bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drug‐Coated Angioplasty Balloon Catheters: Coating Compositions and Methods
Authors: Berg Madeleine Caroline , Kolodziej Herbert , Cremers Bodo , Gershony Gary , Speck Ulrich 
Published: October 2011

AbstractFlow‐limiting stenosis or total occlusion of coronary, cerebral, or peripheral arteries is very common. Minimally invasive treatment with balloon catheters optionally combined with stent implantation immediately relieves symptoms. However, renarrowing of dilated vessel segments due to excessive scar formation frequently reverses the initial success observed soon after treatment. Coating of balloons with antiproliferative drugs is a promising approach to overcome this problem. The coating of angioplasty balloon membranes is a challenging task. It must ensure homogeneous distribution of the antiproliferative agent and adherence to the balloon membrane during handling and on the way to the treatment site in a distant artery, where the agent should be immediately released and transferred to the vessel wall when the balloon is inflated. In vitro and in vivo testing methods are described. The impact of different kinds of balloons, drugs, additives, and coating methods has been investigated, and the results of representative examples including clinically tested products are presented and discussed.
Harnessing Interfacial Phenomena to Program the Release Properties of Hollow Microcapsules
Authors: Lee Myung Han , Hribar Kolin C. , Brugarolas Teresa , Kamat Neha P. , Burdick Jason A. , Lee Daeyeon 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe generation of near‐infrared (NIR)‐sensitive microcapsules is presented and it is demonstrated that the release properties of these microcapsules can be tailored by controlling their morphology. A biocompatible polymer, poly(DL‐lactic‐co‐glycolic)acid (PLGA) is used to form hollow microcapsules from monodisperse water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W/O/W) double emulsions. Both the composition of PLGA and the oil phase of W/O/W double emulsions significantly affect the morphology of the subsequently formed microcapsules. PLGA microcapsules with vastly different morphologies, from spherical to “snowman‐like” capsules, are obtained due to changes in the solvent quality of the oil phase during solvent removal. The adhesiveness of the PLGA‐laden interface plays a critical role in the formation of snowman‐like microcapsules. NIR‐sensitive PLGA microcapsules are designed to have responsive properties by incorporating Au nanorods into the microcapsule shell, which enables the triggered release of encapsulated materials. The effect of capsule morphology on the NIR responsiveness and release properties of PLGA microcapsules is demonstrated.
Growth and the development of sexual size dimorphism in lorises and galagos
Authors: O'Mara M. Teague , Gordon Adam D. , Catlett Kierstin K. , Terranova Carl J. , Schwartz Gary T. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThree fundamental ontogenetic pathways lead to the development of size differences between males and females. Males and females may grow at the same rate for different durations (bimaturism), grow for the same duration at different rates, or grow at a mix of rate and duration differences. While patterns of growth and the development of adult body size are well established for many haplorhines, the extent to which rate and duration differences affect strepsirrhine growth trajectories remains unclear. Here, we present iterative piecewise regression models that describe the ontogeny of adult body mass for males and females of five lorisoid species (i.e., lorises and galagos) from the Duke Lemur Center. We test the hypotheses that, like most haplorhines, sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is a result of bimaturism, and males and females of monomorphic species grow at the same rate for a similar duration. We confirm that the galagos in this sample (Galago moholi and Otolemur garnettii) show significant SSD that is achieved through bimaturism. Unlike monomorphic lemurids, the lorises in this sample show a diversity of ontogenetic patterns. Loris tardigradus does follow a lemur‐like trajectory to monomorphism but Nycticebuscoucang and Nycticebus pygmaeus achieve larger adult female body sizes through a mixture of rate and duration differences. We show that contrary to previous assumptions, there are patterns of both similarity and difference in growth trajectories of comparably sized lorises and galagos. Furthermore, when ontogenetic profiles of lorisoid and lemurid growth are compared, it is evident that lorisoids grow faster for a shorter period of time. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reactive electrospinning of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers
Authors: Yuan Jiang , Mo Hong , Wang Miao , Li Li , Zhang Jun , Shen Jian 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWe aim to couple the electrospinning in‐line with solution chemistry to fabricate novel crosslinked polymer nanofibers. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was used as a model polymer due to its high amount of hydroxyl groups. To obtain ideal parameters for electrospinning, pure PVA was explored primarily. To gain crosslinked fibers, PVA was first crosslinked partially with glutaraldehyde (GA) followed by transferring this precursor to a long hot tube which was used as reactor and then electrospun right before gelation. The preheating time and tube‐passing time were determined with viscometer and rheometer. The reactive as‐spun fibers could maintain their original morphology after water immersion due to their high crosslinking degree. The thermal stability and mechanical property of reactive as‐spun fibers were improved drastically compared with pure and GA vapor crosslinked PVA fibers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Thermophysical properties of foliated graphite/nickel reinforced polyvinyl chloride nanocomposites
Authors: Al‐Ghamdi A. A. , Al‐Salamy Falleh , Al‐Hartomy Omar A. , Al‐Ghamdi Attieh A. , Abdel Daiem A. M. , El‐Tantawy Farid 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA novel, polymer‐based foliated graphite/nickel nanocomposites with high thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, and low dielectric constant was developed. The network structure of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) reinforced foliate graphite and nickel nanoparticles (GN) were tested in terms of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive x‐ray analysis (EDX), and thermal‐gravimetric analyses (TGA). Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a large improvement in the thermal stability of PVC/GN nanocomposites. Thermal conductivity and diffusivity of the composites increased with increasing GN content and temperature. The obtained experimental thermal conductivity result are compared with the existing theoretical models. The measured values of thermal conductivity were in excellent agreement with those calculated from the Agari model. In addition, specific heat, coefficient of thermal expansion (TEC), micro porosity, and crosslinking density (CLD) of composites were investigated. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, hardness, and elongation at break of the nanocomposites were improved with inclusion GN which is proportional to GN content. Finally, the dielectric properties of PVC/GN nanocomposites as a function of frequency have been investigated in details. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Nonisothermal crystallization and melting behavior of PP/nanoclay/CaCO3 ternary nanocomposite
Authors: Zare Yasser , Garmabi Hamid 
Published: October 2011

AbstractNonisothermal crystallization and melting behavior of PP/nanoclay/CaCO3 ternary nanocomposite were investigated using different melt flow index (MFI) of PP, nanoclay and CaCO3 contents. The rate of crystallization was also studied using relative crystallinity as a function of temperature and time. The results show that the increase of MFI of PP and CaCO3 content in the prepared ternary nanocomposite shift the crystallization curve of PP to the higher temperature. However, increasing the content of nanoclay from 2 wt % to 6 wt % decreases the crystallization temperature possibly due to the restriction of molecular chain mobility. Further analysis of nonisothermal crystallization was carried out based on Avrami equation which the crystallization kinetic of prepared nanocomposite was evaluated. Except the significant variation in the heat of melting, the influence of these parameters on the melting behavior was much less than the crystallization process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Thermal degradation analysis of the isocyanate polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxanes (POSS)/sulfone epoxy nanocomposite
Authors: Chiu Yie‐Chan , Tsai Hsieh‐Chih , Imae Toyoko 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe sulfone epoxy (SEP)/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocomposite contains bulky POSS side chains was studied in this research. Its glass transition temperature (Tg) decreases with the bulky POSS content, indicating that the bulky POSS side chains could not only generate the oligomers but also interrupt the network architectures of SEP. Homogeneous and uniform dispersion of POSS in SEP matrix can be obtained through the carbamate/oxazolidon covalent linkage, which is evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. The increasing concentration of POSS into SEP exhibits an increase of char yield in the nanocomposites, indicating that the POSS segments provide the antithermal‐oxidation effect for SEP/POSS, thereby inhibiting thermal degradation under open air at high temperatures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Elaborating on Efficient Anti‐Proliferation Agents of Cancer Cells and Anti‐Inflammatory‐Based N‐Bisphosphonic Acids
Authors: Abdou Wafaa M. , Khidre Rizk E. , Kamel Azza A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMethylenebisphosponic acid tetraethyl ester (1) was added to 2‐azido‐7a–e and 2‐chloroquinoline‐3‐chalcones 10a–e in boiling sodium ethanolate solution to give, via Michael addition, tetrazolo[1,5‐a]quinoline‐8a–d, 13a and 2‐chloroquinoline‐based bisphosphonates 11a–d, 14a in E‐configuration. Further acid hydrolysis afforded the respective BP‐acid analogues E‐9a–d, 12a–d, 13b, and 14b in excellent yields. Anti‐tumor activity screening for the new BP‐acids at a dose of 10 µM utilizing 44 different human tumor cell lines representing breast, ovary, prostate, lung, and CNS cancer as well as leukemia and melanoma was carried out. Eight of ten tested compounds exhibited remarkable anti‐tumor activity against breast and prostate cancer, and a promising anti‐tumor sensitivity toward ovarian cancer and melanoma. Conversely, there was only scattered activity against leukemia and no noticeable action of these BP‐acids on CNS or lung cancer. Based on the prediction results (PASS program), anti‐inflammatory activity of the new acids was also determined in vivo, by the acute carrageenin induced paw edema in rats. Many of these compounds showed anti‐inflammatory properties at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight.
Determination of phenformin hydrochloride using molecular imprinting technology coupled with flow‐injection chemiluminescence
Authors: Liu Zhenbo , Jia Fengyan , Wang Wenwen , Wang Cuixia , Liu Yongming 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTA novel method was developed using molecular imprinting technology (MIT) coupled with flow‐injection chemiluminescence (FI‐CL) for highly sensitive detection of phenformin hydrochloride (PH). The phenformin imprinted polymer was synthesized with methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross‐linker. Newly synthesized molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) particles were packed into a column as a selective recognition element for determination of PH. A CL method for the determination of PH was developed based on the CL reaction of PH with N‐bromosuccinimide sensitized by eosin Y in basic media. The optimization of detection conditions was investigated. The CL intensity responded linearly to the concentration of PH in the range 0.09–2.0 µg/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9920. The detection limit was 0.031 µg/mL. The relative standard deviation for the determination of 1.0 µg/mL PH solution was 1.0% (n = 11). The method was applied to the determination of PH in urine samples, with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Viscoelastic properties and nanoscale structures of composite oligopeptide‐polysaccharide hydrogels
Authors: Hyland Laura L. , Taraban Marc B. , Feng Yue , Hammouda Boualem , Yu Y. Bruce 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBiocompatible and biodegradable peptide hydrogels are drawing increasing attention as prospective materials for human soft tissue repair and replacement. To improve the rather unfavorable mechanical properties of our pure peptide hydrogels, in this work we examined the possibility of creating a double hydrogel network. This network was created by means of the coassembly of mutually attractive, but self‐repulsive oligopeptides within an already‐existing fibrous network formed by the charged, biocompatible polysaccharides chitosan, alginate, and chondroitin. Using dynamic oscillatory rheology experiments, it was found that the coassembly of the peptides within the existing polysaccharide network resulted in a less stiff material as compared to the pure peptide networks (the elastic modulus G′ decreased from 90 to 10 kPa). However, these composite oligopeptide‐polysaccharide hydrogels were characterized by a greater resistance to deformation (the yield strain γ grew from 4 to 100%). Small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used to study the 2D cross‐sectional shapes of the fibers, their dimensional characteristics, and the mesh sizes of the fibrous networks. Differences in material structures found with SANS experiments confirmed rheology data, showing that incorporation of the peptides dramatically changed the morphology of the polysaccharide network. The resulting fibers were structurally very similar to those forming the pure peptide networks, but formed less stiff gels because of their markedly greater mesh sizes. Together, these findings suggest an approach for the development of highly deformation‐resistant biomaterials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97: 177–188, 2012.
Genetic association of the Phosphoinositide‐3 kinase in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and interaction with a BDNF gene polymorphism
Authors: Carrard Anthony , Salzmann Annick , Perroud Nader , Gafner Jérémie , Malafosse Alain , Karege Félicien 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPhosphoinositide‐3‐kinase, class III (PIK3C3) is a member of the phosphoinosite‐3‐kinases family, involved in cell signaling, membrane trafficking, and neurodevelopment. Previous studies have indeed shown an association between PIK3C3 gene variants and both bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ). Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurodevelopmental factor, which can regulate the PI3K signaling pathway. Associations have been reported between BDNF gene polymorphisms and affective and psychotic disorders. The aim of the present study was to replicate an association between PIK3C3 and BDNF gene variants in SZ and BD and a putative epistasis between the two genes. Patients meeting the DSM‐IV criteria of BD and SZ were included in this study (98 BD and 79 SZ) as well as 158 healthy controls. Blood DNA was extracted and genotyping was performed either by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique followed by enzymatic digestion or by the high‐resolution melt (HRM) method. Genotype and haplotype association was assessed with the UNPHASED statistical program.The results showed one nominal association with BD (P < 0.02) and two risk haplotypes in both SZ (P < 0.001) and BP (P < 0.0005), which survived multiple testing correction. A modest interaction between a BDNF variant and PI3KC3 polymorphism was observed (P < 0.04).These preliminary results confirm the genetic association of PI3K gene variants with both SZ and BD, and support the hypothesis that SZ and BD share a genetic background.
Structure‐Based Discovery of Allosteric Modulators of Two Related Class B G‐Protein‐Coupled Receptors
Authors: de Graaf Chris , Rein Chantal , Piwnica David , Giordanetto Fabrizio , Rognan Didier 
Published: October 2011

AbstractDespite the availability of X‐ray crystal structure data for several members of the G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, structure‐based discovery of GPCR ligands has been exclusively restricted to class A (rhodopsin‐like) receptors. Herein we report the identification, by a docking‐based virtual screening approach, of noncompetitive ligands for two related class B (secretin‐like) GPCRs: the glucagon receptor (GLR) and the glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor (GLP‐1R). Starting from a knowledge‐based three‐dimensional model of the GLR, a database of 1.9 million commercially available drug‐like compounds was screened for chemical similarity to existing GLR noncompetitive antagonists and docked to the transmembrane cavity of the GLR; 23 compounds were then selected based on protein–ligand interaction fingerprints, and were then purchased and evaluated for in vitro binding to GLR and modulation of glucagon‐induced cAMP release. Two of the 23 compounds inhibited the effect of glucagon in a dose‐dependent manner, with one inhibitor exhibiting the same potency as L‐168 049, a reference noncompetitive GLR antagonist, in a whole‐cell‐based functional assay. Interestingly, one virtual hit that was inactive at the GLR was shown to bind to GLP‐1R and potentiate the response to the endogenous GLP‐1 ligand.
Structures, Energetics and Vibrational Frequency Shifts of Hydrated Pyrimidine
Authors: Howard J. Coleman , Hammer Nathan I. , Tschumper Gregory S. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMore than 70 unique micro‐hydrated structures of pyrimidine, ranging in size from 1 to 7 water molecules, have been characterized with the B3LYP density functional and the 6‐311++G(2df,2pd) triple‐ζsplit‐valence basis set. Explicitly correlated MP2‐F12 single‐point computations were performed on each structure with a correlation consistent triple‐ζbasis set to estimate the relative and dissociation energies at the MP2 complete basis set (CBS) limit. Many of these new structures have significantly lower energies than those previously reported (by as much as 12.66 kcal mol−1). For clusters with 1 and 2 water molecules, the MP2‐F12 relative and dissociation energies are virtually identical to the corresponding CCSD(T)‐F12 values. As the number of hydrating waters increases, the structures in which the water molecules are clustered together at one of the N atoms have lower energies than those where the water molecules are more distributed around the pyrimidine ring. Micro‐hydrated structures that effectively extend the low‐energy hydrogen‐bonding motifs to both sides of the ring, as would be expected in the bulk phase, reproduce the experimentally observed vibrational frequency shifts ofν1andν8bin very dilute aqueous pyrimidine solutions to within 1 cm−1. Micro‐hydrated structures of pyrimidine in which water molecules are clustered together have lower energies than structures in which the water molecules are more evenly spread around the pyrimidine ring.
Practice note: Is mediation suitable for complaints of workplace bullying?
Authors: Jenkins Moira 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis article draws on research that sheds light on whether mediation is an appropriate intervention in complaints of workplace bullying. The different types of bullying that can be perpetrated are discussed. While mediation may be appropriate for most bullying complaints, when used alone it fails to address the antecedents that have been identified as contributing both to the development and maintenance of workplace bullying. This article examines these antecedents and argues that the sustainability of mediated outcomes may be at risk if mediation is used as the sole intervention to address complaints of workplace bullying.
Practice note: Informal mediation in China
Authors: Faure Guy Olivier 
Published: October 2011

AbstractEverywhere in the world, daily life provides abundant cases of conflict. Common events may turn into a real show when highlighted by some exotic colors such as those produced by Chinese strategies. Thus, a mediation addressing a conflict following a traffic accident can be quite revelatory of how Chinese culture approaches disputes. The following account comes from direct observation completed by interviews of onlookers.
Conservation priorities of genetic diversity in domesticated metapopulations: a study in taurine cattle breeds
Authors: Medugorac Ivica , Veit‐Kensch Claudia E. , Ramljak Jelena , Brka Muhamed , Marković Božidarka , Stojanović Srđan , Bytyqi Hysen , Kochoski Ljupche , Kume Kristaq , Grünenfelder Hans‐Peter , Bennewitz Jörn , Förster Martin 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWe estimated neutral diversity of 21 European cattle breeds with 105 microsatellites. Nine of them resembled unselected Balkan Buša strains with diffuse breeding barriers and the 12 others were strongly differentiated, isolated breeds. Because of the impact of neutral genetic diversity on long‐term population adaptive capacity, we discuss the long‐term outcome of different conservation priorities in a subdivided metapopulation of the investigated cattle breeds. The optimal contribution to a pool of total genetic diversity allocated more than 95% of long‐term relevant neutral diversity to virtually unselected strains of the Balkan Buša, while the maximization of total variance preferred inbred breeds. Current artificial selection methods, such as genomic selection sped up and a recovery of underestimated traits becomes quickly impossible. We emphasize that currently neutral and even deleterious alleles might be required for future genotypes in sustainable and efficient livestock breeding and production systems of a 21st century. We provide cumulative evidences that long‐term survival relies on genetic complexity and complexity relies on allelic diversity. Our results suggest that virtually unselected, nonuniform strains harbor a crucial proportion of neutral diversity and should be conserved with high global priority. As one example, we suggest a cooperative maintenance of the nondifferentiated, highly fragmented, and fast vanishing metapopulation of Balkan Buša.
Nocturnal water loss in mature subalpine Eucalyptus delegatensis tall open forests and adjacent E. pauciflora woodlands
Authors: Buckley Thomas N. , Turnbull Tarryn L. , Pfautsch Sebastian , Adams Mark A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWe measured sap flux (S) and environmental variables in four monospecific stands of alpine ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis R. Baker, AA) and snowgum (E. pauciflora Sieb. ex Spreng., SG) in Australia's Victorian Alps. Nocturnal S was 11.8 ± 0.8% of diel totals. We separated transpiration (E) and refilling components of S using a novel modeling approach based on refilling time constants. The nocturnal fraction of diel water loss (fn
) averaged 8.6 ± 0.6% for AA and 9.8 ± 1.7% for SG; fn
differed among sites but not species. Evaporative demand (D) was the strongest driver of nocturnal E (En
). The ratio En
/D (Gn
) was positively correlated to soil moisture in most cases, whereas correlations between wind speed and Gn
varied widely in sign and strength. Our results suggest (1) the large, mature trees at our subalpine sites have greater fn
than the few Australian native tree species that have been studied at lower elevations, (2) AA and SG exhibit similar fn
despite very different size and life history, and (3) fn
may differ substantially among sites, so future work should be replicated across differing sites. Our novel approach to quantifying fn
can be applied to S measurements obtained by any method.