bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonisothermal crystallization and melting behavior of a luminescent conjugated polymer, poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene‐alt‐co‐2,5‐didecyloxy‐1,4‐phenylene)
Authors: Yang Gui‐Zhong , Chen Xiaolei , Wang Weizhi , Wang Min , Liu Tianxi , Li Chun‐Zhong 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of a luminescent conjugated polymer, poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene‐alt‐co‐2,5‐didecyloxy‐1,4‐phenylene) (PF6OC10) with three different molecular weights was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry under different cooling rates from the melt. With increasing molecular weight of PF6OC10, the temperature range of crystallization peak steadily became narrower and shifted to higher temperature region and the crystallization rate increased. It was found that the Ozawa method failed to describe the nonisothermal crystallization behavior of PF6OC10. Although the Avrami method did not effectively describe the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of PF6OC10 for overall process, it was valid for describing the early stage of crystallization with an Avrami exponent n of about 3. The combined method proposed in our previous report was able to satisfactorily describe the nonisothermal crystallization behavior of PF6OC10. The crystallization activation energies determined by Kissinger, Takhor, and Augis‐Bennett models were comparable. The melting temperature of PF6OC10 increased with increasing molecular weight. For low‐molecular‐weight sample, PF6OC10 showed the characteristic of double melting phenomenon. The interval between the two melting peaks decreased with increasing molecular weight, and only one melting peak was observed for the high‐molecular‐weight sample. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 976–987, 2007
Hypertrichosis as a side effect of inhaled steroids in children
Authors: de Vries T.W. , de Langen‐Wouterse J.J. , de Jong‐Van den Berg L.T.W. , Duiverman E.J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThree spontaneous reports of patients in whom a relationship between hypertrichosis and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) was suspected, were reported to Lareb, The Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Center. We sought evidence for and against a causal relationship between hypertrichosis and ICS in children. The relationship between hypertrichosis and ICS was studied mathematically by assessing the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR) and by determining the Naranjo Score (NS). We also studied the reports sent to the Pharmacovigilance Database of the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) of the WHO and reviewed the literature. In the Dutch children, the ROR between hypertrichosis and ICS was 14.6 (95%CI 3.6–59.5), the NS was 4. In the database of the UMC 20 more reports on hypertrichosis and ICS were found, contributing to the results of the Dutch database. Taken together, 11 boys and 12 girls were involved with a mean age of 7 years (range 1–17). The time between the start of ICS and the occurrence of hypertrichosis varied between 1 month and 3 years. Besides the hypertrichosis, growth retardation was found in 5 children and adrenal suppression in 12. In 12 children the outcome after cessation was reported: in 6 children the hypertrichosis improved, whilst in 6 it did not. We found sufficient evidence to support the suspicion that hypertrichosis might be a true adverse effect of ICS. We found no simple dose‐effect relationship but obviously there is an individual susceptibility. After cessation of ICS the exaggerated hair growth will not disappear in all children. Hypertrichosis may be a useful clinical pointer to exogenous steroid excess. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:370–373. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
λ‐transition of NH4Cl and ND4Cl at high pressures
Authors: Yurtseven H. , Salihoğlu S. , Şen S. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe predict in this study using the mean‐field theory, the phase‐line equation from the free energy expanded in terms of the order parameters of solid II and III phases of NH4Cl and ND4Cl close to the λ‐phase transitions at high pressures. Using the temperature and pressure dependence of the coefficients given in the phase‐line equation, it is shown that the experimentally observed T –P phase diagram for the solid II–solid III transition, can be predicted from the mean field model studied here for both crystalline structures. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Theoretical studies of sulbactam: Reactions after acylation
Authors: Zhu Feng , Li Rui , Feng Dacheng , He Maoxia , Cai Zhengting 
Published: March 2007

AbstractDFT methods were used on the model molecular to determine the mechanism of β‐lactamase inhibitor. The results show that the thiazole ring can be opened as well as β‐lactam ring. The thiazole ring‐open product can be formed via β‐lactam ring‐open product or tetrahedral intermediate directly. Those products, in imine or enamine form, can tautomerize via hydrogen migration. The sulforious form products may be transformed into sulfonyl ones. Water or hydroxyl group in residues on active site will help lower the activation energy of above reactions, and if structure permitted, they also effect the route selection of whole reaction system. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Powerful short‐cuts for multiple testing procedures with special reference to gatekeeping strategies
Authors: Hommel Gerhard , Bretz Frank , Maurer Willi 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn this paper we present a general testing principle for a class of multiple testing problems based on weighted hypotheses. Under moderate conditions, this principle leads to powerful consonant multiple testing procedures. Furthermore, short‐cut versions can be derived, which simplify substantially the implementation and interpretation of the related test procedures. It is shown that many well‐known multiple test procedures turn out to be special cases of this general principle. Important examples include gatekeeping procedures, which are often applied in clinical trials when primary and secondary objectives are investigated, and multiple test procedures based on hypotheses which are completely ordered by importance. We illustrate the methodology with two real clinical studies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cloning, sequencing and characterization of the α‐aminoadipate reductase gene (LYS2) from Saccharomycopsis fibuligera
Authors: Yan Hua , He Peng , Cheng Hai‐Rong , Shen An , Jiang Ning 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe gene putatively encoding α‐aminoadipate reductase (AAR) was isolated successfully by degenerate PCR and chromosome walking, based on cassette PCR methods, from the dimorphous yeast Saccharomycopsis fibuligera PD70 and was named SfLYS2. Sequence analysis revealed that it contained a putative open reading frame (ORF) of 4161 bp and encoded a polypeptide of 1386 amino acids. The deduced translation product shared an identity of 53% and 51% to the Lys2p homologues of Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, respectively. An atypical TATA box and a GCN4‐box element were found in the 5′‐upstream region. Genomic Southern hybridization suggested the presence of a single locus of SfLYS2 in the S. fibuligera genome. Expression of the ORF of SfLYS2 in a lys2− strain of S. cerevisiae could functionally complement the lysine mutant of the S. cerevisiae strain. S. fibuligera could use lysine as the sole nitrogen source but its growth was inhibited on the α‐aminoadipate (AA) medium. Approximately 90% of the mutants of S. cerevisiae resistant to AA are lysine auxotrophs; in contrast all the mutants of S. fibuligera resistant to AA recovered in this work were not lysine auxotrophs. The GenBank Accession No. for SfLYS2 is DQ445618. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cloning, characterization and functionality of the orotidine‐5′‐phosphate decarboxylase gene (URA3) of the glycolipid‐producing yeast Candida bombicola
Authors: Van Bogaert Inge N. A. , De Maeseneire Sofie L. , De Schamphelaire Wouter , Develter Dirk , Soetaert Wim , Vandamme Erick J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractCandida bombicola is a yeast species known to synthesize glycolipids. Although these glycolipids find several industrial, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, very little is known about the genetics of C. bombicola. A basic tool for genetic study and modification is the availability of an efficient transformation and selection system. In order to develop such a system, the URA3 gene of Candida bombicola was isolated using degenerate PCR and genomic walking. The gene encodes for an enzyme of 262 amino acids and shows high homology with the known orotidine‐5′‐phosphate decarboxylases of several other yeast species. The functionality of the gene was proved by complementation of a URA3‐negative Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain. The GenBank Accession No. of the sequence described in this article is DQ916828. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deciding orthogonal bisimulation
Authors: Vu Thuy Duong 
Published: March 2007

Abstract

Bergstra, Ponse and van der Zwaag introduced in 2003 the notion of
orthogonal bisimulation equivalence
on labeled transition systems. This equivalence is a refinement of branching bisimulation, in which consecutive tau’s (silent steps) can be compressed into one (but not zero) tau’s. The main advantage of orthogonal bisimulation is that it combines well with priorities. Here we solve the problem of deciding orthogonal bisimulation equivalence in finite (regular) labeled transition systems. Unlike as in branching bisimulation, in orthogonal bisimulation, cycles of silent steps cannot be eliminated. Hence, the algorithm of Groote and Vaandrager (1990) cannot be adapted easily. However, we show that it is still possible to decide orthogonal bisimulation with the same complexity as that of Groote and Vaandrager’s algorithm. Thus if
n
is the number of states, and
m
the number of transitions then it takes
O
(
n
(
m
+
n
)) time to decide orthogonal bisimilarity on finite labeled transition systems, using
O
(
m
+
n
) space.
Survival and metabolic activity of selected strains ofPropionibacterium freudenreichiiin the gastrointestinal tract of human microbiota-associated rats
Authors: Lan Annaïg , Bruneau Aurélia , Philippe Catherine , Rochet Violaine , Rouault Annette , Hervé Christophe , Roland Nathalie , Rabot Sylvie , Jan Gwénaël 
Published: March 2007

In addition to their use in cheese technology, dairy propionibacteria have been identified as potential probiotics. However, to have a probiotic effect, propionibacteria have to survive and to remain metabolically active in the digestive tract. The aim of the present study was to investigate the survival and metabolic activity ofPropionibacterium freudenreichiiwithin the gastrointestinal tract of human microbiota-associated rats, and its influence on intestinal microbiota composition and metabolism. Twenty-five dairyPropionibacteriumstrains were screened for their tolerance towards digestive stresses and their ability to produce propionate in a medium mimicking the content of the human colon. Three strains were selected and a daily dose of 2 × 1010colony-forming units was fed to groups of human microbiota-associated rats for 20 d before microbiological, biochemical and molecular investigations being carried out. These strains all reached 8-log values per g faeces, showing their ability to survive in the gastrointestinal tract. Transcriptional activity within the intestine was demonstrated by the presence ofP. freudenreichii-specific transcarboxylase mRNA. The probiotic efficacy of propionibacteria was yet species- and strain-dependent. Indeed, two of the strains, namely TL133 and TL1348, altered the faecal microbiota composition, TL133 also increasing the caecal concentration of acetate, propionate and butyrate, while the third strain, TL3, did not have similar effects. Such alterations may have an impact on gut health and will thus be taken into consideration for furtherin vivoinvestigations on probiotic potentialities ofP. freudenreichii.
Oestrogen replacement therapy reduces total plasma homocysteine and enhances genomic DNA methylation in postmenopausal women
Authors: Friso Simonetta , Lamon-Fava Stefania , Jang Hyeran , Schaefer Ernst J. , Corrocher Roberto , Choi Sang-Woon 
Published: March 2007

Although oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT), which can affect the risk of major cancers, has been known to reduce total plasma homocysteine concentrations in postmenopausal women, the mechanisms and subsequent molecular changes have not yet been defined. To investigate the effect of ERT on homocysteine metabolism, thirteen healthy postmenopausal women were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over study consisting of two 8-week long phases, placebo and conjugated equine oestrogen (CEE; 0·625 mg/d). Concentrations of total plasma homocysteine, vitamin B6and serum folate and vitamin B12were measured by conventional methods. Genomic DNA methylation was measured by a new liquid chromatography/MS method and promoter methylation status of the oestrogen receptor (ER)α,ERβandp16genes was analysed by methylation-specific PCR after bisulfite treatment. The CEE phase demonstrated a significantly decreased mean of total plasma homocysteine concentrations compared with the placebo phase (8·08 μmol/l (6·82–9·39)v.9·29 (7·53–11·35),P < 0·05) but there was no difference in the blood concentrations of the three B vitamins. The CEE phase also showed a significantly increased genomic DNA methylation in peripheral mononuclear cells compared with the placebo phase (2·85 (SD0·12) ng methylcytosine/μg DNAv.2·40 ± (SD0·15)P < 0·05). However, there was no difference in promoter methylation in theERα,ERβandp16genes. This study demonstrates that decreased homocysteinaemia by CEE therapy parallels with increased genomic DNA methylation, suggesting a potential new candidate mechanism by which ERT affects the risk of cancers and a possible new candidate biomarker for the oestrogen-related carcinogenesis through folate-related one-carbon metabolism.
Influence of organic diet on the amount of conjugated linoleic acids in breast milk of lactating women in the Netherlands
Authors: Rist Lukas , Mueller André , Barthel Christiane , Snijders Bianca , Jansen Margje , Simões-Wüst A. Paula , Huber Machteld , Kummeling Ischa , von Mandach Ursula , Steinhart Hans , Thijs Carel 
Published: March 2007

The aim of the present study was to find out whether the incorporation of organic dairy and meat products in the maternal diet affects the contents of the conjugated linoleic acid isomers (CLA) andtrans-vaccenic acid (TVA) in human breast milk. To this purpose, milk samples from 312 breastfeeding mothers participating in the KOALA Birth Cohort Study have been analysed. The participants had documented varying lifestyles in relation to the use of conventional or organic products. Breast milk samples were collected 1 month postpartum and analysed for fatty acid composition. The content of rumenic acid (the main CLA) increased in a statistically significant way while going from a conventional diet (no organic dairy/meat products, 0·25 weight % (wt%),n186) to a moderately organic diet (50–90 % organic dairy/meat, 0·29 wt%,n33,P = 0·02) and to a strict organic diet (>90 % organic dairy/meat, 0·34 wt%,n37,P ≤ 0·001). The levels of TVA were augmented among the participants with a moderately organic diet (0·54 wt%) and those with a strict organic diet (0·59 wt%,P ≤ 0·001), in comparison with the conventional group (0·48 wt%). After adjusting for covariables (recruitment group, maternal age, maternal education, use of supplements and season), statistical significance was retained in the group of the strict organic dairy users (P < 0·001 for rumenic acid). Hence, the levels of CLA and TVA in human milk can be modulated if breastfeeding mothers replace conventional dairy and/or meat products by organic ones. A potential contribution of CLA and TVA to health improvement is briefly discussed.
Consumption of prebiotic inulin enriched with oligofructose in combination with the probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis has minor effects on selected immune parameters in polypectomised and colon cancer patients
Authors: Roller Monika , Clune Yvonne , Collins Kevin , Rechkemmer Gerhard , Watzl Bernhard 
Published: March 2007

Probiotics (PRO) modulate immunity in humans, while the effect of prebiotics (PRE) and synbiotics (SYN) on the human immune system are not well studied yet. The objective of this study was to investigate whether daily intake of a SYN modulates immune functions. In a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, thirty-four colon cancer patients who had undergone ‘curative resection’ and forty polypectomised patients participated. Subjects of the SYN group daily received encapsulated bacteria (1 × 1010 colony-forming units of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and 1 × 1010 colony-forming units of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 (Bb12)) and 10 g of inulin enriched with oligofructose. Controls received encapsulated maltodextrin and 10 g of maltodextrin. Prior to intervention (T1), and 6 (T2) and 12 weeks after the start of the intervention (T3), phagocytic and respiratory burst activity of neutrophils and monocytes, lytic activity of natural killer cells and production of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10 and IL-12, as well as tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) by activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were measured. In faeces, the concentrations of transforming growth factor-β1 and prostaglandin E2 were measured. IL-2 secretion by activated PBMC from the polyp group increased significantly between T1 or T2 and T3 (P < 0·05). In the cancer group, SYN treatment resulted in an increased capacity of PBMC to produce IFN-γ at T3 (P < 0·05). Other immunity-related parameters were not affected by SYN treatment, neither in the cancer nor in the polyp group. In conclusion, supplementation with this SYN has minor stimulatory effects on the systemic immune system of the two study groups. Further studies in humans should aim to focus on the gut-associated immune system.
Motivational effects of 12-week moderately restrictive diets with or without special attention to the Glycaemic Index of foods
Authors: Bellisle F. , Dalix A. M. , De Assis M. A. , Kupek E. , Gerwig U. , Slama G. , Oppert J. M. 
Published: March 2007

Low glycaemic index (GI) diets may facilitate weight loss via behavioural and/or endocrine mechanisms. This study investigated whether the outcomes of the Weight Watchers POINTS®Weight-Loss System could be improved by encouraging dieters to select low GI, high-carbohydrate foods. Ninety-six women (age 20–72 years; BMI 25–40 kg/m2) were recruited as they started the Weight Watchers POINTS®programme for 12 weeks. Weekly classes were randomized so that seven (forty-five women) followed the regular programme while seven others (fifty-one women) followed a revised programme encouraging the selection of low GI foods. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured before and after the 12-week diets. Participants rated hunger and desire to eat using visual analogue scales on 1 d per week, several times per d. Attrition was the same in both groups (32v. 30 %), as well as many benefits (5 % weight loss, decreases in insulinaemia and blood lipids, waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure). Hunger and desire to eat were rated consistently lower in the low GI group over the 12-week diet. Group differences in subjective sensations were especially large in the afternoon. The 12-week weight management yielded many significant anthropometric and biochemical benefits that were not improved by encouraging dieters to select low GI foods. The subjective benefits (lower hunger and desire to eat) of the low GI diet may be a worthwhile contribution to the motivation of dieters that might affect adherence to the diet over the long term.
Isolation and characterisation of new putative probiotic bacteria from human colonic flora
Authors: Raz Irit , Gollop Natan , Polak-Charcon Sylvie , Schwartz Betty 
Published: March 2007

The present study describes a novel bacterial isolate exhibiting high ability to synthesise and secrete butyrate. The novel isolated bacterium was obtained from human faeces and grown in selective liquid intestinal microflora medium containing rumen fluid under microaerobic conditions. Its probiotic properties were demonstrated by the ability of the isolate to survive high acidity and medium containing bile acids and the ability to adhere to colon cancer cells (Caco-2)in vitro. Phylogenetic identity toEnterococcus duranswas established using specific primers for 16S rRNA (99 % probability). PCR analyses with primers to the bacterial gene encoding butyrate kinase, present in the butyrogenic bacteriaClostridium, showed that this gene is present inE. durans. Thein vivoimmunoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects ofE. duranswere assessed in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in Balb/c mice. Administration ofE. duransameliorated histological, clinical and biochemical scores directly related to intestinal inflammation whereas the lactic acid bacteriumLactobacillusdelbrueckiiwas ineffective in this regard. Colonic cDNA concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly down regulated in DSS-treatedE. durans-fed mice but not in control or DSS-treatedL. delbrueckii-fed mice. Fluorescentin situhybridisation analyses of colonic tissue from mice fedE. durans, using a butyrate kinase probe, demonstrated thatE. duranssignificantly adheres to the colonic tissue. The novel isolated bacterium described in the present paper, upon further characterisation, can be developed into a useful probiotic aimed at the treatment of patients suffering from ulcerative colitis.
Impact of foods enriched withn-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on erythrocyten-3 levels and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Murphy Karen J. , Meyer Barbara J. , Mori Trevor A. , Burke Valerie , Mansour Jackie , Patch Craig S. , Tapsell Linda C. , Noakes Manny , Clifton Peter A. , Barden Anne , Puddey Ian B. , Beilin Lawrence J. , Howe Peter R. C. 
Published: March 2007

Consumption of fish or fish oils rich in then-3 long chain PUFA EPA and DHA may improve multiple risk factors for CVD. The objective of this study was to determine whether regular consumption of foods enriched withn-3 long-chain PUFA can improven-3 long-chain PUFA status (erythrocytes) and cardiovascular health. Overweight volunteers with high levels of triacylglycerols (TG; >1·6 mmol/l) were enrolled in a 6-month dietary intervention trial conducted in Adelaide (n47) and Perth (n39), and randomised to consume control foods orn-3-enriched foods to achieve an EPA + DHA intake of 1 g/d. Test foods were substituted for equivalent foods in their regular diet. Erythrocyte fatty acids, plasma TG and other CVD risk factors were monitored at 0, 3 and 6 months. There were no significant differences between groups for blood pressure, arterial compliance, glucose, insulin, lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP) or urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2(TXB2) over 6 months, even though regular consumption ofn-3-enriched foods increased EPA + DHA intake from 0·2 to 1·0 g/d. However, then-3 long-chain PUFA content of erythrocytes increased by 35 and 53 % at 3 and 6 months, respectively, in subjects consuming then-3-enriched foods. These increases were positively associated with measures of arterial compliance and negatively associated with serum CRP and urinary 11-dehydro-TXB2excretion. Sustainable increases in dietary intakes and erythrocyte levels ofn-3 long-chain PUFA can be achieved through regular consumption of suitably enriched processed foods. Such increases may be associated with reduced CV risk.