bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Red Blood Cell Templated Polyelectrolyte Capsules: A Novel Vehicle for the Stable Encapsulation of DNA and Proteins
Authors: Kreft Oliver , Georgieva Radostina , Bäumler Hans , Steup Martin , Müller‐Röber Bernd , Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Möhwald Helmuth 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSummary: A novel method for the encapsulation of biomacromolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, into polyelectrolyte microcapsules is described. Fluorescence‐labelled double‐stranded DNA and human serum albumin (HSA) are used as model substances for encapsulation in hollow microcapsules templated on human erythrocytes. The encapsulation procedure involves an intermediate drying step. The accumulation of DNA and HSA in the capsules is observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy, UV spectroscopy, and fluorimetry. The mechanism of encapsulation is discussed.Confocal fluorescence microscopy images of encapsulated TRITC‐HSA (left) and dsDNA (right). Inserts demonstrate fluorescence profiles for both compounds.magnified imageConfocal fluorescence microscopy images of encapsulated TRITC‐HSA (left) and dsDNA (right). Inserts demonstrate fluorescence profiles for both compounds.
Cross‐Linked Alq3‐Containing Polymers with Improved Electroluminescence Efficiency Used for OLEDs
Authors: Du Naiying , Tian Renyu , Peng Junbiao , Mei Qunbo , Lu Mangeng 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSummary: Homopolymers and a series of copolymers with tris‐8‐hydroxyquinoline aluminum (Alq3) as the cross‐links are synthesized. All these polymers show improved electroluminescence (EL) efficiency over their previously reported counterparts. Among them, the copolymers containing Alq3 and carbazole groups show higher EL efficiency than that of the homopolymers. We also demonstrate the feasibility of generating patterns using the homopolymers via photopolymerization. The cross‐linked nature, selectivity of patterning, high thermal stability, and EL efficiency might render these polymers a promising material in fabricating large‐scaled multilayered sub‐pixellation organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs).Current–voltage and the electroluminescence–voltage curve of two‐layer devices for the Alq3‐homopolymers and the Alq3‐copolymers (luminance is shown by the symbols without lines).magnified imageCurrent–voltage and the electroluminescence–voltage curve of two‐layer devices for the Alq3‐homopolymers and the Alq3‐copolymers (luminance is shown by the symbols without lines).
Morphologies of Spin‐Coated Films of a Library of Diblock Copoly(2‐oxazoline)s and Their Correlation to the Corresponding Surface Energies
Authors: Hoeppener Stephanie , Wiesbrock Frank , Hoogenboom Richard , Thijs Hanneke M. L. , Schubert Ulrich S. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSummary: The influence of surface morphologies on the properties of materials is of essential importance and is therefore a widely discussed topic. In the present contribution, the properties of a set of diblock copoly(2‐oxazoline)s are analyzed in terms of their individual morphologies, which have been investigated with tapping‐mode SFM. This collection of diblock copolymers consists of 12 diblock copolymers and four corresponding homopolymers, representing a complete 16‐membered library of (co‐) poly(2‐oxazoline)s, composed of four differently substituted 2‐oxazoline monomers. For the investigated set of compounds, a correlation between the morphologies of the spin‐coated films and their surface energies could be determined.Morphologies of spin‐coated films of a library of diblock copoly(2‐oxazoline)s and their correlation to the corresponding surface energies.magnified imageMorphologies of spin‐coated films of a library of diblock copoly(2‐oxazoline)s and their correlation to the corresponding surface energies.
Blinded placebo crossover study of gabapentin in primary orthostatic tremor
Authors: Rodrigues Julian P. , Edwards Dylan J. , Walters Susan E. , Byrnes Michelle L. , Thickbroom Gary W. , Stell Rick , Mastaglia Frank L. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractPrimary orthostatic tremor (OT) is a rare but disabling condition characterized by leg tremor and feelings of instability during stance. Previous studies have reported a reduction in OT symptoms with gabapentin treatment. In this study, we report on the benefits of gabapentin treatment in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover study of 6 OT patients. First, the maximally effective gabapentin dosage (600–2,700 mg/day) for each patient was determined during an initial dose‐titration phase. Patients were then studied 7 days after drug withdrawal and again after two 2‐week periods of treatment with either gabapentin or placebo, using force platform posturography to quantify postural sway and tremor. Other medications for OT were continued unchanged. Symptomatic response was assessed by a patient‐rated severity scale and quality of life (QOL) questionnaire. All patients reported an increase in symptoms during the washout phase and symptom reduction (50%–75%) during gabapentin treatment. Tremor amplitude was reduced to 79% ± 11% and sway area to 71% ± 11% of the placebo state. QOL improved in all patients, no adverse drug effects were noted, and symptomatic benefit was maintained at follow‐up (mean = 19 months). The findings confirm that gabapentin is an effective treatment for OT, reducing both tremor and postural instability and improving quality of life, and support its use as add‐on or first‐line therapy for OT. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Arc de cercle and dysautonomia from anoxic injury
Authors: Diesing T. Scott , Wijdicks Eelco F.M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAutonomic dysregulation and catatonic posturing are well described following acute cerebral injury. Others have referred to this as diencephalic seizures, sympathetic storms, midbrain dysregulatory syndrome, and, most recently, paroxysmal autonomic instability with dystonia. Some of these syndromes can evolve into malignant catatonia requiring electroconvulsive therapy. Here we report a case of hanging associated anoxic brain injury resulting in severe dysautonomia and an extreme opisthotonus (arc de cercle). © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
The Arabic ICIQ‐UI SF: An alternative language version of the English ICIQ‐UI SF
Authors: Hashim H. , Avery K. , Mourad M.S. , Chamssuddin A. , Ghoniem G. , Abrams P. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAimsUrinary incontinence (UI) is a common and distressing condition. A variety of questionnaires are currently available to assess UI and its impact on patients' lives. However, most have not been adapted for international use. Following a systematic review of the literature and existing questionnaires the International Consultation on Incontinence short form questionnaire (ICIQ‐UI SF) was developed, and has since been translated into many languages for local use. This paper reports the development and validation of the first UI questionnaire in the Arabic language. The development of this questionnaire will facilitate the assessment of UI in both clinical practice and research in the Middle‐East.MethodsTranslation and validation of the Arabic version of the ICIQ‐UI is described. Standard methods of translation by native Arabic and English speakers (including translation and back translation) are followed. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire, including its validity, reliability and sensitivity to change, are examined. The validation of the questionnaire involved patients attending urology outpatient clinics in two Middle‐Eastern countries.ResultsThe Arabic ICIQ‐UI SF was found to be valid, reliable and responsive, indicating that the psychometric properties of the questionnaire have remained constant throughout the adaptation process. Furthermore, the findings of the psychometric testing confirm those found for the UK‐English ICIQ‐UI SF.ConclusionsThe development of this questionnaire will allow the study of Arabic speaking groups with UI in many countries around the world. This may act as an example to initiate the translation and validation of other patient reported outcomes into the Arabic language, thereby enabling more multinational and cross‐cultural research into diseases in given areas. Neurourol. Urodynam. 25:277–282, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three‐dimensional characterization of non‐gaussian water diffusion in humans using diffusion kurtosis imaging
Authors: Lu Hanzhang , Jensen Jens H. , Ramani Anita , Helpern Joseph A. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractConventional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures water diffusion parameters based on the assumption that the spin displacement distribution is a Gaussian function. However, water movement in biological tissue is often non‐Gaussian and this non‐Gaussian behavior may contain useful information related to tissue structure and pathophysiology. Here we propose an approach to directly measure the non‐Gaussian property of water diffusion, characterized by a four‐dimensional matrix referred to as the diffusion kurtosis tensor. This approach does not require the complete measurement of the displacement distribution function and, therefore, is more time efficient compared with the q‐space imaging technique. A theoretical framework of the DK calculation is established, and experimental results are presented for humans obtained within a clinically feasible time of about 10 min. The resulting kurtosis maps are shown to be robust and reproducible. Directionally‐averaged apparent kurtosis coefficients (AKC, a unitless parameter) are 0.74 ± 0.03, 1.09 ± 0.01 and 0.84 ± 0.02 for gray matter, white matter and thalamus, respectively. The three‐dimensional kurtosis angular plots show tissue‐specific geometry for different brain regions and demonstrate the potential of identifying multiple fiber structures in a single voxel. Diffusion kurtosis imaging is a useful method to study non‐Gaussian diffusion behavior and can provide complementary information to that of DTI. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical analysis of carbon‐13 magnetization transfer for in vivo exchange between α‐ketoglutarate and glutamate
Authors: Shen Jun , Xu Su 
Published: March 2006

AbstractMany enzymes catalyze fast exchange between a small pool and a large pool in vivo. For example, aspartate aminotransferase catalyzes fast exchanges between α‐ketoglutarate and glutamate and between oxaloacetate and aspartate, which can be detected using in vivo13C MRS while saturating α‐carbons of the keto acids. Unlike in the traditional saturation transfer experiments studied using 31P MRS, the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates α‐ketoglutarate and oxaloacetate are below the detection limit of in vivo NMR. In this work, a theoretical analysis of the saturation transfer between α‐ketoglutarate and glutamate catalyzed by aspartate aminotransferase was presented to examine the requirements for complete saturation of the rapidly turning over α‐ketoglutarate pool without affecting the longitudinal magnetization of glutamate. The fast turnover of the small α‐ketoglutarate pool also allows a quasi‐steady‐state approximation of its dynamic longitudinal relaxation. The theoretical analysis provides a useful guide for designing experimental methods to characterize saturation transfer processes associated with fast turning over small pools in vivo. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liver fibrosis: non‐invasive assessment with MR elastography
Authors: Huwart Laurent , Peeters Frank , Sinkus Ralph , Annet Laurence , Salameh Najat , ter Beek Leon C. , Horsmans Yves , Van Beers Bernard E. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using non‐invasive MR elastography for determining the stage of liver fibrosis. Twenty‐five consecutive patients who had liver biopsy for suspicion of chronic liver disease were included in the study. The stage of fibrosis on the biopsies was assessed according to the METAVIR scoring system from F0, no fibrosis, to F4, cirrhosis. MR elastography was performed by transmitting low‐frequency (65 Hz) mechanical waves into the liver with a transducer placed at the back of the patients. The MR pulse sequence was a motion‐sensitized spin‐echo sequence, phase‐locked to the mechanical excitation. The phase maps were processed to obtain shear elasticity and shear viscosity maps. The mean hepatic shear elasticity increased with increasing stage of fibrosis. The mean elasticity was 2.24 ± 0.23 kPa in the 11 patients without substantial fibrosis (F0–F1 grades), 2.56 ± 0.24 kPa in the four patients with substantial fibrosis (F2–F3) and 4.68 ± 1.61 kPa in the 10 patients with cirrhosis (F4). The differences between groups were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). The mean shear viscosity was significantly higher in the patients with cirrhosis (5.19 ± 1.85 Pa · s) than in the patients without cirrhosis (2.39 ± 0.86 Pa · s in F0–F1 and 2.27 ± 0.38 Pa · s in F2–F3 patients). It is concluded that non‐invasive MR elastography is a feasible method to assess the stage of liver fibrosis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the reliability and throughput of mass spectrometry‐based proteomics by spectrum quality filtering
Authors: Flikka Kristian , Martens Lennart , Vandekerckhove Joël , Gevaert Kris , Eidhammer Ingvar 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIn contemporary peptide‐centric or non‐gel proteome studies, vast amounts of peptide fragmentation data are generated of which only a small part leads to peptide or protein identification. This motivates the development and use of a filtering algorithm that removes spectra that contribute little to protein identification. Removal of unidentifiable spectra reduced both the amount of computational and human time spent on analyzing spectra as well as the chances of obtaining false identifications. Thorough testing on various proteome datasets from different instruments showed that the best suggested machine‐learning classifier is, on average, able to recognize half of the unidentified spectra as bad spectra. Further analyses showed that several unidentified spectra classified as good were derived from peptides carrying unanticipated amino acid modifications or contained sequence tags that allowed peptide identification using homology searches. The implementation of the classifiers is available under the GNU General Public License at http://www.bioinfo.no/software/spectrumquality.
Microporous polyurethanes: Synthesis and investigation of the mechanism of the pore formation
Authors: Deepa P. , Jayakannan M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA new approach for microporous polymeric material is developed utilizing the secondary interactions such as hydrogen bonding in the polymer chains in polyurethane systems at ambient conditions. A new series of highly rigid, thermally stable, and readily soluble cycloaliphatic polyurethanes were designed and synthesized for this purpose, based on new tricyclodecanedimethanol and 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol. The hydrogen‐bonding interactions induce phase separation in solution, which leads to polymer‐rich and solvent‐rich domains; subsequent evaporation of the solvent molecules results in micropores. The phase‐separation process in the polyurethane is found to be highly dependent on the chemical structures of the polymer chain backbone. 1H NMR titration experiments were carried out to understand the mechanism of the micropore formation and its dependence on different structural subunits. The hydrogen‐bonding association constant (K) obtained from the titration experiments revealed that higher the K‐value more the tendency to form micropores. A fully cycloaliphatic polyurethane produces micropores of sizes ranging from 1 to 8 μm, and each pore is separated by 10−20 μm, whereas the replacement of one of the cyclic unit in the backbone disturbs the entire phase‐separation process and results in nonporous morphology. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1296–1308, 2006
A two‐entropies analysis to identify functional positions in the transmembrane region of class A G protein‐coupled receptors
Authors: Ye Kai , Lameijer Eric‐Wubbo M. , Beukers Margot W. , IJzerman Adriaan P. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractResidues in the transmembrane region of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important for ligand binding and activation, but the function of individual positions is poorly understood. Using a sequence alignment of class A GPCRs (grouped in subfamilies), we propose a so‐called “two‐entropies analysis” to determine the potential role of individual positions in the transmembrane region of class A GPCRs. In our approach, such positions appear scattered, while largely clustered according to their biological function. Our method appears superior when compared to other bioinformatics approaches, such as the evolutionary trace method, entropy–variability plot, and correlated mutation analysis, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Arctium lappa as a phytotherapeutic agent used in intracanal dressings
Authors: Gentil Marcelo , Pereira Juliana Vianna , Sousa Yara T Corrêa Silva , Pietro Rosimeire , Neto Manoel D. Sousa , Vansan Luiz Pascoal , de Castro França Suzelei 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe discovery of natural biocomponents from plants with antibacterial activity on endodontic microbiota may lead to new therapies. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of a phytotherapeutic agent prepared from an ethyl acetate fraction (AcOEt) extracted from Arctium lappa. This agent was compared with calcium hydroxide as an intracanal dressing. Twenty‐seven maxillary canines were instrumented, sterilized and inoculated with a mixed bacterial suspension of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. The teeth were divided into three groups and their canals filled with: group 1, calcium hydroxide and propylene glycol; group 2, a paste containing AcOEt fraction of A. lappa and propylene glycol; group 3, propylene glycol (control). At 7, 14 and 30 days, three teeth from each group were opened and a paper point was placed in the root canal for 5 min. The paper points were transferred to Petri dishes with Brain Heart Infusion (BHI). The bacterial growth was classified. Mild bacterial growth was found in group 1 at all time intervals; in group 2 there was severe growth at 7 days, but no growth at 14 and 30 days. The phytotherapeutic agent extracted from an AcOEt fraction of A. lappa inhibited the growth of all the microorganisms in this study. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition activities of natural products on serine proteases
Authors: Jedinák Andrej , Maliar Tibor , Grančai Daniel , Nagy Milan 
Published: March 2006

AbstractProteases play a key role in a variety of pathologies, including cancer, pancreatitis and thrombosis. Low molecular inhibitors can act as drugs to combat these pathologies. Twelve natural phenolic compounds and one alkaloid were evaluated. Quercetin was used as a standard in the in vitro tests on serine proteases (trypsin, thrombin and urokinase). Salicin showed a highly selective effect with a value of IC50 = 11.4 µm for thrombin, suggesting it may be a suitable lead structure for developing thrombin inhibitors and thus for perspective thrombolytics. Interesting results were also observed for hyperoside with IC50 = 8.3 µm for urokinase. The flavonoid skeleton seems to be a suitable structure for investigating urokinase inhibitors as prospective drugs for cancer therapy. A very high inhibitory activity on trypsin was observed for the flavonoid silybin (IC50 = 3.7 µm), indicating a prospective structure on which to base possible polyphenolic trypsin inhibitors. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening of traditional antidiabetic medicinal plants of mauritius for possible α‐amylase inhibitory effects in vitro
Authors: Kotowaroo M. I. , Mahomoodally M. F. , Gurib‐Fakim A. , Subratty A. H. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIn this study, seven exotic/indigenous medicinal plants of Mauritius, namely Coix lacryma‐jobi (Poaceae), Aegle marmelos (Rutaceae), Artocarpus heterophyllus (Moraceae), Vangueria madagascariensis (Rubiaceae), Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), Eriobotrya japonica (Rosaceae) and Syzigium cumini (Myrtaceae) were studied for possible effects on starch breakdown by α‐amylase in vitro. The results showed that only Artocarpus heterophyllus significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited α‐amylase activity in vitro. To confirm the observed effects, a further biochemical assay was undertaken to investigate the effects of Artocarpus heterophyllus on α‐amylase activity using rat plasma in vitro. It was found that the aqueous leaf extract significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited α‐amylase activity in rat plasma. The highest inhibitory activity (27.20 ± 5.00%) was observed at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. However, in both cases dose dependency was not observed. Enzyme kinetic studies using the Michaelis‐Menten and Lineweaver‐Burk equations were performed to establish the type of inhibition involved. In the presence of the plant extract the maximal velocity (Vmax) remained constant (1/150 g / L/s) whereas the Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km) increased by 5.79 g / L, indicating that the aqueous leaf extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus behaved as a competitive inhibitor. Results from the present study tend to indicate that Artocarpus heterophyllus could act as a ‘starch blocker’ thereby reducing post‐prandial glucose peaks. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pycnogenol® alleviates pain associated with pregnancy
Authors: Kohama Takafumi , Inoue Masaki 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe effect of Pycnogenol® was studied in women in the third trimester of pregnancy, complaining of lower back pain, hip joint pain, pelvic pain (pain in the inguinal region), pain due to varices or calf cramps. The women were supplemented with Pycnogenol® at a dose of 30 mg/day without any other therapy. Alleviation of pain was evaluated by pain scores until delivery. A significant reduction of pain could be obtained compared with the control group, where no decrease in pain scores in any symptoms was reported. No unwanted effects were observed in the Pycnogenol® group. These results indicate the potential of Pycnogenol® to reduce pain associated with pregnancy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A privacy‐enhanced access control
Authors: Saito Takamichi , Umesawa Kentaro , Okuno Hiroshi G. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIt is sometimes necessary to access a server anonymously when the Internet or an electronic commerce application is used. In the present paper, for this need there is proposed a new system that uses an SPKI (Simple Public Key Infrastructure) framework in order to provide service with an emphasis on privacy. The proposed system does not require ID information and other personal information to be presented to the server. In short, only the information relating to the corresponding service is included in the certificate submitted to the server for utilization of the service, and not the ID information of the client. However, even though this is a system of anonymous access, it is not a framework that allows unlimited access, such as anonymous FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The SPKI framework itself only determines the format of the certificate, and does not provide a methodology for selecting or managing users. Therefore, in this paper, a new framework is proposed, and controlled anonymous access is shown to be obtainable by this framework. This paper will also discuss advantages of the proposed system, its anonymity, management, security, and the processing for certificate revocation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 37(5): 77–86, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10214