bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of grafted copolymer structures (polyacrylamide‐g‐polyoxide) on drag‐reduction
Authors: Pires Renata V. , Oliveira Roberta S. , Lucas Elizabete F. , Martins Andre L. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis article reports the results of experiments to synthesize a family of copolymers based on polyacrylamide (PAAM), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) to obtain PAAM‐g‐PEO and PAAM‐g‐PPO copolymers with varied grafted chain lengths and contents. The influence of the chemical structure, composition, and molecular architecture on the drag‐reduction properties was evaluated. The PAAM‐g‐PEO systems were prepared by solution polymerization using hydrogen peroxide as initiator, whereas the PAAM‐g‐PPO systems were obtained by micellar polymerization using potassium persulfate as initiator and sodium dodecyl sulfate as surfactant agent. The synthesized polymers were characterized by carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13 C‐NMR) and size‐exclusion chromatography. The drag‐reduction tests were carried out in a capillary viscosimeter in bench scale, and the performance was expressed in terms of drag‐reduction percentage (%DR). The results suggest that, a determined chemical structure for each copolymer family evaluated probably promotes the ideal conformation of the chains under flow, favoring each polymer's drag‐reduction action. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Wood–high‐density polyethylene composites: Water absorption and mechanical properties
Authors: Jahadi Mahroo , Khorasani Saied Nouri , Palhang Mahyar 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn this research, the effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties of wood/high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were investigated. HDPE (44005ARPC) was used as the polymer matrix, and spruce sawdust was used as the filler at a maximum loading of 50 wt % of the total weight of each compound. All compounds contained 5 wt % magnesium stearate as a lubricant and 0.5 wt % Irgafos 168 as a heat stabilizer. Four factors in two levels were chosen [talc (filler) at levels of 5 and 15 wt %, zinc borate (fungicide) at levels of 0 and 1 wt %, maleic anhydride polyethylene (coupling agent) at levels of 4 and 6 wt %, and method of mixing (one‐step vs. two‐step mixing)], and eight compounds were prepared with an L8 Taguchi orthogonal array which has 8 combinations of levels. The effects of each factor at two levels on the diffusion constant and the tensile and bending strengths (under wet and dry conditions) were investigated by the analysis of variance of means with 90% confidence. The optimum level for each factor is reported. The results show that there was a linear correlation between the diffusion constant and tensile and bending strengths when the samples were immersed in distilled water. A higher diffusion constant resulted in much lower tensile and bending strengths with immersion in distilled water until saturation was reached. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed good mixing when two‐steps mixing was used. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis, characterization, and drug‐release behavior of novel PEGylated bovine serum albumin as a carrier for anticancer agents
Authors: Davaran Soodabeh , Asgari Davoud , Rashidi Mohammad Reza , Salehi Roya , Omidi Yadolah 
Published: September 2010

AbstractTo develop a novel pH‐sensitive PEGylated carrier for protein‐based anticancer agents, we modified bovine serum albumin (BSA) with poly(ethylene glycol) citrate ester (PEG–CA) through amidation with its amino groups. Increasing the mixing ratio of albumin from 3 to 6 with respect to PEG–CA resulted in a 2‐fold increase in the degree of albumin modification. Adriamycin (ADR)‐loaded PEG–CA–BSA hydrogels and microparticles were prepared, and the cumulative amounts of ADR released from the PEG–CA–BSA hydrogels (phosphate‐buffered saline, pH 7.4) showed that all the PEG‐CA‐BSA(x)(x represents degree of substitution of PEG to amino group of albumin, i.e. 26%, 28%, 31% and 49%) hydrogels had lower ADR release rates with a slight initial burst release. During the first 24 h, the cumulative releases were 15.5% for PEG–CA–BSA(49), 24% for PEG–CA–BSA(31), 31% for PEG–CA–BSA(28), and 38% for PEG–CA–BSA(26). Afterward, all the release rates slowed, and they were almost in the following order: PEG–CA–BSA(26)> PEG–CA–BSA(28)> PEG–CA–BSA(31)> PEG–CA–BSA(49). The release rates of ADR from the microparticles were dependent on the amount of glutaraldehyde. According to our findings, a higher PEG–CA/BSA molar ratio led to a reduced cumulative amount of ADR released from the hydrogels, whereas higher release rates were observed for microparticles with a lower amount of BSA in the conjugates in a pH‐dependent manner. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Atom transfer radical polymerization of graft chains onto polyethylene film initiated at tribromomethyl unit introduced by electron beam irradiation
Authors: Komatsu Makoto , Kawakami Takashi , Kanno Jun‐ichi , Sasaki Takeo 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA novel process for graft polymerization onto a polyethylene (PE) film using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was examined. First, a PE film irradiated with an electron beam was treated with carbon tetrabromide, thereby introducing tribromomethyl groups. The number of tribromomethyl groups introduced onto the film could be controlled by adjusting the electron beam irradiation dose. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) was then graft‐polymerized by ATRP in the initiator‐introduced PE film in the presence of a copper catalyst. Based on FTIR spectra from the PMMA grafted films, the behavior of graft polymerization reactions on the film surface and inside the film are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Neonatal Exposure to Citalopram Selectively Alters the Expression of the Serotonin Transporter in the Hippocampus: Dose‐Dependent Effects
Authors: Weaver Kristin J. , Paul Ian A. , Lin Rick C.S. , Simpson Kimberly L. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractInfants born to mothers taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) late in pregnancy have been reported to exhibit signs of antidepressant withdrawal. Such evidence suggests that these drugs access the fetal brainin uteroat biologically significant levels. Recent studies in rodents have revealed that early exposure to antidepressants can lead to long lasting abnormalities in adult behaviors, and result in robust decreases in the expression of a major serotonin synthetic enzyme (tryptophan hydroxylase) along the raphe midline. In the present investigation, we injected rat pups with citalopram (CTM: 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg) from postnatal Days 8–21, and examined serotonin transporter (SERT) labeling in the hippocampus, ventrobasal thalamic complex, and caudate‐putamen when the subjects reached adulthood. Our data support the idea, that forebrain targets in receipt of innervation from the raphe midline are particularly vulnerable to the effects of CTM. SERT‐immunoreactive fiber density was preferentially decreased throughout all sectors of the hippocampal formation, whereas the subcortical structures, each supplied by more lateral and rostral aspects of the raphe complex, respectively, were not significantly affected. Reductions in SERT staining were also found to be dose‐dependent. These findings suggest that SSRIs may not only interfere with the establishment of chemically balanced circuits in the neonate but also impose selective impairment on higher cortical function and cognitive processes via more circumscribed (i.e., regionally specific) deficits in 5‐HT action. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Testosterone Promotes an Anabolic Increase in the Rat Female Prostate (Skene's Paraurethral Gland) Which Acquires a Male Ventral Prostate Phenotype
Authors: Biancardi Manoel F. , Santos Fernanda C.A. , Madi‐Ravazzi Liliam , Góes Rejane M. , Vilamaior Patrícia S.L. , Felisbino Sérgio L. , Taboga Sebastião R. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe female prostate (Skene's paraurethral gland) in the rat is morphologically similar to the ventral lobe of male adults and has been described in other rodent species and humans. Previous studies on prostate morphogenesis suggest that female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) do not develop this gland due to the absence of testosterone during the embryonic and neonatal periods. On the other hand, studies conducted in our laboratory have shown that some females of this species can present an undeveloped but functional prostate. Recent studies on this gland have caused scientific interest because, besides being active in the processes of synthesis and secretion of prostatic material, it is also targeted by both malignant and benign lesions, mainly during senescence. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the structure of female prostate of adult rats (Rattus norvegicus) under normal conditions and under the effect of testosterone treatment and carry out comparative studies on the ventral prostate of young and adult male rats. Morphological and morphometric stereological analyses and immunocytochemical and ultrastructural studies were conducted. The results have shown that the prostate gland of rats exposed to androgen therapy have experienced intense growth, becoming more active in relation to synthesis and secretion. It may be concluded that the prostate in control adult female rats is morphologically very similar to the prostatic ventral lobe of young male rats. Besides, under androgenic action, the female prostate grows considerably and becomes similar to the prostatic ventral lobe in male adults. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Target of rapamycin in the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (hendel): its cloning and effect on yolk protein expression
Authors: Suganya R. , Chen Shiu‐Ling , Lu Kuang‐Hui 
Published: September 2010

AbstractTarget of rapamycin (TOR), a serine/threonine protein kinase, is involved in regulating a number of growth and developmental processes of an organism, including yolk protein synthesis in insects. In this study, TOR gene was isolated, designated BdTOR (GenBank accession no. FJ167395), from the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). Quantitative RT‐PCR showed a higher expression of BdTOR in the pupa than in other developmental stages, as well as in ovary than in the fat body. Downregulation of BdTOR activity by rapamycin treatment and RNA interference (RNAi) in vivo resulted in a significant reduction in yolk protein transcripts in both fat body and ovary, with a substantial reduction in ovary size. However, an unexpected increase in the expression of yolk protein gene was observed in adult ovary 9 days after rapamycin treatment. Taken together, the results suggest the involvement of BdTOR in the regulation of yolk protein synthesis in B. dorsalis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endothelial and fibroblastic activation in scleroderma: The myth of the “uninvolved skin”
Authors: Claman Henry N. , Giorno Ralph C. , Seibold James R. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe studied the immunohistochemistry of the skin of scleroderma patients to determine the differences (if any) between clinically “affected” and “nonaffected” areas. We examined paired skin biopsy samples from clinically involved forearm skin (“affected”) and clinically uninvolved proximal skin (“nonaffected”) taken from 19 patients with diffuse scleroderma and from 15 normal control subjects. We stained the sections with antibodies to endothelial leukocyte‐adherence molecule type 1 (ELAM‐1; to detect endothelial activation) and to procollagen‐1 (PC‐1; to detect newly formed, unprocessed collagen). There was increased expression of ELAM‐1 and PC‐1 in sclerodermatous skin as compared with the controls, but there was no difference between clinically affected and nonaffected skin samples. In 10 of 11 patients whose condition was getting worse, endothelial and fibroblast activation preceded fibrosis. Endothelial and fibroblast activation are more widespread in the skin of scleroderma patients than is evident by inspection on physical examination. What appears to be “normal” skin in diffuse scleroderma is already pathologic, as shown by abnormal endothelial activation and procollagen production.
A comparative study by morphometry of the microvasculature in normal and rheumatoid synovium
Authors: Stevens C. R. , Blake D. R. , Merry P. , Revell P. A. , Levick J. R. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractVascularity is said to be increased (subjectively) in rheumatoid arthritis, yet synovial fluid is hypoxic and acidotic. Morphometry by image analysis was used to quantify vascularity in normal and rheumatoid synovium from the knee joint. Capillaries were distributed more deeply in the rheumatoid synovium (93.3 μm, compared with 32.5 μm in normal synovium) and were significantly less densely arranged (80.2/mm2 rheumatoid, 241.5/mm2 normal). The blood volume fraction fell from 2.9% in normal knee synovium to 1.2% in rheumatoid synovium. These results imply that there is impairment of O2 transfer, which contributes to the intraarticular hypoxia, in rheumatoid arthritis.
Frequency of lupus flare in pregnancy: The hopkins lupus pregnancy center experience
Authors: Petri Michelle , Howard Denise , Repke John 
Published: September 2010

AbstractTo determine whether pregnancy is associated with an increased rate of flare in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we prospectively studied 40 pregnancies in 37 women with SLE. The women were evaluated on a monthly basis in the Hopkins Lupus Pregnancy Center. Flare was designated using a previously developed quantitative definition, i.e., a change of >1.0 in the physician's global assessment (scale of 0–3) since the preceding visit or during the last 93 days. Flare occurred in 24 (60%) of the pregnancies. Flares presented most commonly as constitutional symptoms, renal involvement, or involvement of skin or joints. Comparison of the rates of flare in the same patients after delivery and in nonpregnant SLE patients showed a significant increase in the rate of flare during pregnancy (P <0.001 and P <0.0001, respectively). We conclude that flare of lupus during pregnancy is common and occurs significantly more frequently than does flare in nonpregnant SLE patients or in the same patients after pregnancy.
Continuous removal of anti‐DNA antibody, using a new extracorporeal immunoadsorption system, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Suzuki Kimihiro , Hara Masako , Harigai Masayoshi , Ishizuka Toshiaki , Hirose Tatsuo , Matsuki Yasunori , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Kitani Atsushi , Kawagoe Mitsuhiro , Nakamura Haruo 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe performed selective and continuous immunoadsorption of anti‐DNA antibodies from the blood of 6 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, using a newly developed extracorporeal immunoadsorption system equipped with twin dextran sulfate‐cellulose columns with an automated regenerating unit. Levels of anti‐DNA, which were initially high, were rapidly diminished after 2–4 apheresis procedures in each patient; in 3 patients with proteinuria and 4 patients with lymphocytopenia, these symptoms also improved. Analysis of the kinetics and the adsorbed amounts of anti‐DNA during the apheresis indicates that both the intravascular and the extravascular pool of anti‐DNA are reduced with this potent apheresis technique.
Antibodies to hepatitis C virus in patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia
Authors: Ferri Clodoveo , Greco Francesco , Longombardo Giovanni , Palla Piero , Moretti Adolfo , Marzo Emanuele , Fosella Pier Vittorio , Pasero Giampiero , Bombardieri Stefano 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCVAb) was investigated in 52 unselected patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia and in 84 patients with other systemic immunologic diseases. HCVAb were detected by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and their specificity was evaluated by a recombinant‐based immunoblot assay. The presence of HBV‐related markers was investigated in the same samples. HCVAb were found in 54% of mixed cryoglobulinemia patients, and the finding was confirmed by recombinant‐based immunoblot assay in all cases. HCVAb and/or HBV markers were present in 70% of the patients. HCVAb seropositivity was significantly more frequent in mixed cryoglobulinemia patients with biopsy‐proven liver involvement (P < 0.01) and with increased serum transaminase levels (p < 0.01). HCVAb were virtually absent in control patients with other immunologic diseases. These results support the notion that viral agents, i.e., HCV and possibly HBV, have a role in the pathogenesis of mixed cryoglobulinemia patients.
The hidden benefits of sex: Evidence for MHC‐associated mate choice in primate societies
Authors: Setchell Joanna M. , Huchard Elise 
Published: September 2010

AbstractMajor histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐associated mate choice is thought to give offspring a fitness advantage through disease resistance. Primates offer a unique opportunity to understand MHC‐associated mate choice within our own zoological order, while their social diversity provides an exceptional setting to examine the genetic determinants and consequences of mate choice in animal societies. Although mate choice is constrained by social context, increasing evidence shows that MHC‐dependent mate choice occurs across the order in a variety of socio‐sexual systems and favours mates with dissimilar, diverse or specific genotypes non‐exclusively. Recent research has also identified phenotypic indicators of MHC quality. Moreover, novel findings rehabilitate the importance of olfactory cues in signalling MHC genes and influencing primate mating decisions. These findings underline the importance to females of selecting a sexual partner of high genetic quality, as well as the generality of the role of MHC genes in sexual selection.
Modeling of uncertainties in biochemical reactions
Authors: Mišković Ljubiša , Hatzimanikatis Vassily 
Published: September 2010

AbstractMathematical modeling is an indispensable tool for research and development in biotechnology and bioengineering. The formulation of kinetic models of biochemical networks depends on knowledge of the kinetic properties of the enzymes of the individual reactions. However, kinetic data acquired from experimental observations bring along uncertainties due to various experimental conditions and measurement methods. In this contribution, we propose a novel way to model the uncertainty in the enzyme kinetics and to predict quantitatively the responses of metabolic reactions to the changes in enzyme activities under uncertainty. The proposed methodology accounts explicitly for mechanistic properties of enzymes and physico‐chemical and thermodynamic constraints, and is based on formalism from systems theory and metabolic control analysis. We achieve this by observing that kinetic responses of metabolic reactions depend: (i) on the distribution of the enzymes among their free form and all reactive states; (ii) on the equilibrium displacements of the overall reaction and that of the individual enzymatic steps; and (iii) on the net fluxes through the enzyme. Relying on this observation, we develop a novel, efficient Monte Carlo sampling procedure to generate all states within a metabolic reaction that satisfy imposed constrains. Thus, we derive the statistics of the expected responses of the metabolic reactions to changes in enzyme levels and activities, in the levels of metabolites, and in the values of the kinetic parameters. We present aspects of the proposed framework through an example of the fundamental three‐step reversible enzymatic reaction mechanism. We demonstrate that the equilibrium displacements of the individual enzymatic steps have an important influence on kinetic responses of the enzyme. Furthermore, we derive the conditions that must be satisfied by a reversible three‐step enzymatic reaction operating far away from the equilibrium in order to respond to changes in metabolite levels according to the irreversible Michelis–Menten kinetics. The efficient sampling procedure allows easy, scalable, implementation of this methodology to modeling of large‐scale biochemical networks. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 413–423. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
C‐terminal lysine processing of human immunoglobulin G2 heavy chain in vivo
Authors: Cai Bing , Pan Hai , Flynn Gregory C. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAlthough human IgG heavy chain genes encode a C‐terminal lysine, this residue is mostly absent from the endogenous antibodies isolated from serum. Some low but variable level of C‐terminal lysine is present on therapeutic antibodies expressed in mammalian cell culture systems. Here, we monitored the C‐terminal lysine processing of a recombinant human IgG2 antibody after intravenous injection into human subjects. Peptide mapping of the therapeutic antibody isolated from serum samples by affinity purification was used to quantify the C‐terminal lysine levels over time in vivo. The C‐terminal lysine residue was found to be rapidly lost in vivo with a half life of about an hour (62 min). In vivo C‐terminal lysine processing could be reproduced in vitro, but at a faster rate, by incubating in human serum. Pretreated serum, under conditions used to inactivate carboxypeptidase U, generated in vitro C‐terminal lysine processing rates that more closely matched those in vivo. Endogenous IgG, isolated from human blood, contained very low levels of C‐terminal lysine (∼0.02%), consistent with the expected circulating half life of antibodies and the calculated C‐terminal lysine processing rate. Thus, the low residual IgG2 C‐terminal lysine is rapidly processed in vivo and such processing likely occurs on endogenous antibodies in circulation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 404–412. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inconsistencies in surface anatomy: The need for an evidence‐based reappraisal
Authors: Hale Samuel J. M. , Mirjalili S. Ali , Stringer Mark D. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAccurate surface anatomy is a key component of safe clinical practice. But how consistent are modern clinical and surface anatomy texts in their reporting of common surface anatomy landmarks? Thirteen popular texts in common use were analyzed in detail: one clinical and anatomical reference text; seven clinical anatomy texts; two surface anatomy texts; and three clinical examination texts. Content relating to surface anatomy was reviewed, summarized, and assessed for consistency. Four main findings emerged: (i) there are numerous inconsistencies in clinically important surface markings (e.g., the femoral artery in the groin, superficial and deep inguinal rings, and accessory nerve in the posterior triangle), including inconsistencies within some texts; (ii) there is a consensus on many surface markings, e.g., the spleen and termination of the spinal cord; (iii) few texts address variation in surface anatomy related to age, sex, body mass, posture, respiration, and ethnicity; and (iv) the three standard clinical examination texts included in this review contain comparatively little surface anatomy. Seven surface anatomy landmarks were redefined within an evidence‐based framework: termination of the spinal cord, supracristal plane, base of the appendix, renal length, the deep inguinal ring, the femoral artery in the groin, and the accessory nerve in the posterior triangle of the neck. An evidence‐based framework is essential if surface anatomy is to be accurate and clinically relevant. Clin. Anat. 23:922–930, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.