bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability and limitations of surface NMR assessed by comparison to borehole NMR
Authors: Müller‐Petke Mike , Hiller Thomas , Herrmann Rolf , Yaramanci Ugur 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTThe measurements of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters to investigate petrophysical properties related to fluid (e.g., water) storage and transport processes provide unique insights compared to other geophysical methods and have become a very useful tool for geophysicists during the last decades at the laboratory scale and as a borehole tool.We investigated, at a groundwater test site in the desert of Abu Dhabi, the reliability and limitation of surface NMR, a new but establishing technique that measures the NMR parameter from the surface by comparing its results to borehole NMR logs. Surface NMR or magnetic resonance sounding measurements (MRS) were conducted along a profile, close to several boreholes. The available borehole NMR logs were used to i) evaluate the potential of surface NMR derived results comparing them with borehole NMR measurements and to ii) extend the hydrogeological knowledge of the groundwater site.Firstly, we show how to carefully handle short relaxation signals of surface NMR data. The most significant steps during this process are: i) broad‐band filtering to preserve the short decaying NMR signals, ii) correction for relaxation during pulse effects and iii) QT‐inversion to extract reliable subsurface parameter distribution.By comparing surface NMR results with borehole NMR logs we found the following limitations: i) surface NMR is not able to detect borehole NMR measured water content related to decay times lower than decay time. This reduced detectable water content of surface NMR is due to an instrumental dead time of 40 ms, measured relaxation times and a lower Larmor frequency of 2 kHz and ii) borehole NMR has significantly higher vertical resolution. Taking this into account, surface NMR is in good agreement with borehole NMR.Secondly, on a profile of 1.3 km length 11 MRS measurements were carried out to map the lateral aquifer structure. The obtained results show that surface NMR provides unique lateral information of demanded aquifer properties complementary to e.g., transient electromagnetic.
Plasma Leptin, hTERT Gene Expression, and Anthropometric Measures in Obese and Non-Obese Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Rahmati-Yamchi Mohammad , Zarghami Nosratallah , Rahbani Mohammad , Montazeri Ali 
Published: March 2011

Introduction Expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) occurs in most cancers but its relation with obesity is unclear. This study explores the association between leptin levels and anthropometric indices with hTERT mRNA levels in breast cancer patients of different obesity grades. Materials and methods In this case-control study, 65 breast cancer patients participated. Expression of tissues hTERT mRNA was carried out by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Leptin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results Twelve patients (18.46%) were hTERT negative and 53(81.54%) were positive. hTERT mRNA levels were associated with BMI but not with waist circumference (WC) (r = 0.219, P = 0.22) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) (r = 0.212, P = 0.237). Leptin level and hTERT mRNA levels (r = 0.484, P = 0.008) were correlated as well as BMI and hTERT expression. Conclusions This study has shown a correlation between leptin levels and hTERT expression. These findings may clarify the role of leptin in breast carcinogenesis, and hence obesity could be responsible for increased incidences in breast cancer as well as its progression via enhanced production of leptin.
Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Causes of Vision Loss in Patients with Ocular Toxoplasmosis
Authors: London Nikolas J.S. , Hovakimyan Anna , Cubillan Leo D.P. , Siverio Carlos D. , Cunningham Emmett T. 
Published: March 2011

Purpose. To describe the prevalence, demographics, clinical features, and contributors to vision loss at presentation in a large cohort of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis seen at a tertiary referral center in northern California. Methods. A retrospective review of the charts of 233 patients with ocular toxoplasmosis examined over 24 years. Results. Ocular toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in 233 (8.4%) of 2761 patients with uveitis. The mean age at presentation was 27.2 years. Patients with ocular toxoplasmosis were more likely to be young (p<0.01), male (p<0.001), and Latino (p<0.001) as compared with patients in the entire uveitis cohort. At presentation, 159 patients (68.2%) had active disease, which was unilateral in all but one. Among the 160 eyes with active disease, 145 (90.6%) presented with a focal retinochoroiditis, 57.2% of which had an adjacent retinochoroidal scar. Atypical presentations occurred in 11 patients (6.9%). Of eyes with active disease, the main contributors to vision loss at presentation were intraocular inflammation (74.8%) and macular involvement (24.3%), whereas in eyes with inactive lesions the main contributors to vision loss were macular scar formation (67.9%) and amblyopia (11.3%). Younger age was the single significant predictor of macular involvement. Conclusions. Ocular toxoplasmosis is a common cause of uveitis. Our patients were more likely than general uveitis patients to be young, male, and Latino, often having emigrated from Mexico or Central or South America. The most common contributors to decreased vision in eyes with active lesions were inflammation and macular involvement, whereas in eyes with inactive lesions they were macular scar formation and amblyopia.
Polyurethanes as Supports for Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Growth
Authors: Da Silva Gisele R. , Armando Da S. C. , Saliba Juliana B. , Berdugo Marianne , Goldenberg Brigitte T. , Naud Marie C. , Ayres Eliane , Oréfce Rodrigo L. , Cohen Francine B. 
Published: March 2011

Purpose The transplant of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells on supports may well be an effective therapeutic approach to improve the visual results of patients with age-related macular degeneration. In this study, two biodegradable polyurethanes were investigated as supports for human RPE cells (ARPE-19). Methods Polyurethane aqueous dispersions based on poly(caprolactone) and/or poly(ethylene glycol) as soft segments, and isophorone diisocyanate and hydrazine as hard segments were prepared. Polyurethane films were produced by casting the dispersions and allowing them to dry at room temperature for one week. The ARPE-19 cells were seeded onto the polyurethane films and they were investigated as supports for in vitro adhesion, proliferation, and uniform distribution of differentiated ARPE-19 cells. Additionally, the in vivo ocular biocompatibility of the polyurethane films was evaluated. Results The RPE adhered to and proliferated onto the polyurethane supports, thus establishing cellPUD surface interactions. Upon confluence, the cells formed an organized monolayer, exhibited a polygonal appearance, and displayed actin filaments which ran along the upper cytoplasm. At 15 days of seeding, the occluding expression was confirmed between adjacent cells, representing the barrier functionality of epithelial cells on polymeric surfaces and the establishment of cell-cell interactions. Results from the in vivo study indicated that polyurethanes exhibited a high degree of short-term intraocular biocompatibility. Conclusions Biodegradable polyurethane films display the proper mechanical properties for an easy transscleral-driven subretinal implantation and can be considered as biocompatible supports for a functional ARPE-19 monolayer.
Shape-Memory Properties and Degradation Behavior of Multifunctional Electro-Spun Scaffolds
Authors: Kratz Karl , Habermann Ronny , Becker Tino , Richau Klaus , Lendlein Andreas 
Published: March 2011

Multifunctional polymer-based biomaterials, which combine degradability and shape-memory capability, are promising candidate materials for the realization of active self-anchoring implants. In this work we explored the shape-memory capability as well as the hydrolytic and enzymatic in vitro degradation behavior of electrospun scaffolds prepared from a multiblock copolymer, containing hydrolytically degradable poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO) and poly(∊-caprolactone) (PCL) segments, which we have named PDC. Electro-spun PDC scaffolds with an average deposit thickness of 80 ± 20 μm and a porosity in the range from 70% to 80% were prepared, where the single fiber diameter was around 3 μm. Excellent shape-memory properties were achieved with high recovery rate (Rr) values in the range of Rr = 92% to 98% and a recovery stress of σmax = 4.6 MPa to 5.0 MPa. The switching temperature (Tsw) and the characteristic temperature obtained under constant strain recovery conditions (Tσ, max) were found in the range from 32°C to 35°C, which was close to the melting temperature (Tm,PCL) associated to the poly(∊-caprolactone) domains. A linear mass loss was observed in both hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation experiments. The mass loss was substantially accelerated, in enzymatic degradation when Pseudomonas cepacia lipase was added, which was reported to accelerate the degradation of PCL. During hydrolytic degradation a continuous decrease in elongation at break (∊B) from ∊B = 800% to 15% was observed in a time period of 92 days, while in enzymatic degradation experiments a complete mechanical failure was obtained after 4 days.
Near-Infrared Dye-Loaded Plga Nanoparticles Prepared by Spray Drying for Photoacoustic Applications
Authors: Kohl Yvonne , Kaiser Christian , Bost Wolfgang , Stracke Frank , Thielecke Hagen , Wischke Christian , Lendlein Andreas , Kratz Karl , Lemor Robert 
Published: March 2011

Introduction Nanoparticulate contrast agents are of great interest for diagnostic applications with high resolution in medicine. Here we present polymer-based degradable nanoparticles exhibiting a near infrared (NIR) absorption suitable for photoacoustic imaging. Methods The nanoparticles were prepared by incorporation of indocyanine green (ICG) as NIR dye in poly[(rac-lactide)-co-glycolide] (PLGA) via an optimized spray drying process. By application of a multi-step centrifugation protocol, two different size fractions were achieved. The biocompatibitilty of the nanoparticles was tested in 2D cell cultures (human hepatocarcinoma cells and monkey kidney cells) using WST-1, BrdU and LDH assay. Results Spherical particles were obtained with a good yield (>81%), showing a high NIR-dye encapsulation efficiency (>98%). By multi-step centrifugation, two different size fractions with a mean diameter of 640 nm and 390 nm were obtained. Cytotoxicity studies of the synthesized ICG-loaded PLGA particles were performed. No cytotoxic effect on metabolic activity, proliferation, or membrane integrity was observed. Conclusion The high optical absorption at the relevant NIR-wavelength around 800 nm in combination with absence of cytotoxicity qualifies the ICG-loaded PLGA particles as promising candidates for degradable photoacoustic contrast agents.
Biofabrication with Biopolymers and Enzymes: Potential for Constructing Scaffolds from Soft Matter
Authors: Wu Li-Qun , Bentley William E. , Payne Gregory F. 
Published: March 2011

Purpose Regenerative medicine will benefit from technologies capable of fabricating soft matter to have appropriate architectures and that provide the necessary physical, chemical and biological cues to recruit cells and guide their development. The goal of this report is to review an emerging set of biofabrication techniques and suggest how these techniques could be applied for the fabrication of scaffolds for tissue engineering. Methods Electrical potentials are applied to submerged electrodes to perform cathodic and anodic reactions that direct stimuli-responsive film-forming polysaccharides to assemble into hydrogel films. Standard methods are used to microfabricate electrode surfaces to allow the electrical signals to be applied with spatial and temporal control. The enzymes mushroom tyrosinase and microbial transglutaminase are used to catalyze macromolecular grafting and crosslinking of proteins. Results Electrodeposition of the polysaccharides chitosan and alginate allow hydrogel films to be formed in response to localized electrical signals. Co-deposition of various components (e.g., proteins, vesicles and cells), and subsequent electrochemical processing allow the physical, chemical and biological activities of these films to be tailored. Enzymatic processing allows for the generation of stimuli-responsive protein conjugates that can also be directed to assemble in response to imposed electrical signals. Further, enzyme-catalyzed crosslinking of gelatin allows replica molding of soft matter to create hydrogel films with topological structure. Conclusions Biofabrication with biological materials and mechanisms provides new approaches for soft matter construction. These methods may enable the formation of tissue engineering scaffolds with appropriate architectures, assembled cells, and spatially organized physical, chemical and biological cues.
Recent Progress in Multiferroic Magnetoelectric Composites: from Bulk to Thin Films (Adv. Mater. 9/2011)
Authors: Ma Jing , Hu Jiamian , Li Zheng , Nan Ce‐Wen 
Published: March 2011

AbstractMultiferroic magnetoelectric composite systems such as ferromagnetic‐ferroelectric heterostructures have recently attracted an ever‐increasing interest and provoked a great number of research activities, driven by profound physics from coupling between ferroelectric and magnetic orders, as well as potential applications in novel multifunctional devices, such as sensors, transducers, memories, and spintronics. In this Review, we try to summarize what remarkable progress in multiferroic magnetoelectric composite systems has been achieved in most recent few years, with emphasis on thin films; and to describe unsolved issues and new device applications which can be controlled both electrically and magnetically.
Removable Directing Groups in Organic Synthesis and Catalysis
Authors: Rousseau Géraldine , Breit Bernhard 
Published: March 2011

AbstractDirecting groups have been widely used in recent years to achieve control over all aspects of reaction selectivity in a wide range of transformations involving transition‐metal catalysis and organometallic reagents. In cases when the existing functional group within a substrate is unsuited to achieve efficient intramolecular delivery of a reagent or catalyst, the specific introduction of an appropriately designed removable reagent‐directing group can be a solution to this problem. In this Review we give an overview of the state of the art in this area, including the stoichiometric and catalytic use of directing groups.
Anti‐Hepatitis B Virus Active Lactones from the Traditional Chinese Herb: Swertia mileensis
Authors: Geng Chang‐An , Wang Li‐Jun , Zhang Xue‐Mei , Ma Yun‐Bao , Huang Xiao‐Yan , Luo Jie , Guo Rui‐Hua , Zhou Jun , Shen Yong , Zuo Ai‐Xue , Jiang Zhi‐Yong , Chen Ji‐Jun 
Published: March 2011

AbstractSwerilactones H–K (1–4), which are four novel lactones with an unprecedented C29 skeleton, were isolated from Swertia mileensis (Qing‐Ye‐Dan), an endemic Chinese herb used for treating viral hepatitis. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic and X‐ray crystallographic diffraction analyses. Swerilactones H–K exhibit potent anti‐hepatitis B virus activity against HBV DNA replication with IC50 values ranging from 1.53 to 5.34 μM. For the first time, a plausible biogenetic pathway for swerilactones H–K, together with the previously reported swerilactones A–D is proposed. From a biogenetic point of view, swerilactones A–D are ascribed as secoiridoid dimers, and swerilactones H–K as secoiridoid trimers.
The association between radiographic response and overall survival in men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Sonpavde Guru , Pond Gregory R. , Berry William R. , de Wit Ronald , Eisenberger Mario A. , Tannock Ian F. , Armstrong Andrew J. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:In men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the association of measurable tumor responses with overall survival (OS) is unknown. The authors retrospectively evaluated the TAX327 phase 3 trial to study this relation.METHODS:Eligible patients for this analysis included those with World Health Organization (WHO)‐defined measurable metastatic disease randomized to receive either docetaxel or mitoxantrone. OS was estimated by using the Kaplan‐Meier method, and the prognostic relation of WHO‐defined radiologic response with OS was performed by using Cox proportional hazards regression. Landmark analyses evaluated survival from baseline and at 2, 3, 4, and 6 months after baseline.RESULTS:Four hundred twelve patients enrolled on the TAX327 trial had measurable tumors. Thirty‐seven patients exhibited a complete or partial objective response (CR/PR, 9.0%), 116 had stable disease (SD, 28.2%), 99 had progressive disease (PD, 24%) and 160 (38.8%) did not have a after‐baseline objective assessment. Partial responders demonstrated longer median OS (29.0 months) than patients with SD (22.1 months) or those with PD (10.8 months) or those who were not assessed (12.7 months). These results remained after landmark analysis. The authors found a significant association between ≥30% prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) declines and radiologic response, with ≥30% PSA declines occurring in all patients with CR/PR, 79.8% of patients with SD, and 34.4% with PD. Radiologic response remained a significant but modest post‐treatment prognostic factor for OS after adjusting for treatment, pain response, and ≥30% PSA decline (P = .009).CONCLUSIONS:In men with metastatic CRPC and measurable disease receiving chemotherapy, objective tumor response was prognostic for OS and appeared to complement PSA assessment. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
A comparative analysis of the characteristics and images of costume colors in the traditional plays of Korea, China, and Japan
Authors: Lee Mi Suk , Sa Jin Kang , Chung Kyung Hee 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to analyze quantitatively the characteristics and images of costume colors in the traditional plays of Korea, China, and Japan. The study focused on the Korean Masque, Beijing Opera, and Kabuki costume colors based on a selection of 1135 color samples. The collected source data were selected by extracting digital color data by using the Eyedropper Tool of Photoshop 7.0. The RGB color data were transformed to H V/C and the attributes of hue and tone were analyzed. Color images were analyzed with the color image scales of IRI Color Design Institute and Shigenobu Kobayashi to increase the validity of the evaluated images. As a result, the “five element colors (red, yellow, purple–blue (PB), white, and black)” from the theory of “Yin‐Yang Wu‐Xing” were used in the common stage costume colors of the Korean Masque, Beijing Opera, and Kabuki. Red, a preferred Asian color, was used most frequently in the costumes of these three traditional plays. A comparison of the traditional stage costume colors in the three northeast Asian countries revealed a difference in tones rather than in hues. First, the Korean Masque frequently used white in accordance with the tradition of white‐clad people and the cultural view of colors in which natural colors were preferred. Additionally, in the Masque, Koreans used colors based on the theory of Yin‐Yang Wu‐Xing with high‐chroma tones. On the other hand, the Beijing Opera exhibited the gorgeous and strong color images of China, by adopting high‐chroma colors in the Five Element Color: R, Y, PB, white, and black. Last, in the Kabuki costumes, a variety of white, black, dull, light, dark, strong, vivid, deep, bright, and grayish tones played an important role in showing various color images. The costume color images of the traditional plays of the three countries revealed that all shared the use of dynamic, springy/casual, and gorgeous images in the strong contrast of five element colors. Regarding the differences, the Korean Masque exhibited natural images in favor of natural colors, whereas the Kabuki displayed modern, decent/formal images by using dull, dark, and grayish colors. The study results suggested that the three countries commonly used five element colors from the theory of Yin‐Yang Wu‐Xing, but that their color images differed in terms of the tones used and the techniques for color combination. These results reflect that colors in the traditional costumes of the three countries are affected by their cultural codes, thereby representing the characteristics ofcertain peoples and cultural circles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011
Strategic Corporate Responsibility in the Food Chain
Authors: Heikkurinen Pasi , Forsman‐Hugg Sari 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper explores how food chain responsibility can be connected to strategy. The aim is to identify how strategic corporate responsibility (CR) intentions are in the Finnish food chain and analyse how competitiveness could be enhanced and sustained with strategic CR. The theoretical framework is built on a contextual definition from a resource‐based view. A multiple case study method was deployed and the data were collected through 20 semi‐structured interviews. It was found that the case companies aim at increasing their chain's competitiveness with CR. The food chain responsibility can be connected to strategy with varying depth and breadth. This results in four types of strategic CR combinations, namely: beyond‐responsive & holistic; beyond‐responsive & arrowhead; responsive & holistic; and responsive & arrowhead. The strategic CR combination that is rare, inimitable, and for which competitors cannot find substitutes, can yield a sustained competitive advantage and above‐normal economic performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment.
Chemoselective Aerobic Diol Oxidation by Palladium(II)–Pyridine Catalysis
Authors: Bettucci Lorenzo , Bianchini Claudio , Filippi Jonathan , Lavacchi Alessandro , Oberhauser Werner 
Published: March 2011

AbstractNeutral and cationic palladium complexes that bear pyridine ligands [i.e., pyridine (Py), 4‐ethylpyridine (4‐EtPy) and 2,4,6‐trimethylpyridine (2,4,6‐Me3Py)] have been isolated and characterized in solution by 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and in the solid state by elemental analysis and single‐crystal structure analysis. All palladium compounds have been scrutinized as a precursor to catalyze the aerobic oxidation of diols either in the presence or in the absence of an external base (i.e., K2CO3). As a result, the chemoselective production of the corresponding hydroxy ketones has been achieved. The bis‐cationic palladium complex of the formula [Pd(4‐EtPy)4](OTs)2 (OTs = p‐toluenesulfonate) [5b(OTs)2] emerged as the most promising precursor; it outperformed the neutral precursor that consisted of trans‐[Pd(OAc)2(4‐EtPy)2] (OAc = acetate) and 4‐EtPy [3b/2(4‐EtPy)] (2 mol‐equiv.). An operando high‐pressure (HPNMR) spectroscopic study with the precursor 5b(OTs)2 combined with the results obtained from catalytic reactions has provided insight into the catalytic mechanism that is operative in 5b(OTs)2‐catalyzed aerobic diol oxidation reactions.