bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An experimental study on MR imaging of atherosclerotic plaque with SPIO marked endothelial cells in a rabbit model
Authors: Zhou Quan , Yang Kan‐Rong , Gao Peng , Chen Wen‐Li , Yang Da‐Yan , Liang Min‐Jie , Zhu Lin 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPurpose:To investigate how to label macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles and trace SPIO with MR imaging.Materials and Methods:Atherosclerotic lesions of a rabbit model were induced by a combination of high‐fat and high‐cholesterol diet and subsequent endothelial abrasion of the abdominal aorta. SPIO particles were pretreated with poly‐L‐lysine. SPIO nanoparticles and SPIO‐labeled human endothelial cells (ECV‐304) were IV injected into model animals, respectively. The MRI scans and histopathological examination were performed 12 h and 24 h after the injection. The imaging and histopathological data were analyzed.Results:Prussian blue staining of the vessel specimens indicated that SPIO particles were not found in the atheroma but in the Kupffer's cells of the liver after SPIO injection. However, the accumulation of SPIO particles in the atheroma was confirmed in animals received SPIO‐labeled endothelial cell transplantation. The best quality MR scan sequences of rabbit abdominal aorta were T2WI fat suppression, T1WI, and DIR series, on which of MR image had a higher quality. Signal loss of the original incrassate plaque in the vessel wall on T2WI was found in 6 of 10 animals received SPIO‐labeled endothelial cell transplantation.Conclusion:SPIO‐labeled endothelial cells were superior to SPIO for MR imaging of atherosclerotic plaques. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ex vivo water diffusion tensor properties of the fibroid uterus at 7 T and their relation to tissue morphology
Authors: Thrippleton Michael J. , Bastin Mark E. , Munro Kirsty I. , Williams Alistair R. , Oniscu Anca , Jansen Maurits A. , Merrifield Gavin D. , McKillop Graham , Newby David E. , Semple Scott I. , Marshall Ian , Critchley Hilary O. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPurpose:To investigate the water diffusion tensor properties of ex vivo tissue in the fibroid uterus, including the influence of degeneration, and the relevance of the principal eigenvector orientation to the underlying tissue structure.Materials and Methods:Following hysterectomy, high‐resolution structural T2‐weighted and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT‐MRI) were performed on nine uteri at 7 T. Mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), and principal eigenvector orientation were measured in myometrium and in myxoid and dense tissue in fibroids. Imaging data and measurements of water diffusion parameters were compared with histopathology findings.Results:The nine uteri yielded 23 fibroids. MD was 50% higher in regions of myxoid degeneration compared to dense fibroid tissue (P = 0.001), while myometrium was intermediate in value (dense fibroid tissue, P = 0.15; myxoid degeneration, P = 0.23). FA was lower in dense fibroid tissue than in myometrium (P = 3 × 10−5), but higher than in myxoid tissue (P = 0.003). Principal eigenvector orientation corresponded qualitatively with that of uterine smooth muscle fibers.Conclusion:The water diffusion tensor measured ex vivo in the fibroid uterus is a sensitive probe of tissue type, myxoid degeneration, and morphology. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo tibiofemoral cartilage‐to‐cartilage contact area of females with medial osteoarthritis under acute loading using MRI
Authors: Shin Choongsoo S. , Souza Richard B. , Kumar Deepak , Link Thomas M. , Wyman Bradley T. , Majumdar Sharmila 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPurpose:To investigate the effect of acute loading on in vivo tibiofemoral contact area changes in both compartments, and to determine whether in vivo tibiofemoral contact area differs between subjects with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy controls.Materials and Methods:Ten subjects with medial knee OA (KL3) and 11 control subjects (KL0) were tested. Coronal three‐dimensional spoiled gradient‐recalled (3D‐SPGR) and T2‐weighted fast spin‐echo FSE magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee were acquired under both unloaded and loaded conditions. Tibiofemoral cartilage contact areas were measured using image‐based 3D models.Results:Tibiofemoral contact areas in both compartments significantly increased under loading (P < 0.001) and the increased contact area in the medial compartment was significantly larger than in the lateral compartment (P < 0.05). Medial compartment contact area was significantly larger in KL3 subjects than KL0 subjects, both at unloaded and loaded conditions (P < 0.05). Contact areas measured from 3D‐SPGR and T2‐weighted FSE images were strongly correlated (r = 0.904).Conclusion:Females with medial OA increased tibiofemoral contact area in the medial compartment compared to healthy subjects under both unloaded and loaded conditions. The contact area data presented in this study may provide a quantitative reference for further cartilage contact biomechanics such as contact stress analysis and cartilage biomechanical function difference between osteoarthritic and healthy knees. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
α‐L‐Rhamnosidase andβ‐D‐glucosidase activities in fungal strains isolated from alkaline soils and their potential in naringin hydrolysis
Authors: Elíades Lorena Alejandra , Rojas Natalia Lorena , Cabello Marta Noemí , Voget Claudio Enrique , Saparrat Mario Carlos Nazareno 
Published: September 2011

Abstractα‐L‐Rhamnosidases (EC 3.2.1.40) andβ‐D‐glucosidases (EC 3.2.1.21) obtained from several microbial sources are potential catalysts in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. However, the enzyme preparations currently used have limitations related to the stability and activity of the enzyme as well to their reuse. A microtiter screening was carried out in 55 fungal strains isolated from alkaline soils, to obtain activeα‐L‐rhamnosidases andβ‐D‐glucosidases at pH 9.0. Whileα‐L‐rhamnosidase activity was detected in 45% of the strains tested,β‐D‐glucosidase activity was found only in 27%. Based on the fungal ability to produceα‐L‐rhamnosidase activity, cultures were supplemented with naringin to study the activities of the enzymes and the potential of the fungal strains on naringin hydrolysis. About 70% of the fungal strains tested increased the activities of both enzymes in the naringin‐supplemented cultures as compared to non‐supplemented ones. This effect was higher inAcrostalagmus luteo‐albusLPSC 427 (15.3 fold) forα‐L‐rhamnosidase activity andMetarrhizium anisopliaeLPSC 996 (51.1 fold) forβ‐D‐glucosidase activity. All the enzyme preparations tested hydrolyzed naringin at pH 9.0, being that obtained fromAcremonium murorunLPSC 927 cultures the one which showed highest hydrolysis. Here, different fungal species are reported for the first time for their ability to produceα‐L‐rhamnosidase andβ‐D‐glucosidase activity at alkaline pH. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polyester‐Hydrophilic PEO Networks as Multifunctional Biomaterials
Authors: Feng Yakai , Zhao Haiyang , Zhang Shifeng , Jiao Licai , Lu Jian , Wang Heyun , Guo Jintang 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn order to improve the hydrophilic and elastic properties of polyester networks, the amorphous polymer networks of hydrophobic polyester/hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) were prepared by UV‐photopolymerization of PEGDMA and poly[(D,L‐lactide)‐co‐glycolide]tetraacrylate (PLGATA). The interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) based on polyesterurethane and PEGDMA were synthesized in situ by UV‐photopolymerization of PEGDMA and thermal polymerization of oligo[(D,L‐lactide)‐co‐ε‐caprolactone]teraol (PCLA) or poly[(D,L‐lactide)‐co‐glycolide]teraol (PLGA) with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). The polymer networks and IPNs are transparent soft materials, and show good shape‐memory properties. They recovered their permanent shape in 12 seconds when the environment temperature was above glass transition temperature (Tg). The strain recovery rate (Rr) and the strain fixity rate (Rf) of the polymer networks and IPNs were above 90%. The wettability, degradation rate, mechanical properties, and Tg of the polymer networks and IPNs could be conveniently adjusted by changing PEGDMA content. The elastic networks are suitable for potential soft substrates with tailored mechanical properties for clinical or medical use.
Kinetics of Jammed Systems: PNIPA Gels
Authors: László Krisztina , Fluerasu Andrei , Moussaïd Abdellatif , Geissler Erik 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn the out‐of‐equilibrium state above the volume phase transition temperature, poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) hydrogels deswell non‐diffusively, relaxing instead by a hyperdiffusive mechanism as in jammed systems. X‐ray photon correlation spectroscopy is employed to show that the unconventional relaxation properties (linear dependence of the intensity correlation function both on time and on transfer wave vector) are the consequence of uniform deswelling.
Native Proteins as Physical Networks: Energy and Geometry Fluctuations and Their Relation to Function
Authors: Erman B. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA correspondence between networks and gels, physical or chemical, and native globular proteins is established by visualizing proteins as physical gels. The emphasis is placed on spatial fluctuations of residues in proteins which are correlated, and it is stated that these correlations determine the function of the proteins. Structural and topological features necessary for a gel to exhibit features of a protein such as to perform a predetermined function are discussed. A simple mathematical model that explains the relationships between correlated fluctuations of residues and the function of the protein is given.
Photopolymerization as Alternative Concept for Synthesis of Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐Clay Nanocomposite Hydrogels
Authors: Ferse Bernhard , Graf Matthias , Krahl Franziska , Arndt Karl‐Friedrich 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn this work the photopolymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide is described as an alternative method to synthesize thermosensitive NC‐gels. Tensile measurements show elongations at break up to 1000%. The mechanical properties of photopolymerized NC‐gels strongly depend on the conditions during the preparation, e.g. intensity of radiation, wavelength, irradiation time. The characterization by microscopic methods (AFM, SEM, TEM) and rheology shows as a result a physical adsorption of polymerchains on the clay surface. Consequently, for the first time mechanical stable, homogeneous thermosensitive NC‐gels could be obtained by mixing poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) solutions with an aqueous clay dispersion.
Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Prepared by Free‐Radical Polymerization in Aqueous Solutions and in Nanocomposite Hydrogels
Authors: Haraguchi Kazutoshi , Xu Yingjia , Li Guang 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe molecular characteristics of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) synthesized in aqueous solution were studied with respect to its polymer yield, molecular weight (MW), the polydispersity (the ratio of weight‐ to number‐average molecular weight: Mw/Mn), and intrinsic viscosity ([η]). Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements were performed on unfractionated and fractionated PNIPA by selecting appropriate conditions and solvents, e.g., DMF/10 mM LiBr. It was observed that the MW, Mw/Mn and [η] of PNIPA change significantly depending on the monomer concentration ([NIPA]) in the reaction solution. Linear relationships were observed for the variations of log [NIPA] and Mw/Mn with log Mw. Also, the Mark‐Houwink‐Sakurada equation and the molecular weight exponent α were determined for PNIPA in DMF/10 mM LiBr solution (GPC measurements) and in methanol (light scattering measurements). Also, PNIPA chains were separated from nanocomposite hydrogels with different clay concentrations by decomposing the clay using an aqueous HF solution. The resulting PNIPA showed good correlation between Mw and [η] consistent with that for PNIPA synthesized in aqueous solution. The effects of fractionation and solvents on α and chain conformations, as well as the relationship between α and [η] are discussed.
An unusual neurological syndrome of crawling gait, dystonia, pyramidal signs, and limited speech
Authors: Arif Beenish , Grünewald Anne , Fatima Amara , Ramirez Alfredo , Ali Arif , Brüggemann Nobert , Würfel Jens , Rolfs Arndt , Lohmann Katja , Malik Akbar , Klein Christine , Naz Sadaf 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:The purpose of the study was to identify and molecularly characterize a neurological syndrome in a consanguineous Pakistani family.Methods:Five patients, their 2 siblings, and their parents were clinically examined. DNA from all 7 siblings was genotyped with Affymetrix SNP arrays and sequencing of selected candidate genes.Results:An unusual neurological syndrome of crawling gait, predominant leg dystonia, pyramidal signs, microcephaly, and suspected deafness segregated in the family. Three patients ambulated on hands and knees, either by hopping and crossing their legs, or by dragging the legs behind them. Two patients have acquired the ability to walk bipedally with a dystonic gait. Unexpectedly, no chromosomal region was homozygous in patients only. Under different disease models, we localized 7 chromosomal regions in the genome common to all patients. No pathogenic mutations were identified in selected candidate genes or the mitochondrial genome.Conclusion:We describe an unusual movement disorder syndrome reminiscent of but distinct from Uner Tan syndrome. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Differential response of speed, amplitude, and rhythm to dopaminergic medications in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Espay Alberto J. , Giuffrida Joe P. , Chen Robert , Payne Megan , Mazzella Filomena , Dunn Emily , Vaughan Jennifer E. , Duker Andrew P. , Sahay Alok , Kim Sang Jin , Revilla Fredy J. , Heldman Dustin A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAlthough movement impairment in Parkinson's disease includes slowness (bradykinesia), decreased amplitude (hypokinesia), and dysrhythmia, clinicians are instructed to rate them in a combined 0–4 severity scale using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor subscale. The objective was to evaluate whether bradykinesia, hypokinesia, and dysrhythmia are associated with differential motor impairment and response to dopaminergic medications in patients with Parkinson's disease. Eighty five Parkinson's disease patients performed finger‐tapping (item 23), hand‐grasping (item 24), and pronation–supination (item 25) tasks OFF and ON medication while wearing motion sensors on the most affected hand. Speed, amplitude, and rhythm were rated using the Modified Bradykinesia Rating Scale. Quantitative variables representing speed (root mean square angular velocity), amplitude (excursion angle), and rhythm (coefficient of variation) were extracted from kinematic data. Fatigue was measured as decrements in speed and amplitude during the last 5 seconds compared with the first 5 seconds of movement. Amplitude impairments were worse and more prevalent than speed or rhythm impairments across all tasks (P < .001); however, in the ON state, speed scores improved exclusively by clinical (P < 10−6) and predominantly by quantitative (P < .05) measures. Motor scores from OFF to ON improved in subjects who were strictly bradykinetic (P < .01) and both bradykinetic and hypokinetic (P < 10−6), but not in those strictly hypokinetic. Fatigue in speed and amplitude was not improved by medication. Hypokinesia is more prevalent than bradykinesia, but dopaminergic medications predominantly improve the latter. Parkinson's disease patients may show different degrees of impairment in these movement components, which deserve separate measurement in research studies. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
3D key‐group method for slope stability analysis
Authors: Noroozi M. , Jalali S. E. , Yarahmadi‐Bafghi A. R. 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYBecause of the simplicity and the speed of execution, methods used in static stability analyses have yet remained relevant. The key‐block method, which is the most famous of them, is used for the stability analysis of fractured rock masses. The KBM method is just based on finding key blocks, and if no such blocks are found to be unstable, it is concluded that the whole of the rock mass is stable. Literally, though groups of ‘stable’ blocks are taken together into account, in some cases, it may prove to be unstable. An iterative and progressive stability analysis of the discontinuous rock slopes can be performed using the key‐group method, in which groups of collapsible blocks are combined. This method is literally a two‐dimensional (2D) limit equilibrium approach. Because of the normally conservational results of 2D analysis, a three‐dimensional (3D) analysis seems to be necessary.In this paper, the 2D key‐group method is developed into three dimensions so that a more literal analysis of a fractured rock mass can be performed. Using Mathematica software, a computer program was prepared to implement the proposed methodology on a real case. Then, in order to assess the proposed 3D procedure, its implementation results are compared with the outcomes of the 2D key‐group method. Finally, tectonic block No.2 of Choghart open pit mine was investigated as a case study using the proposed 3D methodology. Results of the comparison revealed that the outcomes of the 3D analysis of this block conform to the reality and the results of 2D analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of caspase‐8 activity caused by overexpression of bcl10 contributes to the pathogenesis of high‐grade MALT lymphoma
Authors: Chen Yan , Yang Yishu , Sun Min , Yan Zhuohong , Wu Lifeng , Cui Xiaoli , Zhang Ge , Morris Stephan W. , Zhang Quangeng 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundMucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma comprises approximately 8% of all non‐Hodgkin lymphomas and is the most common lymphoma in the gastro‐intestinal tract. It is caused by genetic abnormalities or bacterial infections/chronic inflammation. B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia 10 (BCL10) overexpression and nuclear expression have been associated with high‐grade MALT lymphomas with genetic abnormalities that are unresponsive to Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment. To explore the molecular mechanism of BCL10 overexpression on the pathogenesis and malignant phenotype of MALT lymphoma, we generated EµSR‐BCL10 transgenic mice.ProcedureBy generation of heterozygous and homozygous EuSR‐BCL10 mice and showing BCL10 expression levels in these mice, we quantitatively examined relation of MZ B cell expansion and inhibition of caspase‐8 activity with BCL10 protein level. We also investigated API2 and caspase‐8 expression by Western blot and their interaction with BCL10 by co‐immunoprecipitation.ResultsMZ B‐cell expansion is directly related to BCL10 protein level in a dose‐dependent manner. The activity of caspases‐8 and ‐3, but not caspase‐9, was inhibited with increasing of BCL10 protein level. Expanded MZ B cells showed selective survival under stimulation of anti‐immunoglobulin M, but not dexamethasone, γ‐irradiation, or anti‐CD95, implying that overexpressed BCL10 exerts anti‐apoptotic effects through B‐cell antigen receptor (BCR) pathway. Overexpressed BCL10 protein co‐immunoprecipitated with caspase‐8 and API2 protein, suggesting an in vivo interaction of them.ConclusionOur data demonstrate a novel effect of overexpressed BCL10 in the pathogenesis of high‐grade MALT lymphoma by increasing expression of API2 and it then forming a protein complex with BCL10/caspase‐8 leading to caspase‐8 activity suppression. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 865–871. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microstructure evolution during tensile loading histories of a polyurea
Authors: Rinaldi R. G. , Boyce M. C. , Weigand S. J. , Londono D. J. , Guise M. W. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe evolution in the hard/soft domain microstructure of an elastomeric‐like polyurea during different tensile loading histories was studied using in situ small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS). The nonlinear stress–strain behavior is initially stiff with a rollover yield to a more compliant response; unloading is highly nonlinear showing substantial hysteresis while also exhibiting significant recovery. Reloading reveals a substantially more compliant “softened” behavior and dramatically reduced hysteresis. WAXS peaks monitor characteristic dimensions of regular features within the hard domains; the peak location remains unchanged with tensile deformation indicating no separation of the internal structure within a domain, but the peak intensity becomes anisotropic with deformation evolving in a reversible manner consistent with orientation due to stretch. The SAXS profiles provide information between major hard domains. SAXS peaks are found to shift with tensile loading in a relatively affine manner up to a tensile true strain of ∼0.4, which, using a Bragg reduction to aid interpretation, reveals an axial increase and a transverse decrease in interdomain spacings; this evolution is reversible for strains less than ∼0.4. Increasing axial strain beyond a true strain of ∼0.4 is accompanied by a dramatic, progressive, and irreversible reduction in axial Bragg spacing, indicating a breakdown in the hard domain aggregate network structure. A four‐point pattern is seen to develop during stretching. The breakdown in networked structure during a first load cycle gives a new structure for subsequent load cycles, which is seen to evolve in a reversible manner for strains less than or equal to the prior maximum strain. However, for strains exceeding the prior maximum strain excursion, additional breakdown is found. These SAXS results show that a breakdown in the hard domain aggregate network structure is a governing mechanism for the large dissipation (hysteresis) loops of the first load cycle and are also responsible for the softened reloading response. The absence of structure breakdown during subsequent load cycles corresponds to the substantially reduced hysteresis loops as well as the stable softened behavior. DMA data on pristine and previously deformed samples show a more compliant storage modulus in the predeformed sample, supporting the softened cyclic stress–strain data and the structural breakdown observed in the SAXS; the loss modulus was unchanged with deformation, which correlates with the lossy features measured in DMA with time‐dependent viscosity rather than losses due to structural breakdown. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011