bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incorporation of Polyoxometalates Into Polystyrene Latex by Supramolecular Encapsulation and Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Li Haolong , Li Pan , Yang Yang , Qi Wei , Sun Hang , Wu Lixin 
Published: January 2008

AbstractSubmicrometer polystyrene (PS) latex doped with functional polyoxometalates (POMs) has been elaborated via two steps. The first step is the electrostatic encapsulation of POMs by polymerizable surfactants through the replacement of counterions, forming the supramolecular complexes which are organic compatible. And the second step is the incorporation of the complexes into PS latex chemically by miniemulsion polymerization. TEM images indicate that POMs are evenly dispersed in the hybrid latex, and spectral characterizations demonstrate that the properties of POMs are well retained, leading to the functional features of polymer latex, such as luminescence and coloration. Furthermore, the supramolecular encapsulation and the hydrophobic latex matrix provide an effective protection to POMs, which greatly enhances their stability against the ambient acid or basic environment.magnified image
Treatment alternatives of congenital hand differences with thumb hypoplasia involvement
Authors: Papadogeorgou Ellada V. , Soucacos Panayotis N. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractCongenital thumb hypoplasia is a complex and heterogeneous congenital difference that is detrimental to hand function. Apart from its' classic form, which is now considered to be part of radial dysplasia, it can occur as part of other congenital anomalies including, syndactyly, symbrachydactyly, atypical cleft hand, bifid thumb, triphalangeal thumb, mirror hand, constriction band syndrome, as well as generalized anomalies and syndromes. Management is aimed primarily at restoring basic hand function, specifically, power grasp and precision pinch, and secondarily to improve cosmoses, which inevitably is going to be impaired. Several treatment alternatives have been proposed to manage the specific disabling condition and include, 1st web space reconstruction and opponensplasty, pollicization, toe‐to‐hand transfer, distraction lengthening, free toe phalangeal transfer or the use of allograft, stabilization of the metacarpophalangeal joint, and surgery of “spare parts.” The purpose of this study is to evaluate the various alternatives available today and propose an algorithm applicable for the appropriate management of thumb deficiency, based on their specific characteristics. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Ursolic acid: An anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory triterpenoid
Authors: Ikeda Yasutaka , Murakami Akira , Ohigashi Hajime 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThere is growing interest in the elucidation of the biological functions of triterpenoids, ubiquitously distributed throughout the plant kingdom, some of which are used as anticancer and anti‐inflammatory agents in Asian countries. Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid, is the major component of some traditional medicine herbs and is well known to possess a wide range of biological functions, such as antioxidative, anti‐inflammation, and anticancer activities, that are able to counteract endogenous and exogenous biological stimuli. In contrast to these beneficial properties, some laboratory studies have recently revealed that the effects of UA on normal cells and tissues are occasionally pro‐inflammatory. Thus, UA may be designated as a double‐edged sword with both positive and negative effects, and further evaluations of the effects of UA on the biological status of target cells or tissues are necessary. This review summarizes previous and current information regarding UA, and provides new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of its activities.
Molecular cloning and characterization of three distinct choriogenins in masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou
Authors: Fujita Toshiaki , Fukada Haruhisa , Shimizu Munetaka , Hiramatsu Naoshi , Hara Akihiko 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThree cDNAs, each encoding a different choriogenin (Chg), were isolated from a female masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) liver cDNA library. Two of the cDNA clones, Chg Hα and Chg Hβ, showed a close relationship and contained the typical domains of zona pellucida (ZP) B genes in fish, namely proline and glutamine rich repeats, a trefoil factor family domain, and a ZP domain. Specific antibodies against recombinant Chg H products (rmHα and rmHβ) were generated to elucidate the relationship between the Chg H cDNAs and two types of serum Chg H protein, which were previously purified and characterized, and designated as very‐high‐molecular‐weight vitelline envelope‐related protein (vhVERP) and Chg H of masu salmon. The immunobiochemical analyses revealed that the Chg Hα and Chg Hβ clones encoded vhVERP and Chg H proteins, respectively. The third cDNA clone (Chg L) appeared to be a ZPC gene and, by mapping the N‐terminal sequence of purified Chg L, was shown to encode serum Chg L protein. Various types of heteromultimer of the three Chgs were identified immunologically as high molecular weight chorion components, indicating the involvement of complex heterodimerization of multiple Chgs in the construction of chorion architecture in masu salmon. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1217–1228, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic modification of primordial germ cells by gene trapping, gene targeting, and ϕC31 integrase
Authors: Leighton Philip A. , van de Lavoir Marie‐Cecile , Diamond Jennifer H. , Xia Chunyao , Etches Robert J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe genome of germline committed cells is thought to be protected by mechanisms of transcriptional silencing, posing a barrier to transgenesis using cultured germline cells. We found that selection for transgene integration into the primordial germ cell genome required that the transgenes be flanked by the chicken β‐globin insulator. However, integration frequency was low, and sequencing of the insertion sites revealed that the transgenes preferentially inserted into active promoter regions, implying that silencing prohibited recovery of insertions in other regions. Much higher frequencies of integration were achieved when the ϕC31 integrase was used to insert transgenes into endogenous pseudo attP sites. Despite the evidence for transcriptional silencing in PGCs, gene targeting of a nonexpressed gene was also achieved. The ability to make genetic modifications in PGCs provides unprecedented opportunities to study the biology of PGCs, as well as produce transgenic chickens for applications in biotechnology and developmental biology. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1163–1175, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolation and characterization of a novel perivitellin from the eggs of Pomacea scalaris (Mollusca, Ampullariidae)
Authors: Ituarte S. , Dreon M.S. , Ceolín M. , Heras H. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPerivitellins are important components of the perivitelline fluid (PVF) that surrounds gastropod embryos. The glyco–lipo–carotenoprotein ovorubin (OR) from eggs of the snail Pomacea canaliculata has been the most studied to date. Here we report the characterization of scalarin (SC), a glyco–lipo–carotenoprotein from the PVF of P. scalaris. SC was purified by ultracentrifugation and exclusion chromatography. It is the major egg protein, representing 64% of the total soluble protein. The particle has a hydration density of 1.26 g/ml, an apparent molecular mass of 380 kDa and it is an elongated compact protein as estimated by small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). It is composed of three subunits of ca. 35, 28, and 24 kDa noncovalently bonded. SC is highly glycosylated (carbohydrate content 20.1%, by wt.), with a low lipid content (0.7%), being esterified sterols, pigments and polar lipids the most abundant lipid classes. HPTLC and spectrophotometric analysis of the carotenoid fraction revealed the presence of free astaxanthin (ASX; 62.0%), and an unidentified carotenoid (38.0%). The carotenoid–apoprotein interaction was studied by spectrophotometry. Carotenoids do not seem to affect the structural characteristics of the oligomer. However, the carotenoid–protein association protected ASX against oxidation. The cross‐reactivity between SC and perivitellins of P. canaliculata was tested using polyclonal antibodies (PAb) against SC, OR, and perivitellin PV2. The PAbs failed to cross‐react with any egg proteins of either the same or other species. SC, among other functional similarities with OR, would be an antioxidant carrier, protecting at the same time carotenoids from oxidation in the perivitellin fluid of the egg. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1441–1448, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes of PKA and PDK1 in the principal piece of boar spermatozoa treated with a cell‐permeable cAMP analog to induce flagellar hyperactivation
Authors: Harayama Hiroshi , Nakamura Kazumi 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA cAMP‐induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation and flagellar hyperactivation are controlled via complicated signaling cascades in mammalian spermatozoa. For instance, these events seem to be regulated positively by the PKA‐mediated signaling and negatively by the PI3K/PDK1‐mediated signaling. In this article, we have shown molecular changes of PKA and PDK1 in cAMP analog (cBiMPS)‐treated boar spermatozoa in order to disclose possible roles of these kinases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation and hyperactivation. Ejaculated spermatozoa were incubated with cBiMPS, and then they were used for biochemical analyses of sperm kinases by Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence and for assessment of flagellar movement. The first 30‐min incubation with cBiMPS highly activated PKA of the principal piece to the accompaniment of autophosphorylation on Thr‐197 of catalytic subunits. However, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and hyperactivation were fully induced in the sperm samples after the 180‐min incubation. A potentially active form of PDK1 (54/55‐kDa phospho‐PDK1) was detected in the principal piece of the spermatozoa during the 90‐min incubation. Another potentially active form (59‐kDa phospho‐PDK1) gradually increased during the same incubation period. However, the PDK1 suddenly became inactive by the dephosphorylation after the 180‐min incubation, namely coincidently with full induction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and hyperactivation. Additionally, existence of PI3K‐dependently suppressing mechanisms for protein tyrosine phosphorylation was confirmed in the principal piece by pharmacological experiments with LY294002 and biochemical analyses with anti‐PI3K p85 antibodies. These findings suggest that dephosphorylation of PDK1 may be a molecular switch for enhancement of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and flagellar hyperactivation in boar spermatozoa. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1396–1407, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A tree‐based approach to matchmaking algorithms for resource discovery
Authors: Islam Md. Rafiqul , Islam Md. Zahidul , Leyla Nazia 
Published: January 2008

AbstractOne of the essential operations in a distributed computing is resource discovery. A resource discovery service provides mechanisms to identify the set of resources capable of satisfying the requirements of a job from a large collection of resources. The matchmaking framework provides a reasonable solution to resource management in a distributed environment; it is composed of four important components as classified advertisement (classad), matchmaker protocol, matchmaking algorithm and claiming protocols. Most of the time required to find a resource depends on the performance of the matchmaking algorithms. A distributed environment introduces a large set of heterogeneous resources which is always changing. The matchmaking algorithms should incorporate with this highly changing environment. In this paper we proposed a fast and efficient searching method for matchmaking algorithms which also deals with resource heterogeneity. The proposed approach reduces the searching time to a linear function from a cubic function proposed by R. Raman, M. Livny, and M. Solomon. We discuss briefly the working principles of the method and compare the experimental results of the proposed matchmaking algorithm with those of the existing algorithm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficiency‐based h‐ and hp‐refinement strategies for finite element methods
Authors: De Sterck H. , Manteuffel T. , McCormick S. , Nolting J. , Ruge J. , Tang L. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractTwo efficiency‐based grid refinement strategies are investigated for adaptive finite element solution of partial differential equations. In each refinement step, the elements are ordered in terms of decreasing local error, and the optimal fraction of elements to be refined is determined based on efficiency measures that take both error reduction and work into account. The goal is to reach a pre‐specified bound on the global error with minimal amount of work. Two efficiency measures are discussed, ‘work times error’ and ‘accuracy per computational cost’. The resulting refinement strategies are first compared for a one‐dimensional (1D) model problem that may have a singularity. Modified versions of the efficiency strategies are proposed for the singular case, and the resulting adaptive methods are compared with a threshold‐based refinement strategy. Next, the efficiency strategies are applied to the case of hp‐refinement for the 1D model problem. The use of the efficiency‐based refinement strategies is then explored for problems with spatial dimension greater than one. The ‘work times error’ strategy is inefficient when the spatial dimension, d, is larger than the finite element order, p, but the ‘accuracy per computational cost’ strategy provides an efficient refinement mechanism for any combination of d and p. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship of military imposed marital separations on maternal acceptance of pregnancy
Authors: Weis Karen L. , Lederman Regina P. , Lilly Anne E. , Schaffer Judith 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe effect of military deployment and perceived availability and source of community support on women's acceptance of pregnancy were examined in each trimester of pregnancy at four military bases. The sample was 503 primigravida or multigravida women eligible for care in the military medical system. Military deployment and community support had a statistically significant effect on pregnancy acceptance. Gravidas with deployed husbands had higher conflict for accepting pregnancy than gravidas without deployed spouses. Community support had a significant positive effect on pregnancy acceptance. Women perceiving support predominantly from off‐base versus on‐base communities had significantly higher conflict with acceptance of pregnancy. Findings point to improved maternal acceptance of pregnancy with paternal presence and community support in the event of military deployment. Published 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:196–207, 2008
Development of an educational programme for caregivers of people aging with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Finlayson Marcia , Garcia Jennifer Dahl , Preissner Katharine 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis article describes a three‐phase project to identify and develop an occupational therapy response to the challenges experienced by caregivers of middle‐aged and older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). In Phase 1 302 caregivers of middle‐aged and older adults with MS were interviewed by telephone to identify the care‐giving challenges they experienced. A total of eight challenges were identified, with the four most prevalent ones including finding and using formal support services, managing the emotional aspects of caregiving, doing the physical aspects of care‐giving and dealing with informal supports. In Phase 2 a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify existing caregiver education programmes that could be used to address these challenges. None of the 21 programmes that were located addressed all of the challenges identified through the Phase 1 interviews. In response, a new five‐session psycho‐educational group programme entitled ‘Meeting the Challenges of MS’ was developed in Phase 3. The programme was empirically grounded in Phase 1 findings, and drew on theory to guide group process and sequencing. The findings from Phases 1 and 2 and the resulting programme cannot be generalized to caregivers of younger adults with MS, although the steps taken to develop this programme have the potential for replication with other populations served by occupational therapists. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Haem oxygenase‐1 regulates catabolic and anabolic processes in osteoarthritic chondrocytes
Authors: Guillén MI , Megías J , Gomar F , Alcaraz MJ 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPro‐inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and other catabolic factors participate in the pathogenesis of cartilage damage in osteoarthritis (OA). Pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) mediate cartilage degradation and might be involved in the progression of OA. Previously, we found that haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) is down‐regulated by pro‐inflammatory cytokines and up‐regulated by IL‐10 in OA chondrocytes. The aim of this study was to determine whether HO‐1 can modify the catabolic effects of IL‐1β in OA cartilage and chondrocytes. Up‐regulation of HO‐1 by cobalt protoporphyrin IX significantly reduced glycosaminoglycan degradation elicited by IL‐1β in OA cartilage explants but increased glycosaminoglycan synthesis and the expression of collagen II in OA chondrocytes in primary culture, as determined by radiometric procedures, immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. HO‐1 decreased the activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2. This was accompanied by a significant inhibition in MMP activity and expression of collagenases MMP‐1 and MMP‐13 at the protein and mRNA levels. In addition, HO‐1 induction caused a significant increase in the production of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 and a reduction in the levels of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3. We have shown in primary culture of chondrocytes and articular explants from OA patients that HO‐1 counteracts the catabolic and anti‐anabolic effects of IL‐1β. Our data thus suggest that HO‐1 may be a factor regulating the degradation and synthesis of extracellular matrix components in OA. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of cenosphere filler additions on the three‐body abrasive wear behavior of glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Suresha B. , Chandramohan G. , Siddaramaiah  , Jayaraju T. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe dry three‐body abrasive wear behavior of bi‐directional glass fabric reinforced epoxy composites with and without cenosphere filler have been studied using dry sand/rubber wheel abrasion tester. The angular silica sand particle sizes in the range 200–250 μm were used as dry and loose abrasives. The wear experiments have been conducted at two different loads viz., 22 and 32 N and different abrading distances viz. 270, 540, 810, and 1,080 m. The wear volume increases with an increase in load/abrading distance for all composites. From the experimental wear data it was observed that the abrasive wear of the composites dependent on the applied load and abrading distance. Further, the cenospheres filler inclusion in glass fiber reinforced epoxy (G‐E) composite showed poor abrasive wear performance. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of the worn surface features of composites and to understand the mechanisms involved in the wear analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Establishment of a pharmacoepidemiological database in Germany: methodological potential, scientific value and practical limitations
Authors: Pigeot Iris , Ahrens Wolfgang 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPurposeWe present a new population‐based pharmacoepidemiological (PE) database obtained from statutory health insurances (SHIs) that is able to generate signals, to monitor prescribed drugs and to describe drug utilisation. We discuss methodological features of the database and we assess to which degree this database reflects basic demographic characteristics and hospitalisation rates of the general population.MethodsFiles of three SHIs were linked with drug dispensation data from a pharmacies' electronic data processing centre on an individual basis using the unique subject identification number (ID) at a trusted third party centre. Plausibility checks and descriptive analyses were carried out.ResultsThe database covers 3.6 million SHI‐members, provides drug utilisation data and data on hospitalisations. SHI membership is fairly stable over time. Our data indicate marked differences in socio‐demographic characteristics between SHIs. Hospital admission rates standardised for age vary between 0.164 and 0.229 per person year, which is in good agreement with official statistics (0.20). The age distribution shows good agreement for men and some underrepresentation for women above the age of 60 as compared to the general population.ConclusionsConfounder information on medical conditions, concomitant medications and socio‐demographic variables can be obtained from the database, while the assessment of confounders related to lifestyle requires supplementary data collection. The database allows for a population‐based approach and reflects daily practice including off‐label use of drugs. Independent recording of exposure and outcome data prevents reporting bias on medication or outcome. Legal conditions that allow continuous updating of the database need to be settled. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Luminescence imaging for the detection of shunts on silicon solar cells
Authors: Kasemann M. , Grote D. , Walter B. , Kwapil W. , Trupke T. , Augarten Y. , Bardos R.A. , Pink E. , Abbott M.D. , Warta W. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractLuminescence imaging is a non‐destructive, fast, and versatile imaging method for spatially resolved solar cell and material characterization. In this paper, we investigate its ability to detect shunts on silicon solar cells. We give a detailed description of the relation between local junction voltage and local luminescence signal. This relation is important because shunts drain majority currents causing voltage drops across the surrounding series resistances and that way affect luminescence images. To investigate effects related to majority currents, we describe and apply a simulation model that allows the simulation of lateral voltage distributions on solar cells. This model, and a comparison to illuminated lock‐in thermography, helps to discuss some practical aspects about shunt detection by luminescence imaging. We will discuss a procedure to distinguish between ohmic and diode‐like shunts and finally present simulations and measurements showing that luminescence imaging is only weakly sensitive to shunts under the metallization. However, we also show its high sensitivity for remote shunts and propose a possible application where this high sensitivity could be especially helpful. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.