bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lipid transfer proteins from Brassica campestris and mung bean surpass mung bean chitinase in exploitability
Authors: Lin Peng , Xia Lixin , Wong Jack H. , Ng T. B. , Ye Xiuyun , Wang Shaoyun , Xiangzhu Shi 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAntifungal peptides with a molecular mass of 9 kDa and an N‐terminal sequence demonstrating remarkable similarity to those of nonspecific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) were isolated from seeds of the vegetable Brassica campestris and the mung bean. The purified peptides exerted an inhibitory action on mycelial growth in various fungal species. The antifungal activity of Brassica and mung bean nsLTPs were thermostable, pH‐stable, and stable after treatment with pepsin and trypsin. In contrast, the antifungal activity of mung bean chitinase was much less stable to changes in pH and temperature. Brassica LTP inhibited proliferation of hepatoma Hep G2 cells and breast cancer MCF 7 cells with an IC50 of 5.8 and 1.6 µM, respectively, and the activity of HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase with an IC50 of 4 µM. However, mung bean LTP and chitinase were devoid of antiproliferative and HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activities. In contrast to the mung bean LTP, which exhibited antibacterial activity, Brassica LTP was inactive. All three antifungal peptides lacked mitogenic activity toward splenocytes. These results indicate that the two LTPs have more desirable activities than the chitinase and that there is a dissociation between the antifungal and other activities of these antifungal proteins. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast Fmoc synthesis of hAmylin1–37 with pseudoproline assisted on‐resin disulfide formation
Authors: Page Karen , Hood Christina A. , Patel Hirendra , Fuentes German , Menakuru Mahendra , Park Jae H. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractHuman amylin (1–37) and the (1–13) fragment were synthesized with and without pseudoproline dipeptides. Thallium (III) trifluoroacetate, a mild oxidant, was used to cyclize the peptides by forming a disulfide bridge from C2 to C7. On the basis of our model studies, incorporation of a pseudoproline dipeptide decreases the amount of time necessary for the crude linear amylin (1–13) to cyclize on the resin. Without pseudoproline dipeptides, the 1–37 crude linear amylin was not pure enough to undergo the cyclization reaction. Following the cyclization studies, the synthesis time of the linear human amylin (1–37) was systematically reduced from 58 h to 8.5 h by shortening the reaction times. Cyclization and cleavage times were also reduced to 1.5 h. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binding energy of an off‐centre hydrogenic donor impurity in a spherical quantum dot
Authors: Mikhail I. F. I. , Ismail I. M. M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA variational calculation is given of the binding energy of an off‐centre hydrogenic donor impurity placed in a spherical quantum dot. The study is restricted to the ground state binding energy in the quantum dot. The cases of both infinite and finite confining potentials are considered. The variation of the binding energy as a function of the dot radius and as a function of the impurity position has been investigated. In the case of high finite confining potentials, the initial deviation of the binding energy from the result of infinite potential has been derived. The critical impurity location at which the deviation in the binding energy due to any finite confining potential changes its sign has been determined. The maximum binding energy and the dot radius at which it occurs have further been calculated for any confining potential or any impurity location. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnon energy gap in a three‐layer ferromagnetic superlattice
Authors: Qiu Rong‐ke , Zhang Zhi‐dong , Han Li , Ma Guang‐kun , Zhang Xu‐dong 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe magnon energy band in a three‐layer ferromagnetic superlattice is studied by using the linear spin‐wave approach and Green's function technique. It is found that two modulated energy gaps exist in the magnon energy band along Kx direction perpendicular to the plane of the superlattice. The spin quantum numbers and the interlayer exchange couplings all affect the two energy gaps. The disappearance of one of the energy gaps corresponds to a high symmetry among the interlayer exchange couplings, while the vanishing of another energy gap corresponds to a high symmetry of the system, which belongs to the type III Shubnikov group or the polychromatic group of magnetic group. This magnetically structural symmetry includes not only the symmetry of crystallographic point‐groups or space‐groups, but also the symmetry of strength and direction of spins. Comparing with the previous results for a three‐layer ferrimagnetic superlattice, it is concluded that the energy gap of the ferromagnetic/ferrimagnetic superlattices is dominated by different symmetries originated from ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic interlayer exchange couplings. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fermi surface and momentum spin density of the half metal CrO2
Authors: Biasini M. , Rusz J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe calculated the Fermi surface and the electron‐positron momentum spin density resulting from the measurement of the 2‐dimensional angular correlation of the electron positron annihilation radiation (2D‐ACAR) of the half metal CrO2. Inclusion of spin orbit interaction yields a negligible deviation from half metallicity. Furthermore, although the up and down momentum spin densities are heavily modulated by the effect of the non uniform positron density, their difference, resulting in the net momentum spin density, shows a nearly complete cancellation of positron effects and reveals the Fermi surface with great detail. We point out that the large cancellation of the electron‐positron matrix elements, which in paramagnetic multiatomic systems plague the interpretation of the experiments, yields a great effectiveness of 2D‐ACAR experiments with polarized positrons to all the ferromagnetic substances and particularly to half metals. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
PALSfit: A new program for the evaluation of positron lifetime spectra
Authors: Olsen J. V. , Kirkegaard P. , Pedersen N. J. , Eldrup M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractPALSfit is a new Windows program for the analysis of positron lifetime spectra. PALSfit combines into one interactive Windows program the features of our previous PATFIT program package, such as data input, least‐squares fitting routines as well as graphical displays. A number of options are available, including constraints on positron lifetimes, intensities, background and area, and corrections for annihilation in the positron source. In addition, a number of new features have been included. The Windows user‐interface makes to a large extent the various features of the program self‐explanatory, and using the program is straightforward. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
First test of LSO scintillators for Positron Lifetime Spectroscopy
Authors: Haaks M. , Valentini R. , Vianden R. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractLutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) was employed as scintillator material in a positron lifetime (PALS) fast‐slow spectrometer. Compared to the widely used BaF2 scintillator material, LSO has a single exponential decay with 40 ns, a high density of 7.49 g/cm3, an effective nuclear charge of 65.8 and a superb light output. With this features photon rates above 5 × 106 should be possible, which affords to obtain lifetime spectra within a period of minutes. The physical and mechanical properties make LSO attractive as scintillator material for PALS measurements. The capability of LSO for PALS was studied and compared to BaF2. As a first test of the spectrometer, a lifetime spectrum of well annealed nickel was measured and analyzed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Pharmacometrics of pterostilbene: preclinical pharmacokinetics and metabolism, anticancer, antiinflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic activity
Authors: Remsberg Connie M. , Yáñez Jaime A. , Ohgami Yusuke , Vega‐Villa Karina R. , Rimando Agnes M. , Davies Neal M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe present study evaluated the preclinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of trans‐pterostilbene, a constituent of some plants. Right jugular vein cannulated male Sprague‐Dawley rats were dosed i.v. with 20 mg/kg of pterostilbene and samples were analysed by the reverse phase HPLC method. Serum AUC, serum t1/2, urine t1/2, Cltotal and Vdβ were 17.5 ± 6.6 µg/h/mL, 1.73 ± 0.78 h, 17.3 ± 5.6 h, 0.960 ± 0.025 L/h/kg and 2.41 ± 1.13 L/kg (mean ± SEM), respectively. A pterostilbene glucuronidated metabolite was detected in both serum and urine. The in vitro metabolism in rat liver microsomes furthermore suggests phase II metabolism of pterostilbene. Pterostilbene demonstrated concentration‐dependent anticancer activity in five cancer cell lines (1–100 µg/mL). An in vitro colitis model showed concentration‐dependent suppression of PGE2 production in the media of HT‐29 cells. Antiinflammatory activity was examined by inducing inflammation in canine chondrocytes followed by treatment with pterostilbene (1–100 µg/mL). The results showed decreased levels of MMP‐3, sGAG and TNF‐α compared with control levels. Pterostilbene exhibited concentration‐dependent antioxidant capacity measured by the ABTS method. Pterostilbene increased the latency period to response in both tail‐flick and hot‐plate analgesic tests. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) consumption improves Glutathione and HDL‐cholesterol levels in experimental diabetes
Authors: Emekli‐Alturfan Ebru , Kasikci Emel , Yarat Aysen 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe aim of this investigation was to assess the influence of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) consumption on oxidant‐antioxidant status and lipid profile in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. 32 rats were divided into 4 groups as control, control+peanut, diabetic, diabetic+peanut. Control and diabetic groups were fed on standard rat chow whereas control+peanut and diabetic+peanut were fed on standard rat chow supplemented with 0.63 g % peanut for 12 weeks. Serum glucose levels, lipids, Glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and atherogenic index (AI) levels were determined at the end of the experiment. In the diabetic group TG (Triglyceride), TC (Total cholesterol), LDL‐C (LDL‐cholesterol) levels and atherogenic indexes increased significantly whereas HDL‐C (HDL‐cholesterol) level decreased significantly compared to the control group. The supplementation with peanut in the diabetic group led to significantly higher HDL‐C levels and lower AI levels compared to diabetic group. Peanut consumption increased GSH levels significantly both in control and diabetic groups. In conclusion, this study shows that peanut consumption may improve oxidant‐antioxidant status in healthy and diabetic status without increasing blood lipids. Moreover, increased HDL‐C levels and decreased AI levels in diabetic rats indicate that, peanut consumption may have protective effects against cardiovascular complications of diabetes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postnatal development of pups from nursing rats treated with Gingko biloba
Authors: Faria Dieime Elaine Pereira de , Borges Luciana Valente , Peters Vera Maria , Reis João Evangelista de Paula , Ribeiro Luiz Cláudio , de Cássia da Silveira e Sá Rita , Guerra Martha de Oliveira 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe Gingko biloba extract is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to the lack of information about its effects on these reproductive phases. Previous studies have shown that G. biloba extract contains components with estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities, thus nursing dams treated with the extract of this plant could show reduction in milk production, resulting in malnutrition and poor development of pups. This work analyzes the postnatal development of pups, whose mothers were treated with G. biloba extract during the lactation period. Nursing Wistar rats received 3.5 mg/kg/day of G. biloba aqueous extract, corresponding to the highest human dose. Clinical signs of maternal toxicity were evaluated. The growth rate, viability, survival during treatment and lactation indices of the pups were calculated. The physical, motor and sensorial development of the pups was also evaluated. No maternal signs of toxicity were observed. As there were no biological differences between control and G. biloba treated pups, it is possible to assume that, in this experimental design, the administration of G. biloba aqueous extract to nursing rats during the lactation period seems to be devoid of toxic effect to mothers and to the physical, motor and sensory development of the pups. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of an herbal formulation of Radix Astragali, Radix Codonopsis and Cortex Lycii on streptozotocin‐induced apoptosis in pancreatic β‐cells: an implication for its treatment of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chan Judy Yuet‐Wa , Leung Ping‐Chung , Che Chun‐Tao , Fung Kwok‐Pui 
Published: August 2007

AbstractHyperglycemia is one of the main causes of oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus. During hyperglycemia, the increased level of various reducing sugars in the blood enhances the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and triggers tissue damage, especially in pancreatic β‐cells. Streptozotocin (STZ) is a diabetogen that causes diabetes mellitus via ROS‐induced apoptosis in β‐cells. In this study, SR10, an herbal formulation consisting of the aqueous extracts of Radix Astragali, Radix Codonopsis and Cortex Lycii was examined for its antidiabetic effects in vitro. SR10 treatment resulted in significant enhancement of survival rate of rat pancreatic β‐cells which were treated by streptozotocin. SR10 apparently reduced apoptosis of streptozotocin‐treated β‐cells by decreasing DNA fragmentation, sub‐G1 peak area and percentage of apoptotic cells. Nitric oxide (NO) production in streptozotocin‐treated cells was inhibited by SR10 via the suppression of the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The implication of SR10 in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus was discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quinic acid esters from Pluchea indica with collagenase, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 inhibitory activities
Authors: Ohtsuki Takashi , Yokosawa Emiko , Koyano Takashi , Preeprame Srisomporn , Kowithayakorn Thaworn , Sakai Shinobu , Toida Toshihiko , Ishibashi Masami 
Published: August 2007

AbstractInvestigation of collagenase inhibitory natural components afforded two quinic acid esters (1 and 2) and quercetin (3) from the leaves of Pluchea indica (Compositae). Of these, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited collagenase inhibitory activity (IC50) at a concentration of less than 10 µm, and 1 showed matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and ‐9 inhibitory activity (IC50) at 2.5 and 6.4 µm, respectively. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The connected‐moments polynomial approach for Hamiltonian eigenvalues calculation and its application to the one‐particle systems
Authors: Bartashevich Igor 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe new connected‐moments polynomial approach (CMP) is developed for evaluation of Hamiltonian eigenvalues. It is based on properties of specially designed polynomial and does not use any basis set and variational procedure. Like all the methods based on hamiltonain moments knowledge, the CMP is conceptually simple but is less tedious and is usually convergent even for very “crude” trial functions. This method is applicable not only to the ground state energy calculation but also to the excited states. The formalism is presented in two modifications: non‐local (integral) and local (integral‐free) ones. An accuracy of both versions is illustrated by numerical examples of Hamiltonian eigenvalues calculations for harmonic and anharmonic oscillators. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Determinant factors in the degree of implementation of Local Agenda 21 in the European Union
Authors: Garcia‐Sanchez Isabel M. , Prado‐Lorenzo Jose‐Manuel 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe concern for sustainable development reached its greatest form of expression in what is known as the Brundtland Report; however, it was the Rio de Janeiro Conference of 1992 that created the foundations, through agreements such as Agenda 21. Though the success of Agenda 21 depends fundamentally on central governments, local administrations can play a decisive role, which is why European cities have taken on a serious commitment to enforce it by way of the Aalborg Charter. This paper evaluates the advancements by European municipalities in implementing Local Agenda 21, by identifying their determinant factors. The results show that productive and organizational aspects are key factors, regardless of their origin. Likewise, it has been verified that the factors of promotion instigated by supramunicipal bodies of the public administration are extremely effective, whereas political factors are of little relevance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
D‐optimal cohort designs for linear mixed‐effects models
Authors: Tekle Fetene B. , Tan Frans E. S. , Berger Martijn P. F. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe D‐optimality criterion is used to construct optimal designs for different numbers of independent cohorts, which constitute a number of repeated measurements per subject over time. A cost function for longitudinal data is proposed, and the optimality criterion is optimized taking into account the cost of the study. First, an optimal number of design points for a given number of cohorts and cost was identified. Then, an optimal number of cohorts is identified by comparing the relative efficiencies (REs). A numerical study shows that for models describing the trend of a continuous outcome over time by polynomials, the most efficient number of repeated measurements is equal to the sum of the total number of cohorts and the degree of the polynomial in the model. REs of a purely longitudinal cohort design with only one cohort, and mixed longitudinal and cross‐sectional cohort designs with more cohorts are compared. The results show that a purely longitudinal cohort design with only one cohort of subjects measured at the optimal time points is the most efficient design. The findings in this paper show that one can obtain a highly efficient design for parameter estimation with only a few repeated measurements. The results of this study will reduce the cost of data collection and ease the logistical burdens in cohort studies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of diastematomyelia: presentation of eight cases and review of the literature
Authors: Has R. , Yuksel A. , Buyukkurt S. , Kalelioglu I. , Tatli B. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectivesDiastematomyelia is a rare form of spinal dysraphism. We present eight cases of diastematomyelia diagnosed prenatally in our institution as well as a review of the literature in order to determine the prognosis of isolated cases of this very unusual condition.MethodsRecords of fetuses with diastematomyelia diagnosed in our institution between January 2000 and June 2005 were collected. All liveborn fetuses were examined by a pediatric neurologist. Pre‐ and postnatal data were analyzed. A search was then conducted using PubMed to review previously reported cases in the literature.ResultsEight cases of diastematomyelia were diagnosed during the study interval. The mean (range) gestational age at diagnosis was 21 (13–25) weeks. The main sonographic findings were widening of the spinal canal in the coronal view and an additional echogenic focus in the posterior part of the spinal column in the axial view. The diagnosis of associated open spina bifida was made in one fetus with elevated levels of amniotic fluid α‐fetoprotein (AF‐AFP) and acetylcholinesterase (AF‐AChE) and the pregnancy was terminated. The other seven cases of diastematomyelia had normal levels of AF‐AFP and AF‐AChE and were considered isolated. One pregnancy miscarried spontaneously 1 week following amniocentesis and the remaining six were delivered at term. Review of the literature revealed 14 reports involving 26 cases of prenatally diagnosed diastematomyelia. Twelve cases had normal biochemistry and/or no additional abnormalities and all had a favorable outcome.ConclusionsWhen diastematomyelia is not associated with other spinal anomalies, the prognosis is favorable. Prenatal diagnosis is generally made in the second trimester but sonographic signs may be recognized as early as the first trimester. Intrauterine diagnosis of diastematomyelia should facilitate appropriate management of affected cases. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reverse ventricular remodelling after cardiac resynchronization therapy is associated with a reduction in serum tenascin‐C and plasma matrix metalloproteinase‐9 levels
Authors: Hessel Marleen H.M. , Bleeker Gabe B. , Bax Jeroen J. , Henneman Maureen M. , den Adel Brigit , Klok Margreet , Schalij M.J. , Atsma Douwe E. , van der Laarse Arnoud 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground:In heart failure patients, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) leads to reverse ventricular remodelling.Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate whether changes in levels of circulating biomarkers of extracellular matrix metabolism correlate with the response to CRT.Methods and results:Clinical parameters, left ventricular (LV) volumes, and circulating levels of tenascin‐C (TNC), matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), MMP‐9, and amino‐terminal propeptide of brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were assessed in 64 patients at baseline and 6 months follow‐up. The majority of patients (72%) showed a >10% reduction in LV end‐systolic volume at follow‐up, and were classified as responders to CRT. The remaining patients were classified as non‐responders. In responders, a significant decrease in circulating levels of TNC (from 60±40ng/mL to 47±30ng/mL, p<0.01), MMP‐9 (from 55±30 AU to 44±27 AU, p<0.01), and NT‐proBNP (from 2106±1805pg/mL to 1132±1289pg/mL, p<0.001) were observed at follow‐up; MMP‐2 levels were unchanged. In non‐responders TNC, NT‐proBNP, MMP‐9 and MMP‐2 levels remained unchanged.Conclusion:At 6months follow‐up, CRT was associated with reverse LV remodelling, and a significant decrease in TNC, MMP‐9, and NT‐proBNP levels. This suggests an important role of ECM modulation in the process of reverse ventricular remodelling in patients responding to CRT.
Patterns of intergenerational support in grandparent-grandchild and parent-child relationships in Germany
Authors: HOFF ANDREAS 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTThe paper focuses on intergenerational support relations between grandparents and their grandchildren in Germany, and how they have changed from 1996 to 2002. The paper begins with a brief review of the literature on functional aspects of the grandparent-grandchild relationship, after which the research hypotheses about intergenerational support in the relationship are elaborated. Following a description of the data source, theGerman Ageing Survey, and its samples and measures, the evidence on the patterns of grandparents' provision and receipt of intergenerational support to and from their grandchildren are presented and compared with parent-child support patterns. The analysis also considers variations by age groups and birth cohorts and changes over time. The main empirical finding is that there was a greater likelihood of financial transfers to grandchildren in 2002 than six years earlier. Nevertheless, the grandparents' relationships with their grandchildren remained imbalanced or asymmetrical, at the older generation's expense. It was found that financial and instrumental support patterns between grandparents and grandchildren were best explained using an ‘intergenerational stake’ hypothesis rather than one of ‘intergenerational solidarity’; the latter is more consistent with parent-child support patterns.