bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of conventional FASTA identity searches with the 80 amino acid sliding window FASTA search for the elucidation of potential identities to known allergens
Authors: Ladics Gregory S. , Bannon Gary A. , Silvanovich Andre , Cressman Robert F. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFood and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) recommended that IgE cross‐reactivity between a transgenic protein and allergen be considered when there is ⪈F 35% identity over a sliding “window” of 80 amino acids. Our objective was to evaluate the false positive and negative rates observed using the FAO/WHO versus conventional FASTA analyses. Data used as queries against allergen databases and analyzed to assess false positive rates included: 1102 hypothetical corn ORFs; 907 randomly selected proteins; 89 randomly selected corn proteins; and 97 corn seed proteins. To evaluate false negative rates of both methods: Bet v 1a along with several crossreacting fruit/vegetable allergens and a bean α‐amylase inhibitor were used as queries. Both methods were also evaluated for their ability to detect a putative nonallergenic test protein containing a sequence derived from Ara h 1. FASTA versions 3.3t0 and 3.4t25 were utilized. Data indicate a conventional FASTA analysis produced fewer false positives and equivalent false negative rates. Conventional FASTA versus sliding window derived E scores were generally more significant. Results suggest a conventional FASTA search provides more relevant identity to the query protein and better reflects the functional similarities between proteins. It is recommended that the conventional FASTA analysis be conducted to compare identities of proteins to allergens.
The CaV 1.2 Ca2+ channel is expressed in sarcolemma of type I and IIa myofibers of adult skeletal muscle
Authors: Jeftinija Dušan M. , Wang Qing Bo , Hebert Sadie L. , Norris Christopher M. , Yan Zhen , Rich Mark M. , Kraner Susan D. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAlthough Ca2+‐dependent signaling pathways are important for skeletal muscle plasticity, the sources of Ca2+ that activate these signaling pathways are not completely understood. Influx of Ca2+ through surface membrane Ca2+ channels may activate these pathways. We examined expression of two L‐type Ca2+ channels in adult skeletal muscle, the CaV 1.1 and CaV 1.2, with isoform‐specific antibodies in Western blots and immunocytochemistry assays. Consistent with a large body of work, expression of the CaV 1.1 was restricted to skeletal muscle where it was expressed in T‐tubules. CaV 1.2 was also expressed in skeletal muscle, in the sarcolemma of type I and IIa myofibers. Exercise‐induced alterations in muscle fiber types cause a concomitant increase in the number of both CaV 1.2 and type IIa–positive fibers. Taken together, these data suggest that the CaV 1.2 Ca2+ channel is expressed in adult skeletal muscle in a fiber type–specific manner, which may help to maintain oxidative muscle phenotype. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Analysis of a genetic defect in the TATA box of the SOD1 gene in a patient with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Niemann Stephan , Broom Wendy J. , Brown Jr. Robert H. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe report a patient with autosomal‐dominant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a sequence variation in the SOD1 promoter region, located in the conserved TATA box motif (TATAAA→TGTAAA). Functional promoter studies of this variant in an in vitro system showed moderate reduction in transcriptional activity of SOD1. This variant was present in only two of 301 individuals with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, was not detected in 396 matched controls, and was recently reported in dbSNP (rs7277748). Our data suggest that this TATA box defect is not a disease‐causing mutation or susceptibility factor for ALS but rather a rare polymorphism with a potential effect on SOD1 gene expression. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Novel silicon‐containing spiroorthoester to confer combined flame retardancy and low shrinkage properties to epoxy resins
Authors: Canadell J. , Mantecón A. , Cádiz V. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA new silicon‐containing spiroorthoester, 1,4,6‐trioxaspiro [4,4]‐2‐nonylmethyl 3‐trimethylsilyl propionate (SOESi), was synthesized with good yield by an esterification reaction with a previously synthesized 2‐hydroxymethyl‐1,4,6‐trioxaspiro [4,4] nonane (SOEOH) and trimethylsilyl propionic acid. The structure of the new SOESi was confirmed by 1H and 3C NMR. The SOESi and a mixture of DGEBA/SOESi were polymerized with ytterbium triflate as a cationic initiator. The curing was studied with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and monitored by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The materials were characterized with DSC, termogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermodynamomechanical analysis (DMTA). The volume change was evaluated with a Micromeritics gas pycnometer and the flame retardancy was tested by the limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurements. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4211–4224, 2007
Plasma‐Treated Polyethylene Surfaces for Improved Binding of Active Protein
Authors: Ho Joan P. Y. , Nosworthy Neil J. , Bilek Marcela M. M. , Gan Bee K. , McKenzie David R. , Chu Paul K. , dos Remedios Cris G. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe use of plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) to prepare polyethylene surfaces for binding active proteins is investigated. The PIII surface treatment significantly improves the density of active HRP bound to the surface after incubation in buffer containing the protein. The retention of enzyme activity on the PIII‐treated surfaces is greatly improved as compared to both untreated controls and surfaces exposed to the plasma without the PIII treatment. A nitrogen PIII treatment produced surfaces with the best retention of protein activity. Oxidation of the ion‐damaged surface and the formation of a carbonized subsurface are believed to be responsible for the observed protein binding properties.magnified image
cGMP‐enhancing‐ and α1A/α1D‐adrenoceptor blockade‐derived inhibition of Rho‐kinase by KMUP‐1 provides optimal prostate relaxation and epithelial cell anti‐proliferation efficacy
Authors: Liu Chi‐Ming , Lo Yi‐Ching , Wu Bin‐Nan , Wu Wen‐Jeng , Chou Yii‐Her , Huang Chun‐Hsiung , An Li‐Mei , Chen Ing‐Jun 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackgroundSoluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/protein kinase G (PKG) and Rho kinase (ROCK2) pathways are important in the regulation of prostate smooth muscle tone. This study is aimed to examine the relaxation activities of a sGC activator and PDE5A/ROCK2 inhibitor KMUP‐1 in rat prostate and associated anti‐proliferation activity in human prostatic epithelial cells.MethodsThe action characteristics of KMUP‐1 were identified by isometric tension measurement, receptor binding assay, Western blotting and radioimmunoassay in rat prostate. Anti‐proliferation activity of KMUP‐1 in human prostatic epithelial PZ‐HPV‐7 cells was identified using flow cytometry and real time QRT‐PCR.ResultsKMUP‐1 inhibited phenylephrine‐induced contractility in a concentration‐dependent manner. KMUP‐1 possessed potent α1A/α1D‐adrenoceptor binding inhibition activity, increased cAMP/cGMP levels and increased the expression of sGC, PKG, and PKA protein in rat prostate. Moreover, KMUP‐1 inhibited phenylephrine‐induced ROCK2 expression. KMUP‐1 inhibited cell growth, arrested the cell cycle at G0/G1phase and increased the expression of p21 in PZ‐HPV‐7 cells.ConclusionsThese results broaden our knowledge of sGC/cGMP/PKG and ROCK2 regulation on the relaxation and proliferation of prostate, which may help in the design of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) therapies that target these signaling pathways. KMUP‐1 possesses the potential benefit in the treatment of BPH by its α1A/α1D‐adrenoceptor blockade, sGC activation, inhibition of PDE5A and ROCK2 and p21 protein enhancement, leading to attenuation of the smooth muscle tone and the proliferation of epithelial PZ‐HPV‐7 cells. The synergistic contribution of these pathways by KMUP‐1 may benefit BPH patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Prostate 67: 1397–1410, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro anticancer activity of aqueous extracts and ethanol extracts of fifteen taditional Chinese medicines on human digestive tumor cell lines
Authors: Sun Jing , Liu Bao‐Rui , Hu Wen‐Jing , Yu Li‐Xia , Qian Xiao‐Ping 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the anticancer activity of 15 traditional Chinese medicines which are usually used for tumor patients in China. The MTT (methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide) method was applied to compare the antitumoral activity of the aqueous crude extracts and the ethanol crude extracts of these drugs on six human digestive tumor cell lines: human liver carcinoma cell lines (HepG‐2 and SMMC‐7721), human gastric cancer cell line (BGC‐823), human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines (LoVo and SW‐116) and esophagus adenocarcinoma cell line (CaEs‐17). Most ethanol extracts demonstrated a more powerful inhibitory effect than aqueous extracts. Their IC50 values were between 10 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL. Among these drugs, Paris polyphylla Smith showed a predominant inhibitory effect on all the cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 10 µg/mL to 30 µg/mL. The findings in this study suggested that traditional Chinese medicines, especially Paris polyphylla Smith, might have potential anticancer activity on digestive cancer and its mechanism needs further study. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening of Indian medicinal plants for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity
Authors: Mukherjee Pulok K. , Kumar Venkatesan , Houghton Peter J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe cholinergic hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has provided the rationale for the current pharmaco‐therapy of this disease, in an attempt to reduce the cognitive decline caused by cholinergic deficits. Nevertheless, the search for potent and long‐acting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors that exert minimal side effects in AD patients is still ongoing. AChE inhibitors are currently the only approved therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease; only a limited number of drugs are commercially available. Hydroalcohol extracts of six herbs, Andrographis paniculata, Centella asiatica, Evalvulus alsinoides, Nardostachys jatamansi, Nelumbo nucifera, Myristica fragrans used in Indian systems of medicine, were tested for in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity based on Ellman's method in 96‐well microplates using AChE obtained from bovine erythrocytes. The results showed that the hydroalcohol extract from Centella asiatica, Nardostachys jatamansi, Myristica fragrans, Evalvulus alsinoides inhibited 50% of AChE activity at concentrations of 100–150 µg/mL. Andrographis paniculata and Nelumbo nucifera extracts showed a weak inhibition of acetylcholinesterase with IC50 values of 222.41 ± 19.87 µg/mL and 185.55 ± 21.24 µg/mL, respectively. Physostigmine was used as a standard and showed inhibition of acetylcholinesterase with an IC50 value of 0.076 ± 0.0042 µg/mL. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical composition and antibacterial activities of the essential oil from Abies koreana
Authors: Jeong Seung‐Il , Lim Jong‐Pil , Jeon Hoon 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe essential oils from an alpine needle leaf of Abies koreana, which is a species native to Korea, was obtained by hydrodistillation with 0.9% (v/w) yield and analysed by GC and GC‐MS. Sixty‐eight constituents, accounting for more than 95.9% of the total oil composition, were identified. The main compounds with concentrations higher than 3% were borneol (27.9%), α‐pinene (23.2%), β‐pinene (5.8%), terpinene‐4‐ol (3.8%), bornyl acetate (3.4%) and α‐terpineol (3.1%). The antibacterial activity of the oil was evaluated against nine microorganisms using disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The essential oil exhibited some broad spectrum antibacterial activity against the tested organisms, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Sairei‐to on the pharmacokinetics of nifedipine in rats
Authors: Ikehata Mika , Ohnishi Noriaki , Matsumoto Tsuyoshi , Kiyohara Yoshifumi , Maeda Atsushi , Kawakita Takuya , Takara Kohji , Yokoyama Teruyoshi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSairei‐to is a traditional herbal medicine used to complement, and as an alternative to, Western drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic interactions between Sairei‐to and nifedipine (NFP), a substrate for CYP3A, in rats. NFP‐oxidizing activity and the pharmacokinetics of NFP were examined after a single or 1‐week of administration of Sairei‐to (EK‐114). NFP‐oxidizing activity was enhanced transiently around 24 h after a single administration of EK‐114 (1400 mg/kg). In vivo, the first‐pass metabolism of NFP increased in the small intestine at 24 h after the administration of EK‐114, and this effect disappeared at 72 h. Co‐administration of EK‐114 tended to inhibit the metabolism of NFP. On the other hand, when EK‐114 was given at a high dose (1400 mg/kg) for 1 week, the oxidation of NFP in the small intestine was inhibited, and Cmax and AUC after the oral administration of NFP increased. In addition, a clinical dose of EK‐114 (140 mg/kg) did not alter the pharmacokinetics of NFP, regardless of the administration schedule. EK‐114 was suggested to affect the metabolism of NFP. However, the CYP3A‐mediated pharmacokinetic interaction on the concomitant use of EK‐114 may not be clinically significant. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observational study of a rainy January day in the Northeast Brazil semi‐arid region: synoptic and mesoscale characteristics
Authors: da Silva Aragão Maria Regina , Damião Mendes Mônica Cristina , Cavalcanti Iracema F. A. , de Fatima Correia Magaly 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis is an analysis of the atmospheric structure of a particular rainy day in January 1985, a month of well‐above‐normal rainfall in the Northeast Brazil semi‐arid region. Close attention is given to 24 January 1985, with a focus on the rain structures that are most indicative of the mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) within a radar coverage area centred at Petrolina (9 24′S, 40 30′W), situated in the semi‐arid lower‐middle portion of the São Francisco River Valley. The contribution of the synoptic environment to the development of these systems is also investigated. C‐band meteorological radar, along with surface rain‐gauge data (intensities and 24‐hour totals), has made possible a diagnosis of the mesoscale structure of the rain systems. Surface data, upper‐air data, NCEP/NCAR reanalyses and Meteosat satellite images are employed as well. On the synoptic scale, the results reveal that during the greater part of the month, the area of study was largely influenced not only by the western sector of the South Atlantic upper‐tropospheric trough but also by a weak South Atlantic subtropical high, as indicated by surface winds in Petrolina over all quadrants of the wind rose, except for the typical southeasterly winds. On day 24, the upper trough showed high amplitude, whereas the South Atlantic high was weak, as demonstrated by less intense subsidence inversion, high moisture content, and light and variable winds in the mid‐to‐lower troposphere. Extensive (meso‐β‐scale), long‐lasting stratiform rain areas with embedded convection that became intensified in the mid‐to‐late afternoon indicated the presence of MCSs. These precipitation areas were dynamically supported by low‐level moisture convergence and upward motion on the mesoscale and larger scales, while surface heating due to solar radiation may have been an additional factor for convection growth in the afternoon. A large number of rain‐gauge stations reporting rain and surface rain rates (5‐minute duration) higher than 60 mm h−1 gave additional evidence of widespread light (stratiform) and localized intense (convective) rainfall, indicating the presence of MCSs. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Multiple imputation using an iterative hot‐deck with distance‐based donor selection
Authors: Siddique Juned , Belin Thomas R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHot‐deck imputation offers advantages in reflecting salient features of data distributions in missing‐data problems, but previous implementations have lacked the appeal associated with modern Bayesian statistical‐computing techniques. We outline a strategy of iterative hot‐deck multiple imputation with distance‐based donor selection. With distance defined as a monotonic function of the difference in predictive means between cases, donors are chosen with probability inversely proportional to their distance from the donee. This method retains the implementation ease of ad hoc techniques, while incorporating the desirable features of Bayesian approaches. Special cases of our method include nearest‐neighbor imputation and a simple random hot‐deck. Iterating the procedure provides an analogy to Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods and is intended to mitigate dependence on starting values. Results from imputing missing values in a longitudinal depression treatment trial as well as a simulation study are presented. We evaluate how different definitions of distance, choices of starting values, the order in which variables are chosen for imputation, and the number of iterations impact inferences. We show that our measure of distance controls the tradeoff between bias and variance of our estimates. We find that inferences from the depression treatment trial are not sensitive to most definitions of distance. In addition, while differences exist between 1 iteration and 10 iterations, there are no meaningful differences between inferences based on 10 iterations and those based on 500 iterations. The choice of starting value did not have an impact on inferences but the order in which the variables were chosen for imputation was significant even after iteration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Case–cohort methods for survival data on families from routine registers
Authors: Moger Tron Anders , Pawitan Yudi , Borgan Ørnulf 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn the Nordic countries, there exist several registers containing information on diseases and risk factors for millions of individuals. This information can be linked to families by the use of personal identification numbers, and represents a great opportunity for studying diseases that show familial aggregation. Due to the size of the registers, it is difficult to analyze the data by using traditional methods for multivariate survival analysis, such as frailty or copula models. Since the size of the cohort is known, case–cohort methods based on pseudo‐likelihoods are suitable for analyzing the data. We present methods for sampling control families both with and without replacement, and with or without stratification. The data are stratified according to
family size and covariate values. Depending on the sampling method, results from simulations indicate that one only needs to sample 1–5 per cent of the control families in order to obtain good efficiency compared with a traditional cohort analysis. We also provide an application to survival data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Foreign direct investment as a strategic linkage
Authors: Chen Homin , Chen Tain‐Jy 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article studies the pattern of Taiwanese foreign direct investment (FDI) in light of strategic linkage theory. Measuring the level of proprietary asset by technological capability and scale of operation, we found that firms possessing higher levels of proprietary assets invest in more advanced host countries. Through FDI, higher levels of proprietary assets are linked to higher levels of strategic assets, which in turn enhance the technological and marketing capabilities of investing firms. Firms better endowed with proprietary assets are also shown to be more inclined to make multiple investments and more capable of investing in countries which are psychologically and geographically distant from Taiwan. In contrast, firms with low levels of proprietary assets seek linkages to nonstrategic assets in a single country which is psychologically and geographically close to Taiwan. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Japanese managerial and organizational learning
Authors: Keys J. Bernard , Wells Robert A. , Denton L. Trey 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe article describes how the external forces of Japanese culture, industrial organization, and government intervention support managerial and organizational learning. It provides an overview of the culturally explicit philosophies that govern and stimulate learning in Japan, then explains how these philosophies are exhibited in Japanese management practice today. A model is presented which demonstrates the relationships among external forces, philosophical origins, management practice, and managerial and organizational learning. The conclusion is that managerial and organizational learning constitute one of Japan's most valuable competitive advantages. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
First mover advantages in investing in transitional economies
Authors: Luo Yadong , Peng Mike W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAs China, Eastern Europe, and the post‐Soviet republics undertake economic transitions toward more market‐based systems, foreign investors have been greatly interested in these countries. However, it is not clear whether an early mover strategy or a late mover strategy will result in better performance in these markets characterized by both potential opportunities and tremendous uncertainties and difficulties. This article uses the experience of foreign investors in China to shed light on this question. Specifically, we conducted two separate tests comparing the performance of early entrants and late entrants drawing on samples from different time periods (early stage versus late stage of local operations). The results show the existence of significant first mover advantages, and the risk‐return tradeoff between the first mover and late mover strategies. Implications for both early movers and late movers from these two tests are discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The dual‐career couple: Female expatriates and male trailing spouses
Authors: Harvey Michael , Wiese Danielle 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDual‐income and dual‐career couples are becoming an increasingly important segment of professional managers in the United States. The difficulties associated with addressing the unique needs of these dual couples is accentuated when attempting to relocate one of the members of the couple overseas. Referral rates for expatriation have increased and the failure rate of those expatriates who are relocated continues to be high. This article examines the issues international human resource executives face when expatriating female managers and how multinational corporations (MNCs) can proactively address the concerns of both the expatriate managers and their trailing spouses. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Saad Al‐barrak of international turnkey systems (ITS), kuwait
Authors: Mahmoud Essam , Rice Gillian 
Published: July 2007

AbstractInternational Turnkey Systems (ITS) is a regional company operating in several countries in the Middle East. At the start of operations in Kuwait in 1981, the company faced many challenges, and did not reach a turning point until 1987. Thereafter, ITS realized the road to success. This report of an interview with Managing Director Saad Al‐Barrak provides a profile of his management philosophy and vision, and the company's policies and success components. The ITS story is a valuable learning tool because it illustrates how an Arab firm can incorporate and benefit from a management philosophy apparently alien to the local culture. The interview was conducted in April 1998 during Saad Al‐Barrak's visit to deliver a speech at Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.