bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell “Self‐Eating” (Autophagy) Mechanism in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Funderburk Sarah F. , Marcellino Bridget K. , Yue Zhenyu 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe autophagy pathway is the major degradation pathway of the cell for long‐lived proteins and organelles. Dysfunction of autophagy has been linked to several neurodegenerative disorders that are associated with an accumulation of misfolded protein aggregates. Alzheimer's disease, the most common neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by 2 aggregate forms, tau tangles and amyloid‐β plaques. Autophagy has been linked to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis through its merger with the endosomal‐lysosomal system, which has been shown to play a role in the formation of the latter amyloid‐β plaques. However, the precise role of autophagy in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis is still under contention. One hypothesis is that aberrant autophagy induction results in an accumulation of autophagic vacuoles containing amyloid‐β and the components necessary for its generation, whereas other evidence points to impaired autophagic clearance or even an overall reduction in autophagic activity playing a role in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the current evidence linking autophagy to Alzheimer's disease as well as the uncertainty over the exact role and level of autophagic regulation in the pathogenic mechanism of Alzheimer's disease. Mt Sinai J Med 77:59&&ndash;68, 2010. © 2010 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Repeatability of DTI‐based skeletal muscle fiber tracking
Authors: Heemskerk Anneriet M. , Sinha Tuhin K. , Wilson Kevin J. , Ding Zhaohua , Damon Bruce M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐based muscle fiber tracking enables the measurement of muscle architectural parameters, such as pennation angle (θ) and fiber tract length (Lft), throughout the entire muscle. Little is known, however, about the repeatability of either the muscle architectural measures or the underlying diffusion measures. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate the repeatability of DTI fiber tracking‐based measurements and θ and Lft. Four DTI acquisitions were performed on two days that allowed for between acquisition, within day, and between day analyses. The eigenvalues and fractional anisotropy were calculated at the maximum cross‐sectional area of, and fiber tracking was performed in, the tibialis anterior muscle of nine healthy subjects. The between acquisitions condition had the highest repeatability for the DTI indices and the architectural parameters. The overall inter class correlation coefficients (ICC's) were greater than 0.6 for both θ and Lft and the repeatability coefficients were θ < 10.2° and Lft < 50 mm. In conclusion, under the experimental and data analysis conditions used, the repeatability of the diffusion measures is very good and repeatability of the architectural measurements is acceptable. Therefore, this study demonstrates the feasibility for longitudinal studies of alterations in muscle architecture using DTI‐based fiber tracking, under similar noise conditions and with similar diffusion characteristics. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing human adipose tissue lipids by long echo time 1H‐MRS in vivo at 1.5 Tesla: validation by gas chromatography
Authors: Lundbom Jesper , Hakkarainen Antti , Fielding Barbara , Söderlund Sanni , Westerbacka Jukka , Taskinen Marja‐Riitta , Lundbom Nina 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the use of 1H‐MRS with various echo times to characterize subcutaneous human adipose tissue (SAT) triglyceride composition and to validate the findings with fatty acid (FA) analysis of SAT biopsies by gas chromatography (GC). 1H‐MRS spectra were acquired with a 1.5 Tesla clinical imager from the SAT of 17 healthy volunteers, with 10 undergoing SAT biopsy. Spectra were localized with PRESS and a series of echo times; 30,50,80,135,200,300 and 540 ms were acquired with TR = 3000 ms. Prior knowledge from phantom measurements was used to construct AMARES fitting models for the lipid spectra. SAT FA composition were compared with serum lipid levels and subject characteristics in 17 subjects.Long TE (135,200 ms) spectra corresponded better with the GC data than short TE (30,50 ms) spectra. TE = 135 ms was found optimal for determining diallylic content (R = 0.952, p < 0.001) and TE = 200 ms was optimal for determining olefinic content (R = 0.800, p < 0.01). The improved performance of long TE spectra is a result of an improved baseline and better peak separation, due to J‐modulation and suppression of water. The peak position of the diallylic resonance correlated with the average double bond content of polyunsatured fatty acids with R = 0.899 (p < 0.005). The apparent T2 of the methylene resonance displayed relatively small inter‐individual variation, 88.1 ± 1.1 ms (mean ± SD). The outer methyl triplet line of ω‐3 PUFA at 1.08 ppm could be readily detected and quantitated from spectra obtained at TE = 540. The ω‐3 resonance correlated with the ω‐3 content determined by GC with R = 0.737 (p < 0.05, n = 8). Age correlated significantly with SAT diallylic content (R = 0.569, p = 0.017, n = 17), but serum lipid levels showed no apparent relation to SAT FA composition. We conclude that long TE 1H‐MRS provides a robust non‐invasive method for characterizing adipose tissue triglycerides in vivo. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dental health of 19th century migrant mineworkers from Kimberley, South Africa
Authors: van der Merwe A. E. , Steyn M. , Maat G. J. R. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractDental health may deteriorate in populations exposed to economic growth as a result of easier access to refined carbohydrates and sugars. Such changes affected migrant labourers working in Kimberley, South Africa, during the late 19th century. A rescue excavation salvaged several skeletons from pauper's graves dating from this period, and the purpose of the study was to assess their dental health to determine whether it concurs with historical statements suggesting that the skeletal population sample being investigated was migrant labourers with limited access to a healthy diet. According to historic sources their diets mainly consisted of ground carbohydrates and occasional meat.The permanent dentition of 79 males and 13 females (majority between 20 and 49 years of age) were examined. Carious lesions were observed in 57% of males and 46.2% of females with an average of 2.7 and 3.8 carious teeth per mouth. The anterior teeth were significantly less affected than the posterior teeth. Periodontal granulomata (‘abscesses’) were observed in 17.7% of males and 15.4% of females, and periodontal disease affected 40% of those investigated. Antemortem tooth loss (AMTL) was recorded in 29% (N = 27) of the sample with an average of 3.5 teeth lost per mouth.It was concluded that the prevalence of dental caries, periapical granulomata and periodontal disease as well as the pattern of AMTL observed concurs with dietary descriptions for paupers in historical documents. The relatively low prevalence of carious lesions can be ascribed to the limited time migrant labourers spent in Kimberley and the labour restrictions they had to comply with during their stay in the compounds. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal serum human placental growth hormone at 11 to 13 weeks in trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 pregnancies
Authors: Sifakis Stavros , Akolekar Ranjit , Syngelaki Argyro , De Cruz Jader , Nicolaides Kypros H 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the maternal serum concentration of human placental growth hormone (hPGH) in trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 pregnancies at 11 to 13 weeks of gestation and to examine the possible association between fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness and maternal serum free beta‐human chorionic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A).MethodsThe maternal serum concentration of hPGH at 11 to 13 weeks was measured in a case–control study from 28 pregnancies with fetal trisomy 21, 28 with trisomy 18 and 112 pregnancies with euploid fetuses. The median hPGH multiple of the median (MoM) in trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 pregnancies were compared with euploid pregnancies.ResultsSerum hPGH was significantly lower in trisomy 21 (0.93 MoM) and trisomy 18 (0.62 MoM) compared to euploid pregnancies (1.02 MoM). There was a significant association between serum hPGH and PAPP‐A in both the euploid (r = 0.258, p = 0.006) and trisomy 21 pregnancies (r = 0.410, p = 0.030) but not in trisomy 18 pregnancies (p = 0.445).ConclusionIn the first trimester, serum hPGH in trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 pregnancies is reduced. This is the opposite of findings in previous studies reporting that in the second trimester, trisomy 21 and 18 pregnancies have increased hPGH. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of experience, case load, and stage distribution on outcome of endoscopic laser surgery for TTTS—a review
Authors: Ahmed Shair , Luks Francois I. , O'Brien Barbara M. , Muratore Christopher S. , Carr Stephen R. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveSurvival (≥1 twin) after laser surgery for patients with twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) ranges from 65 to 93%. However, most studies are noncontrolled and retrospective, and have included a limited number of patients. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of outcomes after laser surgery in patients with TTTS.MethodsWe conducted database and manual searches of reference lists and pertinent journals published between 1995 and 2009 that report outcomes of laser surgery in patients with TTTS. Two authors performed the search independently of each other. There exist only two randomized controlled trials, each with fewer than 80 patients having undergone laser surgery. Uncontrolled and retrospective series were therefore considered as well. Studies had to report sufficient information on inclusive dates, stage distribution, overall neonatal survival, and neonatal survival of at least one twin. Of the 486 studies identified, we considered 19 studies.ResultsFor each series, 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Survival was plotted against the date of publication, number of patients/series, gestational age at delivery, and proportion of advanced cases. Univariate analysis was performed to detect significant differences. Our meta‐analysis, which included 1484 patients, shows 81.2% survival of at least one twin (CI: 79.1–83.2%). The average survival of at least one twin for the entire population remained within the CI of all but one series. Neither case load, nor stage distribution, nor chronological date of the study affected the survival.ConclusionA systematic review of endoscopic laser surgery performed in patients with TTTS failed to show a significant impact of high caseloads, disease severity distribution, or improvements in technique. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tensile creep behaviour of polymethylpentene–silica nanocomposites
Authors: Dorigato Andrea , Pegoretti Alessandro 
Published: January 2010

AbstractFor the first time, poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) (PMP) nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding 2 vol% of fumed silica nanoparticles, in order to study the role of the nanofiller surface area and functionalization on the tensile mechanical response of the material, with particular focus on its creep behaviour. The high optical transparency of the polymer matrix was substantially preserved in the nanocomposites, while the mechanical properties (in particular the creep stability) were improved. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis showed an improvement of the storage modulus, more evident above the glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix. Uniaxial tensile tests evidenced that the elastic modulus of the material was positively affected by the presence of silica nanoparticles, even if a slight reduction of the strain at break was detected. The reduction of the tensile creep compliance was proportional to the surface area of the nanofiller, being more evident at high stresses and elevated temperatures. Findley's law furnished a satisfactory fitting of the creep behaviour of the composites, even at high temperatures. It clearly emerges that the incorporation of fumed silica nanoparticles in PMP can be an effective way to overcome the problem of the poor creep stability of polyolefins, especially at high temperatures and high stresses. Moreover the possibility of retaining the original transparency of the material is fundamental for the production of completely transparent PMP components. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Protein extraction from the earthworm Eisenia fetida for 2‐DE
Authors: Wang Xing , Chang Li , Wang Gaochan , Sun Zhenjun , Ma Hongbo , Sun Qian , Li Jing 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe identified an efficient protocol for extracting proteins from whole earthworm, Eisenia fetida, for 2‐DE. Sample preparation is a critical step in a 2‐DE proteome approach and is absolutely essential for obtaining good results. Six protein extraction protocols based on different protein precipitation agents were tested and evaluated using 2‐DE. The methods generated remarkably different 2‐DE protein spot patterns. We conclude that trichloroacetic acid (TCA)‐A eliminates interfering compounds, thus allowing for the efficient resolubilization of proteins. TCA‐A gives good distinction, more bands in 1‐DE gels, and the most number of protein spots in 2‐DE gels. It is also rapid, provides the higher protein yield, and has the less number of steps. To demonstrate the quality of the extracted proteins, we cut several protein spots that were common to four methods from 2‐DE gels, analyzed them using MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS, and tentatively identified them. The classic TCA‐A method proved to be most useful as a standard method of extracting proteins from E. fetida.
Triplet diphenylcarbene protected by iodine and bromine groups
Authors: Hirai Katsuyuki , Bessho Kana , Kitagawa Toshikazu , Tomioka Hideo 
Published: January 2010

AbstractDiphenyldiazomethane having two iodine and two bromine groups at the ortho positions, (2,6‐dibromo‐4‐tert‐butylphenyl)(2,6‐diiodo‐4‐tert‐butylphenyl)diazomethane (1a‐N2), has been synthesized. Triplet diphenylcarbene 31a is generated from the precursor and is characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy at low temperature and laser flash photolysis (LFP) techniques at room temperature. Irradiation of 1a‐N2 in a 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran (2‐MTHF) matrix at 77 K gives the UV–Vis spectrum of 31a, but ESR signals that can be assigned to a triplet species are not detected. The LFP of 1a‐N2 in a degassed benzene solution produces the transient absorption ascribable to 31a at 351 nm, which decays in a second‐order process with a rate constant of 0.17 s−1. The first half‐life of 31a is estimated to be 24 s. Triplet carbene 31a is trapped by oxygen to generate benzophenone oxide 1a‐O, with maximum absorbance at 415 nm, with a rate constant of 7.3 × 106 M−1s−1, and also by 1,4‐cyclohexadiene (CHD) to produce the diphenylmethyl radical (1a‐H2, λmax = 380 nm) with a rate constant of 39 M−1s−1. The carbene is also trapped by methanol with a rate constant of 0.30 M−2s−1. Steady‐state irradiation of 1a‐N2 in degassed benzene affords only a small amount of the phenanthrene 2a as an assignable product. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactions of carbon nanotubes with pyrene‐functionalized linear‐dendritic hybrid polymers
Authors: Bahun Greg J. , Adronov Alex 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA series of linear‐dendritic hybrid polymers, containing pyrene units at the periphery of aliphatic polyester dendrons, were prepared for the purpose of dispersing shortened single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The prepared hybrids contained 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 (G0 through G4) pyrene units and a linear segment composed of polystyrene. It was found that a minimum of four pyrene units was necessary to form a strong enough interaction with SWNTs to enable steric stabilization in solution, when using a linear polymer segment of 11.5 kDa. Increasing either the number of pyrene units per polymer chain or the length of the polymer segment to 18.0 kDa did not improve nanotube solubility, whereas decreasing the polymer length resulted in significantly less effective nanotube dissolution. The G4 dendron alone, without the linear polystyrene segment, was also found to impart solubility to the nanotubes in THF. Interactions between the series of linear‐dendritic hybrids and full‐length multiwalled carbon nanotubes were also investigated, and it was found that the polymers exhibited strong interactions with the multiwalled carbon nanotube surface, resulting in the formation of stable solutions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1016–1028, 2010
Behaviors of self‐assembled diblock copolymer with pendant photosensitive azobenzene segments
Authors: Liu Jui‐Hsiang , Chiu Yi‐Hong 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA novel monomer, ethyl 4‐[4‐(11‐methacryloyloxyundecyloxy)phenyl azobenzoyl‐oxyl] benzoate, containing a photoisomerizable NN group was synthesized. The monomer was further diblock copolymerized with methyl methacrylate. Amphiphilic diblock copolymer poly(methyl methacrylate‐block‐ethyl 4‐[4‐(11‐methacryloyloxyundecyloxy)phenyl azobenzoyl‐oxyl] benzoate (PMMA‐b‐PAzoMA) was synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization. The reverse micelles with spherical construction were obtained with 2 wt % of the diblock copolymer in a THF/H2O mixture of 1:2. Under alternating UV and visible light illumination, reversible changes in micellar structure between sphere and rod‐like particles took place as a result of the reversible E‐Z photoisomerization of azobenzene segments in PMMA‐b‐PAzoMA. Microphase separation of the amphiphilic diblock copolymer in thin films was achieved through thermal and solvent aligning methods. The microphases of the annealed thin films were investigated using atom force microscopy topology and scanning electron microscopy analyses. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1142–1148, 2010
Synthesis and nonlinear optical properties of novel Y‐type polyurethane containing tricyanovinylthiazole with enhanced thermal stability of second harmonic generation
Authors: No Hyo Jin , Jang Han‐Na , Jin Cho You , Lee Ju‐Yeon 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA novel Y‐type poly[iminocarbonyloxyethyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐{2‐thiazolylazo‐4‐(1,2,2‐tricyanovinyl)}resorcinoxyethyloxycarbonylimino‐(3,3′‐dimethoxy‐4,4′‐biphenylene)] 4 containing 5‐methyl‐4‐{5‐(1,2,2‐tricyanovinyl)‐2‐thiazolylazo}resorcinoxy groups as nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophores, which constitute part of the polymer backbone, was prepared and characterized. Polyurethane 4 is soluble in common organic solvents such as acetone and N,N‐dimethylformamide. It showed a thermal stability up to 250 °C in thermogravimetric analysis thermogram and the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) obtained from differential scanning calorimetry thermogram was around 118 °C. The second harmonic generation coefficient (d33) of poled polymer films at 1560 nm fundamental wavelength was around 8.43 × 10−9 esu. The dipole alignment exhibited a thermal stability even at 12 °C higher than Tg, and there was no SHG decay below 130 °C due to the partial main‐chain character of the polymer structure, which is acceptable for NLO device applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1166–1172, 2010
N‐vinylcaprolactam‐based microgels for biomedical applications
Authors: Imaz Ainara , Forcada Jacqueline 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThree types of poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam)‐based temperature‐sensitive microgel particles were synthesized by emulsion polymerization. The uptake of a model drug (calcein) into the particles was analyzed in terms of the amount of calcein absorbed and equilibrium–swelling degree. By incubating the microgels with primary neuronal cell cultures of embrionary rats, cell viability and biocompatibility tests were carried out. The results show that the driving force for the model drug to penetrate into the microgel particles is H‐bonding associations. On the other hand, cell death was microgel concentration and incubation period dependent. Microgels can be stored in a dried state and resuspended in water when necessary without changing their swelling–deswelling ability. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1173–1181, 2010
A novel thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester containing phosphorus and aromatic ether moity toward high flame retardancy and low mesophase temperature
Authors: Bian Xiang‐Cheng , Chen Li , Wang Jun‐Sheng , Wang Yu‐Zhong 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA series of thermotropic liquid crystalline polyesters containing phosphorus and aromatic ether groups (TLCP‐AEs) were synthesized from p‐acetoxybenzoic acid (p‐ABA), terephthalic acid (TPA), 4,4′‐oxybis(benzoic acid) (OBBA), and acetylated 2‐(6‐oxid‐6H‐dibenz(c,e) (1,2) oxaphosphorin 6‐yl) 1,4‐benzenediol (DOPO‐AHQ). The chemical structure and the properties of TLCP‐AEs were characterized by Fourier‐transform spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), limiting oxygen index, and UL‐94 tests, respectively. The results showed that TLCP‐AEs had low and broad mesophase temperatures (230–400 °C). TLCP‐AEs also showed excellent thermal stability; their 5%‐weight‐loss temperatures were above 440 °C and the char yields at 700 °C were higher than 45 wt %. All TLCP‐AE polyesters exhibited high flame retardancy with a LOI value of higher than 70 and UL‐94 V‐0 rating. The SEM observation revealed that TLCP‐AEs had good fibrillation ability. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1182–1189, 2010
Synthesis of dual pH/temperature‐responsive polymers with amino groups by living cationic polymerization
Authors: Oda Yukari , Kanaoka Shokyoku , Aoshima Sadahito 
Published: January 2010

AbstractFor the precision synthesis of primary amino functional polymers, cationic polymerization of a phthalimide‐containing vinyl ether monomer precursor, 2‐vinyloxyethyl phthalimide (PIVE), was examined using a base‐assisting initiating system. Living polymerization of PIVE in CH2Cl2 in the presence of 1,4‐dioxane as an added base yielded nearly monodispersed polymers (Mw/Mn < 1.1) and higher molecular weight polymers, which have never been obtained using other initiating systems. Furthermore, block copolymers with hydrophobic or hydrophilic groups could be prepared. The deprotection of the pendant phthalimide groups gave well‐defined pH‐responsive polymers with pendant primary amino groups. Dual‐stimuli–responsive block copolymers having a pH‐responsive polyamine segment and a thermosensitive segment self‐assembled in water in response to both pH and temperature. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1207–1213, 2010