bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulation of spring flows from a karst aquifer with an artificial neural network
Authors: Hu Caihong , Hao Yonghong , Yeh Tian‐Chyi J. , Pang Bo , Wu Zening 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn China, 9·5% of the landmass is karst terrain and of that 47,000 km2 is located in semiarid regions. In these regions the karst aquifers feed many large karst springs within basins of thousands of square kilometres. Spring discharges reflect the fluctuation of ground water level and variability of ground water storage in the basins. However, karst aquifers are highly heterogeneous and monitoring data are sparse in these regions. Therefore, for sustainable utilization and conservation of karst ground water it is necessary to simulate the spring flows to acquire better understanding of karst hydrological processes. The purpose of this study is to develop a parsimonious model that accurately simulates spring discharges using an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The karst spring aquifer was treated as a non‐linear input/output system to simulate the response of karst spring flow to precipitation and applied the model to the Niangziguan Springs, located in the east of Shanxi Province, China and a representative of karst springs in a semiarid area. Moreover, the ANN model was compared with a previous time‐lag linear model and it was found that the ANN model performed better. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3: Risk of prostate cancer among men in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial
Authors: Weiss Jocelyn M. , Huang Wen‐Yi , Rinaldi Sabina , Fears Thomas R. , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Chia David , Crawford E. David , Kaaks Rudolf , Hayes Richard B. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 may influence risk of prostate cancer through their roles in cellular growth, metabolism and apoptosis, however, epidemiologic results have been inconsistent. The role of obesity in prostate cancer risk is not clearly understood, but hyperinsulinemia‐related increases in bioactive IGF‐1 levels, associated with obesity, could be a component of the relationship between the IGF‐axis and prostate cancer. We conducted a nested case–control study in the prospective Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial to examine associations between IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 and risk of prostate cancer. A total of 727 incident prostate cancer cases and 887 matched controls were selected for this analysis. There was no clear overall association between IGF‐1, IGFBP‐3 and IGF‐1:IGFBP‐3 molar ratio (IGFmr) and prostate cancer risk, however, IGFmr was associated with risk in obese men (BMI > 30, p‐trend = 0.04), with a greater than 2‐fold increased risk in the highest IGFmr quartile (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.10–5.01). Risk was specifically increased for aggressive disease in obese men (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.11–7.08). In summary, our large prospective study showed no overall association between the insulin‐like growth factor axis and prostate cancer risk, however, IGFmr was related to risk for aggressive prostate cancer in obese men. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tamoxifen accelerates proteasomal degradation of O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase in human cancer cells
Authors: Kuo Ching‐Chuan , Liu Jin‐Fen , Shiah Her‐Shyong , Ma Li‐Chen , Chang Jang‐Yang 
Published: June 2007

AbstractTamoxifen, a synthetic triphenyl‐ethylene compound, is a member of a class of anticancer drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators. It may block tumor growth by mimicking estrogen and binding to the estrogen receptors, preventing cancerous growth. Clinical studies have demonstrated that a combination chemo/hormonal therapy regimen with tamoxifen and O6‐alkylating drugs increased the tumor response rate in cancer patients. The mechanism of action of this combined regimen remains undefined. In this study, we demonstrated that treatment of human colorectal HT‐29 carcinoma cells with tamoxifen decreased the repair activity and expression level of O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) protein in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. This inhibition was also shown in other malignant human cells, regardless of their estrogen receptor status. Furthermore, MGMT inactivation by tamoxifen was associated with a significantly increased susceptibility of cells to 1,3‐bis(2‐chloroethyl)‐1‐nitrosourea (BCNU). No alteration in MGMT mRNA levels was observed in tamoxifen‐treated cells. The half‐life of MGMT protein was markedly decreased in the presence of tamoxifen. Tamoxifen‐induced MGMT degradation could be blocked by MG‐132, a proteasome inhibitor. An increased level of ubiquitinated MGMT protein was found after tamoxifen treatment. We conclude that tamoxifen decreased the MGMT protein level by accelerating protein degradation through the ubiquitin‐dependent proteasomal pathway. These findings provide a strong rationale for combined chemo/hormonal therapy with tamoxifen and BCNU in the treatment of human cancers. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aldo–keto reductase family 1 B10 gene silencing results in growth inhibition of colorectal cancer cells: Implication for cancer intervention
Authors: Yan Ruilan , Zu Xuyu , Ma Jun , Liu Ziwen , Adeyanju Moses , Cao Deliang 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAldo–keto reductase family 1 B10 (AKR1B10), a member of aldo–keto reductase superfamily, is overexpressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma. Our previous study had demonstrated that the ectopic expression of AKR1B10 in 293T cells promotes cell proliferation. To evaluate its potential as a target for cancer intervention, in the current study we knocked down AKR1B10 expression in HCT‐8 cells derived from a colorectal carcinoma, using chemically synthesized small interfering RNA (siRNA). The siRNA 1, targeted to encoding region, downregulated AKR1B10 expression by more than 60%, and siRNA 2, targeted to 3′ untranslational region, reduced AKR1B10 expression by more than 95%. AKR1B10 silencing resulted in approximately a 50% decrease in cell growth rate and nearly 40% suppression of DNA synthesis. More importantly, AKR1B10 downregulation significantly reduced focus formation rate and colony size in semisolid culture, indicating the critical role of AKR1B10 in HCT‐8 cell proliferation. Recombinant AKR1B10 protein showed strong enzymatic activity to acrolein and crotonaldehyde, with Km = 110.1 ± 12.2 μM and Vmax = 3,122.0 ± 64.7 nmol/mg protein/min for acrolein and Km = 86.7 ± 14.3 μM and Vmax = 2,647.5 ± 132.2 nmol/mg protein/min for crotonaldehyde. AKR1B10 downregulation enhanced the susceptibility of HCT‐8 cells to acrolein (25 μM) and crotonaldehyde (50 μM), resulting in rapid oncotic cell death characterized with lactate dehydrogenase efflux and annexin‐V staining. These results suggest that AKR1B10 may regulate cell proliferation and cellular response to additional carbonyl stress, thus being a potential target for cancer intervention. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐VEGF‐A therapy reduces lymphatic vessel density and expression of VEGFR‐3 in an orthotopic breast tumor model
Authors: Whitehurst Brandt , Flister Michael J. , Bagaitkar Juhi , Volk Lisa , Bivens Christopher M. , Pickett Brent , Castro‐Rivera Emely , Brekken Rolf A. , Gerard Robert D. , Ran Sophia 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBecause metastasis contributes significantly to cancer mortality, understanding its mechanisms is crucial to developing effective therapy. Metastasis is facilitated by lymphangiogenesis, the growth of new intratumoral or peritumoral lymphatic vessels from pre‐existing vessels. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) is a well‐known angiogenic factor. Increasing evidence implicates VEGF‐A in lymphangiogenesis, although the mechanism of its pro‐lymphangiogenic effect is poorly understood. We examined the effect of the anti‐VEGF‐A neutralizing antibody 2C3 on tumor lymphangiogenesis and metastasis in an orthotopic breast carcinoma model using MDA‐MB‐231 cells and its luciferase‐tagged derivative, 231‐Luc+ cells. Anti‐VEGF‐A antibody therapy reduced blood and lymphatic vessel densities by 70% and 80%, respectively, compared with the control antibody. Treatment with 2C3 antibody also decreased incidence of lymphatic and pulmonary metastases by 3.2‐ and 4.5‐fold, respectively. Macrophage infiltration was reduced in 2C3‐treated tumors by 32%, but VEGF‐C expression was unchanged. In contrast, neoplastic cells and blood vessels in tumors from 2C3‐treated mice expressed significantly less angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) than tumors from control mice. The reduction in Ang‐2 was associated with inhibition of VEGFR‐3 expression in intratumoral lymphatic endothelial cells. Both VEGF‐A and Ang‐2 upregulated the expression of VEGFR‐3 in cultured lymphatic endothelial cells. VEGF‐A induced proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells was reduced by 50% by soluble Tie‐2, suggesting that Ang‐2 is an intermediary of the pro‐lymphangiogenic VEGF‐A effect. These results suggest a novel mechanism by which anti‐VEGF‐A therapy may suppress tumor lymphangiogenesis and subsequent metastasis supporting the use of anti‐VEGF‐A therapy to control metastasis clinically. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Foreign sectoral aid fungibility, growth and poverty reduction
Authors: Pettersson Jan 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIf development assistance targeted at specific sectors is not used as intended, aid is said to be fungible. While fungible aid is in general perceived as being less effective than aid used as specified, this has not been formally tested. This paper attempts at filling this gap and hence, tries to assess to what extent fungibility is something donors should be concerned about. Country‐specific estimates of fungibility are obtained for 57 aid‐recipient countries, suggesting that sectoral aid is indeed fungible on average. These estimates are then incorporated into an empirical model of aid and economic growth. I do not find any evidence of non‐fungible sectoral aid working better than fungible aid. Then, I focus on sectoral aid to ‘pro‐poor’ government expenditure sectors to assess the effect on infant mortality. While the results indicate that non‐fungible aid is welfare improving, this is not robust to small changes in the specification. My results suggest that the concept of fungibility may be too narrow and should possibly not be the most central concern when aid is debated or given. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of hepatitis B, C, and delta virus infections among children in Mongolia: Progress in childhood immunization
Authors: Tsatsralt‐Od Bira , Takahashi Masaharu , Endo Kazunori , Agiimaa Dondog , Buyankhuu Osorjin , Ninomiya Masashi , Lorenzo Felipe R. , Okamoto Hiroaki 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMongolia is highly endemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infections among apparently healthy adults. However, the age‐specific prevalence of ongoing HBV, HCV, and HDV infections among children in Mongolia remains unknown. Therefore, samples obtained from a total of 655 apparently healthy children of 0.3–15 years of age (307 boys and 348 girls; age, mean ± standard deviation [SD], 8.4 ± 4.2 years) living in Mongolia, between October 2005 and January 2006, were tested for serological and molecular markers of HBV, HCV, and HDV infections. Although 88.7% of the 655 children studied were immunized against hepatitis B, 64 (9.8%) tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and/or HBV DNA and 13 (2.0%) for HDV RNA. Twenty‐seven children (4.1%) had detectable HCV RNA. Collectively, 82 (12.5%) were viremic for one or more of these viruses, including eight children with dual viremia of HBV/HCV and one child with triple HBV/HCV/HDV viremia. When children without anti‐HBc, anti‐HCV and anti‐HDV IgG (n = 510) served as a control, a history of hospitalization was significantly associated with HBV viremia (P < 0.0001), anti‐HBc positivity (P < 0.0001), and HCV viremia (P = 0.0001). HBsAg mutation was found in 18 (31.6%) of the 57 children with viremia, including those at amino acid position 126, 127, 129, 131, 134, 143 or 144. There were no significant differences in the frequency of HBsAg mutation in relation to age, sex, and hepatitis B vaccination status of the children, suggesting that HBsAg mutation plays a limited role in failure of vaccination in Mongolia. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1064–1074, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of phylogenetically distinct Puumala‐like viruses from red‐grey vole Clethrionomys rufocanus in China
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Zhen , Zou Yang , Yan Yan‐Zhen , Hu Guang‐Wei , Yao Lai‐Shun , Du Zhan‐Sheng , Jin Long‐Zhe , Liu Yao‐Yuan , Li Ming‐Hui , Chen Hua‐Xin , Fu Zhen F. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn order to investigate whether Puumala virus (PUUV) or PUUV‐like virus is present in China, Clethrionomys rufocanus and C. rutilus were captured in the Jilin province during the spring and autumn of 2002–2003 for detection of PUUV viral RNA by RT‐PCR and confirmation of PUUV‐positive antigens by an immunofluorescence assay. PUUV‐positive RNA was identified in six out of 121 C. rufocanus but not in any of the 41 C. rutilus. Complete S and partial M sequences (nt 1,316–1,598 and 2,687–3,089) were amplified by RT‐PCR directly from some of the antigen positive lung tissues and subjected to nucleic acid sequencing. It was found that the Chinese PUUV‐like viruses were related most closely with the PUUV strains with 77.7–81.7% identity at the nucleotide level and 91.7–97% identity at the amino acid level for S segment, and with 77–78.8% identity at the nucleotide level and 91.5–92.6% identity at the amino acid level for the partial M segment (nt 1,316–1,598). Genetic analysis indicated that the Chinese PUUV‐like viruses shared the highest level of identity with the viruses which circulate in C. rufocanus in the Far East region of Russia with 85.1–87.4% identity at the nucleotide level and 95.9% identity at the amino acid level for the partial M segment (nt 2,687–3,089), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Chinese PUUV‐like viruses are distinct from those identified from Japan, South Korea, Europe or Russia. These results indicate that PUUV‐like virus is present in China in addition to Hantaan, Seoul and Dabieshan viruses. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1082–1088, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Population‐based study of screening test performance indices of three human papillomavirus DNA tests
Authors: Wahlström Cecilia , Iftner Thomas , Dillner Joakim , Dillner Lena 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn order to evaluate three common human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA tests for key performance indices in population‐based cervical screening, we sampled 12,527 women aged 32–38 years who attended invitational, population‐based screening and followed them for 4 years with comprehensive registry linkages. Three different HPV DNA tests (GP5+/6+ general primer PCR (using either AmpliTaq or AmpliTaq Gold DNA polymerase), Amplicor™ PCR and Hybrid Capture IITM were evaluated using baseline samples from women who on follow‐up developed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CINII+) (n = 197) as well as a representative subsample of the women in the cohort (n = 794). The population‐based HPV prevalence, sensitivity for future cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CINII+), and absolute risk of CINII+ was 7.1%, 87.1%, and 23.2% for AmpliTaq GP5+/6+ PCR, 11.9%, 88.9%, and 11.0% for AmpliTaq Gold GP5+/6+ PCR, 15.7%, 93.4%, and 9.8% for Amplicor, 10.0%, 92.9%, and 15.3% for Amplicor with raised cut‐off, and 7.8%, 79.7%, and 16.9% for Hybrid Capture II. In conclusion, AmpliTaq GP5+/6+ PCR and Amplicor with raised cut‐off value have adequate performance indices for primary screening. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1169–1175, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decrease of the chlorogenic acid content in commercial sunflower meal using a polyphenol oxidase preparation secreted by the white‐rot fungus Trametes versicolor ATCC 42530
Authors: Martinez Emerson , Duvnjak Zdravko 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Sunflower meal (SFM) is a by‐product from the oil extraction process from sunflower seeds. The meal is used as a protein supplement in the livestock diet. However, relatively high levels of polyphenols, among which chlorogenic (CGA) and caffeic acids are in larger amounts, in the meal compromises its use for animal feed and human consumption. The aim of this work was to investigate an enzymatic process for upgrading the quality of SFM by decreasing its CGA content using an enzyme preparation from the white‐rot fungus Trametes versicolor.RESULTS: The effects of pH, temperature, enzyme and meal concentrations, and mass transfer on the decrease of the CGA content in SFM were investigated. It was found that: (1) the optimum pH and temperature were 3.4 and 45 °C, respectively. (2) The system was saturated with the enzyme when its concentration was 5 nkat/mL of liquid phase; (3) the agitation speed of the system influenced the extraction of CGA from the meal; and (4) the conversion of CGA in the SFM system increased in the presence of larger volumes of liquid phase.CONCLUSIONS: The enzyme preparation used in the experiments is able to decrease successfully the CGA content in SFM. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Mental health status of vulnerable tsunami‐affected communities: A survey in Aceh Province, Indonesia
Authors: Souza Renato , Bernatsky Sasha , Reyes Rosalie , Jong Kaz de 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe authors determined the prevalence of severe emotional distress and depressive symptoms using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist‐25 (HSCL; Derogatis, Lipman, Rickels, Uhlenhuth, & Covi, 1974) in tsunami‐affected communities that had experienced armed conflict arising from the ongoing independence movement in Aceh Province, Indonesia. We also evaluated determinants of severe emotional distress. The data were collected for the purposes of a mental health assessment. In our sample (N = 262), 83.6% demonstrated severe emotional distress, and 77.1% demonstrated depressive symptoms. In multivariate regression models, severe emotional distress was positively associated with the number of tsunami‐related deaths among household members. Our data suggests a need for effective interventions in this vulnerable population.
Reliability of self‐reported trauma exposure among people with heroin dependence: A longitudinal investigation
Authors: Mills Katherine , Teesson Maree , Darke Shane , Ross Joanne 
Published: June 2007

AbstractEstimates of trauma exposure rely almost exclusively on retrospective self‐reports; however, the reliability of these reports has received little attention. The present study examined the reliability of self‐reported lifetime trauma exposure among 309 dependent heroin users over 2 years, and the factors associated with inconsistent recall. The correlation between the number of events reported at baseline and follow‐up was .72; however, 87% of the sample reported at least one event inconsistently. Variability in reporting was associated with trauma type, a lifetime posttraumatic stress disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. These findings suggest that dependent heroin users are moderately reliable in their reports of trauma exposure, and their reports of trauma exposure are as reliable as those of nonsubstance use disordered samples.
Synthesis of Hyperbranched Carbohydrate Polymers by Ring‐Opening Multibranching Polymerization of Anhydro Sugar
Authors: Satoh Toshifumi , Kakuchi Toyoji 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe synthesis of novel hyperbranched carbohydrate polymers, prepared by the ring‐opening multibranching polymerizations of anhydro and dianhydro sugars, is described. The hyperbranched carbohydrate polymers were formed by the cationic polymerization of 1,6‐anhydro‐β‐D‐hexopyranose, 1,4‐anhydrotetritol, 2,3‐anhydrotetritol, and 1,2:5,6‐dianhydro‐D‐mannitol. These polymerizations proceeded without gelation to produce water‐soluble hyperbranched carbohydrate polymers with controlled molecular weights and narrow polydispersities. The values for the degree of branching of the polymers were in the range of 0.28–0.50. The polymerization method, which proceeds through a ring‐opening reaction by a proton‐transfer reaction mechanism, is a facile method leading to a spherical carbohydrate polymer with a high degree of branching.magnified image
Supramolecular Assembly of Defined Polymer Nanoobjects
Authors: Albrecht Krystyna , Gallyamov Marat , Zhu Xiaomin , Moeller Martin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe visualization of well defined supramacromolecules that are formed by poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) partially neutralized with wedge‐shaped amphiphilic sulfonic acid molecules is reported. Molecules are depicted as deposited on highly ordered pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) by means of atomic force microscopy. Three P4VP polymers with different, uniform molecular weights were employed to prepare the complexes. Individual supramacromolecules have been observed consisting of polyvinylpyridine backbones wrapped by the noncovalently bound sulfonic acid groups. The length of the supramacromolecules is controlled by the length of the core P4VP chains. The complexes display a strictly defined orientation with respect to the 6‐fold symmetry of the HOPG substrate that is caused by the epitaxial adsorption of side alkyl chains that also enables the visualization of these single molecules.magnified image
Arylphosphonic Acid‐Functionalized Polyelectrolytes as Fuel Cell Membrane Material
Authors: Bock Thorsten , Möhwald Helmut , Mülhaupt Rolf 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn comparison to sulfonated polymers, phosphonic acid‐functionalized polyelectrolytes possess higher proton conductivity at elevated temperatures, improved chemical and thermal stabilities, much lower water swelling, decreased fuel permeability, and enhanced proton conductivities in low hydration states. Arylphosphonic acid‐functionalized polymers have been produced by the copolymerization of arylphosphonated monomers, as well as by various polymer‐analogous functionalization reactions on high performance polymer backbones. Among the latter, the catalytic arylphosphonation of brominated high‐performance polymers, such as poly(ethers), poly(sulfones), and poly(etherketones) represents an attractive and versatile synthetic route to arylphosphonic polyelectrolytes for application in polyelectrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). This review summarizes available syntheses of arylphosphonic acid‐functionalized polymers, the data on such materials' membrane performance, and introduces special polyelectrolyte blends and new ionomers developed to meet the demands made on PEMFC membranes.magnified image
PGE‐1 in replantation and free tissue transfer: Early preliminary experience
Authors: Vegas José Manuel Rodríguez , Alonso María Elena Ruiz , Saavedra Pedro Pablo Terán 
Published: June 2007

AbstractExperimental and clinical trials demonstrate the vascular, anti‐ischemic and tissue protective effects of PGE1, which has been used for many years in different macrovascular diseases. However, few reports have addressed its potential use in microvascular surgery. The authors share their early experience with PGE1 in replantations and free tissue transfers. Considering its established benefits and minimal adverse reactions, PGE1 might be included as a first‐line medication in the antithrombotic pharmacologic treatment in replantation and free flap surgery. However, the overall clinical efficacy and safety of PGE1 in microvascular surgery remains to be determined in larger, prospective clinical trials. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.