bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Build up of multilayered thin films with chitosan/DNA pairs on poly(D,L‐lactic acid) films: Physical chemistry and sustained release behavior
Authors: Cai Kaiyong , Hu Yan , Wang Yuanliang , Yang Li 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn an effort to surface engineering of poly(D,L‐lactic acid) (PDLLA), layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly of chitosan (Chi) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were employed to build up multilayered films. The formation of multilayers was monitored by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact‐angle measurement, and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. A full coverage of Chi/DNA pair film was formed only after the fifth sequential deposition (PEI/(DNA/Chi)2), which was revealed by contact‐angle measurement. Surface chemistry and topography of multilayered films were directly related to the corresponding outmost layer component. Discernable island‐like structures on PEI/(DNA/Chi)5/DNA layered PDLLA film was observed. Lysozyme‐mediated multilayer degradation and DNA‐releasing measurement suggested that DNA was gradually released into the incubation medium over a period of up to 32 h. The approach presented here may be exploited to develop controlled administration of functional DNA constructs from the surfaces of biomedical materials and devices in situ. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Reconstruction of critical size calvarial bone defects in rabbits with glass–fiber‐reinforced composite with bioactive glass granule coating
Authors: Tuusa Sari M.‐R. , Peltola Matti J. , Tirri Teemu , Puska Mervi A. , Röyttä Matias , Aho Heikki , Sandholm Jouko , Lassila Lippo V. J. , Vallittu Pekka K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate glass–fiber‐reinforced composite as a bone reconstruction material in the critical size defects in rabbit calvarial bones. The bone defect healing process and inflammatory reactions were evaluated histologically at 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Possible neuropathological effects on brain tissue were evaluated. The release of residual monomers from the fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC). Results: At 4 weeks postoperatively, fibrous connective tissue ingrowth to implant structures was seen. Healing had started as new bone formation from defect margins, as well as woven bone islets in the middle of the defect. Woven bone was also seen inside the implant. Inflammation reaction was slight. At 12 weeks, part of the new bone had matured to lamellar‐type, and inflammation reaction was slight to moderate. Control defects had healed by fibrous connective tissue. Histological examinations of the brain revealed no obvious damage to brain morphology. In HPLC analysis, the release of residual 1,4‐butanedioldimethacrylate and methylmethacrylate from polymerized FRC was low. Conclusions: This FRC‐implant was shown to promote the healing process of critical size calvarial bone defect in rabbits. After some modifications to the material properties, this type of implant has the potential to become an alternative for the reconstruction of bone defects in the head and neck area in the future. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Histomorphometric analysis of the intramedullary bone response to titanium particles in wild‐type and IL‐1R1 knock‐out mice: A preliminary study
Authors: Bragg Bill , Epstein Noah J. , Ma Ting , Goodman Stuart , Smith R. Lane 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAseptic loosening of implants following total joint arthroplasty remains a major cause of implant failure. Particulate debris generated primarily from wear results in inflammatory mediated periprosthetic osteolysis. Titanium is a commonly utilized metal in joint arthroplasty and titanium debris induces the production of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐1. To further elucidate the role of IL‐1, this study examined the response of murine femora to the presence of titanium particles following implantation of an intramedullary rod in mice lacking the receptor for IL‐1. We hypothesized that the inflammatory effects of wear debris on bone would be mitigated in IL‐1R1 deficient mice with a resultant decrease in resorption. Femora receiving titanium particles demonstrated a marked inflammatory response in wild‐type mice with increased endocortical resorption, periprosthetic membrane formation, and significant histomorphometric changes. Femora exposed to titanium particles in the knockout mice also demonstrated osteolysis with irregular deposition of trabecular bone and increased cortical porosity. The persistence of inflammation and osteolysis, despite the lack of functional IL‐1R1, suggests a multi‐factorial role for IL‐1 in the proinflammatory cascade resulting from wear debris. This intramedullary murine model provides the ability to evaluate and quantify the proinflammatory cascade in an in vivo model approximating prosthesis failure. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Progesterone sensitizes breast cancer MCF7 cells to imatinib inhibitory effects
Authors: Rocha Ana , Azevedo Isabel , Soares Raquel 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn previous studies, we found that progesterone was able to induce the expression of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) in human breast cancer MCF7 cells. Knowing that imatinib mesylate targets PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase activity, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of imatinib on progesterone‐treated MCF7 cells. Expression of phosphorylated (activated) platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α (PDGFRα) was detected in MCF7 cells. Interestingly, phosphorylated‐PDGFRα expression was significantly downregulated by imatinib. The effects of imatinib on cell growth, apoptosis and migration were then analyzed. Imatinib effectively inhibited anchorage‐dependent colony formation, and cell viability as evaluated by MTT assay. Corroborating these findings, a significant increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells was also observed when cells were treated with imatinib. Surprisingly, these inhibitory effects were all enhanced by the presence of progesterone. Cell migration assays did also show a reduction in the migratory capacity after incubation with imatinib. These findings reveal that imatinib acts by decreasing MCF7 cell viability, growth and migration, with concomitant increase in apoptosis. Furthermore, incubation with progesterone seems to prompt cells to the inhibitory action of imatinib, probably by sustaining PDGFRα activity. The current study points out imatinib as a possible therapeutic strategy in progesterone‐dependent breast cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 607–614, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A systematic study of chromium solubility in the presence of organic matter: consequences for the treatment of chromium‐containing wastewater
Authors: Remoundaki Emmanouela , Hatzikioseyian Artin , Tsezos Marios 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe treatment objective for wastewater containing Cr(VI) and/or Cr(III) is the reduction of Cr(VI) to the less toxic Cr(III) and the sequestering of Cr(III) from the water streams. The presence of organic matter in the wastewater and in a bioreactor environment may alter the solubility behavior of Cr(III), resulting in poor sequestering and Cr(III) removal from the soluble phase. Systematic experimental solubility results for Cr(III) were obtained in the presence of organic molecules often encountered in industrial effluents containing chromium as well as in biological treatment systems. Chromium solubility curves were determined experimentally from synthetic solutions of Cr(III) in contact with organic acids (acetic, oxalic, citric and ascorbic), amino acids (alanine and aspartic), proteins (albumin and casein) and synthetic nutrient media (yeast extract, nutrient broth and peptones). Experimental data sets were generated for each one of the above organics at three different initial organics concentrations in order to quantify the role of the relative abundance of organic matter in the solubility behavior of Cr(III). A progressive increase of trivalent chromium solubility was systematically observed when the relative abundance of organic ligands to Cr(III) exceeds 10, indicating the existence of a threshold above which the solubility of Cr(III) increases significantly. The hexacoordinate and octahedral character of Cr(III) complexes may explain the need for ligand excess also pointing to a treatment strategy suggesting the relative abundance of organic moieties should be kept below the above threshold. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Biodiesel production by direct methanolysis of oleaginous microbial biomass
Authors: Liu Bo , Zhao Zongbao (Kent) 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBiodiesel is a renewable fuel conventionally prepared by transesterification of pre‐extracted vegetable oils and animal fats of all resources with methanol, catalyzed by strong acids or bases. This paper reports on a novel biodiesel production method that features acid‐promoted direct methanolysis of cellular biomass of oleaginous yeasts and filamentous fungi. The process was optimized for tuning operation parameters, such as methanol dosage, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature and time. Up to 98% yield was reached with reaction conditions of 70 °C, under ambient pressure for 20 h and a dried biomass to methanol ratio 1:20 (w/v) catalyzed by either 0.2 mol L−1 H2SO4 or 0.4 mol L−1 HCl. Cetane numbers for these products were estimated to range from 56 to 59. This integrated method is thus effective and technically attractive, as dried microbial biomass as feedstocks omits otherwise tedious and time‐consuming oil extraction processes. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Studies on lignan constituents from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. fruits using high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization multiple‐stage tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Huang Xin , Song Fengrui , Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Shuying 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detector‐electrospray ionization multiple‐stage tandem mass spectrometry (RP‐HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐MSn) method has been developed for the detection and analysis of lignan constituents in the methanol extract from the fruits of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. RP‐HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐MSn and electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance multiple‐stage tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐FT‐ICR‐MSn) have been applied to investigate the characteristic product ions of four lignan reference compounds. Then, the logical fragmentation pathways of the lignans have been proposed. By comparing the retention time (tR) of HPLC, the ESI‐MSn data and the structures of analyzed compounds with the data of reference compounds and in the literature, 11 peaks in HPLC have been unambiguously identified and another 5 peaks have been tentatively identified or deduced. Also, in the present paper, the extracted ion chromatograms (EIC) have been used to analyze the lignan isomers. The experimental results demonstrate that RP‐HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐MSn is a specific and useful method for the identification of the lignan constituents and their isomers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel pyrimidine‐based stable‐isotope labeling reagent and its application to quantitative analysis using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Li , Zhou Ying , Guo Yin‐Long 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAs an extension of our previous work, a novel pyrimidine‐based stable‐isotope labeling reagent, [d0]‐/[d6]‐4,6‐dimethoxy‐2‐(methylsulfonyl)pyrimidine (DMMSP), was developed for comparative quantification of proteins by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). Our one‐step labeling strategy combines several desirable properties such as cysteine‐specific labeling, signal amplification and direct analysis with minimum sample handling. All these features not only allow easy interpretation for protein identification and quantification but also ensure rapid and sensitive progression to MS analysis. Using cysteine, Cys‐containing peptide, and lysozyme digest as model samples, the labeling methodology was established and the following pilot application for quantitative analysis was accomplished with high confidence, accuracy, efficiency, and reproducibility. The application of DMMSP‐labeling strategy is expected to provide a powerful new tool for comparative proteome research, especially for the analysis of low‐abundance proteins. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent advances on noncovalent molecular imprints for affinity separations
Authors: Wei Shuting , Mizaikoff Boris 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMolecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are tailor‐made synthetic materials capable of selectively rebinding a target analyte, or a group of structurally related compounds based on a combination of recognition mechanisms including size, shape, and functionality. Among the advantageous properties of MIPs are the achievable specific affinity, the relative ease of preparation, and their mechanical and chemical robustness, which renders them ideal materials for applications as stationary phase (e. g., affinity chromatography or SPE), or as antibody mimics (e. g., biomimetic assays). Here, we review recent advancements on the application of MIPs in affinity separations and biomimetic assays, which have focused on the synthesis of size‐ and shape‐uniform particles facilitating reproducibility, improved binding site accessibility, and enhanced affinity. While MIPs certainly offer promising potential as selective separation phase in a variety of applications, deeper understanding of the fundamental interactions governing imprinting, and rational understanding of the imprinting mechanism has yet to be achieved for providing rational guidelines in deliberately designing next‐generation MIP materials.
Adenosine A2A receptors, dopamine D2 receptors and their interactions in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fuxe Kjell , Marcellino Daniel , Genedani Susanna , Agnati Luigi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFuture therapies in Parkinson's disease may substantially build on the existence of intra‐membrane receptor–receptor interactions in DA receptor containing heteromeric receptor complexes. The A2A/D2 heteromer is of substantial interest in view of its specific location in cortico‐striatal glutamate terminals and in striato‐pallidal GABA neurons. Antagonistic A2A/D2 receptor interactions in this heteromer demonstrated at the cellular level, and at the level of the striato‐pallidal GABA neuron and at the network level made it possible to suggest A2A antagonists as anti‐parkinsonian drugs. The major mechanism is an enhancement of D2 signaling leading to attenuation of hypokinesia, tremor, and rigidity in models of Parkinson's disease with inspiring results in two clinical trials. Other interactions are antagonism at the level of the adenylyl cyclase; heterologous sensitization at the A2A activated adenylyl cyclase by persistent D2 activation and a compensatory up‐regulation of A2A receptors in response to intermittent Levodopa treatment. An increased dominance of A2A homomers over D2 homomers and A2A/D2 heteromers after intermittent Levodopa treatment may therefore contribute to development of Levodopa induced dyskinesias and to the wearing off of the therapeutic actions of Levodopa giving additional therapeutic roles of A2A antagonists. Their neuroprotective actions may involve an increase in the retrograde trophic signaling in the nigro‐striatal DA system. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome: Clinical features, genetics, and testing guidelines
Authors: Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth , Abrams Liane , Coffey Sarah M. , Hall Deborah A. , Greco Claudia , Gane Louise W. , Grigsby Jim , Bourgeois James A. , Finucane Brenda , Jacquemont Sebastien , Brunberg James A. , Zhang Lin , Lin Janet , Tassone Flora , Hagerman Paul J. , Hagerman Randi J. , Leehey Maureen A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder with core features of action tremor and cerebellar gait ataxia. Frequent associated findings include parkinsonism, executive function deficits and dementia, neuropathy, and dysautonomia. Magnetic Resonance Imaging studies in FXTAS demonstrate increased T2 signal intensity in the middle cerebellar peduncles (MCP sign) in the majority of patients. Similar signal alterations are seen in deep and subependymal cerebral white matter, as is general cortical and subcortical atrophy. The major neuropathological feature of FXTAS is the presence of intranuclear, neuronal, and astrocytic, inclusions in broad distribution throughout the brain and brainstem. FXTAS is caused by moderate expansions (55–200 repeats; premutation range) of a CGG trinucleotide in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene, the same gene which causes fragile X syndrome when in the full mutation range (200 or greater CGG repeats). The pathogenic mechanism is related to overexpression and toxicity of the FMR1 mRNA per se. Although only recently discovered, and hence currently under‐diagnosed, FXTAS is likely to be one of the most common single‐gene disorders leading to neurodegeneration in males. In this report, we review information available on the clinical, radiological, and pathological features, and prevalence and management of FXTAS. We also provide guidelines for the practitioner to assist with identifying appropriate patients for DNA testing for FXTAS, as well as recommendations for genetic counseling once a diagnosis of FXTAS is made. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Distal anterior compartment myopathy with early ankle contractures
Authors: Saito Hiroshi , Suzuki Naoki , Ishiguro Hideaki , Hirota Koichi , Itoyama Yasuto , Takahashi Toshiaki , Aoki Masashi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDysferlinopathies exhibit marked heterogeneity in the initial distribution of muscle involvement at the onset of the disease. We describe a Japanese patient with dysferlinopathy who exhibited distal anterior compartment myopathy (DACM) with early contractures of the ankle, whose pedigree included patients with two other types of dysferlinopathy. The existence of three phenotypes of dysferlinopathy in one pedigree is reported, indicating the involvement of molecules other than dysferlin in the pathogenesis. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Coincident membranous glomerulonephritis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: Questioning the autoimmunity hypothesis
Authors: Smyth Shane , Menkes Daniel L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) are both autoimmune disorders that are rarely observed concurrently. We describe a patient who developed MGN nearly 20 years after the onset of CIDP, resulting in a secondary progression of his neuropathy. He responded dramatically to a novel regimen of plasma exchange and methotrexate. We propose a mechanism other than autoimmunity for the coincidence of these disorders and discuss the theoretical superiority of the treatment regimen that he received. Muscle Nerve, 2007
The management and administration of parastatal organizations for the promotion of indigenous enterprise: A West African Experience
Authors: Collins Paul D. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAmong the various functional types of public corporation and statutory authority, those concerned with the regulation and provision of economic opportunities and social amenities constitute one of the most interesting developments in West Africa's parastatal sector today.Taking as a case study the recent initiatives of the Ghana Government ta promote indigenous enterprise (which have had an important demonstration effect on neighbouring Nigeria), the article analyses the performance of parastatal organizations that have been instrumental in fulfilling public policy objectives in this area. It examines first the management objectives established by the guiding legislation, secondly the corresponding choice of organizational structure, and finally the ways in which parastatal managers therein endeavour to implement the tasks of redistributing opportunities between foreign and indigenous private enterprise. Particular emphasis is placed on the innovative roles played by public officials and their organizations in mediating between government and the two segments of the private sector (foreign and indigenous). This includes especially the organization for disinvestment and the management of access to opportunities thereby created: identification of affected business and evaluation of their assets, provision of information for applicants, determination of rules of eligibility for the channelling of demand, supervision of purchase, transfer of management and labour relations during the period of negotiation and transfer.Finally, the article considers the effectiveness of resources use by recipients of enterprises, including patterns of distribution amongst the latter, in order to determine the impact of parastatal organization procedures on policy outcomes.
Intergovernmental relations in Nigeria: Local government and the 1979 Nigerian Constitution
Authors: Gboyega Alex 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the intergovernmental relations prescribed by the Nigerian Constitution of 1979. In particular it discusses the elevated constitutional status of local government, tracing the origins of this to the 1976 local government reform. The question of how to interpret the provisions of the Constitution on the restructuring of local government and whether this is solely a State responsibility or a joint State/Federal responsibility is analysed. The article argues that the States have political and administrative responsibility for local government whereas the Federal responsibility concerns the regulation of the amount of money to be distributed to local government from the Federal Account. The Lagos State High Court judgement which supports the view that States have political and administrative responsibility for local government, but nullified the State's legislation, is extensively reported and analysed. Also discussed is the Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act 1981 which both reflects and supports the view that the federal relationship to local government is defined by finance. The paper also probes the intention of the Constituent Assembly by analysing its report. The paper complements that by Smith and Owojaiye in the previous number.
Conducting the elections in Zimbabwe 1980
Authors: Baker Colin 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe Zimbabwe elections in 1980 presented unusual administrative difficulties. They were conducted in some haste, during a cease fire in the civil war, and when stable administration was not established over the whole country. Further, the political settlement and re‐establishment of an internationally recognized government hinged on popular and international acceptance of the elections as having been fairly conducted. The problems faced in the administration of the elections went beyond what are discussed in standard works on elections and the article describes what the main problems were in conducting the elections and facilitating effective supervision of them.