bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One‐Pot Template‐Free Synthesis of Monodisperse Hollow Hydrogel Microspheres and their Resulting Properties
Authors: Lim Hyung‐Seok , Kwon Eunji , Lee Moonjoo , Moo Lee Young , Suh Kyung‐Do 
Published: July 2013

Monodisperse poly(methacrylic acid/ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate) (MAA/EGDMA) hollow microcapsules, which exhibit pH‐responsive behavior, are prepared by diffusion of cationic surfactants and hydrophobic interaction. During the association of the negatively charged hydrogel microspheres and an oppositely charged surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTA(+)B), the hydrophobic polymer‐surfactant complexes that form are separated from the internal water; consequently, a hollow structure can be formed. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, UV spectro­scopy and zeta potential are employed to study the formation of the hollow structure during the diffusion of the cationic surfactant. The controlled release behavior of methylene blue as a model drug from the as‐prepared poly(MAA/EGDMA) microcapsules with a hollow structure is investigated under different pH conditions. The hollow structure can be retained, even during repetitive pH changes.
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Computational Investigations of a Peptide‐Modified Dendrimer Interacting with Lipid Membranes
Authors: Tu Chen‐kun , Chen Kang , Tian Wen‐de , Ma Yu‐qiang 
Published: July 2013

Understanding the interactions of dendrimers as delivery vectors with biomembranes is important for functional optimization. Here, coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations are employed to study the interactions between a surface‐modified dendrimer with short peptides and lipid bilayers under physiological and low pH conditions. The peptide consists of three histidines (H) with the pH‐sensitive property and an arginine (R). It is found that the peptide‐dendrimer conjugate either adheres to or penetrates through the negatively charged, asymmetrical bilayer, dependent on the pH value. Calculation of the potential of mean force shows that the penetration is energy favorable at low pH. The conjugate can lead to membrane thinning with enhanced permeability. Inspired by the results, a possible route is proposed for gene delivery using the non‐specific electrostatic interaction adjusted by the pH environment.
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Hydroxyalkylation and Polyether Polyol Grafting of Graphene Tailored for Graphene/Polyurethane Nanocomposites
Authors: Appel Anna‐Katharina , Thomann Ralf , Mülhaupt Rolf 
Published: July 2013

Graphene functionalization by hydroxyalkylation and grafting with polyether polyols enables polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites formation by in situ polymerization with isocyanates combined with effective covalent interfacial coupling. Functionalized graphene (FG) hydroxylation is achieved either by alkylation, transesterification, or grafting of thermally reduced graphite oxide. In the presence of K2CO3 as catalyst the reaction of FG‐OH with ethylene carbonate at 180 °C affords hydroxyethylated FG, whereas transesterification with castor oil produces riconoleiate‐modified FG polyols. In the “grafting‐from” process, FG‐alkoholate macro initiators initiate the graft polymerization of propylene oxide to produce hybrid FG polyols containing 38 and 59 wt% oligopropylene oxide. In the “grafting‐to” process 3‐ethyl‐3‐hydroxymethyl‐oxetane is cationically polymerized onto FG‐OH, producing novel hyperbranched FG‐based polyether polyols. Whereas hydroxylation and grafting of FG greatly improve FG dispersion in organic solvents, polyols and even PU, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, matrix reinforcement of FG/PU is impaired by increasing alkyl chain length and polyol graft copolymer content.
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Chemical Control of Yeast Cell Division by Cross‐Linked Shells of Catechol‐Grafted Polyelectrolyte Multilayers
Authors: Lee Juno , Yang Sung Ho , Hong Seok‐Pyo , Hong Daewha , Lee Haeshin , Lee Hee‐Yoon , Kim Yang‐Gyun , Choi Insung S. 
Published: July 2013

The chemical control of cell division has attracted much attention in the areas of single cell‐based biology and high‐throughput screening platforms. A mussel‐inspired cytocompatible encapsulation method for achieving a “cell‐division control” with cross‐linked layer‐by‐layer (LbL) shells is developed. Catechol‐grafted polyethyleneimine and hyaluronic acid are chosen as polyelectrolytes for the LbL process, and the cross‐linking of polyelectrolytes is performed at pH 8.5. Cell division is controlled by the number of the LbL nanolayers and cross‐linking reaction. We also suggest a new measuring unit, , for quantifying “cell‐division timing” based on microbial growth kinetics.
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Sortase‐Catalyzed Initiator Attachment Enables High Yield Growth of a Stealth Polymer from the C Terminus of a Protein
Authors: Qi Yizhi , Amiram Miriam , Gao Weiping , McCafferty Dewey G. , Chilkoti Ashutosh 
Published: July 2013

Conventional methods for synthesizing protein/peptide–polymer conjugates, as a means to improve the pharmacological properties of therapeutic biomolecules, typically have drawbacks including low yield, non‐trivial separation of conjugates from reactants, and lack of site‐ specificity, which results in heterogeneous products with significantly compromised bioactivity. To address these limitations, the use of sortase A from Staphylococcus aureus is demonstrated to site‐specifically attach an initiator solely at the C‐terminus of green fluorescent protein (GFP), followed by in situ growth of a stealth polymer, poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Sortase‐catalyzed initiator attachment proceeds with high specificity and near‐complete (≈95%) product conversion. Subsequent in situ ATRP in aqueous buffer produces 1:1 stoichiometric conjugates with >90% yield, low dispersity, and no denaturation of the protein. This approach introduces a simple and useful method for high yield synthesis of protein/peptide–polymer conjugates.
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Anemia is not a predictor of free flap failure: A review of NSQIP data
Authors: Mlodinow Alexei S. , Ver Halen Jon P. , Rambachan Akshar , Gaido Jessica , Kim John Y.S. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundThrombosis is a common cause of flap failure in microvascular tissue transfer, which questions the effects of anemia on this outcome. This article seeks to contribute a large, multi‐institutional data analysis to this debate.MethodsFree tissue transfer patients were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement database through a specified Current Procedural Terminology algorithm. Bivariate analysis compared anemic and nonanemic groups with respect to flap failure and other outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for flap failure.ResultsOf the 864 patients who met inclusion criteria, 244 were anemic and 620 were not. Bivariate analysis showed no significant difference between groups with respect to flap failure (3.28% vs. 4.03%, P = 0.0603). Multivariate regression analysis supported this (OR 95% CI = 0.371–1.912).ConclusionsThese findings, based on the largest sample in the literature, show anemia is neither a predictor of free tissue transfer failure nor is it protective. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:432–438, 2013.
Gonadogenesis and expression pattern of the vasa gene in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus during early development
Authors: Yu Li , Yan Meng , Sui Juan , Sheng Wan‐Qiang , Zhang Zhi‐Feng 
Published: July 2013

SummaryVasa has been extensively used as a germ‐line marker to trace the origin and migration pathway of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in many organisms, but little work has been reported on vasa genes and the origin of PGCs in holothurians. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, vasa mRNA and protein of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Aj‐vasa) was detected in the cytoplasm of the unfertilized egg and was equally distributed in the cytoplasm of early embryos, from the two‐cell embryo to the blastula, indicating that Aj‐vasa mRNA is maternally supplied. Later, expression of both Aj‐vasa mRNA and protein centralizes gradually in newly organized structures from blastula to five‐tentacle larva, and then is restricted to PGC‐like cells of the original gonad in juveniles with 0.1‐cm body length. The structure of the gonad develops further from a simple tubular gonad in 0.5‐cm‐length juveniles to a branched gonad in 3‐cm‐length juveniles. Our findings showed that the maternal supply of the vasa gene products in A. japonicus is different from that in sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, of echinoderm, and suggested that the specialization of PGCs is an epigenesis mechanism in A. japonicus. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 744–752, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retracted: Increased HO‐1 levels ameliorate fatty liver development through a reduction of heme and recruitment of FGF21
Authors: Hinds Terry D. , Sodhi Komal , Meadows Charles , Fedorova Larisa , Puri Nitin , Kim Dong Hyun , Peterson Stephen J. , Shapiro Joseph , Abraham Nader G. , Kappas Attallah 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveObese leptin deficient (ob/ob) mice are a model of adiposity that displays increased levels of fat, glucose, and liver lipids. Our hypothesis is that HO‐1 overexpression ameliorates fatty liver development.MethodsObese mice were administered cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) and stannic mesoporphyrin (SnMP) for 6 weeks. Heme, HO‐1, HO activity, PGC1α, FGF21, glycogen content, and lipogenesis were assessed.ResultsCoPP administration increased hepatic HO‐1 protein levels and HO activity, decreased hepatic heme, body weight gain, glucose levels, and resulted in decreased steatosis. Increased levels of HO‐1 produced a decrease in lipid droplet size, Fatty acid synthase (FAS) levels involving recruitment of FGF21, PPARα, and Glut 1. These beneficial effects were reversed by inhibition of HO activity.ConclusionIncreased levels of HO‐1 and HO activity reduced the levels of obesity by reducing hepatic heme and lipid accumulation. These changes were manifested by decreases in cellular heme, increases in FGF21, glycogen content, and fatty liver. The beneficial effect of HO‐1 induction results from an increase in PPARα and FGF21 levels and a decrease in PGC1α, levels they were reversed by SnMP. Low levels of HO‐1 and HO activity are responsible for fatty liver.
The association between early menarche and offspring's obesity risk in early childhood was modified by gestational weight gain
Authors: Min Jungwon , Li Zhu , Liu Xia , Wang Youfa 
Published: July 2013

ObjectivesStudy effect of maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) on the relationship between maternal menarcheal age (MMA) and child growth and overweight risk and examine socio‐demographics characteristics of excessive GWG.Design and MethodsThe relationships between GWG and MMA in 54,184 women and their children's growth trajectories during first 5 years of life (2000‐2005) in south China were tested using longitudinal data analysis with mixed models and logistic regression.ResultsAverage MMA was 14.8 (1.3) years; 36.3% of the women had excessive GWG. Excessive GWG interacted with adverse effects of early MMA (if ≤ 13 years), leading to the most rapid growth in offspring and highest risk of overweight at age 4‐5 (OR = 5.2 [2.0‐13.5]) than others. Women with early menarche, high‐education, urban residence, and a routine job were more likely to have excessive GWG than the others.ConclusionsGWG modify the association between early MMA and offspring's growth and overweight. Controlling for GWG may reduce the adverse influence of early MMA and its own adverse influence on childhood health.
Regional fat mobilization and training type on sedentary, premenopausal overweight and obese women
Authors: Carnero Elvis A. , Amati Francesca , Pinto Ronei S. , Valamatos Maria José , Mil‐Homens Pedro , Sardinha Luis B. 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveLittle is known about the influence of different training types on relative fat mobilization with exercise. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes induced by aerobic training (AT), resistance (RT) or a combination of both (AT+RT) on total fat mass (TFM) and regional fat mass (RFM). Further, the relative contribution of different regions, upper limbs (UL), lower limbs (LL), and trunk (Tr), were compared.Design and MethodsForty‐five overweight and premenopausal women were randomized in either AT, RT or AT+RT. All training groups exercised for the same duration (60 min), 3 times per week for 5 months. Body composition was estimated using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry.ResultsTFM decreased significantly in all groups (−4.6 ± 1.9 kg; −3.8 ± 2.6 kg, and −4.7 ± 3.0 kg in AT, RT, and AT+RT groups respectively; P < 0.001). The relative contribution of FM into each segment changed significantly: TrFM represented 46.6% ± 5.8% of TFM at baseline and reduced to 43.1% ± 5.5% (P < 0.001); LLFM was 39.7% ± 5.8% vs. 41.6% ± 5.7% (P < 0.01); ULFM was 11.3% ± 1.3% vs. 12.2% ± 1.4% (P < 0.01).ConclusionTraining type did not influence changes of TFM and RFM. Fat mobilization came predominantly from Tr in all training protocols. These findings suggest that overweight and obese women can reduce TFM and RFM, independently of training type.
Polymorphism rs3123554 in CNR2 reveals gender‐specific effects on body weight and affects loss of body weight and cerebral insulin action
Authors: Ketterer Caroline , Heni Martin , Stingl Krunoslav , Tschritter Otto , Linder Katarzyna , Wagner Robert , Machicao Fausto , Häring Hans‐Ulrich , Preissl Hubert , Staiger Harald , Fritsche Andreas 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveThe cannabinoid‐receptor system is involved in the regulation of food intake. Here, we test whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CNR2, encoding the cannabinoid‐receptor 2, are associated with weight in a cross‐sectional cohort. Furthermore, we wanted to investigate if the identified hits influence weight loss during lifestyle intervention; and study a potential involvement of cerebral insulin action.Methods2006 subjects at increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus were genotyped for 5 tagging SNPs in the CNR2 locus. All subjects underwent a 75‐g OGTT. 345 subjects participated in a lifestyle intervention (TUebingen Lifestyle Intervention Programme). Cerebrocortical insulin sensitivity was measured by magnetoencephalography after intranasal insulin application in 43 subjects.ResultsIn the cross‐sectional cohort, the minor allele of rs3123554 was associated with lower BMI (Padd = 0.01, Prec = 0.004), and this was attributable to its effect in women only. Interestingly, during lifestyle intervention, carriers of the same allele lost less body weight (Padd = 0.03, Prec = 0.008). Moreover, carriers of this minor allele showed lower cerebral insulin sensitivity (Prec = 0.0402).ConclusionsThe minor allele of rs3123554 is associated cross‐sectionally with lower body weight, whereas during intervention the same allele led to less reduction of body weight. Reduced cerebral insulin sensitivity in carriers of this allele might contribute to these disadvantageous effects during lifestyle intervention.
Analysis of Multiple Constituents in Cong‐Ming‐Tang, a Chinese Herbal Formula for the Treatment of Amnesia, by High‐performance Liquid Chromatography with Quadrupole Time‐of‐flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ling Yun , Li Zhixiong , Chen Mingcang , Sun Zhaolin , Fan Mingsong , Huang Chenggang 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionCong‐Ming‐Tang (CMT), named smart‐soup in English, is a well‐known traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of amnesia in China. However, the isolation, purification and identification procedures of the major bioactive constituents in CMT are difficult and time consuming.ObjectiveTo establish a rapid and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–QTOF/MS/MS) method that could be applied to rapidly separate and identify the major bioactive constituents in CMT.MethodsMethanolic extract of CMT was used for HPLC–QTOF/MS/MS analysis. Separation was performed on an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC‐ C18 column (2.7 ×100 mm .i.d., 2.7 µm) with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile as the mobile phase under gradient conditions. Both positive and negative ion modes were employed.ResultsThis analytical tool allowed the identification of 55 compounds from CMT formulae by comparing their retention times and MS spectra with those of authentic compounds or literature data in both positive and negative ion modes, including 4 xanthone C‐glycosides, 4 sucrose esters, 11 oligosaccharide multi‐esters,15 triterpene saponins, 15 triterpene acids, 2 lignans and 4 phenylpropanoids. Onjisaponin MF was tentatively elucidated as a new triterpene saponin based on the summarised fragmentation rules.ConclusionHPLC–QTOF/MS/MS provides a new powerful approach to identify the major chemical constituents in CMT rapidly and accurately. This study proposed a series of potential bioactive components without preparative isolation from the crude extract of CMT and indicated that the HPLC–QTOF/MS/MS method also can be a promising tool for the analysis of other traditional Chinese medicines. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐development–HPTLC Method for Quantitation of Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine and their Biosynthetic Precursors in Selected Solanaceae Plants Grown in Natural Conditions and as In Vitro Cultures
Authors: Jaremicz Zbigniew , Luczkiewicz Maria , Kisiel Mariusz , Zárate Rafael , Jaber‐Vazdekis Nabil El , Migas Piotr 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionHyoscyamine and scopolamine, anti‐cholinergic agents widely used in medicine, are typically obtained from plants grown under natural conditions. Since field cultivation entails certain difficulties (changeable weather, pests, etc.), attempts have been made to develop a plant in vitro culture system as an alternative source for the production of these compounds. During experiments to locate the limiting steps in the biotechnological procedure, it is important to monitor not only the levels of the final products but also the changes in the concentration of their precursors.ObjectiveTo develop a HPTLC method for the separation and quantitation of the main tropane alkaloids hyoscyamine and scopolamine, their respective direct precursors littorine and anisodamine, and cuscohygrine, a product of a parallel biosynthetic pathway that shares a common precursor (N‐methyl‐∆1‐pyrrolium cation) with tropane alkaloids.MethodsUsing alkaloid extracts from Atropa baetica hairy roots, different TLC chromatographic systems and developing procedures were investigated.ResultsFull separation of all compounds was obtained on HPTLC Si60 F254 plates preconditioned with mobile phase vapours (chloroform:methanol:acetone:25% ammonia ratios of 75:15:10:1.8, v/v/v/v). The chromatograms were developed twice (at distances of 4.0 and 3.0 cm) in a Camag twin trough chamber and visualised with Dragendorff's reagent. Densitometric detection (λ = 190 and 520 nm) was used for quantitative analyses of the different plant samples.ConclusionThis method can be recommended for quantitation of hyoscyamine, scopolamine, anisodamine, littorine and cuscohygrine in different plant material (field grown vs. in vitro cultures). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dyssegmental dysplasia, Silverman‐Handmaker type: prenatal ultrasound findings and molecular analysis
Authors: Ladhani Noor Niyar N. , Chitayat David , Nezarati Marjan M. , Laureane Mittaz Crettol , Keating Sarah , Silver Rachel J. , Unger Sheila , Velsher Lea , Sirkin Wilma , Toi Ants , Glanc Phyllis 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe objective of this study is to describe the prenatal sonographic features and the results of DNA analysis on three fetuses with dyssegmental dysplasia, Silverman‐Handmaker type (DD‐SH).MethodsA retrospective review of three fetuses with confirmed DD‐SH was conducted. The fetal ultrasound findings, the radiological characteristics, and the results of the mutation analysis of the heparan sulphate perlecan gene 2 (HSPG2) were reviewed.ResultsThere were three cases in two families with DD‐SH diagnosed prenatally. The main prenatal ultrasound and the radiological features of DD‐SH were severe limb shortening and vertebral segmentation and fusion defects (anisospondyly). The DNA analysis of the HSPG2 gene showed that the two affected fetuses in a nonconsanguineous family had a compound heterozygote for the c.646G > T transversion in exon 7 and a c.5788C > T transition in exon 46. The fetus born to the consanguineous couple had a homozygous mutation c.1356‐27_1507 + 59del.ConclusionDD‐SH can be diagnosed prenatally using fetal ultrasound as early as 13 weeks. Xrays and DNA analysis of the HSPG2 gene are important for the confirmation of the diagnosis and for the preimplantation and prenatal diagnosis in pregnancies at risk. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐trimester Down syndrome screening using additional serum markers with and without nuchal translucency and cell‐free DNA
Authors: Johnson J , Pastuck M , Metcalfe A , Connors G , Krause R , Wilson D , Cuckle H 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate serum‐only four‐marker first trimester (1T‐Quad) Down syndrome screening, alone or contingently to select 10–20% with highest risk for nuchal translucency (NT) or cell‐free (cf)DNA.MethodsStored maternal serum samples (−80 °C) from 90 pregnancies with fetal Down syndrome and 1607 controls were retrieved and measured for placental growth factor, α‐fetoprotein, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein and free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin. Samples were from singleton pregnancies (9–13 + 6 weeks), and NT was measured between 11 and 13 + 6 weeks. Markers were expressed in multiples of the normal median (MoM) for gestation. Gaussian models were fitted to the distribution of log MoMs by using observed parameters, standardized maternal age distribution (mean 27, SD 5.5) and published cfDNA results.ResultsThe model‐predicted detection rate (DR) for 1T‐Quad was 74% [5% false‐positive rate (FPR)]. When used contingently to select for NT, the DR was 89% at 5%. When used to select for cfDNA, the DR was 91% (FPR < 0.05%).ConclusionThe 1T‐Quad test can achieve a similar DR to a second‐trimester Quad test. When used contingently to select for NT, the DR is similar to the Combined test. Used contingently to select for cfDNA would achieve even higher detection. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.