bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional syndiotactic poly(β‐hydroxyalkanoate)s via stereoselective ring‐opening copolymerization of rac‐β‐butyrolactone and rac‐allyl‐β‐butyrolactone
Authors: Ajellal Noureddine , Thomas Christophe M. , Carpentier Jean‐François 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe copolymerization of racemic β‐butyrolactone (rac‐BLMe) with racemic “allyl‐β‐butyrolactone” (rac‐BLallyl) in toluene, catalyzed by the discrete amino‐alkoxy‐bis(phenolate) yttrium‐amido complex 1, gave new poly(β‐hydroxyalkanoate)s with unsaturated side chains. The poly(BLMe‐co‐BLallyl) copolymers produced have a highly syndiotactic backbone structure (Pr = 0.80–0.84) with a random enchainment of monomer units, as evidenced by 13C NMR, and high molecular weight (Mn up to 58,000 g mol−1) with a narrow polydispersity (Mw/Mn = 1.07–1.37), as determined by GPC. The comonomer incorporation (5–50 mol % rac‐BLallyl) was a linear function of the feed ratio. The pendant vinyl bond of the side‐chains in those poly(BLMe‐co‐BLallyl) copolymers allowed the effective introduction of hydroxy or epoxy groups via dihydroxylation, hydroboration‐oxidation or epoxidation reactions. NMR studies indicated that all of these transformations proceed in an essentially quantitative conversion and do not affect the macromolecular architecture. Some thermal properties (Tm, ΔHm, Tg) of the prepared polymers have been also evaluated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3177–3189, 2009
Perilla leaf extract ameliorates obesity and dyslipidemia induced by high‐fat diet
Authors: Kim Mi‐Ja , Kim Hye Kyung 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the antiobesity effect of perilla leaf extract (PLE) in animal models of high fat diet‐induced obesity. C57BL/6J mice were fed a standard diet (STD) or high fat diet (HFD) for 5 weeks to induce obesity. The experimental groups were four groups with 10 mice per group and fed for 4 weeks: a STD group, a HFD group, a HFD containing 1% PLE (HFD + PLE 1%) group and a HFD containing 3% PLE (HFD + PLE 3%) group. The PLE supplementation significantly decreased body weight gain, food efficiency ratio, and relative liver and epididymal fat mass compared with those of the HFD group. Also, triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL levels in the plasma were significantly reduced by PLE supplementation compared with the HFD group. Histological changes in the liver of the PLE supplemented group showed an inhibition of steatosis induced by HFD. Furthermore, PLE reversed the HFD induced changes in the expression patterns of epididymal adipose tissue genes: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ). These results suggest that the PLE supplement suppressed body weight gain and improved the blood lipid profiling, in part by down‐regulating adipogenic transcription factor and other specific target genes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer‐assisted automatic localization of the human pedunculopontine nucleus in T1‐weighted MR images: a preliminary study
Authors: Fu Yili , Gao Wenpeng , Zhu Minwei , Chen Xiaoguang , Lin Zhiguo , Wang Shuguo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is a new promising target of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. This study was to develop a method of computer‐assisted automatic localization of the PPN in T1‐weighted MR images.MethodsA 3D template of a segment of the brainstem containing the PPN was constructed. A knowledge‐based, hierarchical method of template‐to‐subject registration was proposed to register the template to the subject's data to locate the subject's PPN.ResultsExperiments were performed with both T1‐weighted and proton density MR images acquired from 12 people. Preliminary results show that the proposed method can locate the PPN with an error of 1.83 ± 0.42 mm for its rostral pole and 1.57 ± 0.34 mm for its caudal pole.ConclusionThe proposed method is automatic, robust and accurate in the localization of the PPN, which demonstrates utility for preoperative surgical planning. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insulin-Secreting Cells from Human Eyelid-Derived Stem Cells Alleviate Type I Diabetes in Immunocompetent Mice
Authors: Kang Hyun Mi , Kim Jiyoung , Park Seah , Kim Jinyoung , Kim Haekwon , Kim Kyung Sik , Lee Eun Jig , Seo Sung Ig , Kang Sung Goo , Lee Jong-Eun , Lim Hyunjung 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Various attempts have been made to develop stem cell-based therapy to alleviate type I diabetes using animal models. However, it has been a question whether human insulin produced from explanted cells is solely responsible for the normoglycemia of diabetic animals. In this study, we isolated neural crest-like stem cells from the human eyelid fat and examined their therapeutic potentials for diabetes. The human eyelid adipose-derived stem cells (HEACs) displayed characteristics of neural crest cells. Using a two-step culture condition combined with nicotinamide, activin, and/or GLP-1, we differentiated HEACs into insulin-secreting cells and examined in vivo effects of differentiated cells by transplantation experiments. Following differentiation in vitro, HEACs released insulin and c-peptide in a glucose-dependent manner. Upon their transplantation under kidney capsules of streptozotocin-treated immunocompetent mice, we observed normalization of hyperglycemia in 10 of 20 recipient mice until sacrifice after 2 months. Only the human, but not the mouse, insulin and c-peptide were detected in the blood of recipient mice. Removal of the kidneys transplanted with HEACs resulted in a sharp increase of blood glucose level. Removed kidney tissues showed distinct expression of various human genes including insulin, and colocalization of the human insulin and the human nuclear protein in many cells. However, they showed diminished or null expression of some immune-related genes. In conclusion, human insulin alone produced from eyelid-derived stem cells following differentiation into insulin-secreting cells and transplantation could normalize type I diabetes in mice.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
In vivo and in vitro toxicity of decabromodiphenyl ethane, a flame retardant
Authors: Nakari Tarja , Huhtala Sami 
Published: May 2009

AbstractToxicity of a relative new flame retardant, namely decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), marketed as an alternative to decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐209) was assessed both in vivo and in vitro using the freshly separated fish hepatocyte assay and standardized water flea and zebrafish egg‐larvae tests. The fish hepatocyte assay, based on the synthesis and secretion of vitellogenin from isolated male liver cells produced a clear dose‐response curve in the presence of DBDPE. DBDPE induced the induction of hepatic ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) activity at low test concentrations, but started to inhibit the activity at higher concentrations. Also, the induction of the hepatocyte conjugation activity, uridinediphosphoglucuronosyltransferase (UDPGT), was induced with no signs of inhibition even at the highest test concentration. The reduced EROD activity resulted in a drop in the production of vitellogenin by the cells. In vivo tests showed that DBDPE was acutely toxic to water fleas, the 48 h EC‐50 value being 19 μg/L. Moreover, DBDPE reduced the hatching rates of exposed zebra‐fish eggs and raised significantly the mortality of hatched larvae. Because there is hardly any information available on the effects of DBDPE on the aquatic environments, it is crucial to obtain more data on the effects and effective concentrations of DBDPE along with its occurrence in the environment. Such data would enable reliable assessments of the risks posed by this flame retardant. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 25: 333–338, 2010.
Metal distributions in Tigriopus brevicornis (Crustacea, Copepoda) exposed to copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium, silver, and mercury, and implication for subsequent transfer in the food web
Authors: Barka Sabria , Pavillon Jean‐François , Amiard‐Triquet Claude 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe marine copepod Tigriopus brevicornis is a benthic microcrustacean inhabiting splashed rock pools in the intertidal zone. The genus has a worldwide distribution, and some species play an important role as a link in trophic webs. It is well established that many crustaceans are able to survive in contaminated environments by storing metallic pollutants in detoxified form, and thus, they may represent a source of contaminants for their predators. The present study was designed to determine the distribution of bioaccumulated metals, both essential and nonessential, with a view to assessing their availability to the next trophic level. Groups of 1000–1500 adult copepods were exposed for 1–14 days to Ag, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Zn in water. Three concentrations, chosen to be realistic in comparison with those encountered in polluted environments, were tested for each metal. Copepods were homogenized and metals were analyzed in supernatants (i.e., metals stored in soluble form in soft tissues or easily remobilized from the exoskeleton) and pellets (including metal‐rich detoxificatory granules or with cellular debris) recovered after centrifugation. Another experiment, consisting of desorption tests, was designed to evaluate the fraction of metals loosely bound onto the exoskeleton. The bioaccumulation ability is highly variable, as shown by the ratios between the concentrations reached in T. brevicornis experimentally exposed to different metals (at higher dose and at day 14) and those in controls (7, 12, 18, 26, 53, and 99, respectively, for Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Ag, and Hg). Cu, Zn, and Ni concentrations in copepods increased linearly with time over the whole range of exposure concentrations, whereas a plateau body metal concentration was reached with time particularly at the highest exposure concentrations for Cd, Ag, and Hg. Metals bound onto the exoskeleton were remobilized to different extents, the percentages of desorption being 11, 14, 16, 19, 31, and 32, respectively, for Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni, Ag, and Hg. Metals mainly present in the supernatant (Cd, Ni, Zn) are probably more able to be transferred along a food chain than those which were equally distributed between soluble and insoluble fractions (Ag, Cu, and Hg). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 25: 350–360, 2010.
Heuristic RAT selection policy to minimize call blocking probability in next generation wireless networks
Authors: Falowo Olabisi E. , Chan H. Anthony 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn next generation wireless network (NGWN) where multiple radio access technologies (RAT) co‐exist, a joint call admission control (JCAC) algorithm is needed to make a RAT selection decision for each arriving call. RAT selection policy has a significant effect on the overall new call blocking probability in the network. We propose a heuristic RAT selection policy to minimize new call blocking probability in NGWN. The proposed JCAC scheme measures the arrival rate of each class of calls in the heterogeneous wireless network. Based of the measured values of the arrival rates and using linear programming technique, the JCAC scheme determines the RAT selection policy that minimizes overall call blocking probability in the heterogeneous wireless network. Using Markov decision process, we develop an analytical model for the JCAC scheme, and derive new call blocking probability, handoff call dropping probability (HCDP), and call incompletion probability (CIP). Performance of the proposed scheme is compared with the performance of other JCAC scheme. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme reduces new call blocking probability, HCDP, and CIP in the heterogeneous wireless network. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Repeat Use of a Filling/Voiding Cystometrogram Does Not Alter the Urodynamic Diagnosis in Adults with Idiopathic Detrusor Overactivity
Authors: McEleny Kevin , Leonard Ann , Hasan Tahseen S. 
Published: May 2009

Objectives: The natural history of idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO) is poorly understood. The precise role of cystometry in the long-term management of IDO remains unclear. We hypothesized that repeat cystometry in adults with the OAB syndrome, in whom a urodynamic diagnosis of IDO had already been made, would not lead to a change in the urodynamic diagnosis. Patients and methods: Departmental records were reviewed retrospectively and adult patients who had undergone cystometry more than once, and received a diagnosis of IDO on their initial CMG were included. Patients who had received a urodynamic diagnosis of neurogenic DO, BOO or urodynamic SUI were excluded as were patients who had undergone a reconstructive or bladder outlet procedure following their initial CMG. The urodynamic traces were re-evaluated to determine if the urodynamic diagnosis had changed. Results: 50 patients were identified and used in the analysis. The mean interval between first and last CMG was 55.9 months. The same qualitative urodynamic diagnosis was found in 48 out of 50 cases ( p= 1.19×10−40 using Student's t-test). Conclusions: The urodynamic findings of IDO persist in the long-term, and in the absence of a significant change in symptoms, such repeat urodynamics are unlikely to yield additional information, even at intervals of several years.
Differential immunodetection of l‐DOPA decarboxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase in the vertebrate retina
Authors: Taveira da Silva Rosilane , Hokoç Jan Nora , de Mello Fernando Garcia , Gardino Patrícia Franca 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe immunocytochemical staining of l‐DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in cells of the developing avian retina and in cells of the retina of adult rats and opossum were compared. DDC was identified at embryonic day 8 in the chick, in cells in the inner nuclear layer (INL). At embryonic day 13, two types of DDC positive cells were observed; type 1, with the soma located in the innermost layer of the INL; and type 2, with the soma located two cell rows from the innermost part of the INL. Immunolabeling for DDC in the presumptive outer plexiform layer was more clearly defined at embryonic day 19 and at post‐hatched day 7. Processes of DDC labeled cells extended into the inner plexiform layer, supporting the amacrine identity of these cells. Dot‐blot analysis revealed that DDC could be detected at embryonic day 4. Confocal microscopy showed that at embryonic day 10, DDC positive cells, but not TH positive cells, were found. After embryonic day 13, cells immunolabeled for DDC and DDC plus TH were detected. The mean density of DDC positive cells quantified in whole‐mounted chick retinas showed that in all stages the density of DDC positive cells exceeded that of TH positive cells by 10–13‐fold. As for the avian retina, density of DDC positive cells in opossum and rat retinas exceeded the density of TH positive cells. In opossum, Müller fibers were also clearly labeled for DDC but not for TH. We propose the hypothesis that the dopamine synthesis in the developing avian retina as well as in the mature rat and opossum tissue is greater than would be expected from TH staining alone.
Fatigue in Post‐poliomyelitis Syndrome: Association With Disease‐Related, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Trojan Daria A. , Arnold Douglas L. , Shapiro Stan , Bar‐Or Amit , Robinson Ann , Le Cruguel Jean‐Pierre , Narayanan Sridar , Tartaglia Maria C. , Caramanos Zografos , Da Costa Deborah 
Published: May 2009

ObjectiveTo determine the biopsychosocial correlates of general, physical, and mental fatigue in patients with postpoliomyelitis syndrome (PPS) by assessing the additional contribution of potentially modifiable factors after accounting for important nonmodifiable disease‐related factors. It was hypothesized that disease‐related, behavioral, and psychosocial factors would contribute in different ways to general, physical, and mental fatigue in PPS and that a portion of fatigue would be determined by potentially modifiable factors.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingA tertiary university‐affiliated hospital post‐polio clinic.PatientsFifty‐two ambulatory patients with PPS who were not severely depressed were included.Assessment of Risk FactorsPotential correlates for fatigue included disease‐related factors (acute polio weakness, time since acute polio, PPS duration, muscle strength, pain, forced vital capacity, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, body mass index, disability, fibromyalgia), behavioral factors (physical activity, sleep quality), and psychosocial factors (depression, stress, self‐efficacy).Main Outcome MeasurementsFatigue was assessed with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI; assesses fatigue on 5 subscales) and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).ResultsMultivariate models were computed for MFI General, Physical, and Mental Fatigue. Age‐adjusted multivariate models with nonmodifiable factors included the following predictors of (1) MFI General Fatigue: maximum inspiratory pressure, fibromyalgia, muscle strength; (2) MFI Physical Fatigue: maximum expiratory pressure, muscle strength, age, time since acute polio; and (3) MFI Mental Fatigue: none. The following potentially modifiable predictors made an additional contribution to the models: (1) MFI General Fatigue: stress, depression; (2) MFI Physical Fatigue: physical activity, pain; and (3) MFI Mental Fatigue: stress.ConclusionsPPS fatigue is multidimensional. Different types of fatigue are determined by different variables. Potentially modifiable factors account for a portion of fatigue in PPS.
Testing the precision of bioevents
Authors: PAUL C. R. C. , LAMOLDA M. A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDeciding which of two bioevents is the less diachronous is a common problem in biostratigraphy. The most accurate correlation uses the finest timescale available. Chemostratigraphy or cyclostratigraphy offer a potential precision of about 10 ka. Graphic correlation can then be used to test the precision of bioevents and to quantify any mismatch. It can also be used to determine in which section any event occurs earlier. Application of these ideas to correlation of the Cenomanian–Turonian and Coniacian–Santonian boundaries demonstrates that some bioevents are as precise as chemo- and cyclostratigraphy, but that most are not. Two problems occur with bioevents. First they may not be recognizable in all sections. Second, where they are recognizable, they may be diachronous. In the former case, calculating confidence intervals on known ranges in sections where the relevant fossil has been recorded is an alternative test. Large confidence intervals suggest that both first and last occurrences of a fossil may be diachronous bioevents. At the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary the following bioevents (in stratigraphic order) appear to be reliable time planes for international correlation. The last occurrences of (1) Corolithion kennedyi, (2) Rotalipora greenhornensis, (3) Axopodorhabdus albianus, (4) Rotalipora cushmani, (5) Lithraphidites acutus, (6) Microstaurus chiastius and (7) the first occurrence of Quadrum gartneri. At the Coniacian–Santonian boundary only the first and last occurrences of Platyceramus undulatoplicatus, and the first occurrences of Platyceramus cycloides and Lucianorhabdus cayeuxii have been identified as potentially reliable bioevents.
The Transmission of Hepatitis Virus by Routine Immunization Procedures
Authors: Ellis F. P. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe returns relating to naval personnel who were reported to the Admiralty to have acquired non-surgical jaundice between 1944 and 1947 were examined.Where the dates of onset of illness and of inoculation were available, the numbers who developed the illness within 11–40 days of inoculation were greater than the numbers to be expected if there was no association between the dates of onset of illness and the dates of inoculation. During 1945 the observed numbers were also greater than the expected numbers when 41–70 days intervened between inoculation and the illness.The interpretation and practical implications of the findings are discussed.This paper is published by kind permission of the Medical Director General of the Navy, Surgeon Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander Ingleby-Mackenzie.I am indebted to Dr F. O. MacCallum for his continued interest and for invaluable suggestions; to Dr J. O. Irwin for scrutinizing the script; to Miss H. M. Ferres who applied the statistical tests to the figures in Table 1; to Surgeon Commander M. A. Rugg-Gunn, Royal Navy, for the information about the ratings' pay books, and to Senior Commissioned Wardmaster J. L. T. Burns, Royal Navy, and Sick Berth Petty Officer (L) D. E. Lee, Royal Navy, who tabulated the numerical data.
Electrophoretic and Immunological Studies on Sera from Calves from Birth to Weaning I. Electrophoretic Studies
Authors: Pierce A. E. 
Published: May 2009

Summary1. The serum proteins of calves from birth to weaning, and the maternal colostral whey have been examined with the ‘classical’ Tiselius electrophoresis apparatus. Differences were shown between calves fed colostrum and those partially deprived of colostrum.2. A study of the pre-colostral calf serum showed the presence of albumin and of two major components with mobilities similar to the α and β globulins of adult serum. A component forming approximately 1·4 % of the total serum proteins and with a mobility similar to that of γ1or fibrinogen represented the γ1globulin. This globulin component was not unconverted fibrinogen and may be autogenous γ globulin or γ globulin passively acquiredin utero.3. Autogenous γ globulin was evident in colostrum-fed and colostrum-deprived calves shortly after birth. The γ1and γ2components could be distinguished by the 10th day after birth, at which time the γ1globulin was the greater. By the 30th day the γ2globulin exceeded the γ1globulin and a smaller component termed the γ3globulin could usually be detected between the γ2and the salt boundary.4. Albumin concentrations generally fluctuated inversely to changes in the total serum globulins.5. The α globulins associated with fetuin declined shortly after birth in the colostrum-fed group. In the deprived group α globulin first rose and then fell. In both groups minimum α globulin values were reached at about the 30th day, when the α1globulin, although initially the major component in pre-colostral calf serum, was more depleted than the α2.6. The β globulin frequently showed a transient though marked increase when the α globulins were at their lowest values.7. No changes in the electrophoretic mobilities of the major serum proteins were detected as the calves matured, and no significant difference was found between the mobilities of the electrophoretic components of calf and adult sera.8. The electrophoretic examination of colostral whey, colostral lacto-globulin fractions and calf serum immediately after suckling usually showed one lacto-globulin component. The relationship between the serum γ globulins and the lacto-globulin. is discussed.The author wishes to thank Dr M. Robertson, F.R.S., and Sir Alan Drury, F.R.S. for their interest and encouragement during the course of this work, Dr W. R. Kerr for his co-operation in supplying most of the serum and colostrum samples, and Dr A. W. Stableforth and Dr J. S. Paterson for making certain cattle available for these experiments.