bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic transoral oropharyngectomy using laparoscopic surgical instruments
Authors: Yamashita Taku , Tomifuji Masayuki , Araki Koji , Kurioka Takaomi , Shiotani Akihiro
Published: November 2010

Background

Recently, several transoral approaches for minimally invasive surgery have been developed for oropharyngeal cancer. However, all approaches have certain disadvantages. Therefore, we built and examined new surgical environments for improving the situation.

Methods

Endoscopic transoral resection using a pharyngeal retractor or distending laryngoscope, rigid videoendoscope, and laparoscopic surgical instruments was performed in 17 patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Postoperative results regarding oncology and function as well as complications were documented.

Results

The 2‐year relapse‐free survival rate was 100%. Postoperative swallowing and speech function were satisfactory: 94.1% of cases scored ≤1 on the functional outcome swallowing scale (FOSS) and ≤1 on the communication score. Further, no perioperative mortality occurred.

Conclusions

The improved surgical environment made it possible to perform a safe and reliable en bloc resection with a wide field of view and sufficient working space. Our system can be useful, although further studies on additional cases are required. Head Neck, 2010
Prognostic impact of different TNM‐based stage groupings for oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kreppel Matthias , Drebber Uta , Rothamel Daniel , Eich Hans‐Theodor , Kübler Alexander , Scheer Martin , Zöller Joachim E.
Published: November 2010

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of different TNM‐based stage groupings proposed in the literature.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 300 patients with primary oral squamous cell carcinoma (T1–4, N0–2, M0). The stage grouping systems of the sixth edition of the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC), T and N Integer Score (TANIS), the Snyderman scheme, the Hart scheme, and the Berg scheme were tested for their prognostic significance. Disease free survival (DFS) was plotted by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Prognostic factors were identified through univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

On univariate analysis, all systems revealed discriminatory power for DFS; however, on multivariate analysis, only the Hart scheme predicted DFS. The TANIS did not have a better prognostic ability than the UICC stage grouping.

Conclusion

Unlike in previous studies, the UICC stage grouping did perform worse than other TNM‐based stage groupings, which may be due to the alterations made in the sixth edition. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Effect of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate concentration on network properties and in vivo response of poly(β‐amino ester) networks
Authors: Safranski David L. , Weiss Daiana , Clark J. Brian , Caspersen Birgitta S. , Taylor W. Robert , Gall Ken
Published: November 2010

Poly(β‐amino ester) networks have shown promise as tissue scaffolds. The objective of this work was to examine the effect of changing poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate concentration on poly(β‐amino ester) network properties and to assess the degradable polymers' in vivo response, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and immunohistochemistry. The networks were synthesized from hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA), poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), and a primary amine, 3‐methoxypropylamine (3‐MOPA), with a fixed overall molar ratio of diacrylate to amine. Network properties were verified to insure that the networks possessed equivalent initial properties and structure other than chemistry. The effect of varying PEGDA concentration on water content, mass loss, and modulus was determined, where increasing the concentration of PEGDA increases both water content, mass loss rate, and decreases modulus. We also show that manipulating the network composition at ratios of 0:100, 10:90 and 25:75 (PEGDA:HDDA) does not elicit a major inflammatory response to subcutaneous implantation of the networks in mice. This work provides a foundation for tailoring poly(β‐amino ester) networks, based on degradation rate and modulus, as a means to tune the polymer properties for various biomedical applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Bovine (Bos taurus) humoral immune response against Echinococcus granulosus and hydatid cyst infertility
Authors: Paredes Rodolfo , Godoy Pablo , Rodríguez Betsabé , García María Pía , Cabezón Carolina , Cabrera Gonzalo , Jiménez Verónica , Hellman Ulf , Sáenz Leonardo , Ferreira Arturo , Galanti Norbel
Published: November 2010

Echinococcus granulosus, the agent of hydatid disease, presents an indirect life cycle, with canines (mainly dogs) as definitive hosts, and herbivores and human as intermediary ones. In intermediary hosts fertile and infertile cysts develop, but only the first ones develop protoscoleces, the parasite form infective to definitive hosts. We report the presence of bovine IgGs in the germinal layer from infertile cysts (GLIC), in an order of magnitude greater than in the germinal layer from fertile cysts (GLFC). When extracted with salt solutions, bovine IgGs from GLIC are associated with low or with high affinity (most likely corresponding to non specific and antigen specific antibodies, respectively). Specific IgGs penetrate both the cells of the germinal layer and HeLa cultured cells and recognize parasitic proteins. These results, taken together with previous ones from our laboratory, showing induction of apoptosis in the germinal layer of infertile hydatid cysts, provide the first coherent explanation of the infertility process. They also offer the possibility of identifying the parasite antigens recognized, as possible targets for immune modulation. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 189–199, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wordom: A user‐friendly program for the analysis of molecular structures, trajectories, and free energy surfaces
Authors: Seeber Michele , Felline Angelo , Raimondi Francesco , Muff Stefanie , Friedman Ran , Rao Francesco , Caflisch Amedeo , Fanelli Francesca
Published: November 2010

Wordom is a versatile, user‐friendly, and efficient program for manipulation and analysis of molecular structures and dynamics. The following new analysis modules have been added since the publication of the original Wordom paper in 2007: assignment of secondary structure, calculation of solvent accessible surfaces, elastic network model, motion cross correlations, protein structure network, shortest intra‐molecular and inter‐molecular communication paths, kinetic grouping analysis, and calculation of mincut‐based free energy profiles. In addition, an interface with the Python scripting language has been built and the overall performance and user accessibility enhanced. The source code of Wordom (in the C programming language) as well as documentation for usage and further development are available as an open source package under the GNU General Purpose License from http://wordom.sf.net. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
In silico prediction of deleterious single amino acid polymorphisms from amino acid sequence
Authors: Li Shuyan , Xi Lili , Li Jiazhong , Wang Chengqi , Lei Beilei , Shen Yulin , Liu Huanxiang , Yao Xiaojun , Li Biao
Published: November 2010

Molecular cause of human disease retains as one of the most attractive scientific research targets for decades. An effective approach toward this topic is analysis and identification of disease‐related amino acid polymorphisms. In this work, we developed a concise and promising deleterious amino acid polymorphism identification method SeqSubPred based on 44 features solely extracted from protein sequence. SeqSubPred achieved surprisingly good predictive ability with accuracy (0.88) and area under receiver operating characteristic (0.94) without resorting to homology or evolution information, which is frequently used in similar methods and usually more complex and time‐consuming. SeqSubPred also identified several critical sequence features obtained from random forests model, and these features brought some interesting insights into the factors affecting human disease‐related amino acid substitutions. The online version of SeqSubPred method is available at montana.informatics.indiana.edu/cgi‐bin/seqmut/seqsubpred.cgi © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
The charge‐transfer states in a stacked nucleobase dimer complex: A benchmark study
Authors: Aquino Adélia J. A. , Nachtigallova Dana , Hobza Pavel , Truhlar Donald G. , Hättig Christof , Lischka Hans
Published: November 2010

Electronic singlet excitations of stacked adenine–thymine (AT) and guanine–cytosine (GC) complexes have been investigated with respect to local excitation and charge‐transfer (CT) characters. Potential energy curves for rigid displacement of the nucleobases have been computed to establish the distance dependence of the CT states. The second‐order algebraic diagrammatic construction [ADC(2)] method served as reference approach for comparison to a selected set of density functionals used within the time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT). Particular attention was dedicated to the performance of the recently developed family of M06 functionals. The calculations for the stacked complexes show that at the ADC(2) level, the lowest CT state is S6 for the AT and as S4 for the GC pair. At the reference geometry, the actual charge transferred is found to be 0.73 e for AT. In case of GC, this amount is much smaller (0.17 e). With increasing separation of the two nucleobases, the CT state is strongly destabilized. The M06‐2X version provides a relatively good reproduction of the ADC(2) results. It avoids the serious overstabilization and overcrowding of the spectrum found with the B3LYP functional. On the other hand, M06‐HF destabilizes the CT state too strongly. TD‐DFT/M06‐2X calculations in solution (heptane, isoquinoline, and water) using the polarizable continuum model show a stabilization of the CT state and an increase in CT character with increasing polarity of the solvent. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
“Hugging sisters”: Thoracoomphalopagus with anencephaly confirmed by three‐dimensional ultrasonography at 9 weeks of gestation
Authors: Shim Jae‐Yoon , Joo Da‐Hye , Won Hye‐Sung , Lee Pil Ryang , Kim Ahm
Published: November 2010

We describe a rare conjoined twinning at 9 weeks of gestation. We compared the results of two‐ and three‐dimensional sonography with autopsy findings after the termination of pregnancy. These results showed a thoracoomphalopagus with a shared heart and visceral organs. Three‐dimensional sonography showed anencephaly in one of the embryos. Early and accurate prenatal diagnosis of this type of conjoined twins using three‐dimensional sonography is critical for both parental counseling and minimizing maternal morbidity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Traumatic stress, affect dysregulation, and dysfunctional avoidance: A structural equation model
Authors: Briere John , Hodges Monica , Godbout Natacha
Published: November 2010

The multivariate relationship between interpersonal trauma, posttraumatic stress, affect dysregulation, and various avoidance behaviors was examined in a sample of 418 trauma‐exposed participants from the general population. Structural equation modeling indicated that (a) suicidality, substance abuse, dissociation, and problematic activities such as self‐injury and dysfunctional sexual behaviors were all indicators of a robust latent variable, named dysfunctional avoidance, (b) accumulated exposure to various types of interpersonal trauma was associated with this avoidance factor, and (c) the relationship between trauma and dysfunctional avoidance was independently mediated by both posttraumatic stress and diminished affect regulation capacity.
Nanoparticles by ROMP in Nonaqueous Emulsions
Authors: Haschick Robert , Klapper Markus , Wagener Kenneth B. , Müllen Klaus
Published: November 2010

The use of nonaqueous emulsions to synthesize particles by ROMP is described. The applied emulsions – consisting of two immiscible, organic, aprotic solvents – are versatile reaction systems for the preparation of polymer particles from moisture sensitive monomers and catalysts. Whereas up to now only polycondensations or polyadditions have been utilized in nonaqueous emulsions, catalytic polymerizations are now presented. Four different functionalized norbornene derivatives were applied for ROMP by a second‐generation Grubbs catalyst to form polymer nanoparticles. Furthermore, core/shell and surface functionalized nanoparticles applicable to “click” reactions were prepared to demonstrate the use of different polymerization procedures in one pot.

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Complex Inorganic/Organic Core‐Shell Particles by an Inverse Emulsion Technique
Authors: Schmidtke Kathy , Stelzig Simon H. , Geidel Christian , Klapper Markus , Müllen Klaus
Published: November 2010

Two synthetic approaches to modify the surface of inorganic particles are presented. In the first approach the inorganic particles are prepared in‐situ in a confined space in inverse emulsions. The used amphiphilic statistical copolymers act not only as emulsifiers, but they also hydrophobize the remaining inorganic particles after the precipitation. This approach represents a versatile method to obtain various inorganic nanoparticles as well as more complex inorganic materials like core‐multiple shell and perovskite‐based nanoparticles. The second procedure uses preformed inorganic particles, as an aqueous dispersion, to modify them with surface active amphiphilic copolymers in a multicomponent solvent system. This method turns out to be a simple but highly efficient method to modify preformed inorganic nanoparticles. The particles are characterized by SEM, TEM and dynamic light scattering. The modified inorganic nanoparticles are suitable to be homogenously incorporated into a polymer matrix to form transparent nanocomposite materials.
Alternating Ring‐Opening Metathesis Copolymerization of Norborn‐2‐ene with cis‐Cyclooctene and Cyclopentene
Authors: Vehlow Kati , Lichtenheldt Martin , Wang Dongren , Blechert Siegfried , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: November 2010

Ru‐alkylidenes based on unsymmetrical imidazolin‐2‐ylidenes, were used for the alternating copolymerization of norborn‐2‐ene (NBE) with cis‐cyclooctene (COE) and cyclopentene (CPE), respectively. Alternating copolymers, i.e., poly(NBE‐alt‐COE)n and poly(NBE‐alt‐CPE)n containing up to 97 and 91% alternating diads, respectively, were obtained. The copolymerization parameters of the alternating copolymerization of NBE with CPE under the action of different initiators were determined using a first order Markov model. Hydrogenation of poly(NBE‐alt‐COE)n yielded a fully saturated, hydrocarbon‐based polymer.
Controlled Free‐Radical Copolymerization of N‐vinyl succinimide and n‐Butyl acrylate via a Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Technique
Authors: Sivtsov Eugene , Chernikova Elena , Gostev Alexey , Garina Elizaveta
Published: November 2010

Summary: Copolymerization of N‐vinyl succinimide and n‐butyl acrylate in the presence of dibenzyl trithiocarbonate as a reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer agent was investigated. The linear dependence of molecular mass on conversion and low values of polydispersity index confirmed pseudo‐living mechanism of the process. For the first time the soluble copolymers of N‐vinyl succinimide and n‐butyl acrylate with high composition homogeneity have been synthesized by copolymerization in bulk. The copolymerization kinetics was studied by NMR 1H spectroscopy; the reactivity ratios were determined: rVSI = 0.11, rBA = 2.54. The copolymer microstructure was estimated; it was shown that in conditions of RAFT polymerization gradient copolymers enriched with BA on the tails of the macromolecule and with VSI in the middle can be obtained. The method of elimination of trithiocarbonate fragment by the reaction with an excess of AIBN was proposed leading to formation of the simplest gradient structure of N‐vinyl succinimide – n‐butyl acrylate copolymer.
Nanoimprint Lithography with UV‐Curable Hyperbranched Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Geiser Valérie , Jin Young‐Hyun , Leterrier Yves , Månson Jan‐Anders E.
Published: November 2010

Nano‐scale patterns were produced with UV‐curable acrylated hyperbranched polymer nanocomposites using nanoimprint lithography with a glass master in a rapid, low‐pressure process. The pattern of the glass master was replicated with composites containing up to 25 vol% SiO2 with a shape fidelity better than 98%. Photo‐rheology, interferometry and atomic force microscopy were used to analyze the material behavior. Attention was paid to the relationship between composition, nanoparticle dispersion, kinetics of photo‐polymerisation, shrinkage, pressure and shape fidelity of nano‐gratings. It was shown that the gel‐point of the nanocomposite was an important factor that determined the stability as well as the dimensions of the imprinted structure. Dimensional accuracy also strongly depended on the level of internal stress, which in fact increased with the amount of silica. A resin rich layer on the surface of the composite accounted for the good surface quality of the nano‐pattern.
Comparison of Different Analytical Methods for Volatile and Odour‐Active Substances in Polyolefins
Authors: Hopfer Helene , Sauer Christian , Haar Nina , Leitner Erich
Published: November 2010

Emissions of volatiles of polymeric materials are an important parameter for materials characterisation, and gain more and more importance either by their odour activity or by other undesired behaviour. Currently, numerous methods are applied for the determination of volatiles, but all of them use gas chromatography (GC) with different detectors. The information gained by flame ionisation detection (FID) is the total emitted volatiles expressed as a sum value, but no further deeper information is provided. Additionally, due to different sample amounts, preparation, way of sampling and GC parameters, results cannot be compared to each other. Also, determination of single sum values by integrating the total area of volatiles is of little help for material development due to the lack of detailed information about chemical composition, and other methods have to be applied. Other compounds of interest such as odour‐active ones turn up in only very small amounts and cannot be detected by these methods as an extensive analytical sample preparation is necessary. We compare results obtained by different sample preparation techniques used in industrial standards (VDA 277 and VDA278) to scientific alternatives such as Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) coupled to GC with mass spectrometry (MS) and Simultaneous Distillation/Extraction SDE coupled to GC‐MS to demonstrate capabilities and applicability of each method.
Neutron Scattering Studies of Structure and Self‐Assembly of Star‐Shaped Polymers with Fullerene Centres in Solutions
Authors: Lebedev Vasily , Vinogradova Lyudmila , Török Gyula
Published: November 2010

Protonated star‐shaped polystyrenes with single and double fullerene C60 core and the hybrid stars with pairs of polar and non‐polar arms (tertbuthylmetacrylate, polystyrene) have been studied in deuterated toluene (20 °C) by small‐angle neutron scattering at low and moderate polymer concentrations (c1 ∼ 1 g/dl, c2 ∼ 3–6 g/dl) to evaluate the peculiarities of fullerene centre action on polymers self‐assembly in solutions. As we found, the cores composed of two fullerenes, linked via Si(CH3)2‐bridge, induce stars' anisotropic interactions and association into chain‐like structures (correlation radius ∼400–600 nm). Meanwhile, the single‐core stars of polystyrene and hybrids organize globular clusters (size ∼ 103 nm) those geometry do not change significantly by polymer content variation.
Development of Injectable Biodegradable Multi‐Arms PEG‐Based Hydrogels: Swelling and Degradation Investigations
Authors: Wang David , Hill David J.T. , Peng Hui , Symons Anne , Varanasi Srinivas , Whittaker Andrew K. , Rasoul Firas
Published: November 2010

Summary: Injectable biodegradable hydrogels have been developed to determine the efficacy of biomaterials for the treatment of periodontitis through control delivery of bone‐healing bioactives. The hydrogels were prepared from the PEG‐ylated macromer of Boltorn™ H20 (BH20) and an acrylated triblock copolymer of polylactide‐polyethylene glycol (2k)‐polylactide (PLA) in various molar ratios using ammonium persulfate and sodium ascorbate as a free radical initiating system. Preliminary investigations involving the synthesis of PLA hydrogels with different PLLA block lengths were studied in order to determine the swelling ratios and degradation rates of the biodegradable component of the hydrogels prior to copolymerization with BH20. The swelling and degradation studies of PLA with PEG diacrylate (FW 700) hydrogels were established in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C, pH 7.4 and in water (pH ∼5.5). They have been shown to have low swelling ratios (Qmax = 4.4 to 3.6) and degradation times of 20–30 days. The swelling and degradation parameters were found to be dependent on the molar ratio of the PEG diacrylate to PLA in the copolymer.
Control of McKibben Polymeric Artificial Muscles by Means of Buffer Solutions
Authors: Tondu B. , Mathé S. , Emirkhanian R.
Published: November 2010

Reversible swelling and de‐swelling of pH reactive polymers are mainly made using strong bases and strong acids, typically with pH equal to 0 or 1 and 14 or 13. As a consequence, pH‐artificial muscles are triggered off at a pH too high for internal use of such muscles inside the human body. The paper analyses the possibility of using weak base‐weak acid buffers to generate the ion circulation necessary for swelling/de‐swelling phenomena with a limited pH‐range. The paper further reports experiments with ion‐exchange resins swelling and de‐swelling in response to standard NaHCO3/CH3COOH + CH3COONa weak base‐weak acid solutions. The ion exchange resin is placed inside the inner tube of a McKibben‐braided structure whose functioning we have discussed elsewhere in connection with its reliability to define a chemo‐mechanical artificial muscle with static and dynamic behaviour close to human skeletal muscle. We experimentally show that a 0.25 M buffer solution leads to a maximum isometric force and a contraction time response similar to that obtained with 0.1 M NaOH/HCl strong base‐strong acid. As a consequence, our McKibben polymeric artificial muscle is now controlled within a 3.8 pH‐range: muscle contraction is triggered at about 8.3 pH, and muscle relaxation at about a 4.5 pH. The dynamic performance of a 170 mm long/7 mm diameter in isotonic mode, with loads between 0.25 kg to 10 kg, is reported.
Dynamics of the Alignment of Mammalian Cells on a Nano‐Structured Polymer Surface
Authors: Peterbauer Thomas , Yakunin Sergii , Siegel Jakub , Heitz Johannes
Published: November 2010

In vitro cultured mammalian cells are able to sense micro‐ and nanotopographical features of their substratum, resulting in contact guidance of the cells along topographical features, altered motility, proliferation and differentiation. We here used embossed polyester films with nanogrooves to study the dynamics of cell spreading and alignment of chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and cells of a rat myogenic cell line. Our results suggest that the response of the cells studied is driven by initial cytoplasmic protrusions, which emerge along the nanogrooves and pull the cells along the direction of the nanogrooves.
Towards Targeted Drug Delivery by Covalent Ligand‐Modified Polymeric Nanocontainers
Authors: Egli Stefan , Fischer Barbara , Hartmann Sonja , Hunziker Patrick , Meier Wolfgang , Rigler Per
Published: November 2010

Here we present a novel strategy for specific cellular targeting of polymeric nanocontainers by using self‐assembly of block copolymers consisting of either Polydimethoxysiloxane‐b‐Polymethyloxazoline‐b‐Polydimethoxysiloxane (PDMS‐b‐PMOXA‐b‐PDMS) or functionalized PDMS‐b‐PMOXA‐b‐PDMS. Covalent functionalization of the above copolymer was accomplished using either the fluorescent dye sulforhodamine B or a poly‐guanosin ligand, the latter by using the Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition. The success of the covalent modification of the block copolymer has been determined by studying functionalized sulforhodamine B by NMR and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. The covalent click chemistry approach leads to efficiently functionalized polymeric nanocontainers which enables specific uptake by activated macrophages overexpressing the scavenger receptor A1.
Hydrolysis of Cutin by PET‐Hydrolases
Authors: Korpecka Justyna , Heumann Sonja , Billig Susan , Zimmermann Wolfgang , Zinn Manfred , Ihssen Julian , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur , Guebitz Georg M.
Published: November 2010

Functionalisation of synthetic polymers by using enzymes has been recently demonstrated. The major advantage of enzymes over chemical processes lies in their surface specific and endo‐wise mode of action. Surface hydrophilisation of PET with lipases and cutinases leads to a dramatic increase of the surfacial acid and hydroxyl group content while conventional chemical treatment does not cause any change. However, this PET‐hydrolysing activity by enzymes from distinct classes has not yet been correlated to activity on natural polyesters. Here, we show that lipases, cutinases and a PHA‐depolymerase are all capable of hydrolysing PET, while only lipases and cutinases also hydrolysed cutin to various degrees. Lipases showed a higher specificity for terminal fatty acids while the cutinases preferred hydroxy fatty acids during cutin hydrolysis.
Tracking the Structure‐Reactivity Relationship of Zinc Guanidine‐Pyridine Hybrid Complexes Initiating Lactide Polymerisation
Authors: Börner Janna , Flörke Ulrich , Döring Artjom , Kuckling Dirk , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja
Published: November 2010

Summary: Three zinc guanidine‐pyridine hybrid complexes [Zn(TMGqu)2(CH3SO3)][CH3SO3] (1), [Zn(DMEGqu)(CH3SO3)2] (2) and [Zn(DMEGqu)2(CH3SO3)][CH3SO3] (3) were synthesised, completely characterised and investigated on their activity in the solvent‐free ring‐opening polymerisation of D,L‐lactide. It was proven that the bis‐chelate trigonal‐bipyramidally coordinated compounds 1 and 3 are able to act as initiators for lactide polymerisation, and polylactides with molecular weights (Mw) of around 28000 g/mol could be obtained with relatively narrow polydispersities. The tetrahedral complex 2 does not initiate lactide polymerisation. In an integrated approach of structural studies and DFT calculations, the active complexes 1 and 3 were analysed towards their structural and electronical pre‐requisites in comparison to their more active triflate analogues 1OTf and 3OTf. The influence of coordination strength of the anionic component on the charge distribution within the complex and on the substrate accessibility to the zinc centre is highlighted as crucial factor for the polymerisation initiation. As result, it is shown that the mesylate complexes 1 and 3 have less positive charge on the zinc centre and the mesylate is stronger bound than the corresponding triflate in the triflate complexes 1OTf and 3OTf. Consequently, the reactivity of the complexes is directly correlated to the coordinational behaviour of the anionic component.
Graft Copolymers Based on Functional Polyesters
Authors: Hahn Christian , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin
Published: November 2010

Graft copolymers with a polyester backbone and PMMA side chains were successfully prepared in a two and a three step approach. In the two step approach, functional polyesters were prepared via polycondensation using hexane diol and bromosuccinic acid as building blocks and methyl methacrylate (MMA) was grafted from the resulting poly(hexamethylene bromosuccinate) (PHMBS), here the initiating group is linked directly to the polyester backbone.

In the second approach hexane diol and malic acid were used as bilding blocks giving poly(hexamethylene malate) (PHMM). The hydroxyl groups of PHMM were transferred with 2‐bromo‐2‐propionylbromide into an ATRP‐initiator. Then the grafting of MMA from poly(hexamethylene malate) bromopropionate (PHMM‐BrP) was investigated.
Investigation of Calcium Carbonates Enhanced Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Materials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Oláh László , Tuba Ferenc
Published: November 2010

In this study poly(ε‐caprolactone) – calcium‐carbonate composites were obtained by melt‐mixing. Two crystal‐modifications of calcium‐carbonate were used, namely calcite and aragonite. Compressive and tensile tests were executed on samples with various compositions to analyze the effect of filler content and particle geometry. Both minerals improved the compressive modulus and strength significantly, however the influence of calcite was superior. The tensile modulus was also highly increased. The elongation at break remained high even at 50 wt% aragonite filling, but decreased with two orders in the case of calcite. Biocompatibility tests were also carried out with human osteoblast cells and the results were promising. The relative cell number increased due to calcium‐carbonate. Both filler material is able to enhance the mechanical and biological properties of poly(ε‐caprolactone) significantly. Aragonite samples remained more ductile compared to calcite ones, but the calcite filled scaffolds are stiffer, stronger and slightly more biocompatible than aragonite filled materials.
Hybrid Polymeric Systems for Nano‐Selective Counter Intervention in Virus Life Cycle
Authors: Serbin Alexander , Karaseva Ekaterina , Tsvetkov Vladimir , Alikhanova Olga , Rodionov Igor
Published: November 2010

Self assembly of viral biopolymers to nano‐complexes forming virions during virus delivery from infected cell and reverse disintegration to virus entry into new cells play a crucial role in viral life cycle and in viral diseases. Therefore artificial instruments for selective counter intervention into these processes are dramatically required for the high effective antiviral protection. Hybrid macromolecular systems (HMS) rationally integrating heterogeneous structure‐functional factors for selective recognition ‐ inhibition of viruses (nano‐objects) without detriment for cells (micro‐objects) can become a molecular basis for cardinal progress in this area. Here we discuss approaches to design and current experimental results of synthesis, and antiviral selectivity evaluations of the HMS, based on combinations of polyelectrolyte‐grafted components constructed on principles of mimicry and/or complementarity to viral targets or virus‐sensitive cell receptors. Particularly, the HMS generations strongly inhibiting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were created as platform to novel drug development against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
Effect of Pre‐Existed Form I' on the Phase Transition of Isotactic Poly‐1‐butene Form III under High Pressure CO2
Authors: Li Lei , Liu Tao , Zhao Ling
Published: November 2010

The CO2 plasticization effect on the isotactic poly‐1‐butene (iPB‐1) form III with pre‐existed minority form I' was investigated by using high‐pressure differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that the form III melting peak moved to a lower temperature and the melting peak area of form II generated during heating decreased with the increased CO2 pressure. The solid‐solid transition of form III to I' in the iPB‐1 was mainly studied by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It was claimed that the phase transition was a thermodynamic process and the pre‐existed form I' in form III inhibit the phase transition of form III into I'. The influence of the pre‐existed form I' on the melting behavior of the iPB‐1 was also studied by DSC. It was found that the form I' also suppressed the recrystallization of form II.
Synthesis and Characterization of Borax‐Polyimide for Flame Retardant Applications
Authors: Seckin Turgay , Köytepe Süleyman
Published: November 2010

Polyamide‐borax composites were prepared from solution of polyimide and the borax using N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone as a solvent. The Polyimide‐borax composites films (PI‐BX) characterized by FTIR, SEM and x‐ray. The borax content significantly influences thermal behavior of the polymeric films, such as glass transition and decomposition temperatures of polyimide‐borax composites. The glass transition temperatures of the composites were higher than that of the original polyimide. The flammability properties of them were demonstrated by cone calorimeter and indicate that the borax composites have significantly decreased in heat release rate, and mass loss rate. The PI‐BX composites appears very good the flame retardant properties.
Influence of Proteins on the Mechanical Properties of Agro‐Based Materials
Authors: Terrié C. , Constantinescu V. , Leblanc N. , Saiter J.‐M.
Published: November 2010

Summary: A new biodegradable thermoplastic material based on a wheat flour by‐product has been developed. The influence of protein content in wheat flour on the mechanical properties of the material has been investigated. For protein content between 4% and 10%, no influence of the protein content was evidenced, whereas beyond 10% w/w of proteins in the wheat flour, the mechanical properties of agro‐based materials decrease, thus confirming the advantage of using a wheat flour by‐product (i.e. with protein content below 8% w/w).
Accordion‐optimized DEPT experiments
Authors: Furrer Julien , Guerra Sebastiano , Deschenaux Robert
Published: November 2010

In this contribution, a pulse sequence is described for recording accordion‐optimized DEPT experiments. The proposed ACCORDEPT experiment detects a wide range of one‐bond coupling constants using accordion optimization. As a proof of concept, this strategy has been applied to a mesogen containing a large range of one‐bond 1JCH coupling constants associated with the various structural elements. The ACCORDEPT experiment afforded significant enhancements for the resonances with the larger 1JCH couplings, similar SNR for aliphatic resonances, but reduced SNR for aliphatic resonances as compared with the standard DEPT experiment. In addition, the ACCORDEPT is straightforward to implement, does not require any supplementary calibration procedures and can be used under automated conditions without difficulty by inexperienced users. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and functional significance of α9β1 integrin expression in breast cancer: a novel cell‐surface marker of the basal phenotype that promotes tumour cell invasion
Authors: Allen Michael D , Vaziri Reza , Green Michael , Chelala Claude , Brentnall Adam R , Dreger Sally , Vallath Sabarinath , Nitch‐Smith Harriet , Hayward Jane , Carpenter Robert , Holliday Deborah L , Walker Rosemary A , Hart Ian R , Louise Jones J
Published: November 2010

Integrin α9β1 is a receptor for ECM proteins, including Tenascin‐C and the EDA domain of fibronectin, and has been shown to transduce TGFβ signalling. This study has examined the expression pattern of α9β1 in 141 frozen breast carcinoma samples and related expression to prognostic indices, molecular subtype and patient outcome. Effects of α9β1 on tumour cell migration and invasion were assessed using blocking antibody and gene transduction approaches. Integrin α9β1 localized to myoepithelial cells in normal ducts and acini, a pattern maintained in DCIS. A subset (17%) of invasive carcinomas exhibited tumour cell expression of α9β1, which related significantly to the basal‐like phenotype, as defined by either CK5/6 or CK14 expression. Tumour expression of α9β1 showed a significant association with reduced overall patient survival (p < 0.0001; HR 5.94, 95%CI 3.26–10.82) and with reduced distant‐metastasis‐free survival (p < 0.0001; HR 6.37, CI 3.51–11.58). A series of breast cancer cell lines was screened for α9β1 with the highly invasive basal‐like GI‐101 cell line expressing significant levels. Both migration and invasion of this line were reduced significantly in the presence of α9‐blocking antibody and following α9‐knockdown with siRNA. Conversely, migratory and invasive behaviour of α9‐negative MCF7 cells and α9‐low MDA MB468 cells was enhanced significantly by over‐expression of α9. Thus, α9β1 acts as a novel marker of the basal‐like breast cancer subtype and expression is associated with reduced survival, while its ability to promote breast cancer cell migration and invasion suggests that it contributes to the aggressive clinical behaviour of this tumour subtype. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber and hindered phenol composite. II. Characterization of hydrogen bonding
Authors: Cao Yuanyi , Mou Haiyan , Shen Fei , Xu Haiyan , Hu Guo‐Hua , Wu Chifei
Published: November 2010

This article reports on the relationship between the variation of hydrogen bonding and macroscopic properties of composites composed of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) and 3,9‐bis {1,1‐dimethyl‐2 [β‐(3‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxy‐5‐methylphenyl) propionyloxy] ethyl}‐2,4,8,10‐tetraoxaspiro [5,5]‐undecane (AO‐80). Hydrogen bonding of the composites was studied by Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopies. FT‐IR spectra at room temperature revealed that the stretching vibration peak of OH and CO of AO‐80 red shifted with increasing AO‐80 content, whereas that of C≡N of HNBR blue shifted only when the AO‐80 content exceeded 10 parts per 100 resin (phr). At elevated temperatures, the shift was the opposite for CO and C≡N bands resulting from hydrogen bonding dissociation. In the UV spectra, the E2 band of benzene ring of AO‐80 exhibited two peaks differing in shape. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
The formation of β‐polypropylene crystals in a compatibilized blend of isotactic polypropylene and polyamide‐6
Authors: Zhang Rong Hua , Shi De An , Tsui Chi Pong , Tang Chak Yin , Tjong Sie Chin , Li Robert Kwok Yiu
Published: November 2010

Compatibilized polypropylene (PP)/polyamide (PA6) blends with and without β nucleating agent (β‐NA) are prepared, and are designated as Blend‐0.3 and Blend‐0, respectively. The melting and crystallization characteristic of the blends crystallized under different cooling rates and different crystallization temperatures are studied. It is observed that high β‐PP content can be developed in Blend‐0.3 only at slow cooling rates (<5°C/min), whereas high α‐PP content is formed at fast cooling rates. Isothermal crystallization analysis of Blend‐0 indicates that PA6 is an effective NA for α‐PP in the lower temperature range, whereas the α‐nucleating effect disappears in the higher temperature range. Blend‐0.3 can, therefore, be viewed as a system containing both α‐ and β‐NAs, simultaneously. PA6 is competing with β‐NA in inducing PP crystallization. Under the normal injection of Blend‐0.3, the melt will be cooled through the higher temperature that favors the effectiveness of β‐NA rapidly because of the faster cooling rate. However, the α‐nucleation effect from PA6 predominate at the lower temperature. This explains the difficulty in obtaining high β‐PP content in Blend‐0.3 from injection molding. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Enhancing mechanical properties of gel‐spun polyvinyl alcohol fibers by iodine doping
Authors: Uddin Ahmed Jalal , Narusawa Tatsuya , Gotoh Yasuo
Published: November 2010

High strength polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers with a conventional degree of polymerization of 1500 were prepared by doping iodine with PVA spinning solution. The iodine‐doped PVA (I‐PVA) aqueous solution was extruded into cold methanol that provides dark purple PVA‐iodine complex gel fibers. Only a small amount of iodine was required to enhance drawability and molecular orientation by reducing the interaction between PVA chains. An increase of ca. 10% in the maximum draw ratio of the doped fibers compared with that of undoped PVA translated into values for the tensile strength, 2.2 Giga‐Pascal (GPa), and initial modulus (47 GPa) that were more than 30% higher than those of the neat PVA fiber. Easier chain slippage of molecules in the amorphous segments of the I‐PVA fiber during drawing leads to increased orientation in these segments, which is believed to be the source of the improvements in mechanical properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation of polyurethane elastomers (PUEs) in a high‐throughput workflow
Authors: Majoros László I. , Dekeyser Bernard , Haucourt Nancy , Castelein Pieter , Paul Johan , Kranenburg Johannes M. , Rettler Erik , Hoogenboom Richard , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: November 2010

High‐throughput experimentation (HTE) represents a promising and versatile approach for polyurethane (PU) research as a tool to rapidly screen and characterize a large number of samples in an automated way. To realize a unique HTE workflow for the research and development of PU elastomers (PUEs), the use of parallel automated formulation and coating platforms at Flamac were explored. To evaluate the applicability of HTE for PUEs, four different PU systems were investigated with different reactivities and viscosities. All prepared PUEs were evaluated by conventional physical testing methods measuring the E‐modulus, tensile‐elongation and the hardness properties revealing similar trends as conventionally prepared PUEs indicating the viability of the HTE approach. In addition, the properties of the PUEs were also investigated using downscaled microtensile bars as well as depth‐sensing indentation, again, revealing similar trends. With this proof of principle study, we demonstrated for the first time that HTE can also be extended to polymeric materials based on high reactive and viscous raw materials in combination with complex technologies. The reported results provide a basis for the use of HTE approaches for preparing, screening and characterizing large numbers of PUEs for R&D purposes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Polyurethanes from polyols obtained by ADMET polymerization of a castor oil‐based diene: Characterization and shape memory properties
Authors: Rio E. Del , Lligadas G. , Ronda J. C. , Galià M. , Meier M. A. R. , Cádiz V.
Published: November 2010

The acyclic diene metathesis polymerization (ADMET) of 1,3‐di‐10‐undecenoxy‐2‐propanol, a castor oil based diene, is reported. 10‐Undecenol was used as renewable comonomer to end‐cap polymer chains and limit the molecular weight. The poly ols obtained in this way were reacted with 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) (MDI) to yield a series of amorphous and semicrystalline polyurethane networks. The thermal stability and the thermomechanical and mechanical properties of these thermosets have been studied and showed good shape memory properties for the semicrystalline polymer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Proteomic analysis of multiple myeloma: Current status and future perspectives
Authors: Ge Feng , Bi Li‐Jun , Tao Sheng‐Ce , Xu Xu‐dong , Zhang Zhi‐Ping , Kitazato Kaio , Zhang Xian‐En
Published: November 2010

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell neoplasm that accounts for slightly more than 10% of all hematologic cancers and remains incurable. The major challenge remains the identification of better diagnosis and prognostic biomarkers. The advent of proteomic technologies creates new opportunities and challenges for those seeking to gain greater understanding of MM. Although there is a limited number of proteomic studies to date in MM, those performed highlight the potential impact of these technologies in our understanding of MM pathogenesis and the identification of novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we introduce the proteomic technologies available for the study of MM, summarize results of the published proteomic studies on MM, and discuss the novel developments and applications for the analysis of protein PTM in MM. The application of proteomic technologies will be valuable to better understand the pathogenesis of MM and may in the future open novel avenues in the treatment of MM.
Androgen receptor signaling induced by supraphysiological doses of dihydrotestosterone in human peripheral blood lymphocytes
Authors: Imperlini Esther , Mancini Annamaria , Spaziani Sara , Martone Domenico , Alfieri Andreina , Gemei Marica , Vecchio Luigi Del , Buono Pasqualina , Orrù Stefania
Published: November 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 3165–3175, DOI 10.1002/pmic.201000079
Upregulation of plasma C9 protein in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Chong Poh‐Kuan , Lee Huiyin , Loh Marie Chiew Shia , Choong Lee‐Yee , Lin Qingsong , So Jimmy Bok Yan , Lim Khong Hee , Soo Ross Andrew , Yong Wei Peng , Chan Siew Pang , Smoot Duane T. , Ashktorab Hassan , Yeoh Khay Guan , Lim Yoon Pin
Published: November 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 3210–3221, DOI 10.1002/pmic.201000127
Assessment of downstream effectors of BCR/ABL protein tyrosine kinase using combined proteomic approaches
Authors: Lee Chia Fang , Griffiths Stephen , Rodríguez‐Suárez Eva , Pierce Andrew , Unwin Richard D. , Jaworska Ewa , Evans Caroline A. , J. Gaskell Simon , Whetton Anthony D.
Published: November 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 3321–3342, DOI 10.1002/pmic.201000176
Illuminating the molecular basis of diabetic arteriopathy: A proteomic comparison of aortic tissue from diabetic and healthy rats
Authors: Jüllig Mia , Chen Xiuyin , Middleditch Martin J. , Vazhoor Greeshma , Hickey Anthony J. , Gong Deming , Lu Jun , Zhang Shaoping , Phillips Anthony R. J. , Cooper Garth J. S.
Published: November 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 3367–3378, DOI 10.1002/pmic.201000276
A well‐characterised peak identification list of MALDI MS profile peaks for human blood serum
Authors: Tiss Ali , Smith Celia , Menon Usha , Jacobs Ian , Timms John F. , Cramer Rainer
Published: November 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 3388–3392, DOI 10.1002/pmic.201000100
2‐D hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography‐RP separation in urinary proteomics – Minimizing variability through improved downstream workflow compatibility
Authors: Loftheim Håvard , Nguyen Thien Duc , Malerød Helle , Lundanes Elsa , Åsberg Anders , Reubsaet Léon
Published: November 2010

This article was originally published in Journal of Separation Science 2010, 33, 864–872, DOI 10.1002/jssc.200900554
Sample complexity reduction aids efficient detection of low‐abundant proteins from human amniotic fluid
Authors: Alam Mashkoor , Selladurai Masilamani , Nagpal Saurabh , Tomar Anil Kumar , Saraswat Mayank , Raziuddin M. , Mittal Sunita , Singh Tej P. , Yadav Savita
Published: November 2010

This article was originally published in Journal of Separation Science 2010, 33, 1723–1729, DOI 10.1002/jssc.200900756