bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Plasma Exposure on SiCOH and Methyl Silsesquioxane Films
Authors: Silverstein Michael S. , Shach‐Caplan Michal , Khristosov Maria , Harel Tuval 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe effects of plasma exposure (O2, Ar, H2, and CF4) on the surface chemistries, surface energies, and dielectric constants, k, of two low‐k SiCOH films (BD‐1 and BD‐2) and a methyl silsesquioxane (MSQ) control are described. Relatively non‐polar, low surface energy MSQ and BD‐2 exhibited significant changes when exposed to various plasmas: carbon depletion, oxygen enhancement, and increased surface energy. The higher surface energy BD‐1 has a more extensive SiOSi network structure, which was relatively insensitive to plasma exposure. BD‐1's relatively low k is indicative of a porous material. While most plasmas produced an increase in k, deposition of CFn species as a result of exposure to a CF4 plasma caused a slight decrease in k. The increase in k corresponded to an increase in the dispersive surface energy component.magnified image
Solid‐phase synthesis of glucose‐derived Amadori peptides
Authors: Frolov Andrej , Singer David , Hoffmann Ralf 
Published: September 2007

AbstractNonenzymatic glycosylation or glycation of amino groups in peptides and proteins by D‐glucose is a universal reaction with important implications for the pathogenesis of many diseases including diabetes mellitus. Here a general approach is reported to synthesize site specifically glucose‐derived N‐glycated peptides. Therefore, model peptides H‐AKASASFL‐NH2, H‐AKASADFL‐NH2, H‐ASKASKFL‐NH2, and H‐AKDSASFL‐NH2 were synthesized on solid phase by Fmoc chemistry using Fmoc‐Lys(4‐methyltrityl)‐OH in positions 2 or 3 to be glycated. After completion of the synthesis, the acid labile 4‐methyltrityl‐group was cleaved with 1% TFA in DCM and the free amino groups were glycated by the Lobry de Bruyn reaction using 2,3:4,5‐di‐O‐isopropylidene‐aldehydo‐β‐D‐arabino‐hexos‐2‐ulo‐2,6‐pyranose on solid phase. After TFA treatment, the crude peptides were obtained in high yields and purities above 80%. Minor by‐products were well separated on reversed‐phase HPLC. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examination of methodology for the synthesis of cyclic thioether peptide libraries derived from linear tripeptides
Authors: Roberts Kade D. , Ede Nicholas J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWork was undertaken to examine methodology for the cyclization of linear tripeptides on the solid phase via intramolecular S‐alkylation using the Multipin™ Solid‐Phase Peptide Synthesis platform. While previous work had shown that this chemistry could be used to efficiently cyclize linear tetrapeptide libraries, application of this synthetic strategy to the model linear tripeptide sequence Leu‐Ser‐Lys resulted in significant cyclic dimer formation. Ultimately, it was found that the addition of a large excess of lithium in the form of LiCl to the cyclization solution, significantly reduced cyclic dimer formation affording highly pure crude cyclic monomer. The application of this modified cyclization protocol to the preparation of cyclic peptide libraries was successfully demonstrated with the synthesis of a 20‐membered library 4{1–20} based on the linear tripeptide sequence Leu‐Xxx‐Lys in which the position Xxx was varied with the standard 20 proteogenic residues. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and functional characterization of the porcine proline–rich antifungal peptide SP‐B isolated from salivary gland granules
Authors: Cabras T. , Longhi R. , Secundo F. , Nocca G. , Conti S. , Polonelli L. , Fanali C. , Inzitari R. , Petruzzelli R. , Messana I. , Castagnola M. , Vitali A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA 1905‐Da cationic proline‐rich peptide, named SP‐B, was recently isolated by our group as the main component of salivary gland granules, and its primary sequence fully characterized by means of automated Edman sequencing and LC‐MS/MS tools. In the present study SP‐B is shown to possess antifungal activity when challenged with strains of Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, while only negligible antibacterial activity was detected. Furthermore, SP‐B was found to be non‐cytotoxic when tested on fibroblast cell lines. To obtain information regarding its structure affinity, capillary electrophoresis (CE), circular dichroism (CD) and attenuated total reflection (ATR)‐FT/IR experiments were performed. CE revealed a pH dependence of the hydrodynamic radial dimensions both in aqueous and 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol solutions. CD and ATR‐FT/IR measurements confirmed the structure–pH relationship, revealing a secondary structure composed of mixed proportions of polyproline‐II, unordered and turn motifs, the last being more evident in the zwitterionic form of the peptide. From these findings SP‐B peptide could be classified as a new member of the proline‐rich antimicrobial peptide family. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The extract of Prunus persica flesh (PPFE) attenuates chemotherapy‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice
Authors: Lee Chang Ki , Park Kwang Kyun , Hwang Jae Kwan , Lee Sang Kook , Chung Won Yoon 
Published: September 2007

AbstractCisplatin (cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum II) is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of a variety of human solid tumors. However, its clinical use is limited due to severe toxicity. The pathogenesis of liver damage caused by cisplatin is generally considered to be oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of the ethanol extract of Prunus persica flesh (PPFE) against cisplatin‐induced hepatotoxicity in animal models. In a xenograft model with the repeated administration of a low‐dose cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight) for 15 days, and in an acute toxicity model with a single administration of a high‐dose cisplatin (45 mg/kg body weight) over a 16 h period, the consecutive administration of PPFE in combination with and prior to the cisplatin injection reversed the cisplatin‐induced decrease in the liver weight as a percentage of total body weight, and the cisplatin‐induced increases in the serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels caused by liver damage. Moreover, the oral administration of PPFE significantly recovered the reduced glutathione level and inhibited lipid peroxidation in the cisplatin‐treated mice. These results demonstrate that supplementation with PPFE might protect against cisplatin‐induced toxicity in cancer patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant and antiglycation properties of total saponins extracted from traditional Chinese medicine used to treat diabetes mellitus
Authors: Xi Miaomiao , Hai Chunxu , Tang Haifeng , Chen Mingsheng , Fang Kunquan , Liang Xin 
Published: September 2007

AbstractEleven antidiabetic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) extracts rich in saponins were examined for their antioxidant and antiglycation activities. The antioxidant activities of these extracts were evaluated by studying the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes induced by ascorbate/Fe2+, cumine hydroperoxide (CHP) or CCl4/reduced form of nicotinamide‐adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). The antioxidant capacities were also evaluated by studying the scavenging of 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. The antiglycation activities of these extracts were evaluated by hemoglobin‐δ‐gluconolactone (δ‐Glu) assay, bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐glucose assay and N‐acetyl‐glycyl‐lysine methyl ester (GK peptide)‐ribose assay. Aralia taibaiensis outperformed other extracts in most of the assays except inhibition of early glycation products formation, where Acanthopanax senticosus showed higher activity. Aralia taibaiensis was particularly potent in inhibiting the late glycation and formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on proteins. The antioxidant and antiglycation activities of most extracts were correlated with the saponin content. The results demonstrate that the antidiabetic activities of most extracts could be explained, at least in part, by their combined antioxidant and antiglycation properties. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Withania somnifera root extract on haloperidol‐induced catalepsy in albino mice
Authors: Nair Vinod , Arjuman Albina , Gopalakrishna H. N. , Nandini M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe objective of the study was to evaluate the anticataleptic effect of Withania somnifera (WS) extract, on haloperidol‐induced catalepsy in albino mice. Catalepsy was induced with haloperidol (1 mg/kg) i.p. in five groups of male albino mice (n = 6). Three groups received Withania somnifera extract (1.7, 4.25, 8.5 mg/kg) respectively, one group received scopolamine (1 mg/kg) and one group received the vehicle (1% gum acacia) orally, 30 min prior to haloperidol administration. Catalepsy was measured by using standard bar test at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 240 min. This constituted the acute study. For the chronic study, the drugs were administered for 6 more days. Catalepsy was again measured on day 7. Animals were then sacrificed by cervical dislocation and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was estimated in the brain. In this study, Withania somnifera extract treated groups showed a dose dependent reduction in cataleptic scores, both in the acute and chronic study. The SOD activity in brain was also found to be lowered in the WS (4.25 mg, 8.5 mg/kg) treated groups. In conclusion, Withania somnifera was found to be more efficacious than scopolamine in reversing haloperidol induced catalepsy. A clear correlation between the SOD levels and cataleptic scores was observed. We believe that the antioxidant properties of this drug could have contributed to the anticataleptic effect. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insecticidal properties of several essential oils on the house fly (Musca domestica L.)
Authors: Pavela Roman 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe insecticidal activity of 34 essential oils, extracted from plants, was screened against the house fly, Musca domestica L. under laboratory conditions. Essential oils from Pogostemon cablin proved to be the most efficient at a lethal dose of 3 µg/fly after topical application. Eight oils (P. roseum, O. vulgare, O. compactum, M. pulegium, O. basilicum, O. majorana, T. vulgaris and P. graveolens) were lethal in doses ranging from 10 to 20 µg (10, 13, 13, 13, 15, 17, 18 and 19 µg/fly, respectively). The lethal doses of another 13 oils were ascertained in the range 20–50 µg/fly, nine oils had lethal doses of 50–100 µg. For two oils, the lethal dose could not be for the topical application.In the fumigant test, the most efficient proved to be Mentha pulegium oil (4.7 µg/cm2). For 10 oils, a lethal dose between 5 and 10 µg/cm2 was ascertained (T. bipinata, C. aurantifolia, T. occidentalis, T. matschiana, S. officinalis, T. vulgaris, M. quinquenervia, O. compactum, C. limonum and R. officinalis, respectively). For the other 10 oils a lethal dose from 10 but to 80 µg/cm2 was ascertained, and for 13 oils the lethal dose was higher than the highest dose in the tests. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory effects of emodin on the proliferation of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cell‐induced by angiotensin II
Authors: Wang ShiJun , Liu YunYing , Fan FangHua , Yan Jie , Wang XingXiang , Chen JunZhu 
Published: September 2007

AbstractRhubarb, used as a traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, offers therapeutic potential for cardiovascular and other diseases. Emodin, extracted from the root extract of rhubarb has sparked increasing interest for therapeutic application. The main objective was to study the effect of emodin on cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) and the expression of proto‐oncogene c‐myc. VSMCs were cultured by the explant method, then incubated for 24, 48 and 72 h with emodin (10–80 µm) and Ang II, or were left untreated (control). Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay and immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), respectively. The expression of c‐myc was measured by immunohistochemical staining and image analysis technique. Ang II increased the cell proliferation compared with the control group (p < 0.01). The expression of PCNA and c‐myc was increased compared with the control group (p < 0.01). After pretreatment with emodin, the above indexes were obviously reduced compared with the Ang II group (p < 0.01). These findings suggested that emodin inhibited VSMCs proliferation induced by Ang II. Inhibition of the expression of c‐myc might be correlated with the inhibitory effects. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antileishmanial, antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of 12,16‐dideoxy aegyptinone B from Zhumeria majdae Rech.f. & Wendelbo
Authors: Moein Mahmood Reza , Pawar Rahul S. , Khan Shabana I. , Tekwani Babu L. , Khan Ikhlas A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe ethanol extract of Zhumeria majdae showed potent antileishmanial and antiplasmodial activity in vitro. Bioactivity guided fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of 12,16‐dideoxy aegyptinone B (1). This compound exhibited potent in vitro antileishmanial activity with an IC50 of 0.75 µg/mL and a strong antiplasmodial activity with IC50 values of 1.3 and 1.4 µg/mL against chloroquine sensitive and resistant strains, respectively. This compound was further found to have mild cytotoxicity towards cancer cell lines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Further studies on the hepatoprotective effects of Anoectochilus formosanus
Authors: Fang Hsun‐Lang , Wu Jin‐Bin , Lin Wei‐Lii , Ho Hui‐Ya , Lin Wen‐Chuan 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Anoectochilus formosanus effective fraction (AFEF) on chronic liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice. CCl4 (5%; 0.1 mL/10 g body weight) was given twice a week for 9 weeks, and mice received AFEF throughout the whole experimental period. Plasma GPT, hepatic levels of hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde were significantly lower in mice treated with AFEF compared with those treated with CCl4 only. Liver pathology in the AFEF‐treated mice was also improved. RT‐PCR analysis showed that AFEF treatment increased the expression of methionine adenosyltransferase 1A and decreased the expression of collagen(α1)(I) and transforming growth factor‐β1. These results clearly demonstrated that AFEF reduced the hepatic damage induced by CCl4 in mice. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drop‐to‐drop solvent microextraction coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for rapid determination of trimeprazine in urine and blood of rats: application to pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Agrawal Kavita , Wu Hui‐Fen 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA simple and rapid method based on drop‐to‐drop solvent microextraction (DDSME) coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) has been successfully applied for the pharmacokinetic studies of trimeprazine in 8 µL of urine and blood samples of rats. Several factors that influenced the extraction efficiency of DDSME, such as selection of organic solvent, extraction time, exposure volume of organic phase, addition of salt and pH, were optimized. Linearity was obtained over the concentration ranges of 0.2–10, 0.25–7.0 and 0.5–6.0 µg/mL with correlation coefficients of 0.998, 0.996 and 0.993 in deionized water, urine and blood samples of rats, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) of trimeprazine were 0.05, 0.06 and 0.1 µg/mL in deionized water, urine and blood samples. The concentrations of trimeprazine obtained in urine and blood samples of rats were 0.21–1.25 and 2.72–0.22 µg/mL, respectively, after a single intravenous administration of this drug. The enrichment factors and LOD values obtained by DDSME coupled to GC/MS were compared with those of hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction (HF‐LPME) combined with GC/MS. We believe that this novel approach can be very useful in clinical application since only one microdrop of biological samples was required to perform the pharmacokinetic studies from rats, so the sample pretreatments for animal experiments can be very easy too. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perimeter air monitoring for soil remediation
Authors: Graening Guy J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractMost environmental project managers are well versed in characterizing and remediating contaminants in soil and water media. When soil remediation activities are conducted at an environmental site, however, some project managers are faced with monitoring contaminants in the air medium for the first time. Remediation activities can disturb contaminants that are normally immobile in soil and transfer them to air. The resulting increase in airborne concentrations of contaminants, even if temporary, may be a health concern for individuals in neighboring residences or businesses. Perimeter air monitoring may be required by a regulatory agency to determine if unhealthy conditions are created and if work practices should be limited or modified. This article serves as a resource for project managers involved in perimeter air monitoring for soil remediation and provides a general summary of candidate sites, remediation activities that release contaminants, regulatory requirements, equipment and target contaminants, monitoring locations and schedule, analytical methods, and data interpretation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Uptake of perchlorate by vegetation growing at field sites in arid and subhumid climates
Authors: Yifru Dawit D. , Nzengung Valentine A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPrevious greenhouse and field studies show that terrestrial and aquatic vegetation, including trees, grasses, and agricultural produce grown on perchlorate‐contaminated soil or with perchlorate‐contaminated irrigation water, accumulate perchlorate mainly in their leaf tissue. The phytoaccumulated perchlorate poses potential ecological risk by either contaminating the food chain of humans and animals or recycling in the ecosystem as leaf litter fall that accumulates on topsoil. In this study, the uptake and phytoaccumulation of perchlorate in terrestrial and aquatic vegetation growing at two perchlorate‐contaminated sites (the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant [LHAAP] in Karnack, Texas, and the Las Vegas Wash [LVW], Nevada) was monitored during multiple growing seasons. The LHAAP site is located in a subhumid climate, while the LVW site is located in an arid climate. All vegetation species collected from both sites contained quantifiable levels of perchlorate. The detected concentrations varied with the type of plant species, amount of perchlorate concentration in soil, and season and stage of plant maturity. The highest perchlorate concentrations were measured in willows (Salix nigra), crabgrass (Digitaria spp.), and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) at the LHAAP, while salt cedar (Tamarix ramosissima) at the LVW phytoaccumulated the highest mass of perchlorate. The concentrations of perchlorate measured in plant leaves growing over contaminated soils at multiple LHAAP locations did not reveal the strong seasonal variability observed at the LVW site. The slow rate of phytodegradation of the perchlorate fraction taken up by plants during the growing season explained the detection of higher perchlorate concentrations in leaves collected later in the growing season (fall) and in senesced leaves compared to younger, live leaves. This proves that senesced plant leaves potentially recycle perchlorate back into the soil on which plant litter collects. To minimize the potential recycling of perchlorate during phytoremediation, it is recommended that senesced leaves be collected and composted or phytoremediation be designed to enhance rapid rhizodegradation (rhizoremediation). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deliberate futures: precaution and progress in social choice of sustainable technology
Authors: Stirling Andy 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThere is much high profile concern over apparent tensions between sustainability and precaution on the one hand, and ‘competitive innovation’ and ‘technological progress’ on the other. How can we balance risk with opportunity and public engagement with ‘sound science’? The outcomes of such debates may undoubtedly be serious for particular technologies, but are there really grounds for concern over the implications for innovation in general? This paper argues that such anxieties often stem from impoverished understandings and strategic misrepresentations of the real nature of scientific creativity and technological possibilities. This can obscure possibilities for achieving more truly sustainable and socially deliberate technological futures. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Sample size evaluation for a multiply matched case–control study using the score test from a conditional logistic (discrete Cox PH) regression model
Authors: Lachin John M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe conditional logistic regression model (Biometrics1982;38:661–672) provides a convenient method for the assessment of qualitative or quantitative covariate effects on risk in a study with matched sets, each containing a possibly different number of cases and controls. The conditional logistic likelihood is identical to the stratified Cox proportional hazards model likelihood, with an adjustment for ties (J. R. Stat. Soc. B1972;34:187–220). This likelihood also applies to a nested case–control study with multiply matched cases and controls, selected from those at risk at selected event times. Herein the distribution of the score test for the effect of a covariate in the model is used to derive simple equations to describe the power of the test to detect a coefficient θ (log odds ratio or log hazard ratio) or the number of cases (or matched sets) and controls required to provide a desired level of power. Additional expressions are derived for a quantitative covariate as a function of the difference in the assumed mean covariate values among cases and controls and for a qualitative covariate in terms of the difference in the probabilities of exposure for cases and controls. Examples are presented for a nested case–control study and a multiply matched case–control study. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Restructuring through spin‐off or sell‐off: transforming information asymmetries into financial gain
Authors: Bergh Donald D. , Johnson Richard A. , Dewitt Rocki‐Lee 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe authors examine how managers select between corporate restructuring implementation alternatives and how those decisions influence the profitability of the restructuring event. They argue that managers and owners have information asymmetries with respect to the assets in the restructuring and the restructured firms' diversification strategy, and that managers select between two popular implementation alternatives, spin‐offs and sell‐offs, to convert knowledge differences into financial gain. When the restructured assets reside in primary and related business lines or the firm has low and related diversification among its business lines, the restructuring is difficult for observers to assess and understand. Spin‐offs most effectively and profitably reduce information asymmetries by transferring assets to the capital market and increasing the efficiency and transparency of the restructuring firm. Conversely, when the restructured assets reside in secondary and unrelated business lines or the firm has high diversification, sell‐offs best mitigate asymmetries by using market forces to reallocate assets to their most productive uses while improving the strategy and performance of the restructuring firm. Tests of a sample of 204 restructuring events support the hypotheses. Overall, the findings suggest that the influence of corporate restructuring on financial performance is determined in part through how the restructuring is implemented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.