bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Properties of Bacterially Synthesized Nanocellulose Hydrogels
Authors: Frensemeier Mareike , Koplin Christof , Jaeger Raimund , Kramer Friederike , Klemm Dieter 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe mechanical characteristics of bacterially synthesized nano‐cellulose (BNC) were studied with uniaxial compression and tensile tests. Compressive loads result in a release of water and the deformation of the water‐saturated network corresponds approximately to the volume of released water. The BNC hydrogel exhibits a mainly viscous response under compression. The strain response under tensile loads has an elastic and a viscous component. This can be described with a Maxwell model, where the viscosity is strain rate‐dependent. When the aqueous phase of the BNC hydrogel is stabilized with an additional alginate hydrogel matrix, the system exhibits an elastic response under compressive loads. The analysis of the ‘alginated’ BNC network with the Maxwell model shows that the alginate matrix increases the viscosity of the composite system. The results of the mechanical tests show that the water absorbed in the BNC hydrogel strongly influences its mechanical behavior.
Homogenous Carboxymethylation of Cellulose in the New Alkaline Solvent LiOH/Urea Aqueous Solution
Authors: Qi Haisong , Liebert Tim , Meister Frank , Zhang Lina , Heinze Thomas 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn this work, the carboxymethylation of cellulose in a new alkaline cellulose solvent, LiOH/urea aqueous solution, was investigated. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) samples were characterized with FT‐IR, NMR, HPLC, and viscosity measurements. Water‐soluble CMC with DS = 0.36∼0.65 was prepared, from both Avicel cellulose and cotton linters in the LiOH/urea system. The total DS of CMC could be controlled by varying the molar ratio of reagents and the reaction temperature. The results from structure analysis by HPLC after complete depolymerization showed that the mole fractions of the different carboxymethylated repeating units as well as those of unmodified glucose follow a simple statistic pattern. A distribution of the carboxymethyl groups of the AGU was determined to be in the order O‐6 > O‐2 > O‐3 position at the level.
Mesophases in a Gel from Hydroxypropyl Cellulose/Polyacrylamide
Authors: Castro‐Guerrero Carlos , Morales‐Cepeda Ana , Kharissova Oxana , Koschella Andreas , Heinze Thomas 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe objective of the present work is to analyze the different mesophases observed in a gel synthesized from hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and polyacrylamide (PAAm) and its phase behavior in water. Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a material derived from cellulose it is non toxic and degradable. HPC is widely used in pharmaceutics, food additives, stabilizer, thickener, etc., HPC is approved by the FDA for use in the food industry. HPC has the characteristic that it forms liquid crystals, depending on the solvent and on the concentration of the polymer. In this work a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) were observed, the resulting gel showed anisotropic, nematic and cholesteric phases in water, the phase formed depended on the concentration of the polymer.
Evaluation of Morphology and Deformation Micromechanisms in Multilayered PP/PS Films: An Electron Microscopy Study
Authors: Scholtyssek Stefanie , Adhikari Rameshwar , Seydewitz Volker , Michler Goerg Hannes , Baer Eric , Hiltner Anne 
Published: September 2010

AbstractNanostructured polymers and ultra‐thin polymer layers are used more and more in technical applications like nanotechnology and microelectronics. Therefore, it is really important to understand the size‐scale dependent properties as bulk polymers become thinner and more two‐dimensional. Here the morphology as well as the macroscopic and the microscopic deformation behaviour of multilayered films of polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) have been investigated. For investigation different microscopic techniques and tensile testing were used. The films were prepared by multilayer coextrusion, whereas the composition of PP and PS and the film thickness – and therefore the thickness of each layer – varied. The thinnest calculated thickness of a single layer was about 5 nm. It is shown that the PP/PS films consist usually of homogeneous layers with only few defects. As the composition of PP/PS deviates strongly from 50/50 or the films get thinner the number of defects increases and the layered system turns to irregular lamellar system. In macroscopic tensile tests the small PS layers affect the elongation at break enormously: Most of the samples are brittle. For the films with a composition of PP/PS 90/10 and the film PP/PS 70/30 with a film thickness of 25 µm an elongation at break of 66% and higher could be reached. Transmission electron microscopy on these samples shows that the layers are characterized by plastic yielding in local deformation zones.
Development of Nanocomposite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Imam Khasim H.R. , Henning S. , Michler G.H. , Brand Joerg 
Published: September 2010

AbstractNanocomposite scaffold materials based on biodegradable polymers, as there are poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBHV) and polycaprolactone (PCL), and nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) have been developed for the application as biomimetic bone substitution materials and materials for the tissue engineering of bone. Parameters like pore size, shape and interconnectivity are optimized to facilitate the formation of new bone. In this paper we describe a manufacturing method for compact nanocomposite scaffolds as well as for 3‐dimesional porous scaffolds. Nanocomposite scaffolds consisting of PHB and HA needles or PHBHV and HA spheres, respectively, exhibit a very good filler dispersion even at 20 wt% loading. Smaller nanoparticles (needles) slightly tend to develop more agglomerates due to higher van der Waals forces of attraction compared to the larger spherical nanoparticles which were more uniformly dispersed. To produce porous structures, templates consisting of sugar and NaCl grains of varying grain size were used. In freeze‐drying and particulate leaching processes smaller grain sizes resulted in pores with 46 to 70 µm, whereas grain sizes of more than 400 µm resulted in pores with 300 to 600 µm in diameter. The application of polymer solutions with a concentration of 5% (w/v) resulted in larger pore sizes compared to solutions of 10% (w/v). By the application of the melt infiltration technique to PCL, the resulting pore size was less influenced by the concentration of the polymer solution. It can be demonstrated that these techniques are suitable for the fabrication of nanocomposite scaffolds with uniform filler dispersion and porosity up to 98%.
The α2 adrenergic antagonist fipamezole improves quality of levodopa action in Parkinsonian primates
Authors: Johnston Tom H. , Fox Susan H. , Piggott Matthew J. , Savola Juha‐Matti , Brotchie Jonathan M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractReduction in the antiparkinsonian benefit of levodopa is a major complication of long‐term levodopa treatment in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Such loss of benefit arises because of reduced duration of action and appearance of disabling dyskinesia. We assess the potential of the α2 adrenergic antagonist fipamezole to reduce motor complications in parkinsonian macaques. MPTP‐lesioned macaques were treated acutely with fipamezole (10 mg/kg) alone and in combination with two doses of levodopa. Fipamezole extended both duration and quality of antiparkinsonian action of levodopa. Duration of antiparkinsonian action, on time, was increased by up to 75% while “good‐quality” on time, i.e., that not associated with disabling dyskinesia, was increased by up to 98%. Combination of fipamezole with the lower dose of levodopa provided antiparkinsonian benefit at least equivalent to that provided by the higher dose levodopa alone. However, with the combination, antiparkinsonian benefit was of much better quality. The proportion of on time without disabling dyskinesia (79%) was significantly greater than that with high dose levodopa alone (45%). Increased duration and quality of levodopa action may represent therapeutically valuable actions of α2 adrenergic antagonists. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Metric properties of the mini‐mental Parkinson and SCOPA‐COG scales for rating cognitive deterioration in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Serrano‐Dueñas Marcos , Calero Belén , Serrano Soledad , Serrano Maite , Coronel Paulina 
Published: September 2010

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that causes cognitive impairment and dementia in ∼30% of patients. Objective: Compare metric qualities of Mini‐Mental Parkinson (MMP) and scales for outcomes in Parkinson's disease‐cognition (SCOPA‐COG) with respect to their relative reliability, validity and ability to predict symptoms (mobility, quality of life, social repercussions, and mood) in PD patients. Outpatients (n=123, 78 males/45 females) diagnosed with PD were included in the study. A multilevel (hierarchical) modeling analysis was performed along with tests of reliability and validity to ascertain which of the two models better predicts symptoms related to PD. Results: The MMP differed significantly between patients with Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stages 1, 2 or versus 4/5 (grouped together). The SCOPA‐COG showed differences only between patients in H&Y stages 2 versus 4/5. Both scales were dependent on educational background and age. The SCOPA‐COG had a higher coefficient of variation (0.303) than the MMP (0.184), indicating that it was the more discriminative of the two. Conclusions: The SCOPA‐COG has some advantages over the MMP, the most important being a greater discriminative ability. Multilevel hierarchical analysis clarified the necessity of stratifying the PD population according to educational background, years of illness, and H&Y stage when using these scales. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
A review of the critical role of vitamin D in the functioning of the immune system and the clinical implications of vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Schwalfenberg Gerry K. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis review looks at the critical role of vitamin D in improving barrier function, production of antimicrobial peptides including cathelicidin and some defensins, and immune modulation. The function of vitamin D in the innate immune system and in the epithelial cells of the oral cavity, lung, gastrointestinal system, genito‐urinary system, skin and surface of the eye is discussed. Clinical conditions are reviewed where vitamin D may play a role in the prevention of infections or where it may be used as primary or adjuvant treatment for viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Several conditions such as tuberculosis, psoriasis, eczema, Crohn's disease, chest infections, wound infections, influenza, urinary tract infections, eye infections and wound healing may benefit from adequate circulating 25(OH)D as substrate. Clinical diseases are presented in which optimization of 25(OH)D levels may benefit or cause harm according to present day knowledge. The safety of using larger doses of vitamin D in various clinical settings is discussed.
c9t11‐Conjugated linoleic acid‐rich oil fails to attenuate wasting in colon‐26 tumor‐induced late‐stage cancer cachexia in male CD2F1 mice
Authors: Tian Min , Kliewer Kara L. , Asp Michelle L. , Stout Michael B. , Belury Martha A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractScope: Cancer cachexia is characterized by muscle and adipose tissue wasting caused partly by chronic, systemic inflammation. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are a group of fatty acids with various properties including anti‐inflammatory cis9, trans11 (c9t11)‐CLA and lipid‐mobilizing trans10, cis12 (t10c12)‐CLA. The purpose of this study was to test whether dietary supplementation of a c9t11‐CLA‐rich oil (6:1 c9t11:t10c12) could attenuate wasting of muscle and adipose tissue in colon‐26 adenocarcinoma‐induced cachexia in mice.Methods and results: Loss of body weight, muscle and adipose tissue mass caused by tumors were not rescued by supplementation with the c9t11‐CLA‐rich oil. In quadriceps muscle, c9t11‐CLA‐rich oil exacerbated tumor‐induced gene expression of inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐6 receptor and the E3 ligase MuRF‐1 involved in muscle proteolysis. In epididymal adipose tissue, tumor‐driven delipidation and atrophy was aggravated by the c9,t11‐CLA‐rich oil, demonstrated by further reduced adipocyte size and lower adiponectin expression. However, expression of inflammatory cytokines and macrophage markers were not altered by tumors, or CLA supplementation.Conclusion: These data suggest that addition of c9t11‐CLA‐rich oil (0.6% c9t11, 0.1% t10c12) in diet did not ameliorate wasting in mice with cancer cachexia. Instead, it increased expression of inflammatory markers in the muscle and increased adipose delipidation.
Coffee, broccoli and spices are strong inducers of electrophile response element‐dependent transcription in vitro and in vivo – Studies in electrophile response element transgenic mice
Authors: Balstad Trude Rakel , Carlsen Harald , Myhrstad Mari C. W. , Kolberg Marit , Reiersen Hanne , Gilen Lene , Ebihara Kanae , Paur Ingvild , Blomhoff Rune 
Published: September 2010

AbstractScope: Cytoprotective gene products, e.g. phase II – and antioxidant enzymes, are important in cellular redox homeostasis. A common feature of these genes is binding sites for transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), named electrophile response elements (EpREs) within their promoters.Methods and results: To identify dietary bioactive compounds and foods with Nrf2/EpRE inducing properties in an intact organism, we utilized transgenic mice encoding luciferase under control of EpRE from the thioredoxin promoter. We found that 18 of 31 phytochemicals and 10 of 14 dietary plant extracts induced EpRE activity in liver HepG2 cells. Surprisingly, some dietary plant extracts showed profound inducing capability as compared to pure compounds indicating combinatorial effects of compounds found in whole foods. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injections of carnosol, curcumin and tert benzohydroquinine induced EpRE‐dependent promoter activity in transgenic mice. In further experiments with curcumin, we found highly induced EpRE activity in intestine, liver, kidney and spleen. Finally, a combination extract made of coffee, thyme, broccoli, rosemary, turmeric and red onion fed orally, induced EpRE mediated luciferase in lung and adipose tissue.Conclusion: These results show that plant‐based foods contain compounds that can be absorbed and induce the antioxidant defence in a living organism in an organ‐specific manner.
Muscle‐selective block using intrafascicular high‐frequency alternating current
Authors: Dowden Brett R. , Wark Heather A.C. , Normann Richard A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractHigh‐frequency alternating current (HFAC) applied to a peripheral nerve can reversibly block skeletal muscle contractions. We evaluated the ability of HFAC delivered via intrafascicular electrodes to selectively block activation of targeted muscles without affecting activation of other muscles. Utah slanted electrode arrays (USEAs) were implanted into the sciatic nerves of five cats, and HFAC was delivered to individual USEA electrodes. The effects of HFAC block were monitored by recording evoked electromyograms (EMGs) and three‐dimensional endpoint forces. In each animal, activity evoked in targeted muscles by nerve cuff stimulation could be selectively abolished by HFAC delivered via individual USEA electrodes. Two mechanisms of blockade were evoked: selective neuromuscular blocks were achieved with 500–8000‐HZ HFAC, and selective nerve conduction block was achieved in one animal using 16‐kHZ HFAC. These results show that intrafascicular HFAC can be used to block selected muscles independent of activation of other muscles. Muscle Nerve 42: 339–347, 2010
Some numerical techniques for solving elliptic interface problems
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Joshi Pratibha 
Published: September 2010

AbstractMany physical phenomena can be modeled by partial differential equations with singularities and interfaces. The standard finite difference and finite element methods may not be successful in giving satisfactory numerical results for such problems. Hence, many new methods have been developed. Some of them are developed with the modifications in the standard methods, so that they can deal with the discontinuities and the singularities. In this article, a survey has been done on some recent efficient techniques to solve elliptic interface problems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 28: 94‐114, 2012
Nutritional and disease stress of juveniles from the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt
Authors: Wheeler S. M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBioarchaeologists use skeletal health indicators to measure how ancient populations adapted to their physical, cultural and biological environments. Skeletons of infants and children are rarely included in these kinds of analyses because of factors such as poor preservation, small sample size, incomplete recovery or research design. In this study, skeletal remains of juveniles aged from foetal to 15 years (N = 238) from Kellis 2, a Romano‐Byzantine cemetery in the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt, are analysed to shed light on how infants and children were affected by Roman policies during the early years of the Christianisation of Egypt. Non‐specific indicators of physiological stress (cribra orbitalia, enamel hypoplasia and osteoperiostitis) are analysed for post‐natal individuals and interpreted in the context of the physical, cultural and biological landscapes. Results from these analyses suggest moderate levels of skeletal and dental stress with a marked improvement in general health from pre‐Roman times. This study contributes to a better understanding of juvenile paleoepidemiology and mortuary practices in Egypt during the Romano‐Byzantine period. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breast metastases in children and adolescents with rhabdomyosarcoma: Experience of the Italian soft tissue sarcoma committee
Authors: D'Angelo Paolo , Carli Modesto , Ferrari Andrea , Manzitti Carla , Mura Rossella , Miglionico Lucia , Di Cataldo Andrea , Grigoli Antonella , Cecchetto Giovanni , Bisogno Gianni ,   for the AIEOP Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackgroundBreast metastasis from rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an uncommon event but may be problematic in treatment decision‐making. Aim of the study was to evaluate clinical characteristics, treatment, and subsequent outcome, of patients with RMS metastasis in the breast, enrolled in four consecutive Associazione Italiana di Ematologia ed Oncologia Pediatrica (AIEOP) Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee protocols during the last 20 years, in order to obtain information to establish a more adequate diagnostic and therapeutic approach.ProceduresData were derived from the AIEOP STSC database and reviewed for the purpose of this study.ResultsFrom 1988 to 2008, among 189 patients with metastatic RMS, we identified 7 (3.7%) patients with RMS with breast involvement at diagnosis. All patients were females, aged 13–17 years with alveolar histology and multiple metastasis sites (2–5). The primary tumor was located in the extremities in 3/7 patients. In spite of intensive treatment no patient survived. The cause of treatment failure was distant relapse in six patients, including two on the mammary region. Treatment data analysis revealed that local measures to control breast lesions were used in only two patients.ConclusionsOur data suggest that investigations of the mammary region should be part of the usual diagnostic workup in adolescent girls with alveolar RMS, especially if the primary tumor arises in the extremities. New and more effective strategies are needed to improve the outcome of these patients including aggressive local measures to control breast disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:1306–1309. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular biology, phytochemistry and bioactivity of three endemic Aloe species from Mauritius and Réunion Islands
Authors: Ranghoo‐Sanmukhiya Mala , Govinden‐Soulange Joyce , Lavergne Christophe , Khoyratty Shannoo , Da Silva Denis , Frederich Michel , Kodja Hippolyte 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIntroduction – Aloe tormentorii, A. purpurea and A. macra are used as multipurpose folk medicines in Réunion and Mauritius Islands and are mistaken for the introduced Aloe vera.Objective – To compare the phytochemical, antimicrobial and DNA profiles of Aloe endemic to Mauritius and Réunion with the profiles of A. vera.Methodology – Leaf extracts of these Aloe species were analysed using standard phytochemical screening techniques, TLC and by HPLC. These extracts were also assayed for antimicrobial activity using microdilution techniques. Genetic diversity was studied using RAPD markers.Results – Phytochemical and antimicrobial assays and RAPD analysis showed that Mascarene Aloe species were very different from A. vera.Conclusion – This study is the first report highlighting the differences between Aloe sp.p from Mascarene and Aloe vera at the metabolic and genomic level. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an LC‐MS method for simultaneous quantitation of amentoflavone and biapigenin, the minor and major biflavones from Hypericum perforatum L., in human plasma and its application to real blood
Authors: Michler Hans , Laakmann Gregor , Wagner Hildebert 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIntroduction – Biflavones of Hypericum perforatum L. are bioactive compounds used in the treatment of inflammation and depression. Determination of amentoflavone and biapigenin from blood is challenging owing to their similar structures and low concentrations.Objective – To develop a rapid, sensitive and accurate method based on liquid‐phase extraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐MS) for quantification of biflavones in human plasma.Methodology – After extraction from blood, the analytes were subjected to HPLC with an XTerra® MS C18 column and a binary mobile phase consisting of 2% formic acid in water and acetonitrile under isocratic elution conditions, with ESI‐MS detection in the negative ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM).Results – Both calibration curves showed good linearity within the concentration range 1–500 ng/mL. Limits of detection (S/N = 3) were 0.1 ng for pure substances and the limits of quantitation (S/N = 5) were 1.0 ng/mL from analyte‐spiked serum. The grand mean recovery was 90% from several subsamples of each biflavone. The imprecision (RSD) of peak areas was between 5% (intraday) and 10% (interday) for high concentrations (250 ng/mL) and between 10% (intraday) and 15% (interday) for low concentrations (1 ng/mL). Inaccuracy of the mean was less than 20% at the lower limit of quantitation.Conclusion – The developed and validated method for determination of biflavones from human plasma was effectively applied to pharmacokinetic studies of 13 probands and preliminary results indicate biphasic concentration–time curves. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.