bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic and structural investigations of α‐, β‐, and γ‐AlH3 phases
Authors: Manciu F. S. , Reza L. , Durrer W. G. , Bronson A. , Lacina D. , Graetz J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWith its reputation as a high‐energy density fuel, aluminum hydride (AlH3) has received renewed attention as a material that is particularly suitable, not only for hydrogen storage but also for rocket propulsion. While the various phases of AlH3 have been investigated theoretically, there is a shortage of experimental studies corroborating the theoretical findings. In response to this, we present here an investigation of these compounds based primarily on two research areas in which there is the greatest scarcity of information in the literature, namely Raman and infrared (IR) absorption analysis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of experimental far‐IR absorption results on these compounds. Two different samples prepared by broadly similar ethereal reactions of AlCl3 with LiAlH4 were analyzed. Both Raman and IR absorption measurements indicate that one sample is purely γ‐AlH3 and that the other is a mixture of α‐, β‐, and γ‐AlH3 phases. X‐ray diffraction confirms the spectroscopic findings, most notably for the β‐AlH3 phase, for which optical spectroscopic data are reported here for the first time. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantifying amino acid and protein substitution using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Budhavaram Naresh K. , Barone Justin R. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractRaman spectroscopy can be a powerful tool for the characterization of modified amino acids and proteins. In addition to the potential for quantitative results, it offers the advantage of not requiring any sample preparation. Modification of amines and thiols on amino acids and proteins are common reactions used for medical, biological, food, and agricultural purposes. We hypothesized that the Raman spectrum could be used to quantify the reactions and would be more informative than typical characterization techniques such as the ninhydrin test. To prove the hypothesis, the amino acids alanine, cysteine, and lysine were modified with ethyl vinyl sulfone (EVS) using a nucleophilic addition reaction known as the Michael addition and the product was characterized using Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectroscopy results were compared with ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy results based on ninhydrin analysis of the modified amino acids. The Raman spectroscopy analysis was able to discern site‐specific reactions on the amino acids and suggested that more amino acid moieties were substituted than predicted using the ninhydrin test alone. Substitution of the full protein ovalbumin with EVS showed similar results. The ninhydrin test showed the substitution of primary amines and thiols but could not detect substitution of secondary amines remaining after loss of the primary amine. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automated detection and characterization of graphene and few‐layer graphite via Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Caridad J. M. , Rossella F. , Bellani V. , Grandi M. S. , Diez E. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractSeveral processes have to be automated in order to use graphene in future industrial applications. One of these is the detection and characterization of graphene and few‐layer graphite (FLG) flakes on a substrate. Raman spectroscopy is an ideal tool for this purpose, as it allows not only the identification of these graphitic materials on arbitrary substrates but also monitoring the quality of flakes within the sample. In this paper, we report how graphene and FLG crystallites can be automatically detected and characterized by monitoring the evolution of Raman bands. We present an algorithm that achieves this purpose and thus has special potential in industrial applications of graphene. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regression diagnostics applied in kinetic data processing: Outlier recognition and robust weighting procedures
Authors: Merli Marcello , Sciascia Luciana , Turco Liveri Maria Liria 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAn efficient protocol, based on advanced statistical diagnostics and robust fitting techniques applied to the least‐squares processing of kinetic data of chemical reactions, is presented and discussed. The procedure, which is aimed at obtaining highly accurate estimation of the fitting parameters, consists of the identification of the outliers that remarkably impair the fitting by means of the so‐called “leverage analysis” and some related diagnostics. This approach allows the elimination of the actually aberrant observations from the data set and/or their robust weighting to inhibit the negative effects induced on the data fitting, with consequent reduction of the bias introduced into the parameter estimates. It has been found that the proposed procedure, applied to experimental kinetic data, does yield to a significant improvement in the regression results. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 587–607, 2010
Device fixation in cochlear implantation: Is bone anchoring necessary?
Authors: Molony Timothy B. , Giles Jerald E. , Thompson T. Luke , MD  , Motamedi Kevin K. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To compare complication rates between patients whose cochlear implants were secured by a bony tie‐down technique versus those secured by a periosteal tie‐down technique.Study Design:A retrospective review of 302 consecutive patients undergoing cochlear implantation (327 implants), including both adults and children, at a single institution by a single surgeon.Methods:Cochlear implantation was performed in the standard fashion with bony securement of the device in the first subset of patients. The surgical technique was then modified to exclude the bony tie‐down step in favor of a periosteally placed suture tie‐down in the next subset of patients. The patient's medical records were then reviewed to determine complications, which were then compared between groups using χ2 testing.Results:The overall complication rate for the periosteally secured cochlear implant subset was 9.5%, with no significant difference noted when compared to the 12.2% overall complication rate seen with the bone‐secured implants. Minor complication rates were 9.5% versus 8.1%, respectively, with major complications occurring in 0% versus 4.1% of periosteally secured versus bone‐secured devices. There were no statistical differences between groups for major, minor, or any specific complications. There were no cases of device migration.Conclusions:Cochlear implant devices may be secured in place with periosteally anchored sutures in lieu of bone‐anchored sutures without any significant increases in perioperative complications. Laryngoscope, 2010
Applying erosion damage mapping to assess and quantify off‐site effects of soil erosion in Switzerland
Authors: Ledermann T. , Herweg K. , Liniger H. P. , Schneider F. , Hurni H. , Prasuhn V. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn order to fill existing knowledge gaps in the temporal and spatial distribution of soil erosion, its sources and causes, as well as in relation to its off‐site impacts, erosion damage mapping of all visible erosion features was carried out at three study sites in Switzerland. The data illustrate that about one‐quarter of the cultivated land was affected by water erosion. Observed mean annual soil loss rates are considered rather low (0.7–2.3 t ha−1 y−1) compared to other European countries. However, substantial losses of >70 t ha−1 were recorded on individual plots.This paper focuses on the spatial aspects of soil erosion, by observing and comparing the study areas in a 1‐year period from October 2005 to October 2006. The analyses illustrate that the sites differ considerably in average soil loss rates, but show similar patterns of off‐site effects. In about one‐third of the damaged plots an external source of surface runoff upslope contributed to the damage (run‐on). Similarly, more than 50 per cent of the soil eroded on arable land deposited downslope on adjacent plots, roads, public/private infrastructure, etc., and 20 per cent of it reached open water bodies. Large amounts of eroded soil which deposit off‐site, often related to slope depressions, are considered muddy floods and were frequently observed in Switzerland.Mapping, in conclusion, helps to sheds light on some of the important challenges of today, in particular: to comprehensively assess socio‐economic and ecological off‐site effects of soil erosion, to attribute off‐site impacts to on‐site causes, and to raise awareness of all stakeholders involved, in order to improve ongoing discussions on policy formulation and implementation at the national and international levels. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential for greenhouse gas emissions from soil carbon stock following biofuel cultivation on degraded lands
Authors: Nair P. K. R. , Saha Subhrajit K. , Nair Vimala D. , Haile Solomon G. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractConsequent to the interest in converting degraded lands for cultivation of biofuel crops, concerns have been expressed about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from changes in soil‐carbon (C) stock following land conversions. A literature‐based study was undertaken for estimating the magnitude of emission of GHGs, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), following an assessment of the extent and causes of land degradation and the nature of CO2emission from soils. The study estimated the potential for CO2emission resulting from changes in soil‐carbon stock following land conversions, using oil palm (Elaeis guineensisJacq.) as a case study. The analysis indicated that, overall, the magnitude of CO2emission resulting from changes in soil C stockper sefollowing opening up of degraded land would be low compared with other potential sources of CO2emission. However, lack of data on critical aspects such as baseline soil C status was a limitation of the study. Soil respiration is the single best measure of GHG emission from soils. Fixation of C in additional biomass will compensate, over time, for C loss through soil respiration following a change in land use or land management, unless such changes involve conversion of existing large C stocks. Therefore, any net CO2emission from soils resulting from changes in soil C stock following opening up of degraded land is likely to be a short‐term phenomenon. The estimations used in the study are based on various assumptions, which need to be validated by experimental field data. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Irrigation effects of cooling tower effluent on soil chemistry and alfalfa in the Rio Grande river basin
Authors: Ganjegunte G. K. , Trostle C. L. , Braun R. J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractDevelopment of alternative sources through wastewater reuse is important to meet water demands in arid regions. However, effects of wastewater irrigation on soil properties and crop performance must be evaluated before advocating its widespread use. Objectives of this study were to evaluate: (i) effects of prior evaporative disposal of saline‐sodic blowdown water (BW) on soil (fine‐loamy, mixed, and thermic Typic Calciorthods) properties in the disposal area, and (ii) effects of flood irrigation with three water qualities (control, BW 1X, and BW 2X) on soil salinity and alfalfa performance using a greenhouse soil column study (soil collected from same study area as objective (i)). Results indicated that although prior land disposal of BW had increased salinity and sodicity of soil, they were within the tolerance limits of the intended crop, alfalfa. Mass balance calculations indicated measured (15·6 Mg ha−1) and calculated (13·2 Mg ha−1) salt accumulation at the test site used for evaporative disposal were similar. Alfalfa grown using BW under greenhouse conditions produced prime quality hay and biomass yield similar to the control treatment (8·3 g column−1 vs. 10·5 g column−1 in control). Although 3·6 years equivalent of flood irrigation with BW 1X did not result in saline soil (BW 1X irrigated soils EC ranged from 2·2 to 3·5 dS m−1), BW 2X irrigation resulted in saline soils. Sodicities of irrigated soils were greater in fine textured deep soils than coarse textured surface soils (e.g., SAR of 6·1 at 0–5 cm vs. 19·5 mmol1/2 L−1/2 at 30–60 cm in BW 1X), indicating the need for high solubility Ca amendments for long‐term irrigation with BW on fine texture soils within the soil profile. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carboxymethylchitosan/Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer Nanoparticles in Central Nervous Systems‐Regenerative Medicine: Effects on Neuron/Glial Cell Viability and Internalization Efficiency
Authors: Salgado António J. , Oliveira Joaquim M. , Pirraco Rogério P. , Pereira Vitor H. , Fraga Joana S. , Marques Alexandra P. , Neves Nuno M. , Mano João F. , Reis Rui L. , Sousa Nuno 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe applicability of CMCht/PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles for CNS applications was investigated. AFM and TEM observations revealed that the nanoparticles possessed a nanosphere‐like shape with a size from 22.0 to 30.7 nm. The nanoparticles could be bound to fluorescent‐probe FITC for tracing purposes. Post‐natal hippocampal neurons and cortical glial cells were both able to internalize the FITC‐labeled CMCht/PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles with high efficiency. The percentage of positive cells internalizing the nanoparticles varied, reaching a peak after 48 h of incubation. Further experiments for periods up to 7 d revealed that the periodical addition of FITC‐labelled CMCht/PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles was needed to maintain the overall percentage of cells internalizing them. Finally, it was also observed that cell viability was not significantly affected by the incubation of dendrimer nanoparticles.magnified image
Hydrogel Nanofilms for Biomedical Applications: Synthesis via Polycondensation Reactions
Authors: Pippig Falko , Holländer Andreas 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA new technique for the production of nanoscale polymer networks on surfaces is presented. Bifunctional oligomeric building blocks react with trifunctional linkers and couple to activated polymer surfaces. PEG diamines were used as branch molecules in the network which were linked by either a trifunctional epoxide or a trifunctional acid chloride. The network with mesh size of 22 nm and more contains amino and hydroxy or carboxylic‐acid groups. The concentration can be varied by the preparation conditions and by adding other substances like amino acids or amine‐functionalized biotin to the reaction system. As an example, FITC‐tagged streptavidin was coupled to biotin in the network with a concentration of up to 37 pmol · cm−2.magnified image
Influence of Solute Charge and Hydrophobicity on Partitioning and Diffusion in a Genetically Engineered Silk‐Elastin‐Like Protein Polymer Hydrogel
Authors: Dinerman Adam A. , Cappello Joseph , El‐Sayed Mohamed , Hoag Stephen W. , Ghandehari Hamidreza 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe influence of solute hydrophobicity and charge on partitioning and diffusion in physically crosslinked networks of a genetically engineered SELP polymer was investigated. A series of fluorescent dyes were used to assess the impact of solute charge and hydrophobicity on release behavior. The mechanism of solute release from the SELP hydrogel appeared to vary as a function of dye hydrophobicity. The extent of FITC attachment to amine‐terminated G4 dendrimers influenced SELP hydrogel partitioning more than dendrimer diffusion properties. Results suggest the possibility of controlling solute release from SELP hydrogels by modifying the hydrophobicity and surface charge of drugs and drug/polymer conjugates as well as the possibility of “designing‐in” solute‐specific interactions.
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Recombinant Spider Silk Proteins for Applications in Biomaterials
Authors: Spiess Kristina , Lammel Andreas , Scheibel Thomas 
Published: July 2010

AbstractDue to their extraordinary mechanical and biochemical properties, silks have long been in focus of research. In vivo, fibers are formed from silk proteins, in vitro, however, a variety of materials can be produced in addition to fibers including capsules, particles, films, foams, and gels. The versatility of silk proteins, along with their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and potential for processing in aqueous solution under ambient conditions make silk‐based materials good candidates for biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems and scaffolds for tissue engineering. Here, we summarize recent progress in research employing recombinantly produced engineered spider silk proteins with a focus on the fundamentals of silk protein processing. We highlight recombinant spider silk films and particles as morphologies that represent model systems with adjustable material properties controlled by process parameters.magnified image
Progress in Depsipeptide‐Based Biomaterials
Authors: Feng Yakai , Lu Jian , Behl Marc , Lendlein Andreas 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPolydepsipeptides – alternating copolymers of an α‐amino acid and an α‐hydroxy acid – are a group of biodegradable polymers. Versatile polydepsipeptides with or without pendant functional groups, as well as various polymer architectures, for example, providing alternative, random, diblock, triblock, multiblock or graft sequence structures, can be synthesized via ring‐opening copolymerization of various morpholine‐2,5‐dione derivatives. They are potential candidates for a wide range of biomedical applications. Polydepsipeptides are described in this review from the aspect of materials science, especially as biomaterials. We mainly focus on various techniques developed to synthesize polydepsipeptides and their copolymers, biodegradation behaviors, shape‐memory properties and possible biomedical applications.magnified image
Synergistic Effect of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers and Osteogenic Growth Medium on Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Zhen‐Mei , Gu Qinyi , Xu Zhi‐Kang , Groth Thomas 
Published: July 2010

AbstractLayer‐by‐layer assembly of biogenic polyelectrolytes (PEL) was carried out on the surface of poly (L‐lactide) to generate polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) that foster osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC). Gelatin (GEL), hyaluronic acid (HA) and heparin (HEP) were chosen as polyanions, while chitosan (CHI) was employed as polycation. Multilayer formation was monitored by surface plasmon resonance and water contact angle measurements showing that layer formation process and surface wetting properties depended on the type of polyanions. While HEP as strong PEL led to thicker and more hydrophilic PEM, layer mass was lower for weak polyanions GEL and HA. Short‐term adhesion studies with hMSC showed strong adhesion and spreading of cells on PEM composed of GEL/CHI and low spreading, motile phenotype and aggregation of hMSC on HEP/CHI or HA/CHI. Long term studies over three weeks were carried out to follow growth and differentiation of hMSC on the PEM. Weak osteogenic differentiation of hMSC was observed on GEL/CHI if cells were cultured in normal medium while no osteogenic phenotypes were observed on HEP/CHI or HA/CHI. When cells were cultured in osteogenic differentiation medium, however, PEM composed of HEP/CHI or HA/CHI promoted differentiation of hMSC towards osteoblasts, while PEM composed of GEL/CHI failed to do so. Overall, the composition of PEMs can be used as additional tool to control osteogenic differentiation of hMSC.magnified image
Green Preparation Process, Characterization and Antitumor Effects of Doxorubicin–BSA–Dextran Nanoparticles
Authors: Deng Wei , Li Juan , Yao Ping , He Fen , Huang Chong 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn this report, we developed a simple and green process of simultaneous formation of doxorubicin–BSA–dextran nanoparticles in aqueous solution and high‐effective encapsulation of doxorubicin. In the presence of BSA–dextran conjugates, which were produced by Maillard reaction, a binding of doxorubicin with BSA can suppress the self‐aggregation of unprotonated doxorubicin. After a heat treatment, the gelation of BSA results in a formation of the nanoparticles and the doxorubicin was fixed inside the nanoparticles. The dextran shell makes the nanoparticles dispersible in solution. The nanoparticles have a spherical morphology and a hydrodynamic radius of about 90 nm. Importantly, the nanoparticles can significantly prolong the life of murine ascites hepatoma H22 tumor‐bearing mice.magnified image
Contemporary Mass Spectrometry and the Analysis of Synthetic Polymers: Trends, Techniques and Untapped Potential
Authors: Hart‐Smith Gene , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher 
Published: July 2010

AbstractFor many decades, the capacity for mass spectrometry (MS) to analyse matter in all of its forms was shackled by an inability to ionise large molecules into the gas phase. It was only in the late 1980s, when the capabilities of the ‘soft’ ionisation protocols of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) and electrospray ionisation (ESI) became apparent, that these shackles were effectively removed. The emergence of soft ionisation methodologies acted as a driving force for significant advances in MS instrumentation; as a result, MS now represents one of the most potent means by which insights into the structural details of synthetic polymer samples can be obtained. However, despite MS being acknowledged to be a mainstream analytical tool in the field of polymer chemistry, the number of MS‐based studies into polymer systems remains significantly limited when compared to other analytical methods, and it would thus appear that MS is still being severely underutilised. In this Trend article, important fundamental concepts of soft ionisation MS are presented in a tutorial style fashion within the context of the analysis of polymer systems, and the remarkable breadth, power and versatility of these techniques is illustrated using selected examples. We suggest that MS‐based analyses represent one of the most promising areas of research in polymer science, and that the polymer chemistry community would be well served by utilising this analytical discipline in a more intensive manner.magnified image
Grb2‐associated binder 1 (Gab1) genetic polymorphism, Helicobacter pylori infection, and chronic atrophic gastritis among older adults from Germany
Authors: Gao Lei , Weck Melanie N. , Nieters Alexandra , Brenner Hermann 
Published: July 2010

AbstractGrb2‐associated binder 1 (Gab1) plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth and transformation. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs3805246) in the Gab1 gene has been suggested to be related to the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in a study from Japan. We aimed to assess the associations in a population‐based study from Germany. In the baseline examination of ESTHER, a population‐based study conducted in Saarland, serum pepsinogen I and II and H. pylori serostatus were measured by ELISA. The Gab1 SNP (rs3805246) was genotyped in 351 serologically defined CAG cases and 351 age‐ and sex‐matched non‐CAG controls. A nonsignificant association was observed between the Gab1 SNP and CAG, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.15 (0.85–1.55) for AA/AG carriers compared to GG carriers. The magnitude of the association did not change when the analysis was restricted to H. pylori seropositive subjects. Furthermore, no significant relation was found between the SNP and H. pylori seropositivity among non‐CAG controls. We could not confirm a major association between Gab1 SNP (rs3805246) and the predisposition to H. pylori infection and CAG in this study population from Germany. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to clarify a potential modest effect of Gab1 genetic polymorphisms. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.