bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FHL family members suppress vascular endothelial growth factor expression through blockade of dimerization of HIF1α and HIF1β
Authors: Lin Jing , Qin Xi , Zhu Ziman , Mu Jinsong , Zhu Lingling , Wu Kuiwu , Jiao Huabo , Xu Xiaojie , Ye Qinong 
Published: October 2012

AbstractFour and a half LIM domain (FHL) proteins belong to a family of LIM‐only proteins that have been implicated in the development and progression of various types of cancers. However, the role of FHL proteins in tumor angiogenesis remains to be elucidated. Herein, we demonstrate that FHL1‐3 decrease the promoter activity and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the key regulator of angiogenesis in cancer growth and progression as well as an important target gene of the transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF1α/HIF1β). FHL1‐3 interacted with HIF1α both in vitro and in vivo. A single LIM domain of FHL1 was sufficient for its interaction with HIF1α. FHL1 interacted with the HIF1α region containing basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) motif and PER‐ARNT‐SIM domain, both of which aid in dimerization with HIF1β and DNA binding. FHL1‐3 inhibited HIF1 transcriptional activity and HIF1‐mediated VEGF expression in a hypoxia‐independent manner. Moreover, FHL1 blocked HIF1α‐HIF1β heterodimerization and HIF1α recruitment to the VEGF promoter. These data suggest that FHL proteins are involved in negative regulation of VEGF possibly by interfering with the dimerization and DNA binding of HIF1 subunits and may play an important role in tumor angiogenesis. © 2012 IUBMB. IUBMB Life, 64(11): 921–930, 2012
Comparative in vivo study of commercially pure Ti implants with surfaces modified by laser with and without silicate deposition: Biomechanical and scanning electron microscopy analysis
Authors: Souza Francisley A. , Queiroz Thallita P. , Guastaldi Antônio C. , Garcia‐Júnior Idelmo R. , Magro‐Filho Osvaldo , Nishioka Renato S. , Sisti Karin E. , Sonoda Celso K. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate commercially pure titanium implant surfaces modified by laser beam (LS) and LS associated with sodium silicate (SS) deposition, and compare them with machined surface (MS) and dual acid‐etching surfaces (AS) modified. Topographic characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy–X‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDX), and by mean roughness measurement before surgery. Thirty rabbits received 60 implants in their right and left tibias. One implant of each surface in each tibia. The implants were removed by reverse torque for vivo biomechanical analysis at 30, 60, and 90 days postoperative. In addition, the surface of the implants removed at 30 days postoperative was analyzed by SEM–EDX. The topographic characterization showed differences between the analyzed surfaces, and the mean roughness values of LS and SS were statistically higher than AS and MS. At 30 days, values removal torque LS and SS groups showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared with MS and AS. At 60 days, groups LS and SS showed statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared with MS. At 90 days, only group SS presented statistically higher (p < 0.05) in comparison with MS. The authors can conclude that physical chemistry properties and topographical of LS and SS implants increases bone‐implant interaction and provides higher degree of osseointegration when compared with MS and AS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 101B: 76–84, 2013.
Synthesis and characterization of Bi2O3/HSA core‐shell nanoparticles for X‐ray imaging applications
Authors: Aviv Hagit , Bartling Soenke , Grinberg Igor , Margel Shlomo 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBismuth oxide nanoparticles of 12.1 ± 3.0 nm diameter were prepared by thermal decomposition of bismuth acetate dissolved in ethylene glycol in the presence of an oxidizing agent. Functionalization and stabilization of the hydrophobic Bi2O3 nanoparticles was accomplished by coating these core nanoparticles with human serum albumin (HSA), via a precipitation process. The formed Bi2O3/HSA core‐shell nanoparticles were of 15.2 ± 3.5 nm diameter. Elemental analysis measurements indicated that the bismuth weight % of the Bi2O3/HSA core‐shell nanoparticles is 72.9. The crystalline structure of these nanoparticles was examined by XRD. The radiopacity of these nanoparticles was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo by a CT scanner. In ovo and in vivo trials proved the safety of these Bi2O3/HSA core‐shell nanoparticles. In the future, we plan to extend this study particularly for molecular imaging applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 101B: 131–138, 2013.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of a New Aromatic Sulfonyl Hydrazone Derivative and Its Transition Metal Complexes
Authors: Güzin Aslan H. , Karacan Nurcan , Aslan Ertuğrul 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn this study, benzenesulfonicacid‐1‐methylhydrazide (bsmh) derivatives such as 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphtaldehydebenzenesulfonylhydrazone (Hnafbsmh) and its Ni(II), Pd(II), Pt(II), Cu(II), Co(II) complexes were synthesized. The structures of these complexes were investigated using elemental analyses (FT‐IR, LC‐MS, UV‐VIS), magnetic susceptibility and conductivity measurement techniques. The complexes were found to have general compositions [ML2]. All the synthesized complexes were evaluated in vitro as antimicrobial agents against representative strains of six gram‐positive and four gram‐negative bacteria and as an antifungal agent by disc diffusion methods. All the bacteria and fungi studied were screened against some commercial antibiotics to compare them with our chemical's zone diameters.
Preparation and Application of Immobilized Fullerene C60‐Heparin for Anticoagulation of Blood
Authors: Lin Tsui‐Lien , Wen Hsiang‐Ping , Shih Chun‐Che , Shih Jeng‐Shong 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe interaction between fullerene C60 and heparin was studied using a fullerene C60‐coated piezoelectric quartz crystal sensor. The irreversible response of the piezoelectric quartz crystal was found which could be attributed to the quite strong adsorption of heparin onto the C60 molecule. Immobilized fullerene C60‐Heparin was prepared and successfully applied as a good inhibitor for blood clotting. Like solvated heparin, both wet and dry C60‐heparin solid all demonstrated excellent ability of anticoagulation of blood. The blood clotting time with C60‐heparin solid was found to be > 7 days, while only 17.9 min required for blood clotting time in the absence of C60‐heparin solid. Furthermore, the C60‐heparin coated artificial PVC blood vessels were prepared by coating fullerene C60 onto the surface of artificial PVC blood vessels, followed by the adsorption of water solvated heparin onto the fullerene C60 molecule to form C60‐heparin coating. The blood clotting time of blood in artificial PVC blood vessels with C60‐heparin coating was found to be > 30 days, while only ≤ 30 min. of blood clotting time without the C60‐Heparin coating was observed. The C60‐heparin coated artificial PVC blood vessels can be expected to be employed in human body for the anticoagulation of blood.
Fabrication of Atrazine Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Microsphere by Two Step Seed Swelling Polymerization Method
Authors: Chen Jun , Bai Lianyang , Zhang Yijun , Chen Na , Zhang Yuping 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAtrazine molecularly imprinted polymer microspheres (MIPMs) were fabricated by two step seed swelling polymerization method, using atrazine as a template molecule, methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) as a crosslinking agent and toluene/dodecanol as a porogenic agent and a series of MIPMs with even particle size of 3‐5 μm and good dispersivity could be obtained under the optimal condition. Equilibrium binding experiments were comparably studied about the binding capacity of the resulted polymers. We packed the polymers into empty chromatographic steel tube columns (2.1 mm I.D. × 10 cm) to prepare liquid chromatographic columns used for the evaluation of specificity with similar structure compounds. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of limited atrazine in water samples. The results showed that a good linear relationship of atrazine was maintained within 0.1‐20 mg/L (r = 0.9992), the sample recovery was in a range of 92.1‐102.0%, with a RSD lower than 5% (n = 6) and a detection limit of 0.041 mg/L.
ENVIRONMENTALLY INDUCED MIGRATION, VULNERABILITY AND HUMAN SECURITY: CONSENSUS, CONTROVERSIES AND CONCEPTUAL GAPS FOR POLICY ANALYSIS
Authors: Assan Joseph Kweku , Rosenfeld Therese 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis Policy Arena examines the consensus, controversies and some conceptual gaps associated with how policy approaches environmentally induced migration and human security concerns associated with individuals displaced as a result of climatic variability. This introductory paper discusses the theme from a historical approach to policy analysis of the subject by looking at three main areas of policy concern. The trilogy of discord are related to first, the absence of recognised definition of this phenomenon; second, the disagreement over the number of environmental migrants; and third, the diverse legal perspectives. It is not a coincidence that these traditional three thematic issues should remain controversial as they each relate to one another; with no recognised definitions, no precise criterions can be set out to calculate the number of environmental migrants, and consequently, no rigorous legal framework can be implemented to deal with environmentally induced migration. Although recent research projects led by governments and international organisations have chosen to move beyond the question of terminology by providing crucial data on the topic, there is the need to arrive at some internationally recognised consensus on the three core issues linked to the topic of environmental migration in order to legitimise the field. Such a step will also facilitate policy efforts at addressing environmental migration at the national and international levels. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysates from whole anchovy sprat (Clupeonella engrauliformis) prepared using endogenous enzymes and commercial proteases
Authors: Ovissipour Mahmoudreza , Rasco Barbara , Shiroodi Setareh Ghorban , Modanlow Maryam , Gholami Sanaz , Nemati Mahrokh 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe antioxidant activity and chemical properties of fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs) prepared from anchovy sprat (Clupeonella engrauliformis) using endogenous enzymes (autolysis) and commercial proteases were investigated.ResultsThe highest degree of hydrolysis (DH) was observed with Alcalase® and papain and the highest protein recovery (PR) with Alcalase® and bromelain. FPH yield was highest with Alcalase® (82.3%) and lowest with autolysis (63.64%). Increased DH resulted in increased FPH yield (R2 = 0.77). The highest oil recovery was observed with bromelain (6.41%) and the lowest with autolysis (3.58%). Antioxidant activity determined by DPPH, reducing power and ferrous chelation assays was highest in bromelain, Promod® and papain FPHs respectively. The highest ABTS activity was observed in Alcalase® FPH, followed by Promod® and Protamex™ FPHs. The lowest antioxidant activity was observed in autolysed and Flavourzyme® FPHs (P > 0.05). Heavy metals (arsenic, lead and mercury) were recorded at levels below the regulatory limits established by the FDA.ConclusionAnchovy sprat hydrolysates showed high antioxidant activities and amino acid contents and low heavy metal concentrations, indicating that they have high potential for use in human and animal diets. The high antioxidant activities are related to the high levels of hydrophobic amino acids found in this study.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of (Bio)‐Degradable Poly(β‐thioester)s via Amine Catalyzed Thiol−Ene Click Polymerization
Authors: Vandenbergh Joke , Ranieri Kayte , Junkers Tanja 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe well‐known thiol‐ene click reaction is used to polymerize dithiols and diacrylate monomers. Using catalytic amounts of hexylamine, poly(ester‐sulfide)s are synthesized via consecutive Michael additions between 1,4‐butanedithiol and 1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate. The molecular weight of the polymers is controlled by the stoichiometric balance of the reagents and by optimizing reaction time. Maximum conversion is achieved at close to 20 min at room temperature. Thermal characterization of the polymer shows a melting temperature of 53 °C and good thermal stability of up to 200 °C. The poly(β‐thioester) readily degrades when in contact with acetic acid or NaOH solutions, but also degradation under more biological relevant conditions is indicated by partial hydrolysis of the ester linkages in phosphate buffers.
pH‐Responsive Hyperbranched Copolymers from One‐Pot RAFT Copolymerization
Authors: Tai Hongyun , Duvall Craig L. , Hoffman Alan S. , Stayton Patrick S. , Wang Wenxin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe synthesis of new pH‐responsive hyperbranched copolymers via one pot RAFT copolymerization of PAA and a branching co‐monomer PEGDA ($\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ = 258 Da) is reported. Three copolymers are prepared at monomer feed molar ratios [PAA]0/[PEGDA]0 = 99/1, 90/10, and 80/20. The resultant poly(PAA‐PEGDA) copolymers are characterized by 1H NMR, GPC, and DLS. These hyperbranched copolymers demonstrate composition‐ and size‐dependent membrane disruptive properties by red blood cell hemolysis assay. magnified image
Functional Properties of Extruded Nanocomposites Based on Cassava Starch, Polyvinyl Alcohol and Montmorillonite
Authors: Debiagi Flávia , Mali Suzana 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSummary: The objectives of this work were to produce expanded nanocomposites based on cassava starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium montmorillonite (Na‐MMT). The nanocomposites were characterized according to their expansion index (EI), density, water absorption capacity (WAC), mechanical properties and crystallinity. The nanocomposites were prepared in a single‐screw extruder using different starch contents (97.6–55.2 g/100 g formulation), PVA (0–40 g/100 g formulation) and Na‐MMT (0–4.8 g/100 g formulation). Glycerol (20 g/100 g formulation) was used as plasticizer. The addition of Na‐MMT and PVA resulted in an increase of EI and mechanical strength of the foams. Na‐MMT and PVA addition resulted in less WAC of the samples. The studied processing conditions resulted in a good nanoclay dispersion, leading to the formation of an intercalated structure.
Rheological and Morphological Properties of Carboxymethylcellulose/Starch Blends with or without ZnO and Their Applications as Inoculant Carrier
Authors: da Silva Coutinho Marcio , da Silva Danielle Cristina Fernandes , Xavier Gustavo Ribeiro , Rumjanek Norma Gouvêa , de Oliveira Paulo Jansen 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSummary: Using controlled shear‐rate testing ramps, this study investigates the rheological properties of carboxymethycellulose (CMC)/starch blends, with and without zinc oxide (ZnO). Viscosity decreased as the amount of starch increased and after adding 1% ZnO. The creep and recovery tests indicated that, with increasing starch content, there was a decrease in elasticity and the viscosity zero shear rate. The results also showed, in the temperature range between 25 and 70 °C, an inversion occurred in the elastic and viscous moduli behavior, obeying the Arrhenius equation. The addition of ZnO affects the viscoelastic behavior and the morphology of the blends. The best survival results were obtained for samples 50/50 and 60/40 wt% (CMC/starch).
Petroleum Absorbers Based on CNSL, Furfural and Lignin – The Effect of the Chemical Similarity on the Interactions among Petroleum and Bioresins
Authors: Ferreira Letícia P. , Moreira Andrei N. , Delazare Thaís , Oliveira Geiza. Esperandio , Souza Jr. Fernando Gomes 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSummary: The petroleum has become our most important source of energy since the mid‐1950s. It is due to its high energy density, easy transportability and relative abundance. However, along extraction, storage or transportation of oil, spill accidents may happen. This kind of accident causes severe impacts on the environment, being directly responsible for the destruction of the marine life, which affects the fishing and even tourism industries. Main goal of this work is related to the use of renewable sources aiming to obtain “absorbent green materials”. These materials were synthesized by a typical phenolic resin polycondensation route using cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) as main phenolic compound. Focused on keep the green characteristic of the materials, furfuraldehyde from hemicellulose was used as aldehyde and the reaction was catalyzed using a small amount of sulfuric acid. Resins were characterized using Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy with Fourier Transformed (FTIR) and density tests. In addition, contraction of the oil spilled was studied in presence of resins. Obtained results demonstrated that synthesized resins present a good chemical similarity with oil, which produces a good interaction among resins and oil, making easy the contraction of the oil spot on the water and, consequently, the removal process of oil spilled on water.
Extraction and Characterization of Cellulose Nanowhiskers from Balsa Wood
Authors: Morelli Carolina Lipparelli , Marconcini José Manoel , Pereira Fabiano Vargas , Bretas Rosario Elida Suman , Branciforti Márcia Cristina 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSummary: In this study cellulose nanowhiskers were obtained from balsa wood. For this purpose, fibers of balsa wood were exposed to hydrolysis reactions for lignin and hemicellulose digestion and acquisition of nano‐scale cellulose. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results demonstrated that the obtained cellulose nanocrystals had average length and thickness of 176 (±68 nm) and 7.5 (±2.9 nm), respectively. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and wide angle x‐ray diffraction (WAXD) showed that the process for extracting the nanowhiskers digested nearly all the lignin and hemicellulose from the balsa fiber and still preserved the aspect ratio and crystallinity satisfactory enough for future application as nanofillers in polymer nanocomposites. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the onset temperature of thermal degradation of the cellulose nanocrystals (226 °C) was higher than the onset temperature of the balsa fiber (215 °C), allowing its use in molding processes with polymers melts.
Innovative Cross‐Linked Polyurethane Networks Based on Cyclodextrins and Polyethylene Glycols: Inclusion Capacity and Potential Use as Controlled Release Carrier for Nifedipine
Authors: de Araújo Márcia Valéria Gaspar , Vieira João Victor Francisco , da Silva Thiago Alessandre , Kubota Tatiana , Barboza Fernanda Malaquias , Farago Paulo Vitor , Zawadzki Sônia Faria 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSummary: Polymers derived from cyclodextrins show several biomedical applications. In this paper, six cross‐linked polyurethane networks based on β‐cyclodextrin (βCD) or hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and polyethylene glycols (PEG 400, PEG 1500 or PEG 4000) were synthesized by the usual two‐step polymerization method. The polymers were characterized by Fourier‐transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The inclusion capacity was evaluated by the discoloration method of a phenolphthalein solution. In order to explore their potential use as controlled drug delivery systems, dissolution profiles and release behavior of inclusion complexes between PUR/TDI/βCD/PEG4000 or PUR/TDI/HPβCD/PEG1500 and nifedipine (NIF) were investigated. FTIR assignments confirmed the formation of urethane linkages. XRD patterns revealed that the crystallinity decreased mainly due to the crosslinking process. TGA showed three stages of mass loss attributed to water loss, cleavage of urethane bonds and volatilization of decomposition products. The inclusion capacity of cyclodextrins cross‐linked with polyurethane was suitably maintained. Dissolution profiles demonstrated that the inclusion complexes PUR/TDI/βCD/PEG4000‐NIF and PUR/TDI/HPβCD/PEG1500‐NIF are feasible systems for controlling drug release, showing a biexponential release behavior.
Characterization of Polyurethanes from Vegetable Oils by TG/DTG, DMA and FT‐IR
Authors: Lopes Roseany V. V. , Osorio Luis F. B. , Santos Maria L. , Sales Maria J. A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSummary: Given the demand for renewable resources by industries and the promising potential of vegetable oils for this purpose, the current study aims to evaluate the properties of polyurethanes (PUs) obtained from linseed (Linum usitatissimun L.) oil (PULO) and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Degener) oil (PUPFO), by thermogravimetry (TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR). The results showed that PULO is more thermally stable than PUPFO, suggesting that the first presents more urethane linkages. The DMA analysis showed that both prepared PUs have uneven porosity, causing the loss of the elastic plateau. It was found as well that PUPFO exhibits a higher value of glass transition temperature (Tg), signifying that it seems to be more crosslinked than PULO. The analysis by FT‐IR showed that the curing reaction of PUs was successful.
Influence of Carbon Black, Calcium Carbonate and Dioctyl Phthalate Compositions on the NBR Vulcanized Rubber Properties Through Experiments Design
Authors: Correia Sivaldo L. , Palaoro Denilso , Mautone André , Segadães Ana M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSummary: In industrial practice involving mixtures of raw materials, it is desirable to be able to predict how a change in their proportions will affect the product's properties. In this work the effect of three major vulcanized rubber raw materials was investigated. All other raw materials, as well as processing conditions, were kept constant. Ten formulations were vulcanized by compression moulding (175 °C, ∼17 MPa, during 5 minutes) and characterized. The statistically valid property equations calculated from the characterization results show that a range of compositions exists within which the final product has the desired properties and can still be comfortably manufactured.