bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fibronectin modulates osteoblast behavior on Nitinol
Authors: Muhonen V. , Fauveaux C. , Olivera G. , Vigneron P. , Danilov A. , Nagel M.‐D. , Tuukkanen J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe have previously demonstrated that primary rat osteoclasts behave differently when cultured on austenite and martensite Nitinol. In this study, we coated the two phases of Nitinol with plasma fibronectin and studied if this modifies the proliferation and cell cycle of MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts. The influence of the crystalline structure of Nitinol on the remodeling and conformation of fibronectin was also studied. The results on austenite demonstrated that fibronectin was more strongly remodeled and the cells spread better compared with the martensite phase. Interestingly, the conformation of the protein showed no differences between austenite and martensite. In addition, fibronectin improved cell proliferation in both phases, but the effect of fibronectin coating was stronger on the austenite surface. In addition, in both Nitinol phases, the proportion of cells in the G1 phase was observed to grow in the presence of fibronectin. This could indicate cell differentiation on Nitinol. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Ion flux through membrane channels—An enhanced algorithm for the Poisson‐Nernst‐Planck model
Authors: Dyrka Witold , Augousti Andy T. , Kotulska Malgorzata 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA novel algorithmic scheme for numerical solution of the 3D Poisson‐Nernst‐Planck model is proposed. The algorithmic improvements are universal and independent of the detailed physical model. They include three major steps: an adjustable gradient‐based step value, an adjustable relaxation coefficient, and an optimized segmentation of the modeled space. The enhanced algorithm significantly accelerates the speed of computation and reduces the computational demands. The theoretical model was tested on a regular artificial channel and validated on a real protein channel—α‐hemolysin, proving its efficiency. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Time‐dependent quantum study of the kinetics of the H(2S) + FO(2II) → OH(2II) + F(2P) reaction
Authors: Gogtas Fahrettin 
Published: March 2008

AbstractQuantum mechanical wave packet calculations are carried out for the H(2S) + FO(2II) → OH(2II) + F(2P) reaction on the adiabatic potential energy surface of the ground 3A″ triplet state. The state‐to‐state and state‐to‐all reaction probabilities for total angular momentum J = 0 have been calculated. The probabilities for J > 0 have been estimated from the J = 0 results by using J‐shifting approximation based on a capture model. Then, the integral cross sections and initial state‐selected rate constants have been calculated. The calculations show that the initial state‐selected reaction probabilities are dominated by many sharp peaks. The reaction cross section does not manifest any sharp oscillations and the initial state‐selected rate constants are sensitive to the temperature. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Synergistic anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic activity of combined therapy with bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, with anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) drugs in human cancer cells
Authors: Cascone Tina , Morelli Maria Pia , Morgillo Floriana , Kim Woo‐Young , Rodolico Gabriella , Pepe Stefano , Berrino Liberato , Lee Ho‐Young , Heymach John V. , Ciardiello Fortunato 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe proteasome plays a pivotal role in the turnover of regulatory transduction proteins induced by activated cell membrane growth factor receptors. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway is crucial in the development and progression of human epithelial cancers. Proteasome inhibition may sensitize human cancer cell lines to EGFR inhibitors. We investigated the growth inhibitory and pro‐apoptotic effects of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in combination with anti‐EGFR drugs, such as gefitinib, vandetanib, and cetuximab in EGFR‐expressing human cancer cell lines. Bortezomib determined dose‐dependent growth inhibition in a nine cancer cell line panel (IC50 values, range 6–42 nM). A significant synergistic growth inhibitory effect was observed with the combination of bortezomib and each EGFR inhibitor in all cell lines (combination index, CI, range 0.10–0.55), which was accompanied by a significant induction in apoptosis by the combined treatment with bortezomib, cetuximab and vandetanib. In HCT‐116 colon cancer and A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells, bortezomib plus EGFR inhibitor treatment induced a more effective inhibition of EGFR‐activated down‐stream signals, including a marked suppression in activated, phosphorylated Akt (P‐Akt). In contrast, overexpression of a constitutively active P‐Akt protected A549 cells by cell growth inhibition and apoptosis following treatment with bortezomib and EGFR inhibitors. The combined treatment with bortezomib and EGFR inhibitors has a synergistic growth inhibitory and pro‐apoptotic activity in different human cancer cells which possess a functional EGFR‐dependent autocrine growth pathway through to a more efficient and sustained inhibition of Akt. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 698–707, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of HBV gene expression and replication by stably expressed interferon‐α1 via adeno‐associated viral vectors
Authors: Li Zhi , Yao Hong , Ma Yan , Dong Qingming , Chen Yangchao , Peng Ying , Zheng Bo‐jian , Huang Jian‐dong , Chan Chu‐yan , Lin Marie C. , Sung Joseph J , Yuen Kwok Yun , Kung Hsiang‐fu , He Ming‐Liang 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundInterferon‐α2 (IFNα2) is routinely used for anti‐hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment. However, the therapeutic efficiency is unsatisfactory, particularly in East Asia. Such inefficiency might be a result of the short half‐life, relatively low local concentration and strong side‐effects of interferons. Frequent and repeated injection is also a big burden for patients. In the present study, a single dose of vector‐delivered IFNα1 was tested for its anti‐HBV effects.MethodsAdeno‐associated viral vector (AAV‐IFNα1) was generated to deliver the IFNα1 gene into hepatocytes. IFNα1, hepatitis B surface (HBsAg) and e (HBeAg) antigens were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and/or western blotting. The level of viral DNA was measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsAAV‐IFNα1 effectively transduced HBV‐producing cells (HepAD38) and mouse hepatocytes, where IFNα1 was expressed in a stable manner. Both intracellular and extracellular HBsAg and HBeAg were significantly reduced in vitro. In the HBV‐producing mice, the concentration of IFNα1 in the liver was eight‐fold higher than that in plasma. Compared with control groups, HBeAg/HBsAg antigen levels were reduced by more than ten‐fold from day 1–5, and dropped to an undetectable level on day 9 in the AAV‐IFNα1 group. Concurrently, the level of viral DNA decreased over 30‐fold for several weeks.ConclusionsA single dose administration of AAV‐IFNα1 viral vector displayed prolonged transgene expression and superior antiviral effects both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the use of AAV‐IFNα1 might be a potential alternative strategy for anti‐HBV therapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
z‐Polarization sensitive detection in micro‐Raman spectroscopy by radially polarized incident light
Authors: Saito Y. , Kobayashi M. , Hiraga D. , Fujita K. , Kawano S. , Smith N. I. , Inouye Y. , Kawata S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe demonstrate z‐polarization sensitive detection in micro‐Raman spectroscopy by introducing a radially distributed polarized light and by employing a high numerical aperture objective lens and circular mask. The radial polarization is provided by a radial‐waveplate consisting of an 8‐way segmented half‐waveplate with each segment having a different orientation of the optical axis. The segmented waveplate allows for both z‐polarization (perpendicular to the sample plane) and xy‐polarization (parallel to the sample plane) of the electric field at the focus by selecting the proper polarization of the incident field. The z‐polarization Raman components that are barely detectable in conventional measurements can be clearly observed in this experimental setup. Alpha‐quartz, which is well known in terms of polarized Raman spectroscopy, is utilized as a test sample. We have succeeded in extracting the z‐Raman tensor components, and the intensity ratio of each measured tensor value in our experiment is in good agreement with previously reported work. The Raman spectral intensity ratios are greatly modified when observed under polarization control, and we can clearly see a small isolated Raman peak that usually appears only as a shoulder of a strong neighboring peak. The effect of the confocal detection setup on the accuracy of depolarization measurements is also discussed and the relationship between the depolarization ratio and pinhole size is shown. In this research, we aim to provide a solid basis for z‐polarization imaging in a micro‐Raman configuration under high numerical aperture objective lenses. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FT‐Raman and FTIR spectroscopic characterization of biogenic carbonates from Philippine venus seashell and Porites sp. coral
Authors: Zakaria Fadhlia Zafarina , Mihály Judith , Sajó István , Katona Róbert , Hajba László , Aziz Fauziah Abdul , Mink János 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSome seashells of the Philippine venus species and sea coral of Porites sp. were studied by means of FT‐Raman, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Far‐FTIR spectroscopic methods. The Raman spectra show that both Porites sp. and P. venus are of aragonite‐structured CaCO3. Detailed spectral analysis, however, reveals some small differences, due to differences in the crystallite size or habit and to different minor element contents. IR spectra show that Porites sp. contains also some small quantities of calcite‐structured carbonates. The ν2 band (shoulder) of calcite at 875.7 cm−1 is present in the IR spectrum. The separation of the two ν2 bands (856.4 cm−1 for aragonite and 875.7 cm−1 for calcite) suggests the absence of solid solution of the two polymorphic phases of CaCO3. Spectroscopic results were confirmed also by X‐ray powder diffraction measurements. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minerals from Macedonia. XXII. Laser‐induced fluorescence bands in the FT‐Raman spectrum of almandine mineral
Authors: Makreski Petre , Jovanovski Gligor 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTwo strong bands centered at 446 and 607 cm−1 have been observed in the FT‐Raman spectrum of almandine [Fe3Al2(SiO4)3] excited with 1064 nm, which were completely absent in the corresponding dispersive Raman spectra obtained using 488, 514.5 and 532 nm excitation. Furthermore, the mentioned strong bands have not been registered in the anti‐Stokes side of the FT‐Raman spectrum, and were therefore assigned to laser‐induced fluorescence bands. Their appearance is related to the presence of rare‐earth element traces as impurities in the almandine sample. Additionally, the FT‐Raman (and dispersive Raman) spectrum of the isomorphous spessartine [Mn3Al2(SiO4)3] mineral has been introduced, which did not show the presence of these fluorescence emission bands. The purity of the minerals was confirmed by study of their powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopy of hydroxy nickel carbonate minerals nullaginite and zaratite
Authors: Frost Ray L. , Dickfos Marilla J. , Jagannadha Reddy B. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractRaman spectroscopy combined with infrared spectroscopy has been used to study the minerals, nullaginite and zaratite. Raman bands are observed at 3650, 3556 and 3309 cm−1 for nullaginite and 3609, 3516 and 3336 cm−1 for zaratite. By using a Libowitzky‐type empirical function, estimation of the hydrogen‐bond distances of the OH and water units has been made, which vary from 0.268 to 0.332 nm. Hydrogen‐bond distances of OH units are less than those for the water units. The observation of multiple asymmetric stretching and bending modes for nullaginite suggests that the carbonate is strongly distorted in contrast to zaratite for which only single bands are found. Raman bands at around 935 and 980 cm−1 are assigned to OH deformation modes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE) in frozen mackerel (Scomber scombrus) in the presence and absence of green tea
Authors: Alghazeer Rabia , Howell Nazlin K 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Aldehydes are secondary lipid oxidation products formed during processing and storage of food. 4‐Hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE) is a major toxic lipid peroxidation product which has been extensively investigated in the clinical field but less so in food products. The aim of the present study was to investigate the formation of aldehydes in stored frozen fish (Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus) with and without antioxidant (green tea).RESULTS: The presence of 4‐HNE in frozen fish was detected for the first time. 4‐HNE was extracted from frozen fish and identified using high‐performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The amount of 4‐HNE increased throughout storage for 26 weeks at − 10 °C in the absence of antioxidant. A significant decrease was observed in fish samples stored at −10 °C with green tea. Minimal amounts of 4‐HNE were formed in fish stored at −80 °C. A similar increase in 4‐HNE was found for methyl linoleate and extracted fish oil exposed to UV irradiation.CONCLUSION: The toxic aldehyde 4‐HNE can be formed in badly stored frozen mackerel and is an indicator of reduced texture quality and nutritional value of fish. Addition of instant whole green tea as an antioxidant can provide a cheap and effective way of enhancing safety, especially in developing countries. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Effective detoxification and decoloration of Lupinus mutabilis seed derivatives, and effect of these derivatives on bread quality and acceptance
Authors: Güémes‐Vera Norma , Peña‐Bautista Roberto J , Jiménez‐Martínez Cristian , Dávila‐Ortiz Gloria , Calderón‐Domínguez Georgina 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: A study was done to develop procedures for detoxifying Lupinus mutabilis seeds, and decreasing or eliminating yellow colour in derivatives from them. An evaluation was done of the effect of replacement of wheat flour with the detoxified and decolorized L. mutabilis derivatives on the quality properties of three types of bread products (loaf, bun and sweet).RESULTS: Physicochemical and nutritional analyses coincided with previous reports. The Lupinus protein concentrate and isolate had lower phenolic compound and oligosaccharide concentrations than the untreated seeds. Amino acid composition was determined for wheat flour (WF), L. mutabilis defatted and detoxified flour (LF), L. mutabilis protein concentrate (LPC) and L. mutabilis protein isolate (LPI). The resulting values were used to calculate the replacement levels at which lysine content would be increased significantly in WF–lupin blends. Replacement levels were: LF (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%); LPC (2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%); LPI (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%).CONCLUSION: The detoxifying treatments employed decreased non‐nutritional and toxic compounds present in original lupin seed. use of citric acid (1%) reduced yellow coloration in LF and LPC. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of inulin and Lactobacillus paracasei on sensory and instrumental texture properties of functional chocolate mousse
Authors: Cardarelli Haíssa R , Aragon‐Alegro Lina C , Alegro João H A , de Castro Inar A , Saad Susana M I 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of a potentially probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei LBC 82), added solely or together with the prebiotic ingredient inulin on instrumental texture attributes and sensory properties of a functional chocolate mousse during storage at 4 ± 1 °C for up to 28 days.RESULTS: The addition of Lactobacillus paracasei resulted in a firmer and more adhesive chocolate mousse. This effect was intensified with the presence of inulin in the synbiotic formulation (5.24 N and − 0.956 N, respectively, for firmness and adhesiveness after 28 days of storage) (P < 0.05). L. paracasei population did not vary (P > 0.05) during storage (always between 7.27 and 7.35 log cfu g−1), both for the probiotic and the synbiotic mousses. Synbiotic mousse differed from control and probiotic mousses during storage with respect to the color attribute. Moreover, both probiotic and synbiotic mousses presented taste, aroma and texture perceptions which were different from one another and from the control mousse after 14 and 21 days of storage.CONCLUSION: The use of inulin, together with the potentially probiotic strain of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, is advantageous, conferring potentially symbiotic potential to the chocolate mousse, as well as favorable texture and sensory properties. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immune response of broiler chicks fed diets supplemented with a culture of Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Authors: Apata DF 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Probiotics are being developed for use in animal feed to enhance production performance and prevention of gastrointestinal infections. The ban on using antibiotics as growth promoters, antibiotic resistance and the inherent problems of developing new vaccines make a compelling case for developing alternatives for in‐feed antibiotics. The alternatives of choice have to be considered under the environmental conditions of the animal. Among the probiotics in use today, Lactobacillus has been shown to play a vital role in disease prevention, immune enhancement, improved growth and carcass yield in poultry. The present study investigates the effect of Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB)‐based probiotic on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immune response of broilers under tropical environmental conditions.RESULTS: Broilers fed LB diets consumed more feed (P < 0.05) and had greater body weight gain than the control group. Feed/gain ratio improved significantly (P < 0.05) with the 20, 40 and 60 mg kg−1 LB diets compared with the control or 80 mg kg−1 LB diet. The apparent digestibilities of nitrogen and fat increased with LB supplementation. However, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in fibre digestibility. White blood cell count increased significantly in broilers fed higher levels (>40 mg kg−1) of LB compared with the control group. Antibody production measured as antibody titre against Newcastle disease vaccine showed a curvilinear response over the range of LB concentrations examined.CONCLUSION: The results indicate that LB addition to broiler chick diets significantly improved growth performance, increased nutrient digestibility and stimulated humoral immune response. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Surface Functionalization of Porous Resorbable Scaffolds by Covalent Grafting
Authors: Källrot Martina , Edlund Ulrica , Albertsson Ann‐Christine 
Published: March 2008

AbstractResorbable porous scaffold discs and solid films were prepared from poly[(1,5‐dioxepan‐2‐one)‐co‐(L‐lactide)] and poly[(ε‐caprolactone)‐co‐(L‐lactide)]. The surfaces of the scaffolds were functionalized to increase their hydrophilicity. A total of 90 samples were prepared to cover all important combinations of experimental and material factors, and all experimental data were fitted by a partial least square model. As a result of grafting, the porous discs and solid films exhibited a tremendous increase in wettability. The functionalized discs were hygroscopic so that water was instantly absorbed and thoroughly wet the substrates.magnified image
Determination of the Crystal Structure of Isotactic cis‐1,4‐Poly(1,3‐hexadiene) by X‐Ray Diffraction and Molecular Mechanics
Authors: Pirozzi Beniamino , Napolitano Roberto , Giusto Giovangiuseppe , Ricci Giovanni 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe crystal structure of isotactic cis‐1,4‐poly(1,3‐hexadiene) has been determined through a combination of X‐ray diffraction analysis and molecular mechanics. Two reasonable values for unit cell parameters were obtained from the fiber diffraction pattern of a well‐oriented sample. Energy maps performed on a molecular model of the polymer chain yielded an absolute minimum corresponding to a conformation having the internal parameters similar to those of an s(2/1) helical polymer chain. Packing energy minimizations performed for all the orthorhombic and monoclinic space groups having crystallographic s(2/1) chain symmetry indicate unequivocally that the best mode of packing is obtained for a crystal structure characterized by a unit cell with parameters a = 8.98 Å, b = 7.82 Å, and c = 8.10 Å in the P212121 space group. The calculated powder and fiber diffraction patterns of this structural model are in very good agreement with the experimental diffraction patterns. Similarities and differences with the crystal structures of isotactic cis‐1,4‐poly(1,3‐pentadiene) and isotactic cis‐1,4‐poly(2‐methyl‐1,3‐pentadiene) are discussed.magnified image
Density Fluctuations during the Early Stages of Polymer Crystallization: An Overview
Authors: Baert Jimmy , Van Puyvelde Peter 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe present work provides a critical review of polymer crystallization studies using SALS; experimental methods, analysis techniques, observations and their relations with respect to other techniques are discussed. Furthermore, the fact that nucleation might be accompanied by large scale density fluctuations has been investigated for the flow‐induced crystallization of iPB. SALS was applied to measure density and orientation fluctuations, whereas complementary results were obtained from optical microscopy. The observations from both crystallization and melting experiments seem to indicate that the detected density fluctuations result from the presence of weakly anisotropic structures, rather than being an indication of densification before the onset of crystallization.magnified image
Potentially functional polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene and risk of gastric cancer
Authors: Ke Qiao , Liang Jie , Wang Li‐Na , Hu Zhi‐Bin , Jin Guang‐Fu , Zhou Yan , Wang Jian‐Ming , Tan Yong‐Fei , Hua Zhao‐Lai , Xu Yao‐Chu , Shen Jing , Shen Hong‐Bing 
Published: March 2008

AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the key mediator of angiogenesis, plays an important role in the development of different kind of tumors, including gastric cancer (GC). The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that genetic variants of VEGF are associated with risk of GC. We genotyped four potentially functional polymorphisms (−2578C > A, −1498T > C, −634G > C, and +936C > T) of the VEGF gene in a population‐based case–control study of 540 GC cases and 561 frequency‐matched cancer‐free controls in a high risk Chinese population. We found that none of the four polymorphisms or their haplotypes achieved significant difference in their distributions between GC cases and controls. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that GC risk was not significantly associated with the variant genotypes of the four VEGF polymorphisms as compared with their wild‐type genotypes. In conclusion, our data did not support a significant association between VEGF SNPs and the risk of GC. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.