bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypoglycemic effects of malonyl‐ginsenosides extracted from roots of Panax ginseng on streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice
Authors: Liu Zhi , Wang Li‐Juan , Li Xiang , Hu Jiang‐Ning , Chen Yun , Ruan Chang‐Chun , Sun Guang‐Zhi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractHypoglycemic effects of malonyl‐ginsenosides (MGR), extracted from roots of Panax ginseng, were examined in streptozotocin‐ (STZ‐) induced diabetic mice. Animals received daily intravenous injections of MGR in doses of 30, 60, 120 mg/kg. At a dose of 120 mg/kg, MGR reduced the fasting blood glucose level of diabetic mice by 77.8% (76.7 ± 8.5 mg/dl versus 345.2 ± 35.8 mg/dl, P < 0.01). The same dose also showed a marked improvement in glucose tolerance of 80% (75.3 ± 10.8 mg/dl versus 375.6 ± 43.3 mg/dl, P < 0.01) in diabetic mice after four days. The alkali hydrolysis productions of MGR, ginseng panaxadiol (PDS), malonic acid and a mixture of malonic acid with PDS, showed no effects on fasting blood glucose levels indicated the hypoglycemic effect of MGR relied on their unique esterified chemical structures. The findings from this study suggest that MGR extracted from Panax ginseng may be prescribed as adjunct to drug treatment for controlling diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytoprotective effect of Proanthocyanidin‐rich cranberry fraction against bacterial cell wall‐mediated toxicity in macrophages and epithelial cells
Authors: La Vu Dang , Labrecque Julie , Grenier Daniel 
Published: March 2009

AbstractRecent studies brought evidence regarding the potential beneficial effects of cranberry polyphenols for periodontal infections. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of a proanthocyanidin‐rich cranberry fraction to protect macrophages and oral epithelial cells against cytotoxicity induced by bacterial components. U937 cells, differentiated into adherent macrophage‐like cells, as well as oral epithelial cells were treated with cell wall or lipopolysaccharide preparations from periodontopathogens. Cell viability was monitored using a commercial MTT (3‐[4,5‐diethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The cytoprotective effect was evaluated by pre‐incubating human cells with a proanthocyanidin‐rich cranberry fraction prior to treatment with the bacterial components at toxic concentrations. Among the various bacterial components tested, Peptostreptotoccus micros cell wall was found to be the most toxic for macrophages and epithelial cells and was thus selected for further analyses. Treatment of monocyte‐derived macrophages with cell wall of P. micros (20 µg/ml) decreased the cell viability by approximately 50%. Adding the cranberry fraction prior to treating cells with P. micros cell wall dose‐dependently protected monocyte‐derived macrophages from the toxic effect. A dose‐dependent cytoprotective effect of the cranberry fraction was also observed with oral epithelial cells treated with P. micros cell wall. This study suggests that cranberry polyphenols may exert a protective effect for host cells against the toxicity induced by bacterial components. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐scale controls on Ganges and Brahmaputra river discharge on intraseasonal and seasonal time‐scales
Authors: Jian Jun , Webster Peter J. , Hoyos Carlos D. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractReliable water supply from the Ganges and Brahmaputra is of critical importance to the sustainability of the agricultural societies of India and Bangladesh. But, the flow in both basins is highly variable on time‐scales ranging from days to years, creating challenges for the optimization of agricultural practices, water resource management and disaster mitigation. The following questions are addressed. Is intraseasonal monsoon variability related to the subseasonal variability of river flow? Do variations in the large‐scale tropical sea‐surface temperature (SST) located both regionally and remotely promote seasonal and interannual variations of river discharge? And, if these relationships do exist, are they determinable with sufficient lead‐times to allow useful predictions for user communities in South Asia? We examine these questions using 50 years of daily river discharge data for both rivers calculated at the points where they enter Bangladesh, and with SST data in the Indo‐Pacific region. We also examine the question of determining the impact of man‐made dams, diversions and barrages on the data record, especially that of the Ganges. A comparison of discharge prior to 1974 (the time of the construction of the largest barrage) shows no statistical difference that cannot be explained by basin‐wide rainfall distributions. Changes that do occur are restricted to the dry‐season months.Subseasonal river discharge is found to be strongly tied to the monsoon intraseasonal cycle resulting in a near‐in‐phase timing of Ganges and Brahmaputra discharge. A basin isochrone analysis is used to couple stream‐flow variability and intraseasonal precipitation during the different phases of the intraseasonal cycle. On longer time‐scales, statistically significant correlations are found between mean monthly equatorial Pacific SST and the boreal summer Ganges discharge with lead times of 2–3 months. These relationships are tied to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) oscillations in addition to SST variability in the southwest and northwest Pacific that also seems to be related to ENSO. The Brahmaputra discharge, on the other hand, shows somewhat weaker relationships with tropical SST. Strong lagged correlation relationships are found with SST in the Bay of Bengal but these are the result of very warm SSTs and exceptional Brahmaputra discharge during the summer of 1998. When this year is removed from the time series, relationships with SST anomalies weaken everywhere except in the northwest Pacific for the June discharge and in areas of the central Pacific straddling the Equator for the July discharge. In addition, the northwest Pacific relationship changes polarity for June and July discharges. Although the relationships are weaker than those found for the Ganges, they are persistent from month to month and suggest that two different and sequential factors influence Brahmaputra river flow. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
When almost all sets are difference dominated
Authors: Hegarty Peter , Miller Steven J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe investigate the relationship between the sizes of the sum and difference sets attached to a subset of {0,1,…,N}, chosen randomly according to a binomial model with parameter p(N), with N−1 = o(p(N)). We show that the random subset is almost surely difference dominated, as N → ∞, for any choice of p(N) tending to zero, thus confirming a conjecture of Martin and O'Bryant. The proofs use recent strong concentration results.Furthermore, we exhibit a threshold phenomenon regarding the ratio of the size of the difference to the sumset. If p(N) = o(N−1/2) then almost all sums and differences in the random subset are almost surely distinct and, in particular, the difference set is almost surely about twice as large as the sumset. If N−1/2 = o(p(N)) then both the sum and difference sets almost surely have size (2N + 1) − O(p(N)−2), and so the ratio in question is almost surely very close to one. If p(N) = c · N−1/2 then as c increases from zero to infinity (i.e., as the threshold is crossed), the same ratio almost surely decreases continuously from two to one according to an explicitly given function of c.We also extend our results to the comparison of the generalized difference sets attached to an arbitrary pair of binary linear forms. For certain pairs of forms f and g, we show that there in fact exists a sharp threshold at cf,g · N−1/2, for some computable constant cf,g, such that one form almost surely dominates below the threshold and the other almost surely above it.The heart of our approach involves using different tools to obtain strong concentration of the sizes of the sum and difference sets about their mean values, for various ranges of the parameter p. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2009
Sustainable consumption: green consumer behaviour when purchasing products
Authors: Young William , Hwang Kumju , McDonald Seonaidh , Oates Caroline J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe ‘attitude–behaviour gap’ or ‘values–action gap’ is where 30% of consumers report that they are very concerned about environmental issues but they are struggling to translate this into purchases. For example, the market share for ethical foods remains at 5 per cent of sales. This paper investigates the purchasing process for green consumers in relation to consumer technology products in the UK. Data were collected from 81 self‐declared green consumers through in depth interviews on recent purchases of technology products. A green consumer purchasing model and success criteria for closing the gap between green consumers' values and their behaviour are developed. The paper concludes that incentives and single issue labels (like the current energy rating label) would help consumers concentrate their limited efforts. More fundamentally, ‘being green’ needs time and space in people's lives that is not available in increasingly busy lifestyles. Implications for policy and business are proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Doubling guarantees quadrupling—theory and practice
Authors: Xu Shoubo 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSignificant changes have occurred in China's energy development strategy in the past 30 years since the reform and opening policy was put into effect. The strategy has been shifted from the Strategy of Exploiting Energy Resources (SEER) to the Strategy of Comprehensive Energy Efficiency (SCEE); this made it possible that the target of ‘Doubling guarantees Quadrupling’ set by the CPC in the 1990s become a reality 5 years earlier than the target time frame. For the new target of ‘Doubling Economic Development’ set for the new century by the CPC, this paper will attempt to provide ideas and recommendations to offer possible alternative views. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How entrepreneurial orientation moderates the effects of knowledge management on innovation
Authors: Li Yuan , Liu Xunfeng , Wang Longwei , Li Mingfang , Guo Hai 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDrawing on the complementary asset theory, this paper develops a conceptual model to explain the relationships among intrafirm knowledge sharing, knowledge application, and innovation as well as the moderating effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on the intrafirm knowledge sharing and knowledge application. Using a sample of 607 Chinese firms, this paper empirically examines this model. The results show that, under China's transition economy, the positive relationship between intrafirm knowledge sharing and a firm's innovation is mediated by knowledge application. Furthermore, intrafirm knowledge sharing facilitates knowledge application, and EO positively moderates this relationship. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volumetric (3D) imaging reduces inter‐ and intraobserver variation of fetal biometry measurements
Authors: Chan L. W. , Fung T. Y. , Leung T. Y. , Sahota D. S. , Lau T. K. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the inter‐ and intraobserver variation of fetal biometric measurements utilizing two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging.MethodsThis prospective study, utilizing three pairs of doctors trained in sonography, evaluated singleton pregnancies in the mid‐trimester. Measurements of the biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) were taken in duplicate by each doctor using 2D imaging and then again using 3D volume datasets. Each set of paired doctors evaluated 12 patients. Inter‐ and intraobserver variation were calculated as the SD of the difference between paired measurements performed by the doctor pairs and by the individual doctors, respectively. Bland–Altman plots were used to visually compare measurement bias and agreement by 2D and 3D methods.ResultsInter‐ and intraobserver variation for 2D and 3D ultrasound were small. The intraobserver variation of HC, AC and FL was significantly lower for 3D compared with 2D ultrasound. Interobserver variation was not significantly different when measured with 2D and 3D ultrasound, with the exception of FL, which was lower when measured with 3D ultrasound. The Bland–Altman plots showed that in 95% of the measurements, the percentage difference between 2D and 3D ultrasound techniques was within 5.3%, 4.6%, 9.6% and 9.6% for BPD, HC, AC and FL, respectively.Conclusions2D and 3D fetal biometric measurements are reproducible. The use of 3D ultrasound significantly reduces intraobserver variation for HC, AC and FL and reduces interobserver variation for FL. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference range for cervical length throughout pregnancy: non‐parametric LMS‐based model applied to a large sample
Authors: Salomon L. J. , Diaz‐Garcia C. , Bernard J. P. , Ville Y. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectiveShort cervical length is an important risk factor for preterm delivery. However, because cervical length changes throughout pregnancy, adequate risk estimation needs to take into account the gestational age (GA) at which the measurement is taken. We aimed to model cervical changes throughout pregnancy in order to be able to use Z‐scores, avoiding the confounding effect of GA.MethodsCervical length was prospectively measured in singleton pregnancies, as part of routine antenatal care over a 3‐year period. Measurements were taken at GA ranging from 16 to 36 weeks and only one measurement per pregnancy was used in the analysis. Because cervical length measurements are not normally distributed, we used a non‐parametric approach (LMS method) to best describe the distribution of the measurements with gestation.ResultsWe included 6614 cervical length measurements. The LMS method identified changes in cervical length measurement across GA. We computed new reference charts and provide L, M and S values that allow the calculation of Z‐score at any GA from any cervical length measurement ‘Y’ using the formula: Z‐score = ((Y/M)L − 1)/(L × S).ConclusionCervical length measurements do not have a normal distribution at a given GA and so require a statistical model that takes this into account. The model that we developed allows easy Z‐score calculation, therefore avoiding the confounding effect of GA and allowing straightforward monitoring of cervical length. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of mitochondrial respiratory chain function in hyperphenylalaninaemia
Authors: Kyprianou N. , Murphy E. , Lee P. , Hargreaves I. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryPhenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting in neurological and intellectual disability when untreated. However, even in treated patients there may be residual neurological impairment such as tremor. It has been suggested that the hyperphenylalaninaemia in patients with PKU reduces complex I (NADH:ubiquinone reductase) activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) and/or biosynthesis of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which acts as an electron carrier in the MRC, leading to impaired energy metabolism in the brain of patients with PKU and hence the neurological pathology. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of phenylalanine (Phe) toxicity on the MRC. We compared mean plasma and blood‐spot Phe and mononuclear CoQ10 levels in 17 patients with PKU and a tremor compared to 22 patients without tremor. Human 1321N1 astrocytoma cells were exposed to hyperphenylalaninaemia by the addition of 300 or 900 μmol/L of Phe to the cell culture medium. Following 96 h of culture we measured complex I and citrate synthase activities and CoQ10 level. Results showed no significant difference in Phe or CoQ10 levels in patients with tremor compared to those without tremor. Further, hyperphenylalaninaemia did not cause a significant reduction in complex I activity or CoQ10 biosynthesis, even when taking into account the mitochondrial enrichment of the cell samples by expressing complex I and CoQ10 as a ratio to citrate synthase. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that hyperphenylalaninaemia does not contribute to the pathophysiology of PKU by causing a decrease in MRC complex I activity and/or CoQ10 biosynthesis.
Autism: Is there a folate connection?
Authors: Leeming R. J. , Lucock M. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryAutism is increasing—but why? Birth defect prevention trials were based on the teleological assumption that folic acid could prevent neural tube defects without consideration of long‐term effects, some of which could be beneficial, some of which might be harmful. We therefore ask—Is it impossible to look again at these cohorts?
Genetic Risk Communication: Experiences of Adolescent Girls and Young Women from Families with Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: McConkie‐Rosell Allyn , Heise Elizabeth Melvin , Spiridigliozzi Gail A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractLittle is known about how and what genetic risk information parents communicate to their children and even less is known about what children hear and remember. To address this void, we explored how genetic risk information was learned, what information was given and who primarily provided information to adolescent girls and young adult women in families with fragile X syndrome. We explored three levels of risk knowledge: learning that fragile X syndrome was an inherited disorder, that they could be a carrier, and for those who had been tested, actual carrier status. These data were collected as part of a study that also explored adolescent self concept and age preferences about when to inform about genetic risk. Those findings have been presented separately. The purpose of this paper is to present the communication data. Using a multi‐group cross‐sectional design this study focused on girls ages 14–25 years from families previously diagnosed with fragile X syndrome, 1) who knew they were carriers (n = 20), 2) noncarriers (n = 18), or 3) at‐risk to be carriers (n = 15). For all three stages of information the majority of the study participants were informed by a family member. We identified three different communication styles: open, sought information, and indirect. The content of the remembered conversations varied based on the stage of genetic risk information being disclosed as well as the girls’ knowledge of her own carrier status. Girls who had been tested and knew their actual carrier status were more likely to report an open communication pattern than girls who knew only that they were at‐risk.
Variations of soil enzyme activities in a temperate forest soil
Authors: Kang Hojeong , Kang Sinkyu , Lee Dowon 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSoil enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, urease, phosphatase, and arylsulfatase) in a temperate forest soil were determined in relation to landscape position and seasons. Overstory of the area is dominated by Quercus mongolica, Kalopanax pictus, Carpicus cordata, and Acer pseudo‐sieboldianum. The activities were measured in three patches, namely a north‐facing backslope, a ridge, and a south‐facing backslope in autumn and spring over 2 years. In addition, spatially more detailed analysis for phosphatase was conducted before and after litterfall production in six patches. Dehydrogenase, urease, phosphatase, and arylsulfatase activities varied 1.8–18.5 μg INT‐formazan g−1 h−1, 45.4–347.0 μg NH4+ g−1 h−1, 0.9–4.5 mmol pNP g−1 h−1, and 0.7–2.6 mmol pNP g−1 h−1, respectively. In general, higher enzyme activities were found in the northern aspect than in the southern aspect. This variation appears to be related to differences in chemical properties (e.g., Fe, Al, and Mg) of soil as well as distribution of leaf litter. Two patterns were discernible in relation to seasonal variations. Dehydrogenase and urease exhibited a positive correlation with mean air temperature, suggesting that temperature would be a major controlling variable for those enzymes. In contrast, higher activities were detected in autumn for phosphatase and arylsulfatase activities, which appeared to be closely related to litter production and distribution. Overall results of this study indicate that soil enzyme activities in a forest floor are influenced by several variables such as temperature, nutrient availability, and input of leaf litter, which are closely related to landscape position.
Re-Certification for Urologists: Is the SHEFFPAT Questionnaire Valid for Assessing Clinicians' ‘Relationships with Patients’?
Authors: Sinclair A.M. , Gunendran T. , Archer J. , Bridgewater B. , O'Flynn K.J. , Pearce I. 
Published: March 2009

Objective: In urology there is currently no validated and objective way to measure the ‘Relationship with Patients’ aspect of re-validation. The Sheffield Patient Assessment Tool (SHEFFPAT) questionnaire has been validated in a paediatric setting and is recommended by the Picker institute for patient feedback. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility, reliability and validity of the SHEFFPAT questionnaire in urology to determine if it is an appropriate tool to be used for patient feedback. Subjects and methods: Ten consultants in the North West Region gave permission for the SHEFFPAT questionnaire to be distributed to their patients. A minimum of 25 completed questionnaires was required per consultant. A detailed analysis looking at reliability, bias, feasibility and validity was then carried out. Results: In total there were 464 completed questionnaires. The cohort mean score was 4.66 (S.D. 0.19) ranging from 2.0 to 5.0. Twenty-three patients are needed to provide feedback in order to achieve a reliability of 0.7 (95% CI 0.21). The gender and ethnicity of the patient nor their familiarity with the urologist helped to explain the variability in scores ( R = 0.27, R2 0.072, standard error of estimate 0.525). Conclusion: The SHEFFPAT questionnaire appears to provide reliable, valid and unbiased feedback from the patients' perspective fulfilling the White Paper and Health Minister's request for patient involvement in the re-validation process.
Influence of water intake on the waiting time prior to gynecologic transabdominal ultrasound
Authors: Titapant Vitaya , Phithakwatchara Nisarat , Chuenwattana Prakong , Tontisirin Pornpen , Viboonchard Sommai , Butsansee Watcharaporn 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effect of volume of water intake on the length of time before the bladder is sufficiently full prior to undergoing transabdominal ultrasound.MethodsNinety‐three patients scheduled for transabdominal ultrasound were enrolled between November 2007 and April 2008 and randomly allocated to 3 study groups by volume of water intake: 300, 400, and 500 mL. The total waiting time was recorded when the bladder was sufficiently full to undergo transabdominal ultrasound. The final bladder volume was measured using three‐dimensional ultrasound.ResultsMean waiting times were 68.65 ±30.12 min, 64.2 ± 26.18 min, and 54.38 ± 12.75 min for patients ingesting 300, 400, and 500 mL of water, respectively (P = 0.060). The final bladder volumes for the 3 groups were not statistically different (263.06 ±99.21 mL, 275.37 ± 113.05 ml, and 316.17 ± 101.31 mL; P = 0.113).ConclusionDifferences in the volume of water ingested in the range of 300–500 mL did not affect the waiting time before undergoing transabdominal ultrasound.