bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solid‐state IR–LD spectroscopic and theoretical analysis of arginine‐containing peptides
Authors: Kolev Tsonko 
Published: April 2006

AbstractStructural prediction and IR‐characteristic bands assignment of arginine‐containing tri‐ and tetrapeptides glycyl‐glycyl‐arginine (GGArg) and glycyl‐glycyl‐arginyl‐alanine (GGArgAla) have been carried out, using linear‐dichroic infrared (IR–LD) spectroscopy of oriented solid‐samples in a nematic liquid crystal suspension. Spectroscopic data have been supported with ab initio analysis (Hartree–Fock level of theory and 6‐31++G** basis set). Predicted geometry parameters have been compared with known crystallographic ones of similar peptides, indicating a good correlation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83: 39–45, 2006This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Web‐based virtual torsion laboratory
Authors: Bhargava Peeyush , Antonakakis John , Cunningham Christine , Zehnder Alan T. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAn emerging change across the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum is the implementation of online, or virtual laboratories as supplements or replacements to both homework assignments and laboratory exercises. To test the effectiveness of such labs, a web‐based virtual laboratory on the topic of torsion of engineered and biological materials was developed. The lab contains extensive data sets, videos of experiments, narrated presentations on lab practice and theory and assignments. Flexibility of use is built into the lab by providing the capability for the web‐pages to be tailored to the needs of a particular institution. The lab was implemented and evaluated in a standard, sophomore level statics, and strength of materials course. Results of the evaluation show that the virtual lab is clear, helped students with their understanding of torsion concepts, and offered a number of benefits. However students also rated hands‐on labs to be more fun and more interesting. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 14: 1–8, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20061
IMELS: An e‐learning platform for industrial engineering
Authors: Lau H. Y. K. , Mak K. L. , Ma Helen 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAn Interactive Multimedia E‐Learning System (IMELS) is developed to provide a comprehensive problem‐based learning environment for the discipline of industrial engineering. This article gives an overview of the design of this interactive multimedia e‐learning system that facilitates the interactive, web‐based teaching and learning of industrial engineering via a problem‐based learning paradigm. To demonstrate the functionality of the system, one of the case problems that is incorporated in the system—the performance of system analysis of a production operation of a “virtual company” is presented. Through this example, the article highlights the characteristics of the system provides and discusses the significance of the features delivered by the IMELS. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 14: 53–63, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20067
Enhanced Activity and Selectivity in Cyclohexane Autoxidation by Inert H‐Bond Acceptor Catalysts
Authors: Hermans Ive , Peeters Jozef , Jacobs Pierre A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractHerein, we demonstrate that the chain‐initiating dissociation of cyclohexyl hydroperoxide, CyOOH, is substantially accelerated by H‐bond acceptors (e.g. Teflon), which assist OO bond breaking by stabilising the leaving ⋅OH radical. This is a completely new approach to boost the chain‐propagating radical concentration. Indeed, up to now, literature has remained focussed on transition metal catalysis. In addition to this initiation effect, we demonstrate how inert perfluorinated compounds are also able to steer the selectivity at the molecular level, by promoting the conversion of the intermediate cyclohexyl hydroperoxide to the most desired end‐product, cyclohexanone. This effect is explained by an enhanced, H‐bond‐assisted, hydroperoxide propagation. This hitherto overlooked hydroperoxide propagation was recently presented by us as the dominant cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol source. We herein thus confirm our previously reported autoxidation scheme, and illustrate its usefulness as a solid basis for designing new catalytic systems.
Effect of word and syllable frequency on activation during lexical decision and reading aloud
Authors: Carreiras Manuel , Mechelli Andrea , Price Cathy J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis functional MRI (fMRI) study investigated the effect of lexical and syllable frequency on visual word processing during lexical decision and reading aloud. Previous research has shown a dissociation of syllable and word frequency effects in Spanish using behavioral and electrophysiological measures, suggesting that sublexical (syllabic) representations are computed and mediate the firing of lexical candidates. Here, we characterize the neuroanatomical basis of these lexical and sublexical manipulations and their dependence on task. During lexical decision, words with low vs. high lexical frequency increased activation in left frontal, anterior cingulate, supplemental motor area (SMA), and pre‐SMA regions; while words with high vs. low syllable frequency increased activation in a left anterior inferior temporal region. In contrast, when the words were read aloud those with low vs. high syllable frequency increased activation in the left anterior insula, with no other significant effects. On the basis of the neuroanatomy, we propose that the contrasting effects of syllable frequency during lexical decision and reading aloud reflect two different cognitive processes in visual word processing. Specifically, words with high‐frequency syllables may increase lexical competition in the inferior temporal lobe while facilitating articulatory planning in the left anterior insula. Hum Brain Mapp, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐assembling peptides as injectable lubricants for osteoarthritis
Authors: Bell Carol J. , Carrick Lisa M. , Katta Jayanth , Jin Zhongmin , Ingham Eileen , Aggeli Amalia , Boden Neville , Waigh Thomas A. , Fisher John 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe self‐assembly of peptides is explored as an alternative route towards the development of new injectable joint lubricants for osteoarthritis (OA). The versatility of the peptide chemistry allows the incorporation of behavior reminiscent of hyaluronic acid (HA), while the triggered in situ self‐assembly provides easy delivery of the samples by injection due to the low viscosity of the peptide solutions (that are initially monomeric). Using design criteria based on the chemical properties of HA, a range of de novo peptides were prepared with systematic alterations of charge and hydrophilicity that self‐assembled into nematic fluids and gels in physiological solution conditions. The frictional characteristics of the peptides were evaluated using cartilage on cartilage sliding contacts along with their rheological characteristics. Peptide P11‐9, whose molecular, mesoscopic, and rheological properties most closely resembled HA was found to be the most effective lubricant amongst the peptides. In healthy static and dynamic friction testing (corresponding to healthy joints) P11‐9 at 20–40 mg/mL performed similar to HA at 10 mg/mL. In friction tests with damaged cartilage (corresponding to early stage OA) P11‐9 was a less efficient lubricant than HA, but still the best among all the peptides tested. The results indicate that de novo self‐assembling peptides could be developed as an alternate therapeutic lubricant for early stage OA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Enhanced DNA vaccine potency by mannosylated lipoplex after intraperitoneal administration
Authors: Hattori Yoshiyuki , Kawakami Shigeru , Lu Yan , Nakamura Kazumi , Yamashita Fumiyoshi , Hashida Mitsuru 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundHere we describe a novel DNA vaccine formulation that can enhance cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity through efficient gene delivery to dendritic cells (DCs) by mannose receptor‐mediated endocytosis.MethodsOvalbumin (OVA) was selected as a model antigen for vaccination; accordingly, OVA‐encoding pDNA (pCMV‐OVA) was constructed to evaluate DNA vaccination. Mannosylated cationic liposomes (Man‐liposomes) were prepared using cholesten‐5‐yloxy‐N‐{4‐[(1‐imino‐2‐D‐thiomannosylethyl)amino]butyl}formamide (Man‐C4‐Chol) with cationic lipid. The potency of the mannosylated liposome/pCMV‐OVA complex (Man‐lipoplex) was evaluated by measuring OVA mRNA in CD11c+cells, CTL activity, and the OVA‐specific anti‐tumor effect afterin vivoadministration.ResultsAnin vitrostudy using DC2.4 cells demonstrated that Man‐liposomes could transfect pCMV‐OVA more efficiently than cationic liposomes via mannose receptor‐mediated endocytosis.In vivostudies revealed that the Man‐lipoplex exhibited higher OVA mRNA expression in CD11c+cells in the spleen and peritoneal cavity and provided a stronger OVA‐specific CTL response than intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the conventional lipoplex and intramuscular (i.m.) administration of naked pCMV‐OVA, the standard protocol for DNA vaccination. Pre‐immunization with the Man‐lipoplex provided much better OVA‐specific anti‐tumor effect than naked pCMV‐OVA via the i.m. route.ConclusionsThese results suggested thatin vivoactive targeting of DNA vaccine to DCs with Man‐lipoplex might prove useful for the rational design of DNA vaccine. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fecal cytokines and markers of intestinal inflammation in international travelers with diarrhea due to Noroviruses
Authors: Ko GwangPyo , Jiang Zhi‐Dong , Okhuysen Pablo C. , DuPont Herbert L. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe intestinal immune and inflammatory responses of Norovirus (NoV) are poorly defined. The objective of this study was to investigate fecal cytokine and lactoferrin profiles in response to NoV gastroenteritis in travelers. Both fecal cytokines and fecal lactoferrin were measured for NoV‐associated diarrhea (N = 7), mixed infection of NoV and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)‐associated diarrhea (N = 10) and in pathogen‐negative diarrhea cases (N = 19). Both IL‐2 and IFN‐γ were significantly increased in NoV‐associated diarrhea specimens, suggesting a predominant Th1 immune response to NoV infection in the gut. When a mixed infection of NoV and ETEC occurred, a combined Th1/Th2 response was observed suggesting a dual immune response secondary to infection by both pathogens. Intestinal inflammation associated with increased fecal lactoferrin, important in bacterial enteric infection, was not found in NoV‐associated gastroenteritis. J. Med. Virol. 78:825–828, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parametric Analysis of the Intermediate Concentration in a RAFT Polymerization and its Influence upon the Polymerization Kinetics
Authors: Butté Alessandro , Peklak A. David 
Published: April 2006

AbstractSummary: A kinetic analysis of living/controlled radical polymerizations in bulk mediated by RAFT is presented. The main objective is to show how the kinetics of the RAFT process and, in particular, of the RAFT intermediate radical is affecting the overall polymerization rate. Namely, three different cases are analyzed: (i) slow fragmentation of the RAFT intermediate; (ii) cross‐termination of the RAFT intermediate with other radicals; and (iii) slow re‐initiation of the RAFT agent leaving group. Simplified analytical formulas are derived for the time‐dependent concentrations of the involved species as well as for conversion. They are supported by numerical simulations and are qualitatively compared to literature experimental findings. Criteria are also given to judge the influence of the RAFT reaction kinetic rate constants on the different phenomena observed experimentally in RAFT polymerization, namely inhibition and retardation. Since these criteria are given by using non‐dimensional groups, they can be readily applied to a broad spectrum of experimental conditions.Logarithmic non‐dimensional concentration for the radicals (r) and intermediate radicals (q) versus the non‐dimensional polymerization time ($\tau$).magnified imageLogarithmic non‐dimensional concentration for the radicals (r) and intermediate radicals (q) versus the non‐dimensional polymerization time ($\tau$).
Intensive extracorporeal photochemotherapy in pediatric patients with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD)
Authors: Duzovali Oznur , Chan Ka Wah 
Published: April 2006

AbstractExtracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) is an alternative treatment approach in the management of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD). However, few reports have investigated the optimal treatment schedule of ECP. We treated seven pediatric patients with steroid‐resistant or ‐dependent cGVHD with ECP. Using the Therakos UVAR XTS system, ECP was begun three (three patients) or five (four patients) times a week initially. Complete and partial responses were obtained in three patients. Three of seven patients died of GVHD‐related complications. In this group initial intensive ECP did not improve the rate of response. However, this schedule appeared well tolerated. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:218–221. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An easy and rapid method using microscopy to determine herbicide effects in Poaceae weed species
Authors: Hjorth Maibritt , Mondolot Laurence , Buatois Bruno , Andary Claude , Rapior Sylvie , Kudsk Per , Mathiassen Solvejg K , Ravn Helle W 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA new, easy, rapid and relatively inexpensive method using microscopy has been developed for the detection of herbicide effects in leaves of grass weed species displaying no visual signs of damage. The method has potential to be used as a tool to indicate future death of grass species due to herbicide exposure by observing phytochemical effects, i.e. early‐warning effects. In the present study, Apera spica‐venti (L.) Beauv., Bromus hordeaceus L., Alopecurus myosuroides Huds., Lolium perenne L. and Poa annua L. were exposed to lethal rates of four herbicides with different mode of action. The herbicides investigated were the thiocarbamate: prosulfocarb, the sulfonylurea: iodosulfuron, the aryloxyphenoxypropionate: fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl and the organophosphate glyphosate. Autofluorescence of leaves was studied under a microscope using ultraviolet and blue light. The fluorescence of leaves treated to enhance flavonoids was also examined. To confirm the results, microspectrofluorometry was performed. Effects indicating future death of the grasses were observed in visually healthy leaves following treatment with prosulfocarb, glyphosate and iodosulfuron. No changes were detected following treatment with fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl. After exposure to glyphosate or iodosulfuron, changes in the content of flavonoids and other compounds with a conjugation system and rigid structure and a decrease in the content of chlorophyll were detected in the leaves. Prosulfocarb treatment resulted in changes in the content of flavonoids and other compounds with a conjugation system and rigid structure and an increase in the content of chlorophyll in the leaves. The results obtained from microspectrofluorometry indicated that exposure to prosulfocarb caused a reduction in the flavonoids quercetin, naringenin and/or naringin. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Uncalibrated modelling of conservative tracer and pesticide leaching to groundwater: comparison of potential Tier II exposure assessment models
Authors: Fox Garey A , Sabbagh George J , Chen Wenlin , Russell Mark H 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM) and Pesticide Root Zone Model (PRZM) are currently being considered by the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) for Tier II screening of pesticide leaching to groundwater (November 2005). The objective of the present research was to compare RZWQM and PRZM based on observed conservative tracer and pesticide pore water and soil concentrations collected in two unique groundwater leaching studies in North Carolina and Georgia. These two sites had been used previously by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Environmental Model Validation Task Force (EMVTF) in the validation of PRZM. As in the FIFRA EMVTF PRZM validation, ‘cold’ modelling using input parameters based on EPA guidelines/databases and ‘site‐specific’ modelling using field‐measured soil and hydraulic parameters were performed with a recently released version of RZWQM called RZWQM‐NAWQA (National Water Quality Assessment). Model calibration was not performed for either the ‘cold’ or ‘site‐specific’ modelling. The models were compared based on predicted pore water and soil concentrations of bromide and pesticides throughout the soil profile. Both models tended to predict faster movement through the soil profile than observed. Based on a quantitative normalised objective function (NOF), RZWQM‐NAWQA generally outperformed or was equivalent to PRZM in simulating pore water and soil concentrations. Both models were more successful in predicting soil concentrations (i.e. NOF < 1.0 for site‐specific data, which satisfies site‐specific applicability) than they were at predicting pore water concentrations. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
A Review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.)
Authors: McKay Diane L. , Blumberg Jeffrey B. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractChamomile (Matricaria recutita L., Chamomilla recutita L., Matricaria chamomilla) is one of the most popular single ingredient herbal teas, or tisanes. Chamomile tea, brewed from dried flower heads, has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes. Evidence‐based information regarding the bioactivity of this herb is presented. The main constituents of the flowers include several phenolic compounds, primarily the flavonoids apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, luteolin and their glucosides. The principal components of the essential oil extracted from the flowers are the terpenoids α‐bisabolol and its oxides and azulenes, including chamazulene. Chamomile has moderate antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and significant antiplatelet activity in vitro. Animal model studies indicate potent antiinflammatory action, some antimutagenic and cholesterol‐lowering activities, as well as antispasmotic and anxiolytic effects. However, human studies are limited, and clinical trials examining the purported sedative properties of chamomile tea are absent. Adverse reactions to chamomile, consumed as a tisane or applied topically, have been reported among those with allergies to other plants in the daisy family, i.e. Asteraceae or Compositae. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A centralized approach to tandem mass spectrometry method development for high‐throughput ADME screening
Authors: Whalen Kevin , Gobey Jason , Janiszewski John 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA centralized approach to acquisition and dissemination of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) conditions within an ADME‐screening bioanalytical mass spectrometry group has been developed. The method development process uses two automated software products (Autoscan and Automaton) specifically designed for mass spectrometers manufactured by MDS Sciex. Both provide the ability to quickly determine selected reaction monitoring (SRM) transitions for hundreds of compounds per day. In addition, Autoscan determines optimal polarity and collision energy (CE). Automaton also determines the optimal declustering potential (DP) as well as the CE. The resulting optimized conditions are loaded into a central database for access by LC/MS/MS bioanalysis workstations in the group. The effect of DP and CE on the sensitivity was investigated. Optimization of DP improved signal response about 27% on average. For approximately 10% of compounds, signal enhancement was greater than 50% compared to the generic setting. A generic setting of DP = 25 V can be used for the majority of ADME‐screening applications. Optimization of CE can have a much larger impact on signal intensity and a minimum of three CE settings should be tested. We have determined that CE values of 1, 30 and 45 V provide adequate coverage for most small molecule drug discovery analytes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photocatalytic degradation of phenyl‐urea herbicides chlortoluron and chloroxuron: characterization of the by‐products by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Amorisco A. , Losito I. , Carbonara T. , Palmisano F. , Zambonin P.G. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe first stages of the photocatalytic degradation of the compounds chlortoluron [3‐(3‐chloro‐4‐methylphenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea] and chloroxuron [3‐[4‐(4‐chlorophenoxy)phenyl]‐1,1‐dimethylurea], belonging to the class of phenyl‐urea herbicides, were investigated using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐IT‐MS/MS). Degradation was accomplished under solar radiation, using TiO2 embedded into a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) transparent matrix as a heterogeneous photocatalyst. Aliquots of the chlorinated herbicide solutions were withdrawn at different times and subjected to gradient elution, reversed‐phase HPLC separations, specifically optimized to obtain the highest resolution between peaks related to the herbicide degradation by‐products. The latter were then investigated using MS detection; in particular, MS/MS measurements were made and structural information was obtained from the interpretation of fragmentation data. Several by‐products were identified; the most important ones are hydroxylated compounds arising from the interaction between the two chlorinated herbicides and OH radicals generated at the TiO2 surface under irradiation. Other by‐products were generated by slightly different processes, namely demethylation, dearylation and dechlorination, eventually followed by interaction with OH radicals. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.