bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of wettability and silicone surface modification on the self‐cleaning functionalization of wool
Authors: Tung Wing Sze , Daoud Walid A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractSelf‐cleaning wool has been realized by treatment with a colloidal sol of anatase nanocrystals. However, the mechanical properties of wool have been significantly deteriorated following the self‐cleaning functionalization treatment. To minimize the undesirable side‐effects induced by the nanocoating, a silicone surface modification post‐treatment has been introduced. The change in mechanical properties of TiO2‐coated wool after modification with silicone was examined, and the effect of this process on the photocatalytic activity and its stability was assessed by a degradation test of food stains. Moreover, the wettability of wool has been modified using different nonionic wetting agents, in an attempt to shorten the wetting time during dip‐coating and the absorption rate was compared. The effect of wetting agents on the functionalization process and the photocatalytic activity was examined. The synchronized effect of wettability and silicone surface modification on the self‐cleaning functionalization of wool was also studied. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Effect of organic peroxides on the morphology and properties of EVA/Cloisite 15A nanocomposites
Authors: Mishra S. B. , Luyt A. S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis article describes the effect of the presence of organic peroxides on the morphology and properties of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/Cloisite 15A nanocomposites. The results show that the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) or dibenzoyl peroxide (DBP) during the preparation of EVA/Cloisite 15A clay nanocomposites gives rise to intercalated, exfoliated, or mixed morphologies, which are not normally observed for samples prepared in the absence of organic peroxides. In the absence of clay, both DCP and DBP initiate de‐acetylation and chain scission of EVA chains, but the influence of DBP is more pronounced. The presence of clay inhibits the initiation of EVA degradation by DCP free radicals, which can be observed in the higher tensile strength values for DCP treated samples, as well as in the de‐acetylation step in the TGA curves. DBP has a more significant influence on the polymer degradation, and this gives rise to reduced thermal stability and mechanical properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Improving blood compatibility of natural rubber by UV‐induced graft polymerization of hydrophilic monomers
Authors: Hoven Voravee P. , Chombanpaew Kamolmart , Iwasaki Yasuhiko , Tasakorn Pianpak 
Published: December 2008

AbstractNatural rubber (NR) latex films surface‐grafted with hydrophilic monomers, poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA), N‐vinylpyrrolidone (VPy), and 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), were prepared by UV‐induced graft polymerization using benzophenone as a photosensitizer. The grafting yield increases of vulcanized NR latex films as a function of time and monomer concentration were of lesser magnitude than those of the unvulcanized NR latex films. This can be explained as a result of the crosslinked network generated during vulcanization acting as a barrier to the permeation of the photosensitizer and the monomer. The appearance of a characteristic carbonyl stretching in the attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) spectra of NR latex films after the surface grafting of PEGMA and MPC indicates that the modification has proceeded at least to the sampling depth of ATR‐FTIR (∼ 1–2 μm). According to the water contact angle of the modified NR latex films, the surface grafting density became higher as the grafting time and monomer concentration increased. The complete absence of plasma protein adsorption and platelet adhesion on the surface‐modified NR latex films having grafting yield above 1 wt % is a strong indication of improved blood compatibility. Results from tensile tests suggest that graft polymerization does not cause adverse effects on the mechanical properties of vulcanized NR latex films. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Comparison of the thermal degradation of natural, alkali‐treated and silane‐treated hemp fibers under air and an inert atmosphere
Authors: Rachini Ali , Le Troedec Marianne , Peyratout Claire , Smith Agnès 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTo estimate the contribution of all major components to the thermal properties of natural hemp fiber bundles, the thermal decomposition of hemp fibers following several chemical treatments was studied by the differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TGA). Contrary to what was observed with measurements conducted under air, the thermal degradation of all major hemp fiber components (pectins, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin principally) could be easily detected and deconvoluted under inert atmosphere. The intensity of the TGA peaks observed at 235°C (characteristics of pectin) and at 265°C (characteristics of hemicellulose) decreased after all fiber chemical treatments. This resulted in an overall increase of the cellulose percentage. Based on the onset temperature of DTA, it was found that the thermal stability decreased in the following order: NaOH‐treated fibers, silane‐treated fibers, solvent extracted fibers (water/ethanol mixture, 20/80 v/v), and untreated hemp fibers. Moreover, the difference of the mass loss (%) between TGA under argon of silane‐treated fibers and untreated fibers showed that some silane molecules were chemically attached to hemp fiber bundles. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Crystallization, mechanical, and rheological behavior of polyvinylidene fluoride/carbon nanofiber composites
Authors: Vidhate Shailesh , Shaito Ali , Chung Jaycee , D'Souza Nandika Anne 
Published: December 2008

AbstractComposites of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with different nanofiber contents were prepared by melt‐blending using a twin‐screw extruder by directly mixing CNFs with PVDF in the molten state. Fibers were extruded from the blended pellets. CNFs improved the nucleation efficiency of PVDF but the percent crystallinity decreased with increasing CNF concentration. X‐ray diffraction results showed a change in the α phase, but the transition to the β phase did not occur. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicated an improvement in storage modulus and reduced damping factor with increasing CNF concentration. A complementary improvement in mechanical properties was determined from tensile test results. Rheological measurements indicated increased storage modulus, loss modulus, and viscosity values with an increased percentage of CNFs in the PVDF. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Combinatorial Mutasynthesis of Scrambled Beauvericins, Cyclooligomer Depsipeptide Cell Migration Inhibitors from Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Xu Yuquan , Wijeratne E. M. Kithsiri , Espinosa‐Artiles Patricia , Gunatilaka A. A. Leslie , Molnár István 
Published: December 2008

AbstractFungal cyclooligomer depsipeptides such as beauvericin, bassianolide, and enniatins display antibiotic, antifungal, insecticidal, broad‐spectrum cancer cell antiproliferative, and cell migration inhibitory activities. We have identified a gene encoding a novel enzyme, ketoisovalerate reductase (KIVR), which is the sole provider of D‐hydroxyisovalerate (D‐Hiv), a common precursor for cyclooligomer depsipeptide biosynthesis in Beauveria bassiana. KIVR and related hypothetical oxidoreductases encoded in fungal genomes are similar to ketopantoate reductases but not to D‐hydroxycarboxylate dehydrogenases. We demonstrate that a KIVR knockout B. bassiana strain can be used for the efficient mutasynthesis of unnatural beauvericin congeners. Simultaneous feeding of precursor analogues enabled the combinatorial mutasynthesis of scrambled beauvericins, some assembled entirely from unnatural precursors. The effects of the introduced structural changes on the antiproliferative and cell migration inhibitory activities of these analogues were evaluated.
Structural and Magnetic Insights into the Trinuclear Ferrocenophane and Unexpected Hydrido Inverse Crown Products of Alkali‐Metal‐Mediated Manganation(II) of Ferrocene
Authors: Blair Victoria L. , Carrella Luca M. , Clegg William , Klett Jan , Mulvey Robert E. , Rentschler Eva , Russo Luca 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWith the aim of introducing the diisopropylamide [NiPr2]− ligand to alkali‐metal‐mediated manganation (AMMMn) chemistry, the temperature‐dependent reactions of a 1:1:3 mixture of butylsodium, bis(trimethylsilylmethyl)manganese(II), and diisopropylamine with ferrocene in hexane/toluene have been investigated. Performed at reflux temperature, the reaction affords the surprising, ferrocene‐free, hydrido product [Na2Mn2 (μ‐H)2{N(iPr)2}4]⋅2 toluene (1), the first Mn hydrido inverse crown complex. Repeating the reaction rationally, excluding ferrocene, produces 1 in an isolated crystalline yield of 62 %. At lower temperatures, the same bimetallic amide mixture leads to the manganation of ferrocene to generate the first trimanganese, trinuclear ferrocenophane, [{Fe(C5H4)2}3{Mn3Na2(NiPr2)2 (HNiPr2)2}] (2) in an isolated crystalline yield of 81 %. Both 1 and 2 have been characterised by X‐ray crystallographic studies. The magnetic properties of paramagnetic 1 and 2 have also been examined by variable‐temperature magnetisation measurements on powdered samples. For 1, the room‐temperature value for χT is 3.45 cm3 K mol−1, and on lowering the temperature a strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the two Mn ions is observed. For 2, the room‐temperature value for χT is 4.06 cm3 K mol−1, which is significantly lower than the expected value for three isolated paramagnetic MnII ions.
Functionally Rigid and Degenerate Molecular Shuttles
Authors: Yoon Il , Benítez Diego , Zhao Yan‐Li , Miljanić Ognjen Š. , Kim Soo‐Young , Tkatchouk Ekaterina , Leung Ken C.‐F. , Khan Saeed I. , Goddard William A. , Stoddart J. Fraser 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe preparation and dynamic behavior of two functionally rigid and degenerate [2]rotaxanes (1⋅4 PF6 and 2⋅4 PF6) in which a π‐electron deficient tetracationic cyclophane, cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) (CBPQT4+) ring, shuttles back and forth between two π‐electron‐rich naphthalene (NP) stations by making the passage along an ethynyl‐phenylene‐(PH)‐ethynyl or butadiyne rod, are described. The [2]rotaxanes were synthesized by using the clipping approach to template‐directed synthesis, and were characterized by NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analyses. 1H NMR spectra of both [2]rotaxanes show evidence for the formation of mechanically interlocked structures, resulting in the upfield shifts of the resonances for key protons on the dumbbell‐shaped components. In particular, the signals for the peri protons on the NP units in the dumbbell‐shaped components experienced significant upfield shifts at low temperatures, just as has been observed in the flexible [2]rotaxanes. Interestingly, the resonances for the same protons did not exhibit a significant upfield shift at 298 K, but rather only a modest shift. This phenomenon arises from the much reduced binding of the ethynyl‐NP unit compared to the 1,5‐dioxy‐NP unit. This effect, in turn, increases the shuttling rate when compared to the 1,5‐dioxy‐NP‐based rotaxane systems investigated previously. The kinetic and thermodynamic data of the shuttling behavior of the CBPQT4+ ring between the NP units were obtained by variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy and using the coalescence method to calculate the free energies of activation (ΔGc≠) of 9.6 and 10.3 kcal mol−1 for 1⋅4 PF6 and 2⋅4 PF6, respectively, probed by using the rotaxane's α‐bipyridinium protons. The solid‐state structure of the free dumbbell‐shaped compound (3) shows the fully rigid ethynyl‐PH‐ethynyl linker with a length (8.1 Å) twice as long as that (3.8 Å) of the butadiyne linker. Full‐atomistic simulations were carried out with the DREIDING force field (FF) to probe the degenerate molecular shuttling processes, and afforded shuttling energy barriers (ΔG≠=10.4 kcal mol−1 for 1⋅4 PF6 and 2⋅4 PF6) that are in good agreement with the experimental values (ΔGc≠=9.6 and 10.3 kcal mol−1 for 1⋅4 PF6 and 2⋅4 PF6, respectively, probed by using their α‐bipyridinium protons).
Tamoxifen modulates apoptosis in multiple modes of action in CreER mice
Authors: Takebayashi Hirohide , Usui Noriyoshi , Ono Katsuhiko , Ikenaka Kazuhiro 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTamoxifen‐inducible Cre (CreER) has become a powerful tool for in vivo manipulation of the genome. Here, we investigated opposing effects of tamoxifen on apoptosis during embryogenesis using Olig2–CreER knock‐in mice, namely, tamoxifen‐induced apoptosis through CreER‐mediated toxicity and cytoprotective activity of tamoxifen independent of CreER. First, we examined tamoxifen‐induced apoptosis; in the homozygous mice, we observed region‐specific apoptosis in the ventral neural tube, with no obvious increase in the heterozygotes. Next, we detected a cytoprotective effect on apoptosis in the homozygous dorsal root ganglia (DRG). This apoptosis is a secondary phenotype of Olig2‐null mice, as Olig2/CreER is not expressed in the DRG. The cytoprotective effect is DRG‐specific, because tamoxifen did not rescue apoptosis in the interdigital mesenchyme. These data indicate that tamoxifen has multiple effects on apoptosis during development and caution that careful examination is necessary when interpreting results obtained from tamoxifen‐induced recombination: in Olig2‐CreER mice, heterozygotes are usable for lineage‐tracing experiment without obvious toxicity, while homozygotes show efficient recombination, despite enhanced apoptosis. genesis 46:775–781, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preliminary in vitro evaluation of an adjunctive therapy for extremity wound infection reduction: Rapidly resorbing local antibiotic delivery
Authors: Jackson Stephanie R. , Richelsoph Kelly C. , Courtney Harry S. , Wenke Joseph C. , Branstetter Joanna G. , Bumgardner Joel D. , Haggard Warren O. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractDespite the continuing advances in treatment of open fractures and musculoskeletal wounds, infection remains a serious complication. Current treatments to prevent infection utilize surgical debridement and irrigation, and high doses of systemic antimicrobial therapy. The aim of this work was to evaluate, in vitro, the potential of a fast‐resorbing calcium sulfate pellet loaded with an antibiotic. The pellet could be used as an adjunctive therapy at the time of debridement and irrigation to reduce bacterial wound contamination. Small pellets containing a binder and calcium sulfate were engineered to resorb rapidly (within 24 h) and deliver high local doses of antibiotic (amikacin, gentamicin, or vancomycin) to the wound site while minimizing systemic effects. Results from dissolution, elution, and biological activity tests against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were used to compare the performance of antibiotic‐loaded, rapidly resorbing calcium sulfate pellets to antibiotic‐loaded crushed conventional calcium sulfate pellets. Antibiotic‐loaded rapidly resorbing pellets dissolved in vitro in deionized water in 12–16 h and released therapeutic antibiotic levels in phosphate buffered saline that were above the minimal inhibitory concentration for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, completely inhibiting the growth of these bacteria for the life of the pellet. Crushed conventional calcium sulfate pellets dissolved over 4–6 days, but the eluates only contained sufficient antibiotic to inhibit growth for the first 4 h. These data indicate that fast‐resorbing pellets can release antibiotics rapidly and at therapeutic levels. Adjunctive therapy with fast‐acting pellets is promising and warrants further in vivo studies. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 903–908, 2009
Chromosomal and proteome analysis of a new T24‐based cell line model for aggressive bladder cancer
Authors: Makridakis Manousos , Gagos Sarantis , Petrolekas Andreas , Roubelakis Maria G. , Bitsika Vasiliki , Stravodimos Konstantinos , Pavlakis Kitty , Anagnou Nicholas P. , Coleman Jonathan , Vlahou Antonia 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCell line models aid in understanding cancer aggressiveness. The aim of this study was the establishment of a metastatic variant (T24M) of the T24 bladder cancer cell line and its initial characterization at chromosomal and proteomic levels. T24M were spontaneously developed in mice from T24 cells, following cycles of subcutaneous injections and culture in vitro. Transwell migration assays and injections in mice revealed increased migration and tumorigenic properties of T24M compared to the T24 cells. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated that T24M retained several karyotypic characteristics of the parental cells and also acquired novel chromosomal aberrations related to aggressive bladder cancer. Proteomic analysis of the T24 and T24M cells by 2‐DE and MS led to the generation of their 2‐DE proteomic map and revealed differences in multiple proteins. These include proteases of the lysosomal and proteasome degradation pathways, mitochondrial and cytoskeletal proteins. The 2‐DE findings were confirmed by immunoblotting of cell lysates and immunohistochemistry of bladder cancer tissue sections for cathepsin D and activity assays for proteasome. Collectively, our results suggest that the T24M cells reflect many known chromosomal and proteomic aberrations encountered in aggressive bladder cancers but also provide access to novel findings with potentially clinical applications.
Analysis of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) root proteomes during a compatible interaction with the black root rot fungus Thielaviopsis basicola
Authors: Coumans Joëlle V. F. , Poljak Anne , Raftery Mark J. , Backhouse David , Pereg‐Gerk Lily 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA proteomic approach was used to uncover the inducible molecular defense mechanism of cotton root occurring during the compatible interaction with Thielaviopsis basicola. Microscopic observation of cotton root inoculated with a suspension of conidia showed that this necrotrophic hemibiotroph fungus interacts with the plant and completes its life cycle in our experimental system. 2‐DE analysis of root extracts taken after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days postinoculation and cluster analysis of the protein expression levels showed four major profiles (constant, upregulated, one slightly downregulated, and one dramatically downregulated). Spots significantly (p<0.05) upregulated were analyzed by LC‐MS/MS and identified using MASCOT MS/MS ion search software and associated databases. These proteins included defense and stress related proteins, such as pathogenesis‐related proteins and proteins likely to be involved in the oxidative burst, sugar, and nitrogen metabolism as well as amino acid and isoprenoid synthesis. While many of the identified proteins are common components of the defense response of most plants, a proteasome subunit and a protein reported to be induced only in cotton root following Meloidogyne incognita infection were also identified.
A comprehensive analysis of Trypanosoma brucei mitochondrial proteome
Authors: Panigrahi Aswini K. , Ogata Yuko , Zíková Alena , Anupama Atashi , Dalley Rachel A. , Acestor Nathalie , Myler Peter J. , Stuart Kenneth D. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe composition of the large, single, mitochondrion (mt) of Trypanosoma brucei was characterized by MS (2‐D LC‐MS/MS and gel‐LC‐MS/MS) analyses. A total of 2897 proteins representing a substantial proportion of procyclic form cellular proteome were identified, which confirmed the validity of the vast majority of gene predictions. The data also showed that the genes annotated as hypothetical (species specific) were overpredicted and that virtually all genes annotated as hypothetical, unlikely are not expressed. By comparing the MS data with genome sequence, 40 genes were identified that were not previously predicted. The data are placed in a publicly available web‐based database (www.TrypsProteome.org). The total mitochondrial proteome is estimated at 1008 proteins, with 401, 196, and 283 assigned to the mt with high, moderate, and lower confidence, respectively. The remaining mitochondrial proteins were estimated by statistical methods although individual assignments could not be made. The identified proteins have predicted roles in macromolecular, metabolic, energy generating, and transport processes providing a comprehensive profile of the protein content and function of the T. brucei mt.
Dissecting the human plasma proteome and inflammatory response biomarkers
Authors: Saha Sudipto , Harrison Scott H. , Chen Jake Yue 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA central focus of clinical proteomics is to search for biomarkers in plasma for diagnostic and therapeutic use. We studied a set of plasma proteins accessed from the Healthy Human Individual's Integrated Plasma Proteome (HIP2) database, a larger set of curated human proteins, and a subset of inflammatory proteins, for overlap with sets of known protein biomarkers, drug targets, and secreted proteins. Most inflammatory proteins were found to occur in plasma, and over three times the level of biomarkers were found in inflammatory plasma proteins and their interacting protein neighbors compared to the sets of plasma and curated human proteins. Percentage overlaps with Gene Ontology terms were similar between the curated human set and plasma protein set, yet the set of inflammatory plasma proteins had a distinct ontology‐based profile. Most of the major hub proteins within protein‐protein interaction networks of tissue‐specific sets of inflammatory proteins were found to occur in disease pathways. The present study presents a systematic approach for profiling a plasma subproteome's relationship to both its potential range of clinical application and its overlap with complex disease.
Performance and stability of performance of spring wheat variety mixtures in organic and conventional management systems in western Canada
Authors: KAUT A. H. E. E. , MASON H. E. , NAVABI A. , O'DONOVAN J. T. , SPANER D. 
Published: December 2008

SUMMARYWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety mixtures represent a relatively unexplored avenue for maintaining and stabilizing yield for both organic and conventional producers. The present study examined the responses of three Canadian western red spring wheat varieties in sole crop and in variety mixtures to varying levels of simulated and natural competition, as well as environmental stress at one conventionally and two organically managed locations in central Alberta, Canada, between 2003 and 2005. Three modern hard red spring wheat varieties (Superb, semi-dwarf; AC Intrepid, early maturing and 5600HR, tall), along with 13 two- and three-way variety mixtures, were planted under two levels of simulated weed (Brassica juncea L.) competition at each of the eight location-years. The B. juncea weed competition treatment decreased yields at all locations. Overall yield was lowest at the certified organic farm and highest under conventional management. Sole-crop semi-dwarf Superb and all three Superb–Intrepid mixture entries consistently yielded among the highest, regardless of management system, testing location or competition treatment. The 1:1 and 1:2 Superb–Intrepid mixture entries were the most stable of all entries tested. Early season vigour was strongly associated with yield, with the strongest correlation occurring under low-moisture, low-nutrient, high-competition conditions at the certified organic farm. Spring wheat variety mixtures may provide greater stability with little or no reduction in yield, while providing greater competitive ability.