bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functionalized Synthetic Biodegradable Polymer Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Holzwarth Jeremy M. , Ma Peter X. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractScaffolds (artificial ECMs) play a pivotal role in the process of regenerating tissues in 3D. Biodegradable synthetic polymers are the most widely used scaffolding materials. However, synthetic polymers usually lack the biological cues found in the natural extracellular matrix. Significant efforts have been made to synthesize biodegradable polymers with functional groups that are used to couple bioactive agents. Presenting bioactive agents on scaffolding surfaces is the most efficient way to elicit desired cell/material interactions. This paper reviews recent advancements in the development of functionalized biodegradable polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering, emphasizing the syntheses of functional biodegradable polymers, and surface modification of polymeric scaffolds.magnified image
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(methyl methacrylate) Backbone Polymers Containing Side‐Chain Pendant Ruthenium(II) Bis‐Terpyridine Complexes With an Elongated Conjugated System
Authors: Breul Alexander M. , Schäfer Johann , Friebe Christian , Schlütter Florian , Paulus Renzo M. , Festag Grit , Hager Martin D. , Winter Andreas , Dietzek Benjamin , Popp Jürgen , Schubert Ulrich S. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA series of functionalized methacrylate monomers has been polymerized utilizing the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization procedure in order to synthesize side‐chain pendant Ru(II) bis‐terpyridine complexes in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymers by three different reaction routes. The polymers were characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), 1H NMR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. The photophysical properties of the polymers were studied by UV‐vis absorption and emission spectroscopy. Temperature dependent luminescence lifetime measurements were carried out for both monomers and polymers. In addition, cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements were performed. All polymers revealed the typical characteristics of the Ru complex in terms of optoelectronical and electrochemical features combined with the film forming properties of a common polymer.
Lipolytic proteomics
Authors: Schittmayer Matthias , Birner‐Gruenberger Ruth 
Published: March 2012

AbstractActivity‐based proteomics (ABP) employs small molecular probes to specifically label sets of enzymes based on their shared catalytic mechanism. Given that the vast majority of lipases belong to the family of serine hydrolases and share a nucleophilic active‐site serine as part of a catalytic triad, activity‐based probes are ideal tools to study lipases and lipolysis. Moreover, the ability of ABP to highlight or isolate specific subproteomes results in a massive decrease of sample complexity. Thereby, in‐depth analysis of enzymes of interest with mass spectrometry becomes feasible. In this review, we cover probe design, technological developments, and applications of ABP of lipases, as well as give an overview of relevant identified proteins. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 31:570–582, 2012
Small‐Angle Scattering From Branched Polymers
Authors: Hammouda Boualem 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe single‐polymer form factor is determined for branched polymers using a scaling argument in order to recover the low‐Q Porod exponent characteristic of the overall structure. The high‐Q Porod exponent characterizes the local branching structure. An alternative approach based on a high‐Q expansion contains information about functionality, branch length and branch content. The specific case of a starburst dendrimer for which the form factor is known is discussed. The model predictions are compared to small‐angle neutron scattering data from a dilute solution of dendrimer in D2O.magnified image
Directed Diffusion Approach for Preparing Atomistic Models of Crosslinked Epoxy for Use in Molecular Simulations
Authors: Khare Ketan S. , Khare Rajesh 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA directed diffusion approach is used to create atomistic models of crosslinked epoxy. In polymerization‐based approaches for preparing epoxy model structures, conversions higher than 95% are difficult to achieve due to very slow diffusion of unreacted monomers and crosslinkers in the partially formed network. This problem is overcome by creating very long bonds in the polymerization stage, and then relaxing these to equilibrium values by using a directed‐diffusion‐based relaxation strategy. The method minimizes the use of custom code by relying on the in‐built functionality in LAMMPS package (S. Plimpton, J. Comput. Phys. 1995, 117, 1). The approach allows for near‐complete conversion (≈99%) and the thermal and volumetric properties of the structures so prepared show good agreement with experimental data. magnified image
Hybrid proton resonance frequency/T1 technique for simultaneous temperature monitoring in adipose and aqueous tissues
Authors: Todd Nick , Diakite Mahamadou , Payne Allison , Parker Dennis L. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThermal therapy procedures being carried out under MR guidance would be safer if temperature changes could be accurately monitored in both water‐based and fat‐based tissues. To this end, we present a hybrid proton resonance frequency (PRF)/T1 approach for simultaneously measuring PRF shift temperatures in water‐based tissues and T1 changes in fat‐based tissues. The hybrid PRF/T1 sequence is a standard radiofrequency spoiled gradient echo sequence executed in a dynamic mode with two flip angles alternating every time frame. The PRF information is extracted every time frame using the image phase in the standard approach, and the T1 information is extracted every two time frames using a variable flip angle approach. Simulation studies, ex vivo high intensity focused ultrasound heating experiments, and in vivo stability experiments were performed to test the feasibility of the approach. The results indicate that the hybrid PRF/T1 approach provides PRF temperature maps of the same quality as those obtained by traditional PRF methods while simultaneously being able to track T1 changes in fat‐based tissues. Although several potential error sources exist for the T1 measurements, the approach is a promising start toward realizing quantitative temperature measurements in both water‐based and fat‐based tissues. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fast diffusion tensor imaging and tractography of the whole cervical spinal cord using point spread function corrected echo planar imaging
Authors: Lundell Henrik , Barthelemy Dorothy , Biering‐Sørensen Fin , Cohen‐Adad Julien , Nielsen Jens Bo , Dyrby Tim B. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractDiffusion tensor imaging has been used in a number of spinal cord studies, but severe distortions caused by susceptibility induced field inhomogeneities limit its applicability to investigate small volumes within acceptable acquisition times. A way to evaluate image distortions is to map the point spread function of the voxel intensity in a reference scan. In this study, the point spread function was mapped for an echo‐planar imaging sequence in the human cervical spinal cord with isotropic resolution and large field of view. Correction with the point spread function map improved anatomical consistency, and full cervical tractography was thereby possible from a C1 seed region in healthy controls and one individual with spinal cord injury. It is suggested that point spread function mapping of the spinal cord can be used in combination with sequence‐based methods for reduction of susceptibility artifacts or in high‐field imaging settings where off‐resonance effects are pronounced. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Obstruction enhances rho‐kinase pathway and diminishes protein kinase C pathway in carbachol‐induced calcium sensitization in contraction of α‐toxin permeabilized guinea pig detrusor smooth muscle
Authors: Shahab Nouval , Kajioka Shunichi , Takahashi‐Yanaga Fumi , Onimaru Mitsuho , Matsuda Miho , Seki Narihito , Naito Seiji 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAimsWe investigated the relative important role of rho kinase (ROK) and protein kinase C (PKC) pathways in carbachol (CCh)‐induced Ca2+ sensitization in α‐toxin permeabilized Guinea pig detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) following bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).MethodsBladder outlet obstruction was created by placement of a silver jeweler's jump rings loosely round the urethro‐vesical junction of Guinea pigs. Sham operated Guinea pig underwent a similar protocol without application of the ring and served as control. α‐Toxin permeabilized DSM strips from control Guinea pigs and those subjected to 6–8 weeks of BOO were mounted horizontally for isometric force recording in 100 µl relaxing solution on perspex block. The effect of ROK inhibitor (Y‐27632) and PKC inhibitor (GF‐109203X) on CCh‐induced Ca2+ sensitization was studied during sustained contraction. Permeabilized DSM strips were also stimulated by cumulative increase of Ca2+ concentration compared to that in control in the presence and in the absence of sensitization‐induced PKC activator, phorbol 12,13‐dibutyrate.ResultsCa2+ sensitization‐induced by CCh was greater in BOO compared to controls. This muscarinic agonist‐induced Ca2+ sensitization was inhibited by Y‐27632 or GF‐109203X. The inhibitory effect of Y‐27632 (5 µM) was greater while the inhibitory effect of GF‐109203X (5 µM) was smaller in BOO compared to that in controls. Phorbol 12,13‐dibutyrate (1 µM) markedly increased Ca2+ sensitivity in controls but not in BOO.ConclusionsOur findings provide the first evidence that BOO enhances the ROK pathway and diminishes the PKC pathway in CCh‐induced Ca2+ sensitization in contraction of permeabilized Guinea pig DSM and suggest that inhibitors of ROK might potentially relieve bladder dysfunction related to BOO. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:593–599, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Moving towards a comprehensive assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Barsdorf Alexandra I. , Thompson Christine , Ireland Andrea , Milsom Ian , Chapple Chris , Kopp Zoe S. , Bavendam Tamara 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the utility of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the LUTS Tool when assessing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Secondary objectives were to examine associations of LUTS and treatment seeking.MethodsAnalyses were performed using EpiLUTS data, a population‐based, cross‐sectional, Internet survey of men and women (aged ≥40) in Sweden, UK, and US with a sample of 30,000 participants. Participants completed the IPSS and the LUTS Tool. Prevalence rates of symptoms captured by the LUTS Tool were compared using IPSS summary scores: 0, 1–7, 8–19, and ≥20. LUTS Tool subscale scores were calculated. Pearson correlations between the LUTS Tool symptoms and subscales and IPSS symptoms were performed. Logistic regressions evaluated the associations of IPSS scores and LUTS Tool subscales with treatment seeking for LUTS.ResultsThe IPSS did not assess some symptoms (i.e., incontinence) for which there was a high prevalence among participants. Correlations between the 7 symptoms assessed by the IPSS and LUTS Tool were moderate to high ranging between 0.37 (nocturia women) and 0.77 (weak stream men), indicating concordance. While the LUTS Tool subscales and the total IPSS score were all significantly associated with treatment seeking, the LUTS Tool OAB subscale in men and Voiding subscale in women most strongly predicted treatment seeking.ConclusionLUTS that are excluded from the IPSS, most notably incontinence, were prevalent even among mildly symptomatic participants. Since storage symptoms appear to drive treatment seeking, identifying, and treating these symptoms is essential when caring for patients with LUTS. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:448–454, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Usefulness of dynamic urethral resistance relation (DURR) measurement for differential diagnosis between static and dynamic urinary obstruction in male spinal cord injury patients
Authors: Vírseda Miguel , Salinas Jesús , López Antonio , Esteban Manuel 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjetiveTo study the validity of Dynamic Urethral Resistance Relation (DURR) for differential diagnosis between static and dynamic urinay obstruction in male spinal cord injury patients.MethodsA case‐control study was conducted. The case group consisted of 24 male patients with spinal cord injury, aged under 40 years, with detrusor‐periurethral sphincter dyssynergia and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) according to the urethral resistance factor (URA). The control group consisted of 24 male patients with no neurological lesions, aged over 49 years, diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and BOO according to Schäfer's minimum urethral opening pressure (Pmuo) and the URA. A pressure/flow study was performed in both groups, and the DURR was recorded graphically.ResultsBoth groups showed significantly different DURR characteristics with respect to the number of spikes (higher in the case group), the intensity of the first three spikes and the maximum duration of the spikes (significantly longer in the case group). The patients in the case group had a DURR characterized by at least three spikes, located throughout the whole voiding cycle (pattern A). The patients in the control group had a DURR mainly characterized by a spike located at the start of micturition and a maximum second spike located at the end of micturition (pattern B).ConclusionsPattern A showed a sensitivity with respect to the dynamic obstruction of 79% and a specificity of 100%. The sensitivity of pattern B with respect to the diagnosis of static obstruction was 71% and the specificity was 100%. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:549–555, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dental Pathology, Trauma and Attrition in a Zambian Iron Age Sample: A Macroscopic and Radiographic Investigation
Authors: Gibbon Victoria , Grimoud Anne‐Marie 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTUsing morphological and radiographic methods, we analysed the dentitions of 24 individuals from Ingombe Ilede and Isamu Pati Zambian Iron Age archaeological sites. In this study, we determined the frequency and distribution of attrition, pathological conditions and dental trauma. This research also presents the first view of dental health for an Iron Age population in southern Africa. In total, 482 teeth were available for this study with 287 teeth missing, where 50 of these were lost antemortem and one individual had an erupted supernumerary first mandibular incisor. With the use of radiography and morphology, 21.5% (104/482) of the analysed teeth had at least one pathological condition or evidence of dental trauma. Some interesting dental aspects found and discussed in this paper are linear enamel hypoplastic lesions, radicular resorption, periapical lesions, fractures, dental modification and carious lesions. Many of these features were diagnosed with radiography, and this was especially important for those found below the cemento‐enamel junction (p = 0.0202) that are less obvious with macroscopic investigation alone. Additionally, the quantity and direction of dental attrition was studied. There were observed sex differences with the direction of wear, likely representing a sex‐specific cultural practice of using teeth as tools. Overall, the results show that this sample suffered relatively little from dental problems, and many of those observed features were associated with the traumatic procedure of dental modification, whereas others were age and diet‐related. Additionally, with the use of radiography, rare dental fractures and other features were diagnosed; these results demonstrate the requirement for its application in dental studies on archaeological assemblages. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mammalian Microfaunal Remains from Khonkho Wankane (Late Formative Period), Mollo Kontu (Middle Horizon Period) and Pukara de Khonkho (Late Intermediate Period) in the BolivianAltiplano
Authors: Pokines J. T. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTPaleoecological and taphonomic analysis of the mammalian microfauna from three Bolivianaltiplanosites is presented: Khonkho Wankane [Late Formative period; number of identified specimens (NISP) = 1019], Mollo Kontu (Middle Horizon period; NISP = 610) and Pukara de Khonkho (Late Intermediate period; NISP = 165). The following species, all of which are present in this region today, were identified:Akodon boliviensis(Bolivian grass mouse),Andinomys edax(Andean mouse),Auliscomys sublimis(Andean leaf‐eared mouse),Cavia porcellus(guinea pig/cuy),Chinchilla chinchilla(chinchilla),Ctenomys leucodon(white‐toothed tuco‐tuco),Eligmodontia puerulus(Andean gerbil mouse),Galea musteloides(common yellow‐toothed cavy),Lagidium viscacia(vizcacha),Neotomys ebriosus(Andean swamp rat),andOligoryzomys destructor(destructive pygmy rice rat). Some direct human involvement with the deposition of some of the larger species (Cavia porcellus,Chinchilla chinchilla,Ctenomys leucodonandLagidium viscacia) was noted, althoughC. porcelluswas identified only from a single element from Mollo Kontu. Most deposition was likely due to natural in‐burrow deaths and other natural attrition of these species. No significant shift in environment during the occupation of these sites was detected. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Addition of exenatide to insulin therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes in UK routine clinical practice
Authors: Price Hermione C , Gorst Catherine , Ayyagari Usha , Levy Jonathan , Holman Rury R 
Published: March 2012

AbstractOur aim was to study the impact of adding twice‐daily exenatide in obese patients with type 2 diabetes and poor glycaemic control who were taking insulin therapy, either alone or in combination with oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs), in routine clinical practice. Outcomes evaluated were glycaemic control, body weight, insulin dose, tolerability, safety and incidence of hypoglycaemia.In an open‐label prospective study, twice‐daily exenatide was added to existing therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes, suboptimal glycaemic control (HbA1c >7% [53mmol/mol]) and obesity (body mass index [BMI] <30kg/m2), who were receiving insulin therapy alone or in combination with OHA(s).Thirty‐one patients (18 male) were mean (SD) age 55.7(8.6)years, weight 114.6(22.0)kg, BMI 39.1(5.6)kg/m2, waist circumference 128(13)cm and fasting capillary glucose 11.1(3.4)mmol/L. Median (IQR) known diabetes duration was 10.0(8.0, 17.9)years, HbA1c 9.5(8.8, 10.7)% and daily insulin dose 120(74, 230)units/day. Twenty patients were also taking metformin. One‐month data were available for 29 patients, three‐month data for 23 patients, six‐month data for 28 patients and 12‐month data for 21 patients. There was a mean (SD) reduction in weight from 1.1(2.6)kg (p=0.043) at one month to 4.8(7.3)kg (p=0.007) at 12 months, with a maximal reduction at six months (5.3[5.9]kg, p<0.001). Total daily insulin dose was reduced significantly by 31.8(56.5)units (p=0.010) at one month and 49.5(85.3)units (p=0.015) at 12 months. At three months there was a significant reduction in HbA1c (1.2[1.1]%, p<0.001) which was not maintained at six or 12 months (0.5[1.8]%, p=0.139, and 0.5[1.9]%, p=0.237, respectively). The only reported adverse event at 12 months was nausea, occurring in two of 15 (13%) patients. No severe episodes of hypoglycaemia were reported throughout the study.Over one year, the addition of exenatide in individuals with type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy promoted weight loss (∼4%) with a substantial reduction in insulin dose (∼41%), but with a non‐sustained significant improvement in glycaemic control at three months only. No serious adverse events or episodes of severe hypoglycaemia were reported. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons.
Preparation of poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐b‐polystyrene particles by emulsifier‐free, organotellurium‐mediated living radical emulsion polymerization (emulsion TERP)
Authors: Kitayama Yukiya , Kishida Kazuya , Minami Hideto , Okubo Masayoshi 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe have successfully demonstrated the preparation of poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐b‐polystyrene particles without any coagulation by two‐step emulsifier‐free, organotellurium‐mediated living radical emulsion polymerization (emulsion TERP) using poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA)–methyltellanyl (TeMe) (PMAA30‐TeMe) (degree of polymerization of PMAA, 30) and 4,4′‐azobis(4‐cyanovaleric acid) (V‐501). The final particle size was ∼30 nm and second particle nucleation was not observed throughout the polymerization. Mn increased linearly in both steps with conversion and blocking efficiency was ∼75%. PDI was improved by increasing radical entry frequency into each polymer particle due to an increase of the polymerization temperature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Controlled nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization of methyl and phenyl vinyl ketone
Authors: Hepperle Johannes A. M. , Luftmann Heinrich , Studer Armido 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe article describes unprecedented nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization of methyl and phenyl vinyl ketone (MVK and PVK) using a sterically highly hindered alkoxyamine as initiator/regulator. It is shown that controlled polymerization of PVK is far more difficult to achieve than controlled MVK polymerization. Whereas for MVK high conversion resulting in polyvinyl ketone with low polydispersity index is readily obtained, the PVK polymerization provides good results only in the presence of free nitroxide and styrene as additives. Vinyl ketone polymerizations are analyzed by ESI mass spectrometry. These MS studies provide insights into the problems associated with the controlled nitroxide‐mediated polymerization of PVK. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012