bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Orally administered rubiscolin‐6, a δ opioid peptide derived from Rubisco, stimulates food intake via leptomeningeal lipocallin‐type prostaglandin D synthase in mice
Authors: Kaneko Kentaro , Lazarus Michael , Miyamoto Chihiro , Oishi Yo , Nagata Nanae , Yang Shuzhang , Yoshikawa Masaaki , Aritake Kosuke , Furuyashiki Tomoyuki , Narumiya Shuh , Urade Yoshihiro , Ohinata Kousaku 
Published: June 2012

ScopeWe found that rubiscolin‐6, a δ opioid agonist peptide derived from d‐ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), a major protein of green leaves, stimulates food intake after oral administration in mice. We therefore investigated its mechanism.Methods and resultsOrexigenic activity after oral administration of rubiscolin‐6 was blocked by central administration of naltrindole, an antagonist for δ opioid receptor, suggesting that orally administered rubiscolin‐6 stimulates food intake via central δ opioid receptor activation. The orexigenic activity of rubiscolin‐6 was inhibited by celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor. The hypothalamic mRNA expression of COX‐2 and lipocallin‐type (L) prostaglandin D synthase (PGDS) was elevated in response to rubiscolin‐6 administration. Rubiscolin‐6 stimulated food intake in wild‐type and hematopoietic (H)‐PGDS knockout (KO), but not L‐PGDS KO mice. Interestingly, rubiscolin‐6 stimulated food intake in L‐PGDSflox/Nescre mice, which were deficient in L‐PGDS in the brain parenchyma, but not leptomeninges. The orexigenic effect of rubiscolin‐6 was abolished by genetic deletion of DP1 receptor for PGD2, and by MK0524 or BIBO3304, an antagonist of DP1 receptor or of Y1 receptor for neuropeptide Y, respectively.ConclusionOrally administered rubiscolin‐6 may stimulate food intake through COX‐2 and leptomeningeal L‐PGDS, followed by DP1 and Y1 receptors, downstream of the central δ opioid receptor.
Molecular mechanism inhibiting human hepatocarcinoma cell invasion by 6‐shogaol and 6‐gingerol
Authors: Weng Chia‐Jui , Chou Chai‐Ping , Ho Chi‐Tang , Yen Gow‐Chin 
Published: June 2012

ScopeWe previously demonstrated that 6‐shogaol and 6‐gingerol, two active compounds in ginger (Zingiber officinale), possess antiinvasive activity against highly metastatic hepatoma cells. The aims of this study were to evaluate the inhibitory effect and molecular mechanism underlying the transcription and translation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) in Hep3B cells as well as the antiangiogenic activity of 6‐gingerol and 6‐shogaol.Methods and resultsBy gelatin zymography and luciferase reporter gene assays, we found that 6‐gingerol and 6‐shogaol regulate MMP‐2/‐9 transcription. Moreover, 6‐gingerol directly decreased expression of uPA, but the 6‐shogaol‐mediated decrease in uPA was accompanied by up‐regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)‐1. 6‐Gingerol and 6‐shogaol concentrations of ≥10 μM and ≥2.5 μM, respectively, significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K/Akt signaling, the activation of NF‐κB, and the translocation of NF‐κB and STAT3. Incubation of 6‐gingerol or 6‐shogaol with human umbilical vein endothelial cells or rat aortas significantly attenuated tube formation.Conclusion6‐Shogaol and 6‐gingerol effectively inhibit invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma through diverse molecular mechanisms, including inhibition of the MAPK and PI3k/Akt pathways and NF‐κB and STAT3 activities to suppress expression of MMP‐2/‐9 and uPA and block angiogenesis.
Future Expectations and Worst‐Case Future Scenarios of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Buitinga Laurien , Braakman‐Jansen Louise M. A. , Taal Erik , van de Laar Mart A. F. J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveOver the past 15 years, developments in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have resulted in better clinical outcomes. The aim of the present study was to explore how patients think their RA will influence their lives in the future, and which of these future expectations would be the worst for them to experience.MethodsA focus group study was performed in 16 RA patients. Three groups were heterogeneously composed, based on age group (18–40, 40–65, 65–80), gender and having a paid job or not. Patients were asked about the expected future impact of RA and worst‐case future scenarios. Transcripts were coded by three researchers under the main components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The codes were discussed until agreement was reached about all codes.ResultsDependency on others, increasing dependency on medication, inability to walk, activity limitations and worsening fatigue were mentioned as worst‐case future scenarios. Further concerns were raised about the acceptance of RA and possible disappearance of physicians' expertise. Nevertheless, hope and positive feelings were expressed toward continuous medication improvements.ConclusionThe present study provided insight into RA patients' future expectations and worst‐case future scenarios. The results may be of help in the development of support interventions to put concerns and worst‐case future scenarios into a realistic perspective. Furthermore, insight into patients' worst‐case future scenarios could be used to improve the validity and responsiveness of the Time Trade‐Off, an instrument to measure preference‐based health‐related quality of life. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deformation analysis of tunnel excavation below existing pipelines in multi‐layered soils based on displacement controlled coupling numerical method
Authors: Zhang Zhiguo , Huang Maosong , Zhang Mengxi 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARYThe effect of tunneling on surrounding environments, especially on existing buried pipelines is a problem that engineers designing and practicing in urban geotechnical environments encounter more frequently than in the past. However, previous studies are usually based on the assumption that the soil is homogeneous. How to reflect soil stratification is the main focus for the problem of tunneling in multi‐layered soils. A displacement controlled coupling numerical method is presented for the displacement analysis of tunnel excavation below existing pipelines in multi‐layered soils. On the basis of the layered soil model, to consider the soil nonhomogeneous characteristic, the finite element method and boundary element method are coupled to simulate the deformation of existing pipelines induced by tunneling. The solutions indicate that good agreements are obtained between the proposed coupling numerical method and the commercial software. The accuracy of the proposed numerical method is better than the two stages method based on the existing closed‐form solutions. Moreover, the results discussed in this paper show that the error obtained by the previous method of weighted average on the basis of homogeneous half space converted from layered soils is not negligible for the obvious difference of elastic parameters among successive layers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combination preconditioning of saddle point systems for positive definiteness
Authors: Pestana J. , Wathen A. J. 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARYAmongst recent contributions to preconditioning methods for saddle point systems, standard iterative methods in nonstandard inner products have been usefully employed. Krzyżanowski (Numerical Linear Algebra with Applications2011;18:123–140) identified a two‐parameter family of preconditioners in this context and Stoll and Wathen (SIAM Journal on Matrix Analysis and Applications2008;30:582–608) introduced combination preconditioning, where two preconditioners, self‐adjoint with respect to different inner products, can lead to further preconditioners and associated bilinear forms or inner products. Preconditioners that render the preconditioned saddle point matrix nonsymmetric but self‐adjoint with respect to a nonstandard inner product always allow a MINRES‐type method (‐PMINRES) to be applied in the relevant inner product. If the preconditioned matrix is also positive definite with respect to the inner product, a more efficient CG‐like method (‐PCG) can be reliably used. We establish eigenvalue expressions for Krzyżanowski preconditioners and show that for a specific choice of parameters, although the Krzyżanowski preconditioned saddle point matrix is self‐adjoint with respect to an inner product, it is never positive definite. We provide explicit expressions for the combination of certain preconditioners and prove the rather counterintuitive result that the combination of two specific preconditioners for which only‐PMINRES can be reliably used leads to a preconditioner for which, for certain parameter choices,‐PCG is reliably applicable. That is, combining two indefinite preconditioners can lead to a positive definite preconditioner. This combination preconditioner outperforms either of the two preconditioners from which it is formed for a number of test problems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust local polynomial collocation method
Authors: Wu Nan‐Jing , Tsay Ting‐Kuei 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARYIn this paper, a robust local polynomial collocation method is presented. Based on collocation, this method is rather simple and straightforward. The present method is developed in a way that the governing equation is satisfied on boundaries as well as boundary conditions. This requirement makes the present method more accurate and robust than conventional collocation methods, especially in estimating the partial derivatives of the solution near the boundary. Studies about the sensitivity of the shape parameter and the local supporting range in the moving least square approach and the convergence of the nodal resolution are carried out by using some benchmark problems. This method is further verified by applying it to a steady‐state convection–diffusion problem. Finally, the present method is applied to calculate the velocity fields of two potential flow problems. More accurate numerical results are obtained.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DIFFERENCES IN LEARNING PRACTICES AND VALUES IN NORTH–SOUTH CITY PARTNERSHIPS: TOWARDS A BROADER UNDERSTANDING OF MUTUALITY
Authors: Bontenbal Marike C. 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARYThis article addresses twinning between local governments in North and South, contributing to the past decade's discourse on institutional twinning in this journal. Local governments have increasingly become recognised as relevant actors in international development cooperation through city‐to‐city cooperation structures, which have been praised as an effective mechanism for local government capacity building. This article discusses the learning practices and the extent to which new knowledge is valued and adopted by twinning participants in both North and South and moreover whether learning benefits are mutual. In a study of three partnerships between Dutch municipalities and partner cities in Peru, South Africa and Nicaragua, 36 participants were interviewed. The findings reveal that learning in city‐to‐city partnerships is not mutual between North and South and that the benefits of ‘shared learning’—a rhetoric commonly used in the twinning discourse—are limited. Instead, other opportunities for mutuality arise for Northern municipalities from political and strategic benefits, such as staff loyalty and motivation. Mutuality in twinning hence deserves a broader interpretation than learning alone so that twinning benefits can be identified and maximised for both North and South, keeping cities interested and motivated. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring of Rosmarinic Acid Accumulation in Sage Cell Cultures using Laccase Biosensor
Authors: Eremia Sandra A. V. , Radu Gabriel‐Lucian , Litescu Simona‐Carmen 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTIntroductionA recently developed laccase based biosensor is used for polyphenols determination from in vitro Salvia cultures, the results being expressed as rosmarinic acid equivalent content.ObjectiveThe aim of this work was to use a previously developed laccase biosensor for the determination of total phenolic content from in vitro cultivated Salvia, and to support the biosensors further application for the assessment of polyphenols metabolites.MethodologyThe biosensor was constructed by drop casting 3 μL of laccase solution and stabilisation with 0.1 % Nafion solution onto a DropSens carbon screen‐printed electrode. Electrochemical measurements were carried out in a 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer (pH 4.50), the applied working potential being −30 mV versus reference electrode.ResultsThe response of the biosensor developed was characterised in terms of repeatability, accuracy and precision; the limit of detection was 7.5 × 10−7 mol/L, the limit of determination was 9.5 × 10−7 mol/L, and linear response range for rosmarinic acid was 1 × 10−6–10−5 mol/L.ConclusionA stable, sensitive and simple biosensor based on laccase–nafion was used for monitoring the total polyphenolic content from two in vitro cultivated plants. The biosensor response was free of electrochemical interferences and of possible interferences from growth media constituents, demonstrating a high sensitivity for rosmarinic acid determination in cell culture suspensions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference values for fetal penile length and width from 22 to 36 gestational weeks
Authors: Danon David , Ben‐Shitrit Gadi , Bardin Ron , Machiach Reuven , Vardimon David , Meizner Israel 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveCurrent reference range values for fetal penile growth are based on length measurements. However, methodologies for measuring penile length differ among studies and from the standard technique used in children. We propose that the measurement of penile width may aid in its evaluation. The aim of the study was to create normograms for penile length and width.MethodsA prospective cross‐sectional design was used. One hundred male fetuses at 22 to 36 gestational weeks were included. On ultrasound examination, penile length was measured from tip to base, where the penis joins the scrotum. Penile width was measured at the widest point across the penis. Reference values for the 5th and 95th percentiles were calculated for each gestational week.ResultsThere was a good correlation between gestational age and penile length (R2 = 0.606) and width (R2 = 0.683). The percentile of fetal weight estimation independently affected penile length and width. The interobserver correlation coefficient was 0.939 for length and 0.909 for width.ConclusionReference range values of fetal penile length and width are presented for 22 to 36 weeks of gestation. These values correlate to gestational age and estimated fetal weight percentile. These reference range measurements may help the evaluation of suspected micropenis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrathin and micro‐sized solar cell performance optimization via simulations
Authors: Cruz‐Campa Jose L. , Nielson Gregory N. , Resnick Paul J. , Okandan Murat , Young Ralph , Zubia David , Gupta Vipin 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTBack‐contacted, ultrathin (<10 µm), and submillimeter‐sized solar cells made with microsystem tools are a new type of cell that has not been optimized for performance. The literature reports efficiencies up to 15% using thicknesses of 14 µm and cell sizes of 250 µm. In this paper, we present the design, conditions, and fabrication parameters necessary to optimize these devices. The optimization was performed using commercial simulation tools from the microsystems arena. A systematic variation of the different parameters that influence the performance of the cell was accomplished. The researched parameters were resistance, Shockley–Read–Hall (SRH) lifetime, contact separation, implant characteristics (size, dosage, energy, and ratio between the species), contact size, substrate thickness, surface recombination, and light concentration. The performance of the cell was measured with efficiency, open‐circuit voltage, and short‐circuit current. Among all the parameters investigated, surface recombination and SRH lifetime proved to be the most important. Through completing the simulations, an optimized concept solar cell design was introduced for two scenarios: high and low quality materials/passivation. Simulated efficiencies up to 23.4% (1 sun) and 26.7% (100 suns) were attained for 20‐µm‐thick devices. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Realization of high performance large area Z‐series‐interconnected opaque dye solar cell modules
Authors: Giordano Fabrizio , Guidobaldi Andrea , Petrolati Eleonora , Vesce Luigi , Riccitelli Riccardo , Reale Andrea , Brown Thomas M. , Di Carlo Aldo 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTWe have designed and fabricated dye solar cell (DSC) modules with optimized geometries and processes. Integrated interconnections were made following the “Z” architecture for series connections. Several modules were prepared varying the materials, multilayer combination of the TiO2 active layers, and the fabrication processes. With the best combination of TiO2 multilayers, titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) treatment, a back reflector/diffusor, and optimized layout of cells via simulations, we fabricated a DSC module with a conversion efficiency of 6.9% on 43 cm2 aperture area and 9.4% on active area. This result confirms that an effective scale‐up of high performance Z‐series‐connected DSC modules can be achieved comparable with other thin film technology. Note that the materials used to produce the devices of this work are all commercially available: an important result for a technology that is being developed for industrial application. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced electrochemical response of solution‐deposited n‐doping polymer via cocasting with ionic liquid
Authors: Irvin David J. , Stenger‐Smith John D. , Yandek Gregory R. , Carberry Jamie R. , Currie Daniel A. , Theodoropoulou Nikoleta , Irvin Jennifer A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA novel cocasting approach is presented for improving electroactivity of solution‐cast films of conducting polymers. Solutions of the n‐doping polymer poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline) (BBL) were co‐deposited with the ionic liquid electrolyte 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIBTI). The resultant co‐continuous mixture yielded highly porous polymer films (CC‐BBL) upon removal of solvent and EMIBTI. Electrochemical quartz crystal microgravimetry revealed that the n‐doping process in neat ionic liquid is anion‐dominant, which is contrary to what is observed in dilute electrolyte solutions. The CC‐BBL films exhibit a thirty‐fold increase in initial current response and capacity relative to non‐cocast BBL films. While current response and capacity of the non‐cocast BBL improve with cycling, they level out after 800 cycles at 35% of those of the CC‐BBL. CC‐BBL shows high n‐doping stability; no decrease in electroactivity is seen after 1000 cycles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Matrix‐polymer‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a highly efficient toughening agent for matrix polymers
Authors: Chang Chia‐Ming , Hsu Keh‐Ying , Liu Ying‐Ling 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMatrix‐polymer‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are demonstrated as a highly efficient toughening agent for matrix polymers. With poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as the matrix polymer, the PVDF/MWCNT‐PVDF nanocomposite films show high toughness. With a small load amount of MWCNT‐PVDF (0.07 wt %), the nanocomposite film shows a yield point and a constant‐stress extension region in stress–strain tests, compared with the typical low‐extensibility feature of neat PVDF film. The PVDF/MWCNT‐PVDF‐0.7 film exhibits a 180‐fold increase of toughness and about 38‐fold increase in strain at break compared with neat PVDF film. This toughening effect is attributed to (a) homogeneous dispersion of MWCNT‐PVDF in PVDF, (b) the high efficiency of load‐transfer across MWCNT/PVDF interface, and (c) the long length of the MWCNTs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Effects of self‐directed stress management training and home‐based exercise on quality of life in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jacobsen Paul B. , Phillips Kristin M. , Jim Heather S. L. , Small Brent J. , Faul Leigh Anne , Meade Cathy D. , Thompson Lora , Williams Charles C. , Loftus Loretta S. , Fishman Mayer , Wilson Rick W. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundResearch has shown that self‐directed stress management training improves mental well‐being in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The present study extends this work by evaluating separate and combined effects of stress management training and home‐based exercise.MethodFollowing assessment of mental and physical well‐being, depression, anxiety, exercise, and stress reduction activity before chemotherapy started, patients were randomized to stress management training (SM), exercise (EX), combined stress management and exercise (SMEX), or usual care only (UCO). Outcomes were reassessed 6 and 12 weeks after chemotherapy started. Significance testing of group‐by‐time interactions in 286 patients who completed all assessments was used to evaluate intervention efficacy.ResultsInteraction effects for mental and physical well‐being scores were not significant. Depression scores yielded a linear interaction comparing UCO and SMEX (p = 0.019), with decreases in SMEX but not UCO. Anxiety scores yielded a quadratic interaction comparing UCO and SMEX (p = 0.049), with trends for changes in SMEX but not UCO. Additional analyses yielded quadratic interactions for exercise activity comparing UCO and SMEX (p = 0.022), with positive changes in SMEX but not UCO, and for stress management activity comparing UCO and SM (p < 0.001) and UCO and SMEX (p = 0.013), with positive changes in SM and SMEX but not UCO.ConclusionOnly the combined intervention yielded effects on quality of life outcomes, and these were limited to anxiety and depression. These findings are consistent with evidence that only the combined intervention yielded increases in both exercise and stress management activity. Future research should investigate ways to augment this intervention to enhance its benefits. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marker‐free, tissue‐specific expression of Cry1Ab as a safe transgenic strategy for insect resistance in rice plants
Authors: Qi Yongbin , Chen Lei , He Xiuling , Jin Qingsheng , Zhang Xiaoming , He Zuhua 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Rice is the major food resource for nearly half of the global population; however, insect infestation could severely affect the production of this staple food. To improve rice insect resistance and reduce the levels of Bt toxin released into the environment, the Cry1Ab gene was conjugated to the rice rbcS promoter to express Bt toxin in specific tissues of transgenic plants.RESULTS: Eight marker‐free, T2 lines were separated from the T0 cotransformants. Using RT‐PCR, high levels of Cry1Ab expression were detected in the leaf but not in the seed. The Cry1Ab protein level ranged from 1.66 to 3.31 µg g−1 in the leaves of four transgenic lines, but was barely detectable in their seeds by ELISA. Bioassays showed that the mortality rate of silkworm larvae feeding on mulberry leaves dipped in transgenic rice flour and pollen was less than that of the positive control (KMD), and that their average weight was higher than that of KMD, suggesting that the Cry1Ab protein was not expressed in the seed and pollen.CONCLUSION: The transgene conferred a high level of resistance to insects and biosafety to the rice plants, which could be directly used in rice breeding. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry