bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation of Epimedins A – C and Icariin in Ten Representative Populations of Epimedium brevicornuMaxim., and Implications for Utilization
Authors: Xu Yanqin , Li Zuozhou , Yuan Ling , Zhang Xuejun , Lu Dayan , Huang Hongwen , Wang Ying 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe concentration variations of main flavonoids, epimedins A–C and icariin, among ten representative populations of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. were assessed by HPLC. The populations were collected during the flowering stage and included 419 individual samples. Remarkable variations within and among populations were detected. SXXA Population (see Fig. 1) was an outlier due to its significant low concentrations (<1.00–4.46 mg/g). But even without SXXA, significant concentration differences among populations were still observed in epimedin A (2.31–8.42 mg/g), epimedin B (6.67–55.7 mg/g), epimedin C (5.39–23.0 mg/g), icariin (8.50–39.9 mg/g), and their total (29.1–123 mg/g). All populations except SXXA showed much higher concentrations than the recommended standards (i.e. 5 mg/g for icariin and 13 mg/g for the total). A high‐concentration‐population structure, estimated both by principal component analysis (PCA) and unweighted pair group method with averaging (UPGMA) cluster analysis, based on Euclidean distances, was observed. Both methods allowed separation of the populations in four groups defined by the concentrations of four main flavonoids. The populations (SXLC and SXQS) located in north of Yellow River were clustered together and characterized by highest concentrations of epimedin B, icariin, and their total. Considering of the high concentrations of main flavonoids and abundant resources, E. brevicornu could be exploited as a good medical resource for Herba Epimedii and would offer a tremendous potential for commercial development, but SXXA population should be paid special attention, and further study is needed.
Phytochemical Diversity of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. from Western Himalaya
Authors: Verma Ram S. , Chauhan Amit , Padalia Rajendra C. , Jat Sanjeev K. , Thul Sanjog , Sundaresan Velusamy 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMurraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (Rutaceae), commonly known as ‘curry leaf tree’, is a popular spice and condiment of India. To explore the diversity of the essential‐oil yield and aroma profile of curry leaf, growing wild in foot and mid hills of north India, 58 populations were collected during spring season. M. koenigii populations were found to grow up to an altitude of 1487 m in north India. Comparative results showed considerable variations in the essential‐oil yield and composition. The essential‐oil yield varied from 0.14 to 0.80% in shade‐dried leaves of different populations of M. koenigii. Analysis of the essential oils by GC and GC/MS, and the subsequent classification by statistical analysis resulted in four clusters with significant variations in their terpenoid composition. Major components of the essential oils of investigated populations were α‐pinene (2; 4.5–71.5%), sabinene (3; <0.05–66.1%), (E)‐caryophyllene (11; 1.6–18.0%), β‐pinene (4; <0.05–13.6%), terpinen‐4‐ol (9; 0.0–8.4%), γ‐terpinene (8; 0.2–7.4%), limonene (7; 1.1–5.5%), α‐terpinene (6; 0.0–4.5%), (E)‐nerolidol (14; 0.0–4.1%), α‐humulene (12; 0.6–3.5%), α‐thujene (1; 0.0–2.5%), β‐elemene (10; 0.2–2.4%), β‐selinene (13; 0.2–2.3%), and myrcene (5; 0.5–2.1%). Comparison of the present results with those in earlier reports revealed new chemotypes of M. koenigii in investigated populations from Western Himalaya. The present study documents M. koenigii populations having higher amounts of sabinene (3; up to 66.1%) for the first time.
Total Synthesis of the Postulated Structure of Fulicineroside
Authors: Bartholomäus Ruben , Dommershausen Fabian , Thiele Markus , Karanjule Narayan S. , Harms Klaus , Koert Ulrich 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA total synthesis of the proposed structures of fulicineroside and its aglycone fulicinerine is reported. The tetrasubstituted dibenzofuran substructure was accessible either through a Pd‐mediated ortho‐metalation or by an Ir‐catalyzed meta‐borylation. The synthesis of the β,β,α‐linked trisaccharide consisting of D‐olivose, L‐rhodinose, and L‐rhamnose was challenged by the unprecedented β‐linked rhodinose. A Pd‐catalyzed β‐selective glycosylation of a 4‐epi‐rhodinose and a subsequent Mitsunobu inversion provided selectively the β‐linked L‐rhodinose‐L‐rhamnose disaccharide. Comparison with the reported data for the natural product and the aglycone suggests a misassignment of the structure of the natural product.
Squamous cell carcinoma antigen
Authors: Williams Matt , Swampillai Angela , Osborne Melanie , Mawdsley Suzannah , Hughes Rob , Harrison Mark , Harvey Richard , Glynne‐Jones Rob ,   Mount Vernon Colorectal Cancer Network
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUNDThe objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the predictive value of pretreatment serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCAg) levels in 174 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus who received concurrent chemoradiation between 1997 and 2010.METHODSPretreatment serum SCCAg measurements in patients with histologically diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal and margin who received chemoradiation were compared with clinical tumor classification and lymph node status for prognostic/predictive ability, including 1) tumor response after the completion of chemoradiation treatment, 2) disease recurrence, and 3) overall survival. Clinical measurements and scores were compared using Spearman rank tests, and survival was assessed in both univariate and multivariate survival analyses.RESULTSThe median pretreatment levels of SCCAg according to clinical tumor classification and clinical lymph node status were 0.8 μg/L in T1 tumors, 1.90 μg/L in T2 tumors, 2.5 μg/L in T3 tumors, 3.8 μg/L in T4 tumors, 1.35 μg/L in patients with N0 status, and 3.05 μg/L in patients with N0+ status (correlation coefficient: T‐classification, 0.43; lymph node status, 0.38; both P < .00001). Of the patients who had normal SCCAg levels, 95% achieved a complete response after initial treatment; and, of those who had elevated SCCAg levels, 86% achieved a complete response (P = .05). Overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.5; P = .007) and disease‐free survival (hazard ratio, 2.2; P = .058) were worse for those who had elevated pretreatment serum SCCAg concentrations.CONCLUSIONSPretreatment SCCAg levels in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal and margin were correlated with clinical tumor classification and clinical lymph node status. Elevated levels of SCCAg were associated with a reduced chance of achieving a complete response and an increased chance of recurrence and death. The authors recommend further studies to determine the prognostic value of SCCAg in anal squamous cell carcinoma and suggest the potential use of SCCAg as a stratification factor in future trials. Cancer 2013;119:2391‐2398. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Analysis in early stage triple‐negative breast cancer treated with mastectomy without adjuvant radiotherapy: Patterns of failure and prognostic factors
Authors: Chen Xingxing , Yu Xiaoli , Chen Jiayi , Zhang Zhen , Tuan Jeffrey , Shao Zhimin , Guo Xiaomao , Feng Yan 
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUNDThe objective of this study was to evaluate and identify patterns of failure and prognostic factors for locoregional recurrence (LRR) that could justify postmastectomy radiotherapy after modified radical mastectomy in patients with early stage triple‐negative breast cancer.METHODSBetween January 2000 and July 2007, the authors retrospectively analyzed 390 patients who had triple‐negative breast cancer with T1/T2 tumors and from zero to 3 positive lymph nodes (pathologic T1‐T2N0‐N1) who underwent modified radical mastectomy without postmastectomy radiotherapy at the author's institution. The 5‐year cumulative incidence for events was calculated using Kaplan‐Meier analysis, and subgroups were compared using the log‐rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model.RESULTSOverall, 86.4% of patients received chemotherapy. At a median follow‐up of 60.5 months, the 5‐year cumulative rates of local recurrence, regional recurrence, LRR, and distant metastasis were 5.4%, 4.7%, 8%, and 13.4%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, age <50 years, the presence of lymphovascular invasion, grade 3 tumor, and 3 involved lymph nodes were associated significantly with an increased risk of LRR. The 5‐year LRR rate for patients who had 0 or 1 risk factor, 2 risk factors, and 3 or 4 risk factors was 4.2%, 25.2%, and 81% (P < .0001), respectively. The presence of lymphovascular invasion and having 3 involved lymph nodes were statistically significant predictors of regional recurrence, and the patients who had regional recurrence had a significantly greater risk of distant metastases compared with patients who had local recurrence (59.1% vs 20.9%; P  <  .0001).CONCLUSIONSSeveral risk factors were identified in this study that correlated independently with a greater incidence of LRR in patients who had early stage triple‐negative breast cancer. The current results indicated that postmastectomy radiotherapy should be considered for those patients who have 2 or more of these factors. Cancer 2013;119:2366‐2374. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Acupuncture in the treatment of upper‐limb lymphedema
Authors: Cassileth Barrie R. , Van Zee Kimberly J. , Yeung K. Simon , Coleton Marci I. , Cohen Sara , Chan Yi H. , Vickers Andrew J. , Sjoberg Daniel D. , Hudis Clifford A. 
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUNDCurrent treatments for lymphedema after breast cancer treatment are expensive and require ongoing intervention. Clinical experience and our preliminary published results suggest that acupuncture is safe and potentially useful. This study evaluates the safety and potential efficacy of acupuncture on upper‐limb circumference in women with lymphedema.METHODSWomen with a clinical diagnosis of breast cancer−related lymphedema (BCRL) for 0.5‐5 years and with affected arm circumference ≥2 cm larger than unaffected arm received acupuncture treatment twice weekly for 4 weeks. Affected and unaffected arm circumferences were measured before and after each acupuncture treatment. Response, defined as ≥30% reduction in circumference difference between affected/unaffected arms, was assessed. Monthly follow‐up calls for 6 months thereafter were made to document any complications and self‐reported lymphedema status.RESULTSAmong 37 enrolled patients, 33 were evaluated; 4 discontinued due to time constraints. Mean reduction in arm circumference difference was 0.90 cm (95% CI, 0.72‐1.07; P < .0005). Eleven patients (33%) exhibited a reduction of ≥30% after acupuncture treatment. Seventy‐six percent of patients received all treatments; 21% missed 1 treatment, and another patient missed 2 treatments. During the treatment period, 14 of the 33 patients reported minor complaints, including mild local bruising or pain/tingling. There were no serious adverse events and no infections or severe exacerbations after 255 treatment sessions and 6 months of follow‐up interviews.CONCLUSIONSAcupuncture for BCRL appears safe and may reduce arm circumference. Although these results await confirmation in a randomized trial, acupuncture can be considered for women with no other options for sustained arm circumference reduction. Cancer 2013;119:2455‐2461. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
STFT or CWT for the detection of Doppler ultrasound embolic signals
Authors: Gonçalves Ivo B. , Leiria Ana , Moura M. M. M. 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARYAiming reliable detection and localization of cerebral blood flow and emboli, embolic signals were added to simulated middle cerebral artery Doppler signals and analysed. Short‐time Fourier transform (STFT) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) were used in the evaluation. The following parameters were used in this study: the powers of the embolic signals added were 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8 and 9 dB; the mother wavelets for CWT analysis were Morlet, Mexican hat, Meyer, Gaussian (order 4) and Daubechies (orders 4 and 8); and the thresholds for detection (equated in terms of false positive, false negative and sensitivity) were 2 and 3.5 dB for the CWT and STFT, respectively. The results indicate that although the STFT allows accurately detecting emboli, better time localization can be achieved with the CWT. Among the CWT, the current best overall results were obtained with Mexican Hat mother wavelet, with optimal results for sensitivity (100% detection rate) for nearly all emboli power values studied. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PRIORITY SETTING IN GLOBAL HEALTH: TOWARDS A MINIMUM DALY VALUE
Authors: Drake Tom 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARYRational and analytic healthcare decision making employed by many national healthcare‐funding bodies could also be expected from global health donors. Cost effectiveness analysis of healthcare investment options presents the effectiveness of a particular action in proportion to the resources required, and cost effectiveness thresholds, while somewhat arbitrary, define the level at which the investment can be considered value for money. Currently, cost effectiveness thresholds reflect the national budget context or willingness‐to‐pay, which is problematic when making cross‐country comparisons. Defining a global minimum monetary value for the disability adjusted life year (DALY) would in effect set a global baseline cost effectiveness threshold. A global minimum DALY value would reflect a universal minimum value on human health, irrespective of a national provider's willingness or ability to pay. A minimum DALY value and associated threshold has both limitations and flaws but is justified on similar grounds to the Millennium Development Goals or the absolute poverty threshold and has the potential to radically improve transparency and efficiency of priority setting in global health. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experiences with primary healthcare in Fuzhou, urban China, in the context of health sector reform: a mixed methods study
Authors: McCollum Rosalind , Chen Lieping , ChenXiang Tang , Liu Xiaoyun , Starfield Barbara , Jinhuan Zheng , Tolhurst Rachel 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARYChina has recently placed increased emphasis on the provision of primary healthcare services through health sector reform, in response to inequitably distributed health services. With increasing funding for community level facilities, now is an opportune time to assess the quality of primary care delivery and identify areas in need of further improvement. A mixed methodology approach was adopted for this study. Quantitative data were collected using the Primary Care Assessment Tool‐Chinese version (C‐PCAT), a questionnaire previously adapted for use in China to assess the quality of care at each health facility, based on clients' experiences. In addition, qualitative data were gathered through eight semi‐structured interviews exploring perceptions of primary care with health directors and a policy maker to place this issue in the context of health sector reform. The study found that patients attending community health and sub‐community health centres are more likely to report better experiences with primary care attributes than patients attending hospital facilities. Generally low scores for community orientation, family centredness and coordination in all types of health facility indicate an urgent need for improvement in these areas. Healthcare directors and policy makers perceived the need for greater coordination between levels of health providers, better financial reimbursement, more formal government contracts and recognition/higher status for staff at the community level and more appropriate undergraduate and postgraduate training. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heat transfer enhancement in annular fins using functionally graded material
Authors: Hassanzadeh Rahim , Pekel Hakan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis study presents a new approach on the heat transfer enhancement of annular fins with constant thickness using functionally graded materials. The thermal conductivity of the annular fin is assumed to be graded along the fin radius as a power‐law function. The resulting fin equation is solved by an approximate analytical method using the mean value theorem. The variable coefficients of second and third terms in the second‐order differential equation of the fin are replaced with their mean values along the fin radius. Several different graphs regarding the computed temperature profile, fin tip temperature, and fin efficiency are plotted with respect to the radii ratio thermo‐geometric parameter, and inhomogeneity parameter. It is demonstrated that the inhomogeneity parameter plays an important role on the heat transfer enhancement of the annular fin. However, for large radii ratios the effect of the inhomogeneity parameter decreases. Finally, it is stated that application of the functionally graded material in the annular fins, enhances the heat transfer rate between the fin and surrounding fluid resulting from the higher fin efficiency in comparison to the homogeneous annular fin. It is hoped that the results obtained from this study arouse interest among thermal designers and heat exchanger industries. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 42(7): 603–617, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21053
Effects of postharvest salicylic acid dipping on Alternaria rot and disease resistance of jujube fruit during storage
Authors: Cao Jiankang , Yan Jiaqi , Zhao Yumei , Jiang Weibo 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundConsiderable postharvest losses caused by Alternaria alternata often occur in Chinese jujube fruit, and synthetic fungicides have been widely used to protect the fruit from Alternaria rot. However, the potential harmfulness of fungicide residues to human health and the environment cannot be ignored. This study was conducted to develop an alternative approach for controlling postharvest disease by inducing fruit resistance with salicylic acid (SA) dipping.ResultsDisease incidence and lesion area in the jujube fruit inoculated with A. alternata were significantly inhibited by 2 and 2.5 mmol L−1 SA dipping. Naturally infected decay rate and index in jujubes were also significantly reduced by SA dipping during long‐term storage at 0°C. SA enhanced activities of the main defense‐related enzymes including phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, peroxidase, chitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase in the fruit during storage. SA strongly decreased catalase activity but increased superoxide dismutase activity and ascorbic acid content in jujubes.ConclusionThe beneficial effects of SA on fruit protection may be due to its ability to activate several highly coordinated defence‐related systems in jujubes, instead of its fungicidal activity. The findings indicated that application of SA would offer an alternative approach that helps to control postharvest disease and maintain storage quality in fruits. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Dependence of the Morphological Location of the Brittle/Tough Transition on the Modulus of the Dispersed Phase
Authors: Zabaleta Asier , González Imanol , Eguiazábal José Ignacio 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe dispersed phase of the polypropylene/maleinized poly(ethylene‐octene) (PP/mPEO) blend was modified by means of nanoclay addition, in an attempt to find out the effect of its modulus of elasticity on the location of the brittle/tough (B/T) transition. The nanoclay stayed only in the dispersed rubbery phase upon blending. Upon nanoclay addition, the B/T transition slipped to larger rubber contents; this slip is proposed to be due to the higher modulus of elasticity of the rubbery phase. Looking at the microstructure, the critical interparticle distance (τc) for the B/T transition to occur is less when the dispersed phase is stiffer; i.e., the rubber particles have to be closer to each other for the transition to occur.
The PIM Family of Serine/Threonine Kinases in Cancer
Authors: Narlik‐Grassow Maja , Blanco‐Aparicio Carmen , Carnero Amancio 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe proviral insertion site in Moloney murine leukemia virus, or PIM proteins, are a family of serine/threonine kinases composed of three different isoforms (PIM1, PIM2, and PIM3) that are highly evolutionarily conserved. These proteins are regulated primarily by transcription and stability through pathways that are controlled by Janus kinase/Signal transducer and activator of transcription, JAK/STAT, transcription factors. The PIM family proteins have been found to be overexpressed in hematological malignancies and solid tumors, and their roles in these tumors were confirmed in mouse tumor models. Furthermore, the PIM family proteins have been implicated in the regulation of apoptosis, metabolism, cell cycle, and homing and migration, which has led to the postulation of these proteins as interesting targets for anticancer drug discovery. In the present work, we review the importance of PIM kinases in tumor growth and as drug targets.
Controlling Polyolefin Properties by In‐Reactor Blending: 3. Mechanical Properties
Authors: Ruff Martin , Lang Reinhold W. , Paulik Christian 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn‐reactor blends of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW‐PE) and medium molecular weight polyethylene (mMW‐PE) were prepared by precise multi‐stage slurry polymerizations (MSP). Correlations between polymerization conditions and mechanical properties of in situ mixed polyolefins were investigated. Reactor powders were brought to shape through compression molding. Izod impact strength, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile properties, as well as physical properties (density, crystalline properties) were measured and evaluated in comparison with physical blends and commercial PE grades. In‐reactor blends show a higher material stiffness and impact properties increased by a factor of 2 compared to unimodal materials and physical blends. Thus the MSP‐method offers an efficient way to improve mechanical behavior of linear high‐molecular weight PE.magnified image
Anionic polymerization of biomass‐derived furfuryl methacrylate: Controlling polymer tacticity and thermoreversibility
Authors: He Jianghua , Zhang Yuetao , Chen Eugene Y. X. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTBiomass‐derived furfuryl methacrylate (FMA) has been successfully polymerized for the first time by anionic polymerization to produce atactic (at‐), isotactic (it‐), or syndiotactic (st‐) poly(furfuryl methacrylate) (PFMA), depending on initiator structure and reaction conditions. Thermal properties of the PFMA materials are strongly affected by the polymer tacticity. Most notably, while both isotactic and syndiotactic polymers can undergo inter‐ or intrachain crosslinking reactions when heated to 290 °C, there is no evidence for the atactic polymer to perform the same reaction. Furthermore, the PFMA tacticity also greatly affects the amount of stable carbonaceous materials it produces when heated to 650 °C, with st‐PFMA forming the largest amount of such materials (26.9%), as compared to only 5.6% by at‐PFMA. Using the Diels–Alder (DA) “click reaction” between the reactive furfuryl group within the PFMA polymers as the diene equivalent and a bismaleimide as the dienophile, thermoreversible smart polymers have been successfully prepared. Thermoreversibility of the preformed crosslinked polymers has been demonstrated, thanks to the facile retro‐DA reaction upon heating and the DA reaction upon cooling of such self‐healing materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2793–2803