bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aminooxy‐functionalized DOTA for radiolabeling of oxidized antibodies: evaluation of site‐specific 111In‐labeled trastuzumab
Authors: Bejot Romain , Goggi Julian , Moonshi Shebbrin S. , Padmanabhan Parasuraman , Bhakoo Kishore K. 
Published: July 2012

Antibody‐targeted nuclear imaging or radiotherapy rely on chemical modification of the polypeptide backbone that may hamper the antigen binding and hence the targeting ability. In this study, we examine a strategy for covalent modification and radiolabeling of monoclonal antibodies utilizing the oligosaccharide moieties on the molecule: the 111In‐radiolabeling of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin®, Roche, Basel, Switzerland), which targets the breast cancer‐related ErbB2/human epidermal growth factor‐2 (HER2) protein. The site‐specific radiolabeled antibody was obtained through mild oxidation of the antibody Fc region with periodate and its conjugation with an aminooxy‐functionalized tetraazacyclododecanetetraacetic acid (DOTA) chelator. It was further evaluated both in vitro with HER2 expressing cells and in vivo with tumor‐bearing mice by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and compared with the DOTA‐N‐hydroxysuccinimide methodology.Such radiolabeled trastuzumab did not show significant difference in stability when compared with lysine‐conjugated antibodies (>95%, 3 days postinjection). They also maintain their immunoreactivity (>90% immunoreactive fraction) and affinity both in vitro (Kd ~ 4–5 nM) and in vivo (12.9 %ID/g in MDA‐MB‐361 tumors).Our results confirm that the formation of a hydrolytically stable oxime linker between a chelating agent and the oxidized N‐glycan residues, away from the variable antigen‐binding sites, is an attractive approach for site‐specific conjugation of antibodies and accessing radiopharmaceuticals and immunotherapeutics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Substance P enhances collagen remodeling and MMP‐3 expression by human tenocytes
Authors: Fong Gloria , Backman Ludvig J. , Hart David A. , Danielson Patrik , McCormack Bob , Scott Alex 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe loss of collagen organization is considered a hallmark histopathologic feature of tendinosis. At the cellular level, tenocytes have been shown to produce signal substances that were once thought to be restricted to neurons. One of the main neuropeptides implicated in tendinosis, substance P (SP), is known to influence collagen organization, particularly after injury. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of SP on collagen remodeling by primary human tendon cells cultured in vitro in three‐dimensional collagen lattices. We found that SP stimulation led to an increased rate of collagen remodeling mediated via the neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK‐1 R), the preferred cell receptor for SP. Gene expression analysis showed that SP stimulation resulted in significant increases in MMP3, COL3A1 and ACTA2 mRNA levels in the collagen lattices. Furthermore, cyclic tensile loading of tendon cell cultures along with the administration of exogenous SP had an additive effect on MMP3 expression. Immunoblotting confirmed that SP increased MMP3 protein levels via the NK‐1 R. This study indicates that SP, mediated via NK‐1 R, increases collagen remodeling and leads to increased MMP3 mRNA and protein expression that is further enhanced by cyclic mechanical loading. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:91–98, 2012
Probing thermal behaviour of microbial transglutaminase with fluorescence and in silico methods
Authors: Aprodu Iuliana , Stănciuc Nicoleta , Banu Iuliana , Bahrim Gabriela 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Knowledge of transglutaminase behaviour at thermal treatment allows efficient applications in food processing. The heat‐induced conformational changes of microbial transglutaminase were studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and a molecular modelling approach.RESULTS: The experimental results indicate the unfolding of transglutaminase in a single‐phase reaction, at temperatures over 60 °C. The incidence of conformational changes is also supported by the increase of both intrinsic and 1‐anilino‐8‐naphthalene sulfonate fluorescence intensity with temperature. Changes in the secondary and tertiary structure of transglutaminase were outlined after running molecular dynamics simulations at temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 80 °C.CONCLUSION: The motif's particularities varied with the temperature, suggesting structural rearrangements of the protein, mainly in helices. The largest deviation from the structure equilibrated at 25 °C was observed at 80 °C. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Mercury in fruiting bodies of dark honey fungus (Armillaria solidipes) and beneath substratum soils collected from spatially distant areas
Authors: Falandysz Jerzy , Mazur Aneta , Kojta Anna K , Jarzyńska Grażyna , Drewnowska Małgorzata , Dryżałowska Anna , Nnorom Innocent C 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: This paper reports data on bioconcentration potential and baseline mercury concentrations of fruiting bodies of dark honey fungus (Armillaria solidipes) Peck and soil substrate layer (0–10 cm) from 12 spatially distant sites across Poland. Mercury content of caps, stipes and soil samples were determined using validated analytical procedure including cold‐vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy after thermal decomposition of the sample matrix and further amalgamation and desorption of mercury from gold wool.RESULTS: Mean mercury concentrations ranged from 20 ± 8 to 300 ± 70 ng g−1 dry weight (dw) in caps, from 20 ± 6 to 160 ± 40 ng g−1 dw in stipes, and in underlying soil were from 20 ± 2 to 100 ± 130 ng g−1 dw. The results showed that stipes mercury concentrations were 1.1‐ to 1.7‐fold lower than those of caps. All caps and the majority of stipes were characterized by bioconcentration factor values > 1, indicating that dark honey fungus can be characterized as a moderate mercury accumulator.CONCLUSION: Occasional or relatively frequent eating of meals including caps of dark honey fungus is considered safe in view of the low total mercury content, and the mercury intake rates are below the current reference dose and provisionally tolerable weekly intake limits for this hazardous metal. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Enzyme deactivation treatments did not decrease the beneficial role of oat food in intestinal microbiota and short‐chain fatty acids: an in vivo study
Authors: Hu Xinzhong , Xing Xiaohui , Zhen Hongmin 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Steaming and roasting treatments are widely used enzyme deactivation methods in the oat food industry in China. Whether or not the enzyme deactivation treatments affect the nutritional function of oat foods is unknown. In the current study, we examined the effects of 4‐week ingestion of steamed or roasted oat foods on the intestinal bacteria and short‐chain fatty acids of rats.RESULTS: Compared with rats taking no oat foods, rats taking normal oat foods or enzyme‐deactivated oat foods showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) counts of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in colon, significantly lower (P < 0.05) counts of Enterococcus spp. and coliforms in colon, and significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of butyrate and acetate in colonic digesta. In addition, rats taking infrared roasting (IR)‐treated oat foods also demonstrated significantly higher (P < 0.05) fecal Lactobacillus spp. counts and significantly lower (P < 0.05) cecal and fecal counts of E. coli, Enterococcus spp. and coliforms than rats taking no oat foods. As for the comparison between the enzyme‐undeactivated oat group and the three enzyme‐deactivated oat groups, there were no significant differences in most of the parameters (P > 0.05), though a few exceptions did exist.CONCLUSION: Enzyme deactivation treatments did not decrease the beneficial role of oat food in the intestinal microbes and short‐chain fatty acids of rats. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetics of reaction between acetic acid and Ag2+ in nitric acid medium
Authors: Gao‐Liang Li , Hui He , Hongbin Tang , Xiechun Liu , Guoan Ye 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe reaction kinetics between acetic acid and Ag2+ in nitric acid medium is studied by spectrophotometry. The effects of concentrations of acetic acid (HAc), H+, NO−3, and temperature on the reaction are investigated. The rate equation has been determined to be –dc(Ag2+)/dt = kc(Ag2+)c(HAc)c−1(H+), where k = (610 ± 15) (mol/L)−1 min−1 with an activation energy of about (48. 8 ± 3.5) kJ mol−1 when the reaction temperature is 25°C and the ionic strength is 4.0 mol L−1. The reduction rate of Ag2+ increases with the increase in HAc concentration and/or temperature and the decrease in HNO3 concentration. However, the effect of NO−3 concentrations within 0.5–2.5 mol L−1 on the reaction rate is negligible. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 45: 47–51, 2013
High optical performance and practicality of active plasmonic devices based on rhombohedral BiFeO3
Authors: Chu S.H. , Singh D.J. , Wang J. , Li E.‐P. , Ong K.P. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractFirst principles calculations of electronic and optical properties of multiferroic oxide BiFeO3 are used in combination with a plasmonic device model of optical switch to show that a BiFeO3 based device can have much better performance than devices based on existing materials. This arises from the combination of octahedral tilts, ferroelectricity and G‐type antiferromagnetism in BiFeO3 leading to a strong dependence of the optical refractive indices on the orientation with respect to the polarization. A prototype of a plasmonic resonator with an R‐BFO thin film layer is used as an example and shows excellent switch and modulation responses. The proposed approach provides potential opportunities to develop high performance nanophotonic devices for optical communication.
“Click & Seed” Approach to the Biomimetic Modification of Material Surfaces
Authors: Proks Vladimír , Jaroš Josef , Pop‐Georgievski Ognen , Kučka Jan , Popelka Štěpán , Dvořák Petr , Hampl Aleš , Rypáček František 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA simple, versatile, protein‐repulsive, substrate‐independent biomimetic surface modification is presented that is based on the creation of a PEO brush on a polydopamine anchoring layer and its capacity for selective follow‐up modifications with various ligands using a copper‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition reaction. The desired surface concentration of peptide biomimetic ligands can be controlled by adjusting the peptide concentration in the reaction mixture, then measuring the activity of 125I‐radiolabeled peptides that are immobilized on the substrates. The performance of the prepared substrates is tested in cell cultures with MEF cells and a human ECC line.magnified image
Fabricating pH‐Stable and Swellable Very Thin Hyperbranched Poly(ethylene imine)–Oligosaccharide Films Fabricated Without Precoating: First View on Protein Adsorption
Authors: Warenda Monika , Richter Anne , Schmidt Diana , Janke Andreas , Müller Martin , Simon Frank , Zimmermann Ralf , Eichhorn Klaus‐Jochen , Voit Brigitte , Appelhans Dietmar 
Published: July 2012

AbstractFor using successful (ultra)thin dendritic macromolecule films in (bio)sensing and microfluidic devices and for obtaining reproducible film properties, alteration effects arising from precoatings have to be avoided. Here, oligosaccharide‐modified hyperbranched poly(ethylene imine)s (PEI‐OS) were used to fabricate very thin PEI‐OS films (15–20 nm in dry state), cross‐linked with citric acid under condensation, and vacuum condition. However, no reactive precoating is necessary to obtain stable films, which allows very simple film preparation and avoids alteration of the PEIS‐OS film properties arising from precoating. Several methods [(in situ) ellipsometry, AFM, XPS, (in situ) ATR‐IR, streaming potential measurements] were applied to characterize homogeneity, surface morphology, and stability of these PEI‐OS films between pH 2 and pH 10, but also the low protein adsorption behavior.
A brief observational instrument for the assessment of infant home environment: development and psychometric testing
Authors: Rijlaarsdam Jolien , Stevens Gonneke W.J.M. , van der Ende Jan , Arends Lidia R. , Hofman Albert , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Mackenbach Johan P. , Verhulst Frank C. , Tiemeier Henning 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe present paper reports on the development and the psychometric properties of a brief observational assessment of home environments for use in large‐scale investigations with young infants. We generated observational items conceptually relevant for child development by two methods. First, we adapted the Infant Toddler Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (IT‐HOME) inventory for use in an exclusively observational context. Second, we added new observational items following a review of relevant literature and consulting professionals. The quality of the instrument was first evaluated in a pilot study (n = 926). In our study sample of 3406 families and their children (median age = 3.1 months, range = 1.6–6.0), exploratory factor analysis was used to identify latent constructs, Cronbach's alpha was used as a measure of internal consistency, and convergent validity was evaluated against family socio‐demographic characteristics. Inter‐observer agreement was investigated in a sub‐sample of the respondents (n = 124). The results supported good psychometric properties of the instrument based on: (a) exploratory factor analysis yielding three meaningful latent constructs, (b) Cronbach's alphas ranging from α = 0.66 to α = 0.90, (c) inter‐observer agreement ranging from r = 0.75 to r = 0.91, and (d) associations between the instrument and socio‐demographic characteristics in the expected direction [e.g. Odds Ratio for low income = 15.24, 95% confidence interval (11.60, 20.01)]. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graft Copolymerization of Styrene and Acrylonitrile in the Presence of Poly(propylene glycol): Particle Growth
Authors: Li Li , Wu Linbo , Bu Zhiyang , Gong Cheng , Li Bo‐Geng , Hungenberg Klaus‐Dieter 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe particle growth in the graft free‐radical copolymerization of styrene (St) and acrylonitrile (AN) in the presence of poly(propylene glycol) is investigated by experiments and modeling. The concentrations of chain transfer agent and macromer, and the St/AN ratio play important roles in particle size and its distribution. A particle size model is developed and an analytic expression for the particle size in terms of monomer mass concentration (Wmt0), initiator molar concentration ([I]0), and macromer mass concentration (WM0) is derived. The particle size is described experimentally as: $W_{{\rm mt}0}^{0.58} \;W_{{\rm M}0}^{- 0.65} \;[{\rm I}]_{0}^{- 0.06} $. Particle growth processes under various experimental conditions are well described by the model.magnified image
In vivo MRI visualization of different cell populations labeled with PARACEST agents
Authors: Ferrauto Giuseppe , Castelli Daniela Delli , Terreno Enzo , Aime Silvio 
Published: July 2012

AbstractConventional T1‐ or T2‐MRI contrast agents do not allow to track the distribution of different cell populations simultaneously because the effects of relaxation enhancers are additive. Herein, it is shown that paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer agents offer the opportunity to visualize different cell populations in vitro and in vivo by 1H‐MRI. Yb‐ and Eu‐HPDO3A complexes have been used to label murine macrophages (J774.A1) and melanoma cells (B16‐F10), respectively. By selective irradiation of the highly‐shifted OH resonances of the two chemical exchange saturation transfer agents, it has been shown that tracking of the two cell types is possible. These PARAmagnetic Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer agents have a tremendous potential for clinical translation as they share the same stability and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties of Gd‐HPDO3A (ProHance®), which is a widely used clinically approved MRI agent. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accelerated fluorine‐19 MRI cell tracking using compressed sensing
Authors: Zhong Jia , Mills Parker H. , Hitchens T. Kevin , Ahrens Eric T. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCell tracking using perfluorocarbon labels and fluorine‐19 (19F) MRI is a noninvasive approach to visualize and quantify cell populations in vivo. In this study, we investigated three‐dimensional compressed sensing methods to accelerate 19F MRI data acquisition for cell tracking and evaluate the impact of acceleration on 19F signal quantification. We show that a greater than 8‐fold reduction in imaging time was feasible without pronounced image degradation and with minimal impact on the image signal‐to‐noise ratio and 19F quantification accuracy. In 19F phantom studies, we show that apparent feature topology is maintained with compressed sensing reconstruction, and false positive signals do not appear in areas devoid of fluorine. We apply the three‐dimensional compressed sensing 19F MRI methods to quantify the macrophage burden in a localized wounding‐inflammation mouse model in vivo; at 8‐fold image acceleration, the 19F signal distribution was accurately reproduced, with no loss in signal‐to‐noise ratio. Our results demonstrate that three‐dimensional compressed sensing methods have potential for advancing in vivo 19F cell tracking for a wide range of preclinical and translational applications. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of rapidly exchanging compounds using on‐resonance frequency‐labeled exchange (FLEX) transfer
Authors: Yadav Nirbhay N. , Jones Craig K. , Xu Jiadi , Bar‐Shir Amnon , Gilad Assaf A. , McMahon Michael T. , van Zijl Peter C. M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractFrequency‐labeled exchange transfer is a promising MRI technique for labeling and detecting exchanging protons of low‐concentration solutes through the water signal. Early frequency‐labeled exchange studies have used off‐resonance excitation‐based labeling schemes that are well suited to study rapidly exchanging protons or molecules far from the water resonance (e.g., water in paramagnetic contrast agents) or slowly exchanging protons close to the water resonance (e.g., some amide protons). However, off‐resonance labeling is not efficient for rapidly exchanging protons close to water. Here, we show that a new frequency‐labeled exchange labeling scheme with excitation pulses applied on the water resonance gives much higher exchange contrast for rapidly exchanging protons resonating close to the water resonance frequency. This labeling scheme is particularly suited for studying rapidly exchanging hydroxyl, amine, and imino protons in diamagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer agents. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A marginal level of dystrophin partially ameliorates hindlimb muscle passive mechanical properties in dystrophin‐null mice
Authors: Hakim Chady H. , Duan Dongsheng 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIntroduction: The goal of this study was to determine whether a minimal level of dystrophin expression improves the passive mechanical properties of skeletal muscle in the murine Duchenne muscular dystrophy model. Methods: We compared the elastic and viscous properties of the extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) in mdx3cv and mdx4cv mice at 6, 14, and 20 months of age. Both strains are on the C57Bl/6 background, and both lose the full‐length dystrophin protein. Interestingly, mdx3cv mice express a near full‐length dystrophin at ∽5% of the normal level. Results: We found that the stress–strain profile and the stress relaxation rate of the EDL in mdx3cv mice were partially preserved in all age groups compared with age‐matched mdx4cv mice. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a low level of dystrophin expression may treat muscle stiffness in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve, 2012
A new staggered scheme for fluid–structure interaction
Authors: Dettmer Wulf G. , Perić Djordje 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYStaggered solution procedures represent the most elementary computational strategy for the simulation of fluid–structure interaction problems. They usually consist of a predictor followed by the separate execution of each subdomain solver. Although it is generally possible to maintain the desired order of accuracy of the time integration, it is difficult to guarantee the stability of the overall computation. In the context of large solid over fluid mass ratios, compressible flows and explicit subsolvers, substantial development has been carried out by Felippa, Park, Farhat, Löhner and others. In this work, a new staggered scheme is presented. It is shown that, for a linear model problem, the scheme is second‐order accurate and unconditionally stable. The dependency of the leading truncation error on the solid over fluid mass ratio is investigated. The strategy is applied to two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional fluid–structure interaction problems. It is shown that the conclusions derived from the investigation of the model problem apply. The new strategy extends the applicability of staggered schemes to problems involving relatively small solid over fluid mass ratios and incompressible fluid flow. It is suggested that the proposed scheme has the same range of applicability as the Dirichlet–Neumann or block Gauß–Seidel type strategies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FLYING BLIND? EVIDENCE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE PUBLIC MANAGEMENT REFORM AGENDAS, IMPLEMENTATION AND OUTCOMES IN LOW INCOME COUNTRIES
Authors: Goldfinch Shaun , DeRouen Karl , Pospieszna Paulina 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYAlthough considerable resources and attention have been allocated to recent ‘good governance’ public management reform in low income and fragile states, there is little evidence as to what degree this agenda has been implemented nor as to whether it has led to improved services and outcomes for populations. To address this lacuna, we conduct a review of the large but almost entirely qualitative literature on good governance reform in the 49 countries classed as low income by the United Nations. We find only a small number of documents that link good governance public sector reform agendas with implementation. Fewer still assess outcome. We conduct an empirical analysis of the relationship between reform agenda (using data from the literature review), implementation, service delivery and outcomes, as measured by performance on Millennium Development Goals indicators. We report that there is little, if any, empirical evidence that reform enhances service delivery. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.