bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of a new multiplex assay against individual immunoassays for the quantification of reproductive, stress, and energetic metabolism biomarkers in urine specimens
Authors: Salvante Katrina G. , Brindle Eleanor , Mcconnell Daniel , O'connor Kathleen , Nepomnaschy Pablo A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAbstract: Measuring multiple hormones simultaneously in a single assay saves sample volume, labor, time, reagents, money, and consumables. Thus, multiplex arrays represent a faster, more economically and ecologically sound alternative to singleton assays.Objectives: To validate a new, commercially available multiplex female array produced by Quansys Biosciences against individual immunoassays for the quantification of six hormones in urine samples from women in different reproductive stages.Methods: Urine samples were analyzed using the new Quansys multiplex female hormone array and compared with well‐established individual immunoassays for adiponectin, free cortisol, c‐peptide, estrone‐3‐glucuronide (E1G), follicle stimulating hormone beta‐subunit (FSH‐beta), and human chorionic gonadotropin beta‐subunit (hCG‐beta). Correlations between assays were assessed using Pearson correlation, linear regression and Bland–Altman analysis. The temporal profiles of free cortisol, E1G, FSH‐beta, and hCG‐beta were also compared.Results: The multiplex array was highly correlated with the individual immunoassays for five of the tested hormones (Pearson's correlation coefficient ≥0.75), and yielded temporal patterns of hormone profiles consistent with the individual immunoassays for free cortisol, E1G, FSH‐beta, and hCG‐beta.Conclusions:  The Quansys multiplex female hormone array is a valid alternative method to individual immunoassays for the quantification of stress, reproductive and energetic hormones and metabolites in human urine samples and can be used to examine the dynamic interactions between these hormones. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two photoluminescent polymers based on fluorene and 2,4,6‐triphenyl pyridine: Synthesis and electroluminescence
Authors: Jiang Hong Ji , Gao Zhi Qiang , Deng Xian Yu , Chen Run Feng , Huang Wei 
Published: November 2011

AbstractTwo fluorene and triphenyl pyridine‐based linear and dendronized copolymers, P1 and P2, were synthesized and fully characterized by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and matrix assistant laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectra, respectively. The absorption, photoluminescence (PL) behavior, and energy band gaps of P1 and P2 relative to those of polyfluorene end‐capped with benzene (P0) were examined through UV–vis, photoluminescent spectra, and cyclic voltammetry. The UV–vis absorption and PL emission behavior of P0 and P1 were hardly affected by molecular architecture, while those of P2 were strongly correlated with the dendronized molecular frameworks. Cyclic voltammetry studies indicated the lower highest occupied molecular orbital energy level and wider band gap of P2 thin solid film relative to those of P0 and P1. The new polymers were thermally stable up to 410°C. The better luminance and external quantum efficiencies of P1 relative to those of P0 in polymer light‐emitting diode (PLED) applications are due to improved electron injection, charge trapping and recombination at the pyridine sites. Through the experiments, it is found that the triphenyl pyridyl segments and excimers‐formation make pronounced contribution to long wavelength emission in P1‐based blue light‐emitting materials, and the analogous materials containing 2,4,6‐triphenyl pyridyl unit of P1 constitute highly attractive materials for white PLED applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Evaluation of the factors affecting avicel reactivity using multi‐stage enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Yu Zhiying , Jameel Hasan , Chang Hou‐min , Philips Richard , Park Sunkyu 
Published: November 2011

AbstractMulti‐stage and single‐stage enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose (Avicel PH‐101) were conducted to investigate individual factors that affect the rate‐reducing kinetics of enzymatic hydrolysis. Understanding factors affecting enzymatic hydrolysis of Avicel will help improve hydrolysis of various biomasses. Product inhibition, enzyme deactivation, and the changes of substrate are potential factors that can affect the hydrolysis efficiency of Avicel. Multi‐stage enzymatic hydrolysis resulted in 36.9% and 25.4% higher carbohydrate conversion as compared to a single‐stage enzymatic hydrolysis with an enzyme loading of 5 and 20 FPU/g in a 96 h reaction. However, a decline in carbohydrate conversion of 1.6% and 2.6% was observed through each stage with 5 and 20 FPU/g, respectively. This indicated that the substrate became more recalcitrant as hydrolysis progressed. The decreased reactivity was not due to crystallinity because no significant change in crystallinity was detected by X‐ray diffraction. Product inhibition was significant at low enzyme loading, while it was marginal at high enzyme loading. Therefore, product inhibition can only partially explain this decreased conversion. Another important factor, enzyme deactivation, contributed to 20.3% and 25.4% decrease in the total carbohydrate conversion of 96 h hydrolysis with 5 and 20 FPU/g, respectively. This work shows that an important reason for the decreased Avicel digestibility is the effect of enzyme blockage, which refers to the enzymes that irreversibly adsorb on accessible sites of substrate. About 45.3% and 63.2% of the total decreased conversion at the end of the 8th stage with 5 and 20 FPU/g, respectively, was due to the presence of irreversibly adsorbed enzymes. This blockage of active sites by enzymes has been speculated by other researchers, but this article shows further evidence of this effect. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1131–1139. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Small Heart With Low Cardiac Output for Orthostatic Intolerance in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Miwa Kunihisa , Fujita Masatoshi 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground:The etiology of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown. Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is common in CFS patients. Recently, small heart with low cardiac output has been postulated to be related to the genesis of both CFS and OI.Hypothesis:Small heart is associated with OI in patients with CFS.Methods:Study CFS patients were divided into groups of 26 (57%) CFSOI(+) and 20 (43%) CFSOI(−) according to the presence or absence of OI. In addition, 11 OI patients and 27 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects were studied. Left ventricular (LV) dimensions and function were determined echocardiographically.Results:The mean values of cardiothoracic ratio, systemic systolic and diastolic pressures, LV end‐diastolic dimension, LV end‐systolic dimension, stroke volume index, cardiac index, and LV mass index were all significantly smaller in CFSOI(+) patients than in CFSOI(−) patients and healthy controls, and also in OI patients than in controls. A smaller LV end‐diastolic dimension (<40 mm) was significantly (P<0.05) more prevalently noted in CFSOI(+) (54%) and OI (45%) than in CFSOI(−) (5%) and controls (4%). A lower cardiac index (<2 L/min/mm2) was more prevalent in CFSOI(+) (65%) than in CFSOI(−) (5%, P<0.01), OI (27%), and controls (11%, P<0.01).Conclusions:A small size of LV with low cardiac output was noted in OI, and its degree was more pronounced in CFSOI(+). A small heart appears to be related to the genesis of OI and CFS via both cerebral and systemic hypoperfusion. CFSOI(+) seems to constitute a well‐defined and predominant subgroup of CFS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Comments on the Bohm Criterion and on the Determination of the Ion Velocity at the Sheath Edge in Non‐Maxwellian Plasma
Authors: Jauberteau J. L. , Jauberteau I. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis work is devoted to the study of the Bohm criterion in the general case of the electron energy distribution function (EEDF). Investigations are performed by means of a Monte Carlo integration method. We resolve the cold fluid equation system describing the ion motion within the sheath, assuming collisionless conditions, singly charged and mono kinetic incoming ions (BOHM model). Results confirm that the limit ion velocity at the sheath edge to assure a monotone electric field with a positive charge over the entire sheath is vi ≥ (kTe/Mi) or εi ≥ 1/3 <εe> in the case of Maxwellian electrons. We show that in the case of a Druyvesteyn electron energy distribution, this limit is larger, it is εi ≥ 0.6 <εe>. The study is also extended to other distributions functions. Because of the large controversy in recent publications, concerning the boundary conditions at the sheath entrance, we discuss the collisionless conditions at the sheath edge according to the plasma parameters. It is shown that in a collisionless sheath, the condition ni(χ) ≥ ne(χ) can be used to determine the limit ion velocity at the sheath edge of the negatively biased collector (Langmuir probe for instance) (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Gaming Exercise to Explore Problem‐Solving versus Relational Activities for River Floodplain Management
Authors: Stefanska Joanna , Magnuszewski Piotr , Sendzimir Jan , Romaniuk Patrycja , Taillieu Tharsi , Dubel Anna , Flachner Zsuzsanna , Balogh Peter 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper describes a new gaming tool that allows players (e.g. water managers and farmers) to explore the consequences of their interactions in managing river floodplains. To facilitate the process of creating and testing new policies that would help to accommodate disordering events, e.g. floods, we developed a system dynamics model of floodplain agriculture that drives an interactive game. The Floodplain Management Game can be used as an educational resource, knowledge elicitation technique or transition management tool for agriculture and river management. The key feature is that it unites technical (problem‐solving) and relational issues in one game. In multiple areas it has proven a useful tool for participants to experience the challenges of policy‐making for managing rivers as well as for floodplain agriculture and for scientists to examine how stakeholders make decisions about such options. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Bond‐selective imaging of deep tissue through the optical window between 1600 and 1850 nm
Authors: Wang Pu , Wang Han‐Wei , Sturek Michael , Cheng Ji‐Xin 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe report the employment of an optical window between 1600 nm and 1850 nm for bond‐selective deep tissue imaging through harmonic vibrational excitation and acoustic detection of resultant pressure waves. In this window where a local minimum of water absorption resides, we found a 5 times enhancement of photoacoustic signal by first overtone excitation of the methylene group CH2 at 1730 nm, compared to the second overtone excitation at 1210 nm. The enhancement allows 3D mapping of intramuscular fat with improved contrast and of lipid deposition inside an atherosclerotic artery wall in the presence of blood. Moreover, lipid and protein are differentiated based on the first overtone absorption profiles of CH2 and methyl group CH3 in this window. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
In vivo degradation and bone response of a composite coating on Mg–Zn–Ca alloy prepared by microarc oxidation and electrochemical deposition
Authors: Chen Shuai , Guan Shaokang , Li Wen , Wang Huanxin , Chen Juan , Wang Yisheng , Wang Haitao 
Published: November 2011

AbstractComposite coatings with hydroxyapatite (HA), octacalcium phosphate (OCP) in electrochemical deposition (ED) layers and MgO, Mg3(PO4)2 in microarc oxidation (MAO) layers were prepared by ED and MAO on Mg–Zn–Ca alloy to improve the corrosion resistance and bone response. Substrates and coated samples were implanted in the femur shaft of rabbits to observe in vivo degradation behavior during 50 weeks. Results showed that the degradation rate of the substrates was much faster than the coated at 8, 12 weeks and became close to the coated at 18 weeks postoperatively. The composite coatings prevented the substrate from rapid release of magnesium ions at the interface and gradually degraded at the same time. The composite coatings induced more newly formed bone tissue and faster bone response. Overall, reduced degradation rate and improved bone response were achieved by the composite coatings. Thus, the composite coatings on Mg–Zn–Ca alloy are promising for clinical application in the future. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 533–543, 2012.
The cathodic behavior of titanium: Serum effect
Authors: Contu Francesco 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe cathodic behavior of titanium was investigated in inorganic buffer solutions and in fetal bovine serum through potential sweep techniques. Under cathodic polarization, the oxygen reduction and the hydrogen evolution reactions were observed. It was found that the activity of the electrode toward the electron transfer increased with decreasing the electrode surface charge. The polarization curves recorded in serum displayed the same features as those observed in inorganic buffered solutions. However, organic molecules were likely adsorbed onto the titanium surface and the adsorption reactions were potential dependant. Additionally, it was noticed that the buffer capacity of serum could be overwhelmed by the progressive interface alkalinization during cathodic polarization. Furthermore, serum affected the corrosion current of the implant materials and the effect was pH‐dependent. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 544–552, 2011.
Ni ion release, osteoblast–material interactions, and hemocompatibility of hafnium‐implanted NiTi alloy
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Li Yan , Zhao Xinqing , Chen Hong , Zhang Tao 
Published: November 2011

AbstractHafnium ion implantation was applied to NiTi alloy to suppress Ni ion release and enhance osteoblast–material interactions and hemocompatibility. The auger electron spectroscopy, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscope results showed that a composite TiO2/HfO2 nanofilm with increased surface roughness was formed on the surface of NiTi, and Ni concentration was reduced in the superficial surface layer. Potentiodynamic polarization tests displayed that 4 mA NiTi sample possessed the highest Ebr − Ecorr, 470 mV higher than that of untreated NiTi, suggesting a significant improvement on pitting corrosion resistance. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry tests during 60 days immersion demonstrated that Ni ion release rate was remarkably decreased, for example, a reduction of 67% in the first day. The water contact angle increased and surface energy decreased after Hf implantation. Cell culture and methyl‐thiazol‐tetrazolium indicated that Hf‐implanted NiTi expressed enhanced osteoblasts adhesion and proliferation, especially after 7 days culture. Hf implantation decreased fibrinogen adsorption, but had almost no effect on albumin adsorption. Platelets adhesion and activation were suppressed significantly (97% for 4 mA NiTi) and hemolysis rate was decreased by at least 57% after Hf implantation. Modified surface composition and morphology and decreased surface energy should be responsible for the improvement of cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Investigation of lysine acrylate containing poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels as wound dressings in normal and infected wounds
Authors: Jiang Bin , Larson Jeffery C. , Drapala Pawel W. , Pérez‐Luna Víctor H. , Kang‐Mieler Jennifer J. , Brey Eric M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe design of materials for cutaneous wound dressings has advanced from passive wound covers to bioactive materials that promote skin regeneration and prevent infection. Crosslinked poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)‐based hydrogels have been investigated for a number of biomedical applications. While these materials can be used for drug delivery, limited cell interactions restrict their biological activity. In this article, acryoyl‐lysine (A‐Lys) was incorporated into poly(ethylene glycol) crosslinked PNIPAAm to enhance biological activity. A‐Lys could be incorporated into the hydrogels to improve cellular interaction in vitro, while maintaining swelling properties and thermoresponsive behavior. Polyhexamethylene biguanide, an antimicrobial agent, could be encapsulated and released from the hydrogels and resulted in decreased bacteria counts within 2 hours. Two in vivo animal wound models were used to evaluate the hydrogel wound dressing. First, application of the hydrogels to a rodent cutaneous wound healing model resulted in significant increase in healing rate when compared with controls. Moreover, the hydrogels were also able to decrease bacteria levels in an infected wound model. These results suggest that PNIPAAm hydrogels containing A‐Lys are promising wound dressings due to their ability to promote healing and deliver active antimicrobial drugs to inhibit infection. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Fast profiling of chemical constituents in Yiqing Capsule by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zheng Guo‐Dong , Li Kai , Li Yue‐shan , Liu E‐Hu 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAn ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐ESI‐MSn) has been developed for structural characterization and identification of multi‐constituents in Yiqing Capsule, a well‐known combined herbal remedy prepared from the extract mixtures of Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei and Radix Scutellariae. The UPLC analysis was performed on an Agilent ZorBax SB‐C18 column (4.6 mm×50 mm, 1.8 μm) and gradient elution of 0.1% formic acid solution and acetonitrile in 16 min. Based on their retention times and mass spectra in comparison with the data from standards or references, a total of 29 compounds including 3 phenolic acids and 4 anthraquinones from Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, 8 alkaloids from Rhizoma Coptidis and 14 flavonoids from Radix Scutellariae were unambiguously identified or tentatively characterized in the complex system. The MS data and fragmentation information of two isomers of feruloylquinic acid were first reported in Radix et Rhizoma Rhei and in Yiqing Capsules. This study is expected to be accepted as an effective and reliable pattern for comprehensive and systematic characterization of this commonly used Chinese herbal preparation.
Combined histone deacetylase and cyclooxygenase inhibition achieves enhanced antiangiogenic effects in lung cancer cells
Authors: Wang Xiaoqi , Li Guangyuan , Wang Antai , Zhang Zhenfeng , Merchan Jaime R. , Halmos Balazs 
Published: November 2011

AbstractProstaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an important pro‐angiogenic and pro‐proliferative cytokine and the key enzymes modulating its levels, cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and 15‐hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15‐PGDH) play important opposing roles in carcinogenesis. Previously we found loss of 15‐PGDH expression in lung cancer and its reactivation leads to strong in vivo tumor‐suppressive effect via an antiangiogenic mechanism. Here, we find that HDAC inhibitors (HDACI), such as trichostatin A (TSA) and vorinostat could reactivate 15‐PGDH expression but overall induce PGE2 generation and this is the result of concomitant induction of COX‐1 and ‐2 leading to functional promotion of endothelial cell proliferation and capillary formation. Direct TSA treatment inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and capillary formation in our study in line with prior reports as HDACIs have been shown to directly inhibit angiogenesis. The elevation of PGE2 levels induced by HDACI is potently neutralized by indomethacin (INN) or Celecoxib co‐treatment and accordingly, angiogenesis is more effectively inhibited when using conditioned medium of co‐treatment than either alone confirming that this effect is mediated via the PGE2 axis. Accordingly, blockage of EP2/4 receptors mitigates the stimulation of angiogenesis by excessive PGE2 generation mediated by TSA. In this study, we identify a potentially adverse effect of HDACIs through induction of both 15‐PGDH and COX‐2 leading to elevated PGE2 levels and thereby stimulation of angiogenesis. Co‐treatment of TSA and INN shows more potent anti‐angiogenic effects by inducing 15‐PGDH and inhibiting COX‐2. Overall, our results suggest that combined HDACI and COX inhibition should be explored clinically to achieve more meaningful benefits from HDACI therapy in lung cancer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Technology‐assisted and sutureless microvascular anastomoses: Evidence for current techniques
Authors: Pratt George F. , Rozen Warren M. , Westwood Angie , Hancock Angela , Chubb Daniel , Ashton Mark W. , Whitaker Iain S. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground: Since the birth of reconstructive microvascular surgery, attempts have been made to shorten the operative time while maintaining patency and efficacy. Several devices have been developed to aid microsurgical anastomoses. This article investigates each of the currently available technologies and attempts to provide objective evidence supporting their use. Methods: Techniques of microvascular anastomosis were investigated by performing searches of the online databases Medline and Pubmed. Returned results were assessed according to the criteria for ranking medical evidence advocated by the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. Emphasis was placed on publications with quantifiable endpoints such as unplanned return to theatre, flap salvage, and complication rates. Results: There is a relative paucity of high‐level evidence supporting any form of assisted microvascular anastomosis. Specifically, there are no randomized prospective trials comparing outcomes using one method versus any other. However, comparative retrospective cohort studies do exist and have demonstrated convincing advantages of certain techniques. In particular, the Unilink™/3M™ coupler and the Autosuture™ Vessel Closure System® (VCS®) clip applicator have been shown to have level 2b evidence supporting their use, meaning that the body of evidence achieves a level of comparative cohort studies. Conclusion: Of the available forms of assisted microvascular anastomoses, there is level 2b evidence suggesting a positive outcome with the use of the Unilink™/3M™ coupler and the Autosuture™ VCS® clip applicator. Other techniques such as cyanoacrylates, fibrin glues, the Medtronic™ U‐Clip®, and laser bonding have low levels of evidence supporting their use. Further research is required to establish any role for these techniques. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.