bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of the effect of organic clay on the shear‐induced crystallization of high‐density polyethylene through dynamic‐packing injection molding
Authors: Deng Cong , Gao Xueqin , Chen Zhanchun , Xue Shan , Shen Kaizhi 
Published: July 2010

AbstractOrganic nanoparticles as heterogeneous nucleators have a great effect on the crystallization of polymer matrices in nanocomposite systems, and the effect will be enhanced under shear flow. A home‐made dynamic‐packing injection molding (DPIM) device was developed to explore the effect of organic clay on the shear‐induced crystallization of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the flow‐induced crystalline structure of HDPE/clay nanocomposite injection moldings. It was found that higher crystallinity and thicker crystal planes which contribute to the improvement of mechanical properties were achieved in HDPE/clay nanocomposite samples prepared by DPIM. DSC results clearly showed that an increase of about 16% in crystallinity was achieved in dynamic HDPE/clay nanocomposite samples compared with traditional unfilled HDPE samples. WAXD confirmed that dynamic HDPE/clay nanocomposite samples had maximum crystal sizes at the (110) and (200) planes of 335 and 305 Å, respectively. SEM images indicated that the arrangement of crystalline structures in dynamic HDPE/clay samples was altered slightly compared with unfilled HDPE samples prepared using the same processing parameters. The results showed that organic clay was beneficial for increasing crystallinity and crystal size in the HDPE/clay nanocomposite system under shear flow. Meanwhile the arrangement of crystalline structures was insignificantly affected by the organic clay, and the preferred regular arrangement of lamellae could still be formed in the dynamic HDPE/clay nanocomposite system. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Community‐acquired Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia among hospitalized children in Hawaii
Authors: Len Kyra A. , Bergert Lora , Patel Shilpa , Melish Marian , Kimata Chieko , Erdem Guliz 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundInvasive community acquired (CA) Staphylococcus aureus (SA) disease has been endemically observed in Hawaiian children. We wanted to evaluate the clinical, laboratory findings, and outcomes of methicillin‐resistant SA (MRSA) and methicillin‐susceptible SA (MSSA) associated pneumonia admissions.MethodsWe performed retrospective chart reviews of 38 culture proven SA pneumonia patients admitted to a pediatric tertiary medical center in Hawaii between January 1996 to December 2007.ResultsTwenty‐six patients (68%) had MRSA and 12 patients (32%) had MSSA infection. The mean age of MRSA patients was 2.8 and 6.7 years for MSSA patients (P < 0.05). Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian patients were affected disproportionately compared to non‐Pacific Islander and Hawaiian groups (P < 0.0001). Demographic data, days of fever, tachypnea, hypoxia, and length of stay (LOS) were not significantly different between MRSA and MSSA infected patients. The mean LOS was 26.2 days (range 6–138 days); mean length of fever was 12.4 days. Seventy five percent (15 of 20) of patients who required intubation had MRSA. Twenty‐one of the 29 (72%) total patients with pleural effusions had MRSA infection and all required chest tube placements. Two (5%) patients died; both had MRSA infection.ConclusionsYounger Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian children were affected disproportionately and had MRSA infection more frequently. MRSA infected patients appeared to have severe disease with frequent chest tube placement, intubation, and fatality. Overall, both MRSA and MSSA pneumonia resulted in prolonged hospitalization, multiple complications, and significant healthcare costs. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2010; 45:898–905. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling substrate binding in Thermus thermophilus isopropylmalate dehydrogenase
Authors: Zhang Tao , Koshland Daniel E. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe Thermus thermophilus 3‐isopropylmalate dehydrogenase (IPMDH) and Escherichia coli isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) are two functionally and evolutionarily related enzymes with distinct substrate specificities. To understand the determinants of substrate specificities of the two proteins, the substrate and coenzyme in IPMDH were docked into their respective binding sites based on the published structure for apo IPMDH and its sequence and structural homology to ICDH. This modeling study suggests that (1) the substrate and coenzyme (NAD) binding modes of IPMDH are significantly different from those of ICDH, (2) the interactions between the substrates and coenzymes help explain the differences in substrate specificities of IPMDH and ICDH, and (3) binding of the substrate and coenzyme should induce a conformational change in the structure of IPMDH.
Ethanol extracts of saw palmetto contain the indirectly acting sympathomimetic: Tyramine
Authors: Chua Thiam , Simpson Jamie S. , Ventura Sabatino 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDTo identify the bioactive components of saw palmetto ethanol extracts that affect contractility in the rat prostate gland.METHODSA commercially available saw palmetto ethanol extract was lyophilized then subjected to fractionation using silica gel column chromatography. Composition of fractions was assessed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). Contractile activity of these fractions was evaluated pharmacologically using isolated preparations of rat prostate gland and compared to the activity of crude ethanol extract.RESULTSSaw palmetto ethanol extract caused contractions of the rat prostate gland which were consistent with indirectly acting sympathomimetic activity. Fractions resulting from chromatography produced contractions of isolated rat prostates that were similar in magnitude to the contractions produced by the crude extracts. Analysis of NMR and mass spectra revealed that this bioactivity was due to tyramine in the active fraction.CONCLUSIONSTyramine is present in saw palmetto ethanol extracts and causes indirect α1‐adrenoceptor mediated contractions via the release of noradrenaline from sympathetic neurons. This has clinical implications, as tyramine interacts with MAO inhibitors to cause hypertensive crisis. Prostate 71: 71–80, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative analysis of lymph vessel characteristics in organ confined prostate cancer
Authors: van Niekerk Cornelis G. , Hulsbergen‐van de Kaa Christina A. , Barentsz Jelle O. , Witjes J. Alfred , van der Laak Jeroen A.W.M. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of lymphatic vasculature in normal and (peri)tumoral prostate tissue, applying accurate and objective quantification techniques based on digital image analysis.METHODSRadical prostatectomy specimens of 27 patients were selected containing organ confined peripheral zone tumors, which were restricted to one side of the prostate (pT2a). Lymph vessels were visualized by immunohistochemistry against D2‐40. Lymphatic vessel density, perimeter, and area were assessed over the entire tumor and corresponding contralateral normal tissue. Also, morphology (area, perimeter, and diameter) of individual lymph vessels were measured in (peri)tumoral and normal tissue.RESULTSNo differences were found in the overall lymph vasculature between tumor and normal peripheral zone. However, the area, perimeter, and diameter of individual lymph vessel profiles were significantly decreased in (peri)tumoral as compared to normal tissue. No differences were seen for these parameters between peritumoral and tumoral area. Comparing the coefficient of variation between compartments (normal, (peri)tumoral), no differences were observed for any parameter.CONCLUSIONSAlthough differences exist between the morphology of individual lymph vessels in tumor versus normal tissue, the overall vascular bed (number and summed area and perimeter of lymphatics per area unit tissue) is unaffected in tumor. Peritumoral lymphatics resemble lymphatics in tumor tissue rather than normal lymphatics. Prostate 71: 91–97, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual effects of [Tyr6]‐γ2‐MSH(6–12) on pain perception and in vivo hyperalgesic activity of its analogues
Authors: Wei Chunnan , Huang Wenmin , Xing Xiaoting , Dong Shouliang 
Published: July 2010

Abstract[Tyr6]‐γ2‐MSH(6–12) with a short effecting time of about 20 min is one of the most potent rMrgC receptor agonists. To possibly increase its potency and metabolic stability, a series of analogues were prepared by replacing the Tyr6 residue with the non‐canonical amino acids 3‐(1‐naphtyl)‐L‐alanine, 4‐fluoro‐L‐phenylalanine, 4‐methoxy‐L‐phenylalanine and 3‐nitro‐L‐tyrosine. Dose‐dependent nociceptive assays performed in conscious rats by intrathecal injection of the MSH peptides showed [Tyr6]‐γ2‐MSH(6–12) hyperalgesic effects at low doses (5–20 nmol) and analgesia at high doses (100–200 nmol). This analgesic activity is fully reversed by the kyotorphin receptor‐specific antagonist Leu–Arg. For the two analogues containing in position 6, 4‐fluoro‐L‐phenylalanine and 3‐nitro‐L‐tyrosine, a hyperalgesic activity was not observed, while the 3‐(1‐naphtyl)‐L‐alanine analogue at 10 nmol dose was found to induce hyperalgesia at a potency very similar to γ2‐MSH(6–12), but with longer duration of the effect. Finally, the 4‐methoxy‐L‐phenylalanine analogue (0.5 nmol) showed greatly improved hyperalgesic activity and prolonged effects compared to the parent [Tyr6]‐γ2‐MSH(6–12) compound. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptide–peptoid hybrids based on (1–11)‐parathyroid hormone analogs
Authors: Caporale A. , Schievano E. , Peggion E. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA series of peptide–peptoid hybrids, containing N‐substituted glycines, were synthesized based on the H‐Aib‐Val‐Aib‐Glu‐Ile‐Gln‐Leu‐Nle‐His‐Gln‐Har‐NH2 (Har = Homoarginine) as the parent parathyroid hormone (1–11) analog. The compounds were pharmacologically characterized in their agonistic activity at the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of a conducting hard ductile cubic IrC
Authors: Zhao Zhisheng , Xu Lifang , Wang Meng , Cui Lin , Wang Li‐Min , He Julong , Liu Zhongyuan , Tian Yongjun 
Published: July 2010

AbstractNine IrC structures were investigated using ab initio calculations based on the structures of known transition metal compounds. The calculations indicated that zinc blende structured IrC (ZB–IrC) is not only the most energetically stable, but also mechanically and dynamically stable at the ground state. Further studies showed that ZB–IrC is a conducting hard ductile material that is expected to be experimentally synthesized like cubic PtC and RuC. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Antihyperglycemic effects of baicalin on streptozotocin – nicotinamide induced diabetic rats
Authors: Li Huan‐Ting , Wu Xiao‐Dong , Davey Andrew K. , Wang Jiping 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the effects of baicalin on blood glucose, insulin and cytokine levels. Rat diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of nicotinamide and streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were dosed with i.p. baicalin or oral metformin daily for 8 days. Blood glucose, insulin and hepatic glycogen were determined using conventional methods. The activity of hepatic hexokinase was determined using a coupled assay with glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase. Serum levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and adiponectin were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Administration of baicalin at 50 or 100 mg/kg significantly decreased plasma glucose levels in a dose dependent manner. The serum insulin level was not increased by baicalin treatment. Administration of baicalin at a high dose (100 mg/kg) resulted in a significant increase of liver glycogen content and a reduction of serum TNF‐α. The activity of hepatic hexokinase was significantly increased after dosing baicalin at 25, 50 or 10 mg/kg. Administration of baicalin (50 or 10 mg/kg) or metformin (10 mg/kg) significantly alleviated the morphological injury to the pancreas caused by STZ. The possible mechanisms contributing to the hypoglycemic effect include increasing the hepatic glycogen content and glycolysis, and reducing the serum levels of TNF‐α. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of immunomodulatory triterpene acids from a standardized rose hip powder (Rosa canina L.)
Authors: Saaby Lasse , Jäger Anna Katharina , Moesby Lise , Hansen Erik Wind , Christensen Søren Brøgger 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA previously published systematic review and a metaanalysis have concluded that the consumption of standardized rose hip powder (Rosa canina L.) can reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients. Synovial inflammation has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and mainly to involve infiltration of the synovial membrane by macrophages. Therefore, the immunomodulatory effect of standardized rose hip powder of Rosa canina L. was investigated and active principles isolated using the Mono Mac 6 cell line as a model for human macrophages. Treatment of Mono Mac 6 cells with the residue of a crude dichloromethane extract of rose hip powder significantly and concentration dependently inhibited the lipopolysaccharide induced interleukin‐6 release. Through bioassay‐guided fractionation the immunomodulatory effect of the dichloromethane extract was correlated to a mixture of three triterpene acids; oleanolic acid, betulinic acid and ursolic acid (IC50 21 ± 6 µm). Further studies revealed that only oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, but not betulinic acid, could inhibit the lipopolysaccharide induced interleukin‐6 release from Mono Mac 6 cells when tested separately. Combination of either oleanolic acid or ursolic acid with betulinic acid enhanced the immunomodulatory effect of the two triterpene acids. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the wound healing potentials of two subspecies of Hypericum perforatum on cultured NIH3T3 fibroblasts
Authors: Dikmen Miriş , Öztürk Yusuf , Sagratini Gianni , Ricciutelli Massimo , Vittori Sauro , Maggi Filippo 
Published: July 2010

AbstractFor centuries, Hypericum perforatum has been used in folk medicine to treat wounds. In the present study, the wound healing activities of extracts of H. perforatum ssp. perforatum (HPP) and H. perforatum ssp. veronense (HPV) were evaluated by comparing with a titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) on NIH3T3 fibroblasts. The cells were incubated with the extracts. Using microscopical methods by staining cells, mitotic ability, morphological changes and collagen production in the fibroblasts were evaluated as parameters to approach possible wound repair mechanism(s). The wound healing activity caused an increase in the percentage of polygonal fibroblasts and in collagen granule numbers in fibroblasts of HPP and HPV. At 1 µg/mL, HPP caused a greater increase in mitotic cell numbers than HPV. The most increases in polygonal cell numbers were observed with HPV at 1 and 10 µg/mL. The number of collagen granules was increased with 1 µg/mL HPV being higher than HPP. As an indication of cytotoxic effects, round cells in response to HPV and HPP extracts, were found to be increased in concentrations higher than 10–50 µg/mL. The results indicated that the two subspecies of H. perforatum have different wound healing profiles as a result of the fibroblast migration and stimulation of collagen synthesis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultraviolet photodissociation of protonated pharmaceuticals in a pressurized linear quadrupole ion trap
Authors: Hao Changtong , Le Blanc J. C. Yves , Verkerk Udo H. , Siu K. W. Michael , Loboda Alexandre V. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractUltraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) was evaluated as a technique for generating ion fragmentation information that is alternative and/or complementary to the information obtained by collision‐induced dissociation (CID). Ions trapped in a pressurized linear ion trap were dissociated using a 355 nm or a 266 nm pulsed laser. Comparisons of UVPD and CID spectra using a set of aromatic chromophore‐containing compounds (desmethyl bosentan, haloperidol, nelfinavir) demonstrated distinct characteristic fragmentation patterns resulting from photodissociation. The wavelength of light and the pressure of the buffer gas in the UVPD cell are important parameters that control fragmentation pathways. The wavelength effect is related to the absorption cross section, location of the chromophore and the energy carried by one photon. Thus, UV irradiation wavelength affects fragmentation pathways as well as the fragmentation rate. The pressure effect can be explained by collisional quenching of ‘slow’ fragmentation pathways. We observed that higher pressure of the buffer gas during UVPD experiments highlights unique fragment ions by suppressing slow fragmentation pathways responsible for CID‐like fragmentation patterns. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid modeling and simulation for trustworthy software process management: a stakeholder‐oriented approach
Authors: Bai Xu , Huang LiGuo , Zhang He , Koolmanojwong Supannika 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYProcess Management Model (PMM) and Process Simulation Model (PSM) are the critical infrastructural components of the Trustworthy Process Management Framework (TPMF), which involves a large and heterogeneous group of stakeholders in process modeling and simulation to improve process trustworthiness. Process Modeling Stakeholders (PMS) have different levels of dependency on various process modeling and simulation techniques. They may also possess different perspectives or concerns in modeling. To support trustworthy process management, this paper integrates the stakeholder‐oriented approach and hybrid simulation technique into software process modeling at three levels of abstraction (i.e., activity, sub‐process and system). The hybrid process simulation combinesmicro‐leveldiscrete process models with themacro‐levelcontinuous process models to capture process dynamics. In particular, the stakeholder‐oriented approach addresses the various perspectives of PMS during process modeling and simulation. Finally, a case study with a realistic process model demonstrates that this approach incrementally integrates stakeholders' modeling concerns through hybrid simulation, which is difficult to achieve using discrete or continuous modeling/simulation techniques independently. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic capability for trustworthy software development
Authors: Cao Lan 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYSoftware development organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for flexibility in almost every project they execute. At the same time, development teams are under ever‐increasing pressure to deliver software products in shorter cycles and with higher levels of quality. The current software development projects face conflicting demands: improving process predictability to deliver trustworthy software products, and improving process flexibility to adapt to the dynamic context. Although the importance of process tailoring is well recognized, the current literature and industry standards fail to provide theoretically and empirically grounded guidelines on how to tailor the development process to suit the needs of developing trustworthy software in the current dynamic environment. This paper examines how software development teams achieve dynamic capabilities to pursue conflicting demands on trustworthiness and flexibility through a case study of a large military software development project. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mangiferin, a dietary xanthone protects against mercury‐induced toxicity in HepG2 cells
Authors: Agarwala Sobhika , B. Nageshwar Rao , Mudholkar Kaivalya , Bhuwania Ridhirama , Satish Rao B. S. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMercury is one of the noxious heavy metal environmental toxicants and is a cause of concern for human exposure. Mangiferin (MGN), a glucosylxanthone found inMangifera indica, reported to have a wide range of pharmacological properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytoprotective potential of MGN, against mercury chloride (HgCl2) induced toxicity in HepG2 cell line. The cytoprotective effect of MGN on HgCl2induced toxicity was assessed by colony formation assay, while antiapoptotic effect by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometric DNA analysis, and DNA fragmentation pattern assays. Further, the cytoprotective effect of MGN against HgCl2toxicity was assessed by using biochemical parameters like reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) by spectrophotometrically, mitochondrial membrane potential by flowcytometry and the changes in reactive oxygen species levels by DCFH‐DA spectrofluoremetric analysis. A significant increase in the surviving fraction was observed with 50 μM of MGN administered two hours prior to various concentrations of HgCl2. Further, pretreatment of MGN significantly decreased the percentage of HgCl2induced apoptotic cells. Similarly, the levels of ROS generated by the HgCl2treatment were inhibited significantly (P< 0.01) by MGN. MGN also significantly (P< 0.01) inhibited the HgCl2induced decrease in GSH, GST, SOD, and CAT levels at all the post incubation intervals. Our study demonstrated the cytoprotective potential of MGN, which may be attributed to quenching of the ROS generated in the cells due to oxidative stress induced by HgCl2, restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential and normalization of cellular antioxidant levels. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Intrathoracic herniation of the liver (‘liver‐up’) is associated with predominant left heart hypoplasia in human fetuses with left diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Stressig R. , Fimmers R. , Eising K. , Gembruch U. , Kohl T. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjectivesLeft heart hypoplasia is commonly observed in fetuses with left diaphragmatic hernia. Because in this condition intrathoracic herniation of the liver serves as an important predictor for postnatal disease severity, we studied its potential association with left heart hypoplasia.MethodsWe prospectively assessed 32 fetuses with left diaphragmatic hernia between 19 + 6 and 38 + 6 weeks of gestation using echocardiography. The fetuses were divided into two groups: Group I exhibited an intrathoracic liver position (‘liver‐up’) and Group II an intra‐abdominal liver position (‘liver‐down’). Cardiac inflow and outflow diameter ratios and cardiac Z‐scores were compared between the two groups.ResultsEleven of the 15 Group I (liver‐up) fetuses, but only three of the 17 Group II (liver‐down) fetuses with left diaphragmatic hernia exhibited predominant left heart hypoplasia with disproportionately smaller left than right heart dimensions (P = 0.0036). In addition, 14 of the 15 Group I fetuses, but only five of the 17 Group II fetuses exhibited preferential streaming of the ductus venosus towards the right heart (P = 0.0003).ConclusionsIn fetuses with left diaphragmatic hernia, intrathoracic liver herniation is commonly associated with predominant left heart hypoplasia, whereas an intra‐abdominal liver position is not. This observation may be explained by preferential ductus venosus streaming towards the right heart from elevation and leftward distortion of the normal course of the ductus venosus and inferior vena cava. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.