bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biosorption of phenolic compounds by the brown alga Sargassum muticum
Authors: Rubín Eugenia , Rodríguez Pilar , Herrero Roberto , Sastre de Vicente Manuel E. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractPhenol, 2‐chlorophenol (2‐CP), and 4‐chlorophenol (4‐CP) biosorption on Sargassum muticum, an invasive macroalga in Europe, has been investigated. The efficiency of this biosorbent was studied measuring the equilibrium uptake using the batch technique. A chemical pre‐treatment with CaCl2 has been employed in this study in order to improve the stability as well as the sorption capacity of the algal biomass. The influence of pH on the equilibrium binding and the effect of the algal dose were evaluated. The experimental data at pH = 1 have been analysed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. It was found that the maximum sorption capacity of chlorophenols, qmax = 251 mg g−1 for 4‐CP and qmax = 79 mg g−1 for 2‐CP, as well as that of a binary mixture of both chlorophenols, qmax = 108 mg g−1, is much higher than that of phenol, qmax = 4.6 mg g−1. Moreover, sorption kinetics have been performed and it was observed that the equilibrium was reached in less than 10 h. Kinetic data have been fitted to the first order Lagergren model, from which the rate constant and the sorption capacity were determined. Finally, biosorption of the phenolic compounds examined in the present study on Sargassum muticum biomass was observed to be correlated with the octanol‐water partitioning coefficients of the phenols. This result allows us to postulate that hydrophobic interactions are the main responsible for the sorption equilibrium binding. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetics of glucoamylase hydrolysis of corn starch
Authors: Wang Jin‐Peng , Zeng Ai‐Wu , Liu Zhen , Yuan Xi‐Gang 
Published: January 2006

AbstractCorn starch was hydrolysed by glucoamylase (EC 3.2.1.3, 1,4‐a‐D‐glucan glucohydrolase) in a chemostat; 106 g L−1 reducing sugar was produced at 40 °C after 46 h, whereas only 42 g L−1 was produced at 30 °C. When corn starch concentration was increased from 64.6 g L−1 to 161.5 g L−1, the amount of reducing sugar produced increased with the initial substrate concentration. The studies show that there is a product concentration (p0) above which product inhibition becomes apparent. A new model for starch hydrolysis considering the product inhibition point is presented. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
ESI‐QqTOF‐MS/MS and APCI‐IT‐MS/MS analysis of steroid saponins from the rhizomes of Dioscorea panthaica
Authors: Li Rui , Zhou Yan , Wu Zhijun , Ding Lisheng 
Published: January 2006

AbstractUsing high‐resolution quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry along with an electrospray ionization source (ESI‐QqTOF‐MS), accurate molecular weights of 13 steroid saponins extracted from the rhizomes of Dioscorea panthaica were acquired and the corresponding molecular formulae obtained. In order to elucidate the fragmentation pathways of steroid saponins in D. panthaica, 10 authentic samples were investigated using ESI‐QqTOF‐MS/MS. In addition, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry combined with ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (APCI‐IT‐MS/MS) was used to analyze the structures of 13 steroid saponins in D. panthaica. Through the analysis of their tandem mass data, diagnostic fragment ions of the spirostanol and furostanol steroid saponins in D. panthaica were detected as m/z 271.2056 and 253.1951. In addition, four pairs of isomers were detected and the possible structures of four unknown steroid saponins in D. panthaica speculated. ESI‐TOF and APCI‐MSn have proved to be effective tools for research on fragmentation mechanism of steroid saponins and the rapid determination of native steroid saponins in extract mixture, thereby avoiding tedious derivation and separation steps. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of Nitroxide‐Terminated Polymers Prepared by Sonochemical Degradation in the Synthesis of Block Copolymers
Authors: Bartsch Martina , Schmidt‐Naake Gudrun 
Published: January 2006

AbstractSummary: The ultrasonic irradiation of a polymer solution results in the breakage of macromolecular CC bonds. In the presence of radical scavengers the formed macroradicals are prevented from termination reactions as combination or disproportionation. Using nitroxides as trapping agents the polymer is transformed into a macroinitiator, which can be used in controlled free‐radical polymerization to synthesize block copolymers. In this work several polymers were exposed to sonochemical degradation and terminated with various nitroxides, e.g. OH‐TEMPO and TIPNO. In a second reaction step the prepared polymer‐nitroxide‐adducts were applied as macroinitiators in controlled free‐radical polymerizations with styrene. The obtained products were mixtures of block copolymer and the corresponding homopolymers. The visco‐elastic properties were investigated by rheological analysis. A special separation technique with selective solvents was applied to determine the content of block copolymer.Synthesis of block copolymers with sonochemically prepared macroinitiators.magnified imageSynthesis of block copolymers with sonochemically prepared macroinitiators.
Novel Side‐Chain Polyrotaxane with Cyclodextrin: Syntheses and Study of Water‐Soluble Copolymers Bearing Hydrophobically Associative Components
Authors: Pang Yanjie , Ritter Helmut 
Published: January 2006

AbstractSummary: Novel water‐soluble hydrophobically associative polymers, comprising sodium 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropansulfonate , N,N‐dimethylacrylamide and different amounts of a hydrophobically associative macromonomer, were synthesized in an aqueous medium. Formation of a rotaxane‐like complex of this macromonomer, with randomly methylated β‐cyclodextrin, was studied. In addition, a side chain of polyrotaxane, comprising this complex and methyl methacrylate, was synthesized via ATRP. These polymers were characterized by dynamic light scattering and fluorescent‐probe technique. Effects of methylated β‐cyclodextrin on micelle formation of the polymers were also studied.The side‐chain polyrotaxane.magnified imageThe side‐chain polyrotaxane.
Preparation of Water‐Absorbing Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibrous Membrane
Authors: Liu Haiqing , Hsieh You‐Lo 
Published: January 2006

AbstractSummary: Hydrophilic acrylic nanofibers were prepared from alkaline hydrolysis of hydrophobic polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers. Water contact angle, pore volume, and liquid retention capacity of PAN nanofibrous membranes were measured to determine their dependence on hydrolysis parameters such as base concentration, temperature, and time. Vertical water retention capacity of hydrolyzed PAN nanofibrous membrane could reach as large as 200 times of that of original membrane.Fiber twinning in post‐hydrolyzed PAN nanofibrous membrane.imageFiber twinning in post‐hydrolyzed PAN nanofibrous membrane.
The role of tea and tea flavonoids in cardiovascular health
Authors: Stangl Verena , Lorenz Mario , Stangl Karl 
Published: January 2006

AbstractConsumption of green or black tea has been inversely associated with the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, the current knowledge about protective effects of tea and tea constituents, particularly flavonoids, on the cardiovascular system is summarized. Underlying mechanisms for the beneficial effects of tea include vasculoprotective, antioxidative, antithrombogenic, anti‐inflammatory, and lipid‐lowering properties of tea flavonoids. Although promising experimental data on beneficial effects of tea in various cardiovascular diseases are available, results of clinical studies in humans are not uniform. A number of factors are discussed which may contribute to inconsistent data in humans. Overall, tea represents a promising tool for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
Extension of the UNFOLD method to include free breathing
Authors: Madore Bruno , Hoge W. Scott , Kwong Raymond 
Published: January 2006

AbstractUnaliasing by Fourier‐encoding the overlaps using the temporal dimension (UNFOLD) is a method to reduce the data acquisition burden in dynamic MRI. The method works by forcing aliased signals to behave in specific ways through time, so that these unwanted signals can be detected and removed. Unexpected events in time, such as displacements caused by breathing, have the potential to disturb the temporal strategy and may affect UNFOLD's ability to suppress aliasing artifacts. This work presents an extension of the UNFOLD method to accommodate temporal encoding disruptions. While the main type of disruption considered here comes from respiratory motion, other types of disruption can be envisioned, such as departures from the usual UNFOLD k‐space sampling scheme. This extended version of UNFOLD was incorporated into UNFOLD‐sensitivity encoding (UNFOLD‐SENSE), and should also be applicable to closely related methods such as temporal SENSE (TSENSE), k‐t Broaduse Linear Acquisition Speed up Technique (k‐t BLAST), and k‐t SENSE. Five patients were imaged with a modified version of a myocardial‐perfusion sequence, and UNFOLD was used either alone or in conjunction with SENSE to obtain an acceleration of 2.0 (in three patients) or 3.0 (in two patients). In both cases this extended version of UNFOLD was able to suppress artifacts caused by the presence of breathing motion. Magn Reson Med 55, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Image contrast using the secondary and tertiary eigenvectors in diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Zhang Jiangyang , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Mori Susumu 
Published: January 2006

AbstractDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a new imaging modality that can provide unique information on brain white matter anatomy. Measurements of water diffusion constant along multiple axes are fitted to a tensor model, from which the diffusion anisotropy and dominant fiber orientation can be estimated. Even though the tensor model is an oversimplification of the underlying neuroanatomy, information within the tensor has not been fully utilized in routine research and clinical studies. In this study we proposed and examined the properties and anatomical contents of several DTI‐derived image contrasts that utilize all three eigenvectors. The new contrasts are studied and validated using known anatomical structures in ex vivo mouse brain and embryonic mouse cortex. Application to human white matter is illustrated. Our results suggest that when these contrasts are combined with a priori anatomical knowledge, they reveal neuroanatomical information that is useful for tissue segmentation and diagnosis of white matter lesions. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late sporadic miscarriage is associated with abnormalities in spiral artery transformation and trophoblast invasion
Authors: Ball E , Bulmer JN , Ayis S , Lyall F , Robson SC 
Published: January 2006

AbstractTrophoblast invasion of uterine decidua and myometrium, and spiral artery transformation, are essential for the development of normal pregnancy; this process is impaired in pre‐eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and pre‐term labour. The hypothesis that late miscarriage is associated with reduced trophoblast invasion and spiral artery transformation was tested in a large series of placental bed biopsies containing decidua and myometrium from late, karyotyped, embryonic miscarriage (≥13 weeks' gestation; n = 26; n = 96 spiral arteries) and gestationally matched ultrasound‐dated normal pregnancies (n = 74; n = 236 spiral arteries). Cryostat sections were immunostained using an avidin–biotin peroxidase technique for cytokeratin, desmin, and von Willebrand factor to detect trophoblast, myometrium, and vascular smooth muscle and endothelium, respectively. Trophoblast invasion and individual features of spiral artery transformation were assessed and analysed using a logistic regression model. Compared with normal pregnancy, myometrial spiral arteries in late miscarriage showed reduced endovascular (4% vs. 31%, p = 0.001) and intramural trophoblast (76% vs. 88%, p = 0.05), and less extensive fibrinoid change (4% vs. 18%, p = 0.01). In contrast, endovascular trophoblast in decidual spiral arteries was increased (40% vs. 66%, p = 0.04). These findings suggest that, in common with pre‐eclampsia, late sporadic miscarriage may be associated with reduced trophoblast invasion and inadequate transformation of myometrial spiral arteries. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein microarrays on hybrid polymeric thin films prepared by self‐assembly of polyelectrolytes for multiple‐protein immunoassays
Authors: Zhou Xichun , Zhou Jizhong 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe report here the development and characterization of protein microarrays fabricated on nanoengineered 3‐D polyelectrolyte thin films (PET) deposited on glass slide by consecutive adsorption of polyelectrolytes via self‐assembly technique. Antibodies or antigens were immobilized in the PET‐coated glass slides by electrostatic adsorption and entrapment of porous structure of the 3‐D polymer film and thus establishing a platform for parallel analysis. Both antigen and antibody microarrays were fabricated on the PET‐coated slides, and direct and indirect immunoassays on protein microarrays for multiple‐analyte detection were demonstrated. Microarrays produced on these PET‐coated slides have consistent spot morphology and provide performance features needed for proteomic analysis. The protein microarrays on the PET films provide LOD as low as 6 pg/mL and dynamic ranges up to three orders of magnitude, which are wider than the protein microarrays fabricated on aldehyde and poly‐L‐lysine functionalized slides. The PET films constructed by self‐assembly technique in aqueous solution is green chemistry based, cost‐effective method to generate 3‐D thin film coatings on glass surface, and the coated slide is well suited for immobilizing many types of biological molecules so that a wide variety of microarray formats can be developed on this type of slide.
Alternative chaperone machinery may compensate for calreticulin/calnexin deficiency in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lee Wonhae , Kim Ki Ra , Singaravelu Gunasekaran , Park Byung‐Jae , Kim Do Han , Ahnn Joohong , Yoo Yung Joon 
Published: January 2006

AbstractProper folding and maintenance of the native structure are central to protein function and are assisted by a family of proteins called chaperones. Calreticulin and calnexin are ER resident chaperones well conserved from worm to human. Calreticulin/calnexin knock‐out mice exhibit a severe phenotype, whereas in Caenorhabditis elegans, calreticulin [crt‐1(jh101)]‐ and calnexin [cnx‐1(nr2009)]‐null mutant worms exhibit only a mild phenotype, suggesting the possible existence of alternative chaperone machinery that can compensate for the deficiency of calreticulin and/or calnexin. In order to rapidly identify the compensatory chaperone components involved in this process, we analyzed the proteome of crt‐1(jh101) mutants and [crt‐1(jh101);cnx‐1(nr2009)] double mutants. When grown at 20°C, we found that five proteins were up‐regulated and two proteins were down‐regulated in crt‐1(jh101) mutants; nine proteins were up‐regulated and five proteins were down‐regulated in [crt‐1(jh101);cnx‐1(nr2009)] double mutants. In addition, elevation of the cultivation temperature to 25°C, which is still permissive to growth but causes specific defects in mutants, led to the identification of several additional proteins. Interestingly, the consistent increment of heat shock protein‐70 family members (hsp70) together with protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) at all the examined conditions suggests the possible compensatory function imparted by hsp70 and PDI family members in the absence of calreticulin and/or calnexin.
Proteomic analysis of mammalian basic proteins by liquid‐based two‐dimensional column chromatography
Authors: Shin Yu‐Kyong , Lee Hyoung‐Joo , Lee Joon Seok , Paik Young‐Ki 
Published: January 2006

AbstractTo develop a standard method for separating highly basic proteins in mammalian cells, we established a 2‐D LC separation system coupled with chromatofocusing/nonporous RP column chromatography (CF/NPRPC) in a ProteomeLab PF2D system. After standardizing conditions for 2‐D LC, a 2‐D liquid protein map of uninfected macrophage proteins with pH range 8.3–11.3 was constructed, and then compared with a macrophage protein map made after infection with Candida albicans. The results demonstrate that 2‐D LC offers both high resolution and reproducibility for separation of highly basic, macrophage proteins. After protein identification using a nano 2‐D LC‐MS/MS Proteomics Solution System, quantitative determination of the changes in the differentially expressed proteins (e.g., galectin‐3) in C. albicans‐infected macrophages was also accomplished by measuring the peak area of the chromatogram in 2‐D LC. The result from this measurement of galectin‐3 expression shows a 3.41‐fold decrease in the infected macrophage cells, which was further confirmed by that from the RT‐PCR of mRNA of galectin‐3. Thus, 2‐D LC coupled with CF/NPRPC could be applicable to common analysis of highly basic proteins in a high‐throughput manner.
The relationship between the activities‐specific Balance Confidence Scale and the Dynamic Gait Index in peripheral vestibular dysfunction
Authors: Legters Kristine , Whitney Susan L , Porter Rebecca , Buczek Frank 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground and Purpose.People with vestibular dysfunction experience dizziness, vertigo and postural instability. The persistence of these symptoms may result in decreased balance confidence. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between decreased balance confidence and gait dysfunction in patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction.Method.A retrospective review of 137 charts with the Activities‐specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) scores was completed. Spearman rank–order correlation analysis was performed of the total sample, by age group and by degree of vestibular weakness.Results.A moderate correlation ofr= 0.58 (p<0.001) was found between the ABC Scale score and the DGI score in the total sample. Those with mild or moderate vestibular weakness had a correlation ofr= 0.72 (p<0.001) between the ABC Scale score and the DGI score, compared with a correlation ofr= 0.48 in those with severe or total vestibular weakness.Conclusions.Decreased balance confidence and increased fall risk are critical issues for people with vestibular dysfunction. The effects of aging did not have a significant impact on the relationship. The correlation between balance confidence and gait dysfunction was stronger in those with mild or moderate vestibular weakness, although those with severe or total weakness were more disabled by their vestibular symptoms. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Expectations and satisfaction of patients with low back pain attending a multidisciplinary rehabilitation service
Authors: McCarthy Christopher J , Oldham Jackie A , Sephton Ruth 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground and Purpose.To identify the expectations of service, and degree of satisfaction, with a multidisciplinary service for patients with low back pain, and to examine the strength of association between patients' satisfaction and expectations.Method.A three‐stage study design was used: concerns were identified by a focus group; priority issues were identified by ranking by use of a Delphi consensus questionnaire; satisfaction or expectation questionnaires were also used to rate patients' satisfaction and the degree to which expectations were met.Subjects.Three convenience samples of patients with low back pain were recruited. Ten patients attended the focus group, 55 completed the Delphi consensus questionnaire and 40 completed the satisfaction or expectation questionnaires.Results.Patients rated a clear diagnosis and effective treatment as important, and the ease with which they could access the service and post‐discharge follow‐up as important issues when judging satisfaction. Patients rated their overall satisfaction and meeting their expectations higher than specific service issues, and the strengths of the associations between the two constructs varied from concern to concern.Conclusion.Certain aspects of service provision are rated with greater importance than others when patients judge a service they have experienced. There are differences in the strength of associations between the constructs of patient satisfaction and meeting expectations of service, specific to the individual service concern that is being evaluated. The present study provides more evidence that specific concerns within service provision should be identified before evaluating patients' expectations and satisfaction with the service overall. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Use of devices to prevent subluxation of the shoulder after stroke
Authors: Foongchomcheay Anchalee , Ada Louise , Canning Colleen G 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground and Purpose.Supportive devices, such as slings, wheelchair or chair attachments and orthoses, have been used for many years by physiotherapists to support the affected shoulder after stroke. The purpose of the present paper was to examine the alignment between current practice with evidence for the use of supportive devices in the prevention of subluxation of the shoulder after stroke and to provide guidance for clinical practice and future research.Method.In order to determine the evidence regarding the most appropriate supportive devices to prevent subluxation after stroke, a systematic review was undertaken following the guidelines set out by the Cochrane Collaboration. In order to determine current practice with regard to the most commonly used supportive devices to prevent subluxation after stroke, a questionnaire was designed and administered for use in Australia.Results.The collar‐and‐cuff sling is the most commonly used sling. However, a small amount of lower‐level evidence shows that the collar‐and‐cuff sling only reduces subluxation by half, suggesting that it may not be the most effective to use for prevention. In contrast, this evidence supports the use of wheelchair or chair attachments.Conclusions.We found that there was a lack of high‐level evidence to guide clinical practice. In order to determine evidence‐based practice for the prevention of shoulder subluxation, there is a need to test the efficacy of the most promising supportive devices based on available evidence. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical and photoelectric properties of copper phthalocyanine/cadmium sulphide multilayer films prepared by vacuum sublimation
Authors: He Zhibing , Zhao Gaoling , Han Gaorong 
Published: January 2006

AbstractCopper phthalocyanine (CuPc)/cadmium sulphide (CdS) multilayer films were prepared by vacuum sublimation. X‐ray diffraction, secondary ion mass, and optical absorption spectra and photoconductive properties of the multilayer films were measured. The results showed that the multilayer films had a clearly alternating layered structure on a nanometre scale. The effects of the pair number and the substrate temperature on the photosensitivity of the multilayer films were studied. It was found that three‐pair CuPc/CdS multilayer films at a substrate temperature of 150 °C had the maximum photosensitivity. The ratio of the photocurrent to the dark current was 7.1 × 103. The CuPc/CdS multilayer films had higher photosensitivity than CuPc/ZnS multilayer films. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)