bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of anthocyanins in red onion using capillary electrophoresis‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Petersson Erik V. , Puerta Angel , Bergquist Jonas , Turner Charlotta 
Published: May 2008

AbstractFor the first time, a capillary electrophoresis‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry analysis method for detecting anthocyanins in red onion was developed. The analysis method included the use of silica capillaries coated with poly‐LA 313 (polycationic amine‐containing polymer) and an MS‐compatible volatile background electrolyte (BGE). The method was environmentally friendly and sensitive; and its rapidness combined with an acidic BGE helped in preventing anthocyanin degradation. By using high‐resolution TOF‐MS with pre‐run tuning of masses, low mass errors were achieved in the determination of conjugated anthocyanins in red onion, and a simultaneous up‐front fragmentation provided confirmation of the aglycon backbone for their secure identification. Most anthocyanins (at least seven out of ten) known in red onion from the literature were found, as well as one new for this matrix.
Photopatterning of tough single‐walled carbon nanotube composites in microfluidic channels and their application in gel‐free separations
Authors: Makamba Honest , Huang Jia‐Wei , Chen Huang Han , Chen Shu‐Hui 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe report on the photopatterning of single carbon nanotube composites with soft hydrogel polymers in glass microchannels. Since the hydrogels by themselves are able to withstand liquid flow within the microchannels, we covalently combined them with single‐walled carbon nanotubes to impart mechanical strength. We attempted this approach by patterning the gels within the microchannels without prior surface modifications. Our results show that the 1‐cm nanocomposite hydrogels are far stronger than the free hydrogels. Moreover, the nanocomposites were able to concentrate and separate proteins within a 1.5‐cm distance using gel‐free buffers. The separation cannot only be tuned by changing the running buffer; the lack of gels in the running buffer reduces the chance of channel blockage and thus the lifetime of the device is prolonged. The usefulness of the patterned nanocomposites may be extended by a wide selection of nanocomposite properties and monomers to find a broad range of applications in lab‐on‐chip technology.
Validation of capillary zone electrophoresis and capillary isoelectric focusing separations optimized for the characterization of two recombinant products of the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1a
Authors: Kronsteiner Barbara , Dullnig Verena , Stutz Hanno 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCZE and CIEF separation systems, both developed previously for a quality control of two recombinant products of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1a of Betula verrucosa, were validated including aspects of the International Conference on Harmonization. One product contained carbamylated variants as impurities. Linearity of response was confirmed by Mandel's fitting test between 0.028 and 1.90 mg/mL for CZE and between 0.016 and 0.26 mg/mL for CIEF. Repeatability and intermediate precision were evaluated for the effective mobility (μeff) in CZE, for relative mobilization time in CIEF and the peak area ratio of Bet v 1a. LOQ for Bet v 1a was between 10 and 23 μg/mL for both methods. Evaluation of robustness for CZE revealed susceptibility of μeff of Bet v 1a to alterations in of buffer pH and separation temperature. Selectivity was impaired by an increase in temperature, pH, and buffer concentration. In addition, pH variations influenced the separation profile of impurities. For CIEF, the ratio of narrow pH range carrier ampholytes is the critical parameter to retain robustness. Results demonstrate the suitability of both separation systems to discriminate between nonmodified Bet v 1a and carbamylated variants in the selected recombinant allergen products.
Capillary electrophoresis hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry: A novel approach for the analysis of anticancer metallodrugs in human serum and plasma
Authors: Groessl Michael , Hartinger Christian G. , Polec‐Pawlak Kasia , Jarosz Maciej , Keppler Bernhard K. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe development of metal‐based chemotherapeutics lacks methods which are capable of providing early indication on the potential of new metal complexes as future anticancer drugs. Since most of these compounds are administered intravenously, serum proteins are the first available biological binding partners in the bloodstream. For platinum‐based anticancer drugs the interaction with serum proteins is regarded as an important contribution to the side effects accompanying chemotherapy. In contrast, newly developed ruthenium compounds are thought to be transported into the tumor in a protein‐bound form. In here, the application of CE hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma (ICP)‐MS, applying Polybrene‐coated capillaries, is demonstrated for studying the interaction of indazolium [trans‐tetrachlorobis(1H‐indazole)ruthenate(III)] (KP1019) with HSA and transferrin, which are important transport proteins. Furthermore, the applicability of the method to human serum and plasma and, more importantly, to real‐world patient samples was proven. KP1019 was found to bind to a high degree to HSA both in serum, plasma and the patient samples. Only minor fractions of ruthenium were found attached to other proteins.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life in patients in the final phase of dementia
Authors: Koopmans Raymond T.C.M. , van der Molen Marloes , Raats Monique , Ettema Teake P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo assess neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life in a group of patients in the final phase of dementia.MethodsAll patients with dementia (n = 216) residing on dementia special care units of two Dutch nursing homes were included in the study provided they met the criteria for the final phase of dementia. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home version (NPI‐NH) and the Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). Quality of life was assessed with the QUALIDEMResultsOf the 216 dementia patients 39 met the criteria for the final phase of dementia. The patients showed a specific pattern of behaviours with a high prevalence of apathy, agitation and behaviours that were mainly observed during morning care such as making strange noises, grabbing, performing repetitious mannerism, spitting, hitting, screaming and pushing. Overall quality of life of these patients in the final phase of dementia was moderate.ConclusionIn this small sample, patients in the final phase of dementia show specific behavioural problems, that mainly should be addressed with psychosocial interventions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid and long-term prognosis in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Corpechot Christophe , Abenavoli Ludovico , Rabahi Nabila , Chrétien Yves , Andréani Tony , Johanet Catherine , Chazouillères Olivier , Poupon Raoul 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is variable. It has been recently proposed that an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decline of more than 40% in baseline value or a normal level after 1 year of UDCA treatment (Barcelona criteria) could serve as a good marker of long-term prognosis. Our aim was to define the best efficient set of biochemistries able to identify UDCA-treated patients at risk of death or liver transplantation (LT). The efficiency of several combinations of serum bilirubin, ALP, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) threshold values to predict outcome was assessed after 1 year of treatment in 292 patients with PBC. Patients showing ALP <3 upper limit of normal (ULN), AST <2 ULN, and bilirubin ≤1 mg/dL after 1 year of UDCA had a 10-year transplant-free survival rate of 90% (95% confidence interval, 81%–95%), compared to 51% (95% confidence interval, 38%–64%) for those who did not (

P

< 0.001). Patients were less well discriminated by the Barcelona criteria (79% versus 63%). Independent predictive factors of death or LT were baseline serum bilirubin level >1 mg/dL (relative risk [RR], 1.7), histologic stage ≥3 (RR, 1.5), interface hepatitis (RR, 1.9), and the absence of biochemical response (ALP >3 ULN or AST >2 ULN, or bilirubin >1 mg/dL) (RR, 2.3). Antinuclear antibodies against gp210 or Sp100 proteins were associated with death or LT in univariate but not in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion:

This study defines the best efficient biochemical response to UDCA, which, independent of baseline predictive factors, identifies patients with PBC with a good long-term prognosis. Patients who fail to achieve this response and those with interface hepatitis or advanced histological stage should be targeted for further therapeutic research. (Hepatology 2008.)
The genetic background modulates susceptibility to mouse liver Mallory-Denk body formation and liver injury
Authors: Hanada Shinichiro , Strnad Pavel , Brunt Elizabeth M. , Omary Bishr M. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Mallory-Denk bodies (MDBs) are hepatocyte inclusions found in several liver diseases and consist primarily of keratins 8 and 18 (K8/K18) and ubiquitin that are cross-linked by transglutaminase-2. We hypothesized that genetic variables contribute to the extent of MDB formation, because not all patients with an MDB-associated liver disease develop inclusions. We tested this hypothesis using five strains of mice (FVB/N, C3H/He, Balb/cAnN, C57BL/6, 129X1/Sv) fed for three months (eight mice per strain) the established MDB-inducing agent 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC). MDB formation was compared using hematoxylin-and-eosin staining, or immunofluorescence staining with antibodies to K8/K18/ubiquitin, or biochemically by blotting with antibodies to transglutaminase-2/p62 proteins and to K8/K18/ubiquitin to detect keratin cross-linking. DDC feeding induced MDBs in all mouse strains, but there were dramatic strain differences that quantitatively varied 2.5-fold (

P

< 0.05). MDB formation correlated with hepatocyte ballooning, and most ballooned hepatocytes had MDBs. Immunofluorescence assessment was far more sensitive than hematoxylin-and-eosin staining in detecting small MDBs, which out-numbered (by ˜30-fold to 90-fold) but did not parallel their large counterparts. MDB scores partially reflected the biochemical presence of cross-linked keratin-ubiquitin species but not the changes in liver size or injury in response to DDC. The extent of steatosis correlated with the total (large+small) number of MDBs, and there was a limited correlation between large MDBs and acidophil bodies.

Conclusion:

Mouse MDB formation has important genetic contributions that do not correlate with the extent of DDC-induced liver injury. If extrapolated to humans, the genetic contributions help explain why some patients develop MDBs whereas others are less likely to do so. Detection and classification of MDBs using MDB-marker-selective staining may offer unique links to specific histological features of DDC-induced liver injury. (Hepatology 2008.)
A study of best practices in training transfer and proposed model of transfer
Authors: Burke Lisa A. , Hutchins Holly M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractData were gathered from a sample of training professionals of an American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) chapter in the southern United States regarding best practices for supporting training transfer. Content analysis techniques, based on a rigorous methodology proposed by Insch, Moore, & Murphy (1997), were used to analyze the rich data. Findings suggest that interventions for bolstering training transfer are best carried out in the work context and design and delivery phase, take place after training or during, and involve trainers and supervisors. Activities garnering top attention from trainers as best practices include (starting with most frequently reported) supervisory support activities, coaching, opportunities to perform, interactive training activities, transfer measurement, and job‐relevant training. Several new transfer variables also emerged from the data, indicating existing transfer models can be further refined. Ultimately, we propose a refined model of transfer to extend human resource development (HRD) theory in the area of transfer.
Gender differences in metabolic monitoring of second‐generation antipsychotic prescription
Authors: Verdoux Hélène , Boulon Sophie , Cougnard Audrey 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo explore whether guidelines for metabolic monitoring of patients receiving second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAP) are respected in clinical practice, and whether patients' and prescribers' characteristics are associated with adequacy of metabolic monitoring.MethodSurvey questionnaires were mailed to all state hospital psychiatrists practising in South‐Western France. Psychiatrists were asked to give information on the baseline metabolic screening of the last patient seen with first prescription of a SGAP. Adequacy of metabolic monitoring was assessed according to published guidelines.ResultsNo metabolic parameter was assessed before SGAP onset in more than one out of four patients, and fewer than 5% had a complete baseline assessment of metabolic parameters. The number of parameters assessed was markedly lower in women compared to men.ConclusionEfforts should focus on initial training as well as on continuing medical education in order to improve level of awareness about the need for adequate baseline screening monitoring, and about the fact that women treated with SGAP are also at risk of metabolic disturbances. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ab‐initio multireference study of an organic mixed‐valence Spiro molecular system
Authors: Helal Wissam , Evangelisti Stefano , Leininger Thierry , Maynau Daniel 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe electronic structure and some electron transfer properties of a model mixed‐valence Spiro molecular cation have been investigated at CAS‐SCF, CAS+S, and CAS+SD levels starting from canonical and localized orbitals, using SZ, DZ, and TZP basis sets. The potential energy surfaces of the adiabatic ground and the lowest three excited electronic states have been computed, within a two‐state model, and a double‐well potential has been obtained for the ground electronic state. We have demonstrated the low coupling interaction between the two redox moieties of this molecular cation by following the charge localization/delocalization in the valence π system through the reaction coordinate of the intramolecular charge transfer. The effect of dynamical correlation, using either localized or canonical orbitals, was found to be crucial for a quantitative description of the electronic structure and some important electron transfer parameters of this mixed‐valence system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Characterization of shapes for use in classification of starch grains images
Authors: Tong Chong‐Sze , Choy Siu‐Kai , Chiu Sung‐Nok , Zhao Zhong‐Zhen , Liang Zhi‐Tao 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAs tradition Chinese herbal medicine becomes increasingly popular, there is an urgent need for efficient and accurate methods for the authentication of the Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) used in the herbal medicine. In this work, we present a denoising filter and introduce the use of chord length distribution (CLD) for the classification of starch grains in microscopic images of Chinese Materia Medica. Our simple denoising filter is adaptive to the background and is shown to be effective to remove noise, which appears in CMM microscopic starch grains images. The CLD is extracted by considering the frequency of the chord length in the binarized starch grains image, and we shall show that the CLD is an efficient and effective characterization of the starch grains. Experimental results on 240 starch grains images of 24 classes show that our method outperforms benchmark result using the current state‐of‐the‐art method based on circular size distribution extracted by morphological operators at much higher computational cost. cost. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased predation risk modifies lizard scent‐mark chemicals
Authors: Aragón Pedro , López Pilar , Martín José 
Published: May 2008

AbstractVariation in environmental factors plays a central role on organisms' physiological changes. However, the physiological response to predation risk has rarely been investigated in reptiles. Chemical senses are important for intraspecific communication in squamate reptiles. In male lizards Iberolacerta cyreni the maintenance of relative proportions of lipids in femoral gland secretions is costly, which may ensure honest signalling of quality. We hypothesized that increased predation risk should compromise the maintenance of such lipid proportions, as both a fear response and escaping behavior can have physiological consequences. We simulated predator attacks and found that relative proportions of lipids in femoral gland secretions changed in disturbed lizards but not in control ones. Thus, predator–prey interactions may modulate relative concentrations of chemicals in scents of lizards. Potential consequences of this effect on intraspecific chemical communication are suggested. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:427–433, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterns of angiogenic and hematopoietic gene expression during brown trout embryogenesis
Authors: Marschallinger Julia , Steinbacher Peter , Haslett John Richard , Sänger Alexandra Maria , Rescan Pierre‐Yves , Stoiber Walter 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this article, whole mount in situ hybridization is used to examine early blood vessel and blood cell development in the embryos of the brown trout Salmo trutta lacustris. cDNAs encoding for the angiogenic markers fli1 and flk1, and for the hematopoietic markers gata1 and gata2, were identified from an expressed sequence tag library of rainbow trout. Results show that fli1, flk1 and gata2 are activated in bilateral bands of the lateral trunk mesoderm before the onset of somitogenesis, shortly followed by gata1. These bands then converge toward the ventral midline to form the intermediate cell mass (ICM) (anterior ICM). Subsequent axial vasculogenesis and initial blood cell formation involve a clear spatial separation of fli1 and gata gene expression. Fli1 staining is most intense within the axial vessel (dorsal aorta, posterior cardinal vein) forming and lateral ICM cells, whereas binding of gata1 and gata2 probes becomes confined to the central portion of ICM cells beneath the dorsal aorta. This is followed by a first wave of angiogenesis, indicated by expression of fli1 and flk1. This gives rise to the intersegmental, dorsal longitudinal anastomotic and intestinal vessels. Further angiogenesis and hematopoiesis are activated in the “posterior ICM” of the tail. Here, the absence of gata1 indicates that hematopoiesis in this tissue generates myeloid rather than erythroid cells. The results supplement and validate previous, now historical morphological work in salmonids, thus aiding the elucidation of a comprehensive general scheme of angiogenic and hematopoietic development in the teleost embryo. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:479–491, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modelling of impedance‐loaded wire frequency‐selective surfaces with tunable reflection and transmission characteristics
Authors: Malyuskin O. , Fusco V. F. , Schuchinsky A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this paper an efficient means to control the reflection and transmission characteristics of wire‐based frequency‐selective surfaces (FSS) using linear‐lumped impedance loading is presented. We show that by varying the topology of the RLC loading circuits and the component values it is possible to control the resonance frequency of the array as well as its angular characteristics. We discuss several examples, particularly a switchable dual band bandpass filter and enhancement of FSS angle‐of‐arrival properties. The analysis is based on the self‐consistent solution of thin wire Hallen's type integral equation solved by Galerkin's method. The periodic Green's function in the kernel of integral equation has been accelerated using the Ewald transformation, which leads to a highly accurate and efficient numerical procedure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MRI detects therapeutic effects in weanling Niemann‐Pick type C mice
Authors: Lope‐Piedrafita Silvia , Totenhagen John W. , Hicks Chad M. , Erickson Robert P. , Trouard Theodore P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTo noninvasively evaluate the early effects of Niemann‐Pick type C (NPC) disease, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was carried out in the brains of very young (23‐day‐old) mice. The diffusion of water in white matter tracts of Npc1–/– mice at this young age was already abnormal, exhibiting decreased anisotropy, as quantified by fractional anisotropy (FA), compared with their wild‐type littermates, the controls. Postmortem histological staining revealed myelin deficiencies in Npc1–/– mice, consistent with the reduction in FA measured in vivo. Beneficial effects of treatment with allopregnanolone and/or 2 hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin was also detectable at this age by FA, which correlated with increased myelination as seen by histology. This is the earliest detection of a therapeutic effect in Npc1–/– mice. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuroprotection of γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor agonists via enhancing neuronal nitric oxide synthase (Ser847) phosphorylation through increased neuronal nitric oxide synthase and PSD95 interaction and inhibited protein phosphatase activity in cerebral ischemia
Authors: Zhou Cui , Li Chong , Yu Hong‐Min , Zhang Fa , Han Dong , Zhang Guang‐Yi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIt is well documented that exitotoxicity induced by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation plays a pivotal role in delayed neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region after transient global ischemia. However, the effect of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor activation is uncertain in ischemia brain injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the enhancement of GABA receptor activity could inhibit NMDA receptor‐mediated nitric oxide (NO) production by neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) in brain ischemic injury. The results showed that both the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol and the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen had neuroprotective effect, and the combination of two agonists could significantly protect neurons against death induced by ischemia/reperfusion. Coapplication of muscimol with baclofen not only enhanced nNOS (Ser847) phosphorylation but also increased the interaction of nNOS with PSD95 at 6 hr and 1 day of reperfusion. Interestingly, the inhibitors of calcineurin and PP1/PP2A could enhance nNOS phosphorylation at Ser847 site at 1 day of reperfusion after ischemia but not at 6 hr of reperfusion. From these data, we conclude that GABA receptor activation could exert its neuroprotective effect through increasing nNOS (Ser847) phosphorylation by different mechanisms at 6 hr and 1 day of reperfusion. The increased interaction of nNOS and postsynaptic density‐95 induced by GABA agonists is responsible for nNOS (Ser847) phosphorylation at both time points, but at 1 day of reperfusion the inhibition of protein phosphatase activity by GABA agonists also contributes to the neuroprotection. Our results suggest that GABA receptor agonists may serve as a potential and important neuroprotectant in therapy for ischemic stroke. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.