bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efeito de macronutrientes sobre o crescimento e qualidade de mudas de canafístula cultivadas em Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico
Authors: Cruz Cezar Augusto Fonseca e , Cunha Ana Catarina Monteiro Carvalho Mori da , Paiva Haroldo Nogueira de , Neves Júlio César Lima
Published: November 2011

Peltophorum dubium (canafístula, angico-cangalha, angico-amarelo) é uma espécie de rápido crescimento, rusticidade e ótima para uso em reflorestamentos mistos de áreas degradadas. Devido à carência de informações sobre a nutrição dessa espécie, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de doses de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S sobre crescimento, produção de biomassa e índices de qualidade de mudas H/D, H/MSPA, MSPA/MSR e IQD, e determinar a dose recomendada destes elementos. No trabalho, realizado em casa de vegetação, foi utilizado Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico como substrato. Delimitou-se o experimento por meio de matriz baconiana, avaliando-se três doses dos seis macronutrientes e dois tratamentos adicionais, um com doses de referência e outro sem adição de nutrientes. Adotou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições. Verificou-se, através de análise dos contrastes ortogonais, uma resposta significativa de todas as variáveis estudadas com a aplicação dos macronutrientes. Os nutrientes que mais surtiram efeitos significativos foram o P e o Mg, sendo recomendada dose de 600 mg/dm³ de P, 0,2 cmol c/dm³de Mg, e doses mínimas de 50 mg/dm³de K e 0,8 cmol c/dm³ de Ca. Não foi verificada resposta à aplicação de N e S, para nenhuma das características avaliadas, o que indica que a espécie tem baixo requerimento por estes nutrientes.
Role of Pharmacogenomics in the Management of Traditional and Novel Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Cavallari Larisa H. , Shin Jaekyu , Perera Minoli A.
Published: November 2011

Warfarin is the most commonly prescribed oral anticoagulant. However, it remains a difficult drug to manage mostly because of its narrow therapeutic index and wide interpatient variability in anticoagulant effects. Over the past decade, there has been substantial progress in our understanding of genetic contributions to variable warfarin response, particularly with regard to warfarin dose requirements. The genes encoding for cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 (CYP2C9) and vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) are the major genetic determinants of warfarin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, respectively. Numerous studies have demonstrated significant contributions of these genes to warfarin dose requirements. The CYP2C9 gene has also been associated with bleeding risk with warfarin. The CYP4F2 gene influences vitamin K availability and makes minor contributions to warfarin dose requirements. Less is known about genes influencing warfarin response in African‐American patients compared with other racial groups, but this is the focus of ongoing research. Several warfarin pharmacogenetic dosing algorithms and United States Food and Drug Administration—cleared genotyping tests are available for clinical use. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine the clinical utility and cost‐effectiveness of genotype‐guided warfarin dosing. Results from these trials will likely influence clinical uptake and third party payer reimbursement for genotype‐guided warfarin therapy. There is still a lack of pharmacogenetic data for the newly approved oral anticoagulants, dabigatran and rivaroxaban, and with other oral anticoagulants in the research and development pipeline. These data, once known, could be of great importance as routine monitoring parameters for these agents are not available.
Striking a Balance Between the Risks and Benefits of Anticoagulation Bridge Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Clinical Updates and Remaining Controversies
Authors: Garwood Candice L. , Hwang Jamie M. , Moser Lynette R.
Published: November 2011

Long‐term anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) or the new agent dabigatran is recommended to decrease stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. When patients with atrial fibrillation undergo initiation or interruption of VKA therapy, or experience an isolated subtherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR), bridge therapy with a parenteral anticoagulant may be considered. To describe the literature for anticoagulation bridge therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation, we conducted a MEDLINE search (1966–February 2011) of the English‐language literature to identify related studies. Ongoing clinical trials were identified through a search of the ClinicalTrials.gov registry. Major national and international guidelines were gathered and evaluated. Additional literature was obtained through review of relevant references of the identified articles. Bridging is not supported by guidelines or clinical trials for patients starting VKA therapy for atrial fibrillation. A subtherapeutic INR value during long‐term VKA therapy may be associated with increased thromboembolic events, but the benefit of bridging has not been demonstrated. When VKA therapy is interrupted for procedures, retrospective and cohort data suggest that the decision to bridge should be based on a patient's thromboembolic and bleeding risks associated with the procedure. Typically, it is recommended to use bridge therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk for thromboembolism, but the benefit of bridging is less clear in patients at low risk. Not all procedures necessitate anticoagulation interruption. Recent trials suggest that VKAs can be continued when patients are undergoing cardiac device procedures and some types of radiofrequency ablation. Several clinical trials are ongoing that will provide more definitive guidance for perioperative anticoagulation management of patients with atrial fibrillation. Patients taking dabigatran are unlikely to require bridge therapy because of a predictable anticoagulant effect and rapid onset of action. However, evidence for optimal perioperative management of dabigatran is needed.
Measuring Patient Satisfaction With Postpartum Teaching Methods Used by Nurses Within the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior
Authors: Wagner Debra L. , Bear Mary , Davidson Nangela S.
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between new mothers’ interaction with nurses using different teaching methods to provide postpartum discharge teaching and their satisfaction with nursing care. Cox’s Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior (IMCHB) provided the framework for this study. This study used a quasi-experimental posttest design with two groups to examine patient satisfaction with different teaching methods used by nurses to provide postpartum education. The Modified Client Satisfaction Tool measured satisfaction with discharge teaching. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi-square, Kendall’s tau, and Mann-Whitney U tests. The data showed high satisfaction scores for new mothers receiving both methods of discharge teaching, indicating that new mothers who received the traditional method of discharge instruction provided by nurses were just as satisfied as those who received the demonstration/return demonstration method of discharge instructions provided by nurses. Providing individualized care, based on the expressed needs of the patient, was demonstrated in this study to result in high satisfaction with nursing care using both methods of providing postpartum discharge teaching.
Energy efficiency of near infrared cobalt luminscence in ZnSe:Co determined by a photoacoustic method
Authors: Chrobak Ł. , Maliński M. , Strzałkowski K. , Zakrzewski J.
Published: November 2011

The paper presents results of computations of the energy efficiency of the cobalt luminescence in ZnSe:Co determined by the photoacoustic method. The transmission spectra, photoacoustic experimental and theoretical spectra, and the frequency dependence on the photoacoustic amplitude characteristics are presented. From them, the energy efficiency of Co2+ the near infrared luminescence (3200 nm) was computed in the frame of new proposed photoacoustic model of computations of the luminescence energy efficiency.
Study of the flux density variation along Saturn’s ring observed from National Observatory, Nagarkot, Nepal
Authors: Aryal B , Nupane HK , Shahi SR
Published: November 2011

We present a study of relative flux density along the Saturn’s ring. The image of the planet Saturn is taken from National Observatory located at Nagarkot, Nepal during January to March, 2010. Sixteen inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is used to capture the image. The image is processed in the software ALADIN2.5. We have studied the flux density variation along Saturn’s ring from eastern to western region. The observed two-dimensional image of the ring of the planet Saturn is divided into five regions namely far-eastern, mid-eastern, middle, mid-western, far-western. We found that the total flux sometimes increases and sometimes decreases showing peak values at different regions along the ring. However, in the middle (across the planet), we found a fairly homogeneous emission. We took data of relative flux density in each pixel in these regions. The minimum and maximum values of flux density are found to lie in the range (5.9 – 12.7) x 10-7 MJy/str. The absorption feature is found to be prominent in western region. Key-words: Observation; Telescope; Saturn; Flux density. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/sw.v9i9.5509 SW 2011; 9(9): 8-12
Vegetation structure, natural regeneration and management of Parroha community forest in Rupandehi district, Nepal
Authors: Acharya Rajendra , Shrestha Babat Babu
Published: November 2011

Understanding vegetation structure and regeneration in community forests in important for management planning. The present work was done during September to October 2005. The information on forest management practices was collected by Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) which included field observation, interviews and focus group discussion. A total of 125 plant species belonging to 55 families with 36 tree species, 50 shrubs and 39 herbs were recorded from the 0.7 ha sampling area. The total tree density and basal area at South-East (SE) facing slope was 595 pl/ha and 29.68 m²/ha, respectively, where Terminalia alata was the most dominant with highest importance value index (IVI). On the other hand, total tree density and basal area was 453 pl/ha and 41.78 m²/ha, respectively, at South-West (SW) facing slope, where Shorea robusta was the most dominant with the highest IVI. Total shrub/sapling density was 4708 pl/ha at SE slope and 4137 pl/ha at SW slope. Similarly, total herb/seedling density was 10.86 pl/m² at SE slope and 9.79 pl/m² at SW slope. The total number of tree species (S) in tree stage was higher at SE slope than at SW slope and the number of species in shrub layer was higher at SE slope than at SW slope. The two slopes had nearly equal number of species in herbaceous layer. Higher species diversity (H) of different lifeforms was found at SW slope. The SW slope had higher species evenness (J) and Simpson’s index of dominance (C) for all life forms than at SE slope. High similarity index for all tree, shrub/sapling and herb/seedling layers (63.63%, 84.61% and 77.10% respectively) were found between two sites. Alpha (α) diversity for shrub layer was higher at SE slope whereas beta (β) diversity for tree layer was higher at SW slope than at SE slope. Regeneration of Shorea robusta and Terminalia alata was continuous because density increased from tree, sapling to seedlings with a typical reverse J shaped size class diagram at both slope. But regeneration of S. robusta at SW slope was sporadic. The reccurence of forest fire during summer season has appeared as a major problem for the management of forest. The active participation of the local people in forest conservation activities can be effective for sustainable management of forest. Keywords: Community forestry; Vegetation; Regeneration; Size class diagram; Shorea robusta; Terminalia alata. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/sw.v9i9.5523 SW 2011; 9(9): 70-81
The role of glomalin in soil erosion
Authors: Vaidya Geeta Shrestha , Rillig MC , Wallander H
Published: November 2011

Glomalin is a glycoprotein, a sugar protein compound that might trigger the formation of soil. In this study we analyze the different organic matters which inhance mycorrhizal fungi and produce glomalin which is dependent upon the types of organic matter. The more glomalin in a particular soil, the soil probably is better. The amount of glomalin in the soil increased as a degree of interdependence increased between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi produce glomalin and live inside plant roots and in the surrounding soil. Growth of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under field conditions was estimated within growth mesh bags which contain different organic matter. After six months these mesh bags were harvested. These soil were analysed in Montana University, USA by two detection methods utilized to quantify Glomalin related soil protein (GRSP): Bradford protein assay, yielding Bradford reactive soil protein (BRSP), and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA: using the monoclonal antibody Mab32B11 developed against crushed spores of Glomus intraradices,yielding the immunoreactive soil protein. The amount of GRSP in the mesh bags was positively related to organic matter addition. Furthermore, GRSP content was positively correlated to NLFA 16:1ù5 as well as to PLFA 16:1ù5 and bacterial PLFAs .In contrast no correlation was found between spore number and neither fatty acids nor GRSP. Key words : Organic matters; Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; Glomalin; Climate change; Green house gas. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/sw.v9i9.5524 SW 2011; 9(9): 82-85
Production and Characterization of Bio-oil from Bio-mass by Circulating Fluidized Bed Pyrolysis Reactor
Authors: Hasan ATMK , Mohiuddin M , Ahmed MB , Poly IJ , Asadullah M , Rahman MS
Published: November 2011

The objective of the present work is to install a modified suitable and compatible reactor system for the efficient production of renewable liquid fuel (bio-oil) from agro-based bio-mass. This new type of reactor system contains a combustor connected with the upper end of the reactor chamber. The bottom end of the reactor is connected with the bottom part of the combustor by a stainless steel pipe through which hot sand is circulated by the force of air pump. Thus, effective heat transfer from the continuously circulated heated sand as well as efficient biomass conversion into the reactor can be obtained. In this work, jute stick and bagasse abundantly available in Bangladesh were pyrolyzed separately in a continuous feeding circulating fluidized bed reactor at around 500°C for bio-oil production. The total bio-oil yields from bagasse and jute stick were about 69.5 wt% and 68.2 wt% respectively, which are higher than the yields obtained from fixed bed pyrolysis reactor. The total yields of char contents were 19.4 wt% and 21.7wt% after complete pyrolysis of bagasse and jute stick respectively, which are less than that of char yields obtained from fixed bed pyrolysis reactor. Physical and chemical analyses of bio-oils were carried out by conventional methods. The density, viscosity, pH, acid value, water, lignin, solid and ash contents of bio-oils obtained from both jute stick and bagasse were found to be 1.1 g/cc, 3.1 cp, 4.1, 126.3 mgKOH/g, 14.0 wt%, 2.5wt%, 0.05wt%, 0.03wt%, and 1.12 g/cc, 3.2cp, 4.0, 127.1 mgKOH/g, 13.0 wt%, 2.5wt%, 0.015wt%, 0.025wt%, respectively. Key words: Renewable energy; Bio-mass; Bio-oil; Pyrolysis; Fluid bed circulating reactor DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i3.9036 BJSIR 2011; 46(3): 313-322
Ball Milling Pretreatment of Bagasse for Ethanol Production by Enzymatic Saccharification and Fermentation
Authors: Jamal MS , Sujan SMA , Miah MY , Banik SK , Ahmed SU , Feroza B
Published: November 2011

Enzymatic saccharification (Hydrolysis) is one of the technologies to hydrolyze lignocellulosic biomass. In this study, Bangladeshi bagasse is used as feedstock for enzymatic saccharification and ethanol fermentation. Cutter mill and Mechano-chemical treatment (Ball mill) are used for pretreatment. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of substrate concentration, pretreatment time and enzyme concentration to enzymatic hydrolysis and ethanol fermentation. The yield of glucose from cellulose is decreased with increasing substrate concentration from 5% to 15%, but the total amount of glucose is increased with increasing substrate concentration. Sample with long pretreatment time hydrolysis easily. Ball milling pretreatment of 1 hour is the most effective on enzymatic hydrolysis which gives better sugar yield than others. Enzyme loading has significant effect on enzymatic hydrolysis. Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used to converts C6 sugar into ethanol and incubated at 30oC for 96 hours. Almost all fermentable sugar converted into ethanol within 24 hours. Key words : Enzymatic saccharification;, Lignocellulosic biomass; Ethanol; Fermentation; Mechano-chemical treatment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i3.9042 BJSIR 2011; 46(3): 353-358
Overview of Stabilizing Ligands for Biocompatible Quantum Dot Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhang Yanjie , Clapp Aaron
Published: November 2011

Luminescent colloidal quantum dots (QDs) possess numerous advantages as fluorophores in biological applications. However, a principal challenge is how to retain the desirable optical properties of quantum dots in aqueous media while maintaining biocompatibility. Because QD photophysical properties are directly related to surface states, it is critical to control the surface chemistry that renders QDs biocompatible while maintaining electronic passivation. For more than a decade, investigators have used diverse strategies for altering the QD surface. This review summarizes the most successful approaches for preparing biocompatible QDs using various chemical ligands.
A Zinc Oxide Nanorod Ammonia Microsensor Integrated with a Readout Circuit on-a-Chip
Authors: Yang Ming-Zhi , Dai Ching-Liang , Wu Chyan-Chyi
Published: November 2011

A zinc oxide nanorod ammonia microsensor integrated with a readout circuit on-a-chip fabricated using the commercial 0.35 mm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process was investigated. The structure of the ammonia sensor is composed of a sensitive film and polysilicon electrodes. The ammonia sensor requires a post-process to etch the sacrificial layer, and to coat the sensitive film on the polysilicon electrodes. The sensitive film that is prepared by a hydrothermal method is made of zinc oxide. The sensor resistance changes when the sensitive film adsorbs or desorbs ammonia gas. The readout circuit is used to convert the sensor resistance into the voltage output. Experiments show that the ammonia sensor has a sensitivity of about 1.5 mV/ppm at room temperature.
Frequency of Toxoplasmosis in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Trinidad
Authors: Persad Anil , Charles Roxanne , Adesiyun Abiodun A.
Published: November 2011

Toxoplasmosis has been reported to occur in several animals and humans causing different clinical manifestations. The study was conducted to determine the frequency ofToxoplasma gondiiantibodies (IgG) in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) across farms in Trinidad using a latex agglutination test. Of a total of 333 water buffalo tested, 26 (7.8%) were seropositive forT. gondiiantibodies. Seropositivity for toxoplasmosis was statistically significantly (P<0.05; χ2) higher in adult water buffalo, 12.4% (14 of 113) compared with young water buffalo, 4.2% (6 of 143). Seropositivity for toxoplasmosis across the seven farms ranged from 0.0% (0 of 20) in Farm G compared with 20.0% (10 of 50) detected in Farm B. The differences in seropositivity by management system, free-ranging 6.7% (14 of 213) and semi-intensive 10.0% (12 of 120) and by sex, in male 6.7% (7 of 104) and female 8.3% (19 of 229) water buffalo, were not statistically significant (P>0.05; χ2). This is the first documentation of toxoplasmosis in water buffalo in Trinidad.
Effect of Health Lifestyle Pattern on Dietary Change
Authors: O'Halloran Peggy , Lazovich DeAnn , Patterson Ruth E. , Harnack Lisa , French Simone , Curry Sue J. , Beresford Shirley A. A.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To examine the effect of lifestyle on the effectiveness of a low-intensity dietary intervention.

Design.

A secondary data analysis was performed using data from the Eating Patterns Study, a randomized controlled trial that found that self-help materials with physician advice was effective in changing dietary intake and behavior.

Setting.

Primary care clinics in a large health maintenance organization.

Subjects.

A total of 2111 patients with a routine scheduled appointment with their primary care physicians.

Measures.

Participants were grouped into one of six health lifestyle patterns based on similarities in baseline measures of alcohol intake, smoking, diet quality, and exercise. Within each lifestyle pattern, changes from baseline in usual fat and fiber intake (based on a food frequency) and a fat and fiber behavior score were compared at 3 months and 12 months for intervention vs. control participants.

Intervention.

Self-help materials delivered by a physician with advice to change diet.

Results.

Intervention participants in the fitness lifestyle group made the largest changes relative to controls for each dietary outcome at 3 and 12 months. For intervention participants defined by their alcohol intake or current smoking, either no changes in diet were observed compared with controls, or early changes were not sustained over time. Intervention-control comparisons within the remaining lifestyle patterns showed smaller dietary changes compared with the fitness lifestyle. This finding was similar to previously published results.

Conclusions.

This randomized controlled trial had limited power to detect subgroup differences; however, these results suggest that lifestyle patterns may be useful in the development of effective, targeted interventions to change behavior.
Changes in Health Risks among the Participants in the United Auto Workers—General Motors LifeSteps Health Promotion Program
Authors: Yen Louis , Edington Marilyn Pearce , McDonald Timothy , Hirschland David , Edington Dee W.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To examine health risk changes among participants of a multicomponent worksite health promotion program.

Design.

A study using health risk changes among health risk appraisal (HRA) participants linked to program participation records. Baseline risk and participation in multiple programs were examined in relation to risk change in multivariate models.

Setting.

Worksite health promotion programming sponsored by the United Auto Workers (UAW) and General Motors (GM).

Subjects.

Active employees (12,984) who voluntarily participated in an HRA in each of two program years.

Intervention.

The nationwide program was a mailed HRA and a 1-800 nurse line. A pilot program (implemented in two cities) added screening, wellness programs, a materials resource, and, for high risk participants, health coaching and vouchers for medical office visits.

Measures.

Using 13 selected health risk factors from the HRA, changes in overall health risks were measured as program outcomes in three ways: one-directional, net, and risk status change.

Results.

A greater decrease in the number of health risks was observed with increased program participation. The decrease was significantly related to the number of baseline risk factors and eligibility for high risk programs. Associated with program participation, the number of people at low risk status increased from 70.1% to 71.3% at year 2 among nationwide participants and from 52.4% to 58.9% among pilot participants.

Conclusions.

Participation was associated with a significant impact on health risk. Baseline risk of participants and eligibility for high risk programs were necessary factors to control when measuring program effects on health risk changes.
Effects of an Osteoporosis Prevention Program Incorporating Tailored Educational Materials
Authors: Blalock Susan J. , DeVellis Brenda M. , Patterson Carol C. , Campbell Marci K. , Orenstein Dianne R. , Dooley Mary Anne
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To evaluate the effects of two interventions on calcium intake and exercise and assess whether intervention effects varied as a function of participants' stage of change.

Design.

The study used a 2 by 2 factorial research design. Baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up data were collected.

Setting.

Twelve counties in western North Carolina.

Subjects.

Of 714 women recruited, 547 (76.6%) completed all data collection procedures.

Intervention.

One intervention, conducted at the individual level, compared the effects of tailored vs. nontailored educational materials. The tailored educational intervention was delivered via two packets of written materials and one telephone counseling session. The written materials and counseling session were tailored according to participants' current calcium intake and exercise level, perceived adequacy of these behaviors, stage of change, behavioral goals, and perceived barriers to change. A community-based intervention was also evaluated. This intervention, implemented in 6 of the 12 counties, included establishing an Osteoporosis Resource Center, conducting a workshop on osteoporosis prevention, and offering free bone density screening.

Measures.

Outcome measures were calcium intake and exercise level. Stage of change was assessed as a moderating variable.

Results.

Irrespective of intervention group, among women not consuming adequate calcium at baseline, intake increased an average of about 500 mg/d over the course of the study. Changes involving exercise were more modest. Repeated measures regression analyses were used to evaluate intervention effects. The effect of the tailored educational intervention varied, in appropriate ways, among women in different stages of change at baseline ( F2, 527 = 6.37, p < .002). Among women in the Engaged stage, the tailored intervention was associated with a greater increase in calcium intake. In contrast, among women who were obtaining adequate calcium at baseline (i.e., Action stage), the tailored intervention appeared to forestall inappropriate increases in calcium intake. The community-based intervention had no consistent effects on calcium intake, either alone, or in combination with the tailored intervention. Finally, neither intervention had an effect on exercise, either alone or in combination.

Conclusions.

Limited support for the superiority of tailored vs. nontailored educational interventions was found. The differential effects observed could be due to the telephone counseling received by women in the Tailored Education Group, however.
COL4A1 mutations in patients with sporadic late‐onset intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Weng Yi‐Chinn , Sonni Akshata , Labelle‐Dumais Cassandre , de Leau Michelle , Kauffman W. Berkeley , Jeanne Marion , Biffi Alessandro , Greenberg Steven M. , Rosand Jonathan , Gould Douglas B.
Published: November 2011

Objective:

Mutations in the type IV collagen alpha 1 gene (COL4A1) cause dominantly inherited cerebrovascular disease. We seek to determine the extent to which COL4A1 mutations contribute to sporadic, nonfamilial, intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs).

Methods:

We sequenced COL4A1 in 96 patients with sporadic ICH. The presence of putative mutations was tested in 145 ICH‐free controls. The effects of rare coding variants on COL4A1 biosynthesis were compared to previously validated mutations that cause porencephaly, small vessel disease, and hereditary angiopathy, nephropathy, aneurysms, and cramps (HANAC) syndrome.

Results:

We identified 2 rare nonsynonymous variants in ICH patients that were not detected in controls, 2 rare nonsynonymous variants in controls that were not detected in patients, and 2 common nonsynonymous variants that were detected in patients and controls. No variant found in controls affected COL4A1 biosynthesis. Both variants (COL4A1P352L and COL4A1R538G) found only in patients changed conserved amino acids and impaired COL4A1 secretion much like mutations that cause familial cerebrovascular disease.

Interpretation:

This is the first assessment of the broader role for COL4A1 mutations in the etiology of ICH beyond a contribution to rare and severe familial cases and the first functional evaluation of the biosynthetic consequences of an allelic series of COL4A1 mutations that cause cerebrovascular disease. We identified 2 putative mutations in 96 patients with sporadic ICH and showed that these and other previously validated mutations inhibit secretion of COL4A1. Our data support the hypothesis that increased intracellular accumulation of COL4A1, decreased extracellular COL4A1, or both, contribute to sporadic cerebrovascular disease and ICH. ANN NEUROL 2012;
Preparation and dispersibility of poly(L‐lactide)‐grafted silica nanoparticle
Authors: Takamura Masaaki , Yamauchi Takeshi , Tsubokawa Norio
Published: November 2011

To improve dispersibility of silica nanoparticle in organic solvents, the grafting of poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) onto silica nanoparticle surface by ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide (LA) was investigated in the presence of an amidine base catalyst. The ring‐opening polymerization of LA successfully initiated in the presence of silica having amino groups (silica‐NH2) and an amidine base catalyst to give PLLA‐grafted silica, but not in the presence of untreated silica (silica‐OH). In the absence of the amidine base catalyst no ring‐opening polymerization of LA even in the presence of silica‐NH2 and no grafting of PLLA onto silica were observed. It became apparent that the amidine base catalyst acts as an effective catalyst for the ring‐opening graft polymerization of LA from the surface of silica‐NH2. In addition, it was found that the percentage of PLLA grafting onto silica could be controlled according to the reaction conditions. The average particle size of PLLA‐grafted silica was smaller than that of silica‐NH2. Therefore, it was considered that the aggregation structure of silica nanoparticles was considerably destroyed by grafting of PLLA onto the surface. The PLLA‐grafted silica gave a stable dispersion in polar solvents, which are good solvents for PLLA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
A microfluidic system for investigation of extravascular transport and cellular uptake of drugs in tumors
Authors: Elliott Nelita T. , Yuan Fan
Published: November 2011

Three‐dimensional (3D) tumor models have been established in various microfluidic systems for drug delivery and resistance studies in vitro. However, one of the main drawbacks of these models is non‐uniform distribution of cells, leaving regions with very low cell density within the 3D structures. As a result, molecular diffusion in the cell compartments is faster than that observed in solid tumors. To solve this problem, we developed a new technique for preparation of 3D tumor models in vitro. It was based on a microfluidic device containing three parallel channels separated by narrowly spaced posts. Tumor cells were loaded into the central channel at high density. To test the system, B16.F10 melanoma cells were perfusion‐cultured overnight and the resulting 3D structure was characterized in terms of viability, density, and morphology of cells as well as transport properties of small fluorescent molecules. Immediately upon loading of tumor cells, the cell density was comparable to those observed in B16.F10 tumor tissues in vivo; and the viability of tumor cells was maintained through the overnight culture. The tumor model displayed low extracellular space and high resistance to diffusion of small molecules. For membrane‐permeant molecules (e.g., Hoechst 33342), the rate of interstitial penetration was extremely slow, compared to membrane‐impermeant molecules (e.g., sodium fluorescein). This versatile tumor model could be applied to in vitro studies of transport and cellular uptake of drugs and genes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1326–1335. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correcting veiling glare of refined CIECAM02 for mobile display
Authors: Park YungKyung , Luo Ming Ronnier , Li Chang Jun , Kwak Youngshin , Park Du‐Sik , Kim Changyeong
Published: November 2011

Small displays are widely used; they are small enough to be carried around and are often viewed under extreme surround conditions. Under bright illumination, mobile display users experience “veiling glare” caused by bright ambient lighting. A refined version of CIECAM02 called “Refined CIECAM02 and original CIECAM02” were tested to predict visual results in terms of lightness (J), colourfulness (M), and brightness (Q) on a 2‐inch sized display (2″) mobile phone under four surround conditions; dark (0 cd/m2), dim (5 cd/m2), average (1000 cd/m2), and bright (10,000 cd/m2). Other than the two versions of CIECAM02 using the original data, a correction to the models' predicted lightness J and a black correction to the original data were developed. Overall, the refined CIECAM02 plus the J correction performed the best for predicting the lightness, brightness and colourfulness under all the viewing conditions, especially for bright surround condition.

Furthermore, another experiment was carried out using complex images to verify different versions of CIECAM02. The images were reproduced using JMh (lightness, colourfulness, and hue) spaces from the modified CIECAM02 versions. The experiment was conducted by comparing original images viewed under dim, average, or bright surround conditions and the predicted images were viewed under dark surround condition on two identical mobile displays. The different versions of the CIECAM02 showed similar results to each other for dim and average surround conditions but large differences when predicting the images under bright surround condition. The refined CIECAM02 with the J′ formula performed the best amongst all four CIECAM02 versions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2013.
Testing Interval Forecasts: A GMM‐Based Approach
Authors: Dumitrescu Elena‐Ivona , Hurlin Christophe , Madkour Jaouad
Published: November 2011

This paper proposes a new evaluation framework for interval forecasts. Our model‐free test can be used to evaluate interval forecasts and high‐density regions, potentially discontinuous and/or asymmetric. Using a simple J‐statistic, based on the moments defined by the orthonormal polynomials associated with the binomial distribution, this new approach presents many advantages. First, its implementation is extremely easy. Second, it allows for a separate test for unconditional coverage, independence and conditional coverage hypotheses. Third, Monte Carlo simulations show that for realistic sample sizes our GMM test has good small‐sample properties. These results are corroborated by an empirical application on SP500 and Nikkei stock market indexes. It confirms that using this GMM test leads to major consequences for the ex post evaluation of interval forecasts produced by linear versus nonlinear models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Localization of the hand motor area by arterial spin labeling and blood oxygen level‐dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Pimentel Marco A. F. , Vilela Pedro , Sousa Inês , Figueiredo Patrícia
Published: November 2011

The new clinically available arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion imaging sequences present some advantages relatively to the commonly used blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) method for functional brain studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In particular, regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes are thought to be more directly related with neuronal activation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the accuracy of the functional localization of the hand motor area obtained by simultaneous CBF and BOLD contrasts provided by ASL functional MRI (fMRI) and compare it with a standard BOLD fMRI protocol. For this purpose, we measured the distance between the center of gravity of the activation clusters obtained with each contrast (CBF, BOLDASL, and Standard BOLD) and 11 positions defined on a well‐established anatomical landmark of the hand motor area (the omega in the axial plane of the precentral gyrus). We found that CBF measurements were significantly closer to the anatomical landmark than the ones obtained using either simultaneous BOLDASL or standard BOLD contrasts. Moreover, we also observed reduced intersubject variability of the functional localization, as well as percent signal change, for CBF relative to both BOLD contrast measurements. In conclusion, our results add further evidence in support to the notion that CBF provides a more accurate localization of motor activation than BOLD contrast, indicating that ASL may be an appropriate technique for clinical fMRI studies. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paradigm free mapping with sparse regression automatically detects single‐trial functional magnetic resonance imaging blood oxygenation level dependent responses
Authors: Caballero Gaudes César , Petridou Natalia , Francis Susan T. , Dryden Ian L. , Gowland Penny A.
Published: November 2011

The ability to detect single trial responses in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies is essential, particularly if investigating learning or adaptation processes or unpredictable events. We recently introduced paradigm free mapping (PFM), an analysis method that detects single trial blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) responses without specifying prior information on the timing of the events. PFM is based on the deconvolution of the fMRI signal using a linear hemodynamic convolution model. Our previous PFM method (Caballero‐Gaudes et al., 2011: Hum Brain Mapp) used the ridge regression estimator for signal deconvolution and required a baseline signal period for statistical inference. In this work, we investigate the application of sparse regression techniques in PFM. In particular, a novel PFM approach is developed using the Dantzig selector estimator, solved via an efficient homotopy procedure, along with statistical model selection criteria. Simulation results demonstrated that, using the Bayesian information criterion to select the regularization parameter, this method obtains high detection rates of the BOLD responses, comparable with a model‐based analysis, but requiring no information on the timing of the events and being robust against hemodynamic response function variability. The practical operation of this sparse PFM method was assessed with single‐trial fMRI data acquired at 7T, where it automatically detected all task‐related events, and was an improvement on our previous PFM method, as it does not require the definition of a baseline state and amplitude thresholding and does not compromise on specificity and sensitivity. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological and degradation studies of sirolimus‐containing poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) discs
Authors: Ro Andrew J. , Falotico Robert , Davé Vipul
Published: November 2011

The effect of residual solvent and copolymer ratio on the in vitro degradation and drug release behavior of a bioabsorbable polymer/drug system was investigated in an effort to understand and develop the use of these excipients for controlled drug delivery devices. Sirolimus‐containing poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) discs were fabricated by a solution‐casting method using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the solvent. The residual DMSO was removed from a set of discs by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, and reflections of crystalline sirolimus were observed in the wide‐angle X‐ray scattering profile observed after extraction. A correlation was not observed between the extent of drug crystallization and extraction conditions and copolymer ratio. Mass loss, molecular weight, and sirolimus release were monitored during an in vitro study of the oven‐dried neat PLGA, sirolimus‐containing PLGA, and extracted sirolimus‐containing PLGA discs during 56 days. The sirolimus‐containing PLGA discs with residual DMSO exhibited a faster sirolimus release rate compared to the extracted discs. The residual DMSO facilitated release of sirolimus. The discs that contained PLGA with higher glycolide content, particularly 50% glycolide, degraded faster and exhibited faster sirolimus release. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Continuous infusion versus intermittent bolus furosemide in ADHF: An updated meta‐analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Amer Muhammad , Adomaityte Jurga , Qayyum Rehan
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Administering intermittent boluses of furosemide to patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) often leads to unfavorable hemodynamic changes. Continuous infusion may induce similar or greater diuresis without adverse hemodynamic consequences. We conducted a systemic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials that compared the effects of continuous infusion and intermittent bolus of furosemide in patients hospitalized with ADHF.

METHODS:

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from their inception until March 2011. Two investigators independently abstracted data on study characteristics, quality, and selected outcomes. Differences between investigators were resolved by mutual consensus. Comparisons were reported as the weighted mean difference (WMDs).

RESULTS:

Ten trials involving a total of 564 patients were included. When administered as a continuous infusion, furosemide resulted in greater diuresis (WMD, −240.54 mL/24 hours/100 mg furosemide; 95% confidence interval [CI], −462.42 to −18.66) and reduction in total body weight (WMD, −0.78 kg; 95% CI, −1.54 to −0.03), than when administered in intermittent boluses. Urinary sodium excretion (WMD, −20.26 mmol/24 hours; 95% CI, −60.48 to 19.96) and duration of hospital stay (WMD, 0.99 days; 95% CI, −2.08 to 4.06) were not different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION:

This meta‐analysis showed statistical support for administering furosemide as a continuous infusion for greater diuresis and reduction in total body weight in patients hospitalized with ADHF. With the exception of greater diuresis, available data are homogenous for the reported outcomes but lack information on clinical endpoints. Larger studies are needed to provide robust recommendations for clinical practice. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Nitroxide‐mediated controlled radical polymerizations of styrene derivatives
Authors: Stals Patrick J. M. , Phan Trang N. T. , Gigmes Didier , Paffen Tim F. E. , Meijer E. W. , Palmans Anja R. A.
Published: November 2011

Several (protected) amine and alcohol functionalized styrene monomers were synthesized via readily accessible synthetic routes. The controlled radical copolymerization of these functionalized styrene monomers with styrene was performed using two alkoxyamines, namely N‐(2‐methylpropyl)‐N‐(1‐diethylphosphono‐2,2‐dimethylpropyl)‐O‐(2‐carboxylprop‐2‐yl) hydroxylamine (MAMA‐SG1) and N‐tert‐butyl‐N‐(2‐methyl‐1‐phenylpropyl)‐O‐(1‐phenylethyl)hydroxylamine. The copolymers obtained showed low polydispersities, controlled molecular weights, and a random topology. The thermal properties of the polymers were determined with differential scanning calorimetry. All polymers were amorphous and showed glass transition temperatures between 40 and 111 °C. Deprotection of the copolymers afforded amine or alcohol pendant polystyrenes which were readily functionalized with isocyanates. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Enzymatic‐ and light‐degradable hybrid nanogels: Crosslinking of polyacrylamide with acrylate‐functionalized Dextrans containing photocleavable linkers
Authors: Klinger Daniel , Landfester Katharina
Published: November 2011

Enzymatically cleavable and light‐degradable hybrid nanogels were prepared by free radical inverse miniemulsion copolymerization of acrylamide (AAm) with a newly synthesized functional dextran crosslinker containing acrylate moieties attached to the backbone via a photolabile linker, that is, dextran‐photolabile linker‐acrylate (Dex‐PL‐A). The Dex‐PL‐A/AAm feed ratio was systematically varied to investigate the influence of the particle composition on the gel properties. The resulting hydrogel nanoparticles were examined with regard to their degradation behavior upon the appliance of the two orthogonal stimuli by turbidity measurements in combination with dynamic light scattering. Although continuous photolytic cleavage of the photolabile linkers between polyacrylamide chains and dextran molecules was found to proceed fast and quantitatively yielding completely disintegrated networks, stepwise irradiation resulted in partial degradation of crosslinking points. Thus, nanogels of a desired specific degree of swelling (DGS) can be obtained by adjusting the irradiation time accordingly. Partial enzymatic cleavage of the dextran backbones of the Dex‐PL‐A crosslinking molecules resulted in an increase in the DGS of the nanogels up to a constant value. Subsequent irradiation of those swollen hydrogel particles was used to fully degrade the network structure in a second step. Hence, a two‐step degradation profile was realized by the combination of the two orthogonal stimuli. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Observation of first and second baroclinic mode Yanai waves in the ocean
Authors: Shinoda Toshiaki
Published: November 2011

The structure and propagation of oceanic Yanai waves (also known as mixed Rossby–gravity waves) are investigated by analysis of satellite‐derived sea‐surface‐height (SSH) data. Significant spectral peaks along the dispersion curves of first and second baroclinic mode Yanai waves are identified by the wavenumber–frequency spectral analysis of SSH for the period 10–17 days. The spatial structure and propagation of these modes are described by an analysis of SSH time series filtered in the frequency–wavenumber domain that includes strong signals along the dispersion curves but excludes those of 17‐day tropical instability waves. The difference in meridional structure between the first and second baroclinic modes, which is consistent with theory, is evident. The slow eastward propagation of first and second baroclinic mode Yanai wave packets, which is consistent with the group velocity derived from theory, is also isolated from the SSH data. Year‐to‐year variability of Yanai wave activity is compared with that of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), showing a moderate correlation with ENSO Modoki. © Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Importance of using ensemble estimated background error covariances for the quality of atmospheric ozone analyses
Authors: Massart S. , Piacentini A. , Pannekoucke O.
Published: November 2011

An ensemble method combined with a four‐dimensional variational data assimilation system is used to provide monthly estimates of the background error covariance matrix for global stratospheric and upper tropospheric ozone for the year 2008. The system is composed of the Mocage chemical transport model and the Valentina assimilation system. The ensemble was obtained from parallel analyses of perturbed data from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument. The monthly estimates of background error covariances have then been introduced in the assimilation suite. To assess the separate contribution of each of its components, a number of analyses were realized, using only some estimated components of the background error covariances and a basic model for the others. The evaluation is realized by comparing the analyses with independent ozone profiles (from ozonesondes) and total ozone columns (from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument). It demonstrates that using the estimated statistics compared to basic models for the background error covariance matrix globally slightly improves the analysis quality; however, using the estimated statistics more largely improves the analysis quality for special situations encountered in April and October. In these situations, the most important parameter for the analysis quality is the use of estimated correlations. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society