bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of structure and properties of polylactic fiber
Authors: Du Zhaoqun , Xu Yun , Yu Weidong 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPolylactic fiber (PLA) is a new environment‐friendly fiber and has been produced by different plants with wide application, while there are few studies on the difference of the structure and property of PLA fibers produced from these plants in China. The main content in present article is to conduct elementary analysis, gas chromatography mass spectrum, IR spectroscopy, ultraviolet, X‐ray, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), TG, SEM, and tensile tests to obtain the common structure and properties of PLA fibers and to prove that there are no significant difference between the 13 kinds of PLA fibers made by 13 plants in China. The elementary analysis method is used to test the contents of C, H, and O elements, and it has good accordance with the theoretical results. Gas chromatography mass spectrum method proves that the functional groups of PLA fiber are lactide and acetaldehyde as well as 2,3‐pentanedione. IR spectroscopy depicts that significant absorbing peaks exist as CO, CO, OH within absorbing wavelength zones. There are no characteristic absorbing peaks of ultraviolet spectrum. Crystallinity and orientation degree in full wave at half maximum and in area are calculated based on X‐ray. The peak melting point and pyrogenation peak point are obtained by DSC and TG testings. The tensile property and the surface morphology by SEM are conducted and some typical faults in the surface are observed. In addition, the coefficient of variance of these experimental results between 13 kinds of PLA fibers show that their structure and properties are similar. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Normalization of widespread hyperesthesia and facilitated spatial summation of deep‐tissue pain in knee osteoarthritis patients after knee replacement
Authors: Graven‐Nielsen T. , Wodehouse T. , Langford R. M. , Arendt‐Nielsen L. , Kidd B. L. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe modest association between radiographic joint damage and pain in osteoarthritis (OA) has led to the suggestion of facilitated central pain processing. This study evaluated the importance of ongoing tissue pathology in the maintenance of enhanced central pain processing.MethodsPain assessment was performed on 48 patients with symptomatic knee OA and 21 sex‐ and age‐matched pain‐free healthy control subjects. Twenty of the OA patients subsequently underwent total knee replacement surgery and were reassessed. Pressure–pain thresholds (PPTs) were recorded using a pressure algometer (both over and distant from the knee) and a double‐chamber inflatable cuff mounted around the calf. Spatial summation was assessed by relating PPTs using the dual‐ and single‐chamber cuff. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) was assessed by recording the increase in PPT in response to experimental arm pain.ResultsPPTs at the knee and at sites away from the knee were reduced in OA patients as compared with healthy pain‐free control subjects (P < 0.0001). Cuff PPTs were decreased in OA patients as compared with the healthy controls (P < 0.05), who also exhibited a greater degree of spatial summation (P < 0.05). Whereas an elevation of PPTs was noted in the healthy controls in response to experimental arm pain (P < 0.0001), no such CPM was observed in the OA patients. Following joint replacement in the OA patients, there was a reduction in the widespread mechanical hyperesthesia, along with normalization of spatial summation ratios and restoration of CPM.ConclusionThe widespread hyperesthesia and enhanced spatial summation observed in OA patients imply sensitized central pain mechanisms together with the loss of CPM. Normalization of the results following joint replacement implies that these central pain processes are maintained by peripheral input.
Detection of synovitis in the hands of patients with rheumatologic disorders: Diagnostic performance of optical imaging in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Meier Reinhard , Thürmel Klaus , Moog Philipp , Noël Peter B. , Ahari Carmen , Sievert Matti , Dorn Franziska , Waldt Simone , Schaeffeler Christoph , Golovko Daniel , Haller Bernhard , Ganter Carl , Weckbach Sabine , Woertler Klaus , Rummeny Ernst J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo prospectively compare an indocyanine green (ICG)–enhanced optical imaging system with contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of synovitis in the hands of patients with rheumatologic disorders.MethodsForty‐five patients (30 women [67%], mean ± SD age 52.6 ± 13.4 years) in whom there was a clinical suspicion of an inflammatory arthropathy were examined with a commercially available device for ICG‐enhanced optical imaging as well as by contrast‐enhanced 3T MRI as the standard of reference. Three independent readers graded the degree of synovitis in the carpal, metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints of both hands (1,350 joints), using a 4‐point ordinate scale (0 = no synovitis, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe). Statistical analyses were performed using a logistic generalized estimating equation approach. Agreement of optical imaging ratings made by the different readers was estimated with a weighted kappa coefficient.ResultsWhen MRI was used as the standard of reference, optical imaging showed a sensitivity of 39.6% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 31.1–48.7%), a specificity of 85.2% (95% CI 79.5–89.5%), and accuracy of 67.0% (95% CI 61.4–72.1%) for the detection of synovitis in patients with arthritis. Diagnostic accuracy was especially limited in the setting of mild synovitis, while it was substantially better in patients with severely inflamed joints. Moderate interreader and intrareader agreement was observed.ConclusionThe evaluated ICG‐enhanced optical imaging system showed limitations for the detection of inflamed joints of the hand in comparison with MRI.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy associated with immunosuppressive therapy in rheumatic diseases: Evolving role of biologic therapies
Authors: Molloy Eamonn S. , Calabrese Leonard H. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the association of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) with immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs).MethodsA Freedom of Information Act request was submitted for all cases of PML within the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database. ARD cases were selected for further analysis.ResultsA total of 34 confirmed cases of PML in the setting of ARDs were identified: 17 had systemic lupus erythematosus, 10 had rheumatoid arthritis, 4 had vasculitis, and 3 had dermatomyositis. Fifteen of these patients were treated with one or more biologic agents: 14 received rituximab (RTX), 6 received anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy (5 treated with anti‐TNF agent prior to RTX). Four RTX‐treated patients were not receiving additional immunosuppressive therapy at the time of PML onset, other than an antimalarial drug and/or low‐dose glucocorticoids; all others who were receiving a biologic agent were also receiving one or more synthetic disease‐modifying agents. All but 1 patient receiving a biologic agent had at least 1 potential confounding factor for the diagnosis of PML. The remaining 19 confirmed cases of PML among ARD patients were treated with synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs only, 14 of whom had received an alkylating agent.ConclusionPML has been reported in patients with ARD treated with various immunosuppressive agents. The limitations of this study preclude definitive attribution of causality. While the paucity of confirmed cases recently exposed to anti‐TNF therapy suggests a causal relationship is unlikely, a specific signal is emerging with regard to rituximab and PML. Although this is a rare adverse event associated with RTX therapy, the devastating nature of PML mandates continued vigilance, particularly in patients with current or prior exposure to an alkylating agent.
Biomass recalcitrance. Part I: the chemical compositions and physical structures affecting the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose
Authors: Zhao Xuebing , Zhang Lihua , Liu Dehua 
Published: March 2012

AbstractLignocellulosic biomass is recalcitrant to biodegradation due to the rigid and compact structure of plant cell wall. The recalcitrance of biomass is mainly constructed by its chemical compositions that build a spatial network as a protective bulwark. Generally, the factors affecting the accessibility of biomass cellulose can be divided into direct and indirect factors. The direct factors refer to the accessible surface area, and the indirect factors include biomass structure‐relevant factors (pore size and volume, particle size, and specific surface area), chemical compositions (lignin, hemicelluloses, and acetyl group), and cellulose structure‐relevant factors (cellulose crystallinity and degree of polymerization). Pre‐treatment is actually the process to alter indirect factors and improve direct factors thus enhancing the accessibility of cellulose. In this review, we summarize the effects of chemical compositions and physical structures on the enzymatic digestibility of lignocellulosic biomass. We suggest that future work should be focused on but not limited to the molecular mechanisms of biomass recalcitrance by investigating the microscale and nanoscale features as well as hydrogen bonds network of lignocellulosic biomass. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Industry expectations regarding the transition toward a biobased economy
Authors: Vandermeulen Valerie , Van der Steen Marijke , Stevens Christian V. , Van Huylenbroeck Guido 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe transition from a fossil‐input‐based economy toward a bio‐based economy is not an easy process. Although policy‐makers in the European Union (EU) advocate this transition, still most companies and economies in the EU rely on fossil fuels for the production of materials and goods. However, the transition will not only depend on policy but will also involve all stakeholders: consumers, firms, and supporting policy with industry playing a major role. This paper focuses on the perceptions and expectations of industry regarding a possible transition toward a bio‐based economy. Based on the multilevel perspective emphasized in transition theory, the opinions of Flemish captains of industry active in the bio‐based sector are analyzed. The case of Flanders is taken because it is a good example of a small European economy relying heavily on imported fossil inputs. Based on the views of the captains of industry combined with the multilevel transition perspective, we argue that the transition toward a bio‐based economy follows a typical sequence of pathways starting with a transformation pathway and evolving toward a technological substitution or de‐ and re‐‐alignment pathway. This theoretical transition perspective helps to define which issues related to market development, technology, research, science, and policy, can influence the transition toward a bio‐based economy which helps to describe some future directions for Flanders as well as other European regions. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Banding patterns in Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosomes correlate with DNA‐binding protein occupancy
Authors: Zhimulev Igor F. , Belyaeva Elena S. , Vatolina Tatiana Yu , Demakov Sergey A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe most enigmatic feature of polytene chromosomes is their banding pattern, the genetic organization of which has been a very attractive puzzle for many years. Recent genome‐wide protein mapping efforts have produced a wealth of data for the chromosome proteins of Drosophila cells. Based on their specific protein composition, the chromosomes comprise two types of bands, as well as interbands. These differ in terms of time of replication and specific types of proteins. The interbands are characterized by their association with “active” chromatin proteins, nucleosome remodeling, and origin recognition complexes, and so they have three functions: acting as binding sites for RNA pol II, initiation of replication and nucleosome remodeling of short fragments of DNA. The borders and organization of the same band and interband regions are largely identical, irrespective of the cell type studied. This demonstrates that the banding pattern is a universal principle of the organization of interphase polytene and non‐polytene chromosomes.Editor's suggested further reading in BioEssaysCaught in the act: Rapid, symbiont‐driven evolution AbstractFunction and evolution of sex determination mechanisms, genes and pathways in insects Abstract
Immune tolerance: Are regulatory T cell subsets needed to explain suppression of autoimmunity?
Authors: Tian Lei , Humblet‐Baron Stephanie , Liston Adrian 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe potential for self‐reactive T cells to cause autoimmune disease is held in check by Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), essential mediators of peripheral immunological tolerance. Tregs have the capacity to suppress multiple branches of the immune system, tightly controlling the different subsets of effector T cells across multiple different tissue environments. Recent genetic experiments have found mutations that disrupt specific Treg: effector T cell relationships, leading to the possibility that subsets of Tregs are required to suppress each subset of effector T cells. Here we review the environmental factors and mechanisms that allow Tregs to suppress specific subsets of effector T cells, and find that a parsimonious explanation of the genetic data can be made without invoking Treg subsets. Instead, Tregs show a functional and chemotactic plasticity based on microenvironmental influences that allows the common pool of cells to suppress multiple distinct immune responses.
Ascorbic acid, cognitive function, and Alzheimer's disease: A current review and future direction
Authors: Bowman Gene L. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis narrative review appraises the human and animal studies implicating ascorbic acid (AA) in normal cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease. A research framework for how nutrition affects brain aging is proposed with emphasis on AA intake, status, metabolism, and transport into brain tissue. A final synopsis highlights areas for future research regarding AA nourishment and healthy brain aging.
Mitochondrial pharmacology: Electron transport chain bypass as strategies to treat mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Atamna Hani , Mackey Jeanette , Dhahbi Joseph M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMitochondrial dysfunction (primary or secondary) is detrimental to intermediary metabolism. Therapeutic strategies to treat/prevent mitochondrial dysfunction could be valuable for managing metabolic and age‐related disorders. Here, we review strategies proposed to treat mitochondrial impairment. We then concentrate on redox‐active agents, with mild‐redox potential, who shuttle electrons among specific cytosolic or mitochondrial redox‐centers. We propose that specific redox agents with mild redox potential (−0.1 V; 0.1 V) improve mitochondrial function because they can readily donate or accept electrons in biological systems, thus they enhance metabolic activity and prevent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These agents are likely to lack toxic effects because they lack the risk of inhibiting electron transfer in redox centers. This is different from redox agents with strong negative (−0.4 V; −0.2 V) or positive (0.2 V; 0.4 V) redox potentials who alter the redox status of redox‐centers (i.e.,become permanently reduced or oxidized). This view has been demonstrated by testing the effect of several redox active agents on cellular senescence. Methylene blue (MB, redox potential ≅10 mV) appears to readily cycle between the oxidized and reduced forms using specific mitochondrial and cytosolic redox centers. MB is most effective in delaying cell senescence and enhancing mitochondrial functionin vivoandin vitro. Mild‐redox agents can alter the biochemical activity of specific mitochondrial components, which then in response alters the expression of nuclear and mitochondrial genes. We present the concept of mitochondrial electron‐carrier bypass as a potential result of mild‐redox agents, a method to prevent ROS production, improve mitochondrial function, and delay cellular aging. Thus, mild‐redox agents may prevent/delay mitochondria‐driven disorders.
Non‐native aggregation of recombinant human granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor under simulated process stress conditions
Authors: Roessl Ulrich , Wiesbauer Johanna , Leitgeb Stefan , Birner‐Gruenberger Ruth , Nidetzky Bernd 
Published: March 2012

AbstractEffective inhibition of protein aggregation is a major goal in biopharmaceutical production processes optimized for product quality. To examine the characteristics of process‐stress‐dependent aggregation of human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF), we applied controlled stirring and bubble aeration to a recombinant non‐glycosylated preparation of the protein produced in Escherichia coli. We characterized the resulting denaturation in a time‐resolved manner using probes for G‐CSF conformation and size in both solution and the precipitate. G‐CSF was precipitated rapidly from solutions that were aerated or stirred; only small amounts of soluble aggregates were found. Exposed hydrophobic surfaces were a characteristic of both soluble and insoluble G‐CSF aggregates. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, the aggregates presented mainly a circular shape. Their size varied according to incubation time and stress applied. The native intramolecular disulfide bonds in the insoluble G‐CSF aggregates were largely disrupted as shown by mass spectrometry. New disulfide bonds formed during aggregation. All involved Cys18, which is the only free cysteine in G‐CSF; one of them had an intermolecular Cys18(A)‐Cys18(B) crosslink. Stabilization strategies can involve external addition of thiols and extensive reduction of surface exposition during processing.
Role of non‐specific DNA in reducing coding DNA requirement for transient gene expression with CHO and HEK‐293E cells
Authors: Rajendra Yashas , Kiseljak Divor , Manoli Sagar , Baldi Lucia , Hacker David L. , Wurm Florian M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTransient gene expression (TGE) is a rapid method for the production of recombinant proteins in mammalian cells. While the TGE volumetric productivity has improved significantly over the past decade, the amount of plasmid DNA (pDNA) needed for transfection remains very high. Here, we examined the use of non‐specific (filler) DNA to partially replace the transgene‐bearing plasmid DNA (coding pDNA) in transfections of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and human embryo kidney (HEK‐293E) cells. When the optimal amount of coding pDNA for either host was reduced by 67% and replaced with filler DNA, the recombinant protein yield decreased by only 25% relative to the yield in control transfections. Filler DNA did not affect the cellular uptake or intracellular stability of coding pDNA, but its presence lead to increases of the percentage of transfected cells and the steady‐state level of transgene mRNA compared to control transfections. Studies of the physicochemical properties of DNA–polyethyleneimine (PEI) complexes with or without filler DNA did not reveal any differences in their size or surface charge. The results suggest that filler DNA allows the coding pDNA to be distributed over a greater number of DNA–PEI complexes, leading to a higher percentage of transfected cells. The co‐assembly of filler DNA and coding pDNA within complexes may also allow the latter to be more efficiently utilized by the cell's transcription machinery, resulting in a higher level of transgene mRNA. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012;109: 2271–2278. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fed‐batch microbioreactor platform for scale down and analysis of a plasmid DNA production process
Authors: Bower Diana M. , Lee Kevin S. , Ram Rajeev J. , Prather Kristala L.J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe rising costs of bioprocess research and development emphasize the need for high‐throughput, low‐cost alternatives to bench‐scale bioreactors for process development. In particular, there is a need for platforms that can go beyond simple batch growth of the organism of interest to include more advanced monitoring, control, and operation schemes such as fed‐batch or continuous. We have developed a 1‐mL microbioreactor capable of monitoring and control of dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature. Optical density can also be measured online for continuous monitoring of cell growth. To test our microbioreactor platform, we used production of a plasmid DNA vaccine vector (pVAX1‐GFP) in Escherichia coli via a fed‐batch temperature‐inducible process as a model system. We demonstrated that our platform can accurately predict growth, glycerol and acetate concentrations, as well as plasmid copy number and quality obtained in a bench‐scale bioreactor. The predictive abilities of the micro‐scale system were robust over a range of feed rates as long as key process parameters, such as dissolved oxygen, were kept constant across scales. We have highlighted plasmid DNA production as a potential application for our microbioreactor, but the device has broad utility for microbial process development in other industries as well. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1976–1986. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thy1‐hAPPLond/Swe+ mouse model of Alzheimer's disease displays broad behavioral deficits in sensorimotor, cognitive and social function
Authors: Faizi Mehrdad , Bader Patrick L. , Saw Nay , Nguyen Thuy‐Vi V. , Beraki Simret , Wyss‐Coray Tony , Longo Frank M. , Shamloo Mehrdad 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is an age‐dependent progressive neurodegenerative disorder. β‐amyloid, a metabolic product of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. The Thy1‐hAPPLond/Swe+ (line 41) transgenic mouse overexpresses human APP751 and contains the London (V717I) and Swedish (K670M/N671L) mutations. Here, we used a battery of behavioral tests to evaluate general activity, cognition, and social behavior in six‐month‐old male Thy1‐hAPPLond/Swe+ mice. We found hyperactivity in a novel environment as well as significant deficits in spontaneous alternation behavior. In fear conditioning (FC), Thy1‐hAPPLond/Swe+ mice did not display deficits in acquisition or in memory retrieval in novel context of tone‐cued FC, but they showed significant memory retrieval impairment during contextual testing in an identical environment. Surprisingly, in a standard hidden platform water maze, no significant deficit was detected in mutant mice. However, a delayed‐matching‐to‐place paradigm revealed a significant deficit in Thy1‐hAPPLond/Swe+ mice. Lastly, in the social novelty session of a three‐chamber test, Thy1‐hAPPLond/Swe+ mice exhibited a significantly decreased interest in a novel versus a familiar stranger compared to control mice. This could possibly be explained by decreased social memory or discrimination and may parallel disturbances in social functioning in human AD patients. In conclusion, the Thy1‐hAPPLond/Swe+ mouse model of AD displayed a behavioral phenotype that resembles, in part, the cognitive and psychiatric symptoms experienced in AD patients.