bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The combination of stabilized plasmid lipid particles and lipid nanoparticle encapsulated CpG containing oligodeoxynucleotides as a systemic genetic vaccine
Authors: Wilson Kaley D. , de Jong Susan D. , Kazem Mikameh , Lall Ryan , Hope Michael J. , Cullis Pieter R. , Tam Ying K. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackgroundDNA vaccines offer unique potential for generating protective and therapeutic immunity against infectious and malignant diseases. Unfortunately, rapid degradation and poor cellular uptake has significantly limited the efficacy of ‘naked’ plasmid DNA vaccines. We have previously described stabilized plasmid lipid particles (SPLP) as effective nonviral gene delivery vehicles for the transfection of tumours at distal sites following intravenous administration. Based on their low toxicity and favourable transfection profile following systemic administration, we investigate SPLP as gene delivery vehicles for the generation of a systemically administered genetic vaccine.MethodsThe uptake of SPLP and their ability to transfect splenic antigen presenting cells (APC) following systemic administration is assessed through fluorescently‐labelled SPLP in combination with phenotype markers and a very sensitive flow cytometry‐based assay for the detection of the transgene, beta‐galactosidase. The priming of antigen‐specific adaptive and humoural immune responses following vaccination with SPLP alone or in combination with liposomal nanoparticle encapsulated CpG‐ODN containing oligodeoxynucleotides (LN CpG‐ODN) is characterized through the use of antigen‐specific cytotoxicity assays, interferon‐γ secretion assays and enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay.ResultsWe demonstrate that SPLP are taken up by and transfect APC in the spleen following intravenous administration and that, in the presence of a strong immunostimulatory signal provided by LN CpG‐ODN, are able to prime transgene‐specific humoural and cellular immune responses.ConclusionsSPLP represent an effective candidate for the nonviral delivery of a systemic genetic vaccine when combined with additional immune stimulation provided by LN CpG‐ODN. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of explosives on human nail using confocal Raman microscopy
Authors: Ali Esam M. A. , Edwards Howell G. M. , Hargreaves Michael D. , Scowen Ian J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTrace amounts of explosives were detected on human nail using confocal Raman microscopy. Contamination of the nail can result from the manual handling, packaging or transportation of explosive substances. Raman spectra were obtained from pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), trinitrotoluene (TNT), ammonium nitrate and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) particles on the surface of the nail with dimensions in the range 5–10 µm. An added difficulty in an analytical procedure is the presence of a nail varnish coating that has been applied, which traps the particulate matter between the coating and nail. Using confocal Raman microscopy, interference‐free spectra could be acquired from particles of explosives visually masked by the nail varnish. Spectra of the explosives could be readily obtainedin situwithin 90 s without alteration of the evidential material. Acquisition of a Raman point map of a PETN particle under the nail varnish coating is also reported. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of signal intensity normalization on the multivariate analysis of spectral data in complex ‘real‐world’ datasets
Authors: Beattie J. Renwick , Glenn Josephine V. , Boulton Michael E. , Stitt Alan W. , McGarvey John J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSpectral signal intensities, especially in ‘real‐world’ applications with nonstandardized sample presentation due to uncontrolled variables/factors, commonly require additional spectral processing to normalize signal intensity in an effective way. In this study, we have demonstrated the complexity of choosing a normalization routine in the presence of multiple spectrally distinct constituents by probing a dataset of Raman spectra. Variation in absolute signal intensity (90.1% of total variance) of the Raman spectra of these complex biological samples swamps the variation in useful signals (9.4% of total variance), degrading its diagnostic and evaluative potential.Using traditional spectral band choices, it is shown that normalization results are more complex than generally encountered in traditionally designed sample sets investigating limited chemical species. We demonstrate that no choice of a single band proves to be appropriate for predicting all the reference parameters, instead requiring a tailored normalization routine for each parameter.Of the reference parameters studied in the chosen system, signals from pathogenic adducts in ocular tissues called advanced glycation endproducts were most prominent when normalizing about the 1550–1690 cm−1 region of the spectrum (17.5% of total variance, compared with 0.3% for unnormalized), while prediction of pentosidine and gender were optimized by normalization about the 1570 (R2 = 0.97 vs 0.57 for unnormalized) and 1003 cm−1 (p < 0.0000001 vs p < 0.01 for unnormalized) bands, respectively. The data obtained point to the extreme sensitivity of multivariate analysis to signal intensity normalization. Some general guidelines for making appropriate band choices are given, including the use of peak‐finding routines. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fun in the family: tourism and the Commonwealth Games
Authors: Lockstone Leonie , Baum Tom 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper uses the context of the Commonwealth in order to focus on a specific dimension of tourism that is located within it, that of the mega all‐Commonwealth event, the Commonwealth Games, and its impact in tourism terms. Sports events and tourism are closely linked and it is abundantly clear that the tourism potential of mega sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games is a major factor in encouraging cities to bid to host such events. Such tourism potential relates to the immediate attraction of the event to athletes and officials associated with the event, volunteers and paid employees who work at the event and, in particular, international and domestic visitors as games spectators and participants. This paper sets the Commonwealth Games in the wider context of sports tourism and will address their impact through consideration of the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tourism and income distribution in East Africa
Authors: Blake Adam 
Published: November 2008

AbstractResearch has highlighted the possibility that tourism expenditure in developing countries not only provides income for poor households, but also leads to contraction of other exporting industries. By highlighting the linkages between tourism‐related industries and the rest of the economy, and through the distributional effects of their income flows, this paper examines the effects of tourism‐related industries and other export industries on households in East Africa. Tourism‐related industries are found to provide substantially less income for poorer households than other export activities, leading to concern that tourism expansion may be detrimental for poverty alleviation in these countries. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Preparation and Enzyme Immobilization of Hydrophobic Polysiloxane Supports
Authors: Cao Shunsheng , Liu Bailing 
Published: November 2008

AbstractEnzymes are versatile biocatalysts and find increasing applications in many areas. The major advantages of using enzymes in biocatalytic transformations are their chemo‐, regio‐, and stereospecificity, as well as the mild reaction conditions that can be used. However, even when an enzyme is identified as being useful for a given reaction, its application is often hampered by its lack of long‐term stability under process conditions, and also by difficulties in recovery and recycling. For ease of application and stabilization purposes, enzymes are often immobilized on solid supports. Among support matrices, hydrophobic biomaterials have been extensively used as supports for enzyme immobilization because the hydrophobic interactions not only can effectively increase the amount of enzyme immobilization, but also exhibit higher activity and retention of activity compared with hydrophilic supports. On the other hand, polysiloxane can evidently increase the amount of enzyme immobilization because of its hydrophobicity and strong affinity with enzyme. Therefore, this research details the first preparation and use of a hydrophobic polysiloxane support for enzyme immobilization in which the structural and functional characteristics of new supports have been investigated by using glucose oxidase (GOD) and a simple Fenton's assay method, and extremely interesting features were revealed. The results showed that the amount of GOD immobilization and the stability of GOD loaded, which are fundamental properties for enzyme separation and purification, can be significantly improved by adsorption. Moreover, the results indicated that hydrophobic polysiloxane supports can effectively increase the enzymatic affinity and durability of GOD, and decrease the rate of GOD desorbed.magnified image
Application of thermally sprayed coatings of the type WC/CoCr in reverse osmosis processes for seawater desalination
Authors: Dwars A. , Kochanowski W. , Schramm B. , Sehr F. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSeawater desalination based on the reverse osmosis process requires a variety of hydraulic systems. The material concepts of these hydraulic systems are designed to reliably resist the corrosive properties of seawater and brine as well as the tribological loads. Strong tribological loads typically occur during the start‐up and shutdown of multi‐stage high‐pressure pumps. Thermally sprayed coatings can be used to increase the wear resistance and also the tribological properties of bearings. Also in pressure exchangers for energy recovery, high tribological loads occur on the surfaces of rotors which operate with a clearance gap of 40–100 µm. Today, thermally sprayed coatings are used for the surface protection of these rotors. To resist the various tribological loads, the material pairs are optimized for each case. Thermally sprayed coatings with high surface hardness have proven to be particularly successful. A coating system, based on a CoCr matrix, has been developed especially for these applications.
Ethylene Polymerization over Homogeneous and Supported Catalysts Based on Bis(imino)pyridine Co(II) Complex: Data on the Number of Active Centers and Propagation Rate Constant
Authors: Barabanov Artem A. , Bukatov Gennady D. , Zakharov Vladimir A. , Semikolenova Nina V. , Echevskaja Ljudmila G. , Matsko Michail A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe number of active centers (CP) and propagation rate constant (kP) for ethylene polymerization with homogeneous catalyst LCoCl2 + MAO and supported catalyst LCoCl2/SiO2 + Al(i‐Bu)3, where L is 2,6‐(2,6‐(Me)2C6H3N = CMe)2C5H3N, have been determined using the method of polymerization quenching by radioactive carbon monoxide (14CO). The unstable rate profile of the reaction was attributed to a decrease in the number of active centers from 0.23 to 0.14 mol · mol−1(Co) corresponding to an increase in the reaction time from 5 to 15 min, whereas the kP value remained constant, amounting to 3.5 × 103 L · mol−1 · s at 35 °C. A narrow molecular weight distribution of the obtained polyethylene (PE) samples ($\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 1.9) testifies that the homogeneous catalyst LCoCl2 + MAO can be regarded as a single‐site system. The activity of the supported catalyst was stable and noticeably lower than that of the homogeneous catalyst due to the low concentration of the active centers (0.02–0.03 mol · mol−1(Co)). PE with a broad molecular weight distribution ($\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 36) and noticeably higher molecular weight is formed in the presence of the supported catalysts. The activity of the supported catalyst increases sharply at polymerization in the presence of hydrogen. The data obtained on the CP and kP values allow suggesting the formation of the “dormant” centers at polymerization without hydrogen and regeneration of the active centers in the presence of hydrogen. The average kP values for the supported catalyst containing multiple active centers were determined to be 5.9 × 103 and 10.5 × 103 L · mol−1 · s, respectively, at 35 and 50 °C.magnified image
Synthesis of Novel Conjugated Polyelectrolytes for Organic Field‐Effect Transistors Gate Dielectric Materials
Authors: Sun Mingliang , Lan Linfeng , Wang Li , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong 
Published: November 2008

AbstractConjugated polyelectrolytes and their neutral precursors: aminoalkyl‐substituted polyfluorenes (PFNs) with different 4,7‐bis(N‐methylpyrrol‐2‐yl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole (PBT) contents were synthesized by Suzuki coupling reaction. Their quaternized ammonium polyelectrolyte derivatives were obtained through a post‐polycondensation treatment on the terminal amino groups. The resulting copolymers PFNBr–PBT are soluble in polar solvents such as methanol, DMF, and DMSO. Using the conjugated polyelectrolytes PFNBr–PBT5 as gate dielectric material, poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) ‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs) show a high drain current of almost 4.5 mA within a gate voltage of only −3 V. The calculated hole mobility of P3HT is about 0.58 cm2 · V−1 · s−1.magnified image
In situ Collapse of Phase‐Separated Structure by Covalent Bond Cleavage at a Branching Point upon Heating
Authors: Sato Eriko , Kitamura Tomoaki , Matsumoto Akikazu 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA branched copolymer containing a degradable polyperoxide linkage at a branching point was synthesized by the radical copolymerization of dienyl‐functionalized polystyrene and polyisoprene macromonomers with molecular oxygen. The ternary mixture of the branched copolymer and the macromonomers showed phase‐separated structure after annealing at 45 and 90 °C. The adjacent spacing of the phase‐separated structure was in the order of submicron to micrometer, which is larger than that of general microphase separated structures, due to the presence of homopolymers (macromonomers). Annealing at 110 °C induced thermal decomposition of the polyperoxide followed by in‐situ collapse and a drastic morphology change in the phase‐separated structure.magnified image
Fabrication of Honeycomb‐Structured Poly(DL‐lactide) and Poly[(DL‐lactide)‐co‐glycolide)] Films and their Use as Scaffolds for Osteoblast‐Like Cell Culture
Authors: Chaudhuri Julian B. , Davidson Matthew G. , Ellis Marianne J. , Jones Matthew D. , Wu XuJun 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSummary: Surfactant‐free honeycomb‐structured Poly(DLlactide) (PDLLA) and Poly‐(DLlactide‐co‐glycolide) PDLLGA thin films were fabricated by water droplet templating methods. Thin films with uniform pore structure were obtained after controlled evaporation of solvents in a humid atmosphere. Solvent, polymer concentration and humidity were found to be important factors in the formation of honeycomb‐structured thin films. Preliminary cell culture studies with MG‐63 osteoblast‐like cell lines showed promising degrees of cell attachment and proliferation on these films, suggesting that they are applicable as scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Cellular Response after Stimulation of the Gelatin‐Alginate Matrixes
Authors: Szymonowicz Maria , Pielka Stanisław , Marcinkowska Anna , Żywicka Bogusława , Gamian Andrzej , Haznar Dorota , Pluta Janusz 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSummary: In the study the evaluation of the influence of gelatin‐alginate matrixes on cells of Jurkat, A549 and Hurvec lines in in vitro tests was presented. Cellular cultures in the presence of the evaluated matrixes did not change their morphotic features and their count and proliferation. Gelatin‐alginate matrixes in the form of sponges do not have anty cytotoxicy.
Molar Mass and Structural Characteristics of Poly[(lactide‐co‐(aspartic acid)] Block Copolymers
Authors: Poljanšek Ida , Gričar Maja , Žagar Ema , Žigon Majda 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSummary: We report on various synthetic procedures for the preparation of biodegradable and biocompatible poly(lactide‐co‐aspartic acid) block copolymers based on natural monomeric units – lactic acid and aspartic acid. Multiblock poly(lactide‐co‐aspartic acid) copolymers of different comonomer composition were synthesized by heating a mixture of L‐aspartic acid and L,L‐lactide in melt without the addition of any catalyst or solvent and with further alkaline hydrolysis of the cyclic succinimide rings to aspartic acid units. Diblock poly(lactide‐co‐aspartic acid) copolymers with different block lengths were prepared by copolymerization of amino terminated poly(β‐benzyl‐L‐aspartate) homopolymer and L,L‐lactide with subsequent deprotection of the benzyl protected carboxyl group by hydrogenolysis. The differences in the structure, composition, molar mass characteristics, and water‐solubility of the synthesized multiblock and diblock poly(lactide‐co‐aspartic acid) copolymers are discussed.
Improving the Processing Ability and Mechanical Strength of Starch/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Blends through Plasma and Acid Modification
Authors: Yang Sung‐Yeng , Liu Chia‐I , Wu Jing‐Yi , Kuo Ju‐Chien , Huang Chi‐Yuan 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSummary: In this study, maleic anhydride (MA), and citric acid (CA) used as the processing additive and plasma treatment to improve the processing ability and mechanical strength of biodegradable starch/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blends were studied. The melt flow index (MFI) of starch/ glycerol/PVA (300g/60g/80g) blend was increased from 2.3g/10min to 32.7g/10min by adding 3g of MA and to 130 g/10min by adding MA and plasma treatment. The tensile strength of starch/glycerol/PVA blend increased from 3.48 to 6.21 MPa by adding 1.5g of MA and 1.5g of CA, while it increased to 6.26 MPa by plasma treatment. Esterification reaction which was evidenced by FTIR has been showed to improve the compatibility between starch and PVA when MA was dissolved into glycerol and glycerol grafted onto plasma pretreatment PVA. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging were used to study the morphology of extruded blends.
Level‐cut inhomogeneous filtered Poisson field for two‐phase microstructures
Authors: Grigoriu Mircea 
Published: November 2008

AbstractLevel‐cut homogeneous filtered Poisson fields developed in (J. Appl. Phys. 2003; 94(6):3762–3770) to model two‐phase microstructures are defined, and their properties are briefly reviewed. Filtered Poisson fields are sums of randomly scaled and oriented kernels that are centered at the points of homogeneous Poisson fields. The cuts of these fields above specified thresholds are called level‐cut homogeneous filtered Poisson fields. It is shown that an arbitrary inhomogeneous Poisson field becomes homogeneous if observed in new coordinates, and that the mapping relating inhomogeneous and homogeneous Poisson fields can be constructed in a simple manner. This mapping and the model in (J. Appl. Phys. 2003; 94(6): 3762–3770) provide an efficient algorithm for generating arbitrary inhomogeneous two‐phase microstructures. Developments in (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2008; DOI: 10.1002/nme.2340), using arguments essentially identical to those in (J. Appl. Phys. 2003; 94(6):3762–3770) to define and generate inhomogeneous Poisson fields, overlook the natural extension of results in (J. Appl. Phys. 2003; 94(6): 3762–3770) to these fields provided by the mapping constructed in this paper. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of three stem cell lines from human sacrococcygeal teratomas
Authors: Busch Christian , Bareiss Petra M , Sinnberg Tobias , Just Lothar , Wehrmann Manfred , Fuchs Jörg , Garbe Claus , Drews Ulrich 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs) are benign tumours of the newborn with absolute indication for surgery directly after birth. We recently described the presence of stem cells positive for the stem cell markers nanog and Oct4 in SCTs. Here we report the isolation of three stem cell lines from three different SCTs. Cells were propagated in mesenchymal or in embryonic stem cell medium. Non‐clonal homogeneous stem cell lines were obtained after two to three passages and characterized in vitro by immunocytochemistry, RT‐PCR, western blot, FACS analysis, and metaphase spreads. The differentiation potential was tested in vitro and in vivo. The isolated cell lines, which we refer to as human sacrococcygeal teratoma stem cells (hSctSCs), express nanog, Oct4 and stella, and are negative for malignancy markers alpha‐fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen. They can be induced in vitro to express neuronal, osteogenic, and chondrogenic traits. After grafting in vivo, spontaneous integration into the neural crest of the chick embryo and teratoma formation in the nude mouse were obtained. Our results indicate that SCTs are derived from remnants of the epiblast‐derived primitive streak, which in the human embryo normally regresses but forms teratomas in children affected with SCT. The hSctSCs therefore may be comparable to mouse epiblast‐derived stem cells (EpiSCs) and share characteristic features with human embryonic stem (hES) cells. Thus, SCT tissue obtained after surgery appears to be a novel source for the generation of human stem cells without the ethical implications associated with hES cells. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of potential substrate proteins for the periplasmic Escherichia coli chaperone Skp
Authors: Jarchow Svenja , Lück Carsten , Görg Angelika , Skerra Arne 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe “seventeen kilodalton protein” (Skp) is a predominant periplasmic chaperone of Escherichia coli, which is involved in the biogenesis of abundant outer membrane proteins (OMPs) such as OmpA, PhoE, and LamB. In this study the substrate profile of Skp was investigated in a proteomics approach. Skp was overexpressed in a deficient E. coli strain as a fusion protein with the Strep–tag and captured, together with any host proteins associated with it, from the periplasmic cell extract under mild conditions via one‐step Strep–Tactin affinity chromatography. Copurified substrate proteins were then identified by high resolution 2‐DE with immobilized pH‐gradients, followed by MALDI‐TOF MS. Apart from the known Skp substrates, including OmpA and LamB, more than 30 other interacting proteins were detected, especially from the outer membrane, among these FadL and BtuB, and from the periplasm such as MalE and OppA. Thus, Skp does not only serve as a specialized chaperone for a small set of OMPs, but it seems to exhibit a broader substrate spectrum, including soluble periplasmic proteins. These findings should prompt further investigation into the physiological role of Skp and may promote its use for the bacterial production of biochemically active heterologous proteins whose folding requires secretion into the oxidizing milieu of the periplasm.