bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface‐modified nanoparticles as a new, versatile, and mechanically robust nonadhesive coating: Suppression of protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion
Authors: Holmes P. F. , Currie E. P. K. , Thies J. C. , van der Mei H. C. , Busscher H. J. , Norde W. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe synthesis of surface‐modified silica nanoparticles, chemically grafted with acrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) groups, and the ability of the resulting crosslinked coatings to inhibit protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion are explored. Water contact angles, nanoindentation, and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the cross‐linked coatings. Coatings showed a high degree of hydrophilicity combined with a remarkable hardness and stiffness in the dry state. Adsorption of the small protein lysozyme from buffer solution on coated silica wafers decreased significantly with increasing grafting density of the PEG groups on the nanoparticles and was completely inhibited at 0.6 chains nm−2. Coatings significantly reduced adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis HBH 276 in a parallel plate flow chamber with respect to bare glass (>90%), whereas adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa AK1 was only marginally affected by the presence of the coating (<15%). Passage of an air‐bubble resulted in almost complete detachment (>93%) of both strains from coated glass, indicating that the adhesion strength between both bacterial strains and the coated surface was significantly reduced by the grafted PEG groups. These coatings thus provide a new method to prepare mechanically robust films with nonadhesive properties that will be extremely useful for the design of biocompatible surfaces in biomedical applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Mutagenic and clastogenic characterization of poststerilized poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) copolymer biosynthesized by Delftia acidovorans
Authors: Siew Ee Ling , Rajab Nor Fadilah , Osman Annuar Bin , Sudesh Kumar , Inayat‐Hussain Salmaan Hussain 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPolyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are naturally occurring biopolyesters that have great potential in the medical field. However, the leachables resulting from sterilization process of the biomaterials may exert toxic effect including genetic damage. Here, we demonstrate that although gamma‐irradiation of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐50 mol % 4‐hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB‐co‐4HB)] did not cause any change in the morphology by scanning electron microscopy, there was a significant degradation of this copolymer where the molecular weight was reduced by 37% after sterilization indicating the generation of leachables. Therefore, further investigation on the ability of the extract of this poststerilized copolymer to induce mutagenic effect was performed using Ames test (S. typhimurium strains TA1535 and TA1537) and umu test (S. typhimurium strain TA1535/pSK1002). Additionally, the capability of the extract to induce clastogenic effect was determined using Chinese hamster lung V79 fibroblast cells. Our results showed that with and without the presence of S9 metabolic activation, no mutagenic effects were observed in both Ames and umu tests when treated with P(3HB‐co‐4HB) extract. Similarly, treatment of P(3HB‐co‐4HB) extract in V79 fibroblast cells showed no significant production of micronuclei when compared with the positive control (Mitomycin C). Together, these results indicate that leachables of poststerilized P(3HB‐co‐4HB) cause no mutagenic and clastogenic effects. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Potential use of mucins as biomaterial coatings. II. Mucin coatings affect the conformation and neutrophil‐activating properties of adsorbed host proteins—Toward a mucosal mimic
Authors: Sandberg Tomas , Karlsson Ott Marjam , Carlsson Jan , Feiler Adam , Caldwell Karin D. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn continuation of our recent fractionation and characterization study on mucins of bovine salivary (BSM), porcine gastric (PGM), and human salivary (MG1) origin, this study evaluates the effect of mucin precoating on the conformation and neutrophil‐activating properties of host proteins adsorbed to a polyethylene terephthalate‐based model biomaterial. Microscopy combined with assays for the neutrophil releases of reactive oxygen species and human neutrophil lipocalin showed that mucin precoating greatly reduced the strong immune‐response normally induced by adsorbed immunoglobulin G (IgG) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), respectively. A similar finding was made for the proinflammatory fibrinogen. Although the total uptakes of these proteins depended on the mucin surface concentration, a detailed composite analysis suggested the fraction of surface‐exposed protein to be a stronger determinant of coating performance. The unexpectedly low neutrophil activation showed by composites containing near‐monolayer concentrations of exposed IgG and sIgA, respectively, suggested that these act synergistically with mucin on the surface. In support of this hypothesis, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring measurements revealed that a preadsorbed BSM layer stabilizes IgG through complexation on a polymeric model surface. Our findings link well to the complex in vivo situation and suggest that functional mucosal mimics can be created in situ for improved biomaterials performance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2009
Mitogen activated protein kinase‐dependent inhibition of osteocalcin gene expression by transforming growth factor‐β1
Authors: Kwok Sukyee , Partridge Nicola C. , Srinivasan Narasaimhan , Nair Shantikumar V. , Selvamurugan Nagarajan 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTGF‐β (transforming growth factor‐beta) plays a key role in osteoblast differentiation and bone development. While the ability of TGF‐β to inhibit the expression of osteoblast differentiation genes has been well documented, the mechanism of this inhibition is not yet completely characterized. Runx2, a transcription factor necessary for expression of osteoblast differentiation genes is a central target of inhibition by TGF‐β. In this study, we found that TGF‐β1 inhibits expression of osteoblast differentiation genes without altering expression of Runx2. Transient transfection experiments determined that TGF‐β1 inhibited osteocalcin promoter activity and this effect is mediated through Runx2. We further identified that there was no change in protein expression, cellular localization, or DNA binding affinity of Runx2 after TGF‐β1‐treatment of osteoblasts, suggesting that Runx2 undergoes post‐translational modifications following TGF‐β1 treatment. Co‐immunoprecipitation experiments identified increased phosphorylation of Runx2 when differentiating osteoblasts were treated with TGF‐β1. Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors relieved the TGF‐β1‐inhibitory effect of Runx2‐mediated osteocalcin expression. Thus, our results suggest that TGF‐β1‐inhibition of osteoblast differentiation is dependent on the MAPK pathway and this effect is most likely mediated by post‐translational modification of Runx2 such as phosphorylation rather than other regulatory mechanisms. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 161–169, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cost‐effectiveness and cost‐utility of cognitive therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, and fluoxetine (prozac) in treating depression: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sava Florin A. , Yates Brian T. , Lupu Viorel , Szentagotai Aurora , David Daniel 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCost‐effectiveness and cost‐utility of cognitive therapy (CT), rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), and fluoxetine (Prozac) for major depressive disorder (MDD) were compared in a randomized clinical trial with a Romanian sample of 170 clients. Each intervention was offered for 14 weeks, plus three booster sessions. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were obtained prior to intervention, 7 and 14 weeks following the start of intervention, and 6 months following completion of intervention. CT, REBT, and fluoxetine did not differ significantly in changes in the BDI, depression‐free days (DFDs), or Quality‐Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). Average BDI scores decreased from 31.1 before treatment to 9.7 six months following completion of treatment. Due to lower costs, both psychotherapies were more cost‐effective, and had better cost‐utility, than pharmacotherapy: median $26.44/DFD gained/month for CT and $23.77/DFD gained/month for REBT versus $34.93/DFD gained/month for pharmacotherapy, median $/QALYs=$1,638, $1,734, and $2,287 for CT, REBT, and fluoxetine (Prozac), respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:1–17, 2009.
Research on precision‐calibration techniques for selected area electron diffraction patterns of pyrocarbon
Authors: Qi Lehua , Li Miaoling , Li Hejun , Xu Guozhong , Wang Chuang 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe key techniques for determining orientation angle (OA) and interlayer space (d002) of pyrocarbon were investigated by analyzing selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns. A series of algorithms, which mainly include the five‐point center‐determined technique, the integral factor for the ellipse detection, the background subtraction operation and the Gaussian multipeak fitting algorithm, were designed for intensity sampling, data correction, and data fitting. The contribution ratio of the reflection intensity to the average d002 was considered. The algorithms were programmed and applied to evaluate SAED patterns of pyrocarbon in C/C composites by chemical vapor infiltration. Results showed that the proposed techniques can be effectively used to measure various SAED patterns, with a beam stop image or not, of pyrocarbon. The azimuthal intensities along the (002) arcs essentially obey the Gaussian distribution, although this is not obvious for the lower textural pyrocarbon. It is necessary for accurate OA to use the Gaussian multipeak fitting algorithm. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of acute temperature change, confinement and housing on plasma corticosterone in water snakes, Nerodia sipedon (Colubridae: Natricinae)
Authors: Sykes Kyle Lea , Klukowski Matthew 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBody temperature affects many aspects of reptilian behavior and physiology, but its effect on hormonal secretion has been little studied, especially in snakes. Major objectives of this study were to determine if acute changes in body temperature during confinement influenced plasma corticosterone levels and if initial body temperatures upon capture in the field were related to baseline corticosterone levels in water snakes (Nerodia sipedon). Water snakes were bled upon capture in the field and after one hour of confinement in a cooled, control, or heated incubator. Since little is known about the potential metabolic changes in response to stress in reptiles, plasma triglyceride levels were also measured. Upon completion of the field study, snakes were housed for 5–8 days without food to determine the effect of chronic stress on both corticosterone and triglyceride levels. Plasma corticosterone concentrations were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and plasma triglycerides were determined enzymatically. In the field, experimental alterations of body temperature during confinement had no effect on corticosterone levels. Similarly, there was no correlation between initial body temperature and baseline plasma corticosterone concentrations. However, post‐confinement corticosterone levels were approximately three‐times greater in females than males. Plasma triglyceride levels were not affected by temperature treatment, confinement, or sex. Compared to field values, both baseline and post‐confinement corticosterone levels were elevated after the chronic stress of short‐term laboratory housing but triglyceride levels decreased. Overall, these results indicate that sex but not body temperature has a major influence on the adrenocortical stress response in Nerodia sipedon. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:172–181, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An evolutionary model for the origin of modularity in a complex gene network
Authors: Gu Xun 
Published: December 2008

AbstractScale‐free cellular networks are organized into a complex topology by massive interactions (links) between nodes, which can be typically characterized by a power‐law degree. In contrast, almost all cellular networks show the feature of modularity. The popular BA model (Barabasi and Albert) demonstrated the origin of scale‐free property by the attachment preference, but not for the origin of modularity. We propose a BBA model (Biological BA) by introducing the random link‐loss mechanism under the original BA model, showing that scale‐free and modularity can emerge as a derived property of the BBA model. Data analysis has shown that, roughly, the rate of gene network evolution can be described as a 2‐2‐1 pattern (adding two new genes and two new links with the cost of one link‐loss). J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:75–82, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a nude mouse model for the study of antlerogenesis—mechanism of tissue interactions and ossification pathway
Authors: Li Chunyi , Gao Xiuhua , Yang Fuhe , Martin Shirley K. , Haines Stephen R. , Deng Xuming , Schofield John , Stanton Jo‐Ann L. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn a previous study (Li et al., 2001. J Exp Zool 290:18–30) a nude mouse model was established to investigate deer antler development. In that study we found nude mice could support the singularly implanted antlerogenic periosteum (AP) to form pedicle‐like, but not antler‐like, bony protuberances. To further develop the model and at the same time to use the updated model for the investigation of antler formation, three experiments were carried out in this study. The results showed that (1) antler‐like protuberances were successfully induced on the nude mouse heads via subcutaneous co‐transplantation of AP and deer skin, and subsequent exposure through wounding of the deer xenografts; (2) deer skin epidermis and its attached half thickness of dermis were sufficient to interact with the AP, and the interactions were capable of transforming adult scalp skin into velvet; (3) the putative initial inductive molecules were primarily derived from the AP cellular layer, rather than fibrous layer; (4) initiation of the ossification center in the avascular cartilage of each mouse “antler” took place via metaplasia, rather than classical endochondral ossification. Further research is required to identify means for effective stimulation of calcification of the “mouse antlers” in order to create the opportunity to investigate antler regeneration using the nude mouse model. Overall, the nude mouse model, once further developed, has the potential to become a powerful tool to study underlying mechanism of antlerogenesis and organogenesis/regeneration in general. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:118–135, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Erratum: Failures of the state failure debate: Evidence from the Somali territories
Authors: Hagmann Tobias , Hoehne Markus V. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe above article (DOI: 10.1002/jid.1482) was published online in Early View on 6 October 2008. A printing error was subsequently identified in the article.Page 8, line 47: ‘that’ should read ‘khat’.
Autoreactive T‐cell receptor (Vβ/D/Jβ) sequences in diabetes are homologous to insulin, glucagon, the insulin receptor, and the glucagon receptor
Authors: Root‐Bernstein Robert 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe hypervariable (Vβ/D/Jβ) regions of T‐cell receptors (TCR) have been sequenced in a variety of autoimmune diseases by various investigators. An analysis of some of these sequences shows that TCR from both human diabetics and NOD mice mimic insulin, glucagon, the insulin receptor, and the glucagon receptor. Such similarities are not found in the TCR produced in other human autoimmune diseases. These data may explain how insulin, glucagon, and their receptors are targets of autoimmunity in diabetes and also suggest that TCR mimicking insulin and its receptor may be targets of anti‐insulin autoantibodies. Such intra‐systemic mimicry of self‐proteins also raises complex questions about how “self” and “nonself” are regulated during TCR production, especially in light of the complementarity of insulin for its receptor and glucagon for its receptor. The data presented here suggest that some TCR may be complementary to other TCR in autoimmune diseases, a possibility that is experimentally testable. Such complementarity, if it exists, could either serve to down‐regulate the clones bearing such TCR or, alternatively, trigger an intra‐immune system civil war between them. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Remodeling of murine intrasynovial tendon adhesions following injury: MMP and neotendon gene expression
Authors: Loiselle Alayna E. , Bragdon Gwynne A. , Jacobson Justin A. , Hasslund Sys , Cortes Zenia E. , Schwarz Edward M. , Mitten David J. , Awad Hani A. , O'Keefe Regis J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTendon injury frequently results in the formation of adhesions that reduce joint range of motion. To study the cellular, molecular, and biomechanical events involved in intrasynovial tendon healing and adhesion formation, we developed a murine flexor tendon healing model in which the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon of C57BL/6 mice was transected and repaired using suture. This model was used to test the hypothesis that murine flexor tendons heal with differential expression of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), resulting in the formation of scar tissue as well as the subsequent remodeling of scar and adhesions. Healing tendons were evaluated by histology, gene expression via real‐time RT‐PCR, and in situ hybridization, as well as biomechanical testing to assess the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint flexion range of motion (ROM) and the tensile failure properties. Tendons healed with a highly disorganized fibroblastic tissue response that was progressively remodeled through day 35 resulting in a more organized pattern of collagen fibers. Initial repair involved elevated levels of Mmp‐9 at day 7, which is associated with catabolism of damaged collagen fibers. High levels of Col3 are consistent with scar tissue, and gradually transition to the expression of Col1. Scleraxis expression peaked at day 7, but the expression was limited to the original tendon adjacent to the injury site, and no expression was present in granulation tissue involved in the repair response. The MTP joint ROM with standardized force on the tendon was decreased on days 14 and 21 compared to day 0, indicating the presence of adhesions. Peak expressions of Mmp‐2 and Mmp‐14 were observed at day 21, associated with tendon remodeling. At day 28, two genes associated with neotendon formation, Smad8 and Gdf‐5, were elevated and an improvement in MTP ROM occurred. Tensile strength of the tendon progressively increased, but by 63 days the repaired tendons had not reached the tensile strength of normal tendon. The murine model of primary tendon repair, described here, provides a novel mechanism to study the tendon healing process, and further enhances the understanding of this process at the molecular, cellular, and biomechanical level. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 833–840, 2009
Sustained hypoxia enhances chondrocyte matrix synthesis
Authors: Coyle Christian H. , Izzo Nicholas J. , Chu Constance R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractArticular cartilage is an avascular tissue with chondrocytes in the deeper zones existing under conditions of sustained hypoxia. Using a hypoxic chamber to provide controlled hypoxia, this study was performed to determine whether sustained hypoxia enhances the production of cartilage matrix proteins. Freshly isolated primary bovine articular chondrocytes were encapsulated in three‐dimensional alginate beads and maintained at 2% oxygen with media changes using media pre‐equilibrated to 2% oxygen. Immunolocalization of HIF‐1α was performed to verify hypoxic conditions. Sustained hypoxia resulted in an increase in proteoglycan synthesis after only 1 day, as measured by 35S‐sulfate incorporation. This increase was maintained for the duration of the 17 day study. After 17 days of hypoxic culture, increases in total type II collagen and COL2A1 gene expression were probed by indirect immunofluorescence, type II collagen ELISA, and real‐time qPCR; in addition, increased glycosaminoglycan deposition was observed as determined by chemical analysis. These studies show that sustained hypoxia enhances articular chondrocyte matrix synthesis and viability in three‐dimensional alginate culture. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 793–799, 2009
Late Holocene relative sea level rise and the Neoglacial history of the Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Long Antony J. , Woodroffe Sarah A. , Dawson Sue , Roberts David H. , Bryant Charlotte L. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn West Greenland, early and mid Holocene relative sea level (RSL) fall was replaced by late Holocene RSL rise during the Neoglacial, after 4–3 cal. ka BP (thousand calibrated years before present). Here we present the results of an isolation basin RSL study completed near to the coastal town of Sisimiut, in central West Greenland. RSL fell from 14 m above sea level at 5.7 cal. ka BP to reach a lowstand of −4.0 m at 2.3–1.2 cal. ka BP, before rising by an equivalent amount to present. Differences in the timing and magnitude of the RSL lowstand between this and other sites in West and South Greenland record the varied interplay of local and non‐Greenland RSL processes, notably the reloading of the Earth's crust caused by a Neoglacial expansion of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) and the subsidence associated with the collapse of the Laurentide Ice Sheet forebulge. This means that the timing of the sea level lowstand cannot be used to infer directly when the GIS advanced during the Neoglacial. The rise in Late Holocene RSL is contrary to recently reported bedrock uplift in the Sisimiut area, based on repeat GPS surveys. This indicates that a belt of peripheral subsidence around the current ice sheet margin was more extensive in the late Holocene, and that there has been a switch from subsidence to uplift at some point in the last thousand years or so. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics and oil absorption of deep‐fat fried dough prepared from ball‐milled wheat flour
Authors: Thanatuksorn Pariya , Kajiwara Kazuhito , Suzuki Toru 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: High levels of oil in fried products has been recognized as causing health problems. The formation of microstructure during frying is one factor that influences oil absorption. Above the glass transition temperature (Tg), the physical properties of a polymer influences the formation of structure. The ball‐milling process changes the physicochemical properties of wheat flour constituents. The present study investigated the effects of physicochemical changes in wheat flour by the ball‐milling process on structure formation and oil absorption in wheat flour dough model.RESULTS: Dough samples were made from wheat flour that had been ball‐milled for 0 to 10 h and then fried in frying oil at 150 °C for 1–7 min. Thermal properties of wheat flour, structure alteration, and textural properties of fried samples were evaluated. As compared with samples made of non‐milled flour, samples made from milled flour had smaller pores and higher oil absorption. The fracture force of a fried sample prepared from non‐milled flour was lower than that of a sample prepared from milled flour.CONCLUSION: Ball‐milling affected the microstructure formation in fried wheat flour dough, and subsequently oil absorption. The crispness of a sample prepared from non‐milled wheat flour is higher than that of a sample prepared from ball‐milled wheat flour. This may be due not only to a plasticization effect, but may also be dependent on microstructure. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry