bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oleanolic acid is a selective farnesoid X receptor modulator
Authors: Liu Wenming , Wong Chiwai 
Published: August 2009

AbstractOleanolic acid (OA) is an ingredient found in some Traditional Chinese Medicine remedies for treating liver ailments. Bile acid biosynthesis and catabolism are in part controlled in the liver by transcription factor farnesoid X receptor (FXR). It was hypothesized that OA may act through FXR to mediate some of its beneficial health effects. In this study, it was found that OA bound to the ligand binding domain (LBD) of FXR and blocked its ability to interact with coactivator SRC‐3. OA also dose‐dependently suppressed the activity of FXR‐LBD induced by its endogenous ligand chenodoxycholic acid (CDCA). Consistently, OA partially blocked the ability of CDCA to induce a FXR target gene bile salt export protein (BSEP). On the other hand, OA did not affect the expression of another FXR target gene organic solute transporter (OST‐β). Intriguingly, OA modestly enhanced the expression of a third FXR target gene short heterodimer partner (SHP). This evidence collectively suggested that OA acts as a gene selective modulator of FXR. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Green tea extract weakens the antibacterial effect of amoxicillin in methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infected mice
Authors: Peng Qing , Huang Yuanchun , Hou Bing , Hua Dexing , Yao Fen , Qian Yuanshu 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTea (Camellia sinensis) has been known for its modulation of resistance of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to β‐lactam antibiotics in vitro. This study aimed to confirm the in vitro effect of green tea extracts with β‐lactams and to determine whether green tea extracts can reduce the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amoxicillin in MRSA‐infected mice. The catechins in the test tea that account for the reduced resistance to β‐lactams were quantitatively determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The MICs of the ampicillin, cefazolin, amoxicillin, oxacillin, tea extract alone and tea extract in combination with β‐lactams were determined. Proportions of tea extracts and amoxicillin‐tea extract combinations were administered to groups of mice enterally. The in vitro experiment showed that the MICs of four β‐lactams were greatly decreased in the presence of 0.25% tea extract. However, in an in vivo experiment, amoxicillin in combination with 5% tea extract conferred a higher ED50 than that of antibiotic alone. Green tea extract, alone or in combination with amoxicillin, does not have protective benefits in MRSA‐infected mice. This study concluded that tea extract weakened the antibacterial effect of amoxicillin in MRSA infected mice. Tea drinking is not recommended in combination with amoxicillin treatment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genome wide expression analysis of the effect of Pinelliae Rhizoma extract on psychological stress
Authors: Kim Bu‐Yeo , Cho Su Jin , Kim Hyung‐Woo , Kim Su‐Youn , Lim Se‐Hyun , Kim Kyeong‐Ok , Choi Chang‐Won , Lim Chi‐Yeon , Byun Boo‐Hyeong , Cho Su‐In , Lee Guem‐San 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPinelliae Rhizoma has been used traditionally as an antidepressant in Oriental medicine. In this study, the effect of Pinelliae Rhizoma extract (PRe) on psychological stress was investigated in mice. The results of an elevated plus‐maze experiment revealed that application of psychological stress to mice led to the development of an abnormal behavioral pattern. However, oral administration of PRe significantly reduced the abnormal behavior of mice with a recovery rate of 75.5%. To elucidate the molecular mechanism by PRe, a microarray analysis of the brains of mice was conducted. The results of this analysis revealed that 456 genes were up‐regulated and 392 genes were down‐regulated in response to psychological stress. The expression of most of the genes that were altered in response to psychological stress was restored to normal levels in PRe treated mice, with a recovery rate of 81.5% and 85.2% being observed for up‐ and down‐regulated genes, respectively. Finally, when the interaction network information was analysed, the recovery rate of the core node genes (46 up‐ and 29 down‐regulated genes) in PRe treated mice was found to be over 95%, which indicates that this final set of genes may be the effective target of PRe. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of aerosols on intense convective precipitation in the northeastern United States
Authors: Ntelekos Alexandros A. , Smith James A. , Donner Leo , Fast Jerome D. , Gustafson William I. , Chapman Elaine G. , Krajewski Witold F. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA fully coupled meteorology‐chemistry‐aerosol mesoscale model (WRF‐Chem) is used to assess the effects of aerosols on intense convective precipitation over the northeastern United States. Numerical experiments are performed for three intense convective storm days and for two scenarios representing ‘typical’ and ‘low’ aerosol conditions. The results of the simulations suggest that increasing concentrations of aerosols can lead to either enhancement or suppression of precipitation. Quantification of the aerosol effect is sensitive to the metric used due to a shift of rainfall accumulation distribution when realistic aerosol concentrations are included in the simulations. Maximum rainfall accumulation amounts and areas with rainfall accumulations exceeding specified thresholds provide robust metrics of the aerosol effect on convective precipitation. Storms developing over areas with medium to low aerosol concentrations showed a suppression effect on rainfall independent of the meteorological environment. Storms developing in areas of relatively high particulate concentrations showed enhancement of rainfall when there were simultaneous high values of convective available potential energy, relative humidity and wind shear. In these cases, elevated aerosol concentrations resulted in stronger updraughts and downdraughts and more coherent organization of convection. For the extreme case, maximum rainfall accumulation differences exceeded 40 mm. The modelling results suggest that areas of the northeastern US urban corridor that are close to or downwind of intense sources of aerosols, could be more favourable for rainfall enhancement due to aerosols for the aerosol concentrations typical of this area. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
HIV‐1 vaccine clinical trials: the Brazilian experience
Authors: Ersching Jonatan , Pinto Aguinaldo R. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAlthough the development of an effective HIV‐1 vaccine has proved very challenging for more than two decades, it remains the best hope to control the HIV pandemic. Since Brazil has particular epidemiological features, as well as adequate policies and infrastructure, the country has been an interesting site for HIV vaccine trials. Since 1995, eight trials were performed in Brazil enrolling over 2000 subjects. Peptide vaccine candidates were initially designed to elicit neutralising antibodies as an attempt to provide sterilising immunity against HIV‐1. This strategy, however, has proved extremely difficult, and candidates were poorly immunogenic. Therefore, the next vaccine candidates focused mainly on the induction of cell mediated immune responses that would limit AIDS progression and transmission by suppressing viremia. Such candidates were naked DNA or viral vectors in either prophylactic or therapeutic approaches. Even though several candidates were immunogenic, protective immune responses against HIV‐1 remain to be achieved. However, several studies with non‐human primates and human elite controllers demonstrate that effective immune responses against HIV‐1 may be elicited, supporting the belief that an HIV‐1 vaccine is possible. Much has been learned, and now the development of an effective HIV‐1 vaccine requires resetting priorities with focus on basic research, considering the merits of neutralising antibodies and CMI, as well as the role of innate immunity on HIV‐1 protection. In this new perspective, large‐scale trials should be replaced by smaller preliminary efficacy studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cervical length and risk of antepartum bleeding in women with complete placenta previa
Authors: Ghi T. , Contro E. , Martina T. , Piva M. , Morandi R. , Orsini L. F. , Meriggiola M. C. , Pilu G. , Morselli‐Labate A. M. , De Aloysio D. , Rizzo N. , Pelusi G. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate if cervical length predicts prepartum bleeding and emergency Cesarean section in cases of placenta previa.MethodsBetween September 2005 and September 2007, cervical length was measured by transvaginal ultrasound in women with complete placenta previa persisting into the third trimester of pregnancy. A complete follow‐up of pregnancy was obtained in all cases.ResultsOverall, 59 women were included in the study group. The mean ± SD gestational age at ultrasound was 30.7 ± 2.7 weeks and the cervical length was 36.9 ± 8.8 mm. Cesarean delivery was performed in all cases, at a mean gestational age of 34.7 ± 2.3 weeks. Twenty‐nine (49.1%) of the women presented prepartum bleeding and 12 (20.3%) required an emergency Cesarean section prior to 34 completed weeks due to massive hemorrhage. Cervical length did not differ significantly between cases with and those without prepartum bleeding (35.3 ± 9.3 mm vs. 38.4 ± 8.2 mm; P = 0.18), but was significantly shorter among patients who underwent emergency Cesarean section < 34 weeks due to massive hemorrhage compared with patients who underwent elective Cesarean section (29.4 ± 5.7 mm vs. 38.8 ± 8.5 mm; P = 0.0006).ConclusionsTransvaginal sonographic cervical length predicts the risk of emergency Cesarean section < 34 weeks in women with complete placenta previa. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatisierte Plasmatechnologie für die Wirkstoffentwicklung
Authors: Thurow Kerstin , Hähnel Marcel , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter 
Published: August 2009

AbstractDie schnelle und kostengünstige Entwicklung neuer Wirkstoffe und Materialien erfordert einen hohen Grad an Automatisierung. Als Testverfahren zur Bestimmung der biologischen Aktivität werden neben biochemischen Assays vor allem auch zellbasierte Testverfahren wie Proliferations‐, Apoptose‐oder Zytotoxizitätsassays eingesetzt. Der Einsatz von Zellen erfordert in der Regel sterile Bedingungen, deren Einhaltung mit hohen investiven und Betriebskosten verbunden ist. Der Einsatz von Plasmen für die Sterilisation unterschiedlichster Oberflächen ist aus zahlreichen Untersuchungen bekannt. Für die Sterilisation von Mikrotiterplatten wurden geeignete Plasmaquellen entwickelt, die parallelisiert die automatisierte Sterilisation der Platten in hochkomplexen roboterbasierten Screeningsystemen ermöglichen. Die Testung des Systems erfolgt an unterschiedlichen Zelllinien und Assays.
Technisch‐wirtschaftlicher Review der Herstellung tetraedrisch‐amorpher Kohlenstoffschichten durch Lichtbogenverdampfen
Authors: Hetzner Harald , Tremmel Stephan , Meerkamm Harald 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWegen der hohen Energie der schichtbildenden Teilchen eignet sich Vakuumlichtbogenverdampfen zur Erzeugung tetraedrisch‐amorpher Kohlenstoffschichten (ta‐C). Da das Verfahren zudem hohe Abscheideraten erlaubt, erscheint es zunächst ideal, um ta‐C auch in der industriellen Großserie herzustellen. Jedoch entstehen beim Verdampfungsprozess unweigerlich sog. Makropartikel, die auf den zu beschichtenden Bauteilen ebenfalls abgeschieden werden und die Schichteigenschaften erheblich verschlechtern. Es sind daher Maßnahmen erforderlich, die der Entstehung und/oder Abscheidung der Partikel entgegenwirken. Der folgende Artikel soll einen Überblick über mögliche Maßnahmen geben und diese mit Blick auf den Einsatz in der industriellen Großserienfertigung einer technisch‐wirtschaftlichen Bewertung unterziehen.
Magnetron sputter‐deposition on atom layer scale
Authors: Scherer Michael 
Published: August 2009

AbstractFor many applications there is an increasing request to control the deposition process on an atom layer scale. This offers a lot of advantages like in accuracy, layer homogeneity and tailoring of layer properties. On the other hand the speed and throughput of the process should not suffer from the control on an atom layer scale as it is the case for classical atom layer deposition (ALD). For optical applications especially high‐end interference filter coatings we developed a plasma assisted reactive magnetron sputtering process in combination with a high speed drive for the substrates. This combination allows controlling the layer thicknesses and layer properties on an atom layer scale while maintaining a high deposition rate. The advantages of this process are demonstrated on single layer results of SiO2, HfO2, ZrO2, Ta2O5 and mixed oxides of SiO2‐Nb2O5. Morphology, surface roughness, film stress, refractive index and losses are controlled by the oxygen partial pressure, the substrate temperature, the energy input by the sputtering ‐and assist process and by cosputtering. The outstanding performance of high‐end interference filter coatings like a multi notch filter for fluorescence microscopy is achieved by the very stable and reproducible deposition process in combination with an advanced thickness control strategy based on in‐situ optical thickness control and time control.
Single element mapping in radiography
Authors: Austin James C. , Day Charles R. , Kearon Anthony T. , Haycock Peter W. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis article reports on the application of element‐specific mapping using the Bremsstrahlung of a commercial broad spectrum X‐ray source to map lighter elements (zirconium to tin) and heavier elements (tantalum to bismuth) individually within an image field. Grey level or image brightness has been obtained as a function of acceleration potential over a range of 15–75 kV for lighter elements and 55–150 kV for heavier elements at 1 kV intervals. Tikhonov regularisation was applied to the experimental grey level functions, using a model of the spectrum, to enhance spectral features associated with elemental K‐edges. These features were then used to test for a specific element at all points within an X‐ray image in order to map its presence over the whole image field. Hence it has been shown that it is possible to map specific target elements within an image, provided the grey level function over an appropriate energy range is known at all points. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of femur fractures in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Leet Arabella I. , Shirley Eric D. , Barker Chris , Launay Franck , Sponseller Paul D. 
Published: August 2009

Purpose Children with cerebral palsy may have low bone density stemming from various etiologies and are, thereby, at risk for fractures. The treatment of femur fractures in children with cerebral palsy may need to be tailored to address the management of spastic muscle tone and multiple medical co-morbidities. Methods Our study is a retrospective review that evaluates the treatment of 47 femur fractures in children with cerebral palsy in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. Results Thirty-two fractures in non-ambulators were treated non-operatively, 11 of which resulted in malunions and five developed pressure sores. Six fractures in non-ambulators were treated operatively, one of which resulted in a malunion. In ambulators, five fractures were treated non-operatively; one of these fractures lost reduction after 2 weeks and required surgical intervention. One of four fractures in ambulators treated operatively developed a malunion. Conclusion Our study results suggest that femur fractures in children with cerebral palsy can be treated non-operatively; however, because of the high risk of malunion in this patient population, fracture alignment needs to be followed closely during healing. Careful attention during casting is necessary to prevent pressure sores. Strong consideration should be given to initial operative treatment in ambulatory patients in order to preserve function.
Diagnosis and treatment methods for recurrent miscarriage cases
Authors: Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi , Ozaki Yasuhiko , Kitaori Tamao 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRecurrent miscarriage is classically defined as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses. Established causes of recurrent miscarriage are antiphospholipid antibodies, uterine anomalies and abnormal chromosomes in either partner, particularly translocations. Embryonic aneuploidy is the most important cause of miscarriage before 10 weeks’ gestation. It can be speculated that about 51% of patients with a history of three miscarriages experienced these because of abnormal embryonic karyotypes. It is not necessary to give any medication for such cases caused by an abnormal embryonic karyotype. Psychological tender loving care might be the most important requirement to continue conceiving till live birth results.
The primary plan of the Battersea Shield
Authors: Stevick Robert D 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe decorative motifs of palmettes and interlocking S-patterns on the Battersea Shield have a clear place in a well-understood tradition of Celtic art, while the plan of the shield – its schema – has not had such a place. Its essential form is a deliberately constructed configuration crafted specifically by a constructional geometry, within a tradition which persisted and later pervaded Insular art.
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: benefits of contrast computed tomography imaging
Authors: Hoskison E , Judd O , Dickinson E , Vaidhyanath R , Pau H 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective:We report a case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum presenting with chest and anterior neck pain.Method:The clinical findings, differential diagnosis and selection of radiological investigations are discussed.Results:Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon condition usually presenting in young patients. Presentation to the otolaryngology department occurs due to the presence of symptoms such as neck pain. Differential diagnoses must be considered and excluded, using the clinical features and the results of radiological investigation. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, conservative management is undertaken.Conclusion:Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is uncommon and the clinical features are variable. The recommended investigation is a computed tomography scan with orally administered, water soluble contrast to exclude important differential diagnoses and thus enable definitive diagnosis.
Treatment results for ethmoid sinus carcinoma
Authors: Gras-Cabrerizo J R , Montserrat-Gili J R , León-Vintró X , Massegur-Solench H , de Vega J M , Virós-Porcuna D 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective:The aim of this study was to describe the results of treatment in patients with ethmoid sinus carcinoma.Materials and method:We performed a retrospective study of 34 patients with carcinoma of the ethmoid sinus, and collected the following data: age, sex, employment, tobacco and alcohol consumption, tumour-node-metastasis stage, treatment, and survival.Results:The mean patient age was 64 years. Seventy-six per cent of patients were men and 24 per cent women. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent histological tumour type (44 per cent). Eleven patients were classified as T2, six as T3, six as T4a and 11 as T4b. Two patients (6 per cent) had nodal metastasis at the time of diagnosis. The anterior skull base was involved in 17 patients (50 per cent) and the anterior orbital contents were affected in seven patients (21 per cent). The five-year actuarial observed survival rate for all patients was 44 per cent.Conclusions:Combined treatment with surgery and post-operative radiotherapy permitted good local control in patients with ethmoid sinus carcinoma. We do not recommend prophylactic neck treatment for ethmoid sinus carcinoma.
Intracranial hypertension secondary to sigmoid sinus compression by group A streptococcal epidural abscess
Authors: Ludemann J P , Poskitt K , Singhal A 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective:We present an extremely rare case of severe intracranial hypertension secondary to sigmoid sinus compression by a group A streptococcal epidural abscess.Method:Case report and review of the world literature.Results:A five-year-old boy was treated for acute otitis media and group A streptococcal bacteraemia, but subsequently developed severe intracranial hypertension. Computed tomography revealed that, although the sigmoid sinuses were not thrombosed, the patient had a dominant right sigmoid sinus that was almost completely compressed by a small epidural abscess. After surgical decompression of the epidural abscess, with aggressive debridement of the granulation tissue from the sigmoid sinus wall, the patient awoke from general anaesthesia with complete resolution of his symptoms and signs of intracranial hypertension. He suffered no sequelae over the subsequent six months' follow up.Conclusion:This is the first reported case of intracranial hypertension due to an epidural abscess causing sigmoid sinus compression without thrombosis. This case illustrates the fact that, even in the absence of thrombosis of the sigmoid sinus, a small epidural abscess may require urgent surgical treatment.
Juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the effluent discharge channel of a steel plant, Espírito Santo, Brazil, 2000–2006
Authors: Torezani Evelise , Baptistotte Cecília , Mendes Sérgio L. , Barata Paulo C.R. 
Published: August 2009

This study, carried out from August 2000 to July 2006, began out of the recognition of a special ecological situation, when an aggregation of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) was found inside the effluent discharge channel of a steel plant located near Vitória, the State of Espírito Santo capital, eastern Brazil. The green turtles were captured through either cast nets or a set net or by hand (one turtle was captured alive on one of the channel banks); after data collection, they were released back into the discharge channel. Information is here reported on the temporal pattern of occurrence, size-classes, residency, presence of tumours and growth rates of tumoured and non-tumoured green turtles in the study area. A total of 640 individual green turtles were captured in the six years; 448 of them were captured just once, and 192 were captured two or more times. Curved carapace length ranged between 25.2 and 77.5 cm. Among the captured green turtles, 59.1% were classified as being in normal body condition and without any tumours, 6.6% were either underweight or emaciated but without any tumours, and 34.4% had tumours, with different levels of the tumour severity score.
The malaria merozoite, forty years on
Authors: BANNISTER L. H. , MITCHELL G. H. 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYThe invasive blood stage of malaria parasites, merozoites, are complex entities specialized for the capture and entry of red blood cells. Their potential for vaccination and other anti-malaria strategies have attracted much research attention over the last 40 years, and there is now a considerable body of data relating to their biology. In this article some of the major advances over this period and remaining challenges are reviewed.
Strong bounded operators for ergodic averages and Lebesgue derivatives
Authors: LIU CHAOYUAN 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe goal of this article is to give a new proof of there being strong type (p,p) bounds, for anypwith 1>p>∞, for the class of square functions, oscillation operators and variation operators that arise when considering multiparameter differentiation and multiparameter ergodic averages. The method of proof is to first show that there is a strong estimate fromL∞toBMOfor these operators in the case of multiparameter differentiation; then, by using known weak (1, 1) estimates and interpolation, one obtains strong bounds for these operators in the case of multiparameter differentiation. It follows from applying the Calderón transfer principle that these operators are of strong type (p,p), for all 1>p>∞, for the corresponding multiparameter ergodic averages.