bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and rheological properties of epoxidized soybean oil plasticized poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Xu Yu‐Qiong , Qu Jin‐Ping 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPoly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a well known biodegradable thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties that is a product from renewable resources. However, the brittleness of PLA limits its general applications. Using epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as a novel plasticizer of poly(lactic acid), the composite blend with the twin‐screw plastic extruder at five concentrations, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 wt %, respectively. Compared with pure PLA, all sets of blends show certain improvement of toughness to different extents. The concentration with 9 wt % ESO increases the elongation at break about 63%. The melt flow rates of these blends with respect to different ESO ratio have been examined using a melt flow indexer. Rheological behaviors about shear viscosity and melt strength analysis are discussed based on capillary rheology measurements. The tensile strength and melt strength of the blends with 6 wt % ESO simultaneity reach the maximums; whereas the elongation at break of the blends is the second highest level. ESO exhibits positive effect on both the elongation at break and melt strength. The results indicate that the blend obtained better rheological performance and melt strength. The content of 6 wt % ESO in PLA has been considered as a better balance of performance. The results have also demonstrated that there is a certain correlation between the performance in mechanical properties and melt rheological characterization for the PLA/ESO blends.© 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Conductivity and mechanical properties of composites based on MWCNTs and styrene‐butadiene‐styrene block™ copolymers
Authors: Pedroni Lucas G. , Soto‐Oviedo Mauro A. , Rosolen J. Maurício , Felisberti Maria I. , Nogueira Ana F. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractComposites based on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and the block copolymer styrene‐butadiene‐styrene with two different contents of styrene have been investigated and their electrical conductivity and mechanical properties have been evaluated. The composites were prepared by a solution casting procedure, using a dispersant agent for the MWCNTs. Conductivity values of 10−4 and 1.6 S cm−1 have been obtained for samples containing 1 and 12 wt % of MWCNTs, respectively. The percolation threshold achieved for these systems was ∼0.25 wt %. According to dynamic mechanical analysis, the MWCNTs interact with both phases of the copolymers, acting as a reinforcement filler, whereas the dispersant agent acts as a plasticizer. However, it was shown that the reinforcing effect of the MWCNTs overcomes the latter, resulting in an overall improvement of mechanical properties of the composites. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Quantitative Measurement of Blood Flow Dynamics in Embryonic Vasculature Using Spectral Doppler Velocimetry
Authors: Davis Anjul , Izatt Joseph , Rothenberg Florence 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe biophysical effects of blood flow are known to influence the structure and function of adult cardiovascular systems. Similar effects on the maturation of the cardiovascular system have been difficult to directly and non‐invasively measure due to the small size of the embryo. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been shown to provide high spatial and temporal structural imaging of the early embryonic chicken heart. We have developed an extension of Doppler OCT, called spectral Doppler velocimetry (SDV), that will enable direct, non‐invasive quantification of blood flow and shear rate from the early embryonic cardiovascular system. Using this technique, we calculated volumetric flow rate and shear rate from chicken embryo vitelline vessels. We present blood flow dynamics and spatial velocity profiles from three different vessels in the embryo as well as measurements from the outflow tract of the embryonic heart tube. This technology can potentially provide spatial mapping of blood flowand shear rate in embryonic cardiovascular structures, producing quantitative measurements that can be correlated with gene expression and normal and abnormal morphology. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Membrane Associated mCherry Fluorescent Reporter Line for Studying Vascular Remodeling and Cardiac Function During Murine Embryonic Development
Authors: Larina Irina V. , Shen Wei , Kelly Olivia G. , Hadjantonakis Anna‐Katerina , Baron Margaret H. , Dickinson Mary E. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe development of the cardiovascular system is a highly dynamic process dependent on multiple signaling pathways regulating proliferation, differentiation, migration, cell–cell and cell‐matrix interactions. To characterize cell and tissue dynamics during the formation of the cardiovascular system in mice, we generated a novel transgenic mouse line, Tg(Flk1::myr‐mCherry), in which endothelial cell membranes are brightly labeled with mCherry, a red fluorescent protein. Tg(Flk1::myr‐mCherry) mice are viable, fertile, and do not exhibit any developmental abnormalities. High levels of mCherry are expressed in the embryonic endothelium and endocardium, and expression is also observed in capillaries in adult animals. Targeting of the fluorescent protein to the cell membrane allows for subcellular imaging and cell tracking. By acquiring confocal time lapses of live embryos cultured on the microscope stage, we demonstrate that the newly generated transgenic model beautifully highlights the sprouting behaviors of endothelial cells during vascular plexus formation. We have also used embryos from this line to imaging the endocardium in the beating embryonic mouse heart, showing that Tg(Flk1::myr‐mCherry) mice are suitable for the characterization of cardio dynamics. Furthermore, when combined with the previously described Tg(Flk1::H2B‐EYFP) line, cell number in addition to cell architecture is revealed, making it possible to determine how individual endothelial cells contribute to the structure of the vessel. Anat Rec, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D Cryo‐Imaging: A Very High‐Resolution View of the Whole Mouse
Authors: Roy Debashish , Steyer Grant J. , Gargesha Madhusudhana , Stone Meredith E. , Wilson David L. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe developed the Case Cryo‐imaging system that provides information rich, very high‐resolution, color brightfield, and molecular fluorescence images of a whole mouse using a section‐and‐image block‐face imaging technology. The system consists of a mouse‐sized, motorized cryo‐microtome with special features for imaging, a modified, brightfield/fluorescence microscope, and a robotic xyz imaging system positioner, all of which is fully automated by a control system. Using the robotic system, we acquired microscopic tiled images at a pixel size of 15.6 μm over the block face of a whole mouse sectioned at 40 μm, with a total data volume of 55 GB. Viewing 2D images at multiple resolutions, we identified small structures such as cardiac vessels, muscle layers, villi of the small intestine, the optic nerve, and layers of the eye. Cryo‐imaging was also suitable for imaging embryo mutants in 3D. A mouse, in which enhanced green fluorescent protein was expressed under gamma actin promoter in smooth muscle cells, gave clear 3D views of smooth muscle in the urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts. With cryo‐imaging, we could obtain 3D vasculature down to 10 μm, over very large regions of mouse brain. Software is fully automated with fully programmable imaging/sectioning protocols, email notifications, and automatic volume visualization. With a unique combination of field‐of‐view, depth of field, contrast, and resolution, the Case Cryo‐imaging system fills the gap between whole animal in vivo imaging and histology. histology. Anat Rec, 292:342–351, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of a Tendon Phenotype in GDF6 Deficient Mice
Authors: Mikic Borjana , Rossmeier Kerri , Bierwert Louann 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests that the growth/differentiation factors, GDFs 5, 6, and 7 in particular, may play a role in tendon and ligament biology. Mice with genetic mutations in Gdf5 have altered tendon composition and mechanical behavior, whereas animals with functional null mutations in Gdf7 have a more subtle tendon phenotype. The present study demonstrates for the first time that a null mutation in Gdf6 is associated with substantially lower levels of tail tendon collagen content (−33%) in 4‐week‐old male mice, which has direct functional consequences for the mechanical integrity of the tissue (45–50% reduction in material properties). These data support a role for GDF6 in tendon matrix modeling. Anat Rec, 292:396–400, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acetylcholinesterase Activity, Choline Acetyltransferase and Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter Immunoreactivities in the Rat Adrenal Gland During Postnatal Development
Authors: Murabayashi Hiroshi , Kuramoto Hirofumi , Ishikawa Katsushi , Iwamoto Jun , Miyakawa Kiyoshi , Tanaka Kunio , Sekikawa Mitsuo , Sasaki Motoki , Kitamura Nobuo , Oomori Yukio 
Published: February 2009

AbstractFrom postnatl‐day‐0 to postnatal‐day‐2, a few acetylcholinesterase (AChE)‐active and choline acetytransferase (ChAT)‐immunoreactive nerve fibers and relatively numerous vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT)‐immunoreactive puncta were observed in the rat adrenal medulla. Despite relatively numerous clear vesicles in the nerve fibers, the synthesis and hydrolysis of acetylcholine may not be fully activated until postnatal‐day‐2. The number of AChE‐active and ChAT‐immunoreactive nerve fibers dramatically increased and that of VAChT‐immunoreactive puncta gradually increased from postnatal‐day‐3 to postnatal‐week‐1. The synthesis and hydrolysis of acetylcholine may be dramatically activated in the nerve fibers of the medulla until postnatal‐week‐1. From postnatal‐week‐2 to postnatal‐week‐3, the number of AChE‐active and the ChAT‐immunoreactive nerve fibers gradually increased and reached the adult levels. The VAChT‐immunoreactive puncta per unit area was maximum number at postnatal‐week‐2. The synthesis and hydrolysis of acetylcholine in the nerve fibers of the medulla may be completed between postnatal‐week‐2 to postnatal‐week‐3. The diameter of the VAChT‐immunoreactive puncta gradually increased from postnatal‐day‐0 with aging. However, the number of the VAChT‐immunoreactive puncta gradually decreased from postnatal‐week‐2 onwards. In electron‐microscopy, the VAChT‐immunoreactive deposits were seen in clusters of clear vesicles, and the diameter of the nerve fibers and the number of clear vesicles at postnatal‐week‐8 increased compared with those at postnatal‐week‐2. The AChE‐active, ChAT‐immunoreactive, and VAChT‐immunoreactive nerve fibers observed around noradrenaline (NA) cells were denser than those around adrenaline (A) cells in the medulla at postnatal‐week‐8. These suggest that the preferential innervation of NA and A cells may cause the differential secretion NA and A. Anat Rec, 292:371–380, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
μ‐Opioid Receptor Redistribution in the Locus Coeruleus Upon Precipitation of Withdrawal in Opiate‐Dependent Rats
Authors: Scavone Jillian L. , Van Bockstaele Elisabeth J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAdministration of μ‐opioid receptor (MOR) agonists is known to produce adaptive changes within noradrenergic neurons of the rat locus coeruleus (LC). Alterations in the subcellular distribution of MOR have been shown to occur in the LC in response to full agonists and endogenous peptides; however, there is considerable debate in the literature whether trafficking of MOR occurs after chronic exposure to the partial‐agonist morphine. In the present study, we examined adaptations in MOR after chronic opioid exposure using immunofluorescence and electron microscopy (EM), using receptor internalization as a functional endpoint. MOR trafficking in LC neurons was characterized in morphine‐dependent rats that were given naltrexone at a dose known to precipitate withdrawal. After chronic morphine exposure, a subtle redistribution of MOR immunoreactivity from the membrane to the cytosol was detected within dendrites of LC neurons. Interestingly, an acute injection of naltrexone in rats exposed to chronic morphine produced a robust internalization of MOR, whereas administration of naltrexone failed to do so in naïve animals. These findings provide anatomical evidence for modified regulation of MOR trafficking after chronic morphine treatment in brain noradrenergic neurons. Adaptations in the MOR signaling pathways that regulate internalization may occur as a consequence of chronic treatment and precipitation of withdrawal. Mechanisms underlying this effect might include differential MOR regulation in the LC, or downstream effects of withdrawal‐induced enkephalin (ENK) release from afferents to the LC. Anat Rec, 292:401–411, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protective Effect of Total Flavones of Abelmoschus manihot L. Medic Against Poststroke Depression Injury in Mice and Its Action Mechanism
Authors: Liu Mei , Jiang Qiu‐Hong , Hao Ji‐Li , Zhou Lan‐Lan 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTotal flavones of Abelmoschus manihot L. Medic (TFA) is the major active component isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Abelmoschus manihot L. Medic. We investigated the protective effect of TFA against poststroke depression (PSD) injury in mice and its action mechanism. A mouse model of PSD was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MACO) 30 min/reperfusion, followed by isolation feeding and chronic unpredictable mild stress for 2 weeks. Treatment groups received TFA at three different doses (160, 80, and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) or fluoxetine (Flu, 2.5 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 24 days. Change in behavior, brain tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) were measured. The expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was detected by immunohistochemistry, and mRNA expression of BDNF and cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) analyzed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Treatment with TFA (160, 80, and 40 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated mice escape‐directed behavioral impairment induced by PSD, markedly reduced MDA levels, and increased the activity of SOD, GSH‐Px close to normal levels. TFA administration also attenuated PSD‐induced neuronal death/losses, upregulated expression of BDNF both at mRNA and protein levels, as well as CREB mRNA levels. TFA had a protective effect against PSD injury in mice. Cardioprotection involves the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and upregulation of BDNF‐CREB levels in the hippocampus, which may also be important mechanism of its antidepressants. This potential protection makes TFA a promising therapeutic agent for the PSD. Anat Rec, 292:412–422, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Promising Diagnostic Biomarkers for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Identified With Magnetic Beads and MALDI‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Li Yong‐Zhe , Hu Chao‐Jun , Leng Xiao‐Mei , Zhao Guan‐Fei , Li Ning , Xu Yang 
Published: February 2009

Abstract(PBC) is not a rare disease worldwide. Most patients are diagnosed at the advanced stage, primarily because there are not yet any valid biomarkers available for early diagnosis. Useful biomarkers are absolutely necessary for early detection of PBC. Fortunately, the use of MALDI‐TOF‐MS and pattern recognition software has been successful in finding specific markers for the early detection of the disease. To screen for potential protein biomarkers in the serum for diagnosing PBC, MALDI‐TOF‐MS combined with magnetic beads and pattern recognition software was used to investigate 119 serum samples from 44 patients with PBC, 32 controls with other hepatic disease, and 43 healthy controls. A total of 69 discriminant m/z peaks were identified as being associated with PBC. Of them, the m/z peaks at 3445, 4260, 8133, and 16,290 were used to construct a model for the diagnosis of PBC. This diagnostic model can distinguish PBC from non‐PBC controls with a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 95.1%. In our blind test, it demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity: 92.9% and 82.4%, respectively. These results indicate that useful serum biomarkers for PBC can be discovered by MALDI‐TOF‐MS combined with the use of magnetic beads and pattern recognition software. The pattern of multiple markers provides a powerful and reliable diagnostic method for PBC with high sensitivity and specificity. Anat Rec, 292:455–460, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intraarticular injection of anakinra in osteoarthritis of the knee: A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Chevalier X. , Goupille P. , Beaulieu A. D. , Burch F. X. , Bensen W. G. , Conrozier T. , Loeuille D. , Kivitz A. J. , Silver D. , Appleton B. E. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical response, safety, and tolerability of a single intraarticular injection of anakinra in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.MethodsPatients with OA of the knee were enrolled in a multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study and randomized 2:1:2 to receive a single intraarticular injection of placebo, anakinra 50 mg, or anakinra 150 mg in their symptomatic knee. Patients were evaluated for 12 weeks postinjection. The primary end point was the change in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score from baseline to week 4. Safety assessments included the evaluation of adverse events (AEs), laboratory tests, and vital signs. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed in a subset of patients.ResultsOf 170 patients who enrolled, 160 (94%) completed the study. The mean improvements from baseline to week 4 in the WOMAC score were not statistically different between the placebo group and the patients who received 50 mg of anakinra (P = 0.67) or 150 mg of anakinra (P = 0.77). Anakinra was well tolerated. No withdrawals due to AEs or serious AEs, and no serious infections or deaths were reported. No clinically significant trends were noted in laboratory values or vital signs. Pharmacokinetic parameters demonstrated that the mean terminal half‐life of anakinra in serum after intraarticular injection was ∼4 hours.ConclusionAnakinra was well tolerated as a single 50‐mg or 150‐mg intraarticular injection in patients with OA of the knee. However, anakinra was not associated with improvements in OA symptoms compared with placebo.
Cost‐utility analysis of treatment strategies in patients with recent‐onset rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Van den Hout Wilbert B. , Goekoop‐Ruiterman Yvonne P. M. , Allaart Cornelia F. , De Vries‐Bouwstra Jeska K. , M. Hazes J. Mieke , Kerstens Pit J. S. M. , Van Zeben Derkjen , Hulsmans Harry M. J. , De Jonge‐Bok Johanna M. , De Sonnaville Peter B. J. , Dijkmans Ben A. C. , Breedveld Ferdinand C. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate societal costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) of treatment strategies for patients with recent‐onset active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsPatients (n = 508) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatment strategy groups: sequential monotherapy, step‐up combination therapy, initial combination therapy with prednisone, or initial combination therapy with infliximab. For 2 years, patients reported cost and utility measures.ResultsAverage QALYs (ideally 2.00) for groups 1–4 were 1.29, 1.31, 1.32, and 1.41, respectively, for the British EuroQol (P ≤ 0.05 for group 4 versus groups 1–3); 1.41, 1.43, 1.44, and 1.52, respectively, for the Dutch EuroQol (P ≤ 0.05 for group 4 versus groups 1–3); and 1.38, 1.38, 1.39, and 1.44, respectively, for the Short Form 6D (P ≤ 0.05 for group 4 versus groups 1–3). The Time Trade‐Off showed no significant differences. In the primary analysis, using the friction cost method to value productivity, the cost‐utility ratio for group 4 against the next best alternative was estimated at €130,000 (95% confidence interval €27,000, €3,000,000) per QALY. Using the human capital method, the value of sustained productivity in group 4 largely compensated for the extra medication costs.ConclusionInitial combination therapy with infliximab for patients with recent‐onset active RA resulted in significantly better quality of life than other strategies. Using the friction cost method, costs to achieve this improvement are generally considered too high, and initial combination therapy with prednisone should be preferred. However, depending on the extent to which productivity is valued, infliximab costs could be largely compensated for by savings on productivity. Since patterns of infliximab use had not yet stabilized after 2 years, longer followup may change the economic conclusions.
Neglected external validity in reports of randomized trials: The example of hip and knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Ahmad Nizar , Boutron Isabelle , Moher David , Pitrou Isabelle , Roy Carine , Ravaud Philippe 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate data reporting related to external validity from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsAll RCTs assessing pharmacologic treatments and nonpharmacologic treatments for hip and knee OA indexed between January 2002 and December 2006 were selected. A sample of 120 articles were randomly selected: 30 each assessing pharmacologic treatments, surgery or technical interventions, rehabilitation, and nonimplantable devices.ResultsThe country was clearly reported in 25 (21%) reports, the setting described in 40 (33%) reports, and the number of centers in 54 (45%). Details about the centers (volume of care) were given in 24 (20%) reports. Rates were lower for surgical trials for the country (3%), the setting (3%), the number of centers (13%), and details about the centers (7%). The intervention was adequately described in all pharmacologic reports and in >80% of rehabilitation reports. The technical procedure was given in all surgical intervention trial reports, but the type of anesthesia was reported in 4 (13%), preoperative care in 2 (7%), and postoperative care in 15 (50%). The device was described in 93% of device trial reports, but the manufacturer was reported in only 33%.ConclusionThere is low reporting of data related to external validity in reports of RCTs assessing pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for hip and knee OA.