bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in manganese efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and raya (Brassica juncea L.) as related to root‐shoot relations and manganese influx
Authors: Sadana Upkar Singh , Samal Debasmita , Claassen Norbert 
Published: June 2003

AbstractManganese efficiency is a term used to describe the ability of plants to obtain higher relative yields at low Mn supply compared to other species. To evaluate Mn efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and raya (Brassica juncea L.), a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted using Mn deficient Typic Ustochrept loamy sand soil, treated with 0, 50, and 100 mg Mn (kg soil)–1. In the no‐Mn treatment, wheat had produced only 30 % of its maximum dry matter yield (DMY) with a shoot concentration of 10.8 mg Mn (kg DM)–1 after 51 days of growth, while raya had produced 65 % of its maximum DMY with 13.0 mg Mn (kg DM)–1. Taking relative shoot yield as a measure of Mn efficiency, raya was more efficient than wheat. Both crops produced the maximum DMY with 50 mg Mn (kg soil)–1. Even though raya had a lower root length : DMY ratio and a higher shoot growth rate, it acquired higher Mn concentrations in the shoot than wheat under similar soil conditions, because of a 2.5 times higher Mn influx. Model calculations were used to calculate the difference of Mn solution concentration (ΔCL) between the bulk soil (CLi) and the root surface (CL0) that is needed to drive the flux by diffusion equal to the measured influx. The results showed that ΔCL was smaller than CLi, which indicates that chemical mobilization of Mn was not needed to explain the observed Mn uptake even for raya. According to these calculations, the higher Mn influx of raya was caused by more efficient uptake kinetics, allowing for a 4.5 times higher Mn influx at the same Mn concentration at the root surface.
New technique for chest opening in mice: U‐sternotomy
Authors: Schrepfer Sonja , Deuse Tobias , Reichenspurner Hermann 
Published: June 2003

AbstractIn cardiac xenotransplantation, transfections with recombinant adeno‐associated viruses could be a promising way of modulating the cardiomyocyte genome. Proteins like TRAIL, hDAF, Il‐10, Il‐4, and β‐galactosidase may be expressed on cardiomyocyte surfaces in order to prevent cellular rejection processes. However, after intracoronary perfusion with transfecting viruses, it takes up to 4 weeks before expression of the transgene can be detected. Mouse models have been established to create reliable transfection protocols. Currently, the major problem involves performing the intraaortic injection in mice without causing a lethal pneumothorax. Here we describe a new technique for chest opening to safely reach the mouse ascending aorta without opening the pleural space. This U‐sternotomy reduces the risk of animal death and therefore the amount of quite expensive virus solutions needed. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 23:274–275 2003
Alternative approach using the combined technique of nerve crossover and cross‐nerve grafting for reanimation of facial palsy
Authors: Yamamoto Yuhei , Sasaki Satoru , Sekido Mitsuru , Yokoyama Toichiro , Tsutsumida Arata , Furukawa Hiroshi , Sawamura Yutaka , Sugihara Tsuneki 
Published: June 2003

AbstractAn alternative approach, using a combination of nerve crossover and cross‐nerve grafting technique in a single‐stage procedure, was developed for the reconstruction of reversible facial palsy. This combined technique provides some benefits such as early facial reanimation resulting from the single‐stage procedure, less morbidity and sufficient innervation with an application of the end‐to‐side anastomosis method, and efficient neural regeneration due to coaptation of the intratemporal facial nerve. Facial nerve rehabilitation, based on double innervation by hypoglossal and contralateral healthy facial nerves, takes advantage of reliable and physiological facial reanimation. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 23:251–256 2003
Use of mixed lymphocyte reaction to identify subimmunosuppressive FK‐506 levels in mice
Authors: Ellis Ramsay A. , Brenner Michael J. , Mackinnon Susan E. , Myckatyn Terence M. , Hunter Daniel A. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe immunosuppressive agent FK‐506 has a well‐described neuroregenerative effect that is mediated by a mechanism independent of calcineurin inhibition. FK‐506 levels that fall below the threshold for immunosuppression could therefore potentially enhance nerve regeneration while minimizing toxicity. The purpose of this study was to characterize the dose‐dependent effects of FK506 on T‐cell proliferation, and establish a subimmunosuppressive dosing regimen for FK‐506 in mice. Forty BALB/cJ mice were randomized to four groups corresponding to 0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/kg/day doses of FK‐506. Ten days postoperatively, animals were sacrificed, and mixed lymphocyte reaction assays were performed to quantify the immune response to nerve allografts. Mice receiving 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg/day of FK‐506 exhibited a robust T‐cell proliferation response, with stimulation indices approaching those of untreated animals. Mice treated with 1.0 mg/kg/day of FK‐506 demonstrated significantly decreased T‐cell proliferation. These results establish 0.5 mg/kg/day as an upper limit for subimmunosuppressive FK‐506 administration. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 23:276–282 2003
One‐stage reconstruction of facial paralysis associated with severe skin scar deformity, using combined flexor carpi radialis muscle and radial forearm free flap
Authors: Antohi Nicolae , Stan Vitalie , Nitescu Cristian 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe authors present a case of free microsurgical transfer of combined flexor carpi radialis muscle and radial fasciocutaneous forearm flap in reconstruction of facial paralysis associated with severe ipsilateral skin scar deformity after removal of a giant cavernous hemangioma 22 years previously. The flexor carpi radialis muscle was used to reanimate the paralyzed face, and its fasciocutaneous radial forearm part restored overlying hemifacial skin, with good functional and rather pleasing aesthetic results. The follow‐up period was 5 years. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 23:194–197 2003
Anisotropy in optical transmittance and molecular chain orientation of silver‐ dispersed uniaxially drawn polyimide films
Authors: Matsuda Sho‐ichi , Ando Shinji 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe anisotropy in optical transmittance in the visible and near‐infrared region observed for uniaxially drawn and silver‐dispersed polyimide (PI) films was investigated. The films were prepared in a one‐step operation that consists of thermal curing and simultaneous uniaxial drawing of poly(amic acid) (PAA) films dissolving 5.7 ∼ 20 mol% of silver nitrate. The PAA was converted to PI by heating, and the PI chains were orientated along the drawing direction during curing. Silver nanoparticles were precipitated in the films when they were cured in air and under nitrogen. In particular, silver nanoparticles aggregated along drawing direction and spheroidal nanoparticles (size of longer axis: 10–25 nm, aspect ratio: ca. 1.5) were observed in the films cured in air, and distinct anisotropy in optical transmittance was observed. The maximum optical anisotropy was obtained with a specific holding time at the final curing temperature (320 °C). In addition, the anisotropy can be controlled by polymer chain orientation when films are cured with the optimal holding time. In optimized preparing conditions, anisotropies in transmittance larger than 500 : 1 were obtained at the wavelengths between 700 and 900 nm, and its optical properties were retained after annealing at 150 °C for 1 hr. The PI films thus obtained can be used as thermally stable thin‐film polarizers. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redox reaction of PEO modified cytochrome c adsorbed on the electrode in ion conductive PEO matrix analyzed with non‐contact optical waveguide spectroscopy
Authors: Fujita Kyoko , Ohno Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2003

AbstractOptical waveguide spectroscopy was used under non‐contact conditions to analyze the visible absorption spectrum of poly(ethylene oxide) (M
w = 150) modified cytochrome c (PEO150‐cyt.c) adsorbed on an indium tin oxide (ITO) glass electrode. The redox reactions of the adsorbed PEO150‐cyt.c were dynamically measured in situ in PEO oligomers (M
w = 200). It was confirmed that PEO modification of cyt.c is effective in maintaining the redox activity of the cyt.c after adsorption on the ITO glass electrode. The PEO150‐cyt.c adsorbed on the electrode re‐dissolved gradually in PEO oligomer. Against this, PEO1000‐cyt.c having longer PEO chains (M
w = 1000) was found to be adsorbed stably on the electrode. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acrylate‐based pressure sensitive adhesive in fabrication of transdermal therapeutic system
Authors: Tipre Dnyanesh N. , Vavia Pradeep R. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractAn acrylate‐based pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) was synthesized to incorporate in a design of a drug‐in‐adhesive (DIA) type transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) for nitrendipine and nicorandil in treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris, respectively. Solutions of 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA; 85% w/w), methyl methacrylate (MMA; 10% w/w), acrylic acid (AA; 3% w/w) and vinyl acetate (VA; 2% w/w) in either ethyl acetate, acetone or methanol were polymerized under free radical conditions to synthesize the PSA. The effects of solvent, reaction time, initiator concentration and reaction temperature on polymerization were studied. The resultant copolymers were characterized by 1H‐NMR, IR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and the intrinsic viscosities, refractive index, peel strength, moisture uptake and skin irritation potential were determined. The PSA was used to develop DIA type patches for delivery of nitrendipine and nicorandil. The TTS were evaluated for thickness, weight, peel strength, moisture uptake, in vitro release and in vitro skin permeation through guinea‐pig skin. The copolymer found to effectively control the rate of drug release and the corresponding TTSs could be successfully employed in transdermal delivery of nitrendipine and nicorandil. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of hyperbranched aromatic polyesters used for polymeric graded‐index materials
Authors: Kou Huiguang , Shi Wenfang , Lu Yonghua , Ming Hai 
Published: June 2003

AbstractA series of hyperbranched aromatic polyesters, with different numbers of terminal naphthyl groups per molecule, were synthesized from 5‐hydroxyisophthalic acid as an AB2 type monomer and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as an ‘initiator core’ molecule via an ‘one‐step’ approach, to be modified with β‐naphthol. These polyesters had polydispersities in the range 1.78–2.13, indicated by gel permeation chromatography, and degrees of branching between 0.45 and 0.60 by 1H NMR using model compounds. Characterization indicated intense absorption bands in the near‐UV spectral region and one fluorescence centre with emission at 365 nm. The refractive index increased with the number of naphthyl groups up to a value of 1.6205. The diffraction efficiency was about 8.7% for diffraction grating of cured films. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanism of solvent entrapment within the network scaffolding in organogels: thermodynamic and kinetic investigations
Authors: Markovic Nov , Ginic‐Markovic Milena , Dutta Naba K 
Published: June 2003

AbstractA detailed investigation on the thermodynamic behaviour of the physical and chemical organogels, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and modulated thermogravimetric analysis (MTGA), is presented. Aluminium soap of fatty acid was used as the physical gelator and in situ crosslinking of siloxane copolymer was used for chemical gelation. The effects of the type and concentration of the gelators and the corresponding mesh‐size distribution of the gel network scaffolding on the trapped‐solvent crystallization, melting and evaporation mechanism, and kinetics are examined. It appears that the kinetics of crystallization of the trapped‐solvent are significantly affected by the quality of the gel network scaffolding and can be treated successfully by the Avrami equation of crystallization. From the melting behaviour of the entrapped‐solvent crystallites, quantitative information about the number of solvent molecules bound per molecule of the gelator has been extracted. The effect of gelation network structure on the kinetics of evaporation of the solvent from the gel network scaffolding has been evaluated. DSC appears to be the reliable technique to evaluate the population distribution of solvent molecules trapped in the gel network scaffolding. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel approach to highly porous superabsorbent hydrogels: synergistic effect of porogens on porosity and swelling rate
Authors: Kabiri K , Omidian H , Zohuriaan‐Mehr MJ 
Published: June 2003

AbstractA novel practical strategy for preparing highly porous superabsorbent hydrogels (HPSHs) was invented. HPSHs were quantitatively prepared through an optimized rapid convenient solution polymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid in the presence of a crosslinking agent under normal atmospheric conditions. Acetone and sodium bicarbonate were used as porosity generators (porogens) during the polymerization process to create highly porous structures. Time and sequence of addition of the porogens, as well as the gelation time of the polymerization, were recognized to affect the efficiency of the porogens. Sodium bicarbonate produced the more porous hydrogels with a higher rate of swelling. In comparison with a hydrogel prepared under porogen‐free conditions (control), acetone and sodium bicarbonate enhanced the swelling rate as high as 43–55% and 111–131% of the control, respectively. When both the porogens were used consecutively in the process, a remarkable synergistic effect was observed in the swelling rate of the products. Nearly all the two‐porogen processes resulted in foamy products from the polymerization system. With the single‐porogen systems, however, the foam formation stage was observed only in a part of the total process time. The apparent volume of the as‐synthesized foamy products prepared from the two‐porogen system was more than that of the single‐porogen systems by up to fourfolds. Morphological studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the two‐porogen systems created highly porous structures. The density of all the HPSHs synthesized was about 1.5 g cm−3 and no distinct differences were observed in their equilibrium swelling. These superabsorbent hydrogels exhibited a very high rate of swelling, so that their swelling time was measured to be less than one minute. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Toughness and morphology of radiation‐crosslinked natural rubber modified polystyrene
Authors: Aiamsen P , Paiphansiri U , Sangribsub S , Polpanich D , Tangboriboonrat P 
Published: June 2003

Abstractγ‐Radiation vulcanized natural rubber (RVNR)/phase transfer/suspension polymerization technique was used to prepare high‐impact polystyrene (HIPS) in bead form. The high notched Izod impact resistance of HIPS based on RVNR was observed and compared with that of unmodified PS. The impact resistance of HIPS based on RVNR was further enhanced by addition of 10% of polystyrene‐block‐polyisoprene‐block‐polystyrene copolymer. A mesh structure of all crosslinked rubber particles containing polystyrene and long crazes in HIPS were observed under electron microscopy. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Copolymerization of bromophenylmaleimide with ethyl or butyl methacrylate
Authors: Naguib HF , Saad GR , Elsabeé MZ 
Published: June 2003

AbstractN‐p‐Bromophenylmaleimide (BrPMI) does not polymerize in solution by conventional free radical mechanism. However, it readily polymerized in bulk when mixed with a free radical initiator and heated in a microwave oven for 7–8 min. Copolymerization of ethyl methacrylate or butyl methacrylate with BrPMI was conducted in dioxane. The copolymers were characterized by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The monomer reactivity ratios were calculated by a non‐linear least‐square analysis. Thermal analysis indicated a great improvement in thermal stability of the copolymers compared with the methacrylate homopolymers. BrPMI was also polymerized in bulk in the DSC pan, which allowed the calculation of the activation energy of its polymerization. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of complex autoantibody repertoires by surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Grus Franz H. , Joachim S. C. , Pfeiffer Norbert 
Published: June 2003

AbstractNormal sera contain a large number of naturally occurring autoantibodies which can mask important disease‐associated ones. Western blotting has evolved as the most important tool to demonstrate autoantibodies in autoimmune diseases, because of its ability to simultaneous screening for a wide spectrum of different antigens. In previous studies we have shown the diagnostic potential of the analysis of autoantibodies in autoimmune diseases by means of multivariate statistics and artificial neural networks. However, the Western blotting procedure remains very time‐consuming and is also limited in sensitivity. Therefore, we used an on‐chip approach for the analysis of autoantibodies. This ProteinChip system uses ProteinChip arrays and SELDI‐TOF MS (surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry) technology for capturing, detection, and analysis of proteins without labelling or without the need of chemical modification. The microscale design of the arrays allows the analysis of very small quantities of proteins. In the present study, we used arrays with biologically activated surfaces that permit antibody capture studies. Protein‐A‐Chips were incubated with sera of patients (n = 12). After washing, the chips were incubated with a complex solution of autoantigens and subsequently washed again. If the Protein‐A bound autoantibodies recognized their antigens, these proteins could be separated by their molecular masses and were to be detected by mass spectrometry. Previous studies using monoclonal antibodies have demonstrated that the detection limit is in the attomole level. Furthermore, all sera were analyzed by conventional Western blotting for direct comparison. In the present study, we have shown complex on‐chip antibody‐antigen reactions. At higher molecular weights (> 30 kDa) the detection sensitivity of this on‐chip method was comparable to conventional Western blotting. At lower molecular mass, the Western blot technique is easily exceeded by the on‐chip method. Considering that this on‐chip procedure is quite easy to use, is much less time‐consuming than Western blotting, and is much more sensitive at least in the low molecular weight range, the SELDI‐TOF technology is a very promising approach for the screening of autoantibodies in autoimmune diseases. Due to its versatility, this on‐chip technology could allow the large‐scale screening for complex autoantibody distributions for diagnostic purposes and early detection of autoimmune diseases might be possible.
Proteomic analysis of changes in the extracellular matrix of Arabidopsis cell suspension cultures induced by fungal elicitors
Authors: Ndimba Bongani K. , Chivasa Stephen , Hamilton John M. , Simon William J. , Slabas Antoni R. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractA proteomic approach has been applied to investigate changes in the extracellular matrix of Arabidopsis thaliana cell suspension cultures following treatments with two fungal pathogen elicitors, chitosan and extracts of Fusarium moniliforme. The oxidative burst and induction of glutathione S‐transferase were used as markers for induction of the pathogen defence response. Changes in the cell wall and culture filtrate proteome were profiled. Proteins whose abundance changed reproducibly were analysed via matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation‐time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). An increase in the level of two classical cell wall proteins (a putative endochitinase and a polygalacturonase inhibiting protein) and two novel proteins (a putative receptor‐like protein kinase and a probable apospory‐associated protein) were seen at 24 hours following elicitation. The level of an unknown protein and a hypothetical protein, which has some homology to serine carboxypeptidases, were decreased at 24 hours post‐elicitation. In the culture filtrate extracts, we identified two pathogen elicitor responsive proteins, a xyloglucan endo‐1,4‐β‐D glucanases (XEG) and a peroxidase. Using a combination of two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting with a phosphotyrosine‐specific antibody, and MALDI‐TOF MS we discovered that spots that represent putative lectin receptor‐like kinase, a putative endochitinase and a XEG possess phosphorylated tyrosine residues. The identification of phosphorylated bona fide cell wall proteins and a putative extracellular receptor‐like kinase with no transmembrane domain implicate the existence of an extracellular phosphorylation network which could be involved in intercellular communication.
Membrane proteome of Acinetobacter radioresistens S13 during aromatic exposure
Authors: Pessione Enrica , Giuffrida Maria Gabriella , Prunotto Laura , Barello Cristina , Mazzoli Roberto , Fortunato Donatella , Conti Amedeo , Giunta Carlo 
Published: June 2003

AbstractStudy of the bacterial membrane proteome, though in its early stages, is a field of growing interest in the search for information about nutrient transport and processing. We tested different strategies and chemical compounds to extract proteins from the membranes (inner and outer) of Acinetobacter radioresistens S13, a Gram‐negative bacterium selected for its ability to degrade aromatics. A. radioresistens S13 was monitored under different growth substrate conditions, using acetate, benzoate or phenol as sole carbon source. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis map analysis of membrane extracts from benzoate‐ and phenol‐grown cells reveals differences versus controls (acetate‐grown cultures). Primarily, a different pattern of spots was observed and, in particular, some proteins were only expressed in the presence of aromatic substrate. Among these, we detected a Na+/H+ antiporter, whose function is likely to be regulation of intracellular pH, and an ABC type sugar transport system, probably involved in capsular polysaccharide translocation. We also identified other proteins, detectable in acetate‐grown but over‐expressed in aromatic‐grown cells. These include: (1) an outer membrane protein ascribable to an OmpA‐like protein, recently described in the literature as “alasan”, a bioemulsifying agent involved in solubilizing and enhancing bioavailability of hydrocarbons; (2) a trimeric porin of the PhoE family also belonging to the outer membrane and involved in facilitating the transport of anions (especially phosphate); and (3) two glycosyl transferases probably involved in capsules and/or lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Study of the bacterial membrane proteome helps to elucidate the role of the membrane as modulable site enabling communication between internal and external environments.