bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional cooperation between KA2 and GluR6 subunits is involved in the ischemic brain injury
Authors: Jiang Hai‐Xia , Guan Qiu‐Hua , Pei Dong‐Sheng , Zhang Guang‐Yi
Published: July 2007

We investigated the possible relationships between KA2 subunit and GluR6 subunit, as well as the role of KA2 subunit in neuronal death induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Our results indicated that intracerebroventricular infusion of KA2 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS) not only knocked down the expressions of KA2 and GluR6, but also suppressed the assembly of the GluR6/KA2‐PSD95‐MLK3 signaling module, and inhibited JNK activation and phosphorylation of c‐jun. In addition, infusion of KA2 AS increased neuronal survival in CA1 region after 5 days of reperfusion. More interestingly, we found that the combination of KA2 and GluR6 AS exerted more significant effects than when pretreated with KA2 AS or GluR6 AS alone. Our results suggest that the KA2 subunit is involved in delayed neuronal death induced by cerebral ischemia, at the same time, it is noteworthy that the functional cooperation between KA2 and GluR6 subunits plays a critical role in the ischemic brain injury by PSD95‐MLK3‐MKK4/7‐JNK3 signal pathway. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterisation of RPLC columns packed with porous sub‐2 μm particles
Authors: Petersson Patrik , Euerby Melvin R.
Published: July 2007

Eight commercially available sub‐2 μm octadecyl silane columns (C18 columns) have been characterised by the Tanaka protocol. The columns can be grouped into two groups that display large differences in selectivity and peak shape due to differences in hydrophobicity, degree of surface coverage and silanol activity. Measurements of particle size distributions were made using automated microscopy and electrical sensing zone measurements. Only a weak correlation could be found between efficiency and particle size. Large differences in column backpressure were observed. These differences are not related to particle size distribution. A more likely explanation is differences in packing density. In order to take full advantage of 100–150 mm columns packed with sub‐2 μm particles, it is often necessary to employ not only an elevated pressure but also an elevated temperature. A comparison between columns packed with sub‐2, 3 and 5 μm versions of the same packing indicates potential method transferability problems for several of the columns due to selectivity differences. Currently, the best alternative for fast high‐resolution LC is the use of sub‐2 μm particles in combination with elevated pressure and temperature. However, as shown in this study additional efforts are needed to improve transferability as well as column performance.
Water‐Soluble Carbon Nanotubes by Redox Radical Polymerization
Authors: Tasis Dimitrios , Papagelis Kostas , Prato Maurizio , Kallitsis Ioannis , Galiotis Constantinos
Published: July 2007

Water‐soluble single‐ and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared by grafting polyacrylamide chains from the graphitic surface via ceric ion‐induced redox radical polymerization. The reducing functionalities were covalently attached to the tubes by peroxide‐assisted radical reaction. The results showed that polymer chains were grafted onto CNTs by the redox process. The redox radical polymerization initiated by carbon nanotube‐bearing functionalities not only provides a powerful strategy for modifying the carbon nanostructures but also gives us the knowledge of their sidewall chemistry.

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Synergistic effects of phenolics and carotenoids on human low‐density lipoprotein oxidation
Authors: Milde Jens , Elstner Erich F. , Graßmann Johanna
Published: July 2007

Low‐density lipoprotein oxidation is believed to play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and therefore a high resistance of LDL against oxidation may prevent atherogenesis and accompanying disorders. Several secondary plant metabolites have been tested for their ability to prevent oxidation of LDL and many phenolics as well as carotenoids have been shown to enhance LDL oxidation resistance. We showed that the quercetingylcoside rutin is able to inhibit copper‐induced formation of conjugated dienes and loss of tryptophan fluorescence in LDL. However, enrichment of LDL with the carotenoids lutein or lycopene did not result in an alleviation of LDL oxidation. Since there is an agreement that not one antioxidant alone can lead to health benefits but the combination, as found for example in fruits and vegetables, is the active principle, we tested whether the combination of a phenolic compound (i. e. rutin) and carotenoids (i.e. lutein or lycopene) leads to synergistic effects. Both combinations were shown to exert supra‐additive protection of LDL towards oxidation, which is most likely due to different allocation of the antioxidants in the LDL‐particle and to different mechanisms of antioxidant action.
Serum testing of genetically modified soybeans with special emphasis on potential allergenicity of the heterologous protein CP4 EPSPS
Authors: Hoff Michael , Son Dae‐Yeul , Gubesch Michaela , Ahn Kangmo , Lee Sang‐Il , Vieths Stefan , Goodman Richard E. , Ballmer‐Weber Barbara K. , Bannon Gary A.
Published: July 2007

Roundup Ready soy contains the CP4‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (CP4 EPSPS) protein. Serum IgE from two distinct populations of soy‐allergic patients were recruited to determine their IgE‐binding specificity. One population consisted of 10 adult patients from Europe, whose primary diagnosis was soy food allergy with some also having mite allergy. In addition, 6 primarily mite‐allergic, 6 food‐allergic (celery, carrot, milk, shrimp, walnut, and apple), and 5 non‐allergic patients were tested. Another population consisted of 13 children from Korea, whose primary diagnosis was atopic dermatitis and secondarily soy and egg sensitization. In addition, 11 non‐allergic patients were tested. Each patient population was extensively characterized with respect to clinical symptoms, specific IgE (CAP) scores, and total IgE. Immunoblots and ELISA assays were developed using serum IgE from these patients and soy extracts, CP4 EPSPS, rice extract, ovalbumin, rubisco, purified major peanut allergen Ara h 2, the putative soy allergen Gly m Bd 30k and mite allergen Der f 2 proteins as the intended targets. Immunoblot results indicated that soy‐allergic patients bound soy extracts but did not specifically bind rubisco or CP4 EPSPS. ELISA results were in general agreement with the immunoblot results except that rubisco bound significant quantities of serum IgE from some patients. These results indicate that the CP4 EPSPS protein does not bind significant quantities of IgE from two geographically distinct sensitive populations and there is no evidence for an increased allergenic potential of this biotech protein.
Interspike interval analysis in a patient with peripheral nerve hyperexcitability and potassium channel antibodies
Authors: Kleine Bert U. , Stegeman Dick F. , Drost Gea , Zwarts Machiel J.
Published: July 2007

Neuromyotonia or Isaacs' syndrome is a rare peripheral nerve hyperexcitability disorder caused by antibodies against potassium channels of myelinated axons. We present the high‐density surface electromyographic (EMG) recordings of a patient with fasciculations and cramps due to neuromyotonia. To characterize the time course of hyperexcitability, we analyzed the interspike intervals (ISIs) between fasciculation potentials, doublet, and multiplet discharges. ISI duration increased within each burst. The ISI histograms found can be explained by the recovery cycle of the myelinated axon and its dependency on the slow potassium conductance. We conclude that ISI analysis is a useful tool to understand the membrane dynamics underlying abnormal motor unit activity. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Cellulose acetate and polyetherimide blend ultrafiltration membranes: II. Effect of additive
Authors: Nagendran Alagumalai , Mohan Doraiswamy Raju
Published: July 2007

Ultrafiltration membranes are largely applied in the separation of heavy metal ion and macromolecular solutes from aqueous streams. Studies are presented on ultrafiltration blend membranes, based on cellulose acetate (CA) and polyetherimide (PEI) in various blend compositions. Polyethylene glycol (PEG 600) was employed as a non‐solvent additive in various concentrations to the casting solution to improve the ultrafiltration performance of the resulting membranes. The blend membranes prepared were characterized in terms of compaction time, pure water flux (PWF), water content, membrane resistance, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The molecular weight cut‐off (MWCO) obtained from the protein separation studies is also reported. Applications of these membranes for separating toxic metal ions from aqueous streams are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymerizability, copolymerizability, and properties of cyanoacrylate‐telechelic polyisobutylenes I: three‐arm star cyanoacrylate‐telechelic polyisobutylene
Authors: Kwon Yongmoon , Kennedy Joseph P.
Published: July 2007

This series of papers concern new materials for possible biological applications created by combining the chemistry of highly reactive cyanoacrylates (CAs) with polyisobutylene (PIB) rubbers. First, a new strategy for the synthesis of CA–telechelic PIBs is described. Subsequently, the strategy is employed for the synthesis of low viscosity (syringible) CA–telechelic three‐arm star PIB [Ø(PIB–CA)3]. The intermediates of the synthesis route are characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Injecting liquid Ø(PIB–CA)3 into living tissue (fresh chicken egg) produces a bolus of crosslinked PIB rubber. The spectacular oxidative resistance of this rubber is documented by its resistance to concentrated HNO3. A structural model of the crosslinked rubber obtained upon contacting Ø(PIB–CA)3 with proteinaceous tissue is proposed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fractures, heart failure and fears of myocardial ischaemia: has the RECORD stuck for rosiglitazone and the thiazolidinediones?
Authors: Drummond R , Fisher M
Published: July 2007

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are extensively prescribed worldwide to lower blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Safety concerns regarding this class of drugs have arisen from a recently published meta‐analysis as well as an underpowered, interim report from the RECORD study group. The meta‐analysis compared treatment with rosiglitazone with other therapies for type 2 DM or placebo, and found that rosiglitazone was associated with a significant increase in the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and a borderline‐significant finding from death from cardiovascular causes. Though the actual numbers of events were small and the methodology open to criticism, the subsequent early report of the RECORD study also suggests an increased cardiovascular risk. Moreover, the latter study corroborated with data from the previously reported DREAM, ADOPT and PROactive studies in highlighting an increased risk of fluid retention and cardiac failure. Recent data from both animal and human studies have described the detrimental effect of TZD treatment upon bone mineral density in men and women. The rosiglitazone cardiovascular safety data, however, must be considered alongside the benefits ascribed to pioglitazone treatment from the PROactive study in terms of risk reduction of the trial's secondary endpoint of all‐cause mortality, non‐fatal MI and non‐fatal stroke, as well as subsequent data from this trial group in terms of stroke and MI in high‐risk patients with type 2 DM. Further data regarding the safety profile of rosiglitazone are required prior to a definitive conclusion and it may be appropriate, for patients stable on rosiglitazone treatment, to remain on it, but the data should be considered by both the treating physician and the patient. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Tolerability and safety of the intravenous immunoglobulin Octagam®: a 10‐year prospective observational study
Authors: Debes Anette , Bauer Maria , Kremer Sybille
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Following the approval of Octagam® in 1995, an open prospective observational cohort study has been initiated to observe the tolerability of the intravenous immunoglobulin Octagam®. This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term safety profile of Octagam® in daily use in the treatment of various primary (PID) and secondary (SID) immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases (AID).

Methods

Within a time period of 10 years, data were collected in 310 study sites. The treating physicians documented patient characteristics, treatment parameters and the occurrence of an adverse drug reaction (ADR) by using detailed case record forms (CRF).

Results

A total of 6357 patients of all ages received 92 958 infusions of Octagam®. ADR occurred in 4.2% of the patients and in 0.35% of all infusions. Most of them (94.8%) were classified as nonserious, the majority (90.2%) were of mild or moderate intensity. The ADR frequency differed slightly between the indication groups, for example in PID patients ADR occurred in 8.3% of patients and 0.5% of infusions, in SID patients in 5.0% of patients and 0.62% of infusions. Rigors were reported most frequently, followed by fever, headache, nausea and flush. The ADR symptoms differed between the indication groups, rigors were predominantly described in SID patients, headache in PID and AID patients including idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). A relation between the ADR frequency and elevated infusion rates or high dosages was not detected.

Conclusions

This unique 10‐year observational study demonstrates that Octagam® is well tolerated in routine clinical use with an overall ADR frequency of 0.35%. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanohybrid material of bilateral switch based on diarylethene
Authors: Zou Ying , Xiao Shuzhang , Yi Tao , Zhang Huijun , Li Fuyou , Huang Chunhui
Published: July 2007

Air‐stable hybrid organic–inorganic nanoparticles were prepared, comprising photochromic cationic diarylethene species intercalated in layered MnPS3 by using a microemulsion method. The prepared hybrid material exhibited typical photochromic and fluorescent switch behavior similar to that in solution. Although its response to light was less sensitive, the hybrid material reduced the effect of solvents on its photochromism, and afforded a new approach to the application of molecular switch in solid. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal polycondensation of sugar fluoride to form highly branched polysaccharide
Authors: Kanazawa Atsushi , Namiki Shingo , Suzuki Masato
Published: July 2007

Sugar fluorides were found to undergo powder‐to‐powder polycondensation without any catalyst at 110–160 °C under vacuum, giving highly branched polysaccharides (Conv. = 40–95%, Mw = 1400–20,000). The cross‐polarized optical microscopy at 110 °C disclosed that the crystal shape of α‐glucosyl fluoride (FGlc) was unchanged throughout the polymerization in spite of producing the amorphous polymer (Poly‐FGlc). The solid‐state post polymerization of Poly‐FGlc (Mw: 2700) at 180 °C increased the higher molecular weight (Mw: 8900). The product polysaccharide was per‐O‐methylated and subjected to structure analyses. Acid‐hydrolysis, which gave a variety of the partially O‐methylated monosaccharides, suggested that the product polysaccharides had a highly branched structure consisting of all of the possible glycosidic linkages. MALDI‐TOF mass analysis revealed that the 1,6‐anhydride terminal unit was formed and participated to the polymerization. Interestingly, α‐maltosyl fluoride hydrate (FMal·H2O) was polymerized at the lower temperature (100 °C) than the anhydrate (FMal), which required 160 °C for the polymerization. They produced different structure polymers even from the same monomer. The polymer from the former consisted of the disaccharide‐repeating unit, while the repeating unit of the polymer from the latter was the monosaccharide, which was formed by the acetal exchange reaction. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3851–3860, 2007
Thermogelling hydrogels of poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐D,L‐lactide)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐D,L‐lactide) and poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐L‐lactide)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐L‐lactide) aqueous solutions
Authors: Jiang Zhiqiang , Deng Xianmo , Hao Jianyuan
Published: July 2007

Thermogelling poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐D,L‐lactide)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐D,L‐lactide) and poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐L‐lactide)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐L‐lactide) triblock copolymers were synthesized through the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone and D,L‐lactide or L‐lactide in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol). The polymerization reaction was carried out in 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene with Sn(Oct)2 as the catalyst at various temperatures, and the yields were about 96%. The molecular weights and polydispersities (Mw/Mn) by gel permeation chromatography were in the ranges of 5140–6750 and 1.35–1.45, respectively. The differential scanning calorimetry results showed that the melting temperatures of the poly(ε‐caprolactone) components were between 30 and 40 °C. By the subtle tuning of the chemical compositions and microstructures of these triblock copolymers, the aqueous solutions underwent sol–gel transitions as the temperature increased, with the suitable lower critical solution temperature in the range of 17–28 °C at different concentrations. Transesterification in the polymerization process generated the redistribution of sequences, which remarkably affected the sol–gel transition temperature. The amphiphilic copolymers formed micelles in aqueous solutions with a diameter of 62 nm and a critical micelle concentration of about 0.032 wt % at 20 °C. Micelles aggregated as the temperature increased, leading to gel formation. The sol–gel transition was studied, with a focus on the structure–property relationship. It is expected to have potential applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4091–4099, 2007
Adaptive Control for NOx Removal in Non‐Thermal Plasma Processing
Authors: Gorry Peter A. , Whitehead J. Christopher , Wu Jinhui
Published: July 2007

This paper presents results on NOx removal using a dielectric packed‐bed plasma reactor where the reactor energy is varied in real time to optimise NOx removal. An automated system has been developed using computer‐control with an industry standard software package, a multifunction DAQ card, on‐line fast FTIR spectroscopy and adaptive PID algorithms. The automatic control system has demonstrated real‐time control of plasma conditions which minimises the input energy for NO conversion for a range of input NO concentrations. The dependence of [NO]out on deposited energy density has been used to create a multidimensional response surface for NO destruction. This, in turn, has been used to create a fully validated process control model of the entire reactor‐FTIR‐adaptive PID system.

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Ge/Si Quantum Dot Formation From Non‐Uniform Cluster Fluxes
Authors: Rider Amanda E. , Levchenko Igor , Ostrikov Kostya , Keidar Michael
Published: July 2007

The controlled growth of ultra‐small Ge/Si quantum dot (QD) nuclei (≈1 nm) suitable for the synthesis of uniform nanopatterns with high surface coverage, is simulated using atom‐only and size non‐uniform cluster fluxes. It is found that seed nuclei of more uniform sizes are formed when clusters of non‐uniform size are deposited. This counter‐intuitive result is explained via adatom‐nanocluster interactions on Si(100) surfaces. Our results are supported by experimental data on the geometric characteristics of QD patterns synthesized by nanocluster deposition. This is followed by a description of the role of plasmas as non‐uniform cluster sources and the impact on surface dynamics. The technique challenges conventional growth modes and is promising for deterministic synthesis of nanodot arrays.

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Comparison between peak expiratory flow and FEV1 measurements on a home spirometer and on a pneumotachograph in children with asthma
Authors: Brouwer Alwin F.J. , Roorda Ruurd Jan , Brand Paul L.P.
Published: July 2007

Background

The accuracy of electronic portable home spirometers has been demonstrated in vitro using computer‐based waveforms. We assessed the agreement in vivo between measurements of lung function on an electronic spirometer (Koko Peak Pro) and those obtained by the gold standard, a hospital lung function laboratory pneumotachograph.

Methods

Fifty stable asthmatic children (33 boys), aged 6–17 years, performed peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) measurements according to international guidelines on a portable home spirometer and on the hospital pneumotachograph in random order. All measurements complied to standard quality criteria. The PEF and FEV1 values recorded with the home spirometer and on the hospital pneumotachograph were compared.

Results

All children performed reproducible high‐quality measurements on both spirometers. PEF values on the home spirometer were considerably lower than on the laboratory pneumotachograph (95% CI for difference in PEF 14–30 L/min; P < 0.0001). Individual differences in PEF between the two devices could be >100 L/min. The FEV1 values were slightly, but significantly, lower on the home spirometer (95% CI for difference in FEV1 0.02–0.1 L; P = 0.0018).

Conclusions

A home spirometer provides reproducible and quality acceptable measures in children with asthma when performed under professional supervision and encouragement. Mean PEF and FEV1 values recorded on this home spirometer are significantly lower than those on a hospital pneumotachograph, and individual differences may be large. Therefore, home spirometry may not be interchanged with pneumotachography in a lung function laboratory. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:813–818. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A preliminary study of the baboon prostate pathophysiology
Authors: Mubiru James N. , Hubbard Gene B. , Dick Edward J. , Butler Stephanie D. , Valente Anthony J. , Troyer Dean A. , Rogers Jeffrey
Published: July 2007

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostatitis frequently affect men worldwide. At present there are no suitable animal models for these diseases. This study explores the potential use of the baboon as a model for prostatic diseases.

METHODS

Prostates of 48 baboons of different ages were studied. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) and alpha‐methyl‐acyl‐CoA racemase (AMACR) were localized in the different lobes of the prostate by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. PSA in baboon serum was demonstrated by radioimmunoassay and western blotting. Baboon AMACR cDNA was cloned and its expression assayed in baboon tissues.

RESULTS

The baboon prostate is anatomically and histologically similar to its human counterpart, with cranial and caudal lobes corresponding to central and peripheral zones of the human prostate. We found lymphocytic infiltration (91%), and sclerosing/atrophic lesions (34%). PSA tissue immunostaining intensity and alpha‐methyl‐acyl‐CoA racemase (AMACR) gene expression levels differed between the cranial and caudal lobes of the prostate. The cloned baboon AMACR cDNA showed 96% homology with its human counterpart. Anti‐human AMACR, PSA and basal keratin antibodies stained intracellular and basement membrane structures in the baboon prostate. The sclerosing/atrophic lesions were comparable to their human counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

The similarity of baboon prostate to its human counterpart and the fact that human antibodies (AMACR, PSA, basal keratin) are reactive to baboon prostatic proteins indicates that the baboon is a promising model for human prostatic diseases. Prostate 67: 1421–1431, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing model accuracy using the homology modeling automatically software
Authors: Bhattacharya Aneerban , Wunderlich Zeba , Monleon Daniel , Tejero Roberto , Montelione Gaetano T.
Published: July 2007

Homology modeling is a powerful technique that greatly increases the value of experimental structure determination by using the structural information of one protein to predict the structures of homologous proteins. We have previously described a method of homology modeling by satisfaction of spatial restraints (Li et al., Protein Sci 1997;6:956–970). The Homology Modeling Automatically (HOMA) web site, , is a new tool, using this method to predict 3D structure of a target protein based on the sequence alignment of the target protein to a template protein and the structure coordinates of the template. The user is presented with the resulting models, together with an extensive structure validation report providing critical assessments of the quality of the resulting homology models. The homology modeling method employed by HOMA was assessed and validated using twenty‐four groups of homologous proteins. Using HOMA, homology models were generated for 510 proteins, including 264 proteins modeled with correct folds and 246 modeled with incorrect folds. Accuracies of these models were assessed by superimposition on the corresponding experimentally determined structures. A subset of these results was compared with parallel studies of modeling accuracy using several other automated homology modeling approaches. Overall, HOMA provides prediction accuracies similar to other state‐of‐the‐art homology modeling methods. We also provide an evaluation of several structure quality validation tools in assessing the accuracy of homology models generated with HOMA. This study demonstrates that Verify3D (Luthy et al., Nature 1992;356:83–85) and ProsaII (Sippl, Proteins 1993;17:355–362) are most sensitive in distinguishing between homology models with correct or incorrect folds. For homology models that have the correct fold, the steric conformational energy (including primarily the Van der Waals energy), MolProbity clashscore (Word et al., Protein Sci 2000;9:2251–2259), and the PROCHECK G‐factors (Laskowski et al., J Biomol NMR 1996;8:477–486) provide sensitive and consistent methods for assessing accuracy and can distinguish between homology models of higher and lower accuracy. As demonstrated in the accompanying paper (Bhattacharya et al., accompanying paper), combinations of these scores for models generated with HOMA provide a basis for distinguishing low from high accuracy models. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell growth inhibitory action of an unusual labdane diterpene, 13‐epi‐sclareol in breast and uterine cancers in vitro
Authors: Sashidhara Koneni V. , Rosaiah Jammikuntla N. , Kumar Abdhesh , Bid Hemant K , Konwar Rituraj , Chattopadhyay Naibedya
Published: July 2007

In the course of our studies on the isolation of bioactive compounds from the roots of Coleus forskohlii, a traditional herb in India, rare 13‐epi‐sclareol has been isolated, and its structure determined by extensive 2D NMR. This is the first report of isolation from this plant. The isolated compound showed antiproliferative activity in breast and uterine cancers in vitro. The antiproliferative activity of 13‐epi‐sclareol is comparable to Tamoxifen in terms of IC50 and also showed concentration dependent increased apoptotic changes in the breast cancer cell line, MCF‐7. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory effect of aerial parts of Scrophularia striata on matrix metalloproteinases expression
Authors: Hajiaghaee Reza , Monsef‐Esfahani Hamid R. , Khorramizadeh Mohammad R. , Saadat Farshid , Shahverdi Ahmad R. , Attar Farideh
Published: July 2007

It has been shown that destruction of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) leads to tumor invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. The aim of the present research was to verify the effects of a total extract and sequential extracts of Scrophularia striata Boiss (Scrophulariaceae) on MMPs activity. The fibro sarcoma cell line (wehi‐164) was used to assess MMPs inhibitory effect. The MMPs activity was evaluated using a zymoanalysis method. The results of this study showed that the highest MMPs inhibitory effect (55.6%) was observed after treatment with 10 µg/mL of the high polarity methanol solution extract corresponding to its lowest cytotoxicity effect (4%). It is concluded that the aerial parts of S. striata might contain various polar compounds that inhibit MMPs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
COX‐1 and ‐2 activity of rose hip
Authors: Jäger A. K. , Eldeen I.M.S. , van Staden J.
Published: July 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the clinically observed efficacy of rose hip in the treatment of osteoarthritis is due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐1 and ‐2.

Water, methanol, dichloromethane and hexane extracts of rose hip were tested for in vitro COX‐1 and 2 activity.

The organic solvent extracts showed good inhibition of both COX‐1 and 2. The methanol extract was most active in both assays with IC50 values of 12 µg/mL for COX‐1 and 19 µg/mL for COX‐2.

The clinically observed effect might be due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How good is an ensemble at capturing truth? Using bounding boxes for forecast evaluation
Authors: Judd Kevin , Smith Leonard A. , Weisheimer Antje
Published: July 2007

Ensemble prediction systems aim to account for uncertainties of initial conditions and model error. Ensemble forecasting is sometimes viewed as a method of obtaining (objective) probabilistic forecasts. How is one to judge the quality of an ensemble at forecasting a system? The probability that the bounding box of an ensemble captures some target (such as ‘truth’ in a perfect model scenario) provides new statistics for quantifying the quality of an ensemble prediction system: information that can provide insight all the way from ensemble system design to user decision support. These simple measures clarify basic questions, such as the minimum size of an ensemble. To illustrate their utility, bounding boxes are used in the imperfect model context to quantify the differences between ensemble forecasting with a stochastic model ensemble prediction system and a deterministic model prediction system. Examining forecasts via their bounding box statistics provides an illustration of how adding stochastic terms to an imperfect model may improve forecasts even when the underlying system is deterministic. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Linear time‐varying model predictive control and its application to active steering systems: Stability analysis and experimental validation
Authors: Falcone P. , Borrelli F. , Tseng H. E. , Asgari J. , Hrovat D.
Published: July 2007

A model predictive control (MPC) approach for controlling an active front steering (AFS) system in an autonomous vehicle is presented. At each time step a trajectory is assumed to be known over a finite horizon, and an MPC controller computes the front steering angle in order to best follow the desired trajectory on slippery roads at the highest possible entry speed. We start from the results presented in (Int. J. Veh. Auton. Syst. 2005; 3(2–4):265–291; IEEE Trans. Contr. Syst. Technol. 2007; 15(3)) and formulate the MPC problem based on successive online linearization of the nonlinear vehicle model (linear time‐varying (LTV) MPC). We present a sufficient stability condition for such LTV MPC scheme. The condition is derived for a general class of nonlinear discrete time systems and results into an additional convex constraint to be included in the LTV MPC design.

For the AFS control problem, we compare the proposed LTV MPC scheme with the LTV MPC scheme in (IEEE Trans. Contr. Syst. Technol. 2007; 15(3)) where stability has been enforced with an ad hoc constraint. Simulation and experimental tests up to 17 m/s on icy roads show the effectiveness of the LTV MPC formulation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hong Kong 1997–a look back at Hong Kong's future
Authors: Frankenstein John
Published: July 2007

July 1st, 1997–the date on which Hong Kong reverted to Chinese sovereignty, an event with a world‐wide audience: Did the date symbolize the long‐awaited end of Western imperialism in Asia? Or a retreat from freedom? Or, now that it's in the past, was the whole thing just a case of journalistic overkill? It all depends on your point of view. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Jamaican ambassador Richard L. Bernal on Jamaica's contemporary business environment
Authors: Walch Karen S.
Published: July 2007

Natural beauty is often thought to be the Caribbean's real resource. Jamaica, located in the Caribbean Sea, benefits from this natural splendor of mountains, plains, plateaus, and waterfalls, but also from its people, whose charm and elegance are unsurpassed. Historically, there has been considerable global interest in the Caribbean Sea in general and in Jamaica in particular because of the natural, social, strategic, and economic resources which this region possesses. Today, the contemporary global business environment and the dynamics of hemispheric free trade in the Americans create new and complex challenges for the region's natural and human resources. This article will first present a background to the recent economic and political events which have placed Jamaica as a critical, stable, and important player in the Caribbean Basin economy. The remainder of the article will be based on an interview with Ambassador Richard L. Bernal,1 who will offer an assessment of Jamaica's commitment to economic stabilization, infrastructure capability, foreign investment incentives, financial and trade services, and democratization. In addition, Dr. Bernal provides an evaluation of the relationship of Jamaica and the Caribbean Basin with the United States in the post‐cold war liberal economy. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Internationalizing doctoral education in business: A call for action
Authors: Cavusgil S. Tamer
Published: July 2007

The changing parameters of business call into question the relevance of the business education our current bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students are receiving. Of particular concern is the content and process of education provided to future professors who will be educating generations to lead the global business community in directions that will mean better lives for ourselves and our world neighbors. Recently, a forum of leading business educators (doctoral program directors, deans, graduate faculty, and representatives of the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business and the Academy of International Business) met for two days in order to exchange experiences and generate ideas regarding the internationalization of doctoral programs in business. Their findings and views are contained in a book just published and a summary report. This article sums up some of the conclusions drawn from these publications and revisits the imperatives for internationalizing‐which parallel the imperatives driving business to accept the global challenge. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Algeria's challenge: Democracy versus terrorism
Authors: Lamamra Ramtane
Published: July 2007

Algeria has undertaken sweeping reforms in recent years. In spite of adverse circumstances, the country is growing in importance as an American trade partner. Historically, Algeria's fate has always had a direct impact, positive or otherwise, on others. Currently, however, a dearth of communication has deprived many actors on today's increasingly interconnected economic global stage of basic and necessary information about Algeria, information that is important to the conduct of international business. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Determinants of foreign direct investment in Turkey
Authors: Tatoglu Ekrem , Glaister Keith W.
Published: July 2007

The motives and characteristics of western MNEs' foreign direct investment (FDI) in Turkey are considered in terms of Dunning's ownership, location, internalization (OLI) paradigm for a sample of 98 firms. A parsimonious set of motives is identified by means of factor analysis. Binomial logit regression models are used to test a set of hypotheses concerning the relative importance of FDI motives and the sample characteristics. The findings are that the relative importance of the OLI factors vary most with the industry of the investment, to a moderate extent with the size of the investment and to a modest extent with the ownership pattern of the investment (wholly owned subsidiary or joint venture). © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Developing countries' strategic opportunities
Authors: Zimmerer Thomas W. , Alavi Jafar , Yasin Mahmoud M.
Published: July 2007

The rapid transition from the industrial age to the knowledge age may require developing nations to reassess their strategies toward the attraction of foreign investment. Highly focused technology villages based on the creation of industry‐specific technology infrastructures blended with educated and trained nationals may be the best alternative for benefiting from the global economic changes. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fanning the flames of learning
Authors: Coble Hugh
Published: July 2007

Hugh Coble has worked for Fluor Daniel since 1966. Fluor Daniel provides a broader range of engineering, construction, maintenance, and diversified services to more clients in more industries and geographic locations than any global competitor. With over 50 electronically networked offices supporting 2,000 projects in 82 countries, Fluor Daniel is a truly global company in every sense of the word. Coble has spent more than half his professional life outside the United States, moving a total of 22 times. Even when stationed in the United States, his responsibilities have often focused on the world at large. Throughout the past 30 years, he has seen a multitude of exciting changes in the global work place. This wealth of international experience is the basis for his Commencement Address at Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management, in August of 1997. The following is an adaptation of this address. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A transaction cost perspective on foreign market entry strategies of US and Japanese firms
Authors: Taylor Charles R. , Zou Shaoming , Osland Gregory E.
Published: July 2007

A large scale survey of top US and Japanese executives is conducted in order to assess the power of transaction cost economics (TCE) in explaining a firm's choice of entry mode (e.g., joint venture vs. full ownership) when it enters a foreign market. Results suggest that several TCE tenets are useful in explaining US firms' choice of entry mode. However, TCE predictions were not supported by the entry mode choices of Japanese firms. Implications of these findings for researchers and managers are discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Economic espionage and interallied strategic cooperation
Authors: Clarke Duncan L. , Johnston Robert
Published: July 2007

Incidents of economic espionage by foreign governments against US corporations, persons, and institutions are numerous and very costly. Meeting this challenge has become a high national priority, and several significant measures have been taken by Washington that affect the business community directly and indirectly. Allies of the United States are among the principal culprits. This raises a potentially serious issue: How to pursue mutually beneficial, essentially cooperative, interallied strategic relations while economic relations among allies are acquiring a sharper competitive edge? Thus far, economic espionage has not jeopardized traditional security ties. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Knowledge sharing and the virtual organization: Meeting 21st century challenges
Authors: Rae Leslie
Published: July 2007

As organizations–government, industry, academia–move into the seamless, boundary‐less 21st century, the value added of individuals who are part of these organizations will be their ability to share knowledge and expertise with others. Given the complexity and dynamics of the 21st century, if individuals cannot–or will not–share knowledge their value to organizations will be limited. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
When will the transition phase end?
Authors: Simai Mihály
Published: July 2007

Human history has witnessed different systemic transitions. Never before, at least in modern history, have the challenges for the given countries and simultaneously for the international community become so clear as in the former socialist countries in Europe. The complex interactions between the past and the present; the political, economic, and social processes; cultural values and institutions; and national and international factors have defined these challenges. The global information revolution, which put the transition process and its consequences into the limelight, added another dimension to the uniqueness of the changes. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A comparison of infrastructure development in select eastern and western European countries pre/post the fall of the Berlin wall
Authors: Harvey Michael , Myers Matthew B.
Published: July 2007

The role that infrastructure plays in the economic development of countries has been a fascination of researchers for decades. Questions regarding which comes first, infrastructure or economic growth and which of the various dimensions of infrastructure (e.g., roads, trains, seaports, and the like) have the greatest/fastest impact on the national and personal income in a developing country are yet to be sufficiently answered. Through a comparative analysis of select Eastern and Western European countries both prior to and after the fall of the Berlin Wall, these questions are examined in order to provide insight concerning the effects of developmental efforts on former command economies. Managerial and public policy implications are offered subsequent to this unique investigation of centrally managed transition economies that have moved to market‐driven economies over the past 20 years. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Foreign investor strategy development in the central and eastern European context
Authors: Marinov Marin A. , Marinova Svetla T.
Published: July 2007

Investment conditions in the transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe favor long‐term strategic investments. Increasing competition pressures in the saturated West European beer markets coupled with shrinking demand challenged Interbrew SA, Belgium to enter the emergent prospective markets of Central and Eastern Europe by the acquisition of former state‐owned enterprises. The study of Interbrew's case shows the linkages existing between investor internationalization strategy, motives, strategy implementation, and adaptation in the highly volatile markets of Hungary and Bulgaria. This case represents a good example of slow reactive strategy development in the Hungarian environment leading the investor to the loss of its first mover advantage. Using similar motives for its acquisitions in Bulgaria, Interbrew has successfully implemented a proactive adaptation of its initial Central and Eastern European strategy to the Bulgarian environment. The lessons from the case can be used by foreign investors to increase their chances for success in FDI acquisition in transitional economies. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Time at risk: Toward a banking titanic?
Authors: Lhabitant F. S.
Published: July 2007

The Year 2000 problem is quickly becoming known as potentially the biggest challenge in the brief history of information technology. The complexity of the problem is particularly true for financial institutions, such as banks, which rely heavily on information technology and are interconnected and interdependent. This article reviews the millennium problem and its possible implications for banks and financial institutions worldwide. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
International strategy and subsidiary performance in China
Authors: Luo Yadong
Published: July 2007

This study examines the underlying relationship between type of international strategy (global, multidomestic, and transnational) and subsidiary performance in the context of the People's Republic of China. After controlling for cultural, size, and equity effects, it is found that strategy type is important for the overall performance of international expansion. Different strategies affect multinational enterprise (MNE) subunits' performance differently. While global strategy is systematically related to low risk but suffers from loss of growth opportunities in an emerging market, multidomestic strategy is positively associated with local market expansion but comes at the expense of high uncertainty. Overall, transnational strategy outperforms other postures in aligning with a dynamic emerging market and attaining benefits from both ownership‐specific and country‐specific advantages. Transnational strategy increases operating flexibility which in turn spurs managerial discretion to respond profitably to the business potential of the global marketplace. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The reality of integration within the european union
Authors: Nicoll William , Schoenberg Richard
Published: July 2007

The European Single Market program has put in place legislation that provides the free circulation of goods, capital, and people. Further, the recent implementation of monetary union provides a single currency and a common monetary policy in 11 out of the 15 Member States. Yet significant practical barriers to European integration remain. Legislation concerning taxation and company law is still primarily nationally based. More fundamentally from a business perspective, the European environment continues to be characterized by divergent industry structures and national cultures. Although there is considerable momentum for political and economic integration at present, this deep‐seated national diversity remains strong and can hinder businesses from adopting an integrated approach toward the European Union. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The crisis of business intelligence: On the necessity of training reform
Authors: Werther Guntram F. A.
Published: July 2007

One can probably misjudge or misunderstand more critical history‐making international events, patterns, and trends than contemporary intelligence analysts have, but it is hard to imagine how. The crisis of intelligence, including business intelligence, is part of the larger crisis of incompetence within the social sciences generally. It is a systemic problem involving, as an internal CIA review says, an inability to think “how the other guy thought,” a chronic failure of imagination and personnel, and flaws in information gathering, training, and analysis. Senator Helms says, “Our foreign policy institutions are a complete mess,” and many congressmen, scholars, and practitioners agree.
The state's responses to private Islamic finance experiments in Egypt
Authors: Galloux Michel
Published: July 2007

Since the emergence of private sector Islamic finance in Egypt, the Egyptian state decided to follow a sophisticated strategy aimed mainly at solving a contradiction: the need to meet a growing demand for Islamic financial products, without letting the supply fall under the exclusive control of actors viewed as competitors of the state, both economically and politically, and ultimately as the financial arm of political Islam. The creation of Nasser Social Bank in the early 1970s and the subsequent opening of Islamic branches of conventional banks were part of such a strategy, as was the mufti of the Republic's official entry into the debate on Islamic finance in the late eighties. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.