bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological and phylogenic study of human metapneumovirus infections during three consecutive outbreaks in Normandy, France
Authors: Legrand Loïc , Vabret Astrid , Dina Julia , Petitjean‐Lecherbonnier Joëlle , Stéphanie Gouarin , Cuvillon Delphine , Tripey Valérie , Brouard Jacques , Freymuth François 
Published: January 2011

AbstractHuman metapneumovirus (hMPV) is responsible for respiratory tract disease, particularly in the young and elderly population. An epidemiological and phylogenic study was performed on children admitted to hospital with an acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRI). Data were obtained and analyzed over three consecutive winters, from 2002–2003 to 2004–2005. Each year during the winter period, from November to March, 2,415 nasal swabs were tested by a direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) for influenza viruses A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza viruses, and adenoviruses. Rhinoviruses, enteroviruses, and coronaviruses OC43 and 229E were detected by RT‐PCR. A RT‐PCR designed for the M gene was performed on negative samples for hMPV detection and phylogenic analyses. For the three consecutive winters, hMPV represented 10%, 22.6%, and 8.8% of virus‐negative samples, respectively. In most cases, clinical symptoms indicated a LRI with a final diagnosis of bronchiolitis. During the winter of 2003–2004, all viral clusters (A1, A2, B1, and B2) that circulated in France shifted progressively from the A group to the B group. This study determined the prevalence of hMPV in Normandy, its clinical impact and permitted the analysis of the molecular evolution during the successive outbreaks. J. Med. Virol. 83:517–524, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Piriformospora indica and Sebacina vermifera on growth and yield of essential oil in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Dolatabadi Hossein Kari , Goltapeh Ebrahim Mohammadi , Jaimand Kamkar , Rohani Neda , Varma Ajit 
Published: January 2011

AbstractFennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a very important plant in the family of Apiaceae. Effects of inoculation of two endophytic fungi (Piriformospora indica and Sebacina vermifera) in growth, yield and composition of the essential oil of fennel (F. vulgare) were evaluated in pot cultures. Dry fruits were ground with an electric grinder and oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and their composition was determined by GC/MS. In pot experiment, the maximum dry weight of the green tissue and root and plant height were obtained with P. indica, and maximum number of umbels per plant and dry weight of 1000 fruits were produced with S. vermifera. The P. indica and S. vermifera inoculation significantly increased oil yield as compared to non‐inoculated control plants. GC and GC/MS studies revealed that the level of anethole was increased with P. indica and S. vermifera. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Isolation of nine Phytophthora capsici pectin methylesterase genes which are differentially expressed in various plant species
Authors: Li Peiqian , Feng Baozhen , Wang Hemei , Tooley Paul W. , Zhang Xiuguo 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPhytophthora capsici causes damage on many plants species, and secretes various pectin methylesterases during all stages of infection. We identified nine Pme genes (Pcpme 1–9) from a genomic library of highly virulent P. capsici strain SD33 and further analyzed the expression pattern of nine genes on three hosts: pepper, tomato, and cucumber using qRT‐PCR during all stages of infection. All nine genes were found to be differentially expressed in three host species in the course of P. capsici interaction. The expression levels of the respective genes increased from 1 to 7 dpi in pepper, while most genes presented a decreasing trend of expression from 1 to 5 dpi in tomato fruits. However, in both fruits peaks were reached at 7 dpi. In cucumber fruits, each gene showed minor expression levels from 1 to 3 dpi, exhibited definite peaks at 5 dpi, and then decreased from 5 to 7 dpi. Thus, evidence from our studies of Pcpme gene expression in different plants at a rang of time points suggests that the late stages of infection may represent the most critical time for P. capsici to successfully express or/and secret PMEs. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Highly Efficient Drug Delivery Nanosystem via L‐Phenylalanine Triggering Based on Supramolecular Polymer Micelles
Authors: Dong Haiqing , Li Yongyong , Wen Huiyun , Xu Meng , Liu Lijian , Li Zhuoquan , Guo Fangfang , Shi Donglu 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAn intelligent drug delivery nanosystem has been developed based on biodegradable supramolecular polymer micelles (SMPMs). The drug release can be triggered from SMPMs responsively by a bioactive agent, L‐phenylalanine in a controlled fashion. The SMPMs are constructed from ethylcellulose‐graft‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) (EC‐g‐PCL) and α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) derivate via host–guest and hydrophobic interactions. It has been found that these SMPMs have disassembled rapidly in response to an additional L‐phenylalanine, due to great affinity discrepancy to α‐CD between L‐phenylalanine and PCL. Experiments have been carried out on trigger‐controlled in vitro drug release of the SMPMs loaded with a model porphyrin based photosensitizer THPP. The result shows that the SMPMs released over 85% THPP in 6 h, which is two orders magnitudes faster than that of control. Also investigated is the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of THPP‐loaded SMPMs with and without L‐phenylalanine on MCF‐7 carcinoma cell line. An effective trigger‐concentration dependent lethal effect has been found showing promise in clinical photodynamic therapy. magnified image
Towards Chiral Microporous Soluble Polymers—Binaphthalene‐Based Polyimides
Authors: Ritter Nicola , Senkovska Irena , Kaskel Stefan , Weber Jens 
Published: January 2011

AbstractRecently, intrinsically microporous polymers have received increased interest in research. Contrary to currently commercially used microporous materials, e.g., zeolithes or polymer networks, they can be dissolved, processed and further functionalised. Microporous poly(imide)s are especially interesting, as they are chemically and thermally resistant to decomposition up to high temperatures. In this paper, we report for the first time on a chiral poly(imide) which is intrinsically microporous and soluble in common solvents. After analysing the structure of the polymer, its pore system is characterised via its ability to adsorb nitrogen, argon, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Furthermore, the chiral polymer is compared with its racemic counterpart, illustrating the special role of an organised superstructure. magnified image
Targeting PKC‐β II by Peptides and Peptidomimetics Derived from RACK 1: An In Silico Approach
Authors: Jain Kapil , Sobhia M. Elizabeth 
Published: January 2011

AbstractDiabetes causes contractile myocardial dysfunction through accelerated atherosclerosis and hypertension, termed Diabetic Cardiomyopathy. Experimental results reveals liaison between cardiovascular disease and diabetic complications. Protein kinase C (PKC), a heterogeneous family of phospholipid dependent kinases was found to be specifically involved in diabetic complications, of which PKC‐β II isoform played a significant role in induction of this fatal disease. Members of PKC family share high degree of similarity in both structure and functions, which has given rise to specificity related issues. In the present study, we have designed peptides and peptidomimetics based on RACK 1 (Receptor for Activated C Kinases) region, as this protein increases the substrate phosphorylation and stabilizes the activated form of PKC‐β II. RACK 1 being specific for PKC‐β II could resolve the specificity issue and also peptides and peptidomimetics, being conformationally restrained structures offers potential advantages of being used as drug molecules over organic molecules. This study has provided useful insights that may contribute to the development of molecules which may be useful in the treatment of diabetic complications.
Individual and combined effects of subclinical doses of deoxynivalenol and fumonisins in piglets
Authors: Grenier Bertrand , Loureiro‐Bracarense Ana‐Paula , Lucioli Joelma , Pacheco Graziela Drociunas , Cossalter Anne‐Marie , Moll Wulf‐Dieter , Schatzmayr Gerd , Oswald Isabelle P. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractScope:Deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisins (FB) are the most frequently encountered mycotoxins produced byFusariumspecies and most commonly co‐occur in animal diets. These mycotoxins were studied for their toxicity in piglets on several parameters including plasma biochemistry, organ histopathology and immune response.Methods and results:Twenty‐four 5‐wk‐old animals were randomly assigned to four different groups, receiving separate diets for 5 wk, a control diet, a diet contaminated with either DON (3 mg/kg) or FB (6 mg/kg) or both toxins. At days 4 and 16 of the trial, the animals were subcutaneously immunized with ovalbumin to assess their specific immune response. The different diets did not affect animal performance and had minimal effect on hematological and biochemical blood parameters. By contrast, DON and FB induced histopathological lesions in the liver, the lungs and the kidneys of exposed animals. The liver was significantly more affected when the two mycotoxins were present simultaneously. The contaminated diets also altered the specific immune response upon vaccination as measured by reduced anti‐ovalbumin IgG level in the plasma and reduced lymphocyte proliferation upon antigenic stimulation. Because cytokines play a key role in immunity, the expression levels of IL‐8, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β were measured by RT‐PCR at the end of the experiment. The expression of these four cytokines was significantly decreased in the spleen of piglets exposed to multi‐contaminated diet.Conclusion:Taken together, our data indicate that ingestion of multi‐contaminated diet induces greater histopathological lesions and higher immune suppression than ingestion of mono‐contaminated diets.
RAFT Inverse Miniemulsion Polymerization of Acrylic Acid and Sodium Acrylate
Authors: Ouyang Liu , Wang Lianshi , Schork F. Joseph 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe synthesis of well‐controlled poly(sodium acrylate) by RAFT inverse miniemulsion polymerization is presented. The effects of RAFT agent concentration, pH of the dispersed phase, types of initiator, and initiator concentration on the polymerization were studied. The partial loss of control at pH above 7 was likely due to the hydrolysis of the RAFT agent. Particle nucleation was investigated by GPC. It was found that the molecular weight distribution was unimodal when using the lipophilic initiator AIBN. Chain extension was carried out, and the morphology of the final latex (after chain extension) was analyzed by SEM. The reason for the wide particle size distribution observed is discussed. magnified image
Algebraic multilevel iteration method for lowest order Raviart–Thomas space and applications
Authors: Kraus J. K. , Tomar S. K. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAn optimal order algebraic multilevel iterative method for solving system of linear algebraic equations arising from the finite element discretization of certain boundary value problems, that have their weak formulation in the space H(div), is presented. The algorithm is developed for the discrete problem obtained by using the lowest‐order Raviart–Thomas space. The method is theoretically analyzed and supporting numerical examples are presented. Furthermore, as a particular application, the algorithm is used for the solution of the discrete minimization problem which arises in the functional‐type a posteriori error estimates for the discontinuous Galerkin approximation of elliptic problems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐reflecting boundary conditions for acoustic propagation in ducts with acoustic treatment and mean flow
Authors: Redon E. , Dhia A.‐S. Bonnet‐Ben , Mercier J.‐F. , Sari S. Poernomo 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWe consider a time‐harmonic acoustic scattering problem in a 2D infinite waveguide with walls covered with an absorbing material, in the presence of a mean flow assumed uniform far from the source. To make this problem suitable for a finite element analysis, the infinite domain is truncated. This paper concerns the derivation of a non‐reflecting boundary condition on the artificial boundary by means of a Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann (DtN) map based on a modal decomposition. Compared with the hard‐walled guide case, several difficulties are raised by the presence of both the liner and the mean flow. In particular, acoustic modes are no longer orthogonal and behave asymptotically like the modes of a soft‐walled guide. However, an accurate approximation of the DtN map can be derived using some bi‐orthogonality relations, valid asymptotically for high‐order modes. Numerical validations show the efficiency of the method. The influence of the liner with or without mean flow is illustrated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a quadratic finite element formulation based on the XFEM and NURBS
Authors: Haasemann G. , Kästner M. , Prüger S. , Ulbricht V. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe FE‐simulation of inhomogeneous structures, such as composite materials, biological tissues or foams, requires the generation of respective finite element meshes. With increasing complexity of the inner architecture of such structures, this becomes a time‐consuming and laborious task. Additionally, the risk of forming bad‐shaped elements that may lead to ill‐conditioned numerical problems grows significantly. A solution to this problem provides the extended finite element method (XFEM). Thereby, the interface between different materials is represented by a local enrichment of the displacement approximation. As a consequence of this, the element boundary need not be aligned to the interface.In order to improve the accuracy of the interface approximation, the development of a plane element based on the XFEM and quadratic shape functions will be presented. This element allows for the description of curved material interfaces. The computation of the element stiffness matrix requires a numerical integration process that accounts for discontinuous fields. Regarding a linear element formulation, this can be achieved by an adapted triangulation of the element domain. However, in the case of a curved interface this solution is not applicable. Hence, non‐uniform rational B‐Spline (NURBS) surfaces are used to evaluate the integrals numerically.Finally, the results of different examples will show the general properties such as the accuracy of the numerical integration procedure and the convergence behavior of this element formulation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enriched contact finite elements for stable peeling computations
Authors: Sauer Roger A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractDuring peeling of a soft elastic strip from a substrate, strong adhesional forces act locally inside the peeling zone. It is shown here that when a standard contact finite element (FE) formulation is used to compute the peeling process, a large mesh refinement is required since the numerical solution procedure becomes unstable otherwise. To improve this situation, several different efficient enrichment strategies are presented that provide stable solution algorithms for comparably coarse meshes. The enrichment is based on the introduction of additional unknowns inside the contact elements discretizing the slave surface. These are chosen in order to improve the approximation of the peeling forces, while keeping the overall number of degrees of freedom low. If needed, these additional unknowns can be condensed out locally. The enrichment formulation is developed for both 2D and 3D nonlinear FE formulations. The new enrichment technique is applied to the peeling computation of a gecko spatula. The proposed enriched contact element formulations are also investigated in sliding computations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Taphonomic modifications produced by modern brown bears (Ursus arctos)
Authors: Saladié P. , Huguet R. , Díez C. , Rodríguez‐Hidalgo A. , Carbonell E. 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTActualism has been a fundamental tool in taphonomy. The knowledge of accumulation patterning of modern faunal allows us to interpret the activity of different actors in the archaeological record and to reconstruct the behaviour of preterit animals and humans in which we are interested. However, until now, there are few works that include bone modifications made by bears amongst those made by carnivores.Most data about bone modifications made by bears have been obtained from the archaeo‐palaeontological record. In most of these assemblages, the presence of bears is related to their period of hibernation. Therefore, in these contexts, the changes documented on recovered bear bones are associated only with cannibalism.In this paper, we present an actualistic study about modifications on bones made by modern brown bears. These animals can cause damage similar to those produced by other large carnivores. Generally, bear activity leaves slight damage, mainly on large‐sized animal bones. However, on bones of small‐sized animals and those of greater fragility, the bears can produce abundant damage. Though not usual, bears can break long bones and consume the complete epiphysis. This study suggests that bears have the potential to be agents of bone modification in fossil assemblages. Consequently, they should be considered as a possible agent of modification of faunal remains in the fossil record. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Following the white rabbit: A case of a small game procurement site in the upper palaeolithic (Sala de las Chimeneas, Maltravieso Cave, Spain)
Authors: Rodríguez‐Hidalgo A. J. , Saladié P. , Canals A. 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTThe role of small game in Upper Palaeolithic economies has been examined by several authors over the past few decades. Among the small fauna, rabbits seem to have been a widely exploited resource in certain geographic areas, making them one of the main sources for subsistence in hunter–gatherer groups of southwestern Europe. Examining aspects such as anatomic profiles, demographics and taphonomic modifications (including bone breakage) allows us to approach determining the origins of the accumulation of assemblages and establishing the role of hominids and other processes in their formation.The faunal remains of level A of the Sala de las Chimeneas (Maltravieso Cave, Extremadura, Spain) show a clear predominance of rabbits. Results point to a complex taphonomic history. The assemblage of rabbit remains recovered at the site is of anthropic, exogenous and intrusive origin.The results of anthropogenic modifications of the bones reveal a different pattern than what is usually found in assemblages of the same age. The differences that set this assemblage apart include the absence of burned bones and the scarcity of anthropic breakage of humeri, femora and tibiae. These features, in conjunction with the characteristics of the archaeological context, have allowed us to rule out the possibility that this location was used as a base camp or bivouac. Along with these data, the presence of Pleistocene age warrens in the deposit supports the hypothesis that the space was used by hominids as a resource procurement site. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modified cyanate ester resins with lower dielectric loss, improved thermal stability, and flame retardancy
Authors: Zhuo Dongxian , Gu Aijuan , Liang Guozheng , Hu Jiang‐tao , Zhou Cheng , Yuan Li 
Published: January 2011

AbstractNovel modified cyanate ester (CE) resins with decreased dielectric loss, improved thermal stability, and flame retardancy were developed by copolymerizing CE with hyperbranched phenyl polysiloxane (HBPPSi). HBPPSi was synthesized through the hydrolysis of phenyltrimethoxysilane, and its structure was characterized by 1H‐NMR, 29Si‐NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The effect of the incorporation of HBPPSi into CE resin on the curing behavior, chemical structure of cured networks, and typical performance of HBPPSi/CE resins were systemically evaluated. It is found that the incorporation of HBPPSi into CE network obviously not only catalyzes the curing of CE, but also changes the chemical structure of resultant networks, and thus results in significantly decreased dielectric loss, improved thermal stability, and flame retardancy as well as water absorption resistance. For example, in the case of the modified CE resin with 10 wt% HBPPSi, its limited oxygen index is about 36.0, about 1.3 times of that of neat CE resin, its char yield at 800°C increases from 31.6 to 35.4 wt%; in addition, its dielectric loss is only about 61% of that of neat CE resin at 1 kHz. All these changes of properties are discussed from the view of the structure–property relationship. The significantly improved integrated properties of CE resin provide a great potential to be used as structural and functional materials for many cutting‐edges fields. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dye induced great enhancement of broadband reflection from polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals
Authors: Li Fasheng , Wang Lei , Sun Wenping , Liu Hairi , Liu Xiaochen , Liu Youxun , Yang Huai 
Published: January 2011

AbstractA series of polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals (PSCLCs) films were prepared from cholesteric liquid crystal (Ch‐LC) mixtures containing different components such as non‐reactive LC monomer, polymerizable monomer, chiral dopant, dye, and photoinitiator upon polymerization. The influence of the polymerizable monomer and dye of Ch‐LC mixtures on the reflection properties was investigated. The reflection bandwidth for all the samples can be increased by photo‐polymerization, and the network upon polymerization derived from two different polymerizable monomers with both one and two functional groups is more effective than that from one polymerizable monomer for broadening the reflection band. Especially, a dye‐doped Ch‐LC film can reflect incident light with the bandwidth over the wavelength range of 550–2350 nm, which is due to a greater pitch gradient formed inside of Ch‐LC film. The gradient pitch network structure was firstly demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with the film prepared from high diacrylate monomer concentration and subsequently proved by using a wash‐out/refill method. The nematic liquid crystals monomers was infiltrated into the polymer network that was prefabricated by removing the low molar weight LCs from the original PSCLCs film, and SEM exhibited the existence of a pitch gradient across the film thickness. The refilled nematic liquid crystals film showed broadband reflection after polymerzition, too. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of azole‐enhanced vincristine neurotoxicity in pediatric patients with hematological malignancies: Old problem – New Dilemma
Authors: Pana Zoe Dorothea , Roilides Emmanuel 
Published: January 2011

AbstractOne of the most well‐known drug interactions in pediatric oncology concerns the co‐administration of itraconazole, an antifungal triazole, and vincristine, an antileukemic agent, which seems to enhance the risk of neurotoxicity of the latter, mediated through the cytochrome CYP450 enzyme system. The aim of this article is to review the metabolism of these two drugs, to analyze the published cases with severe triazole‐enhanced vincristine neurotoxicity, to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms of this adverse effect, and to contribute in understanding the differences in triazole‐vincristine interaction severity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;57:30–35. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.