bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lancemaside A inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation by targeting LPS/TLR4 complex
Authors: Joh Eun‐Ha , Kim Dong‐Hyun 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn our previous study, lancemaside A isolated from Codonopsis lanceolata (family Campanulaceae) ameliorated colitis in mice. In this study, the anti‐inflammatory effects of lancemaside A was investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated mice and their peritoneal macrophage cells. Lancemaside A suppressed the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α and IL‐1β, in vitro and in vivo. Lancemaside A also down‐regulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), as well as the inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide (NO), and PGE2. Lancemaside A also inhibited the expression of IL‐1 receptor‐associated kinase‐4 (IRAK‐4), the phosphorylation of IKK‐β and IκB‐α, the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB and the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases in LPS‐stimulated peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, lancemaisde A inhibited the interaction between LPS and TLR4, as well as IRAK‐4 expression in peritoneal macrophages. Based on these findings, lancemaside A expressed anti‐inflammatory effects by regulating both the binding of LPS to TLR4 on macrophages. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 865–871, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Teratomas from pluripotent stem cells: A clinical hurdle
Authors: Fong Chui‐Yee , Gauthaman Kalamegam , Bongso Ariff 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAlthough basic research on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) at the laboratory bench has progressed with enviable speed there has been little head way in terms of its clinical application. A look at the Internet however shows several stem cell clinics worldwide offering direct transplantation of undifferentiated hESCs to patients for the cure of a variety of diseases before bona fide evidence‐based results can be demonstrated from large controlled studies. This raises concern because reliable protocols have to be first developed to resolve the three major hurdles delaying clinical trials such as inadequate cell numbers, immunorejection and tumorigenesis. Cell expansion methods using bioreactors, rotary culture and mitotic agents have now been developed to generate stem cell derivatives in large numbers. The problem of immunorejection can now be overcome with the development of indirect and direct reprogramming protocols to personalize tissues to patients (human induced pluripotent stem cells, hiPSCs; nuclear transfer stem cells, NTSCs; induced neuronal cells, iN). However, hESC, hiPSC, and NTSCs being pluripotent have the disadvantage of teratoma formation in vivo which has to be carefully addressed so as to provide safe stem cell based therapies to the patient. This review addresses the issue of tumorigenesis and discusses approaches by which this concern may be overcome and at the same time emphasizes the need to concurrently explore alternative stem cell sources that do not confer the disadvantages of pluripotency but are widely multipotent so as to yield safe desirable tissues for clinical application as soon as possible. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 769–781, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development and evaluation of a novel nano‐scale vector for siRNA
Authors: Jing Guang‐Jun , Fu Zuo‐Gen , Dan Bing , Lin Li‐Rong , Yang Tian‐Ci , Shi Song‐Lin 
Published: July 2010

AbstractTo synthesize a lipid‐cationic polymer (LCP) containing brassidic acid side chain and to investigate its transfection efficiency and characteristics as a siRNA gene vector. The LCP was chemically synthesized and its nucleic acid binding capacity was determined by gel electrophoresis. HeLa‐EGFP and TH1080‐EGFP cell lines were transfected with siRNA against enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene using a LCP to investigate the transfection efficiency. An MTT assay was performed to evaluate the cellular toxicity of the LCP vector. Its degradability and stability under acidic conditions were also investigated. The LCP vector possessed high DNA binding capacity. More than 73% of the cellular fluorescence was inhibited by the LCP‐mediated transfection of siRNA against EGFP gene, indicating that vector had high transfection efficiency. Cellular viability was about 95% at the optimum transfection efficiency of LCP, suggesting that the cellular toxicity of LCP was very low. The LCP was also observed to be degradable; moreover, it could be easily stored at normal temperature. A gene vector used for the transfection of siRNA was successfully fabricated from synthesized LCP. Its numerous excellent properties entitle values for further scientific research. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 881–888, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elevated disgust proneness in schizophrenia
Authors: Ille Rottraut , Schöny Michaela , Kapfhammer Hans‐Peter , Schienle Anne 
Published: July 2010

AbstractSchizophrenia is a mental disorder hardly investigated with regard to habitual disgust. We compared disgust propensity, trait anger, trait anxiety and disgust sensitivity in 69 patients with schizophrenia, 68 depressive patients and 70 mentally healthy controls. Patients with schizophrenia reported more pronounced overall disgust propensity than healthy individuals. Whereas food‐related disgust was crucial for schizophrenia, depressed patients experienced elevated death‐related disgust. Females reported greater disgust proneness than males. Both patient groups showed higher trait anxiety and trait anger than controls. Depressive patients additionally reported elevated anger expression and even higher anger suppression than the schizophrenia group. We found a positive relationship between disgust proneness and disgust sensitivity in controls and patients. The importance of disorder‐specific disgust domains is discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66:1–11, 2010.
Removal of 4‐chlorophenol from contaminated water using coconut shell waste pretreated with chemical agents
Authors: Kurniawan Tonni Agustiono , Waihung Lo , Repo Eveliina , Sillanpää Mika ET 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: At concentrations higher than 1 mg L−1, 4‐chlorophenol (4‐CP) is very toxic to living organisms, and if ingested beyond the permitted concentration it causes health disorders such as cancer and mutation. This laboratory study investigates treatment of contaminated water laden with 4‐CP using coconut shell charcoal (CSC) waste. Batch studies were conducted to study the effects of dose, pH, and equilibrium time on 4‐CP removal. To improve 4‐CP removal, surface modification of the adsorbent with TiO2, HNO3, and/or NaOH was undertaken.RESULTS: At an initial 4‐CP concentration of 25 mg L−1 under optimized conditions (dose 13.5 g L−1, pH 2.0; agitation speed 150 rpm and 50 min equilibrium time), the NaOH‐treated CSC demonstrated a greater removal of 4‐CP (71%) than those oxidized with HNO3 (40%) and/or coated with TiO2 (52%). The adsorption capacity of the NaOH‐treated CSC (54.65 mg g−1) was higher than those treated with HNO3 (23.13 mg g−1) or coated with TiO2 (48.42 mg g−1).CONCLUSION: Although treatment results using the NaOH‐treated CSC alone were promising, the treated effluents were still unable to meet the required limit of less than 1 mg L−1. Therefore, subsequent treatments are still required to complement the removal of 4‐CP from the wastewater. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
A fragmentation study of the Rhodamine 610 cation using visible‐laser desorption ionization
Authors: Yang C. Y. , Hu X. K. , Loboda A. V. , Lipson R. H. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe fragmentation of a potential visible matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization: Rhodamine 610 was studied under 532 nm visible irradiation, as a function of anion counter ion. It was found that at a fixed fluence, the chloride salt produced fewer fragments than those formed with ClO4− or BF4−. Evidence presented suggests that the degree of fragmentation is inversely proportional to the strength of the contact ion pair in the solid state; that is, more energy is deposited into the radical cation which can lead to fragmentation when less energy is required to separate the ion pair. Similar results were found for salts of Rhodamine 6G. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and quantification of 30 antipsychotics in blood using LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Saar Eva , Gerostamoulos Dimitri , Drummer Olaf H. , Beyer Jochen 
Published: July 2010

AbstractOver the last decade, the prescription rates of antipsychotic (AP) drugs have increased worldwide. Studies have shown that the risk of sudden cardiac death is threefold higher among patients treated with APs. To investigate the presence of APs in postmortem cases, a liquid chromatography (LC)‐MS/MS method was developed using only 0.1 ml of blood sample with 10 µl of internal standard (IS) (haloperidol‐d4, 1 µg/ml). After the addition of 0.2 ml of Trizma buffer, the blood sample was extracted using liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) with 1 ml of 1‐chlorobutane for 5 min on a shaker at 1500 rpm. After centrifugation at 12 000 rpm for 1 min, the separated solvent layer was transferred to an autosampler vial and evaporated to dryness under N2. The residue was reconstituted in 0.05 ml acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid, vortexed for 30 s and an additional 0.45 ml of 50 mmol/l ammonium formate pH 3.5 was added and the sample vortexed; 0.1 ml of the final extract was injected into a Shimadzu Prominence HPLC system, with detection of drugs achieved using an Applied Biosystems 3200 Q‐TRAP® LC‐MS/MS system equipped with a Turbo V ion source [electron spray ionization (ESI), multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode]. The method has been validated according to international guidelines and was found to be selective for all tested compounds. Calibration was satisfactory for all drugs, except olanzapine, from subtherapeutic to toxic concentrations. The lower limits of quantifications (LLOQs) corresponded to the lowest concentrations used for the calibration curves. With the exception of the lowest concentrations of bromperidol, buspirone and perphenazine, accuracy data were within the acceptance interval of ± 15% ( ± 20% at LLOQ) of the nominal values for all drugs. The method has been proven to be useful for the routine analysis of APs in postmortem blood samples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Animal urine as painting materials in African rock art revealed by cluster ToF‐SIMS mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Mazel Vincent , Richardin Pascale , Touboul David , Brunelle Alain , Richard Caroline , Laval Eric , Walter Philippe , Laprévote Olivier 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe rock art site at the village of Songo in Mali is a very important Dogon ritual place where, since the end of the nineteenth century until today, takes place the ceremony of circumcision. During these ceremonies, paintings are performed on the walls of the shelter with mainly three colors: red, black and white. Ethnological literature mentions the use of animal urine of different species such as birds, lizards or snakes as a white pigment. Urine of these animals is mainly composed of uric acid or urate salts. In this article, time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) is used to compare uric acid, snake urine and a sample of a white pigment of a Dogon painting coming from the rock art site of Songo. ToF‐SIMS measurements in both positive and negative ion modes on reference compounds and snake urine proved useful for the study of uric acid and urate salts. This method enables to identify unambiguously these compounds owing to the detection in negative ion mode of the ion corresponding to the deprotonated molecule ([M − H]− at m/z 167.01) and its fragment ions. Moreover, the mass spectra obtained in positive ion mode permit to differentiate uric acid and urate salts on the basis of specific ions. Applying this method to the Dogon white pigments sample, we show that the sample is entirely composed of uric acid. This proves for the first time, that animal urine was used as a pigment by the Dogon. The presence of uric acid instead of urate salts as normally expected in animal urine could be explained by the preparation of the pigment for its application on the stone. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How long do you benefit from vacation? A closer look at the fade‐out of vacation effects
Authors: Kühnel Jana , Sonnentag Sabine 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis study adds to research on the beneficial effects of vacation to employees' well‐being and on the fade‐out of these effects. One hundred and thirty‐one teachers completed questionnaires one time before and three times after vacationing. Results indicated that teachers' work engagement significantly increased and teachers' burnout significantly decreased after vacation. However, these beneficial effects faded out within one month. Applying hierarchical regression analyses, we investigated the fade‐out of vacation effects in detail. In line with the Job Demands‐Resources model, job demands after vacation sped up the fade‐out of beneficial effects. Additionally, leisure time relaxation experiences after vacation delayed the fade‐out of beneficial effects. We conclude that reducing job demands and ensuring leisure time relaxation can prolong relief from vacation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climatological aspects of explosive cyclones in the Mediterranean
Authors: Kouroutzoglou J. , Flocas H. A. , Keay K. , Simmonds I. , Hatzaki M. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAn objective climatology of explosive cyclones is performed over a 40‐year period (1962–2001), for the Mediterranean region with the aid of the Melbourne University automatic cyclone finding and tracking scheme. The major temporal and spatial characteristics of Mediterranean explosive cyclones are investigated, including frequency, movement, generation and dissipation, scale, depth, and intensity. It was verified that the explosive cyclogenesis in the Mediterranean is a rather rare phenomenon that occurs mainly from November to March. Explosive cyclones preferentially form along the northern Mediterranean coast, with maximum density in the Ligurian and Aegean Seas. The cyclogenesis mechanism that predominates in their development is characterized by an interaction of a short and an open long wave in a pre‐existing development (referred to as the KF mechanism). There are distinct differences between Western Mediterranean and Eastern Mediterranean explosive cyclones. Although explosive cyclones tend to form in the Western Mediterranean, their scale and depth is greater in the Eastern Mediterranean. Explosive cyclones more likely move from the main cyclogenetic areas in the Western Mediterranean along specific eastward paths over southern Italy and the Ionian Sea where they dissipate or they generate in Eastern Mediterranean and move north‐eastwards to the Black Sea or eastwards to Cyprus and Middle East. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Temperature‐induced phase transformations in Na2WO4 and Na2MoO4 crystals
Authors: Lima C. Luz , Saraiva G. D. , Freire P. T. C. , Maczka M. , Paraguassu W. , de Sousa F. F. , Mendes Filho J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractTemperature‐dependent Raman studies on Na2WO4and Na2MoO4 crystals were performed in order to obtain information on structural changes induced by temperature evolution. The stability of the cubic phase of Na2WO4and Na2MoO4crystals was assessed and our results indicate that this phase is stable in the 8–823 K and 15–773 K ranges for Na2WO4 and Na2MoO4, respectively. The crystal of Na2WO4 shows a phase transition occurring at 833 K. Na2MoO4undergoes a sequence of three phase transitions, which were observed at 783–803, 823–913 and 943–950 K. In both crystals, a strong first‐order phase transition occurs as indicated by the behavior of the Raman modes: the Raman bands split and new bands appear below 100 cm−1. These transitions are connected with tilting and/or rotations of the WO4and MoO4 tetrahedra, which leads to a disorder at the WO4and MoO4 sites. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An international taxi cab evaluation: Comparing Madrid with London, New York, and Paris
Authors: Skok Walter , Martinez Juan Antonio 
Published: July 2010

AbstractTaxi cabs are a key feature of daily life in Madrid, which is one of the most important European cities. An exploratory study was undertaken in order to evaluate the quality of Madrid's taxi cab industry.This paper analyses the current situation by using the Taxi Cab Management Model (TCMM) which identifies the key processes for managing and operating a taxi cab service in any international city. The model provides a benchmark for measuring performance against other capital cities in developed nations. By comparing the results of this analysis with similar case studies of London, New York and Paris, areas of best practice are identified, as well as possible operational improvements.The study concludes that the Madrid taxi cab industry is ahead of cities like London, New York and Paris in terms of IT integration within the industry, but that some key issues need to be reviewed e.g. the potential for a more centralised fleet management system. One of the best features of the Madrid taxi cab industry was found to be the test for candidate drivers. It is well designed in terms of its user interface (candidates do not need to be computer literate), it has a large bank of questions (up to 6000) that are used randomly to generate examinations, and it offers a highly efficient way to assess candidates. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stretching‐Controlled Micromolding Process with Etched Metal Surfaces as Templates Towards Mass‐Producing Superhydrophobic Polymer Films
Authors: Feng Jie , Lin Feiyun , Zhong Mingqiang 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA novel technique is described that uses stretching‐controlled thermal micromolding with etched metal surfaces as templates for the mass‐production of superhydrophobic polymer films. First, the metal surface is etched and then used as a template to thermally replica‐mold the polymer (e.g., polyethylene). The resulting film surfaces exhibited stable superhydrophobicity with water contact angles >150° and sliding angles ≈7°. SEM imaging demonstrates that the microstructure on the superhydrophobic surface is formed by stretching from the microholes of the template during separation. This technique can be easily combined with melt‐flow casting for manufacturing superhydrophobic polymer surfaces on a large scale.magnified image
Focal conduction block in a case of tarsal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Almeida Diogo F. , Scremin Luciano , Zúniga Sérgio F. , Oh Shin J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe report a case of tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) with focal conduction block across the tarsal tunnel (TT). A 46‐year‐old woman had pain in the left foot, sensory loss on the plantar surface, and positive Tinel sign over the TT. TTS was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and surgery. Motor nerve conduction studies showed focal conduction block across the TT. Conduction block has rarely been reported in TTS. In this case, conduction block provides evidence for focal demyelination as the primary pathological process in TTS. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Distributed low‐frequency functional electrical stimulation delays muscle fatigue compared to conventional stimulation
Authors: Malešević Nebojša M. , Popović Lana Z. , Schwirtlich Laszlo , Popović Dejan B. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe present a low‐frequency stimulation method via multi‐pad electrodes for delaying muscle fatigue. We compared two protocols for muscle activation of the quadriceps in paraplegics. One protocol involved a large cathode at 30 HZ(HPR, high pulse‐rate), and the other involved four smaller cathodes at 16 HZ(LPR, low pulse‐rate). The treatment included 30‐min daily sessions for 20 days. One leg was treated with the HPR protocol and the other with the LPR protocol. Knee‐joint torque was measured before and after therapy to assess the time interval before the knee‐joint torque decreased to 70% of the initial value. The HPR therapy provided greater increases in muscle endurance and force in prolonged training. Yet the LPR stimulation produced less muscle fatigue compared to the HPR stimulation. The results suggest that HPR is the favored protocol for training, and LPR is better suited for prolonged stimulation. Muscle Nerve, 2010
IgM MGUS anti‐MAG neuropathy with predominant muscle weakness and extensive muscle atrophy
Authors: Kawagashira Yuichi , Kondo Naohide , Atsuta Naoki , Iijima Masahiro , Koike Haruki , Katsuno Masahisa , Tanaka Fumiaki , Kusunoki Susumu , Sobue Gen 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe report a patient with anti–myelin‐associated glycoprotein (MAG) neuropathy, predominantly exhibiting severe motor symptoms, accompanied by extensive muscle atrophy mimicking Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. Nerve conduction studies revealed mild retardation of motor conduction velocities and significant prolongation of distal latency. Sural nerve biopsy revealed widely spaced myelin and positive staining of myelinated fibers with an IgM antibody. Predominant motor symptoms with muscle atrophy can be one of the clinical manifestations of anti‐MAG neuropathy. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Effects of intravesical instillation of ATP on rat bladder primary afferent activity and its relationship with capsaicin‐sensitivity
Authors: Aizawa Naoki , Igawa Yasuhiko , Andersson Karl‐Erik , Iijima Kazuyoshi , Nishizawa Osamu , Wyndaele Jean‐Jacques 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAimsPrevious studies have suggested that ATP has a role in mechano‐afferent transduction, at least partly mediated by nerves other than capsaicin (Cap)‐sensitive nerves. We investigated the direct effect of ATP on single fiber activity (SFA) of the primary bladder afferent nerves and its relationship with Cap‐sensitivity.MethodsFemale Sprague–Dawley rats were used. On the basis of conduction velocities, SFA was grouped as Aδ‐ or C‐fibers. First, SFA and intravesical pressure were measured during filling as the baseline. Then, Cap (10−5 M) was instilled intravesically and the SFA response was monitored. To desensitize Cap‐sensitive nerves, resiniferatoxin (RTX) (10−6 M) was administered intravesically, and then Cap was again administered to confirm the desensitization effect. Thereafter, ATP (10−3 M) or its vehicle was instilled intravesically and another filling cycles recorded.ResultsThirty‐two single afferent fibers were discriminated. Aδ‐fibers did not respond to intravesical instillation of Cap, RTX or ATP. Based on Cap‐sensitivity, C‐fibers could be divided into two subtypes: Cap‐sensitive (n = 8) and Cap‐insensitive (n = 16). In the Cap‐sensitive C‐fibers, the response to bladder filling mostly disappeared after RTX desensitization, no matter if the bladder was filled with vehicle or ATP. On the other hand, in the Cap‐insensitive C‐fibers, even after RTX‐treatment, the response was preserved and more enhanced when the bladder was filled with ATP compared to vehicle.ConclusionsMechanosensitive bladder afferents can be classified as (1) Aδ‐fibers, (2) Cap‐insensitive, and (3) Cap‐sensitive C‐fibers. The activation of the bladder afferents induced by intravesical application of ATP is mediated mainly through Cap‐insensitive C‐fibers. Neurourol. Urodyn. 30:163–168, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.