bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyperbranched Polylysine: A Versatile, Biodegradable Transfection Agent for the Production of Recombinant Proteins by Transient Gene Expression and the Transfection of Primary Cells
Authors: Kadlecova Zuzana , Rajendra Yashas , Matasci Mattia , Hacker David , Baldi Lucia , Wurm Florian Maria , Klok Harm‐Anton 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe feasibility of a new transfection agent, HBPL, for the production of recombinant IgG antibody via TGE as well as for the transfection of primary cells is studied. Under the conditions investigated, transfection of CHO‐DG44 cells using HBPL results in IgG yields that are comparable to those obtained with PEI. In experiments with CHO‐K1 cells and MEFs the use of HPBL allows to achieve transfection efficiencies comparable to or better than those obtained with PEI or Fugene®. HBPL‐mediated transfection does not require complex pre‐formation, works well in serum‐containing media and is biodegradable, which may prevent cumulative cytotoxicity and facilitates downstream processing.magnified image
Inulin‐Based Hydrogel for Oral Delivery of Flutamide: Preparation, Characterization, and in vivo Release Studies
Authors: Pitarresi Giovanna , Triolo Daniela , Giorgi Mario , Fiorica Calogero , Calascibetta Filippo , Giammona Gaetano 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe ability of a hydrogel obtained by crosslinking INUDV and PEGBa to facilitate sustained release of flutamide is examined. The hydrogel is prepared in pH = 7.4 PBS and no toxic solvents or catalysts are used. It is recovered in microparticulate form and its size distribution is determined. Mucoadhesive properties are evaluated in vitro by reproducing gastrointestinal conditions. Flutamide is loaded into the hydrogel using a post‐fabrication encapsulation procedure that allows a drug loading comparable to that of market tablets. Drug‐loaded microparticles are orally administered to cross‐bred dogs and the in vivo study demonstrates their ability to prolong the half‐life of the principal active metabolite approximately threefold and to significantly increase its bioavailability. magnified image
Sequence encoding without induction
Authors: Jeřábek Emil 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe show that the universally axiomatized, induction‐free theory\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathsf {PA}^-$\end{document}is a sequential theory in the sense of Pudlák's5, in contrast to the closely related Robinson's arithmetic.
On matrix‐valued Herglotz‐Nevanlinna functions with an emphasis on particular subclasses
Authors: Fritzsche Bernd , Kirstein Bernd , Mädler Conrad 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe paper deals with particular subclasses of the class of matrix‐valued Herglotz‐Nevanlinna functions. Characterizations of these subclasses via integral representations will be presented. Particular emphasis is placed on the discussion of the Moore‐Penrose pseudoinverse of these matrix‐valued functions.
Consumer Cynicism toward Collective Buying: The Interplay of Others’ Outcomes, Social Value Orientation, and Mood
Authors: van Dolen Willemijn M. , de Cremer David , de Ruyter Ko 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThis research examines whether consumer cynicism about collective buying depends on consumers’ observations of fellow buyers being treated unfairly in a cobuying context. Prosocial consumers should differ from proself consumers in their level of cynicism, because they value equality in outcomes. Study 1 reveals that prosocials become cynical if others receive an unfair outcome and therefore do not repatronize the provider. This effect does not occur for proselfs. Study 2 shows that mood mediates this effect. Specifically, when prosocial consumers are in a positive mood, the others’ outcomes no longer influence their cynicism. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do Violent Social Cause Advertisements Promote Social Change? An Examination of Implicit Associations
Authors: Zlatevska Natalina , Spence Mark T. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTViolent content is used in social cause advertising campaigns as a means of discouraging antisocial attitudes and behaviors, despite the fact that findings regarding the effectiveness of including violence in advertisements are equivocal. The present research explores the efficacy of violent advertisements by investigating how such ads affect implicit associations with violent words/acts. The importance of implicit associations is that they can affect judgments and behaviors long after explicit memory for the advertisement has decayed. The findings of the research point to the prevalence of individual differences in response to violent ads. Specifically, social cause advertisements are effective in weakening implicit associations with violence for nonaggressive individuals, as would be desired. However, these campaigns strengthen implicit associations for aggressive individuals. Ameliorating their aggressive associations would be advantageous both to the individual and society; however, the results suggest such advertisements make matters worse. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polydiacetylene‐Based Electrospun Fibers for Detection of HCl Gas
Authors: Jeon Hyeryeong , Lee Jaeyeon , Kim Myung Hwa , Yoon Juyoung 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPolydiacetylenes (PDAs), a family of conjugated polymers, are very intriguing materials in several aspects. Especially, the stimulus‐induced apparent blue‐to‐red transition of the PDAs has led to the development of a variety of PDA‐based chemosensors. In the current work, we synthesized PDA monomers bearing trimethyl amine (PCDA‐DMEDA) and incorporated them with Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) into electrospun fibers. For the first time, we successfully demonstrated that PDA‐based electrospun fibers can be used for the naked‐eye detection of HCl gas by simple color change (blue to red).
Facile Iron‐Mediated AGET ATRP for Water‐Soluble Poly(ethylene glycol) Monomethyl Ether Methacrylate in Water
Authors: He Weiwei , Zhang Lifen , Miao Jie , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAn environmentally friendly iron catalyst system was successfully developed in water for the AGET ATRP (activator generated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization) of water‐soluble monomer poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) for the first time. A kinetic study indicated that the polymerization was a living/controlled process in which molecular weight increased linearly with monomer conversion. A lower molecular weight distribution ($\overline{M}_{\rm w}$/$\overline{M}_{\rm n}$ < 1.5) was maintained. The nontoxic and biocompatible characteristics of the iron catalyst facilitate its mediated polymerization to be used in the preparation of functional polymer materials for biomedical use.
Numerical method for the simulation of the Brownian dynamics of rod‐like microstructures with three‐dimensional nonlinear beam elements
Authors: Cyron C.J. , Wall W.A. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYIn several fast‐growing research areas such as material science, macromolecular chemistry, bioengineering and biophysics, the dynamics of rod‐like microstructures such as polymers, rod‐like viruses, flagella of bacteria or thin glass fibers plays a crucial role. These microstructures are typically embedded into some viscous fluid and kept by stochastic thermal forces in an incessant motion, the so‐called Brownian dynamics. In this article, we introduce a novel approach wherein three‐dimensional finite beam elements can be employed for the computer simulation of the Brownian dynamics of rod‐like microstructures. This new approach is superior to state‐of‐the‐art methods by its transparent theoretical foundation and its remarkable efficiency. By means of numerical examples, we demonstrate the applicability of this approach to problems of biophysics and macromolecular chemistry. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hand Function in 45 Patients with Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis
Authors: Eriksson Marianne , Lindberg Christopher 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore hand function in patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) using the Sollerman Hand function test, finger range of motion, hand‐ and pinch strength, and fine motor ability as well as subjective estimate of hand‐ and grip function. Forty‐five outpatients with definite sIBM were investigated using handgrip‐, lateral‐, and pinch strength, active finger range of motion (AROM), fine motor ability with Purdue Pegboard test, Sollerman Hand function test, and patients' estimated hand‐ and grip function. The association between these variables were assessed using correlation statistics. A second test occasion was performed in 16 patients in order to investigate the intra‐rater reliability. We found that the reduction of hand‐ and pinch strength was more pronounced (37% right, 31% left hand) than lateral strength (50%) in relation to normal values. AROM was impaired in 25 (56%) in the right and 29 (64%) in the left hand. Fine motor ability was fairly well preserved; mean right/ left 70 and 60% of normal. AROM deficit was found to be present in 50% of patients 7 years after perceived hand weakness. This is important since it was found to impair the usefulness of the different strength measures, while limitations due to AROM deficit were not found regarding the Sollerman and to a lesser extent the Purdue Pegboard tests. Results of the test‐retest showed very good reliability. Our results indicate that impairment of hand function is frequent and severe in sIBM patients. Reduction in AROM is frequent, and it is important to identify since it affects the usefulness of handgrip measurements, and further that may be treatable. Several different tests are probably needed in order to describe the patients' limitations and to capture changes over time. Compensatory strategies when gripping test items is a problem especially in patients with AROM deficits. Research on validity and reliability of these tests in sIBM patients are lacking. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combinatorial synthesis and screening of uniform molecularly imprinted microspheres for chloramphenicol using microfluidic device
Authors: Liu Xingyong , Lei Jiandu 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA novel method for combinatorial synthesis and screening of uniform‐size molecularly imprinted microspheres using a microfluidic device is presented, in which a new microfluidic device containing twelve pairs of “” shape microchannels is designed to produce droplets and imprinted microspheres via controlled suspension polymerization. This technique combines molecular imprinting and microfluidic device with the combinatorial chemical approach, allowing rapid screening and optimization of uniform imprinted microspheres. On the example of chloramphenicol (CAP), the imprinted microspheres of CAP were prepared by a combinatorial approach using water with 1.5% polyvinyl alcohol as continuous phase, and ethyl acetate–chloroform (4:1, v/v) as porogenic solvents. Functional monomers methacrylic acid (MAA), 4‐vinylpyridine or acrylamide were screened, and the molar ratio of template molecule to functional monomer was optimized. The results indicate that MAA is the best functional monomer for imprinting of CAP, and when the molar ratio of CAP to MAA is 1:5, the imprinted microspheres exhibit the best imprinting performance, and have good monodispersity and selectivity. This combinatorial protocol is well suited for fast and efficient screening and optimization of synthesis for uniform imprinted microspheres because 12 kinds of imprinting conditions can be performed simultaneously in this microfluidic device. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of mixed matrix membranes based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) and zeolite 4A for gas separation
Authors: Shen Yi , Lua Aik Chong 
Published: April 2012

AbstractZeolite 4A was incorporated into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix to prepare mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the inorganic filler on the structural properties of the MMMs. The resulting membranes were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, contact angle tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical properties of the membranes were determined using a tensile stress–strain machine. To fully study the interface properties between the inorganic fillers and polymer chains, the densities of the membranes were experimentally determined and compared with the theoretical values. The experimental densities of the composite membranes were lower than those of the theoretical values. The void volume fractions were calculated accordingly. The single gas (He, CO2, O2, and N2) permeabilities of the resulting membranes were carried out. The highest permeabilities of 14.65, 6.62, 1.01, and 0.3 Barrer for He, CO2, O2, and N2, respectively, were obtained by PVDF/4A 32% composite membrane; whereas the highest selectivities of 105.5, 31.5, and 3.3 for He/N2, CO2/N2, and O2/N2, respectively, were obtained using PVDF/4A 16% composite membrane. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rotational molding of polyethylene composites based on agave fibers
Authors: López‐Bañuelos R.H. , Moscoso F.J. , Ortega‐Gudiño P. , Mendizabal E. , Rodrigue D. , González‐Núñez R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn this study, agave fiber/linear medium density polyethylene composites were manufactured by rotational molding. A laboratory scale biaxial machine was used, where the internal air temperature during the processing cycle was measured. Two sizes of agave fibers (50 and 100 mesh) were used separately and mixed together (50/50) at concentrations varying between 0 and 15 wt%. The initial mixtures were obtained by dry blending, rotomolded under different operation conditions (oven temperature, processing cycle time, and rotational speeds), and the final pieces were compared. For each process condition, a complete morphological analysis was performed to relate with mechanical properties in terms of tensile, impact, and flexural strength. The results show that there is an optimum fiber concentration around 10%, and blending fiber sizes gave better tensile properties than using each size alone. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Molecular and structural analysis of epoxide‐modified recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) from rheological data
Authors: Xiao Liren , Wang Hai , Qian Qingrong , Jiang Xia , Liu Xinping , Huang Baoquan , Chen Qinghua 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA multifunctional epoxide chain extender (ADR4370S) was used to increase the molecular weight of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (R‐PET). The extension processing was carried out by melt mixing reaction. The effects of ADR4370S content on the molecular structure [molecular weight, molecular weight distributions (MWDs), branching, and gel‐like structures] of modified R‐PET were rheologically investigated. The results showed that the complex and apparent viscosity of the modified R‐PET were larger than those of unmodified one. The solid‐like behavior of R‐PET was enhanced after the reactive modification. The increments of balancing torque, reaction peak, and shear‐thinning behavior became more pronounced by increasing the concentration of ADR4370S. Reactive modification was characterized by the presence of long‐chain branching resulted in a wider MWD. Modified Cole–Cole plots demonstrated a shift toward higher storage modulus values at a given loss modulus value for the modified R‐PET samples. High concentration of ADR4370S (>1.5 wt%) resulted in a polymeric structure near the sol–gel transition point whose linear viscoelastic properties obeyed scaling law. The relaxation time was prolonged with the amount of ADR4370S increase. The decrease in the melt point and crystallization temperature of the modified R‐PET was correlated to the presence of chain branching. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
PTFE–PMMA core–shell colloidal particles as building blocks for self‐assembled opals: synthesis, properties and optical response
Authors: Antonioli Diego , Deregibus Simone , Panzarasa Guido , Sparnacci Katia , Laus Michele , Berti Luca , Frezza Luca , Gambini Matteo , Boarino Luca , Enrico Emanuele , Comoretto Davide 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA seeded surfactant‐free methyl methacrylate emulsion polymerization is employed to prepare core–shell particles with predetermined size and narrow size distribution. The particle size is determined by the ratio between methyl methacrylate (MMA, shell) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, core). Monodisperse particles in the 100–350 nm range are obtained. These particles are used to grow colloidal photonic crystals (opals) of very high optical quality, thus indirectly demonstrating the excellent control of microbead size distribution achieved by this preparation technique. The optical properties of the opals are investigated by means of reflectance and polarized‐angle‐resolved transmittance spectroscopies. These data provide a rough determination of the effective refractive index of the system, which is favorably compared with values obtained by simple effective medium models. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Inspired Chemistry for a Simple but Highly Effective Immobilization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor on Gallic Acid‐functionalized Plasma Polymerized Film
Authors: Yang Zhilu , Wu Jing , Wang Xin , Wang Jin , Huang Nan 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBiomolecules with thiol or amine groups can be easily covalently immobilized onto a material substrate equipped with quinone groups in a simple mild alkali buffer solution based on Schiff base and Michael addition reaction. In this study we report a novel two‐step approach to creating a functional coating with abundant quinone groups for a facile immobilization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in chemical mild phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH = 7.4). This approach firstly involves the deposition of plasma polymerized allylamine (PPAam) thin coating onto a substrate to introduce the amine groups. Then gallic acid (3,4,5‐trihydroxybenzoic acid, GA) is chosen to functionalize PPAam for introducing phenol groups through a water‐soluble carbodiimide (WSC) coupling procedure. The results of infrared spectroscopy (IR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angles reveal the effective conjugation of GA to PPAam and further immobilization of VEGF to GA functionalized PPAam. The results of quartz crystal microbalance equipped with dissipation monitoring (QCM‐D) show that 120 ng · cm−2 of VEGF is successfully immobilized onto GA functionalized surface. The VEGF functionalized surface shows a significant enhancement of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, revealing a good bioactivity of VEGF. This functional coating not only provides a novel facile strategy for the covalent immobilization of biomolecules in a chemical mild reaction condition, but also can be adapted for a wide range of materials without surface pretreatment. magnified image
Rock Glacier Activity in the Retezat Mountains, Southern Carpathians, Romania
Authors: Vespremeanu‐Stroe Alfred , Urdea Petru , Popescu Răzvan , Vasile Mirela 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThermal conditions in seven rock glaciers (RGs) in the Retezat Mountains were examined using ground surface temperature, the bottom temperature of snow (BTS) and late‐summer water temperature at springs. Direct current resistivity profiles were used to detect ice‐rich layers and to estimate RG volume. These parameters were supplemented by measurements of RG surface movement and morphological characteristics in order to develop a RG typology. RG activity is suggested based on BTS values and the mean annual surface temperature. The lower altitudinal limits for permafrost occurrence and the activity of RGs were found to be at 2000 m and 2100 m asl, respectively. The two highest and most active RGs are younger than 8 ka and developed following a cold climate event at 8.2 ka when a last isolated glacial episode occurred in their hosting cirques, while the remaining RGs date from 11.5–8.7 ka. Calculated rockwall denudation rates to produce these forms range from 0.8–1.1 mm/yr. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Both osteopontin‐c and osteopontin‐b splicing isoforms exert pro‐tumorigenic roles in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Tilli Tatiana M. , Mello Kivvi D. , Ferreira Luciana B. , Matos Aline R. , Accioly Maria Thereza S. , Faria Paulo A.S. , Bellahcène Akeila , Castronovo Vincent , Gimba Etel R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlternative splicing of the osteopontin (opn, spp1) gene generates three protein splicing isoforms (OPN‐SI), designated as OPNa, OPNb, and OPNc, which have demonstrated specific roles in different tumor models. This work aims to investigate the roles of each OPN‐SI in prostate cancer (PCa) progression by using in vivo and in vitro functional assays.METHODSThe expression levels of OPN‐SI in prostate cell lines were analyzed by qRT‐PCR. PC‐3 was stably transfected with expression vectors containing OPNa, OPNb, and OPNc, as well as empty vector controls. PC‐3 cells overexpressing each construct were analyzed for in vivo tumor growth and in relation to different aspects mimicking tumor progression, such as cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and soft agar colony formation.RESULTSOPN‐SI are overexpressed in PCa as compared to non‐tumoral prostate cell lines. OPNc and OPNb overexpressing cells significantly activated enhanced xenograft tumor growth and PC‐3 proliferation, migration, invasion, and soft agar colony formation, as well as the expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and VEGF. These isoforms also support sustained proliferative survival. We found that both OPNc and OPNb pro‐tumorigenic roles are mainly mediated through PI3K signaling. Inhibition of this pathway by using LY294002 specifically inhibited tumor progression features evoked by OPNc and OPNb overexpression.CONCLUSIONSOur data provide evidence that both OPNc and OPNb splicing isoforms promote distinct aspects of PCa progression by inducing PI3K signaling. These data give support to strategies aiming to downregulate OPNc and OPNb expression as an approach to inhibit PCa progression. Prostate 72:1688–1699, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.