bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immobilization of Ag nanoparticles/FGF‐2 on a modified titanium implant surface and improved human gingival fibroblasts behavior
Authors: Ma Qianli , Mei Shenglin , Ji Kun , Zhang Yumei , Chu Paul K. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe objective of this study was to form a rapid and firm soft tissue sealing around dental implants that resists bacterial invasion. We present a novel approach to modify Ti surface by immobilizing Ag nanoparticles/FGF‐2 compound bioactive factors onto a titania nanotubular surface. The titanium samples were anodized to form vertically organized TiO2nanotube arrays and Ag nanoparticles were electrodeposited onto the nanotubular surface, on which FGF‐2 was immobilized with repeated lyophilization. A uniform distribution of Ag nanoparticles/FGF‐2 was observed on the TiO2nanotubular surface. The L929 cell line was used for cytotoxicity assessment. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were cultured on the modified surface for cytocompatibility determination. The Ag/FGF‐2 immobilized samples displayed excellent cytocompatibility, negligible cytotoxicity, and enhanced HGF functions such as cell attachment, proliferation, and ECM‐related gene expression. The Ag nanoparticles also exhibit some bioactivity. In conclusion, this modified TiO2nanotubular surface has a large potential for use in dental implant abutment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 2011.
Understanding the impact of divalent cation substitution on hydroxyapatite: An in vitro multiparametric study on biocompatibility
Authors: de Lima Ingrid Russoni , Alves Gutemberg Gomes , Soriano Carlos Alberto , Campaneli Ana Paula , Gasparoto Thais Helena , Schnaider Ramos Erivan , de Sena Lídia Ágata , Rossi Alexandre Malta , Granjeiro José Mauro 
Published: May 2011

AbstractHydroxyapatite (HA), a stable and biocompatible material for bone tissue therapy, may present a variable stoichiometry and accept a large number of cationic substitutions. Such substitutions may modify the chemical activity of HA surface, with possible impact on biocompatibility. In this work, we assessed the effects of calcium substitution with diverse divalent cations (Pb2+, Sr2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, or Mg2+) on the biological behavior of HA. Physicochemical analyses revealed that apatite characteristics related to crystallinity and calcium dissolution/uptake rates are very sensitive to the nature of cationic substitution. Cytocompatibility was evaluated by mitochondrial activity, membrane integrity, cell density, proapoptotic potential, and adhesion tests. With the exception of Zn‐HA, all the substituted HAs induced some level of apoptosis. The highest apoptosis levels were observed for Mg‐HA and Co‐HA. Cu‐HA was the only material to impair simultaneously mitochondrial activity, membrane integrity, and cell density. The highest relative cell densities after exposure to the modified HAs were observed for Mg‐HA and Zn‐HA, while Co‐HA significantly improved cell adhesion onto HA surface. These results show that changes on surface dissolution caused by cationic substitution, as well as the increase of metal species released to biological media, were the main responsible factors related to alterations on HA biocompatibility. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 2011.
Recurring extracorporeal circuit clotting during continuous renal replacement therapy resolved after single‐session therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Fülöp Tibor , Cosmin Adrian , Juncos Luis A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe report a case of a 17‐year‐old white male with multiple fractures and multiorgan failure who developed oliguric acute renal failure requiring continuous renal replacement therapy. Repeated clotting of the extracorporeal circuit (ECC) prevented delivery of a minimally acceptable dose of renal replacement therapy despite adequate anticoagulation and dialysis catheter exchanges. Evaluation for a primary hypercoagulable state was negative, but his fibrinogen was elevated (1,320 mg/dL, normal range: 150–400 mg/dL), which is likely induced by his severe inflammatory state. A single session of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with albumin and normal saline replacement was performed with subsequent drop in fibrinogen to 615 mg/dL. No further episodes of premature ECC clotting occurred, suggesting plasma factor(s) removed may have contributed to the clinical hypercoagulable state. TPE may play an adjunctive role in select cases of recurrent ECC clotting refractory to current anticoagulation techniques. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular chaperones as therapeutic targets to counteract proteostasis defects
Authors: Cattaneo Monica , Dominici Roberto , Cardano Marina , Diaferia Giuseppe , Rovida Ermanna , Biunno Ida 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe health of cells is preserved by the levels and correct folding states of the proteome, which is generated and maintained by the proteostasis network, an integrated biological system consisting of several cytoprotective and degradative pathways. Indeed, the health conditions of the proteostasis network is a fundamental prerequisite to life as the inability to cope with the mismanagement of protein folding arising from genetic, epigenetic, and micro‐environment stress appears to trigger a whole spectrum of unrelated diseases. Here we describe the potential functional role of the proteostasis network in tumor biology and in conformational diseases debating on how the signaling branches of this biological system may be manipulated to develop more efficacious and selective therapeutic strategies. We discuss the dual strategy of these processes in modulating the folding activity of molecular chaperones in order to counteract the antithetic proteostasis deficiencies occurring in cancer and loss/gain of function diseases. Finally, we provide perspectives on how to improve the outcome of these disorders by taking advantage of proteostasis modeling. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1226–1234, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive‐weighted cubic B‐spline using lookup tables for fast and efficient axial resampling of 3D confocal microscopy images
Authors: Indhumathi C. , Cai Y.Y. , Guan Y.Q. , Opas M. , Zheng J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractConfocal laser scanning microscopy has become a most powerful tool to visualize and analyze the dynamic behavior of cellular molecules. Photobleaching of fluorochromes is a major problem with confocal image acquisition that will lead to intensity attenuation. Photobleaching effect can be reduced by optimizing the collection efficiency of the confocal image by fast z‐scanning. However, such images suffer from distortions, particularly in the z dimension, which causes disparities in the x, y, and z directions of the voxels with the original image stacks. As a result, reliable segmentation and feature extraction of these images may be difficult or even impossible. Image interpolation is especially needed for the correction of undersampling artifact in the axial plane of three‐dimensional images generated by a confocal microscope to obtain cubic voxels. In this work, we present an adaptive cubic B‐spline‐based interpolation with the aid of lookup tables by deriving adaptive weights based on local gradients for the sampling nodes in the interpolation formulae. Thus, the proposed method enhances the axial resolution of confocal images by improving the accuracy of the interpolated value simultaneously with great reduction in computational cost. Numerical experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed interpolation approach and demonstrate its superiority both in terms of accuracy and speed compared to other interpolation algorithms. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological alterations in the prostate stroma of rats submitted to chronic nicotine treatment
Authors: Carvalho Cesar Alexandre Fabrega , Pissolato Mariana , Candido Eduardo Marcelo , Liberti Edson Aparecido , Cagnon Valéria Helena Alves 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe stroma plays a fundamental role in the function of different glandular systems. In the prostate, the stroma is responsible for the development and maintenance of the differentiated state of the epithelium. Nicotine induces tobacco dependence and promotes morphological alterations in the epithelial compartment. However, its effects on the prostate stroma are unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphology of the stromal microenvironment in the ventral prostate lobe of rats submitted to chronic nicotine administration. Twenty rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into two groups: 10 animals received subcutaneous nicotine and 10 animals received physiological saline by the same route. After treatment, samples were collected from the ventral prostate lobe, processed and submitted to histology, histochemistry, and ultrastructural analysis by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The level of circulating testosterone was also analyzed. The results showed a significant increase in the density of type I collagen (56.3% to 85.9%, P < 0.01) and a decrease in the density of type III collagen (43.7% to 14.1%, P < 0.01). In addition, there was a qualitative increase in elastic fibers and in the number of smooth muscle cells with a secretory phenotype. Circulating testosterone levels were significantly reduced (898.3 to 363.1 ng/mL, P < 0.01). The results showed that nicotine modifies different components of the prostate stroma, suggesting that this drug is a risk factor for morphofunctional alterations in the prostate gland. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a new open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography method for in vitro monitoring of toxic aromatic amines distribution in rat blood
Authors: Shen Ying , Qi Li , Qin Jianglei , Zhang Haizhi , Qiao Juan , Chen Yongming , Mao Lanqun 
Published: May 2011

AbstractExposure to aromatic amines from different industrial and agricultural activities entails a substantial risk of deleterious somatic effects, genetic damage and cancer development. Thus, a new and simple method for separation and analysis of aromatic amines has been developed by open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography with a novel amphipathic block copolymer (poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)127‐block‐poly(glycidyl methacrylate)86) coating based on its self‐assembled property. Key factors affecting the separation efficiency of the test analytes, such as pH, buffer concentration and selective solvent, were studied in detail. Meanwhile, method validation was well evaluated by linearity (≥0.998), detection limit and recovery. Application of this developed protocol on in vitro monitoring of the target aromatic amines distribution in rat blood demonstrated its potential usage for separation and determination of aromatic amines in biological samples. Additionally, for assimilating more polymeric materials into analysis of aromatic amines, the effect of morphology changes of the amphipathic block copolymer coating on open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography separation was also studied, and the result revealed that the block copolymer coating could play the same role as surfactant.
Noise normalisation in capillary electrophoresis using a diode array detector
Authors: Erny Guillaume L. , Calisto Vania , Esteves Valdemar I. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWhen using capillary electrophoresis with a diode array detector, the wavelength at maximum absorbance is often chosen to quantify a given analyte. However, the background noise for every wavelength should be taken into account as it is by maximising the signal to noise ratio that the lowest limit of detection will be obtained. Here, we proposed an algorithm allowing to correct an electropherogram from its background absorption and to estimate the background noise. Applying it to all the electropherograms obtained in each wavelength channel allows obtaining the background noise as a function of the wavelength, which can be used to calculate the signal to noise ratio. This not only allows selecting the best wavelength to maximise the limit of detection of a given analyte, but also to generate a noise normalised base peak electropherogram (nn‐BPE). It is shown that the noise normalised base peak electropherograms substantially improve the peaks visualisation. The algorithm is part of a graphic user interface that runs under MatLab environment; it does not require any programming knowledge and is freely available.
Risky business: Trauma exposure and rate of posttraumatic stress disorder in African American children and adolescents
Authors: Hunt Kristin L. , Martens Patricia M. , Belcher Harolyn M.E. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractDemographics, parental risk factors, and experiencing interpersonal trauma (domestic violence, community violence, and physical and sexual abuse) are related to childhood posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Little is known about these factors and the risk of PTSD in African American children. This study examined associations between PTSD symptoms and gender, age, parent mental illness, parent substance abuse, and interpersonal trauma in African American children. Participants were 257 children and adolescents, ages 8–17 years (M = 11.7, SD = 2.5), who received outpatient mental health treatment. Being female and witnessing domestic violence was associated with more PTSD symptoms. Exposure to community violence and physical abuse increased the odds of clinically significant PTSD symptomatology by more than 2 times. The rate of PTSD (16%) was lower in the current study than in other same‐age study populations (25%–40%). Risk factors and identification strategies for PTSD are discussed.
Influence of anionic and nonionic micelles upon hydrolysis of 3‐hydroxy‐carbofuran
Authors: Astray G. , Cid A. , Manso J. A. , Mejuto J. C. , Moldes O. , Morales J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe effect of nonionic and anionic micelles upon the stability of 3‐hydroxy‐carbofuran in basic media has been studied. The presence of micelles in the reaction medium implies a large inhibition of the basic hydrolysis of 3‐hydroxy‐carbofuran, due to the association of 3‐hydroxy‐carbofuran with the micellar core. The kinetic constants for the basic hydrolysis in these microheterogeneous media have been obtained on the basis of a micellar pseudophase model. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 402–408, 2011
A novel mutation of gap junction protein beta 1 gene in x‐linked charcot–marie–tooth disease
Authors: Chen Sheng Dong , Li Zheng Xi , Guan Yang Tai , Zhou Xia Jun , Jiang Jian Ming , Hao Yong 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIntroduction: In this study we report a novel mutation in the gap junction protein beta 1 (GJB1) gene of a Chinese X‐linked Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMTX1) family, which has specific electrophysiological characteristics. Methods: Twenty members in the family were studied by clinical neurological examination and GJB1 gene mutation analysis, and 3 patients were studied electrophysiologically. The proband and his mother also underwent sural nerve biopsy. Results: All patients have the CMT phenotype, except for 2 asymptomatic carriers. Electrophysiological examinations showed non‐uniform slowing of motor conduction velocities and partial motor conduction blocks and temporal dispersion. Sural nerve biopsy confirmed a predominantly demyelinating neuropathy, and an Asn2Lys mutation in the amino‐terminal domain was found in 9 members of this family, but not in 25 normal controls in the family. Conclusions: This family represents a novel mutation in the GJB1 form of CMTX1. The mutation in the amino‐terminus has an impact on the electrophysiological characteristics of the disease. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Effects of body orientation on maximum voluntary arm torques
Authors: Krainak Daniel M. , Ellis Michael D. , Bury Kathryn , Churchill Steven , Pavlovics Elynnor , Pearson Laura , Shah Miti , Dewald Julius P.A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Increased reliance on bulbospinal motor systems has been implicated in individuals with chronic stroke during maximum voluntary arm joint torque generation. Methods: Maximum isometric single‐joint and multi‐joint arm strength was observed in two body orientations (sitting and supine) while maintaining identical head/neck/trunk/extremity joint configurations in order to identify bulbospinal contributions to maximum joint torque generation in 11 individuals with stroke and 10 individuals without stroke. Results: During sitting, shoulder flexion was greater for both groups, whereas shoulder extension and elbow flexion, part of the “flexion synergy,” were greater only in individuals with stroke. Conclusions: Body orientation influenced isometric arm strength, notably the constituents of flexion synergy in individuals with stroke, suggesting bulbospinal motor pathway involvement. From a practical perspective, clinical evaluation of single joint strength in the supine position may underestimate strength available during activities of daily living that are performed in an upright orientation. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Nationwide register‐based surveillance system on drugs and pregnancy in Finland 1996–2006
Authors: Artama Miia , Gissler Mika , Malm Heli , Ritvanen Annukka 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTPurposeThe aim of this population‐based nationwide drugs and pregnancy surveillance system was to get basic information on the use of prescribed drugs during pregnancy and to achieve more detailed information on drug exposure–outcome associations with data obtained from the Finnish national health registers.MethodsThe data are based on information on all pregnancies ending in births (n = 632 629) or termination of pregnancy (TOP) (n = 117 255) in Finland between 1996 and 2006. The data containing information on maternal background factors, chronic diseases and drug purchases during pregnancy, born children, induced abortions, perinatal health and major congenital malformations were obtained from the Finnish national health registers. Information from the different registers was merged through record linkages based on unique personal identification numbers. Statistical analyses were conducted between the exposed and unexposed for individual drugs or Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification drug groups in multivariate logistic regression including potential confounding factors.ResultsNearly half of parturients and almost every third woman with TOP purchased drugs at least once 1 month prior to pregnancy and/or during pregnancy. The most frequent chronic diseases during pregnancy were asthma, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Previously known causal connections between maternal chronic diseases and/or medication and perinatal health risks were already seen in the ATC‐group‐level analysis.ConclusionsComprehensive and detailed information for pharmacoepidemiological research on the effects of drug use during pregnancy in a cohort setting is possible with long‐term and cumulative data collection. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of tackifiers on mechanical and dynamic properties of carbon‐black‐filled NR vulcanizates
Authors: Thaijaroen W. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis work focuses on the effect of tackifiers on mechanical and dynamic properties of carbon‐black‐filled vulcanizates. Three types of tackifiers with difference in softening points are selected for study including petroleum resin, phenolic resin, and gum rosin. The effect of tackifiers on the retardation of vulcanization is observed and the changes in mechanical properties due to the reduction in crosslink density are correlated. Good compatibility between natural rubber and all three tackifiers is verified by a single tan‐delta peak detected for each vulcanizate in temperature ramp test. A similar behavior to the Payne effect which usually found in the case of particulate‐filled rubbers is observed for the tackifier‐filled counterparts. The variation of temperature plays a crucial role in the dynamic behavior of tackified vulcanizates since the state of tackifiers determines its function during dynamic straining. As temperature passed through the softening point of a particular tackifier, substantial reduction in elastic response is observed; however, its relative damping to the untackified may still be maintained. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Antireflection and light trapping of subwavelength surface structures formed by colloidal lithography on thin film solar cells
Authors: Tseng Ping‐Chen , Tsai Min‐An , Yu Peichen , Kuo Hao‐Chung 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we present a novel design of a surface nanostructure that suppresses the reflectivity and provides forward diffraction for light trapping. The structure under study comprises periodic nanoislands fabricated using self‐assembly polystyrene spheres, which are applicable to large‐area fabrication. We also show preliminary fabrication results of the proposed structure. The periodic nanoislands reduce the reflectivity through gradient effective refractive indices and enhance light trapping through diffraction in a periodic structure. We first systematically study the antireflection and light trapping effects using a rigorous coupled‐wave analysis and then calculate the short‐circuit current density of a 2‐μm‐thick crystalline silicon with periodic nanoislands and an aluminum back reflector. The optimum short‐circuit current density with periodic nanoislands achieves 25 mA/cm2 theoretically, which shows a 76.9% enhancement compared with that of bare silicon. Moreover, the structure also provides superior photocurrent densities at large angles of incidence, compared with conventional antireflection coatings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular dynamics simulations of PNIPAM‐co‐PEGMA copolymer hydrophilic to hydrophobic transition in NaCl solution
Authors: Du Hongbo , Qian Xianghong 
Published: May 2011

AbstractClassical molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to investigate the hydrophilic to hydrophobic transition of PNIPAM‐co‐PEGMA close to its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in 1 M NaCl solution. PNIPAM‐co‐PEGMA is a copolymer of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA). The copolymer consists of 38 monomer units of NIPAM with two PEGMA chains attached to the PNIAPM backbone. The PNIPAM‐co‐PEGMA was observed to go through the hydrophilic−hydrophobic conformational change for simulations at temperature slightly above its LCST. Na+ ions were found to bind strongly and directly with amide O, even more strongly with the O atoms on PEGAMS chains, whereas Cl− ions only exhibit weak interaction with the polymer. Significantly a novel caged stable metal‐organic complex involving a Na+ ion coordinated by six O atoms from the copolymer was observed after the PNIPAM‐co‐PEGMA copolymer went through conformational transition to form a hydrophobic folded structure. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Band gap bowings and anomalous pressure effects in III–V nitride alloys: Role of In‐segregation
Authors: Gorczyca I. , Suski T. , Christensen N. E. , Svane A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractUsing ab initio calculations a comparison between InxGa1−xN, InxAl1−xN and GaxAl1−xN is performed to examine the role of indium in nitride alloys. The band gap, Eg, as well as its pressure coefficient, dEg/dp, are studied as functions of chemical composition, x. Following theoretical and experimental suggestions about the crucial role of In‐segregation in InxGa1−xN and InxAl1−xN, different arrangements of In atoms, uniform and clustered are considered. The presence of In and its clustering introduces a significant reduction of both Eg and dEg/dp, as well as strong bowings. These effects are most pronounced in InxAl1−xN, (with x = 0.25) and depend strongly on clustering geometry. It is shown that the In–N bonds are shortened when more than one In‐cation is bound to one nitrogen anion. The strong hybridization of wave functions (In‐p,d‐states and N‐p‐states) at the top of the valence band is responsible for the enhancements of bowings in the case of clustered distribution of indium atoms.