bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stature and sexual stature dimorphism in Sweden, from the 10th to the end of the 20th century
Authors: Gustafsson Anders , Werdelin Lars , Tullberg Birgitta S. , Lindenfors Patrik 
Published: August 2007

AbstractMean stature in a population has been observed to vary with living conditions. If, and how, this affects sexual dimorphism in stature is not fully understood. We analyzed stature data from Swedish populations from the 10th to the end of the 20th century to investigate if male stature is more plastic than female stature in response to environmental changes. Further, we examined if there, as a consequence of this, exists an allometric relationship between male and female stature that is not caused by genetic factors, coupling greater stature with greater dimorphism. We found no significant change in stature from the 10th century to the 17th century, but a clear increase in both male and female stature during the 20th century, most likely because of improved living conditions. Regression analyses revealed no consistent change in sexual stature dimorphism over time for any of the time periods, including the 20th century. Further, we found no significant allometric relationship between male and female stature, and could consequently not identify any significant relationship between stature and stature dimorphism. Thus, contrary to previous suggestions, the regressions did not provide support for the assertion that male stature is more sensitive to environmental changes than female stature, nor that stature dimorphism increases with increasing stature. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zurück zur RNAi‐Welt: Gedanken zur Genexpression und Evolution (Nobel‐Vortrag)
Authors: Mello Craig C. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractEs ist wunderbar, heute hier zu sein. Beginnen möchte ich mit dem wichtigsten Part, nämlich Danke zu sagen. Zu allererst danke ich Andy Fire, der mir über all die Jahre ein großartiger Kollege und Freund war. Ohne Andy stünde ich heute nicht vor Ihnen. Dank schulde ich der University of Massachusetts, nicht nur für Ausrüstung, Laborräume und Geld, sondern vor allem auch für die großartigen Kollegen, mit denen zusammen ich meinen Forschungen nachgehe. Ohne die UMass und das tolle Umfeld dort, wäre ich wahrscheinlich heute nicht hier. Und nicht zu vergessen natürlich meine Familie; ich will jetzt keine Zeit aufbringen, jedem einzelnen zu danken, aber ihr wisst, wie wichtig ihr für mich seid.
Return to the RNAi World: Rethinking Gene Expression and Evolution (Nobel Lecture)
Authors: Mello Craig C. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIt's wonderful to be here today, I would like to start with the most important part, by saying thank you. First of all, I want to thank Andy Fire for being such a tremendous colleague, friend, and collaborator going back over the years. Without Andy I definitely wouldn't be here today. I need to thank the University of Massachusetts for providing for my laboratory, for believing in me, and for giving me not only a place and money, but great colleagues with whom to pursue my research. Without UMass and the great environment provided for me there, I probably would not be here today. And, of course my family; I'm not going to spend time now thanking them individually, but they know how important they are.
A preliminary study of processing seafood shells for eutrophication control
Authors: Currie J. A. , Harrison N. R. , Wang L. , Jones M. I. , Brooks M. S. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractShells from the seafood processing industry in New Zealand are currently an under‐utilized waste resource. In this study we investigate the processing conditions required for the creation of calcium oxide (lime) from green‐lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) and pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) shells. Lime is commonly used in wastewater treatment for the removal of phosphorous compounds from water, thus providing a means of eutrophication control. Mussel and oyster shells were processed in a horizontal tube furnace at various temperatures (650–800 °C) in both air and nitrogen environments. From X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and weight‐loss measurements, the extent of limestone calcination was found to increase with increasing furnace temperature for both shell species and furnace atmospheres. Analysis showed that the lime was present as a layer on the surface of the shell particles. From scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, significant changes in the surface morphology of the raw shells were observed as a result of heat treatment in both air and nitrogen atmospheres. Preliminary testing of shells heat‐treated in both air and nitrogen atmospheres indicated that both types of shell removed about 90% of phosphates in water within 30 min, whereas up to 40% of phosphates were removed with untreated shells. Our results for heat‐treated oyster shell differ slightly with studies in the literature, which report an absence of compositional and structural changes in an air atmosphere. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer modelling of age‐hardening for non‐isothermally aged AlMgSi alloys
Authors: Wu Linda , George Ferguson W. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA model for non‐isothermal age‐hardening for AlMgSi alloys has been developed. The model is based on the Shercliff–Ashby methodology developed for isothermal heat treatments, and is extended to non‐isothermal heat treatments by combining with the concept of internal state variable approach. During the process of non‐isothermal heat treatment, the sub‐models not only change with time but also change with temperature. However, the constants, which are calibrated by choosing suitable input data for A356, A357 and 6061 taken from open literature, will remain unchanged for any heat treatment conditions for a specific material. Then two‐step ageing is chosen as an example of non‐isothermal heat treatment. The whole ageing curves of yield strength under different two‐step ageing heat treatments are constructed. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiation‐modified copolymer for the extraction of metal ions from water
Authors: Kamal H. , Hegazy El‐Sayed A. , Mostafa Abo El‐Khair B. , Maksoud A. Abdel 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe modification of heavy‐duty polyethylene films was carried out through the graft copolymerization of acrylamide and vinyl acetate mixtures of different compositions with the simultaneous radiation method. The influence of the synthesis conditions (the irradiation dose, comonomer composition, and dilution) on the degree of grafting was investigated. The grafted samples were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The effect of the grafting degree on the thermal stability of the modified polymer was examined. The extraction of heavy and toxic metals such as cadmium, cobalt, copper, nickel, and lead by the modified heavy‐duty polyethylene was evaluated, and the metal‐ion uptake by the grafted and chemically treated samples seemed better than that of the grafted and untreated ones. Both the rate and amount of the metal‐ion uptake were affected by the temperature of the feed solution and the grafting degree. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Preparation of acacia‐stabilized silver nanoparticles: A green approach
Authors: Mohan Y. Murali , Raju K. Mohana , Sambasivudu K. , Singh Satyendra , Sreedhar B. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe report a facile approach for the spontaneous formation of silver nanoparticles in the presence of gum acacia polymer (a natural polymer) without the addition of any typical reducing agent under mild conditions. Silver nanoparticles (∼ 5 nm) have been obtained by the mixing of equal amounts of 0.5 wt % aqueous solutions of acacia and silver nitrate. The formation of silver nanoparticles has been confirmed with ultraviolet–visible, Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Gum acacia polymeric chains promote the reduction process and act as good stabilizers over 5 months. To confirm the formation and stabilization of the nanoparticles, a transmission electron microscope has been employed. The advantage of this methodology is that it is possible to prepare silver nanoparticles without any organic solvents or reducing agents. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Rheology, morphology, and crystallization behavior of melt‐mixed blends of polyamide6 and acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene: Influence of reactive compatibilizer premixed with multiwall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Bose Suryasarathi , Bhattacharyya Arup R. , Kodgire Pravin V. , Misra Ashok , Pötschke Petra 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBlends of polyamide6 (PA6) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) were prepared in presence or absence of up to 5 wt % of a reactive compatibilizer [styrene maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) modified with 5 wt % multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT)] by melt‐mixing using conical twin screw microcompounder where the ABS content was varied from 20 to 50 wt %. The melt viscosity of the blends was significantly enhanced in presence of SMA modified by multiwall carbon nanotubes due to the reactive compatibilization, which leads to stabilized interphase in the blends. Furthermore, the presence of MWNT in the compatibilizer phase led to additional increase in viscosity and storage modulus. Morphological studies revealed the presence of either droplet‐dispersed or cocontinuous type depending on the blend compositions. Further, reactive compatibilization led to a significant change in the morphology, namely a structure refining, which was enhanced by MWNT presence as observed from SEM micrographs. DSC crystallization studies indicated a delayed crystallization response of PA6 in presence of ABS presumably due to high melt viscosity of ABS. The crystallization temperature and the degree of crystallinity were strongly dependent on the type of morphology and content of reactive compatibilizer, whereas the presence of MWNT had an additional influence. SAXS studies revealed the formation of thinner and less perfect crystallites of PA6 phase in the blends, which showed cocontinuous morphology. A unique observation of multiple scattering maxima at higher q region has been found in the blends of cocontinuous morphology, which was observed to be successively broadened in presence of the compatibilizer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Shear flow effect on the crystalline forms in polyamide 6/montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Kelnar Ivan , Kratochvíl Jaroslav , Mikešová Jana 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe influence of shear flow on the crystallization of polyamide 6/MMT nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation process was investigated in detail by differential scanning calorimetry. The melted nanocomposites were controlled sheared in the steady and oscillatory shear flow, using a rotational rheometer, and cooled in an inert atmosphere. The effects of shear rate or frequency, clay concentration, and crystallization conditions on PA 6 crystalline phase development were studied. As expected, an opposite impact of shearing on γ‐phase formation in the nanocomposites and neat matrix was found. Surprisingly, a critical shear frequency for the onset of γ‐form crystallinity formation in the nanocomposites, increasing with the filler content as a consequence of polymer chains confinement within oriented clay platelets was found. At higher shear frequencies, the proportion of γ‐form in the nanocomposites increased dramatically with the clay concentration and reached 30–40%. The shear flow effects were influenced by cooling conditions, and more significant effect for rapidly cooled samples was observed. The isothermal crystallization at the solidification temperature 205°C reduced the γ‐form content. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Structural Identification of DNA Adducts Derived from 3‐Nitrobenzanthrone, a Potent Carcinogen Present in the Atmosphere
Authors: Takamura‐Enya Takeji , Kawanishi Masanobu , Yagi Takashi , Hisamatsu Yoshiharu 
Published: August 2007

Abstract3‐Nitrobenzanthrone is a powerful bacterial mutagen and carcinogen to mammals. To obtain precise information on DNA‐adduct formation by 3‐nitrobenzanthrone, a number of DNA adducts, including N‐(2′‐deoxyguanosin‐8‐yl)‐3‐aminobenzanthrone (13 a), 2‐(2′‐deoxyguanosin‐N2‐yl)‐3‐aminobenzanthrone (14 a), N‐(2′‐deoxyadenosin‐8‐yl)‐3‐aminobenzanthrone (15 a), 2‐(2′‐deoxyadenosin‐N6‐yl)‐3‐aminobenzanthrone (16 a), and their N‐acetylated counterparts 13 b, 14 b, 15 b, and 16 b were synthesized by palladium‐catalyzed aryl amination of the corresponding nucleoside and bromobenzanthrone derivatives. Among these DNA adducts, DNA adducts 13 a, 13 b, 14 a, 14 b, and 16 a were identified in the reaction mixture of nucleosides (2′‐deoxyguanosine, 2′‐deoxyadenosine, or DNA) with N‐acetoxy‐3‐aminobenzanthrone or N‐acetyl‐N‐acetoxy‐3‐aminobenzanthrone, both of which are recognized as activated metabolites of 3‐nitrobenzanthrone. The formation of these multiple DNA adducts may help explain the potent mutacarcinogenicity of 3‐nitrobenzanthrone.
A DFT Study on the Mechanism of Rh2II,II‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Amidation of Carbamates
Authors: Lin Xufeng , Zhao Cunyuan , Che Chi‐Ming , Ke Zhuofeng , Phillips David Lee 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe potential‐energy surfaces of the reactions of dirhodium tetracarboxylate (Rh2II,II) catalyzed nitrene (NR) insertion into CH bonds were examined by a DFT computational study. A pure Becke exchange functional (B88) rather than a hybrid exchange functional (B3, BHandH) was found to be appropriate for the calculation of the energy difference between the singlet and triplet Rh2II,II–NH nitrene species. Rh2II,II–NR1 (R1=(S)‐2‐methyl‐1‐butylformyl) is thermodynamically more favorable with a free energy lower than that of Rh2II,II–N(PhI)R1. The singlet and triplet states of Rh2II,II–NR1 have similar stability. Singlet Rh2II,II–NR1 undergoes a concerted NR insertion into the CH bond with simultaneous formation of the NH and NC bonds during CH bond cleavage; triplet Rh2II,II–NR1 undergoes H atom abstraction to produce a diradical, followed by subsequent bond formation by diradical recombination. The singlet pathway is favored over the triplet in the context of the free energy of activation and leads to the retention of the chirality of the C atom in the NR insertion product. The reactivities of the CH bonds toward the nitrene‐insertion reaction follow the order tertiary>secondary>primary. Relative reaction rates were calculated for the six reaction pathways examined in this work.
On the Pharmacological Properties of Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Authors: Costa Barbara 
Published: August 2007

AbstractCannabis is one of the first plants used as medicine, and the notion that it has potentially valuable therapeutic properties is a matter of current debate. The isolation of its main constituent, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (cannabinoid receptors CB1and CB2and their endogenous ligands) made possible studies concerning the pharmacological activity of cannabinoids. This paper reviews some of the most‐important findings in the field of THC pharmacology. Clinical trials, anecdotal reports, and experiments employing animal models strongly support the idea that THC and its derivatives exhibit a wide variety of therapeutic applications. However, the psychotropic effects observed in laboratory animals and the adverse reactions reported during human trials, as well as the risk of tolerance development and potential dependence, limit the application of THC in therapy. Nowadays, researchers focus on other therapeutic strategies by which the endocannabinoid system might be modulated to clinical advantage (inhibitor or activator of endocannabinoid biosynthesis, cellular uptake, or metabolism). However, emerging evidence highlights the beneficial effects of the whole cannabis extract over those observed with single components, indicating cannabis‐based medicines as new perspective to revisit the pharmacology of this plant.
Medicinal Chemistry Endeavors around the Phytocannabinoids
Authors: Stern Eric , Lambert Didier M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractOver the past 50 years, a considerable research in medicinal chemistry has been carried out around the natural constituents ofCannabis sativaL. Following the identification of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) in 1964, critical chemical modifications,e.g., variation of the side chain at C(3) and the opening of the tricyclic scaffold, have led to the characterization of potent and cannabinoid receptor subtype‐selective ligands. Those ligands that demonstrate high affinity for the cannabinoid receptors and good biological efficacy are still used as powerful pharmacological tools. This review summarizes past as well as recent developments in the structure–activity relationships of phytocannabinoids.
The Toxicology of Cannabis and Cannabis Prohibition
Authors: Grotenhermen Franjo 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe acute side effects caused by cannabis use are mainly related to psyche and cognition, and to circulation. Euphoria, anxiety, changes in sensory perception, impairment of memory and psychomotor performance are common effects after a dose is taken that exceeds an individually variable threshold. Cannabis consumption may increase heart rate and change blood pressure, which may have serious consequences in people with heart disease. Effects of chronic use may be induction of psychosis and development of dependency to the drug. Effects on cognitive abilities seem to be reversible after abstinence, except possibly in very heavy users. Cannabis exposure in utero may have negative consequences on brain development with subtle impairment of cognitive abilities in later life. Consequences of cannabis smoking may be similar to those of tobacco smoking and should be avoided. Use by young people has more detrimental effects than use by adults. There appear to be promising therapeutic uses of cannabis for a range of indications. Use of moderate doses in a therapeutic context is usually not associated with severe side effects. Current prohibition on cannabis use may also have harmful side effects for the individual and the society, while having little influence on prevalence of use. Harm is greatest for seriously ill people who may benefit from a treatment with cannabis. This makes it difficult to justify criminal penalties against patients.
Blocking the Cannabinoid Receptors: Drug Candidates and Therapeutic Promises
Authors: Muccioli Giulio G. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe CB1and CB2cannabinoid receptors have been described as two prime sites of action for endocannabinoids. Both the localization and pharmacology of these two G‐protein‐coupled receptors are well‐described, and numerous selective ligands have been characterized. The physiological effects ofCannabis sativa(cannabis) and a throughout study of the endocannabinoid system allowed for the identification of several pathophysiological conditions – including obesity, dyslipidemia, addictions, inflammation, and allergies – in which blocking the cannabinoid receptors might be beneficial. Many CB1receptor antagonists are now in clinical trials, and the results of several studies involving the CB1antagonist lead compound rimonabant (SR141716A) are now available. This review describes the pharmacological tools that are currently available and the animal studies supporting the therapeutic use of cannabinoid receptor antagonists and inverse agonists. The data available from the clinical trials are also discussed.
Biosynthetic Pathways of the Endocannabinoid Anandamide
Authors: Okamoto Yasuo , Wang Jun , Morishita Jun , Ueda Natsuo 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAnandamide (=N‐arachidonoylethanolamine) is the first discovered endocannabinoid, and belongs to the class of bioactive, long‐chainN‐acylethanolamines (NAEs). In animal tissues, anandamide is principally formed together with other NAEs from glycerophospholipid by two successive enzymatic reactions:1)N‐acylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to generateN‐acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) by Ca2+‐dependentN‐acyltransferase;2) release of NAE from NAPE by a phosphodiesterase of the phospholipase D type (NAPE‐PLD). Although these anandamide‐synthesizing enzymes were poorly understood until recently, our cDNA cloning of NAPE‐PLD in 2004 enabled molecular‐biological approaches to the enzymes. NAPE‐PLD is a member of the metallo‐β‐lactamase family, which specifically hydrolyzes NAPE among glycerophospholipids, and appears to be constitutively active. Mutagenesis studies suggested that the enzyme functions through a mechanism similar to those of other members of the family. NAPE‐PLD is widely expressed in animal tissues, including various regions in rat brain. Its expression level in the brain is very low at birth, and remarkably increases with development. Analysis of NAPE‐PLD‐deficient mice and other recent studies revealed the presence of NAPE‐PLD‐independent pathways for the anandamide formation. Furthermore, calcium‐independentN‐acyltransferase was discovered and characterized. In this article, we will review recent progress in the studies on these enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of anandamide and other NAEs.
Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase: From Characterization to Therapeutics
Authors: Labar Geoffray , Michaux Catherine 
Published: August 2007

AbstractFatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an integral membrane enzyme within the amidase‐signature family that terminates the action of several endogenous lipid messengers, including oleamide and the endocannabinoid anandamide. The hydrolysis of such messengers leads to molecules devoid of biological activity, and, therefore, modulates a number of neurobehavioral processes in mammals, including pain, sleep, feeding, and locomotor activity. Investigations into the structure and function of FAAH, its biological and therapeutic implications, as well as a description of different families of FAAH inhibitors are the topic of this review.
The N‐Acylethanolamine‐Hydrolyzing Acid Amidase (NAAA)
Authors: Tsuboi Kazuhito , Takezaki Naoko , Ueda Natsuo 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBioactive N‐acylethanolamines, including the endocannabinoid anandamide and anti‐inflammatory N‐palmitoylethanolamine, are hydrolyzed to fatty acids and ethanolamine in animal tissues by the catalysis of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). We recently cloned cDNA of N‐acylethanolamine‐hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA), another enzyme catalyzing the same reaction, from human, rat, and mouse. NAAA reveals no sequence homology with FAAH and belongs to the choloylglycine hydrolase family. The most striking catalytic property of NAAA is pH optimum at 4.5–5, which is consistent with its immunocytochemical localization in lysosomes. In rat, NAAA is highly expressed in lung, spleen, thymus, and intestine. Notably, the expression level of NAAA is exceptionally high in rat alveolar macrophages. The primary structure of NAAA exhibits 33–35% amino acid identity to that of acid ceramidase, a lysosomal enzyme hydrolyzing ceramide to fatty acid and sphingosine. NAAA actually showed a low, but detectable ceramide‐hydrolyzing activity, while acid ceramidase hydrolyzed N‐lauroylethanolamine. Thus, NAAA is a novel lysosomal hydrolase, which is structurally and functionally similar to acid ceramidase. These results suggest a unique role of NAAA in the degradation of N‐acylethanolamines.