bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complexation of tauro‐ and glyco‐conjugated bile salts with α‐cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl‐α‐cyclodextrin studied by affinity capillary electrophoresis and molecular modelling
Authors: Holm René , Schönbeck Christian , Askjær Sune , Jensen Henrik , Westh Peter , Østergaard Jesper 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe interaction of the bile salts taurocholate, taurodeoxycholate, taurochenodeoxycholate, glycocholate, glycodeoxycholate, and glycochenodeoxycholate present in man, dog, and rat with α‐cyclodextrin and 2‐hydroxypropyl‐α‐cyclodextrin was investigated by mobility shift affinity capillary electrophoresis. The cyclodextrins are applied as excipients for solubilisation of drug substances with poor aqueous solubility. Accurate determination of stability constants is challenging for weak analyte–ligand interactions such as the conjugated bile salt α‐cyclodextrin interactions. A new approach for correction of medium effects due to the high additive concentrations in the background electrolyte was introduced. The use of prostaglandin A1 as an interacting marker molecule offered a more satisfactory approach for correction than the commonly employed methods based on viscosity or current ratios. The interacting marker was chosen over a non‐interacting marker to avoid the difficult validation of the non‐interacting properties. The investigated bile salts all interacted with α‐cyclodextrin and 2‐hydroxypropyl‐α‐cyclodextrin. Stability constants ranging from 14 to 95 M−1 were obtained with slightly higher affinities toward the substituted cyclodextrin. Molecular modelling demonstrated that the interaction between the two species involves the side chain of the bile salt. All together, these results indicate minor bile salt‐mediated displacement of substances from α‐cyclodextrin complexes in the small intestine.
Determination of acylglycerols from biological samples with chromatography‐based methods
Authors: Hellmuth Christian , Uhl Olaf , Segura‐Moreno Maite , Demmelmair Hans , Koletzko Berthold 
Published: October 2011

AbstractLipids are the most diverse class of metabolites in mammalian physiology and dysregulation of lipid metabolism is linked to various diseases. Alterations in acylglycerols, a major class of lipids in plasma and adipose tissue, are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, determination of acylglycerols is important to depict and unravel cellular mechanisms related to pathological outcomes, and specific molecular species of acylglycerols might be promising biomarker candidates. The variety of acylglycerols can be characterized in different ways. Enzymatic assays enable the determination of total tri‐ or diacylglycerols showing a possible relation to diseases, but they do not allow clarification of molecular mechanism. While gas chromatography can provide an overview of the fatty acid composition of total or separated lipids, a very detailed description of the individual molecular acylglycerol species is possible via liquid chromatography, particularly when combined with mass spectrometry. This review describes the determination of acylglycerols considering recent developments, with a focus on mammalian serum/plasma and tissue.
Effect of 810 nm light on nerve regeneration after autograft repair of severely injured rat median nerve
Authors: Moges Helina , Wu Xingjia , McCoy Jennifer , Vasconcelos Olavo M. , Bryant Howard , Grunberg Neil E. , Anders Juanita J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveDestruction of large segments of peripheral nerves results in chronic loss of sensation and paralysis. For this type of severe injury, the defect can be bridged by nerve grafts. However, even with state‐of‐the‐art microsurgical techniques, there is minimal recovery of sensation and motor function. Light therapy (LT) has been shown to improve functional outcome after surgical intervention to repair injured nerves using different techniques. Our objective was to investigate the effect of LT on peripheral nerve regeneration and function after severe median nerve injury and microsurgical autologous nerve graft repair using fibrin glue.Study Design/Materials and MethodsAdult female Sprague Dawley rats were used for this study. A 6–7 mm segment of the median nerve was excised and sural nerve segments from the same animal were used to bridge the gap using fibrin‐based sealant. There were three experimental groups: control, autograft (AG), and autograft + LT (AG + LT). The AG + LT group received LT at the surgery site for 14 consecutive days using an 810 nm wavelength diode laser. Functional recovery was assessed bi‐weekly by the grip strength test. Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) measurements were taken pre‐injury and at 16 weeks post‐surgery. Optical density measurement of S‐100 immunoreactivity was done on the transplanted segment of the nerve.ResultsThe AG + LT group had faster functional recovery of grip strength (P < 0.05), shorter CMAP latency (P < 0.05), and higher S‐100 immunoreactivity (P = 0.0213) when compared to the AG group. However, at 15 weeks, grip strength in both the AG and AG + LT groups, while significantly improved, were still below control levels.ConclusionThese results suggest that LT can accelerate functional recovery and improve the quality of nerve regeneration after autograft repair of severely injured peripheral nerves. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:901‐906, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of Ho:YAG laser irradiation on intervertebral disc cells
Authors: Sato Masato , Ishihara Miya , Kikuchi Makoto , Mochida Joji 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveVarious types of laser have been reported for percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD). The aim of this study was to understand the effects on intervertebral disc cells following Ho:YAG laser irradiation, using a three‐dimensional culture model, and consider appropriate irradiation conditions.Study Design/Materials and MethodsIntervertebral discs from the lumbar spine were obtained from 36 female Japanese white rabbits and processed to obtain isolated cells in three‐dimensional cultures. Photoacoustic and photothermal effects were investigated by irradiating three‐dimensional cultures with Ho:YAG laser at 27 or 54 J. Residual cell counts after irradiation were estimated based on DNA content according to fluorometric assay. Lactate dehydrogenase levels were also investigated as a marker of damage to cell plasma membranes. Finally, proteoglycan synthesis was measured by rapid filtration assay of 35S incorporation, as an index of matrix synthesis.ResultsResidual cell count tended to be higher in the 27‐J group. Plasma membrane damage was higher and remained high longer after irradiation in the 54‐J group. Proteoglycan synthesis was higher in the 27‐J group than in the 54‐J group, with some conditions (e.g., 90 mJ/pulse condition) showing marked activation of proteoglycan synthesis maintained for a long time after irradiation.ConclusionsThree‐dimensional culture models of intervertebral disc cells are useful for clarifying relationships between cell reactions and photoacoustic and photothermal effects after laser irradiation. Total energy is closely related to optimization of irradiation conditions, which may allow optimization of cytoprotection and promotion of matrix synthesis in clinical practice. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:921‐926, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic pain after laser‐assisted‐Uvulo‐palatoplasty (LAUP) can instantaneously be mitigated by topical regimens
Authors: Li Lieber P.H. , Lee Shan S. , Chuang Ann Y.C. , Niddam David M. , Tung Tao H. , Chen Joshua K.C. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesKenalog application onto surgical wounds has been used to control dynamic pain following Laser‐Assisted‐Uvulo‐Palatoplasty (LAUP) with good results in our department. When the effect was sub‐optimal, insufficient ointment over the superior–lateral corner of wounds were always noted. Fulfilling the coating led to optimal results, and preliminary trials showed a good outcome of dynamic pain control as well by treating the corners only. The corners were thus named “sweet spots.” This study aimed to verify the efficacy of applying Kenalog on “sweet spots” instead of whole surgical wounds to mitigate dynamic pain due to LAUP.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThis is an outcomes research. Fifty‐five subjects with primary snoring treated with LAUP were studied. By using Kenalog, local treatments were applied to sweet spots during the first postoperative week. A visual analogous scale was used to evaluate dynamic pain on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th days after LAUP.ResultsOnce sweet spots were treated, there was instant alleviation of dynamic pain; the average improvement level was ≥80% (P < 0.001, power = 100%). The area of sweet spots, in contrast to the significant relief in dynamic pain, occupied only about 30% of denuded mucosa.ConclusionsDynamic pain after LAUP could immediately be mitigated by local treatments upon sweet spots using topical regimens. The large‐scale relief of dynamic pain in contrast to the small area of sweet spots implies a congregation of free nerve endings there. Our finding invites further studies to correlate the neuroanatomy of the soft palate and dynamic pain caused by LAUP. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:887‐891, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Chain Stiffness on Nanoparticle Segregation in Polymer/Nanoparticle Blends Near a Substrate
Authors: Padmanabhan Venkat , Frischknecht Amalie L. , Mackay Michael E. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractNanoparticles in a flexible polymer melt film often segregate to the substrate due to attractive depletion interactions between the nanoparticles and the substrate. Here, molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the effect of chain stiffness on this segregation. The nanoparticles are modeled as spheres and the polymers as semi‐flexible bead‐spring chains. Both purely repulsive and attractive forces are considered, while assuming non‐selective interactions among all species. The nanoparticles are found to be well‐dispersed in the system having repulsive forces only and aggregate into clusters in the completely attractive system. For the repulsive system, adding chain stiffness substantially decreases the nanoparticles' segregation, and hence their concentration, at the substrate.magnified image
Free Energy of Polymers Confined in Open and Closed Cavities
Authors: Cifra Peter , Bleha Tomáš 
Published: October 2011

AbstractDistinct differences between the thermodynamics of open and closed cavities are observed in confinement free energy of macromolecules as a function of chain length and cavity radius and can be of special importance in the case of processes in spatially heterogeneous confinements encountered in various nano‐ and biostructures. In treatments of the confinement free energy, special attention is given to the equilibrium conditions (a full equilibrium for free exchange of macromolecules between cavity and bulk solution or a restricted equilibrium with number of chains in cavity constant) and associated polymer concentration changes. Increased chain stiffness brings about additional effects and complexity, for which the first results are presented here.magnified image
Fatigue resistance of weld ends – Analysis of the notch stress using real geometry
Authors: Kaffenberger M. , Vormwald M. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractModern welded structures often contain weld start and end points which are the failure critical location. In particular, for special investigations into thin sheet structures, no approach for the determination of the fatigue life has been established thus far. In this research, the primary aim was to obtain the real geometry of weld ends with high precision using a three dimensional scanner to find a general approach using the notch stress concept. Going one step further, analyses have been performed regarding to unify the notch stress concept. The existing results of Olivier – who examined long welds with no start and end points – were re‐evaluated to unify the results of long regular welds with the local weld end under one scatter band.
Fatigue assessment of laserbeam welded PM steel components by the notch stress approach
Authors: Waterkotte R. , Baumgartner J. , Sonsino C. M. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe local fatigue strength of a laserbeam weld of a complex engine component, which joins a PM with a formed sheet component, was assessed by the notch stress concept with the fictitious reference radius of rref = 0.05 mm. First, simplified specimens, following the main geometric dimensions of the parts, were manufactured. On these specimens the fatigue strength was identified by tests and the notch stresses calculated by finite element analysis. Based on these results a design SN‐curve was derived to assess the fatigue strength of the engine component. The numerical assessment of the welded joint was verified by proof tests with the component. The assessment could be improved by considering statistical and stress gradient dependent size effects according to the concept of the highly stressed volume.
Fatigue behaviour of glasfiber‐thermosets; reasons and improvements
Authors: Schuermann H. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMechanisms are presented which occur in unidirectional fiber reinforced plastics due to fiber fracture and subsequent crack evolution. The 3‐point‐bending test was chosen as test method and the analyses are predominantly carried out by microscopy. It is shown that the matrix system, the fiber‐matrix interface adhesion strength and the fiber volume fraction are of great importance for improving fatigue strength. The results can be transferred directly to high stressed bending structures such as leaf springs.
Genetic and epigenetic associations of circadian gene TIMELESS and breast cancer risk
Authors: Fu Alan , Leaderer Derek , Zheng Tongzhang , Hoffman Aaron E. , Stevens Richard G. , Zhu Yong 
Published: October 2011

AbstractResults from recent molecular epidemiologic studies suggest that the core circadian genes play a role in breast tumorigenesis, possibly by influencing hormone regulation or other pathways relevant to cancer. In order to further evaluate this hypothesis, we conducted a genetic and epigenetic association study of the circadian regulator TIMELESS in breast carcinogenesis. We detected significant associations between two tagging SNPs (rs2291738 and rs7302060) in the TIMELESS gene and breast cancer among 441 breast cancer cases and 479 cancer‐free controls, with apparent effect modification by ER/PR status. The presence of the C allele of rs7302060 was found to be associated with reduced breast cancer risk (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.54–0.99). In addition, both the G/G genotype of rs2291738 and the C/C genotype of rs7302060 were associated with reduced risk of breast cancer among ER‐ or PR‐positive breast cancer cases (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.22–0.97 and OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.17–0.78, respectively). We also observed a significant association between stage II, III, and IV breast cancers and TIMELESS promoter hypomethylation in peripheral blood lymphocytes (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13–0.96) in 80 breast cancer cases and 80 age‐matched controls, which is corroborated by documented overexpression of TIMELESS in breast tumor tissue compared to adjacent normal tissue. Our findings support the hypothesized role of circadian genes in breast tumorigenesis, and identify a set of circadian biomarkers for breast cancer susceptibility. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The radio‐radial nerve transfer for elbow extension restoration in C5 to C7 nerve root injury
Authors: Flores Leandro Pretto 
Published: October 2011

AbstractExtension of the elbow is required to oppose gravity; however, activation of the triceps brachii is frequently underestimated during the surgical planning for brachial plexus injuries. This report aims to describe a novel technique of distal nerve transfer designed for elbow extension reconstruction in patients sustaining a C5–C7 nerve root injury. We report a patient sustaining a brachial plexus injury with triceps palsy and preserved finger extension motion; after careful intraneural dissection of the radial nerve, a fascicle innervating the extensor digitorum communis muscle was sectioned, derouted and connected to a motor branch to the lateral head of the triceps. Eleven months after surgery, elbow extension strength scored MRC M4. No deficits on finger extension were observed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Effect of liquid isoprene rubber on dynamic mechanical properties of emulsionpolymerized styrene/butadiene rubber vulcanizates
Authors: Li Zhiguo , Ren Wentan , Chen Hong , Ye Liqing , Zhang Yong 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe effect of liquid isoprene rubber (LIR) on the dynamic mechanical properties of emulsion‐polymerized styrene/butadiene rubber (ESBR) vulcanizates was investigated by temperature sweep using dynamic mechanical analysis. The introduction of LIR led to ESBR vulcanizates having higher loss factor (tan δ) in the temperature range − 30 to 0 °C, and lower tan δ in the range 60 to 80 °C. A small amount of LIR‐403 (LIR with carboxyl groups) led to a significant change in tan δ: the addition of LIR‐403 (3 phr) led to a 7.5% increase in tan δ from − 30 to 0 °C, and a 24.9% decrease in tan δ from 60 to 80 °C. It was found that the introduction of LIR increased the bound rubber content in the ESBR compound. Equilibrium swelling experiments showed that the crosslink density of the vulcanizates increased after the introduction of LIR‐403 or LIR‐50 (general purpose LIR). The change in tan δ from 60 to 80 °C was related to polymer–filler interactions. The characteristic constant of filler–ESBR matrix interaction (m) was calculated. At a given filler volume fraction, the increase in m in the presence of LIR could be well related to the decrease in tan δ from 60 to 80 °C. The influence of LIR on filler network in the ESBR compound was also investigated by strain and temperature sweeps using a rubber processing analyzer. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Differential expression and modification of proteins during ontogenesis in Malus domestica
Authors: Cao Xin , Gao Yan , Wang Yi , Li Chun M. , Zhao Yong B. , Han Zhen H. , Zhang Xin Z. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMany morphological and physiological changes have been widely reported during ontogeny in higher plants. In order for the better understanding of the proteomic differences between ontogenetic phases, protein compositions between leaves of juvenile, adult vegetative and reproductive phases were compared in an apple (Malus domestica Borkh., Jonathan × Golden Delicious) seedling. Totally, 122 differentially expressed or modified protein spots were separated by DIGE. Of the 122 protein spots, 44, 17 and 29 were abundant in the leaf samples from the juvenile, adult vegetative and reproductive phases, respectively, two spots showed a lower level in the adult vegetative tissue, while the amount of protein increased in 21 spots during ontogeny and declined in nine spots. One hundred and fifteen spots were successfully picked and 95 spots were identified by MALDI‐TOF‐TOF high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Twenty‐three juvenile phase abundant or down‐regulated spots were photosynthesis‐associated proteins, implying a juvenile phase‐related photosynthesis enhancement. The expression of 10 enzymes and coenzymes involved in protein synthesis and catabolism was elevated in the adult reproductive phase or up‐regulated during ontogeny, contributing a phase change‐related activation in protein metabolism. Six proteins generated 30 differential gel spots via post‐translational modifications. The differential expression of NADP‐dependent D‐sorbitol‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase was confirmed by Western blotting in six seedlings derived from two hybrid populations. The results of semi‐quantitative PCR indicate that some but not all of these proteomic changes were transcriptionally regulated.
Peptide arrays for kinome analysis: New opportunities and remaining challenges
Authors: Arsenault Ryan , Griebel Philip , Napper Scott 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPhosphorylation is the predominant mechanism of post‐translational modification for regulation of protein function. With central roles in virtually every cellular process, and strong linkages with many diseases, there is a considerable interest in defining, and ultimately controlling, kinase activities. Investigations of human cellular phosphorylation events, which includes over 500 different kinases and tens of thousands of phosphorylation targets, represent a daunting challenge for proteomic researchers and cell biologists alike. As such, there is a priority to develop tools that enable the evaluation of cellular phosphorylation events in a high‐throughput, and biologically relevant, fashion. Towards this objective, two distinct, but functionally related, experimental approaches have emerged; phosphoproteome investigations, which focus on the sub‐population of proteins which undergo phosphorylation and kinome analysis, which considers the activities of the kinase enzymes mediating these phosphorylation events. Within kinome analysis, peptide arrays have demonstrated considerable potential as a cost‐effective, high‐throughput approach for defining phosphorylation‐mediated signal transduction activity. In particular, a number of recent advances in the application of peptide arrays for kinome analysis have enabled researchers to tackle increasingly complex biological problems in a wider range of species. In this review, recent advances in kinomic analysis utilizing peptides arrays including several of the biological questions studied by our group, as well as outstanding challenges still facing this technology, are discussed.
Nanoparticle arrangements in block copolymer particles with microphase‐separated structures
Authors: Yabu Hiroshi , Jinno Tatsuya , Koike Kazutaka , Higuchi Takeshi , Shimomura Masatsugu 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn this study, metal‐polymer particles with microphase‐separated structures were prepared by self‐organized precipitation, where a good solvent is evaporated from a solution that also contains block copolymer, Au NPs, and a poor solvent. Control of the microphase‐separated structure in composite particles consisting of Au NPs and block copolymer was accomplished by changing the Au NP size, the mix ratio, and the copolymerization ratio of the block copolymer. The morphology of the inner structures was changed from a lamellar phase to a spherical phase by increasing the Au NP concentration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Protein Inactivation by Low‐temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Takai Eisuke , Kitano Katsuhisa , Kuwabara Junpei , Shiraki Kentaro 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPlasma medicine is an attractive new research area, but fundamental information related to plasma modification of biomacromolecules in aqueous solution remains elusive. As described herein, we investigated the chemical effects of low‐temperature atmospheric pressure plasma on protein in aqueous solution using lysozyme as a model. Plasma treatment decreased enzymatic activity and changed the secondary structure that results from the increased molecular weight of lysozyme with chemical modification. These effects arise neither from UV light nor from plasma heat, suggesting that the reactive species generated by the plasma affect lysozyme. The information presented in this paper represents a crucial first step for elucidating chemical reactions induced by plasma on proteins for biomedical applications.magnified image