bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of graphene‐containing thermoresponsive nanocomposite hydrogels of poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) prepared by frontal polymerization
Authors: Sanna Roberta , Sanna Davide , Alzari Valeria , Nuvoli Daniele , Scognamillo Sergio , Piccinini Massimo , Lazzari Massimo , Gioffredi Emilia , Malucelli Giulio , Mariani Alberto 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThermoresponsive poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) nanocomposite hydrogels containing graphene were successfully prepared by frontal polymerization. High concentration of graphene (5.0 mg/mL) was obtained by direct graphite sonication in the self‐same liquid monomer, thus avoiding any chemical manipulation and obtaining “real” graphene as nanofiller instead of one of its more or less oxidized derivative, which is what generally reported in published reports. Furthermore, the corresponding nanocomposites were obtained without using any solvent to be eventually removed. The materials were fully characterized by RAMAN, SEM, and TEM, and their swelling behavior and rheological properties were investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Preparation, Characterization and Optimization of Egg Albumin Nanoparticles as Low Molecular‐Weight Drug Delivery Vehicle
Authors: Taheri Elham Sadat , Jahanshahi Mohsen , Mosavian Mohammad Taghi Hamed 
Published: July 2012

AbstractProtein nanoparticles have been recognized as carriers to deliver low molecular‐weight drugs, anticancer drug, DNA, vaccines, oligonucleotides, peptides and etc. The purpose of this research was preparation of Egg Albumin (EA) nanoparticle with suitable size/size distribution and good surface properties for drug delivery application based on simple coacervation method along with optimization of the nanoparticles by employing Taguchi method. Several synthesis parameters were examined to characterize their impacts on nanoparticle size and topography. These variables were including temperature, EA concentration, desolvating agent volume, pH value and agitation speed. In addition, size and morphology of prepared nanoparticles were analyzed by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) as well as atomic force microscopy (AFM). As result of Taguchi analysis in this research, desolvating agent volume and pH were most influencing factors on particle size. The minimum size of nanoparticles (∼51 nm) were obtained at Temperature 55 °C, 30 mg/ml EA concentration, desolvating agent volume 50 ml, agitation speed of 500 rpm and pH 4. The mechanistic of optimum conditions for preparing protein nanoparticles from Egg Albumin for the first time and their characterization as delivering nano system are discussed.
Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon – nFe3O4, Activated Carbon – nSiO2 and Activated Carbon – nZnO Hybrid Materials
Authors: Fatoki Olalekan S. , Ayanda Olushola S. , Adekola Folahan A. , Ximba Bhekumusa J. , Opeolu Beatrice O. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe preparation and physicochemical characterization of activated carbon, nano metal oxides, and activated carbon – nFe3O4, activated carbon – nSiO2 and activated carbon – nZnO hybrid materials has been undertaken. The materials have been characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction, CNH analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Surface area and porosity, ash content, pH, and point of zero charge were also measured. The results showed that the surfaces of activated carbon, nSiO2, activated carbon – nFe3O4, activated carbon – nSiO2 and activated carbon – nZnO are suitable for the sorption of cationic complexes while the surfaces of nFe3O4 and nZnO are favourable to the sorption of anionic complexes of heavy metals. Results also showed that the composition of the activated carbon and nano metal oxides increased the surface and micropore areas of nano metal oxides due to the large number of micropores and crevices on the surface of the hybrid materials.
Electrophysiological and behavioural responses of Pityophthorus pubescens (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) to (E,E)‐α‐farnesene, (R)‐(+)‐limonene and (S)‐(−)‐verbenone in Pinus radiata (Pinaceae) stands in northern Spain
Authors: López Sergio , Quero Carmen , Iturrondobeitia Juan Carlos , Guerrero Ángel , Goldarazena Arturo 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Some twig beetles in the genus Pityophthorus (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) may vector pitch canker disease Fusarium circinatum (Niremberg & O'Donnell) of Pinus spp. (Pinaceae). Because Pityophthorus pubescens (Marsh.) has been found to be associated with F. circinatum in the Basque Country (northern Spain), various experiments were conducted to assess the beetle's behavioural responses to (E, E)‐α‐farnesene, (R)‐(+)‐limonene and (S)‐(−)‐verbenone to develop a potential inhibitor to host attraction. These experiments comprise electroantennographic and double‐choice olfactometer tests, as well as field assays in Pinus radiata D. Don stands.RESULTS: Both sexes of P. pubescens showed similar electroantennographic responses to different doses (from 1 ng to 1 µg in decadic steps) of each individual compound, with depolarisations to (S)‐(‐)‐verbenone (100 ng) being similar to those of the aggregation pheromone (+)‐trans‐pityol. In olfactometer assays, both sexes were significantly attracted to (+)‐trans‐pityol, but the attraction was reduced when increasing amounts of the chemicals were added to the pheromone. Particularly relevant was the repellent effect induced by (S)‐(−)‐verbenone at 1 ng dose and higher. In the field, (E, E)‐α‐farnesene, (R)‐(+)‐limonene and (S)‐(−)‐verbenone reduced significantly the number of beetles attracted to (+)‐trans‐pityol and racemic trans‐pityol, with (S)‐(−)‐verbenone being the most effective.CONCLUSIONS: (S)‐(−)‐Verbenone showed an interesting potential for use in the protection of P. radiata stands. A potentially effective strategy, which could be implemented in further, more in‐depth studies, could involve the use of this semiochemical as repellent and (+)‐trans‐pityol‐baited traps as attractant in a ‘push‐pull’ strategy. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Interaction mechanisms between poly(amido‐amine) and nano‐silicon dioxide
Authors: Jin Tao , Li Xiaoyu , Sun Haiqing 
Published: July 2012

AbstractTo gain insight into the attachment of Si+ (SC) and SiO− (SOA) ions (regarded as guests) to the lowest generation, NH2‐terminated poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers (regarded as host) in the gas phase, density functional theory is used to investigate the structures and energetics of the complexes with B3LYP/6‐31+G (d) and HF/6‐31G basis sets. The initial parameters are obtained through the initial optimizations at the HF level using the most basic STO‐3G basis set. Various initial configurations of the ions bound to PAMAM are tested, and four stable conformers are found, i.e., types A to D. Types 1A and 2C are the most stable due to the chemical bond formations of SiN° and SiO, respectively. For type B, SC coordination to amide O sites occurs via electrostatic induction. For type D, SOA coordination to amide hydrogen and amine hydrogen sites occurs via hydrogen bond interaction. Spatial hindrance, electrostatic induction force, and hydrogen‐bond interaction play important roles in the complexation process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.This article was published online on 5 July 2012. An error was subsequently identified. This notice is included in the online and print version to indicate that both have been corrected on 3 August 2012.
A new dynamic identity‐based authentication protocol for multi‐server environment using elliptic curve cryptography
Authors: Khan Muhammad Khurram , He Debiao 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTWith the popularity of Internet and wireless networks, more and more network architectures are used in multi‐server environment, in which users remotely access servers through open networks. For the reliability of accessing these remote services, user must pass a verification procedure to obtain the authorization for legal resource acquisition and data exchange. Recently, several dynamic identity‐based authentication protocols for multi‐server environment have been proposed, but all of these protocols have been cryptanalyzed by other scholars. In this paper, we propose a new dynamic identity‐based authentication protocol for multi‐server environment using elliptic curve cryptography. The analysis shows that our protocol could overcome security weaknesses in the previously published protocols. Hence, our protocol is more suitable for practical applications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unified threat model for analyzing and evaluating software threats
Authors: Li XiaoHong , He Ke , Feng Zhiyong , Xu Guangquan 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTDesign‐level vulnerabilities are a major source of security problems in software programs. For the purpose of improving the trustworthiness of software designs, this paper presents a unified threat model for representing, analyzing, and evaluating software threats at various design stages. Unified threat models represent software threats via tree structures with AND/OR logical relationships and evaluates software threats in a cost‐effective way based on attack paths. Mitigation measures for software threats are designed and prioritized based on the evaluation results, which make it possible to design high‐quality software security programs that resist identified software threats. A case study for an online banking system is given to systematically demonstrate the application of unified threat models in software threat analysis and evaluation. The results from the case study demonstrate that the unified threat model is superior to traditional threat trees in accurately evaluating results, designing mitigation measures, and guiding software security testing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid DNA, RNA and protein extraction protocols optimized for slow continuously growing yeast cultures
Authors: Sasidharan Kalesh , Amariei Cornelia , Tomita Masaru , Murray Douglas B. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractConventional extraction protocols for yeast have been developed for relatively rapid‐growing low cell density cultures of laboratory strains and often do not have the integrity for frequent sampling of cultures. Therefore, these protocols are usually inefficient for cultures under slow growth conditions or of non‐laboratory strains. We have developed a combined mechanical and chemical disruption procedure using vigorous bead‐beating that can consistently disrupt yeast cells (> 95%), irrespective of cell cycle and metabolic state. Using this disruption technique coupled with quenching, we have developed DNA, RNA and protein extraction protocols that are optimized for a large number of samples from slow‐growing high‐density industrial yeast cultures. Additionally, sample volume, the use of expensive reagents/enzymes, handling times and incubations were minimized. We have tested the reproducibility of our methods using triplicate/time‐series extractions and compared these with commonly used protocols or commercially available kits. Moreover, we utilized a simple flow‐cytometric approach to estimate the mitochondrial DNA copy number. Based on the results, our methods have shown higher reproducibility, yield and quality. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Features of Interaction of Bis(4, 6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐N‐(2, 6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐o‐amidophenolato)tin(IV) with Bromine and Iodine
Authors: Ilyakina Ekaterina V. , Poddel'sky Andrey I. , Piskunov Alexandr V. , Fukin Georgii K. , Cherkasov Vladimir K. , Abakumov Gleb A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe oxidation of tin(IV) bis‐amidophenolate (APiPr)2Sn·THF (I) by bromine and iodine leads to the formation of monoradical mixed‐ligand complexes (APiPr)(ISQiPr)SnBr·THF (II) and (APiPr)(ISQiPr)SnI·THF (III) or diradical complexes (ISQiPr)2SnBr2 (IV) and (ISQiPr)2SnI2 (V), respectively [APiPr = dianion 4, 6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐N‐(2, 6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐o‐amidophenolate; ISQiPr = radical‐anion 4, 6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐N‐(2, 6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐o‐iminobenzosemiquinone], depending on the molar ratio of reagents (2:1 or 1:1). According to EPR data for compounds II and III, the unpaired electron is delocalized between both organic ligands. The EPR spectrum of IV in toluene matrix at 130 K is typical for diradical species with S = 1 with parameters D = 530 G, E = 105 G. The mixed‐ligand complexes II and III are unstable and undergo to symmetrization leading to formation of IV or V. The molecular structures of IV and V are determined by X‐ray analysis.
Pathological and clinical impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy using full‐dose gemcitabine and concurrent radiation for resectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Sho Masayuki , Akahori Takahiro , Tanaka Toshihiro , Kinoshita Shoichi , Tamamoto Tetsuro , Nomi Takeo , Yamato Ichiro , Hokuto Daisuke , Yasuda Satoshi , Kawaguchi Chihiro , Nishiofuku Hideyuki , Marugami Nagaaki , Enomonoto Yasunori , Kasai Takahiko , Hasegawa Masatoshi , Kichikawa Kimihiko , Nakajima Yoshiyuki 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground/purposeThe therapeutic options available as preoperative strategies for resectable pancreatic cancer have received worldwide attention. We have recently introduced neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) to achieve local control and possibly complete cure. In this study, we have retrospectively evaluated its impact on pathology and the perioperative clinical course in addition to its safety.MethodsSixty‐one patients who received full‐dose gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) preoperatively with concurrent radiation (50 or 54 Gy) were evaluated. Seventy‐one patients who received no preoperative therapy served as controls. Perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, immunonutritional status, and the performance of adjuvant chemotherapy were compared.ResultsFifty‐nine patients (97 %) completed NACRT. Toxicity was acceptable and the regimen was feasible as outpatient treatment. The perioperative outcomes were closely comparable to control. The rate of pancreatic fistula was lower and hospital stay was shorter in the NACRT group. The rate of lymph node metastasis and stage was lower in the NACRT group. Furthermore, R0 resection could be achieved in 92 % of patients treated with NACRT. Nutritional status decreased after NACRT and further deteriorated during adjuvant chemotherapy. The initiation of postoperative chemotherapy was delayed in the NACRT group.ConclusionsOur current protocol of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is feasible and substantially improves the pathology. However, it has some detrimental effects on postoperative nutritional status and performance of adjuvant chemotherapy. Furthermore, it should be noted that there is a possibility of arterial complications.
Human neuronal coenzyme Q10 deficiency results in global loss of mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, increased mitochondrial oxidative stress and reversal of ATP synthase activity: implications for pathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Duberley Kate E. C. , Abramov Andrey Y. , Chalasani Annapurna , Heales Simon J. , Rahman Shamima , Hargreaves Iain P. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractDisorders of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) biosynthesis represent the most treatable subgroup of mitochondrial diseases. Neurological involvement is frequently observed in CoQ10 deficiency, typically presenting as cerebellar ataxia and/or seizures. The aetiology of the neurological presentation of CoQ10 deficiency has yet to be fully elucidated and therefore in order to investigate these phenomena we have established a neuronal cell model of CoQ10 deficiency by treatment of neuronal SH‐SY5Y cell line with para‐aminobenzoic acid (PABA). PABA is a competitive inhibitor of the CoQ10 biosynthetic pathway enzyme, COQ2. PABA treatment (1 mM) resulted in a 54 % decrease (46 % residual CoQ10) decrease in neuronal CoQ10 status (p < 0.01). Reduction of neuronal CoQ10 status was accompanied by a progressive decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities, with a 67.5 % decrease in cellular ATP production at 46 % residual CoQ10. Mitochondrial oxidative stress increased four‐fold at 77 % and 46 % residual CoQ10. A 40 % increase in mitochondrial membrane potential was detected at 46 % residual CoQ10 with depolarisation following oligomycin treatment suggesting a reversal of complex V activity. This neuronal cell model provides insights into the effects of CoQ10 deficiency on neuronal mitochondrial function and oxidative stress, and will be an important tool to evaluate candidate therapies for neurological conditions associated with CoQ10 deficiency.
Phase I study of enzastaurin and bevacizumab in patients with advanced cancer: safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics
Authors: Nwankwo Nwabundo , Zhang Zhe , Wang Ting , Collins Connie , Resta Lee , Ermisch Sabine , Day Jeannette , Decker Rodney , Kornberg Lori , Nicol Steven , Thornton Donald , Armstrong Deborah K. , Carducci Michael A. 
Published: July 2012

Summary
Purpose Given distinct mechanism of actions of enzastaurin and bevacizumab, preclinical studies suggest enhanced antitumor activity in combination. This phase I study assessed the combination’s safety and efficacy. Patients and methods Six advanced cancer patients could be enrolled in each of 11 cohorts. Patients received an enzastaurin loading dose. Oral enzastaurin (500 mg once daily [QD], 250 mg twice daily [BID], 375 mg BID, 500 mg BID, and 750 mg BID) was escalated in each cohort in combination with bevacizumab dosed at 5 mg/kg every 2 weeks, 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks, or 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks until a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) occurred in 2 of 6 patients in any cohort. Results Sixty-seven patients (31, ovarian cancer [ovcar]) were evaluable for safety and efficacy. Six treatment-related DLTs occurred: grade 3 fatigue (n = 4), grade 4 cerebral hemorrhage, and grade 3 elevated aspartate transaminase. Common drug-related toxicities included change in color of urine and stool, fatigue, pain, diarrhea, and nausea. The maximum tolerated dose of enzastaurin was 750 mg BID in combination with any tested bevacizumab dose/schedule. Overall response rate was 19.4 % (32.3 % ovcar). Median time to progression was 3.7 months (95 % confidence interval [CI], 2.7–5.5), with 8.3 months (95 % CI, 3.7–11.1) in ovcar. Overall, 35.9 % (50.4 % ovcar) of patients remained without disease progression after 6 months. Conclusion The recommended phase II doses of enzastaurin were 500 mg QD up to 500 mg BID with any tested dose/schedule of bevacizumab. This combination demonstrated encouraging clinical activity, particularly in ovcar.
Congenital constriction ring in children: Sine plasty combined with removal of fibrous groove and fasciotomy
Authors: Hung Nguyen Ngoc 
Published: July 2012

Objective To evaluate the clinical and functional results of a technical procedure used in the surgical treatment of congenital constriction ring (CCR) in children. Materials and methods This was a retrospective study undertaken to evaluate the results of surgical techniques performed from January 1995 to December 2005 on 95 patients with 134 congenital constriction bands. Due to the drop-out of nine patients during follow-up, data on 86 patients (121 congenital constriction rings; average age at surgery 1 year 2 months) were analyzed. The extent of the constrictions was classified by according to the Patterson criteria. All patients were treated by two-stage sine plasty combined with removal of the fibrous groove and fasciotomy, with one-half of the ring removed during the first stage and the other half removed 1 week later during the second state. The surgical outcomes were assess according to the Moses criteria. Results Three types of CCR (Patterson criteria) were identified among the 86 patients (121 constriction rings): types I (5 patients, 4.1 %), II (107, 88.5 %), III (9, 7.4 %). Of the 121 constriction rings, good results were attained in 73.6 % and fair results in 26.4 %. Sensory deficits were seen in six patients immediately after the surgery but all six had improved to a normal condition at the final follow-up examination. There were no skin necrosis or wound healing problems. Conclusion The combined sine plasty/removal of fibrous groove and fasciotomy method reported here is a simple and safe surgical technique for treating CCR in children.
Predictors of adolescent successful development after an exchange: The importance of activity qualities and youth input
Authors: Lawford Heather L. , Ramey Heather L. , Rose‐Krasnor Linda , Proctor Andrea S. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to examine the factors involved in predicting successful development after an intensive exchange experience in adolescence. Specifically, we considered the eight positive features, as conceptualized by Eccles and Gootman (2002), as well as the amount of input youth had into their exchange experience as predictors of successful development after the exchange. In this short‐term longitudinal study, 242 young, middle, and older adolescents, who participated in a national short‐term exchanges program, completed surveys before and after completion of the program. Overall, we found that both the eight positive features and personal input were significantly related to overall successful development after an exchange, controlling for initial reports of successful development. This research contributes to an understanding of the importance of different qualities of activity experiences in overall youth development.
Electronic microscopy evidence for mitochondria as targets for Cd/Se/Te‐based quantum dot 705 toxicity in vivo
Authors: Lin Chia‐Hua , Chang Louis W. , Wei Yau‐Huei , Wu Shi‐Bei , Yang Chung‐Shi , Chang Wan‐Hsuan , Chen Yu‐Ching , Lin Pin‐Pin 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe safety of quantum dots (QDs) 705 was evaluated in this study. Mice were treated with QD705 (intravenous) at a single dose of (40 pmol) for 4, 12, 16, and 24 weeks. Effects of QD705 on kidneys were examined. While there was a lack of histopathology, reduction in renal functions was detected at 16 weeks. Electron microscopic examination revealed alterations in proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) cell mitochondria at even much earlier time, including disorientation and reduction of mitochondrial number (early change), mitochondrial swelling, and later compensatory mitochondrial hypertrophy (enlargement mitochondria: giant mitochondria with hyperplastic inner cristae) as well as mitochondrial hyperplasia (increase in mitochondrial biogenesis and numbers) were observed. Such changes probably represent compensatory attempts of the mitochondria for functional loss or reduction of mitochondria in QD705 treated animals. Moreover, degeneration of mitochondria (myelin‐figure and cytoplasmic membranous body formation) and degradation of cytoplasmic materials (isolated cytoplasmic pockets of degenerated materials and focal cytoplasmic degradation) also occurred in later time points (16–24 weeks). Such mitochondrial changes were not identical with those induced by pure cadmium. Taken together, we suggest that mitochondria appeared to be the target of QD705 toxicity and specific mitochondrial markers may be useful parameters for toxicity assessments of QDs or other metal‐based nanomaterials.