bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From coffee industry waste materials to skin‐friendly products with improved skin fat levels
Authors: Ribeiro Helena , Marto Joana , Raposo Sara , Agapito Maria , Isaac Vera , Chiari Bruna G. , Lisboa Pedro F. , Paiva Alexandre , Barreiros Susana , Simões Pedro
Published: December 2012

Spent coffee grounds (SCG), which are the residue obtained from the treatment of coffee with hot water or steam, can be used for industrial applications, due to the high content in lipids. The cosmetic products might be a suitable application for these types of residues because the barrier properties of the stratum corneum (SC) are largely dependent on the intactness of the lipid lamellae that surrounds the corneocytes. The purpose of this work was to assess the feasibility of using the lipid fraction of SCG extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide in the development of new cosmetic formulations with improved skin lipids (sebum) and hydration. The use of spent coffee lipid extract in cosmetic industry seems to be a suitable approach to recycle the wastes from coffee industry. Emulsion containing 10% of the lipid fraction of SCG (SpentCofOil cream) presented promising characteristics in the improvement of sebum skin levels with a good acceptance by consumers when compared to an emulsion containing 10% w/w of green coffee oil (GreenCofOil cream) and a placebo without coffee oil (NoCofOil cream).

Practical applications: In this work, the authors develop and characterize a cream containing 10% of the lipid fraction of SCG extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide with improved skin lipids (sebum) and hydration.
Erucic acid evaluation in rapeseed and canola oil by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Sherazi Syed Tufail Hussain , Arain Sarfraz , Mahesar Sarfaraz Ahmed , Bhanger Muhammad Iqbal , Khaskheli Abdul Rauf
Published: December 2012

A simple and rapid method was developed for the determination of erucic acid in rapeseed oil by single bounce attenuated total reflectance (SB‐ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The various ratios prepared from the three different types of oils (rapeseed, canola, and sunflower) were run on gas chromatograph to identify amount of erucic acid. Therefore, a wide range of erucic acid (0.5–53.0%) was obtained for the calibration. The partial least squares (PLS) calibration was used for predicting erucic acid using spectral region at 2983–657/cm. The root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC), and root mean square error of cross‐validation (RMSECV) were also determined to assess the accuracy of the method. The regression coefficient (R2) was obtained 0.999 with least errors of RMSEC (0.12%), RMSECV (1.96%), and RMSEP (1.38%). The accuracy of the FTIR method was evaluated by analyzing canola and rapeseed oil samples by GC‐MS and the results of both the techniques were found to be comparable.

Practical applications: Generally, GC is used for determination of erucic acid in vegetable oils. But it needs the very laborious process of derivatization of fatty acids into their respective volatile methyl esters. Furthermore, lot of health hazardous chemicals and reagents are involved in the process of derivatization which are potential source for environmental pollution. Generally, FTIR spectroscopy has been recognized as a very simple, rapid, and cost effective technique. During the last decade, several researchers have used multivariate regression to build up calibration models based on FTIR data. The use of multivariate calibration methods is able to provide, estimates of the precision of the analysis, and yields important qualitative, quantitative, and analytical information. The objective of the present study was to develop a simple methodology for the quantitative analysis of low and high levels of erucic acid in canola and rapeseed oil, respectively by SB‐ATR FTIR spectroscopy with PLSs regression.
Metal‐Free Synthesis of Secondary Arylamines: An Aliphatic‐to‐Aromatic Transformation
Authors: Barros M. Teresa , Dey Suvendu S. , Maycock Christopher D.
Published: December 2012

An efficient method for the N‐arylation of primary and some secondary amines using 2‐halocyclohex‐2‐enones in an aliphatic‐to‐aromatic transformation in the presence of a substoichiometric amount of pTsOH has been developed.
Biomimetic Three‐Component Assembly of the Central Core of Halichonadins K and L
Authors: Senejoux François , Evanno Laurent , Poupon Erwan
Published: December 2012

The one‐step cascade assembly of the central core of halichonadins K and L, two dimeric sesquiterpenoids of marine origin, is described for a model system providing suitable conditions towards the total synthesis of the two molecules. A biomimetic multicomponent reaction involving a glycine, a C5 unit presumably derived from lysine, and an isocyanide mimic of the terpene decalins is studied.
Local Non‐Equilibrium Thermal Effects in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Various Fuels
Authors: Zheng Keqing , Sun Qiong , Ni Meng
Published: December 2012

Local thermal equilibrium (LTE) is a common assumption used in thermal modeling of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). However, its validity has not been fully verified. To examine the validity of the LTE assumption, a thermal model has been developed to evaluate the local thermal non‐equilibrium effect of SOFC electrodes with various fuels, considering methane internal reforming and ammonia thermal cracking in the anode. Although the local thermal non‐equilibrium effect for ammonia‐fed SOFCs was more pronounced than that for hydrogen‐fed SOFCs, the local thermal equilibrium assumption can be safely adopted for SOFC modeling for a wide range of operating/structural parameters and for various fuels, such as hydrogen, ammonia, and methane.
The phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase I inhibitor BKM120 induces cell death in B‐chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in vitro
Authors: Amrein Lilian , Shawi May , Grenier Jeremy , Aloyz Raquel , Panasci Lawrence
Published: December 2012

BKM120, a pan class I PI3K inhibitor, was cytotoxic in the majority of primary B‐chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) lymphocytes, including samples from patients who have a high‐risk for poor response to treatment (patient with del11 and del17) at clinically obtainable concentrations. The PI3Kδ inhibitor Cal‐101 is cytotoxic in B‐CLL lymphocytes in vitro and is active in the treatment of CLL in vivo. Interestingly, we demonstrated that BKM120 is 3.6 fold more toxic than Cal‐101 in malignant B‐CLL lymphocytes in vitro. BKM120 cytotoxicity correlated with the basal expression of proteins involved in the PI3K/Akt pathway. A protein signature of PI3K pathway proteins predicts the response to BKM120 treatment. In the primary B‐CLL lymphocytes tested in vitro, BKM120 decreased the phosphorylation status of molecular biomarkers used as indicators of PI3K pathway inhibition in vivo. Also, BKM120 induced apoptosis in primary B‐CLL cells culture in the presence and absence of stromal cell support. Our findings suggest that BKM120 should be tested clinically in CLL.
CdSSe Nanocrystals with Induced Chemical Composition Gradients
Authors: Harrison Melissa A. , Ng Amy , Hmelo Anthony B. , Rosenthal Sandra J.
Published: December 2012

Semiconductor nanocrystals of CdSSe exhibiting chemical composition gradients are synthesized via a facile, one‐pot synthesis. Varying degrees of gradation are observed as growth temperatures are manipulated to alter rates of reactivity for anionic precursors. Stoichiometries, with growth time and change in temperature, are determined using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy to demonstrate chemical composition gradients. Sizes and structures of compositionally graded CdSSe nanocrystals are determined using transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction techniques, respectively. We employ absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence techniques to elucidate the corresponding optical properties. Nanocrystals with chemical composition gradients demonstrating enhanced luminescence efficiency could be the key to improved nanocrystal optical performance.
Chiral LigandInduced Circular Dichroism in Excitonic Absorption of Colloidal Quantum Dots
Authors: Moshe Assaf Ben , Markovich Gil
Published: December 2012

A range of unique properties have been extensively studied in colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots, QDs). The possibility to manipulate the properties of these systems by controlling size and composition is attractive for many different applications, as well as for fundamental studies. Recently, the properties of chirality and chiroptical activity induced by surface ligands at QDs were considered. It was shown that chiroptical activity can be induced in the exciton transitions of quantum dots by capping them with chiral molecules. In this work, chiroptical spectroscopy (mainly circular dichroism) is used to study induced effects in CdS, CdSe and ZnSe QD systems. Some fundamental differences are encountered between CdS or CdSe samples and ZnSe samples. The results are analyzed to account for the mechanism of induction of chiroptical activity in the inorganic core by chiral capping molecules. Two electronic mechanisms of interaction are considered and discussed in light of the results. It is also suggested that chiroptical spectroscopy might serve as an efficient tool to characterize electronic (or electron‐hole) level spectra of nanocrystal systems by analyzing circular dichroism intensity and lineshape.
Sensing and Biosensing with Semiconductor Quantum Dots
Authors: Freeman Ronit , Girsh Julia , Willner Bilha , Willner Itamar
Published: December 2012

Due to an internal error, the following article was added after the original publication of the special issue on Nanochemistry (11‐12/2012).

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) exhibit unique photophysical properties, turning these nanomaterials into ideal components for the development of optical or optoelectronic sensors and biosensors. Various methods and mechanisms of using QDs for sensing have been implemented, including the probing of recognition events by the luminescence of the QDs, their application in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), electron transfer (ET), chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET), and photoelectrochemical generation of photocurrents. These different mechanisms are exemplified by discussing the QD‐based sensing of low‐molecular‐weight substrates, chiroselective sensing of amino acids, probing of the catalytic activities of enzymes (casein kinase, tyrosinase, NAD+‐dependent enzymes), and analysis of DNA and of aptamer‐substrate complexes. Specifically, the amplified QD‐based sensing of DNA using exonuclease III as target regeneration biocatalyst and the multiplexed detection of DNAs using differently sized QDs are discussed. Also, the implementation of the CRET process for the multiplexed analysis of DNA using differently sized QDs is addressed. Finally, the use of semiconductor QDs for the photoelectrochemical detection of DNA, aptamer‐substrate complexes and enzyme activities are discussed. Specifically, the use of QDs for photoelectrochemical sensors, using the CRET process as internal excitation light source, is described. The future applications of the various QD‐based sensors as analytical devices and as nanotools that probe intracellular processes are discussed.
Bioaccumulation of alkaline soil metals (Ca, Mg) and heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Pb) patterns expressed by freshwater species of Ulva (Wielkopolska, Poland)
Authors: Rybak Andrzej , Messyasz Beata , Łęska Bogusława
Published: December 2012

The paper includes results of the first study on the accumulation of selected metals in freshwater populations of Ulva taxa at 16 sites in Poland. The thalli examined contained very high concentrations of Ca and Mg, owing to well‐developed surface incrustations of carbonate. Among the heavy metals investigated, the most significant concentration in the thalli was Ni, whereas the lowest was Pb. The median concentrations of Ni and Cd in the freshwater Ulva thalli were significantly higher than those reported in the available literature for marine taxa of the same genus. Several statistically significant correlations were found when the concentrations of different metals in the thalli and the water were analysed (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Peripheral and central nervous contribution to gastrointestinal symptoms in diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Brock C. , Graversen C. , Frøkjær J.B. , Søfteland E. , Valeriani M. , Drewes A.M.
Published: December 2012

Background & Aims

Long‐term diabetes mellitus (DM) has been associated with neuronal changes in the enteric, peripheral and/or central nervous system. Moreover, abnormal visceral sensation and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are seen in up to 75% of patients. To explore the role of diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) in patients with long‐standing DM, we investigated psychophysical responses and neuronal activity recorded as evoked brain potentials and dipolar source modelling.

Methods

Fifteen healthy volunteers and 14 type‐1 DM patients with DAN were assessed with a symptom score index characterizing upper GI abnormalities. Multichannel (62) electroencephalography was recorded during painful electrical stimulation of the lower oesophagus. Brain activity to painful stimulations was modelled using Brain Electrical Source Analysis (besa).

Results

Diabetic patients had higher stimulus intensities to evoke painful sensation (p ≤ 0.001), longer latencies of N2 and P2 components (both p ≤ 0.001), and lower amplitudes of P1‐N2 and N2‐P2 complexes (p ≤ 0.001; p = 0.02). Inverse modelling of brain sources showed deeper bilateral insular dipolar source localization (p = 0.002). Symptom score index was negatively correlated with the depth of insular activity (p = 0.004) and positively correlated with insular dipole strength (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

DM patients show peripheral and central neuroplastic changes. Moreover, the role of abnormal insular processing may explain the appearance and persistence of GI symptoms related to DAN. This enhanced understanding of DAN may have future clinical and therapeutical implications.
Magnesium incorporation into β‐TCP reduced itsin vivoresorption by decreasing parathormone production
Authors: Yassuda Debora H. , Costa Neusa F. M. , Fernandes Gustavo O. , Alves Gutemberg G. , Granjeiro José M. , Soares Glória de A.
Published: December 2012

Beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP), one of the most widely used bioresorbable materials for bone therapy, can be doped with magnesium ions, generating β‐TCMP. The objectives of this work were to evaluate, on a murine dental alveolus grafting model, the biocompatibility of β‐TCP and β‐TMCP granules by histomorphometric analysis, as well as the impact on plasmatic levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANK‐L), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteocalcin, osteopontin, and parathormone (PTH) during bone repair, using Luminex multiplexing technology. After grafting for 42 days, β‐TCP grafted group presented higher bioresorption and induced more newly formed bone than β‐TCMP (p< 0.05). β‐TCP grafting also induced higher plasmatic levels of RANK‐L, compared to β‐TCMP and control (blood clot) groups at 21st day (p< 0.05). PTH, which remained at low levels in control group, presented a time‐dependent increase in grafted groups, attaining significantly higher levels with β‐TCP by the 42nd day (p< 0.05). RANK‐L/OPG ratio increased on β‐TCP group and attained a peak on the 21st day. In conclusion, β‐TCP granules were more bioresorbable and osteogenic than β‐TCMP granules, and the resorption of both materials might have been affected by osteoclastogenesis modulated by changes in the plasmatic levels of PTH and RANK‐L. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Down‐regulation of miR‐21 biogenesis by estrogen action contributes to osteoclastic apoptosis
Authors: Sugatani Toshifumi , Hruska Keith A.
Published: December 2012

Estrogen inhibits osteoclastogenesis and induces osteoclastic apoptosis; however, the molecular mechanisms remain controversial. Recently, a group has demonstrated that osteoclasts are a direct target for estrogen because estrogen stimulates transcription of the Fas Ligand (FasL) gene in osteoclasts, which in turn causes cell death through an autocrine mechanism. In contrast, other groups have shown that the cells are an indirect target for estrogen because estrogen fails to stimulate the transcription of that in osteoclasts. Thus, two quite different molecular mechanisms have been suggested to explain the effects of estrogen in osteoclastic apoptosis. Here we show that the proapoptotic effect of estrogen during osteoclastogenesis is regulated by a posttranscriptional increase in FasL production by down‐regulated microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) biogenesis. Previously, we reported that miR‐21 is highly expressed in osteoclastogenesis. We found that estrogen down‐regulates miR‐21 biogenesis so that FasL, the targets of miR‐21, protein levels are posttranscriptionally increased that induce osteoclastic apoptosis. Moreover, the gain‐of‐function of miR‐21 rescued the apoptosis. In addition, we failed to detect estrogen‐enhanced FasL levels at mRNA levels. Thus, osteoclastic survival is controlled by autocrine actions of FasL regulated by estrogen and miR‐21 plays a central role during estrogen‐controlled osteoclastogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1217–1222, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ADOLESCENT MOTHERHOOD AND CAPITAL: INTERACTION EFFECTS OF RACE/ETHNICITY ON HARSH PARENTING
Authors: Lee Yookyong
Published: December 2012

This study used large, longitudinal data to examine the moderating effects of race and ethnicity of mothers on the associations between (a) adolescent motherhood, (b) human, social, and cultural capital factors, and (c) harsh parenting. The study sample included adolescent mothers who were 19 years old or younger (n = 379) and adult mothers 26 years old or older (n = 881). Of these, about 31% were White, 48% Black, and 21% Hispanic. The Parent to Child version of the Conflict Tactics Scales was used as a proxy for maternal harsh parenting when their children were 3 years old. Results indicated that adolescent motherhood and different capital factors contributed to the prediction of maternal harsh parenting for each racial/ethnic group. The findings suggest the importance of differentiating strategies for preventing adolescent motherhood and for reducing the likelihood of harsh parenting among different racial/ethnic groups of mothers.
The influence of gender on carotid artery compliance and distensibility in children and adults
Authors: Marlatt Kara L. , Kelly Aaron S. , Steinberger Julia , Dengel Donald R.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Given the role of arterial wall elasticity in the development of cardiovascular disease, carotid artery compliance and distensibility have been used commonly over the last decade as predictors of cardiovascular risk, although their gender differences remain unknown. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the impact of gender on carotid arterial elasticity in a large sample of children and adults.

Methods

Carotid artery compliance and distensibility were measured with ultrasonography in 294 children (157 boys, 137 girls; ages 6–18 years) and 604 adults (291 men, 311 women; ages 18–49 years) previously recruited for a study investigating cardiovascular risk factors. An independent sample t test was used to compare demographic and carotid artery elasticity values by age and gender.

Results

No significant gender difference in carotid arterial compliance and distensibility was observed in children. Women had significantly greater cross‐sectional compliance than men (0.004 ± 0.000 versus 0.003 ± 0.000 1/mmHg, p = 0.041).

Conclusions

We found significant gender difference in carotid compliance in adults, but not in children, suggesting that gender differences in arterial stiffness are not present early in life but emerge later in adulthood. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:340–346, 2013
Volumetric MRI‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound for noninvasive, in vivo determination of tissue thermal conductivity: Initial experience in a pig model
Authors: Zhang Jiming , Mougenot Charles , Partanen Ari , Muthupillai Raja , Hor Pei‐Herng
Published: December 2012

Purpose:

To estimate the local thermal conductivity of porcine thigh muscle at temperatures required for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) surgery (60–90°C).

Materials and Methods:

Using MRgHIFU, we performed 40 volumetric ablations in the thigh muscles of four pigs. Thirty‐five of the sonications were successful. We used MRI to monitor the resulting temperature increase. We then determined local thermal conductivity by analyzing the spatiotemporal spread of temperature during the cooling period.

Results:

The thermal conductivity of MRgHIFU‐treated porcine thigh muscle fell within a narrow range (0.52 ± 0.05 W/[m*K]), which is within the range reported for porcine thigh muscle at temperatures of <40°C (0.52 to 0.62 W/[m*K]). Thus, there was little change in the thermal conductivity of porcine thigh muscle at temperatures required for MRgHIFU surgery compared to lower temperatures.

Conclusion:

Our MRgHIFU‐based approach allowed us to estimate, with good reproducibility, the local thermal conductivity of in vivo deep tissue in real time at temperatures of 60°C to 90°C. Therefore, our method provides a valuable tool for quantifying the influence of thermal conductivity on temperature distribution in tissues and for optimizing thermal dose delivery during thermal ablation with clinical MRgHIFU. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:950–957. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An introduction to hybrid ion trap/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography applied to drug metabolism studies
Authors: Liu Zhao‐Ying
Published: December 2012

Metabolism studies play an important role at various stages of drug discovery and development. Liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (LC/MS) has become a most powerful and widely used analytical tool for identifying drug metabolites. The suitability of different types of mass spectrometers for metabolite profiling differs widely, and therefore, the data quality and reliability of the results also depend on which instrumentation is used. As one of the latest LC/MS instrumentation designs, hybrid ion trap/time‐of‐flight MS coupled with LC (LC‐IT‐TOF‐MS) has successfully integrated ease of operation, compatibility with LC flow rates and data‐dependent MSn with high mass accuracy and mass resolving power. The MSn and accurate mass capabilities are routinely utilized to rapidly confirm the identification of expected metabolites or to elucidate the structures of uncommon or unexpected metabolites. These features make the LC‐IT‐TOF‐MS a very powerful analytical tool for metabolite identification. This paper begins with a brief introduction to some basic principles and main properties of a hybrid IT‐TOF instrument. Then, a general workflow for metabolite profiling using LC‐IT‐TOF‐MS, starting from sample collection and preparation to final identification of the metabolite structures, is discussed in detail. The data extraction and mining techniques to find and confirm metabolites are discussed and illustrated with some examples. This paper is directed to readers with no prior experience with LC‐IT‐TOF‐MS and will provide a broad understanding of the development and utility of this instrument for drug metabolism studies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lateral wedges alter mediolateral load distributions at the knee joint in obese individuals
Authors: Russell Elizabeth M. , Miller Ross H. , Umberger Brian R. , Hamill Joseph
Published: December 2012

Obesity is the primary risk factor for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Greater external knee adduction moments, surrogate measures for medial compartment loading, are present in Obese individuals and may predispose them to knee OA. Laterally wedged insoles decrease the magnitude of the external adduction moment in Obese individuals but it is unknown how they alter the center of pressure on the tibial plateau. A gait analysis was performed on 14 Obese (avg. 29.3 years; BMI range: 30.3–51.6 kg/m2) and 14 lean women (avg. 26.1 years; BMI range: 20.9–24.6 kg/m2) with and without a full‐length, wedged insole. Computed joint angles, joint moments, and knee extensor strength values were input into a musculoskeletal model to estimate center of pressure of the contact force on the tibial plateau. Statistical significance was assessed using a two‐way ANOVA to compare the main effects of group and insole condition (α = 0.05). The insole resulted in a significant (p < 0.01) lateral shift in the center of pressure location in both the Obese and Control groups (mean: 2.9 ± 0.7 and 1.5 ± 0.7 mm, respectively). The insole also significantly reduced the peak external knee adduction moment 1.88 ± 1.82 N m in the Control group (p < 0.01) and 3.62 ± 3.90 N m in the Obese group (p < 0.01). The results of this study indicate the effects of a prophylactic wedged insole for reducing the magnitude of the load on the knee's medial compartment in Obese women who are at risk for knee OA development. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 665–671, 2013
High‐Performance Photorefractive Composite Based on Non‐conjugated Main‐Chain, Hole‐Transporting Polymer
Authors: Moon In Kyu , Choi Jongwan , Kim Nakjoong
Published: December 2012

The photorefractivity of a non‐conjugated main‐chain polymeric composite, composed of electron‐rich N,N‐di‐toly‐N,N′‐diphenylbiphenyldiamine doped with 2‐{3‐[(E)‐2‐(piperidino)‐1‐ethenyl]‐5,5‐dimethyl‐2‐cyclohexenylidene}‐malononitrile (P‐IP‐DC) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), is studied using two‐beam coupling and degenerate four‐wave mixing at 633 nm. The N,N′‐di‐toly‐N,N′‐diphenylbiphenyldiamine‐based composite shows a gain coefficient of 215 cm−1 at 80 V μm−1 with s‐polarized beams and a diffraction efficiency of 67% at 30 V μm−1, with a response time of the diffraction efficiency of 344 ms at Tg + 4.6 °C. Comparing the photorefractive grating response time of the 3,3′‐dicarbazole‐containing polymer composite with that of the N,N′‐di‐toly‐N,N′‐diphenylbiphenyldiamine‐based composite shows that the former is more than three times faster.
Mechanisms of Stability of Fibers Electrospun from Peptides with Ionized Side Chains
Authors: Haynie Donald T. , Khadka Dhan B. , Cross Michael C. , Gitnik Alina , Le Nicole K.
Published: December 2012

Non‐woven electrospun fiber mats made of polypeptides are increasingly considered attractive for basic research and technology development in the life sciences, medicine, and other areas. Here, co‐poly(L‐glutamic acid4, L‐tyrosine1) (PLEY) was adopted as a model polymer for a study of the mechanisms of fiber stability. Crosslink density has been quantified by a dye‐based method. Fiber morphology, elemental composition, and stability have been assessed by microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results have been interpreted with reference to the pH dependence of the UV absorbance and fluorescence of PLEY chains. The study has revealed that fiber stability in an aqueous medium is crucially dependent on the extent of side chain ionization, even after polymer crosslinking.

magnified image

Covalent crosslinks (orange) may be formed between polymers (blue).
Common data elements for clinical research in Friedreich's ataxia
Authors: Lynch David R. , Pandolfo Massimo , Schulz Jorg B. , Perlman Susan , Delatycki Martin B. , Payne R. Mark , Shaddy Robert , Fischbeck Kenneth H. , Farmer Jennifer , Kantor Paul , Raman Subha V. , Hunegs Lisa , Odenkirchen Joanne , Miller Kristy , Kaufmann Petra
Published: December 2012

To reduce study start‐up time, increase data sharing, and assist investigators conducting clinical studies, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke embarked on an initiative to create common data elements for neuroscience clinical research. The Common Data Element Team developed general common data elements, which are commonly collected in clinical studies regardless of therapeutic area, such as demographics. In the present project, we applied such approaches to data collection in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), a neurological disorder that involves multiple organ systems. To develop FRDA common data elements, FRDA experts formed a working group and subgroups to define elements in the following: ataxia and performance measures; biomarkers; cardiac and other clinical outcomes; and demographics, laboratory tests, and medical history. The basic development process included identification of international experts in FRDA clinical research, meeting by teleconference to develop a draft of standardized common data elements recommendations, vetting of recommendations across the subgroups, and dissemination of recommendations to the research community for public comment. The full recommendations were published online in September 2011 at http://www.commondataelements.ninds.nih.gov/FA.aspx. The subgroups′ recommendations are classified as core, supplemental, or exploratory. Template case report forms were created for many of the core tests. The present set of data elements should ideally lead to decreased initiation time for clinical research studies and greater ability to compare and analyze data across studies. Their incorporation into new, ongoing studies will be assessed in an ongoing fashion to define their utility in FRDA. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Neuropathological findings in benign tremulous Parkinsonism
Authors: Selikhova Marianna , Kempster Peter A. , Revesz Tamas , Holton Janice L. , Lees Andrew J.
Published: December 2012

Benign tremulous parkinsonism, a tremor dominant syndrome with a relatively slow rate of deterioration, is recognized by clinicians although its pathological basis is not well understood. A systematic review of Queen Square Brain Bank donors was carried out to determine the natural history and pathology of individuals who had tremor dominant parkinsonism with mild non‐tremor components and minimal gait disability for at least 8 years. We identified 16 cases of pathologically proved benign tremulous Parkinson's disease (PD); another 5 individuals conformed to the definition but did not have the pathology of PD. Patients with verified benign tremulous PD had less severe neuronal loss in the substantia nigra than controls (χ2: P = .003). Twelve of these had been correctly diagnosed with PD at their first neurological evaluation, whereas the other 4 were originally thought to have another tremor disorder. The only consistent distinguishing feature of the 5 pathologically disproved cases, who may have had either essential tremor with associated rest tremor or dystonic tremor, was a failure to develop unequivocal bradykinesia within a decade of onset of tremor at rest. Our findings support the existence of a distinct subgroup of benign tremulous PD. The slower rate of clinical progression correlates with less severe nigral cell loss at postmortem, although many of these patients transgress the benign tremulous parkinsonism definition by the final third of their disease course and develop the common features of advanced PD. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Brain iron deposition in essential tremor: A quantitative 3‐tesla magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Novellino Fabiana , Cherubini Andrea , Chiriaco Carmelina , Morelli Maurizio , Salsone Maria , Arabia Gennarina , Quattrone Aldo
Published: December 2012

Studies have demonstrated brain iron deposition in neurodegenerative disease and in normal aging. Data on this topic are lacking in essential tremor (ET). The aim of our study was to investigate brain iron content in patients with ET, using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2*‐relaxometry. We enrolled 24 patients with ET and 25 age‐matched healthy controls. Subjects were examined using a 3T MRI scanner. The protocol included conventional MRI sequences and quantitative T2*‐relaxometry. Whole‐brain voxel‐based analyses showed significant differences in T2* values in bilateral globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and in right dentate nucleus (P < .001 uncorrected). In the bilateral pallidum, differences survived family‐wise‐error (FWE) correction for multiple comparisons (P < .05). The present study provides the first evidence of increased brain iron accumulation in ET patients. Our results are suggestive of a possible involvement of motor systems outside of the cerebellum/cerebellar pathway and, more specifically, of the globus pallidus. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Piglets produced from cloned blastocysts cultured in vitro with GM‐CSF
Authors: Lee Kiho , Redel Bethany K. , Spate Lee , Teson Jennifer , Brown Alana N. , Park Kwang‐Wook , Walters Eric , Samuel Melissa , Murphy Clifton N. , Prather Randall S.
Published: December 2012

In general, pig embryos established by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) are transferred at the one‐cell stage because of suboptimal embryo culture conditions. Improvements in embryo culture can increase the practical application of late embryo transfer. The goal of this study was to evaluate embryos cultured with granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) in vitro, and to track the in vivo developmental competency of SCNT‐derived blastocysts from these GM‐CSF embryos. The receptor for GM‐CSF was up‐regulated in in vitro‐produced embryos when compared to in vivo‐produced cohorts, but the level decreased when GM‐CSF was present. In vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos, supplemented with GM‐CSF (2 or 10 ng/ml), showed a higher frequency of development to the blastocyst stage compared to controls. The total cell numbers of the blastocysts also increased with supplementation of GM‐CSF. Molecular analysis demonstrates that IVF‐derived blastocysts cultured with GM‐CSF exhibit less apoptotic activity. Similarly, an increase in development to the blastocyst stage and an increase in the average total‐cell number in the blastocysts were observed when SCNT‐derived embryos were cultured with either concentration of GM‐CSF (2 or 10 ng/ml). When SCNT‐derived embryos, cultured with 10 ng/ml GM‐CSF, were transferred into six surrogates at Day 6, five of the surrogates became pregnant and delivered healthy piglets. Our findings suggest that supplementation of GM‐CSF can provide better culture conditions for IVF‐ and SCNT‐derived embryos, and pig SCNT‐derived embryos cultured with GM‐CSF in vitro can successfully produce piglets when transferred into surrogates at the blastocyst stage. Thus, it may be practical to begin performing SCNT‐derived embryo transfer at the blastocyst stage. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative characterization of nuclear overhauser enhancement and amide proton transfer effects in the human brain at 7 tesla
Authors: Liu Dapeng , Zhou Jinyuan , Xue Rong , Zuo Zhentao , An Jing , Wang Danny J. J.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

This study aimed to quantitatively investigate two main magnetization transfer effects at low B1: the nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) and amide proton transfer in the human brain at 7 T.

Methods

The magnetization transfer effects in the human brain were characterized using a four‐pool proton model, which consisted of bulk water, macromolecules, an amide group of mobile proteins and peptides, and NOE‐related protons resonating upfield. The pool sizes, exchange rates, and relaxation times of these proton pools were investigated quantitatively by fitting, and the net signals of amide proton transfer and NOE were simulated based on the fitted parameters.

Results

The results showed that the four‐pool model fitted the experimental data quite well, and the NOE effects in human brain at 7 T had a broad spectrum distribution. The NOE effects peaked at a B1 of ∼ 1–1.4 μT and were significantly stronger in the white matter than in the gray matter, corresponding to a pool‐size ratio ∼ 2:1. As the amide proton transfer effect was relatively small compared with the NOE effects, magnetization transfer asymmetry analysis yielded an NOE‐dominated contrast in the healthy human brain in this range of B1.

Conclusion

These findings are important to identify the source of NOE effects and to quantify amide proton transfer effects in human brain at 7 T. Magn Reson Med, 70:1070–1081, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predicting Coronary Heart Disease: From Framingham Risk Score to Ultrasound Bioimaging
Authors: Sillesen Henrik , Fuster Valentin
Published: December 2012

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death and disabling disease. Whereas risk factors are well known and constitute therapeutic targets, they are not useful for prediction of risk of future myocardial infarction, stroke, or death. Therefore, methods to identify atherosclerosis itself have been tested and found useful (ie, coronary calcium detection by computed tomography scanning, reduction in ankle‐brachial index, and ultrasound scanning of the carotid arteries). This review will focus on the latter technique. Detection of thickened carotid intima‐media by ultrasound has been used in many large epidemiological studies, but although it has been found to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death, its clinical utility is limited. Detection of carotid plaque has, on the other hand, been found to be associated with a substantial risk of future events. Similarly, detection of plaque in the femoral arteries is associated with increased risk, and plaque in the femoral as well as carotid arteries predicts even higher risk. Furthermore, quantification of plaque size (plaque area), such as quantification of amount of coronary calcium on computed tomography scanning, improves predictability—the larger the plaques, the higher the risk. So far, studies using ultrasound all have been performed with 2‐dimensional ultrasound imaging. Recently, 3‐dimensional ultrasound imaging has been introduced, which allows for more accurate quantification of atherosclerosis. Small studies pioneering its use have indicated the utility of measuring changes in vessel‐wall volume and plaque volume with respect to treatment effect. The High‐Risk Plaque Initiative BioImage Study is currently investigating the predictive value of total carotid plaque volume with respect to prediction of future cardiovascular events. Mt Sinai J Med 79:654–663, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Direct Factor IIa and Xa Inhibitors or “Warfarin Shotgun”?
Authors: Halperin Jonathan L. , Goyette Richert E.
Published: December 2012

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation increases in prevalence with age and often requires long‐term oral anticoagulation to prevent ischemic stroke. Vitamin K antagonists are highly effective for stroke prevention. However, suboptimal risk assessment, variability in response, drug and food interactions, and monitoring requirements result in underprescription of warfarin by physicians and poor adherence to therapy by patients. In addition, the vitamin K antagonists modulate coagulation by inhibiting multiple coagulation factors (factors II, VII, IX, and X). New oral direct factor IIa and Xa inhibitors offer improved risk‐benefit profiles, simplifying thromboprophylaxis and overcoming some practical barriers to long‐term therapy. Their potential benefit is a function of targeting specific activated factors produced at key junctions of the coagulation system. However, important questions about patient management with these new agents have not been fully answered by studies completed to date and clinical inertia must yet be overcome. Mt Sinai J Med 79:705–720, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Future of Electronic Health Records: Implications for Decision Support
Authors: Rothman Brian , Leonard Joan C. , Vigoda Michael M.
Published: December 2012

The potential benefits of the electronic health record over traditional paper are many, including cost containment, reductions in errors, and improved compliance by utilizing real‐time data. The highest functional level of the electronic health record (EHR) is clinical decision support (CDS) and process automation, which are expected to enhance patient health and healthcare. The authors provide an overview of the progress in using patient data more efficiently and effectively through clinical decision support to improve health care delivery, how decision support impacts anesthesia practice, and how some are leading the way using these systems to solve need‐specific issues. Clinical decision support uses passive or active decision support to modify clinician behavior through recommendations of specific actions. Recommendations may reduce medication errors, which would result in considerable savings by avoiding adverse drug events. In selected studies, clinical decision support has been shown to decrease the time to follow‐up actions, and prediction has proved useful in forecasting patient outcomes, avoiding costs, and correctly prompting treatment plan modifications by clinicians before engaging in decision‐making. Clinical documentation accuracy and completeness is improved by an electronic health record and greater relevance of care data is delivered. Clinical decision support may increase clinician adherence to clinical guidelines, but educational workshops may be equally effective. Unintentional consequences of clinical decision support, such as alert desensitization, can decrease the effectiveness of a system. Current anesthesia clinical decision support use includes antibiotic administration timing, improved documentation, more timely billing, and postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis. Electronic health record implementation offers data‐mining opportunities to improve operational, financial, and clinical processes. Using electronic health record data in real‐time for decision support and process automation has the potential to both reduce costs and improve the quality of patient care. Mt Sinai J Med 79:757–768, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Feedback or biofeedback to augment pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence in women: Shortened version of a Cochrane systematic review
Authors: Herderschee Roselien , Hay‐Smith E. C. Jean , Herbison G. Peter , Roovers Jan Paul , Heineman Maas Jan
Published: December 2012

Background

Feedback and biofeedback (BF) are common adjuncts to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for women with stress, urgency, and mixed urinary incontinence (UI). An up to date systematic review of adjunctive feedback or BF was needed to guide practice and further research.

Objectives

To determine whether feedback or BF add benefit to PFMT for women with UI.

Methods

The Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register was searched (May 2010) for randomised or quasi‐randomized trials in women with stress, urgency or mixed UI regardless of cause, which compared PFMT versus PFMT augmented with feedback or BF. Two reviewers independently undertook eligibility screening, risk of bias assessment and data extraction. Analysis was in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention (version 5.0.2).

Results

Twenty‐four trials were included, and many were at moderate to high risk of bias. Women who received BF were less likely to report they were not improved (RR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66–0.86), although there was no statistically significant difference for cure (RR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.81–1.05) and marginal statistical significance for leakage episodes (mean difference: −0.12 leaks/day, 95% CI: −0.22 to −0.01). It is possible the results are confounded because women in the BF group commonly had more contact with the health professional than those in the PFMT only arm.

Conclusion

BF may add benefit to PFMT but the observed effect could well be related to another variable, such as the amount of health professional contact rather than the BF per se. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 325–329, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of upper‐level dynamics and surface processes for the Pakistan flood of July 2010
Authors: Martius O. , Sodemann H. , Joos H. , Pfahl S. , Winschall A. , Croci‐Maspoli M. , Graf M. , Madonna E. , Mueller B. , Schemm S. , Sedláček J. , Sprenger M. , Wernli H.
Published: December 2012

In July and August 2010 floods of unprecedented impact afflicted Pakistan. The floods resulted from a series of intense multi‐day precipitation events in July and early August. At the same time a series of blocking anticyclones dominated the upper‐level flow over western Russia and breaking waves i.e. equatorward extrusions of stratospheric high potential vorticity (PV) air formed along the downstream flank of the blocks. Previous studies suggested that these extratropical upper‐level breaking waves were crucial for instigating the precipitation events in Pakistan. Here a detailed analysis is provided of the extratropical forcing of the precipitation. Piecewise PV inversion is used to quantify the extratropical upper‐level forcing associated with the wave breaking and trajectories are calculated to study the pathways and source regions of the moisture that precipitated over Pakistan. Limited‐area model simulations are carried out to complement the Lagrangian analysis.

The precipitation events over Pakistan resulted from a combination of favourable boundary conditions with strong extratropical and monsoonal forcing factors. Above‐normal sea‐surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean led to an elevated lower‐tropospheric moisture content. Surface monsoonal depressions ensured the transport of moist air from the ocean towards northeastern Pakistan. Along this pathway the air parcel humidity increased substantially (60–90% of precipitated moisture) via evapotranspiration from the land surface. Extratropical breaking waves influenced the surface wind field substantially by enhancing the wind component directed towards the mountains which reinforced the precipitation.
Direct gas injection method: A simple modification to an elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometer for stable isotope analysis of N and C from N2O and CO2 gases in nanomolar concentrations
Authors: Machavaram Madhav V. , Beaulieu Jake J. , Mills Marc A.
Published: December 2012

RATIONALE

Stable isotope analyses of trace amounts of nitrous oxide gas require special instrumentation and laborious sample preparation methods that have hindered many laboratories from measuring this potent greenhouse gas. A simple modification to an Elemental Analyzer (EA) coupled to an Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) setup that allows users to measure the N and C isotopic ratios of nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) by injecting the gases directly into the EA is described.

METHODS

The standard EA was fitted with a gas injection port and a home‐made packed column filled with Hayesep Q polymer. A gas mixture of 3.1% N2O in helium (He) was injected directly into the EA. This method allowed large volumes of sample to be injected without saturating the column.

RESULTS

The use of the home‐made column resulted in better resolution of sample peaks and allowed smaller concentrations of the analyte to be injected. This study showed that this method produced accurate and reproducible stable isotope measurements with sample injection volumes ranging from 100 to 5000 μL, containing between 20 and 1000 nmol of analyte.

CONCLUSIONS

This simple, inexpensive method can be useful for the laboratories that do not have access to more advanced and expensive interfaces to analyze nanomolar quantities of N2O and CO2 from microbiological and ecological studies and offers a simple alternative for in‐house measurements of these trace gases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.