bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Naringenin and hesperetin, two flavonoids derived from Citrus aurantium up‐regulate transcription of adiponectin
Authors: Liu Li , Shan Song , Zhang Kun , Ning Zhi‐Qiang , Lu Xian‐Ping , Cheng Yi‐Yu 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe dried, immature fruit of Citrus aurantium L., ‘Zhiqiao’ in Chinese, has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Naringenin and hesperetin and their glycosides present in considerable amounts (about 10∼15%) in the herb. The aim of this study is to test whether naringenin and hesperetin influence adiponectin expression, which plays an important role in glucose and lipid metabolism with antiatherogenic and anti‐inflammatory properties. Treatment with naringenin and hesperetin enhanced adiponectin transcription in differentiated 3T3‐L1 cells. Both naringenin and hesperetin induced peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ‐controlled luciferase expression in a dose‐dependent manner (20–160 µM), whereas only naringenin possessed significant activity to activate PPARα. These results suggested the two flavonoids might exert antiatherogenic effects partly through activating PPAR and up‐regulating adiponectin expression in adipocytes. Our findings give new insight for the molecular explanations for the therapeutic effects of Zhiqiao. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the effects of sampling parameters when surveying distribution vibrations
Authors: Rouillard Vincent , Lamb Matthew 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper presents the initial outcomes of a study aimed at better understanding the effects of recording parameters on the outcomes of distribution surveys. With the advent of vibration recorders with increasing capacity, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of studies aimed at evaluating and characterizing the random vibrations generated by transport vehicles across a wide variety of distribution environments. Oftentimes, the sampling and recording parameters used in these studies are not given adequate attention, resulting in statistical estimates that are open to interpretation. The paper shows how the selection of the sampling and recording parameters can have significant effects on much used descriptors of random vibration processes such as the average power spectral density (PSD), the peak‐hold PSD and the root mean square distribution. The paper shows that the results of vibration surveys are most sensitive to the sampling period, especially when the vibrations are highly non‐stationary. The paper concludes by making specific recommendations for configuring high‐capacity vibration recorders to ensure that vibration surveys yield statistically sound results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accelerated proteolysis in alternating electric fields for peptide mapping
Authors: Wang Sheng , Bao Huimin , Liu Ting , Zhang Luyan , Yang Pengyuan , Chen Gang 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSinusoidal alternating voltages (typically 5 V) were employed to enhance the efficiency of proteolysis for peptide mapping in this work. Protein solutions containing trypsin were allowed to digest with the assistance of alternating electric fields (AEFs) between a pair of platinum wire electrodes in Eppendorf tubes. The feasibility and performance of the novel proteolysis approach were investigated by the digestion of several standard proteins. It was demonstrated that AEFs significantly accelerated in‐solution proteolysis and the digestion time was substantially reduced to 5 min. The digests were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) with sequence coverages that were comparable to those obtained by using conventional 12‐h in‐solution proteolysis. The suitability of AEF‐assisted proteolysis to real protein samples was demonstrated by digesting and identifying human serum albumin in gel separated from human serum by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). The present proteolysis strategy is simple and efficient and will find a wide range of applications in protein identification. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The fallaxidin peptides from the skin secretion of the Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog Litoria fallax. Sequence determination by positive and negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry: antimicrobial activity and cDNA cloning of the fallaxidins
Authors: Jackway Rebecca J. , Bowie John H. , Bilusich Daniel , Musgrave Ian F. , Surinya‐Johnson Kathy H. , Tyler Michael J. , Eichinger Peter C. H. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe glandular skin secretion of the Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog Litoria fallax contains nine peptides named fallaxidins. The sequences of these peptides were elucidated using a combination of positive and negative electrospray mass spectrometry together with Edman sequencing. Among these peptides are: (i) fallaxidins 1.1 and 2.1 which have the sequences YFPIPI‐NH2 and FWPFM‐NH2. The activities of these peptides are unknown, but it has been shown that they are not smooth muscle active, opioids or antimicrobially active, nor do they effect proliferation of lymphocytes; (ii) two weakly active antibiotics, fallaxidins 3.1 and 3.2 (e.g. fallaxidin 3.1, GLLDLAKHVIGIASKL‐NH2), and a moderately active antibiotic fallaxidin 4.1 (GLLSFLPKVIGVIGHLIHPPS‐OH). Fallaxidin 4.1 has an unusual sequence for an antibiotic, containing three Pro residues together with a C‐terminal CO2H group. cDNA cloning has confirmed the identity of the nine isolated peptides from L. fallax, together with five additional peptides not detected in the peptide profile. The pre‐regions of the nine preprofallaxidins are conserved and similar to those of the caerin peptides from L. caerulea and L. splendida, suggesting that the fallaxidin and caerin peptides, although significantly different in sequence, originated from a common ancestor gene. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weight loss and isotopic shifts for water drops frozen on a liquid nitrogen surface
Authors: Eguchi Keiko , Abe Osamu , Hiyama Tetsuya 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA liquid nitrogen freezing method was used to collect raindrops for the determination of isotope‐size distribution. Water drops that fall onto a surface of liquid nitrogen stay suspended for 10 to 20 s, until their temperature reaches the Leidenfrost point (126 K). As their temperature falls to the freezing point, they release their heat by thermal conduction. At the freezing point, latent heat of fusion is released, along with a significant loss of water. After freezing completely, the ice droplets stay suspended, cooling by thermal conduction until they reach the Leidenfrost point. They then lose buoyancy and start sinking. Consistent isotopic changes of 1.5 ± 0.4 and 0.33 ± 0.05‰ for hydrogen and oxygen, respectively, were found for droplets with radii between 1.0 and 1.5 mm. Isotope fractionation appeared to occur at the same time as water loss, as the droplets were freezing, in what was probably a kinetic effect. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hand‐held robotic instrument for dextrous laparoscopic interventions
Authors: Piccigallo Marco , Focacci Francesco , Tonet Oliver , Megali Giuseppe , Quaglia Claudio , Dario Paolo 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundSurgical instruments used in many types of minimally invasive procedures are rigid or only limitedly flexible. Some common tasks like suturing, require precise and dextrous movements that are difficult to perform by means of instruments with limited degrees of freedom (DOF).MethodsA hand‐held lightweight and ergonomic robotic instrument with a 3‐DOF roll‐pitch‐roll end‐effector has been developed, which can be controlled by the surgeon with one hand like a conventional instrument.ResultsThe instrument is composed by a handle part and an end‐effector. The handle part has been developed taking into account a control mode study for laparoscopic instruments and it allows direct mapping between the orientation of handle and that of the end‐effector.ConclusionThe instrument presented is the result of a global study involving mechanical, electronic and ergonomic aspects, with the aim of developing an instrument that enhances the dexterity of the surgeon while having an intuitive interface. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time motion tracking in image‐guided oral implantology
Authors: Chen Xiaojun , Lin Yanping , Wu Yiqun , Wang Chengtao 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundAs a crucial part of an image‐guided oral implantology system (IGOIS), intra‐operative motion tracking is important in terms of accuracy and efficiency. The tracking method, including the relevant algorithms, is described in detail.MethodsThe conventional CAD method is proposed to build the three‐dimensional (3D) surgical instrument models. With the application of the optical tracking device, calibration can be carried out. Three tracking algorithms are presented, and ‘tracking based on registration of RCS to VCS’ is regarded as the most efficient of these. In order to evaluate the tracking accuracy, the landmark coordinates are respectively obtained through pre‐operative CT data and intra‐operative tracking, so that the deviation can be calculated.ResultsThe result data reveal that FRE and TRE of IGOIS are, respectively, 0.27 ± 0.11 mm and 0.77 ± 0.04 mm through a phantom experiment.ConclusionsThe experiment demonstrates the accuracy and reliability of IGOIS. The tracking method can be extended to other surgical navigation systems in various areas. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The kids coping scale
Authors: Maybery Darryl , Steer Sharon , Reupert Andrea , Goodyear Melinda 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe measurement of stress and coping in adolescents has received some attention; however, the understanding and development of measures of how children cope has not kept pace. This study reports the conceptual development and psychometric properties of the Kids Coping Scale (KCS), a brief self‐report measure of problem, emotion and social support coping dimensions. Participants were 834 children aged 7–13 years of whom 390 were male (48.6 per cent) with a mean age of 9.88 years and 415 were female (49.6 per cent) with a mean age of 9.87 years. Principal components analysis did not support a hypothesized three‐factor structure; however a clear two‐factor structure (cross‐validated) distinguishing problem and emotion‐focused coping actions did emerge. The KCS returned low to moderate levels of internal consistency and low to moderate correlations with other relevant constructs (e.g. self esteem, parent responded strengths and difficulties). The findings highlight a clear problem‐ and emotion‐focused structure in a brief measure considered suitable for children 7 years and above. Weaknesses of the scale are outlined along with implications for the future developments to the KCS being identified. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Competitive dynamics, strategic consistency, and organizational survival
Authors: Lamberg Juha‐Antti , Tikkanen Henrikki , Nokelainen Tomi , Suur‐Inkeroinen Henri 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis study investigates strategic consistency in competitive behavior. We construct a logically consistent evolutionary model, providing a causal argument to link a level of strategic consistency to long‐term organizational survival. According to our results, strategic consistency seems to be related to both organizational survival and the most efficient change over time concerning the key elements of a firm's strategy. One of the benefits of the model is that some of the components and processes may be manipulated through experimental or simulation interventions. This means that the model can be formally tested in future studies and managers can use it to fine‐tune patterns of competitive behavior. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiplexed Lipid Dip‐Pen Nanolithography on Subcellular Scales for the Templating of Functional Proteins and Cell Culture
Authors: Sekula Sylwia , Fuchs Jeanette , Weg‐Remers Susanne , Nagel Peter , Schuppler Stefan , Fragala Joe , Theilacker Nora , Franzreb Matthias , Wingren Christer , Ellmark Peter , Borrebaeck Carl A. K. , Mirkin Chad A. , Fuchs Harald , Lenhert Steven 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMolecular patterning processes taking place in biological systems are challenging to study in vivo because of their dynamic behavior, subcellular size, and high degree of complexity. In vitro patterning of biomolecules using nanolithography allows simplification of the processes and detailed study of the dynamic interactions. Parallel dip‐pen nanolithography (DPN) is uniquely capable of integrating functional biomolecules on subcellular length scales due to its constructive nature, high resolution, and high throughput. Phospholipids are particularly well suited as inks for DPN since a variety of different functional lipids can be readily patterned in parallel. Here DPN is used to spatially pattern multicomponent micro‐ and nanostructured supported lipid membranes and multilayers that are fluid and contain various amounts of biotin and/or nitrilotriacetic acid functional groups. The patterns are characterized by fluorescence microscopy and photoemission electron microscopy. Selective adsorption of functionalized or recombinant proteins based on streptavidin or histidine‐tag coupling enables the semisynthetic fabrication of model peripheral membrane bound proteins. The biomimetic membrane patterns formed in this way are then used as substrates for cell culture, as demonstrated by the selective adhesion and activation of T‐cells.
Plasmatechnik in der Photovoltaikindustrie
Authors: Frenck Hubert‐Joachim , Bauer Michael 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSeit der Einführung des EEG in Deutschland haben alle Bereiche photovoltaischer Produkte einen ungeahnten Aufschwung genommen. Konventionelle, wasserbasierte Solarzellen haben gegenüber Dünnschichttechniken immer noch den größeren Marktanteil. Die Produktionskapazitäten im Bereich der Dünnschichttechniken wurden in der letzten Zeit aus verschiedenen Motivationen heraus stark ausgebaut. Gleichzeitig haben sich die Fertigungstechniken zur Herstellung von siliziumbasierten Solarzellen weiterentwickelt, wobei ein Trend zur Standardisierung unübersehbar ist. Sowohl bei der Herstellung von großflächigen Dünnschichtmodulen, wie auch bei der Prozessierung von einzelnen Wafern werden plasmabasierte Prozesse in einer Reihe von Varianten verwendet. Zur Anwendung kommen PECVD Verfahren sowohl wie PVD Verfahren. Die Bandbreite der mit plasmabasierten Prozessen hergestellten Schichten reicht von Schichten wie SiN, ITO oder ZnO bis hin zum amorphen Silizium. Wir stellen an ausgewählten Beispielen aus den oben genannten Bereichen sich ergebende Fragestellungen für die Maschinentechnik und den Anwender vor.
GenaueMessung von Durchfluss und Leckrate beliebiger Gase über einen weiten Bereich
Authors: Jitschin Wolfgang. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn vielen Anwendungen der Vakuumtechnik müssen Gasströme und Leckraten gemessen werden. Je nach Anwendung erfolgt die Angabe des Gasstroms in verschiedenen Einheiten, die hier eindeutig definiert werden. Dann werden Primärverfahren zur Gasstrommessung beschrieben, mit denen der Gasstrom entsprechend seiner Definition auf direktem Weg gemessen wird. Beispiele veranschaulichen die praktische Umsetzung der Messverfahren. Weiterhin werden fundamentale Strö‐ mungsnormale untersucht, nämlich dünne Blende und Venturi‐Rohr. Die Strömung durch diese Normale ist gut verstanden und der Zusammenhang zwischen Gasstrom und Drücken vorhersagbar. Somit erlauben diese Normale eine Gasstrommessung durch Rückführung auf eine Druckmessung.
Elektrische Antriebe für die Raumfahrt
Authors: Leiter Hans , Bock Dagmar , Böhrk Hannah , Auweter‐Kurtz Monika 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn diesem Artikel werden elektrische Triebwerke für Satelliten, Raumsonden und bemannte Raumfahrzeuge vorgestellt, die mit Plasma‐ und Ionenstrahlgeräten zur Materialbearbeitung verwandt sind. Die Notwendigkeit möglichst hoher Strahlgeschwindigkeiten wird erklärt und die Grenzen konventioneller chemischer Antriebe werden aufgezeigt. Anschließend werden zwei wichtige elektrische Triebwerkstypen, thermische Lichtbogentriebwerke und Ionentriebwerke, in ihrer Funktion und ihren Anwendungen beschrieben. Beide Typen sind bereits erfolgreich im Weltraum im Einsatz. Abgeschlossen wird der Artikel durch eine Beschreibung eines Hybridantriebs, der sowohl das Lichtbogenprinzip nutzt als auch die HochfrequenzIonisation verwendet. Er wird als potenzieller Antrieb für eine bemannte Marsmission betrachtet.
Thesen und Trends &&num;x0096; Mit funktionalen Oberflächen in die Zukunft
Authors: Bandorf Ralf , Diehl Wolfgang , Heckmann Ulrike , Kondruweit Simone , Pflug Andreas , Holeczek Harald , Metzner Martin , Klotzbach Udo , Leson Andreas , Zimmer Otmar 
Published: September 2008

AbstractFunktionale Oberflächen sind der Schlüssel zu innovativen Produkten. Schon heute bestimmen sie sowohl im industriellen als auch im Endverbraucherbereich zunehmend Gebrauchseigenschaften, Lebensdauer und Preis der meisten Güter, ganz allgemein also denWert für den Kunden. In der vom BMBF geförderten Untersuchung “Produktionstechnik zur Erzeugung funktionaler Oberflächen” [1] ermittelten drei Fraunhofer‐Institute den aktuellen Stand der Produktionstechnologien im Bereich funktionaler Oberflächen, ihre Zukunftsperspektiven und den Forschungsbedarf. Die wesentlichen Ergebnisse sind in diesem Beitrag zusammengefasst. Den Bericht können Sie unter info@ist.‐ fraunhofer.de anfordern.
What is an Acceptable Re-Stricture Rate after Urethroplasty?
Authors: Andrich D.E. , Mundy A.R. 
Published: September 2008

Objective: To assess a single surgeon's re-stricture rate after urethroplasty in an unselected group of patients compared with a highly selected group of complex patients and so define a re-stricture rate that can be used for counselling patients preoperatively. Patients: In the 3-year period 2004–2007 the authors between them performed 554 urethral reconstructions and the senior author performed the 123 most complex cases. In the same 3-year period the senior author also performed 146 consecutive unselected urethral reconstructions in a separate unit alone. The results of these two sets of patients were compared. Results: In the combined unit the senior surgeon's overall re-stricture rate with complex cases was 11%. None occurred in the bulbar urethroplasty group and the re-stricture rate was the same in the primary cases and the revision cases. In the unselected group of patients the re-stricture rate was 4–11% and varied according to the location and complexity of the stricture. Conclusions: Case mix influences the results of surgery and can double the re-stricture rate from about 5% to about 10%. Bulbar urethroplasty has the lowest re-stricture rate. Penile urethral surgery for strictures of increasing length carries an increasingly high re-stricture rate. The re-stricture rate after transperineal repair of pelvic fracture urethral injuries is 5–10% again according to complexity. The surgery of posterior urethral strictures is an altogether different technical exercise which should be considered separately.
Long-Term Evaluation of Tension-Free Vaginal Tape (TVT) Outcomes for a UK Surgeon: Objective Assessment and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaires
Authors: Cresswell J. , Page T. , Thorpe A.C. 
Published: September 2008

Objective: To evaluate the complication rates and long-term results of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) placement for a single surgeon, in terms of objective assessment and patient reported outcome. Patients and methods: Data are presented for 118 cases treated between 1998 and 2004. All patients had proven urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) and were asked to complete a postal symptom questionnaire at a median of 62 months post-procedure. Results: Mean duration of incontinence was 6.6 years, and 18.6% of patients had undergone previous incontinence surgery. Median hospital stay was 24 h. Complications were bladder perforation in 6.8%, failure to void 11%, haemorrhage 0.8% and late bladder, urethral and vaginal erosions in 3.4%, 0.8% and 1.7%, respectively. Overall continence rates were 86.4% (102/118) at a mean follow-up of 14.5 months. At a mean of 62 months post-operatively (range 31–102 months), questionnaire response rate was 54/118 (45.8%). 72.2% (30/54) of patients reported cure or improvement in symptoms, and 43/52 (82.7%) would recommend this procedure to a friend with similar symptoms. Conclusion: The outcomes reported compare favourably with published series and confirm the benefit of TVT as a procedure for USI. Patient satisfaction is high and morbidity low.
Predictors of Cancer on Repeat Prostate Biopsy: A Contemporary UK Series
Authors: Harris M.A. , Thomas M. , Harding C. , Chadwick D. 
Published: September 2008

Objective: The aim of our study was to review current rebiopsy practice across our cancer network and to develop evidence-based guidelines to assist clinicians and patients in taking the decision when to proceed to repeat prostate biopsy in a UK healthcare setting. Methods: We conducted case note review of patients who underwent more than one prostate biopsy over a 5-year period (2000–2005) within a single cancer network. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the factors from the first biopsy associated with the diagnosis of cancer at rebiopsy were PINATYP (RR = 4.1, p < 0.05), ASAP (RR= 3.9, p< 0.05), HGPIN (RR= 3.8, p< 0.05), abnormal DRE (RR = 2.2, p< 0.05). Histological evidence of inflammation reduced the risk of cancer on rebiopsy in comparison with benign prostatic tissue. Age below 70 also resulted in a reduced risk. PSA doubling time correlated with a final diagnosis of cancer on Pearson correlation test (coefficient -.011). Only 43 patients (21.5%) had the average PSA measurement frequency within 6 months; however, the average PSA measurement frequency was not predictive of cancer diagnosis (between groups ANOVA, p> 0.05). 61 patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer. 38 patients (62%) received definitive local therapy with 13 patients (21%) receiving no immediate treatment. Conclusions: Our retrospective series has defined predictors of a cancer diagnosis on repeat biopsy in a UK population. The findings of this study will form the basis of our local guidelines for the time-being, but there is scope for a large prospective study utilizing the 10 or 12 core protocol recommended by NICE to ascertain the most appropriate frequency of PSA testing and the indications for repeat biopsy.
Polydimethylsiloxane in the Treatment of Sphincter Weakness Incontinence in Men with Spinal Cord Injury: Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Attar K.H. , Gurung P. , Hamid R. , Wood S. , Shah P.J.R. 
Published: September 2008

Objective: To assess the long-term effectiveness of polydimethylsiloxane (PDS, Macroplastique™) perisphincteric injections in treating male sphincter weakness incontinence (SWI) caused by spinal cord injury (SCI). Patients and methods: Fourteen male patients with SCI underwent PDS injection to the external urethral sphincter for SWI (mean age: 50.1 years; range: 32–79 years). A single surgeon at a specialist spinal injury unit managed all patients. Complete cure was defined as cessation of pad usage with no evidence of leakage on video cystometrogram (VCMG). Partial cure with improvement was defined as >50% reduction in the number of pads used with incontinence present on VCMG. Results: Twelve of the 14 patients had a mean (range) follow-up of 8.7 (6.8–10.5) years. One patient was lost to follow-up at 2 years and one other died at 19 months from an unrelated chest infection. Four patients required repeat injections. Cure was achieved in three patients (25%); two were completely dry at 7.5 years while one was partially dry at 8.7 years. The remaining nine patients required further interventions to achieve continence. Conclusion: The use of PDS can be contemplated as first-line treatment in SWI in SCI patients. The long-term effect can, however, be non-durable and repeat injections may be required.