bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Redox Stability and Electrochromic Performance of Polyhydrazides and Poly(1,3,4‐oxadiazole)s with 3,6‐Di‐tert‐butylcarbazol‐9‐yltriphenylamine Units
Authors: Hsiao Sheng‐Huei , Wang Hui‐Min , Guo Wenjeng , Sun Chieh‐Hsiang 
Published: February 2011

AbstractNew polyhydrazides and poly(amidehydrazide)s bearing redox‐active carbazole and triphenylamine units were prepared. The resulting poly(1,3,4‐oxdiazole)s and poly(amide‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)s had high glass‐transition temperatures (288–330 °C) and high thermal stability. The dilute solutions of all the hydrazide and oxadiazole polymers showed a weak–medium photoluminescence with emission maxima around 474–506 nm. The polymer films revealed two well‐defined and reversible redox couples upon electrochemical oxidation, together with interesting electrochromic behaviors. They showed enhanced redox‐stability and electrochromic performance. CV of the oxadiazole polymers also showed reduction processes due to the formation of radical anions of the oxadiazole units. magnified image
Toward Gradient Formation in Microfluidic Devices by using Slanted Ridges
Authors: van Schijndel Twan , Singh Mrityunjay K. , Gillies Murray , Kahya Nicoletta , Kharin Aleksey , den Toonder Jaap M. J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractSome lab‐on‐a‐chip applications require to establish a controlled spatial concentration gradient of (chemical) species, for example for iso‐electrical focusing or to study chemotactic properties of cells. We show that covering a microchannel floor with special grooves or ridges, well‐controlled concentration gradients can be created, depending on the geometrical design of the grooves or ridges. In our case, the pattern consists of ridges that are slanted with respect to the main channel direction. Similar patterns have been applied in the past to achieve mixing by introducing chaotic advection. We present experimental and numerical results that prove the mixing effectiveness of the ridges. In addition, making use of the local mixing capabilities of the ridge patterns, we show, using numerical simulations, how to achieve a concentration gradient across a microfluidic channel. magnified image
Polyamide 6 Composites with Melamine Polyphosphate and Layered Silicates: Evaluation of Flame Retardancy and Physical Properties
Authors: Kiliaris Pantelis , Papaspyrides Constantine D. , Pfaendner Rudolf 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe potential synergy of melamine polyphosphate and layered silicates for enhancing the flame retardancy and physical properties of polyamide 6 is investigated. Through melt blending, exfoliated nanocomposites were prepared, suffering, however, from polymer degradation. In the presence of the additives, the ability of polyamide 6 to crystallize was restrained and its thermal stability was deteriorated. Nevertheless, the stiffness of the polymer was increased, yet at the expense of ductility. Apart form stiffness, the additives exerted a positive effect on the fire resistance of polyamide 6; melamine polyphosphate and layered silicates cooperated during combustion to provoke the formation of a superficial protective barrier, yielding materials of inferior flammability. magnified image
Crk and CrkL present with different expression and significance in epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jin , Che Ya‐ling , Li Gang , Liu Bin , Shen Tai‐min , Wang Hui , Linghu Hua 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAdaptor protein Crk and CrkL were thought to be closely related because both consist of one SH2 and two SH3 domains and share 60% homology with the highest identity within their functional domains. Their functions were most presumed to be in part, if not all, redundant. And both were suggested to be implicated in carcinogenesis. In this study, both Crk and CrkL presented with much higher expression in ovarian cancer tissues than those in normal and benign ovarian tissues. However, in contrast with CrkL, high Crk expression displayed close association with advanced stages and high‐grade diseases. Furthermore, the differential binding selectivity of Crk and CrkL to their downstream partners Dock 180 and C3G was demonstrated in ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 through coimmunoprecipitation. Additionally, Crk‐knockdown cells presented with changed morphology, reduced growth, and cell invasion but remained viable. In contrast, all CrkL‐knockdown cells could not survive over time, gradually detaching from the bottom of plastic dish. In conclusion, these two highly homologous proteins hold features that allow for the differential association with each binding molecules, thereby activating different signaling pathways and being involved in diverse roles in ovarian cancer. Mol. Carcinog. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Postural sway approaches center of mass stability limits in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Menant Jasmine C. , Latt Mark D. , Menz Hylton B. , Fung Victor S. , Lord Stephen R. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground:Although Parkinson's disease (PD) is a well recognised risk factor for falls, how this disease and its therapy affect postural stability and leaning balance remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of PD and levodopa on postural sway and leaning balance. Methods: Performances of 28 PD participants {median [inter‐quartile range (IQR)] duration of PD: 10 (6–13) years, median (IQR) UPDRS motor score “off”: 22 (14–31) “on” and “off” levodopa were compared with 28 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls on two measures of controlled leaning balance [ratio of anterior‐posterior (AP) sway to maximal balance range (MBR) and coordinated stability]. Results: PD participants had greater ratio of AP sway to MBR than controls (P < 0.001), indicating that they swayed more as a proportion of their limits of stability, both “off” and “on” levodopa (P < 0.001). They also performed poorer in the coordinated stability test both “off” and “on” levodopa compared to controls (P < 0.001, for both), suggesting greater difficulty in controlling the center of mass at or near the limits of stability. Levodopa improved PD “participants” leaning balance (P < 0.001) and reduced the AP sway to MBR ratio (P < 0.001), although not to the level of controls. Conclusions: PD participants perform poorer than controls in leaning balance tests but significantly improve when “on” levodopa. Regardless of medication state, PD participants sway markedly more as a percentage of their limits of stability than controls suggesting a higher risk of falling. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Evidence of melatonin synthesis in the cumulus oocyte complexes and its role in enhancing oocyte maturation in vitro in cattle
Authors: El‐Raey Mohamed , Geshi Masaya , Somfai Tamás , Kaneda Masahiro , Hirako Makoto , Abdel‐Ghaffar Alaa E. , Sosa Gamal A. , El‐Roos Mahmoud E.A. Abou , Nagai Takashi 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMelatonin is a multifunctional molecule that mediates several circadian and seasonal reproductive processes. The exact role of melatonin in modulating reproduction, however, is not fully understood—especially its effects on the ovarian follicles and oocytes. This study was conducted to investigate the expressions of the ASMT and melatonin‐receptor MTNR1A and MTNR1B genes in bovine oocytes and their cumulus cells, as well as the effects of melatonin on oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation in vitro. Cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) from abattoir ovaries were cultured in TCM‐199 supplemented with melatonin at concentrations of 0, 10, 50, and 100 ng/ml. The expression of ASMT, MTNR1A, and MTNR1B genes was evaluated by RT‐PCR. Moreover, the effects of melatonin on cumulus cell expansion, nuclear maturation, mitochondrial characteristics and COCs steroidogenesis were investigated. Furthermore, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated in denuded oocytes. Our study revealed that ASMT and MTNR1A genes were expressed in COCs, while the MTNR1B gene was expressed only in oocytes. Additionally, melatonin supplementation at 10 and 50 ng/ml to in vitro maturation medium significantly enhanced oocyte nuclear maturation, cumulus cell expansion and altered the mitochondrial distribution patterns, but had no effects on oocyte mitochondrial activity and COCs steroidogenesis. Melatonin‐treated oocytes had a significantly lower level of ROS than controls. The presence of melatonin receptors in COCs and its promoting effects on oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic events, indicate the potentially important roles of this hormone in regulating bovine oocyte maturation. Moreover, the presence of ASMT transcript in COCs suggests the possible involvement of these cells in melatonin biosynthesis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:250–262, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MRI artifacts in human brain tissue after prolonged formalin storage
Authors: van Duijn Sara , Nabuurs Rob J. A. , van Rooden Sanneke , Maat‐Schieman Marion L. C. , van Duinen Sjoerd G. , van Buchem Mark A. , van der Weerd Louise , Natté Remco 
Published: February 2011

AbstractFor the interpretation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in brain pathology, often ex vivo tissue is used. The purpose of this study was to determine the pathological substrate of several distinct forms of MR hypointensities that were found in formalin‐fixed brain tissue with amyloid‐beta deposits. Samples of brain cortex were scanned using effective transverse relaxation time‐weighted protocols at several resolutions on a 9.4 T MRI scanner. High resolution MRI showed large coarse hypointensities throughout the cortical gray and white matter, corresponding to macroscopic discolorations and microscopic circumscribed areas of granular basophilic neuropil changes, without any further specific tissue reactions or amyloid‐beta related pathology. These coarse MRI hypointensities were identified as localized areas of absent neuropil replaced by membrane/myelin sheath remnants using electron microscopy. Interestingly, the presence/absence of these tissue alterations was not related to amyloid deposits, but strongly correlated to the fixation time of the samples in unrefreshed formalin. These findings show that prolonged storaged of formalin fixed brain tissue results in subtle histology artifacts, which show on MRI as hypointensities that on first appearance are indistinguishable from genuine brain pathology. This indicates that postmortem MRI should be interpreted with caution, especially if the history of tissue preservation is not fully known. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigating temporal fluctuations in tumor vasculature with combined carbogen and ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particle (CUSPIO) imaging
Authors: Burrell Jake S. , Walker‐Samuel Simon , Baker Lauren C. J. , Boult Jessica K. R. , Ryan Anderson J. , Waterton John C. , Halliday Jane , Robinson Simon P. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA combined carbogen ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) imaging protocol was developed and applied in vivo in two murine colorectal tumor xenograft models, HCT116 and SW1222, with established disparate vascular morphology, to investigate whether additional information could be extracted from the combination of two susceptibility MRI biomarkers. Tumors were imaged before and during carbogen breathing and subsequently following intravenous administration of USPIO particles. A novel segmentation method was applied to the image data, from which six categories of R2* response were identified, and compared with histological analysis of the vasculature. In particular, a strong association between a negative ΔR2*carbogen followed by positive ΔR2*USPIO with the uptake of the perfusion marker Hoechst 33342 was determined. Regions of tumor tissue where there was a significant ΔR2*carbogen but no significant ΔR2*USPIO were also identified, suggesting these regions became temporally isolated from the vascular supply during the experimental timecourse. These areas correlated with regions of tumor tissue where there was CD31 staining but no Hoechst 33342 uptake. Significantly, different combined carbogen USPIO responses were determined between the two tumor models. Combining ΔR2*carbogen and ΔR2*USPIO with a novel segmentation scheme can facilitate the interpretation of susceptibility contrast MRI data and enable a deeper interrogation of tumor vascular function and architecture. Magn Reson Med 66:227–234, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contrast‐enhanced whole‐heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography at 3 T with radial EPI
Authors: Bhat Himanshu , Yang Qi , Zuehlsdorff Sven , Li Kuncheng , Li Debiao 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWhole‐heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography is a promising method for detecting coronary artery disease. However, the imaging time is relatively long (typically 10–15 min). The goal of this study was to implement a radial echo planar imaging sequence for contrast‐enhanced whole‐heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography, with the aim of combining the scan efficiency of echo planar imaging with the motion insensitivity of radial k‐space sampling. A self‐calibrating phase correction technique was used to correct for off‐resonance effects, trajectory measurement was used to correct for k‐space trajectory errors, and variable density sampling was used in the partition direction to reduce streaking artifacts. Seven healthy volunteers and two patients were scanned with the proposed radial echo planar imaging sequence, and the images were compared with a traditional gradient echo and X‐ray angiography techniques, respectively. Whole‐heart images with the radial EPI technique were acquired with a resolution of 1.0 × 1.0 × 2.0 mm3 in a scan time of 5 min. In healthy volunteers, the average image quality scores and visualized vessel lengths of the RCA and LAD were similar for the radial EPI and gradient echo techniques (P value > 0.05 for all). Anecdotal patient studies showed excellent agreement of the radial EPI technique with X‐ray angiography. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spectrally selective pencil‐beam navigator for motion compensation of MR‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound therapy of abdominal organs
Authors: Köhler Max O. , Denis de Senneville Baudouin , Quesson Bruno , Moonen Chrit T.W. , Ries Mario 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMR‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound (MR‐HIFU) is a noninvasive technique for depositing thermal energy in a controlled manner deep within the body. However, the MR‐HIFU treatment of mobile abdominal organs is problematic as motion‐related thermometry artifacts need to be corrected and the focal point position must be updated in order to follow the moving organ to avoid damaging healthy tissue. In this article, a fat‐selective pencil‐beam navigator is proposed for real‐time monitoring and compensation of through‐plane motion. As opposed to the conventional spectrally nonselective navigator, the fat‐selective navigator does not perturb the water–proton magnetization used for proton resonance frequency shift thermometry. This allows the proposed navigator to be placed directly on the target organ for improved motion estimation accuracy. The spectral and spatial selectivity of the proposed navigator pulse is evaluated through simulations and experiments, and the improved slice tracking performance is demonstrated in vivo by tracking experiments on a human kidney and on a human liver. The direct motion estimation provided by the fat‐selective navigator is also shown to enable accurate motion compensated MR‐HIFU therapy of in vivo porcine kidney, including motion compensation of thermometry and beam steering based on the observed three‐dimensional kidney motion. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CALPAIN activity is increased in skeletal muscle from gastric cancer patients with no or minimal weight loss
Authors: Smith Ira J. , Aversa Zaira , Hasselgren Per‐Olof , Pacelli Fabio , Rosa Fausto , Doglietto Giovan Battista , Bossola Maurizio 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe influence of cancer on skeletal muscle calpain expression and activity in humans is poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that calpain activity is increased in skeletal muscle from gastric cancer patients with no or <5% weight loss. Muscle biopsies were obtained from rectus abdominis muscle in 15 patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer and had <5% weight loss and also in 15 control patients. Calpain activity was determined using a calpain‐specific substrate in the absence or presence of calcium. The expression of μ‐ and m‐calpain, calpastatin, atrogin‐1, and MuRF1 was determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Calpain activity was increased by 70% in cancer patients compared with controls. There were no differences in mRNA levels for μ‐ and m‐calpain, calpastatin, atrogin‐1, or MuRF1 between control and cancer patients. Calpain activity may be increased in muscle from gastric cancer patients even before changes in molecular markers of muscle wasting and significant weight loss occur. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells promotes axonal regeneration and functional recovery of peripheral nerve lesion in rats
Authors: Guérout Nicolas , Duclos Célia , Drouot Laurent , Abramovici Olivia , Bon‐Mardion Nicolas , Lacoume Yann , Jean Laetitia , Boyer Olivier , Marie Jean‐Paul 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) hold promise for cell therapy because they may promote regeneration of the central nervous system. However, OECs have been less studied after peripheral nerve injury (PNI). The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of OEC transplantation on a severe sciatic nerve (SN) lesion. Methods: OECs were injected in rats after section and 2‐cm resection of the SN. Results: Three months after therapy, muscle strength and morphometric studies showed complete restoration of the contractile properties of the gastrocnemius and complete repair of the SN. Immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR studies indicated an increase in the presence of neurotrophic factors. Interestingly, tracking of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐positive OECs showed that no OECs were present in the SN. Discussion: Our results demonstrate that, after severe PNI, OECs have remarkable potential for nerve regeneration by creating a favorable microenvironment. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Do A‐waves help predict intravenous immunoglobulin response in multifocal motor neuropathy without block?
Authors: Lange Dale J. , Nijjar Rajwinder , Voustianiouk Andrei , Seidel Gregory , Panchal Janki , Wang Annabel K. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Are there electrophysiological findings that predict response to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in patients with lower motor neuron (LMN) syndromes without multifocal conduction block (MCB)? Methods: We enrolled 9 patients with LMN syndromes without MCB to receive 18 weeks of IVIg therapy. Response was measured at weeks 2 and 18 using the Appel Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (AALS) score (includes grip and pincer strength measures), ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS), and electrophysiological measures, including motor unit estimates (MUNEs). Results: No change occurred in AALS or ALSFRS scores posttreatment. Grip/pincer strength increased in 7 patients (P = 0.028) after initial treatment (responders); 2 showed no improvement (non‐responders). No electrophysiological measure changed after treatment in either group but MUNEs trended higher (P = 0.055). “Abnormal A‐waves” (complex, repetitive biphasic, or present in multiple nerves) occurred in pretreatment studies more often in responders (P = 0.028).Discussion:“Abnormal A‐waves” may signal IVIg‐responsive LMN syndromes even if conduction block is absent. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Neuromuscular toxicology of the venom of Collett's snake (Pseudechis colletti): A histopathological study
Authors: Hart Andrew J. , Hodgson Wayne C. , Scott‐Davey Tracey , Harris John B. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: A bite by Collett's snake, (Pseudechis
colletti) can cause rhabdomyolysis in human victims but no signs of neurotoxicity. The pathology of muscle and peripheral nerve has not been described previously. In this study we investigated neuromuscular toxicity in rats. Methods: The venom was inoculated subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of one hindlimb of adult rats at a dose replicating that inoculated into an adult human male during an envenoming bite. Results: The venom caused edema, an increase in muscle wet weight, and the degeneration of 20–35% of the underlying soleus muscle. Muscle fiber regeneration began at 4 days and was complete by 8 weeks. There was little evidence of either post‐ or presynaptic toxicity. Conclusions: The dominant effect of this venom in mammals is myotoxicity. Muscle Nerve, 2011
A case of sensory ataxia as the presenting manifestation of neurosarcoidosis
Authors: Reda Haatem M. , Taylor Sean W. , Klein Christopher J. , Boes Christopher J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractSarcoidosis rarely selectively affects the cauda equina with characteristic motor and sensory impairments.Using imaging, we report a case of cauda equina polyradiculopathy presenting with progressive sensory ataxia without clinical or electrophysiological evidence of motor involvement. Neurosarcoidosis was diagnosed pathologically by proximal dorsal root biopsy after systemic investigations for inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic etiologies were found to be negative. There was clinical and radiographic improvement with corticosteroids. In addition, we review previously reported cases of cauda equina sarcoidosis. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Ulnar nerve conduction abnormalities in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Yemisci Oya Umit , Yalbuzdag Seniz Akcay , Cosar S. Nur Saracgil , Oztop Pinar , Karatas Metin 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: The aim of this study was to verify the involvement of ulnar nerve fibers in cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and investigate the correlation between ulnar nerve conduction parameters and extra‐median spread of symptoms. Methods: Electrophysiological studies were conducted in 93 CTS and 76 control hands. Patients were analyzed with regard to symptoms in the fifth finger. Results: In the CTS cases, ulnar distal motor latency (DML) and distal sensory latency (DSL) were significantly longer, and amplitudes were lower than in controls. Increased median nerve DML correlated with increased ulnar nerve DSL and decreased sensory amplitudes and conduction velocities (SCVs). In cases with symptoms in the fifth finger, ulnar nerve SCVs and amplitudes were lower than in patients without symptoms. Conclusions: Pathological processes leading to median neuropathy in CTS may affect ulnar nerve motor and sensory fibers in the Guyon canal. This may explain the extra‐median spread of sensory symptoms in CTS patients. Muscle Nerve 44: 352–357, 2011
Primary amyloidosis presenting as “dropped head syndrome”
Authors: Chuquilin Miguel , Al‐Lozi Muhammad 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA 77‐year‐old man, with a history of lymphoma, presented with isolated neck extensor weakness and a 2‐year history of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Needle electromyography showed myopathic changes, and biopsy of cervical paraspinal muscles showed amyloid deposition in blood vessels. Amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dropped head syndrome. Muscle Nerve, 2011