bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of experimental conditions on the detection of spermine in cell extracts and tissues
Authors: Spencer Nicholas G. , Eykyn Thomas R. , deSouza Nandita M. , Payne Geoffrey S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe aim of this work was to investigate the effect of experimental conditions on the visibility of polyamines. In solution the chemical shift of the three groups of peaks (at approximately 1.8, 2.1 and 3.1 ppm) were found to be pH dependent. Relaxation times in aqueous solution at pH 7.0, 298 K and 11.74 T were measured to be: putrescine (T1 = 2.49 s, T2 = 2.07 s), spermidine (T1 = 1.27 s, T2 = 1.05 s) and spermine (T1 = 1.02 s, T2 = 0.82 s). Simple spin‐echo sequences could not be used to measure T2 as the spins also experience phase evolution from homonuclear coupling which imposes a modulation on the T2 decay curve. This modulation is eliminated by using CPMG sequences with an echo spacing of <500 µs. Relaxation times for spermine in solution in presence of metal ions and protein showed that metal ions had little effect on T2; however, addition of 15 mg/ml bovine serum albumin reduced T2 of spermine (0.41 s at 298 K and 0.19 s at 277 K) but was not as short as the T2 of the polyamine peak in prostatic tissue (0.03 s at 277 K). The MR visibility of polyamines in prostate cell extracts, PC‐3 xenograft (intact as well as extracted) and intact human prostatic tissues were investigated. Polyamines were not detected in methanol/chloroform extracts, but were visible in perchloric acid extracts of prostate tumour cells. No polyamines were detected in the HR MAS spectra of three samples of whole PC‐3 xenograft tissue studied. In summary, the chemical shift of polyamine species is pH dependent, while protein binding causes peak broadening and reduction in T2. Perchloric acid extraction improves visibility of intracellular polyamines, but whole tissue polyamines are not seen in xenografts without epithelial/ ductal structure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calcium supplementation, cardiovascular disease and mortality in older women
Authors: Shah Sunil M. , Carey Iain M. , Harris Tess , DeWilde Stephen , Cook Derek G. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the long‐term cumulative effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes and death in older women.MethodsWe undertook an observational cohort study using UK electronic primary care records in the Doctor's Independent Network (DIN‐LINK) database; 9910 women aged 60–89 who started calcium and vitamin D supplementation between 2000 and 2005, with no heart disease or stroke history and who survived disease free for 2 years after supplement initiation were studied. The main outcome was first occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or death more than 2 years after initiation.ResultsIn the period from 2 years after supplement initiation, women who had received >600 days supplementation in these first 2 years were no more at risk of MI, stroke or death (hazard ratio 0.82 (0.67–1.01)) compared to women who received ≤90 days supplementation in the first 2 years. Outcomes in the first 2 years were analysed separately and showed similar baseline risks in our comparison groups.ConclusionTwo years after initiation, women who have consistently received supplementation with calcium and vitamin D do not experience more cardiovascular events or deaths than women who received minimal supplementation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical modification and dechlorination of polyvinyl chloride by substitution with thiocyanate as a nucleophile
Authors: Kameda Tomohito , Ono Masahiko , Grause Guido , Mizoguchi Tadaaki , Yoshioka Toshiaki 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis study examined the chemical modification of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by substitution with SCN (thiocyanate) as a nucleophile. The effects of temperature, molar SCN/Cl ratio, and solvent on the substitution by SCN and the elimination of HCl were investigated. In SCN/EG (ethylene glycol) solution, the substitution/dechlorination ratio increased with decreasing temperature. The dechlorination yield increased with an increasing molar SCN/Cl ratio, favoring the substitution over the elimination. When N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solutions were used as solvents, DMF favored the substitution, whereas DMSO favored the elimination. In the SCN/DMF solution, the substitution yield and the substitution/dechlorination ratio increased with increasing temperature. Higher temperatures favored the substitution over the elimination in SCN/DMF. Furthermore, the reaction of PVC in SCN/tetrahydrofuran (THF)‐DMSO (1:2) proceeded at room temperature, favoring the substitution over elimination. The isomerization of SCN was observed, resulting only in NCS (isothiocyanate) at room temperature and SCN (thiocyanate) at 190°C. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of addition of functionalized SEBS on rheological, mechanical, and tribological properties of polyamide 6 nanocomposites
Authors: Nishitani Yosuke , Yamada Yoshinao , Ishii Chiharu , Sekiguchi Isamu , Kitano Takeshi 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe effects of the addition of styrene‐ethylene/butylene‐styrene copolymer (SEBS) with various functionalized groups on the rheological, mechanical, and tribological properties on polyamide 6 nanocomposite filled with layered silicate (PA6/Clay) were investigated. Four types of SEBS: unmodified SEBS (SEBS), maleic anhydride grafted SEBS (SEBS‐g‐MA), amine group grafted SEBS (SEBS‐g‐NH2), and carboxyl group grafted SEBS (SEBS‐g‐COOH) were added with PA6/Clay nanocomposite to prepare various polymer blends. These polymer blends were extruded by a twin screw extruder and injection molded. Dynamic viscoelastic properties of these blends in the molten state and their tensile, impact, and tribological properties were evaluated. The viscoelastic properties were found to increase with the addition of SEBS and were highly influenced by the types of functionalized groups contained. Influence of the addition of SEBS on the mechanical properties of these systems differed for each mechanical property. Although the tensile properties decreased with SEBS, Izod impact properties improved with the addition of various functionalized SEBS. These mechanical properties and viscoelastic properties correlated closely with the size of dispersed SEBS particles and interparticle distance. The tribological properties also improved with the addition of SEBS, and the influence of the amount added was higher than the type of SEBS used. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Studies on the effect of movement during the cure on the mechanical properties of a silicone building joint sealant
Authors: White C.C. , Hunston D.L. , Williams R.S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA novel sealant testing device was used to continuously monitor the mechanical properties of a one‐part silicone sealant for movement cycles initiated from 10 to 168 h after sample creation. These cure times fall between the proposed RILEM TC‐139 technical recommendation of 5 min and the ASTM C719 standard of 21 days. At 10 h of cure, enough crosslinking occurred before testing such that neither the overall movement history of the sample nor the deformation step shapes affected subsequent curing of the sealant. A critical parameter for sealant performance appears to be the extent of cure at the onset of movement. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Simultaneously improving the toughness, flexural modulus and thermal performance of isotactic polypropylene by α‐β crystalline transition and inorganic whisker reinforcement
Authors: Cao Yewen , Feng Jiachun , Wu Peiyi 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMagnesium salt (M‐HOS) whisker and β‐nucleating agent were introduced into polypropylene and their effects on the crystalline structures, morphologies, mechanical properties, and thermal resistance of polypropylene (PP) were investigated. The results of wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and polar optical microscopy (POM) examinations suggested that the presence of the whisker did not cause any negative effect on the occurrence of β‐modification, and β‐phase became absolutely dominant form in β‐nucleated samples. The mechanical and thermal properties tests demonstrated that there is an excellent synergy between the β‐nucleating agent and the whisker. For PP composite containing 0.1 wt% of the β‐nucleating agent and 10 wt% of the whiskers, the Izod notched impact strength, elongation at break, flexural modulus, and heat deflection temperature were increased by 108, 194, 31, and 40%, respectively, compared with those of neat PP. By combining the toughening effect of α–β transition with the reinforcing effect of the whisker, simultaneous improvement in toughness, flexural modulus, and thermal performance of PP was successfully achieved. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Surface Modification of Aluminum Using a Combined Technique of Barrel Nitriding and Plasma Nitriding
Authors: Okumiya Masahiro , Yoshida Masashi , Ichiki Ryuta , Tekmen Cagri , Khalifa Waleed , Tsunekawa Yoshiki , Tanaka Kazushi 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn this study, a new nitriding process is proposed to produce the aluminum nitride on the aluminum surface. A process of combined barrel and plasma nitriding techniques was used. By using the barrel nitriding process, an aluminum nitride layer with high thickness can be formed within a matter of hours, and the surface hardness can be improved by using the plasma nitriding. It is suggested that a combined technique of the barrel nitriding and the plasma nitriding is one of the most promising surface treatments for the aluminum.
A wideband, directional model for the satellite‐to‐indoor propagation channel at S‐band
Authors: Perez‐Fontan F. , Hovinen V. , Schönhuber M. , Prieto‐Cerdeira R. , Teschl F. , Kyrolainen J. , Valtr P. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis paper presents a hybrid empirical‐statistical model for the satellite‐to‐indoor propagation channel at S‐band derived from measurements using a helicopter to simulate the satellite. The measurements have been carried out by means of a wideband, circularly polarized channel sounder in a SIMO (Single Input Multiple Output) configuration, allowing the derivation of entry loss, wideband and spatial model parameters. It is hoped that this paper will provide relevant information on the satellite‐to‐indoor channel given the large amount of experimental data available, covering a significant member of different buildings of various types, and the amount of measurement configurations: elevations and azimuths. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quadratic inference functions in marginal models for longitudinal data
Authors: Song Peter X.‐K. , Jiang Zhichang , Park Eunjoo , Qu Annie 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe quadratic inference function (QIF) is a new statistical methodology developed for the estimation and inference in longitudinal data analysis using marginal models. This method is an alternative to the popular generalized estimating equations approach, and it has several useful properties such as robustness, a goodness‐of‐fit test and model selection. This paper presents an introductory review of the QIF, with a strong emphasis on its applications. In particular, a recently developed SAS MACRO QIF is illustrated in this paper to obtain numerical results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Reheating Method and Water Content on Change of the Physicochemical Properties of Retrograded Rice Starch
Authors: Han Sung‐Hee , Kim Min‐Jung , Lee Seog‐Won , Rhee Chul 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe effect of the reheating method (microwave, autoclave and steam) and water content (65, 75, 85 and 95%) on change of the physicochemical properties of retrograded rice starch was investigated. The increment of gelatinization after heat treatment in the autoclave was the highest (44.9% at 95% water content), and it also showed an increasing trend regardless of reheating methods as the water content was increased from 65% to 95%. The water‐holding capacity (WHC) of the retrograded rice starch was increased compared to that of control after reheating regardless of reheating method and water content, and the maximum value (33.2%, w/v) was observed in the sample reheated with steam at a water content of 95%. The retrograded rice starch reheated in the autoclave showed a decreased peak viscosity, breakdown, final viscosity and setback. In particular, these parameters were lowest in samples reheated in an autoclave. Also, in the autoclaved samples the crystallinity of retrograded rice starch decreased as the water content increased. The microstructure of the reheated samples was filamentous type composed of numerous small cavities.
Influence of Heat‐Moisture Treatment and Acid Modifications on Physicochemical, Rheological, Thermal and Morphological Characteristics of Indian Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) Starch and its Application in Biodegradable Films
Authors: Singh Gagan Deep , Bawa Amrinder S. , Riar Charanjit S. , Saxena Dharmesh C. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWater chestnut starch was subjected to acid modification and heat‐moisture treatment. Hydrochloric acid was used for acid modification at three different concentrations (0.25 M, 0.5 M and 1 M) for 2 h. Modifications did not alter the granule morphology. Heat‐moisture treatment (HMT) resulted in slight reduction in the granular size of the starch granules. Acid modification lowered the amylose content, swelling power, water‐ and oil‐binding capacity but improved the solubility of starch to a considerable level. Light transmittance of acid‐modified (AM) starches improved significantly. A significant reduction in peak, trough, final and setback viscosity was observed by acid‐thinning. In case of heat‐moisture treated starch the final viscosity (Fv) was found to be even higher than the peak viscosity (Pv). Native water chestnut starch exhibited a lower onset temperature (To) and peak temperature (Tp) of gelatinization than the corresponding acid‐treated starches. Starch films prepared from native starch exhibited excellent pliability, whereas those prepared from AM and HMT starches showed good tensile strength. Starch films prepared from acid‐treated starches provided better puncture and tensile strength.
Starch as a Pore‐forming and Body‐forming Agent in Ceramic Technology
Authors: Gregorová Eva , Živcová Zuzana , Pabst Willi 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWheat and corn starch can be used for the preparation of porous alumina ceramics via the SCC (starch consolidation casting) process, resulting in porosities ranging from > 20% to approx. 50% (using nominal starch contents of 10 – 50%, v/v), with open porosity dominating (closed porosity < 6.5%). The character of porosity and the shape of the pores corresponds to the starch granules used, but the pore size is determined by a complex interplay between starch swelling (during the body‐forming step) and pore shrinkage (during sintering of the ceramic). Typically, for low starch contents (e.g. nominal starch contents of around 10%, v/v) starch swelling is a significant effect, and the pores after sintering are larger than the size of the starch granules. For higher starch contents swelling is constrained (by limited space and/ or water availability), and the matrix shrinkage during sintering overcompensates the swelling effect, so that the final pores in the ceramic can be significantly smaller than the original starch granule size. In this paper it is shown how porosity is related to pore size. In particular, it is demonstrated that the porosity indirectly determined from image analysis (via the median pore size) is closely related to the porosity directly measured via the Archimedes method. On the other hand, mercury porosimetry measures the distribution of pore throat sizes. With increasing starch content in the suspension, the pore throat size in the as‐fired ceramic materials increases, resulting in a more open microstructure.
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer: A Review of Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Wijnhoven Bas P. L. , van Lanschot Jan J. B. , Tilanus Hugo W. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , van der Gaast Ate 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackgroundMost randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have compared neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery with surgery alone for locally advanced esophageal cancer have shown no difference in survival between the two treatments. Meta‐analyses on neoadjuvant chemoradiation in esophageal cancer, however, are discordant.MethodsFor the present study, published meta‐analyses on neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal cancer were identified from the PubMed database and critically appraised in order to make a judgment on the applicability of neoadjuvant chemoradiation in clinical practice and decision making.ResultsTwo of the six meta‐analyses examined did not show a significant survival benefit in patients with resectable esophageal cancer. Differences in the studies included and statistical methods applied might account for this. Moreover, there was heterogeneity between the RCTs included in the meta‐analyses with regard to the patients included, tumor histology, and radiotherapy and chemotherapy regimes. Also, surgical technique was not uniform. No data on individual patients were available for most meta‐analyses. The RCTs included in the meta‐analyses were of inadequate sample size. All were started in the nineties, and hence methods for diagnosis, staging, treatment delivery, and outcome measurement reflect clinical practice during that decade.ConclusionsThe current data on neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal cancer strongly indicate the need for designing future high‐quality trials that will contribute to a better understanding of the role of neoadjuvant treatment for resectable cancer of the esophagus and help to identify patient subgroups that would benefit most.
The Influences of Cell Type and ZnO Nanoparticle Size on Immune Cell Cytotoxicity and Cytokine Induction
Authors: Hanley Cory , Thurber Aaron , Hanna Charles , Punnoose Alex , Zhang Jianhui , Wingett Denise G 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Nanotechnology represents a new and enabling platform that promises to provide a range of innovative technologies for biological applications. ZnO nanoparticles of controlled size were synthesized, and their cytotoxicity toward different human immune cells evaluated. A differential cytotoxic response between human immune cell subsets was observed, with lymphocytes being the most resistant and monocytes being the most susceptible to ZnO nanoparticle-induced toxicity. Significant differences were also observed between previously activated memory lymphocytes and naive lymphocytes, indicating a relationship between cell-cycle potential and nanoparticle susceptibility. Mechanisms of toxicity involve the generation of reactive oxygen species, with monocytes displaying the highest levels, and the degree of cytotoxicity dependent on the extent of nanoparticle interactions with cellular membranes. An inverse relationship between nanoparticle size and cytotoxicity, as well as nanoparticle size and reactive oxygen species production was observed. In addition, ZnO nanoparticles induce the production of the proinflammatory cytokines, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-12, at concentrations below those causing appreciable cell death. Collectively, these results underscore the need for careful evaluation of ZnO nanoparticle effects across a spectrum of relevant cell types when considering their use for potential new nanotechnology-based biological applications.
A Novel Docetaxel-Loaded Poly (ε-Caprolactone)/Pluronic F68 Nanoparticle Overcoming Multidrug Resistance for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Mei Lin , Zhang Yangqing , Zheng Yi , Tian Ge , Song Cunxian , Yang Dongye , Chen Hongli , Sun Hongfan , Tian Yan , Liu Kexin , Li Zhen , Huang Laiqiang 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) in tumor cells is a significant obstacle to the success of chemotherapy in many cancers. The purpose of this research is to test the possibility of docetaxel-loaded poly (ε-caprolactone)/Pluronic F68 (PCL/Pluronic F68) nanoparticles to overcome MDR in docetaxel-resistance human breast cancer cell line. Docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles were prepared by modified solvent displacement method using commercial PCL and self-synthesized PCL/Pluronic F68, respectively. PCL/Pluronic F68 nanoparticles were found to be of spherical shape with a rough and porous surface. The nanoparticles had an average size of around 200 nm with a narrow size distribution. The in vitro drug release profile of both nanoparticle formulations showed a biphasic release pattern. There was an increased level of uptake of PCL/Pluronic F68 nanoparticles in docetaxel-resistance human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7 TAX30, when compared with PCL nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity of PCL nanoparticles was higher than commercial Taxotere®in the MCF-7 TAX30 cell culture, but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). However, the PCL/Pluronic F68 nanoparticles achieved significantly higher level of cytotoxicity than both of PCL nanoparticles and Taxotere®(p < 0.05), indicating docetaxel-loaded PCL/Pluronic F68 nanoparticles could overcome multidrug resistance in human breast cancer cells and therefore have considerable potential for treatment of breast cancer.
Reducing dangerous nighttime events in persons with dementia by using a nighttime monitoring system
Authors: Rowe Meredeth A. , Kelly Annette , Horne Claydell , Lane Steve , Campbell Judy , Lehman Brandy , Phipps Chad , Keller Meredith , Benito Andrea Pe 
Published: September 2009

BackgroundNighttime activity, a common occurrence in persons with dementia, increases the risk for injury and unattended home exits and impairs the sleep patterns of caregivers. Technology is needed that will alert caregivers of nighttime activity in persons with dementia to help prevent injuries and unattended exits.MethodsAs part of a product development grant, a controlled pilot study was conducted to test the effectiveness of a new night monitoring system designed for informal caregivers to use in the home. Data from 53 subjects were collected at nine points in time during a 12‐month period regarding injuries and unattended home exits that occurred while the caregiver slept. Nighttime activity frequently resulted in nursing home placement.ResultsThe night monitoring system proved a reliable adjunct to assist caregivers in managing nighttime activity. A total of nine events (injuries or unattended home exits) occurred during the study, with 6 events occurring in the control group. With intent‐to‐treat analysis, there was no difference between the groups. However, in a secondary analysis that was based on use of the intervention, experimental subjects were 85% less likely to sustain an event than control subjects.ConclusionsWhen nighttime activity occurred, it resulted in severe injuries sometimes associated with subsequent nursing home placement. The night monitoring system represents a new technology that caregivers can use to assist them in preventing nighttime injuries and unattended home exits in care recipients with dementia.