bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution channels for New Zealand outbound tourism
Authors: Reid Laurel , Pearce Douglas G. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper examines outbound travel distribution channels from a national market perspective exploring the case of New Zealand. In particular, the paper analyses the structure of the industry, intermediary patterns of sourcing, distributing and promoting as well as trends and challenges. Consistent with global trends, consolidation and vertical integration are pronounced structural features, and technological change along with evolving customer preferences and travel patterns have fostered increased multichannel distribution with online channels complementing traditional trade outlets. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organized Shells on Clay Nanotubes for Controlled Release of Macromolecules
Authors: Veerabadran Nalinkanth G. , Mongayt Dmitriy , Torchilin Vladimir , Price Ronald R. , Lvov Yuri M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe use of tubular halloysite clay as a nanotemplate for layer‐by‐layer (LbL) shell assembly and its utilization for controlled release of drug macromolecules are studied. The LbL nanoshell allowed additional control for the sustained release of drug loaded halloysite tubes. The number of polymeric layers in the shell and molecular weight of the assembled polymers influences the drug release rate. Three bilayer shells of chitosan and gelatin of 15 nm thicknesses gave the best encapsulation and retardation in the release rate of dexamethasone. An encapsulation of the macromolecules inside the lumen of the biocompatible clay nanotubes coupled with the polyelectrolyte shell formation provides a novel formulation for the controlled release of bioactive agents.magnified image
Glycomic analysis by capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry
Authors: Mechref Yehia , Novotny Milos V. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe occurrence of multiple glycosylation sites on a protein, together with the number of glycan structures which could potentially be associated with each site (microheterogeneity) often leads to a large number of structural combinations. These structural variations increase with the molecular size of a protein, thus contributing to the complexity of glycosylation patterns. Resolving such fine structural differences has been instrumentally difficult. The degree of glycoprotein microheterogeneity has been analytically challenging in the identification of unique glycan structures that can be crucial to a distinct biological function. Despite the wealth of information provided by the most powerful mass spectrometric (MS) and tandem MS techniques, they are not able to readily identify isomeric structures. Although various separation methods provide alternatives for the analysis of glycan pools containing isomeric structures, capillary electrophoresis (CE) is often the method of choice for resolving closely related glycan structures because of its unmatched separation efficiency. It is thus natural to consider combining CE with the MS‐based technologies. This review describes the utility of different CE approaches in the structural characterization of glycoproteins, and discusses the feasibility of their interface to mass spectrometry. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 28:207–222, 2009
Transcription destabilizes triplet repeats
Authors: Lin Yunfu , Hubert Leroy , Wilson John H. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTriplet repeat expansion is the molecular basis for several human diseases. Intensive studies using systems in bacteria, yeast, flies, mammalian cells, and mice have provided important insights into the molecular processes that are responsible for mediating repeat instability. The age‐dependent, ongoing repeat instability in somatic tissues, especially in terminally differentiated neurons, strongly suggests a robust role for pathways that are independent of DNA replication. Several genetic studies have indicated that transcription can play a critical role in repeat instability, potentially providing a basis for the instability observed in neurons. Transcription‐induced repeat instability can be modulated by several DNA repair proteins, including those involved in mismatch repair (MMR) and transcription‐coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC‐NER). Though the mechanism is unclear, it is likely that transcription facilitates the formation of repeat‐specific secondary structures, which act as intermediates to trigger DNA repair, eventually leading to changes in the length of the repeat tract. In addition, other processes associated with transcription can also modulate repeat instability, as shown in a variety of different systems. Overall, the mechanisms underlying repeat instability in humans are unexpectedly complicated. Because repeat‐disease genes are widely expressed, transcription undoubtedly contributes to the repeat instability observed in many diseases, but it may be especially important in nondividing cells. Transcription‐induced instability is likely to involve an extensive interplay not only of the core transcription machinery and DNA repair proteins, but also of proteins involved in chromatin remodeling, regulation of supercoiling, and removal of stalled RNA polymerases, as well as local DNA sequence effects. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ursolic acid inhibits IL‐1β or TNF‐α‐induced C6 glioma invasion through suppressing the association ZIP/p62 with PKC‐ζ and downregulating the MMP‐9 expression
Authors: Huang Hsiu‐Chen , Huang Chien‐Yu , Lin‐Shiau Shoei‐Yn , Lin Jen‐Kun 
Published: October 2008

AbstractUrsolic acid (UA), a constant constituent of Rosmarinus officinalis extracts, is a triterpenoid compound which has been shown to have antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. In the present study, we found that UA was able to reduce interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) or tumor necrosis‐alpha (TNF‐α)‐induced rat C6 glioma cell invasion, which was examined by a reconstituted basement membrane in a set of transwell chambers. However, the inhibitory effect of UA did not influence cell proliferation or cause cell cytotoxity. The results analyzed by zymography assay and Western blotting revealed that the activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) was eliminated by UA in a dose‐dependent manner. Because MMP‐9 is the target gene of the transcription factor nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB), we further investigated the effect of UA on the activity of NF‐κB. As expected, UA upregulated the levels of IkappaBalpha (IκBα) and attenuated the nuclear translocation of p65. Furthermore, UA suppressed the IL‐1β or TNF‐α‐induced activation of protein kinase C‐zeta (PKC‐ζ). Our data showed UA potently inhibited the association of ZIP/p62 and PKC‐ζ. Taken together, we demonstrated that UA could efficiently inhibit the interaction of ZIP/p62 and PKC‐ζ. It also further suppressed the activation of NF‐κB and downregulation of the MMP‐9 protein, which in turn contributed to its inhibitory effects on IL‐1β or TNF‐α‐induced C6 glioma cell invasion. These results all showcase the potential UA has in the chemoprevention and treatment of cancer metastasis and invasion. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of unilateral tremor in autosomal dominant essential tremor
Authors: Phibbs Fenna , Fang John Y. , Cooper Michael K. , Charles David P. , Davis Thomas L. , Hedera Peter 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe presence of bilateral arm tremor is a key diagnostic feature of essential tremor (ET). We analyzed the presence of unilateral arm tremor in familial ET cohort of 133 autosomal dominant ET kindreds with 412 affected individuals. Inclusion criteria in patients with unilateral arm postural and/or kinetic tremor required the duration of tremor for at least 5 years, without hypokinetic‐rigid syndrome, dystonic posturing, or history of sudden onset of tremor. Only subjects with at least one living first degree relative who met diagnostic criteria for definite ET were included. Eighteen subjects met the inclusion criteria and five had postural tremor only, while the majority (13/18) had a combination of postural and kinetic tremor. Our data shows that unilateral tremor associated with ET is relatively rare and can be identified in 4.4% patients in a cohort of familial ET. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of Dutch patients with early onset Parkinson's disease
Authors: Macedo Maria G. , Verbaan Dagmar , Fang Yue , van Rooden Stephanie M. , Visser Martine , Anar Burcu , Uras Antonella , Groen Justus L. , Rizzu Patrizia , van Hilten Jacobus J. , Heutink Peter 
Published: October 2008

AbstractEarly onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) has been associated with mutations in the Parkin, DJ‐1, PINK1, LRRK2, and SNCA genes. The aim of this study is to assess the contribution of these genes in a Dutch EOPD cohort and the phenotypic characteristics of the mutation carriers. A total of 187 unrelated Dutch EOPD patients (age at onset ≤ 50 years) were phenotyped and screened for mutations in all exons of Parkin, DJ‐1, and PINK1 by direct sequencing and gene dosage analysis. Additionally, analysis of the A30P mutation and exon dosage of SNCA and sequencing of exons 19,31,35,38,41, and 48 of LRRK2 was performed. Pathogenic variations could explain disease in 4% (7 of 187) of the patients including five patients carrying homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in Parkin, one with a novel homozygous deletion in DJ‐1 (P158Del) and one with a heterozygous mutation in LRRK2 (T2356I). We found seven novel mutations. The phenotypic characteristics of mutation carriers varied widely, comparable to the variability seen in sporadic EOPD. Parkin is the most frequently mutated gene in this EOPD cohort, followed by DJ‐1, PINK1 and LRRK2. The low overall mutation frequency indicates that the extrapolation of mutation frequencies from other populations should be applied with caution. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
An observing system simulation experiment for the study on attenuation of C‐band radar measurements
Authors: Molini L. , Parodi A. , Siccardi F. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA new radar simulation model based on a three‐dimensional polarimetric radar simulator model (RSM‐POL) coupled with a very high resolution cloud resolving model is presented. RSM‐POL is able to model reflectivity measurements by using some numerically‐generated meteorological fields as input: temperature, pressure, water vapour content, cloud water content, cloud ice content and rain, snow and graupel sedimentation fluxes and the number density intercept parameter No for each precipitating species. In this study, the radar simulation model is applied to assess the influence of attenuation on radar measurements at C‐band and its effect (1) in the computation of rainfall rate, (2) vertical profile of reflectivity and (3) in the retrieval of microphysical parameters. At the present time, the importance of radar data assimilation in numerical weather prediction models is continuously growing, the latter two points appear to be a fundamental research issue and a rigorous approach able to separate the contribution of different causes is needed as a starting point for developing correction algorithms. Results obtained on an idealized deep convective meteorological scenario, run at very high horizontal resolution (500 m), are presented. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Observational verification of urban surface roughness parameters derived from morphological models
Authors: Liu Gang , Sun Jianning , Jiang Weimei 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis study focuses on how to verify the aerodynamic roughness parameters in an urban area by using observational data collected in the roughness sub‐layer. Anemometrical observations were made in the downtown area of Nanjing, China, in summer and winter. Data were collected using both slow and fast response anemometers mounted on a 36 m tower. The friction velocity was observed just above the top of the urban canopy layer, which is at the height of 19.7 m, while the mean wind speed was observed at a relatively low level that is generally thought to be in the roughness sub‐layer, of which the top usually ranges from 2 to 5 times the height of the urban canopy layer. The results of the measurements show that the dimensionless friction velocities (normalized by the mean wind speed at an upper level) maintain approximately a constant (0.20) and the fluctuations are small ( ± 0.02) in a period of 21 days. The results imply that the similarity relation for the mean wind profile is still valid and that the effect of stratification is negligibly small in the urban roughness sub‐layer.Based on the measurement results, the logarithmic wind profile was applied to verify the aerodynamic roughness parameters empirically derived from four morphological models: the rule of thumb (Rt) method, the Bottema (Ba) method, the Macdonald (Ma) method and the Raupach (Ra) method. The results show that they are not very different from each other. The good performance of the Rt method may be due to the fact that the distribution of buildings in the study area is regular. The Ba and Ra methods are likely to be better since they can give reasonable estimates of roughness parameters. Evidence indicates that the Ma method underestimates the roughness length. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
29Si13C spin–spin couplings over an SiOCsp3 link
Authors: Sýkora Jan , Blechta Vratislav , Soukupová Ludmila , Schraml Jan 
Published: October 2008

Abstract29Si13C spin–spin couplings over one, two, and three bonds as well as other NMR parameters [δ(29Si), δ(13C), δ(1H), 1J(13C1H), and 2J(29SiC1H)] were calculated and measured for a series of trimethylsilylated alcohols of the types Me3SiO(CH2)nCH3 and Me3SiOCH3−nRn(n = 03; R = Me, Ph, or Vi). The signs of the coupling constants determined for selected compounds can likely be extended to all such compounds, as supported by theoretical calculations. Similar to couplings between other pairs of nuclei, the 2‐bond and 3‐bond 29SiO13C couplings are of opposite signs (2J > 0 and 3J < 0), and their relative magnitudes depend on the extent of branching at the α‐carbon. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the prognostic factors for overactive bladder symptoms following surgical treatment in patients with benign prostatic obstruction
Authors: Seki Narihito , Yuki Kohei , Takei Mineo , Yamaguchi Akito , Naito Seiji 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAimsTo identify the prognostic variables concerning the improvement of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) related symptoms following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO).MethodsA retrospective review was conducted in 298 patients with BPO who had undergone TURP. All patients had completed the preoperative evaluations including OAB related symptoms and full urodynamics, as well as symptomatic assessment postoperatively. OAB related symptoms were defined by the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaires (questions 2, 4 and 7 stand for frequency, urgency and nocturia). They were divided into three categories based on an individual score ≧3 for on urgency, frequency and nocturia in the preoperative state. The association between the baseline variables and the improvement in each symptom score was analyzed.ResultsA multivariate analysis suggested that the baseline degree of detrusor contractility was consistently associated with the improvement in each OAB symptom (The odds ratio in normal/weak detrusor: 9.5, 3.4, 3.0 for score on urgency, frequency and nocturia, respectively). Both the patient's age (Odds ratio: 0.93) and the maximum flow rate (Odds ratio: 0.20) influenced the improvement in the score on nocturia.ConclusionThe observation of a positive and consistent correlation between the baseline degree of detrusor contractility and the improvement in OAB related symptoms, suggests that good detrusor contractility is essential for the symptomatic benefits after the surgical relief of bladder outlet obstruction. Aging males with good urinary flow rates appear to experience a reduced improvement of nocturia symptoms after undergoing TURP. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:197–201, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simulated childbirth injuries in an inbred rat strain
Authors: Woo Lynn L. , Hijaz Adonis , Pan Hui Q. , Kuang Mei , Rackley Raymond R. , Damaser Margot S. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAimsVaginal distension (VD) in outbred rats has been shown to decrease urethral resistance, as well as increase the expression of the stem cell‐homing chemokine, monocyte chemotactic factor 3 (MCP‐3), but not stromal derived factor 1 (SDF‐1). The aim of this study was to determine if similar responses are induced by VD in an inbred rat strain.MethodsForty female Lewis rats underwent VD or sham VD followed by leak point pressure (LPP) testing 4 or 10 days later. Ten additional rats served as controls. The urethra and vagina were then dissected for histology. To examine chemokine expression, eight additional rats underwent VD with organs harvested immediately or 1 day after the procedure for reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) of MCP‐3 and SDF‐1. Four age‐matched rats served as controls.ResultsFour days after VD, LPP was significantly lower in VD rats (14.3 ± 1.6 cmH2O) than controls (18.7 ± 1.3 cmH2O). Ten days after VD, LPP in both VD (19.7 ± 2.6 cmH2O) and sham (18.4 ± 1.3 cmH2O) groups was not significantly different from controls. Urethral histology demonstrated marked disruption and atrophy of smooth and striated muscle in VD rats compared to shams and controls. RT‐PCR yielded a 25‐fold significant increase in expression of urethral MCP‐3 immediately following VD. SDF‐1 was significantly decreased in the urethra and vagina immediately after VD and in the bladder 24 hr after VD.ConclusionVD in Lewis rats produces functional, histological and molecular results similar to that of outbred rats. This model could be utilized in future studies investigating cellular transplant methods of improving urethral function. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:356–361, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular and pharmacological detection of dopaminergic receptors in the human male urinary tract
Authors: Arrighi Nicola , Bodei Serena , Zani Danilo , Simeone Claudio , Fiorentini Chiara , Milanese Giulio , Dellabella Marco , Muzzonigro Giovanni , Cunico Sergio Cosciani , Spano PierFranco , Sigala Sandra , Missale Cristina 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAimsEvidence indicates that dopamine (DA) and DA receptors play a role in the central nervous system (CNS) control of micturition; however, while the central DAergic role in the micturition physiology has been extensively investigated, the expression and the function of DA receptors in the urinary tract are still under investigation. Here, we studied the distribution of DA receptor subtypes in different parts of the human male urinary tract.MethodsFragments were collected from 34 men. The mRNAs encoding DA receptors were assessed by RT‐PCR, followed by densitometric analysis. Adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity was evaluated using a commercially available RIA kit. Statistical analysis was carried out using one‐way ANOVA, with the Bonferroni's post hoc test.ResultsResults obtained indicated that RT‐PCR products of D1, D4, and D5 subtypes were obtained in each part studied, while no signal was observed for the D2 and D3 receptor subtypes. The pharmacological characterization demonstrated that the expressed DA receptors were linked to AC.ConclusionsDA receptors were expressed throughout the human male urinary tract, from the ureter to the prostatic urethra. In particular, we observed a distinctive DA receptor subtype distribution, with evidence of the presence of mRNA encoding both subtypes of the D1‐like DA receptor family (D1 and D5), while the D4 receptors were the only expressed subtype of the D2‐like family. These results suggested that DAergic drugs used for the treatment of a number of diseases may influence the micturition physiology not only in the CNS, but at the peripheral level as well. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:343–348, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of detailed explanatory leaflets on patient satisfaction with urodynamic consultation: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hougardy Véronique , Vandeweerd Jean‐Michel , Reda Ayalu A. , Foidart Jean‐Michel 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAimsTo develop and validate a scale that is applicable in Belgium to investigate the aspects of female patients' satisfaction with urodynamic consultation, and to use it to measure the impact of a detailed explanatory leaflet on their satisfaction.Materials and MethodsQuestion items were obtained from a group consensus (Delphi process). Each item was scored on a five‐point Likert scale. The satisfaction scale was administered to two groups of patients attending the clinics for urodynamics. One hundred twenty‐nine patients were included in the study and randomized in two groups. One group (n = 60) received a detailed explanatory leaflet about urodynamic consultation and the other did not (n = 69). Responses were subjected to a reliability and principal component analysis (PCA) to achieve data reduction and analysis, and to assess the reliability of the new scale. Relevant items were retained to compare both interventions using regression analysis.ResultsA 15‐item scale was derived from the Delphi process. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a single factor solution with 11 meaningful items. No significant difference was noted in global scores of satisfaction between the two groups (P = 0.051).ConclusionsA short‐form patient satisfaction scale with acceptable validity and reliability was developed and used to measure patient satisfaction with urodynamic consultation in this population of Belgian women. This study did not provide support for the effectiveness of explanatory leaflets in improving satisfaction. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:374–379, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of shock‐wave / boundary‐layer interaction on turbulent spot propagation
Authors: Jocksch A. , Kleiser L. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe performed highly resolved large‐eddy simulations (LES) of transitional shock‐wave/boundary‐layer interactions (SW/ BLI) in which a turbulent spot passes through a laminar shock‐induced separation bubble. The initial condition consists of a laminar boundary‐layer solution over a flat plate with a superimposed oblique shock which induces a separation bubble on the plate. An upstream‐positioned initial disturbance triggers the turbulent spot that develops and encounters the SW/BLI region. Unlike the laminar boundary layer it does not separate but tunnels the SW/BLI region. Compared to a simulation without the SW/BLI region the spot growth is increased significantly during the passage. This finding supports the results of previous direct numerical simulations (DNS) in the literature. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)