bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carotenoid content of wild edible young shoots traditionally consumed in Spain (Asparagus acutifolius L., Humulus lupulus L., Bryonia dioica Jacq. and Tamus communis L.)
Authors: García‐Herrera Patricia , Sánchez‐Mata María Cortes , Cámara Montaña , Tardío Javier , Olmedilla‐Alonso Begoña 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDWild vegetables have traditionally been consumed as part of the Mediterranean diet, being valuable sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. The objective of this work was to analyse the carotenoid content of the edible young shoots of four species (Asparagus acutifolius L., Humulus lupulus L., Bryonia dioica Jacq. and Tamus communis L.) as part of a wider study on the characterisation of the nutritional composition of wild edible plants commonly consumed in Spain. Samples were gathered from two locations in Central Spain for two consecutive years.RESULTSLutein, β‐carotene, neoxanthin and violaxanthin were quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector. Median concentration ranges (mg g−1 edible wet weight) were: β‐carotene, 33.9–66.9; lutein, 54.4–191.3; neoxanthin, 51.7–173.7; and violaxanthin, 20.8–89.3. The highest carotenoid content was that of B. dioica (590.1 mg g−1) and the lowest was found in A. acutifolius (175.8 mg g−1).CONCLUSIONOur results show that these wild young shoots are richer sources of carotenoids than many of the commercially available leafy vegetables. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on human ciliated respiratory mucosa
Authors: Biel Merrill A. , Jones John W. , Pedigo Lisa , Gibbs Aaron , Loebel Nicolas 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground:Chronic recurrent sinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. There is a significant subpopulation of CRS patients who remain resistant to cure despite rigorous treatment regimens including surgery, allergy therapy, and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a noninvasive nonantibiotic broad spectrum antimicrobial treatment. Our previous in vitro studies demonstrated that aPDT reduced CRS polymicrobial biofilm and planktonic bacteria and fungi by > 99.9% after a single treatment. Prior to human treatment however, aPDT treatment must be demonstrated to not result in histologic damage to the sinus ciliated respiratory epithelium. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the safety of aPDT treatment on a living human ciliated respiratory mucosal model (EpiAirway™).Methods:A study of aPDT treatment of EpiAirway was performed. Treatment groups included a nontreatment control, laser light alone, photosensitizer alone, and therapeutic photosensitizer and light combination (aPDT). At completion of treatment, the EpiAirway tissue was fixed in 10% formalin, paraffin‐embedded, sectioned, H&E stained and mounted. All samples were blinded and microscopically examined by a human pathologist to assess any effect of aPDT on the tissue, cilia, or mucosal glands. The results were correlated with the treatment parameters.Results:The EpiAirway histologic study demonstrated no histologic alteration of the respiratory cilia or mucosal epithelium in any of the treatment groups.Conclusions:aPDT is a safe treatment for CRS resulting in no histologic alteration of human ciliated respiratory mucosa as is found in the human sinuses. Laryngoscope, 2012
Bile acids in laryngopharyngeal refluxate: Will they enhance or attenuate the action of pepsin?
Authors: Ali Mahmoud S. , Parikh Shruti , Chater Peter , Pearson Jeffrey P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To assess if, as previously reported in the literature, bile acids inhibit pepsin activity, resulting in pepsin having a less important role in laryngopharyngeal damage in reflux disease.Study Design:Prospective translational research study.Methods:A total of 78 patient's fasting gastric juice samples were obtained from routine endoscopy. The total bile acid (TBA) content and pepsin activity were measured using a 3α‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase–based kit for bile acids; and pepsin activity was measured using succinyl albumin/dimethylhaemoglobin as a substrate and the development of new N‐terminals. The ability of bile acids to effect pepsin activity was assessed with three primary bile acids, two unconjugated and one taurine conjugated, using the above N‐terminal assay.Results:Gastric juice contained median TBA of 40 (range 10–10010) μM and pepsin activity of 408 (range 27–3892)ug/ml. We used this data to inform the relative levels of pepsin and bile acids that might occur in a reflux event, and we used concentrations of bile acids between 10–100μM.Pepsin activity was pH dependent, but 28% of the activity was retained at pH 5.5. None of the bile acids showed any significant effect on pepsin activity across the pH range 2.0–6.0.Conclusions:At the levels and pH that pepsin and bile acids might occur in an LPR event, bile acids do not attenuate pepsin activity. Pepsin could be considered a damaging factor even at high pH, and it will aggravate further any damaging effects of bile acids in the refluxate. Laryngoscope, 2012
On the degree of compositum of two number fields
Authors: Drungilas Paulius , Dubickas Artūras , Luca Florian 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe prove that the sum of two algebraic numbers both of degree 6 cannot be of degree 8. The triplet (6, 6, 8) was the only undecided case in the previous characterization of all positive integer triplets (a, b, c), with a ≤ b ≤ c and b ≤ 6, for which there exist algebraic numbers α, β and γ of degrees a, b and c, respectively, such that α + β + γ = 0. Now, this characterization is extended up to b ≤ 7. We also solve a similar problem for \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$(a,b,c) \in \mathbb N^3$\end{document} with a ≤ b ≤ 7 by finding for which positive integers a, b, c there exist number fields of degrees a and b such that their compositum has degree c. We show that the problem of describing all compositum‐feasible triplets can be reduced to some finite computation in transitive permutation groups of degree c which occur as Galois groups of irreducible polynomials of degree c. In particular, by exploiting the properties of the projective special linear group PSL(2, 7) of order 168, we prove that the triplet (7, 7, 28) is compositum‐feasible. In the opposite direction, the triplet (p, p, p(p − ℓ)), where ℓ ≥ 2 is an integer and p > ℓ2 − ℓ + 1 is a prime number, is shown to be not compositum‐feasible, not sum‐feasible and not product‐feasible.
Increase of the computational accuracy of hot bulk forming process simulations with improved friction modeling
Authors: Bouguecha A. , Hadifi T. , Mielke J. , Behrens B.‐A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDie Ressourceneffizienz von Fertigungsverfahren setzt den genauen Einsatz von Energie und vom Rohteilmaterial voraus. Hierbei spielt insbesondere in der Umformtechnik die gezielte simulationsgestützte Auslegung des Prozesses eine bedeutende Rolle. Ein etabliertes Berechnungsverfahren stellt die Finite‐Element‐Methode (FEM) dar. Mit ihrem Einsatz werden kosten‐ und zeitintensive Trial‐and‐Error‐Versuche reduziert und im besten Fall sogar zuverlässig vermieden. Dabei ist eine realitätsnahe Beschreibung der komplexen Wirkmechanismen in der Interaktion zwischen Werkzeug und Werkstück über eine geeignete Reibmodellierung entscheidend. In diesem Beitrag wird das neu entwickelte IFUM‐Reibmodell und dessen Einsatz bei der FE‐Berechnung komplexer Schmiedeprozesse vorgestellt.
EBSD – orientation analysis of monocrystalline diamonds used for diamond metal composites – Influence of sample preparation
Authors: Tillmann W. , Biermann D. , Weihs C. , Ferreira M. , Rautert C. , Raabe N. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis paper focuses on a new field of application for the EBSD‐technique. Generally, EBSD‐mappings are performed on different metal alloys used for quality assurance and to get information about the microstructure regarding grain orientation, grain size and distribution. In contrast, the orientation determination of monocrystalline diamond grains with an EBSD system is not a conventional method. Thus, this work describes the EBSD testing sequence in detail and illustrates the preparation of orientation data for a statistical design. Furthermore, dependencies of the sample preparation, alignment to the detector, and the analyzed position on the diamond on the quality of the Kikuchi‐patterns, respectively on the indexing rates, have been scrutinized. Finally, the orientation obtained of each tested diamond sample has been utilized in a statistical design to show a direct influence of the crystal orientation on the wear behavior of the diamond grains.
Use of folic acid supplements in early pregnancy in relation to maternal plasma levels in week 18 of pregnancy
Authors: Roth Christine , Bjørke‐Monsen Anne L. , Reichborn‐Kjennerud Ted , Nilsen Roy M. , Smith George D. , Stoltenberg Camilla , Surén Pål , Susser Ezra , Ueland Per M. , Vollset Stein E. , Magnus Per 
Published: October 2012

ScopeBirth cohorts typically measure plasma folate in midgestation, but effects of folic acid supplementation are sometimes specific to the periconceptional period. The relationship between midgestation plasma folate and periconceptional supplementation is not known. We compared plasma folate at week 18 of gestation with self‐report use of supplements comtaining folic acid from before pregnancy to week 17 of gestation.Methods and ResultsThe sample comprised 2911 women from The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. For women reporting continuous supplementation from gestational week −4 to 17 (N = 238), median plasma folate was 15.72 at week 18 (in nmol/L). This was about threefold higher than the median plasma folate of 5.67 for women reporting no supplementation from week −4 to 17 (N = 844), but only slightly higher than the median plasma folate of 13.34 for all women reporting supplementation in weeks 13–17 (N = 1158). Reported supplementation before week 8 was not associated with plasma folate at week 18, in an analysis that adjusted for continued supplementation after week 8.ConclusionOverall we found a strong and coherent relationship between self‐reported folic acid use and plasma folate at week 18. We also found that plasma folate at week 18 did not reflect self‐reported supplementation before week 8. For periconceptional supplementation per se, self‐report data may offer a better measure.
Involvement of de novo ceramide synthesis in gamma‐tocopherol and gamma‐tocotrienol‐induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Gopalan Archana , Yu Weiping , Jiang Qing , Jang Yumi , Sanders Bob G. , Kline Kimberly 
Published: October 2012

ScopeThis study further examines mechanisms involved in the pro‐apoptotic action of gamma‐tocopherol (γT) and gamma‐tocotrienol (γT3) in human breast cancer cell lines.Methods and resultsγT upregulates phospho‐JNK (pJNK), CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), and death receptor‐5 (DR5) protein expression as detected by Western blot assays. siRNA knockdown of JNK, CHOP, or DR5 shows that γT‐induced apoptosis is JNK/CHOP/DR5 signaling dependent, which is similar to γT3‐mediated apoptotic signaling. Furthermore, both γT and γT3 induce increased levels of cellular ceramides and dihydroceramides as determined by LC‐MS/MS analyses. Inhibition of de novo ceramide synthesis using chemical inhibitors blocked the ability of γT and γT3 to induce apoptosis as detected by Annexin V‐FITC/PI assay and to activate JNK/CHOP/DR5 pro‐apoptotic signaling thereby demonstrating the involvement of de novo ceramide synthesis in γT‐ and γT3‐induced apoptosis.ConclusionTaken together, data show that both γT and γT3 induce apoptosis via de novo ceramide synthesis dependent activation of JNK/CHOP/DR5 pro‐apoptotic signaling.
Molecular cloning and localization of a CEACAM2 isoform, CEACAM2‐L, expressed in spermatids in mouse testis
Authors: Salaheldeen Elsaid , Kurio Hitoshi , Howida Ali , Iida Hiroshi 
Published: October 2012

AbstractCarcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) family, a subgroup of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily, is divided into two sub‐families: the CEA‐related cell adhesion molecules (CEACAM) and the pregnancy‐specific glycoproteins. The isoform CEACAM2 is expressed in mouse testis; in this study, we identified a novel isoform of Ceacam2, Ceacam2‐Long (Ceacam2‐L). CEACAM2‐L is different from CEACAM2 in that it has much longer cytoplasmic tail region. Ceacam2‐L starts to appear faintly in mouse testis after 3 weeks of postnatal development, and its expression level increased after 5 weeks. Immunoblot analysis confirmed the expression of CEACAM2‐L in the seminiferous epithelium of mouse testis. Immunohistochemical data showed that CEACAM2‐L was not observed on spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round spermatids, or Sertoli cells, but was seen at the plasma membrane of elongating spermatids in contact with extended cytoplasmic processes of Sertoli cells. CEACAM2‐L was not detected at the head region of elongating spermatids, where the apical ectoplasmic specialization is constructed. These data suggest that CEACAM2‐L might be a novel adhesion molecule contributing to cell‐to‐cell adhesion between elongating spermatids and Sertoli cells within the seminiferous epithelium. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 843–852, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Stereoblock Elastomeric Poly(propylene)s Using a (2‐PhInd)2ZrCl2 Metallocene Catalyst in the Presence of Co‐Catalyst Mixtures: Study of Activity and Molecular Weight
Authors: Nejabat Gholam‐Reza , Nekoomanesh Mehdi , Arabi Hassan , Salehi‐Mobarakeh Hamid , Zohuri Gholam‐Hossein , Omidvar Mojtaba , Miller Stephen A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe effect of adding various aluminum alkyls (R = Et, i‐Bu) on the polymerization of propylene is studied using a (2‐PhInd)2ZrCl2 pre‐catalyst. A mild deactivating effect is found upon addition of TIBA, whereas TEA shows a sharp deactivating effect. Increasing amounts of AlR3 results in a significant activity increase for TIBA, but an activity plateau for TEA. AlR3 imposes remarkably different effects on the molecular weight and stereochemical microstructure of polymers. As the TIBA concentration increases, $\overline {M} _{{\rm v}} $ increases at first, growing from 49 000 to 72 000, but subsequently drops to 40 000. For TEA, $\overline {M} _{{\rm v}} $ decreases sharply, plummeting from 49 000 to 17 000. Both TIBA and TEA increase the mmmm pentad content from 7.9 to 23.5% and 17.6%, respectively. magnified image
Novel basis functions for the partition of unity boundary element method for Helmholtz problems
Authors: Peake M.J. , Trevelyan J. , Coates G. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYThe BEM is a popular technique for wave scattering problems given its inherent ability to deal with infinite domains. In the last decade, the partition of unity BEM, in which the approximation space is enriched with a linear combination of plane waves, has been developed; this significantly reduces the number of DOFs required per wavelength. It has been shown that the element ends are more susceptible to errors in the approximation than the mid‐element regions. In this paper, the authors propose that this is due to the use of a collocation approach in combination with a reduced order of continuity in the Lagrangian shape function component of the basis functions. It is demonstrated, using numerical examples, that choosing trigonometric shape functions, rather than classical polynomial shape functions (quadratic in this case), provides accuracy benefits. Collocation schemes are investigated; it is found that the somewhat arbitrary choice of collocating at equally spaced points about the surface of a scatterer is better than schemes based on the roots of polynomials or consideration of the Fock domain. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interruptions during nurses' work: A state‐of‐the‐science review
Authors: Hopkinson Susan G. , Jennings Bonnie Mowinski 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this state‐of‐the‐science review was to examine empirical evidence from studies of interruptions conducted in acute care nurses' work environments. A total of 791 articles published from 2001 through 2011 were reviewed; 31 met the criteria to be included in the sample. Despite sustained multinational and multidisciplinary attention to interruptions during nurses' work, the current findings suggest that beliefs about the ill effects of interruptions remain more conjecture than evidence‐based. Pre‐existing beliefs and biases may interfere with deriving a more accurate grasp of interruptions and their effects. Future research would benefit from examinations of interruptions that better capture their complexity, to include their relationships to both positive and negative outcomes for both patients and health care workers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36:38–53, 2013
Nanoclay‐reinforced poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) biocomposites for packaging applications
Authors: Bittmann Birgit , Bouza Rebeca , Barral Luis , González‐Rodríguez M. Victoria , Abad María‐José 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIncreasing generation and inadequate disposal of waste progressively compromise our environment. Solutions are proposed by the development of biodegradable polymers, that is, for short‐term applications like packaging. The present study focuses on the design and characterization of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) nanocomposites reinforced by different types of nanoclays. The addition of natural and modified montmorillonite and bentonite to PBAT by melt mixing enhances slightly the thermal stability and increases the crystallization temperature, independently of the fillers' dispersion state. By contrast, storage modulus in dynamic mechanical analysis is increased when adding nanoclay, and improvement is higher for well‐dispersed organomodified fillers. Dispersion states and morphology of the nanocomposites are studied by X‐ray diffraction as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. PBAT‐based composites with modified bentonite reveal to show the best performance at room temperature (which is the temperature of interest for potential packaging applications) in comparison with the other investigated nanocomposites.POLYM. COMPOS., 33:2022–2028, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rheological properties and microstructures of cellulose acetate phthalate/hydroxypropyl cellulose blends
Authors: Dobos Adina Maria , Onofrei Mihaela‐Dorina , Stoica Iuliana , Olaru Niculae , Olaru Liliana , Ioan Silvia 
Published: October 2012

AbstractCellulose acetate phthalate (CAP)/hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) blends were investigated by means of attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis, shear viscosity, oscillatory shear tests, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Effect of solution concentrations in 2‐methoxyethanol, blend compositions, and shear rate on the rheological functions reflects the mobility of the chain segments or their orientation—with thinning behavior in the shear field. Specific interactions, such as the hydrogen bonds between polymer components and 2‐methoxyethanol used in casting solutions of films, influence the resulting morphology. Supernodular aggregates with different intensities and dimensions, which involve the coexistence of an isotropic and an anisotropic phase, typical for lyotropic cellulosic derivative liquid crystals at low concentrations, are evidenced by AFM images. This study is useful for applications of CAP/HPC blends in pharmaceutical domains.POLYM. COMPOS., 33:2072–2083, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Micromechanical models for carbon nanotube and cellulose nanowhisker reinforced composites
Authors: Loos M.R. , Manas‐Zloczower I. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDifferent micromechanical models which account for the presence of dispersed and agglomerated nanofillers, specifically carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and cellulose nanowhiskers (CWs), in a polymeric matrix and consider the effect of a percolation threshold on the elastic modulus of the composite are derived and compared. We demonstrate that the critical filler volume fraction where a percolating network is forming marks a “turning point” in the reinforcement efficiency. The suitability of these models is verified by comparing simulated values with experimental data from literature. The results show that the models are able to predict mechanical properties over a wide range of testing conditions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © Society of Plastics Engineers
Covalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes with polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane for superhydrophobicity and flame retardancy
Authors: Tang Yong , Gou Jihua , Hu Yuan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMultiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were covalently functionalized with polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane (POSS). The results of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy indicated that POSS particles were grafted onto MWCNTs. The POSS content determined by thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA) was estimated to be ∼25 wt%. A stable and superhydrophobic surface characteristic was observed for the film made of MWCNTs grafted with POSS (MWCNT‐g‐POSS) even after an exposure to a high‐humidity environment for three weeks. The water contact angle of the sample was measured to be 160.5 ± 1.1°. Buckypapers were made from both pristine MWCNTs and chemically converted to MWCNT‐g‐POSS. The pore structures of the buckypapers were characterized by mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The flame‐retardant performance of the buckypaper‐based composites was evaluated by TGA and microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) test. The TGA test results indicated that the MWCNT‐g‐POSS dramatically increased the char residues of the composite. Approximately 72% reduction in peak heat release rate was achieved for the MWCNT‐g‐POSS /resin composite from the MCC testing. The fire‐retardant mechanism was discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of polylactide/poly(ethylene glycol) diblock copolymers with functional endgroups
Authors: Wu Xiaohan , Li Suming 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAmphiphilic polylactide/poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA–PEG) diblock copolymers with functional groups at the PEG chain ends were synthesized by coupling PLA and PEG homopolymers using different coupling agents. PLA precursors with different endgroups were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of l‐lactide in the presence of different initiators such as octanol, acetic acid or benzoic acid, or water, using non‐toxic zinc lactate as catalyst. The mechanism of the ring‐opening polymerization of lactide initiated by carboxyl groups was investigated and discussed in comparison with the literature. N,N'‐carbonyldiimidazole was used to couple the two hydroxyl groups of PLA and PEG, using 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as catalyst. Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and DMAP were adopted to couple the carboxyl group and the hydroxyl group of PLA and PEG, respectively, while DCC and N‐hydroxysuccinimide were used to connect PLA and PEG by coupling their carboxyl and amine groups. Comparison of different coupling routes shows that the DCC/DMAP one exhibits the highest efficiency. A common tumor targeting ligand, folic acid, was attached to PLA–PEG with hydroxyl endgroups using the DCC/DMAP route. The resulting PLA–PEG copolymers bearing folic acid present great interest for targeted delivery of anti‐cancer drugs. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry