bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclic stretch‐induced nuclear localization of transcription factors results in increased nuclear targeting of plasmids in alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Lam Anna P. , Dean David A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundWe have shown previously that cyclic stretch corresponding to that experienced by the pulmonary epithelium during normal breathing enhances nonviral gene transfer and expression in alveolar epithelial cells by increasing plasmid intracellular trafficking. Although reorganization of the microtubule and actin cytoskeletons by cyclic stretch is necessary for increased plasmid trafficking, the role of nuclear entry in this enhanced trafficking has not been elucidated.MethodsAlveolar epithelial cells were subjected to biaxial cyclic stretch (10% change in surface area at 0.5 Hz) and assayed for RNA expression, nuclear localization and activation of key transcription factors. Stretched epithelial cells were transfected with plasmids via electroporation and exposed to inhibitors of transcription factor activation.ResultsWhen assayed by in situ hybridization, more plasmids were localized to the nuclei of cells that were stretched following electroporation compared to unstretched cells. Cyclic stretch also increases the nuclear localization of multiple transcription factors thought to be involved in plasmid nuclear entry, including AP1, AP2, NF‐κB and NF1. Specific inhibition of the nuclear import of AP1 and/or NF‐κB abolishes the enhanced plasmid nuclear localization seen with stretch.ConclusionsNuclear entry of plasmids is thought to be mediated by the binding of proteins that chaperone the DNA through the nuclear pore. Stretch‐enhanced nuclear localization of transcription factors increases nuclear targeting of plasmids, whereas inhibition of the nuclear import of specific transcription factors abrogated stretch‐enhanced plasmid nuclear localization. Taken together, these results suggest that cyclic stretch increases gene trafficking in the cytoplasm and at the nuclear envelope. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of extra virgin olive oil substitution for fat on quality of pork patty
Authors: Hur Sun Jin , Jin Sang Keun , Kim Il Suk 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is well known for its beneficial effects on human health. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of EVOO substitution for backfat on qualities of pork patty to avoid high consumption of animal‐originated fat, because it is closely related to development of cardiovascular disease and obesity.RESULT:Water‐holding capacity was higher in control (lean pork + 10% backfat) and T3 (lean pork + 5% backfat + 5% EVOO + 0.5% isolated soy protein + 0.5% carrageenan + 0.5% maltodextrin) than T1 (lean pork + 5% backfat + 5% EVOO + 0.5% isolated soy protein) and T2 (lean pork + 5% backfat + 5% EVOO + 0.5% isolated soy protein + 0.5% carrageenan). Hardness was higher in EVOO substitution for backfat patty samples than control. In sensory evaluation, the control was significantly higher in overall acceptability compared with EVOO substitution for backfat pork patty samples.CONCLUSION:The physical properties of pork patty made by EVOO substitution for backfat were stable as a commercial pork patty (control). However, sensory evaluation scores were higher in control compared to EVOO‐substituted pork patty samples. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Cross‐metathesis with fatty acid derivatives: Scope, challenges and perspectives
Authors: Meier Michael A. R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPlant oils are an important renewable resource for the chemical industry and will help to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to a sustainable development of our future. Chemically efficient as well as cost‐effective reactions and processes are now being developed to achieve this goal, metathesis being one of them. This feature briefly describes the possibilities of cross‐metathesis reactions with oleochemicals, discussing general aspects of cross‐metathesis reactions, evaluating current pros and cons, and highlighting recent developments.
High‐speed analysis of the major components of fatty acid methyl esters by capillary gas chromatography
Authors: Shibahara Akira , Yamamoto Kouhei , Kinoshita Akemi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe tested different column temperatures and carrier gas linear velocities in a capillary GC system with a high‐resolution column, DB‐23, to determine the shortest run time for analyzing the major components of a fatty acid methyl ester sample from any lipid source. Depending on the sample, the run time is 2 min or less. Commercially‐available high‐resolution columns can be used without modification.
High‐brightness long‐wavelength semiconductor disk lasers
Authors: Schulz N. , Hopkins J.‐M. , Rattunde M. , Burns D. , Wagner J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA review on the recent developments in the field of long‐wavelength (λ >1.2μm) high‐brightness optically‐pumped semiconductor disk lasers (OPSDLs) is presented. As thermal effects have such a crucial impact on the laser performance particular emphasis is given to modelling the thermal behaviour and optimisation of the heat‐sinking. Selected OPSDL devices, realized in different III‐V and IV‐VI semiconductor material systems, with corresponding emission wavelengths between 1.2 μm and 5.3 μm are presented. Specific applications in this broad spectral range are addressed and methods to obtain high output power are discussed in terms of the underlying material properties and device operating principles.
Effect of Er:YAG, CO2 and diode laser irradiation on surface properties of zirconia endosseous dental implants
Authors: Stübinger Stefan , Homann Frank , Etter Christof , Miskiewicz Miroslaw , Wieland Marco , Sader Robert 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesZirconia implants (ZI) are becoming more popular in implant dentistry, as a result of their favorable esthetic outcome. However, little is known about the impact laser application has on this material in the course of peri‐implantitis treatment. The objective of this investigation was to analyze the influence of Er:YAG, CO2 and diode laser irradiation on polished ZI.Material and MethodsYttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y‐TZP) ceramic disks were irradiated at different power settings with either an Er:YAG, CO2 or diode laser. The surface of the disks was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal 3D white light microscopy (CWLM). In addition energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis was performed on all disks. Six specimens were used for each parameter set of each laser.ResultsSEM analysis demonstrated that, regardless of the power settings, neither the diode laser nor the Er:YAG laser caused any visible surface alterations to ZI. The results of the CWLM were in agreement with the SEM pictures. However, Er:YAG irradiation did penetrate through the disks. At various power settings, the CO2 treatment was characterized by material cracking and melting. The increased roughness values (from CWLM) of the ZI underlined the SEM observations.ConclusionIn contrast to diode and Er:YAG laser irradiation, the CO2 laser revealed distinct surface alterations to zirconia at various laser parameters. However, the Er:YAG laser cannot be recommended for the treatment of ailing implants, as the laser beam penetrates the material. In this respect, currently, diode lasers seem to be the only laser systems offering surface preservation and safety in the treatment of peri‐implantits with ZI. Laser Surg. Med. 40:223–228, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pneumatic skin flattening reduces pain during laser hair reduction
Authors: Bernstein Eric F. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIntroductionLaser hair reduction targets melanin pigment within hair shafts, causing heating and an inflammatory response that sends hair into a prolonged telogen phase. Pain may be a limiting factor for patients seeking laser hair reduction.MethodsWe investigate the affect of pneumatic skin flattening (PSF) as compared to conventional treatment using the dynamic cooling device (DCD) on pain during laser hair reduction treatment and evaluated immediately following treatment, as well as the studying its impact on post‐treatment effects of laser hair reduction using an alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser to treat the hair in the axillae of 40 volunteer subjects. Thirty‐four subjects were treated with a 755 nm, 3 millisecond pulse‐duration alexandrite laser using fluences ranging from 16 to 20 J/cm2 and an 18 mm circular spot; while six were treated with the 1,064 nm laser with the same parameters but fluences ranging from 22 to 26 J/cm2. One axilla of each subject was treated with the PSF device while the other was treated in the conventional manner using the DCD.ResultsPSF reduced the pain of hair removal treatment in 95% of subjects, as compared to conventional laser treatment using the DCD. The mean pain score for the axilla receiving laser treatment using PSF was 2.8±2.1 (mean±SD) of a possible 10.0. In contrast, the average pain score for the side treated with the DCD was 5.4±2.1 (P<0.0001). Blinded evaluation of post‐treatment photographs demonstrated a reduction in erythema on the PSF‐treated side immediately post‐treatment, and no difference in hair reduction 1 month following treatment.ConclusionsPneumatic skin flattening diminishes the pain associated with laser hair reduction. Laser Surg. Med. 40:183–187, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of Cl(Ca) channel distributions in olfactory cilia
Authors: Badamdorj Dorjsuren , Edwards David A. , French Donald A. , Kleene Steven J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIdentification of detailed features of neuronal systems is an important challenge in the biosciences today. Transduction of an odor into an electrical signal occurs in the membranes of the cilia. The Cl(Ca) channels that reside in the ciliary membrane are activated by calcium, allow a depolarizing efflux of Cl− and are thought to amplify the electrical signal to the brain.In this paper, a mathematical model consisting of partial differential equations is developed to study two different experiments; one involving the interaction of the cyclic‐nucleotide‐gated (CNG) and Cl(Ca) channels and the other, the diffusion of Ca2+ into cilia. This work builds on an earlier study (Mathematical modeling of the Cl(Ca) ion channels in frog olfactory cilia. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 2006; Math. Comput. Modelling 2006; 43:945–956; Biophys. J. 2006; 91:179–188), which suggested that the CNG channels are clustered at about 0.28 of the length of a cilium from its open end. Closed‐form solutions are derived after certain reductions in the model are made. These special solutions provide estimates of the channel distributions. Scientific computation is also used. This preliminary study suggests that the Cl(Ca) ion channels are also clustered at about one‐third of the length of a cilium from its open end. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical and numerical methods in shape optimization
Authors: Harbrecht Helmut 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis paper is intended to overview on analytical and numerical methods in shape optimization. We compute and analyse the shape Hessian in order to distinguish well‐posed and ill‐posed shape optimization problems. We introduce different discretization techniques of the shape and present existence and convergence results of approximate solutions in case of well posedness. Finally, we survey on the efficient numerical solution of the state equation, including finite and boundary element methods as well as fictitious domain methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the application and extension of system signatures in engineering reliability
Authors: Navarro Jorge , Samaniego Francisco J. , Balakrishnan N. , Bhattacharya Debasis 
Published: March 2008

AbstractFollowing a review of the basic ideas in structural reliability, including signature‐based representation and preservation theorems for systems whose components have independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) lifetimes, extensions that apply to the comparison of coherent systems of different sizes, and stochastic mixtures of them, are obtained. It is then shown that these results may be extended to vectors of exchangeable random lifetimes. In particular, for arbitrary systems of sizes m < n with exchangeable component lifetimes, it is shown that the distribution of an m‐component system's lifetime can be written as a mixture of the distributions of k‐out‐of‐n systems. When the system has n components, the vector of coefficients in this mixture representation is precisely the signature of the system defined in Samaniego, IEEE Trans Reliabil R–34 (1985) 69–72. These mixture representations are then used to obtain new stochastic ordering properties for coherent or mixed systems of different sizes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008
Scheduling parallel machines with inclusive processing set restrictions
Authors: Ou Jinwen , Leung Joseph Y.‐T. , Li Chung‐Lun 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe consider the problem of assigning a set of jobs to different parallel machines of the same processing speed, where each job is compatible to only a subset of those machines. The machines can be linearly ordered such that a higher‐indexed machine can process all those jobs that a lower‐indexed machine can process. The objective is to minimize the makespan of the schedule. This problem is motivated by industrial applications such as cargo handling by cranes with nonidentical weight capacities, computer processor scheduling with memory constraints, and grades of service provision by parallel servers. We develop an efficient algorithm for this problem with a worst‐case performance ratio of
${4}\over{3}$
+ ε, where ε is a positive constant which may be set arbitrarily close to zero. We also present a polynomial time approximation scheme for this problem, which answers an open question in the literature. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008
On the construction of anisotropic polyconvex energy densities
Authors: Ebbing Vera , Schröder J. , Neff Patrizio 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this contribution we propose a general framework for the construction of polyconvex energies for arbitrary anisotropy classes. The main idea is the introduction of an anisotropic metric reflecting the material symmetry of the underlying crystal. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On an effective model for ferronematic liquid crystals
Authors: Calderer M. Carme , DeSimone Antonio , Golovaty Dmitry , Panchenko Alexander 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe tools of homogenization theory are used to develop an effective model for ferronematics–colloidal suspensions of small ferromagnetic particles in a nematic liquid crystalline medium. The results are presented for dilute suspensions of identical prolate spheroidal particles. For needle‐like particles of large eccentricity, the model reduces to a known expression [5]. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preconditioners for hydropower plant flow simulations
Authors: Mangiavacchi N. , Carvalho L. M. , Soares C. B. P. , Costa V. , Fortes W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe describe the main features of a numerical simulator currently under development for studying water physico‐chemical properties during the flooding of hydroelectric plants reservoirs. The work is sponsored by the Brazilian Electric Energy National Agency (ANEEL) and conducted in a joint work of Brazilian universities researchers, with Furnas Centrais Elétricas S. A., the leading Brazilian power utility company. An overview of the simulator requirements is given. The software modules and engineering solutions are briefly discussed, including the finite element based transport module. Some results are presented and discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Shape and topology optimization of contact problems by level set methods
Authors: Myśliński Andrzej 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis paper deals with the numerical solution of a topology and shape optimization problems of an elastic body in unilateral contact with a rigid foundation. The contact problem with the prescribed friction is considered. The structural optimization problem consists in finding such shape of the boundary of the domain occupied by the body that the normal contact stress along the contact boundary of the body is minimized. In the paper shape as well as topological derivatives formulae of the cost functional are provided using material derivative and asymptotic expansion methods, respectively. These derivatives are employed to formulate necessary optimality condition for simultaneous shape and topology optimization. Level set based numerical algorithm for the solution of the shape optimization problem is proposed. Level set method is used to describe the position of the boundary of the body and its evolution on a fixed mesh. This evolution is governed by Hamilton – Jacobi equation. The speed vector field driving the propagation of the boundary of the body is given by the shape derivative of a cost functional with respect to the free boundary. Numerical examples are provided. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Coaxial electrospinning of PC(shell)/PU(core) composite nanofibers for textile application
Authors: Han Xiao‐Jian , Huang Zheng‐Ming , He Chuang‐Long , Liu Ling , Wu Qing‐Sheng 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTo develop a novel functional composite material for textile application, a coaxial electrospinning technique was investigated to electrospin two different polymer solutions into core‐shell structured nanofibers in which polyurethane and polycarbonate were used as core and shell materials, respectively. The resultant nanofibers were subsequently characterized by means of scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and tensile mechanical test. Furthermore, water vapour transmission rate and pliability of the resulting nonwoven mats were also measured. The preliminary results indicated that it is feasible to attach composite nanofibers, with possible fictionalization on the shell material, onto a substrate fabric. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prediction of elastic properties for curved fiber polymer composites
Authors: Bapanapalli Satish , Nguyen Ba Nghiep 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe objective of this article is to study the effect of fiber curvature on the elastic properties of a long‐fiber composite. The study was carried out using a unit cell homogenization approach and micromechanical modeling. In the first approach, a unit cell with a fiber bundle was defined and used in the analysis. Appropriate boundary conditions were prescribed to extract the elastic stiffness components. The second approach made use of the Eshelby‐Mori‐Tanaka model to compute the stiffness of the aligned fiber composite. Fiber curvature was then accounted for through the variation of fiber orientation within a prescribed range that corresponds to a given degree of fiber curvature. It was found that curved fibers significantly affect the composite properties since they lead to a significant stiffness reduction in the longitudinal direction while relatively small increase in stiffness is achieved in the transverse direction in the plane containing the fiber tow. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. Published 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Steady plastic flow of a polymer during equal channel angular extrusion process: Experiments and numerical modeling
Authors: Zaïri F. , Aour B. , Gloaguen J.M. , Naït‐Abdelaziz M. , Lefebvre J.M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractEqual channel angular extrusion (ECAE) is a powerful tool to modify microstructure via high plastic deformation without altering sample geometry. This article investigates the behavior of a polypropylene processed by ECAE. A finite element analysis in which the material constitutive law is coupled with damage by means of Gurson‐Tvergaard damage potential allowed to model experimental tests achieved on this material. Such a modeling allows the prediction of the extrusion load, strain and stress fields, and void volume fraction distribution. The need for the use of a back‐pressure is highlighted. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Novel amphiphilic poly(ester‐urethane)s based on poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxyalkanoate]: synthesis, biocompatibility and aggregation in aqueous solution
Authors: Li Zibiao , Cheng Shaoting , Li Song , Liu Qiaoyan , Xu Kaitian , Chen Guo‐Qiang 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to develop polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) for blood contact applications, and to study their self‐assembly behavior in aqueous solution when the PHAs are incorporated with hydrophilic segments. To do this, poly(ester‐urethane) (PU) multiblock copolymers were prepared from hydroxyl‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydroxylated poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxyalkanoate] (PHA‐diol) using 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate as a coupling reagent. The PEG segment functions as a soft, hydrophilic and crystalline portion and the poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate] segment behaves as a hard, hydrophobic and crystalline portion. In another series of PU multiblock copolymers, crystalline PEG and completely amorphous poly[((R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(4‐hydroxybutyrate)] behaved as hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments, respectively.RESULTS: The formation of a PU series of block copolymers was confirmed by NMR, gel permeation chromatography and infrared analyses. The thermal properties showed enhanced thermal stability with semi‐crystalline morphology via incorporation of PEG. Interestingly, the changes of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio led to different formations in oil‐in‐water emulsion and surface patterning behavior when cast into films. Blood compatibility was also increased with increasing PEG content compared with PHA‐only polymers.CONCLUSION: For the first time, PHA‐based PU block copolymers have been investigated in terms of their blood compatibility and aggregation behavior in aqueous solution. Novel amphiphilic materials with good biocompatibility for possible blood contact applications with hydrogel properties were obtained. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
The drug transporter MgMfs1 can modulate sensitivity of field strains of the fungal wheat pathogen Mycosphaerella graminicola to the strobilurin fungicide trifloxystrobin
Authors: Roohparvar Ramin , Mehrabi Rahim , Van Nistelrooy Johannes GM , Zwiers Lute‐Harm , De Waard Maarten A 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The major facilitator superfamily (MFS) drug transporter MgMfs1 of the wheat pathogen Mycosphaerella graminicola (Fuckel) J Schroeter is a potent multidrug transporter with high capacity to transport strobilurin fungicides in vitro. The data presented in this paper indicate that, in addition to the predominant cause of strobilurin resistance, cytochrome b G143A subsititution, MgMfs1 can play a role in sensitivity of field strains of this pathogen to trifloxystrobin.RESULTS: In a major part of field strains of M. graminicola (collected in the Netherlands in 2004) containing the cytochrome b G143A substitution, the basal level of expression of MgMfs1 was elevated as compared with sensitive strains lacking the G143A substitution. Induction of MgMfs1 expression in wild‐type isolates upon treatment with trifloxystrobin at sublethal concentrations proceeded rapidly. Furthermore, in disease control experiments on wheat seedlings, disruption mutants of MgMfs1 displayed an increased sensitivity to trifloxystrobin.CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the drug transporter MgMfs1 is a determinant of strobilurin sensitivity of field strains of M. graminicola. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry