bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulatory effects in the spleen‐injured mice following exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Sang Xuezi , Fei Min , Sheng Lei , Zhao Xiaoyang , Yu Xiaohong , Hong Jie , Ze Yuguan , Gui Suxin , Sun Qingqing , Ze Xiao , Wang Ling , Hong Fashui 
Published: November 2013

AbstractImmune injuries following the exposure of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been greatly concerned along with the TiO2 NPs are widely used in pharmacology and daily life. However, very little is known about the immunomodulatory mechanisms in the spleen‐injured mice due to TiO2 NPs exposure. In this study, mice were continuously exposed to 2.5, 5, or 10 TiO2 NPs mg kg−1 body weight for 90 days with intragastric administration to investigate the immunomodulatory mechanisms in the spleen. The findings showed that TiO2 NPs exposure resulted in significant increases in spleen and thymus indices, and titanium accumulation, in turn led to histopathological changes and splenocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, the exposure of TiO2 NPs could significantly increase the levels of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)−1α, MIP‐2, Eotaxin, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, interferon‐γ, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, interleukin‐13, interferon‐γ‐inducible protein‐10, migration inhibitory factor, CD69, major histocompatibility complex, protein tyrosine phosphatase, protein tyrosine kinase 1, basic fibroblast growth factor, Fasl, and GzmB expression, whereas markedly decrease the levels of NKG2D, NKp46, 2B4 expression involved in immune responses, lymphocyte healing and apoptosis. These findings would better understand toxicological effects induced by TiO2 NPs exposure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3562–3572, 2014.
Determination of Acrolein‐Derived 3‐Hydroxypropylmercapturic Acid in Human Urine Using Solid‐phase Extraction Combined with Molecularly Imprinted Mesoporous Silica and LC‐MS/MS Detection
Authors: Zhu Xiaolan , Tang Fei , Yang Jun , Gao Yun 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA novel method for the analysis of (3‐hydroxypropyl)mercapturic acid (HPMA), a major acrolein metabolite in human urine incorporating a molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction (MISPE) process using N‐acetylcysteine ‐imprinted mesoporous silica particles coupled with LC‐MS/MS detection was developed. The molecularly imprinted mesoporous silica particles were synthesized based on the supported material of ordered mesoporous silica SBA‐15 with N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) as template using surface molecular imprinting technology. The condition of MISPE procedures was optimized. The use of MISPE improved the accuracy and precision of the LC‐MS method and lowered the limit of detection (0.23 ng/mL). The recoveries at three spiked levels ranged between 88.5% to 108.6%. The developed MISPE method enabled the selective extraction of HPMA successfully in human urine and could be used as an effective approach for the determination of ultra‐trace HPMA in complex biological matrices. The results in real samples showed that median levels of HPMA were significantly higher (1922.0 ng/mg of creatinine, N = 75) in smokers than in nonsmokers (759.1 ng/mg of creatinine, N = 5), demonstrating the higher acrolein uptake in smokers than in nonsmokers.
Gender differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of zolpidem following sublingual administration
Authors: Greenblatt David J. , Harmatz Jerold S. , Singh Nikhilesh N. , Steinberg Frank , Roth Thomas , Moline Margaret L. , Harris Stephen C. , Kapil Ram P. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe effect of dose and gender on the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of zolpidem after administration of a buffered zolpidem sublingual tablet (ZST; Intermezzo®, Purdue Pharma L.P., Stamford, CT, USA) was evaluated in healthy non‐elderly male and female volunteers. Subjects received a single morning dose of ZST (1.0, 1.75, and 3.5 mg) or placebo in a four‐way crossover study. In male and female subjects zolpidem PK were linear, with area under the curve (AUC) proportional to dose, and apparent oral clearance and elimination half‐life independent of dose. However, AUC averaged 40% to 50% higher in females than in males receiving the same dose. The gender effect was incompletely explained by body weight. In females, ZST produced PD changes consistent with benzodiazepine agonist effects, particularly at the 3.5‐mg dose. For several PD variables, PD effects were significantly related to plasma zolpidem concentrations when data were aggregated across subjects. However, there was variability in response among individuals. In males, PD effects of zolpidem seldom differed from placebo regardless of plasma concentration. The findings confirm that zolpidem clearance is lower in females than in males. PD effects of zolpidem from ZST are greater in female subjects, due to a combination of higher plasma concentrations and greater intrinsic sensitivity.
Interaction of maternal separation on the UCh rat Cerebellum
Authors: Oliveira S.A. , Fontanelli B. A. F. , Stefanini M.A. , Chuffa L.G.A. , Teixeira G.R. , Lizarte F.S.N. , Tirapelli L.F. , Quitete V.H.A. , Matheus S.M.M. , Padovani C.R. , Martinez M. , Martinez F.E. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTMaternal care is the main source of signals and stimuli for proper development, growth, and production of adjustment responses to stressful factors. Adverse experiences in childhood are associated with a vulnerability to developing abusive ethanol ingestion via alterations of the response of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Alcoholism causes global brain abnormalities, with the cerebellum being one of the most susceptible areas. We evaluated the effect of maternal separation on the cerebellum structure of male UCh rats. Adult male UChA (low 10% ethanol consumption) and UChB (high 10% ethanol consumption) rats were divided in to four experimental groups: (1) UChA, (2) UChA maternal separation (MS), (3) UChB, and (4) UChB MS. The MS occurred between the 4th and 14th days of age, for 240 min day−1. Euthanasia was performed at 120 days of age. An image analysis system was used to measure cerebellar cortical height and Purkinje cellular area and height in five rats from each group. The cerebellar sections were stained with antibodies against IGFR‐I. MS did not alter the ethanol consumption of UChA and UChB rats. Corticosterone level was significantly higher in UChA MS and UChB MS rats than in UChA and UChB rats. The Purkinje cellular area and height were higher in UChA MS rats. IGFR‐I expression was observed in the cortical glomerular area of UChA MS and UChB MS rats. MS altered the Purkinje cells in the cerebella of male UCh rats. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:44–51, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noninvasive visualization of the basilar artery wall and branch ostia with high‐resolution three‐dimensional black‐blood sequence at 3 tesla
Authors: Lou Xin , Ma Ning , Shen Hao , Shi Kaining , Jiang Weijian , Ma Lin 
Published: November 2013

PurposeTo evaluate the usefulness of three‐dimensional (3D) MR black‐blood sequence flow‐dephasing‐prepared fast spoiled gradient recalled echo (FDP‐FSPGR) in screening the basilar artery (BA) wall and the ostia of the adjacent branch arteries.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐one patients with BA stenosis >50% on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were imaged. Three‐dimensional FDP‐FSPGR images were acquired using a flow‐dephasing‐prepared segmented technique, including two spin echoes to overcome the inhomogeneity of the radiofrequency field. Precontrast and postcontrast 3D FDP‐FSPGR sequences were performed.ResultsThe wall of the BA could be visualized in 20 patients with good contrast, and 82 ostia of the adjacent branch arteries were identified on 3D FDP‐FSPGR images. Compared with DSA, the accuracy of it was 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89 to 0.99) for reader 1 and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.86 to 0.98) for reader 2, with strong agreement between the two readers (κ = 0.82). BA plaque enhancement was noted in 16 of the 20 patients after contrast administration.ConclusionThe 3D FDP‐FSPGR can be used for high‐spatial‐resolution demonstration and large coverage of the BA wall and the ostia of the adjacent branch arteries. This sequence will make it possible to evaluate therapeutic effects in clinical studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:911–916. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gadolinium‐free T1 contrast agents for MRI: Tunable pharmacokinetics of a new class of manganese porphyrins
Authors: Cheng Hai‐Ling Margaret , Haedicke Inga E. , Cheng Weiran , Tchouala Nofiele Joris , Zhang Xiao‐an 
Published: November 2013

PurposeTo evaluate a new class of manganese porphyrins with tunable pharmacokinetics as potential gadolinium (Gd)‐free T1 agents for contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Materials and MethodsTwo new contrast agents, MnTCP and MnP2, were evaluated in four female rats. MRI was performed daily up to 3 days postinjection (0.05 mmol/kg) on a 3 T clinical scanner. T1 relaxation times and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI were performed to assess contrast enhancement and clearance in blood, heart, liver, kidney, and muscle.ResultsRelative T1 decreases were similar for MnTCP and Gd‐DTPA in all tissues but were significantly larger (P < 0.05) for MnP2 in blood, heart, kidney, and liver (2–6‐fold larger). Clearance of MnTCP was similar to Gd‐DTPA, with T1 returning to baseline by 40 minutes and complete elimination in 1 day. MnP2 was cleared from blood after 2 days and sustained a lowered T1 in other tissues for at least 1 hour (P < 0.05). The maximum enhancement, slope, and time‐to‐peak were similar between contrast agents. Only the parameter AUC60 differed, with MnP2 yielding the largest AUC60 values primarily through longer retention in tissue.ConclusionMnTCP and MnP2 offer distinct applications as Gd‐free T1 contrast agents. MnTCP behaves like a Gd‐DTPA analog, while MnP2 provides significantly greater and longer positive signal enhancement.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1474–1480. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influenza vaccine effectiveness during the 2012 influenza season in Victoria, Australia: Influences of waning immunity and vaccine match
Authors: Sullivan Sheena G. , Komadina Naomi , Grant Kristina , Jelley Lauren , Papadakis Georgina , Kelly Heath 
Published: November 2013

AbstractVaccine effectiveness may wane with increasing time since vaccination. This analysis used the Victorian sentinel general practitioner (GP) network to estimate vaccine effectiveness for trivalent inactivated vaccines in the 2012 season. A test‐negative design was used where patients presenting to GPs with influenza‐like illness who tested positive for influenza were cases and noncases were those who tested negative. Vaccination status was recorded by GPs. Vaccine effectiveness was calculated as (1‐odds ratio) × 100%. Estimates were compared early versus late in the season and by time since vaccination. Virus isolates were assessed antigenically by hemagglutination inhibition assay in a selection of positive samples and viruses from healthy adults who experienced a vaccine breakthrough were analyzed genetically. The adjusted vaccine effectiveness estimate for any type of influenza was 45% (95% CI: 8,66) and for influenza A(H3) was 35% (95% CI: −11,62). A non‐significant effect of waning effectiveness by time since vaccination was observed for A(H3). For those vaccinated <93 days of presentation vaccine effectiveness was 37% (95% CI: −29,69), while for those vaccinated ≥93 days before presentation it was 18% (95% CI: −83,63). Comparison of early versus late in the season estimates was very sensitive to the cut off week chosen for analysis. Antigenic data suggested that low vaccine effectiveness was not associated with poor vaccine match among the A(H3) viruses. However, genetic analysis suggested nucleotide substitutions in antigenic sites. In 2012, the trivalent influenza vaccine provided moderate protection against influenza and showed limited evidence for waning effectiveness. Antigenic and genetic data can provide additional insight into understanding these estimates. J. Med. Virol. 86:1017–1025, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Asymmetry in semicircular canal diameters may account for circling behavior in EphB‐deficient mice
Authors: Lee Kenneth H. , Lee James , Shao Dongmei , Dravis Christopher , Henkemeyer Mark 
Published: November 2013

Objectives/HypothesisDetermine if differences in right and left semicircular size account for phenotypic behavior, indicating vestibulopathy in EphB deficient mice.Study DesignThe diameters of the superior semicircular canals (SCC) were measured. The differences in the right and left superior SCC diameters were analyzed in homozygous EphB2 and EphB3 double knockout mice known to have head bobbing and circling behavior. Results were compared to similar analysis in wild type controls that displayed no signs of vestibulopathy.MethodsAxial frozen sections through the superior (SCC) were analyzed by light microscopy; and the diameters of the left and right canals were measured in μm for both EphB2 and EphB3 double knockout mice, as well as in wild type control mice. The differences in diameter between the left and right superior SCC was determined for each animal.ResultsOverall, the EphB2 and EphB3 double knockout mice had smaller superior SCC diameters compared to wild type (109.0 ± 21.4 μm vs. 185.0 ± 5.2 μm (P < 0.0001). The mean difference in left and right diameter of the superior SCC of EphB2/EphB3 double knockout mice was 29.0 ± 8.7 μm; in wild‐type controls this difference was 6.0 ± 5.1 μm (P = 0.002). In addition, the direction of circling appeared to be independent of the laterality of the smaller (or larger) superior SCC.ConclusionMice deficient in EphB2/EphB3 signaling have smaller superior SCC and asymmetry in lumen sizes between the left and right sides. The laterality of the larger versus smaller is not correlated with the direction of circling behavior.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 124:E278–E282, 2014
Direct simultaneous measurement of intraglottal geometry and velocity fields in excised larynges
Authors: Khosla Sid , Oren Liran , Ying Jun , Gutmark Ephraim 
Published: November 2013

Objectives/HypothesisCurrent theories regarding the mechanisms of phonation are based on assumptions about the aerodynamics between the vocal folds during the closing phase of vocal fold vibration. However, many of these fundamental assumptions have never been validated in a tissue model. In this study, the main objective was to determine the aerodynamics (velocity fields) and the geometry of the medial surface of the vocal folds during the closing phase of vibration. The main hypothesis is that intraglottal vortices are produced during vocal fold closing when the glottal duct has a divergent shape and that these vortices are associated with negative pressures.Study DesignExperiments using seven excised canine larynges.MethodsThe particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) method was used to determine the velocity fields at low, mid‐, and high subglottal pressures for each larynx. Modifications were made to previously described PIV methodology to allow the measurement of both the intraglottal velocity fields and the position of the medial aspects of the vocal fold.ResultsAt relatively low subglottal pressures, little to no intraglottal vortices were seen. At mid‐ and high subglottal pressures, the flow separation vortices occurred and produced maximum negative pressures, relative to atmospheric, of −2.6 to −14.6 cm H2O. Possible physiological and surgical implications are discussed.ConclusionsIntraglottal vortices produce significant negative pressures at mid‐ and high subglottal pressures. These vortices may be important in increasing maximum flow declination rate and acoustic intensity.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 124:S1–S13, 2014
Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Associated with Soil Aggregates and Particle Sizes Under Different Land Uses in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gelaw Aweke M. , Singh B. R. , Lal R. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSoil aggregation serves as storage and cycling of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN), which are essential for the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Thus, aggregate and particle associated SOC and TN in 0‐ to 10‐cm and 10‐ to 20‐cm layers were estimated for five land uses: rainfed cultivation (RF), agroforestry (AF), open pasture (OP), silvopasture (SP), and irrigation (IR) each with five replications within a watershed in Ethiopia. OP had the highest WSA > 2 mm (88·7%) and SOC associated with macroaggregates (20·0 g kg−1), which were significantly higher (P < 0·0001; P = 0·0017 for WSA and SOC, respectively) than that in other land uses in 0‐ to 10‐cm depth. SOC associated with both macroaggregates and microaggregates decreased with depth. Macroaggregates contained higher SOC than microaggregates in both layers under all land uses. AF had the highest SOC associated with microaggregates (2·6 g kg−1) followed by that in SP (2·3 g kg−1), indicating its potential to stabilize SOC more than other land uses. TN associated with macroaggregates followed a trend similar to that of SOC. OP had also significantly higher SOC (P = 0·0001) and TN (P = 0·0004) associated with sand particles than RF, AF, and IR. Sand‐associated SOC and TN were the highest in uncultivated systems. Moreover, the higher SOC concentrations associated with clay particles in soils under OP, SP, and AF showed that grass‐based and tree‐based systems are rich in stable SOC as clay‐associated SOC has higher residence time than that associated with sand or silt fractions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Sterilization on the Enzymatic Degradation and Mechanical Properties of Silk Biomaterials
Authors: Gil Eun Seok , Park Sang‐Hyug , Hu Xiao , Cebe Peggy , Kaplan David L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe effect of some sterilization methods (autoclaving and ethanol treatments) on the degradation rate and mechanical properties of two types of porous silk scaffolds (aqueous‐ and hexafluoroisopropanol‐derived) is evaluated. Changes in secondary structure, crystal size, and supramolecular features of silk fibroin, resulting from sterilization, are tracked to elucidate molecular level effects on protease XIV enzymatic degradation and compressive mechanical properties. The structural features and pore sizes of the silk scaffolds remain intact after both sterilization processes. Autoclave sterilization dramatically reduce the degradation rate of the silk scaffolds in response to protease XIV and significantly increase mechanical properties, in contrast to scaffolds sterilized with 70% ethanol. Higher β‐sheet content and larger crystal size are observed after autoclaving, unlike in response to 70% ethanol sterilization, based on examination of Fourier transform (FT) IR spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS). In addition, thermal analysis finds supramolecular features within silk fibroin amorphous regions, including the glass transition temperature (Tg), heat capacity of glass transition (ΔCp‐Tg), and thermal gravimetric degradability. Such supramolecular level changes are related to the shift in enzymatic degradation and mechanical properties due to autoclaving versus treatment with 70% EtOH. The changes in supramolecular organization in amorphous regions can retard enzyme diffusion through the glassy regions of the silk matrix or/and hinder binding of enzymes, while also stiffening these matrices.
Shape‐Tailored Polymer Colloids on the Road to Become Structural Motifs for Hierarchically Organized Materials
Authors: Plüisch Claudia Simone , Wittemann Alexander 
Published: November 2013

Anisometric polymer colloids are likely to behave differently when compared with centrosymmetric particles. Their study may not only shine new light on the organization of matter; they may also serve as building units with specific symmetries and complexity to build new materials from them. Polymer colloids of well‐defined complex geometries can be obtained by packing a limited number of spherical polymer particles into clusters with defined configurations. Such supracolloidal architectures can be fabricated at larger scales using narrowly dispersed emulsion droplets as templates. Assemblies built from at least two different types of particles as elementary building units open perspectives in selective targeting of colloids with specific properties, aiming for mesoscale building blocks with tailor‐made morphologies and multifunctionality. Polymer colloids with defined geometries are also ideal to study shape‐dependent properties such as the diffusion of complex particles.
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Polycyclic arene‐based D–A polyimide electrets for high‐performance n‐type organic field effect transistor memory devices
Authors: Yu An‐Dih , Kurosawa Tadanori , Ueda Mitsuru , Chen Wen‐Chang 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTWe report the memory characteristics of n‐type N,N′‐bis(2‐phenylethyl)‐perylene‐3,4:9,10‐tetracarboxylic diimide‐based organic field‐effect transistors (OFET) using a series of donor–acceptor (D–A) polyimide electrets of poly[4,4′‐diamino‐4″‐methyltriphenylamine‐hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthal imide] (PI(AMTPA‐6FDA)), poly[N,N‐bis‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐aminonaphthalene‐hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalimide] (PI(APAN‐6FDA)), and poly[N,N‐bis‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐aminopyrene‐hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalimide] (PI(APAP‐6FDA)). Among the polymer electrets, the OFET memory device based on PI(APAP‐6FDA) exhibits the largest memory window of 40.63 V and the best charge retention ability (maintained for over 104 s with the ON/OFF current ratio about 103) due to introducing polycyclic arene functionality of pyrene into the electron donating moiety. With the excellent carrier delocalization, pyrene successfully enhanced the charge storage ability and sustained the CT complex. Besides, PI(APAP‐6FDA)‐based OFET memory also performed well in the write‐read‐erase‐read tests for over 100 cycles. Our finding may provide a new approach for the preparation of high performance nonvolatile OFET memories with electrets of D–A polyimide systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 139–147
Facile design of degradable poly(β‐thioester)s with tunable structure and functionality
Authors: Zaquen Neomy , Wenn Benjamin , Ranieri Kayte , Vandenbergh Joke , Junkers Tanja 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTThe synthesis of a range of linear biodegradable poly(β‐thioester)s, PBTs, via hexylamine‐catalyzed thiol‐ene Micheal additions between a variety of diacrylate and dithiol monomers is described. Molecular weights up to 12,000 g mol−1 are obtained for this new class of polymer materials. PBTs featuring very different chemical and mechanical behavior are obtained on the basis of seven diacrylate and three dithiol monomers. Polar PBTs are synthesized based on ethylene glycol‐containing monomers in an environmentally friendly solvent. Furthermore, PBTs containing urethane units in the main chain are obtained, providing access to an isocyanate‐free polyurethane polymerization method. The thiol‐ene addition approach can also be used to couple polystyrene oligomers synthesized from a bifunctional trithiocarbonate reversible addition fragmentation transfer agent. In this way, PBTs featuring polystyrene segments as well as diacrylate segments are produced. In general for these step‐growth polymerizations, by tuning the stoichiometric monomer ratio, a desired end group functionality can be quantitatively introduced into the PBT, which is demonstrated via soft ionization mass spectrometry analysis. As an example, alkyne end groups have been built in, giving access to use these materials in modular polymer design strategies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 178–187