bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteinase-activated receptors induce nonoxidative, antimicrobial peptides and increased antimicrobial activity in human mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Lippuner Nadine , Morell Bernhard , Schaffner Andreas , Schaer Dominik J 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAs thrombin and SFLLRNPNDKYEPF (SFLLRN-14), a synthetic ligand, mainly of the proteinase-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), induce in monocytes the synthesis and secretion of chemokines, the PAR pathway can be viewed as a mononuclear phagocyte-activating principle. Classically, antimicrobial activity of mononuclear phagocytes is the measure for activation. Here, we investigated whether thrombin or SFLLRN-14 increases the antimicrobial activity of human monocytes and compared these effects to those of IFN-γ. Furthermore, we measured the effects of these agents on the secretion of reactive oxygen intermediates and the antimicrobial activity of acid peptide extracts from monocytes. Human monocytes were exposed to maximally active concentrations of thrombin, SFLLRN-14, and IFN-γ. Human monocytes treated with thrombin or SFLLRN-14 and then challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium, including its attenuated mutant phoP, or Listeria monocytogenes killed, within 3 h, significantly more bacteria than control cells, an effect comparable with or surpassing the effect of IFN-γ. This finding establishes the proteinase-PAR pathway as a potent, alternate activation pathway of mononuclear phagocytes. Thrombin and SFLLRN-14 had no significant effects on the amount of H2O2 secreted by monocytes. This was in contrast to IFN-γ, which as expected, increased the secretion of H2O2 by approximately fourfold. Thrombin and SFLLRN-14, but not IFN-γ, however, significantly increased the antimicrobial activity of acid peptide extracts of monocytes in a radial diffusion assay. Taken together, these findings suggest that IFN-γ and thrombin differentially regulate oxidative and nonoxidative killing systems of human monocytes.
Determination of active components in Chinese medicinal preparations by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Liu Huitao , Gao Yuan 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe determination of paeoniforin, paeonol, and censenoside Rg1 in traditional Chinese medicinal preparations, Tze Po San Pien pills and Liuwen Dihuang pills has been investigated by micellar electrokinetic capillary electrophoresis with borate buffer (20 mM), sodium dodecylsulfate (30 mM) and acetonitrile (20%) as background electrolytes (pH 9.30), 20 kV applied voltage and 203 nm UV detection. The effects of SDS concentration, borate, buffer pH, and organic modifier on electrophoretic behavior and separation are discussed. Regression equations revealed linear relationships between the peak-area of each component and the content with the correlation coefficients from 0.9982 to 0.9999. In addition, the levels of the active compounds in two kinds of traditional Chinese medicinal preparations were easily determined with the recoveries from 93.1% to 108.2%.
Reciprocation and interchange in wild Japanese macaques: grooming, cofeeding, and agonistic support
Authors: Ventura Raffaella , Majolo Bonaventura , Koyama Nicola F. , Hardie Scott , Schino Gabriele 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSocial primates spend a significant proportion of their time exchanging grooming with their group companions. Although grooming is mainly exchanged in kind, given its hygienic and tension‐reducing functions, it is still debated whether grooming also provides some social benefits, such as preferential access to resources (e.g., food or mating partners). In this study we analyzed grooming distribution among wild female Japanese macaques living in two groups on Yakushima. We tested the tendency of monkeys to reciprocate the amount of grooming received, and to direct their grooming up the hierarchy. Then we analyzed the relation of grooming to three of its possible benefits: reduced aggression, increased tolerance over food, and agonistic support against a male aggressor. The data were analyzed by means of row‐wise matrix correlations. Grooming was highly reciprocated (i.e., exchanged in kind) and directed up the hierarchy in both the study groups. No significant relationship was found between grooming and aggression. Conversely, grooming favored tolerance over food, since it was positively correlated with presence on the same food patch, close proximity, and close approaches (both within 1 m) during feeding. Grooming was also positively related to agonistic support against adult males, although this relationship became nonsignificant when we controlled for kinship. Although these results are not definitive, they suggest that monkeys may derive various social benefits from grooming. This conclusion is supported by the fact that in various primate species animals tend to prefer high‐ranking individuals as grooming partners. Am. J. Primatol. 68:1138–1149, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Female social relationships in a captive group of Campbell's monkeys (Cercopithecus campbelli campbelli)
Authors: Lemasson Alban , Blois‐Heulin Catherine , Jubin Ronan , Hausberger Martine 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA study group of Campbell's monkeys (Cercopithecus c. campbelli) provided data on affiliative and agonistic relationships between females. Over a period of two years (involving 111 hr), we conducted observations of a captive group which had a composition similar to wild groups. We were able to identify a monitor‐adjust social system with frequent affiliative interactions, directed gazing and avoidances rather than aggressive acts. We described long‐term differentiated affiliative bonds: adult females interacting more often with some group mates than others, especially if they were relatives. Interactions between matrilines concerned essentially play and young adult females. We found a significant linear hierarchy of dominance with rare reversals and a stable intermatriline dominance. In contrast to other single‐male groups, our adult male was socially integrated into the group although this may have been because of the housing conditions. Comparisons with the social organization of other captive and wild guenon groups are discussed. Am. J. Primatol. 68:1161–1170, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Volatile components of lemur scent secretions vary throughout the year
Authors: Andrew Hayes R. , Morelli Toni Lyn , Wright Patricia C. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractOlfactory signals can communicate a wide variety of information and are very important in many mammalian species. However, little is known about the olfactory communication of primates. This study used gas chromatography to examine the volatile components of the anogenital gland secretions of wild Milne‐Edward's sifaka, Propithecus edwardsi (Primates, Indriidae) (n = 17), captured in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. We compared scent swabs of animals and examined differences between social group, age class, sex, and season. The only identified differences in the volatiles were between swabs from the different seasons; all other categories were statistically indistinguishable. Am. J. Primatol. 68:1202–1207, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Praktische Anleitung zur Messung und Interpretation magnetischer Eigenschaften
Authors: Lueken Heiko 
Published: November 2006

AbstractHier werden Verfahrensweisen empfohlen, um vor Irrtümern sowohl bei der Messung als auch bei der Interpretation magnetischer Daten zu schützen. Die Magnetfeldstärke ist bei der Messung magnetischer Suszeptibilitäten sorgfältig zu wählen, um die Aufnahme unverfälschter Daten zu garantieren. Mit Beispielen wird belegt, wie durch zu starke Felder magnetische Sättigung verursacht wird und schwache ferro‐/antiferromagnetische Spin‐Spin‐Kopplungen unterdrückt werden. Fehlinterpretationen sind die Folge, es sei denn, man verwendet Suszeptibilitätsbeziehungen, die die Feldstärkeabhängigkeit von χm explizit berücksichtigen. Des Weiteren werden Empfehlungen zur Darstellung experimenteller und theoretischer Daten gegeben. Die begrenzte Anwendbarkeit der am meisten überstrapazierten Beziehung im Falle von Paramagnetismus, des Curie‐Weiss‐Gesetzes χm=C/(T−θ), wird verdeutlicht (magnetisch kondensierte Systeme, reiner Spin‐Magnetismus). Während bei bestimmten 3d‐ und 4f‐Systemen einfache Suszeptibilitätsformeln anwendbar sind, verlangt die komplexe Situation für die übrigen d‐ and f‐Zentren – unter Einbeziehung der Actinoide – Computerprogramme, die gleichzeitig interelektronische Abstoßung, Ligandenfeld‐Potential, Spin‐Bahn‐Kopplung, interatomare Austauschwechselwirkung und äußeres Magnetfeld berücksichtigen.
Blue/green light‐emitting diode based on diethyl[N‐arylmethylenethiobenzahydrazonato]gallium complexes
Authors: Shen Yingzhong , Huang Xiaoyan , Xu Sen , Deng Jie , Zhang Yiying 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThree diethylgallium complexes of type Et2GaL [L = N‐(4‐methoxy) benzylidenethiobenzahydrazonato (1), N‐(4‐N,N‐dimethylamino)benzy lidenethiobenzahydrazonato (2) and N‐(9‐anthryl)methylenethio benzahydrazonato (3)] were synthesized by the reaction of triethylgallium with appropriate N‐arylmethylenethiobenzahydrazones. The compounds obtained were characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy, respectively. Monolayer light‐emitting diodes based on the diethyl[N‐arylmethylenethio benzahydrazonato]gallium doped poly(vinylcarbazole) were fabricated using a spin coating method. The photoluminescent and electroluminescent emission spectra of 1 and 3 were measured (429 and 479 nm for 1 and 3, respectively). The electroluminescent properties of 1 and 3 were also studied. The electroluminscence bands are located in the blue/green region (465 and 510 nm for complexes 1 and 3, respectively). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of 3‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐sulfanylpropenoic acid and di‐isopropylammonium [3‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐sulfanylpropenoato] triphenylstannate(IV). The crystal structure of [HQ][SnPh3(o‐mpspa)]
Authors: Álvarez‐Boo Pedro , Casas José S. , Castellano Eduardo E. , Couce M. Delfina , Farto Rosa , Freijanes Eduardo , Sordo José 
Published: November 2006

AbstractReaction of 3‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐sulfanylpropenoic acid [H2(o‐mpspa)] with SnPh3OH in the presence of di‐isopropylamine resulted in the formation of the complex [HQ][SnPh3(o‐mpspa)] (where HQ = di‐isopropylammonium cation and o‐mpspa = 3‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐sulfanylpropenoato), which was characterized by mass spectrometry and vibrational spectroscopy, as well as by 1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR spectroscopy. The single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis of the new complex shows a trigonal‐bipyramidal coordination geometry around the Sn atom where o‐mpspa behaves as a bidentate chelating ligand. Dimeric units arise from the existence of NH…O hydrogen bonds between the NH2 group of the di‐isopropylammonium cation and the oxygen atoms of the two neighbouring carboxylato groups. The bacteriostatic activity of the complex is also reported. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermotropic Liquid Crystals Based on Extended 2,5‐Disubstituted‐1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles: Structure–Property Relationships, Variable‐Temperature Powder X‐ray Diffraction, and Small‐Angle X‐ray Scattering Studies
Authors: Han Jie , Chui Stephen Sin‐Yin , Che Chi‐Ming 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA class of extended 2,5‐disubstituted‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles R1‐C6H4‐{OC2N2}‐C6H4‐R2 (R1=R2=C10H21O 1 a, p‐C10H21O‐C6H4‐CC 3 a, p‐CH3O‐C6H4‐CC 3 b; R1=C10H21O, R2=CH3O 1 b, (CH3)2N 1 c; F 1 d; R1=C10H21O‐C6H4‐CC, R2=C10H21O 2 a, CH3O 2 b, (CH3)2N 2 c, F 2 d) were prepared, and their liquid‐crystalline properties were examined. In CH2Cl2 solution, these compounds displayed a room‐temperature emission with λmax at 340–471 nm and quantum yields of 0.73–0.97. Compounds 1 d, 2 a–2 d, and 3 a exhibited various thermotropic mesophases (monotropic, enantiotropic nematic/smectic), which were examined by polarized‐light optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Structure determination by a direct‐space approach using simulated annealing or parallel tempering of the powder X‐ray diffraction data revealed distinctive crystal‐packing arrangements for mesogenic molecules 2 b and 3 a, leading to different nematic mesophase behavior, with 2 b being monotropic and 3 a enantiotropic in the narrow temperature range of 200–210 °C. The structural transitions associated with these crystalline solids and their mesophases were studied by variable‐temperature X‐ray diffractometry. Nondestructive phase transitions (crystal‐to‐crystal, crystal‐to‐mesophase, mesophase‐to‐liquid) were observed in the diffractograms of 1 b, 1 d, 2 b, 2 d, and 3 a measured at 25–200 °C. Powder X‐ray diffraction and small‐angle X‐ray scattering data revealed that the structure of the annealed solid residue 2 b reverted to its original crystal/molecular packing when the isotropic liquid was cooled to room temperature. Structure–property relationships within these mesomorphic solids are discussed in the context of their molecular structures and intermolecular interactions.
Can an inactivating agent increase enzyme activity in organic solvent? Effects of 18‐crown‐6 on lipase activity, enantioselectivity, and conformation
Authors: Secundo Francesco , Barletta Gabriel L. , Dumitriu Emil , Carrea Giacomo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractLipase from Burkholderia cepacia (lipase BC) and lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) show an increase of the transesterification activity in toluene (up to 2.4‐ and 1.7‐fold, respectively), when lyophilized with 18‐crown‐6. Nevertheless, the increase was observed only for low (less than 100) 18‐crown‐6/lipase molar ratio, while at higher ratios, the activity decreased for both enzymes to values lower than those obtained in the absence of the additive. In 1,4‐dioxane, the activation is lower for lipase BC (1.7‐fold) and for CALB (1.5‐fold). Concerning enantioselectivity, tested in the kinetic resolution of 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐ol, only in the case of CALB, an effect of the additive (the E value varied from about 120 to 280) was observed. In water, 4% (w/w) of 18‐crown‐6 caused a loss of activity in the hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenyl laurate of about 88 and 99.75%, compared to that observed in the absence of the crown ether for CALB and lipase BC, respectively. These data and the conformational analysis of both lipases, carried out by FT/IR spectroscopy indicate that the enzyme inactivation in water and in organic solvents at 18‐crown‐6/lipase molar ratios, higher than 100 might be due to conformational changes caused by the additive. Instead, at molar ratios lower than 100, 18‐crown‐6 might increase the activity—particularly, in toluene—thanks to the fact that in its presence, the enzyme has an hydrogen bonds pattern, more similar to that in water. This suggests that the additive would be able to provide the enzyme with more water. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97:12–18. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk factors for local progression after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of lung tumors
Authors: Hiraki Takao , Sakurai Jun , Tsuda Toshihide , Gobara Hideo , Sano Yoshifumi , Mukai Takashi , Hase Soichiro , Iguchi Toshihiro , Fujiwara Hiroyasu , Date Hiroshi , Kanazawa Susumu 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.The purpose of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the risk factors for local progression after percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of lung tumors.METHODS.The study included 128 patients (77 men, 51 women; mean age, 61.3 years) with 342 tumors (25 primary and 317 metastatic lung neoplasms; mean long‐axis diameter, 1.7 cm) treated with RF ablation. The overall primary and secondary technique effectiveness rates were estimated using Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Multiple variables were analyzed using the log‐rank test, followed by multivariate multilevel analysis to determine independent risk factors for local progression. The primary and secondary technique effectiveness rates were again estimated when considering only tumors without independent risk factors.RESULTS.The median follow‐up period was 12 months (range, 6–47 months). The overall primary and secondary technique effectiveness rates were 72% and 84% at 1 year, 60% and 71% at 2 years, and 58% and 66% at 3 years, respectively. Larger tumor size (hazard ratio [HR], 1.97; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.47–2.65; P < .00001) and the use of an internally cooled electrode (HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.10–4.90; P = .027) were assessed as independent risk factors for local progression. The primary and secondary technique effectiveness rates when considering tumors smaller than 2 cm and treated with a multitined expandable electrode were 89% and 89% at 1 year and 66% and 78% at 2 years, respectively.CONCLUSIONS.Larger tumor size and the use of an internally cooled electrode were independent risk factors for local progression after RF ablation of lung tumors. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
2D Simulations of Short‐Pulsed Dielectric Barrier Discharge Xenon Excimer Lamp
Authors: Bogdanov E. A. , Kudryavtsev A. A. , Arslanbekov R. R. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSelf‐consistent two‐dimensional (2D) simulations of short‐pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in pure xenon have been performed. It is shown that during short current pulse the traversal inhomogeneity of the plasma parameters can be important only at the end of the current pulse as an edge effect close to the side walls. During the current pulse, the gap voltage drops until the ionization wave reaches the cathode so the current in the cathode sheath is the displacement current. This means that almost all of the absorbed power is deposited into excitation of xenon atoms and not to the ion heating in the cathode sheath as in the traditional glow discharges. This fact is one of the reasons of high efficiency of short‐pulsed DBD. The developed model allows one to estimate the temporal position of the plasma‐sheath boundary. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of Azimuthal Structure of Surface Waves on Efficiency of their Excitation by Tubular Electron Beams
Authors: Akimov Yu. A. , Olefir V. P. , Azarenkov N. A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe excitation of eigen surface waves by tubular electron beams in cylindrical discharge devices is studied. The influence of the wave‐field azimuthal structure on the excitation efficiency and nonlinear stage of the plasmabeam instability is investigated both numerically and analytically. Analytical expressions for the saturation amplitude and excitation efficiency of the wave under study are derived. They are found to agree well with results obtained by numerical modelling of the plasma‐beam interaction presented in this paper. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relationship between FRA11F and 11q13 gene amplification in oral cancer
Authors: Reshmi Shalini C. , Huang Xin , Schoppy David W. , Black Robert C. , Saunders William S. , Smith David I. , Gollin Susanne M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractCommon fragile sites (CFS) are nonstaining gaps or breaks in chromosomes that are expressed under conditions inducing replicative stress. CFS have been suggested to play a role in epithelial cancers by their association with loss of heterozygosity, loss of gene expression, and/or gene amplification in the form of homogeneously staining regions (hsrs). In oral squamous‐cell carcinomas (OSCC), amplification of chromosomal band 11q13 occurs in the form of an hsr. We suggested previously that CFS flanking 11q13 may be susceptible to breakage induced by tobacco or other carcinogens and/or human papillomavirus, promoting formation of the 11q13 amplicon. Examination of OSCC cell lines with 11q13 amplification using fluorescence in situ hybridization showed loss of FRA11F sequences, whereas cell lines without 11q13 amplification displayed an intact FRA11F site. Cell lines with more complex 11q rearrangements expressed FRA11F in the form of an inverted duplication, characteristic of breakage‐fusion‐bridge cycles. Our findings suggest that gene amplification involving chromosomal band 11q13 in OSCC may be initiated by breakage at FRA11F. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epigenetic inactivation of the deleted in lung and esophageal cancer 1 gene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Kwong Joseph , Chow Lillian Shuk‐Nga , Wong Albert Yue‐Hang , Hung Wing‐Ki , Chung Grace Tin‐Yun , To Ka‐Fai , Chan Franky L. , Daigo Yataro , Nakamura Yusuke , Huang Dolly P. , Lo Kwok‐Wai 
Published: November 2006

AbstractDeletion of the short arm of chromosome 3 is a common event in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), suggesting that one or more tumor suppressor genes at 3p are involved in this cancer. DLEC1, Deleted in Lung and Esophageal Cancer 1, located at 3p22.2, was recently identified as a candidate tumor suppressor gene in lung, esophageal, and renal cancers. In this study, we investigated the involvement of DLEC1 in the development of NPC. Down‐regulation of DLEC1 and promoter hypermethylation were observed in all NPC cell lines and xenografts but not in normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Promoter hypermethylation of DLEC1 was also detected in 30 of 42 (71%) NPC primary tumors. Treatment of NPC cell lines with demethylating agent or histone deacetylase inhibitor resulted in restoration of DLEC1 expression. Overexpression of DLEC suppressed growth and reduced invasiveness of NPC cells. Furthermore, the tumorigenic potential of DLEC1 expressing NPC cells was highly reduced in nude mice. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that silencing of DLEC1 expression by promoter hypermethylation and histone deacetylation may be important in NPC tumorigenesis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐administered cognitive screening for a study of successful aging among community‐dwelling seniors: a preliminary study
Authors: Moore David J. , Sitzer David , Depp Colin A. , Montross Lori P. , Reichstadt Jennifer , Lebowitz Barry D. , Jeste Dilip V. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackgroundCognitive functioning is a central component of successful aging. Yet, there are few published instruments for brief and reliable self‐administered cognitive assessment that could be used in large population‐based studies of community‐dwelling elderly people.ObjectiveWe examined the utility of a self‐administered cognitive screening instrument in a group of community‐dwelling older adults, and we evaluated correlations of the performance on this measure with demographic variables and specific indicators of self‐rated successful aging.MethodWe assessed 182 well‐educated adults ages 58 to 99 with a modified version of a previously published cognitive screening instrument (Cognitive Assessment Screening Test—Revised; CAST‐R), a measure of cognitive complaints (Cognitive Failures Questionnaire; CFQ), and a self‐rating of successful aging. We used the SF‐36 Physical and Mental Composite Scores as measures of physical and mental health‐related functioning.ResultsAs expected, most individuals performed well on the CAST‐R; only 7% of participants fell below a previously established cut score for cognitive impairment. CAST–R scores were positively correlated with level of education, income, SF‐36 Mental Composite Scores, and a self‐rating of successful aging, and negatively correlated with chronological age. Scores on the CAST‐R were not correlated with cognitive complaints (CFQ total score) or SF‐36 Physical Composite Scores.ConclusionsA self‐administered cognitive screening tool may be a useful, albeit limited, way of screening for cognitive disabilities among well‐educated, community‐dwelling older adults. Although preliminary, significant associations with several successful aging‐related variables in expected directions represent the first step in establishing the validity of the CAST‐R. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.