bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced gene transfection with addition of a cell‐penetrating peptide in substrate‐mediated gene delivery
Authors: Chen Si , Zhuo Ren‐Xi , Cheng Si‐Xue 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundTo overcome extracellular barriers in gene therapy, controlled release technology has been adapted to protect DNA from degradation and maintain elevated DNA concentration. Although cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been widely utilized to enhance the transfection efficiency of solution‐based transfections, as far as we are aware, the effect of these peptides on substrate‐mediated transfection has not yet been reported.MethodsIn the present study, the effect of a CPP, KALA, on the substrate‐mediated gene delivery was studied. A fast degrading cholic acid functionalized star poly(DL‐lactide) was used to fabricate Ca‐P/DNA/KALA co‐precipitates‐deposited films and Ca‐P/DNA/KALA co‐precipitates‐encapsulated films for mediating substrate‐mediated transfection. The in vitro gene transfections in HEK293T and HepG2 cells mediated by the different films were investigated. The effect of KALA content on gene transfection was studied.ResultsGene expression of film‐mediated transfections could be significantly enhanced by the addition of KALA at a quite low content with a DNA/KALA ratio of 10 : 1. As a result of the surface erosion mechanism of the functionalized star poly(DL‐lactide), our substrate‐mediated transfection system could rapidly release Ca‐P/DNA/KALA to mediate efficient gene expression. During the transfection, the degradation of the polymer films could be observed and the degradation did not show any unfavorable effects on gene expression.ConclusionsThe presence of a CPP could significantly enhance the gene expression of substrate‐mediated transfections. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermally induced plasticity of body shape in adult zebrafish Danio rerio (Hamilton, 1822)
Authors: Georga Ioanna , Koumoundouros George 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWe examined the effect of temperature during the early development on the phenotypic plasticity of Danio rerio. The effect of temperature was examined during two different early developmental periods of 280°d (the product of days × temperature) each, 28‐308°d or 280‐560°d, by subjecting the experimental populations to three different water temperatures (22°C, 28°C, and 32°C). Before and after the end of the 280°d period of the different thermal exposure, all populations were cultured in standard temperature (28°C). Five to 10 months after exposure to the different thermal regimes, the body shape of the adults was analyzed by geometric morphometrics. In both ontogenetic windows and experimental repetitions, the results showed that developmental temperature and sex significantly affected the body shape of adult zebrafish. Thermally induced shape variation discriminated the fish that developed at 22°C from those developed at 28°C–32°C. In the early developmental period (DP1, 28–308°d postfertilization), dorsal, anal, and caudal fin structures differed between the animals that developed at 22°C and 28°C–32°C. In the later developmental period (DP2, 280–560°d postfertilization), caudal, anal, pectoral, and pelvic fins, as well as the gill cover and lower jaw, were affected when animals developed at different temperatures. These results show that thermal history during a short period of embryonic and larval life affects the body form of adult zebrafish with potentially functional consequences. Based on previous data on the effects of temperature on fish development, we suggest thermally induced muscle and bone remodelling as possible mechanism underlying the observed plasticity. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Uterine and eggshell structure and histochemistry in a lizard with prolonged uterine egg retention (Lacertilia, Scincidae, Saiphos)
Authors: Stewart James R. , Mathieson Ashley N. , Ecay Tom W. , Herbert Jacquie F. , Parker Scott L. , Thompson Michael B. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe eggshell of lizards is a complex structure composed of organic and inorganic molecules secreted by the oviduct, which protects the embryo by providing a barrier to the external environment and also allows the exchange of respiratory gases and water for life support. Calcium deposited on the surface of the eggshell provides an important nutrient source for the embryo. Variation in physical conditions encountered by eggs results in a tradeoff among these functions and influences eggshell structure. Evolution of prolonged uterine egg retention results in a significant change in the incubation environment, notably reduction in efficiency of gas exchange, and selection should favor a concomitant reduction in eggshell thickness. This model is supported by studies that demonstrate an inverse correlation between eggshell thickness and length of uterine egg retention. One mechanism leading to thinning of the eggshell is reduction in size of uterine shell glands. Saiphos equalis is an Australian scincid lizard with an unusual pattern of geographic variation in reproductive mode. All populations retain eggs in the uterus beyond the embryonic stage at oviposition typical for lizards, and some are viviparous. We compared structure and histochemistry of the uterus and eggshell of two populations of S. equalis, prolonged egg retention, and viviparous to test the hypotheses: 1) eggshell thickness is inversely correlated with length of egg retention and 2) eggshell thickness is positively correlated with size of shell glands. We found support for the first hypothesis but also found that eggshells of both populations are surprisingly thick compared with other lizards. Our histochemical data support prior conclusions that uterine shell glands are the source of protein fiber matrix of the eggshell, but we did not find a correlation between size of shell glands and eggshell thickness. Eggshell thickness is likely determined by density of uterine shell glands in this species. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Are abdominal prolegs serially homologous with the thoracic legs in panorpidae (Insecta: Mecoptera)? embryological evidence
Authors: Yue Chao , Hua Baozhen 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIt is a long standing question whether the abdominal prolegs of holometabolous insect larvae are serially homologous with their thoracic legs. The histology and ultrastructure of proleg embryonic development in the scorpionfly Panorpa magna were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. During the early embryonic development, paired primary abdominal appendages appeared laterally in line with the thoracic legs. Several hours later, a pair of proleg primordia arose along the midventral line on each of the first eight abdominal segments mesial to the primary abdominal appendages, which then ceased to grow and eventually degenerated into flat vestiges. Histological observation showed that the thoracic legs were obviously connected with lateral thoracic muscle cells, whereas the abdominal prolegs resembled secondary outgrowths. No apparent contact was observed between the lumen of abdominal prolegs and the hemocoel. After dorsal closure, each thoracic segment bore a pair of well‐developed five‐jointed legs, whereas the prolegs were unjointed, fleshy structure. The remnants of the primary abdominal appendages could still be clearly seen in the mature embryo. On the basis of the histological and morphological observation of the embryonic development, we confirm that the abdominal prolegs of Panorpidae lack the characters of the primary appendages; hence they are not serially homologous with the thoracic legs. The reasons why the primary abdominal legs are reduced in scorpionflies are briefly discussed. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Revisited vibrational assignments of imidazolium‐based ionic liquids
Authors: Grondin Joseph , Lassègues Jean‐Claude , Cavagnat Dominique , Buffeteau Thierry , Johansson Patrik , Holomb Roman 
Published: August 2010

AbstractImidazolium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) involving anions of variable coordinating strength have been investigated using infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopies, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and selective deuteration of the imidazolium CH groups. Particular emphasis has been placed on the vibrational assignments of the anion and cation internal vibrations, a prerequisite before any interpretation of spectral changes due to ion–ion interactions in these unconventional liquids. The vibrations of highly symmetric and weakly coordinating anions, such as PF6−, have unperturbed wavenumbers, but unexpected IR or Raman activity for some modes, showing that the anion is subjected to an anisotropic electric field. The stretching as well as the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane bending modes of the imidazolium CH groups are anharmonic. They give broad bands that reflect a large distribution of interactions with the surrounding anions. All the bending modes are mixed with ring vibrations and the stretching modes are complicated by Fermi resonance interactions with overtones and combination of in‐plane ring modes. However, the stretching vibration of the quasi‐diatomic C(2)D bond appears to be a good spectroscopic probe of the increasing cation–anion interactions when the coordinating strength of the anion increases. The broad absorption observed in the far IR with weakly coordinating anions remains practically unchanged when the acidic C(2)H imidazolium bond is methylated and even when the imidazolium cation is substituted by tetra‐alkyl ammonium or pyrrolidinium cations. It is concluded that this absorption is a general feature of any IL, coming from the relative translational and librational motions of the ions without needing to invoke C(2)H anion hydrogen bonds. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polarized IR and Raman spectra, temperature dependence of phonons and lattice dynamic calculations for M′2M″Ge2O7 pyrogermanates (M′ = Sr, Ba; M″ = Mg, Zn)
Authors: Hanuza J. , Ma̧czka M. , Ptak M. , Lorenc J. , Hermanowicz K. , Becker P. , Bohatý L. , Kaminskii A. A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractInfrared and Raman spectra of the polycrystalline samples and single crystals of Sr2ZnGe2O7, Ba2ZnGe2O7, Ba2MgGe2O7 and Sr2MgGe2O7 were measured. The temperature dependence of phonons was studied in the range 4–295 K. The discussion of the results is based on the factor group approach for the tetragonal $P\overline{4}2_{1} m (D_{2d}^{3})$ space group with Z = 2. The discussion of the internal vibrations of the Ge2O7 unit and external modes is made on the basis of the literature data and phonon calculations. The results obtained for the spontaneous Raman scattering were used in the discussion of the stimulated Raman spectra of the studied materials. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fusarium mycotoxins in various barley cultivars and their transfer into malt
Authors: Malachova Alexandra , Cerkal Radim , Ehrenbergerova Jaroslava , Dzuman Zbynek , Vaculova Katerina , Hajslova Jana 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: Fusarium toxins, secondary metabolites of toxinogenic Fusarium species, are found in a range of cereal grains. In this study the occurrence of the most commonest Fusarium toxins, namely nivalenol (NIV), deoxynivalenol (DON), deoxynivalenol‐3‐glucoside, fusarenon‐X, 3‐ and 15‐acetyldeoxynivalenol, HT‐2 and T‐2 toxins and zearalenone, in various barley cultivars harvested in 2005–2008 was monitored. The impact of weather, locality, fungicide treatment and barley cultivar (hulless or covered) on contamination was evaluated. The transfer of these mycotoxins into malt was assessed.RESULTS: The most prevalent toxin was DON, which was found in 83% of samples (maximum level 180 µg kg−1), while HT‐2 was detected in 62% of samples (maximum level 716 µg kg−1). Using analysis of covariance, weather was found to be the key factor in all years (P < 0.001). A relationship between cultivar and contamination was confirmed only for HT‐2 (P < 0.001) and T‐2 (P = 0.037), with higher levels of these toxins being observed in hulless cultivars. With the exception of NIV (P = 0.008), no significant relationship was found between fungicide treatment and contamination. No distinct trend regarding DON levels in malt was found, with both decreases and increases occurring.CONCLUSION: The results show an inter‐annual variation in mycotoxin occurrence in barley cultivars as well as differences in contamination of malt produced from fungicide‐treated and untreated barley. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous analysis of seven alkaloids in Coptis‐Evodia herb couple and Zuojin pill by UPLC with accelerated solvent extraction
Authors: Gao Xin , Yang Xiu‐Wei , Marriott Philip J. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractA rapid, sensitive, and accurate ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐UV detection method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of seven active alkaloids, berberine, palmatine, coptisine, jatrorrhizine, epiberberine, evodiamine, and rutaecarpine, in the Coptis‐Evodia herb couple and the Zuojin pill preparation. The original validated method had a total time of about 11 min, which was reduced to 4.7 min by further optimization of gradient elution conditions with eluent A comprising water/methanol/formic acid (v/v/v, 90:10:0.1) and eluent B ACN. An accelerated solvent extraction method was used for the rapid extraction of herb products and pill preparations. Linear behavior over the investigated concentration ranges was observed, with values of r2 greater than 0.9987 for all analytes. Experiment results were satisfactory for both intra‐day and inter‐day precision, and method accuracy. Method recovery ranged from 95.7 to 103.5% based on pure reference standards. The validated method was successfully applied to determine amounts of bioactive alkaloid compounds in five samples, in the Coptis‐Evodia herb couple, and the commercial Zuojin pill products. The developed method achieved baseline resolution for all seven main basic compounds and is suitable for use as a routine procedure for the rapid identification and quantification of basic compounds in the Coptis‐Evodia herb couple and related products.
Preparation of high‐selective HPLC packing materials based on alternating copolymer‐grafted silica
Authors: Mallik Abul K. , Sawada Tsuyoshi , Takafuji Makoto , Ihara Hirotaka 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThree alternating copolymer‐grafted silica stationary phases for use in high‐selective RP‐HPLC were prepared from two vinyl monomers selected from styrene, N‐methylmaleimide, N‐octadecylmaleimide, and octadecyl acrylate; they were characterized by elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analysis, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, and 13C cross‐polarization magic‐angle spinning NMR spectroscopy. Aspects of molecular‐shape selectivity were evaluated for three different columns using Standard Reference Material 869b, Column Selectivity Test Mixture for Liquid Chromatography. The best selectivity for isomer separations was obtained for the stationary phase prepared with a copolymer of octadecyl acrylate and N‐octadecylmaleimide, which was able to separate 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Standard Reference Material 1647e) in an isocratic elution. In this paper, the effectiveness of this phase is also demonstrated by separation of tocopherol isomers.
Simultaneous determination of rosiglitazone and its metabolites in rat liver microsomal fraction using hollow‐fiber liquid‐phase microextraction for sample preparation
Authors: Calixto Leandro Augusto , Bonato Pierina Sueli 
Published: August 2010

AbstractA three‐phase hollow‐fiber liquid‐phase microextraction method for the analysis of rosiglitazone and its metabolitesN‐desmethyl rosiglitazone and ρ‐hydroxy rosiglitazone in microsomal preparations is described for the first time. The drug and metabolites HPLC determination was carried out using an X‐Terra RP‐18 column, at 22°C. The mobile phase was composed of water, acetonitrile and acetic acid (85:15:0.5, v/v/v) and the detection was performed at 245 nm. The hollow‐fiber liquid‐phase microextraction procedure was optimized using multifactorial experiments and the following optimal condition was established: sample agitation at 1750 rpm, extraction for 30 min, hydrochloric acid 0.01 mol/L as acceptor phase, 1‐octanol as organic phase, and donor phase pH adjustment to 8.0. The recovery rates, obtained by using 1 mL of microsomal preparation, were 47–70%. The method presented LOQs of 50 ng/mL and it was linear over the concentration range of 50–6000 ng/mL, with correlation coefficients (r) higher than 0.9960, for all analytes. The validated method was employed to study thein vitrobiotransformation of rosiglitazone using rat liver microsomal fraction.
Effects of rare earth cerium addition on the synthesis and corrosion resistance of electroless Ni–PTFE–P coating
Authors: Liu D. , Zhou L. , Yu J. , Yan Y. , Lee K. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractElectroless Ni–PTFE–P coatings have been successfully deposited on the surface of mild steel shaft from plating baths containing various concentrations of rare earth metal cerium (RE Ce). Surface morphology, Ce fraction, and thickness of the coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscope, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and reflection optical microscope, respectively. Salt spray test was used to determine the corrosion resistance of the coating. Results revealed that structure, compactness, and deposition rate of the Ni–PTFE–P coatings were increased significantly by addition of a small amount of RE Ce (10–20 ppm) to the plating bath. Electroless Ni–PTFE–P coating deposited from plating baths with 20 ppm Ce shows the highest corrosion resistance, owing to its high compactness and thickness. Deposition rate and corrosion resistance of the Ni–PTFE–P coating were deteriorated greatly as concentration of RE Ce in the plating baths exceeds 100 ppm.
Influence of corrosion on the interface between zinc phosphate steel fiber and cement
Authors: Sun M. , Wen D.‐J. , Wang H.‐W. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe interface bond between steel fibers and concrete matrix is a key factor influencing bearing capacity of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). In order to improve the interface bond strength and corrosion resistance, a kind of method was put forward by depositing zinc phosphate (ZnPh) coating on steel fiber surface in this paper. The corrosion behavior was investigated in 5% NaCl solution by using linear polarization measurement. Microstructure analysis (SEM and EDX) and fiber pull‐out test in combination with linear polarization measurement were carried out. The results prove that ZnPh coatings fabricated on the carbon steel surface can not only protect steel fiber against corrosion, but also enhance the mechanical interlocking bonds between fibers and matrix.
Corrosion of carbon steel feeders during dilute chemical decontamination of primary heat transport system of PHWRs
Authors: Subramanian H. , Madasamy P. , Sathyaseelan V. S. , Krishnamohan T. V. , Velmurugan S. , Narasimhan S. V. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCarbon steel feeders in the primary heat transport system of pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) show significant wall thinning due to flow accelerated corrosion (FAC). This is of great concern, as the wear rate in certain locations exceeds the corrosion allowance by design. This necessitates periodic measurement of wall thickness and in some cases even mid course enmasse replacement of feeders. While analyzing the data on wall thicknesses and in arriving at the wall thinning rate during operation of the reactor, sufficient care has to be taken to account for the wall thinning occurring during full system chemical decontamination campaign which is carried out occasionally to reduce dose rates during reactor shut down. Chemical decontamination of primary heat transport system is carried out using a mixture of organic acids at a total concentration of about 0.1 g/L and at 85 °C. The results of experiments carried out under simulated conditions for estimating the wall thinning occurring in carbon steel feeder elbow during dilute chemical decontamination are described in this work. The corrosion rates are quantified.
Metallurgical aspects of corrosion resistance of aluminium alloys
Authors: Reboul M. C. , Baroux B. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractAluminium is the second most often used metal after steel. In this paper, the most current uses of aluminium alloys are first summarised. Then, their different corrosion modes, i.e. pitting, crevice, filiform, galvanic and structural corrosion (including inter‐granular, exfoliation and stress corrosion cracking) are reviewed, with particular attention paid to metallurgical factors controlling the corrosion process. For each mode, some instances of possible in‐service failure are given, followed by the discussion of the involved mechanisms and the presentation of appropriate solutions to prevent corrosion. Last, passivity and polarisation behaviour are discussed with reference to stainless steels.
The co‐operative effect of chloride ions and some natural extracts in retarding corrosion of steel in neutral media
Authors: Abdel‐Gaber A. M. , Abdel‐Nabey B. A. , Saadawy M. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractEffect of lupine and damsissa extracts on the corrosion of steel in 0.5 M Na2SO4 solution free from and containing 0.01 or 0.1 M NaCl were examined by potentiodynamic and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. Potentiodynamic polarization curves measurements indicated that damsissa and lupine extracts behave as anodic type inhibitors. Nyquist impedance plots showed type of distorted semicircle whose size increases with increasing concentrations of lupine or damsissa extract. Increasing chloride ion concentration in the solution led to increase of the inhibition efficiency of the extract and this behaviour was explained on the basis of co‐operative mechanism of adsorption. Kinetic–thermodynamic model was used to clarify the nature of adsorption and showed good fit to the experimental data. The results indicated that lupine extract is more effective as corrosion inhibitor for steel in neutral media containing chloride ions than damsissa extract.
Damage of stainless steel bars due to atmospheric corrosion
Authors: Burkert A. , Lehmann J. , Burkert A. , Mietz J. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn addition to constructional requirements in civil engineering stainless steels often have to fulfil high visual demands. Unexpected impairments of the visual appearance of stainless steels under low corrosive conditions are a widespread problem today. Frequently it is supposed that this is caused by changes in the alloy composition, worse environmental conditions or improper handling. Within a research project the systematic investigation of several cases of damaged stainless steel bars has shown that the reasons are based on well‐known material defects like chemical inhomogeneities (e.g. precipitations or local carburization) or geometrical defects (e.g. undercuts, rolling defects or shell formation). Thus, the failures could be clearly identified as production failures of the respective semi‐finished products.