bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and characteristic analysis of a poly(propylene fumarate) scaffold using micro‐stereolithography technology
Authors: Lee Jin Woo , Lan Phung Xuan , Kim Byung , Lim Geunbae , Cho Dong‐Woo
Published: March 2008

Scaffold fabrication for regenerating functional human tissues has an important role in tissue engineering, and there has been much progress in research on scaffold fabrication. However, current methods are limited by the mechanical properties of existing biodegradable materials and the irregular structures that they produce. Recently, several promising biodegradable materials have been introduced, including poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF). The development of micro‐stereolithography allows the fabrication of free‐form 3D microstructures as designed. Since this technology requires a low‐viscosity resin to fabricate fine structures, we reduced the viscosity of PPF by adding diethyl fumarate. Using our system, the curing characteristics and material properties of the resin were analyzed experimentally. Then, we fabricated waffle shape and 3D scaffolds containing several hundred regular micro pores. This method controlled the pore size, porosity, interconnectivity, and pore distribution. The results show that micro‐stereolithography has big advantages over conventional fabrication methods. In addition, the ultimate strength and elastic modulus of the fabricated scaffolds were measured, and cell adhesion to the fabricated scaffold was observed by growing seeded cells on it. These results showed that the PPF/DEF scaffold is a potential bone scaffold for tissue engineering. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Sustained liver‐specific transgene expression from the albumin promoter in mice following hydrodynamic plasmid DNA delivery
Authors: Wooddell Christine I. , Reppen Thomas , Wolff Jon A. , Herweijer Hans
Published: March 2008

Background

To properly study gene expression in vivo, often long‐term expression is desired. Previous studies using plasmid DNA (pDNA) vectors have typically resulted in short‐term expression. Here, we evaluated combinations of the albumin promoter with different enhancers and untranslated regions for liver‐specific expression in mice.

Methods

A series of pDNA secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter gene expression vectors was constructed using the albumin promoter and various other expression cassette elements. Each was evaluated for level and duration of SEAP expression in mice following hydrodynamic tail vein delivery.

Results

Sustained liver expression was obtained from vectors combining the albumin promoter with an albumin 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR). The level of expression was increased by inclusion of enhancers and a 5′ intron. The optimal expression vector consisted of the albumin promoter combined with an α‐fetoprotein MERII enhancer, 5′ intron from the factor IX gene, and the 3′UTR from the albumin gene including intron 14. With this vector, SEAP reporter gene expression levels remained high for 1 year, at levels comparable to those obtained from the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter on day 1. Expression of human apolipoprotein E3 (hApoE) in ApoE knockout mice provided a dose‐dependent correction of their hypercholesterolemia.

Conclusions

Liver‐specific sustained transgene expression can be obtained at very high levels from optimized pDNA vectors, without the use of integration systems. Such vectors will further facilitate biological studies of genes in vivo and may find application in gene therapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Macromol. Biosci. 3/2008
Authors: Yang Dongzhi , Jin Yu , Zhou Yingshan , Ma Guiping , Chen Xiangmei , Lu Fengmin , Nie Jun
Published: March 2008

Cover: A three‐dimensional biocomposite scaffold of hydroxyapatite with electrospun nanofibers of chitosan (or N‐carboxyethyl chitosan)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CS or CECS/PVA) is prepared by a mineralization approach in supersaturated CaCl2 and KH2PO4 solution. It shows a uniform distribution, a good controllability of hydroxyapatite components, and good biocompatibility. It is expected to be used as a bone tissue engineering scaffold. Further details can be found in the article by D. Yang, Y. Jin, Y. Zhou, G. Ma, X. Chen, F. Lu, J. Nie* on page 239.
Pattern Formation in Thin Polymer Films Containing Conducting Polyaniline
Authors: Haberko Jakub , Raczkowska Joanna , Bernasik Andrzej , Łużny Wojciech , Rysz Jakub , Budkowski Andrzej
Published: March 2008

Summary: In the present work knowledge the authors tried to direct the phase separation process in a thin polymer composite film to manufacture a polymer pattern via self organisation of the blend components. The Au substrate was modified by applying with a PDMS stamp a pattern of alternating stripes of a self‐assembled monolayer. This in turn influenced the microstructure of the blend, allowing for the production of elongated domains repeating the pattern of the substrate. The blends studied in this work contained conducting polyaniline doped with camphorsulfonic acid or diphenyl phosphate and polystyrene. The role of the dopant was to induce electrical conductivity in polyaniline as well as to improve its solubility in common organic solvents. The microstructure of thin films was analysed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic secondary ion mass spectroscopy (dSIMS) and optical microscopy.
Miscibility and Thermal Behaviour of Poly(styrene‐co‐itaconic acid)/Poly(butyl methacrylate‐co‐4‐vinylpyridine) Mixtures. Accessibility and Self‐Association Effects
Authors: Bouyahia Radhia , Metref Farid , Djadoun Said
Published: March 2008

Summary: The miscibility and thermal behaviour of binary mixtures of poly(styrene‐co‐itaconic acid) containing 11 or 27 mol % of itaconic acid (PSIA‐11 or PSIA27) with poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA)or poly(butyl methacrylate‐co‐4‐vinylpyridine) containing 10 or 26 mol% of 4‐vinylpyridine (PBM4VP‐10, PBM4V‐P26) were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. The results showed that 11 mol % of itaconic acid and 10 mol % of 4‐vinylpyridine respectively introduced within the polystyrene and poly(butyl methacrylate) matrices induced the miscibility of this pair of polymers due to specific interactions of hydrogen bonding type with partial pyridine protonation that occurred between the two copolymers as evidenced by FTIR from the appearance of two new bands at 1607 cm−1 and 1640 cm−1. Increasing itaconic acid content from 11 to 27 mol % led to a decrease of the intensity of the specific interactions within PSIA‐27/PBM4VP blends and is attributed to both accessibility and self association effects as evidenced by DSC from the change of the shape of the Tg‐ composition curves and by FTIR spectroscopy. As shown from the thermogravimetric study, the presence of these specific interactions delayed the anhydride formation and improved the thermal stability of the blends.
Rheological Study on Polypropylene/Cycloolefin Copolymer Blends
Authors: Fambri Luca , Kolarik Jan , Pasqualini Emanuele , Penati Amabile , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: March 2008

Summary: Polypropylene, cycloolefin copolymer and their blends were characterized by means of melt flow analysis and capillary rheometry at temperatures between 190 and 230 °C in order to shed more light on COC fiber formation obtained in injection molding process. Melt viscosity and its activation energy as functions of blend composition show negative deviation from the expected additivity (Negative Deviating Blends). The COC/PP viscosity ratio increases with shear rate, but decreases with temperature. High temperature, low viscosity ratio and high shear rate seem to be favorable for fiber formation. Glass transition (from the reversible heat flow curve of modulated DSC) of dumbbell specimens produced by injection molding at 230 °C with COC minor component was 2–4 °C higher than that of grinded pellets obtained from mixing at 190 °C.
Anisotropic and hydrogen bonding effects in phenylglyoxamides and mandelamides: theoretical and NMR conformational evaluation
Authors: Gonçalves Biank T. , Esteves Pierre M. , Pinto Angelo C. , Kaiser Carlos R. , da Silva Fernanda L. , Miguez Eduardo , da Silva Joaquim F. M.
Published: March 2008

Interesting anisotropic effects were observed for phenylglyoxamides and their respective mandelamides. Such effects were observed in experimental 1H and 13C NMR (in CDCl3, CD3OD, and DMSO‐d6 solvents) and in some cases with good correlation to theoretical 1H and 13C NMR DFT–GIAO (B3LYP/6‐311 + + G**//B3LYP/6‐31G*) calculations. A systematic conformational analysis of these compounds was performed in a two‐step methodology, using PM3 and DFT (B3LYP/6‐31G*) calculations; with good accomplishment and computational time economy. It was observed that intramolecular hydrogen bonding plays a significant role in the conformation of such compounds. Finally, a geminal nonequivalence of an NCH2 moiety, in one of the alkyl side chain (R1 = R2), was found for the tertiary mandelamides studied. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurements of electron temperature and ion density in an ac pulsed CO plasma study
Authors: Martinez H. , Castillo F.
Published: March 2008

Emission spectroscopy was applied to observe CO plasma, which was generated by AC discharge at the pressure range between 0.2 to 0.9 Torr. Electron temperature and ion density measurements were performed using a double Langmuir probe. Measured electron temperature was found to be inversely proportional to pressure, while ion density shows increasing behavior as a function of discharge pressure. Within the plasma conditions under consideration, O2, O2+, O, C2, C2–, CO and CO+ play a dominant role in the pulsed plasma process within the spectral range of (200‐800 nm), and the importance of these components vary little under the conditions of the plasma studied in this work. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Plasma immersion ion implantation with auxiliary heating: application to SS304 stainless steel
Authors: Ueda M. , Geraldo A. S. , Mello C. B. , Lepienski C. M.
Published: March 2008

In the present experiment, we heated the sample holding fixture using a shielded resistive wire wound around it and the SS samples were subjected to nitrogen glow discharge plasma PIII with moderate voltages of 10 kV, in different temperatures (250 °C, 270 °C, 350 °C and 390 °C). Then, we compared them to the samples obtained by PIII in which the final temperature of 350 °C was reached, solely by the bombardment of accelerated ions. X‐ray diffraction results indicated a much higher efficiency of auxiliary heated PIII mode com‐ pared to the ordinary PIII. Very prominent γN peaks were observed for the first mode, indicating large concentration of nitrogen in thick layers, confirmed by the nitrogen profiles measured by GDOS technique. Improved mechanical and tribological properties were obtained for SS304 samples treated by the PIII with auxiliary heating, more than for ordinary PIII. Corrosion resistance of treated samples was maintained or it was slightly lower compared to the reference sample. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A novel process for plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition with ions from vaporization of solid targets
Authors: Oliveira R. M. , Ueda M. , Moreno B. , Hoshida L. , Oswald S. , Abramof E.
Published: March 2008

A novel source for plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition (PIII&D) was developed in order to perform surface treatment of materials with ions from vaporization of solid targets. Usually this is obtained by means of beamline ion implanters, in which three dimensional implantation requires target manipulation, or by vacuum arc discharges, in which the presence of macroparticles is the main problem to be overcame. Samples of silicon wafers immersed in a lithium plasma produced by this source were submitted to low negative high frequency pulses (3‐4 kV/6 μs/3 kHz), causing lithium implantation and deposition. A very high strain and photoluminescence measured by high resolution X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, respectively, were observed in the analyzed layers of the samples that were immersed in this plasma. XPS measurements revealed thick Li deposition for samples treated under conditions of high lithium vaporization rate. This novel process was effective for Li implantation/deposition and shows potential for PIII or PIII&D of many different elements from solid targets as Ca, K, Mg and Al. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of Ag and PE interface after plasma treatment
Authors: Mackova A. , Malinsky P. , Bocan J. , Svorcik V. , Pavlik J. , Stryhal Z. , Sajdl P.
Published: March 2008

In this study, the effect of simultaneous plasma treatment and thermal annealing on the diffusion of Ag in low and high‐density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE) and on intermixing at the metal/polymer interface is examined. Metal layers were deposited onto 50 μm thick LDPE and HDPE foils using diode sputtering. Concentration profiles of Ag were determined by Rutherford back‐scattering spectrometry (RBS). Ag diffusion coefficients in LDPE and HDPE were extracted from measured Ag depth profiles. Diffusion coefficients 5.05×10–14– 6.78×10–14 cm2.s–1 and 2.44×10–14–4.66×10–14 cm2.s–1 were found for Ag in HDPE and Ag in LDPE, respectively. Morphology changes after the plasma treatment were determined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and from RBS measurements as well. Surface fraction of Ag and plasma induced surface chemistry modification was investigated using XPS analysis. The signal of Ag bonded on polymer structure was identified and degradation of polymer substrate was observed in XPS spectra. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Deposition and characterization of copper thin films on a polymer surface by using a dc cylindrical magnetron sputtering technique
Authors: Tyagi V. , Ranjan M. , Rane R. , Vaghela N. , Barhai P.K. , Acharya V. , Mukherjee S.
Published: March 2008

In the present study copper thin films were deposited on a polymer surface at room temperature using a specially developed DC cylindrical magnetron sputtering technique. The polymer chosen is light weight with a smooth surface. To have strongly adherent copper films, the polymer surface was initially etched for 2 hours by using an argon glow discharge created by a bi‐polar pulse power supply. After the etching treatment the water contact angle decreased from 75° to 9°. A dc cylindrical post magnetron, made from copper, was specially developed for depositing copper on the etched surface. The magnetron was biased to ‐800 V with typical discharge currents ∼ 200 mA. An axial magnetic field of 100 Gauss was applied to have EXB rotation of electrons. Argon was the sputtering gas during deposition at a pressure of 0.015 mbar. The sputtered copper was deposited on the etched polymer for 8 hours giving a film thickness of ∼12 μm. X‐ray diffraction studies showed the formation of polycrystalline copper film with sub‐100 nm crystallite sizes. Scanning electron microscopy showed the surface morphology. The cylindrical post magnetron was developed as it gave reduced deposition rate, and lower amount of stresses made the film strongly boned to the polymer surface. The article highlights the development of the cylindrical post magnetron and its use as a reliable coating device on various surfaces. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Biocompatible DLC coatings by PBII: Effects of doping and surface roughness
Authors: Wehlus T. , Thorwarth G. , Schwarz F. , Schneider M. F. , Saldamli B. , Stritzker B.
Published: March 2008

Due to its excellent mechanical and bio‐inert characteristics, diamond‐like carbon (DLC, a‐C:H) has been established as a favored coating material especially for loadbearing implants. The addition of dopants into the DLC matrix opens further possibilities to tune the layer properties to the body environment. We present results on the effects of various dopants (N, Si, halogenes), surface roughness and surface activation treatment on the surface energy and cellular adhesion. Sample coatings were prepared on TiAlV substrates by PBII and simultaneous condensation of hydrocarbons and the respective dopant precursor gases. The layers' composition was assessed by ion beam analysis (RBS, ERDA). The investigations indicate a wide range of accessible DLC characteristics by PBII and thus the feasibility of optimized wear‐resistant coatings by this method. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Application of droplet‐free metal ion source to formation of gas barrier thin films
Authors: Nakamura K.
Published: March 2008

This paper reports on application of droplet‐free aluminum ion sources for formation of gas barrier coating of PTFE polymer sheets. Addition of oxygen to the ion source was also made in order to obtain transparent coating films of alumina. Optimized conditions on the oxygen addition allowed the transparent almina films to be formed without a significant decrease in deposition rate. Square‐wave‐modulated bias voltages were also applied to the sheet with the film in order to control the incident ion bombarding energy, and was much effective for improvement of gas barrier performance. However such a bias effect was obtained only under a discharge condition that the aluminum ions were efficiently produced. The alumina films had less bias effect than the aluminum films. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Rapid analysis of α‐dicarbonyl compounds by laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry using 9‐(3,4‐diaminophenyl)acridine (DAA) as a reactive matrix
Authors: Mugo Samuel M. , Bottaro Christina S.
Published: March 2008

A rapid, sensitive and selective method has been developed for the analysis of α‐dicarbonyls using a readily ionizable compound, 9‐(3,4‐diaminophenyl)acridine (DAA), as a reactive matrix (derivatizing agent and ionization efficiency enhancer), by reactive matrix laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (RM‐LDI‐TOF MS). The reaction between the DAA and α‐dicarbonyls resulted exclusively in formation of vacuum‐stable dicarbonyl‐quinoxaline acridine derivatives that were found to possess excellent ionization efficiency in positive ion mode, without the need to use an additional matrix. The α‐dicarbonyls used as test compounds included methylglyoxal, dimethylglyoxal, and diphenylglyoxal. Both one‐pot and rapid on‐plate chemical modification approaches were employed with no extraction or purification necessary. The approach is particularly suitable for high‐throughput analysis. The method was found to be selective and specific, with α‐dicarbonyls unequivocally identified, even in complex matrices, e.g. beer. The figures of merit: relative standard deviation (RSD) 6.9–17%, (n = 4); limit of detection (LOD) ≤0.3 ng mL−1 for the three standards tested using the one‐pot derivatization method; and a good linear calibration curve using an internal standard derivatized in situ (R2 ≥ 0.979), demonstrate the applicability of the technique and its utility in improving the sensitivity and precision of the LDI analysis of small molecules. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly efficient enrichment of phosphopeptides by magnetic nanoparticles coated with zirconium phosphonate for phosphoproteome analysis
Authors: Wei Junying , Zhang Yangjun , Wang Jinglan , Tan Feng , Liu Jinfeng , Cai Yun , Qian Xiaohong
Published: March 2008

The location of phosphorylation plays a vital role for the elucidation of biological processes. The challenge of low stoichiometry of phosphoproteins and signal suppression of phosphopeptides by nonphosphopeptides in mass spectrometry (MS) analysis makes the selective enrichment of phosphopeptides prior to MS analysis necessary. Besides the immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) method, some affinity methods based on nanoparticles displayed a higher enrichment efficiency for phosphopeptides such as Fe3O4/TiO2 and Fe3O4/ZrO2 nanoparticles. To further improve the selectivity and compatibility of the affinity methods, a novel strategy based on magnetic nanoparticles coated with zirconium phosphonate for the enrichment of phosphopeptides has been developed in this study. Under optimized experimental conditions, 1 × 10−9 M phosphopeptides in 50 µL tryptic digest of β‐casein could be enriched and identified successfully. Reliable results were also obtained for 1 × 10−8 M phosphopeptides in 50 µL tryptic digest of β‐casein in the presence of nonphosphopeptides from a tryptic digest of bovine serum albumin (BSA) over 20 times in concentration. The performance of nanoparticles for use in a real sample was further demonstrated by employing the strong cation‐exchange chromatography (SCX) fraction of a tryptic digest of a protein extract from Chang liver cells as a model sample. Experimental results show that the nanoparticles can be easily and effectively used for enrichment of phosphopeptides in low concentration. Most importantly, our approach is more compatible with commonly used SCX strategies than Fe3+‐IMAC. The proposed method thus has great potential for future studies of large‐scale phosphoproteomes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical study of vacuum level shift at the C6H6/Al(111) interface
Authors: Nakano Yosuke , Yanagisawa Susumu , Hamada Ikutaro , Morikawa Yoshitada
Published: March 2008

We have investigated the interface dipole induced at C6H6/Al(111) by using density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). We calculated the vacuum level shift from a simple induced density of interface state (IDIS) model and compared it with that estimated by self‐consistent DFT‐GGA calculations. Both results agree reasonably well with each other in weakly interacting cases, where the charge donation from the highest occupied molecular orbital level dominates, while they deviate from each other in strongly interacting cases, where the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level starts to be partially filled owing to the back donation from the substrate. Even in weakly interacting cases, the actual charge density distribution is more complex than that assumed in the IDIS model. We discuss the validity and the limitations of the IDIS model to describe the vacuum level shift at organic/metal interfaces. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Path‐integral renormalization group treatments for many‐electron systems with long‐range repulsive interactions
Authors: Kojo Masashi , Hirose Kikuji
Published: March 2008

We derive a practical algorithm to study many‐electron systems based on the path‐integral renormalization group (PIRG) method within the framework of the real‐space finite‐difference (RSFD) approach. The PIRG method, originally developed for investigating strongly correlated electron systems, has been successfully applied to some models such as Hubbard models. However, to apply this method to more realistic systems of electrons with long‐range Coulomb interactions in the RSFD approach, the one‐body Green's function, which requires large computational resources, must be removed. For the same reason, an efficient algorithm for computing the Fock matrix is needed. The newly proposed algorithm is free of the one‐body Green's function and enables us to compute the Fock matrix efficiently. Our result shows a significant reduction in CPU time and the possibility of using the present algorithm as a practical numerical tool. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of aldosterone in stress‐induced antinatriuresis in normotensive saline overload rats
Authors: Niebylski Ana , Bensi Nora , Gauna Héctor Fernando
Published: March 2008

The aim of this study was to determine aldosterone participation in the stress‐induced antinatriuresis in normotensive saline overload rats, as a probable cause of stress‐induced hypertension. Spironolactone (Sp) 6 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal injection, as a Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist was used. The rats were divided into four groups: basal (B), basal drug (B‐Sp), stress [Immobilization stress (IMO)] and stress‐Sp (IMO‐Sp). Urinary Na+ and K+ were measured and the K+/Na+ ratio was calculated. Aldosterone and corticosterone plasmatic levels were determined. Stressed rats showed higher aldosterone and corticosterone levels than the ones in the basal group. The antinatriuretic effect in response to acute IMO was not reverted with Sp. However, IMO‐Sp animals showed higher urinary sodium levels than IMO animals suggesting a partial inhibition of the stress response. The IMO‐Sp animals excreted 50 per cent of basal sodium while IMO animals excreted about 20 per cent of B sodium. This effect was also evidenced in the urinary K+/Na+ ratio. In conclusion, aldosterone would be a factor influencing sodium reabsorption in stressed rats. Since sodium distal handling is small with respect the proximal ones, in which the sympathetic innervation is great, the inhibition of aldosterone action is not enough to revert antinatriuretic effect. Besides, the high levels of corticosterone might exert some effect on stress‐induced antinatriuresis. These results show the importance of aldosterone in the sodium reabsorption in IMO rats as a contributing factor to explain the origin of stress‐induced hypertension in rats. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological distress in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Karadag Fisun , Ozcan Hatice , Eskin Mehmet , Karul Aslihan B. , Ceylan Emel , Tufek Yasemin , Cildag Orhan
Published: March 2008

Stress is defined as the exposure of an individual to a threatening stimulus or overwhelming event. Increased rates of psychological distress have been established in patients with chronic diseases compared to healthy individuals. The objective of the present study is to assess the indicators and correlates of psychological distress in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

We evaluated the stress exposure (stressful events that COPD patients and control subjects had been exposed) by a life events checklist and psychological distress by General Health Questionnaire in 74 COPD patients and 30 control subjects. Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels were measured as biochemical indicators of stress.

Distress score was higher in COPD group compared to age‐matched controls, although the stress exposure score were not statistically different; indicating that COPD itself is a source of distress. 92% of COPD patients and 87% of control subjects had varying degrees of distress. Severe distress was more frequent in COPD group. Distress score was further increased in patients with severe COPD and severe hypoxemia.There was no significant difference in serum ACTH and cortisol levels of COPD patients and control subjects and distress scores were not correlated to serum ACTH and cortisol levels. However, serum cortisol was higher in patients with severe hypoxemia.

These findings support the importance of screening for psychological distress symptoms in COPD outpatients. Since high degree of distress contributes to impaired quality of life and added morbidity, patients with COPD need a comprehensive care including a psychological evaluation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Die Brücke über den Oberhafen in Hamburg
Authors: Dieckmann Christof , Hagedorn Michael , Heiland Uwe , Weyer Ulrich
Published: March 2008

Der Ersatzneubau von vier stählernen Eisenbahnbrücken mit einer Tonnage von ca. 4000 t Konstruktionsstahl im Stadtzentrum Hamburgs, mit denen der Hamburger Hauptbahnhof aus südlicher Richtung erschlossen wird, definierte eine anspruchsvolle Bauaufgabe.

Der zentrale Stahlüberbau dieses Brückenzuges, die Oberhafenbrücke, ein 5‐feldriger Fachwerkdurchlaufträger, hat dabei die Besonderheit, als kombinierte Eisenbahn‐ und Straßenbrücke ausgelegt zu sein. Dieser Überbau überführt die Eisenbahnverbindung über den Oberhafenkanal. Dabei nimmt die Obergurtebene des Fachwerkes den Eisenbahnverkehr auf. Der Fahrbahnplatte für den Straßenverkehr ist im Untergurtbereich (zwischen den Fachwerkwänden) angeordnet.

Für alle Prozesse der Bauausführung mit Statik, Planung, Fertigung und Montage des Brückenzuges standen 14 Monate Bauzeit zur Verfügung.

Das Bauende war bestimmt durch eine langfristig vorgegebene Sperrung der betroffenen Bahnverbindung und Teil en des Hamburger Hauptbahnhofes in der Zeit vom 24. bis 31. Dezember 2007.

Trotz der Neudefinition wesentlicher Entwurfparameter (Belastungsmodelle Straße und Bahn, Lagerschemata, Hilfslagerung ab dem 31. 12. 2007) und damit einer um ca. vier Monate verkürzten Ausführungszeit, wurde die Bauaufgabe durch eine ARGE bestehend aus den Firmen Eiffel Deutschland Stahltechnologie GmbH, Bilfinger Berger AG ZN Hamburg, Jürgen Martens GmbH & Co. KG Hamburg erfolgreich gelöst.
Netzwerkbogenbrücken – Entwurf, Bemessung, Ausführung
Authors: Geißler Karsten , Steimann Uwe , Graße Wolfgang
Published: March 2008

Die Bauweise des Netzwerkbogens als fachwerkartig ausgesteifte Stabbogenbrücke erfreut sich im deutschen Brückenbau einer steigenden Akzeptanz. Sie kombiniert die Vorteile des Bogens mit denen des Fachwerks. Die möglichen schlanken Querschnitte von Bogen und Untergurt führen in Verbindung mit dem kaum wahrzunehmenden Hängernetz zu einem äußerst transparenten Tragwerk mit geringer Beeinflussung des städtebaulichen Umfeldes oder der Landschaft. Mit dem Netzwerkbogen sind auch größere Stützweiten von bis zu 300 m möglich.

Im Folgenden werden die Grundlagen zum Entwurf der Tragkonstruktion beschrieben und anhand von geplanten sowie teilweise bereits ausgeführten Bauwerken der aktuelle Stand in der Konstruktion und Bemessung von Netzwerkbögen erläutert.
Conjugated Linoleic Acids and CLA‐Containing Phospholipids Inhibit NO Formation in Aortic Endothelial Cells
Authors: Jenko Kimberly J. , Vanderhoek Jack Y.
Published: March 2008

This study examined the effects of five CLA isomers and the non‐conjugated LA on nitric oxide (NO) production, an important modulator of vasodilation, inflammation, and cytotoxicity. Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were pretreated with pure CLAs (c9, c11‐, c9, t11‐, t9, t11‐, t10, c12‐, c11, c13‐CLA) and the non‐conjugated c9, c12‐analog, then stimulated by the ionophore A23187 followed by fluorescence monitoring of NO production. CLAs (5 μM) decreased NO formation in the range of 20–40% relative to non‐fatty acid‐treated controls with the t9, t11‐ and t10, c12‐CLAs being the most effective. The inhibitory effect of either of these CLAs was not time dependent over a 120 min time interval. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) play crucial roles in membrane structure and cell signaling. Since CLAs are usually esterified in these phospholipids (PLs), the effects of three CLA‐containing PLs and 2‐linoleoyl‐PC on NO production by A23187‐stimulated BAECs were also examined. c9, t11‐CLA‐PC and 2‐linoleoyl‐PC dose‐dependently inhibited NO production over a 60–1,000 μM concentration range whereas c9, c11‐CLA‐PC and c9, t11‐CLA‐PE were ineffective. Both c9, t11‐CLA‐PC and linoleoyl‐PC exhibited a time‐dependent decrease in NO production from 5 to 120 min. The results of the present study suggest that the influence of several C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids incorporated into cellular phospholipids on the A23187‐induced formation of NO by BAECs is strongly dependent on the positional and geometric nature of the double bonds.
Inhibition of Serum Cholesterol Oxidation by Dietary Vitamin C and Selenium Intake in High Fat Fed Rats
Authors: Menéndez‐Carreño M. , Ansorena D. , Milagro F. I. , Campión J. , Martínez J. A. , Astiasarán I.
Published: March 2008

Cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) have been considered as specific in vivo markers of oxidative stress. In this study, an increased oxidative status was induced in Wistar rats by feeding them a high‐fat diet (cafeteria diet). Another group of animals received the same diet supplemented with a combination of two different antioxidants, ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg rat/day) and sodium selenite (200 μg/kg rat/day) and a third group fed on a control diet. Total and individual COPs analysis of the different diets showed no differences among them. At the end of the experimental trial, rats were sacrificed and serum cholesterol, triglycerides and COPs were measured. None of the diets induced changes in rats body weight, total cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Serum total COPs in rats fed on the high‐fat diet were 1.01 μg/ml, two times the amount of the control rats (0.47 μg/ml). When dietary antioxidant supplementation was given, serum total COPs concentration (0.44 μg/ml) showed the same levels than those of the rats on control diet. 7β‐hydroxycholesterol, formed non‐enzymatically via cholesterol peroxidation in the presence of reactive oxygen species, showed slightly lower values in the antioxidant‐supplemented animals compared to the control ones. This study confirms the importance of dietary antioxidants as protective factors against the formation of oxysterols.
Oxidative Stability of Crude Mid‐Oleic Sunflower Oils from Seeds with High γ‐ and δ‐Tocopherol Levels
Authors: Warner K. , Miller Jerry , Demurin Y.
Published: March 2008

In this study, mid‐oleic and high‐oleic sunflower seeds were developed with high levels of γ‐ and δ‐tocopherols by traditional breeding techniques. Sunflower seeds containing various profiles of tocopherols, ranging from traditional high α, low γ, low δ relative to those with high γ, high δ, and low α, were extracted, and the crude oil evaluated for oxidative stability. After aging at 60 °C, oils were measured for peroxide value and hexanal as indicators of oxidation levels. We found that when the γ‐tocopherol content of mid‐oleic sunflower oil (MOSFO) (NuSun) was increased from its regular level of 20 to 300–700 ppm, the oxidation of the oil was decreased significantly compared to MOSFO with its regular low γ‐tocopherol level. The modified oils had α‐tocopherol contents of up to 300 ppm without negatively affecting the stability of the oil. An oil with one of the best oxidative stabilities had a tocopherol profile of 470 ppm γ, 100 ppm δ, and 300 ppm α, indicating that MOSFO could be more oxidatively stable and still be a good source of Vitamin E from α‐tocopherol.
Co‐activation of GABA receptors inhibits the JNK3 apoptotic pathway via the disassembly of the GluR6‐PSD95‐MLK3 signaling module in cerebral ischemic‐reperfusion
Authors: Han Dong , Zhang Quan-Guang , Yong-Liu  , Li Chong , Zong Yan-Yan , Yu Chang-Zhou , Wang Wei , Yan Jing-Zhi , Zhang Guang-Yi
Published: March 2008

In this study, we investigated whether the increase of inhibitory γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) signal suppresses the excitatory glutamate signal induced by cerebral ischemia and the underlying mechanisms. In global cerebral ischemia, focal cerebral ischemia and oxygen‐glucose deprivation, application of muscimol and baclofen, agonists of GABA(A) receptor and GABA(B) receptor, exerted neuroprotection. The agonists inhibited the increased assembly of the GluR6‐PSD‐95‐MLK3 module induced by cerebral ischemia and the activation of the MLK3‐MKK4/7‐JNK3 cascade. Our results suggest that stimulation of the inhibitory GABA receptors can attenuate the excitatory JNK3 apoptotic signaling pathway via inhibiting the increased assembly of the GluR6‐PSD‐95‐MLK3 signaling module in cerebral ischemia.
Spectroelectrochemistry of P700 in native photosystem I particles and diethyl ether‐treated thylakoid membranes from spinach and Thermosynechococcus elongatus
Authors: Zhang Yanrong , Nakamura Akimasa , Kuroiwa Yoshinori , Kato Yuki , Watanabe Tadashi
Published: March 2008

The redox potentials (E
∘′) of P700 in intact and diethyl ether‐treated thylakoid membranes as well as native photosystem (PS) I particles from spinach and Thermosynechococcus elongatus have been measured by a spectroelectrochemistry with an error range of ±2–3 mV. Stepwise removal of antenna pigments by ether treatment caused distinct shifts of the E
∘′ value with increasing degree of water saturation in ether; negatively from +471 to +428 mV for spinach, but positively from +423 to +436 mV for T. elongatus. Such a contrasting behavior is discussed by invoking the mode of action of ether on the microenvironments around P700.
Identification of new tyrosine phosphorylated proteins in rat brain mitochondria
Authors: Lewandrowski Urs , Sickmann Albert , Cesaro Luca , Brunati Anna Maria , Toninello Antonio , Salvi Mauro
Published: March 2008

Utilizing immunoaffinity enrichment of phosphotyrosine‐containing peptides coupled to mass spectrometric analysis we detected new tyrosine phosphorylated proteins in rat brain mitochondria after peroxovanadate treatment. By bioinformatic predictions we provide suggestions about the potential role of tyrosine phosphorylation in mitochondrial physiology. Our results indicate a primary role of tyrosine phosphorylation in regulating energy production at the mitochondrial level. Moreover, tyrosine phosphorylation might regulate the mitochondrial membrane permeability targeting protein complexes containing ADP/ATP translocase, VDAC, creatine kinase and hexokinase.
N‐terminal cysteinyl proteins can be prepared using thrombin cleavage
Authors: Liu Dongsheng , Xu Rong , Dutta Kaushik , Cowburn David
Published: March 2008

Expressed protein ligation – which allows native proteins to be selectively linked together by a normal peptide bond in an aqueous environment – has emerged as a powerful technique. The technique requires the formation of a C‐terminal α‐thioester and an N‐terminal Cys. An N‐terminal Cys can be formed by enzymatic cleavage, commonly using the Factor Xa and TEV proteases. We show that thrombin can be used for the formation of N‐terminal Cys, providing another choice of reagents for expressed protein ligation. Proteins with N‐terminal Cys can be obtained by the convenient modification of vectors with the putative thrombin cleavage site LVPRG to LVPRC. Two example protein domains (Csk and Abl tyrosine kinase domain) with N‐terminal Cys are demonstrated using this method. The use of thrombin protease to generate N‐terminal Cys overcomes some of the limitations of existing methods, making it generally useful for expressed protein ligation and other biotechnological applications.
TTLL10 is a protein polyglycylase that can modify nucleosome assembly protein 1
Authors: Ikegami Koji , Horigome Daisuke , Mukai Masahiro , Livnat Itamar , MacGregor Grant R. , Setou Mitsutoshi
Published: March 2008

Certain proteins can undergo polyglycylation and polyglutamylation. Polyglutamylases (glutamate ligases) have recently been identified in a family of tubulin tyrosine ligase‐like (TTLL) proteins. However, no polyglycylase (glycine ligase) has yet been reported. Here we identify a polyglycylase in the TTLL proteins by using an anti‐poly‐glycine antibody. The antibody reacted with a cytoplasmic 60‐kDa protein that accumulated in elongating spermatids. Using tandem mass spectrometry of trypsinized samples, immunoprecipitated by the antibody from the TTLL10‐expressing cells, we identified the 60‐kDa protein as nucleosome assembly protein 1 (NAP1). Recombinant TTLL10 incorporated glycine into recombinant NAP1 in vitro. Mutational analyses indicated that Glu residues at 359 and 360 in the C‐terminal part of NAP1 are putative sites for the modification. Thus, TTLL10 is a polyglycylase for NAP1.
Foreign body reaction to polymethylsiloxane gel (Bioplastique™) after vocal fold augmentation
Authors: Randhawa P S , Ramsay A D , Rubin J S
Published: March 2008

Statement of problem:

The consequences of vocal fold paralysis include voice change, airway problems and difficulty swallowing. Medialisation procedures using injected material have been used for many decades, with varying outcomes, mainly secondary to lifespan, tissue reaction or migration. Newer materials have recently become clinically available which are easier to manage and supposedly less likely to elicit foreign body reaction.

Method of study:

Case report.

Results:

We report a case of foreign body reaction and possible migration of polymethylsiloxane gel (Bioplastique™), one such material, after vocal fold injection. To our knowledge, this is the second such case described.

Conclusions:

This case highlights the fact that the risk of foreign body reaction and migration is still present for this material, albeit low. We also highlight the fact that, although this material can cause foreign body reactions and may possibly migrate, it is removable by microlaryngoscopy via the microflap technique, with vocal improvement.
Embolisation of an extensive arteriovenous malformation of the temporal region as an alternate treatment: case report
Authors: Aslan S , Yavuz H , Cagici A C , Kizilkilic O
Published: March 2008

Objectives:

To report the case of a spontaneous arteriovenous malformation involving the auricula, external auditory meatus, middle ear and part of the petrous apex, and also to provide updated information about its management.

Case report:

A 33-year-old woman presented complaining of accelerated growth of a retro-auricular swelling during her latest pregnancy, together with pain, pulsatile tinnitus and ear discharge. An arteriovenous malformation occupying the right auricula, external auditory canal, mastoid proccess of the temporal bone and the lateral half of the petrous segment was diagnosed, using temporal computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The lesion was embolised with polyvinyl alcohol particles at angiography. Excision of the arteriovenous malformation nidus was performed. Three years post-operatively, magnetic resonance imaging showed no residual lesion or recurrence at the temporal bone and petrous apex, although a few scanty, serpiginous, vascular remnants had persisted.

Conclusions:

In the head and neck, arteriovenous malformations usually occur intracranially; they are rare outside the cranium. To our knowledge, there have been no previously published cases of such an extensive arteriovenous malformation involving the temporal region. Apropos of our case, the definition, clinical findings, diagnostic approaches and therapeutic management of arteriovenous malformations are discussed.
Spatial constraints underlying the retinal mosaics of two types of horizontal cells in cat and macaque
Authors: EGLEN STEPHEN J. , WONG JAMES C.T.
Published: March 2008

Most types of retinal neurons are spatially positioned in non-random patterns, termed retinal mosaics. Several developmental mechanisms are thought to be important in the formation of these mosaics. Most evidence to date suggests that homotypic constraints within a type of neuron are dominant, and that heterotypic interactions between different types of neuron are rare. In an analysis of macaque H1 and H2 horizontal cell mosaics, Wässle et al. (2000) suggested that the high regularity index of the combined H1 and H2 mosaic might be caused by heterotypic interactions during development. Here we use computer modeling to suggest that the high regularity index of the combined H1 and H2 mosaic is a by-product of the basic constraint that two neurons cannot occupy the same space. The spatial arrangement of type A and type B horizontal cells in cat retina also follow this same principle.
Sources of variation in mortality of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus in Europe
Authors: Margalida Antoni , Heredia Rafael , Razin Martine , Hernández Mauro
Published: March 2008

We analyse the causes of mortality for the Bearded Vulture in Europe. Shooting (31%), intentional poisoning (26%), collision (18%) and unintentional poisoning (12%) were the most important causes of mortality. No differences were found between sexes or age classes (non-adults and adults) for any of the causes of death. When the four main categories of mortality were grouped in periods of 3 years from 1986 (coinciding with the species' reintroduction to the Alps) to 2006, mortality showed significant temporal variation. The results suggest that while the number of collision/electrocution deaths has remained stable or increased slightly, the number of cases of shooting has declined during the last 6 years, while at the same time intentional and unintentional poisonings have increased. We found substantial differences between causes of mortality recorded for birds located by chance (75% related to shootings and collisions with powerlines) and radio-tagged birds (86% related to intentional and unintentional poisoning), suggesting biases in methodology for monitoring mortality. The results suggest that human persecution continues to be the main factor contributing to unnatural mortality for European Bearded Vultures. Future management actions should concentrate on the creation of protocols for the collection of carcasses and detailed analyses to determine and mitigate anthropogenic sources of mortality.
Towards a history of English resultative constructions: the case of adjectival resultative constructions
Authors: BROCCIAS CRISTIANO
Published: March 2008

This contribution provides a corpus-based investigation of the history of adjectivalresultative constructions(RCs), e.g.He wiped the table clean, with special reference to Old English and Middle English. The article first briefly discusses some of the parameters relevant to a synchronic analysis of RCs, namely causativity, causality and force-dynamics, as well as the distinction between adjectival and adverbial RCs (collectively referred to as ARCs since the two types cannot always be differentiated diachronically). The article then shows that the diachronic data point to an expansion of the ARC from very specific instantiations, involving a limited set of verbs and adjectives/adverbs (i.e. the washing and cutting scenarios), to progressively more general types (which, however, set up a coherent network of analogical extensions). It is observed that this evolutionary path correlates with the metaphorical interpretation of actions as forces and the emergence of ‘proper’ causative examples, i.e. examples where the verb only symbolises the causing subevent in the causal chain evoked by the RC. Further, it is argued that this investigation highlights the importance of the usage-based model in linguistic analysis.
Flavonoid content in different legume germplasm seeds quantified by HPLC
Authors: Wang M. L. , Gillaspie A. G. , Morris J. B. , Pittman R. N. , Davis J. , Pederson G. A.
Published: March 2008

Flavonoid content was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and seed-coat colour was recorded from different legume seeds. Soybean seeds generally contained significantly higher amounts of daidzein (315–354 μg/g), genistein (438–458 μg/g), kaempferol (38–68 μg/g) and total measured flavonoids (892–917 μg/g), while cowpea and peanut seeds contained a significantly higher amount of quercetin (214–280 μg/g and 133–289 μg/g, respectively) than the other legumes tested. Significant variation for flavonoid content existed among and within legume species. Daidzein was significantly correlated with genistein and kaempferol (r = 0.92, P < 0.0001; r = 0.68, P < 0.0001), respectively. Genistein was also significantly correlated with kaempferol (r = 0.84, P < 0.0001). Due to differences in genetic background, no consistent relationship was observed between seed-coat colour and flavonoid content. Variation observed in flavonoid content and seed-coat colour would be useful for legume breeding programmes and consumer use.