bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphology development in PS/LLDPE blend during and after elongational deformation
Authors: Starý Zdeněk , Münstedt Helmut 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe morphology development within a PS/LLDPE blend with 5 wt % of LLDPE at various stages of uniaxial deformation and after cessation of the flow was studied. Under given deformation conditions the dispersed LLDPE particles stretch and form highly elongated fibrils in agreement with a modified capillary number model. The morphology development after deformation was investigated for two different modes—relaxation and recovery. It was found that the stress in the sample is the crucial parameter determining the morphology development. During the first part of relaxation the stress in the sample is sufficient to hold the particles in the highly elongated state and, therefore, Rayleigh breakup takes place according to the Tomotika theory. It results in considerably finer phase structure. Contrary to this, in the absence of the stress in the sample, that is, in the recovery mode, the fibrils start to shrink immediately after the deformation and after a certain time the spherical morphology is restored. During elongation and recovery no evidence of coalescence was observed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 16–27, 2008
Proteome analysis of substantia nigra and striatal tissue in the mouse MPTP model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Zhao Xin , Li Quan , Zhao Lei , Pu XiaoPing 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe dopaminergic neurotoxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) replicates many of the pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) in mice via selective destruction of dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra and striatum. Although MPTP has been widely used to study downstream effects following the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, the underlying mechanisms of MPTP action remain poorly understood. To determine the underlying mechanisms of MPTP action at the protein level, a 2‐DE‐based proteomics approach was used to evaluate the changes in protein expression in substantia nigra and striatal tissue in C57BL/6 mice after MPTP administration. We identified nine proteins that were markedly altered and are likely to be involved in mitochondrial function, heat shock protein activity, and which contribute enzyme activities for energy metabolism and protein degradation.
Cancer biomarker discovery via low molecular weight serum proteome profiling – Where is the tumor?
Authors: Davis Michael T. , Auger Paul , Spahr Chris , Patterson Scott D. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractTime‐course analyses of rapidly processed serum performed in parallel by SELDI and nanoscale LC‐MS/MS have revealed the temporal correlation of several literature‐based disease markers with ex vivo driven events such that their in vivo existence in healthy subjects is questionable. Identification by MS/MS reveals these putative biomarkers to be byproducts of the coagulation cascade and platelet activation and suggests plasmatic analysis may be preferred. In a pilot plasmatic study, a cohort of naïve prostate cancer (PCa) samples were uniformly distinguished from their age‐matched controls (n = 20) on the basis of multiple peptidic components; most notably by a derivative of complement C4 at 1863 m/z (GLEEELQFSLGSKINVK, C41353–1369). The fully tryptic nature of this and other putative PCa discriminants is consistent with the cleavage specificity of common blood proteases and questions the need for tumor‐derived proteolytic activities as has been proposed. In light of the known correlation of disregulated hemostasis with malignant disease, we suggest the underlying differentiating phenomena in these types of analyses may lie in the temporal disparity of sample activation such that the case (patient) samples are preactivated while the control samples are not.
Sequence shuffle controls morphological consequences in a self‐assembling tetrapeptide
Authors: Joshi K. B. , Verma Sandeep 
Published: November 2007

AbstractPeptide and protein self‐assembly is a well‐studied phenomenon in chemistry and biology, where nanoscopic building blocks exhibit rapid self‐association to reveal supramolecular aggregates of defined structural features. These superstructures are stabilized by hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding and a host of other noncovalent interactions. Thus, amino acid side chains in the primary structure hold importance in dictating secondary structures and preference for particular conformational signatures in peptide aggregates. This report describes contrasting nanoscale morphologies in antamanide‐derived synthetic tetrapeptide mutants, which are composed by shuffling only two amino acids: phenylalanine and proline. Remarkable differences in ultrastructures in primary sequence‐shuffled tetrapeptides suggest dissimilar aggregational pathways due to context‐dependent location of proline and phenylalanine residues with respect to one another. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro evaluation of leptin fragments activity on the ob receptor
Authors: de Oliveira Vani Xavier , Fázio Marcos Antonio , Santos Edson Lucas , Pesquero João bosco , Miranda Antonio 
Published: November 2007

AbstractIn an attempt to identify regions in the leptin molecule responsible for its bioactivity, we tested six related‐leptin peptide fragments denoted: Ac‐hLEP23–47‐NH2 (I), Ac‐hLEP48–71‐NH2 (II), Ac‐hLEP72–88‐NH2 (III), Ac‐hLEP92–115‐NH2 (IV), Ac‐[Ser117]‐hLEP116–140‐NH2 (V), Ac‐hLEP141–164‐NH2 (VI) and their correspondent disulfide bridged dimer forms. The activity of the fragments was evaluated in comparision to leptin, by their ability to interact with leptin receptor using a cytosensor microphysiometer. Our results indicated that the fragments IV and V and [D‐Leu4]‐OB3 and its human sequence analog were recognized by leptin receptor present in HP‐75 cells, in agreement with the results obtained by other workers, validating that this region of the molecule contain the functional epitope of the leptin molecule. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous detection of two types of soot precursor particles using photoionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Baquet Tania Gonzalez , Grotheer Horst‐Henning , Aigner Manfred 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe soot precursor particles reported in the literature to date may be roughly divided into two classes. Some of their features are very different. Using photoionization mass spectrometry behind premixed atmospheric ethylene/air flames, particle mass distribution functions were measured for these precursor particles. Within a limited C/O range bimodality was found, i.e. two types of particles are formed simultaneously. Through analysis of the photoionization behaviour it was found that the ionization order (IO) is different for these two modes as is the stability of the respective particles. In accordance with earlier measurements, particles with IO = 1 are interpreted as polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) stacks whereas the IO = 2 particles rather seem to be large molecules. This is consistent with the different particle classes mentioned above. Their potential role in soot formation is briefly addressed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using calibration approaches to compensate for remaining matrix effects in quantitative liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometric analysis of phytoestrogens in aqueous environmental samples
Authors: Kang Jinguo , Hick Larry A. , Price William E. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractSignal suppression is a common problem in quantitative liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometric (LC/ESI‐MSn) analysis in environment samples, especially in highly loaded wastewater samples with highly complex matrix. Optimization of sample preparation and improvement of chromatographic separation are prerequisite to improve reproducibility and selectivity. Matrix components are reduced if not eliminated by optimization of sample preparation steps. However, extensive sample preparation may be time‐consuming and risk the significant loss of some trace analytes. The best way to further compensate matrix effects is the use of an internal standard for each analyte. However, in a multi‐component analysis, finding appropriate internal standards for every analyte is often difficult. In this present study, a more practical alternative option was sought. Matrix effects were assessed using the post‐extraction addition method. By comparison of three different calibration approaches, it was found that matrix‐matched calibration combined with one internal standard provides a satisfactory method for compensating for any residual matrix effects on all the analytes. Validating experiments on different sewage treatment plant (STP) influent samples analyzing for a range of phytoestrogens showed that this calibration method provided satisfactory results with concentration ratio 96.1–105.7% compared to those by standard addition. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association‐based parser for speech understanding systems—details of knowledge and performance evaluation
Authors: Hori Masahiro , Ohsumi Makoto , Ozaki Hiroshi , Mizoguchi Riichiro , Kakusho Osamu 
Published: November 2007

AbstractIn language processing aiming at speech understanding, not only knowledge about the syntax and the semantics, but also knowledge about the context and the control play important roles in dissolving the ambiguity due to the uncertainty in the phoneme recognition. This paper discusses the association‐based parser ASP. Discussions are made especially on the details of the employed knowledges and the result of evaluation experiment, which was performed to verify the usefulness of the association mechanism. In ASP, based on the semantic memory, episode memory, syntactic knowledge and control knowledge, the vocabulary associated with a topic in the sentence is processed with priority, and the control of the search in the intelligent backtrack is performed. In the evaluation experiment, the control knowledge to determine the object of processing from the contending partial solutions, as well as the effect of the order of solution candidates in the phrase, are particularly examined. It was verified as the result that ASP exhibits a performance independent of the order of the solution candidates under a pertinent control strategy, and the correct phrase sequence is identified, based largely on the syntactic and semantic informations, even if there does not exist an appropriate topic.
Application of functional ANOVA models for hazard regression to the Hisayama data
Authors: Kawaguchi Atsushi , Yonemoto Koji , Tanizaki Yumihiro , Kiyohara Yutaka , Yanagawa Takashi , Truong Young K. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractA methodology for modeling covariate effects on the time‐to‐event data is developed. The covariates are allowed to be time dependent and their effects are modeled using polynomial splines in order to account for possibly non‐linear effects. The methodology is applied to examine the effects on the incidence brain infarction based on a cohort study in Hisayama, Japan. The results indicate that at least two non‐linear effects are significant (body mass index and systolic blood pressure) and there is a time‐varying drug effect. The resulting significant risk factors are assessed by the proposed method that is more flexible and hence less biased than the traditional procedures where linear effects are imposed. These results are extremely important to the local medical investigation. In particular, more insight has been gained by examining the non‐linear effects. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical Management of Gynecomastia—a 10‐year Analysis
Authors: Handschin A. E. , Bietry D. , Hüsler R. , Banic A. , Constantinescu M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackgroundGynecomastia is defined as the benign enlargement of the male breast. Most studies on surgical treatment of gynecomastia show only small series and lack histopathology results. The aim of this study was to analyze the surgical approach in the treatment of gynecomastia and the related outcome over a 10‐year period.Patients and methodsAll patients undergoing surgical gynecomastia corrections in our department between 1996 and 2006 were included for retrospective evaluation. The data were analyzed for etiology, stage of gynecomastia, surgical technique, complications, risk factors, and histological results.ResultsA total of 100 patients with 160 operations were included. Techniques included subcutaneous mastectomy alone or with additional hand‐assisted liposuction, isolated liposuction, and formal breast reduction. Atypical histological findings were found in 3% of the patients (spindle‐cell hemangioendothelioma, papilloma). The surgical revision rate among all patients was 7%. Body mass index and a weight of the resected specimen higher than 40 g were identified as significant risk factors for complications (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe treatment of gynecomastia requires an individualized approach. Caution must be taken in performing large resections, which are associated with increased complication rates. Histological tissue analysis should be routinely performed in all true gynecomastia corrections, because histological results may reveal atypical cellular pathology.
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome: Current Problems and New Strategies
Authors: Parsak Cem Kaan , Seydaoglu Gulsah , Sakman Gurhan , Acarturk T. Oguz , Karakoc Emre , Hanta Ismail , Alparslan Ali Haydar , Satar Salim 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackgroundAbdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a diffucult entity with two main problems during its course: (1) survival of the patient during the early period and (2) closure of the open wounds during the late period. In this study we evaluated the decision to decompress according to the level of intraabdominal pressure (IAP) and analysis of any recurrent or persistent increase in IAP.MethodsA prospective study was undertaken on 119 patients with increased IAP. The IAP was measured daily by obtaining the bladder pressure. Patients were monitored via a central venous line; and vital signs, arterial blood gases, the Acute Physiology, Age, and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, and abbreviated mental tests were recorded. The suggestions of Meldrum et al. were taken as a guideline during the treatment. The sensitivity and specifity of IAP and APACHE II scores for different cutoff values were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curve.ResultsHospital mortality was 33.6%, which increased with co‐morbidities (p = 0.03). A cutoff value for IAP of 23 mmHg was considered an optimal point predicting mortality. The IAP within the first 3 days for patients who died was higher than the cutoff value. For patients with IAP of 15 to 25 mmHg, nonsurgical therapy increased the rate of mortality (odds ratio 5.2, 95% confidence interval 1.0–27.7; p = 0.03).ConclusionsIn patients with ACS emergency, it is recommended that decompressive laparotomy to be performed even if the IAP falls below 25 mmHg. For patients with IAP levels higher than 25 mmHg, the IAP should be meticolusly brought below the cutoff level during the postoperative period.
Open Onlay Mesh Repair for Major Abdominal Wall Hernias with Selective Use of Components Separation and Fibrin Sealant
Authors: Kingsnorth Andrew N. , Shahid M. Kamran , Valliattu Aby J. , Hadden Robert A. , Porter Christine S. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of the study was to reassess the efficacy of the open onlay technique for repair of major incisional hernias, utilizing the modern adjuncts of components separation and fibrin sealant to reduce the principal complications of seroma and recurrence. Major incisional hernias were defined as >10 cm transverse diameter.MethodsA prospective audit was applied to 116 patients undergoing open onlay incisional hernia repair during a 2‐year period at a single institution. Information was collected concerning operative details, postoperative complications, and recurrence. Clinical review at a median 15.2 months postoperatively was followed by a telephoned structured questionnaire to assess quality of life. All patients with pain or suspected recurrence were recalled for examination.ResultsFascial closure required components separation in 21 (18.1%) patients when tension‐free fascia reconstruction was not possible, and fibrin sealant was applied in 22 (18.9%) in whom extensive skin flaps were dissected beyond the semilunar line. Postoperatively, there were 11 (9.5%) seromas and 2 (1.7%) deep wound infections. At 15.2 months’ follow‐up there were 4 (3.4%) recurrences.ConclusionsOpen onlay mesh repair for major incisional hernias is a versatile operation applicable to all quadrants of the abdominal wall and gives excellent results when used in association with components separation and fibrin sealant.
Mutation spectrum of glycogen storage disease type Ia in Tunisia: Implication for molecular diagnosis
Authors: Barkaoui E. , Cherif W. , Tebib N. , Charfeddine C. , Ben Rhouma F. , Azzouz H. , Ben Chehida A. , Monastiri K. , Chemli J. , Amri F. , Ben Turkia H. , Abdelmoula M. S. , Kaabachi N. , Abdelhak S. , Ben Dridi M. F. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryGlycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia; OMIM 232200) is an autosomal recessive disorder of glycogen metabolism caused by a deficiency of the microsomal glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase). It is characterized by short stature, hepatomegaly, hypoglycaemia, hyperuricaemia, and lactic acidaemia. Various mutations have been reported in the G6Pase gene (G6PC). In order to determine the mutation spectrum in Tunisia, we performed mutation analysis in 22 Tunisian type I glycogen storage disease (GSD I) patients belonging to 18 unrelated families. All patients were clinically classified as GSD Ia. The R83C mutation was found to be the major cause of GSD Ia, accounting for 24 of 36 mutant alleles (66.6%), The R170Q mutation was the second most frequent mutation; it accounts for 10 of 36 mutant alleles (27.7%). The R83C and R170Q mutations could be rapidly detected by PCR/RFLP. Since the majority of Tunisian patients carried R83C and/or R170Q mutations, we propose direct screening of these mutations as a rapid, valuable and noninvasive tool for diagnosis of GSD Ia in Tunisian as well as in Northern African populations.
High-protein diets containing different milk protein fractions differently influence energy intake and adiposity in the rat
Authors: Pichon Lisa , Potier Mylene , Tome Daniel , Mikogami Takashi , Laplaize Benoit , Martin-Rouas Christine , Fromentin Gilles 
Published: November 2007

This study was designed to determine whether (1) protein type and (2) the dietary carbohydrate to lipid content affected daily energy intake, body weight and adiposity in rats receiving high-protein diets ad libitum over a 25 d period. Each of the ten groups (n 8) consumed ad libitum one of the diets described below. A normal protein diet (P14C56L30, containing whole milk protein) and nine high-protein diets were used. The composition of the high-protein diets varied in terms of two parameters: macronutrient composition and protein type. Three macronutrient compositions (P55C35L10, P55C15L30 and P55L45) combined with three protein types (Milk, Whey and βLac) allowed us to test nine diets. The results show that both protein type (βLac > Whey > Milk) and the carbohydrate to lipid ratio (P55L45>P55C35L10 or P55C15L30) modulated reductions in energy intake, body weight and adiposity in rats receiving high-protein diets ad libitum, when compared with rats fed a normal diet under the same conditions. By contrast, blood lipid profiles were mainly influenced by the carbohydrate to lipid ratio (P55C15L30>P55L45 or P55C35L10). Moreover, βLac protein was also the most efficient in tending to preserve lean body mass at the expense of fat mass, and improve blood metabolism hormones (insulin, leptin). Taken together, the present results show that whey-derived protein sources, and particularly β-lactoglobulin-enriched fraction, are of considerable value because of their ability to reduce both body weight gain and the adiposity index.
Effect of incremental levels of sunflower-seed oil in the diet on ruminal lipid metabolism in lactating cows
Authors: Shingfield K. J. , Ahvenjärvi S. , Toivonen V. , Vanhatalo A. , Huhtanen P. , Griinari J. M. 
Published: November 2007

Based on the potential benefits ofcis-9,trans-11-conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) for human health there is interest in developing sustainable nutritional strategies for enhancing the concentration of this fatty acid in ruminant-derived foods. Most evidence to date suggests that endogenous synthesis is the major source ofcis-9,trans-11 in milk fat and ruminal outflow is limited and largely independent of dietary 18 : 2n-6 supply. Four lactating cows fitted with a rumen cannula were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square with 14 d experimental periods to examine the effects of sunflower-seed oil (SFO) as a source of 18 : 2n-6 on ruminal lipid metabolism. Cows were offered grass silage-based diets supplemented with 0, 250, 500 or 750 g SFO/d. Supplements of SFO had no effect on DM intake, milk fat or protein secretion, but increased linearly (P < 0·01) milk yield and milk lactose output and shifted (P < 0·001) rumen fermentation towards propionate at the expense of acetate. SFO supplements increased linearly (P < 0·05) the flow of 18 : 0, 18 : 1, 18 : 2n-6 and total CLA at the omasum and enhanced ruminalcis-9-18 : 1, 18 : 2n-6 and 18 : 3n-3 metabolism. Flows of all-trans- (Δ4–16) andcis- (Δ9–16) 18 : 1 isomers were elevated, while increases in ruminal CLA outflow were confined totrans-8,trans-10 and geometric 9,11 and 10,12 isomers. It is concluded that supplementing grass silage-based diets with plant oils rich in 18 : 2n-6 enhances ruminal outflow oftrans-11-18 : 1 andcis-9,trans-11-CLA in lactating cows.
Determinants of the parasite community of clariid fishes from Lake Victoria, Tanzania
Authors: Mwita Chacha , Nkwengulila Gamba 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe factors that determine parasite assemblages among the clariid fishes of Lake Victoria, Tanzania were studied between August 2003 and February 2005. Six hundred and fifty-six fish belonging to seven species were necropsied and examined for parasites, from which 31 species of metazoan parasites were recorded. The community was dominated by the nematodes both in species and numbers. Most species were generalists with only two trematodes, Diplostomum mashonense and Tylodelphys species, being specialists of Clarias gariepinus. Ten species were considered core and predictable. Parasite species richness, number of individuals per host and Shannon–Wiener diversity indices were generally high. At the compound community level, a mean number of 7.8 parasites were shared among different species of fish and the maximum number of parasites species per fish at the infracommunity level was seven. Levels of similarity in parasite species richness at the component community level ranged from 29.6 to 61.5%. The study concludes that parasite communities in clariid fishes of Lake Victoria are structured by ecological factors. At the infracommunity level, host size, diet and vagility promoted a richer parasite community. At the compound level, two factors were crucial, namely the intermixing of the waters in the lake and the predominant and mobile C. gariepinus.