bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibrational spectra and quantum chemical calculations of uracilyl–pyridinium mesomeric betaine
Authors: Schmidt A. , Lindner A. S. , Casado J. , Ramírez F. J.
Published: August 2007

Modified nucleobases (MNs) are promising molecules with potential application in non‐linear optic (NLO) and drug design against a wide number of diseases. In the present paper we report studies on a cross‐conjugated mesomeric betaine, which can act as a MN, formed by the covalent union of a 4‐dimethylamino pyridinium and a uracilyl groups. The molecule thus formed must be presented by a dipolar canonical formulae in which positive and negative charges are delocalized within separated moieties. Quantum chemistry density functional theory (DFT) calculations, at the B3PW91/6‐31G** level, and Fourier transform (FT) infrared and Raman spectra of this molecule and its N‐deuterated derivative were performed. The calculated structural properties over the ground state optimized structure evidenced a strong separation between the two conjugated systems. Comparison with previous results obtained for the cationic species indicated that N‐protonation clearly affects the degree of conjugation. Assignments of the FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra were supported by the DFT wavenumbers, intensities and normal modes, which also evidenced the separation of the two conjugated systems. Significant deviations were found for the stretching force constants of the inter‐ring and the uracilyl skeletal bonds when comparing this molecule with its N‐protonated species. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overcoming adverse effects of hailnets on fruit quality and microclimate in an apple orchard
Authors: Solomakhin Alexej A , Blanke Michael M
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: With the increase of hailstorms as a possible result of global warming, fruit crops are increasingly grown under hailnets. This results in lesser fruit quality in terms of colouration, fruit mass, firmness, starch and taste, i.e. sugar and acid, and vitamin content under hailnet due to altered microclimate and light deprivation. Reflective mulches (Extenday and Daybright) were spread in autumn 2006 to improve fruit quality and light utilisation under hailnet at Klein‐Altendorf Research Station near Bonn, Germany. A monophosphate (Seniphos) was applied twice for the same purpose; untreated apple cv. ‘Elstar’ trees served as control.

RESULTS: Under the translucent, ‘white’ hailnet, humidity was increased by ca. 6%, air temperature reduced by ca. 1.6 °C, soil temperature increased by ca. 0.5 °C and light reduced by 11–15% resulting in lesser fruit quality of 2.5% less sugar and less taste. The two reflective mulches increased light reflection at 45° and 90° angles by 2.5‐ to 6.3‐fold. No differences in fruit ripening and firmness were observed, but fruit from trees under hailnet with reflective mulch contained up to 2.4% (from 13.3 to 15.7%) more sugar than those of the control (uncovered grass alleys). A less negative normalised differential vegetation index (NDVI) of − 0.3 on the red compared with − 0.5 on the green fruit side indicated more chlorophyll in the outer, sun‐exposed, red side of the apples relative to the shaded side. Monophosphate‐treated fruits maintained the peel chlorophyll with a greener ground colour of 92–97° hue and a NDVI of − 0.3 as in the grassed control. Fruit in the lower canopy with reflective mulch were darker red (a value 30; 22° hue) relative to the grassed control with a = 25 and 43° hue (light red), expressed in a 4‐fold increase in normalised anthocyanin index (NAI), but showed enhanced chlorophyll breakdown (NDVI from − 0.2 to − 0.5); similarly, the monophosphate increased the NAI by up to 2.5‐fold.

CONCLUSIONS: The effect of both reflective mulch cloths was most pronounced on apple fruit in the lower canopy under hailnet, which developed large vitamin C contents and a dark red top colour relative to the grassed control with enhanced chlorophyll breakdown. Both reflective mulch cloths increased the percentage of class I fruit with > 25% colouration by 12% (from 82 to 94%) without and under hailnet by 23% (from 69 to 89%) relative to the grassed control resulting in financial net gains of up to 1300 € ha−1 Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for gastrointestinal cancers
Authors: Bembenek A. , Gretschel S. , Schlag P.M.
Published: August 2007

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in gastrointestinal‐(GI)‐tract cancer is not yet of clinical relevance. Nevertheless, the results in the upper GI‐tract promise to be helpful to individualize the indication for surgical therapy. SLNB in colon cancer still fails to show high validity to predict the nodal status, but may be helpful to clarify the prognostic role of micrometastases/isolated tumor cells. In anal cancer SLNB is able to guide the indication for groin irradiation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:342–352. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of the Structure of Photosensitive Groups Contained in Novel PU‐Type Polymeric Benzophenone Photoinitiators on Photopolymerization
Authors: Wei Jun , Jiang Xue Song , Wang Hong Yu
Published: August 2007

Three polymeric photoinitiators, PUSBA‐s, PUSBA‐o and PUSBA‐c, were synthesized through polycondensation of TDI, different photosensitive diamines, and BDEA. UV/Vis spectra indicate that the maximum absorption depends mainly on the structure of the photosensitive groups. ESR spectra show that PUSBA‐s can efficiently generate free radicals. The photopolymerization of TMPTA and a PU prepolymer, initiated by these polymeric photoinitiators, was studied by photo‐DSC. The results indicate that the structure of the photosensitive groups has an important effect on photopolymerization: PUSBA‐s is the most efficient and PUSBA‐c is the least efficient of the three polymeric photoinitiators.

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Natural and Synthetic Polyampholytes, 1
Authors: Ciferri A. , Kudaibergenov S.
Published: August 2007

This critical review analyzes the behavior of natural and synthetic polyampholytes and current theoretical descriptions based on Coulomb interactions between complementary charges. Sequences of bonds and groups that occur between fixed charges display interactions with other groups along the chain, or with solvent components, which may antagonize the behavior expected from intramolecular Coulomb attraction. The relevant thermodynamic description of charge‐independent interaction is also reviewed. The relationship between the various interactions hinges on the problem of the intra and intersupramolecular stabilization of biomacromolecules. Two results of the analysis of polyampholytes are, however, enlightening the complex problem. One is the verification that the basic predictions of current polyampholyte theory conform to selected aspects of the experimental behavior. The other is the astonishing variety of supramolecular structures and transformation exhibited by polyampholytes when hydrophobic and other non‐charge dependent interactions are operative.

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Conducting Block Copolymers of Regioregular Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) and Poly(methacrylates): Electronic Materials with Variable Conductivities and Degrees of Interfibrillar Order
Authors: Iovu Mihaela C. , Zhang Rui , Cooper Jessica R. , Smilgies Detlef M. , Javier Anna E. , Sheina Elena E. , Kowalewski Tomasz , McCullough Richard D.
Published: August 2007

Integration of regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) in diblock copolymers with various poly(methacrylates) yielded electronic materials with variable conductivities and different types of nanoscale order. Solid state analysis of poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐block‐poly(t‐butyl methacrylate) diblock copolymers revealed the presence of densely packed, locally parallel nanofibrils. By contrast, poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐block‐poly(isobornyl methacrylate) copolymers containing bulkier isobornyl functional groups exhibited nanofibrillar morphology with isolated fibrils and no interfibrillar order.

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A new computational approach to contact mechanics using variable‐node finite elements
Authors: Kim Jong Hoon , Lim Jae Hyuk , Lee Jun Ho , Im Seyoung
Published: August 2007

In this paper, a new computational strategy for two‐dimensional contact problems is developed with the aid of variable‐node finite elements within the range of infinitesimal deformations. The variable‐node elements, which are among MLS (moving least square)‐based finite elements, enable us to transform node‐to‐surface contact problems into node‐to‐node contact problems. This contact formulation with variable‐node elements leads to an accurate and effective solution procedure, needless to mention that the contact patch test is passed without any additional treatment. Through several numerical examples, we demonstrate its simplicity and the effectiveness of the
proposed scheme. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solving linear and non‐linear space–time fractional reaction–diffusion equations by the Adomian decomposition method
Authors: Yu Q. , Liu F. , Anh V. , Turner I.
Published: August 2007

In this paper, we consider linear and non‐linear space–time fractional reaction–diffusion equations (STFRDE) on a finite domain. The equations are obtained from standard reaction–diffusion equations by replacing a second‐order space derivative by a fractional derivative of order β∈(1, 2], and a first‐order time derivative by a fractional derivative of order α∈(0, 1]. We use the Adomian decomposition method to construct explicit solutions of the linear and non‐linear STFRDE. Finally, some examples are given. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fourier series and integral equation method for the exterior Stokes problem
Authors: Lubuma Jean M.‐S.
Published: August 2007

The exterior Stokes problem between two parallel planes that are separated by a prismatic cylinder is extended to the interior of the prism by requiring the continuity of the velocity across the lateral faces. The well‐posedness of the exterior–interior problem is proved in suitable weighted Sobolev spaces. The solution is represented by Fourier series in the z‐variable. The Fourier coefficients, solutions of auxiliary two‐dimensional exterior–interior problems, are analyzed by viewing them as boundary integral equations of potential theory and global regularity of the densities, is established in weighted Sobolev spaces of traces. A boundary element method, with suitably refined mesh size, is implemented for the numerical treatment of the Fourier coefficients. This provides optimal convergent semi‐ and fully‐discrete spectral methods of Fourier–Galerkin type. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Transcriptional silencing of hedgehog‐interacting protein by CpG hypermethylation and chromatic structure in human gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Taniguchi H , Yamamoto H , Akutsu N , Nosho K , Adachi Y , Imai K , Shinomura Y
Published: August 2007

Hedgehog‐interacting protein (HHIP) was identified as a putative antagonist of the Hh pathway and as a target of Hh signalling. Our aim was to clarify the expression profiles and epigenetic alterations of the HHIP gene in gastrointestinal cancer. The expression and promoter epigenetic status of HHIP in cancer cell lines and freshly resected gastrointestinal cancer tissues were examined using RT‐PCR, tissue microarray analysis, methylation‐specific PCR, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Cells were treated with the demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine and/or histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A. WST‐8 assays and in vitro invasion assays after treatment with HHIP‐specific siRNA were performed. HHIP expression levels were reduced in most of the gastrointestinal cancer cell lines and in a certain subset of cancer tissues, and these were correlated with promoter hypermethylation. A heterochromatic structure characterized by neither acetylated H3 nor acetylated H4, and histone H3 lysine 9 hypermethylation and histone H3 lysine 4 hypomethylation was observed in cancer cells in which the HHIP gene was aberrantly silenced. On the other hand, overexpression of the HHIP gene was also found in some cancer tissues and there were significant correlations between protein expression levels of HHIP and those of Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Indian hedgehog, Patched, and glioma‐associated oncogene homologue‐1. An association was found between lymph node metastasis and HHIP silencing in colorectal cancer tissues with strong Shh expression and between advanced TNM stage and HHIP silencing in diffuse‐type gastric cancer tissues with strong Shh expression. Down‐regulation of HHIP expression by siRNA resulted in a significant increase in colon cancer cell growth and invasion in vitro. Silencing of the HHIP gene due to hypermethylation and chromatin remodelling appears to be frequently involved in gastrointestinal tumourigenesis. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impairment of the ubiquitin–proteasome system associated with extracellular transthyretin aggregates in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy
Authors: Santos SD , Cardoso I , Magalhães J , Saraiva MJ
Published: August 2007

The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders of intracellular protein aggregation. We have studied the UPS in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), a neurodegenerative disorder caused by extracellular deposition of mutant transthyretin (TTR). The studies were conducted in TTR‐synthesizing and non‐synthesizing tissues from affected individuals, in transgenic mouse models for FAP, and in neuronal or Schwannoma cell lines cultured with TTR aggregates. In human FAP tissues presenting extracellular TTR aggregates, ubiquitin–protein conjugates were up‐regulated, the proteasome levels were decreased and parkin and α‐synuclein expression were both decreased. A similar response was detected in mouse models for TTR V30M or L55P. On the other hand, the liver, which normally synthesizes variant TTR V30M, did not show this response. Furthermore, transgenic mice immunized to decrease TTR deposition showed a significant reduction in ubiquitin levels and an increase in parkin and α‐synuclein levels in comparison to control mice. Studies performed in cell lines with aggregates in the medium resulted in increased ubiquitin and decreased parkin levels. The overall results are indicative of TTR deposition as an external stimulus to an intracellular UPS response in FAP. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Host‐extract induced changes in the secretome of the plant pathogenic bacterium Pectobacterium atrosepticum
Authors: Mattinen Laura , Nissinen Riitta , Riipi Tero , Kalkkinen Nisse , Pirhonen Minna
Published: August 2007

Pectobacterium atrosepticum is a Gram‐negative plant pathogenic bacterium that causes rotting in potato stems and tubers. The secreted proteins of this pathogen were analyzed with proteomics from culture supernatant of cells grown in minimal medium supplemented with host extracts. More than 40 proteins were identified, among them known virulence determinants, such as pectic enzymes, metalloprotease, and virulence protein Svx, along with flagella proteins, GroEL and cyclophilin‐type chaperones and several hypothetical proteins or proteins with unknown function. Some of the identified proteins may be involved in utilization of nutrients or transport of minerals. Northern and real‐time RT‐PCR analyses suggested that most of the proteins upregulated by plant extract were transcriptionally regulated. Among the identified proteins were VgrG and four homologs of hemolysin‐coregulated proteins (Hcps). A mutant strain lacking one of the hcp genes was not affected in virulence, while a bacterial strain overexpressing the same gene was shown to have increased virulence, which suggests that these proteins may be new virulence determinants of P. atrosepticum. Comparison of the secretomes of wild type cells and hrcC mutant defective in Type III secretion suggested that the production of the identified proteins was independent of functional Type III secretion system.
SuperHirn – a novel tool for high resolution LC‐MS‐based peptide/protein profiling
Authors: Mueller Lukas N. , Rinner Oliver , Schmidt Alexander , Letarte Simon , Bodenmiller Bernd , Brusniak Mi‐Youn , Vitek Olga , Aebersold Ruedi , Müller Markus
Published: August 2007

Label‐free quantification of high mass resolution LC‐MS data has emerged as a promising technology for proteome analysis. Computational methods are required for the accurate extraction of peptide signals from LC‐MS data and the tracking of these features across the measurements of different samples. We present here an open source software tool, SuperHirn, that comprises a set of modules to process LC‐MS data acquired on a high resolution mass spectrometer. The program includes newly developed functionalities to analyze LC‐MS data such as feature extraction and quantification, LC‐MS similarity analysis, LC‐MS alignment of multiple datasets, and intensity normalization. These program routines extract profiles of measured features and comprise tools for clustering and classification analysis of the profiles. SuperHirn was applied in an MS1‐based profiling approach to a benchmark LC‐MS dataset of complex protein mixtures with defined concentration changes. We show that the program automatically detects profiling trends in an unsupervised manner and is able to associate proteins to their correct theoretical dilution profile.
Quantitative proteomics using uniform 15N‐labeling, MASCOT, and the trans‐proteomic pipeline
Authors: Palmblad Magnus , Bindschedler Laurence V. , Cramer Rainer
Published: August 2007

Stable isotope labeling combined with MS is a powerful method for measuring relative protein abundances, for instance, by differential metabolic labeling of some or all amino acids with 14N and 15N in cell culture or hydroponic media. These and most other types of quantitative proteomics experiments using high‐throughput technologies, such as LC‐MS/MS, generate large amounts of raw MS data. This data needs to be processed efficiently and automatically, from the mass spectrometer to statistically evaluated protein identifications and abundance ratios. This paper describes in detail an approach to the automated analysis of uniformly 14N/15N‐labeled proteins using MASCOT peptide identification in conjunction with the trans‐proteomic pipeline (TPP) and a few scripts to integrate the analysis workflow. Two large proteomic datasets from uniformly labeled Arabidopsis thaliana were used to illustrate the analysis pipeline. The pipeline can be fully automated and uses only common or freely available software.
Optimized temperature and deadspace correction improve analysis of multiple breath washout measurements by ultrasonic flowmeter in infants
Authors: Latzin P. , Sauteur L. , Thamrin C. , Schibler A. , Baldwin D. , Hutten G.J. , Kyburz M. , Kraemer R. , Riedel T. , Frey U.
Published: August 2007

Background:

Assessment of lung volume (FRC) and ventilation inhomogeneities with ultrasonic flowmeter and multiple breath washout (MBW) has been used to provide important information about lung disease in infants. Sub‐optimal adjustment of the mainstream molar mass (MM) signal for temperature and external deadspace may lead to analysis errors in infants with critically small tidal volume changes during breathing.

Methods:

We measured expiratory temperature in human infants at 5 weeks of age and examined the influence of temperature and deadspace changes on FRC results with computer simulation modeling. A new analysis method with optimized temperature and deadspace settings was then derived, tested for robustness to analysis errors and compared with the previously used analysis methods.

Results:

Temperature in the facemask was higher and variations of deadspace volumes larger than previously assumed. Both showed considerable impact upon FRC and LCI results with high variability when obtained with the previously used analysis model. Using the measured temperature we optimized model parameters and tested a newly derived analysis method, which was found to be more robust to variations in deadspace. Comparison between both analysis methods showed systematic differences and a wide scatter.

Conclusion:

Corrected deadspace and more realistic temperature assumptions improved the stability of the analysis of MM measurements obtained by ultrasonic flowmeter in infants. This new analysis method using the only currently available commercial ultrasonic flowmeter in infants may help to improve stability of the analysis and further facilitate assessment of lung volume and ventilation inhomogeneities in infants. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:888–897. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The influence of maternal respiratory infections during pregnancy on infant lung function
Authors: Putte‐Katier Nienke Van , Uiterwaal Cuno S.P.M. , De Jong Brita M. , Kimpen Jan L.L. , Verheij Theo J.M. , Van Der Ent Cornelis K.
Published: August 2007

Introduction

We studied whether maternal respiratory infections during pregnancy adversely influence lung growth and development of the offspring, resulting in poor early life lung function.

Methods

Infants were participants of the Wheezing Illnesses Study Leidsche Rijn (WHISTLER). Lung function measurements (single occlusion technique) were performed during natural sleep. Questionnaire data were used to obtain information on maternal respiratory infections during pregnancy. Multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between maternal respiratory infections during pregnancy and resistance and compliance of the respiratory system, adjusting for potential confounding variables.

Results

Lower values of compliance (Crs) were found in infants of mothers with respiratory infections during pregnancy; Crs fell by 5.5% (P = 0.031). The difference in Crs between infants of mothers with and without respiratory infections during pregnancy remained unchanged and statistically significant after adjusting for potential confounding variables. The more respiratory infections the mother experienced during pregnancy, the lower the value of Crs was in her offspring (P for trend = 0.016). Using Crs corrected for body weight the relationship with maternal infections was non‐significant, however still showing a trend.

Conclusions

The results of this study may indicate that mothers who experience respiratory infections during pregnancy have newborns with lower compliance of the respiratory system. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:945–951. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antiplatelet and antithrombotic activity of indole‐3‐carbinol in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Park Min‐Kyu , Rhee Yun‐Hee , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Lee Eun‐Ok , Kim Kwan‐Hyun , Park Min‐Jong , Jeon Byung‐Hun , Shim Bum‐Sang , Jung Chang‐Hyun , Choi Seung‐Hoon , Ahn Kyoo‐Seok , Kim Sung‐Hoon
Published: August 2007

Indole‐3‐carbinol, a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables, is known to have anticancer activity. In the present study, the antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities of indole‐3‐carbinol were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Indole‐3‐carbinol significantly inhibited collagen‐induced platelet aggregation in human platelet rich plasma (PRP) in a concentration‐dependent manner. Indole‐3‐carbinol significantly inhibited fibrinogen binding to the platelet surface glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa) receptor by flow cytometric analysis. In addition, the levels of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in collagen stimulated PRP were significantly inhibited in a concentration‐dependent manner by indole‐3‐carbinol. Furthermore, indole‐3‐carbinol dose‐dependently suppressed the death of mice with pulmonary thrombosis induced by intravenous injection of collagen and epinephrine. These results suggest that indole‐3‐carbinol can be a potent antithrombotic agent with antiplatelet activity through the inhibition of GP IIb/IIIa receptor and thromboxane B2 formation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flavonoids from Chinese Viscum coloratum produce cytoprotective effects against ischemic myocardial injuries: inhibitory effect of flavonoids on PAF‐Induced Ca2+ overload
Authors: Chu Wenfeng , Qiao Guofen , Bai Yunlong , Pan Zhenwei , Li Guoyu , Piao Xianmei , Wu Ling , Lu Yanjie , Yang Baofeng
Published: August 2007

Viscum coloratum has been used in the indigenous system of medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia. Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) is an important player in cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Viscum coloratum flavonoids (VCF) against ischemic myocardial injuries in vivo and to further investigate its regulatory effect on PAF. Studies were performed in a rat model of myocardial infarction and in isolated myocytes. It was found that VCF relieved myocardial injuries during ischemia. PAF (10−11 m) significantly increased the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and VCF inhibited the changes induced by PAF in single cardiac myocytes. The results suggest that VCF can improve cardiac function and that VCF reduces ischemic myocardial injuries via blocking the signaling pathway of PAF. Therefore, PAF blockers may be candidate drugs for preventing cardiac injuries during ischemia/reperfusion, and subsequently improving cardiac function. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antigenotoxic effect of extract from Cynara cardunculus L.
Authors: Miadokova E. , Nadova S. , Vlckova V. , Duhova V. , Kopaskova M. , Cipak L. , Rauko P. , Mucaji P. , Grancai D.
Published: August 2007

The extract of artichoke Cynara cardunculus L. (CCE) was investigated for its potential antigenotoxic and antioxidant effects using four experimental model systems. In the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutagenicity/antimutagenicity assay, CCE significantly reduced the frequency of 4‐nitroquinoline‐N‐oxide‐induced revertants at the ilv1 locus and mitotic gene convertants at the trp5 locus in the diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae tester strain D7. In the simultaneous toxicity and clastogenicity/anticlastogenicity assay, it exerted an anticlastogenic effect against N‐nitroso‐N′‐methylurea‐induced clastogenicity in the plant species Vicia sativa L. On the contrary, despite CCE not being mutagenic itself, in the preincubation Ames assay with metabolic activation, it significantly increased the mutagenic effect of 2‐aminofluorene in the bacterial strain Salmonella typhimurium TA98. In the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, CCE exhibited considerable antioxidant activity. The SC50 value representing 0.0054% CCE corresponds to an antioxidant activity of 216.8 µm ascorbic acid which was used as a reference compound. Although the mechanism of CCE action still remains to be elucidated, different possible mechanisms are probably involved in the CCE antigenotoxic effects. It could be concluded that CCE is of particular interest as a suitable candidate for an effective chemopreventive agent. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effect of Amomi semen extract on alloxan‐induced pancreatic β‐cell damage
Authors: Lee Ji‐Hyun , Park Jin‐Woo , Kim Jong‐Suk , Park Byung‐Hyun , Rho Hye‐Won
Published: August 2007

The protective effect of Amomi semen extract (ASE) on alloxan‐induced pancreatic β‐cell damage was investigated in HIT T‐15 cells, a Syrian hamster pancreatic β‐cell line. Alloxan caused pancreatic β‐cell damage through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the elevation of cytosolic free Ca2+, DNA fragmentation and the decrease of cellular NAD+ and ATP levels. All these effects of alloxan were significantly prevented by pretreatment with a water‐soluble extract of Amomi semen. Pretreatment with ASE in pancreatic islets isolated from mice, also significantly abolished the inhibition of glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion by alloxan. The results of this study provide evidence that ASE may have a protective activity on alloxan‐induced β‐cell damage, and that the protective effect is primarily due to the inhibition of ROS generation by alloxan. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The antidiabetic activity of total lignan from Fructus Arctii against alloxan‐induced diabetes in mice and rats
Authors: Xu Zhaohui , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhou Mingmei , Ma Liping , Deng Yi , Zhang Hanjie , Zhao Aihua , Zhang Yongyu , Jia Wei
Published: August 2007

The antidiabetic activity of the total lignan from the plant Fructus Arctii, used in China for the control of diabetes, was investigated in models of alloxan‐induced diabetic mice and hyperglycemic‐hyperlipidemic diabetic rats. The biochemical parameters studied were: blood glucose, glucose tolerance, serum insulin, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL). Total lignan was given to mice and rats daily for 10 days at doses of 2.0, 1.0, 0.5 g/kg and 1.38, 0.69, 0.35 g/kg respectively. The alloxan‐diabetic animals showed significant reductions in plasma glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol after treatment with the total lignan from the plant Fructus Arctii and glibenclamide (used as standard) compared with the diabetic controls, while the glucose tolerance, serum insulin level and HDL‐cholesterol were elevated without the risk of hypoglycemia. In conclusion, the total lignan from the plant Fructus Arctii has been proven to be a safer antidiabetic agent and might help to prevent diabetic complications. It can serve as a good adjuvant in the present armamentarium of antidiabetic drugs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiinflammatory activities of Rubus coreanus depend on the degree of fruit ripening
Authors: Yang Hyun Mo , Oh Sun‐mee , Lim Soon Sung , Shin Hyun‐Kyung , Oh Yang‐Seok , Kim Jin‐Kyung
Published: August 2007

The dried unripe fruit of Rubus coreanus, which is well‐known in Korea and referred to as ‘Bok‐bun‐ja’, has been employed as a traditional medicine for centuries. This crude drug is utilized in Korea for the management of impotence, spermatorrhea, enuresis, asthma and allergic diseases. The principal objective of the present study was to conduct a comparison of the antiinflammatory effects of ethanol extracts of the unripe (URCE), half‐ripened (HRCE) and ripe fruits (RCE) of Rubus coreanus. URCE and HRCE were found to reduce the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as well as pro‐inflammatory cytokines, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages. However, RCE exerted no inhibitory effects against the production of NO and IL‐6. The results of the study show that the degree of fruit ripening of Rubus coreanus affects the production of inflammatory mediators such as NO, PGE2 and inflammatory cytokines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of non‐enzymatic glycation by silk extracts from a Mexican land race and modern inbred lines of maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Farsi Darius Arthur , Harris Cory S. , Reid Lana , Bennett Steffany A. L. , Haddad Pierre S. , Martineau Louis C. , Arnason John Thor
Published: August 2007

Non‐enzymatic glycation and the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are associated with various disease states, including complications of diabetes and aging. Secondary metabolites from several plant species are known to inhibit non‐enzymatic glycation and the formation of AGEs, including flavonoids found in the style (silk) of Zea mays (maize). Thirteen modern maize inbreds and one land race were tested for in vitro inhibition of non‐enzymatic glycation of bovine serum albumin. Many of the tested extracts exhibited inhibitory activity, in particular the newest inbreds, which were bred for resistance to gibberella ear rot (Fusarium graminearum) and common smut (Ustilago maydis). The most active maize genotype (CO441), displaying an IC50 of 9.5 µg/mL, was more effective than aminoguanidine, a known inhibitor of glycation. Zapalote chico, a land race with high maysin content, showed only moderate inhibitory activity compared with the modern maize genotypes. Antiglycation activity was highly correlated with the total phenolic content of silk extracts and mildly correlated with resistance to certain fungal infections. The results identify modern resistant and high phenolic maize inbreds as promising candidates for the development of natural AGE inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications and the degenerative effects of aging. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined effect of chill storage and modified atmosphere packaging on mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) preservation
Authors: Goulas Antonios E.
Published: August 2007

Changes in biochemical indices, microbial growth, headspace and sensory quality of mussels which had been packaged in two modified atmospheres [Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) 1: 60% CO2/20% N2/20% O2 and MAP 2: 60% CO2/40% N2] and under vacuum (VP) were studied for 14 days. The results showed better quality retention and greater shelf life of mussels packaged under MAP 1 as compared to MAP 2 and VP samples. Increase in total volatile basic nitrogen followed the order: MAP 1 < MAP 2, VP < air (control) samples while increase in trimethylamine nitrogen followed the order: MAP 1 < air < MAP 2 < VP. The 2‐thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values of MAP 1 and air samples were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the TBA values of VP and MAP 2 samples. MAP 1 showed a greater (p < 0.05) inhibition effect on total viable count of mussel samples than all other packaging conditions. Based primarily on odour scores, the MAP 1 samples remained acceptable up to ca. 10–11 days, the MAP 2 and VP up to ca. 7–8 days while the air‐packaged samples up to ca. 5–6 days of storage. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New valley ridge inflection point associated to the bifurcation of a valley on potential energy surfaces
Authors: Palmeiro R. , Castaño O.
Published: August 2007

There are currently two definitions of valley ridge inflection point on an adiabatic potential energy surface (PES), one introduced by Basilevsky and the other by Valtazanos and Ruedenberg. Here, we investigate the validity of both definitions on bidimensional surfaces without symmetry constraints, with neither producing completely satisfactory results. Hence, we propose new conditions which must obey a valley bifurcation point (VBP) locally and demonstrate that such conditions are necessary when a valley splits into two, finishing at two energy minima. Finally, we localize such VBPs on the bidimensional surfaces and check the certainty of our previous deductions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
On the effect of large deflection on nonlinear behavior of an eccentric bracing system
Authors: Rasekh Ali , Mofid Massood , Khezrzadeh Hamed
Published: August 2007

In this article, a particular off‐center bracing system is introduced. In this system, the tensile diagonal strut is not straight. When the load is applied, the original geometry changes and thus causes the system to harden. Based on this behavior, a step‐by‐step analytical method is developed. Using this method, a Geometrically Nonlinear Analysis Program (GNAP) is designed to analyze the elastic force–displacement relation. Extension of this program to dynamic analysis led to a Dynamic Nonlinear Analysis Program (DNAP). The object of this article is to show that such bracing systems will lead to less seismic force on such structures compared to classic concentric bracing systems. On the other hand, it will be shown that the bracing system causes semi‐uncoupling of structure, and that the probable excursions in the nonlinear range during severe earthquakes will not cause significant deterioration in its strength and stiffness. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reward oriented packet filtering algorithm for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Shu Lei , Yang Jie , Zhang Lin , Xu Hui , Wu Xiaoling , Hauswirth Manfred
Published: August 2007

Packet filtering used in query process is an important approach to reduce energy consumption in sensor networks.Interestis used as a constraint to filter uninterested data when users query information. Within interested data some are more important because they have more valuable information than that of others. We hope to process these more important data first. In this paper, we firstly definerewardto denote the importance level of data, and then we present a two tiers buffer model as the platform for our ETRI packet filtering algorithm. We especially present two packet filtering algorithms for real time and non‐real time transmissions. Based on simulation result, we find out that both packet filtering algorithms can substantially improve the quality of information and reduce energy consumption. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolines: efficient spatio‐temporal data aggregation in sensor networks
Authors: Solis Ignacio , Obraczka Katia
Published: August 2007

This paper introduces an energy‐efficient data collection technique that takes advantage of spatial and temporal data correlation for monitoring continuously changing conditions such as temperature, humidity, rain fall, radiation, substance concentrations, etc. The proposed technique, isoline aggregation, generates contour maps representing the condition being monitored. The resulting contour map consist of isolines which delimit regions within which the monitored condition is within a certain value range. Energy efficiency is achieved by taking advantage of the spatial and temporal correlation of the data field. Simulation results show that isoline aggregation can reduce the amount of bytes transmitted considerably. At the same time, we are able to keep high data accuracy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray absorption spectroscopy analysis of Ru in La2RuO5
Authors: Arčon Iztok , Benčan Andreja , Kodre Alojz , Kosec Marija
Published: August 2007

The compound La2RuO5 was examined by the x‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) methods, x‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended x‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). XANES technique was used to probe directly the average valence of Ru atoms in the compound. The energy shift of the Ru K‐edge in the XANES signal gave the average Ru valence state as 4.0 ± 0.1. EXAFS analysis provided, by yielding directly the interatomic distances and coordination numbers, the first information on the Ru atom neighborhood, on which the model for the Rietveld refinement of the unit cell of the new compound was devised. Finally, the local structure around the Ru atoms from the refinement was used in the FEFF6 code for a model EXAFS spectrum. The very good quantitative agreement with the measured spectrum proves that the refined crystal structure contains no systematic defects in the vicinity of Ru atoms. This result, together with the valence obtained from XANES, strongly confirms the proposed La2RuO5 stoichiometry. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional genomics of commercial baker's yeasts that have different abilities for sugar utilization and high‐sucrose tolerance under different sugar conditions
Authors: Tanaka‐Tsuno Fumiko , Mizukami‐Murata Satomi , Murata Yoshinori , Nakamura Toshihide , Ando Akira , Takagi Hiroshi , Shima Jun
Published: August 2007

In the modern baking industry, high‐sucrose‐tolerant (HS) and maltose‐utilizing (LS) yeast were developed using breeding techniques and are now used commercially. Sugar utilization and high‐sucrose tolerance differ significantly between HS and LS yeasts. We analysed the gene expression profiles of HS and LS yeasts under different sucrose conditions in order to determine their basic physiology. Two‐way hierarchical clustering was performed to obtain the overall patterns of gene expression. The clustering clearly showed that the gene expression patterns of LS yeast differed from those of HS yeast. Quality threshold clustering was used to identify the gene clusters containing upregulated genes (cluster 1) and downregulated genes (cluster 2) under high‐sucrose conditions. Clusters 1 and 2 contained numerous genes involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism, respectively. The expression level of the genes involved in the metabolism of glycerol and trehalose, which are known to be osmoprotectants, in LS yeast was higher than that in HS yeast under sucrose concentrations of 5–40%. No clear correlation was found between the expression level of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of the osmoprotectants and the intracellular contents of the osmoprotectants. The present gene expression data were compared with data previously reported in a comprehensive analysis of a gene deletion strain collection. Welch's t‐test for this comparison showed that the relative growth rates of the deletion strains whose deletion occurred in genes belonging to cluster 1 were significantly higher than the average growth rates of all deletion strains. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical treatment of missed Monteggia lesions in children
Authors: Lädermann Alexandre , Ceroni Dimitri , Lefèvre Yan , De Rosa Vincenzo , De Coulon Geraldo , Kaelin André
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The treatment of an unrecognized Monteggia lesion continues to pose a therapeutic challenge, as evidenced by the variety of surgical techniques described. Moreover, there are high complication and redislocation rates following surgery. This report concerns a surgical technique to reduce a chronic dislocation of the radial head utilizing an ulnar osteotomy and internal fixation.

Methods

Six consecutive cases of missed Monteggia lesions were treated in our institution between August 2001 and September 2003. Patient mean age was 6.5 (range 4–8) years, and the mean interval between injury and surgical procedure was 17 (range 1–49) months. Surgery consisted of an ulnar osteotomy with angulation and lengthening, bone grafting at the osteotomy site, and internal fixation. Open reduction of the radial head, repair or reconstruction of the annular ligament or temporary fixation of the radial head with a transarticular wire was not undertaken. Cast immobilization with the forearm in neutral rotation was maintained for 2 weeks.

Results

There was one case of nonunion. At an average follow-up of 3 (range 1.5–4.4) years, all patients had regained painless function of the forearm, good range of elbow and forearm motion, and maintenance of the radial head reduction.

Conclusions

Both angulation and elongation of the ulna are required to allow for reduction of the radial head. We do not see any indication for procedures directed at the radio-capitellar joint.
Fabrication of a dual substrate display to test roles of cell adhesion proteins in vesicle targeting to plasma membrane domains
Authors: Hunt Stephen J. , Nelson W. James
Published: August 2007

While much is known of the molecular machinery involved in protein sorting during exocytosis, less is known about the spatial regulation of exocytosis at the plasma membrane (PM). This study outlines a novel method, dual substrate display, used to formally test the hypothesis that E‐cadherin‐mediated adhesion directs basolateral vesicle exocytosis to specific sites at the PM. We show that vesicles containing the basolateral marker protein VSV‐G preferentially target to sites of adhesion to E‐cadherin rather than collagen VI or a control peptide. These results support the hypothesis that E‐cadherin adhesion initiates signaling at the PM resulting in targeted sites for exocytosis.
PEPYS IN THE HISTORY OF READING
Authors: JAJDELSKA ELSPETH
Published: August 2007

The history of reading is a comparatively recent field. Work to date has been diverse both in period and methodology, ranging from case studies of individuals to statistical analyses of populations. This diversity means that it can be hard to discern either a broadly agreed narrative of reading practices or a clear set of debates. However, a range of scholars have emphasized contrasts between intensive and extensive reading, oral and silent reading, utilitarian and recreational reading, and public and private reading. These contrasts have been aligned with historical periods, with oral reading, for example, being associated with early modern reading in contrast to later periods. This article analyses the reading practices of Samuel Pepys and concludes that his example supports a contrast between a more intensive, oral, utilitarian, and public reading in the seventeenth century and that of later periods. Pepys's reading practices are also shown to have profound effects on his interpretation of texts. He sees texts of all genres as scripts to be performed by particular individuals, and judges them according to their suitability for this performance in a specific context.
THE POLITICS OF REFORM AND THE MAKING OF THE SECOND REFORM ACT, 1848–1867
Authors: SAUNDERS ROBERT
Published: August 2007

The second reform act came at the close of a remarkable period of constitutional debate, in which seven different governments had committed themselves to reform. Yet historians have shown little interest in this debate, seeing it as largely irrelevant to the making of the second reform act. This article seeks to reconnect the discussions of the 1850s with the measure of 1867, and to explore some of the issues that shaped the course of legislation. It argues that the failure to achieve reform in the 1850s was the result not of hostility to reform in the abstract, but of an inability to agree on the type of reform that was desirable. Depending on who was enfranchised and where, different reform bills could produce quite different electorates, making consensus elusive. The article shows how the Liberal opposition to the 1866 bill was fuelled by concerns over the nature of Liberal politics after Palmerston, and concludes that the disagreement over the rating franchise concealed a wider disagreement on the whole nature of reform, exerting a powerful influence on the measures of both 1866 and 1867.
THE UNITED STATES AND THE FISCAL DEBATE IN BRITAIN, 1873–1913
Authors: ROGERS EDMUND
Published: August 2007

Historians of the debate over free trade and tariffs in Britain during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries have not taken adequate account of the impact of the protectionist United States. The article first examines how American protectionism influenced the cause of imperial preference. It then looks at how both sides in the fiscal debate used the American economic experience to bolster their cases. Finally, it is demonstrated that the economic success and liberal democratic character of America compelled free traders to attack the American example on a moral and political basis.
CHANGING LANGUAGES OF EMPIRE AND THE ORIENT: BRITAIN AND THE INVENTION OF THE MIDDLE EAST, 1917–1918
Authors: RENTON JAMES
Published: August 2007

During the last two years of the Great War the British government undertook a global propaganda campaign to generate support for the military advance into the Near East, British post-war domination of the region, and the war effort in general. The objective was to transform how the West and the peoples of the Ottoman empire perceived the Orient, its future, and the British empire. To fit with the international demand that the war should be fought for the cause of national self-determination, the Orient was re-defined as the Middle East: a region of oppressed nations that required liberation and tutelage by Britain and the entente. Great Britain was portrayed as the pre-eminent champion of the principle of nationality, which was behind its move into the Middle East. It is argued in this article that these narratives constituted a significant change in Western representations of the Orient and the British empire.