bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rhinovirus infection‐induced alteration of tight junction and adherens junction components in human nasal epithelial cells
Authors: Yeo Nam‐Kyung , Jang Yong Ju 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Manifestations of rhinovirus (RV) infections include mucus overproduction, increased vascular permeability, and secondary bacterial infection. These effects may reflect disrupted epithelial barrier functions, which are mainly regulated by intercellular junctions, referred to as tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs). The objective of this study was to investigate changes in the components of TJs (ZO‐1, occluding, and claudin‐1) and AJs (E‐cadherin) after RV infection in cultured nasal epithelial cells.Methods:Primary human nasal epithelial cells grown at an air‐liquid interface were infected apically with RV. RV‐induced changes in the expression of epithelial TJ and AJ proteins were determined using real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, confocal microscopy, and Western blot analyses. Functional changes in the integrity of junctional proteins were assessed by measuring transepithelial resistance (TER) using a voltmeter.Results:RV infection decreased mRNA levels of ZO‐1, occludin, claudin‐1, and E‐cadherin to 64.2%, 51.8%, 56.2%, and 56.3%, respectively, of those in controls (P < .05). Decreases in ZO‐1, occludin, claudin‐1, and E‐cadherin protein levels in RV‐infected cells were evident in immunofluorescent confocal microscopic images. Expression levels of these proteins were also lower in the RV‐infected group in Western blot analyses. RV infection reduced the mean TER from 143.1 Ω/cm2 (controls) to 122.6 Ω/cm2.Conclusions:RV infection decreased the expression of TJ and AJ components and reduced TER in primary cultured human nasal epithelial cells, indicating that RV infection may exert a harmful effect on nasal epithelial barrier function. Laryngoscope, 2010
The shelf life of antimicrobial ear drops
Authors: Clark Matthew P. A. , Pangilinan Lyela , Wang Amy , Doyle Patrick , Westerberg Brian D. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:The advice given to patients regarding the shelf life of antimicrobial ear drops is based on little or no evidence. We aimed to determine appropriate recommendations for the shelf life of common antibiotic‐containing topical otic solutions.Study Design:Prospective experimental design.Methods:Ear drops containing gentamicin and ciprofloxacin were analyzed. Their effectiveness was assessed on agar plates inoculated with both Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bottles were also assessed for contamination once opened. In addition, drops used for 1 week on patients with culture‐positive otorrhea were analyzed for contamination of both the bottle teat and the drop solution.Results:Neither antibiotic showed deterioration in effectiveness against either microorganism over a 4‐month period, as assessed by the size of inhibitory zones on inoculated agar plates. Of drops returned after use on infected patients, none of the cultures from the teats of the bottle grew any organisms. The drop solution itself also showed no contamination after having been opened for 4 months and used by a patient.Conclusions:There appears to be no evidence that antimicrobial ear drops containing either gentamicin or ciprofloxacin lose their efficacy against either S. aureus or P. aeruginosa over at least 4 months from opening, or that the bottle contents become contaminated after use in patients with culture‐positive otorrhea. It is likely these findings apply to other antimicrobial drops and for other organisms. This allows us to advise patients to keep unfinished drops for potential future use with beneficial economic implications. Laryngoscope, 2010
The generation and utilisation of half‐cycle cut‐offs in high harmonic spectra
Authors: Chipperfield L.E. , Robinson J.S. , Knight P.L. , Marangos J.P. , Tisch J.W.G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractHigh‐order harmonic spectra are composed of a coherent sum of half‐cycle emissions, the cut‐off energy of which depend sensitively on different sub‐cycle portions of the driving laser field. By selecting the correct focal geometry the half‐cycle cut‐off emissions can be preferentially selected over the lower energy plateau emissions through phase matching, such that they form macroscopic half‐cycle cut‐off features in the far‐field spectrum. The energy of these macroscopic half‐cycle cut‐offs can then be used to retrieve the waveform of the driving laser field. The processes through which these macroscopic half‐cycle cut‐offs are formed and their applications, both for measuring the laser waveform and the generation of wavelength tunable isolated attosecond pulses, are reviewed in detail.
The effect of recrystallization on corrosion and electrochemical behavior of 7150 Al alloy
Authors: Peng G. S. , Chen K. H. , Fang H. C. , Chen S. Y. , Chao H. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBy weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques complemented by optical and scanning electron microscopy observations, the effect of recrystallization on the corrosion, and electrochemical behavior of 7150 Al alloy was studied. The results indicated that the high recrystallization fraction 7150‐1# was worse than the low recrystallization fraction 7150‐2# on corrosion resistance. The analysis of EIS indicated that 7150‐1# exhibited obvious pitting corrosion at 5 h immersion time, whereas 7150‐2# showed no obvious pitting corrosion even at 33 h. The corrosion route developed along the grain boundary of recrystallization grains, not along the grain boundary of unrecrystallization grains.
A New Polymeric Light‐Emitting Material with Pure Green Emission: Poly(fluorene‐alt‐quinoxaline) with Benzothiadiazole Groups in the Side Chain
Authors: Xu Erjian , Zhong Hongliang , Lai Hua , Zeng Danli , Zhang Jianhua , Zhu Wenqing , Fang Qiang 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA new alternative copolymer composed of fluorene and quinoxaline units having benzothiadiazole groups in the side chain was prepared and used as a green emitter for polymeric light‐emitting diodes to give a device emitting pure green color at about 520 nm with a chromaticity coordinate of (x = 0.32, y = 0.59), matching the NTSC 1979 standard green color (x = 0.31, y = 0.595) very well.magnified image
Spectroscopic, Mechanical and Dynamic‐Mechanical Studies on the Photo‐Aging of a Tetrafunctional Epoxy Resin
Authors: Ragosta Giuseppe , Abbate Mario , Musto Pellegrino , Scarinzi Gennaro 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe photo‐oxidative degradation of a densely cross‐linked epoxide/diamine network based on tetraglycidyl‐4,4′ diaminodiphenylmethane (TGDDM) and 4,4′ diaminodiphenyl sulphone (DDS) has been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy, dynamic‐mechanical analysis (DMA) and compressive mechanical tests. The FTIR measurements allowed us to monitor the degradation process of the different groups present in the TGDDM/DDS network and to obtain reliable kinetic data. On this basis the most likely photo‐degradation mechanisms were proposed. Dynamic‐mechanical measurements and mechanical compressive tests were used to gain an insight in the effect of the photo‐oxidative degradation on the relaxation processes of the epoxy network and on the mechanical performances.
Demixing Time and Temperature Influence on Porosity and Interconnection of PLLA Scaffolds Prepared via TIPS
Authors: Brucato V. , Pavia F. Carfì , La Carrubba V. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractScaffolds suitable for tissue engineering applications were prepared by Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS) starting from a ternary solution PLLA/dioxane/water. The experimental protocol consisted of three consecutive steps, a first quench from the homogeneous solution to an appropriate demixing temperature (within the binodal region), a liquid‐liquid demixing stage for a given time and a final quench from the demixing temperature to a low temperature (within the spinodal region). A large variety of morphologies, in terms of average pore size and interconnection were obtained upon modifying the demixing time and temperature, owing to the interplay of nucleation and growth processes during the residence in the metastable state. An interesting combination of micro and macro‐porosity was observed for longer demixing times (above 30 min at 35 °C).
OLED with Hole‐Transporting Layer Fabricated by Ink‐Jet Printing
Authors: Villani F. , Vacca P. , Miscioscia R. , Nenna G. , Burrasca G. , Fasolino T. , Minarini C. , Sala D. della 
Published: December 2009

Abstractwe report about the fabrication of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) ink‐jet printing a hole‐transporting polymer (PF6, poly(9,9‐dihexyl‐9H‐fluorene‐2,7‐diyl)) on flexible substrate (PET) and performing the other layers through vacuum thermal evaporation. The aim of the work is to employ the ink‐jet printing (IJP) technology, familiar as a method for printing on paper, in optoelectronic applications and to determine how the deposition method affects the functional material film properties and hence the ultimate device performances. In this line of work, ink‐jet printed polymer films are compared to same spin‐coated polymer from the electro‐optical point of view: both prepared materials are adopted as HTLs of electroluminescent devices. All manufactured OLEDs are characterized and their behaviours are investigated and analyzed with theoretical models. The results show differences in current density and optical behaviours between the devices fabricated by means of the above mentioned technologies which can be justified in terms of different trap distribution induced by impurity energy levels associated to each process.
Influences of Plasma Treatment and 60Co γ‐Ray Radiation on the Over‐Voltage Positive Temperature Coefficient of High Density Polyethylene/Carbon Black Nano Composites
Authors: Liu Chia‐I , Tsai Ching‐Shan , Tsao Keng‐Yu , Chen Kan‐Nan , Yeh Jen‐Taut , Huang Chi‐Yuan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractArgon plasma‐pretreated high‐density polyethylene (PHDPE) was blended with the conductive nano carbon black (CB) and inorganic flame retardant (magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2) was added. Influences of the CB content, plasma treatment time, plasma treatment power, and dosage of 60Co γ‐ray radiation on positive temperature coefficient (PTC) behaviors of composite were studied. In addition, the over‐voltage resistance behavior of the composites was also investigated. The free radical of PHDPE was measured by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The gel contents of composite were measured by solvent extraction method. The results showed that the room‐temperature volume resistivity and PTC effect of composite were improved significantly with plasma treatment. The PHDPE composite with 60Co γ‐ray radiation eliminated the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) effect in the composites effectively, and the PTC intensity of composite was increased. With increasing of radiation dosage from 20 Mrads to 80 Mrads, the gel content of composites increased up to 83.84% and the response temperature of composites shifted to low temperature (127.5 °C to 114.8 °C). In this work, the composites also successfully passed the over‐voltage resistance test, and possessed good reproducibility.
Influence of High Temperatures on PET‐Concrete Properties
Authors: Albano C. , Camacho N. , Hernández M. , Matheus A. , Gutiérrez A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractLightweight aggregate is an important material in reducing the unit weight of concrete and it is essential in the construction of high‐rise buildings; besides, the use of recycled PET bottles as lightweight aggregate in concrete is an effective contribution for environmental preservation. So, the objective of the present work is to study the flexural strength of PET‐concrete and PET thermal degradation in the concrete, when the blends with 10 and 20 vol% of PET are exposed to different temperatures (200, 400, 600 °C). The flexural strength of PET‐concrete exposed to a heat source is strongly dependent on the temperature, the water/cement ratio, as well as on the content and particle size of PET. Furthermore, the activation energy for PET degradation is affected by temperature, location of PET particles on the slabs and the water/cement ratio. A higher content of water gives rise to hydrolytic degradation on PET and a higher vapor pressure that increases the formation of cracks on the concrete. The values of activation energy are higher on the center of the slabs than on the surface, due to the poor heat conduction of concrete.
Pfade des Iods
Authors: Wagner Hubertus , Franke Katrin , Röttger Anna 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDie Spanne zwischen dem Wert der empfohlenen Aufnahme des Spurenelements Iod und dem oberen Grenzwert ist klein. Um herauszufinden, wie sich Iodzusätze im Tierfutter sowie Iodsalz in Wurst und Schinken auf die Iodversorgung auswirken, wurden Fütterungsversuche durchgeführt und Fleischerzeugnisse aus dem Handel untersucht. Solche Studien erfordern eine flexible Iodanalytik.
Adding a nursing information technology subscale to the practice environment scale of the Nursing Work Index
Authors: Moorer Oyweda W. , Meterko Mark , Alt‐White Anna C. , Sullivan Jennifer L. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn the past decade, the use of information technology (IT) to support healthcare delivery has greatly expanded. Introducing new clinical information systems and updating existing systems require continued learning and training among registered nurses (RNs) and other clinicians. Consequently, a 5‐item measure was designed as a subscale to the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index. This new subscale, the Nursing Information Technology Subscale (NITS) measures RNs' perception of the extent to which IT in their practice environment supports patient care delivery. A psychometric evaluation of the NITS was conducted at 8 Veterans Affairs hospitals. The findings demonstrated that this brief subscale has acceptable reliability as well as convergent and discriminant validity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:48–59, 2010
Targeted therapy in haematological malignancies
Authors: Hamilton Ashley , Gallipoli Paolo , Nicholson Emma , Holyoake Tessa L 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe recent and rapid development of molecularly targeted therapy is best illustrated by advances in the management of haematological malignancy. In myeloid diseases we have seen dramatic improvements in the overall survival and quality of life for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia treated with ABL and Src/ABL kinase inhibitors and we are poised to discover whether JAK2 inhibitors may offer similar benefit in myeloproliferative diseases. For acute myeloid leukaemia, the introduction of ATRA and myelotarg have had major impacts on the design of therapy regimens and many novel targeted agents, including farnesyl transferase, FLT3 and histone deacetylase inhibitors, are now in clinical trial. In lymphoid malignancies the highlight has been the introduction of rituximab, with significant improvements in the management of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The last 10 years has experienced a rapidly expanding interest and acceptance that leukaemic stem cells, including an improved ability to target them, may hold the key to improved response and reduced relapse rates across both myeloid and lymphoid disease. We now eagerly anticipate an era in which a wealth of preclinical discoveries are progressed to the clinic. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ADAM 12 may be used to reduce the false positive rate of first trimester combined screening for Down syndrome
Authors: Christiansen Michael , Pihl Kasper , Hedley Paula L. , Gjerris Anne‐Cathrine , Lind Pia Ø. , Larsen Severin Olesen , Krebs Lone , Larsen Torben 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundADAM12 has been shown to be an efficient maternal serum marker for Down syndrome (DS) in the first trimester; but recent studies, using a second generation assay, have not confirmed these findings. We examined the efficiency of a second generation assay for ADAM12.Materials and MethodsADAM12 concentrations were determined in 28 first trimester DS and 503 control pregnancies using a novel Research DelfiaR ADAM12 kit. Log10MoM distributions of ADAM12 and correlations with other markers were established. Population performance of screening was estimated by Monte Carlo simulation.ResultsADAM12 was significantly reduced in the first trimester in DS pregnancies with a log10MoM of −0.1621 (equivalent to 0.68 MoM) (p < 0.001). The reduction decreased with advancing gestational age. ADAM12 used with PAPP‐A + hCGβ + NT (CUB screening) increased the detection rate (DR) from 86% to 89% for a false positive rate (FPR) of 5%. When used for a fixed DR of 90%, the addition of ADAM12 resulted in a 25% reduction of the FPR.ConclusionADAM12 is a moderately effective DS marker. It is not a cost‐effective addition to CUB screening, but may be used to reduce the FPR in selected high‐risk cases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fourier transform infrared study of supramolecular polyurethane networks containing pyridine moieties for shape memory materials
Authors: Chen Shaojun , Hu Jinlian , Yuen Chun‐Wah , Chan Laikuen 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNon‐covalent interactions are increasingly used in the molecular self‐assembly of well‐defined structures. In this study, a series of pyridine‐containing polyurethanes (PUPys) were synthesized with diisocyanates and pyridine derivatives. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to identify the vibration frequencies and investigate the relationship of shape memory effect (SME) and hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular structure of the PUPys. The results show that a large fraction of strong hydrogen bonds are formed in the urethane group as well as in the pyridine ring. Moreover, the hydrogen bonding in the pyridine ring not only shows a response to a temperature stimulus in the PUPys, but is also responsive to moisture in N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxylethyl)isonicotinamine (BINA)/hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)‐based PUPys; the hydrogen bonds in the urethane group have a higher dissociation temperature and show little response to moisture absorption. Accordingly, the PUPys are expected to show thermally induced and moisture‐induced SMEs. Finally, the shape recovery process of films in the shape of flowers induced by temperature and moisture supports the idea that the PUPys could be used as thermally induced shape memory polymers (SMPs), and the BINA/HDI‐based PUPys could be used as moisture‐sensitive SMPs. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Structural and impedance spectroscopy analysis of Ba(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3 ceramic
Authors: Bhagat S. , Prasad K. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractLead‐free perovskite Ba(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3 (BFN) was prepared by conventional ceramic fabrication technique at 1200 °C/5 h in air atmosphere. The crystal symmetry, space group, and unit cell dimensions were determined from the experimental results using FullProf software whereas crystallite size and lattice strain were estimated from Williamson–Hall approach. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the compound indicated the formation of a single‐phase monoclinic structure with the space group P2/m. EDAX and SEM studies were carried out in order to evaluate the quality and purity of the compound. To find a correlation between the response of the real system and idealized model circuit composed of discrete electrical components, the model fittings were presented using the impedance data. Complex impedance analyses suggested the dielectric relaxation to be of non‐Debye type. The correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model was employed to successfully explain the mechanism of charge transport in BFN.
Annealing temperature‐dependent piezoelectric properties of Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 ferroelectric thin films
Authors: Chen Y. Q. , Zheng X. J. , He L. , Feng X. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAnnealing temperature‐dependent (ATD) microstructure, ferroelectric, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties of Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 (BNT) thin films by metal‐organic decomposition method were investigated in detail. The relative permittivity εr (702) at 1 kHz, the spontaneous polarization 2Ps (72 µC/cm2), and the effective piezoelectric coefficient d33 (62 pm/V) under the amplitudes of the bipolar driving field 320 and 280 kV/cm are the best for BNT thin film annealed at 700 °C. The 2Ps and εr moderated by annealing temperature are responsible for ATD piezoelectric properties according to phenomenologic equation. The results show BNT is a promising candidate for piezoelectric thin film devices.
Sclerocarya birrea (a. rich) hochst. [‘marula’] (anacardiaceae): a review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology and its ethnomedicinal uses
Authors: Ojewole John A. O. , Mawoza Tariro , Chiwororo Witness D. H. , Owira Peter M. O. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA plethora of ethnotherapeutic properties and pharmacological actions have been attributed to Sclerocarya birrea (family: Anacardiaceae). It is one of the most highly valued indigenous trees of southern Africa. Reports in biomedical literature have indicated the presence of medicinally‐important chemical constituents in the plant, notably: polyphenols, tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, and so forth. Pharmacological studies by various groups of investigators have shown that S. birrea possesses antidiarrhoeal, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, antihypertensive, anticonvulsant, antinociceptive and antioxidant properties, thus lending pharmacological support to the plant's folkloric, ethnotherapeutic uses in South African traditional medicine. In view of the immense medicinal importance of the plant, this review aimed at compiling all currently available information on S. birrea's chemical constituents, as well as its ethnomedicinal, pharmacological and toxicological properties. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass transport studies of different additives in polyamide and exfoliated nanocomposite polyamide films for food industry
Authors: de Abreu David Antonio Pereira , Cruz José Manuel , Angulo Iinmaculada , Losada Perfecto Paseiro 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe development of new food packaging films through the incorporation of nanoparticles, and the effect of the nanoparticles on the process of migration of the substances used in manufacturing the new films is expected to lead to an improvement in the shelf life of food and thus, consumer safety and health. In recent years, attention has focused on nanocomposites because these compounds often exhibit unexpected hybrid properties derived from synergistic reactions between nanoparticles and the polymeric matrix. The exfoliation of nanoclays in polyamide film provides a film with better barrier properties than that obtained through the intercalation of nanoclays. Migration of chemicals from food packaging into food may produce potential adverse health effects because of exposure to toxic compounds. The present study addressed the migration of caprolactam, 5‐Chloro‐2‐(2,4‐dichlorophenoxy)phenol (triclosan) and trans,trans‐1,4‐diphenyl‐1,3‐butadiene (DPBD) from polyamide and polyamide‐nanoclays to different types of food simulants. The values for limit of detection (LOD) obtained for caprolactam, triclosan and DPBD was 0.5 mg/L, 0.02 mg/L and 0.01 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, instrumental precision was evaluated through repeatability injections, resulting in relative standard deviations lower than 3.08%. Diffusion coefficients were calculated according to a mathematical model based on Fick's Second Law, and the results were discussed in terms of the parameters that may have the greatest effect on migration. The presence of polymer nanoparticles was found to slow down the rate of migration of substances from the matrix polymer into the food up to six times. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.