bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Control of anthracnose rot and quality deterioration in loquat fruit with methyl jasmonate
Authors: Cao Shifeng , Zheng Yonghua , Yang Zhenfeng , Tang Shuangshuang , Jin Peng 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruit has a short shelf‐life, mainly due to fungal decay. Current control of postharvest disease of the fruit is mainly dependent on fungicides. However, because of the increasing consumer concern over food safety, there is an urgent need to search for effective alternatives to control disease. The objective of this work was to determine the efficacy of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in controlling anthracnose rot caused by Colletotrichum acutatum and maintaining quality of loquat fruit.RESULTS: Loquat fruit were treated with 10 µmol L−1 MeJA and wound inoculated with C. acutatum spore suspension of 1.0 × 105 spores mL−1 24 h after treatment, and then stored at 20 °C for 6 days. The percentage of infected wounds showing decay symptom was reduced from 54.4% to 16.7% and the lesion diameter was reduced from 7.26 mm to 4.00 mm by MeJA treatment on the 4th day after inoculation. MeJA treatment induced higher activities of two defense‐related enzymes—chitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase—during 6 days storage. Meanwhile, the treatment inhibited increases in fruit firmness and internal browning index, and maintained higher extractable juice rate and total soluble solids and titratable acidity contents, thereby delaying the development of flesh leatheriness.CONCLUSION: MeJA treatment effectively inhibited anthracnose rot and maintained quality in loquat fruit. Inhibition of the disease was mainly because of resistance induced in loquat fruit by MeJA. A postharvest application of MeJA could be an alternative to chemical fungicides for control of postharvest disease in loquat fruit. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Transgenic rice expresses an antigenic lipoprotein of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Yiu Jinn‐Chin , Tseng Menq‐Jiau , Yang Chiou‐Ying , Liu Cheng‐Wei , Lai Yu‐Shen , Kuo Chun‐Teh , Liu Hsin‐Hsuan 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The use of transgenic plants as new antigen‐delivery systems for subunit vaccines has been increasingly explored. We herein report progress toward a rice‐based vaccine against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.RESULTS: Two expression cassettes, pKrAgnH and pKcAgnH, containing the lipoprotein gene of N. gonorrhoeae (Ag473) under the control of the tobacco Rubisco small subunit (rbcS) promoter or the CaMV 35S promoter, respectively, were constructed and introduced into rice (Oryzy sativa L.) by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. Eleven independent transgenic lines were regenerated, integration of the Ag473 gene was confirmed by PCR and specific transcripts of the expected molecular size were detected by RT‐PCR. Expression of the putative polypeptide encoded by the Ag473 gene was detected by immunoassay with specific antibodies. ELISA and western blot revealed that the Ag473 protein was expressed and accumulated in both leaf and seed tissues of transgenic rice plants. Some transgenic lines expressed Ag473 up to 0.5% of the total soluble protein. Moreover, the immunogenicity of the expressed protein was tested in a mouse model and the results showed that specific antibodies were elicited in mice immunised intraperitoneally with protein extracts from transgenic rice plants.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using transgenic rice as a bioreactor for N. gonorrhoeae vaccine development. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Fat reduction in emulsion sausage using an enzyme‐modified potato starch
Authors: Liu Huaiwei , Xiong Youling L. , Jiang Lianzhou , Kong Baohua 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: A heat‐stable amylase‐modified potato starch (MPS) was prepared and used as a fat replacer in reduced‐fat emulsion sausages. The effects of fat level (50, 150 and 300 g kg−1) and MPS addition (20 and 40 g kg−1) on energy, colour, sensory, and textural properties of emulsion sausages were investigated.RESULTS: The addition of 20 or 40 g kg−1 of MPS in reduced‐fat sausage (50–150 g kg−1 fat) reduced total energy (15.1–49.4%), increased lightness, but lowered redness of the products (P < 0.05). The 150 g kg−1 or 50 g kg−1 fat sausages containing 20 g kg−1 MPS had a similar hardness to the 300 g kg−1 fat control (P > 0.05). Sensory evaluation indicated that the presence of MPS in reduced‐fat sausages increased (P < 0.05) the product's tenderness.CONCLUSION: Overall, the 150 g kg−1 fat emulsion sausages with 20 g kg−1 MPS were comparable to the 300 g kg−1 fat control sausage in colour, texture profile, and sensory properties, but was lower in energy, suggesting that the MPS can be used as a potential fat replacer in sausage products. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Experience of a large series of mastoscopic axillary lymph node dissection
Authors: Chengyu Luo , Jian Zhang , Xiaoxin Ji , Hua Lin , Qi Yang , Chen Guan 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundMinimally invasive and functional therapy represents an inevitable trend in breast surgery. Improved visualization during mastoscopic axillary lymph node dissection (MALND) realizes a clear exposure of axillary anatomy, but it differs from a general laparoscopic operation. There are some challenges in technique itself which need to be noted. Detailed understanding of the elaborate operative technique, familiarity with the axillary anatomy and accurate adherence to procedure are main elements for successful MALND. Based on our experience of MALND, we have identified several points that are essential in ensuring successful MALND.Materials and MethodsFive hundred twenty‐two patients underwent MALND. The special instruments, axillary anatomic landmarks and operative steps were illuminated.ResultsMean operative time was 39.2 min (range 20–156 min). Operative bleeding was minimal. A mean of 13.4 (range 4–38) lymph nodes were harvested. No intra or post‐operation‐related complication occurred. No axillary tumor relapse or trocar tumor implantation was identified during follow‐up.ConclusionsMALND can be performed with great convenience and safety with adherence to suitable procedures. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:89–93. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The prevalence of and risk factors for four or more metastatic axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients undergoing sentinel node biopsy
Authors: Leidenius M. , Vaalavirta L. , Heikkilä P. , von Smitten K. , Salmenkivi K. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundOur aim was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for having four or more positive axillary lymph nodes among breast cancer patients undergoing sentinel node (SN) biopsy.Patients and MethodsBetween February 2005 and July 2007, 1,062 breast cancer patients with the clinical tumour size not larger than 3 cm underwent SN biopsy and axillary clearance (AC), when SN was positive. These patients were identified in a prospectively collected database.ResultsFour or more positive axillary nodes were detected in 68 patients representing 6% of the entire study population and 16% of the 436 node positive cases. Features regarded as predictive for a very low risk included (1) T1a or T1b tumours, (2) grade I tumours, (3) tumours with a favourable subtype, that is mucinous, tubular or medullary breast cancer, (4) no nodal macrometastases and (5) SN ratio lower than 0.5.ConclusionsOnly few patients with T1a–b tumours or grade 1 tumours, as well as those with minimal involvement of the sentinel nodes have four or more positive axillary lymph nodes. However, these risk factors can be definitely assessed only after surgery, decreasing their value in the clinical decision making. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:21–26. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Time of flight versus ion trap MS coupled to CE to analyse intact proteins
Authors: Erny Guillaume L. , León Carlos , Marina Maria Luisa , Cifuentes Alejandro 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this work, two different CE‐MS instruments, namely, CE‐ESI‐IT‐MS and CE‐ESI‐TOF‐MS, applied to analyse intact proteins from complex samples are investigated. The aim of this work was to compare both instruments in terms of LOD, number of proteins detected, and precision and repeatability in the determination of the protein relative molecular mass. Results show that although CE‐ESI‐IT‐MS provides cleaner MS spectra of intact proteins, CE‐ESI‐TOF‐MS allows the identification of a higher number of proteins from complex matrices in an easier way. Performance in terms of peak area reproducibility, LOD and precision in the determination of the molecular mass were similar for both instruments. The usefulness of the optimised CE‐ESI‐IT‐MS and CE‐ESI‐TOF‐MS conditions was demonstrated by studying the zein‐proteins composition of three natural maize lines and their corresponding transgenic lines, showing no significant differences.
Kinetics of Miniemulsion Polymerization of Styrene in the Presence of Organoclays
Authors: Tong Zhaohui , Deng Yulin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe impacts of nanoclays on the miniemulsion polymerization kinetics of styrene were studied. It was found that both RP and the fractional conversion decreased upon increasing the organoclay content in the miniemulsion system. In the presence of nanoclay the molecular weight of polystyrene nanoclay composite is lower and the particle size polydispersity of the final composite latex is greater than that of pure styrene miniemulsion polymerization. The effect of the nanoclays is mainly caused by the destabilization of the miniemulsion by the organoclay particles. The increase in the monomer viscosity and the decrease in the diffusion rate of the monomer and the living polymer inside the monomer droplet also accounts for the reduction in the polymerization rate.magnified image
Enhanced Mechanical Performance of Self‐Bundled Electrospun Fiber Yarns via Post‐Treatments
Authors: Wang Xuefen , Zhang Kai , Zhu Meifang , Hsiao Benjamin S. , Chu Benjamin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA new route to high‐performance electrospun polymer fibers was developed using a self‐bundling electrospinning technique combined with post‐treatments such as stretching and annealing under conditions similar to those used for conventional fibers. Self‐bundled electrospun PAN fiber yarns were characterized by SEM, mechanical tests, polarized FT‐IR spectroscopy and WAXD. The obtained results revealed that the PAN nanofiber yarns possessed enhanced alignment, a higher degree of crystallinity and higher molecular orientation after treatments, resulting in a remarkable improvement in mechanical performance, approaching the strength value of the corresponding conventional fibers.magnified image
Direct Observation of Alkyl Chain Interdigitation in Conjugated Polyquarterthiophene Self‐Organized on Graphite Surfaces
Authors: Keg Peisi , Lohani Anup , Fichou Denis , Lam Yeng Ming , Wu Yiliang , Ong Beng S. , Mhaisalkar Subodh G. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA solution processible polymer—poly(3,3‴‐didodecylquaterthiophene) (PQT‐12) is investigated at the liquid/solid interface using the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Two‐dimensional ordered films made up of self‐assembled domains, with dimensions of 100 nm × 50 nm adsorbed on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) were formed. These domains consist of parallel lamellar polymer chains, with the alkyl chains forming interdigitated structures, along with U‐shaped and closed ring segments of the polymer chains. A polymer chain packing model is proposed herein, which attempts to propose a correlation between the packing of long chains and charge mobilities. These STM results could help in understanding the relationship between the extended conjugation and molecular organization of the PQT‐12 chains.magnified image
Polymersome/Silica Capsules by ‘Click’‐Chemistry
Authors: Binder Wolfgang H. , Sachsenhofer Robert 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPolyisobutylene/poly(ethylene oxide) diblock copolymers (PIBn‐PEOm) with variable block‐lengths (n = 40, 75; m = 31, 52) have been prepared by a combination of living polymerization cationic methods and azide/alkyne ‘click’ chemistry. Allyl‐telechelic PIBs are transformed into the respective telechelic PIB‐azides (PIB‐N3) by a quantitative procedure. Coupling of the PIB‐N3 to acetylene‐telechelic PEO‐polymers is then quantitatively achieved by a CuI‐mediated cycloaddition reaction. The resulting diblock copolymers reveal lamellar structures in solution at concentrations up to 35 wt.‐%, whereas polymersomes are formed at lower concentrations. The resulting polymersomes can be silicified under inclusion of nanoparticles to generate micrometer‐sized, multifunctional capsules with a silica shell.magnified image
Effects of garlic on platelet biochemistry and physiology
Authors: Rahman Khalid 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIncreased platelet aggregation plays a significant role in the aetiology of cardiovascular disease, and is complex involving multiple mechanisms. On platelet activation, there is a transient increase in free cytoplasmic calcium (Ca2+), thromboxane A2 generation, and the activation of the fibrinogen receptor GPIIb/IIIa. Other modulators are also involved in platelet aggregation and include lipoxygenase metabolites, protein kinase C, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanine monophosphate (cGMP) and nitric oxide (NO). Garlic is reported to prevent cardiovascular disease by multiple effects, one of which is the inhibition of platelet aggregation and its ability to do this has been extensively investigated in vitro, however, in vivo studies are limited. In vitro studies indicate that garlic prevents inhibition of platelet aggregation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase activity and thus thromboxane A2 formation, by suppressing mobilization of intraplatelet Ca2+, and by increasing levels of cAMP and cGMP. Garlic also displays strong antioxidant properties and activates nitric oxide synthase (NOS), leading to an increase in platelet‐derived NO. It can also interact directly with the GPIIb/IIIa receptors, thus reducing the ability of platelets to bind to fibrinogen. It is concluded that garlic inhibits platelet aggregation by multiple mechanisms and may have a role in preventing cardiovascular disease.
In vitro fermentability of human milk oligosaccharides by several strains of bifidobacteria
Authors: Ward Robert E. , Niñonuevo Milady , Mills David A. , Lebrilla Carlito B. , German J. Bruce 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the catabolism and fermentation of human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) by individual strains of bifidobacteria. Oligosaccharides were isolated from a pooled sample of human milk using solid‐phase extraction, and then added to a growth medium as the sole source of fermentable carbohydrate. Of five strains of bifidobacteria tested (Bifidobacterium longum biovar infantis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum biovar longum, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis), B. longum bv. infantis grew better, achieving triple the cell density then the other strains. B. bifidum did not reach a high cell density, yet generated free sialic acid, fucose and N‐acetylglucosamine in the media, suggesting some capacity for HMO degradation. Thin layer chromatography profiles of spent fermentation broth suggests substantial degradation of oligosaccharides by B. longum bv. infantis, moderate degradation by B. bifidum and little degradation by other strains. While all strains were able to individually ferment two monosaccharide constituents of HMO, glucose and galactose, only B. longum bv. infantis and B. breve were able to ferment glucosamine, fucose and sialic acid. These results suggest that as a potential prebiotic, HMO may selectively promote the growth of certain bifidobacteria strains, and their catabolism may result in free monosaccharides in the colonic lumen.
Dietary docosahexaenoic acid‐rich diacylglycerols ameliorate hepatic steatosis and alter hepatic gene expressions in C57BL/6J‐Lepob/ob mice
Authors: Kim Hye‐Jin , Lee Ki‐Teak , Park Yong Bok , Jeon Seon‐Min , Choi Myung‐Sook 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe examined the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)‐enriched structured lipids‐diacylglycerol (SL‐DG), which were synthesized using soybean oil (SO) and algae oil (AO), on hepatic lipid metabolism and the mRNA expression of genes involved in hepatic steatosis of C57BL/6J‐Lepob/ob compared to the SL‐triacylglycerol (TG). The animals were fed a high‐fat (10% lard and 10% test oils) and high‐cholesterol (0.2% cholesterol) diet for 12 weeks. Mice fed SL‐DG showed a lower total white adipose tissue weight and plasma triglyceride concentration than the SO group. Reduction of hepatic triglyceride content in the SL‐DG group was related with the suppression of hepatic enzyme activities for fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis along with fecal triglyceride excretion compared to the SL‐TG. SL‐DG also lowered hepatic cholesterol levels by suppressing cholesterol regulating enzyme activity compared to the SO group. Moreover, SL‐DG lowered the mRNA expressions of sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1 and its target genes than TG‐form oils (SO, AO and SL‐TG) in the liver. Thus, the current results suggest that DHA‐enriched SL‐DG oil used in this study is beneficial for ameliorating hepatic steatosis in obese animal model by improving hepatic fatty acid and cholesterol metabolic enzyme activity and their gene expression.
Selenium attenuates pro‐inflammatory gene expression in macrophages
Authors: Vunta Hema , Belda Benjamin J. , Arner Ryan J. , Channa Reddy C. , Vanden Heuvel John P. , Sandeep Prabhu K. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSelenium (Se) is an important element required for the optimal functioning of the immune system. Particularly in macrophages, which play a pivotal role in immune regulation, Se acts as a major antioxidant in the form of selenoproteins to mitigate the cytotoxic effects of reactive oxygen species. Here we describe the role of Se as an anti‐inflammatory agent and its effect on the macrophage signal transduction pathways elicited by bacterial endotoxin, LPS. Our studies demonstrate that supplementation of Se to macrophages (Se‐deficient) leads to a significant decrease in the LPS‐induced expression of two important pro‐inflammatory genes, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) via the inhibition of MAP kinase pathways. Furthermore, Se‐deficiency in mice exacerbated the LPS‐mediated infiltration of macrophages into the lungs suggesting that Se status is a crucial host factor that regulates inflammation. In summary, our results indicate that Se plays an important role as an anti‐inflammatory agent by tightly regulating the expression of pro‐inflammatory genes in immune cells.
3‐Phenylethynyl phthalimide end‐capped imide oligomers and the cured polymers
Authors: Liu Yanfeng , Wang Zhen , Yang Huili , Gao Lianxun , Li Gao , Ding Mengxian 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn the past decades, 4‐phenylethynyl phthalic anhydride (4‐PEPA) has been the most important endcapper used for thermoset polyimide. As the isomer of4‐PEPA, 3‐phenylethynyl phthalic anhydride (3‐PEPA) has attracted our interest. In this article, 3‐PEPA was synthesized and a comparative study with 4‐PEPA on curing temperature, curing rate, thermal and mechanical properties of oligomers and cured polymers was presented. The new phenylethynyl endcapped model compound, N‐phenyl‐3‐phenylethynyl phthalimide, was synthesized and characterized. The molecular structure of model compound was determined via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and the thermal curing process was investigated by Fourier transform infrared. Differential scanning calorimetry clearly showed that the model compound from 3‐PEPA had about 20 °C higher curing onset and peak temperature than the 4‐PEPA analog. This result was further proved by the dynamic rheological analysis that the temperature of minimum viscosity for oligomers end‐capped with 3‐PEPA was above 20 °C higher than that of the corresponding 4‐PEPA endcapped oligomers with the same calculated number average molecular weight. The cured polymer from 3‐PEPA displayed slightly higher thermal oxidative stability than those from 4‐PEPA by thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal curing kinetics of 3‐PEPA endcapped oligomer (OI‐5) and 4‐PEPA endcapped oligomer (OI‐6) fitted a first‐order rate law quite well and revealed a similar rate acceleration trend. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4227–4235, 2008
Are prostate biopsies mandatory in patients with prostate‐specific antigen increase during intravesical immuno‐ or chemotherapy for superficial bladder cancer?
Authors: Beltrami Paolo , Ruggera Lorenzo , Cazzoletti Lucia , Schiavone Dionisio , Zattoni Filiberto 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundAim of this study was to evaluate if there was a significant association between intravesical immuno‐ or chemotherapy and the increase of PSA serum level. It could be important to avoid useless prostate biopsies.MethodsPSA values were determined in 106 male patients who had undergone intravesical immuno‐ (77 cases) or chemotherapy (29 cases) from 2001 to 2005. Blood samples were obtained before and after the induction course of instillation therapy and at 3, 6, and 12 months during the maintenance course.Results41.6% of patients at the end of the BCG induction course and 45.5% at 3 months from the beginning of the immunotherapy showed a clinically and statistically significant increase of PSA that returned to the baseline levels within 12 months. Prostate biopsies, performed in 10 patients during BCG therapy, showed inflammatory pictures in 9 cases and a prostate cancer in 1 patient with persistently elevated PSA at 12 months. In 1 case a prostate cancer was histologically found following radical cistectomy for disease progression. A statistically but not clinically significant difference of PSA level was registered in patients treated with chemotherapy.ConclusionsOur results confirm that a statistically and clinically significant PSA increase is registered during immunotherapy but not during chemotherapy. PSA elevation in patients treated with intravesical BCG is self‐limited and prostate biopsies are not mandatory in these patients and could be delayed at 12 months, while monitoring PSA. On the other side, prostate biopsies are mandatory in patients with PSA abnormal elevation during chemotherapy. Prostate 68: 1241–1247, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Very high crystalline quality of thick 4H‐SiC epilayers grown from methyltrichlorosilane (MTS)
Authors: Pedersen H. , Leone S. , Henry A. , Darakchieva V. , Carlsson P. , Gällström A. , Janzén E. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract200 µm thick 4H‐SiC epilayers have been grown by chloride‐based chemical‐vapor deposition using methyltrichlorosilane (MTS) as single precursor. The very high crystalline quality of the grown epilayer is demonstrated by high resolution X‐Ray Diffraction rocking curve with a full‐width‐half‐maximum value of only 9 arcsec. The high quality of the epilayer is further shown by low temperature photoluminescence showing strong free exciton and nitrogen bound exciton lines. The very high crystalline quality achieved for the thick epilayer grown in just two hours at 1600 °C suggests that MTS is a suitable precursor molecule for SiC bulk growth. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)