bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A disc brake test stand for measurement of airborne wear particles
Authors: Wahlström Jens , Söderberg Anders , Olander Lars , Olofsson Ulf 
Published: June 2009

AbstractDuring braking, there is wear on both the rotor and the pads. This process generates particles that may become airborne. In field tests, it is difficult to distinguish these particles from others in the surrounding environment. Therefore, a laboratory test stand has been designed which allows control of the cleanliness of the surrounding air. The test stand consists of a front right brake assembly mounted in a sealed chamber. A braking load is applied by a pneumatic system and the rotor, which has been pre‐conditioned with a rust layer to simulate a car standing parked overnight in a wet environment, is driven by an electric motor. The number and size of airborne wear particles are then measured. This experimental set‐up has been verified by an initial test series performed at low braking loads. The results suggest that this test stand can be used to study rust layer removal from the rotor. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toluidine blue O photodynamic inactivation on multidrug‐resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tseng S.P. , Teng L.J. , Chen C.T. , Lo T.H. , Hung W.C. , Chen H.J. , Hsueh P.R. , Tsai J.C. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMultidrug‐resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is becoming a critical problem worldwide. Currently, only limited therapeutic options are available for the treatment of infections caused by MDR P. aeruginosa, therefore, the development of new alternative treatments is needed. Toluidine blue O (TBO) is an effective antibacterial photosensitizing agent against various bacteria. However, reports on antibacterial photosensitization of MDR bacteria are limited. This study aims to determine the in vitro photobactericidal activity of TBO against MDR P. aeruginosa.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThe efficacy of antibacterial photodynamic inactivation, DNA fragmentation and protein carbonylation of three MDR P. aeruginosa strains and one susceptible strain was compared using TBO as the photosensitizer followed by red light irradiation (630 nm, 90 J/cm2) from a light‐emitting diode light source. Subsequently, the efficacy of TBO photodynamic inactivation (TBO‐PDI) on 60 MDR strains, including 11 with the efflux pump phenotype and 49 with no pump activity, was tested using the minimum lethal drug concentration (MLC) assay.ResultsTBO‐PDI caused similar bactericidal effect (6–7 logs of killing effect), DNA fragmentation and protein carbonylation in three MDR and one susceptible P. aeruginosa strains. Although the TBO accumulation assay indicated that TBO is a substrate for the efflux pump, TBO‐PDI produce similar photobactericidal activity against 60 MDR P. aeruginosa strains, either with or without efflux‐pump phenotype, and 19 susceptible strains.ConclusionMDR did not affect the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa strains to TBO‐PDI. The efflux pump played an insignificant role in TBO‐PDI of MDR P. aeruginosa. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:391–397, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection with intra‐gastric violet light phototherapy: A pilot clinical trial
Authors: Lembo Anthony J. , Ganz Robert A. , Sheth Sunil , Cave David , Kelly Ciaran , Levin Philip , Kazlas Peter T. , Baldwin Paul C. , Lindmark William R. , McGrath Jonathan R. , Hamblin Michael R. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveHelicobacter pylori infects the mucus layer of the human stomach and causes peptic ulcers and adenocarcinoma. We have previously shown that H. pylori accumulates photoactive porphyrins making the organism susceptible to inactivation by light, and that small spot endoscopic illumination with violet light reduced bacterial load in human stomachs. This study assessed the feasibility and safety of whole‐stomach intra‐gastric violet phototherapy for the treatment of H. pylori infection.Study Design/Materials and MethodsA controlled, prospective pilot trial was conducted using a novel light source consisting of laser diodes and diffusing fibers to deliver 408‐nm illumination at escalating total fluences to the whole stomach. Eighteen adults (10 female) with H. pylori infection were treated at three U.S. academic endoscopy centers. Quantitative bacterial counts were obtained from biopsies taken from the antrum, body, and fundus, and serial urea breath tests.ResultsThe largest reduction in bacterial load was in the antrum (>97%), followed by body (>95%) and fundus (>86%). There was a correlation between log reduction and initial bacterial load in the antrum. There was no dose–response seen with increasing illumination times. The urea breath test results indicated that the bacteria repopulated in days following illumination.ConclusionIntra‐gastric violet light phototherapy is feasible and safe and may represent a novel approach to eradication of H. pylori, particularly in patients who have failed standard antibiotic treatment. This was a pilot study involving a small number of patients. Further research is needed to determine if phototherapy can be effective for eradicating H. pylori. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:337–344, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trends in retinal damage thresholds from 100‐millisecond near‐infrared laser radiation exposures: A study at 1,110, 1,130, 1,150, and 1,319 nm
Authors: Vincelette Rebecca L. , Rockwell Benjamin A. , Oliver Jeff W. , Kumru Semih S. , Thomas Robert J. , Schuster Kurt J. , Noojin Gary D. , Shingledecker Aurora D. , Stolarski Dave J. , Welch Ashley J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRetinal damage thresholds from 100‐millisecond exposures to laser radiation for wavelengths between 1,100 and 1,350 nm have never previously been established. We sought to determine the retinal damage threshold for 100‐millisecond exposures of near‐infrared (NIR) laser radiation wavelengths at 1,110, 1,130, 1,150, and 1,319 nm. These data were then used to create trends for retinal damage thresholds over the 1,100–1,350 nm NIR region based upon linear absorption of laser radiation in ocular media and chromatic dispersion of the eye.Materials and MethodsThe paramacula and macula areas of the retina in Macaca mulatta (rhesus) subjects were exposed for 100 milliseconds to NIR laser radiation wavelengths using a Coherent OPO laser for 1,110, 1,130, and 1,150 nm and a Lee laser for 1,319 nm. Probit analysis was used to establish the estimated damage threshold in the retina for 50% of exposures (ED50). Using trends of transmitted energy to the retina, refractive error of the eye and linear absorption of the retina, a scaling factor (SF) method was created to fit the experimental data, predicting retinal damage thresholds over the 1,100–1,350 nm region.ResultsThe experimental retinal damage threshold, ED50, for 100‐millisecond exposures for laser radiation wavelengths at 1,110, 1,130, and 1,319 nm were determined to be 193, 270, and 13,713 mW of power delivered to the cornea, respectively. The retinal damage threshold for the 1,150 nm wavelength was statistically undetermined due to laser‐power limitations, but was achieved in one out of three subjects tested.ConclusionThe SF predicts the experimental 100‐ millisecond NIR ED50 value for wavelengths between 1,100 and 1,350 nm. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:382–390, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integration of extracellular matrix with chitosan adhesive film for sutureless tissue fixation
Authors: Lauto Antonio 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesExtracellular matrices (ECMs) are currently applied in reconstructive surgery to enhance wound healing and tissue remodelling. Sutures and staples are usually employed to stabilize ECM on tissue although they may damage the matrix structure. In this investigation, a novel biocompatible bandage was developed to fix ECM on tissue without sutures.Study Design/Materials and MethodsAn adhesive film, based on chitosan, was integrated with small intestine submucosa (SIS) in a single bandage strip. This bandage was bonded to sheep small intestine upon laser irradiation of the chitosan film (P = 0.12 W, Fluence = 46±1 J/cm2) to assess tissue adhesion strength. Thermocouples were used to estimate temperatures under SIS during laser irradiation. Bandage strips were also mechanically tested to evaluate their tensile strength before and after irradiation.Results and ConclusionsThe bandage successfully bonded to intestine achieving a shear stress of 9.6± 1.6 kPa (n = 15). During laser irradiation, the temperature increased modestly to 31±2°C (n = 14) beneath the ECM portion of the bandage. The bandage withstood a tensile strength of 3,122±780 and 3,384±791 kPa, before and after laser irradiation respectively (n = 10, P = 0.47, t‐test). The SIS‐chitosan bandage bonded effectively to tissue without sutures and preserved the ECM structure avoiding irreversible thermal denaturation of imbedded bioactive proteins. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:366–371, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimization of topical photodynamic therapy with 3,7‐bis(di‐n‐butylamino)phenothiazin‐5‐ium bromide for cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Akilov Oleg E. , Yousaf Wajeeha , Lukjan Sebastian X. , Verma Sarika , Hasan Tayyaba 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectivePhotodynamic therapy (PDT) has evolved as a promising therapeutic measure for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). In particular, phenothiazine compounds have demonstrated efficacy for PDT of CL. The objective of our present study is to define the use of a new specific phenothiazine photosensitizer, 3,7‐bis(di‐n‐butylamino)phenothiazin‐5‐ium bromide (PPA904) applied topically as a cream to treat CL.Materials and MethodsTo establish the optimal conditions for this treatment, we compared two different ways to improve current regimens of PDT with PPA904 cream (500 µM of PPA904 in Unguentum M) by changing the duration of topical application, and by administration of several consecutive PDT procedures. An initial regimen recommended by the manufacturer (Photopharmica Co. Ltd., Leeds, UK) was maintained as a control: the cream was applied topically for 30 minutes at a final concentration of PPA904 at 500 µM, and the designated treatment area was irradiated with a broad band light source of 665±15 nm at a fluence of 50 J/cm2 (50 mW/cm2).ResultsThe best curative PPA904‐PDT regimen was achieved under the conditions of a longer duration of topical application time (90 minutes) and several (three) consecutive treatments with 4‐day intervals between treatments. The mechanisms responsible for such improvements (kinetics of drug penetration, depth of necrosis of the CL lesions after PDT, and daily changes in the parasitic load after PDT) are discussed in the present study.ConclusionTopical PPA904‐PDT, implemented as described above, is a promising treatment for CL, and clinical studies will be initiated to establish efficacy in humans. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:358–365, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel Nanostructures from Self‐Assembly of Chiral Block Copolymers
Authors: Ho Rong‐Ming , Chen Chun‐Ku , Chiang Yeo‐Wan 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA diblock copolymer system constituting both achiral and chiral blocks, polystyrene‐block‐poly(L‐lactide) (PS‐PLLA), was designed for the examination of chiral effects on the self‐assembly of block copolymers (BCPs). A unique phase with three‐dimensional hexagonally packed PLLA helices in PS matrix, a helical phase (H*), can be obtained from the self‐assembly of PS‐rich PS‐PLLA with volume fraction of PLLA f = 0.34, whereas no such phase was found in racemic polystyrene‐block‐poly(D.L‐lactide) (PS‐PLA) BCPs. Moreover, various interesting crystalline PS‐PLLA nanostructures can be obtained by controlling the crystallization temperature of PLLA (Tc,PLLA), leading to the formation of crystalline helices (PLLA crystallization directed by helical confined microdomain) and crystalline cylinders (phase transformation of helical nanostructure dictated by crystallization) when Tc,PLLA < Tg,PS (the glass transition temperature of PS) and Tc,PLLA ≧ Tg,PS, respectively. As a result, a spring‐like behavior of the helical nanostructure can be driven by crystallization so as to dictate the transformation (i.e., stretching) of helices and to result in crystalline cylinders. For PS‐PLLA with PLLA‐rich fraction (f = 0.65), another unique phase, a hexagonally packed core‐shell cylinder phase with helical sense (CS*), in which the PS microdomains appear as shells and PLLA microdomains appear as matrix and cores, can be found in the self‐assembly of PLLA‐rich PS‐PLLA BCPs. The formation of those novel phases: helix and core‐shell cylinder is attributed to the chiral effect on the self‐assembly of BCPs, so we named this PS‐PLLA BCP as chiral BCP (BCP*). For potential applications of those materials, the spring‐like behavior with thermal reversibility might provide a method for the design of switchable nanodevices, such as nanoscale actuators. In addition, the PLLA blocks can be hydrolyzed. After hydrolysis, helical nanoporous PS bulk and PS tubular texture can be obtained and used as templates for the formation of nanocomposites.magnified image
Is the pathology of corticobasal syndrome predictable in life?
Authors: Shelley Bhaskara P. , Hodges John R. , Kipps Christopher M. , Xuereb John H. , Bak Thomas H. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractCorticobasal syndrome (CBS) has been associated with a heterogeneous spectrum of pathologies with an increasing number of reports of Alzheimer's type pathology. There is, however, no means of predicting pathology of CBS in vivo at present. We compared the clinical features of patients presenting with CBS who have either pathologic changes of classic corticobasal degeneration (CBD) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) at post‐mortem to identify predictors of the specific pathological processes in life. Twelve patients with CBS were followed prospectively; six had AD and six had classic CBD neuropathology. After review of the presenting clinical features, we identified nine potential predictor variables, compared their frequency in the two groups, and performed a discriminant function analysis. Initial episodic memory complaints and poor performance on the combined orientation‐memory subtest of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE) reliably predicted AD pathology while varying combinations of early frontal‐lobe type behavioral symptoms, nonfluent language disturbance, orobuccal apraxia, and utilization behavior predicted CBD pathology ante‐mortem. CBS is frequently associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology. Early episodic memory impairment versus early behavioral symptomatology appears to best predict AD or CBD pathology in life. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Shakedown analysis of a slope with cyclic groundwater level
Authors: Xu Qianjun , Lu Yang , Yin Honglei , Li Zhongkui 
Published: June 2009

AbstractGroundwater levels vary with precipitation and other environmental impacts, rendering wetting and drying cycles in parts of a slope. It may be quite disadvantageous, as groundwater has been implicated as a crucial controlling factor in slope stability. The wetting–drying cycles can be considered as cyclic loads for the slope. In such cases, a shakedown analysis is appropriate for the long‐term safety evaluation. This paper presents an upper bound shakedown analysis method based on strong version of Koiter's theorem to evaluate slope stability. An element integration method is employed to provide limit and shakedown safety factors for the slope. For plane slip surfaces or logarithmic spiral slip surfaces, the validity of the method is verified by two documented examples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic effects of β‐cyclodextrin containing silicone oligomer on intumescent flame retardant polypropylene system
Authors: Wang Huanfeng , Li Bin 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe effects of β‐cyclodextrin containing silicone oligomer(CDS), as a synergistic agent, on the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of intumescent flame retardant polypropylene composites were studied by adding different amounts of CDS in intumescent flame retardants. The limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to evaluate the synergistic effects of CDS in the composites. It was found that after a little amount of CDS partially replaced a charring‐foaming agent (CFA) in IFR, LOI values of the composites were enhanced and they obtained a UL‐94 V‐0 rating. IFR system containing 6.25wt% CDS presented the best flame retardancy in PP. The experimental results obtained from LOI and UL‐94, TGA, SEM, and mechanical properties indicated that the combination of CDS and CFA presents synergistic effects in flame retardancy, char formation, and mechanical properties of the composites. This is probably due to different structures of polyhydroxyl macromolecules (CDS and CFA), the existence of dimethyl silicone group in CDS, and the toughness of epoxy silicon chain in CDS. SEM results proved that the interfacial compatibility between IFR and PP was improved by CDS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of LMX‐1A as a metastasis suppressor in cervical cancer
Authors: Liu Chin‐Yu , Chao Tai‐Kuang , Su Po‐Hsuan , Lee Hsin‐Yi , Shih Yu‐Lueng , Su Her‐Young , Chu Tang‐Yuan , Yu Mu‐Hsien , Lin Ya‐Wen , Lai Hung‐Cheng 
Published: June 2009

AbstractDNA methylation is important in cancer development and is a promising biomarker for cancer detection. An epigenomic approach used in our previous work showed that LMX‐1A is methylation‐silenced in cervical cancer. LMX‐1A, a LIM‐homeobox gene, is known to participate in developmental events; however, there are at present no data on the role of LMX‐1A in cancers. In this study, we characterized the function of this transcription factor by examining cell lines, animal models and human cervical neoplastic tissues, and found that over‐expression of LMX‐1A does not affect cell proliferation or the cell cycle of cervical cancer cell lines but significantly inhibits colony formation and invasion in vitro. Analysis of changes in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, such as CDH1, CDH2, VIMENTIN, SNAIL, SLUG and TWIST, revealed involvement of the EMT in LMX‐1A‐mediated cancer invasion; this result was validated in a stable transfectant over‐expressing LMX‐1A with RNA interference. Xenograft studies using immunocompromised mice confirmed the suppressor effects of LMX‐1A on tumour formation and distant metastasis in cervical cancer cell lines. LMX‐1A immunohistochemical staining of tissue arrays containing the full spectrum of cervical neoplasms, including normal cervix, low‐grade cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CIN), high‐grade CIN, locally invasive and distant metastatic cancers, demonstrated the critical role of LMX‐1A in invasion and metastasis. Furthermore, we found by analysing TGFβ–BMP signalling that BMP4 and BMP6 are down‐regulated by LMX‐1A. The results of this study suggest that LMX‐1A suppresses cancer invasion and metastasis in cervical cancer through an incomplete EMT. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct analysis of curcumin in turmeric by DART‐MS
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Jang Young Pyo 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIntroductionThe new ion source technique, direct analysis in real time (DART) atmospheric pressure ionisation, allows high resolution mass measurements of gas, liquid and solid samples. As DART‐MS produces [M + H]+ molecular ions of most compounds, relatively simple and clear mass spectra are obtained even of multi‐component samples. In order to take advantage of the capacity of DART‐MS for the real time analysis of individual compounds in natural raw materials, a pilot study was performed using the well‐known antioxidant botanical drug, turmeric.ObjectiveTo establish the analysis methods of curcumin and its derivatives from various types of samples with DART‐MS and compare the efficiency of the method with traditional HPLC method.ResultsDifferent curcuminoids were successfully detected directly from the raw particles of Curcuma longa. When a turmeric extract was separated on a TLC plate, each band produced molecular ion peaks corresponding to curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Molecular ions of curcuminoids in turmeric‐containing beverages and curry powder were also efficiently detected. In addition to high efficiency of qualitative analysis, the evaluation of its linearity showed that DART‐MS can be applied for semi‐quantitative determinations of curcumin over a large range (5–100 µg/mL).ConclusionA simple chemical profiling and semi‐quantitative method for natural products using DART‐MS might be applied to diverse field related quality control of medicinal plants or food ingredients. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aqueous self‐condensing atom transfer radical copolymerization of a water‐soluble inimer with cationic comonomer to prepare hyperbranched cationic polyelectrolytes
Authors: Gao Jun , Kong Lizhi , Wang Cui , Zhai Guangqun , Ren Qiang , Jiang Bibiao 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Although several methods have been reported for the preparation of hyperbranched cationic polyelectrolytes (HCPs), their applicability is limited. A convenient, facile strategy based on atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐(2‐methacryloyloxy)ethyl(2‐bromoisobutyryloxy)ethylammonium bromide (DMEAB) with N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐ethyl‐N‐methacryloyloxyethylammonium bromide (DEMAB) is therefore proposed to prepare their hyperbranched copolymer (PDEMAB).RESULTS: NMR spectroscopy was used to confirm the hyperbranched architecture and to estimate the number‐average degree of polymerization (DPn) of the hyperbranched PDEMAB. A kinetic study showed that DPn of the hyperbranched PDEMAB increased very slowly in the initial stage, but increased in an exponential manner during the later phase. When a lower [DEMAB]:[DMEAB] ratio was used, DPn increased much faster than when a higher ratio was used. The CuBr/2,2′‐bipyridine complex showed good catalytic activity while FeCl2/aliphatic multi‐amine complexes led to crosslinking. For the viscometry of the aqueous solution, although c1/2 − (ηsp/c)−1 fitted well, the Füoss equation might not be applicable for HCPs. A rheological study showed that the HCPs exhibited an extremely low viscosifying effect, in contrast to their linear analogues.CONCLUSION: The aqueous self‐condensing ATRP of DMEAB with DEMAB (and other counterparts) readily led to HCPs. Such a strategy could also be extended to other monomers such as vinylpyridine and vinylimidazole. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Rondine® PV concentrators: Field results and developments
Authors: Antonini A. , Butturi M. A. , Di Benedetto P. , Uderzo D. , Zurru P. , Milan E. , Stefancich M. , Armani M. , Parretta A. , Baggio N. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn this work the experimental results of a new PV concentrator (named Rondine®) are presented. This concentrating module has a medium concentration level (∼25×) and employs silicon solar cells. The tests have been carried out in Italy and the energy production of a prototype module is compared with that produced from a tracking flat plate crystalline PV panel. The non‐imaging optics of the concentrator allows for larger angular acceptance with respect to many solar concentrators, giving us the possibility to employ trackers for standard PV modules. The first results of complete systems of 3·9 and 4·8 kW of peak power installed in summer 2008 are presented here. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.