bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The cytotoxic effects of the anti‐bacterial peptides on leukocytes
Authors: Catrina Sergiu‐Bogdan , Refai Essam , Andersson Mats 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides are small molecular weight proteins with a large antibacterial spectrum. They can reach high local concentrations in tissues with active inflammation, being largely produced by immunocompetent cells. However, their effect on eukaryotic cells is still unclear. We have, therefore, studied three structurally different antimicrobial peptides (cecropin P1, PR‐39 and NK‐lysin) for their cytotoxic effects on blood mononuclear cells. None of the antimicrobial peptides tested exhibited significant cytotoxic effect on resting lymphocytes isolated either from peripheral blood or from the spleen with the exception of high concentrations (ten times higher than IC100 for Escherichia coli) of NK‐lysin. Activated lymphocytes were, however, more sensitive to the cytotoxic effect of the antimicrobial peptides. Both activated T‐cells and B‐cells were dose dependent sensitive to NK‐lysin while only activated B‐cells but not activated T‐cells were sensitive to PR‐39. Cecropin did not exhibit any cytotoxic effect on activated lymphocytes either. By using several cell lines (3B6, K562, U932 and EL‐4) we were able to show that NK‐lysin has a broad necrotic effect while PR‐39 has a cell specific apoptotic effect dependent on the specifically cellular uptake. In conclusion we show here that antimicrobial peptides are not cytotoxic for the resting eukaryotic cells but can be cytotoxic on activated immune cells through distinct mechanisms of cell death. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Petasites extract Ze 339 (PET) inhibits allergen‐induced Th2 responses, airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity in mice
Authors: Brattström A. , Schapowal A. , Maillet I. , Schnyder B. , Ryffel B. , Moser R. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground: The herbal Petasites hybridus (butterbur) extract (Ze 339, PET) is known to have leukotriene inhibiting properties, and therefore might inhibit allergic diseases.Methods: The effect of PET was investigated in ovalbumin (OVA) immunized BALB/c mice given intranasally together with antigen challenge in the murine model of allergic airway disease (asthma) with the analysis of the inflammatory and immune parameters in the lung.Results: PET given with the antigen challenge inhibited the allergic response. PET inhibited airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and eosinophil recruitment into the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid upon allergen challenge, but had no effect in the saline control mice. Eosinophil recruitment was further assessed in the lung by eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activity at a concentration of 100 µg PET. Microscopic investigations revealed less inflammation, eosinophil recruitment and mucus hyperproduction in the lung with 100 µg PET. Diminution of AHR and inflammation was associated with reduced IL‐4, IL‐5 and RANTES production in the BAL fluid with 30 µg PET, while OVA specific IgE and eotaxin serum levels remained unchanged.Conclusion: PET, which has been reported to inhibit leukotriene activity, reduced allergic airway inflammation and AHR by inhibiting the production of the Th2 cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐5, and RANTES. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activity of Scottish Plant, Lichen and Fungal Endophyte Extracts against Mycobacterium aurum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Gordien Andréa Y. , Gray Alexander I. , Ingleby Kevin , Franzblau Scott G. , Seidel Véronique 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWith tuberculosis the leading bacterial killer worldwide and other mycobacterial diseases on the increase, the search for new antimycobacterial agents is timely. In this study, extracts from plants, lichens and fungal endophytes of Scottish provenance were screened for activity against Mycobacterium aurum and M. tuberculosis H37Rv. The best activity against M. aurum was observed for extracts of Juniperus communis roots and Cladonia arbuscula (MIC = 4 µg/mL), and a fungal endophyte isolated from Vaccinium myrtillus (MIC = 8 µg/mL). The best activity against M. tuberculosis was observed for extracts of C. arbuscula, Empetrum nigrum, J. communis roots, Calluna vulgaris aerial parts, Myrica gale roots and stems (93 to 99% inhibition at 100 µg/mL). Potent antitubercular activity (90 to 96% inhibition at 100 µg/mL) was also observed for the ethanol extracts of Xerocomus badius, Chalciporus piperatus, Suillus luteus and of endophytes isolated from C. vulgaris, E. nigrum, Vaccinium vitis‐idaea and V. myrtillus. The results obtained this study provide, in part, some scientific basis for the traditional use of some of the selected plants in the treatment of tuberculosis. They also indicate that fungal endophytes recovered from Scottish plants are a source of antimycobacterial agents worthy of further investigation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recovery of oral glucose tolerance by wistar rats after treatment with Coreopsis tinctoria infusion
Authors: Dias Teresa , Mota‐Filipe Hélder , Liu Bo , Jones Peter , Houghton Peter J. , Paulo Alexandra 
Published: October 2009

AbstractInfusions of Coreopsis tinctoria flowering tops have traditionally been used in Portugal to control hyperglycaemia but no pharmacological or toxicological studies have been reported until now. The chalcones marein and okanin were isolated from the aqueous extract, together with the 2S‐3′,4′,7,8‐tetrahydroxyflavanone. The content of marein in extracts was determined by HPLC‐UV and the radical scavenging capacity evaluated by the DPPH method (EC50 = 21 µg/mL). Glucose intolerance was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin in saline (40 mg/Kg). After three weeks of oral treatment with C. tinctoria extract (500 mg/Kg/day) the animals were no longer glucose‐intolerant (p > 0.05). Additionally, this oral treatment caused no hepatotoxicity in the rats, as determined by blood alanine and aspartate transaminases. A single administration of extract had no effect on oral glucose tolerance in normal Wistar rats. The extract also had no effect on insulin secretion by MIN6 cells. In conclusion, C. tinctoria infusion is able to abolish the streptozotocin‐induced glucose‐intolerance in rats after three weeks of oral treatment by a mechanism other than induction of insulin secretion. The recovery of β‐pancreatic function mediated by an antioxidant mechanism is a possibility that deserves further investigation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The anti‐inflammatory effect of baicalin on hypoxia/reoxygenation and TNF‐α induced injury in cultural rat cardiomyocytes
Authors: Lin Lin , Wu Xiao‐dong , Davey Andrew K , Wang Jiping 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe aim of present study was to investigate the effect of baicalin on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in cardiomyocytes and the mechanisms involved, particularly in relation to cytokines. The cardiomyocytes for the H/R groups were placed into a hypoxic chamber for 12 h and then underwent reoxygenation for 1 h. The cells in the TNF‐α groups were administered 100 ng/mL rrTNF‐α and incubated for 13 h under normal conditions. The cells in the baicalin pretreatment groups were administered 10 μM baicalin 30 min prior to exposure to H/R or TNF‐α. It was observed that pretreatment with baicalin (10 μM) significantly reduced the cell damage and death induced by H/R or TNF‐α. In the culture medium of the H/R cells, the SOD activity increased, while TNF‐α was decreased by baicalin. The levels of IL‐6 in culture medium for H/R or TNF‐α treated cells were suppressed by baicalin pretreatment. In contrast, the levels of IL‐10 in culture medium for H/R or TNF‐α treated cells were significantly elevated by baicalin. Moreover, baicalin inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB induced by H/R or TNF‐α. In conclusion, baicalin may protect cardiomyocytes from H/R injury through an anti‐inflammatory mechanism. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of crocus sativus L. (saffron) stigma and its constituents, crocin and safranal, on morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Hossein , Jahanian Zahra 
Published: October 2009

AbstractCrocus sativus L. has been shown to interact with the opioid system. Thus, the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of stigma and its constituents were evaluated on morphine‐withdrawal syndrome in mice. Dependence was induced using subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of morphine for 3 days. On day 4, morphine was injected 0.5 h prior the interaperitoneal (i.p.) injections of the extracts, crocin, safranal, clonidine (0.3 mg/kg) or normal saline. Naloxone was injected (5 mg/kg i.p.) 2 h after the final dose of morphine and the number of episodes of jumping during 30 mm was considered as the intensity of the withdrawal syndrome. Clonidine, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of saffron reduced the jumping activity. Safranal was injected (s.c.) 30 mm prior and 1 and 2 h after the injection of morphine. It potentiated some signs of withdrawal syndrome. The aqueous extract decreased the movement in all of the doses (80, 160, 320 mg/kg) and the ethanolic extract decreased it in the dose of 800 mg/kg in open field test. But crocin and the dose of 400 mg/kg ethanolic extract showed no effect on activity in this test. It is concluded that the extracts and crocin may have interaction with the opioid system to reduce withdrawal syndrome. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical study on the structures and aromaticity of N‐confused porphyrazine isomers
Authors: Hu H. Z. , Ma S. Y. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe energy and nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) of 95 isomers of N‐confused porphyrazine (NCPz), including normal porphyrazine (N0CPz), N‐confused porphyrazine (N1CPz), doubly N‐confused porphyrazine (N2CPz), triply N‐confused porphyrazine (N3CPz), and fully N‐confused porphyrazine (N4CPz), have been calculated by the density‐functional theory (DFT) method. The stability of NCPz decreased by increasing the number of confused pyrrole rings and the macrocycle tend to be destabilized stepwise by approximately +21 kcal/mol. The relative energies of the most stable isomers in confusion level are 0 kcal/mol (N0CPz‐1), +23.481 (N1CPz‐5), +41.849 (N2CPz‐a4), +61.738 (N3CPz‐b3), and +84.596 (N4CPz‐b13), respectively. The most stable isomers of N2CPz, N3CPz, and N4CPz are not necessarily the most aromatic but rather nonaromatic, especially in the case of N3CPz and N4CPz. On the other hand, the magnitude of the aromaticity estimated by NICS for these isomers does not differ largely. The NICS values of the most aromatic isomers are −15.5411 (N0CPz‐1), −14.0458 (N1CPz‐2), −12.8171 (N2CPz‐d1), −11.5961 (N3CPz‐b6), and −12.8012 ppm (N4CPz‐a6), respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
An atomic charge study of highly ionic diatomic molecular systems
Authors: Nakazato Daniel T. I. , De Sá Eduardo L. , Haiduke Roberto L. A. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractFour atomic charge formalisms are compared using highly ionic diatomic molecules, such as LiF, NaF, KF, LiCl, NaCl, KCl, BF, AlF, GaF, BeO, and MgO. All calculations were done at the QCISD/6‐311G(2df) level. The only formalism consistent with the characteristics of all these systems is Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). Absolute Mulliken charge values are small. ChelpG charges are not reliable for systems in which the atoms are largely anisotropic. Generalized atomic polar tensor values are contaminated with charge fluxes and atomic dipole fluxes and fail when these contributions are important and do not cancel each other. Finally, the charge–charge flux–dipole flux model was applied to dipole moment derivatives with QTAIM. This analysis shows that charge flux and atomic dipole flux contributions during bond stretching are almost null, except for oxides. There are also evidences that the lone electron pair at Group 13 elements in fluorides becomes less localized as the bond is stretched. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Bounds for the Kirchhoff index of regular graphs via the spectra of their random walks
Authors: Palacios José Luis , Renom José Miguel 
Published: October 2009

AbstractUsing probabilistic tools, we give tight upper and lower bounds for the Kirchhoff index of any d‐regular N‐vertex graph in terms of d, N, and the spectral gap of the transition probability matrix associated to the random walk on the graph. We then use bounds of the spectral gap of more specialized graphs, available in the literature, in order to obtain upper bounds for the Kirchhoff index of these specialized graphs. As a byproduct, we obtain a closed‐form formula for the Kirchhoff index of the d‐dimensional cube in terms of the first inverse moment of a positive binomial variable. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
The Wigner function of the rotating Kratzer oscillator mapped onto the Morse oscillator
Authors: Stanek Jerzy 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn this article, the rotating Kratzer oscillator in quantum phase space is studied. The Langer transformation is used to map the Kratzer oscillator with centrifugal term onto a one‐dimensional Morse oscillator. As a result, the Wigner distribution functions for the Morse oscillator are obtained. The quantum states of the system are visualized in the phase space for a few vibrational and rotational quantum numbers. The results obtained in the phase space correspond to those derived in the standard quantum theory. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
The O···H intramolecular hydrogen bond in 4‐X‐2‐hydroxybenzaldehydes: The relationships between geometrical parameters, estimated binding energies, and NMR data
Authors: Ebrahimi A. , Khorasani S. M. Habibi , Neyband R. S. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe relationships among geometrical parameters, estimated binding energies, and nuclear magnetic resonance data in –CO···HO intramolecular H‐bond of some substituted 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde have theoretically been studied by B3LYP and MP2 methods with 6‐311++G** and AUG‐cc‐PVTZ basis sets. All substituents increase estimated hydrogen bond energiesEHBs (with the exception of NO2and C2H5), which are in good correlation with geometrical parameters, topological properties of electron density calculated at O···H bond critical points and ring critical points by using atoms in molecules method, the results of natural bond orbital analysis, and calculated nuclear magnetic resonance data. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
A new approach to molecular phylogeny of H5N1 avian influenza viruses in Asia
Authors: Wang Huiling , Zhang Yusen 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn this article, we introduce a new method to analysis avian influenza virus (AIV) of subtype H5N1 and study the similarity of these sequences. We make a comparison for some nucleic acid sequences of H5N1 AIV in Asia by using the 2D and 3D graphic representation. Comparing these sequences, we structured a phylogenetic tree and discussed the evolutional relationship among these viruses. The sequences analysis shows that there are some obvious traits depending on different areas, periods, and hosts. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Quantum molecular dynamics
Authors: Ritchie Burke 
Published: October 2009

AbstractElectron or ion dynamics are treated using spin‐dependent quantum trajectories. These trajectories are inferred from the Dirac current, which contributes Schroedinger's current and additional spin‐dependent terms, all of which are of order c0 in the nonrelativistic regime of particle velocity, where c is the speed of light. The many‐body problem is treated precisely as in classical dynamics. Each electron or ion has its own equation of motion, which is the time‐dependent Dirac or the time‐dependent Schroedinger equation in the relativistic or nonrelativistic regime of particle velocity, respectively. As an example the theory is applied to the electronic structure of the helium atom, in which two electrons with opposite spin states are shown to correlate such that their quantum trajectories keep them on average on opposite sides of the nucleus. As the theory is time dependent, excited states are also generated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Dynamic optimization ofN‐joint robotic limb deployments
Authors: Fink Wolfgang , Huntsberger Terrance L. , Aghazarian Hrand 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe describe an approach using a stochastic optimization framework (SOF) for operating complex mobile systems with several degrees of freedom (DOFs), such as robotic limbs withNjoints, in environments that can contain obstacles. As part of the SOF, we have employed an efficient simulated annealing algorithm normally used in computationally highly expensive optimization and search problems such as the traveling salesman problem and protein design. This algorithm is particularly suited to run onboard industrial robots, robots in telemedicine, remote spacecraft, planetary landers, and rovers, i.e., robotic platforms with limited computational capabilities. The robotic limb deployment optimization approach presented here offers an alternative to time‐intensive robotic arm deployment path planning algorithms in general and in particular for robotic limb systems in which closed‐form solutions do not exist. Application examples for a (N= 4)‐DOF arm on a planetary exploration rover are presented. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The simultaneous use of weighted logrank and weighted Kaplan–Meier statistics with clustered right‐censored data
Authors: Chi Yunchan , Su Pei‐Fang 
Published: October 2009

AbstractClustered right‐censored data often arise from tumorigenicity experiments and clinical trials. For testing the equality of two survival functions, Jung and Jeong extended weighted logrank (WLR) tests to two independent samples of clustered right‐censored data, while the weighted Kaplan–Meier (WKM) test can be derived from the work of O'Gorman and Akritas. The weight functions in both classes of tests (WLR and WKM) can be selected to be more sensitive to detect a certain alternative; however, since the exact alternative is unknown, it is difficult to specify the selected weights in advance. Since WLR is rank‐based, it is not sensitive to the magnitude of the difference in survival times. Although WKM is constructed to be more sensitive to the magnitude of the difference in survival times, it is not sensitive to late hazard differences. Therefore, in order to combine the advantages of these two classes of tests, this paper developed a class of versatile tests based on simultaneously using WLR and WKM for two independent samples of clustered right‐censored data. The comparative results from a simulation study are presented and the implementation of the versatile tests to two real data sets is illustrated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of integrative restoration (iRest) meditation on perceived stress levels in multiple sclerosis and cancer outpatients
Authors: Pritchard Mary , Elison‐Bowers Patt , Birdsall Bobbie 
Published: October 2009

AbstractStress is a common occurrence in many chronically ill patients, and researchers are calling for cost‐effective stress‐reduction interventions. Meditation techniques have demonstrated a host of benefits for chronically ill patients. The present study examined the effects of a 6‐week Yoga Nidra meditation programme on perceived stress in multiple sclerosis and cancer patients. Overall stress was significantly reduced over the course of the programme. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pacific earthquake engineering research/seismic safety commission tall building design case study 2
Authors: Ghodsi Tony , Ruiz Jose A. Flores 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe results from two methodologies for the structural design of a 42 story building located in Los Angeles, California, and a description of the properties used to model the structure for both cases are summarized. The building is laterally braced by a concrete shear wall core and two four‐bay concrete special moment resisting frames (SMRF) in each direction. The first design is based on a modal response spectrum analysis as prescribed by the International Building Code (ICC 2006). The second design, as prescribed by Los Angeles Tall Building Design Council ‘An Alternative Design Approach for Tall buildings’ (LATBSDC 2008), with some exceptions, requires the building to satisfy service level criteria using a modal response spectrum analysis and a collapse prevention evaluation using 7 time‐history non‐linear analyses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advisability of X‐ray fluorescence analysis of dry residue of cow milk applied to monitor environment
Authors: Gunicheva T. N. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe paper reports application of X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) procedure to determine the contents of 17 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, and Zr) in a dry residue of cow milk. The main advantages of this procedure imply: preparation of samples without having them destructed, use of plant reference samples (RS) to calibrate, no need for milk defatting, and, as a consequence, no limitations for the milk fatness. The tendencies identified with the XRF results on the dry residue of cow milk do not contradict the features recognized in environmental biogeochemistry. They designate a satisfactory quality of XRF results and prove them promising for multipurpose interpretations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Knowing the ledge”: Participatory action research as legal studies for urban high school youth
Authors: Stovall David , Delgado Natalia 
Published: October 2009

AbstractZero‐tolerance discipline policies, harsh sentencing laws, and the gentrification of communities of color have devastating effects for the lives of young people. Coupled with the fact that urban schools can devalue their views, values, and understandings of the world, this article examines an effort to challenge deficit theories that permeate discussions on urban youth. Through the setting of a street law class at a high school with a social justice focus, two facilitators (an African American male and a Latina of Puerto Rican descent, one a qualitative sociologist and the other a lawyer, both trained as qualitative researchers) and a group of high school freshmen analyze the processes of the judicial system to analyze their lives through the tenets of participatory action research.
Chicana feminist strategies in a participatory action research project with transnational Latina youth
Authors: Sánchez Patricia 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis article discusses a participatory action research (PAR) project carried out with three transnational Latina youth in northern California and how the university researcher incorporated Chicana feminist strategies in the study. PAR and Chicana feminism place at the heart of research the knowledge that ordinary people produce, referring to this knowledge asconocimientos, or “homemade theory.” The author discusses the project, the collaborative writing of a children's book based on two years of data collection, the challenges in being both an insider and an outsider to the community, how the youth created a counterstory based on their transnational immigrant lifestyle, and how an out‐of‐school setting promoted engaged research with urban teens.