bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echinacea extracts modulate the pattern of chemokine and cytokine secretion in rhinovirus‐infected and uninfected epithelial cells
Authors: Sharma M. , Arnason J. T. , Burt A. , Hudson J. B. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractExtracts of Echinacea purpurea are among the most widely used herbal medicines throughout Europe and North America for the prevention or treatment of common cold, coughs, bronchitis and other upper respiratory infections. Popular preparations include expressed juice from the aerial parts of the plant (which contain polysaccharides) and alcoholic tinctures from roots (containing caffeic acid derivatives and alkylamides).Since immune modulation has been reported for similar extracts, cytokine antibody arrays were used to investigate the changes in the pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines released from a cultured line of human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to Rhinovirus 14 and two different chemically characterized Echinacea extracts.Virus infection stimulated the release of at least 31 cytokine‐related molecules, including several important chemokines known to attract inflammatory cells. Most of these effects were reversed by simultaneous exposure to either of the two Echinacea extracts, although the patterns of response were different for the two extracts. These results could explain the antiinflammatory properties of Echinacea extracts.Furthermore, a number of these cytokines were stimulated by the same Echinacea preparations in uninfected cells. These observations therefore provide support for the alleged benecial uses of Echinacea extracts. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of the active compound in Mauria heterophylla, a peruvian plant with antibacterial activity
Authors: Mori Tatsuya , Chang Cecilia , Maurtua Dora , Hammond Gerald. B. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractA fraction from the ethanol extract of the Peruvian medicinal plant Mauria heterophylla (Anacardiaceae) showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli 35992, Staphylococcus aureus 20213 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 15442. Further fractionation led to the isolation and characterization of ethyl gallate as the antibacterial active compound. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tandem electrospray mass spectrometric studies of proton and sodium ion adducts of neutral peptides with modified N‐ and C‐termini: synthetic model peptides and microheterogeneous peptaibol antibiotics
Authors: Sabareesh Varatharajan , Balaram Padmanabhan 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe fragmentations of [M+H]+ and [M+Na]+ adducts of neutral peptides with blocked N‐ and C‐termini have been investigated using electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry. The N‐termini of these synthetically designed peptides are blocked with a tertiarybutyloxycarbonyl (Boc) group, and the C‐termini are esterified. These peptides do not possess side chains that are capable of complexation and hence the backbone amide units are the sole sites of protonation and metallation. The cleavage patterns of the protonated peptides are strikingly different from those of sodium ion adducts. While the loss of the N‐terminal blocking group occurs quite readily in the case of MS/MS of [M+Na]+, the cleavage of the C‐terminal methoxy group seems to be a facile process in the case of MS/MS of [M+H]+. Fragmentation of the protonated adducts yields only bn ions, while yn and an ions are predominantly formed from the fragmentation of sodium ion adducts. The an ions arising from the fragmentation of [M+Na]+ lack the N‐terminal Boc group (and are here termed an* ions). MS/MS of [M+Na]+ species also yields bn ions of substantially lower intensities that lack the N‐terminal Boc group (bn*). A similar distinction between the fragmentation patterns of proton and sodium ion adducts is observed in the case of peptides possessing an N‐terminal acetyl group. An example of the fragmentation of the H+ and Na+ adducts of a naturally occurring peptaibol from a Trichoderma species confirms that fragmentation of these two ionized species yields complementary information, useful in sequencing natural peptides. Inspection of the isotopic pattern of bn ions derived from [M+H]+ adducts of peptaibols provided insights into the sequences of microheterogeneous samples. This study reveals that the combined use of protonated and sodium ion adducts should prove useful in de novo sequencing of peptides, particularly of naturally occurring neutral peptides with modified N‐ and C‐termini, for example, peptaibols. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐term changes in carbon isotope composition of soluble carbohydrates and starch: from canopy leaves to the root system
Authors: Göttlicher Sabine , Knohl Alexander , Wanek Wolfgang , Buchmann Nina , Richter Andreas 
Published: January 2006

AbstractChanges in the 13C discrimination of current leaf photosynthesis might have profound impacts on root respiratory substrates. Therefore, the aim of this study was (1) to refine a method for the isolation of root and leaf starch and soluble sugars (neutral fraction) for stable carbon isotope analysis and (2) to assess the short‐term temporal variability of the C isotope composition (δ13C) of starch and of the neutral fraction of beech roots and leaves at different canopy heights. An existing method for isolating starch for stable C isotope analysis based on enzymatic hydrolysis was modified to account for the low starch content of the samples. This was achieved by removing the enzyme (α‐amylase) by ultrafiltration after the hydrolysis, resulting in very low carbon blanks. The neutral fraction was separated from organic acids and cations by ion‐exchange chromatography. An anion‐exchange resin in the [HCO3]−‐form was chosen that ensured high precision of C blanks. Beech leaves at 5, 10 and 20 m above the forest floor as well as roots were sampled six times during a day/night cycle in July 2003. δ13C values of bulk material, starch and the neutral fraction increased from the lower to the higher canopy with mean differences between 5 and 20 m of 3.8, 3.4 and 2.7‰ for the δ13C values of starch, neutral fraction and bulk foliage, respectively. The δ13C value of foliar starch increased from the morning to the afternoon and decreased during the night, but diurnal differences (up to 3.1‰) were only statistically significant for leaves sampled at 5 and 10 m height. In roots, no diurnal variation in the δ13C of starch was observed during the short time frame of one day and the δ13C of the neutral fraction did not differ between samples taken at 16:30 and 22:00. Calculated δ13C values of starch, which was mobilised during the night, were more positive than the total starch (all sampling times pooled) in leaves. Furthermore, the δ13C values of mobilised starch were approximately 5‰ more positive than that of the mobilised neutral fraction. Hence, the δ13C of potential sources for export from canopy leaves to roots varied considerably in their C isotope composition. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of static secondary ion mass spectrometry to study physicochemical interactions between organic components and silver in thermographic systems
Authors: De Mondt Roel , Van Vaeck Luc , Lenaerts Jens , Geuens Ingrid , Van Luppen Jaymes 
Published: January 2006

AbstractChemical engineering of high‐technology products requires elucidation of intermolecular interactions in complex materials. As part of an extensive study on thermographic systems, static secondary ion mass spectrometry (S‐SIMS) was used to probe the physicochemical behaviour of active compounds, such as different tone modifiers and stabilisers, on silver. In particular, the feasibility of detecting adsorption and/or binding of individual additives and mixtures to silver was examined. Substrates prepared by sputter coating silver on silicon wafers were exposed to solutions of the studied compounds in 2‐butanone. The signal intensities measured with S‐SIMS for the ad‐layers showed reproducibility to within 10%. Radical ions containing silver such as [M–H+Ag]+. were used as evidence for the formation of bonds in the solid. Also the [M–H+2Ag]+ ions could be assigned to chemisorbed species while [M+Ag]+ ions could be formed by adduct ionisation of molecules with co‐ejected Ag+ ions. The signal intensities of [M–H+Ag]+. and [M–H+2Ag]+ ions were used to monitor the adsorption quantitatively as a function of time. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nodes of large degree in random trees and forests
Authors: Gittenberger Bernhard 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe study the asymptotic behavior of the number Nk,n of nodes of given degree k in unlabeled random trees, when the tree size n and the node degree k both tend to infinity. It is shown that Nk,n is asymptotically normal if
${\bf E} N_{k,n}\to \infty$
and asymptotically Poisson distributed if ${\bf E} N_{k,n}\to C>0$. If ${\bf E} N_{k,n}\to0$, then the distribution degenerates. The same holds for rooted, unlabeled trees and forests. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2006
Surviving the gales of creative destruction: the determinants of product turnover
Authors: de Figueiredo John M. , Kyle Margaret K. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractInnovative industries are often characterized by rapid product turnover. Product longevity may be driven by both a product's position within a market as well as its position within a firm's larger product portfolio. However, we have little understanding of the relative importance of these factors in determining product turnover and how they interact as an industry evolves. Although researchers have invested substantial effort in analyzing firm survival and turnover, there are far fewer studies of the determinants of product survival and turnover. We use hazard rate models and count regression models to describe the behavior of firms and their products with a new and detailed database on the laser printer industry. We show, first, that competition and market structure variables have a large impact on both speeding product exit and delaying product entry. Second, there is some evidence that firms that have maintained a high market share for a number of years keep their products on the market longer than those with lower market share. Finally, firms with high innovative capacity tend to enter markets frequently, but withdraw their products at average rates. Firms with strong brands tend to introduce few products and withdraw their products slowly. With these findings, the paper links product entry and exit decisions to the broader literature on firm strategic and product management. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Business relatedness and performance: a study of managerial perceptions
Authors: Pehrsson Anders 
Published: January 2006

AbstractUnderstanding of business relatedness and performance effects is the foundation of any diversification decision, but we have limited knowledge of how managers consider relatedness. This study identified relatedness classes and performance effects using perceptual survey data from top industrial executives. Four classes with significant variable differences were found: high, technology, customer, and low relatedness. Technology relatedness had a strong positive performance effect and high relatedness had a negative effect. The findings confirm that perceptions are multidimensional, but may include five key factors rather than the previously identified attribute categories of product–markets, resources, and value chains. Contributions to diversification literature are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic profiles of chain‐breaking antioxidants with phosphites and hindered amine light stabilizers in styrene–ethylene–butadiene–styrene (SEBS) block copolymer
Authors: Luengo Cristina , Allen Norman S. , Wilkinson Arthur , Edge Michele , Parellada M. Dolores , Barrio Juan A. , Santa V. Ruiz 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe photostabilization of poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐b‐styrene) (SEBS) by phosphite/p‐hydroxybenzoate antioxidants and hindered phenol/hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) was studied by using a variety of spectroscopic methods, including FTIR, UV, and luminescence spectroscopy coupled with crosslinking and hydroperoxide analysis. The results were compared with those obtained for hindered phenols and their combinations with phosphite antioxidants. All the stabilizing packages stabilized the SEBS in terms of the inhibition of discoloration and the formation of hydroperoxides, acetophenone, and oxidation products, as well as chain scission and disaggregation of the styrene units. Although phosphite/p‐hydroxybenzoate combinations appeared to reduce the formation of oxidation products, they did not show any remarkable enhancement in long‐term stabilization with respect to phenolic/phosphite antioxidants. On the other hand, strong synergistic profiles were found with the HALS. Mobility and diffusion impediments in the polymeric material appeared to play an important role in the stabilizing activity of the HALS. J. VINYL. ADDIT. TECHNOL. 12:8–13, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of wood powder on polymer foam nucleation
Authors: Rodrigue Denis , Souici Slimane , Twite‐Kabamba Eddy 
Published: January 2006

AbstractIt is usually reported that wood particles in wood/polymer composite foams can act as nucleating sites. Since high wood contents are used, it is difficult to determine exactly the effect of wood particles. In this study, LDPE was chemically foamed in a twin‐screw extruder, and small amounts of wood (0–5 phr) were added to determine their effect. Particle size was investigated by using three mesh sizes: 45–61, 104–125, and 180–210 μm. As expected, wood particles acted as nucleating agents that substantially reduced cell size and increased cell density. J. VINYL. ADDIT. TECHNOL., 12:19–24, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Durability of glass‐fiber‐reinforced polymer nanocomposites in an alkaline environment
Authors: Ravindran Naveenkamal , Cho Eung Ha 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis study was conducted to determine the effect of clay content in GFRP (glass‐fiber‐reinforced polymer) composite samples as they were aged in an alkaline solution. Two kinds of GFRP composite samples were prepared. One was E‐glass‐fiber‐reinforced vinyl ester polymer, and the other was nano‐GFRP composites prepared with the addition of 1 and 2 wt% of montmorillonite clay to the polymer matrix. These samples were aged in alkaline solution of pH 13.2 with and without sustained load. The load was 1335 N or 18.7% of the tensile strength of the composite samples. The aging was evaluated by measuring the reduction in tensile strength after 6 months. Also, absorption of alkaline solution into the plain and nano‐GFRP samples was investigated so as to elucidate the diffusion behaviors. It was found that for a short exposure time (e.g. 1 month) and without sustained load, dispersing 2 wt% of the nanoclay in the polymer matrix of the GFRP samples reduces the diffusivity by 39%. However, with the application of sustained load, the glass fiber composite samples deteriorate more with increasing clay content. The reduction in tensile strength was 7.1%, 12.1%, and 18.1% for the samples containing 0, 1, and 2 wt% of clay, respectively. J. VINYL. ADDIT. TECHNOL., 12:25–32, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Complex regional pain syndrome in children and adolescents
Authors: Finniss Damien G. , Murphy Paul M. , Brooker Charles , Nicholas Michael K. , Cousins Michael J. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractComplex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disorder characterised by pain, sensory and motor disturbances and represents a significant medical entity. This report discusses two cases of CRPS in children and adolescents, highlighting several critical issues for clinicians in the diagnosis and management of CRPS in these populations. Early diagnosis, referral and appropriate intervention are essential in decreasing pain, suffering and resorting function for children and adolescents with CRPS.
Effects of photoperiod and exercise on growth, liver size, and age at puberty in farmed Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.)
Authors: Karlsen Ø. , Norberg B. , Kjesbu O.S. , Taranger G.L. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Sexual maturation in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) results in loss of appetite and weight during spawning, leads to increased production time required to reach desired harvest size, and results in greater mortality and reduced food conversion efficiency. Thus, methods to stop or delay maturation are urgently needed. In the present study, the effect of continuous light (LL) treatment on maturation was tested in combination with different exercise levels in seawater tanks compared with controls under natural light. LL treatment in lightproof tanks arrested gonadal development for at least 8 months. Exercising Atlantic cod by forcing them to swim with 0, 0.5, or 1 body length per second from the summer solstice had no effect on incidence of maturation either under natural light or under LL. Growth was enhanced in the LL groups compared with the NL groups, mainly as a result of the weight loss of the NL groups during spawning.
Genetic characteristics of broodstock collected from four Norwegian coastal cod (Gadus morhua) populations
Authors: Dahle G. , Jørstad K.E. , Rusaas H.E. , Otterå H. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The aquaculture industry in Norway is now focused on developing economically viable farming based on the Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. Extensive research has been carried out on this species for the past two decades, much of it in connection with stock enhancement. Until now, most of the intensive cage culture has been based on wild broodstock. However, a future cod aquaculture industry must be based on a domesticated broodstock, and the initial selection of wild cod becomes an important issue. Genetic differentiation between coastal cod populations in Norway has been reported, and it is of interest to evaluate offspring from some of these populations under farmed conditions. Live mature cod were collected at four selected spawning sites along the Norwegian coast (Porsangerfjord, Tysfjord, Herøy/Helgeland, and Øygarden). The fish were transported to Parisvatnet, a cod aquaculture facility west of Bergen, where they were kept in net pens. Individual tagging and extensive sampling (blood, white muscle, and fin clips) for genetic characterization were carried out. Each potential broodstock fish was genotyped at the haemoglobin and pantophysin I loci in addition to five allozyme (LDH-3∗, GPD∗, IDH-2∗, PGM∗, PGI-1∗) and ten microsatellite loci (Gmo2, Gmo3, Gmo8, Gmo19, Gmo34, Gmo35, Gmo36, Gmo37, Gmo132, Tch11). Comparison of allele frequencies revealed significant genetic differences among some of the coastal cod samples, and offspring performance of the broodstock is now being compared under farmed conditions. The overall test revealed significant genetic differences among the coastal broodstocks, with the HbI, PanI and the microsatellite Gmo132 loci being most informative.
Improving availability of EmOC services in Rwanda — CARE's experiences and lessons learned at Kabgayi Referral Hospital
Authors: Kayongo M. , Butera J. , Mboninyibuka D. , Nyiransabimana B. , Ntezimana A. , Mukangamuje V. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjectiveCARE's work in Rwanda was designed to improve the functional capacity of health facilities for the delivery of EmOC services.ObjectiveThe project supported a comprehensive package of focused interventions that included hospital renovations, provision of essential equipment, training of staff and improvement of management systems at the Kabgayi regional referral hospital.ResultsThere was an increased level of preparedness for emergencies and ability to manage common obstetric complications according to evidence‐based practices. These changes ultimately led to increased availability, quality and use of services as demonstrated by an increase in the demand for care of obstetric complications at the facility. The met need increased from 16% at the start of the project (2001) to 25% in 2004, while the cesarean rate remained essentially the same (1.9% and 3.2%) over the same time period. There were progressive declines in the case fatality rates from 2.2% in 2001 to 1.2% in 2004.ConclusionCARE's experience indicates that progress towards reducing maternal mortality requires specific efforts that support and strengthen existing health systems to provide skilled care that can save women's lives.
‘Choose and Book’ in ENT: the GP perspective
Authors: Pothier David , Awad Zaid , Tierney Paul 
Published: January 2006

Objectives: ‘Choose and Book’ is a UK government initiative devised to allow a greater freedom of choice for National Health Service patients. The system is designed to give patients a choice of hospitals and appointment times, as well as giving their general practitioner (GP) more responsibility for appropriate prioritization. We set out to determine the attitudes of UK GPs to the new Choose and Book project and to assess the impact that these changes are likely to have on ENT practice.Design: Postal questionnaire survey.Methods: Five hundred GPs were sent a questionnaire about the planned Choose and Book referral project.Results: Three hundred and eighty GPs (76 per cent) replied to the questionnaire after reminders were sent. Most were aware of the project and had been sent information about it. Of those who had heard of it, 61.5 per cent did not think it was a good thing. Most stated that both they and their patients were satisfied with current prioritization practices. Many GPs would be willing to delegate responsibility for prioritization to non-clinical staff. Important time and responsibility issues were identified.Conclusions: The majority of GPs were not in favour of Choose and Book. Many cited difficulties with time constraints and an inflexible system as factors that made Choose and Book unacceptable.
Role of revision adenoidectomy in paediatric otolaryngological practice
Authors: Liapi A , Dhanasekar G , Turner N O 
Published: January 2006

Objectives: We aimed to determine the need for revision adenoidectomy following the standard technique of blind curettage with digital palpation.Methods: Within a district general hospital, we undertook a retrospective study of 3231 children who underwent adenoidectomy between 1996 and 2003, 53 of whom required revision adenoidectomy. The main outcome measure was the number of children needing revision adenoidectomy.Results: A total of 53 children required a repeated operation for recurrence of symptoms (1.6 per cent); of these, 42 were for treatment of glue ear, five were for nasal symptoms and six were for adenoidal infection.Conclusion: Adenoidectomy performed without vision may be one of the reasons for recurrence of symptoms. Residual adenoids are acknowledged in the literature as one of the complications of the traditional technique. We highlight the fact that the need for revision adenoidectomy is not uncommon and suggest that we should improve our surgical technique in the UK by visualization of the postnasal space either by a mirror or an endoscope.
Primary neuroblastoma: a rare cause of a retropharyngeal mass in a neonate
Authors: Jonas Nicolaas E , Thandar Mohammed , Pitcher Richard , Fagan Johannes J 
Published: January 2006

Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid malignancy in children and the most common tumour occurring during infancy. This tumour arises from undifferentiated precursor cells of the sympathetic nervous system. The abdomen (65 per cent) is the most common site for these tumours, followed by the throat (15 per cent), pelvis (5 per cent) and cervical region (5 per cent).We report a case of primary retropharyngeal neuroblastoma in a three-week-old baby boy presenting with upper airway obstruction