bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leaching of mercury during phytoextraction assisted by EDTA, KI and citric acid
Authors: Smolińska Beata , Król Katarzyna 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAssisted phytoextraction is the application of chelators into soil to enhance plant tolerance to heavy metals. During this process, water‐soluble complexes of chelators and toxic elements are formed. This contributes to increased leaching of pollutants from soil into groundwater.The aim of the study was to determine the extent of leaching of mercury from soil during chemically assisted phytoextraction. The process was enhanced by use of EDTA, KI and citric acid in different concentrations.The leaching of mercury from contaminated soil was in the range 39.4–44.1% depending on the time and the concentration of mercury. Application of each of the chelators used during the experiment increased the leaching of mercury from soil. The highest Hg leaching was observed for the process in which EDTA was used as a soil amendment. Leaching of mercury from contaminated soil was dependent on both mercury and chelator concentration. The higher the chelator concentration in soil, the greater the mercury leaching.The results of the study showed that the lowest Hg leaching was observed in the process in which citric acid was applied to the soil. Therefore, use of this compound as a chelator during assisted phytoextraction of Hg contaminated soil should be recommended. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Locally instilled tumor necrosis factor‐α antisense oligonucleotide inhibits allergic inflammation via the induction of Tregs
Authors: Luo Yi , Pang Zhonghua , Zhu Qian , Cai Xing , Yin Yuan , Wang Min , Zhu Jie , Chen Jiangning , Zeng Ke , Zhang Chenyu , Zhang Junfeng 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundAnti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α therapeutics has the potential to alleviate allergic inflammation. However, in previous studies, the systemic administration of anti‐TNF‐α agents was frequently accompanied by many adverse effects, such as infection, immunogenicity and malignancy. Efforts are made in the present study to evaluate whether or not local administration of TNF‐α antisense oligonucleotide would inhibit allergic airway inflammation and influence systemic immune responses in an ovalbumin‐induced asthmatic murine model.MethodsThe treatment effects of TNF‐α antisense oligonucleotide on mice, as well as the alternative proportion of regulatory T cells and TH2 cells, were examined and compared with untreated mice.ResultsLocal administration of TNF‐α antisense oligonucleotide resulted in significantly inhibited TNF‐α expression, remarkably decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and dramatically reduced mucus hypersecretion. These treatment effects were associated with induced CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, reduced TH2 cells and generally decreased TH2‐type cytokines expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Systemic immunosuppression was not triggered by local antisense oligonucleotide administration because the proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the blood, thymus or spleen was not affected. Attenuated 4‐1BBL expression was likely involved in the alternative proportion of T cells.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that local administration of TNF‐α antisense oligonucleotide contributes to anti‐inflammatory action via the enhancement of regulatory T cells‐mediated immune tolerance, which is not accompanied by systemic immunosuppression associated with systemically‐induced regulatory T cells. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gadoxetic acid–enhanced T1‐weighted MR cholangiography in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Frydrychowicz Alex , Jedynak Andrzej R. , Kelcz Frederick , Nagle Scott K. , Reeder Scott B. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPurpose:To investigate the value of gadoxetic acid‐enhanced three‐dimensional T1‐weighted MR cholangiography (T1w‐MRC) in comparison to three‐dimensional T2‐weighted MR cholangiopancreaticography (T2w‐MRCP) in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).Materials and Methods:Thirty‐four MR exams in 29 patients (46.0 ± 16.1 years; 19 men, 10 women) scanned within a 14‐month period were retrospectively included. Two abdominal radiologists independently evaluated image quality regarding image contrast, image quality degradation due to artifacts, and visualization quality of ducts. The order of biliary tree branches that were visualized and reader preference toward each method were recorded. Helpfulness of T1w‐MRC was scored in consensus. Confirmatory endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) performed within 3 months of the MR examination was available in 8 patients.Results:Image quality of T1w‐MRC and T2w‐MRCP was graded good to excellent in all cases. There were advantages for both T1w‐MRC (functional information, less degradation due to artifacts) and T2w‐MRCP (higher order of visualized branches, better branch depiction). Both readers showed preference for T2w‐MRCP; however, both readers found gadoxetic acid–enhanced T1w‐MRC helpful in the majority of cases.Conclusion:Gadoxetic acid‐enhanced T1w‐MRC is complementary to, but should not replace, T2w‐MRCP. T1w‐MRC is a useful adjunct to T2w‐MRCP for morphologic evaluation and provides additional diagnostic information. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:632–640. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fat‐referenced MR thermometry in the breast and prostate using IDEAL
Authors: Hofstetter Lorne W. , Yeo Desmond T.B. , Dixon W. Thomas , Kempf James G. , Davis Cynthia E. , Foo Thomas K. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPurpose:To demonstrate a three‐echo fat‐referenced MR thermometry technique that estimates and corrects for time‐varying phase disturbances in heterogeneous tissues.Materials and Methods:Fat protons do not exhibit a temperature‐dependent frequency shift. Fat‐referenced thermometry methods exploit this insensitivity and use the signal from fat to measure and correct for magnetic field disturbances. In this study, we present a fat‐referenced method that uses interpolation of the fat signal to correct for phase disturbances in fat free regions. Phantom and ex vivo tissue cool‐down experiments were performed to evaluate the accuracy of this method in the absence of motion. Non‐heated in vivo imaging of the breast and prostate was performed to demonstrate measurement robustness in the presence of systemic and motion‐induced field disturbances. Measurement accuracy of the method was compared to conventional proton resonance frequency shift MR thermometry.Results:In the ex vivo porcine tissue experiment, maximum measurement error of the fat‐referenced method was reduced 42% from 3.3 to 1.9°C when compared to conventional MR thermometry. In the breasts, measurement errors were reduced by up to 70% from 6.4 to 1.9°C.Conclusion:Ex vivo and in vivo results show that the proposed method reduces measurement errors in the heterogeneous tissue experiments when compared to conventional MR thermometry. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:722–732. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulation of patella alta and the implications for in vitro patellar tracking in the ovine stifle joint
Authors: Bertollo Nicky , Pelletier Matthew H. , Walsh William R. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPatella alta is associated with adverse cartilage adaptations, patellofemoral pain, and instability. It is defined by a relatively long patellar tendon and patella positioned in a more proximal location within the patellar groove of the femur. This study used the ovine stifle joint model to investigate the effect of patellar tendon lengthening on the 3D passive kinematics of the patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joints. Eight patellar tendons were lengthened in 2 mm increments up to a maximum of 12 mm (20%) using a device placed in series with the transected patellar tendon. Three‐dimensional kinematics were measured in the intact joint and at each increment of patellar tendon length (LT) during passively induced tibiofemoral flexion. Patellar flexion angle was linearly correlated with tibial flexion angle in the intact joint, and this correlation persisted after tendon lengthening (R = 0.897–0.965, p < 0.01). Patellofemoral kinematics expressed as a function of tibial flexion angle were significantly altered by LT increases >9%. In contrast, when patellofemoral kinematics were expressed as a function of patellar flexion angle they were not significantly altered by increases in LT. Tibiofemoral kinematics were not affected by the LT increases. These results demonstrate that for a given tibial flexion angle, patellar tendon lengthening alters the patellar flexion angle. However, for a given patellar flexion angle, the orientation of the patella in the remaining five degrees of freedom is unchanged, implying a repeatable path of patellar motion. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1789–1797, 2012
Protein isolation from blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) using an acid and alkaline solubilisation technique—process characteristics and functionality of the isolates
Authors: Vareltzis Patroklos K , Undeland Ingrid 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:The pH shift method was developed to isolate proteins from low‐value raw materials by solubilisation at high or low pH followed by precipitation. In this paper the application of the pH shift method on isolated mussel (Mytilus edulis) meat and whole mussels is reported.RESULTS:Highest protein solubilisation was achieved at pH values of 2.6 and 12. The optimum precipitation pH values were established as around 5.8 following acid solubilisation and 5.2 following alkaline solubilisation. Protein recoveries were 430 and 580 g kg−1with the acid and alkaline processes respectively. Using whole crushed mussels, the corresponding recoveries were 310 and 480 g kg−1. Process modifications to further improve protein recovery resulted in only a marginal increase. Lipid oxidation was not induced during pH shift processing, but heavy proteolysis occurred during the acid process version. Proteolysis could not be prevented by porcine plasma protein. Alkali‐produced proteins performed better in all functionality tests compared with acid‐produced proteins. The acid process removed slightly more lipids, recovered relatively more cysteine, methionine and lysine and resulted in whiter isolates.CONCLUSION:The pH shift method can be successfully used to extract functional proteins from mussels and add value to blue mussels unsuitable for human consumption (with or without shells). Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of heat treatment on tribological behaviour of welding deposits for hardfacing
Authors: Gualco Agustín , Svoboda Hernán G. , Surian Estela S. , de Vedia Luis A. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper analyses the effects of post‐welding heat treatment on the tribological response of weld metals for hardfacing. Applied load in wear tests was also studied. The deposit was a martensitic steel obtained with a gas metal arc welding metal‐cored wire under gas shielding of Ar–2% CO2 and 2 kJ mm−1 of heat input. Cross sections were obtained from the welded coupon and subjected at 550°C for 2 h. These samples, together with the as‐welded (AW) specimens, constituted the system under study. Cross sections were also extracted for both conditions for determination of chemical composition, microstructure characterisation, microhardness measurements in addition to friction and metal–metal wear tests in pure sliding at 500, 1250 and 2000 N of applied load. A microstructure composed of martensite and retained austenite was observed for both conditions. The AW sample presented 16% of retained austenite, whereas the heat‐treated one presented 8%. Heat‐treated coupons showed secondary hardening associated with precipitation phenomena. In the specimens tested at 500 and 1250 N, the wear mechanism was oxidative and the AW specimens presented higher wear resistance and higher friction coefficient. On the contrary, the wear regimen of the samples tested at 2000 N was severe, with the heat‐treated ones more wear resistant with a higher friction coefficient. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing Noncovalent Interactions Between Lignin and Synthetic Polymers to Develop Effective Compatibilizers
Authors: Henry Nathan , Harper David , Dadmun Mark 
Published: May 2012

AbstractExperiments are designed and completed to identify an effective polymeric compatibilizer for lignin–polystyrene blends. Copolymers of styrene and vinylphenol are chosen as the structure of the compatibilizer as the VPh unit can readily form intermolecular hydrogen bonds with the lignin molecule. Electron microscopy, thermal analysis, and neutron reflectivity results demonstrate that among these compatibilizers, a copolymer of styrene and VPh with ≈20%–30% VPh most readily forms intermolecular interactions with the lignin molecule and results in the most well‐dispersed blends with lignin. This behavior is explained by invoking the competition of intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonding and functional group accessibility in forming intermolecular interactions.
Phosphorus Polyester — an Alternative to Low‐Molecular‐Weight Flame Retardants in Poly(Butylene Terephthalate)?
Authors: Brehme Sven , Köppl Thomas , Schartel Bernhard , Fischer Oliver , Altstädt Volker , Pospiech Doris , Döring Manfred 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPyrolysis, fire behaviour and mechanical properties of a blend of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) with a phosphorus polyester (PET‐P‐DOPO) are investigated and compared with PBT/aluminium diethylphosphinate (AlPi‐Et) composites. The PBT/PET‐P‐DOPO is immiscible and exhibits gas‐phase and condensed‐phase activity, whereas AlPi‐Et in PBT results mainly in flame inhibition. Only higher loadings of AlPi‐Et yield significant condensed‐phase activity. Using the same phosphorus content, PBT/PET‐P‐DOPO and PBT/AlPi‐Et exhibit similar reductions in fire load (22%) and flame spread (17% assessed by fire growth rate, FIGRA), compared with PBT. In contrast to AlPi‐Et, the addition of PET‐P‐DOPO does not decrease the tensile strength of PBT. Thus, PET‐P‐DOPO is an interesting alternative to low‐molecular‐weight flame retardants.
Chemical Routes Toward Multicompartment Colloids
Authors: Crespy Daniel , Staff Roland Hinrich , Becker Tanja , Landfester Katharina 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe search for mimicking natural living and non‐living systems with synthetic products leads to the fabrication of advanced colloidal morphologies with hierarchical micro‐ and nanostructures. Different chemical routes toward the synthesis of colloids with complex morphologies are presented and a tentative analogy between these routes and the four basic arithmetic operations is proposed.
Excitation Induced Emission Color Change Based on Eu(III)‐Zn(II)‐containing Polymer Complex
Authors: Li Junfeng , Song Fengyan , Wang Lu , Jiao Jieming , Cheng Yixiang , Zhu Chengjian 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA novel polymer P‐1 is prepared by the reaction of the monomer 5,5′‐divinyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine and Salen‐Zn(II) via Heck cross coupling. Interestingly, P‐1 can further incorporate with Eu(TTA)3·2H2O to generate copolymer P‐2 with two different metal centers. P‐2 exhibits exceptional dual emissive properties which can be tuned by excitation wavelength. For example, an orange fluorescence can be obtained when P‐2 is excited at 430 nm, whereas a red emission with a huge Stoke shift of 57 nm is observed when it is excited at 345 nm. The high wavelength emission can be attributed to Eu(III) (5D0→7F2), which is lit by an effective photoinduced energy transfer process between P‐1 and the Eu(TTA)3 complex. The properties of P‐2 have led to a better understanding of the energy transfer process between P‐1 and Eu(TTA)3 moieties.
Application of Epigenome‐Modifying Small Molecules in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Lu Junyan , Kong Xiangqian , Luo Cheng , Kathy Li Keqin 
Published: May 2012

AbstractRecent breakthroughs in generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using four defined factors have revealed the potential utility of stem cells in biological research and clinical applications. However, the low efficiency and slow kinetics of reprogramming related to producing these cells and underlying safety issues, such as viral integration and genetic and epigenetic abnormalities of iPSCs, hamper the further application of iPSCs in laboratory and clinical settings. Previous studies have suggested that reprogramming efficiency can be enhanced and that reprogramming kinetics can be accelerated by manipulating epigenetic status. Herein, we review recent studies on the application of epigenome‐modifying small molecules in enhancing reprogramming and functionally replacing some reprogramming factors. We mainly focus on studies that have used small molecules to interfere with epigenome‐modifying enzymes, such as DNA methyltransferase, histone acetyltransferase, and histone methyltransferase. The potential use of these small molecules in inducing iPSCs and new ways to identify small molecules of higher potency and fewer side effects are also discussed.
Do Sleepy Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Have A Sleep Disorder?
Authors: Gjevre John A. , Taylor‐Gjevre Regina M. , Nair Bindu V. , Lim Hyun J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveSubjective reports of sleep dysfunction are common in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our objective was to determine whether excess sleepiness in RA is associated with polysomnographic (PSG) abnormalities.MethodsTwelve RA participants with abnormal sleep scores were identified in clinic and age/gender matched to RA participants with normal Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores. A total of 25 participants were recruited. All participants underwent overnight PSG studies with measurement of apnoea–hypopnoea indexes (AHI). Questionnaire instruments, including the ESS, Berlin questionnaire for sleep apnoea risk, visual analogue scale for fatigue, modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies – Depression (CES‐D) score, along with RA assessments, were reapplied on the PSG study night.ResultsSeven men and 18 women participated. Ten participants had abnormal ESS scores and 15 had normal ESS scores on the PSG night. PSG data revealed that 68% of patients had abnormal AHI (≥ 5). Abnormal ESS (> 10) had an 80% positive predictive value (PPV) for abnormal AHI; the negative predictive value (NPV) of normal ESS was 40%. By contrast, high‐risk categorization for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) by the Berlin questionnaire had a PPV of 77.8%, and for low‐risk status, an NPV of 37.5%.ConclusionsIn the present study population, there was a high prevalence of abnormal AHI consistent with OSA. An abnormal ESS had high positive predictive value for an abnormal AHI. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early corticosteroid treatment in 4 duchenne muscular dystrophy patients: 14‐year follow‐up
Authors: Merlini Luciano , Gennari Monia , Malaspina Elisabetta , Cecconi Ilaria , Armaroli Annarita , Gnudi Saverio , Talim Beril , Ferlini Alessandra , Cicognani Alessandro , Franzoni Emilio 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction:Corticosteroid treatment is the standard of care in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but the optimal age to initiate treatment and dosage pattern remain a matter of discussion.Methods:We performed a long‐term study of alternate‐day corticosteroids in five 2‐ to 4‐year‐old DMD patients. The primary outcome measure was prolongation of the ability to walk.Results:One patient lost ambulation at age 10. Four patients, aged 16 to 18 were fully ambulant, and 3 of them could still climb stairs. Respiratory function was moderately reduced in 2. Left ventricular ejection fraction was > 45%. Short stature and delayed puberty were the most relevant side effects. Although the negative impact of corticosteroid treatment on growth rate remained their major concern, parents and patients stated that they preferred corticosteroid therapy.Conclusions:Long‐term corticosteroid treatment is effective in prolonging function but not in recovering lost function, and its early use seems appropriate. Muscle Nerve 45: 796–802, 2012
Calciumcarbid — eine Ära der chemischen Großindustrie
Authors: Möhlhenrich Siegfried 
Published: May 2012

AbstractVor 21 Jahren ging im Schkopauer Bunawerk mit dem Abschalten des letzten Carbidofens eine Ära zu Ende. Untrennbar verbunden mit der Carbidchemie in Schkopau ist der Name Franz Ebster.
Messung mit Abstand: Stand‐off‐Ramanspektroskopie
Authors: Chrysostom Engelene t. H. , Zachhuber Bernhard , Ramer Georg , Lendl Bernhard 
Published: May 2012

AbstractGepulste Laser, Teleskope und Spektrographen mit zeitlich abgestimmter Detektion machen Ramanspektren von Proben aus größeren Entfernungen möglich. So gelingt es mittlerweile, Spuren von chemischen Substanzen auf Oberflächen, Inhalte von Gebinden sowie Gase aus der Ferne zu identifizieren. Neue Techniken unterdrücken Störsignale durch Fluoreszenz und Umgebungslicht und verstärken die Messsignale.
Bladder capacity on preoperative urodynamics may impact outcomes on transobturator male slings
Authors: Warner Jonathan N. , Grimsby Gwen M. , Tyson Mark D. , Wolter Christopher E. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAimsStress incontinence is frequently seen after prostate surgery. We sought to evaluate preoperative urodynamic (UDS) parameters on functional outcomes after transobturator male sling placement.Methods49 male patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after radical prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate underwent transobturator sling (TOS) placement from December 2008 through June 2011 (AdVance® and Virtue®). A retrospective review was performed of those patients who underwent preoperative UDS and had a minimum of 6 weeks of follow up. In total 38 patients were identified. There were 28 patients considered a success and 10 patients considered a failure. We then evaluated the preoperative UDS parameters between these two groups to identify potential adverse parameters.ResultsOverall success rate was 74% (28/38) with an average follow up of 3 months. Comparing the success and failure groups there was no difference between the pre‐operative parameters. On pre‐operative UDS, only bladder capacity was found to be significantly lower in those who failed TOS. Univariate comparisons of sling outcomes stratified by bladder capacity tertiles was performed. These values were chosen as they represented the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, respectively. All patients (10/10) with bladder capacities in the top tertile experienced success with the sling, compared to only 62% and 50% of patients in the 50th and 25th tertiles, respectively; these differences were significant (Fisher's exact P‐value = 0.044).ConclusionTOS is an effective therapy for men with SUI. Bladder capacity based on pre‐operative UDS may impact the success of the procedure. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:1124–1127, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.