bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liposome Immobilization on Peptide-modified Quartz Crystal Microbalance Electrodes for Kinetic Analysis of Interactions on Membrane Surfaces
Authors: Kasuya Yuzo , Ohtaka Megumi , Tsukamoto Kei , Ikeda Yasuyuki , Matsumura Kazunari 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
In order to facilitate biosensor analyses of interactions on membrane surfaces, a method of immobilizing liposome using anchoring amphiphilic peptides was developed. Intact liposomes were immobilized stably on a quartz crystal microbalance electrode and were applied to a quantitative study of glycolipids–protein interactions.
Preparation of Alkyl Aryl Sulfides from Alcohols and 2-Sulfanylbenzothiazole by a New Type of Oxidation–Reduction Condensation Using Aryl Diphenylphosphinite and Benzoquinone Derivatives
Authors: Kuroda Kiichi , Hayashi Yujiro , Mukaiyama Teruaki 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
A method for the preparation of alkyl aryl sulfides from alcohols and 2-sulfanylbenzothiazole by a new type of oxidation–reduction condensation using phenyl diphenylphosphinite and 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone is described. In this reaction, the chiral alcohols are converted into the corresponding chiral sulfides with almost complete inversion of configurations under mild and neutral conditions.
Proof of Partial Flattening of Meso Substituents in Tetracationic Porphyrin at a Mica/Solution Interface
Authors: Yao Hiroshi , Kobayashi Shogo , Kimura Keisaku 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
A free base tetracationic porphyrin (TMPyP) was adsorbed at a mica/aqueous solution interface. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) in liquid revealed that the porphyrin rings lie flat on the mica surface with their meso substituents partially rotated toward planarity. Optical waveguide spectroscopy elucidated a bathochromic shift of the Soret band, suggesting extension of π-conjugation by partial inclusion of pyridinium rings.
Fabrication of Polyaniline Silica Nanotubes and Closed Polyaniline Nanotubes Using a Template of Silica Nanotube
Authors: Kim Tae Ho , Kim Youngmoon , Lee Soo Jin , Han Won Seok , Jung Jong Hwa 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Polyaniline silica nanotubes (PANI@SNT) were prepared by in situ polymerization of anilinium ion adsorbed on the surface of silica nanotubes (SNT), which acted as a template. After polymerization, the silica templates were intensively removed with HF solution to give closed polyaniline nanotubes (PANI–NT). Interestingly, the PANI@SNT showed pH-responsive redox reversibility.
Bril: A Novel Bone-Specific Modulator of Mineralization
Authors: Moffatt Pierre , Gaumond Marie-Helene , Salois Patrick , Sellin Karine , Bessette Marie-Claude , Godin Éric , de Oliveira Paulo Tambasco , Atkins Gerald J , Nanci Antonio , Thomas Gethin 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
In the course of attempting to define the bone “secretome” using a signal-trap screening approach, we identified a gene encoding a small membrane protein novel to osteoblasts. Although previously identified in silico as ifitm5, no localization or functional studies had been undertaken on this gene. We characterized the expression patterns and localization of this gene in vitro and in vivo and assessed its role in matrix mineralization in vitro. The bone specificity and shown role in mineralization led us to rename the gene bone restricted ifitm-like protein (Bril). Bril encodes a 14.8-kDa 134 amino acid protein with two transmembrane domains. Northern blot analysis showed bone-specific expression with no expression in other embryonic or adult tissues. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in mouse embryos showed expression localized on the developing bone. Screening of cell lines showed Bril expression to be highest in osteoblasts, associated with the onset of matrix maturation/mineralization, suggesting a role in bone formation. Functional evidence of a role in mineralization was shown by adenovirus-mediated Bril overexpression and lentivirus-mediated Bril shRNA knockdown in vitro. Elevated Bril resulted in dose-dependent increases in mineralization in UMR106 and rat primary osteoblasts. Conversely, knockdown of Bril in MC3T3 osteoblasts resulted in reduced mineralization. Thus, we identified Bril as a novel osteoblast protein and showed a role in mineralization, possibly identifying a new regulatory pathway in bone formation.
Effects of PTH and Alendronate on Type I Collagen Isomerization in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis: The PaTH Study
Authors: Garnero Patrick , Bauer Doug C , Mareau Emmanuel , Bilezikian John P , Greenspan Susan L , Rosen Clifford , Black Dennis 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Fracture efficacy of PTH and alendronate (ALN) is only partly explained by changes in BMD, and bone collagen properties have been suggested to play a role. We analyzed the effects of PTH(1–84) and ALN on urinary αα/ββ CTX ratio, a marker of type I collagen isomerization and maturation in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In the first year of the previously published PaTH study, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were assigned to PTH(1–84) (100 μg/d; n = 119), ALN (10 mg/d; n = 60), or PTH and ALN together (n = 59). We analyzed patients on ALN alone (n = 60) and a similar number of patients assigned to PTH alone (n = 63). During the second year, women on PTH in the first year were reallocated to placebo (n = 31) or ALN (n = 32) and women with ALN continued on ALN. During the first year, there was no significant change in αα/ββ CTX ratio with PTH or ALN. At 24 mo, there was a marked increase of the αα/ββ CTX ratio in women who had received PTH during the first year, followed by a second year of placebo (median: +45.5, p &lt; 0.001) or ALN (+55.2%, p &lt; 0.001). Conversely, the αα/ββ CTX ratio only slightly increased (+16%, p &lt; 0.05) after 2 yr of continued ALN. In conclusion, treatment with PTH(1–84) for 1 yr followed by 1 yr of placebo or ALN may be associated with decreased type I collagen isomerization. The influence of these biochemical changes of type I collagen on bone fracture resistance remains to be studied.
Effect of Total Hip Bone Area on Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Fractures
Authors: Leslie William D , Tsang James F , Lix Lisa M 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
DXA is affected by skeletal size, with smaller bones giving lower areal BMD despite equal material density. Whether this size effect confounds the use of BMD as a diagnostic and fracture risk assessment tool is unclear. We identified 16,205 women of white ethnicity ≥50 yr of age undergoing baseline hip assessment with DXA (1998–2002) from a population-based database that contains all clinical DXA test results for the Province of Manitoba, Canada. Total hip measurements were categorized according to quartile in total hip bone area (Q1 = smallest, Q4 = largest). Longitudinal health service records were assessed for the presence of nontraumatic osteoporotic fracture codes during a mean of 3.2 yr of follow-up after BMD testing (757 osteoporotic fractures, 186 hip fractures). Total hip bone area strongly affected osteoporosis diagnosis with much higher rates in Q1 (14.4%) than Q4 (8.9%). However, incident fracture rates were constant across all area quartiles, and prevalent fractures were paradoxically fewer in smaller area quartiles (p &lt; 0.001 for trend). Age was a potential confounder that correlated positively with area (r = 0.12, p &lt; 0.0001). When age was not included in a Cox regression model, Q1 seemed to have a lower rate of incident osteoporotic fractures (HR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.66–0.98, reference Q4) and hip fractures (HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.43–0.94) for a given level of BMD. In age-adjusted regression models, total hip BMD was strongly predictive of incident osteoporotic fractures (HR per SD = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.68–1.99) and hip fractures (HR per SD = 2.80, 95% CI = 2.33–3.35), but there was no independent effect of bone area (categorical or continuous). Nested matched subgroup analysis and ROC analysis confirmed that bone area had no appreciable effect on incident fractures. We conclude that total hip areal BMD categorizes a substantially higher fraction of women with smaller bone area as being osteoporotic despite younger age. Incident fracture rates correlate equally well with BMD across all bone area quartiles when adjusted for age.
Anti-FGF23 Neutralizing Antibodies Show the Physiological Role and Structural Features of FGF23
Authors: Yamazaki Yuji , Tamada Taro , Kasai Noriyuki , Urakawa Itaru , Aono Yukiko , Hasegawa Hisashi , Fujita Toshiro , Kuroki Ryota , Yamashita Takeyoshi , Fukumoto Seiji , Shimada Takashi 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)23 is proposed to play a physiological role in the regulation of phosphate and vitamin D metabolism; deranged circulatory levels of FGF23 cause several diseases with abnormal mineral metabolism. This paper presents a novel approach to analyze the mechanism of action of FGF23 using anti-FGF23 monoclonal antibodies that can neutralize FGF23 activities both in vitro and in vivo. We developed two antibodies (FN1 and FC1) that recognize the N- and C-terminal regions of FGF23, respectively. Both FN1 and FC1 inhibited FGF23 activity in a cell-based Klotho-dependent reporter assay. Their administration caused marked increases in serum phosphate and 1,25D levels in normal mice. These changes were accompanied by altered expression in the kidney of type IIa sodium-phosphate cotransporter, 25-hydroxyvitamin-D-1α-hydroxylase, and 24-hydroxylase. Thus, this study using neutralizing antibodies confirms that FGF23 is a physiological regulator of phosphate and vitamin D metabolism. We addressed the mechanism of action for these neutralizing antibodies. Structural analysis of the FGF23/FN1-Fab complex showed that FN1 masked putative FGF receptor-binding sites in the N-terminal domain of FGF23, whereas biochemical analyses showed that FC1 interfered with the association between FGF23 and Klotho by binding to the C-terminal domain of FGF23. Taken together, our results suggest that the N- and C-terminal domains of FGF23 are responsible for association with cognate FGF receptors and Klotho, respectively, and that these interactions are indispensable for FGF23 activity.
Benefit of Adherence With Bisphosphonates Depends on Age and Fracture Type: Results From an Analysis of 101,038 New Bisphosphonate Users
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R , Westfall Andrew O , Cheng Hong , Lyles Kenneth , Saag Kenneth G , Delzell Elizabeth 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The relationship between high adherence to oral bisphosphonates and the risk of different types of fractures has not been well studied among adults of different ages. Using claims data from a large U.S. health care organization, we quantified adherence after initiating bisphosphonate therapy using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and identified fractures. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the rate of fracture among nonadherent persons (MPR &lt; 50%) compared with highly adherent persons (MPR ≥ 80%) across several age strata and a variety of types of clinical fractures. In conjunction with fracture incidence rates among the nonadherent, these estimates were used to compute the number needed to treat with high adherence to prevent one fracture, by age and fracture type. Among 101,038 new bisphosphonate users, the proportion of persons with high adherence at 1, 2, and 3 yr was 44%, 39%, and 35%, respectively. Among 65- to 78-yr-old persons with a physician diagnosis of osteoporosis, the crude and adjusted rate of hip fracture among the nonadherent was 1.96 (95% CI, 1.48–2.60) and 1.74 (95% CI, 1.30–2.31), respectively, resulting in a number needed to treat with high adherence to prevent one hip fracture of 107. The impact of high adherence was substantially less for other types of fractures and for younger persons. Analysis of adherence in a non–time-dependent fashion artifactually magnified differences in fracture rates between adherent and nonadherent persons. The antifracture effectiveness associated with high adherence to oral bisphosphonates varied substantially by age and fracture type. These results provide estimates of absolute fracture effectiveness across age subgroups and fracture types that have been minimally evaluated in clinical trials and may be useful for future cost-effectiveness studies.
Estimation of LDL-Associated Apolipoprotein B from Measurements of Triglycerides and Total Apolipoprotein B
Authors: Baca Arthur M , Warnick G Russell 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Background: VLDL and chylomicrons may interfere with measurements of apolipoprotein B (apo B) on LDL particles. Ultracentrifugation of samples enriched in chylomicrons and VLDL and subsequent measurement of apo B in the infranate fraction [density (d) = 1.006] removes this interference. This apo B fraction is called “LDL–apo B.”
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 64 895 measurements of triglycerides, total apo B, and LDL–apo B. Samples were ultracentrifuged, and 3 commercially available immunoassays that use different antibodies were used to measure LDL–apo B in the 1.006 infranate fraction.
Results: After adjusting for triglyceride concentration, we found total apo B and LDL–apo B measurements to be strongly correlated. We derived a simple linear equation for calculating LDL–apo B concentration (in milligrams per deciliter) from measurements of total apo B and triglycerides: LDL–apo B = apo B − 10 mg/dL − triglycerides/32. This equation accurately predicts LDL–apo B values within ±12% of the measured value in 75% of cases.
Conclusions: Our equation provides a convenient means of estimating LDL–apo B from commonly available measurements of total apo B and triglycerides without the need for ultracentrifugation. LDL–apo B measurements were also independent of the different apo B antibodies in the 3 assays used in this study. An equation that predicts LDL–apo B particle number may be useful, regardless of the apo B assay used.
A Simple Assay to Measure Phagocytosis of Live Bacteria
Authors: Bicker Heike , Höflich Conny , Wolk Kerstin , Vogt Katrin , Volk Hans-Dieter , Sabat Robert 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground: The phagocytosis of pathogens is essential for fighting infections. No assay is available, however, to measure both engulfment and degradation of bacteria under conditions similar to those in vivo. We sought to develop a flow cytometric assay to measure the engulfment and degradation of live bacteria by human blood monocytes and granulocytes.Methods: We generated enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-expressing Eschericha coli by transforming E. coli with the plasmid vector pEGFP. We used these bacteria in a flow cytometric assay to measure both engulfment and degradation of living bacteria by monocytes and granulocytes in human whole blood from fresh, heparinized venous blood samples. To determine whether the test detected differences between healthy individuals and patients with secondary immunodeficiencies, we compared the phagocytosis of monocytes and granulocytes measured in blood samples from immunosuppressed kidney transplantation patients and from patients with postoperative sepsis in immunoparalysis with phagocytosis measured in samples from age-matched healthy individuals.Results: In samples from healthy individuals, we found that in both monocytes and granulocytes bacterial degradation was negatively correlated with the age of the sample donor. Furthermore, we detected decreased bacterial engulfment in granulocytes from septic patients and decreased bacterial degradation in monocytes from immunosuppressed kidney transplantation patients.Conclusions: This flow cytometric assay measures the engulfment and degradation of live bacteria by human blood monocytes and granulocytes. By means of this assay we detected significant differences between healthy controls and patients with secondary immunodeficiencies that may contribute to the increased incidence of infection complications seen in these patients.
Erroneous Design Assumptions and Construction Defects in a Thin Stone Facade System
Authors: Schmidt Mark K. , Murphy Jill H. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
During a routine close-up facade inspection of the exterior walls of a 15-year-old, 31-story office building, a loose 30-mm thick granite panel was discovered. Initially, it was believed that this movement was due to the location of the anchorages relative to the panel geometry. A more thorough examination of the panel was performed by inspecting the panel attachment from the interior of the building. This inspection revealed that one of the two epoxied wind load anchors had failed. An extensive investigation of the granite facade panels, including additional close-up exterior and interior inspections, structural analyses, and testing, was undertaken. Interior examinations revealed construction defects in the epoxied anchors. In addition, the structural analyses indicated a flaw in the original design that affected certain panels in high wind load zones. Repairs were designed to address the design and construction deficiencies. Supplemental panel anchorages were installed from the exterior of the building, thereby minimizing disruptions to building occupants. While the implemented panel repairs can be identified at close range, they are imperceptible from publicly accessible vantage points.
Irradiation-Induced Growth and Microstructure of Recrystallized, Cold Worked and Quenched Zircaloy-2, NSF, and E635 Alloys
Authors: Kobylyansky G. P. , Novoselov A. E. , Ostrovsky Z. E. , Obukhov A. V. , Shishin V. Yu. , Shishov V. N. , Nikulina A. V. , Peregud M. M. , Mahmood S. T. , White D. W. , Lin Y-P. , Dubecky M. A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
This paper is devoted to the study of the effect of the texture, phase composition, and microstructure on the irradiation-induced growth strain (GS) of zirconium-based alloys. GS measurements and TEM microstructural examinations were performed on Zry-2, NSF, and E635 samples in the recrystallized, beta quenched and cold-worked (CW) conditions. The samples were irradiated in the BOR-60 reactor in the temperature range of 315–325°C up to a neutron fluence level of 1.1 ×1026 n/m2 (E&gt;1 MeV), i.e., up to a damage dose of 23 dpa. Growth strains of NSF and E635 alloys in all states and in the longitudinal and transverse directions are lower as compared to those of Zry-2, and do not exceed 0.2 % even at the maximum fluence level. As for recrystallized Zry-2, the GS kinetics are characterized by the appearance of the accelerated growth stage. A combination of a certain amount of Nb, Fe, and Sn in the matrix content plays a key role in GS kinetics. The higher the degree of CW, the higher the irradiation growth but its rate of increase with increasing fluence is different for alloys of different compositions. The maximum GS, reaching 0.72 %, is observed in the 20 % CW Zry-2 samples. Texture, along with the alloy composition, is one of the main GS-determining factors. Irradiation growth of the transversal samples is lower as compared to the longitudinal ones because of texture. As for quenched alloys, the texture is practically isotropic and GS values are low, independent of the alloy composition. In CW materials, the density of &lt;c&gt;- dislocations greatly affects the irradiation growth strain. Particles of Zr(Fe,Cr)2 and Zr2(Fe,Ni) phases in Zry-2 as well as Zr(Nb,Fe)2 in NSF and E635 are depleted in iron under irradiation. The Fe goes into the matrix and modifies its properties. The HCP lattice structure in the Laves phases in NSF and E635 changes into BCC (β-Nb-type). FCC (Zr,Nb)2Fe precipitates preserve on the whole their composition and structure; no amorphization of the Nb-containing precipitates is observed. The Zr2(Fe,Ni) precipitates with a BCT lattice remain crystalline, and HCP Zr(Cr,Fe)2 precipitates undergo amorphization. The average particle size in the irradiated alloys is larger and the concentration is a little lower as compared to the unirradiated ones. Irradiation-induced fine dispersed precipitates about 3 nm in size, probably enriched in niobium, appear in NSF and E635. The observed changes of microhardness are discussed from the viewpoint of generation of radiation defects (clusters, dislocation loops), evolution of the initial dislocation structure, and matrix composition (enrichment in Fe, Cr, and, probably, Nb).
A Rapid Method for Determination of the Chloride Migration Coefficient in Concrete Using Electrical Field
Authors: Yang C. C. , Chiang S. C. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The chloride migration test has been widely used in recent years to evaluate the durability of concrete. However, the traditional technique of chloride analysis required a large number of samples and is time-consuming and expensive. This paper presents a simplified procedure for measuring the steady-state chloride migration coefficient in concrete using the accelerated chloride migration test (ACMT). Sixteen mixes of concrete were tested at three curing ages. From the test results, the measurement of the initial electrical current and chloride-time curve in steady state period, the union of fixed time was obtained from the maximum of starting time and the minimum of ending time in the steady-state period following the measurement of the initial electrical current. According to the measurement of initial electrical current and the union fixed time, ACMT provides an accurate and rapid way to estimate the chloride migration coefficient based on the chloride migration rate by using the Nernst-Planck equation.
Breathable Film from Reactive Processing of LLDPE/NR Blends with ENR and Maleic Anhydride
Authors: Tasanatanachai P. , Singsat N. , Jamieson A. M. , Magaraphan R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The high oxygen permeability film, so-called breathable film, can be produced via reactive blending and processing of linear-low density polyethylene, natural rubber, and epoxidized natural rubber with a small content of maleic anhydride as a reactive coagent. The foam-like structure of the produced breathable film was created by the reaction between the functional groups during the extrusion. Oxygen permeability of the blended films can be controlled by the blend composition, screw speed, and draw ratio during the chill-roll casting step. The blended films exhibit not only the good breathablility but also the outstanding UV screening with a small transparency trade-off. These properties are suitable for the films to be used in agricultural applications to enhance the growing and production of fruit trees, flowers, vegetables, and even grains, especially during the growing stage of plants.
Rheological Modification of LLDPE Through Reactive Processing with Peroxide
Authors: Tasanatanachai P. , Tzoganakis C. , Magaraphan R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The presence of long-chain branching provides advantageous properties to a molten polymer in film production, especially for a fast growing commodity plastic such as polyethylene. Besides the innovation of polymerization, the most attractive method to tailor the molecular structure is peroxide modification via reactive processing which is the post-reactor technique. By this process, it can achieve the enhancement of ability of the melt to be drawn or stretched during the film processing due to branching. However, to avoid the undesired excess of macroscopic molecular network, which may cause defects in the film product, a small quantity of peroxide initiator was used to modify the base resin. The rheological properties, as related to molecular characteristics, were investigated using a capillary rheometer. Rheological analysis of the products modified by different peroxide addition methods was of interest as changes in rheological properties depend markedly on the efficiency of incorporating and mixing the peroxide into the polymer. Process parameters (including mixing temperature, peroxide quantity, and mixing speed), which appear to be responsible for the molecular characteristics alteration, were considered in order to produce materials with preferred rheological properties.