bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized, double‐blind, phase 2 study of erythropoietin in optic neuritis
Authors: Sühs Kurt‐Wolfram , Hein Katharina , Sättler Muriel B. , Görlitz Anke , Ciupka Christoph , Scholz Kerstin , Käsmann‐Kellner Barbara , Papanagiotou Panagiotis , Schäffler Nina , Restemeyer Cordula , Bittersohl Diana , Hassenstein Andrea , Seitz Berthold , Reith Wolfgang , Fassbender Klaus , Hilgers Reinhard , Heesen Christoph , Bähr Mathias , Diem Ricarda 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjective:Based on findings in animal models of autoimmune optic nerve inflammation, we have assessed the safety and efficacy of erythropoietin in patients presenting with a first episode of optic neuritis.Methods:Patients with optic neuritis who attended the University Hospitals of Homburg/Saar, Göttingen, or Hamburg (Germany) were included in this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 2 study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00355095). They were randomly assigned to groups receiving either 33,000IU recombinant human erythropoietin intravenously daily for 3 days or placebo as an add‐on therapy to methylprednisolone. The primary outcome parameter was change in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness after 16 weeks. Secondary outcome parameters included optic nerve atrophy as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, and changes in visual acuity, visual field, and visual evoked potentials (VEPs).Results:Forty patients were assigned to the treatment groups (21/19 erythropoietin/placebo). Safety monitoring revealed no relevant issues. Thirty‐seven patients (20/17 erythropoietin/placebo) were analyzed for the primary endpoint according to the intention‐to‐treat protocol. RNFL thinning was less apparent after erythropoietin treatment. Thickness of the RNFL decreased by a median of 7.5μm by week 16 (mean ± standard deviation, 10.55 ± 17.54μm) compared to a median of 16.0μm (22.65 ± 29.18μm) in the placebo group (p = 0.0357). Decrease in retrobulbar diameter of the optic nerve was smaller in the erythropoietin group (p = 0.0112). VEP latencies at week 16 were shorter in erythropoietin‐treated patients than in the placebo group (p = 0.0011). Testing of visual functions revealed trends toward an improved outcome after erythropoietin treatment.Interpretation:These results give the first indications that erythropoietin might be neuroprotective in optic neuritis. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:199–210.
Epoxy hybrid composites cured with octaaminophenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Chen Guang‐Xin , Si Lingxia , Lu Peng , Li Qifang 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPolyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane‐containing hybrids of epoxy resins are prepared via the cocuring reaction between octaaminophenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OAPS) and brominated epoxy resin (EP). The gel time, dispersion, thermal properties, mechanical properties, water absorption, and dielectric properties of the OAPS/EP composites are studied. The gel time of the 1 wt % OAPS composites is significantly higher compared with that of the epoxy resin control. Wide angle X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy show that, at the molecular level, the appropriate amount of POSS cages was dispersed in the epoxy matrix because the POSS monomer participated in the crosslinking reaction. The thermal and mechanical properties of the composites are enhanced as 1 wt % OAPS was added to the epoxy system. The water absorption of the 1 wt % OAPS composite significantly declines. The dielectric constant of the 1 wt % OAPS composite is 0.5 less than that of the epoxy resin control in the range of 100 Hz–40 MHz. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Impact‐modified polylactide–calcium sulfate composites: Structure and properties
Authors: Pluta Miroslaw , Murariu Marius , Dechief Anne‐Laure , Bonnaud Leila , Galeski Andrzej , Dubois Philippe 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe objective of the study is the preparation and comprehensive characterization of novel high performance polylactide (PLA)‐based composites designed with specific impact properties. Highly filled composites were obtained by melt‐blending PLA and 40 wt % anhydrite II (AII) microfiller, the dehydrated form of calcium sulfate hemihydrate, a by‐product having as origin the lactic acid (LA) fabrication process. The toughness of PLA–AII composites was improved by addition of a selected impact modifier (IM) based on ethylene–acrylate copolymer (Biomax® Strong 100, noted BS). PLA–AII composites containing (10 wt %) BS were prepared using two procedures: (1) the direct melt blending of all components in a single step and (2) the previously coating of AII by BS, followed by mixing of coated filler with PLA. These approaches were carried out to modify the phase structure and to determine their influence on the final composite properties. As reference samples, PLA and PLA–BS blends were accounted. The miscibility and phase morphology (differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy), thermal stability (thermogravimetric analysis), and thermomechanical properties (DMTA, tensile, and impact tests) were investigated to explain the toughening mechanism in the BS‐modified composites. Noticeable, an attractive threefold increase of impact strength with respect to the composite without modifier and remarkable thermomechanical performances were assessed. The composite obtained using BS‐coated AII showed better properties (e.g., impact strength of 5.4 kJ/m2), improvements ascribed to the good filler dispersion and effective modification of interfacial regions (PLA–filler) by the BS‐layer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Copper‐Mediated Controlled/“Living” Radical Polymerization in Polar Solvents: Insights into Some Relevant Mechanistic Aspects
Authors: Guliashvili Tamaz , Mendonça Patrícia V. , Serra Arménio C. , Popov Anatoliy V. , Coelho Jorge F. J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe field of transition‐metal‐mediated controlled/“living” radical polymerization (CLRP) has become the subject of intense discussion regarding the mechanism of this widely‐used and versatile process. Most mechanistic analyses (atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) vs. single‐electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP)) have been based on model experiments, which cannot correctly mimic the true reaction conditions. We present, for the first time, a determination of the [CuIBr]/[L] (L=nitrogen‐based chelating ligand) ratio and the extent of CuIBr/L disproportionation during CLRP of methyl acrylate (MA) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) with Cu0 wire as a transition‐metal catalyst source. The results suggest that Cu0 acts as a supplemental activator and reducing agent of CuIIBr2/L to CuIBr/L. More importantly, the CuIBr/L species seem to be responsible for the activation of SET‐LRP.
Molecular Assembly Directed by Metal–Aromatic Interactions: Control of the Aggregation and Photophysical Properties of Zn–Salen Complexes by Aromatic Mercuration
Authors: Cai Yuan‐Bo , Zhan Jinhui , Hai Yang , Zhang Jun‐Long 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThere is widespread interest in non‐covalent bonding and weak interactions, such as electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, solvophobic/hydrophobic interactions, metal–metal interactions, and π–π stacking, to tune the molecular assembly of planar π‐conjugated organic and inorganic molecules. Inspired by the roles of metal–aromatic interaction in biological systems, such as in ion channels and metalloproteins, herein, we report the first example of the use of Hg2+–aromatic interactions to selectively control the assembly and disassembly of zinc–salen complexes in aqueous media; moreover, this process exhibited significant “turn on” fluorescent properties. UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic analysis of the titration of Hg2+ ions versus complex ZnL1 revealed that the higher binding affinity of Hg2+ ions (compared to 13 other metal ions) was ascribed to specific interactions between the Hg2+ ions and the phenyl rings of ZnL1; this result was also confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and HRMS (ESI). Further evidence for this type of interaction was obtained from the reaction of small‐molecule analogue L1 with Hg2+ ions, which demonstrates the proximity of the N‐alkyl group to the aromatic protons during Hg2+‐ion binding, which led to the consequential H/D exchange reaction with D2O. DFT modeling of such interactions between the Hg2+ ions and the phenyl rings afforded calculated distances between the C and Hg atoms (2.29 Å) that were indicative of CHg bond‐formation, under the direction of the N atom of the morpholine ring. The unusual coordination of Hg2+ ions to the phenyl ring of the metallosalen complexes not only strengthened the binding ability but also increased the steric effect to promote the disassembly of ZnL1 in aqueous media.
A Phthalocyanine–Peptide Conjugate with High In Vitro Photodynamic Activity and Enhanced In Vivo Tumor‐Retention Property
Authors: Ke Mei‐Rong , Yeung Sin‐Lui , Fong Wing‐Ping , Ng Dennis K. P. , Lo Pui‐Chi 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA novel zinc(II) phthalocyanine conjugated with a short peptide with a nuclear localization sequence, Gly‐Gly‐Pro‐Lys‐Lys‐Lys‐Arg‐Lys‐Val, was synthesized by click chemistry and a standard Fmoc solid‐phase peptide synthesis protocol. The conjugate was purified by HPLC and characterized with UV/Vis and high‐resolution mass spectroscopic methods. Both this compound and its non‐peptide‐conjugated analogue are essentially non‐aggregated in N,N‐dimethylformamide and can generate singlet oxygen effectively with quantum yields (ΦΔ) of 0.84 and 0.81, respectively, relative to unsubstituted zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ΦΔ=0.56). Conjugation of the peptide sequence, however, can enhance the cellular uptake, efficiency in generating intracellular reactive oxygen species, and photocytotoxicity of the phthalocyanine‐based photosensitizer against HT29 human colorectal carcinoma cells. The IC50 value of the conjugate is as low as 0.21 μM. In addition, the conjugate shows an enhanced tumor‐retention property in tumor‐bearing nude mice. After 72 h post‐injection, the dye concentration in the tumor was significantly higher than that in other organs. The results suggest that this phthalocyanine–peptide conjugate is a highly promising photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Oxovanadium(IV) Complexes of Schiff Base Hydrazones Containing Quinoxaline Moiety
Authors: Lakshmi P. V. Anantha , Satyanarayana T. , Reddy P. Saritha 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe oxovanadium(IV) complexes of the Schiff base hydrazones, synthesized from 3‐hydrazinoquinoxaline‐2‐one (HQO) with salicylaldehyde (HSHQO), o‐hydroxyacetophenone (HHAHQO), dehydroacetic acid (HDHAHQO) and o‐nitrobenzaldehyde (NBHQO) were synthesized and characterized on the basis of analytical, conductance, magnetic moment, infrared, NMR, ESR and electronic spectral data. The ligands HSHQO, HDHAHQO behaved as monobasic tridentate ONN donors through phenolic oxygen, azomethine nitrogens. The ligand HAHQO acted as a monobasic bidentate ON donor through the phenolic oxygen, azomethine (free) nitrogen and the ligand NBHQO acted as neutral bidentate ON donor through oxygen of the nitro group and azomethine (free) nitrogen.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Andrographolide C‐Glycoside Derivatives as &alpha;‐Glycosidase Inhibitors
Authors: Yan Lin , Xu Haiwei , Liu Fengwu , Zhao Jin , Liu Hongmin 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA series of new andrographolide C‐glycoside derivatives were synthesized by a facile route. The new compounds showed higher potency than the parent andrographolide evaluated as α‐glycosidase inhibitors in the preliminary study.
Hierarchical Porous ZSM‐5 Zeolite Synthesized by in situ Zeolitization and Its Coke Deposition Resistance in Aromatization Reaction
Authors: Zhang Ke , Liu Yunqi , Zhao Jinchong , Liu Chenguang 
Published: February 2012

AbstractHierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolites with micro‐, meso‐ and macroporosity were prepared from diatomite zeolitization through a vapor‐phase transport process on solid surfaces. The aromatization performance of the catalysts was investigated on a fixed bed reactor by using FCC gasoline as feedstock. The crystal phase, morphology, pore structures, acidity and coke depositions of the hierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolites were characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), N2 adsorption/desorption, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and thermogravimetry‐mass spectrogram (TG‐MS), respectively. The results show that the prepared hierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolite possesses excellent porosity and high crystallinity, displaying an improved aromatization performance and carbon deposition resistance due to its meso‐ and macroporous structures.
Electrosynthesis and Characterization of Poly(N‐(9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbony)‐glycine)
Authors: He Yu , Guo Wenjuan , Pei Meishan , Zhang Guangyou 
Published: February 2012

AbstractHigh‐quality poly(N‐(9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbony)‐glycine) (PFG), a new kind of soluble polyfluorene derivative, was successfully synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of N‐(9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbony)‐glycine (FG) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE). The onset oxidation potential of FG in BFEE was only 0.6 V vs. Pt, which was much lower than that in acetonitrile +0.1 mol/L tetrabutylammonium tetra?uoroborate (TBATFB). PFG film obtained from BFEE showed good electrochemical activity and thermal stability. It indicates that BFEE is a better medium for the electrosynthesis of PFG film. PFG is highly soluble in common organic solvents, facilitating potential applications as a blue‐light‐emitting material. Fluorescent spectra revealed that PFG was a good blue‐light emitter. Results of FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectra indicated the polymerization location of N‐(9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbony)‐glycine occurred mainly at C(2) and C(7) positions of the fluorine ring.
Simple and Efficient Method for Deprotection of Tetrahydropyranyl Ethers by Using Silica Supported Sodium Hydrogen Sulphate
Authors: Kumar K. Ravi , Satyanarayana P. V. V. , Reddy B. Srinivasa 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTetrahydropyranyl (THP) ethers have been efficiently and simply deprotected by using Silica supported sodium hydrogen sulphate (NaHSO4‐SiO2) in methanol at room temperature to regenerate the parent alcohols in high yields.
Evaluation of mesh morphing and mapping techniques in patient specific modelling of the human pelvis
Authors: Salo Zoryana , Beek Maarten , Whyne Cari Marisa 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYRobust generation of pelvic finite element models is necessary to understand variation in mechanical behaviour resulting from differences in gender, aging, disease and injury. The objective of this study was to apply and evaluate mesh morphing and mapping techniques to facilitate the creation and structural analysis of specimen‐specific finite element (FE) models of the pelvis. A specimen‐specific pelvic FE model (source mesh) was generated following a traditional user‐intensive meshing scheme. The source mesh was morphed onto a computed tomography scan generated target surface of a second pelvis using a landmarked‐based approach, in which exterior source nodes were shifted to target surface vertices, while constrained along a normal. A second copy of the morphed model was further refined through mesh mapping, in which surface nodes of the initial morphed model were selected in patches and remapped onto the surfaces of the target model. Computed tomography intensity‐based material properties were assigned to each model. The source, target, morphed and mapped models were analyzed under axial compression using linear static FE analysis, and their strain distributions were evaluated. Morphing and mapping techniques were effectively applied to generate good quality and geometrically complex specimen‐specific pelvic FE models. Mapping significantly improved strain concurrence with the target pelvis FE model.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase Behaviour, Interactions, and Structural Studies of (Amines+Ionic Liquids) Binary Mixtures
Authors: Jacquemin Johan , Bendová Magdalena , Sedláková Zuzana , Blesic Marijana , Holbrey John D. , Mullan Claire L. , Youngs Tristan G. A. , Pison Laure , Wagner Zdeněk , Aim Karel , Gomes Margarida F. Costa , Hardacre Christopher 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe present a study on the phase equilibrium behaviour of binary mixtures containing two 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis{(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl}imide‐based ionic liquids, [Cnmim] [NTf2] (n=2 and 4), mixed with diethylamine or triethylamine as a function of temperature and composition using different experimental techniques. Based on this work, two systems showing an LCST and one system with a possible hourglass shape are measured. Their phase behaviours are then correlated and predicted by using Flory–Huggins equations and the UNIQUAC method implemented in Aspen. The potential of the COSMO‐RS methodology to predict the phase equilibria was also tested for the binary systems studied. However, this methodology is unable to predict the trends obtained experimentally, limiting its use for systems involving amines in ionic liquids. The liquid‐state structure of the binary mixture ([C2mim] [NTf2]+diethylamine) is also investigated by molecular dynamics simulation and neutron diffraction. Finally, the absorption of gaseous ethane by the ([C2mim][NTf2]+diethylamine) binary mixture is determined and compared with that observed in the pure solvents.
Long‐lasting enhancement of GABAA receptor expression in newborn dentate granule cells after early‐life febrile seizures
Authors: Swijsen Ann , Brône Bert , Rigo Jean‐Michel , Hoogland Govert 
Published: February 2012

AbstractFebrile seizures (FS) are the most common type of seizures in childhood and are suggested to play a role in the development of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Animal studies demonstrated that experimental FS induce a long‐lasting change in hippocampal excitability, resulting in enhanced seizure susceptibility. Hippocampal neurogenesis and altered ion channel expression have both been proposed as mechanisms underlying this decreased seizure threshold. The present study aimed to analyze whether dentate gyrus (DG) cells that were born after FS and matured for 8 weeks display an altered repertoire of ligand‐gated ion channels. To this end, we applied an established model, in which FS are elicited in 10‐day‐old rat pups by hyperthermia (HT). Normothermia littermates served as controls. From postnatal day 11 (P11) to P16, rats were injected with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to label dividing cells immediately following FS. At P66, we evaluated BrdU‐labeled DG cells for coexpression with γ‐aminobutyric acid‐type A receptors (GABAARs) and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs). In control animals, 40% of BrdU‐labeled cells coexpressed GABAAR β2/3, whereas in rats that had experienced FS, 60% of BrdU‐labeled cells also expressed GABAAR β2/3. The number of BrdU‐NMDAR NR2A/B coexpressing cells was in both groups about 80% of BrdU‐labeled cells. The results demonstrate that developmental seizures cause a long‐term increase in GABAAR β2/3 expression in newborn DG cells. This may affect hippocampal physiology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2012
Total Synthesis of (+)‐Awajanomycin
Authors: Wohlfahrt Malte , Harms Klaus , Koert Ulrich 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe total synthesis of (+)‐awajanomycin has been achieved by asymmetric allylboration of a vicinal tricarbonyl compound as the key step. A substrate‐controlled dihydroxylation and subsequent differentiation of diastereotopic ester groups were used to synthesize the γ‐lactone substructure. After formation of the δ‐lactam, the bicyclic core structure was established. The synthetic strategy and overall efficacy is compared with Huang's route to awajanomycin.
Blood‐brain barrier dysfunction, TGFβ signaling, and astrocyte dysfunction in epilepsy
Authors: Heinemann Uwe , Kaufer Daniela , Friedman Alon 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBrain insults, including traumatic and ischemic injuries, are frequently followed by acute seizures and delayed development of epilepsy. Dysfunction of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) is a hallmark of brain insults and is usually surrounding the core lesion. Recent studies from several laboratories confirmed that vascular pathology is involved in the development of epilepsy and demonstrate a key role for astroglia in this process. In this review, we focus on glia‐related mechanisms linking vascular pathology, and specifically BBB dysfunction, to seizures and epilepsy. We summarize molecular and physiological experimental data demonstrating that the function of astrocytes is altered due to direct exposure to serum albumin, mediated by transforming growth factor beta signaling. We discuss the reported changes and their potential role in the observed hyperexcitability as well as potential implications of these findings for the future development of new diagnostic modalities and treatments to allow a full implementation of the gained knowledge for the benefit of patients with epilepsy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coupled infiltration and filtration behaviours of concrete porous pavement for stormwater management
Authors: Kuang Xuheng , Fu Yanrong 
Published: February 2012

AbstractCementitious porous pavement (CPP) is a structural low‐impact development material for rainfall–runoff management. Both infiltration and filtration are critical functions for CPP stormwater quality and quantity control. In this study, three groups of CPP specimens exposed to rainfall–runoff for 4 years and experienced with different maintenance intervals (6, 12 and 48 months, respectively) were used to examine CPP infiltration and filtration performance. Particle mass strained on CPP surface, saturated infiltration rate If, temporal infiltration rate I(t), suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and turbidity (τ) were measured to evaluate the process of filtration/infiltration. I(t), SSC and τ were examined less than 50 mg/l of the suspended particle loading. It was found that the CPP surface cleaning methods used in the past 4 years, namely, high pressure wash followed by vacuuming with one atmosphere (100 kPa), were effective, and a 12‐month maintenance interval was verified suitable to maintain the pore structure an acceptable infiltration rate for stormwater management. It was also found that CPP infiltration and filtration process affect each other, and the two properties are coupled in urban stormwater quality and quantity control. On the basis of the experimental measurements, the temporal infiltration rate of the cleaned CPP under a certain particle loading could be simulated by a first‐order nonlinear rational model, and effluent turbidity–SSC relationship was found following a power law. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.