bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of pulsed photothermal radiometry, optical coherence tomography and ultrasound for melanoma thickness measurement in PDMS tissue phantoms
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Mallidi Srivalleesha , Qiu Jinze , Ma Li L. , Paranjape Amit S. , Sun Jingjing , Kuranov Roman V. , Johnston Keith P. , Milner Thomas E. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMelanoma accounts for 75% of all skin cancer deaths. Pulsed photothermal radiometry (PPTR), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound (US) are non‐invasive imaging techniques that may be used to measure melanoma thickness, thus, determining surgical margins. We constructed a series of PDMS tissue phantoms simulating melanomas of different thicknesses. PPTR, OCT and US measurements were recorded from PDMS tissue phantoms and results were compared in terms of axial imaging range, axial resolution and imaging time. A Monte Carlo simulation and three‐dimensional heat transfer model was constructed to simulate PPTR measurement. Experimental results show that PPTR and US can provide a wide axial imaging range (75 μm–1.7 mm and 120–910 μm respectively) but poor axial resolution (75 and 120 μm respectively) in PDMS tissue phantoms, while OCT has the most superficial axial imaging range (14–450 μm) but highest axial resolution (14 μm). The Monte Carlo simulation and three‐dimensional heat transfer model give good agreement with PPTR measurement. PPTR and US are suited to measure thicker melanoma lesions (<$>><$>400 μm), while OCT is better to measure thin melanoma lesions (<$><<$>400 μm). (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Methane biodegradation in a two‐phase partition internal loop airlift reactor with gas recirculation
Authors: Rocha‐Rios José , Quijano Guillermo , Thalasso Frédéric , Revah Sergio , Muñoz Raul 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: The potential of organic liquid solvents and solid polymers to enhance CH4 mass transfer was studied in a two‐phase partition internal loop airlift reactor operated with gas recirculation under biotic and abiotic conditions. A preliminary screening of the most common liquid solvents (silicone oil 20 cSt, silicone oil 200 cSt and 2,2,4,4,6,8,8‐heptametilnonane) and solid polymers (Kraton® G6157, Desmopan® DP9370A and Elvax® 880) resulted in the selection of silicone oil 200 cSt (S200) and Desmopan DP9370A (D9370) for further investigation based on their high affinity for CH4, biocompatibility and nonbiodegradability.RESULTS: Under abiotic conditions, the increase in gas recirculation from 0 to 1 vvm in the absence of a transfer vector increased the overall mass transfer coefficient for oxygen (kLa) by 195%. The presence of S200 and D9370 at 10% (v/v) under operation at 1 vvm of gas recirculation rate mediated an increase in kLa of 100% and 136%, respectively. Likewise, the increase in gas recirculation from 0 to 1 vvm in the absence of a transfer vector and in the presence of S200 during the continuous biodegradation of methane at 3% (v/v) and 7.3 min empty bed residence time resulted in increases in CH4 removal and CO2 production rates of 47% and 36%, respectively. Nevertheless, no significant enhancement in CH4 removal due to the presence of 10% of Desmopan or silicone oil was recorded under operation at 1 vvm.CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that microbial activity rather than mass transport could be the limiting step in biological CH4 abatement in this system, contrary to that observed in previous studies with stirred tank reactors, where the organic phase addition increased methane biodegradation. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Gas‐diffusion microextraction
Authors: Pacheco João Grosso , Valente Inês Maria , Gonçalves Luís Moreira , Rodrigues José António , Barros Aquiles Araújo 
Published: October 2010

AbstractGas‐diffusion microextraction (GDME) is an innovative technique that combines the advantages of membrane‐aided gas‐diffusion with microextraction concepts. GDME makes uses of a novel portable and low‐cost device that comprises a small, commercially available, semi‐permeable membrane. Furthermore, if derivatization is integrated into the GDME concept, considerable enrichment factors can be obtained. It may become a powerful tool for any analyst who intends to quantify volatile and semi‐volatile analytes in various kinds of matrices. The analysis of vicinal diketones in beer was used as a case study to show GDME applicability and capabilities. Vicinal diketones were derivatized with o‐phenylenediamine and then determined by HPLC‐UV. Obtained results showed good repeatability and precision with extraction periods at the minute time span.
Long‐term cropping systems and tillage management effects on soil organic carbon stock and steady state level of C sequestration rates in a semiarid environment
Authors: Barbera V. , Poma I. , Gristina L. , Novara A. , Egli M. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA calcareous and clayey xeric Chromic Haploxerept of a long‐term experimental site in Sicily (Italy) was sampled (0–15 cm depth) under different land use management and cropping systems (CSs) to study their effect on soil aggregate stability and organic carbon (SOC). The experimental site had three tillage managements (no till [NT], dual‐layer [DL] and conventional tillage [CT]) and two CSs (durum wheat monocropping [W] and durum wheat/faba bean rotation [WB]). The annually sequestered SOC with W was 2·75‐times higher than with WB. SOC concentrations were also higher. Both NT and CT management systems were the most effective in SOC sequestration whereas with DL system no C was sequestered. The differences in SOC concentrations between NT and CT were surprisingly small. Cumulative C input of all cropping and tillage systems and the annually sequestered SOC indicated that a steady state occurred at a sequestration rate of 7·4 Mg C ha−1 y−1. Independent of the CSs, most of the SOC was stored in the silt and clay fraction. This fraction had a high N content which is typical for organic matter interacting with minerals. Macroaggregates (>250 µm) and large microaggregates (75–250 µm) were influenced by the treatments whereas the finest fractions were not. DL reduced the SOC in macroaggregates while NT and CT gave rise to higher SOC contents. In Mediterranean areas with Vertisols, agricultural strategies aimed at increasing the SOC contents should probably consider enhancing the proportion of coarser soil fractions so that, in the short‐term, organic C can be accumulated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory Effect of Hydrophilic Polymer Brushes on Surface‐Induced Platelet Activation and Adhesion
Authors: Zou Yuquan , Lai Benjamin F.L. , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N. , Brooks Donald E. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPoly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA) brushes are successfully grown from unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (uPVC) by well‐controlled surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP). Molecular weights of the grafted PDMA brushes vary from ≈ 35 000 to 2 170 000 Da, while the graft density ranges from 0.08 to 1.13 chains · nm−2. The polydispersity of the grafted PDMA brushes is controlled within 1.20 to 1.80. Platelet activation (expression of CD62) and adhesion studies reveal that the graft densities of the PDMA brushes play an important role in controlling interfacial properties. PDMA brushes with graft densities between 0.35 and 0.50 chains · nm−2 induce a significantly reduced platelet activation compared to unmodified uPVC. Moreover, the surface adhesion of platelets on uPVC is significantly reduced by the densely grafted PDMA brushes. PDMA brushes that have high molecular weights lead to a relatively lower platelet activation compared to low‐molecular‐weight brushes. However, the graft density of the brush is more important than molecular weight in controlling platelet interactions with PVC. PDMA brushes do not produce any significant platelet consumption in platelet rich plasma. Up to a seven‐fold decrease in the number of platelets adhered on high graft density brushes is observed compared to the bare PVC surface. Unlike the bare PVC, platelets do not form pseudopodes or change morphology on PDMA brush‐coated surfaces.
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Differences in Cytotoxicity of β‐Sheet Peptides Originated from Silk and Amyloid β
Authors: Numata Keiji , Kaplan David L. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe relationships between amino acid sequence, nano‐assemblies, and cytotoxicity to neuron cytotoxicity were investigated using β‐sheet‐forming peptides from Araneus ventricosus spider silk, and amyloid forming peptides Aβ(12–28) (β1), Aβ(28–42) (β2), and full‐length Aβ(1–42). Although silk derived peptides formed nano‐assemblies, nanofilaments, and nanofibrils with β‐sheet contents raging from 24 to 40%, they showed no significant cytotoxicity to neurons. In contrast, nano‐assemblies and nanofibrils formed from Aβ peptides with high β‐sheet content demonstrated cytotoxicity to the neurons. These differences in cell response between the silk β‐sheets and Aβ peptides indicate that the general propensity to form beta sheets and form nanostructures is not sufficient to predict cytotoxicity, while surface charges of the assemblies are significant factors that impact cytotoxicity.
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Effect of Central Metals in the Porphyrin Ring on Photocurrent Performance of Cellulose Langmuir‐Blodgett Films
Authors: Sakakibara Keita , Nakatsubo Fumiaki 
Published: October 2010

AbstractRole‐sharing functionalized cellulose derivatives having Mg, Zn, Cu, and Pd porphyrins are used for photocurrent generation system fabricated by the LB technique, mimicking the array of natural photosynthetic light‐harvesting systems. These polymers exhibited different absorption and redox properties in solution depending on the central metal ions. On visible light illumination, the LB film generated anodic photocurrent in the order of Pd > free base > Zn > Cu > Mg. By inserting Pd ion, using myristoyl group, and adjusting the DS, the photocurrent quantum yield was 6.9 times as great as that of conventional porphyrin cellulose. These findings may provide opportunities for the design of a new class of organic solar cells, based on cellulose molecular characteristics.
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Synthesis and Photovoltaic Properties of Side‐Chain Liquid‐Crystal Click Polymers for Dye‐Sensitized Solar‐Cells Application
Authors: Park Jin Su , Kim Yeol Ho , Song Myungkwan , Kim Chul‐Hyun , Karim Md. Anwarul , Lee Jae Wook , Gal Yeong‐Soon , Kumar Pankaj , Kang Shin‐Woong , Jin Sung‐Ho 
Published: October 2010

AbstractSCLCPs are synthesized using “click chemistry”. The resulting polymers, P1 and P2, have good solubilities and molecular‐weight distributions. Their $\overline {M} _{{\rm w}} $ and polydispersities are in the ranges of 26.7–8.4 × 103 g · mol−1 and 1.99–1.29, respectively. DSC and POM studies reveal that both polymers exhibit liquid‐crystalline behavior. P1 and P2 are found to display blue emission. DSSCs are fabricated using P1 and P2 as matrices for electrolytes. The maximum PCE of the P1‐ and P2‐based polymer electrolytes is 4.11% (at 1 sun). This synthesis route has again proven to be a useful synthetic methodology for fabricating SCLCPs that are promising materials for device applications.magnified image
Elaboration of Ultra‐High Molecular Weight Polyethylene/Carbon Nanotubes Electrospun Composite Fibers
Authors: Rein Dmitry M. , Cohen Yachin , Lipp Jonathan , Zussman Eyal 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMicron‐sized fibers of UHMWPE reinforced with CNT were fabricated by the electrospinning process. Conditions for a metastable mutual solution of UHMWPE and CNTs were found at elevated temperature. These solutions were used for electrospining using a device having controlled temperature and gaseous environment around the electrospun liquid jet. The fabricated micron‐sized fibers exhibited the reinforcing CNTs as self‐organized nano‐ropes embedded within them. A post‐spinning drawing process enhanced the mechanical properties of the composite fibers to the level of 6.6 GPa strength and elongation at break of 6%. The CNT nano‐ropes form spontaneously in the liquid jet during electrospinning, and provide the reinforcement framework which is amenable for post‐drawing of the fibers for subsequent utilization as composite nanofibers. The experimental results exhibit the highest strength value reported to date for electrospun fibers.magnified image
Characteristics of peri‐implantation porcine concepti population and maternal milieu influence the transcriptome profile
Authors: Blomberg Le Ann , Schreier Lori , Li Robert W. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAsynchrony of trophectoderm elongation, gestational days 11–12, is evident in porcine concepti, and rapid progression through this phase has been associated with conceptus competency. The goal of the current study was to determine the extent of transcriptomic responses of concepti to developmental delay and their physiological implications. Gestational day 11 concepti with the same morphology, ovoid and 7–8 mm, were isolated and designated as control or developmentally delayed if collected from a homogenous ovoid conceptus population or heterogeneous conceptus population (ovoid to filamentous), respectively. Total RNA prepared from four distinct control and four distinct developmentally delayed concepti, was analyzed using an Agilent high‐density custom porcine microarray. Two hundred nine transcripts were found differentially expressed between normal and developmentally delayed concepti. Functional analysis of these genes indicated that a significant number of the genes regulate signal transduction/transcription, organismal development, metabolism, and cell adhesion and can be modulated by transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). Ten genes were selected for real‐time PCR validation of differential expression based on a known role in steroid synthesis, endometrium receptivity, and modulation of trophoblast differentiation/growth or interaction with TGFβ1. As in the microarray, all except one, achaete–scute complex homolog 2, were preferentially up‐regulated in delayed concepti. Overall, findings suggested that despite similar morphology, the transcriptome of developmentally delayed concepti is distinct from control counterparts. Also highlighted were ways by which the conceptus' microenvironment might be affected and developmental factors that may be of interest to interrogate further to determine if, and how, they affect embryo competency/elongation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77:978–989, 2010. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison between simulated and experimental basis sets for assessing short‐TE in vivo1H MRS data at 1.5 T
Authors: Wilson Martin , Davies Nigel P. , Sun Yu , Natarajan Kal , Arvanitis Theodoros N. , Kauppinen Risto A. , Peet Andrew C. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA number of algorithms designed to determine metabolite concentrations from in vivo 1H MRS require a collection of single metabolite spectra, known as a basis set, which can be obtained experimentally or by simulation. It has been assumed that basis sets can be used interchangeably, but no systematic study has investigated the effects of small variations in basis functions on the metabolite values obtained. The aim of this study was to compare the results of simulated with experimental basis sets when used to fit short‐TE 1H MRS data of variable quality at 1.5 T. Two hundred and twelve paediatric brain tumour spectra were included in the analysis, and each was analysed twice with LCModel™ using a simulated and experimental basis set. To determine the influence of data quality on quantification, each spectrum was assessed and 152 were classified as being of ‘good’ quality. Bland–Altman statistics were used to measure the agreement between the two basis sets for all available spectra and only ‘good’‐quality spectra. Monte‐Carlo simulations were performed to investigate the influence of minor shifts in metabolite frequencies on metabolite concentration estimates. All metabolites showed good agreement between the two basis sets, and the average metabolite limits of agreement were approximately ±3.84 mM for all available data and ±0.99 mM for good‐quality data. Errors obtained from the Monte‐Carlo analysis were found to be more accurate than the Cramer–Rao lower bounds (CRLB) for 12 of 15 metabolites when metabolite frequency shifting was considered. For the majority of purposes, a level of agreement of ±0.99 mM between simulated and experimental basis sets is sufficiently small for them to be used interchangeably. Multiple analyses using slightly modified basis sets may be useful in estimating fitting errors, which are not predicted by CRLBs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MRI of renal oxygenation and function after normothermic ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Oostendorp Marlies , de Vries Eva E. , Slenter Jos M. G. M. , Peutz‐Kootstra Carine J. , Snoeijs Maarten G. , Post Mark J. , van Heurn L. W. Ernest , Backes Walter H. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe in vivo assessment of renal damage after ischemia–reperfusion injury, such as in sepsis, hypovolemic shock or after transplantation, is a major challenge. This injury often results in temporary or permanent nonfunction. In order to improve the clinical outcome of the kidneys, novel therapies are currently being developed that limit renal ischemia–reperfusion injury. However, to fully address their therapeutic potential, noninvasive imaging methods are required which allow the in vivo visualization of different renal compartments and the evaluation of kidney function. In this study, MRI was applied to study kidney oxygenation and function in a murine model of renal ischemia–reperfusion injury at 7 T. During ischemia, there was a strongly decreased oxygenation, as measured using blood oxygen level‐dependent MRI, compared with the contralateral control, which persisted after reperfusion. Moreover, it was possible to visualize differences in oxygenation between the different functional regions of the injured kidney. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI revealed a significantly reduced renal function, comprising perfusion and filtration, at 24 h after reperfusion. In conclusion, MRI is suitable for the noninvasive evaluation of renal oxygenation and function. Blood oxygen level‐dependent or dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI may allow the early detection of renal pathology in patients with ischemia–reperfusion injury, such as in sepsis, hypovolemic shock or after transplantation, and consequently may lead to an earlier intervention or change of therapy to minimize kidney damage. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative T2* imaging of metastatic human breast cancer to brain in the nude rat at 3 T
Authors: Song Ho‐Taek , Jordan Elaine K. , Lewis Bobbi K. , Gold Eric , Liu Wei , Frank Joseph A. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThis study uses quantitative T2* imaging to track ferumoxides–protamine sulfate (FEPro)‐labeled MDA‐MB‐231BR‐Luc (231BRL) human breast cancer cells that metastasize to the nude rat brain. Four cohorts of nude rats were injected intracardially with FEPro‐labeled, unlabeled or tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand(TRAIL)‐treated (to induce apoptosis) 231BRL cells, or saline, in order to develop metastatic breast cancer in the brain. The heads of the rats were imaged serially over 3–4 weeks using gradient multi‐echo and turbo spin‐echo pulse sequences at 3 T with a solenoid receive‐only 4‐cm‐diameter coil. Quantitative T2* maps of the whole brain were obtained by the application of single‐exponential fitting to the signal intensity of T2* images, and the distribution of T2* values in brain voxels was calculated. MRI findings were correlated with Prussian blue staining and immunohistochemical staining for iron in breast cancer and macrophages. Quantitative analysis of T2* from brain voxels demonstrated a significant shift to lower values following the intracardiac injection of FEPro‐labeled 231BRL cells, relative to animals receiving unlabeled cells, apoptotic cells or saline. Quartile analysis based on the T2* distribution obtained from brain voxels demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.0083) in the number of voxels with T2* values in the ranges 10–35 ms (Q1), 36–60 ms (Q2) and 61–86 ms (Q3) from 1 day to 3 weeks post‐infusion of labeled 231BRL cells, compared with baseline scans. There were no significant differences in the distribution of T2* obtained from serial MRI in rats receiving unlabeled or TRAIL‐treated cells or saline. Histologic analysis demonstrated isolated Prussian blue‐positive breast cancer cells scattered in the brains of rats receiving labeled cells, relative to animals receiving unlabeled or apoptotic cells. Quantitative T2* analysis of FEPro‐labeled metastasized cancer cells was possible even after the hypointense voxels were no longer visible on T2*‐weighted images. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the hydrodynamic analysis of conformation in mixed biopolymer systems
Authors: Harding Stephen E , Abdelhameed Ali S , Morris Gordon A 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA brief review is given of some of the advances in hydrodynamic methodologies for studying the conformation and flexibility of biomacromolecules in mixed systems. We consider first of all the evaluation of conformation type and flexibility in polymer systems with a quasi‐continuous distribution of molecular weight, using polysaccharides and mucin glycoproteins as our main examples, and then conformation determination in discrete or paucidisperse systems such as aggregated antibody preparations. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Biodegradable poly(L‐lactide) and polycaprolactone block copolymer networks
Authors: Ivirico Jorge Luis Escobar , Salmerón‐Sánchez Manuel , Gómez Ribelles José Luis , Pradas Manuel Monleón 
Published: October 2010

AbstractNew biodegradable block copolymer networks were synthesized from methacrylate‐terminated poly(L‐lactide) (mLA) and polycaprolactone (mCL) macromers. This allowed the realization of a series of materials in which the macromer ratio can be used to tailor the physical and mechanical properties of the materials. The synthesis of the macromers was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Poly(mCL) and poly(mLA) networks were prepared by photopolymerization of the macromers, and copolymers were also prepared from the two macromers in various proportions. The phase microstructure of the new systems and the network architecture were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, FTIR spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetry studies. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of different poly(2‐oxazoline) block copolymers by MALDI‐TOF MS/MS and ESI‐Q‐TOF MS/MS
Authors: Baumgaertel Anja , Altuntaş Esra , Kempe Kristian , Crecelius Anna , Schubert Ulrich S. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA complete library of poly(2‐oxazoline) block copolymers was synthesized via cationic ring opening polymerization for the characterization by two different soft ionization techniques, namely matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) and electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (ESI‐Q‐TOF MS). In addition, a detailed characterization was performed by tandem MS to gain more structural information about the block copolymer composition and its fragmentation behavior. The fragmentation of the poly(2‐oxazoline) block copolymers revealed the desired polymer structure and possible side reactions, which could be explained by different mechanisms, like 1,4‐ethylene or hydrogen elimination and the McLafferty +1 rearrangement. Polymers with aryl side groups showed less fragmentation due to their higher stability compared to polymers with alkyl side groups. These insights represent a further step toward the construction of a library with fragments and their fragmentation pathways for synthetic polymers, following the successful examples in proteomics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010