bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EVP‐ABD‐enhanced MRI to evaluate diffuse liver disease in a rat model
Authors: Zuo Chun S. , Seoane Peter R. , Thomsen Morgane , Gillis Tim , Meloni Edward , Harnish Phillip P. , Renshaw Perry F. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the feasibility of using manganese‐based MR imaging contrast agent EVP‐ABD to detect diffuse liver disease in an established rat hepatitis model.Materials and MethodsHepatitis was induced by administration of CCl4in corn oil vehicle to rats intraperitoneally. MR images were acquired on a 3T scanner using a volume coil ≈36 hours after the administration of CCl4. EVP‐ABD was administered via a tail vein at a dose of 10 μmol/kg. Multi‐TI turboflash images were acquired to evaluate liver R1 (=1/T1) values before and after the EVP‐ABD administration. Eighteen rats received various doses of CCl4and completed pre‐ and postcontrast MRI scans and liver histologic evaluation.ResultsThe liver R1 after the EVP‐ABD administration and the change of the liver R1 before and after the administration, ΔR1, show significant correlations with the CCl4dose. A significant correlation was also found between the histologic scores and the CCl4doses despite known variability in the relationship of CCl4dose to histology. A significant correlation was found between the histologic score and ΔR1.ConclusionOur results indicate that EVP‐ABD‐enhanced MRI can detect diffuse liver disease generated by CCl4based on the significant correlation between proton R1 in liver following EVP‐ABD and the CCl4doses as well as the histologic scores. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:1317–1321. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prostate MR imaging at 3T with a longitudinal array endorectal surface coil and phased array body coil
Authors: Kim David Y. , Schnall Mitchell D. , Rosen Mark A. , Connick Thomas 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeTo demonstrate the feasibility of using a double loop phased array endorectal coil combined with a phased array body coil to image the prostate at 3T.Materials and MethodsWe designed and constructed a novel prostate coil employing two arrayed 4.0 × 5.0 cm loops, tuned the device for optimal performance at 3T, and characterized the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) associated with it.ResultsThe coil Q factor was calculated to be ≈50 unloaded, and 30 when loaded on human tissue. SNR maps at multiple orientations were constructed and images were acquired on both a phantom and a human. As expected, SNR was highest along the midpoint of the array and demonstrated strong signal even at 4 cm from the coil.ConclusionThe double loop phased array endorectal coil combined with a phased array body coil at 3T is feasible in vivo and compelling enough to warrant future clinical trials to evaluate its efficacy. These trials are currently under way. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:1327–1330. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contrast‐enhanced timing robust acquisition order with a preparation of the longitudinal signal component (CENTRA plus) for 3D contrast‐enhanced abdominal imaging
Authors: Beck Gabriele M. , De Becker Jan , Jones Alun C. , von Falkenhausen Marcus , Willinek Winfried A. , Gieseke Jürgen 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeTo investigate a new image acquisition method that enables an accurate hepatic arterial phase definition and the visualization of contrast agent uptake processes in abdominal organs like liver, spleen, and pancreas.Materials and MethodsA 3D turbo gradient echo method where a fat suppression prepulse is followed by the acquisition of several profiles was combined with an elliptical centric k‐space ordering technique and 3D dynamic elliptical centric keyhole. The new k‐space ordering method (CENTRA+) was validated experimentally. In an initial clinical evaluation phase the method was employed in five patients to assess the accuracy of the hepatic arterial phase definition and the visualization of the contrast uptake processes in dynamic scanning in abdominal organs like liver, spleen, and pancreas.ResultsIn total, five patients were evaluated using the new k‐space order. Our initial results indicate that the new k‐space order allows consistent capture of the hepatic arterial phase. In dynamic scanning the extreme short temporal resolution obtained with 3D elliptical centric keyhole enables contrast enhancement to be followed in organs with fast contrast uptake characteristics.ConclusionThe elliptical centric nature of the new image acquisition method effectively allows capture of the contrast enhancement processes with good fat suppression. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:1461–1467. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finite‐difference time‐domain analysis of radiation characteristics of monopoles on space probes
Authors: Zunoubi Mohammad R. , Kalhor Hassan A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA general numerical solution based on finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) is presented to calculate the radiation characteristics of wire antennas on space probes. The method is versatile and can treat conductor loss, arbitrary‐shaped probes, and wires as well as inhomogenities. Numerical results are obtained and compared with those for a few specific cases available in the literature. Additionally, laboratory models of the antennas have been built and their properties have been measured for comparison with computed results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The coastal winds off western subtropical South America in future climate scenarios
Authors: Garreaud René D. , Falvey Mark 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe west coast of subtropical South America is characterized by a semi‐arid climate and very persistent southerly winds that often exhibit a low‐level jet structure. The nearly alongshore flow forces coastal and offshore upwelling of cold, nutrient‐rich waters, thus supporting one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the world and a wealth of fishery resources. Therefore, the evaluation of the changes in the coastal winds in future climate is a key step to predict the regional environmental impacts of global climate change linked to anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) increases.In this work we document the wind changes between present‐day conditions and those projected for the end of the 21st century under two Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios (A2 and B2). We first estimate and interpret the changes of the wind field over the southeast Pacific from 15 coupled atmosphere–ocean Global Circulation Models (GCMs). Very consistent among the GCMs is the strengthening of the southerlies along the subtropical coast as a result of a marked increase in surface pressure farther south. We then examine the coastal wind changes in more detail using the Providing REgional Climate for Impact Studies (PRECIS) regional climate model (RCM) with 25 km horizontal resolution nested in the Hadley Centre Atmospheric global Model (HadAM3). PRECIS results indicate that the largest southerly wind increase occurs between 37–41°S during spring and summer, expanding the upwelling‐favourable regime in that region, at the same time that coastal jets at subtropical latitudes will become more frequent and last longer than current events. During fall and winter, the strengthening of the southerlies occurs at subtropical latitudes maintaining a mean jet year‐round. Finally, we discuss the possibility that strengthening of the coastal southerlies might actually lead to a relative regional cooling even as the world as a whole continues to warm up. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Examination of pigments on Thai manuscripts: the first identification of copper citrate
Authors: Eremin Katherine , Stenger Jens , Huang Jo‐Fan , Aspuru‐Guzik Alan , Betley Theodore , Vogt Leslie , Kassal Ivan , Speakman Scott , Khandekar Narayan 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSamples from Thai manuscripts dated to the 18th to 20th century were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine the pigments used. This suggested a change in palette from the 18th to 20th century, with use of imported pigments in the later manuscripts. In the 18th century, the main green used was an organic copper salt, which was replaced by emerald green and mixtures of Prussian blue with gamboge, chrome yellow and zinc yellow (zinc potassium chromate). Chrome yellow was used in addition to gamboge in one later 19th century manuscript. Similarly, indigo in the 18th century manuscripts was replaced by Prussian blue and then synthetic ultramarine in the 19th century manuscripts.Lead white was the main white pigment in all but one manuscript, which contained huntite, a magnesium calcium carbonate. Huntite also occurred in mixtures with other pigments in two other manuscripts. In all the works studied, red lead, vermilion and red earth were used for red, orange and pink shades and red earth in brown areas.The organic copper salt used in the 18th century gave good FTIR spectra but could not initially be matched with any published compound. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) suggested this was a copper citrate phase, and examination of the literature showed that the FTIR spectra matched those published for a hydrated copper citrate. Raman spectra were obtained from this organic copper salt, which showed close agreement with those obtained from synthetic copper citrate. Copper citrate has not been identified previously as an artist's material, although its use has been postulated on the basis of historical texts. Minor copper formate and/or copper chloride were also identified by XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in some green samples containing copper citrate. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New developments in nonlinear spectroscopy: ECONOS meeting in St. Petersburg
Authors: Zheltikov A. M. , Radi P. P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe sixth European Conference on Nonlinear Optical Spectroscopy(ECONOS) took place in St. Petersburg, Russia, in May 2007. This special issue includes ten contributions from ECONOS authors, presenting the latest developments and achievements in nonlinear optical spectroscopy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre‐ or post‐harvest applications of putrescine and low temperature storage affect fruit ripening and quality of ‘Angelino’ plum
Authors: Khan Ahmad S , Singh Zora , Abbasi Nadeem A , Swinny Ewald E 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Plum has a very short storage life. The role of pre‐ or post‐harvest applications of putrescine (PUT) and low temperature storage on fruit ripening and quality was investigated in plum fruit (Prunus salicina Lindl. cv. Angelino).RESULTS: Pre‐ or post‐harvest PUT treatments [(0.1, 1.0 or 2.0 mmol L−1) + 0.01% Tween‐20 as a surfactant] delayed and suppressed the climacteric ethylene production and respiration rate irrespective of the method used to apply PUT. PUT‐treated fruit following low temperature storage (0 ± 1 °C; 90 ± 5% RH), at the ripe stage exhibited higher fruit firmness and titratable acidity (TA), while soluble solids content (SSC), levels of ascorbic acid, total carotenoids and total antioxidants were lower than in untreated fruit. Fruit both sprayed with PUT and stored in low temperature for 6 weeks, at the ripe stage showed reduced respiration rate, delayed changes in the SSC:TA ratio and levels of total carotenoids compared to post‐harvest PUT application.CONCLUSION: Pre‐harvest application of 2.0 mmol L−1 PUT 1 week before the anticipated commercial harvest was more effective in delaying plum fruit ripening and can be used to extend the storage (0 ± 1 °C) life of plums for up to 6 weeks with minimum losses in fruit quality. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of agricultural practices on instrumental colour, mineral content, carotenoid composition, and sensory quality of mandarin orange juice, cv. Hernandina
Authors: Beltrán‐González Felipe , Pérez‐López Antonio J , López‐Nicolás José M , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lowered risk of cancer, hypertension and heart disease, due, among other factors such as modulation of gene expression and improvement of gap junctional communication, to the presence of various forms of antioxidants present in the foods as carotenoids. Otherwise, consumers demand organic products which they believe have more flavour and are of greater benefit to the environment and human health. The effects of organic farming on CIE L*a*b* colour, mineral content, carotenoid composition and sensory quality of Hernandina mandarin juices were studied.RESULTS: Organic farming of mandarin oranges resulted in juices with higher contents of minerals and carotenoids, and of better sensory quality. For instance, organic juice contained a total concentration of carotenoids of 14.4 mg L−1 compared to 10.2 mg L−1 of conventional juice.CONCLUSION: Mandarin orange juices can be considered as a good source of some important nutrients, such as potassium and antioxidant chemicals, e.g. β‐cryptoxanthin. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Covalent interactions between amino acid side chains and oxidation products of caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid)
Authors: Prigent Stéphanie VE , Voragen Alfons GJ , Li Feng , Visser Antonie JWG , van Koningsveld Gerrit A , Gruppen Harry 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Physicochemical properties and digestibility of proteins can be modified by covalent interactions with oxidized phenolic compounds, i.e., quinones. In order to control these interactions in food products, the covalent interactions between quinones from caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) and amino acid side chains were studied with mass spectrometry using N‐terminally protected amino acids.RESULTS: The addition of two molecules of CQA, presumably in the form of a pre‐formed dimer, was observed for lysine, tyrosine, histidine and tryptophan. A monomer of CQA seemed to be able to react with histidine and tryptophan, whereas no interaction with a CQA monomer was observed for lysine and tyrosine. Serine and threonine showed no covalent interactions with CQA. Cross‐linking between CQA and the side chains of two molecules of lysine is likely to occur also in proteins. The results show that protein cross‐linking may also be expected to occur via two tyrosine residues in the absence of other phenolic substrates. The side chains of lysine and tyrosine are more reactive than that of histidine and tryptophan.CONCLUSIONS: These results show that covalent protein modification by oxidized phenolics occurs preferentially via an initial dimerization and encompasses not only lysine and cysteine residues. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimization of processing of fresh‐cut pear
Authors: Arias Esther , González Jaime , López‐Buesa Pascual , Oria Rosa 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Successful processing of pears to render fresh‐cut fruits requires a thorough knowledge of their sensitivity to browning reactions, their respiratory metabolism, and their behaviour under modified atmosphere packaging.RESULTS: First, three different varieties of pear (Williams, Conference, Passacrassana) that had reached their commercial ripening stage were evaluated for suitability for minimal processing. Two antioxidant treatments were tested (treatment 1: 2% ascorbic acid + 1% citric acid + 1% CaCl2; treatment 2: 2% ascorbic acid + 0.01% 4‐hexylresorcinol + 1% CaCl2) to decide which one was the most effective against enzymatic browning. Finally, a modified atmosphere packaging was designed after two previous tests: measurement of respiratory activity of the peeled and cut pear at three temperatures (4, 15 and 25 °C); and evaluation of fruit tolerance to three different atmospheric compositions (21% O2 + 10% CO2; 2% O2 + 0% CO2; 2% O2 + 10% CO2).CONCLUSIONS: Conference pear was found to be the most suitable variety. Among the antioxidant treatments the one consisting of ascorbic acid, 4‐hexylresorcinol and CaCl2 was proven to be the most effective against browning. The samples were packaged in a modified atmosphere with a composition of 10% O2 + 10% CO2 + 80% N2. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Gelatin/PLLA Sponge‐Like Scaffolds Allow Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Mattii Letizia , Battolla Barbara , D'Alessandro Delfo , Trombi Luisa , Pacini Simone , Cascone Maria Grazia , Lazzeri Luigi , Bernardini Nunzia , Dolfi Amelio , Galimberti Sara , Petrini Mario 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTissue engineering has the potential to supply constructs capable of restoring the normal function of native tissue following injury. Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds are amongst the most commonly used biodegradable polymers in tissue engineering and previous studies performed on ovine fibroblasts have showed that addition of gelatin creates a favorable hydrophilic microenvironment for the growth of these cells. The attractiveness of using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in tissue regeneration is that they are able to differentiate into several lines including osteoblasts. In this study, we investigated the ability of gelatin/PLLA sponges to support the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs isolated from the bone marrow of four donors.magnified image
Ethylene/4‐Methyl‐1‐pentene Copolymers by a “Constrained Geometry Catalyst”: Advances in 13C NMR Assignment
Authors: Losio Simona , Boccia Antonella C. , Sacchi Maria Carmela 
Published: May 2008

AbstractEthylene/4‐methyl‐1‐pentene (E/4M1P) copolymers were synthesized by [Me2Si(η5‐Me4C5)‐(η1‐N‐tBu)TiCl2] and methylalumoxane (MAO) catalyst (CG) and analyzed by 13C NMR. The low regio‐ and stereoregularity of CG leads to spectral multiplicities which can be ascribed not only to differences in comonomer sequences but also to the presence of regio‐ and stereoirregularities. The tendency of CG to give a nearly random comonomer distribution gives rise to so far undetectable alternating sequences. The complete set of assignments proposed allows a satisfactory characterization of variously microstructured E/4M1P copolymers and the evaluation of the amount of regioirregular sequences in addition to the full determination of dyad and triad copolymer composition.magnified image
Ultra‐Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering Study of PET/PC Nanolayers and Comparison to AFM Results
Authors: Ania Fernando , Puente‐Orench Inés , Baltá Calleja Francisco J. , Khariwala Devang , Hiltner Anne , Baer Eric , Roth Stephan V. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe forced assembly of two immiscible polymers, produced by layer‐multiplying co‐extrusion, is analyzed by means of USAXS. Comparison of scattering and AFM results sheds light on many details of the nanolayered structure in PET/PC films. The role played by the volume concentration and cold crystallization of PET on the experimental scattering is discussed. The appearance of at least two scattering maxima in all cases, corresponding to higher orders of the same repeating distance, accounts for the high regularity of the developed nanostructure. It is finally shown that long spacing values, derived from a localized area in AFM, are in a good agreement with the USAXS values averaged over much larger areas.magnified image
Smooth Surface Polypyrrole‐Silica Core‐Shell Nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization and Properties
Authors: Marini Michele , Pilati Francesco , Pourabbas Behzad 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPolypyrrole‐silica nanoparticles were prepared by in situ polymerization of pyrrole monomer in the presence of specially modified silica nanoparticles having vinyl functional groups on the surface. The presence of polypyrrole (PPy) on the surface of silica nanoparticles was confirmed using FT‐IR spectroscopy. The core‐shell morphology was analyzed by TEM. A uniform and smooth shell of PPy on the silica nanoparticles and absence of free PPy homopolymer were the main features of the proposed method that employs modified silica nanoparticles for the synthesis of the PPy‐coated silica nanoparticles. SEM investigation of the particles deposited on a glass surface showed a narrow size distribution with an average diameter of 240 nm for the particles. The weight percentage of PPy was estimated using TGA and DSC to be approximately 10 wt.‐%. Further investigations a by two‐probe conductivity method of glass slides coated with the nanoparticles showed an electrical conductivity of 7 S · cm−1. The static water contact angle was as high as 169 °.magnified image
Milder Changes in Chemistry Make a Significant Difference in Phase Transition Temperatures for Triblock Copolymers on PEO106‐PPO70‐PEO106 Block Copolymer Chains
Authors: Zhang Chi , Easteal Allan J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHere we report a simple oxidative route to making triblock copolymers with significantly higher phase transition temperatures than their precursor analogs at the same wt.‐% in water. This may be the easiest way to tune the phase transition temperatures of other analogs of Pluronic copolymers. Self‐capped triblock copolymers were synthesized, starting with Pluronic F127, using a milder selective oxidizer, to confer a near one‐fold increase in phase transition temperatures and alternative textures of the hydrogel surface in 30 wt.‐% copolymer. Comparison between the Pluronic triblock copolymer F127 and the end‐capped triblock copolymers was carried out using XPS, XRD, FT‐IR, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), polarization microscopy (PM) and NMR, though the change in chemistry was small. The present work provides a paradigm that a long macromolecular chain with a slightly modified chemistry may lead to huge alterations in the properties of materials which have potential applications in environmental monitoring, sensors, tissue engineering, artificial skin and drug delivery, particularly in injectable gel delivery systems.magnified image
An H‐Bonded Main‐Chain Liquid‐Crystalline Polymer Obtained by In Situ Photochemical Conversion from an H‐Bonded LC Dimer
Authors: Kihara Hideyuki , Tamaoki Nobuyuki 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAn H‐bonded main‐chain liquid‐crystalline (LC) polymer was obtained by in situ photochemical conversion from an H‐bonded LC dimer. A bifunctional compound, 1, having a cinnamoyl group at one end and a carboxylic acid group at the other, was synthesized as the H‐bonded LC dimer. UV irradiation of 1 in the LC phase in the presence of a sensitizer resulted in its conversion to a photodimer, with a carboxylic acid at both ends, through photocycloaddition of the cinnamoyl moiety. The LC phase was maintained during irradiation, because that of the photodimer was more thermally stable than that of 1. FT‐IR analysis revealed that the carboxylic acids of the photodimer dominantly formed hydrogen bonds in the LC phase, which suggests that the photodimers assembled into an H‐bonded main‐chain LC polymer.magnified image
Ethylene–Propylene–Silsesquioxane Thermoplastic Elastomers
Authors: Seurer Bradley , Coughlin E. Bryan 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPreparative methods for the incorporation of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) macromonomers into ethylene–propylene (EP) polymers have been developed that utilize metallocene polymerization. Analysis of these novel ethylene–propylene–POSS polymers using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction reveals that pendant POSS groups off the polymer backbones aggregate with a phenyl periphery, and the polymers crystallize as anisotropically shaped nanocrystals. POSS particle aggregation is strongly dependent on the nature of the POSS peripheral group. X‐Ray studies suggest that aggregation of POSS in the EP elastomers did not occur with isobutyl and ethyl peripheries, as they disperse within the polymer matrix. The formation of POSS nanocrystals increases the mechanical properties of these thermoplastic elastomers. The tensile storage modulus increases significantly with the addition of POSS, as does the length of the rubbery plateau region. Tensile studies reveal an elongation at break of 720% for one EP‐phenyl POSS polymer sample, with the others between 400 and 500%.magnified image