bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Microdesmis keayana alkaloids on vascular parameters of erectile dysfunction
Authors: Zamblé Alexis , Martin‐Nizard Françoise , Sahpaz Sevser , Reynaert Marie‐Line , Staels Bart , Bordet Régis , Duriez Patrick , Gressier Bernard , Bailleul François 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMicrodesmis keayana (Pandaceae) is an African tropical plant whose roots are used in traditional medicine for erection impairment but the compounds responsible for its action are unknown. Two major alkaloids recently isolated from the roots of M. keayana, keayanidine B and keayanine, were tested for vasorelaxing properties using isolated rat aortic rings precontracted by phenylephrine to confirm its traditional use. Influence of the alkaloids on the endothelial production of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) analysis. Scavenging activities were assessed versus 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyle (DPPH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anion (O−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in cell‐free and cellular systems.The results showed that keayanidine B and keayanine had significant vasorelaxing properties. This effect could be due to their strong antioxidant activity versus O− and H2O2 and to their stimulation of eNOS mRNA expression. Therefore these alkaloids could indirectly stimulate NO production in the vascular bed and would explain the traditional use of M. keayana in erectile dysfunction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening of selected food and medicinal plant extracts for pancreatic lipase inhibition
Authors: Slanc Petra , Doljak Bojan , Kreft Samo , Lunder Mojca , Janeš Damjan , Štrukelj Borut 
Published: December 2008

AbstractLipids are important components in human nutrition; however, their increased intake contributes to the development of obesity and can lead to multiple long‐term complications. Pancreatic lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3) is a key enzyme for the absorption of dietary triglycerides. Interference with fat hydrolysis results in the reduced utilization of ingested lipids, therefore inhibition of lipases decreases fat absorption. Extracts from 106 species of medicinal plants, vegetables and fruits were screened for potential lipase inhibitory activity. p‐Nitrophenylpalmitate and 5‐bromo‐4‐chloro‐3‐indoxylpalmitate were used as substrates in an in vitro test with crude porcine pancreatic lipase. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi), garden pea (Pisum sativum), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and large‐leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos) extracts were the most active. Additionally, the activity of selected extracts with removed polyphenols was measured. Extracts of bearberry, garden pea and large‐leaved lime are a promising source for developing functional foods or isolating active compounds. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genistein suppresses adipogenesis of 3T3‐L1 cells via multiple signal pathways
Authors: Zhang Meng , Ikeda Katsumi , Xu Jin‐Wen , Yamori Yukio , Gao Xiu‐Mei , Zhang Bo‐Li 
Published: December 2008

AbstractGenistein, an isoflavone, was shown to have therapeutic effects for obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the effect and underlying mechanism of genistein on adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. Genistein inhibited lipid accumulation and decreased the nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) content of 3T3‐L1 on day 6 after the induction of differentiation with methylisobutylxanthine, dexamethasone and insulin (MDI). Genistein recovered nitric oxide (NO) release suppressed by MDI and the results were consistent with the expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) assayed by western blotting. Pretreatment with genistein inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) stimulated with 10 µg/mL of insulin. Furthermore, genistein inhibited the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) from 178% of the MDI group to 74%. SB203580, a p38 inhibitor, mimicked the FAS inhibition effect of genistein, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of genistein on FAS was partially via the p38 pathway. On the other hand, genistein abolished the phosphorylation of janus‐activated kinase 2 (JAK2) in response to MDI. AG490, a JAK2 inhibitor, suppressed the expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), a marker of adipocyte differentiation. The findings suggest that genistein attenuates the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 involving multiple signal pathways. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant and antiinflammatory effect of Epilobium parviflorum Schreb.
Authors: Hevesi B. T. , Houghton P. J. , Habtemariam S. , Kéry Á. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEpilobium parviflorum Schreb. (Onagraceae) is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but its biological action is not entirely identified. This paper aims to report data on E. parviflorum with respect to its antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects. The aqueous acetone extract of E. parviflorum showed higher antioxidant effect in the DPPH assay than well known antioxidants and inhibited the lipid peroxidation determined by the TBA assay (IC50 = 2.37 ± 0.12 mg/mL). In concentrations of 0.2–15.0 µg/mL the extract possessed a protective effect, comparable to catalase (250 IU/mL), against oxidative damage, generated in fibroblast cells. In the COX inhibition assay E. parviflorum decreased the PGE2 release, so showing inhibition of the COX‐enzyme (IC50 = 1.4 ± 0.1 µg/mL). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of gossypin and procumbentin – cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibition studies
Authors: Mada Sripal Reddy , Metukuri Mallikarjuna Reddy , Burugula Laxminarayana , Reddanna Pallu , Krishna Devarakonda Rama 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn the present study the antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of a few selected flavonoids were investigated. Procumbentin, gossypin, chrysin and methylhespiridin were studied for antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities using in vitro enzymatic assays and in animal models utilizing acetic acid‐induced writhing in mice and hind paw edema in rats. In vitro studies were performed using TMPD (NNN′N′‐tetramethyl‐p‐phenylene diamine) and oxygraphic methods for COX‐1 (cyclooxygenase‐1), COX‐2, 5‐LOX (5‐lipoxygenase) and 15‐LOX. Gossypin and procumbentin showed COX‐2 inhibitory activity and exhibited IC50 (COX‐2/COX‐1) ratios of 0.14 and 0.11, respectively. None of the flavonoids tested in this study showed LOX inhibitory activity. Four groups were studied for each test compound following intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of doses of 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg. Antiinflammatory activity was measured by the carrageenin‐induced rat hind paw edema model and antinociceptive activity by acetic acid‐induced writhing. Procumbentin and gossypin showed antinociceptive activity at the 100 mg/kg dose. Gossypin showed antiinflammatory activity at doses of 10, 30, 100 mg/kg. Procumbentin and gossypin exhibited COX‐2 inhibitory activity when tested by in vitro methods. Procumbentin and gossypin showed antinociceptive, and gossypin showed antiinflammatory, activities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary mucilage promotes regression of atheromatous lesions in hypercholesterolemic rabbits
Authors: Boban Puthenpura T. , Nambisan Bala , Sudhakaran Perumana R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherogenic effect of the mucilage galactomannan isolated from fenugreek seeds was studied in experimental rabbits maintained on a high cholesterol diet for 3 months. Changes in the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in serum and tissues and aortic fatty lesions were analysed in animals receiving mucilage (40 mg/kg body weight) daily and compared with the control. A significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and cholesterol and triglycerides in liver and aorta and a decrease in Sudan IV staining of aorta indicated antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherogenic effects of the mucilage. Regression studies showed that administration of mucilage for 3 months caused a significant decrease in serum total and LDL cholesterol and aortic cholesterol. Mucilage accelerated the regression of atheromatous lesions in the aorta as evidenced by significantly low sudanophilic staining. Recovery from inflammation in hypercholesterolemic animals receiving mucilage was evidenced by a faster decrease in C‐reactive protein (CRP) in serum to basal levels. The lipid lowering and antiatherogenic effects of mucilage from fenugreek which is used as a food flavoring spice highlights the importance of dietary intervention in the regression of atherosclerosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory effects of green tea catechin on the lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Lee Mak‐Soon , Kim Chong‐Tai , Kim In‐Hwan , Kim Yangha 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of green tea (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) on the depletion of accumulated fat in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Intracellular lipid accumulation was decreased significantly after 24 h of incubation with 10 µm EGCG, while the viability of adipocytes was reported to be unaffected. Under the same experimental conditions, the amount of glycerol released from cells into the medium was increased by 10 µm EGCG. The level of mRNA in the 3T3‐L1 adipocytes was analysed by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. EGCG notably increased the mRNA level of hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), which catalyses the rate‐limiting stage in hydrolysis of stored triacylglycerol to monoacylglycerol and free fatty acids. In conclusion, the experiment produced results which showed that green tea EGCG effectively depleted fat accumulation via the stimulation of lipolysis and increased HSL gene expression in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. These results may relate to the mechanism by which EGCG modulates lipolysis in adipocytes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐way one‐dimensional high‐resolution air–sea coupled modelling applied to Mediterranean heavy rain events
Authors: Brossier C. Lebeaupin , Ducrocq V. , Giordani H. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractSouth‐eastern France is prone to heavy rain events during the autumn. For these extreme precipitation events, the Mediterranean Sea fuels the atmospheric boundary layer in heat and moisture and sometimes contributes to flooding, owing to the large swell and waves produced in these situations. The aim of this study is to examine how the severe atmospheric conditions over the sea associated with these events alter the ocean mixed layer, and what feedback the ocean contributes to the precipitation events.To address these questions, a high‐resolution air–sea coupled system is developed between the atmospheric MESO‐NH model and a one‐dimensional ocean model. It is applied for short range (24 h) and high‐resolution (2–3 km) simulations of three representative torrential rainfall events: 12–13 November 1999 (Aude case), 8–9 September 2002 (Gard case) and 3 December 2003 (Hérault case). In those meteorological situations characterized by moderate to intense low‐level winds, the Mediterranean Sea globally loses energy, to the benefit of the convective precipitating systems. The result is an overall decrease of the thermal content all along the simulation of the events. Significant cooling and deepening of the ocean mixed layer are found in the areas of intense low‐level winds. A notable result of the study concerns the impact of the torrential rainfall on the ocean mixed layer. The most important disturbances of the ocean mixed layer are indeed found underneath the heavy precipitation. The salt content is decreased all along the ocean mixed layer depth, but more significantly in the first ten metres near the air–sea interface, with the formation of a salt barrier.By performing both two‐way and one‐way coupled simulations, it is found that the interactive coupling tends to moderate both the atmospheric and ocean responses compared with the one‐way mode. The differences between the two‐way and one‐way coupled simulations are, however, found to be relatively small considering the atmospheric short‐range forecast. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Observational validation of the compensating mass flux through the shell around cumulus clouds
Authors: Heus Thijs , J. Pols C. Freek , J. Jonker Harm J. , A. Van den Akker Harry E. , H. Lenschow Donald 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe existence of a subsiding shell around cumulus clouds has been observed before in several aircraft measurement campaigns. Recent results from large‐eddy simulations (LES) showed that the downward mass flux through the shell compensates for a significant fraction of the upward mass flux through the cloud. In this study, aeroplane measurements from the Rain In Cumulus over the Ocean (RICO) field campaign are used to verify the existence of this compensating mass flux. Just as in the LES results, the in‐shell downward mass flux is found to be significant. However, a few differences were found in comparison with the LES results; most of them were explained by taking into account the difference between the two‐dimensional slabs in LES and the one‐dimensional lines from aeroplane observations. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
A review of vector convergence acceleration methods, with applications to linear algebra problems
Authors: Brezinski C. , Redivo‐Zaglia M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this article, in a few pages, we will try to give an idea of convergence acceleration methods and extrapolation procedures for vector sequences, and to present some applications to linear algebra problems and to the treatment of the Gibbs phenomenon for Fourier series in order to show their effectiveness. The interested reader is referred to the literature for more details. In the bibliography, due to space limitation, we will only give the more recent items, and, for older ones, we refer to Brezinski and Redivo‐Zaglia, Extrapolation methods. (Extrapolation Methods. Theory and Practice, North‐Holland, 1991). This book also contains, on a magnetic support, a library (in Fortran 77 language) for convergence acceleration algorithms and extrapolation methods. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
A novel intraline of conical intersections for methylamine: A theoretical study
Authors: Levi C. , Halász G. J. , Vibók Á. , Bar I. , Zeiri Y. , Kosloff R. , Baer M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this article the study of conical intersections (ci) related to the NH bond in the methylamine, CH3NH2, molecule is extended. In a previous publication (Levi et al., J Chem Phys 2008, 128, 244302) we reported on a novel feature associated with the intersection of the two lowest states 1A' and 1A″ of the methylamine. We established the existence of a finite (closed) line of ci located in the HCNHH plane—a line that is formed by moving a single hydrogen on that plane while fixing the (six) other atoms. The validity of this line was proved by studying the singularities of the (angular) nonadiabatic coupling terms (NACT)—a study that was later supported by revealing the degeneracy points formed by the two interacting adiabatic potential energy surfaces (PESs). This situation led to two additional interesting features: (i) Along any (open) contour in the above plane that intersects this line is formed a narrow, spiky NACT for which the area under it is ∼π/2; (ii) In case of a closed contour the corresponding topological (Berry) phase is zero (and not an integer multiple of π as is usually the case). In the current article we present the theory to support these findings. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Heisenberg uncertainty relations can be replaced by stronger ones
Authors: Skála L. , Kapsa V. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTwo uncertainty relations, one related to the probability density current and the other one related to the probability density, are derived and discussed. Both relations are stronger than the Heisenberg uncertainty relations. Their generalization to the multidimensional case and to the mixed states is also discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Energy decomposition based on the extended virial theorem: Hartree–Fock and second‐order Møller–Plesset results
Authors: Tasi Gyula , Barna Dóra 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe article shows how the extended virial theorem within the Born–Oppenheimer framework can be used to decompose the total energy of a molecule into atomic and diatomic energy contributions under various conditions. For the stationary points of a series of potential energy surfaces corresponding to wave functions built up by using one‐electron basis functions centered rigidly on atomic nuclei, computational results are presented at the Hartree–Fock and second‐order Møller–Plesset levels of theory. After a partial redistribution of the original diatomic energy contributions into atomic ones, the transformed diatomic energy contributions are “on the chemical scale.” It turns out that the transformed diatomic energies at the second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation level are characteristic of the strength of the chemical bonds present in the system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Comparison of navigation accuracy in THA between the mini‐anterior and ‐posterior approaches
Authors: Hananouchi Takehito , Takao Masaki , Nishii Takashi , Miki Hidenobu , Iwana Daiki , Yoshikawa Hideki , Sugano Nobuhiko 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe accuracy of a CT‐based hip navigation might depend on surgical approaches, resulting in varying accuracy of implant alignment.MethodsWe performed primary cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) with mini‐incision surgery (MIS) to 40 well‐matched patients (anterior or posterior approaches, 20 hips each), using navigation with surface registration. We investigated cup alignment using postoperative computed tomography (CT) and compared the navigation accuracy between the two approaches, i.e. the difference between intra‐operative and postoperative alignments of the cup.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two approaches. The mean navigation accuracies in abduction and anteversion were 2.0° (SD 1.4° ) and 2.7° (SD 1.9° ), respectively, in the anterior approach, and 2.4° (SD 2.0° ) and 2.0° (SD 1.4° ), respectively, in the posterior approach. All cup alignments were within 10° of the target orientation.ConclusionsThis CT‐based navigation for MIS–THA provides navigation accuracy without significant differences between the two approaches and with favourable alignment of the cup. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving target registration accuracy in image‐guided neurosurgery by optimizing the distribution of fiducial points
Authors: Wang Manning , Song Zhijian 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe point‐pair method is widely used to register the patient space and the image space in image‐guided neuro surgery. In this kind of registration, the distribution of fiducial points has a great influence on the registration accuracy at the target point.MethodsIn this paper we propose the idea of target registration accuracy contribution (TRAC) of current fiducial points and of candidate fiducial points. Based on these two values, we give an interactive method to help the surgeon optimize the distribution of fiducial points so as to improve the registration accuracy at the target point.ResultsThe experiments on real patients' data showed that this approach reduced approximately half of the registration error at the target point introduced by unsuitable distribution of fiducial points. When transferring the optimized distribution to real patients, the target registration accuracy obtained from optimization had no serious deterioration.ConclusionThis study provides a practical approach for neurosurgeons to arrange the fiducial points properly on a patient's head. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An introduction to epitope prediction methods and software
Authors: Yang Xingdong , Yu Xinglong 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this paper, current prediction methods and algorithms for both T‐ and B cell epitopes are reviewed, and a comprehensive summary of epitope prediction software and databases currently available online is also provided. This review can offer researchers in this field a sense of direction and insights for future work. However, our main purpose is to introduce clinical and basic biomedical researchers who are not familiar with these biological analysis tools and databases to these online resources and to provide guidance on how to use them effectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Appreciative inquiry in software process improvement
Authors: Holmberg Lena , Nilsson Agneta , Holmström Olsson Helena , Börjesson Sandberg Anna 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTraditionally, software process improvement (SPI) has been approached from a problem‐oriented perspective commonly using models such as the IDEAL and the DMAIC. In contrast, appreciative inquiry is a strength‐based approach focusing on bringing forward the best in people and organizations to achieve successful change. While there is a significant research on SPI initiatives and the use of problem‐oriented approaches there is limited knowledge about the way in which SPI initiatives unfolds when adopting a strength‐based approach. Therefore, it is interesting to explore how software organizations familiar with problem‐solving approaches experience the use of a strength‐based approach. We present an action research study conducted at the Swedish telecom company Ericsson using appreciative inquiry to facilitate an SPI initiative implementing a new process and tool for the requirements and test case management. While the SPI initiative was considered successful, important lessons were learned regarding the use of appreciative inquiry. We conclude that the use of appreciative inquiry does not eliminate the dependence on other well‐known key factors for SPI success. Also, our study indicates that the problem‐solving mind‐set, i.e. the satisfaction of identifying and solving problems, found among many software engineers familiar with problem‐oriented approaches may impede the use of appreciative inquiry. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of digital standardization on administrative efficiency in e‐government: A view of standards development organizations
Authors: Chiang LiChun , Liao Chao‐ning 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis is an empirical study aimed to explore the impact of IT in efficiency in government and the intersection between administrative efficiency and the institutional design of IT standardization for civil servants. In this research, the top three digital standardization systems in the administrative process in the sampling governments are (1) the documentary management system aims to mange internal or external official documents via digitalized and standardized information systems; (2) the digitalized timecard system focuses on handling the individual working hours of officials and (3) the personnel management systems deals with officials' personal data, including recruitment, resignation and so on. This research is based on the perspective of standards development organizations (SDOs). The study examines the critical link between the institutional design of SDOs and working efficiency after digitalized standardization in e‐government. When applying the survey data from bureaucrats in Tainan City Council and Tainan municipal government, Taiwan to the ordered Logit model, the results showed that the time of tenure and working types significantly affect bureaucrats' perceived efficiency increase level. Also, for civil servants, IT standardization in administration increases their communication and cooperation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.