bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteomic characterization of human serum proteins associated with the fat‐derived hormone adiponectin
Authors: Wang Yu , Xu Lance Yi , Lam Karen S. L. , Lu Gang , Cooper Garth J. S. , Xu Aimin 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAdiponectin is a fat cell‐secreted hormone with antidiabetic and anti‐inflammatory activities. The reduced adiponectin levels are associated with obesity‐related metabolic syndrome. Replenishment of this hormone into animal models can improve insulin sensitivity, decrease blood glucose and lipid levels, and prevent the development of atherosclerosis and fatty liver injury. Despite these findings, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we have used affinity chromatography to purify the protein complexes that are associated with adiponectin in human serum. The nature of these adiponectin‐binding proteins was analyzed by MS/MS. Eight proteins from the adiponectin‐containing protein mixtures have been identified. Many of them, including thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1), histidine‐rich glycoprotein, kininogen 1, and alpha 2 macroglobulin (alpha2M), are well‐known glycoproteins involved in the regulation of inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Coimmunoprecipitation and radioligand competitive‐binding assays confirmed the direct interactions between adiponectin and alpha2M, or TSP‐1. Moreover, these specific bindings were also detected in the serum samples derived from both healthy human subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes. In summary, our study demonstrated that, in the circulation, adiponectin forms protein complexes with other serum proteins. These proteins might serve as the physiological‐binding partners of adiponectin and regulate its bioavailability and biological activities.
Plasma proteomics of lung cancer by a linkage of multi‐dimensional liquid chromatography and two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis
Authors: Okano Tetsuya , Kondo Tadashi , Kakisaka Tatsuhiko , Fujii Kiyonaga , Yamada Masayo , Kato Harubumi , Nishimura Toshihide , Gemma Akihiko , Kudoh Shoji , Hirohashi Setsuo 
Published: June 2006

AbstractTo investigate aberrant plasma proteins in lung cancer, we compared the proteomic profiles of serum from five lung cancer patients and from four healthy volunteers. Immuno‐affinity chromatography was used to deplete highly abundant plasma proteins, and the resulting plasma samples were separated into eight fractions by anion‐exchange chromatography. Quantitative protein profiles of the fractionated samples were generated by two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, in which the experimental samples and the internal control samples were labeled with different dyes and co‐separated by two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This approach succeeded in resolving 3890 protein spots. For 364 of the protein spots, the expression level in lung cancer was more than twofold different from that in the healthy volunteers. These differences were statistically significant (Student's t‐test, p‐value less than 0.05). Mass spectrometric protein identification revealed that the 364 protein spots corresponded to 58 gene products, including the classical plasma proteins and the tissue‐leakage proteins catalase, clusterin, ficolin, gelsolin, lumican, tetranectin, triosephosphate isomerase and vitronectin. The combination of multi‐dimensional liquid chromatography and two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis provides a valuable tool for serum proteomics in lung cancer.
Evaluation of two sample preparation methods for prostate proteome analysis
Authors: Lexander Helena , Hellman Ulf , Palmberg Carina , Auer Gert , Hellström Magnus , Franzén Bo , Jörnvall Hans , Egevad Lars 
Published: June 2006

AbstractFor laboratory techniques that require well‐preserved proteins, such as 2‐DE, fresh tissue must be harvested and processed as fast as possible to avoid proteolytic degradation. We describe a modified method for harvesting tissue from radical prostatectomy specimens for proteome analysis and compare it with the standard technique. Cells were scraped from cut surfaces of 11 prostate specimens. A fraction of the material was smeared on a glass slide and Giemsa stained for morphological control. The sample was collected in a medium with protease inhibitors, and the protein material was prepared for 2‐DE. Filtering and Percoll centrifugation were omitted. Sample locations were noted on a specimen map. From the same area, a tissue block was harvested for comparison. The block was processed with the conventional technique including mechanical disintegration, filtering and Percoll centrifugation. Quality measures of 2‐DE were similar with both methods. With the scrape sampling technique, control smears showed abundant epithelial cells and a cleaner background and processing was faster than with tissue block sampling. For proteomic analysis, the scrape sample technique has several advantages over the tissue block method.
Resistance to cyfluthrin and tetrachlorvinphos in the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus, collected from the eastern United States
Authors: Hamm Ronda L , Kaufman Phillip E , Reasor Colleen A , Rutz Donald A , Scott Jeffrey G 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), is an important pest in poultry facilities. The toxicity of cyfluthrin and tetrachlorvinphos to five strains of the lesser mealworm was compared with the toxicity to a susceptible laboratory strain. Bioassays were carried out with both larvae and adults. For the susceptible strain, cyfluthrin and tetrachlorvinphos had similar toxicity to adults, but cyfluthrin was 5 times more toxic to larvae when compared with tetrachlorvinphos. High levels of resistance to tetrachlorvinphos in two beetle strains were detected in both larvae and adults, although these strains were heterogeneous and still contained susceptible individuals. Resistance to cyfluthrin ranged from 1.7‐ to 9.5‐fold for adults and from 0.5‐ to 29‐fold for larvae at the LC95. Overall, the patterns of resistance did not mirror the insecticide use patterns reported at these facilities. The implications of these results to management of the lesser mealworms are discussed. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Self‐focusing of a quantum‐well‐confined electron wave packet interacting with a metal plate
Authors: Bednarek S. , Szafran B. , Lis K. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractWe consider an electron wave packet formed in a semiconductor quantum well covered by a metal plate and show that the electron packet becomes localized by the interaction with the positive charge it induces on the metal surface. For the metal treated as an ideal conductor the packet moves within the quantum well without changing its shape and preserving its momentum. We show that the dynamical response of the metal leads to dissipation of the electron kinetic energy of the progressive motion. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sample size and the probability of a successful trial
Authors: Chuang‐Stein Christy 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis paper describes the distinction between the concept of statistical power and the probability of getting a successful trial. While one can choose a very high statistical power to detect a certain treatment effect, the high statistical power does not necessarily translate to a high success probability if the treatment effect to detect is based on the perceived ability of the drug candidate. The crucial factor hinges on our knowledge of the drug's ability to deliver the effect used to power the study. The paper discusses a framework to calculate the ‘average success probability’ and demonstrates how uncertainty about the treatment effect could affect the average success probability for a confirmatory trial. It complements an earlier work by O'Hagan et al. (Pharmaceutical Statistics 2005; 4:187–201) published in this journal. Computer codes to calculate the average success probability are included. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estrogen‐like activity and prevention effect of bone loss in calcium deficient ovariectomized rats by the extract of Pleurotus eryngii
Authors: Shimizu Kuniyoshi , Yamanaka Maiko , Gyokusen Mayumi , Kaneko Shuhei , Tsutsui Mototake , Sato Junichi , Sato Ikuo , Sato Masao , Kondo Ryuichiro 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn the course of a search for natural estrogen‐like materials from mushrooms, the proliferating effects of the methanol extracts of 14 edible mushrooms on the estrogen‐dependent growth of MCF‐7 cells were examined. Of the extracts, that from the fruiting body of Pleurotus eryngii showed the strongest estrogen‐like activity, specifically on the proliferating effects of MCF‐7 cells. This proliferation effect of the extract from the fruiting body of P. eryngii is related to its estrogenic activity, because this proliferation activity was inhibited by the addition of the antiestrogenic compound ICI 182 780. The ethanol extract of the fruiting body of P. eryngii prevented ovariectomy‐induced bone loss. The present data provide evidence that the ethanol extract of P. eryngii helps to protect against the bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency, without having a substantial effect on the uterus. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.)
Authors: McKay Diane L. , Blumberg Jeffrey B. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPeppermint (Mentha piperita L.) is one of the most widely consumed single ingredient herbal teas, or tisanes. Peppermint tea, brewed from the plant leaves, and the essential oil of peppermint are used in traditional medicines. Evidence‐based research regarding the bioactivity of this herb is reviewed. The phenolic constituents of the leaves include rosmarinic acid and several flavonoids, primarily eriocitrin, luteolin and hesperidin. The main volatile components of the essential oil are menthol and menthone. In vitro, peppermint has significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities, strong antioxidant and antitumor actions, and some antiallergenic potential. Animal model studies demonstrate a relaxation effect on gastrointestinal (GI) tissue, analgesic and anesthetic effects in the central and peripheral nervous system, immunomodulating actions and chemopreventive potential. Human studies on the GI, respiratory tract and analgesic effects of peppermint oil and its constituents have been reported. Several clinical trials examining the effects of peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms have been conducted. However, human studies of peppermint leaf are limited and clinical trials of peppermint tea are absent. Adverse reactions to peppermint tea have not been reported, although caution has been urged for peppermint oil therapy in patients with GI reflux, hiatal hernia or kidney stones. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of piperine on the steady‐state pharmacokinetics of phenytoin in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Pattanaik Smita , Hota Debasish , Prabhakar Sudesh , Kharbanda Parampreet , Pandhi Promila 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPiperine, the active principle of Piper longum, Piper nigrum and Zingiber officinalis, has been reported to enhance the oral bioavailability of phenytoin in human volunteers. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of a single dose of piperine in patients with uncontrolled epilepsy on the steady‐state pharmacokinetics of phenytoin. Two groups of 10 patients each receiving either a 150 mg or 200 mg twice daily dose of phenytoin were selected. Twelve hours after the night dose, venous blood samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 h after administration of phenytoin. On the next study day, piperine 20 mg was administered along with phenytoin and samples were collected similarly. The mean plasma drug concentrations at different time points and the pharmacokinetic parameters before and after piperine administration were compared by Student's t‐test. Piperine increased significantly the mean plasma concentration of phenytoin at most of the time points in both dose groups. There was a significant increase in AUC(0–12h) (p < 0.01), Cmax (p < 0.001) and Ka (p < 0.05) whereas the changes in Kel and tmax were not significant. The results showed that piperine enhanced the bioavailability of phenytoin significantly, possibly by increasing the absorption. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In situ lamination of starch‐based baked foam packaging with degradable films
Authors: Glenn Gregory , Klamczynski Artur , Ludvik Charles , Chiou Bor‐Sen. , Imam Syed , Shey Justin , Orts William , Wood Delilah 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA technique for making biodegradable food service packaging comprising a starch–fibre core and a biodegradable film laminate is described. The biodegradable films were made of polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate/terephthalate (PBST), rubber latex and polybutylene adipate/terephthalate (PBAT). The technique involved an in situ process for laminating a baked foam product in a single step. A critical element of the in situ technique involved using a heat insulating fibre sheet to stabilize heat‐sensitive laminate films during the baking/lamination process. The PLA‐, PBST‐ and PBAT‐laminated samples were baked for 6min at 120°C. The latex‐laminated sample, which was much more heat‐stable, did not need the insulating sheet and was baked for 3min at 160°C. Starch‐based foam laminated with PLA, PBST or PBAT generally had higher density and greater tensile and flexural strength than the non‐laminated control. Starch foam laminated with a rubber latex film had tensile and flexural properties similar to the non‐laminated control, due to the low modulus and elasticity of the latex film. The in situ lamination process improved the adhesion of the starch foam core with the fibre sheet, PLA and latex films compared to a post‐lamination process. All of the laminate materials provided a low water vapour permeance. The films degraded in a compost mixture but at a much slower rate compared to starch. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A coaxially heated membrane introduction mass spectrometry interface for the rapid and sensitive on‐line measurement of volatile and semi‐volatile organic contaminants in air and water at parts‐per‐trillion levels
Authors: Thompson Alexander J. , Creba A. Skye , Ferguson Robyn M. , Krogh Erik T. , Gill Christopher G. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA coaxially heated membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) sampling interface is presented that demonstrates improved on‐line performance for the direct measurement of semi‐volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in air and water samples at parts‐per‐trillion levels. The device is based on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) capillary hollow fibre membrane (HFM) in a pneumatically assisted ‘flow‐over’ configuration that is resistively heated on the membrane interior via a coaxial nichrome wire, establishing a thermal gradient counter to the analyte concentration gradient. This arrangement allows for continuous and/or pulsed heating modes, affording excellent sensitivity for the on‐line measurement of SVOCs while retaining sensitivity for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition, the signal response time for SVOCs is reduced substantially over conventional ‘flow‐over’ MIMS interfaces. Separation and quantitation of analytes are achieved using quadrupole ion trap tandem mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From compliance to business success: improving outsourcing service controls by adopting external regulatory requirements
Authors: Biró Miklós , Deák Csilla , Ivanyos János , Messnarz Richard 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe new generation of general models that refer either to IT or Internal Controls, like COBIT or COSO, are presented with an executive management perspective. Practice shows that this opening is solely not enough to reach a breakthrough, since models became so complicated that they could only be applied with difficulties. The best catalysts of improvement programs are the mandatory rules being issued, mainly from the financial reporting area. The Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX) for US SEC registrants and its affiliates, and the 8th Directive on company Law in the EU require strict internal controls for reporting processes. In this article we concentrate on the successful application of these rules in a situation where IT‐enabled services have a major effect on the compliance of the user organization. We investigate the effects of a high maturity level on compliance for both the service and the user organizations. The article refers to the applicability of the well‐known capability models CMM and eSCM, and some other sources like COSO, BSC, and SAS 70. For presenting implementation practices of the general risk–based control model via key control processes, effectiveness measurement and innovative technologies were used, including the knowledge management platform created in earlier software process improvement experiments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing the challenges of legacy systems using extreme programming
Authors: Coleman Gerry , McAnallen Martin 
Published: June 2006

AbstractUpdating and maintaining legacy systems creates significant challenges for software developers. Modifying legacy applications can be a time‐consuming process, which is fraught with architectural and code minefields. In many instances, the same developers, because of their specialist knowledge, and the same processes, have been used to improve these systems over an extended period of time. Introducing new practices into such an environment presents problems, on both the human and the technological level. This article reports on the experience of implementing a scaled‐down version of eXtreme Programming (XP) in a small manufacturing company. How the difficulties in creating the climate for such an implementation were overcome, and the resulting benefits of the experiment, are reported here. Finally, the conclusions and lessons learned offer support and advice to others who may also be considering such an approach. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of Knowledge Management Supporters in software development companies
Authors: Fehér Péter , Gábor András 
Published: June 2006

AbstractKnowledge as a strategic resource and support factor has a higher and higher importance in software development processes, and in software process improvement projects. Therefore the conscious management of this resource and the efficient support of knowledge management (KM) processes are vital for organizations. In this article, the possible knowledge‐related processes and the use of the possible support factors are researched and analysed. As a result of the research an integrated model of support factors has been developed. The research was carried out among software development companies, and resulted in a framework of KM supporters: technological factors, organizational factors and human resources (HR) factors. As conclusion of the research, these factors should be used in harmony in order to achieve success. Another conclusion of the research is that KM is a vital part of the operation of any software development organization or practice. Therefore a development of a KM strategy, as well as the development of KM processes: knowledge mapping and assessment (knowledge audit), knowledge leverage (share and transfer), and knowledge development is required. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CASE STUDY: a practical approach for SPI in large Spanish companies
Authors: Guzmán Javier García , López‐Cortijo García Román , de Amescua Seco Antonio , Agustín Gonzalo Cuevas 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to describe a real case of a Software Process Improvement (SPI) in a large company in Spain. This article also provides a set of experiences and recommendations for performing a software process assessment in large companies with several vertical organizational units. It also presents two tools for coordinating this kind of assessment. Finally, the strategies for defining and deploying improvements in large companies are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Standard based software process assessments in small companies
Authors: von Wangenheim Christiane Gresse , Varkoi Timo , Salviano Clênio F. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractSmall software companies face similar issues regarding software quality improvement and process assessments as larger companies. The main difference is that smaller companies seldom have specialized or competent resources to solve the problems. Therefore, the development of assessment methods from the viewpoint of small companies can also support the software industry. Based on experiences applying ISO/IEC 15504 in small software companies in Finland and Brazil, we present a flexible approach to efficient process assessments. Flexibility requires a continuous assessment model, so that the scope of process improvement and assessment can be defined on the basis of the prioritized needs of an organization. Our experiences show that 15504 can also be applied with success in small software organizations. This paper presents how the assessments were run and lessons learned on applying 15504 in this kind of organization. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Cultural Education of Academic Evaluators: Lessons from a University‐Hmong Community Partnership
Authors: Small Stephen A. , Tiwari Geetika , Huser Mary 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis article explores some of the lessons a university‐based evaluation team learned while attempting to hire, retain, and work with staff members from a local Hmong community. These staff members were hired to assist a federally‐funded community collaborative with implementing and evaluating a family strengthening program for Hmong families with adolescents. Over the course of two years, a succession of individuals were hired and resigned from a key staff position. These resignations occurred at critical points in the project, undermining a critical component of the program's evaluation. Through interviews, observations, self‐reflection, and feedback from colleagues and reviewers, a better understanding of the reasons for these difficulties began to emerge. The challenges examined in this article help to illustrate some of the complexities faced by academics when conducting a community‐based project with an underserved racial ethnic population. The article concludes by discussing some of the lessons learned and what they might suggest for others doing similar types of work.