bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simple approach for synthesis of TiO2nanotubes with through‐hole morphology
Authors: Kant Krishna , Losic Dusan 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe present work reports a simple approach for fabrication of self‐standing titania (TiO2) nanotube membranes with through‐hole morphology. The method is hydrofluoric acid free and the pore opening of TiO2nanotubes is performed by electrochemical thinning of the oxide barrier layer. A reduction of anodization voltage was applied at the end of the anodization process to cause a successful removal of the remaining barrier layer from the TiO2nanotubes during their detachment from the underlying titanium substrate. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Isolation and immunomodulatory properties of a flavonoid, casticin from Vitex agnus‐castus
Authors: Mesaik M. Ahmed , Azizuddin  , Murad Shahnaz , Khan Khalid Mohammed , Tareen Rasool Bakhsh , Ahmed Aqeel , Atta‐ur‐Rahman  , Choudhary Muhammad Iqbal 
Published: May 2009

AbstractCasticin (1), a flavonoid isolated from the aerial parts of Vitex agnus‐castus, was found to be a potent immunomodulatory and cytotoxic compound. The activity was tested in vitro for chemiluminescence, chemotaxis, T‐cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. Casticin (1) exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on monocyte oxidative burst in a dose dependent manner. It was found to have a significant suppressive effect on the chemotaxic action at higher concentrations on fMLP (10−8 m) stimulated neutrophils. It also showed a potent suppressive effect on PHA stimulated T‐cell (PMBC). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beneficial effects of aCannabis sativaextract treatment on diabetes‐induced neuropathy and oxidative stress
Authors: Comelli Francesca , Bettoni Isabella , Colleoni Mariapia , Giagnoni Gabriella , Costa Barbara 
Published: May 2009

AbstractNeuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes and it is still considered to be relatively refractory to most of the analgesics. The aim of the present study was to explore the antinociceptive effect of a controlled cannabis extract (eCBD) in attenuating diabetic neuropathic pain. Repeated treatment with cannabis extract significantly relieved mechanical allodynia and restored the physiological thermal pain perception in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats without affecting hyperglycemia. In addition, the results showed that eCBD increased the reduced glutathione (GSH) content in the liver leading to a restoration of the defence mechanism and significantly decreased the liver lipid peroxidation suggesting that eCBD provides protection against oxidative damage in STZ‐induced diabetes that also strongly contributes to the development of neuropathy. Finally, the nerve growth factor content in the sciatic nerve of diabetic rats was restored to normal following the repeated treatment with eCBD, suggesting that the extract was able to prevent the nerve damage caused by the reduced support of this neurotrophin. These findings highlighted the beneficial effects of cannabis extract treatment in attenuating diabetic neuropathic pain, possibly through a strong antioxidant activity and a specific action upon nerve growth factor. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pycnogenol® inhibits immunoglobulin E‐mediated allergic response in mast cells
Authors: Choi Yun Ho , Yan Guang Hai 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIgE‐dependent mast cell activation is known to be associated with the allergic diseases. Pycnogenol® (PYC) is a standardized extract of the bark of French maritime pine containing bioflavonoids with a potent antioxidant activity. The antiallergic activity of PYC was evaluated using both in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Oral administration of PYC significantly inhibited anti‐dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE‐mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. In an in vitro study, PYC dose‐dependently reduced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) triggered by anti‐DNP IgE. PYC inhibited the protein expression and secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 in anti‐DNP IgE‐stimulated RPMC. Moreover, PYC decreased anti‐DNP IgE‐induced calcium uptake into RPMC. Furthermore, PYC suppressed nuclear factor‐kappa B activation. From these results, the clinical use of PYC in the mast cell‐mediated immediate‐type allergic diseases is proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complement activation by carotenoid derived aldehydes in cultured human vein epithelial cells
Authors: Wu Pei‐Lin , Lin Guo‐Hua , Kang Xiao‐Dong , Yuan Hong , Shen Yue‐Liang 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis study was designed to determine the complement activation effects of carotenoid‐derived aldehydes (CDA) on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). A dose‐dependent complement activation upon incubation of HUVEC with CDA was observed. Interestingly, the data showed that the alternative pathway was not activated. In addition, upon CDA treatment a significant number of apoptotic cells was also observed. The results revealed that CDA could activate the complement by way of the classical pathway. The study suggests that high carotenoid supplementation for the treatment of coronary heart disease should be used cautiously. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of crataegus fruit extract and some of its flavonoids on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in the heart
Authors: Bernatoniene J. , Trumbeckaite S. , Majiene D. , Baniene R. , Baliutyte G. , Savickas A. , Toleikis A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractCrataegus (Hawthorn) fruit extracts (CE) are widely used for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases (arrhythmias, heart failure, myocardial weakness, etc). Despite the fact that many of these diseases are associated with disturbances of the mitochondria, no data have been found on the effect of CE on their function. The aim of this study was to perform an oxygraphic investigation of the effect of CE (in concentration range from 70 ng/mL to 13.9 µg/mL of Crataegus phenolic compounds (PC)) and its several pure flavonoids on isolated rat heart mitochondria respiring on pyruvate + malate, succinate and palmitoyl‐L‐carnitine + malate. CE at doses under 278 ng/mL of PC had no effect on mitochondrial functions. At concentrations from 278 ng/mL to 13.9 µg/mL of PC, CE stimulated State 2 respiration by 11%–34% with all used substrates, and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential by 1.2–4.4 mV measured with a tetraphenylphosphonium‐selective electrode and H2O2 production measured fluorimetrically. Similar uncoupling effects on mitochondrial respiration were observed with several pure CE flavonoids. The highest CE concentration also slightly reduced the maximal ADP‐stimulated and uncoupled respiration, which might be due to inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain between flavoprotein and cytochrome c. Whether or not the uncoupling and other effects of CE on mitochondria may be realized in vivo remains to be determined. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ocimum sanctum extracts attenuate hydrogen peroxide induced cytotoxic ultrastructural changes in human lens epithelial cells
Authors: Halder Nabanita , Joshi Sujata , Nag Tapas Chandra , Tandon Radhika , Gupta Suresh Kumar 
Published: May 2009

AbstractHydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is the major oxidant involved in cataract formation. The present study investigated the effect of an aqueous leaf extract of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) against H2O2 induced cytotoxic changes in human lens epithelial cells (HLEC). Donor eyes of the age range 20–40 years were procured within 5–8 h of death. After several washings with gentamicin (50 mL/L) and betadine (10 mL/L), clear transparent lenses (n = 6 in each group) were incubated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) alone (normal) or in DMEM containing 100 µm of H2O2 (control) or in DMEM containing both H2O2 (100 µm) and 150 µg/mL of Ocimum sanctum extract (treated) for 30 min at 37 °C with 5% CO2 and 95% air. Following incubation, the semi‐hardened epithelium of each lens was carefully removed, fixed and processed for electron microscopic studies. Thin sections (60–70 mm) were contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead citrate and viewed under a transmission electron microscope. Normal epithelial cells showed intact, euchromatic nucleus with few small vacuoles (diameter 0.58 ± 0.6 µm) in well‐demarcated cytoplasm. After treatment with H2O2, they showed pyknotic nuclei with clumping of chromatin and ill‐defined edges. The cytoplasm was full of vacuoles (diameter 1.61 ± 0.7 µm). The overall cellular morphology was typical of dying cells. Treatment of cells with Ocimum sanctum extract protected the epithelial cells from H2O2 insult and maintained their normal architecture. The mean diameter of the vacuoles was 0.66 ± 0.2 µm. The results indicate that extracts of O. sanctum have an important protective role against H2O2 injury in HLEC by maintaining the normal cellular architecture. The protection could be due to its ability to reduce H2O2 through its antioxidant property and thus reinforcing the concept that the extracts can penetrate the HLEC membrane. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of gardeniae fructus extract and geniposide on promoting ligament cell proliferation and collagen synthesis
Authors: Chen Quan Cheng , Zhang Wei Yun , Kim HongJin , Lee Ik Soo , Ding Yan , Youn Ui Joung , Lee Sang Myung , Na MinKyun , Min Byung‐Sun , Bae KiHwan 
Published: May 2009

AbstractGardeniae Fructus is a traditional medicine used for the treatment of contusion such as ankle sprain. Geniposide is one of the main components of Gardeniae Fructus with diverse biological activities. In order to gain further insight into the therapeutic action of Gardeniae Fructus extract (GFE) and geniposide on ligament injuries, a new in vitro model was developed in the present study. Rat hind ankle ligament fibroblasts (RHALFs) derived from Sprague‐Dawley rats were cultured, and the cell proliferation and collagen content were examined by MTT and a Sirius Red‐based colorimetric assay after stimulating with each drug. The cell growth of RHALFs was promoted by culturing with 37.5–150 µg/mL of GFE and 25–200 µm of geniposide. The content of collagen in the RHALFs was significantly increased up to 131.4% and 124.2% of the control value by culturing with the GFE and geniposide, respectively. By contrast, both cell growth and collagen content were impaired by adding 25–200 µm of diclofenac, one of the common medications for ligament injuries. The findings suggest that GFE and geniposide may ameliorate the treatment of ligament injuries by proliferating ligament fibroblasts and promoting the synthesis of collagen. However, the use of diclofenac to treat acute ligament injuries should be reassessed although it possesses a potential effect on relieving symptoms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hericium erinaceum induces maturation of dendritic cells derived from human peripheral blood monocytes
Authors: Kim Sun Kyung , Son Chang Gue , Yun Cheol‐Heui , Han Seung Hyun 
Published: May 2009

AbstractHericium erinaceum, a medicinal mushroom, has long been used as a therapeutic due to its immuno‐regulating potentials eliciting anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial efficacies. Since maturation of dendritic cells (DC) is an important process in the initiation and regulation of immune responses, the ability of water‐soluble components from H. erinaceum (WEHE) to regulate DC maturation was investigated. Immature DC were prepared by differentiating human peripheral blood CD14‐positive cells with GM‐CSF and IL‐4. DC were stimulated with WEHE at 2–20 µg/mL for 48 h and subjected to flow cytometric analysis to determine the expression of indicative maturation markers. The endocytic capacity of WEHE‐stimulated DC was examined by a Dextran‐FITC uptake assay. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed to examine the secretion of TNF‐α and IL‐12p40. DC stimulated with WEHE showed representative features upon DC maturation: enhanced expression of CD80, CD83 and CD86, and both MHC class I and II molecules, decreased endocytic capacity of DC, increased expression of CD205, and decreased expression of CD206. However, interestingly, WEHE could not induce the production of TNF‐α and IL‐12p40, whereas lipopolysaccharide substantially increased the production of both cytokines. Collectively, these results suggest that H. erinaceum induces the maturation of human DC, which might reinforce the host innate immune system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Therapeutic effect of meliacine, an antiviral derived from Melia azedarach L., in mice genital herpetic infection
Authors: Petrera Erina , Coto Celia E. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractSince natural products are considered powerful sources of novel drug discovery, a partially purified extract (meliacine) from the leaves of Melia azedarach L., a plant used in traditional medicine in India for the treatment of several diseases, has been studied. Meliacine exhibits a potent antiviral effect against several viruses without displaying cytotoxicity. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of intravaginal administration of meliacine in a mouse model of genital herpetic infection. BALB/c female mice were infected with MS or G strains of Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 and then treated with meliacine topically. An overall protective effect was observed. Animal survival increased, the severity of the disease was reduced, life span was extended and virus shedding in vagina fluids was diminished. In addition, meliacine reduced the amount of virus that migrated to the brain and vaginal fluids presented higher levels of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α than untreated infected mice. These results indicate that meliacine could be an alternative therapeutic compound against HSV‐2 genital infection. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroprotective effects ofTriticum aestivumL. against β‐Amyloid‐induced cell death and memory impairments
Authors: Jang Jung‐Hee , Kim Chang‐Yul , Lim Sun Ha , Yang Chae Ha , Song Kyung‐Sik , Han Hyung Soo , Lee Hyeong‐Kyu , Lee Jongwon 
Published: May 2009

Abstractβ‐Amyloid (Aβ) is a key component of senile plaques, neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and has been reported to induce cell death via oxidative stress. This study investigated the protective effects ofTriticum aestivumL. (TAL) on Aβ‐induced apoptosis in SH‐SY5Y cells and cognitive dysfunctions in Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats. Cells treated with Aβ exhibited decreased viability and apoptotic features, such as DNA fragmentation, alterations in mitochondria and an increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, which were attenuated by TAL extract (TALE) pretreatment. To elucidate the neuroprotective mechanisms of TALE, the study examined Aβ‐induced oxidative stress and cellular defense. TALE pretreatment suppressed Aβ‐increased intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via up‐regulation of glutathione, an essential endogenous antioxidant. To further verify the effect of TALE on memory impairments, Aβ or scopolamine was injected in SD rats and a water maze task conducted as a spatial memory test. Aβ or scopolamine treatment increased the time taken to find the platform during training trials, which was decreased by TALE pretreatment. Furthermore, one of the active components of TALE, total dietary fiber also effectively inhibited Aβ‐induced cytotoxicity and scopolamine‐caused memory deficits. These results suggest that TALE may have preventive and/or therapeutic potential in the management of AD. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consensus‐based distributed sensor calibration and least‐square parameter identification in WSNs
Authors: Bolognani Saverio , Del Favero Simone , Schenato Luca , Varagnolo Damiano 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn this paper we study the problem of estimating the channel parameters for a generic wireless sensor network (WSN) in a completely distributed manner, using consensus algorithms. Specifically, we first propose a distributed strategy to minimize the effects of unknown constant offsets in the reading of the radio strength signal indicator due to uncalibrated sensors. Then we show how the computation of the optimal wireless channels parameters, which are the solution of a global least‐square optimization problem, can be obtained with a consensus‐based algorithm. The proposed algorithms are general algorithms for sensor calibration and distributed least‐square parameter identification, and do not require any knowledge either on the global topology of the network nor the total number of nodes. Finally, we apply these algorithms to experimental data collected from an indoor WSN. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning on zoo field trips: The interaction of the agendas and practices of students, teachers, and zoo educators
Authors: Davidson Susan Kay , Passmore Cynthia , Anderson David 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis paper reports on the findings of a case study that investigated the interaction of the agendas and practices of students, teachers, and zoo educators during a class field trip to a zoo. The study reports on findings of the analysis of two case classes of students and their perceptions of their learning experiences during the field trip. The goals, expectations, and perceived outcomes of the trip for students, their classroom teachers, and the zoo educators were elicited through interviews, surveys, student work, and observations. Both cases demonstrated how students placed high value and importance on social interactions with their peers. In addition, classroom teachers' pedagogical practices and the learning agendas they held for their students had a significant influence on students' subsequent learning and perceptions of the experience. This was in contrast to the zoo educators' practices and agendas that appeared not to be significant influences on student learning and perceptions. Implications for field trip planning and implementation are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 94:122–141, 2010
PWC: a proactive worm containment solution for enterprise networks
Authors: Jhi Yoon‐Chan , Liu Peng , Li Lunquan , Gu Qijun , Jing Jiwu , Kesidis George 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe propose PWC, a proactive worm containment solution for enterprises. PWC can stop—instead of just slow down—an infected host from releasing worm scans as early as after merely four scans. Motivated by the observation that a worm uses a sustained outgoing packet rate, PWC gains infection awareness seconds before a signature or filter can be generated. To overcome denial‐of‐service possibly caused by such characteristic indicators of infection, PWC/,develops two new white detection (detecting who are uninfected) techniques: (a) the vulnerability time window lemma, and (b) the relaxation analysis. PWC does not rely on contents‐based signatures thus it can defend against polymorphic worms timely in containment. PWC is also resilient to containment evading. PWC is not sensitive to worm scan rate, and not protocol specific. Due to white detection, PWC causes minimal denial‐of‐service. Evaluation based on real traces and worm simulations demonstrates that PWC significantly outperforms Virus Throttle in terms of number of released worm scans, number of hosts infected by local scans, and denial‐of‐service effects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multivariate analysis of ToF‐SIMS data for biological applications
Authors: Park Ji‐Won , Min Hyegeun , Kim Young‐Pil , Kyong Shon Hyun , Kim Jinmo , Moon Dae Won , Lee Tae Geol 
Published: May 2009

AbstractApplications of time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) were demonstrated, focusing on multivariate analysis (MVA) such as principal component analysis (PCA), principal component regression (PCR), and maximum autocorrelation factors (MAF). Three main categories are presented in this report: quantitative analysis of protein and chemical derivatives, surface characterization of chemical composition, and image‐based analysis in disease‐related tissues. The use of MVA in a ToF‐SIMS study showed improved data interpretation of chemicals or biomolecules on a surface, and consequently enabled the straightforward analysis of ToF‐SIMS data. Even on biological samples with high complexity, the MVA method effectively contributed to obtaining valuable information, including chemical distribution of biomolecules. It is anticipated that MVA with ToF‐SIMS data will be widely used for exploring biological studies in a reliable and simple way. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bauen mit Aluminium‐Profiltafeln – Metalldächer mit besonderen Ansprüchen des Bauherrn
Authors: Fick Karlfriedrich , Dürnberger Dieter 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDie letzte Veröffentlichung zu diesem Thema an dieser Stelle hat sich mit ungewöhnlichen Formen von Dächern aus Aluminium‐Profiltafeln befasst und den daraus resultierenden Herausforderungen an die Herstellung der Profiltafeln selbst, an ihre Unterkonstruktion und den millimetergenauen Dachaufbau. Es ist ebenfalls über die Entwicklung der Profiltafeln berichtet worden, von geraden “Bahnen” mit parallelen Rändern über gebogene, konische, eingeschnürte und ausgebauchte Formen, bis zu Freiform‐Querschnitten, die um die starke Achse verschwenkt sind, dazu noch eingeschnürt oder ausgebaucht und um die schwache Achse konkav oder konvex gebogen. Dieses Mal soll über drei Bauvorhaben mit besonderen Anforderungen berichtet werden: Im ersten Fall präsentiert sich die Architektenschaft von Amsterdam in einem skulpturartigen Gebäude als Zentrum für Ausstellungen, Veranstaltungen und zur Information. Seine Außenhaut besteht aus Glas und verzinkten Aluminium‐Profiltafeln, an denen die natürliche Bewitterung in Seenähe erkennbar ist. Im zweiten Fall geht es um ein Projekt von hoher politischer Bedeutung, dem Nationalen Gemeinschaftszentrum Hanoi, mit einer spektakulären Form der Dachkonstruktion und seiner Umsetzung. Das dritte Objekt, ein Hangar zur Flugzeugmontage, bezieht seine hohen Forderungen an die Qualität von Planung und Ausführung aus den Ansprüchen des Bauherrn, der in den Kategorien der Flugzeugbau‐Branche denkt.To construct with aluminium profiled sheetings – metal roofs with special demands of the building owner.The presentation on this subject made here last year dealt with unusually shaped roofs constructed using aluminium profiled sheeting and the resultant demands imposed on the manufacture of the profiled sheeting itself, its substructure and the high precision needed for the roof construction. The development of different profiled‐sheeting shapes was also covered, from straight lengths with parallel edges via profiled sheeting that is curved, convex, tapered or concave through to freeform sections that are elliptically or hyperbolically curved and sweep about their strong axes as well as being curved in a convex or concave manner about their weak axes. This paper will deal with three particularly demanding building projects. The first is a sculpture‐like building from architects in Amsterdam that serves as a centre for exhibitions, events and information purposes. Its envelope comprises glass and zinc‐coated aluminium profiled sheeting, with the characteristic natural weathering of a coastal location being clearly visible. The second example deals with a project that is of major political importance, the National Convention Centre in Hanoi with its spectacularly shaped roof design, and the project's realisation. The third case is a hangar for the assembly of aircraft; high demands were made on quality at all stages from planning through to implementation as a result of the client's involvement in the aircraft manufacturing business.