bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left Lobe Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Should Portal Inflow Modulation Be Added?
Authors: Ishizaki Yoichi , Kawasaki Seiji , Sugo Hiroyuki , Yoshimoto Jiro , Fujiwara Noriko , Imamura Hiroshi 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Recently, the successful application of portal inflow modulation has led to renewed interest in the use of left lobe grafts in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). However, data on the hepatic hemodynamics supporting portal inflow modulation are limited, and the optimal portal circulation for a liver graft is still unclear. We analyzed 42 consecutive adult-to-adult left lobe LDLT cases without splenectomy or a portocaval shunt. The mean actual graft volume (GV)/recipient standard liver volume (SLV) ratio was 39.8% ± 5.7% (median = 38.9%, range = 26.1%-54.0%). The actual GV/SLV ratio was less than 40% in 24 of the 42 cases, and the actual graft-to-recipient weight ratio was less than 0.8% in 17 of the 42 recipients. The mean portal vein pressure (PVP) was 23.9 ± 7.6 mm Hg (median = 23.5 mm Hg, range = 9-38 mm Hg) before transplantation and 21.5 ± 3.6 mm Hg (median = 22 mm Hg, range = 14-27 mm Hg) after graft implantation. The mean portal pressure gradient (PVP − central venous pressure) was 14.5 ± 6.8 mm Hg (median = 13.5 mm Hg, range = 3-26 mm Hg) before transplantation and 12.4 ± 4.4 mm Hg (median = 13 mm Hg, range = 1-21 mm Hg) after graft implantation. The mean posttransplant portal vein flow was 301 ± 167 mL/minute/100 g of liver in the 38 recipients for whom it was measured. None of the recipients developed small-for-size syndrome, and all were discharged from the hospital despite portal hyperperfusion. The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient and graft survival rates were 100%, 97%, and 91%, respectively. In conclusion, LDLT with a left liver graft without splenectomy or a portocaval shunt yields good long-term results for adult patients with a minimal donor burden.
Liver Transpl 18:305–314, 2012.
© 2012 AASLD.
An Electrospun Degradable Scaffold Based on a Novel Hydrophilic Polyester for Tissue‐Engineering Applications
Authors: Seyednejad Hajar , Ji Wei , Schuurman Wouter , Dhert Wouter J. A. , Malda Jos , Yang Fang , Jansen John A. , van Nostrum Cornelus , Vermonden Tina , Hennink Wim E. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractScaffolds based on a novel functionalized polyester, pHMGCL, are electrospun and characterized morphologically and physically. In vitro degradation studies of pHMGCL films show considerable mass loss and molecular weight reduction within 70 weeks. Scaffolds composed of fibers with uniform diameter (≈ 900 nm) and with melting temperatures higher than body temperature are prepared. As an indication for the feasibility of this material for regenerative medicine approaches, articular chondrocytes are seeded onto electrospun pHMGCL scaffolds. Chondrocytes attach to the fibers and re‐differentiate as demonstrated by the production of GAG and collagen type II within four weeks of in vitro culture. Hydrophilic pHMGCL scaffolds may thus be useful for tissue engineering applications.magnified image
Structure and Mechanical Properties of an Injection‐Molded Thermoplastic Polyurethane as a Function of Melt Temperature
Authors: Stribeck Norbert , Zeinolebadi Ahmad , Sari Morteza Ganjaee , Frick Achim , Mikoszek Marzena , Botta Stephan 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) molded at 205, 215, and 235 °C are monitored by SAXS and WAXS during straining. A non‐affine nanostructure deformation and related evolution mechanisms are found. DSC and microscopy are applied. DSC shows two melting endotherms. The results indicate that melts kept below the second peak stay phase‐separated. The orientation parameter f(ϵ) and df/dϵ from WAXS are related to chain orientation mechanisms (strain ϵ). SAXS shows hard domains that are only correlated to a next neighbor (“sandwich”). Thick sandwiches lengthen more than thin ones. Thin‐layer sandwiches feature a strain limit. Some are converted into thick‐layer sandwiches. Two materials have tough hard domains. Material processed at 235 °C is soft and contains weak hard domains that fail for ϵ > 0.75.
Mechanical Performance of Soy‐Hull‐Reinforced Bioplastic Green Composites: A Comparison with Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Nanda Malaya R. , Misra Manjusri , Mohanty Amar K. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA blend composition of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐valerate) and polylactide is used as a bioplastic matrix and reinforced with soy hull to engineer novel green composites. A comparative study with soy‐hull‐reinforced polypropylene composite system is performed. A compatibilizer is used to engineer the novel class of green composites with a balanced stiffness and toughness performance with the target to substitute PP‐based composites. The flexural and impact strength along with hydrophobicity of compatibilized composites are improved significantly over the noncompatibilized counterpart. The fiber/matrix interaction is investigated by SEM. These green composites have the potential to substitute PP‐based composites in some applications.magnified image
Applying the Traditional Solution Melt Polymerization for the in situ Intercalation of Polyamide 6.6‐Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Boussia Anastasia C. , Vouyiouka Stamatina N. , Papaspyrides Constantine D. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe traditional PA 6.6 production route, i.e. solution melt polymerization followed by extrusion, is applied to the in situ intercalation of PA 6.6/clay nanocomposites. Organoclays of different types are tested and the derived nanocomposites are thoroughly characterized in terms of molecular weight, thermal properties and morphology. Reaction acceleration is found in the presence of fully exchanged organoclays, which is attributed to a chain extension mechanism based on clay SiOH groups. Analysis of the nanocomposites' nanostructure indicates that the applied solution melt polymerization process results in some flocculation of the tested organoclays, which is improved in some cases after extrusion and leads to partially exfoliated nanocomposites.magnified image
Novel Biodegradable Block Copolymers of Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and Cationic Polycarbonate: Effects of PEG Configuration on Gene Delivery
Authors: Yang Chuan , Ong Zhan Yuin , Yang Yi‐Yan , Ee Pui Lai Rachel , Hedrick James L. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA novel amine‐functionalized polycarbonate was synthesized and its excellent gene transfection ability in vitro is demonstrated. In the framework of adapting the cationic polycarbonate for in vivo gene delivery applications, here the design and synthesis of biodegradable block copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and amine‐functionalized polycarbonate with a well‐defined molecular architecture and molecular weight is achieved by metal‐free organocatalytic ring‐opening polymerization. Copolymers in triblock cationic polycarbonate‐block‐PEG‐block‐cationic polycarbonate and diblock PEG‐block‐cationic polycarbonate configurations, in comparison with a non‐PEGylated cationic polycarbonate control, are investigated for their influence on key aspects of gene delivery. Among the polymers with similar molecular weights and N content, the triblock copolymer exhibit more favorable physicochemical (i.e., DNA binding, size, zeta‐potential, and in vitro stability) and biological (i.e., cellular uptake and luciferase reporter gene expression) properties. Importantly, the various cationic polycarbonate/DNA complexes are biocompatible, inducing minimal cytotoxicities and hemolysis. These results suggest that the triblock copolymer is a more useful architecture in future cationic polymer designs for successful systemic therapeutic applications.
Feeding the Foxes: An Experimental Study to Assess Their Taphonomic Signature on Leporid Remains
Authors: Lloveras L. , Moreno‐García M. , Nadal J. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a generalist predator, but in areas where the abundance of rabbits is high, they constitute one of the most common prey species. Taphonomic studies on leporid remains consumed by this terrestrial carnivore are scarce, and its role as an agent responsible for bone accumulations in the fossil record is not fully understood. With the aim of contributing new data to this subject, an experimental study was carried out with four red foxes kept in captivity. They were fed with complete rabbit carcasses. Scats and non‐ingested remains were recovered in order to analyse anatomical representation, breakage and digestion patterns. Results were compared with another sample derived exclusively from wild red foxes' scats. Variability occurs among the three samples, suggesting that the identification of the taphonomic signature of this predator on archaeological assemblages of leporid remains is not a straightforward matter. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dose‐dependent proteomic analysis of glioblastoma cancer stem cells upon treatment with γ‐secretase inhibitor
Authors: Dai Lan , He Jintang , Liu Yashu , Byun Jaeman , Vivekanandan Anuradha , Pennathur Subramaniam , Fan Xing , Lubman David M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractNotch signaling has been demonstrated to have a central role in glioblastoma (GBM) cancer stem cells (CSCs) and we have demonstrated recently that Notch pathway blockade by γ‐secretase inhibitor (GSI) depletes GBM CSCs and prevents tumor propagation both in vitro and in vivo. In order to understand the proteome alterations involved in this transformation, a dose‐dependent quantitative mass spectrometry (MS)‐based proteomic study has been performed based on the global proteome profiling and a target verification phase where both Immunoassay and a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assay are employed. The selection of putative protein candidates for confirmation poses a challenge due to the large number of identifications from the discovery phase. A multilevel filtering strategy together with literature mining is adopted to transmit the most confident candidates along the pipeline. Our results indicate that treating GBM CSCs with GSI induces a phenotype transformation towards non‐tumorigenic cells with decreased proliferation and increased differentiation, as well as elevated apoptosis. Suppressed glucose metabolism and attenuated NFR2‐mediated oxidative stress response are also suggested from our data, possibly due to their crosstalk with Notch Signaling. Overall, this quantitative proteomic‐based dose‐dependent work complements our current understanding of the altered signaling events occurring upon the treatment of GSI in GBM CSCs.
The psychosocial impact of stigma in people with head and neck or lung cancer
Authors: Lebel Sophie , Castonguay Myriam , Mackness Gudrun , Irish Jonathan , Bezjak Andrea , Devins Gerald M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundLung and head and neck cancers are widely believed to produce psychologically destructive stigma because they are linked to avoidable risk‐producing behaviors and are highly visible, but little research has tested these ideas. We examined cancer‐related stigma, its determinants, and its psychosocial impact in lung (n = 107) and head and neck cancer survivors (n = 99) ≤3 years post‐diagnosis. We investigated cancer site, self‐blame, disfigurement, and sex as determinants, benefit finding as a moderator, and illness intrusiveness as a mediator of the relation between stigma and its psychosocial impact.MethodsProspective participants received questionnaire packages 2 weeks before scheduled follow‐up appointments. They self‐administered widely used measures of subjective well‐being, distress, stigma, self‐blame, disfigurement, illness intrusiveness, and post‐traumatic growth.ResultsAs hypothesized, stigma correlated significantly and uniquely with negative psychosocial impact, but contrary to common beliefs, reported stigma was comparatively low. Reported stigma was higher in (i) men than women, (ii) lung as compared with head and neck cancer, and (iii) people who were highly disfigured by cancer and/or its treatment. Benefit finding buffered stigma's deleterious effects, and illness intrusiveness was a partial mediator of its psychosocial impact.ConclusionsStigma exerts a powerful, deleterious psychosocial impact in lung and head and neck cancers, but is less common than believed. Patients should be encouraged to remain involved in valued activities and roles and to use benefit finding to limit its negative effects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of junctions on carbon nanotube network‐based devices
Authors: Kang Pil Soo , Kim Gyu Tae 
Published: September 2011

AbstractRealistic random networks of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were simulated by the noble hybrid method combining Monte Carlo and SPICE simulations. Near the percolation threshold, the electrical characteristics of networks are strongly affected by the contacts among nanotubes. The nonlinear electrical junctions in the CNT network were modeled by suitable SPICE models and simulated using our hybrid simulation method. We successfully described the morphological percolation threshold, and the critical density was determined as a function of normalized length. The effects of electrical junctions on the scaling of the sheet conductance were investigated.
Boron and nitrogen substitutional impurities inducing magnetic and half‐metallic behavior in zigzag silicon carbon nanoribbons
Authors: Lou Ping 
Published: September 2011

AbstractZigzag silicon carbon nanoribbons (ZSiC NRs) containing one substitutional nitrogen (N) or boron (B) atom in each super cell that includes four units are investigated by first‐principles calculations. It is found that the system where one of the edge Si atoms was substituted by a B atom presents ferromagnetic half‐metallic behavior, while the system where one of the edge C atoms was substituted by an N atom shows ferrimagnetic half‐metallic behavior. Moreover, in contrast to the pristine system, where the edge magnetism appears at both edges, the edge magnetism of the B‐doped system only appears at the C edge, while the edge magnetism of the N‐doped system only appears at the Si edge. These are because a B atom substituting one of the edge Si atoms destroys the local spin moment at the edge Si atoms, but an N atom substituting one of the edge C atoms destroys the local spin moment at the edge C atoms. When the size of the super cell increases to six units, the dilute doping case, the local spin moment at some edge atoms, where the substitution impurity resides at the edge, remains. This means that the dilute doping fails to completely destroy the local spin moment at the edge atoms, where the impurity resides at the edge. However, the half‐metallic band structure remains in the dilute doping case. Thus, a B atom substituting one of the edge Si atoms, as well as an N atom substituting one of the edge C atoms, induces a semiconductor–half‐metallic transition in the ZSiC NRs.
Natural dispersal or illegal pets? Limitations on assigning origin to road‐killed ocelots in the southwestern United States
Authors: Holbrook Joseph D. , DeYoung Randy W. , Tewes Michael E. , Young John H. , Mays Jody L. , Meyers Ed 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a spotted felid that is critically endangered in the United States (U.S.). During spring 2010, 2 ocelots were road‐killed in the southwestern U.S. far from known populations; an adult male near Palo Pinto, Texas, and a subadult male near Globe, Arizona. Necropsy results indicated that the Palo Pinto ocelot was likely a captive, whereas the Arizona ocelot was consistent with a wild individual. We used genetic data to determine the geographic origin of the ocelot lineages. A South American assignment would suggest human‐mediated transfer of ocelots, whereas an assignment to northern Mexico may indicate natural movements. We acquired reference‐sequence data and performed a phylogenetic analysis. Our results suggested that the Palo Pinto ocelot's lineage was from northern Mexico or southern Texas. The Arizona ocelot's lineage grouped with Mexico and Guatemala; however, sampling constraints prevented any explicit geographic assignments. Collecting additional genetic samples throughout Mexico is essential for future assignment analyses, and to determine whether illegal pet trafficking is occurring. These efforts would also provide necessary data to assist ocelot recovery in the U.S. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Preparation, Structural and Spectroscopic Characterization of Vanadium(IV) and Vanadium(V) Complexes with Dipicolinic Acid
Authors: Hakimi Mohammad , Kukovec Boris‐Marko , Rezvaninezhad Maryam , Schuh Esther , Mohr Fabian 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe reaction of dipicolinic acid, dipicH2, with vanadyl sulfate in the mixture of ethanol and water led to the formation of[VO(dipic)(H2O)2]·C2H5OH (1) and [VO(dipic)(H2O)(OC2H5)] (2). Complex 1 was obtained first and complex 2 after prolonged standing of the mother liquor in air. Both complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, Raman and UV/Vis spectroscopic analyses and their structures were determined by X‐ray diffraction. The vanadium(IV) ion in 1 and vanadium(V) ion in 2 are both coordinated by the O,N,O′‐tridentate dipicolinate ligand. The octahedral coordination of the vanadium(IV) atom is completed by two water molecules in trans position and by an oxo oxygen atom, whereas the vanadium(V) atom is additionally coordinated by an oxo oxygen atom and a water molecule in trans position and by an ethoxido oxygen atom. A co‐crystallized ethanol molecule is also present in the crystal structure of 1. Molecules of [VO(dipic)(H2O)2] and ethanol are linked into a 2D network by the O–H···O hydrogen bonds in the structure of 1. Molecules of 2 are assembled into a 3D structure by the O–H···O hydrogen bonds.
VLCAD enzyme activity determinations in newborns identified by screening: a valuable tool for risk assessment
Authors: Hoffmann Lars , Haussmann Ulrike , Mueller Martina , Spiekerkoetter Ute 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTandem mass spectrometry‐based newborn screening correctly identifies individuals with very long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD). However, a great number of healthy individuals present with identical acylcarnitine profiles during catabolism in the first three days of life. We routinely perform an enzyme activity assay as confirmation analysis in newborns identified by screening. Whereas VLCAD residual activities of less than 10% are clearly diagnostic and indicate patients at risk of clinical disease, the clinical relevance of higher residual activities is unclear. In this study we assess the molecular basis in 34 individuals with residual activities of 10‐50%. We identify two pathogenic mutations in patients that result in residual activities as high as 22%, while individuals with residual activities of 25‐50% either present with a heterozygous or no mutation in the VLCAD gene. In addition, confirmed heterozygous parents present with residual activities as low as 32%.In conclusion, we identify individuals with 2 pathogenic mutations and those with only one heterozygous mutation in the residual activity range of 20‐30%. Whereas heterozygosity is generally regarded as clinically irrelevant, identification of 2 VLCAD mutations leads to precautions in the management of the children. Based on our data we anticipate that individuals with a residual enzyme activity >20% present with a biochemical phenotype but likely remain asymptomatic throughout life. Studies in greater patient numbers are needed to correlate residual activities >10% with the genotype and the outcome.
Effects of walnut consumption on cognitive performance in young adults
Authors: Pribis Peter , Bailey Rudolph N. , Russell Andrew A. , Kilsby Marcia A. , Hernandez Magaly , Craig Winston J. , Grajales Tevni , Shavlik David J. , Sabatè Joan 
Published: September 2011

Walnuts contain a number of potentially neuroprotective compounds like vitamin E, folate, melatonin, several antioxidative polyphenols and significant amounts ofn-3 α-linolenic fatty acid. The present study sought to determine the effect of walnuts on verbal and non-verbal reasoning, memory and mood. A total of sixty-four college students were randomly assigned to two treatment sequences in a crossover fashion: walnuts–placebo or placebo–walnuts. Baseline data were collected for non-verbal reasoning, verbal reasoning, memory and mood states. Data were collected again after 8 weeks of intervention. After 6 weeks of washout, the intervention groups followed the diets in reverse order. Data were collected once more at the end of the 8-week intervention period. No significant increases were detected for mood, non-verbal reasoning or memory on the walnut-supplemented diet. However, inferential verbal reasoning increased significantly by 11·2 %, indicating a medium effect size (P = 0·009;d = 0·567). In young, healthy, normal adults, walnuts do not appear to improve memory, mood or non-verbal reasoning abilities. However, walnuts may have the ability to increase inferential reasoning.
The effect of food preparation on the bioavailability of carotenoids from carrots using intrinsic labelling
Authors: Ghavami Abdollah , Coward W. Andy , Bluck Les J. C. 
Published: September 2011

A strategy to reduce the incidence of vitamin A deficiency is to improve precursor bioavailability from meals. Since vitamin A precursors are fat-soluble, we noted that carotenoids are more easily absorbed from food if prepared in such a way that the food matrix containing provitamin A (β-carotene) is sufficiently fat rich. To quantify this effect, we have developed a stable isotope methodology. By regular watering with2H-labelled water, we were able to produce several kg of intrinsically labelled carrots, with carotenoids labelled to 0·63 % excess2H. These were divided into 100 g portions and fed to a small group of healthy subjects both raw and stir-fried. To normalise for inter-individual variation in absorption and subsequent metabolism, small quantities of extrinsically13C-labelled β-carotene and2H-labelled retinol acetate were also incorporated into the meal. After ingestion of the carrots, blood lipids were monitored for a period of 3 d in order to determine the kinetics of β-carotene and retinol. From kinetic data, it was estimated that the bioavailability of carrot-derived β-carotene compared with pure β-carotene was about 11 % for raw carrots, but 75 % when the carrots were stir-fried. Conversely, there was a slight reduction in the bioconversion to retinol from β-carotene when the latter was derived from the stir-fried meal compared with that from raw carrots. When these two factors are combined, the yield of retinol from the carotene in carrots was found to be enhanced by a factor of 6·5 by stir-frying.