bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bootcamp during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Randomized Pilot Trial
Authors: Rao Roshni , Cruz Veronica , Peng Yan , Harker-Murray Amy , Haley Barbara B. , Zhao Hong , Xie Xian-Jin , Euhus David 
Published: February 2012

IntroductionExercise may improve cancer outcomes. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) for breast cancer provides a unique setting to evaluate intervention effects. Treatments leading to decreased post-neoadjuvant Ki-67 levels, smaller tumor size, and higher pathologic response are associated with improved survival and lower recurrence. This randomized, prospective pilot trial evaluates the feasibility of supervised exercise during NC for breast cancer.MethodsStage II-III, ER positive, cancer patients with BMI > 25 receiving NC were randomized to standard NC with supervised bootcamp (NC + BC) or NC alone. Ki-67, C-peptide, BMI, and tumor size were measured before chemotherapy and at time of surgery.ResultsThere were no initial differences between groups in regards to tumor size, C-peptide, BMI, and Ki-67. The NC + BC (n = 5) group had a lower mean BMI at the conclusion of NC compared with those (n = 5) in the NC group (28.0 versus 35.8, P = 0.03). Final tumor size was 2.59 cm in the NC + BC group versus 3.16 cm for NC ( P = 0.76) Mean Ki-67 for NC + BC was 7% versus 29% with NC ( P = 0.14). C-peptide (ng/mL) was equivalent between the two groups (4.55 NC + BC versus 4.74 NC, P = 0.85).ConclusionsAdding a supervised exercise program to NC is feasible, decreases BMI, and may lead to lower Ki-67 levels and improved survival.
Capture and Qualitative Analysis of the Activated Fc Receptor Complex from Live Cells
Authors: Florentinus Angelica K. , Bowden Peter , Barbisan Veronica , Marshall John 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis unit describes the isolation of activated Fc receptor complexes from RAW 264.7 macrophages using live‐cell affinity receptor chromatography (LARC). The Fc receptor complex is activated and captured by IgG‐coated microbeads on the surface of live macrophages. After the cells are disrupted, the receptor complexes are isolated by washing and sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. Soluble proteins associated with the receptor complex are then eluted from the beads using a stepwise series of salt buffers and aqueous acetonitrile. The eluted proteins and the residual insoluble proteins on the beads can then be digested with trypsin and subjected to liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization, and tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS). Controls include IgG‐coated beads incubated with crude cell lysates or growth medium and beads coated with oxidized LDL or bovine serum albumin. Using this method, proteins present in IgG‐FcR complexes can be distinguished from those in control scavenger receptor complexes (oxLDL or BSA). Thus, LARC is capable of detecting specific members of IgG receptor supramolecular complexes.
Overexpression of Membrane Proteins Using Pichia pastoris
Authors: Bornert Olivier , Alkhalfioui Fatima , Logez Christel , Wagner Renaud 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAmong the small number of expression systems validated for the mass production of eukaryotic membrane proteins (EMPs), the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris stands as one of the most efficient hosts. This system has been used to produce crystallization‐grade proteins for a variety of EMPs, from which high‐resolution 3D structures have been determined. This unit describes a set of guidelines and instructions to overexpress membrane proteins using the P. pastoris system. Using a G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) as a model EMP, these protocols illustrate the necessary steps, starting with the design of the DNA sequence to be expressed, through the preparation and analysis of samples containing the corresponding membrane protein of interest. In addition, recommendations are given on a series of experimental parameters that can be optimized to substantially improve the amount and/or the functionality of the expressed EMPs.
Purification of the Human G Protein−Coupled Receptor Adenosine A2aR in a Stable and Functional Form Expressed in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Singh Shweta , Zhang Minghao , Bertheleme Nicolas , Strange Philip G. , Byrne Bernadette 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe isolation of membrane proteins with the aim of producing highly pure, homogeneous, stable, and functional material remains challenging, and it is often necessary to develop protein‐specific purification protocols by trial and error. One key tool that is required in the development of a suitable protocol is a functional assay. This unit describes a range of different protocols for isolation of the human adenosine A2a receptor (A2aR). These protocols show the importance of developing a robust method for comparing the quality of protein obtained by a combination of biophysical analyses including SDS‐PAGE, analytical size‐exclusion chromatography, and functional analysis. One of the keys to isolating and maintaining a functional receptor, found not only in the optimal protocol described here but in other published examples, is that there should be no more than two chromatographic steps.
Direct Low‐Temperature Integration of Nanocrystalline Diamond with GaN Substrates for Improved Thermal Management of High‐Power Electronics
Authors: Goyal Vivek , Sumant Anirudha V. , Teweldebrhan Desalegne , Balandin Alexander A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA novel approach for the direct synthetic diamond–GaN integration via deposition of the high‐quality nanocrystalline diamond films directly on GaN substrates at temperatures as low as 450–500 °C is reported. The low deposition temperature allows one to avoid degradation of the GaN quality, which is essential for electronic applications The specially tuned growth conditions resulted in the large crystalline diamond grain size of 100–200 nm without coarsening. Using the transient “hot disk” measurements it is demonstrated that the effective thermal conductivity of the resulting diamond/GaN composite wafers is higher than that of the original GaN substrates at elevated temperatures. The thermal crossover point is reached at ≈95–125 °C depending on the thickness of the deposited films. The developed deposition technique and obtained thermal characterization data can lead to a new method of thermal management of the high power GaN electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Oriented Growth of Al2O3:ZnO Nanolaminates for Use as Electron‐Selective Electrodes in Inverted Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Cheun Hyeunseok , Fuentes‐Hernandez Canek , Shim Jaewon , Fang Yunnan , Cai Ye , Li Hong , Sigdel Ajaya K. , Meyer Jens , Maibach Julia , Dindar Amir , Zhou Yinhua , Berry Joseph J. , Bredas Jean‐Luc , Kahn Antoine , Sandhage Kenneth H. , Kippelen Bernard 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAtomic layer deposition is used to synthesize Al2O3:ZnO(1:x) nanolaminates with the number of deposition cycles, x, ranging from 5 to 30 for evaluation as optically transparent, electron‐selective electrodes in polymer‐based inverted solar cells. Al2O3:ZnO(1:20) nanolaminates are found to exhibit the highest values of electrical conductivity (1.2 × 103 S cm−1; more than six times higher than for neat ZnO films), while retaining a high optical transmittance (≥80% in the visible region) and a low work function (4.0 eV). Such attractive performance is attributed to the structure (ZnO crystal size and crystal alignment) and doping level of this intermediate Al2O3:ZnO film composition. Polymer‐based inverted solar cells using poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT):phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) mixtures in the active layer and Al2O3:ZnO(1:20) nanolaminates as transparent electron‐selective electrodes exhibit a power conversion efficiency of 3% under simulated AM 1.5 G, 100 mW cm−2 illumination.
Respiratory health status of children from two different air pollution exposure settings of Sri Lanka: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nandasena Sumal , Wickremasinghe Ananda R. , Sathiakumar Nalini 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundHealth effects due to air pollution is becoming a major public health problem with growing traffic congestion and establishment of small‐ to medium‐scale industries with poor emission controls in urban cities of Sri Lanka.MethodsRespiratory health status of 7‐ to 10‐year‐old children in two settings (urban and semi‐urban) was assessed using standard questionnaires. Information on socio‐demographic characteristics and potential determinants of both outdoor and indoor air pollutants exposure levels were also obtained. The respiratory health status of children in the two settings was compared.ResultsWe found that children from the urban setting had a significantly higher prevalence of wheezing within the last 12 months as compared to children from the semi‐urban setting (adjusted OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.13–3.59). Indoor cooking with unclean fuels was a risk factor for wheezing independent of the area of residence (adjusted OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.01–2.46).ConclusionsPoor indoor air quality was a major determinant of wheezing for the overall study group. Children from urban areas of Sri Lanka have poorer respiratory health status as compared to children from semi‐urban areas. Besides poor outdoor air quality, this difference may also be due to other unexplored factors which may differ between urban and semi‐urban areas in Sri Lanka. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:1137–1145, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synergistic effects of central nervous system‐directed gene therapy and bone marrow transplantation in the murine model of infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Macauley Shannon L. , Roberts Marie S. , Wong Andrew M. , McSloy Francesca , Reddy Adarsh S. , Cooper Jonathan D. , Sands Mark S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjective:Infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL) is an inherited childhood neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of palmitoyl protein thioesterase‐1 (PPT1) activity. Affected children suffer from blindness, epilepsy, motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and premature death. The Ppt1−/− mouse shares the histological and clinical features of INCL. Previous single‐therapy approaches using small molecule drugs, gene therapy, or neuronal stem cells resulted in partial histological correction, with minimal improvements in motor function or lifespan. Here, we combined central nervous system (CNS)‐directed adeno‐associated virus (AAV)2/5‐mediated gene therapy with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in the INCL mouse.Methods:At birth, Ppt1−/− and wild‐type mice were given either intracranial injections of AAV2/5‐PPT1 or bone marrow transplantation, separately as well as in combination. To assess function, we measured rotorod performance monthly as well as lifespan. At terminal time points, we evaluated the therapeutic effects on several INCL‐specific parameters, such as cortical thickness, autofluorescent accumulation, and glial activation. Finally, we determined levels of PPT1 enzyme activity and bone marrow engraftment in treated mice.Results:AAV2/5‐mediated gene therapy alone resulted in significant histological correction, improved motor function, and increased lifespan. Interestingly, the addition of BMT further increased the lifespan of treated mice and led to dramatic, sustained improvements in motor function. These data are truly striking, given that BMT alone is ineffective, yet it synergizes with CNS‐directed gene therapy to dramatically increase efficacy and lifespan.Interpretation:AAV2/5‐mediated gene therapy in combination with BMT provides an unprecedented increase in lifespan as well as dramatic improvement on functional and histological parameters. ANN NEUROL 2012;
Mutations in CIZ1 cause adult onset primary cervical dystonia
Authors: Xiao Jianfeng , Uitti Ryan J. , Zhao Yu , Vemula Satya R. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Maraganore Demetrius M. , Auburger Georg , Leube Barbara , Lehnhoff Katja , LeDoux Mark S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjective:Primary dystonia is usually of adult onset, can be familial, and frequently involves the cervical musculature. Our goal was to identify the causal mutation in a family with adult onset, primary cervical dystonia.Methods:Linkage and haplotype analyses were combined with solution‐based whole‐exome capture and massively parallel sequencing in a large Caucasian pedigree with adult onset, primary cervical dystonia to identify a cosegregating mutation. High‐throughput screening and Sanger sequencing were completed in 308 Caucasians with familial or sporadic adult onset cervical dystonia and matching controls for sequence variants in this mutant gene.Results:Exome sequencing led to the identification of an exonic splicing enhancer mutation in exon 7 of CIZ1 (c.790A>G, p.S264G), which encodes CIZ1, Cip1‐interacting zinc finger protein 1. CIZ1 is a p21Cip1/Waf1‐interacting zinc finger protein expressed in brain and involved in DNA synthesis and cell‐cycle control. Using a minigene assay, we showed that c.790A>G altered CIZ1 splicing patterns. The p.S264G mutation also altered the nuclear localization of CIZ1. Screening in subjects with adult‐onset cervical dystonia identified 2 additional CIZ1 missense mutations (p.P47S and p.R672M).Interpretation:Mutations in CIZ1 may cause adult onset, primary cervical dystonia, possibly by precipitating neurodevelopmental abnormalities that manifest in adults and/or G1/S cell‐cycle dysregulation in the mature central nervous system. ANN NEUROL 2012
Changes in interictal spike features precede the onset of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Chauvière Laetitia , Doublet Thomas , Ghestem Antoine , Siyoucef Safia S. , Wendling Fabrice , Huys Raoul , Jirsa Viktor , Bartolomei Fabrice , Bernard Christophe 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjective:One cornerstone event during epileptogenesis is the occurrence of the first spontaneous seizure (SZ1). It is therefore important to identify biomarkers of the network alterations leading to SZ1. In experimental models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), interictal‐like activity (ILA) precedes SZ1 by several days. The goal of this study was to determine whether ILA dynamics bore electrophysiological features signaling the impeding transition to SZ1.Methods:Experimental TLE was triggered by pilocarpine‐ or kainic acid‐induced status epilepticus (SE). Continuous electroencephalographic recordings were performed 7 days before and up to 40 days after SE. The amplitude and duration of the spike and wave components of interictal spikes were analyzed.Results:Two types of interictal spikes were distinguished: type 1, with a spike followed by a long‐lasting wave, and type 2, with a spike without wave. The number, amplitude, and duration of type 1 spikes started to decrease, whereas the number of type 2 spikes increased, several days before SZ1, reaching their minimum/maximum values just before SZ1.Interpretation:The change in ILA pattern could constitute a predictive biomarker of SZ1. The mechanisms underlying these dynamic modifications and their functional impact are discussed in the context of the construction of an epileptogenic network. ANN NEUROL 2012;71:805–814
pH‐sensitive drug delivery systems by radical polymerization of gelatin derivatives
Authors: Altimari I. , Spizzirri U. G. , Iemma F. , Curcio M. , Puoci F. , Picci N. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe objective of this article was the synthesis and characterization of protein‐based microspheres able to respond to pH changes using methacrylated gelatin hydrolyzed, methacrylic acid sodium salt and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as protein monomer, pH‐responsive functional monomer, and cross‐linking agent, respectively. Reverse‐phase suspension polymerization as synthetic technique was adopted and, varying the molar ratios of the reagents in the polymerization feed, three different hydrogels were obtained. These were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and dimensional analyses to verify the spherical shape and the dimensional distribution. Then, Fourier transform infrared spectra and water uptake experiments at acidic and neutral pH were performed, in order to verify the copolymerization of all the components and the pH‐responsivity, respectively. Finally, after loading of the microspheres with a common nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, such as diclofenac sodium salt, drug release experiments in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1) and in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7) were performed, confirming the suitability of the obtained materials as drug delivery devices. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The correlation between crystal structure and nucleation efficiency of a lithium (I) complex on isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Shi Yaoqi , Xin Zhong 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn this work, 2,2′‐methylene‐bis‐(4,6‐di‐t‐butylphenylene)phosphate lithium (NA03) was synthesized and its crystal structural characterization was obtained by single crystal X‐ray diffusion. The crystal data showed geometrically the cell parameter of NA03 matched with isotactic polypropylene (iPP), the a cell dimension was about two times to the value of cell edge of (010)iPP. The disregistry was 2.89%, which was under the upper limit between the lattice matching spacing of host and guest crystals. Then NA03 was proved to be a highly effective nucleating agent for iPP through studying crystallization behaviors, crystallization morphologies, and mechanical properties of iPP nucleated with NA03. The outstanding nucleation efficiency could be attributed to the lattice matching between nucleating agent and iPP. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Calcium ion‐sensor based on polyindole‐camphorsulfonic acid composite
Authors: Pandey Prem C. , Chauhan Dheeraj S. , Prakash Rajiv 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe hereby report a new conducting polymer‐based calcium ion exchanger, namely polyindole‐camphorsulfonic acid (PIn‐CSA) composite, and its application in the development of calcium ion‐selective electrode. The processable PIn‐CSA composite is developed by homogenizing equimolar ratio of chemically synthesized PIn and CSA in tetrahydrofuran. The homogenized PIn‐CSA composite is cast over the Pt disc electrode under ambient conditions. The ion‐sensor exhibits near Nernstian response for Ca2+ over a concentration range of 2 × 10−5 to 1 × 10−2
M with a response time of 8 s. The sensor can be used for a period of over 3 months without any major drift in its baseline potential. The useful pH range of the ion‐sensor was found out to be 4.0−8.0. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparative scale isocratic chromatographic purification of a polyethylene mono‐alcohol accompanied by high resolution evaluation of molecular weight distribution
Authors: MacDonald Iain I. , Sherrington David C. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA simple preparative‐scale adsorption chromatographic method for separating a commercially available polyethylene mono‐alcohol from its non‐functional polyethylene impurities has been established using silica as the stationary phase and toluene at 75°C as the isocratic eluant. Characterization of the chromatographic fractions by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy also provided unexpected comprehensive information on the molecular structure and molar mass distribution of the polyethylene mono‐alcohol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Formation of thermally induced craze and prevention by using infrared radiation annealing method
Authors: Kim Seong Yun , Kim Sung Ho , Pak Seong Yeol , Youn Jae Ryoun 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIt is important to study the residual stress distribution and craze formation of transparent overmolded polymeric parts, because the overmolding can cause stress concentration near the interface region and the craze can be generated by the concentrated stress. Thermally induced crazing of an electric appliances product overmolded by using a transparent polymer is discussed in this study. Craze criterion was determined to be 20 MPa at the temperature higher than 60°C by using mechanical characteristic analysis of the polymeric material. Crazes were observed in the product annealed at over 60°C due to thermal residual stresses generated by the temperature difference between the surface and inside of the part upon surface heating. However, they were not observed in the product annealed by infrared radiation (IR) at over 60°C due to simultaneous heating throughout the thickness of the product. The numerical residual stress results were in good agreement with the experimental results, indicating that overmolding process, thermoviscoelastic stress development of the polymeric part, and IR annealing process were considered properly in the three‐dimensional numerical analysis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of fluorine‐containing polyester based on phthalic anhydride and tetrafluoropropyl glycidyl ether
Authors: Jin Yunquan , Shentu Baoqing , Weng Zhixue 
Published: February 2012

AbstractFluorine‐containing polyester (FPE) was synthesized by the reaction of phthalic anhydride, epichlorohydrin, and 2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl glycidyl ether (TFGE) at the catalysis of tetraethylammonium bromide using 1,4‐butanediol as the initiator. The structure of FPE was characterized by 1H NMR and 19F NMR, and the result showed that the fluorine in TFGE was introduced into FPE. Fluorine content in FPE was determined by oxygen‐flask combustion and fluoride selective electrode. It was found that fluorine content in FPEs increased with the increase of TFGE content. The wettability of water and oil on the cured coating based on FPE was investigated by contact angle meter. Contact angles of water and diiodomethane on the cured coatings first increased with the increase of the fluorine content in FPEs and then remained constant. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis showed that the F/C molar ratio on the coatings surface was much higher than the overall F/C molar ratio, which indicated that fluoroalkyl groups in FPEs had enriched on the coatings surface. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Influence of acrylic fibers geometry on the mechanical performance of fiber‐cement composites
Authors: Pakravan H. R. , Jamshidi M. , Latif M. , Pacheco‐Torgal F. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis article analyses the influence of acrylic fibers shape on the flexural behavior of cement composite. The fibers differ in their cross‐sectional shapes due to the spinning process (wet‐spun and dry‐spun). The fibers were characterized by optical microscopy, and the shape factors were calculated on the basis of their geometric characteristics. Results showed that both types of acrylic fiber remarkably improved the flexural performance of the composites. Wet‐spun acrylic fibers lead to high flexural strength and toughness. It was found that by increasing the fibers' shape factor by a factor of 10%, flexural strength and toughness increase to 26% and 23%, respectively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012