bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A coupled numerical scheme of dual reciprocity BEM with DQM for the transient elastodynamic problems
Authors: Bozkaya C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe two‐dimensional transient elastodynamic problems are solved numerically by using the coupling of the dual reciprocity boundary element method (DRBEM) in spatial domain with the differential quadrature method (DQM) in time domain. The DRBEM with the fundamental solution of the Laplace equation transforms the domain integrals into the boundary integrals that contain the first‐ and the second‐order time derivative terms. Thus, the application of DRBEM to elastodynamic problems results in a system of second‐order ordinary differential equations in time. This system is then discretized by the polynomial‐based DQM with respect to time, which gives a system of linear algebraic equations after the imposition of both the boundary and the initial conditions. Therefore, the solution is obtained at any required time level at one stroke without the use of an iterative scheme and without the need of very small step size in time direction. The numerical results are visualized in terms of graphics. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polypyridylpropyne‐Pd and ‐Pt porphyrin coating for visualization of oxygen pressure
Authors: Hyakutake Tsuyoshi , Taguchi Hiroyuki , Sakaue Hirotaka , Nishide Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPoly[1‐trimethylsilyl‐1‐propyne‐co‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)propyne] 1 was prepared both as a polymer‐ligand of a palladium porphyrin (PdOEP) and of a platinum porphyrin (PtTFP) and as a highly gas‐permeable polymer matrix of the porphyrin. The porphyrin acted as a phosphorescence probe which could be quenched with oxygen and sense the oxygen partial pressure. 1 gave a smooth and tough coating with a thickness of ca. 2 µm which homogeneously involved the porphyrin. The porphyrin‐1 coatings displayed strong red‐colored phosphorescences (the emission maximum at 670 and 650 nm for PdOEP and PtTFP, respectively), and their intensity significantly decreased with an increase in the oxygen partial pressure on the coating. The high oxygen‐quenching efficiency or the high oxygen pressure sensitivity of the porphyrin's phosphorescence was observed even at cryogenic temperature. Aggregation of the porphyrin was suppressed in the coating by ligation of the porphyrin with the nitrogenous residue of 1 to significantly reduce spatial noise in the phosphorescence measurement or the oxygen‐pressure sensing. PtTFP‐1 was coated on the surface of a delta wing model. The oxygen‐pressure distribution on the coated model was successfully visualized in a cryogenic wind tunnel test. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of the chemical composition of nanofillers on the flammability of polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Yang Feng , Bogdanova Irina , Nelson Gordon L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPolymer nanocomposites (PNC) were prepared by a single‐screw extrusion approach. Three polymers were investigated. They are polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), and polycarbonate (PC). The nanofillers employed in this research were fumed nanosilica and alumina. The resulting PNCs were subjected to a thermal stability study, UL94 evaluation and Cone calorimetry characterization, to demonstrate the chemical composition effects on the thermal degradation process and flammability of PNCs. The results show that silica as an “inert” filler enhanced the thermal stability of PNCs by radical trapping and chain mobility restriction effects. On the other hand, the “active” nanofiller alumina showed an additional heterogeneous catalyzing effect during the polymer decomposition process. The difference in decomposition mechanism for silica and alumina greatly affected a number of key physical parameters of polymer melts, which in turn changed the flammability of corresponding PNCs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wirkungsmechanismen der tri‐ und tetrazyklischen Antidepressiva. Adaptive Veränderung und Neuordnung von Transmittersystemen
Authors: Müller Walter E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDie Bezeichnung tri‐ und tetrazyklische Antidepressiva charakterisiert auch heute noch eine Substanzklasse mit ähnlichen chemischen Grundstrukturen und ähnlichen pharmakologischen Eigenschaften. Sie hemmen die Wiederaufnahme von Neurotransmittern an noradrenergen und serotonergen Synapsen.
Synergistic effects of multiple carbon fillers on the rheology of liquid crystal polymer based resins
Authors: King Julia A. , Tambling Troy M. , Keith Jason M. , Cole Andrew J. , Morrison Faith A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAdding conductive carbon fillers to insulating thermoplastic resin increases composite electrical and thermal conductivity. Often, as much of a single type of carbon filler is added to achieve the desired conductivity, while still allowing the material to be molded into a bipolar plate for a fuel cell. In this study, varying amounts of three different carbons (carbon black, synthetic graphite particles, and carbon fiber) were added to Vectra A950RX liquid crystal polymer. The rheology of resulting single filler composites was tested. In addition, the rheological properties of composites containing combinations of two different carbon fillers were studied via a factorial design. In all cases, viscosity increased with increasing filler volume fraction for all shear rates. Over the range of shear rates studied, the viscosity followed a shear‐thinning power law model. The factorial design results indicated that each of the single fillers and all of the two filler combinations caused a statistically significant increase in composite viscosity at a shear rate of 1,000 s−1. The composites containing carbon black and synthetic graphite caused the largest increase in viscosity. It is possible that the highly branched, high surface area structure of carbon black ‘links’ with the synthetic graphite particles, which results in increased composite viscosity. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Colchicinoids from Colchicum crocifolium Boiss.: a case study in dereplication strategies for (–)‐Colchicine and related analogues using LC‐MS and LC‐PDA techniques
Authors: Alali Feras Q. , Gharaibeh Ahmad , Ghawanmeh Abdullah , Tawaha Khaled , Oberlies Nicholas H. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAs a part of a project designed to investigate Colchicum species in Jordan, the chemical constituents of Colchicum crocifolium Boiss. (Colchicaceae) were investigated using LC‐MS and LC–UV/Vis PDA. A decision tree for working with colchicinods has been developed by incorporating data from LC‐UV/PDA and LC‐MS. This dereplication strategy draws upon the UV/PDA spectra to classify compounds into one of four structural groups and combines this with retention time and mass spectra/molecular weight to identify the compounds. This strategy was applied on a small amount of extract (2 mg) of Colchicum crocifolium to dereplicate 10 known compounds from four different structural groups, namely (−)‐demecolcine, 2‐demethyl‐(−)‐colchicine or3‐demethyl‐(−)‐colchicine, N‐deacetyl‐(−)‐colchicine, (−)‐colchiciline, (−)‐colchicine, β‐lumidemecolcine, 2‐demethyl‐β‐lumicolchicine or 3‐demethyl‐β‐lumicolchicine, N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐deacetyl‐β‐lumicornigerine, (−)‐isoandrocymbine and (−)‐autumnaline. Furthermore, a new compound was identi?ed as N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐deacetyl‐(−)‐cornigerine. Three compounds, which had molecular ions at m/z 325, 340 and 374, could not be dereplicated into any obvious structural classes that have been isolated in our laboratories previously or reported in the literature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blastocyst trophectoderm biopsy and preimplantation genetic diagnosis for familial monogenic disorders and chromosomal translocations
Authors: McArthur S. J. , Leigh D. , Marshall J. T. , Gee A. J. , De Boer K. A. , Jansen R. P. S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectiveModern in vitro fertilization practices involve transfer of embryos as blastocysts, when anabolic metabolism is well established and pregnancy rates can be maintained while transferring embryos singly to avoid multiple pregnancies. Embryo biopsy for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), however, is generally performed on day 3, when the embryo comprises just 6 to 8 cells, one or two of which are removed for testing. Implantation rates and clinical pregnancy rates have remained relatively low and a harmful effect from losing one or more cells from such early embryos has not been excluded.MethodsWe performed a sequential study involving 399 egg retrievals and 1879 embryo biopsies for patients undergoing PGD to avoid a serious monogenic disease or an unbalanced chromosomal translocation. We compared implantation and viable pregnancy rates after biopsies taken on day 3 (cleavage‐stage biopsy) with biopsies delayed until day 5 or 6, when the embryo is a blastocyst and 5 or more cells can be sampled from the trophectoderm while the inner cell mass, from which the fetus develops, remains intact. All embryos were transferred as blastocysts.ResultsDespite fewer blastocysts than cleavage embryos biopsied and tested (3.6 compared to 6.6), implantation rates per embryo transferred were 43.4% if biopsied at the blastocyst stage and 25.6% if biopsied at the cleavage stage (P < 0.01), with ongoing or live‐birth pregnancy rates per egg retrieval of 34.2% (average transfer number 1.1) for blastocyst biopsies and 25.5% (transfer number 1.6) for cleavage stage biopsies (P < 0.05, 1‐tailed). The multiple pregnancy rate for monogenic disease exclusion fell from 16.7% to 2% (P = 0.04, 1‐tailed).ConclusionsFor exclusion of genetic disease, day 5‐6 blastocyst‐stage biopsies are more likely to be followed by implantation and singleton births than is the case after PGD performed on day 3. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production and characterization of membranes of recycled waste materials: Cellulose acetate, obtained from sugarcane bagasse with polystyrene from plastics cups
Authors: da Silva Meireles Carla , Rodrigues Filho Guimes , de Assunção Rosana Maria Nascimento , Cerqueira Daniel Alves , Zeni Mara , Mello Kátia , Lorenzi Suellen 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMembranes of cellulose acetate from sugarcane bagasse (CA), as well as blends of this cellulose acetate and polystyrene from plastic cups (CA/PS) were produced by casting utilizing dichloromethane as solvent at the concentration 12% w/w. The membranes were characterized regarding ion diffusion by dialysis and properties of pure water permeation rate, PEG rejection (utilizing an aqueous solution 1% w/v of polyethylene glycol (PEG), 45 and 80 kDa). Thermal characterization by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were also performed. The morphology of the membranes' cross‐sections was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The experiment of ion diffusion by dialysis showed that the ion diffusion coefficient of CA membrane is comparable to that found in the literature for membranes of commercial cellulose triacetate, 8.47 × 10−8 cm2 s−1, while the ion diffusion coefficient of blends decreased as PS was added to the system. Regarding transport driven by pressure, CA membrane presented low rejection of PEG 80 kDa. These results showed that CA membrane could be used in a range of application comprehending the process of ultrafiltration or microfiltration. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Partial shadowing, MPPT performance and inverter configurations: observations at tracking PV plants
Authors: García Miguel , Maruri Jose Miguel , Marroyo Luis , Lorenzo Eduardo , Pérez Miguel 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWhen analysing the influence of shade on photovoltaic (PV) systems, the intuitive assumption is that conversion architectures with more inverters, such as string‐ and module‐inverters, will have lower energy losses associated with partial shading of the generators. However, other phenomena which can affect a system's response to shade, for example, the way in which the inverter performs the maximum power point tracking (MPPT), mean that modular configurations are not always the least susceptible to shade effects. We present a case in which the general tendency of many of the currently available commercial inverters to remain in local power maxima results in a string‐inverter configuration behaving worse in response to shade than a central‐inverter configuration. Experimental data were collected throughout 2005 and 2006 from PV plants in Arguedas and Sesma (Spain). We interpret our observations with theoretical analysis based on the results of simulation experiments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of novel host defense peptides and the absence of α‐defensins in the bovine genome
Authors: Fjell Christopher D. , Jenssen Håvard , Fries Patrick , Aich Palok , Griebel Philip , Hilpert Kai , Hancock Robert E. W. , Cherkasov Artem 
Published: April 2008

AbstractHost defense peptides (historically called antimicrobial peptides, AMPs) are key components in the mammalian innate immune system, and are responsible for both direct killing and immunomodulatory effects in host defense against pathogenic organisms. In order to identify novel host defense peptides by sequence analysis, we constructed the AMPer resource (http://www.cnbi2.com/cgi‐bin/amp.pl) that utilizes hidden Markov models to recognize sequences of antimicrobial peptides. In the current work, we utilized the AMPer resource to search bovine expressed sequence tags from the NCBI dbEST project and the bovine genome sequence for novel host defense peptides. Of the 34 known bovine AMPs, 27 were identified with high confidence in the AMPs predicted from ESTs. A further potential 68 AMPs predicted from the EST data were found that appear to be novel giving a total estimate of 102 AMPs present in the genome. Two of these were cathelicidins and selected for experimental verification in RNA derived from bovine tissue. One predicted AMP, most similar to rabbit ‘15 kDa protein’ AMP, was confirmed to be present in infected bovine intestinal tissue using PCR. These findings demonstrated the practical applicability of the developed bioinformatics approach and laid a foundation for future discoveries of gene‐coded AMPs. No members of the α‐defensin family were found in the bovine sequences. Since we could find no technical reasons these would be missed and no references to bovine α‐defensins in the literature, this suggests that cattle lack this important family of host defense peptides. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tethering polypeptides through bifunctional PEG cross‐linking agents to probe protein function: Application to ATP synthase
Authors: Cipriano Daniel J. , Dunn Stanley D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractChemical crosslinking mediated by short bifunctional reagents has been widely used for determining physical relationships among polypeptides in multisubunit proteins, but less often for functional studies. Here we introduce the approach of tethering polypeptides by using bifunctional reagents containing a lengthy, flexible PEG linker as a form of crosslinking especially suited to functional analyses. The rotary molecular motor ATP synthase was used as a model subject. Single cysteine residues were introduced into selected positions of ATP synthase ϵ subunit, a component of the rotor subcomplex of the enzyme, and the unrelated maltose binding protein (MBP), then the two purified recombinant proteins were crosslinked by means of a dimaleimido‐PEG cross‐linking agent. Following purification, the ϵ‐PEG‐MBP was incorporated into membrane‐bound ATP synthase by reconstitution with ϵ‐depleted F1‐ATPase and membrane vesicles that had been stripped of endogenous F1. ATP synthase reconstituted using ϵ‐PEG‐MBP had reduced ATP hydrolytic activity that was uncoupled from the pumping of H+, indicating the physical blockage of rotation of the γϵc10rotor by the conjugated MBP, whereas enzyme reconstituted with ϵ‐PEG was normal. These results directly demonstrate the feasibility of studying mechanistic features of molecular motors through PEG‐based conjugation of unrelated proteins. Since tethering polypeptides provides a means of maintaining proximity without directly specifying or modifying interactions, application of the general method to other types of protein functional studies is envisioned. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antiproliferative effect of Scutellaria barbata D. Don. on cultured human uterine leiomyoma cells by down‐regulation of the expression of Bcl‐2 protein
Authors: Kim Kyung‐Woon , Jin Un‐Ho , Kim Dong‐Il , Lee Tae‐Kyun , Kim Min‐Sung , Oh Min‐Ju , Kim Myung‐Sunny , Kwon Dae Young , Lee Young‐Choon , Kim Cheorl‐Ho 
Published: April 2008

AbstractScutellaria barbata D. Don (Lamiaceae; SB) inhibited the growth of leiomyomal cells (LM). A time‐dependent antiproliferative effect was noted when 10−5 m buserelin, gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist or 20–40 µg/mL SB was added. The inhibition of cell growth decreased with the addition of the PKC activator (12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbor‐13‐acetate; TPA) much as it did with the addition of SB, and the decreases in the viable cells caused by the addition of SB were reversed completely by pretreatment with a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (calphostin C). The findings suggest that SB inhibits cell proliferation in cultured human uterine leiomyoma cells accompanied by PKC activation. Next, the study investigated the effect of SB on fetal development for toxicity. Pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats, from gestation day 6–15, were administered 20 g/L or 50 g/L SB in the drinking water and then killed on day 20. No maternal toxicity was observed, however, embryonic loss in the treatment groups was double that of the controls (p < 0.05). No gross morphologic malformations were seen in the treated fetuses. Fetuses exposed to SB were found to be significantly heavier than the controls, an effect that was greater in female fetuses and was not correlated with increased placental size. The results suggest that the SB had no toxicity and that in utero exposure to SB resulted in increased early embryo loss with increased growth in surviving fetuses. On the other hand, Western blot analyses revealed that Bcl‐2 protein of a 26 kDa was abundant in leiomyomal cells, but not in normal myometrial cells. The addition of progesterone (100 ng/mL) resulted in a striking increase in Bcl‐2 protein expression in the cultured leiomyoma cells. However, the addition of SB (20 µg/mL) resulted in a significant reduction in Bcl‐2 protein expression in the cells. The results indicated that human uterine leiomyomal cells express Bcl‐2 protein and progesterone enhances its expression, however, SB reduces the expression of Bcl‐2 protein in human uterine leiomyoma cells. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autonomous underground tramming for center‐articulated vehicles
Authors: Marshall Joshua , Barfoot Timothy , Larsson Johan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis paper describes the design, implementation, and field testing of an infrastructureless system for autonomous tramming (or hauling) of a center‐articulated underground mining vehicle. Such vehicles are ubiquitous in underground mining, and effective automation of their tramming function has been a sought‐after technology for more than a decade. This paper reports on the successful development of a fast, reliable, and robust “autotramming” technology that does not require the installation of fixed infrastructure. Included are descriptions of the chosen control architecture, map‐based localization technique, and the results of integration and field testing. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synergist efficacy of piperonyl butoxide with deltamethrin as pyrethroid insecticide on Culex tritaeniorhynchus (Diptera: Culicidae) and other mosquitoe species
Authors: Fakoorziba M. R. , Eghbal F. , Vijayan V. A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractContinuous and indiscriminate use of pesticides, especially in tropical countries for public health or agriculture purpose, has led many vector populations to become resistant to organochlorides, organophosphates, and even to carbamates and pyrethroids. Development of resistance by a vector population has been one of the reasons for the failure of the control measures in many countries. This investigation demonstrates the efficacy of piperonyl‐butoxide (PBO) with deltamethrin, as pyrethroid insecticide, against the field‐collected mosquitoe larvae of five species, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles culicifacies, An. stephensi, An. vagus, and Culex quinqufasciatus, and two morphological variants of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (type A from grand pools of Mysore city and type B from rice fields of Mandya district). For testing the synergistic effect of PBO, stock solutions of deltamethrin and PBO were mixed in 1:6 ratio. The synergistic ratio and the percent suppression in deltamethrin tolerance were calculated by using LC50 values. From the results, it is clear that, PBO is an effective synergist with deltamethrin against all of species undertaken in this investigation. So, it is suggested that PBO is a good synergist in this area for decreasing the use of pesticides in environment in vector control. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Antireflux Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication Using EsophyX: 12‐Month Results of a Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Cadière Guy‐Bernard , Buset Michel , Muls Vinciane , Rajan Amin , Rösch Thomas , Eckardt Alexander J. , Weerts Joseph , Bastens Boris , Costamagna Guido , Marchese Michele , Louis Hubert , Mana Fazia , Sermon Filip , Gawlicka Anna K. , Daniel Michael A. , Devière Jacques 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackgroundA novel transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) procedure using the EsophyX system with SerosaFuse fasteners was designed to reconstruct a full‐thickness valve at the gastroesophageal junction through tailored delivery of multiple fasteners during a single‐device insertion. The safety and efficacy of TIF for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were evaluated in a prospective multicenter trial.MethodsPatients (n = 86) with chronic GERD treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were enrolled. Exclusion criteria included an irreducible hiatal hernia > 2 cm.ResultsThe TIF procedure (n = 84) reduced all hiatal hernias (n = 49) and constructed valves measuring 4 cm (2–6 cm) and 230° (160°–300°). Serious adverse events consisted of two esophageal perforations upon device insertion and one case of postoperative intraluminal bleeding. Other adverse events were mild and transient. At 12 months, aggregate (n = 79) and stratified Hill grade I tight (n = 21) results showed 73% and 86% of patients with ≥50% improvement in GERD health‐related quality of life (HRQL) scores, 85% discontinuation of daily PPI use, and 81% complete cessation of PPIs; 37% and 48% normalization of esophageal acid exposure; 60% and 89% hiatal hernia reduction; and 62% and 80% esophagitis reduction, respectively. More than 50% of patients with Hill grade I tight valves had a normalized cardia circumference. Resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was improved significantly (p < 0.001), by 53%. EsophyX‐TIF cured GERD in 56% of patients based on their symptom reduction and PPI discontinuation.ConclusionThe 12‐month results showed that EsophyX‐TIF was safe and effective in improving quality of life and for reducing symptoms, PPI use, hiatal hernia, and esophagitis, as well as increasing the LES resting pressure and normalizing esophageal pH and cardia circumference in chronic GERD patients.