bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of polylactic acid/polytrimethylene carbonate blends membrane to prevent postoperative adhesions
Authors: Qin Yuyue , Yuan Minglong , Li Lin , Guo Siyuan , Yuan Mingwei , Li Wei , Xue Jing 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a novel biodegradable membrane on the prevention of postoperative adhesion formation. The membrane was prepared by blending 50% PLA (polylactic acid) with 50% PTMC (polytrimethylene carbonate). The prepared blends polymer membrane was more flexible than pure PLA membrane, as measured by glass‐transition temperature and tensile study. Cytotoxicity study revealed that PLA/PTMC blends membrane showed good biocompatibility. The membrane elicited slight tissue reaction based on the results of histological study. Thirty adult Japanese rabbits were used for the intestine adhesion model. The treatment group had PLA/PTMC membrane, the control group had chitosan, and the blank control group was not operated. The animals were housed for two weeks and sacrificed to investigate adhesion of intestine. Compared with the blank control group, the treatment group and the control group lowered the extent of adhesions (p < 0.01), but the treatment group was better than the control group (p < 0.05). The in‐vivo studies confirmed that PLA/PTMC blends membrane could prevent postoperative adhesions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Water absorption characteristics of novel Cu/LDPE nanocomposite for use in intrauterine devices
Authors: Xia Xianping , Cai Shuizhou , Hu Junhui , Xie Changsheng 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIntrauterine devices (IUDs), especially the copper‐containing IUDs (Cu‐IUDs), are one of the worldwide used forms for birth control, owing to their advantages of long‐lasting and high efficacy, economy, safety, and reversibility. However, it is not perfect for the existing Cu‐IUDs; some shortcomings related to its side effects have not been overcome yet. For this reason, a new Cu‐IUDs material, the copper/low‐density polyethylene (Cu/LDPE) nanocomposite, has been developed in our research team. The structure and water uptake characteristics of this new Cu‐IUDs material have been investigated by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and gravimetric analysis in this paper. The results of XRD, SEM, EDS, and FT‐IR show three important outcomes associated with the structure of the nanocomposite. First, the nanocomposite is hybrid of the polymer and the copper nanoparticles (nano‐Cu). Second, porosities, nano‐Cu aggregates, and primary alcohol (RCH2OH) are existed in the nanocomposite. Third, the nano‐Cu aggregates are distributed uniformly in the polymer matrix in general. The results of Gravimetric analysis, which associated with the water uptake characteristics of the nanocomposite, exhibit that the water absorption behavior of the nanocomposite obeys the classical diffusion theory very well, the water uptake of the nanocomposite increases with the increasing of the nano‐Cu loading, and that the water uptake ability of the nanocomposite with 15.0 wt % nano‐Cu (50 nm in diameter) is about 150 times larger than that of the base resin and about 45 times higher than that of the Cu/LDPE microcomposite with 15.0 wt % copper microparticles (5 μm in diameter). These water uptake characteristics are mainly attributed to the structure of the Cu/LDPE composites and the size effect of the nano‐Cu. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Effect of high light intensity on cavity wall adaptation of a resin composite with a self‐etching primer system
Authors: Shinkai Koichi , Suzuki Shiro , Katoh Yoshiroh 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis study evaluated the effect of high light intensity using a plasma arc lamp on the cavity wall adaptation of photo‐polymerized composite restorations. Bowl‐shaped cavities were prepared on the labial surfaces of extracted bovine teeth. Each cavity was restored with a resin composite restorative system (SE Bond & Clearfil AP‐X) and then polymerized using a plasma arc lamp (Arc Light II) with a series of light intensities, including 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, and 1600 mW/cm2, and a halogen lamp (Candilux) with 400 mW/cm2 light intensity (n = 10). The photo‐irradiation time was adjusted for each group to receive a total energy output of approximately 16,000 mJ/cm2. The specimens were subjected to 2500 cycles of thermal fatigue and sectioned bucco‐lingualy through the center of the restoration. Contraction gaps on the sections were measured using a replica‐SEM observation technique. The degree of gap formation was determined as the ratio of the total length of the contraction gaps to the total length of the cavity wall on each sectioned specimen. The value was converted to a percentage. The data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney U tests at a 0.05 level of significance. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the cavity adaptation among the composites polymerized by the plasma arc lamp with high light intensities and the composite polymerized with the halogen lamp with 400 mW/cm2 light intensity. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the degree of cavity adaptation among the specimens polymerized with light intensities higher than 1100 mW/cm2. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Urease immobilization on an ion‐exchange textile for urea hydrolysis
Authors: Yeon Kyeong‐Ho , Lueptow Richard M 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIon‐exchange textiles are used as organic supports for urease immobilization with the aim of developing reactive fibrous materials able to promote urea removal. A non‐woven, polypropylene‐based cation‐exchange textile was prepared using UV‐induced graft polymerization. Urease was covalently immobilized onto the cation‐exchange textile using three different coupling agents: N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N′‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC), N‐cyclohexyl‐N′‐(b‐[N‐methylmorpholino]ethyl)carbodiimide p‐toluenesulfonate (CMC), and glutaraldehyde (GA). The immobilized biocatalyst was characterized by means of FT‐IR spectrometry, SEM micrographs, dependence of the enzyme activity on pH and temperature, and according to the kinetic constants of the free and immobilized ureases. The biotextile prepared with EDC in the presence of N‐hydroxysuccinimide performs best. The optimum pH was 7.2 for the free urease and 7.6 for the immobilized ureases. The reactivity was maximal at 45 °C for free urease, 50 °C for biotextiles prepared using EDC or CMC, and 55 °C for biotextiles prepared with GA. The activation energy for the immobilized ureases was 4.73–5.67 kcal mol−1, which is somewhat higher than 4.3 kcal mol−1 for free urease. The urea conversion for a continuous‐flow immobilized urease reactor is nearly as good as a continuously stirred tank reactor having a much longer residence time, suggesting that the packed bed reactor had sufficient diffusive mixing and residence time to reach nearly optimal results. Urease immobilized on a biotextile using EDC has good storage and operational stability. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimization of Nannochloropsis oculata growth using the response surface method
Authors: Spolaore Pauline , Joannis‐Cassan Claire , Duran Elie , Isambert Arsène 
Published: April 2006

AbstractOptimization of Nannochloropsis oculata growth was undertaken using the response surface method. A central composite design was defined to study the effects of temperature, pH, incident light intensity and aeration rate on the maximum growth rate of the microalga. Using statistical analysis, the first model calculated to fit results was twice improved. The final model obtained was used to clarify the effects of each factor and their interactions on the growth of Nannochloropsis oculata. The optimum growth conditions of this microorganism were also estimated as 21 °C, 52 µmol photons m−2 s−1, pH 8.4 and 14.7 VVH of aeration rate. These conditions were tested and validated experimentally since the maximum growth rate achieved with these parameters, 0.0359 h−1, is the best reported in this study. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Using fear appeals to promote cancer screening—are we scaring the wrong people?
Authors: Jones Sandra C. , Owen Neville 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

There is debate regarding the use of fear appeals (emphasizing severe threats to health) in social marketing, to encourage preventive behaviours, such as screening for breast cancer. While it has been found that fear appeals may result in attitude and behaviour change there is also the risk of inciting inappropriate levels of fear, motivating the wrong audience or instigating maladaptive behaviour in the target group such as denial or defensive avoidance. This study examined the impact of an experimental threat manipulation for mammography screening on a group of women in regional Australia. The study found that varying the level of threat had no impact on stated intentions of the women to undergo mammographic screening. However, it also found that high‐threat messages resulted in stronger negative emotional reactions and greater perceived susceptibility among younger women who are not the target group for screening in Australia. The results of this study emphasize the importance of limiting the use of high levels of threat in social marketing campaigns, and ensuring that campaigns are appropriately designed to specifically impact upon and motivate the target group.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanocomposites at elevated temperatures: migration and structural changes
Authors: Lewin Menachem , Pearce E. M. , Levon Kalle , Mey‐Marom Abraham , Zammarano Mauro , Wilkie Charles A. , Jang Bok Nam 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe possible effect of temperature stability of organic layered silicates (OLSs) on the structure and flammability behavior of polymer/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites has been discussed in a previous publication. Above 200°C, the OLS begins to decompose, and the nanocomposite structure is gradually destroyed even before pyrolysis and combustion. Data on the decomposition of polymer/OLS mixtures upon isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) experiments are presented, and include rates and energies of activation at a range of temperatures from 200 to 400°C. Decomposition of OLSs in the presence of polymer is discussed in view of the decomposition of clay, pristine surfactant, and OLS. Accumulation of clay by migration to the surface of samples at a range of temperatures is indicated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) measurements on the isothermally heated samples. Mechanistic considerations concerning changes in the structure of the nanocomposite, the decomposition of OLS, and migration of clay will be presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nasal bone length at 11–14 weeks of pregnancy in the Korean population
Authors: Moon Min Hoan , Cho Jeong Yeon , Lee Yu Mi , Lee Young Ho , Yang Jae Hyug , Kim Moon Young , Park Seong Ho 
Published: April 2006

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to provide reference values for nasal bone length (NBL) scanned at 11–14 weeks' gestation in the Korean population and compare these values with those of the Caucasian and African–American populations.MethodsFrom April 2004 to July 2004, fetal NBLs were measured in well‐dated, non‐anomalous fetuses at 11–14 weeks' gestation in the Korean population. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between NBL and crown‐rump length (CRL), and reference values including the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentile were calculated for each gestational age. The reference values in our study were compared with those of the Caucasian and African–American populations.ResultsA total of 982 cases were prospectively included in the study. NBL increased linearly with advance in CRL and was described by the equation; NBL (mm) = 0.433 + 0.022 × CRL (mm), R2 = 0.37. The median values (5%, 95%) were 1.5 mm (1.2 mm, 1.9 mm), 1.7 mm (1.4 mm, 2.1 mm), 1.9 mm (1.6 mm, 2.3 mm), and 2.1 mm (1.7 mm, 2.6 mm) for 11, 12, 13, and 14 weeks' gestation, respectively. The median values for each gestational age in the Korean population were significantly lower than those in the Caucasian and African–American populations (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThere is a difference in NBL scanned at 11–14 weeks' gestation between the Korean and the Caucasian/African–American populations, and so racial adjustment is needed in the evaluation of the fetal nasal bone for current first‐trimester screening. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Euchromatic variant 16p+. Implications in prenatal diagnosis
Authors: López Pajares I. , Villa O. , Salido M. , Mori M. A. , Gonzalez A. , Lapunzina P. , De Torres M. L. , Vallcorba I. , Palomares M. , Fernández L. , Delicado A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundEuchromatic imbalances at the cytogenetic level are usually associated with phenotypic consequences. Among the exceptions are euchromatic variants of chromosome 16 (16p+) with normal phenotype. There is a growing list of euchromatic duplications and deletions involving both G‐positive and G‐negative bands that seem to be phenotypically neutral, but these euchromatic variants are rare.ObjectiveThe aim of this report is to describe a new familial case of euchromatic variant 16p+ and to emphasise the misinterpretation of these rare euchromatic variants particularly when ascertained at prenatal diagnosis.Methods and ResultsFluorescence in situ hybridisation with clone RP11‐261A7 showed an amplified signal in the larger chromosome 16. This clone contains FLJ43855 gene, similar to sodium‐ and chloride‐dependent creatine transporter.ConclusionSo, this 16p+ variant that involves amplification of pseudogenetic sequences is considered a polymorphism in normal individuals. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced detection of sulfo‐peptides as onium salts in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Ueki Masaaki , Yamaguchi Miyuki 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA new two‐component system, consisting of a matrix and an onium salt as comatrix, is described for detection of sulfo‐peptides in the positive mode by matrix‐assisted desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS). Binary iodonium salts were superior to quaternary phosphonium salts in terms of suppression of desulfation and salt formation with the carboxyl group. Of the iodonium salts examined, bis(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)iodonium (BTI) hexafluorophosphate and bromide were most effective in giving intensive molecular ion signals in the form of [M(BTI)+BTI]+. The conditions optimized for O‐sulfated tyrosine‐containing peptides could be applicable for O‐sulfated serine‐ and threonine‐containing peptides. In the case of a phospho‐peptide, a molecular ion appeared more intensively as a proton adduct than as a BTI adduct. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tubulin assemblies as biomolecular templates for nanostructure synthesis: from nanoparticle arrays to nanowires
Authors: Behrens Silke , Habicht Wilhelm , Wu Jin , Unger Eberhard 
Published: April 2006

AbstractParticles and nanotubes were synthesized after incubation with a metal salt and subsequent chemical reduction of the formed metal/biomolecule complexes. As investigated by scanning force microscopy (SFM) and electron microscopy, the nucleation and growth of metal clusters as well as continuous metal layers on microtubules lead to the template‐directed formation of micrometer‐long particle chains, or metal nanotubes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Full discretization of some reaction diffusion equation with blow up
Authors: Barro Geneviève , Mampassi Benjamin , Some Longin , Ntaganda Jean , So Ousséni 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis paper aims at the development of numerical schemes for nonlinear reaction diffusion problems with a convection that blows up in a finite time. A full discretization of this problem that preserves the blow — up property is presented as well as a numerical simulation. Efficiency of the method is derived via a numerical comparison with a classical scheme based on the Runge Kutta scheme.
Impaired phagocytic mechanism in annexin 1 null macrophages
Authors: Yona Simon , Heinsbroek Sigrid E M , Peiser Leanne , Gordon Siamon , Perretti Mauro , Flower Roderick J 
Published: April 2006

The role of the anti‐inflammatory protein annexin‐A1 (Anx‐A1) in the phagocytic process has been investigated using a murine bone marrow culture‐derived macrophage model from Anx‐A1+/+ and Anx‐A1−/− mice.
Macrophages prepared from Anx‐A1−/− mice exhibited a reduced ingestion of zymosan, Neisseria meningitidis or sheep red blood cells, when compared to Anx‐A1+/+ cells and in the case of zymosan this effect was also mirrored by a reduced clearance in vivo when particles were injected into the peritoneal cavity of Anx‐A1−/− mice.
The ablation of the Anx‐A1 gene did not cause any apparent cytoskeletal defects associated with particle ingestion but the cell surface expression of the key adhesion molecule CD11b was depressed in the Anx‐A1−/− cells providing a possible explanation for the attenuated phagocytic potential of these cells.
The production of the cytokines TNFα and IL‐6 was increased in Anx‐A1−/− macrophages following phagocytosis of all types of particle.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 148, 469–477. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706730
Blockade of HERG human K+channels andIKrof guinea‐pig cardiomyocytes by the antipsychotic drug clozapine
Authors: Lee So‐Young , Kim Young‐Jin , Kim Kyong‐Tai , Choe Han , Jo Su‐Hyun 
Published: April 2006

Clozapine, a commonly used antipsychotic drug, can induce QT prolongation, which may lead totorsades de pointesand sudden death. To investigate the arrhythmogenic side effects of clozapine, we studied the impact of clozapine on humanether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (HERG) channels expressed inXenopusoocytes and HEK293 cells, and on the delayed rectifier K+currents of guinea‐pig cardiomyocytes.Clozapine dose‐dependently decreased the amplitudes of the currents at the end of voltage steps, and the tail currents of HERG. The IC50for the clozapine blockade of HERG currents inXenopusoocytes progressively decreased relative to depolarization (39.9 μMat −40 mV, 28.3 μMat 0 mV and 22.9 μMat +40 mV), whereas the IC50for the clozapine‐induced blockade of HERG currents in HEK293 cells at 36°C was 2.5 μMat +20 mV.The clozapine‐induced blockade of HERG currents was time dependent: the fractional current was 0.903 of the control at the beginning of the pulse, but declined to 0.412 after 4 s at a test potential of 0 mV.The clozapine‐induced blockade of HERG currents was use‐dependent, exhibiting more rapid onset and greater steady state blockade at higher frequencies of activation, with a partial relief of blockade observed when the frequency of activation was decreased.In guinea‐pig ventricular myocytes held at 36°C, treatment with 1 and 5 μMclozapine blocked the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+current (IKr) by 24.7 and 79.6%, respectively, but did not significantly block the slowly activating delayed rectifier K+current (IKs).Our findings collectively suggest that blockade of HERG currents andIKr, but notIKs, may contribute to the arrhythmogenic side effects of clozapine.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)148, 499–509. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706744
A comparison of stainless steel Flexofiles and nickel‐titanium NiTiFlex files during the shaping of simulated canals
Authors: BISHOP K. , DUMMER P. M. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe aim of this study was to compare the shaping ability of stainless steel Flexofiles and nickel‐titanium NiTiFlex files during the preparation of simulated canals in resin blocks. A total of 80 canals with various angles and position of curvature were prepared by one operator using either Flexofiles or NiTiFlex files in a modified double‐flared technique with balanced force method of instrument manipulation. Canal shape was assessed at two stages during the procedure, after apical enlargement to size 30 and subsequently at size 45. Pre‐ and post‐operative images of the canals, were taken with a video camera and stored and manipulated in a computer with image analysis software. The presence of canal aberrations and the amount of material removed as a result of preparation were determined from composite images of superimposed pre‐ and post‐operative views. Canal preparation using NiTiFlex files was significantly quicker (P<0.0001) up to size 30. More instrument failures occurred with Flexofiles (12) compared to NiTiFlex files (7) but there were no statistically significant differences between file type, instrument size or canal shape. Flexofiles created significantly more zips, perforations and ledges; there were no differences in terms of danger zones. Overall, canals prepared with Flexofiles were significantly wider because more material was removed from the outer aspect of the curve at the end‐point of preparation and from the inner aspect of the curve at the apex. Under the conditions of this study, preparation with NiTiFlex files was more effective and produced more appropriate canal shapes than Flexofiles.
Inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthase genes polymorphism in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Oliver J. , Gómez‐Garcia M. , Vilchez J. R. , López‐Nevot M. Á. , Piñero A. , Correro F. , Nieto A. , Martín J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractTo assess the influence of inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (NOS2A and NOS3) polymorphisms in susceptibility to Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). A total of 505 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients (221 with UC and 284 with CD) and 332 ethnically matched controls were studied. Patients and controls were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction ‐based techniques for a multiallelic (CCTTT)n repeat and biallelic marker (TAAA)n in the promoter region of the NOS2A gene and for a T/C polymorphism at position −786 in the promoter region and a polymorphism in exon 7(298Glu/Asp) of the NOS3 gene. There was not association between NOS2A and NOS3 genotypes, alleles or haplotypes frequencies with UC, CD and controls. Our data suggest that NOS2A and NOS3 polymorphisms do not play a major role in IBD predisposition.
A POST‐KEYNESIAN AMENDMENT TO THE NEW CONSENSUS ON MONETARY POLICY
Authors: Lavoie Marc 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTA common view is now pervasive in policy research at universities and central banks, which one could call the New Keynesian consensus, based on an endogenous money supply. This new consensus reproduces received wisdom: in the long run, expansionary fiscal policy leads to higher inflation rates and real interest rates, while more restrictive monetary policy only leads to lower inflation rates. The paper provides a simple four‐quadrant apparatus to represent the above, and it shows that simple modifications to the new consensus model are enough to radically modify received doctrine as to the likely effects of fiscal and monetary policies.
RISK‐AVERSION, OPTIMAL LEVERAGE AND THE INVESTMENT–UNCERTAINTY RELATION
Authors: Femminis Gianluca 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTWe develop a partial equilibrium dynamic model in which firms are risk‐averse. We analyse the determinants of the investment–uncertainty relationship by means of numerical techniques. When firms can borrow ‘outside’ resources at the riskless rate, an increase in price volatility depresses investment for realistic parameter values. In our model, portfolio considerations play an important role. When the marginal revenue of capital becomes more uncertain, the risk‐averse firm's owners reduce their ‘short position’ in the risk‐free asset, thus diminishing the firm's debt level. The contraction in leverage reduces the expected returns on investment because the expected marginal revenue product is higher than the user cost of capital. In turn, the reduction in expected yields tends to depress investment.