bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of well‐defined miktoarm star polymers of poly(dimethylsiloxane) by the combination of chlorosilane and benzyl chloride linking chemistry
Authors: Fragouli Panagiota , Iatrou Hermis , Hadjichristidis Nikos , Sakurai Takuro , Matsunaga Yosuke , Hirao Akira 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA series of novel four‐arm A2B2 and A2BC and five‐arm A2B2C miktoarm star polymers, where A is poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), B is polystyrene (PS), and C is polyisoprene (PI), were successfully synthesized by the combination of chlorosilane and benzyl chloride linking chemistry. This new and general methodology is based on the linking reaction of in‐chain benzyl chloride functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (icBnCl–PDMS) with the in‐chain diphenylalkyl (icD) living centers of PS‐DLi‐PS, PS‐DLi‐PI, or (PS)2‐DLi‐PI. icBnCl–PDMS was synthesized by the selective reaction of lithium PDMS enolate (PDMSOLi) with the chlorosilane groups of dichloro[2‐(chloromethylphenyl)ethyl]methylsilane, leaving the benzyl chloride group intact. The icD living polymers, characterized by the low basicity of DLi to avoid side reactions with PDMS, were prepared by the reaction of the corresponding living chains with the appropriate chloro/bromo derivatives of diphenylethylene, followed by a reaction with BuLi or the living polymer. The combined molecular characterization results of size exclusion chromatography, 1H NMR, and right‐angle laser light scattering revealed a high degree of structural and compositional homogeneity in all miktoarm stars prepared. The power of this general approach was demonstrated by the synthesis of a morphologically interesting complex miktoarm star polymer composed of two triblock terpolymer (PS‐b‐PI‐b‐PDMS) and two diblock copolymer (PS‐b‐PI) arms. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6587–6599, 2006
Multiple‐arm superiority and non‐inferiority designs with various endpoints
Authors: Chang Mark 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMultiple‐arm dose–response superiority trials are widely studied for continuous and binary endpoints, while non‐inferiority designs have been studied recently in two‐arm trials. In this paper, a unified asymptotic formulation of a sample size calculation for k‐arm (k>0) trials with different endpoints (continuous, binary and survival endpoints) is derived for both superiority and non‐inferiority designs. The proposed method covers the sample size calculation for single‐arm and k‐arm (k⩾2) designs with survival endpoints, which has not been covered in the statistic literature. A simple, closed form for power and sample size calculations is derived from a contrast test. Application examples are provided. The effect of the contrasts on the power is discussed, and a SAS program for sample size calculation is provided and ready to use. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal middle cerebral to uterine artery pulsatility index ratios in normal and pre‐eclamptic pregnancies
Authors: Simanaviciute D. , Gudmundsson S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectivesTo calculate the normal range for the fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA)/uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) ratio in the third trimester of pregnancy and to assess its value, compared with that of the MCA/umbilical artery PI ratio, in predicting an unfavorable outcome of pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia.MethodsDoppler blood flow velocimetry of the uterine and umbilical arteries and fetal MCA was performed. We calculated the ratios between 1) the PI of the MCA and the mean PI value of both uterine arteries and 2) the PI of the MCA and the PI of the umbilical artery. All women were examined at or beyond 26 weeks of gestation. A cross‐sectional study of 231 normal pregnancies was conducted to construct the reference range. Values below the 5th percentile or an MCA/umbilical artery PI ratio lower than 1.08 were defined as brain‐sparing. A further 115 pregnancies with pre‐eclampsia (50 mild and 65 severe) were assessed prospectively and the results were related to perinatal outcome. The accuracy of MCA/uterine artery and MCA/umbilical artery PI ratios for prediction of unfavorable pregnancy outcome was compared.ResultsNormal MCA/uterine artery PI ratios decreased with advancing gestational age. Redistribution of the fetal circulation indicated by a low MCA/uterine artery PI ratio was seen in 30% of the mild (n = 15) and 46% of the severe (n = 30) pre‐eclamptic cases. There was a significant difference between those without and those with signs of brain‐sparing, respectively, in mean birth weight (2456.0 vs. 1424.5 g), gestational age at delivery (35.6 vs. 31.3 weeks) and gestational age at the time of examination (34.9 vs. 30.9 weeks). Furthermore, there was a significantly higher rate of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates (57.8% vs. 25.7%), preterm delivery (100% vs. 81.8%) and Cesarean section (90.7% vs. 66.7%) in cases with an MCA/uterine artery PI ratio below the 5th percentile. However, there was no difference between the groups in the rate of low 5‐min Apgar scores, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, or deliveries before 34 weeks. The MCA/uterine artery and MCA/umbilical artery PI ratios were similar in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome. Both ratios were better at predicting the outcome of pregnancy than were signs of increased vascular impedance in either the umbilical or uterine arteries.ConclusionsNormal MCA/uterine artery PI ratio decreases with gestational age. Abnormally low MCA/ uterine artery PI ratios are related to unfavorable pregnancy outcome. The predictive value of the MCA/uterine artery PI ratio is similar to that of the MCA/umbilical artery PI ratio. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The multimedia broadcast/multicast service
Authors: Xylomenos George , Vogkas Vasilis , Thanos George 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis article provides an overview of the multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) for universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) networks. We first outline the features of UMTS networks as defined by the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) in order to provide a background for the discussion to follow. We then present the overall MBMS architecture, the services that it provides to the users and the differences between the broadcast and multicast options. The implementation details of MBMS are explained in terms of the modifications needed to the network, the new signaling procedures required and the impact of MBMS on the radio part of the network. We then describe how the security architecture of UMTS is used to support content protection and key distribution for MBMS groups. We evaluate the prospects of MBMS by comparing it first with IP multicast and then with DVB‐H, considered by many to be the closest competitor of MBMS. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the technical and business challenges still faced by MBMS. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
International Law and the Poststructuralist Challenge
Authors: RASULOV AKBAR 
Published: October 2006

Peter Fitzpatrick and Patricia Tuitt (eds.), Critical Beings: Law, Nation and the Global Subject, Aldershot: Ashgate, 2004, 226 pp. (hb).Sinkwan Cheng (ed.), Law, Justice, and Power: Between Reason and Will, Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2004, 278 pp. (pb).
Ru360, a specific mitochondrial calcium uptake inhibitor, improves cardiac post‐ischaemic functional recovery in rats in vivo
Authors: de J García‐Rivas G , Carvajal K , Correa F , Zazueta C 
Published: October 2006

Background and purpose:The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), an energy‐dissipating channel activated by calcium, contributes to reperfusion damage by depolarizing the mitochondrial inner membrane potential. As mitochondrial Ca2+ overload is a main inductor of mPTP opening, we examined the effect of Ru360, a selective inhibitor of the mitochondrial calcium uptake system against myocardial damage induced by reperfusion in a rat model.Experimental approach:Myocardial reperfusion injury was induced by a 5‐min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by a 5‐min reperfusion in anaesthetized open‐chest rats. We measured reperfusion‐induced arrhythmias and functions indicative of unimpaired mitochondrial integrity to evaluate the effect of Ru360 treatment.Key results:Reperfusion elicited a high incidence of arrhythmias, haemodynamic dysfunction and loss of mitochondrial integrity. A bolus intravenous injection of Ru360 (15‐50 nmol kg−1), given 30‐min before ischaemia, significantly improved the above mentioned variables in the ischaemic/reperfused myocardium. Calcium uptake in isolated mitochondria from Ru360‐treated ventricles was partially diminished, suggesting an interaction of this compound with the calcium uniporter.Conclusions and implications:We showed that Ru360 treatment abolishes the incidence of arrhythmias and haemodynamic dysfunction elicited by reperfusion in a whole rat model. Ru360 administration partially inhibits calcium uptake, preventing mitochondria from depolarization by the opening of the mPTP. We conclude that myocardial damage could be a consequence of failure of the mitochondrial network to maintain the membrane potential at reperfusion. Hence, it is plausible that Ru360 could be used in reperfusion therapy to prevent the occurrence of arrhythmia.British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 829–837. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706932
The Adipokine Visfatin is Markedly Elevated in Obese Children
Authors: Haider Dominik G. , Holzer Gregor , Schaller Georg , Weghuber Daniel , Widhalm Kurt , Wagner Oswald , Kapiotis Stylianos , Wolzt Michael 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTObjective:The insulin‐mimetic adipocytokine visfatin has been linked to adiposity and the metabolic syndrome.DesignCross‐sectional study.Subjects:Eighty‐three nondiabetic obese children and 40 healthy controls.Measurements:We analyzed plasma visfatin concentrations to assess whether this adipokine is associated with adiposity.Results:Plasma visfatin concentrations were nearly 2‐fold higher in obese children (mean, 1.1 ng/mL; 95% CI, 0.2‐6.6) than in controls (0.6 ng/mL, 95% CI, 0.6 to 0.6; P < 0.001). No relationship was detectable between visfatin and other subject characteristics, hsCRP or the lipid profile.Conclusions:Visfatin may be involved in the development of metabolic derangements in obese children.
A Prospective Community‐based Study of Gastroenterological Symptoms in School‐age Children
Authors: Saps Miguel , Sztainberg Marcelo , Di Lorenzo Carlo 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Current knowledge on the prevalence of common gastrointestinal (GI) problems is based on office‐based samples or retrospective questionnaires, leading to possible bias and inaccurate estimates.Aims:To examine the prevalence of GI symptoms in school‐age children.Importance:This is the first American prospective community study intended to assess the prevalence of common GI symptoms in children.Patients and Methods:All fourth‐ and fifth‐grade students from a middle‐size urban school were invited to participate in a prospective cohort pilot study by completing confidential weekly surveys. The survey included a set of 8 age‐appropriate, validated questions assessing the presence and severity of abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, headaches and limb pain.Results:A total of 48 children (32 boys and 16 girls) participated in the study. Data were obtained for 16 weeks on 690 (90.5%) of 768 possible children per week. Children reported at least 1 symptom in 544 (70%) children per week. Headaches were the most common complaint (55% [range, 40%‐72%] children per week). Sixty percent of children (range, 46%‐89%) reported at least 1 GI symptom weekly. The overall prevalence of GI symptoms was the following: abdominal pain 46% (range, 28%‐72%), nausea 28% (range, 17%‐59%), constipation 18% (range, 7%‐39%), diarrhea 17% (range, 11%‐24%) and vomiting 5% (range, 0%‐13%). None of the children missed school because of persistent GI symptoms during the study.Discussion:The investigation demonstrates the feasibility of prospective school studies in children. The high prevalence of GI symptoms not interfering with school attendance in children underscores the benign nature of such symptoms in most children.Conclusion:Gastrointestinal symptoms are common somatic complaints among school‐age children.
Stimulation of Immunity Without Alteration of Oral Tolerance in Mice Fed With Heat‐Treated Fermented Infant Formula
Authors: Ménard Sandrine , Candalh Céline , Ahmed Melika Ben , Rakotobe Sabine , Gaboriau‐Routhiau Valérie , Cerf‐Bensussan Nadine , Heyman Martine 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:Little information is available on the properties of fermented milk formula intended to healthy infants. This study analyzes the effect of long‐term ingestion of a heat‐treated, fermented milk formula on the development of oral tolerance or systemic immune response to soluble antigens in mice.Materials and Methods:The C3H/HeN mice, fed with a heat‐treated fermented (Bifidobacterium breve C50 and Streptococcus thermophilus 065) infant formula (htFF) or a matched control diet (control), were immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) with or without gavage of 20 mg OVA to induce tolerance or immunity, respectively. Systemic and local anti‐OVA immune responses and intestinal barrier function were measured after 5 to 6 weeks.Results:Oral tolerance to OVA developed similarly in htFF‐ and control‐fed mice, attested to by the downregulation of OVA‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgE after oral OVA administration. In contrast, immunization with OVA led to significantly higher titers in htFF‐fed mice than in control‐fed mice (log2 IgG titers, 16.45 ± 1.24 and 15.46 ± 0.79, respectively; P = 0.012). Jejunal interferon gamma, interleukin 12p40 and interleukin 10 expressions were significantly higher in tolerized mice fed with htFF compared with those fed with the control diet. Mucosal to serosal intact horseradish peroxidase fluxes were lower in htFF‐fed mice than in control‐fed mice (39 ± 8 and 118 ± 38 ng/h.cm2, respectively; P < 0.0001), indicating that the htFF diet reinforces intestinal barrier capacity to macromolecules.Conclusions:In mice, htFF strengthens intestinal barrier and enhances systemic immune responses to antigens without interfering with the development of oral tolerance, suggesting a potential beneficial effect in host defence and vaccination.
Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Patton Heather M. , Sirlin Claude , Behling Cynthia , Middleton Michael , Schwimmer Jeffrey B. , Lavine Joel E. 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTAlthough population prevalence is very difficult to establish, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is probably the most common cause of liver disease in the preadolescent and adolescent age groups. There seems to be an increase in the prevalence of NAFLD, likely related to the dramatic rise in the incidence of obesity during the past 3 decades. Despite an increase in public awareness, overweight/obesity and related conditions, such as NAFLD, remain underdiagnosed by health care providers. Accurate diagnosis and staging of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) requires liver biopsy. The development of noninvasive surrogate markers and the advancements in imaging technology will aid in the screening of large populations at risk for NAFLD. Two distinct histological patterns of NASH have been identified in the pediatric population, and discrete clinical and demographic features are observed in children with these 2 patterns. The propensity for NASH to develop in obese, insulin‐resistant pubertal boys of Hispanic ethnicity or a non‐Hispanic white race may provide clues to the pathogenesis of NAFLD in children. The natural history of pediatric NASH has yet to be defined, but most biopsies in this age group demonstrate some degree of fibrosis. In addition, cirrhosis can be observed in children as young as 10 years. While the optimal treatment of pediatric NAFLD has yet to be determined, lifestyle modification through diet and exercise should be attempted in children diagnosed with NAFLD. A large, multicenter trial of vitamin E and metformin is underway as part of the NASH clinical research network.
Land use affects rodent communities in Kalahari savannah rangelands
Authors: Blaum Niels , Rossmanith Eva , Jeltsch Florian 
Published: October 2006

AbstractShrub encroachment caused by overgrazing has led to dramatic changes of savannah landscapes and is considered one of the most threatening forms of rangeland degradation leading to habitat fragmentation. Although changes to plant assemblages are becoming better known, however, our understanding of how shrub encroachment affects rodent communities is low. In this study, we investigated relative abundance of five rodent species in sixteen southern Kalahari rangelands where shrub cover ranged from low (<5%) to high (>25%). Rodent abundance was determined on three trapping grids (40 × 100 m) for each site. Our results show that increasing shrub cover affected rodent species differently. The relative abundance of hairy‐footed gerbil, short‐tailed gerbil and bushveld gerbil declined with increasing shrub cover, whereas highveld gerbil and striped mouse exhibited hump‐shaped relationships with shrub cover. Overall, species richness decreased with increasing shrub cover and a negative impact of high shrub cover above 15% on rodent abundance was congruent for all species. We conclude that our results support the hypothesis that long‐term heavy grazing that results in area wide shrub encroachment, threatens the diversity of arid environments.
Urodilatin and four cardiac hormones decrease human renal carcinoma cell numbers
Authors: Vesely B. A. , Eichelbaum E. J. , Alli A. A. , Sun Y. , Gower W. R. , Vesely D. L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground Mortality from renal‐cell cancer remains a significant problem with an estimated 12 600 deaths in the United States in 2005 even with current treatment(s) of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Four cardiac natriuretic peptides, that is, atrial natriuretic peptide, vessel dilator, long‐acting natriuretic peptide and kaliuretic peptide have significant anti‐cancer effects in breast, pancreatic, prostate and colon adenocarcinomas.Materials and methods These four peptide hormones plus brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), C‐natriuretic peptide (CNP) and urodilatin, a peptide hormone formed in the kidney by a different post‐translational processing of the atrial natriuretic peptide prohormone, were evaluated for their anti‐cancer effects in renal carcinomas.Results Dose–response curves revealed a significant (P < 0·0001) decrease in human renal carcinoma cells with each 10‐fold increase in concentration from 1 µm to 100 µm of five of these peptide hormones. There was an 81%, 74%, 66%, 70% and 70% elimination within 24 h in renal carcinoma cells secondary to vessel dilator, kaliuretic peptide, urodilatin, atrial natriuretic peptide and long‐acting natriuretic peptide, respectively (P < 0·0001 for each), whereas BNP had no effect and CNP decreased renal cancer cell number by 10% (P = 0·04) at their 100 µm concentrations. Three days after treatment with these peptide hormones, the cancer cells began to proliferate again. The four cardiac hormones and urodilatin decreased DNA synthesis from 65–84% (P < 0·00001), whereas BNP and CNP decreased DNA synthesis 3% and 12% (both non‐significant). Western blots revealed for the first time natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR)‐A, ‐B and ‐C were present in the renal cancer cells.Conclusions These results indicate that urodilatin and the four cardiac hormones have potent anti‐cancer effects by eliminating up to 81% of renal carcinoma cells within 24 h of treatment.
Brain site‐specific gene expression analysis in Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: Yokota T. , Mishra M. , Akatsu H. , Tani Y. , Miyauchi T. , Yamamoto T. , Kosaka K. , Nagai Y. , Sawada T. , Heese K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground  Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age‐related neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by a progressive loss of higher cognitive functions. The brain of an individual with AD exhibits extracellular senile plaques (SPs) of aggregated amyloid‐beta peptide (Aβ) and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Given the critical role of neuronal transport of both proteins and organelles, it is not surprising that perturbation of microtubule‐based transport may play a major role in the pathogenesis of AD.Materials and methods  We used the cDNA subtraction methodology and in vitro neural cell culture analyses to study the meaning of the brain site‐specific gene expression pattern in cerebral tissue obtained from AD patients and also from control subjects at autopsy.Results  We observed that cytoskeleton‐associated proteins were down‐regulated in AD subjects. We also noted an altered expression of the microtubule‐associated protein 1B (MAP1B), the heat‐shock protein (HSP)‐90 (a key chaperone molecule), the tripartite motif‐containing proteins (TRIM)‐32/37 (an anti apoptotic enzyme with ubiquitin‐protein ligase activity) and the Reticulon‐3 (a modulator of the amyloid‐precursor‐protein (APP) cleavage) in AD brains. Additional molecular‐ and cell‐biological studies revealed that small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated down‐regulation of MAP1B expression leads to neuronal cell death in vitro.Conclusion  Altered expression of MAP1B, HSP90, TRIM32/37 and Reticulon‐3 provides new clues by which the ubiquitin‐proteasome‐, the protein‐chaperon‐ and the APP‐processing systems are disturbed in AD, thus, leading to neuritic amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.
Leishmania cytosolic silent information regulatory protein 2 deacetylase induces murine B‐cell differentiation and in vivo production of specific antibodies
Authors: Silvestre Ricardo , Cordeiro‐da‐Silva Anabela , Tavares Joana , Sereno Denis , Ouaissi Ali 
Published: October 2006

SummaryIn previous studies, we identified a gene product belonging to the silent information regulatory 2 protein (SIR2) family. This protein is expressed by all Leishmania species so far examined (L. major, L. infantum, L. amazonensis, L. mexicana) and found to be crucial for parasite survival and virulence. In the present study, we investigated whether a Leishmania SIR2 recombinant protein (LmSIR2) would affect T‐ and B‐cell functions in a murine model. In vitro treatment of spleen cells from normal BALB/c mice with LmSIR2 showed increased expression of CD69 on B cells. This effect was not abolished by the addition of polymyxin B. Intravenous injection of LmSIR2 into BALB/c mice induced increased spleen B cell number by a factor of about ≈1·6, whereas no modification occurred at the level of CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection of LmSIR2 alone without adjuvant into BALB/c mice or nude mice triggered the production of elevated levels of LmSIR2‐specific antibodies. The analysis of specific isotype profiles showed a predominance of immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2a antibody responses in BALB/c mice, and IgM in nude mice. Moreover, the anti‐LmSIR2 mouse antibodies in the presence of complement induced the in vitro lysis of L. infantum amastigotes. In the absence of complement, the antibodies induced significant inhibition of amastigotes developpement inside macrophages. Together, the current study provides the first evidence that a Leishmania protein belonging to the SIR2 family may play a role in the regulation of immune response through its capacity to trigger B‐cell effector function.