke-free legislation.

Results

A significant reduction in secondhand smoke exposure was observed after the enactment and enforcement of the new legislation, and an important reduction in respiratory symptoms (from a pre-ban level of 57.5% to a post-ban level of only 28.8%). The reduction of sensory irritation symptoms was even higher. From 86.3% of workers who reported at least one sensory irritation symptom in October 2007, only 37.5% reported the same symptoms in March 2008. Also, data obtained by spirometry showed a significant forced vital capacity increase.

Conclusions

Consistent with other studies, 100% smoke-free legislation improved short-term health outcomes in the sample and should be implemented nationwide. Furthermore, undertaking this study has been highly important in promoting 100% smoke-free environment legislation at the workplace as a legitimate right of hospitality workers, and in reducing social acceptance of designated smoking areas in bars and restaurants.
Dietary acculturation and the nutrition transition: an overviewThis is one of a selection of papers published in the CSCN–CSNS 2009 Conference, entitled Can we identify culture-specific healthful dietary patterns among diverse populations undergoing nutrition transition?This paper is being published without benefit of author’s corrections.
Authors: Satia Jessie A.
Published: April 2010

This article provides an overview of the phenomena of “dietary acculturation” and the “nutrition transition”. The term dietary acculturation is defined, and a proposed model for how dietary acculturation occurs is presented. Various approaches to assessing dietary acculturation in research studies are discussed, and a research-driven discussion of the possible consequences of dietary acculturation on diet and health is presented. The concept of the nutrition transition and the importance of understanding this phenomenon are presented. Specifically, the term nutrition transition is defined, highlighting characteristic dietary changes, as well as shifts in physical activity and obesity trends. The paradox of continued high rates of malnutrition in developing countries and a new emergence of dietary excess, sedentary behavior, obesity, and other chronic diseases in middle- and upper-class persons in these countries will also be addressed. The article concludes with suggestions for future research in the areas of dietary acculturation and the nutrition transition.
Cross-sections from scalar field theory
Authors: Norbury John W. , Dick Frank , Norman Ryan B. , Maung Maung Khin
Published: April 2010

A scalar quantum field theory method is used to calculate differential and total cross-sections for elastic and inelastic scattering in proton–proton collisions. When Mandelstam variables are used, the resulting formulas are simple and can be written in closed form. They display features very typical of elastic and inelastic scattering. The results show good agreement with total cross-section data for η meson production. Thus for this particular example, a simple scalar model can be used in place of a more complicated field theory with spin.
Pressure derivative of the melting temperature for some alkali halides
Authors: Nie Chuanhui
Published: April 2010

Assuming that the Anderson–Grüneisen parameter δT and the Grüneisen parameter γ are constant at high temperature and ambient pressure, we calculate the pressure derivative of melting temperature for some alkali halides (NaCl, NaBr, NaI, KCl, KBr, KI), and compare them with the results of other models. A close agreement between theory and experiment reveals the validity of the present work.
Weakly relativistic effect in the formation of ion-acoustic solitary waves in a positive ion-beam plasma
Authors: Kalita B. C. , Das R. , Sarmah H. K.
Published: April 2010

Relativistic solitons are investigated in a plasma with positive-ion beams using the Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation considering relativistic effects smaller for γi ≈ O(v2/c2) and γe ≈ O(u2/c2), and larger for γi ≈ O(v4/c4) and γe ≈ O(u4/c4), where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are relativistic factors of positive ions and electrons, respectively. Only compressive solitons of reasonable amplitudes are established subject to a mathematical condition in terms of initial and physical parameters with fourth-order terms in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for higher order relativistic effects and lower order relativistic effects without fourth-order terms in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for Q′ < 1 and Q′ > 1. The role of positive ion beams in a plasma with higher and lower order relativistic effects in the formation of relativistic solitons is fully explored in the investigation.
New spherically symmetric solutions in the Einstein–Yang–Mills–Higgs model
Authors: Jia Junji
Published: April 2010

We study classical solutions in the SU(2) Einstein–Yang–Mills–Higgs theory. The spherically symmetric ansatz for all fields are given, and the equations of motion are derived as a system of ordinary differential equations. The asymptotics and the boundary conditions at the space origin for regular solutions and at the event horizon for black hole solutions are studied. Using the shooting method, we found numerical solutions to the theory. For regular solutions, we find two new sets of asymptotically flat solutions. Each of these sets contains continua of solutions in the parameter space spanned by the shooting parameters. The solutions bifurcate along these parameter curves, and the bifurcations are argued to be due to the internal structure of the model. Both sets of the solutions are asymptotically flat, but one is exponentially so and the other is so with oscillations. For black holes, a new set of boundary conditions is studied, and it is found that there also exists a continuum of black hole solutions in parameter space and similar bifurcation behavior is also present to these solutions. The SU(2) charges of these solutions are found to be zero, and these solutions are proven to be unstable.
Uncaria rhynchophylla(Miq) Jack Plays a Role in Neuronal Protection in Kainic Acid-Treated Rats
Authors: Tang Nou-Ying , Liu Chung-Hsiang , Su Shan-Yu , Jan Ya-Min , Hsieh Ching-Tou , Cheng Chin-Yi , Shyu Woei-Cherng , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: April 2010

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack (UR) is one of many Chinese herbs. Our previous studies have shown that UR has both anticonvulsive and free radical-scavenging activities in kainic acid (KA)-treated rats. The aim of the present study was to use the effect of UR on activated microglia, nitric oxide synthase, and apoptotic cells to investigate its function in neuroproction in KA-treated rats. UR of 1.0 or 0.5 g/kg was orally administered for 3 days (first day, second day, and 30 min prior to KA administration on the third day), or 10 mg/kg (intraperitoneal injection, i.p.) N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) 30 min prior to KA (2 μg/2 μl) was injected into the right hippocampus region of Sprague-Dawly rats. ED1 (mouse anti rat CD68), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunoreactive cells and apoptotic cells were observed in the hippocampus region. The results indicated that 1.0 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg of UR and 10 mg/kg of L-NAME reduced the counts of ED1, nNOS, iNOS immunoreactive cells and apoptotic cells in KA-treated rats. This study demonstrates that UR can reduce microglia activation, nNOS, iNOS and apoptosis, suggesting that UR plays a neuro-protective role against neuronal damage in KA-treated rats.
The Ameliorating Effects of Luteolin on Beta-Amyloid-Induced Impairment of Water Maze Performance and Passive Avoidance in Rats
Authors: Tsai Fan-Shiu , Cheng Hao-Yuan , Hsieh Ming-Tsuen , Wu Chi-Rei , Lin Ying-Chih , Peng Wen-Huang
Published: April 2010

The present study investigated the effects of luteolin on Aβ (1-40)-induced impairment of Morris water maze (MWM) spatial performance, reference memory, and passive avoidance (PA) behavior in rats. Luteolin treatment was started 4 days before the initiation of behavioral testing (passive avoidance on treatment day of 4–5; MWM spatial performance memory testing on treatment day of 5–7 and MWM reference memory testing on treatment day of 7) and continued until the end of the study. We also measured the activity of Mn-SOD , copper/zinc (Cu/Zn)-SOD and glutathione (GSH) levels in rat cortex and hippocampus to understand the ameliorating effect of luteolin on Aβ (1-40) induced memory impairment. The present results showed that luteolin (5, 10 mg/kg) has a protective effect on Aβ (1-40)-induced memory dysfunction in spatial performance, reference memory, and inhibitory avoidance response impairment. Finally, luteolin also increases the level of Mn-SOD , (Cu/Zn)-SOD and glutathione (GSH) in the cortex and hippocampus to reduce the oxidative stress by Aβ (1-40). Taken together, the results in this study suggest that luteolin (5, 10 mg/kg) treatment improves the learning and memory in Aβ (1-40)-induced cognition deficit in rats. The ameliorating mechanisms of luteolin on Aβ (1-40)-induced amnesia may be related to activating the anti-oxidation system.
Antipyretic and Antioxidant Activities of the Aqueous Extract ofCornu Bubali(Water Buffalo Horn)
Authors: Liu Rui , Wang Min , Duan Jin-Ao
Published: April 2010

Cornu Bubali (water buffalo horn, WBH) is an animal-derived product which is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for dispelling heat, relieving convulsions and cooling blood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antipyretic activity of WBH aqueous extract and its potential mechanism. Two hyperthermia models, yeast-induced (infectious) and skimmed milk-induced (noninfectious) hyperthermia were employed to evaluate the antipyretic effect and the results showed that rectal temperature of hyperthermia animals was decreased significantly after oral administration of WBH extract. The production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced prostaglandin E2(PGE2) in rat cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (rCMECs) was inhibited by WBH extract in the concentrations of 10 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml. The WBH extract protected rCMECs survival from hydrogen peroxide ( H2O2)-induced toxicity and inhibited the H2O2-induced leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme release at a dose ranging from 5 μg/ml to 100 μg/ml. It could also increase the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities. The results suggest that Cornu Bubali exhibits antipyretic activity on both infectious and noninfectious hyperthermia. The antipyretic activity of WBH may be due to the effects on enhancing antioxidation enzyme activities, decreasing PGE2production, and protecting the rCMECs against H2O2-induced injury.
Neuroprotective Effect of Dauricine after Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rats: Involvement of Bcl-2 Family Proteins
Authors: Yang Xiao-Yan , Liu Qiang-Ni , Zhang Li , Jiang Shi-Qin , Gong Pei-Li
Published: April 2010

Previous studies have shown that the bisbenzyl isoquinoline alkaloid dauricine can protect the brain against ischemic damage. We investigated here whether dauricine could inhibit neuronal apoptosis and modulate Bcl-2 family protein levels in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a 60 min temporary occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). Two doses of dauricine (5 and 10 mg/kg as low and high dose respectively) were administered intraperitoneally at 1 hour after MCAO. After neurological deficits were assessed at 3 hours and 24 hours of reperfusion, rats were killed and brain samples were collected. Apoptotic changes were evaluated by TUNEL method. The immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to assess the protein expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax. RT-PCR was used to determine Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA expressions. Dauricine (5 and 10 mg/kg) treatment improved neurological deficits, diminished DNA fragmentation, increased Bcl-2 expression and reduced Bax expression in the penumbra. The infarct-reducing effects of dauricine may be due, in part, to the inhibition of apoptotic cell death via modulation Bcl-2 family protein in the penumbra.
Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC
Authors: Lai Shang-Chih , Ho Yu-Ling , Huang Shun-Chieh , Huang Tai-Hung , Lai Zhen-Rung , Wu Chi-Rei , Lian Kuo-Yuan , Chang Yuan-Shiun
Published: April 2010

This study evaluated the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of the crude extract and fractions of Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC. The total phenolic content, 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), reducing power, total flavonoid content of D. triflorum were evaluated for the exploration of its antioxidant activities. Furthermore, its antiproliferative activities were investigated through the MTT method. It was compared with the antioxidant capacities of known antioxidants, including catechin, α-tocopherol, trolox and ascorbic acid. Among all fractions, ethyl acetate fraction was the most active in scavenging DPPH and TEAC radicals, of which 0.4 mg was equivalent to 186.6 ± 2.5 μg and 82.5 ± 2.1 μg of α-tocopherol and trolox respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the crude extract were equivalent to 36.60 ± 0.1 mg catechin and 45.6 ± 0.6 mg rutin per gram respectively. In the reducing power assay, 1.25 mg of crude extract was similar to 61.2 ± 0.3 μg of ascorbic acid. For the assessment of the safety and toxicity of D. triflorum, LD50 of the crude extract was greater than 10 g/kg when administered to mice through gastric intubation. The above experimental data indicated that D. triflorum was a potent antioxidant medicinal plant, and such efficacy may be mainly attributed to its polyphenolic compounds.
Dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula) Activates IGF-I and FGF-2 Pathways to Induce Proliferation and Migration Effects in RSC96 Schwann Cells
Authors: Chen Hsien-Tung , Tsai Ying-Lan , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Jong Guo-Ping , Chen Wei-Kung , Wang Hwai-Lee , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Tsai Chang-Hai , Lai Tung-Yuan , Tzang Bor-Show , Huang Chih-Yang , Lu Chung-Yen
Published: April 2010

This study evaluates the proliferative and migrative effects of dangshen on RSC96, Schwann cells. We investigated the molecular signaling pathways, which include: (1) survival signaling, IGFs-IGFIR-Akt-Bcl2 and proliferative signaling, cell cycle factors and MAPK pathways. (2) migrate and anti-scar signaling, FGF-2-uPA-MMPs. After treatment with different concentrations (20 μg/ml, 40 μg/ml, 60 μg/ml, 80 μg/ml, and 100 μg/ml) of dangshen. We observed a dose dependent proliferative effect using PCNA Western blotting assay, MTT assay and the wound healing test. We also found that dangshen stimulates the protein expressions of IGF-I pathway regulators, cell cycle controlling proteins and excites the MAPK signaling pathway regulators ERK and P38. Dangshen even stimulates the FGF-2-uPA-MMP 9 migration pathway in RSC 96 Schwann cells. Using MAPK chemical inhibitors, U0126, SB203580, and SP600125, the proliferative effects of dangshen on RSC 96 cells were identified to be ERK- and P38- dependent. Based on these results, applying an appropriate dose of dangshen with biomedical materials would be a potential approach for enhancing neuron regeneration.
Platycodon grandiflorumInduces Apoptosis in SKOV3 Human Ovarian Cancer Cells Through Mitochondrial-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Hu Qin , Pan Ruile , Wang Liwei , Peng Bo , Tang Jingtian , Liu Xinmin
Published: April 2010

Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC., a Chinese food and medicine, has been used as expectorant traditionally. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Platycodon grandiflorum extract (PGE) on SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to monitor cell numbers, Annexin-V/propidium iodide (PI) staining, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to examine cell apoptosis, caspases activation. Bcl-2 and Bax expressions and mitochondrial cytochrome c release. Our result showed that PGE-induced apoptosis was associated with activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9, down-regulation of Bcl-2, up-regulation of Bax and release of mitochondrial cytochrome c to cytosol. The data indicate that PGE may have anti-tumor effect mainly via caspase-3 and caspase-9 dependent apoptotic pathway.
Reversal Effect of Stephania Tetrandra-Containing Chinese Herb Formula SENL on Multidrug Resistance in Lung Cancer Cell Line SW1573/2R120
Authors: Xu Meng , Sheng Liang-He , Zhu Xi-Hai , Zeng Shi-Bin , Zhang Guo-Jun
Published: April 2010

This research is aimed on reversing multidrug resistance (MDR) of chemotherapy in lung cancer. According to our previous research, chemotherapeutic drugs resistance in lung cancer is mainly due to high expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) gene and activation of caspases. The effect of stephania tetrandra-containing Chinese herbal formula, namely Supplement Energy and Nourish Lung (SENL), is effective in enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity of chemotherapy in lung cancer. However, the underlying mechnism is largely unknown. To understand whether and how SENL herbs function on multidrug-resistance lung cancer cells, we treated a multidrug resistance lung cancer cell line, SW1573/2R120 with SENL herbs alone or together with a chemotherapeutic drug, Adriamycin (ADM). We observed that SENL herbs had a significant synergistic effect with ADM in inhibiting the growth of SW1573/2R120 cells. SENL alone and particularly together with ADM could significantly increase cell apoptotic death via mitochondria- and caspase-dependent pathway. Furthermore, we showed that SENL herbs could reverse drug resistance of lung cancer cells by decreasing MRP expression and increasing accumulation of intracellular ADM, which in turn increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to ADM. Taken together, the mechanism underlying reversal effect of drug resistance by SENL treatment was reported here and further systematical investigation on SENL herbs may lead to solve drug resistance in lung cancer chemotherapy.
Selective Inhibition of Prenylated Flavonoids from Sophora flavescens against BACE1 and Cholinesterases
Authors: Jung Hyun Ah , Yokozawa Takako , Kim Byung-Woo , Jung Jee H. , Choi Jae Sue
Published: April 2010

It was previously reported that certain lavandulylated flavanones from Sophora flavescens are β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) inhibitors; however, based upon their levels within the extract, their inhibitory effects should be higher than expected. Moreover, chalcones and flavonols were reported to exert higher bioactivities than flavanones. These findings have led to a further search for other possible constituents potentially contributing to the strong inhibitory activity of the S. flavescens extract. In this study, BACE1 activities were significantly inhibited by 8-lavandulylkaempferol (IC50 7.29 μM), kuraridinol (IC50 7.10 μM), kuraridin (IC50 6.03 μM), and kushenol C (IC50 5.45 μM) from the ethyl acetate fraction, along with desmethylanhydroicaritin (IC50 1.86 μM), xanthohumol (IC50 7.19 μM), and leachianone G (IC50 8.56 μM) from the dichloromethane fraction of the extract. The results indicate that the prenyl group, rather than the lavandulyl group, and the flavonols and chalcones, rather than flavanones, might make predominant contributions to BACE1 inhibition. In particular, 8-lavandulylkaempferol exhibited significant inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 7.10 and 8.11 μM for butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase, respectively, when compared to its counterpart, desmethylanhydroicaritin. This indicates that the lavandulyl group might play a predominant role in both cholinesterase inhibitions. This is the first study indicating that prenylated flavonoids exert varying degrees of inhibition primarily through their skeleton (flavonols, chalcones, flavanones), as well as their lipophilic chain length (prenyl and lavandulyl groups). Therefore, S. flavescens and its prenylated flavonoids, possessing low molecular weights and lipophilic moieties may be potent preventive and therapeutic candidates for Alzheimer's disease.
ADSORPTION PROPERTIES OF N2 ON Be(0001) SURFACE: A FIRST-PRINCIPLES CALCULATION
Authors: WANG SHUANG-XI , YANG YU , SUN BO , LI RONG-WU , LIU SHAO-JUN , ZHANG PING
Published: April 2010

We study the adsorption properties of the N 2 molecule on the Be (0001) surface by calculating the potential energy surfaces and analyzing the electronic densities of states. It is found that the N 2 molecule cannot adsorb molecularly on the clean Be surface, and the dissociation energy barrier of N 2 is estimated to be as large as 4.10 eV. Our studies indicate that the Be surfaces cannot be used as N 2 cleaners, but might be used to drive out N 2 molecules in automotive catalytic converters.
COMPARISON OF GENERALIZED COMPETITIVE MODES AND RETURN MAPS FOR CHARACTERIZING DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHAOTIC ATTRACTORS IN CHEN SYSTEM
Authors: SHUKLA RAVI PRAKASH , MUKHERJEE SANDIPAN , MITTAL ASHOK KUMAR
Published: April 2010

The Chen system of equations exhibits Lorenz, Transition, Chen and Transverse 8 type of chaotic attractors depending on the system parameters. Some authors have proposed a generalized competitive mode (GCM) technique to explain the topological difference between the Lorenz attractor and the Chen attractor. In this paper, we show a range of parameter values for which the nature of the topological attractor for the Chen system is not in accordance with that expected from GCM analysis. Instead, we find that return maps can be used to characterize the transition between different types of attractors more reliably.
ON THE Uq(osp(1|2n)) AND U-q(so(2n + 1)) UNCOLORED QUANTUM LINK INVARIANTS
Authors: BLUMEN SACHA C.
Published: April 2010

Let L be a link and [Formula: see text] its link invariant associated with the vector representation of the quantum (super)algebra Uq(A). Let FL(r, s) be the Kauffman link invariant for L associated with the Birman–Wenzl–Murakami algebra BWMf(r, s) for complex parameters r and s and a sufficiently large rank f.

For an arbitrary link L, we show that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for each positive integer n and all sufficiently large f, and that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are identical up to a substitution of variables.

For at least one class of links FL(-r, -s) = FL(r, s) implying [Formula: see text] for these links.
DEFORMATIONS OF METABELIAN REPRESENTATIONS OF KNOT GROUPS INTO SL(3, C)
Authors: BEN ABDELGHANI LEILA , HEUSENER MICHAEL , JEBALI HAJER
Published: April 2010

Let K be a knot in S3 and X its complement. We study deformations of reducible metabelian representations of the knot group π1(X) into SL(3, C) which are associated to a double root of the Alexander polynomial. We prove that these reducible metabelian representations are smooth points of the representation variety and that they have irreducible non metabelian deformations.
RIGHT 4-ENGEL ELEMENTS OF A GROUP
Authors: ABDOLLAHI A. , KHOSRAVI H.
Published: April 2010

We prove that the set of right 4-Engel elements of a group G is a subgroup for locally nilpotent groups G without elements of orders 2, 3 or 5; and in this case the normal closure ⟨x⟩G is nilpotent of class at most 7 for each right 4-Engel elements x of G.
What Can Be Taught: Part II
Authors: Schank Roger C.
Published: April 2010

In a previous column, ("Things That Can't Be Taught"), I opened up the idea that there are some things that can't be taught, even though some e-learning tries to teach them. Then, in Part I of this article, I looked instead at things that can be taught and began outlining the different ways through which we learn them, which can be categorized into the processes that inform them: conscious processes, subconscious processes, analytic processes, and mixed processes. In Part I, I wrote about learning through conscious processes. Here, I will look at the other three.
Online Mentoring Programs
Authors: Berg Gary A.
Published: April 2010

One-to-one relationships, facilitated through the Internet, is changing how personal and professional mentoring occurs. Despite the pervasiveness of large lecture courses found in colleges, the core of learning at the graduate level and beyond formal education is one-to-one dialogue between a mentor and a learner. The Internet and trends in e-learning have finally made mentoring practical and cost effective.
Rapid e-Learning Polarizes Opinion
Authors: Little Bob
Published: April 2010

Rapid e-learning tools offer subject matter experts the opportunity to produce e-learning materials relatively quickly and cost-effectively, at least in the U.K. and U.S. But e-learning experts complain that rapid development tools only help amateurs turn out low-quality and poorly-designed materials that merely pay lip service to the ideals of instructional design. At a recent meeting of the eLearning Networkthe U.K.'s foremost professional association for users and developers of e-learningWilliam Ward, formerly of Cable & Wireless but now an independent consultant, examined the rise of rapid e-learning, which he dates to 2003, when tools such as Qarbon, Breeze, and ToolBook became available. Ward stated that these rapid application tools had changed not only buying patterns within the industry, but also ideas about why and where to use e-learning.
IT Training On-Demand
Authors: Cherney Marianne
Published: April 2010

In thinking about technical professionals, such as IT staff, under what conditions does online training work best? As we've seen at GoGogh.com and Dashcourses, the way many companies are shifting to e-learning is by streaming live instruction via webinars and other digital delivery systems, which doesn't always meet the needs of the professionals on the other end. Technical professionals are recognizing that the quick progression of technology, combined with handling more work as businesses try to cut costs, means they need training that is better designed for their specific needs. And just what are those specific needs?
10 Ways to Ensure Distance Learning Success
Authors: Wolfe Cynthia
Published: April 2010

As a distance learning student, you will find that being pro-active and engaged in your personal learning experience will pay off in good grades and depth of learning. These 10 best practices can help.
Sound Your Best in Virtual Trainings
Authors: Berkley Susan
Published: April 2010

Voice-over artist Susan Berkley provides tips for making your voice sound the best it can be in webinars and online teaching.
Tips for Effective Webinars
Authors: Andersen Maria H.
Published: April 2010

Giving an effective webinar requires some presentation redesign and technology skills that you don't necessarily need in a face-to-face presentation. A great speaker in a face-to-face environment can easily crash and burn in a webinar setting if he or she isn't prepared for the unique challenges and needs of that environment. Here are some tips to help you pull off a webinar that will get you asked for an encore!
Challenging Technologies, Rethinking Pedagogy, Being Design-Inspired
Authors: Giovannella Carlo , Graf Sabine
Published: April 2010

Technology frames and reframes our society. Technology has accelerated our move into the post-industrial era, where the primary good is the immaterial knowledge that, thanks to the net, flows like liquid continuously in our "stay," wherever we are. Technology is also reshaping the physical environment so that spaces and artefacts become more and more sensitive and responsive, and become more prominent in our net-lives. Technologies will --and have already begun to -- enable individuals to interact in an extremely natural way using gestures, words, and emotions.
Simplicity Betrayed
Authors: Phillips George
Published: April 2010

An emulator is a program that runs programs built for different computer architectures from the host platform that supports the emulator. Approaches differ, but most emulators simulate the original hardware in some way. At a minimum the emulator interprets the original CPU instructions and provides simulated hardware-level devices for input and output. For example, keyboard input is taken from the host platform and translated into the original hardware format, resulting in the emulated program "seeing" the same sequence of keystrokes. Conversely, the emulator will translate the original hardware screen format into an equivalent form on the host machine.
Deletion of the anion exchanger Slc26a4 (pendrin) decreases apical Cl−/HCO3− exchanger activity and impairs bicarbonate secretion in kidney collecting duct
Authors: Amlal Hassane , Petrovic Snezana , Xu Jie , Wang Zhaohui , Sun Xuming , Barone Sharon , Soleimani Manoocher
Published: April 2010

The anion exchanger Pendrin, which is encoded by SLC26A4 (human)/Slc26a4 (mouse) gene, is localized on the apical membrane of non-acid-secreting intercalated (IC) cells in the kidney cortical collecting duct (CCD). To examine its role in the mediation of bicarbonate secretion in vivo and the apical Cl−/HCO3− exchanger in the kidney CCD, mice with genetic deletion of pendrin were generated. The mutant mice show the complete absence of pendrin expression in their kidneys as assessed by Northern blot hybridization, Western blot, and immunofluorescence labeling. Pendrin knockout (KO) mice display significantly acidic urine at baseline [pH 5.20 in KO vs. 6.01 in wild type (WT); P < 0.0001] along with elevated serum HCO3− concentration (27.4 vs. 24 meq/l in KO vs. WT, respectively; P < 0.02), consistent with decreased bicarbonate secretion in vivo. The urine chloride excretion was comparable in WT and KO mice. For functional studies, CCDs were microperfused and IC cells were identified by their ability to trap the pH fluorescent dye BCECF. The apical Cl−/HCO3− exchanger activity in B-IC and non-A, non-B-IC cells, as assessed by intracellular pH monitoring, was significantly reduced in pendrin-null mice. The basolateral Cl−/HCO3− exchanger activity in A-IC cells and in non-A, non-B-IC cells, was not different in pendrin KO mice relative to WT animals. Urine NH4+ (ammonium) excretion increased significantly, consistent with increased trapping of NH3 in the collecting duct in pendrin KO mice. We conclude that Slc26a4 (pendrin) deletion impairs the secretion of bicarbonate in vivo and reduces apical Cl−/HCO3− exchanger activity in B-IC and non-A, non-B-IC cells in CCD. Additional apical Cl−/HCO3− exchanger(s) is (are) present in the CCD.
Epidermal growth factor inhibits intestinal NHE8 expression via reducing its basal transcription
Authors: Xu Hua , Zhang Bo , Li Jing , Chen Huacong , Tooley James , Ghishan Fayez K.
Published: April 2010

Sodium/hydrogen exchangers (NHEs) play a major role in Na+ absorption, cell volume regulation, and intracellular pH regulation. Of the nine identified mammalian NHEs, three (NHE2, NHE3, and NHE8) are localized on the apical membrane of epithelial cells in the small intestine and the kidney. Although the regulation of NHE2 and NHE3 expression has been extensively studied in the past decade, little is known about the regulation of NHE8 gene expression under physiological conditions. The current studies were performed to explore the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on NHE8 expression during intestinal maturation. Brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were isolated from intestinal epithelia, and Western blot analysis was performed to determine NHE8 protein expression of sucking male rats treated with EGF. Real-time PCR was used to quantitate NHE8 mRNA expression in rats and Caco-2 cells. Human NHE8 promoter activity was characterized through transfection of Caco-2 cells. Gel mobility shift assays (GMSAs) were used to identify the promoter sequences and the transcriptional factors involved in EGF-mediated regulation. Our results showed that intestinal NHE8 mRNA expression was decreased in EGF-treated rats and Caco-2 cells, and NHE8 protein abundance was also decreased in EGF-treated rats. The activity of the human NHE8 gene promoter transfected in Caco-2 cells was also reduced by EGF treatment. This could be explained by reduced binding of transcription factor Sp3 on the NHE8 basal promoter region in the presence of EGF. Pretreatment with MEK1/2 inhibitor UO-126 could prevent EGF-mediated inhibition of NHE8 gene expression. In conclusion, this study showed that EGF inhibits NHE8 gene expression through reducing its basal transcription, suggesting an important role of EGF in regulating NHE expression during intestinal maturation.
Ceramide modulates HERG potassium channel gating by translocation into lipid rafts
Authors: Ganapathi Sindura B. , Fox Todd E. , Kester Mark , Elmslie Keith S.
Published: April 2010

Human ether-à-go-go-related gene (HERG) potassium channels play an important role in cardiac action potential repolarization, and HERG dysfunction can cause cardiac arrhythmias. However, recent evidence suggests a role for HERG in the proliferation and progression of multiple types of cancers, making it an attractive target for cancer therapy. Ceramide is an important second messenger of the sphingolipid family, which due to its proapoptotic properties has shown promising results in animal models as an anticancer agent . Yet the acute effects of ceramide on HERG potassium channels are not known. In the present study we examined the effects of cell-permeable C6-ceramide on HERG potassium channels stably expressed in HEK-293 cells. C6-ceramide (10 μM) reversibly inhibited HERG channel current (IHERG) by 36 ± 5%. Kinetically, ceramide induced a significant hyperpolarizing shift in the current-voltage relationship (Δ V1/2= −8 ± 0.5 mV) and increased the deactivation rate (43 ± 3% for τfastand 51 ± 3% for τslow). Mechanistically, ceramide recruited HERG channels within caveolin-enriched lipid rafts. Cholesterol depletion and repletion experiments and mathematical modeling studies confirmed that inhibition and gating effects are mediated by separate mechanisms. The ceramide-induced hyperpolarizing gating shift (raft mediated) could offset the impact of inhibition (raft independent) during cardiac action potential repolarization, so together they may nullify any negative impact on cardiac rhythm. Our results provide new insights into the effects of C6-ceramide on HERG channels and suggest that C6-ceramide can be a promising therapeutic for cancers that overexpress HERG.
Paralogs of Atlantic salmon myoblast determination factor genes are distinctly regulated in proliferating and differentiating myogenic cells
Authors: Bower Neil I. , Johnston Ian A.
Published: April 2010

The mRNA expression of myogenic regulatory factors, including myoD1 (myoblast determination factor) gene paralogs, and their regulation by amino acids and insulin-like growth factors were investigated in primary cell cultures isolated from fast myotomal muscle of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar). The cell cycle and S phase were determined as 28.1 and 13.3 h, respectively, at 18°C. Expression of myoD1b and myoD1c peaked at 8 days of culture in the initial proliferation phase and then declined more than sixfold as cells differentiated and was correlated with PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) expression ( R = 0.88, P < 0.0001; R = 0.70, P < 0.0001). In contrast, myoD1a transcripts increased from 2 to 8 days and remained at elevated levels as myotubes were formed. mRNA levels of myoD1c were, on average, 3.1- and 5.7-fold higher than myoD1a and myoD1b, respectively. Depriving cells of amino acids and serum led to a rapid increase in pax7 and a decrease in myoD1c and PCNA expression, indicating a transition to a quiescent state. In contrast, amino acid replacement in starved cells produced significant increases in myoD1c (at 6 h), PCNA (at 12 h), and myoD1b (at 24 h) and decreases in pax7 expression as cells entered the cell cycle. Our results are consistent with temporally distinct patterns of myoD1c and myoD1b expression at the G1and S/G2phases of the cell cycle. Treatment of starved cells with insulin-like growth factor I or II did not alter expression of the myoD paralogs. It was concluded that, in vitro, amino acids alone are sufficient to stimulate expression of genes regulating myogenesis in myoblasts involving autocrine/paracrine pathways. The differential responses of myoD paralogs during myotube maturation and amino acid treatments suggest that myoD1b and myoD1c are primarily expressed in proliferating cells and myoD1a in differentiating cells, providing evidence for their subfunctionalization following whole genome and local duplications in the Atlantic salmon lineage.