bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paclitaxel as an anticancer agent: isolation, activity, synthesis and stability
Authors: Nikolic Vesna , Savic Ivan , Savic Ivana , Nikolic Ljubisa , Stankovic Mihajlo , Marinkovic Valentina 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Paclitaxel is isolated from the Pacific yew. It can be obtained from the European yew, but only after chemical modification of the isolated compound by a semi-synthesis procedure. The procedure for total synthesis of paclitaxel is very complicated, involving multiple steps, and the yields of paclitaxel are meagre. This substance is also a metabolite of certain kinds of fungus. The microbiological pathway for producing paclitaxel compared with isolation from plant material involves shorter procuction times but a small yield. Cyclodextrins are usually used for improving the solubility of paclitaxel in aqueous media, with polymeric and other substances added. Paclitaxel has anticancer activity and use for preparing the formulations intravenously administrated to patients with tumors. The paclitaxel concentration in these formulations is determined using validated HPLC methods.
211At-AntiCD33 in NMRI nu/nu mice
Authors: Sriyapureddy S. , Krull D. , Petrich T. , Meyer G.-J. , Knapp W. H. , Walte A. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThe aim of this study is to verify the in vivo stability, to determine the biodistribution and to estimate the unspecific radiotoxicity of an 211At-labelled CD33-antibody (211At-anti-CD33) in mice with a view to therapeutic application in treating leukaemia. Animals, methods: 211At was produced via the 209Bi(α,2n)211At reaction and was linked via 3-211At-succinimidyl-benzoate to the anti-CD33-antibody. The biodistribution and the in vivo stability in serum were determined after i.v.-injection in NMRI nu/nu-mice. For toxicity experiments, mice received either three times 315–650 kBq 211At-antiCD33 or unlabelled antibody and NaCl-solution respectively. Results: 211At-antiCD33 showed a characteristic biodistribution complying with the unspecific antibody retention in the reticular endothelial system. The largest proportion of radioactivity remained in blood and blood-rich tissues with a minor accumulation in the thyroid and stomach. After 21 h, > 85% of activity in serum still represented intact antibody. Mice showed no difference in unspecific toxicity of 211At-labelled antibodies over six months compared to those treated with unlabelled antibody and NaCl-solution respectively, with regard to histopathologic lesions, survival time, behaviour and haemograms. Conclusion: The radiolabelling method yielded adequate in vivo stability of 211At-antiCD33. Biodistribution with rapid elimination of free 211At via kidneys and urine complies with requirements for targeted therapy. Activity doses potentially required for treatment do not elicit radiotoxicity to normal organs in mice. Further development is required to enhance the apparent specific activity and to verify the efficacy in an adequate animal model before phase I clinical studies in leukaemia can be envisaged.
Evaluation of Imbalance in Stratified Blocked Randomization
Authors: Glass A. , Kundt G. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryObjectives: If in a clinical trial prognostic factors are known in advance, it is often recommended that randomization of patients should be stratified. The best-known method is permuted-block randomization within strata. But it suffers from the disadvantage that imbalance still occurs in the trial as a whole if there are a large number of strata, or/and the block sizes are too large for the number of patients. The results of Hallstrom and Davis are appropriate for evaluating the risk of such a troubled situation by using two special cases of their general variance formula. But it is merely generally argued for whichever practical situations these special cases are valid. Consequently, additional investigations are required to reveal the conditions for correct application.Methods: We investigated the range of validity of special cases by performing computer simulations, varying a number of trial characteristics, and discuss the application of results for practical situations.Results: The validity of special cases is not given in each situation. Depending on block size, a binomial distribution model is valid for a permitted average maximum number of patients per stratum between 36% and 57% of considered block sizes, whereas the uniform distribution model works adequately from at least 70%. In an intermediate range of invalidity, implementation of a simulation study is necessary to compute the probability distribution of differences.Conclusions: Our results are important if choosing the stratified permuted-block randomization to estimate the risk for an intolerable overall imbalance when planning a trial.
Rêver pour aller mieux
Authors: de Sinéty Jean-Marie 
Published: July 2011

Contrairement aux apparences et à l’air du temps, « rêver pour aller mieux » pourrait ne pas être une ineptie. Nous suivrons les pas de Jean-Jacques Rousseau dans Les rêveries d’un promeneur solitaire pour goûter et savourer avec lui, le plaisir de la libre association de penser et d’imaginer. Quelques écrits de G Bachelard, de Freud, de Lacan et des praticiens du rêve-éveillé en psychanalyse nous confirmeront le bien-fondé de cette démarche. Enfin nous retrouverons en séance, à travers quelques « fenêtres sur cure » le travail thérapeutique de l’imaginaire en psychanalyse.
Les villes-santé et le développement durable : convergence, concurrence ou écran ?
Authors: Le Goff Erwan , Séchet Raymonde 
Published: July 2011

Résumé L’adhésion au réseau des Villes-Santé de l’OMS implique de dépasser les seules compétences des communes en matière de santé (hygiène, salubrité) et d’intégrer la santé dans l’ensemble des politiques communales. « Créés » à la même période, les Villes-Santé et le développement durable ont parcouru depuis plus de vingt ans des chemins qui se sont croisés ou éloignés. L’analyse des discours des Villes-Santé et du développement durable met en évidence certaines convergences, mais également une concurrence entre ces deux philosophies, dont l’une d’entre elles, le développement durable, a pu faire écran à la promotion de la santé telle qu’elle est défendue par le réseau des villes-santé.
Burden of musculoskeletal disease and its determination by urbanicity, socioeconomic status, age, and sex: Results from 14,507 subjects
Authors: Vavken Patrick , Dorotka Ronald 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveThe availability of reliable estimates of the burden of musculoskeletal disease is of considerable importance for policymakers.MethodsThis study uses data from the 14,507 participants of the European Health Interview Survey conducted in Austria in 2006/2007 to calculate estimates of the prevalence of osteoarthritis, spinal conditions, and osteoporosis in a population representative of other European Union or Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development member states. Urbanicity, socioeconomic status, and age and sex were included as determinants of musculoskeletal disease.ResultsThe prevalence of arthritis was 18.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 18.2–19.4%), of spinal conditions was 38.4% (95% CI 37.6–39.2%), and of osteoporosis was 6.6% (95% CI 6.3–7.0%). The census data showed strong evidence for an association between urbanicity and arthritis (P = 0.012) and osteoporosis (P < 0.001), but not spinal conditions (P = 0.721). Arthritis and spinal conditions were associated with socioeconomic status (P < 0.001 for all). Osteoporosis showed the same associations with age, income, and education. For arthritis, a combined model showed a substantial attenuation of the effect of urbanicity on arthritis prevalence after adjustment for socioeconomic status.ConclusionThese data suggest that the burden of musculoskeletal disease is determined by both urbanicity and socioeconomic status; however, the effect of urbanicity seems to be attributable to differences in socioeconomic status and demographics across geographic regions.
Shape‐ and Size‐Controlled Synthesis of Uniform Anatase TiO2 Nanocuboids Enclosed by Active {100} and {001} Facets
Authors: Zhao Xiaowei , Jin Wenzui , Cai Jinguang , Ye Jianfeng , Li Zhenhu , Ma Yurong , Xie Jinglin , Qi Limin 
Published: July 2011

AbstractUniform anatase TiO2 nanocuboids enclosed by active {100} and {001} facets over a wide size range (60–830 nm in length) with controllable aspect ratios were solvothermally synthesized through hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) using acetic acid (HAc) as the solvent and the ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4]) as the capping agent. The size and aspect ratio of the anatase TiO2 nanocuboids can be readily adjusted by changing the composition parameters including the contents of [bmim][BF4], water, and HAc in the quaternary solution system. It was revealed that [bmim][BF4] played an important role in stabilizing both the {100} and {001} facets of the anatase TiO2 nanocuboids. On the one hand, [bmim][BF4] acted as a fluoride source to release F− ions for stabilizing the {001} facets; on the other hand, the [bmim]+ ions acted as effective capping ions to preferentially stabilize the {100} facets. The obtained near‐monodisperse anatase TiO2 nanocuboids exhibited an interesting self‐assembly behavior during deposition. These single‐crystalline anatase nanocuboids showed extremely high crystalline phase stability, retaining the pure phase of anatase as well as the morphology even after being calcined at 900 °C. Moreover, the anatase nanocuboids exhibited considerably enhanced photocatalytic activity owing the wholly exposed active {100} and {001} facets.
Improving Microstructured TiO2 Photoanodes for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells by Simple Surface Treatment
Authors: Ahmed Saquib , Du Pasquier Aurelien , Asefa Tewodros , Birnie Dunbar P. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractTiCl4 surface treatment studies of porous electrode structure of TiO2 aggregates synthesized using an acidic precursor and CTAB as a templating agent are carried out in order to understand and improve upon recombination kinetics in the photonanode film matrix, together with enhancing the intrinsic light scattering. The key beneficial features of the photoanode included high surface roughness, necessary for superior dye adsorption, nanocrystallite aggregates leading to diffuse light scattering within the film matrix, and a hierarchical macro‐ and mesopore structure allowing good access of electrolyte to the dye, thereby assisting in dye regeneration (enhanced charge transfer). Pre‐treatment of the TiO2 electrodes reduced recombination at the fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/electrolyte interface. The post‐treatment study showed enhanced surface roughness through the deposition of a thin overlayer of amorphous TiO2 on the film structure. This led to a notable improvement in both dye adsorption and inherent light scattering effects by the TiO2 aggregates, resulting in enhanced energy harvesting. The thin TiO2 overlayer also acted as a barrier in a core‐shell configuration within the porous TiO2 matrix, and thereby reduced recombination. This allowed the hierarchical macro‐ and mesoporosity of the film matrix to be utilized more effectively for enhanced charge transfer during dye regeneration. Post‐treatment of the aggregated TiO2 matrix resulted in a 36% enhancement in power conversion efficiency from 4.41% of untreated cells to 6.01%.
Modern Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and its Role in Studying Virus Structure, Dynamics, and Assembly
Authors: Uetrecht Charlotte , Heck Albert J. R. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractOver a century since its development, the analytical technique of mass spectrometry is blooming more than ever, and applied in nearly all aspects of the natural and life sciences. In the last two decades mass spectrometry has also become amenable to the analysis of proteins and even intact protein complexes, and thus begun to make a significant impact in the field of structural biology. In this Review, we describe the emerging role of mass spectrometry, with its different technical facets, in structural biology, focusing especially on structural virology. We describe how mass spectrometry has evolved into a tool that can provide unique structural and functional information about viral‐protein and protein‐complex structure, conformation, assembly, and topology, extending to the direct analysis of intact virus capsids of several million Dalton in mass. Mass spectrometry is now used to address important questions in virology ranging from how viruses assemble to how they interact with their host.
Hyperbranched intumescent flame‐retardant agent: Application to natural rubber composites
Authors: Jincheng Wang , Yan Guo 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe first part of this investigation focused on the synthesis and characterization of a hyperbranched intumescent flame‐retardant (HIFR) agent. Two steps were used in the synthetic process. The structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The second part focused on the application of HIFR agent into natural rubber (NR) composites. The cure characteristics, tensile properties, wear resistance, and flame‐retardant property of HIFR/NR composites were evaluated. It was demonstrated that the addition of this HIFR agent into NR led to an improvement in its physicomechanical and flame‐retardant properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
In situ dynamic vulcanization process in preparation of electrically conductive PP/EPDM thermoplastic vulcanizate/expanded graphite nanocomposites: Effects of state of cure
Authors: Ranjbar Behnaz , Mirzazadeh Hosein , Katbab Ali Asghar , Hrymak Andrew N. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn situ melt dynamic vulcanization process has been employed to prepare electrically conductive polypropylene (PP)/ethylene–propylene–diene rubber (EPDM) (40/60 wt %) thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) incorporated by expanded graphite (EG) as a conductive filler. Maleic anhydride grafted PP (PP‐g‐MAH) was used as compatibilizer and a sulfur curing system was designed and incorporated to vulcanize the EPDM phase during mixing process. Developed microstructures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), melt rheomechanical spectroscopy (RMS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and were correlated with electrical conductivity behavior. For comparison, another class of TPV/EG nanocomposites was fabricated using a commercially available PP/EPDM‐based TPV via both direct and masterbatch melt mixing process. Conductivity of the nanocomposites prepared by in situ showed no significant change during dynamic vulcanization till the mixing torque reached to the stationary level where micro‐morphology of the cured rubber droplets was fully developed, and conductivity abrupt was observed. In situ cured nanocomposites showed higher insulator to conductor transition threshold (3.15 vol % EG) than those based on commercially available TPV. All electrically conductive in situ prepared TPV nanocomposites exhibited reinforced melt elasticity with pseudosolid‐like behavior within low frequency region in dynamic melt rheometry indicating formation of physical networks by both EG nanolayers and crosslinked EPDM droplets. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and antibacterial activity of polyvinyl alcohol/regenerated silk fibroin composite fibers containing Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Li Wenli , Wang Jianjun , Chi Hengxuan , Wei Guangzhao , Zhang Jian , Dai Lixing 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPolyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/regenerated silk fibroin (SF)/AgNO3 composite nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning. A large number of nanoparticles containing silver were generated in situ and well‐dispersed nanoparticles were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) intuitionally. Ultraviolet (UV)‐visible spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated that nanoparticles containing Ag were present both in blend solution and in composite nanofibers after heat treatment and after subsequent UV irradiation. By annealing the nanofibers, Ag+ therein was reduced so as to produce nanoparticles containing silver. By combining heat treatment with UV irradiation, Ag+ was transformed into Ag clusters and further oxidized into Ag3O4 and Ag2O2. Especially size of the nanoparticles increased with heat treatment and subsequent UV irradiation. This indicated that the nanoparticles containing silver could be regulated by heat treatment and UV irradiation. The antimicrobial activity of heat‐treated composite nanofibers was evaluated by Halo test method and the resultant nanofibers showed very strong antimicrobial activity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Contrast on tensile and flexural properties of glass powder reinforced epoxy composites: Pilot study
Authors: Ku H. , Wong P. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractEpoxy resin was filled with glass powder to optimize the tensile and flexural strength of the composite for structural applications by a research center in the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). To reduce costs, the center wishes to fill as much glass microspheres as possible subject to maintaining sufficient strength of the composites in structural applications. This project varies the percentage by weight of the glass powder in the composites. After casting the composites to the molds, they were cured at ambient conditions for 24 h. They were then postcured in a conventional oven and subjected to tensile and flexural tests. The contribution of the study was that if tensile and flexural properties were the most important factors to be considered in the applications of the composites, the maximum amount of glass powder can be added to the resin will be five (5) percent. It was also found that the fractured surfaces examined under scanning electron microscope were correlated with the tensile and flexural strength It is also hoped that the discussion and results in this work would not only contribute toward the development of glass powder reinforced epoxy composites with better material properties, but also useful for the investigations of tensile and flexural properties in other composites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Understanding the Role of Everyday Practices of Privilege in the Perpetuation of Inequalities
Authors: Stephens Christine , Gillies Annemarie 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTTo explain the interrelated effects of material and psychosocial inequalities, we suggest a move beyond research focused on deprived communities to include their broader social situation. Bourdieu's theory of practice explains how social and material disadvantages are interconnected, and struggles for power are enacted in everyday practice. In this paper, we draw on data from a qualitative study of two neighbourhoods to provide examples of everyday practice as people work to perpetuate or overcome inequalities in one field: education of their children. These examples show that those with more resources are actively working to retain and improve their children's social advantage, which rests on the disadvantage of others. In conclusion, we suggest that many current interventions to improve material and social conditions within disadvantaged communities ignore the damaging effects of social inequalities between social groups. Work towards understanding the nature of power struggles in daily life and the everyday actions of the privileged will help us understand and address the damaging effects of inequalities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percutaneous treatment of aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation in the same patient
Authors: Barbanti Marco , Ussia Gian Paolo , Tamburino Corrado 
Published: July 2011

AbstractTranscatheter valve therapy is becoming an established treatment for aortic stenosis (AS) and it is very promising for mitral regurgitation (MR). There are no formal reports of percutaneous treatment of both AS and MR in the same patient. Here, we report on the first human cases of successful totally percutaneous management of combined severe AS and MR as a planned staged approach and using MitraClip® implantation as a procedure necessitated by an unpredictable complication of self‐expanding CoreValve device, respectively. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ionic Liquids as Tools for the Acid‐Catalyzed Hydrolysis/Dehydration of Saccharides to Furanic Aldehydes
Authors: Lima Sérgio , Antunes Margarida M. , Pillinger Martyn , Valente Anabela A. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractOne of the measures associated with the socio‐political and environmental protection policies towards sustainability is the use of biomass as a renewable source of energy, fuels, and chemical products. The chemical valorization of carbohydrate biomass, in particular, the acid‐catalyzed conversion of saccharides into the furanic aldehydes, furfural and 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfuraldehyde, has been a matter of intensive research. These products possess wide application profiles in different sectors of the chemical industry and are thus considered as important platform chemicals. High expectations have been put on the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as tools for these reaction systems, partly due to the singular solubilizing properties of ILs for polysaccharides (important for process intensification), leading to favorable effects when coupled with different types of acid catalysts or when the actual IL is functionalized with acid groups, allowing it to play a dual solvent‐acid role. An assessment of the present state‐of‐the art on this topic is made in this review, showing that promising results have been reported using mild reaction conditions.
(S)‐ and (R)‐Fluoxetine as Native Markers in Mass Spectrometry (MS) Binding Assays Addressing the Serotonin Transporter
Authors: Hess Marielle , Höfner Georg , Wanner Klaus T. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractA recently established and validated LC–ESI‐MS/MS method for quantification of fluoxetine was used to implement MS binding assays for the human serotonin transporter (hSERT)—the primary target in the treatment of depression and emotional disorders. As a label‐free screening technique, MS binding assays offer the opportunity to perform kinetic, saturation and competition assays using both (S)‐ and (R)‐fluoxetine as native markers. In kinetic experiments, an association rate constant (k+1) of 0.92±0.17×106 M−1 s−1and a dissociation rate constant (k−1) of 0.0032±0.0002 s−1for (S)‐fluoxetine binding to hSERT were determined. Saturation experiments providedKdvalues of 4.4±0.4 nMand 5.2±0.9 nMfor (S)‐ and (R)‐fluoxetine, respectively; statistical analysis revealed that the two enantiomers are equipotent. In competitive experiments with (S)‐fluoxetine as a marker,Kivalues were obtained for various known inhibitors with a broad range of affinities for hSERT that correlate well with literature data obtained from radioligand binding experiments with [3H]imipramine. Additional competitive experiments using (R)‐fluoxetine as a marker led toKivalues for SERT inhibitors that deviate only marginally from those determined using the (S)‐enantiomer. No changes in the rank order of affinities occurred, indicating that there is no difference in the binding characteristics of the two enantiomers.