bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tailoring of water‐soluble cellulose‐g‐ copolymers in homogeneous medium using single‐electron‐transfer living radical polymerization
Authors: Hiltunen Miia S , Raula Janne , Maunu Sirkka Liisa 
Published: May 2011

AbstractCellulose‐graft‐polyacrylamide and cellulose‐graft‐poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) copolymers were prepared by single‐electron‐transfer living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) in homogeneous medium. Cellulose macroinitiators for SET‐LRP, with different numbers of initiating sites along the cellulose backbone, were successfully synthesized by direct acylation of cellulose with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide in LiCl/dimethylacetamide. Dynamic light scattering revealed that cellulose macroinitiator molecules in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) exist primarily as individual chains with a certain amount of intermolecular aggregates. SET‐LRP of acrylamide and N,N‐dimethylacrylamide with the cellulose macroinitiators was carried out in DMSO solution. Formation of cellulose‐graft‐copolymers was confirmed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and the products were water‐soluble. High content of poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) in the copolymers enhanced the thermal stability relative to that of cellulose. Scanning electron microscopy studies of cellulose‐based particles formed from the copolymers using the aerosol flow reactor method revealed spherical nanoscale structures. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and properties of novel rosin‐based water‐borne polyurethane
Authors: Xu Xu , Song Zhanqian , Shang Shibin , Cui Shuqin , Rao Xiaoping 
Published: May 2011

AbstractA series of novel rosin‐based water‐borne polyurethanes (RWPUs) was prepared from fumaropimaric acid polyester polyol (FAPP) synthesised from rosin acid. Emulsions of the prepared RWPUs were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, and dried films of the emulsions were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. Other properties including water absorption, tensile strength, elongation at break, and antibacterial activity of the RWPUs were also determined. The results suggest that RWPU prepared with 35 wt% FAPP has good potential for applications, with improved mechanical properties, thermal stability and water resistance. The RWPU showed excellent antimicrobial properties in killing both Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Surface shaving as a versatile tool to profile global interactions between human serum proteins and the Staphylococcus aureus cell surface
Authors: Dreisbach Annette , van der Kooi‐Pol Magdalena M. , Otto Andreas , Gronau Katrin , Bonarius Hendrik P. J. , Westra Hans , Groen Herman , Becher Dörte , Hecker Michael , van Dijl Jan M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe human commensal bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is renowned as a causative agent of severe invasive diseases. Upon entering the bloodstream, S. aureus can infect almost every tissue and organ system in the human body. To withstand insults from the immune system upon invasion, several immune‐evasive mechanisms have evolved in S. aureus, such as complement inhibition by secreted proteins and IgG‐binding by surface‐exposed protein A. While it is generally accepted that S. aureus cells bind a range of host factors for various purposes, no global analyses to profile staphylococcal host factor binding have so far been performed. Therefore, we explored the possibility to profile the binding of human serum proteins to S. aureus cells by “surface shaving” with trypsin and subsequent MS analysis of liberated peptides. This resulted in the identification of several components of the complement system, the platelet factor 4 and the isoform 1 of the inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 on the staphylococcal cell surface. We conclude that surface shaving is a versatile tool to profile global interactions between human serum proteins and the S. aureus cell surface.
Uptake, translocation and metabolism of aminocyclopyrachlor in prickly lettuce, rush skeletonweed and yellow starthistle
Authors: Bell Jared L , Burke Ian C , Prather Timothy S 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Aminocyclopyrachlor is a new herbicide proposed to control broadleaf weeds and shrubs in non‐crop and rangeland systems. To gain a better understanding of observed field efficacy, the uptake and translocation of foliar‐applied aminocyclopyrachlor (DPX‐MAT28) and aminocyclopyrachlor methyl ester (DPX‐KJM44) were evaluated in two annuals, prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola L.) and yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis L.), and one perennial, rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea L.).RESULTS: Absorption and translocation varied between species. While absorption of DPX‐KJM44 was greater than absorption of DPX‐MAT28, rush skeletonweed absorbed the most, followed by yellow starthistle and prickly lettuce. Overall, the total translocation of either herbicide was highest in yellow starthistle, followed by rush skeletonweed and prickly lettuce. Proportional herbicide movement between species was similar, with the majority translocating to developing shoots. However, in rush skeletonweed, early translocation was directed to root tissue. In rush skeletonweed, no DPX‐MAT28 metabolism occurred, while DPX‐KJM44 was rapidly de‐esterified and translocated as DPX‐MAT28.CONCLUSION: Aminocyclopyrachlor absorption and translocation are dependent on active ingredient structure and species sensitivity. Highly sensitive species such as prickly lettuce absorb and translocate less material than relatively less sensitive species such as rush skeletonweed. De‐esterification of DPX‐KJM44 appears to delay translocation of the resulting acid in yellow starthistle and rush skeletonweed. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Carbon‐tuned cathodoluminescence of semi‐insulating GaN
Authors: Kakanakova‐Georgieva A. , Forsberg U. , Janzén E. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe report on the cathodoluminescence (CL) of nominally undoped semi‐insulating GaN layers grown by hot‐wall metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) at a threefold increase of the growth rate limited by the TMGa flow. The growth kinetics is such, that C is the only background impurity in the layers with controllably increasing concentration from 5 × 1016 to 6 × 1017 cm−3, while other background impurities, H, O and Si, are essentially at the SIMS detection levels. The hot‐wall MOCVD is not an ordinary approach to GaN growth process and this study corroborates a more perceptive outlook on the C incorporation in GaN and any potential C‐incorporation‐mediated luminescence, including the observed here blue luminescence (BL) at ∼417 nm, and the yellow luminescence (YL) with shifting peak position towards shorter wavelengths, ∼555–543–525 nm.
Radar‐based perception for autonomous outdoor vehicles
Authors: Reina Giulio , Underwood James , Brooker Graham , Durrant‐Whyte Hugh 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAutonomous vehicle operations in outdoor environments challenge robotic perception. Construction, mining, agriculture, and planetary exploration environments are examples in which the presence of dust, fog, rain, changing illumination due to low sun angles, and lack of contrast can dramatically degrade conventional stereo and laser sensing. Nonetheless, environment perception can still succeed under compromised visibility through the use of a millimeter‐wave radar. Radar also allows for multiple object detection within a single beam, whereas other range sensors are limited to one target return per emission. However, radar has shortcomings as well, such as a large footprint, specularity effects, and limited range resolution, all of which may result in poor environment survey or difficulty in interpretation. This paper presents a novel method for ground segmentation using a millimeter‐wave radar mounted on a ground vehicle. Issues relevant to short‐range perception in an outdoor environment are described along with field experiments and a quantitative comparison to laser data. The ability to classify the ground is successfully demonstrated in clear and low‐visibility conditions, and significant improvement in range accuracy is shown. Finally, conclusions are drawn on the utility of millimeter‐wave radar as a robotic sensor for persistent and accurate perception in natural scenarios. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Drug delivery through the skin: molecular simulations of barrier lipids to design more effective noninvasive dermal and transdermal delivery systems for small molecules, biologics, and cosmetics
Authors: Torin Huzil J. , Sivaloganathan Siv , Kohandel Mohammad , Foldvari Marianna 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe delivery of drugs through the skin provides a convenient route of administration that is often preferable to injection because it is noninvasive and can typically be self‐administered. These two factors alone result in a significant reduction of medical complications and improvement in patient compliance. Unfortunately, a significant obstacle to dermal and transdermal drug delivery alike is the resilient barrier that the epidermal layers of the skin, primarily the stratum corneum, presents for the diffusion of exogenous chemical agents. Further advancement of transdermal drug delivery requires the development of novel delivery systems that are suitable for modern, macromolecular protein and nucleotide therapeutic agents. Significant effort has already been devoted to obtain a functional understanding of the physical barrier properties imparted by the epidermis, specifically the membrane structures of the stratum corneum. However, structural observations of membrane systems are often hindered by low resolutions, making it difficult to resolve the molecular mechanisms related to interactions between lipids found within the stratum corneum. Several models describing the molecular diffusion of drug molecules through the stratum corneum have now been postulated, where chemical permeation enhancers are thought to disrupt the underlying lipid structure, resulting in enhanced permeability. Recent investigations using biphasic vesicles also suggested a possibility for novel mechanisms involving the formation of complex polymorphic lipid phases. In this review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of permeation‐enhancing strategies and how computational simulations, at the atomic scale, coupled with physical observations can provide insight into the mechanisms of diffusion through the stratum corneum. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 449–462 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.147This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Laparoscopic Repair of Duodenal Atresia: Revisited
Authors: van der Zee David C. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundSince the initial reports of laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia in neonates, further reports have been scant. Could this be because of unacceptable rates of complications, like anastomotic leakage, as mentioned in later reports? In the present study the laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia in neonates is revisited.PatientsGroup 1 consisted of 22 patients with duodenal obstruction between 2000–2005 until the laparoscopic approach was abandoned. Of these 22 patients, 10 had Down syndrome and 8 had concomitant malformations. In this group 18 patients were operated laparoscopically. Four patients underwent an open procedure. Group 2 consisted of six patients that underwent operation between 2008 and February 2010.ResultsIn group 1 there were four conversions. In 14 patients the procedure could be completed laparoscopically. In five patients postoperative leakage occurred. The complication rate was found to be unacceptably high, and the laparoscopic approach was abandoned. After gaining additional experience in intracorporeal suturing and adjusting the technique, the procedure was started up again in 2008. Since then six consecutive neonates have undergone laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia without complications.ConclusionsLaparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia is one of the most demanding pediatric laparoscopic surgical procedures. After initial promising results at the beginning of the twenty‐first century a relative “radio silence“ followed, apparently caused by unsatisfactory results. Only considerable adjustments in technique and extensive improvement in experience has led to acceptable outcomes more recently. Laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia should therefore be restricted to pediatric centers with extensive experience in laparoscopic surgery and intracorporeal suturing.
Androgeninsensitivität
Authors: Wieacker P. , Ledig S. 
Published: May 2011

Zusammenfassung
Mutationen des Androgenrezeptorgens sind mit einem Spektrum von Störungen assoziiert, die von der kompletten Androgeninsensitivität mit weiblichem äußerem Genitale über die partielle Androgeninsensitivität mit intersexuellem Genitale bis zur minimalen Androgeninsensitivität mit männlicher Infertilität reichen. Das CAG-Repeat im 1. Exon ist für die Transaktivierung von Zielgenen bedeutsam und moduliert androgenabhängige Prozesse. Eine pathologische Expansion dieses Repeats verursacht die X-chromosomale spinobulbäre Muskelatrophie.
The emerging role of magnetic resonance imaging and multidetector computed tomography in the diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Slavich Massimo , Florian Anca , Bogaert Jan 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging and multidetector computed tomography are new imaging methods that have much to offer clinicians caring for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. In this article we briefly describe the clinical, pathophysiological and histological aspects of dilated cardiomyopathy. Then we discuss in detail the use of both imaging methods for measurement of chamber size, global and regional function, for myocardial tissue characterisation, including myocardial viability assessment, and determination of arrhythmogenic substrate, and their emerging role in cardiac resynchronisation therapy.
The moderating role of contextual factors on quality management practices
Authors: Zhang Dongli , Linderman Kevin , Schroeder Roger G. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis study investigates how contextual factors influence the relationship between Quality Management (QM) practices and manufacturing performance. It contributes to the contingency theory of QM effectiveness. Drawing on the management literature, we differentiate two different groups of QM practices: Quality Exploitation and Quality Exploration. The analysis empirically investigates the internal fit with organizational structure and the external fit with environmental uncertainty on the relationship between Quality Exploration, Quality Exploitation, and operational performance. The data comes from a survey of 238 manufacturing plants in three industries across eight countries. Regression analyses show that both internal fit with the organizational structure and external fit with the environment affect performance. The findings also provide insights for managers on how to customize QM programs to achieve optimal performance benefits. In stable environments Quality Exploitation practices provide the best performance outcomes, while in a dynamic environment Quality Exploration practices with an organic organizational structure give the best results.
Proteomic comparison of human embryonic stem cells with their differentiated fibroblasts: Identification of 206 genes targeted by hES cell‐specific microRNAs
Authors: Tsai Zong‐Yun , Chou Chi‐Hsien , Lu Chi‐Yu , Singh Sher , Yu Sung‐Liang , Li Steven Shoei‐Lung 
Published: May 2011

AbstractHuman embryonic stem (hES)‐T3 (T3ES) cells were spontaneously differentiated into autogeneic fibroblast‐like T3DF cells, as feeder cells with the capacity to support the growth of undifferentiated hES cells. The proteomes of undifferentiated T3ES cells and their differentiated T3DF fibroblasts were quantitatively compared. Several heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins and glycolytic enzymes, including l‐lactate dehydrogenase A (M), were found to be abundantly and differentially expressed in T3ES cells and T3DF fibroblasts, respectively. Both miRNA and mRNA profiles from the undifferentiated T3ES cells and their differentiated T3DF fibroblasts had been previously determined. In this investigation, 206 genes were found to be targets of the four hES cell‐specific miRNAs of miR‐302d, miR‐372, miR‐200c, and/or miR‐367 by using two‐fold differential expression and inverse expression levels (highly negative correlations) of miRNAs to their target mRNAs. That YWHAZ (14‐3‐3 zeta) is a target of miR‐302d and miR‐372 was further confirmed by proteomic comparison between T3ES cells and their differentiated T3DF fibroblasts. According to GeneOntology analyses, almost 50% of these 206 target proteins are nuclear and are involved in gene transcription. Identifying the target mRNAs of hES cell‐specific miRNAs will provide a better understanding of the complex regulatory networks in hES cells. Furthermore, these miRNA‐targeted proteins play important roles in differentiation of hES cells and during embryo development.
Enantiomeric selectivity in behavioural and electrophysiological responses of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes
Authors: Cook J.I. , Majeed S. , Ignell R. , Pickett J.A. , Birkett M.A. , Logan J.G. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract1-Octen-3-ol is a kairomone for many haematophagous insects including mosquitoes. Numerous studies have examined the effects of racemic 1-octen-3-ol; however, few studies have investigated the role of individual enantiomers in relation to mosquito attraction. In the present study, we investigated the behavioural and electrophysiological responses of two mosquito species, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, to individual enantiomers and mixtures of 1-octen-3-ol, employing a laboratory Y-tube olfactometer and single sensillum recordings. The olfactory receptor neurons of both Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus had a significantly higher response to the (R)-1-octen-3-ol enantiomer compared to the (S)-1-octen-3-ol enantiomer at 10−9 g μl−1 to 10−6 g μl−1. Behaviourally, Ae. aegypti was more responsive to the (R)-1-octen-3-ol enantiomer, showing an increase in flight activity and relative attraction compared to Cx. quinquefasciatus. The (R)-1-octen-3-ol enantiomer caused an increase in activation for Cx. quinquefasciatus. However, the most notable effect was from an (R:S)-1-octen-3-ol mixture (84:16) that caused significantly more mosquitoes to sustain their flight and reach the capture chambers (demonstrated by a reduced non-sustained flight activity), suggesting that it may have a behaviourally excitatory effect. For Cx. quinquefasciatus, a reduced relative attraction response was also observed for all treatments containing the (R)-1-octen-3-ol enantiomer, either on its own or as part of a mixture, but not with the (S)-1-octen-3-ol enantiomer. This is the first time enantiomeric selectivity has been shown for Ae. aegypti using electrophysiology in vivo. The implications of these results for exploitation in mosquito traps are discussed.
Physiological trade-offs of forming maggot masses by necrophagous flies on vertebrate carrion
Authors: Rivers D.B. , Thompson C. , Brogan R. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractNecrophagous flies that colonize human and animal corpses are extremely efficient at locating and utilizing carrion. Adult flies deposit eggs or larvae on the ephemeral food resource, which signals the beginning of intense inter- and intra-species competition. Within a short period of time after egg hatch, large larval aggregations or maggot masses form. A period of intense larval feeding ensues that will culminate with consumption/decomposition of all soft tissues associated with the corpse. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of these feeding aggregations is heat production; that is, the capacity to generate internal heat that can exceed ambient temperatures by 30°C or more. While observations of maggot mass formation and heat generation have been described in the research literature for more than 50 years, our understanding of maggot masses, particularly the physiological ecology of the aggregations as a whole, is rudimentary. In this review, an examination of what is known about the formation of maggot masses is presented, as well as arguments for the physiological benefits and limitations of developing in feeding aggregations that, at times, can represent regions of intense competition, overcrowded conditions, or a microclimate with elevated temperatures approaching or exceeding proteotoxic stress levels.
Species-specific treatment effects of helminth/HIV-1 co-infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: SANGARÉ LAURA R. , HERRIN BRADELY R. , JOHN-STEWART GRACE , WALSON JUDD L. 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYIn sub-Saharan Africa, over 22 million people are estimated to be co-infected with both helminths and HIV-1. Several studies have suggested that de-worming individuals with HIV-1 may delay HIV-1 disease progression, and that the benefit of de-worming may vary by individual helminth species. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature to determine the effect of treatment of individual helminth infections on markers of HIV-1 progression (CD4 count and HIV viral load). There was a trend towards an association between treatment for Schistosoma mansoni and a decrease in HIV viral load (Weighted mean difference (WMD)=−0·10; 95% Confidence interval (CI): −0·24, 0·03), although this association was not seen for Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm or Trichuris trichiura. Treatment of A. lumbricoides, S. mansoni, hookworm or T. trichiura was not associated with a change in CD4 count. While pooled data from randomized trials suggested clinical benefit of de-worming for individual helminth species, these effects decreased when observational data were included in the pooled analysis. While further trials are needed to confirm the role of anthelmintic treatment in HIV-1 co-infected individuals, providing anthelmintics to individuals with HIV-1 may be a safe, inexpensive and practical intervention to slow progression of HIV-1.
Eradication and control of livestock ticks: biological, economic and social perspectives
Authors: WALKER ALAN R. 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYComparisons of successful and failed attempts to eradicate livestock ticks reveal that the social context of farming and management of the campaigns have greater influence than techniques of treatment. The biology of ticks is considered principally where it has contributed to control of ticks as practiced on farms. The timing of treatments by life cycle and season can be exploited to reduce numbers of treatments per year. Pastures can be managed to starve and desiccate vulnerable larvae questing on vegetation. Immunity to ticks acquired by hosts can be enhanced by livestock breeding. The aggregated distribution of ticks on hosts with poor immunity can be used to select animals for removal from the herd. Models of tick population dynamics required for predicting outcomes of control methods need better understanding of drivers of distribution, aggregation, stability, and density-dependent mortality. Changing social circumstances, especially of land-use, has an influence on exposure to tick-borne pathogens that can be exploited for disease control.