bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Level and source of predictability of seasonal rainfall anomalies in Malaysia using canonical correlation analysis
Authors: Juneng Liew , Tangang Fredolin T. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis study examines the level and origin of seasonal forecast skills of rainfall anomalies in Malaysia. The forecast models are based on an empirical technique known as the canonical correlation analysis (CCA). The CCA technique searches for maximally correlated coupled patterns between sets of predictor and predictand matrices. The predictive skills of five predictor fields, namely station rainfall in preceding seasons (i.e. the predictand itself), local sea surface temperature (SST) over the western Pacific sector, quasi‐global SST, sea level pressure, and northern hemisphere 700 hPa geopotential height, are investigated. The sequence of four consecutive 3‐month predictor periods is used to capture evolutionary features in the predictor fields. The predictor‐predictand setup is designed such that the predictor fields are followed by a lead‐time ranging from 0 to 9 months and then by a single predictand period of 3 months' duration. The skills are estimated in hindcast mode using the one‐year‐out version of the cross‐validation technique. Skill estimates are expressed as temporal correlation coefficients between forecasts and observed values.A series of experiments with different predictor combinations reveal that the model with quasi‐global SST alone produces most favourable forecast skills. The forecast skills of this model generally outperform the persistence forecast. Moreover, the model also has higher forecast skills in the East Malaysian region compared to those in Peninsular Malaysia. The forecast skill peaks during the late Northern Hemisphere winter season (January–February–March (JFM)) with a secondary maximum during the early summer season (May–June–July, (MJJ)). The average forecast skills are between 0.3–0.5 for up to 5 months' lead‐time in the East Malaysian region and this can be considered very useful for the appropriate users. In the Peninsular Malaysia region, the forecast skills are generally weak, although some stations registered modest skills even at a 5‐month lead‐time. For both prediction periods, the source of predictability originates from anomalous SST conditions associated with the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. Generally, during a La Niña (an El Niño) event, regions in northern Borneo experience excess (deficit) rainfall during the JFM period. Similar conditions are experienced during the MJJ period except that the impact tends to be more widespread throughout the country. Interestingly, the origin of predictability during the JFM period can be traced to typical ENSO events, while ENSO events of longer duration are responsible for the MJJ period. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Safety tests and antinutrient analyses of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) leaf
Authors: West Brett J , Tani Hisanori , Palu Afa K , Tolson Charles B , Jensen C Jarakae 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) leaves have a documented history of food use. However, previous safety and antinutrient studies are absent. The current investigation was conducted to assess the utility of noni leaves as food.RESULTS: No evidence of toxicity or differences in weight gain were observed in acute, subacute, and subchronic oral toxicity tests of ethanol–water (1:1 v/v) and hot‐water extracts of noni leaves in mice at doses of 2000, 200, and 20 mg kg−1 body weight, respectively. Acute systemic anaphylaxis tests of the ethanol–water (4:1 v/v) and hot‐water extracts were negative. Further, leaf proteins were readily digested in simulated gastric fluid. Tannic acid concentrations in frozen and dried leaf were 1.6 and 25.8 g kg−1, respectively. Phytic acid was not detected in the raw leaf (<1 g kg−1). The average oxalic acid content was 1 g kg−1 and was fairly uniform among 22 leaf samples from 11 islands throughout French Polynesia. Similarly, campesterol, stigmasterol, and β‐sitosterol content did not vary widely, suggesting low inter‐island content variability.CONCLUSIONS: The apparent lack of toxicity of the leaves and the hardiness of the plant make it ideal for further agricultural development, especially where sustained growth of other food crops is difficult. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Concentration‐dependent antioxidant activities of conjugated linoleic acid and α‐tocopherol in corn oil
Authors: Badr El‐Din Nariman K , Omaye Stanley T 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Antioxidants prevent rancidity (lipid peroxidation) and natural antioxidants, e.g., α‐tocopherol, likely provide additional value to oil‐based food products because of their health benefits. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has potential health benefits and may exhibit antioxidant properties. The main aim of this study was to compare the antioxidant efficacy of α‐tocopherol, trans‐10, cis‐12‐CLA and cis‐9, trans‐11‐CLA (in graded concentrations) added to antioxidant‐stripped corn oil.RESULTS: As compared to α‐tocopherol, both CLA isomers displayed significant inhibition of corn oil lipid peroxidation induced by copper. Inhibition of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were CLA concentration dependent for both isomers but with significant inhibition occurring at 0.1 and 1 ppm of CLA isomers or α‐tocopherol, respectively (P < 0.05). Graded concentrations of α‐tocopherol, and for both CLA isomers and time, had significant effects on TBARS formation (P < 0.0001). There were significant effects in interactions between graded concentrations and time for both CLA isomers (P < 0.0001) but not for α‐tocopherol (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: CLA compounds could serve as useful food antioxidants and provide additional value because of their potential bioactivity in disease prevention. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Sodium maleopimaric acid as pseudostationary phase for chiral separations of amino acid derivatives by capillary micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Wang Hengshan , Zhao Shulin , He Min , Zhao Zhicai , Pan Yingming , Liang Qian 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA new type of chiral surfactant, sodium maleopimaric acid (SMA), was synthesized, and employed for the enantioselective micellar electrokinetic chromatographic (MEKC) separation of amino acid enantiomers derivatized with naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarboxaldehyde (NDA‐D/L‐AAs). The effect of the surfactant concentration, type and concentration of the BGE, and buffer pH on the resolution was studied, and optimized conditions were used to evaluate the ability of this new surfactant to perform chiral separations toward NDA‐D/L‐AAs by MEKC. Enantiomeric separations of NDA‐D/L‐AAs were achieved with a running buffer consisting of 100 mM borate (pH 9.5) and 20 mM SMA in a 58.5 cm length×50 μm id capillary. Under the conditions selected, two pairs of tested amino acid enantiomers including NDA‐D/L‐trptophan (Trp) and NDA‐D/L‐kynurenine (Kyn) were resolved.
Experimental choices for the determination of carbonyl compounds in air
Authors: Pal Raktim , Kim Ki‐Hyun 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe analysis of carbonyls in ambient air has received a great deal of scientific attention with the advancement of analytical techniques and increased demand for the build‐up of its data base. In this review article, we have attempted to provide some insight into the relative performance of different instrumental approaches available for the analysis of ambient carbonyls with a major emphasis on high performance liquid chromatographic and gas chromatographic methods. Reported in several international standard procedures, derivatization of carbonyls with 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4‐DNPH) with either an impinger or cartridges is the most commonly used method of HPLC detection. In this respect, a number of alternative hydrazine reagents have also been discussed for use with HPLC. In contrast, GC methods based on the combined application of adsorptive enrichment on solid sorbents and thermal desorption are examined with regard to their suitability for carbonyl analysis in air. Particular emphasis has been directed towards the advantages and drawbacks of these different instrumental techniques for ambient carbonyls. Based on this comparative approach, we discuss the suitability for each method for carbonyl analysis.
Enantiomeric analysis of β‐pinene and limonene by direct coupling of reversed phase liquid chromatography and gas chromatography using absorbents as packing materials
Authors: Flores Gema , Ruiz del Castillo Maria Luisa , Herraiz Marta 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA method based on the use of absorbents as packing materials inside the interface of the online coupling between RPLC and GC is proposed for the enantiomeric analysis of β‐pinene and limonene in essential oils. For that purpose, a comparison of the RSD, detection limit and recovery provided by two absorbents and one adsorbent is included in this study. The results found in this work proved the validity of absorbents as packing materials in online RPLC–GC to determine minor compounds in complex matrices. In particular, PDMS seemed to be specially useful to analyse nonpolar compounds, such as β‐pinene and limonene, since it provided higher sensitivity for this kind of compounds. The developed method was applied to the evaluation of the natural and non‐natural character of commercial essential oils by means of the determination of the enantiomeric composition of β‐pinene and limonene.
Grafting of 1‐Vinylimidazole onto Pre‐Irradiated ETFE Films
Authors: Schmidt Christian , Schmidt‐Naake Gudrun 
Published: September 2007

Abstract1‐Vinylimidazole (1VIm) was grafted onto poly(ethylene‐alt‐tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) films via an electron beam pre‐irradiation technique employing doses from 50 to 150 kGy. The effect of the volume fraction of the monomer in water (ϕ), the irradiation dose and the concentration of a Fe2+ salt additive on the degree of grafting (d.o.g.) were studied. The homogeneity of the graft profile was probed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and evaluated by means of a uniformity parameter U. It was found that addition of 50 mmol · L−1 of FeSO4 · 7H2O allows high d.o.g. values of up to ca. 120% with homogenous depth profiles achieved for d.o.g. greater than 50%. The resulting membranes turn out to be mechanically stable and flexible and endure temperatures of up to 250 °C without significant weight loss.magnified image
Reduced muscle‐fiber conduction but normal slowing after cold exposure in paramyotonia congenita
Authors: Blijham Paul J. , Drost Gea , Stegeman Dick F. , Zwarts Machiel J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn this study we investigated a family with paramyotonia (PC) congenita caused by a Gly1306Val mutation in the voltage‐gated sodium‐channel gene SCN4A. A previous study showed that exposure to cold aggravates the muscle stiffness in patients with this mutation. However, the mechanism behind cold sensitivity and the sodium‐channel defect remained unclear. In order to gain a better understanding of sarcolemmal propagation in these patients, we measured muscle‐fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) invasively. We studied four PC patients and four healthy subjects at room temperature. After the muscle was cooled, MFCV was measured again in the two PC patients and four control subjects. MFCV was significantly lower in the PC patients at room temperature, compatible with dysfunctional sodium channels. After cooling, MFCV was significantly lower in both groups as compared with room temperature. The relative slowing was 1.4% per °C for PC patients and 1.5% per °C for healthy subjects. These results indicate that, in these PC patients, mutant and wild‐type sodium channels respond equally to cold exposure. Thus, MFCV is abnormal in these patients, but the aggravation of muscle stiffness cannot be explained by an abnormal sarcolemmal response to cold. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Two medieval ‘trepanations’ – therapy or swindle?
Authors: Holck P. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractDuring the 1991–1992 excavation of the ruins of the medieval cathedral in Hamar, Norway, the broken skull of an elderly man was found, showing evidence of an incomplete trepanation. The ‘surgeon’ had obviously tried to penetrate the skull surface around bregma in an irregular circle of 23 × 21 mm. Upon investigation, the skull revealed a reactive‐pathological area of the internal surface of the occipital bone, which probably represents a respite after a meningeal disorder (a tumour or an infectious process), causing us to suggest that the trepanation was meant to cure the patient's increasing headache. However, as a second skull with similar marks was found in the same churchyard, another explanation seems possible. Because the brain tumour in the first case may have altered the patient's mental state, we may surmise that these incomplete operations were an attempt to remove from these patients' heads the ‘Stone of Madness’, which was then commonly considered to be the reason for psychiatric diagnoses as well as persistent headache, and often depicted in European art, most notably in the 16th and 17th centuries. The second skull, revealing an even more incomplete attempt, did not show any skeletal pathology at all. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The perception of peer support by teenagers aged 12–16 years with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Lowes L , Eaton N , Bill S , Ford L 
Published: September 2007

AbstractTeenagers with diabetes have to cope with the demands of managing the condition within their social context at a time of rapid physical and psychosocial development. As teenagers actively seek independence from parents, they place greater importance on relationships with friends. Friends of teenagers with diabetes have an important supportive role and can influence how diabetes is managed.In this study, qualitative interviews were used to collect data from teenagers with type 1 diabetes from Wales (n = 13) and England (n = 8) recruited via the media. Study aims were to elicit teenagers' perception of the support of friends in managing their diabetes and to produce a diabetes information leaflet for friends.Consistent with other studies, these teenagers would tell close friends they have diabetes. ‘Best’ friends were usually supportive, looking out for ‘hypos’ and encouraging blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration. However, misunderstandings about diabetes sometimes ‘hurt’, including misconceptions about the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, particularly concerning aetiology and a wrongly assumed link between obesity and development of type 1 diabetes. All the teenagers believed it would be helpful for friends to have a diabetes information leaflet in age appropriate language.Increasing emphasis is placed on the involvement of service users in research and service and policy development. Consequently, although interview data informed the content, the teenagers designed and developed the leaflet, which has subsequently been adopted by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for UK‐wide distribution. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Neuropathic symptoms in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients persist at six months, despite early glycaemic improvements
Authors: Coppini DV , Jones C , Ni'man N , Spruce M , Simon G 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn a six‐month prospective study we compared 16 type 2 diabetic patients, who presented at diagnosis with neuropathic symptoms, with 16 asymptomatic newly diagnosed subjects. All patients had quantitative sensory testing for neuropathy by means of vibration perception threshold (VPT) testing measurements using a neurothesiometer. Both groups received similar intensive diabetes management to achieve optimal target HbA1c, with review of symptoms and assessment of neuropathy at six months. Despite some improvements in VPT, pain scores and symptoms were unaffected at six months, indicating likely poor reversibility of symptomatic neuropathy even at such an early stage in the course of type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
On the electronic improvement of multi‐crystalline silicon via gettering and hydrogenation
Authors: Tan J. , Cuevas A. , Macdonald D. , Trupke T. , Bardos R. , Roth K. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe electronic properties of multi‐crystalline silicon must be improved during solar cell fabrication if highly efficient devices are to be made. This work shows how gettering and silicon nitride induced hydrogenation improve three properties: carrier lifetime, interstitial iron concentration, and trap density. Area averaged effective carrier lifetimes less than 10 µs were improved to greater than 60 µs. A tenfold reduction in trap densities was achieved. Photoluminescence images showing the influence processing techniques have on the electronic properties of the silicon are presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of recombinant antibody microarrays for complex proteome analysis: Choice of sample labeling‐tag and solid support
Authors: Wingren Christer , Ingvarsson Johan , Dexlin Linda , Szul Dominika , Borrebaeck Carl A. K. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAntibody‐based microarray is a novel technology with great potential within high‐throughput proteomics. The process of designing high‐performing antibody (protein) microarrays has, however, turned out to be a challenging process. In this study, we have developed further our human recombinant single‐chain variable‐fragment (scFv) antibody microarray methodology by addressing two crucial technological issues, choice of sample labeling‐tag and solid support. We examined the performance of a range of dyes in a one‐ or two‐color approach on a selection of solid supports providing different surface and coupling chemistries, and surface structures. The set‐ups were evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity. The results showed that a one‐color approach, based on NHS‐biotin (or ULS‐biotin) labeling, on black polymer Maxisorb slides (or Nexterion slide H) was the superior approach for targeting low‐abundant (pg/mL) analytes in nonfractionated, complex proteomes, such as human serum or crude cell supernatants. Notably, microarrays displaying adequate spot morphologies, high S/Ns, minimized nonspecific binding, and most importantly a high selectivity, specificity, and sensitivity (≥fM range) were obtained. Taken together, we have designed the first generation of a high‐performing recombinant scFv antibody microarray technology platform on black polymer Maxisorb slides for sensitive profiling of low‐abundant analytes in nonfractionated biotinylated complex proteomes.
SRD5A2andHSD3B2polymorphisms are associated with prostate cancer risk and aggressiveness
Authors: Neslund‐Dudas Christine , Bock Cathryn H. , Monaghan Kristin , Nock Nora L. , Yang James J. , Rundle Andrew , Tang Deliang , Rybicki Benjamin A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBACKGROUNDDihydrotestosterone (DHT) is believed to play an important role in prostate carcinogenesis. Five alpha reductase type II (SRD5A2) and 3 beta‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II (HSD3B2) are responsible for the biosynthesis and degradation of DHT in the prostate. Two polymorphisms, a valine (V) for leucine (L) substitution at the 89 codon of theSRD5A2gene and a (TG)n,(TA)n,(CA)n repeat polymorphism within the third intron of theHSD3B2gene were evaluated with regard to prostate cancer risk.METHODSBlood samples were collected for 637 prostate cancer cases and 244 age and race frequency matched controls. In analysis, theSRD5A2VL and LL genotypes were combined into one group and theHSD3B2repeat polymorphism was dichotomized into short (<283) and long (≥283) alleles.RESULTSTheSRD5A2V89L polymorphism was not independently associated with prostate cancer risk. Carriage of at least oneHSD3B2intron 3 intron 3 short allele was associated with a significant increased risk for prostate cancer among all subjects (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.08–3.95,P = 0.03) and Caucasians (OR = 2.80, CI = 2.80–7.43,P = 0.04), but not in African Americans (OR = 1.50, CI = 0.62–3.60,P = 0.37). Stratified analyses revealed that most of the prostate cancer risk associated with the intron 3HSD3B2short allele was confined to theSRD5A289L variant subgroup and indicated that in combination these polymorphisms may be associated with increased risk of aggressive (Gleason >7) disease (Gleason >7).CONCLUSIONSIn Caucasians, theHSD3B2(TG)n,(TA)n,(CA)n intron 3 length polymorphism is associated with both prostate cancer risk and aggressiveness and theSRD5A2V89L polymorphism may modify the risk conferred by this polymorphism. Prostate 67: 1654–1663, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paclitaxel enhanced radiation sensitization for the suppression of human prostate cancer tumor growth via a p53 independent pathway
Authors: Zhang An Ling , Russell Pamela J. , Knittel Tony , Milross Chris 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study investigated the influence of p53 status on treatment using combined paclitaxel and irradiation for human prostate cancer (PC) in vitro and in vivo.METHODSEnhancement of the radiation response by paclitaxel was determined by MTT and clonogenic assays in four sublines of the human PC cell line, LNCaP, stably transfected to express different p53 mutations found in PC patients. Suppression of xenograft growth by combined paclitaxel and radiation was assessed in NOD.SCID mice in vivo. Expression of p53 and downstream functional proteins, p21 and Bax, was assessed by Western blotting.RESULTSPaclitaxel (8–10 nM) suppressed cell proliferation by 50% by inducing G2M mitotic arrest in LNCaP cell lines transfected to overexpress wild‐type or mutant p53. Exposure to 20 nM paclitaxel before radiation therapy enhanced cytotoxicity in clonogenic assays. The dose and duration of paclitaxel exposure were important in inducing both G2M arrest and cell growth suppression and were critical factors in paclitaxel/irradiation combination therapy. Western blotting indicated that combination therapy increased p21 protein expression to varying degrees in all cell lines. In vivo studies indicated that paclitaxel pre‐treatment followed by irradiation significantly suppressed tumor growth compared with either treatment alone.CONCLUSIONSPre‐treatment with paclitaxel enhances radiation efficacy on cell killing and suppression of growth of human PC cell lines in vitro and in vivo via p53 independent pathways. Paclitaxel has potential for use as a radiosensitizer in the treatment of patients with PC with either wild‐type or mutant p53 genetic status. Prostate 67: 1630–1640, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GRID‐MD—A tool for massive simulation of protein channels
Authors: Carrillo Oliver , Orozco Modesto 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe present here a fast method for the exploration of channels in proteins based on molecular dynamics simulations of probe particles in a discrete grid space defined by an ensemble of protein conformations obtained either experimentally or by out‐of‐the‐grid atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The method is able to provide millisecond‐long trajectories with a small computational effort, requires no human intervention in defining possible exit pathways and can detect both major and minor channels, giving a correct balance to the relative flux between them. The Grid‐Molecular‐Dynamics approach is then a suitable method for massive exploration of channels in proteins, even of those with unknown functional annotation. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.