bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Separation and determination of ephedra alkaloids in traditional Chinese medicine and human urines by capillary electrophoresis coupled with electrochemiluminescence detection
Authors: Liu Yan-Ming , Li Jie , Yang Yang , Du Junjun , Mei Lin 
Published: January 2012

A new approach for the simultaneous determination of ephedrine, methylephedrine, and pseudoephedrine is developed, using capillary electrophoresis coupled with electrochemiluminescence detection with internal standard method. Separation efficiency and sensitivity were improved by use of an ionic liquid. Parameters affecting separation and detection were investigated in detail. Under optimum conditions, the three ephedra alkaloids were well separated and detected. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) of ephedrine, methylephedrine and pseudoephedrine are 4.0 × 10−8, 6.5 × 10−8, and 4.6 × 10−8 mol/L, respectively. The limits of quantitation (S/N = 10) in human urine are 5.3 × 10−7 mol/L for ephedrine, 9.1 × 10−7 mol/L for methylephedrine, and 6.9 × 10−7 mol/L for pseudoephedrine, respectively. The precision (RSD%) of the peak area and the migration time were from 2.2% to 2.5% and from 0.1% to 0.2% within a day and from 2.7% to 3.9% and from 0.4% to 0.8% in three days. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of three analytes in traditional Chinese medicine and human urine, and the monitoring of pharmacokinetics of pseudoephedrine in human body.
Four new triterpenoids from Chisocheton paniculatus and their anti-inflammatory activities
Authors: Yang Ming-Hua , Wang Jun-Song , Luo Jian-Guang , Wang Xiao-Bing , Kong Ling-Yi 
Published: January 2012

As part of our continuing effort to discover new potential anti-inflammatory agents, four new triterpenoids, chisopanins L-O (1–4), were isolated from the twigs of Chisocheton paniculatus. Their structures were established on the basis of detailed analysis of spectroscopic data, including IR, NMR (1D and 2D NMR), and HR-ESI-MS. Their inhibitory effects against nitric oxide (NO) production were evaluated in an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Compounds 1, 3, and 4 were found to exhibit moderate activity with IC50 values less than 10 μmol/L.
Here, There Be Dragons: Charting Autophagy-Related Alterations in Human Tumors
Authors: Lebovitz Chandra B. , Bortnik Svetlana B. , Gorski Sharon M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractMacroautophagy (or autophagy) is a catabolic cellular process that is both homeostatic and stress adaptive. Normal cells rely on basal levels of autophagy to maintain cellular integrity (via turnover of long-lived proteins and damaged organelles) and increased levels of autophagy to buoy cell survival during various metabolic stresses (via nutrient and energy provision through lysosomal degradation of cytoplasmic components). Autophagy can function in both tumor suppression and tumor progression, and is under investigation in clinical trials as a novel target for anticancer therapy. However, its role in cancer pathogenesis has yet to be fully explored. In particular, it remains unknown whether in vitro observations will be applicable to human cancer patients. Another outstanding question is whether there exists tumor-specific selection for alterations in autophagy function. In this review, we survey reported mutations in autophagy genes and key autophagy regulators identified in human tumor samples and summarize the literature regarding expression levels of autophagy genes and proteins in various cancer tissues. Although it is too early to draw inferences from this collection of in vivo studies of autophagy-related alterations in human cancers, their results highlight the challenges that must be overcome before we can accurately assess the scope of autophagy's predicted role in tumorigenesis. Clin Cancer Res; 18(5); 1214–26. ©2012 AACR.
Composition of Target Lesions by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Versus Stable Angina
Authors: Madder Ryan D. , Smith James L. , Dixon Simon R. , Goldstein James A. 
Published: January 2012

Background—
Whereas acute coronary syndromes (ACS) typically develop from the rupture of lipid core plaque (LCP), lesions causing stable angina are believed to be composed of fibrocalcific plaque. In this study, intracoronary near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to determine the frequency of LCP at target and remote sites in patients with ACS versus those with stable angina.

Methods and Results—

The study was performed in patients having ≥1 target lesion identified by invasive angiography who also underwent NIRS before intervention. LCP was defined as a 2-mm segment on the NIRS block chemogram having a strong positive reading indicated by a bright-yellow color. Patients with ACS and those with stable angina were compared for the frequency of LCP at target and remote sites. Among 60 patients (46.7% with ACS) undergoing invasive angiography and NIRS, 68 target lesions were identified. Although target lesions in patients with ACS were more frequently composed of LCP than targets in patients with stable angina (84.4% versus 52.8%,
P
=0.004), approximately one half of target lesions in patients with stable angina contained LCP. LCPs anatomically remote from the target lesion were frequent in patients with ACS and less common in patients with stable angina (73.3% versus 17.6%,
P
=0.002).

Conclusions—
Target lesions responsible for ACS were frequently composed of LCP; in addition, LCPs often were found in remote, nontarget areas. Both target and remote LCPs were more common in patients with ACS than in those with stable angina. Approximately one half of target lesions in stable patients were also composed of LCP.
Late Positive Remodeling and Late Lumen Gain Contribute to Vascular Restoration by a Non-Drug Eluting Bioresorbable Scaffold
Authors: Strandberg Erika , Zeltinger Joan , Schulz Daryl G. , Kaluza Greg L. 
Published: January 2012

Background—
The interplay between mechanical dilatation, resorption, and arterial response following implantation of bioresorbable scaffolds is still poorly understood.

Methods and Results—

Long-term geometric changes in porcine coronary arteries in relation to gradual degradation of bioresorbable scaffolds were assessed in comparison with bare metal stents (BMS). Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-derived lumen, outer stent/scaffold, and reference vessel areas were evaluated in 94 polymer scaffolds and 46 BMS at 5 days and 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 55 months, in addition to polymer scaffold radial crush strength and molecular weight (M
W
) at 3, 6, and 12 months. BMS outer stent area and lumen area remained constant through 55 months (
P
=0.05, but within 1 standard deviation of 100%, and
P
=0.58, respectively), while significant increases were exhibited by polymer-scaffolded vessels with the maximum late lumen gain at 24 months, paralleled by the outer scaffold area increase, and then remaining at that increased level at 55 months (
P
<0.01). By 12 months polymer scaffolds experienced significant reductions in radial strength and M
W
, while the animals underwent the largest weight gain. At 3 months and beyond, the patency ratio (lumen area/reference vessel area) of BMS remained constant (0.71 to 0.85,
P
=0.49). In contrast, that of polymer scaffolds increased and approached 1 (
P
=0.13).

Conclusions—
Bioresorbable polymer scaffolds allow restoration of the treated segment's ability to remodel outward to achieve level lumen transition between reference vessel and scaffold-treated regions, a process mediated by animal growth and scaffold degradation. This also introduces a challenge to standard analyses of IVUS outcomes relying on constant stent diameters over time.
The Deceptive Game of Today's Capitalist Globalisation Evidence from Malaysia's Experience
Authors: Alam Md. Mahmudul , Molla Rafiqul Islam , Murad Md. Wahid 
Published: January 2012

AbstractGlobalisation is the economic policy of the integration of national economies with the global economy on the basis of free market competition. It is a neoliberal prescription for industrialisation and growth of the emerging economies of the South, and a project of capital accumulation for the capitalist North through a process of securing a disproportionate share of the benefits at the expense of the developing South. The content analysis and Malaysia's globalisation experience support the hypothesis that globalisation has great potential to contribute to the industrialisation and growth of emerging economies, while at the same time showing that the way it is practised indicates that it is a deceptive game of the North and cannot be entirely trusted to emancipate the developing economies. The paper suggests a policy of target-oriented 'inclusive globalisation' to ensure an equitable share of the benefits of specialisation and globalisation.
Financial Sector Development and Remittances in Pacific Island Economies: How Do They Help the World’s Two Most Recipient-Dependent Countries?
Authors: Jayaraman T. K. , Choong Chee-Keong , Kumar Ronald Ravinesh 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
In the context of the current recession in industrialized countries and the resultant dim prospects for exports from small Pacific island countries, mobilization of foreign exchange earnings assumes considerable importance. The dependency of Samoa and Tonga on inward remittances is well known, as the two Polynesian island countries in recent years have been among the first top ten remittance recipient countries of the world. This paper examines the long-run nexus between economic growth and inward remittances during a three-decade period (1981-2008). The paper also discusses some important policy implications arising out of the study’s findings.
Hieronymus und Johannes Chrysostomos (zu Hier. in Tit. 1,12 und epist. 70,2)
Authors: Mülke Markus 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
In the research on the relationship between early Christianity and ancient culture, two passages from the work of Jerome, i.e. in Tit. 1, 12 and epist. 70, 2, play an important role. There, the author answers the controversial question if and in which way a Christian was allowed to cite the works of ancient pagan authors. In what follows will be suggested that in both passages Jerome himself used a prominent source of Greek exegesis, namely the Homilies which Johannes Chrysostomos had held in Antiochia.
Tradition and Polemic in Basil of Caesarea’s Homily on the Theophany
Authors: DelCogliano Mark 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The bulk of Basil of Caesarea’s neglected Homilia in sanctam Christi generationem is a commentary on select verses of Matthew 1:18-2:11. He explicitly approves or rejects other interpretations, though without ever naming their authors. This study does not merely identify his sources and interlocutors, but more importantly examines how he engaged with previous and contemporary theologians and exegetes in a critical, selective, and creative manner. It shows that while Basil may have borrowed from Eusebius of Caesarea and refuted Eunomius, his primary conversation partner was Origen. Basil’s use of Origen is by no means uniform, but ranges from wholesale adoption to outright rejection. Hence it is in his appropriation of Origen that Basil’s critical, selective, and creative engagement with exegetical traditions is most clearly seen. This study concludes with a typology of seven ways in which Basil engaged with Origen in this homily.
Spirit-Christology in Irenaeus: A Closer Look
Authors: Briggman Anthony 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Our understanding of Irenaeus’ Spirit-Christology has benefited from several noteworthy studies published over the course of the past century. These investigations, however, failed to reach a consensus on whether Irenaeus’ Spirit-Christology jeopardizes his Trinitarian logic. The purpose of this article is to provide a long-overdue reexamination of Irenaeus’ utilization of Spirit-Christology. I argue Spirit-Christology does have a place in Irenaeus’ theology, but that it poses no threat to his Trinitarian logic. I contend that two passages, previously thought to identify the Holy Spirit with the person of Christ, refer to the reception of the Holy Spirit by the believer for his or her redemption. Moreover, I maintain two other passages do not use Spirit language to refer to the person of Christ, but his divinity.
Learning What it Means to Be Part of the Multicultural Body of Christ: Experiences within Catholic Religious Orders in the Netherlands
Authors: Moorman Gerard 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Many Catholic religious orders have provinces in different countries. Crosscultural contacts have thus always been part of the life within these international orders. Globalisation has given new impetus to the processes of internationalisation withing religious orders. Over the last few decades many Asian, African or Latin-American members from religious orders have come to formerly mission-sending provinces to strengthen the rapidly diminishing ranks of the religious orders in Europe or North-America. This article deals with the complexities of forming multicultural religious communities, based on the experiences of the religious orders in the Netherlands. The process needed to establish fruitful inter- cultural dynamics within communities involve a real kenosis for all the people involved.
Multicentennial Variability of the Sea Surface Temperature Gradient across the Subpolar North Atlantic over the Last 2.8 kyr*,+
Authors: Miettinen Arto , Divine Dmitry , Koç Nalan , Godtliebsen Fred , Hall Ian R. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A 2800-yr-long August sea surface temperature (aSST) record based on fossil diatom assemblages is generated from a marine sediment core from the northern subpolar North Atlantic. The record is compared with the aSST record from the Norwegian Sea to explore the variability of the aSST gradient between these areas during the late Holocene.
The aSST records demonstrate the opposite climate tendencies toward a persistent warming in the core site in the subpolar North Atlantic and cooling in the Norwegian Sea. At the multicentennial scale of aSST variability of 600–900 yr, the records are nearly in antiphase with warmer (colder) periods in the subpolar North Atlantic corresponding to the colder (warmer) periods in the Norwegian Sea. At the shorter time scale of 200–450 yr, the records display a phase-locked behavior with a tendency for the positive aSST anomalies in the Norwegian Sea to lead, by ~30 yr, the negative aSST anomalies in the subpolar North Atlantic. This apparent aSST seesaw might have an effect on two major anomalies of the European climate of the past Millennium: Medieval Warm Period (MWP) and the Little Ice Age (LIA). During the MWP warming of the sea surface in the Norwegian Sea occurred in parallel with cooling in the northern subpolar North Atlantic, whereas the opposite pattern emerged during the LIA.
The results suggest that the observed aSST seesaw between the subpolar North Atlantic and the Norwegian Sea could be a surface expression of the variability of the eastern and western branches of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) with a possible amplification through atmospheric feedback.
Laser Interferometry of Turbulent Atmosphere
Authors: Kaloshin Gennady , Lukin Igor 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The paper introduces a new laser interferometry–based method for diagnosis of random media by means of high-accuracy angle measurements and describes the results of its development and testing. Theoretical calculations of the dependence of the range of the laser interferometer on laser beam parameters, device geometry, and atmospheric turbulence characteristics are reported. It is demonstrated that at moderate turbulence intensities corresponding to those observed most frequently in turbulent atmosphere at moderate latitudes and with low interference contrast values, the performance range of the laser interferometer–based device exceeds 5 km.
The Stratospheric Extension of the Canadian Global Deterministic Medium-Range Weather Forecasting System and Its Impact on Tropospheric Forecasts
Authors: Charron Martin , Polavarapu Saroja , Buehner Mark , Vaillancourt P. A. , Charette Cécilien , Roch Michel , Morneau Josée , Garand Louis , Aparicio Josep M. , MacPherson Stephen , Pellerin Simon , St-James Judy , Heilliette Sylvain 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A new system that resolves the stratosphere was implemented for operational medium-range weather forecasts at the Canadian Meteorological Centre. The model lid was raised from 10 to 0.1 hPa, parameterization schemes for nonorographic gravity wave tendencies and methane oxidation were introduced, and a new radiation scheme was implemented. Because of the higher lid height of 0.1 hPa, new measurements between 10 and 0.1 hPa were also added. This new high-top system resulted not only in dramatically improved forecasts of the stratosphere, but also in large improvements in medium-range tropospheric forecast skill. Pairs of assimilation experiments reveal that most of the stratospheric and tropospheric forecast improvement is obtained without the extra observations in the upper stratosphere. However, these observations further improve forecasts in the winter hemisphere but not in the summer hemisphere. Pairs of forecast experiments were run in which initial conditions were the same for each experiment but the forecast model differed. The large improvements in stratospheric forecast skill are found to be due to the higher lid height of the new model. The new radiation scheme helps to improve tropospheric forecasts. However, the degree of improvement seen in tropospheric forecast skill could not be entirely explained with these purely forecast experiments. It is hypothesized that the cycling of a better model and assimilation provide improved initial conditions, which result in improved forecasts.
Detecting Confusion Using Facial Electromyography
Authors: Durso Francis T. , Geldbach Kaitlin M. , Corballis Paul 
Published: January 2012

Objective: The ability to detect confusion using facial electromyography (EMG) was evaluated. Background: Facial EMG has been useful in detecting various emotional states. Another state potentially detectable from facial musculature is confusion. Confusion reflects a loss of understanding or, in a dynamic environment, a loss of situation understanding or situation awareness. Method: For this study, 24 participants listened to a confusing and a neutral audio passage while they were monitored with EMG. Electrical activity of the right and left corrugator supercilii, the right zygomaticus major, and right depressor anguli oris was recorded. Participants also reported whether they felt confused during the experimental passage. Finally, they were asked to pose facial expressions. Two raters assessed responses in the graphed EMG data for evidence of activation near a confusing sentence in the passage. Results: EMG revealed confusion in 21 of 24 (87.5%) participants, even in some participants who did not admit confusion. Posed expressions of confusion differed somewhat from spontaneous expressions elicited during the experimental passage. Conclusion: EMG was effective in detecting confusion, regardless of operator self-report. Not all muscles in the face were important for the detection of confusion: The zygomaticus major led to a large number of false positives. Application: EMG can be an effective addition to a sensor suite designed to monitor the cognitive state of operators of systems.
Complement C3 is a novel plasma clot component with anti-fibrinolytic properties
Authors: Howes Joanna-Marie , Richardson Victoria R , Smith Kerrie A , Schroeder Verena , Somani Riyaz , Shore Anna , Hess Katharina , Ajjan Ramzi , Pease Richard J , Keen Jeffrey N , Standeven Kristina F , Carter Angela M 
Published: January 2012

Background and method: Increased plasma clot density and prolonged lysis times are associated with cardiovascular disease. In this study, we employed a functional proteomics approach to identify novel clot components which may influence clot phenotypes. Results: Analysis of perfused, solubilised plasma clots identified inflammatory proteins, including complement C3, as novel clot components. Analysis of paired plasma and serum samples confirmed concentration-dependent incorporation of C3 into clots. Surface plasmon resonance indicated high-affinity binding interactions between C3 and fibrinogen and fibrin. Turbidimetric clotting and lysis assays indicated C3 impaired fibrinolysis in a concentration-dependent manner, both in vitro and ex vivo. Conclusion: These data indicate functional interactions between complement C3 and fibrin leading to prolonged fibrinolysis. These interactions are physiologically relevant in the context of protection following injury and suggest a mechanistic link between increased plasma C3 concentration and acute cardiovascular thrombotic events.
Inhibition of Pyk2 blocks lung inflammation and injury in a mouse model of acute lung injury
Authors: Duan Yingli , Learoyd Jonathan , Meliton Angelo Y , Leff Alan R , Zhu Xiangdong 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) is essential in neutrophil degranulation and chemotaxis in vitro. However, its effect on the process of lung inflammation and edema formation during LPS induced acute lung injury (ALI) remains unknown. The goal of the present study was to determine the effect of inhibiting Pyk2 on LPS-induced acute lung inflammation and injury in vivo.

Methods
C57BL6 mice were given either 10 mg/kg LPS or saline intratracheally. Inhibition of Pyk2 was effected by intraperitoneal administration TAT-Pyk2-CT 1 h before challenge. Bronchoalveolar lavage analysis of cell counts, lung histology and protein concentration in BAL were analyzed at 18 h after LPS treatment. KC and MIP-2 concentrations in BAL were measured by a mouse cytokine multiplex kit. The static lung compliance was determined by pressure-volume curve using a computer-controlled small animal ventilator. The extravasated Evans blue concentration in lung homogenate was determined spectrophotometrically.

Results
Intratracheal instillation of LPS induced significant neutrophil infiltration into the lung interstitium and alveolar space, which was attenuated by pre-treatment with TAT-Pyk2-CT. TAT-Pyk2-CT pretreatment also attenuated 1) myeloperoxidase content in lung tissues, 2) vascular leakage as measured by Evans blue dye extravasation in the lungs and the increase in protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage, and 3) the decrease in lung compliance. In each paradigm, treatment with control protein TAT-GFP had no blocking effect. By contrast, production of neutrophil chemokines MIP-2 and keratinocyte-derived chemokine in the bronchoalveolar lavage was not reduced by TAT-Pyk2-CT. Western blot analysis confirmed that tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2 in LPS-challenged lungs was reduced to control levels by TAT-Pyk2-CT pretreatment.

Conclusions
These results suggest that Pyk2 plays an important role in the development of acute lung injury in mice and that pharmacological inhibition of Pyk2 might provide a potential therapeutic strategy in the pretreatment for patients at imminent risk of developing acute lung injury.