bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La représentation de la communauté juive dans les manuels scolaires québécois
Authors: Hirsch Sivane , Mc Andrew Marie
Published: October 2013

Cet article étudie la représentation de la communauté juive, de son histoire et de
sa culture dans les manuels scolaires québécois de deux disciplines ayant comme objectif
l’éducation des futurs citoyens avertis: Histoire et éducation à la citoyenneté et Éthique
et culture religieuse. Puisque la majorité des élèves québécois ne rencontrent cette
communauté que par le biais des manuels, il importe de cerner jusqu’à quel point
l’enseignement qu’ils reçoivent leur permet de bien la connaître et de développer des
attitudes positives à son égard. Notre étude montre bien que la communauté bénéficie
désormais d’une plus grande visibilité dans les manuels, mais que celle-ci ne contribue pas
toujours à une meilleure connaissance de la communauté et de son histoire au
Québec.
25th Anniversary Article: No Assembly Required: Recent Advances in Fully Conjugated Block Copolymers
Authors: Robb Maxwell J. , Ku Sung‐Yu , Hawker Craig J.
Published: October 2013

Fully conjugated block copolymers have emerged as promising materials that combine semiconducting properties with the ability to self‐assemble at the nanoscale. The convergence of these two features has tremendous implications for a number of fundamental molecular assembly and transport questions, while also offering unique advantages for a variety of applications. For example, a nanostructured active layer in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices may provide for efficient charge separation while simultaneously affording continuous, unimpeded pathways for charge carriers to migrate to their respective electrodes within each individual microphase. This review details the recent progress made in the preparation and application of fully conjugated block copolymers and serves as a comprehensive reference for the materials that have been reported in the literature to date. Focus is placed on fully conjugated block copolymers prepared using chemistries that are relevant to high‐performance polymers in organic electronics research, for example Stille, Suzuki–Miyaura, and Yamamoto coupling.
Iron‐Catalyzed Generation of α‐Amino Nitriles from Tertiary Amines
Authors: Wagner Alexander , Han Wei , Mayer Peter , Ofial Armin R.
Published: October 2013

The use of iron(II) chloride as catalyst, trimethylsilyl cyanide as source of cyanide ions, and tert‐butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant enabled the conversion of aromatic, benzylic, and aliphatic tertiary amines into α‐amino nitriles under mild conditions. Chemoselective functionalization of NCH3 to NCH2CN was achieved in the presence of N‐benzyl and N‐alkyl groups. N,N‐Dialkylanilines, PhNR2, with R=Et, Bu, Bn furnished the alkyl(aryl)aminoacetonitriles PhN(R)CH2CN as the main products accompanied by α‐amino nitriles generated by ordinary α‐cyanation of the aniline PhNR2. Formation of PhN(R)CH2CN was rationalized by oxidative degradation of N,N‐dialkylanilines to N‐alkylanilines, their condensation with formaldehyde, generated by oxidation of the solvent methanol, and final trapping of the thus formed iminium ions by cyanide.

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Coupled reaction and solvent extraction process to form Li2CO3: Mechanism and product characterization
Authors: Zhou Zhiyong , Liang Fan , Qin Wei , Fei Weiyang
Published: October 2013

A coupled reaction and solvent extraction process to produce Li2CO3 from LiCl and CO2 is proposed. The aqueous reaction occurs with difficulty and is not spontaneous at 298 K. To ensure the continuous reaction between LiCl and CO2 to produce Li2CO3, it is necessary to remove HCl. Experiments conducted in an open reactor at room‐temperature showed that the product sample was pure Li2CO3 with a particle‐size distribution in two regions and a larger number of small crystals. The large and small crystals were obtained by radial growth in the free aqueous phase and in water‐in‐oil structures with growth space constraints, respectively. Factors influencing the particle‐size distribution and Li2CO3 morphology were investigated. A short reaction time, large phase ratio (O/A), low–temperature, and surfactant addition (TritonX‐100) can increase the number of small particle crystals and reduce the number and volume of large particle crystals. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 282–288, 2014
Ablepharon macrostomia syndrome: A distinct genetic entity clinically related to the group of FRAS–FREM complex disorders
Authors: Schanze Denny , Harakalova Magdalena , Stevens Cathy A. , Brancati Francesco , Dallapiccola Bruno , Farndon Peter , Ferraz Victor E. F. , McDonald‐McGinn Donna M. , Zackai Elaine H. , Wright Michael , van Lieshout Stef , Vogel Maartje J. , van Haelst Mieke M. , Zenker Martin
Published: October 2013

Ablepharon macrostomia syndrome (AMS; OMIM 200110) is an extremely rare congenital malformation syndrome. It overlaps clinically with Fraser syndrome (FS; OMIM 219000), which is known to be caused by mutations in either FRAS1, FREM2, or GRIP1, encoding components of a protein complex that plays a role in epidermal–dermal interactions during morphogenetic processes. We explored the hypothesis that AMS might be either allelic to FS or caused by mutations in other genes encoding known FRAS1 interacting partners. No mutation in either of these genes was found in a cohort of 11 patients with AMS from 10 unrelated families. These findings demonstrate that AMS is genetically distinct from FS. It is proposed that it constitutes a separate entity within the group of FRAS–FREM complex disorders. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Counseling parents before prenatal diagnosis: Do we need to say more about the sex chromosome aneuploidies?
Authors: Lalatta Faustina , Tint G Stephen
Published: October 2013

Sex chromosome trisomies (SCT), an extra X chromosome in females (triple X, XXX), males with an extra X chromosome (Klinefelter syndrome, XXY) or an extra Y chromosome (XYY) occur because of errors during meiosis and are relatively frequent in humans. Their identification has never been the goal of prenatal diagnosis (PD) but they almost never escape detection by any of the methods commonly in use. Despite recommendations and guide‐lines which emphasize the importance of structured counseling before and after PD, most women remain unaware that testing for serious genetic abnormalities is more likely to uncover these trisomies. With the increasing use of PD more and more prospective parents receive a diagnosis of sex chromosome trisomies and are faced with the dilemma of whether to terminate the pregnancy or to carry it to term. Despite the dramatic and emotionally devastating consequences of having to make such a decision, they have little opportunity to consider in advance the possible outcomes of such a pregnancy and, rather than relying on their own feelings and judgements, are forced to depend on the advice of counseling professionals who may or may not themselves be fully aware of what having an extra sex chromosome can mean to the development of a child. We address here the principles of reproductive autonomy together with an analysis of the major issues that ought to be discussed with the parents before a PD is carried out in order to minimize detrimental effects caused by this unexpected finding. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functionalized N‐(4‐hydroxy phenyl) maleimide monomers: Kinetics of thermal polymerization and degradation using model‐free approach
Authors: Pitchaimari G. , Vijayakumar C. T.
Published: October 2013

N‐(4‐Hydroxy phenyl) maleimide (HPMI) is prepared and is functionalized with acryloyl, methacryloyl, allyl, propargyl, and cyanate groups. The structural and thermal characterizations of the materials are done using FTIR, NMR, DSC, and TGA. Curing and degradation kinetics are performed using Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, Vyazovkin, and Friedman methods. Activation energies (Ea) for the polymerization of the synthesized monomers varied and are dependent on the nature of the functional group present in HPMI. The propargyl functionalized monomer shows the highest Ea values whereas the methacryloyl functionalized monomer shows the lowest Ea values. In the case of thermal degradation of the polymerized materials, the apparent Ea values for acryloyl, methacryloyl and cyanate functionalized materials are slightly higher than that of poly‐HPMI (PHPMI). The thermally cured allyl and propargyl functionalized materials show a different trend and may be attributed to the complications arising due to Claisen rearrangement reaction during the thermal curing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39935.
Encapsulated phase structure and morphology evolution during quiescent annealing in ternary polymer blends with PA6 as matrix
Authors: Dou Rui , Wang Wei , Zhou Yan , Gong Lei , Yin Bo , Yang Ming‐bo
Published: October 2013

This work is aim to study the encapsulated morphology development in ternary blends of polyamide 6/high density polyethylene/maleic anhydride‐grafted‐ethylene propylene diene monomer (PA6/HDPE/EPDM‐g‐MA) and polyamide 6/maleic anhydride‐grafted‐high density polyethylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer (PA6/HDPE‐g‐MA/EPDM) through thermodynamically control described by Harkins spreading theory. The phase morphology was confirmed by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and selective solvent extraction revealed that PA6/HDPE/EPDM‐g‐MA blend having a composition of 70/15/15 vol % is constituted of polyamide 6 matrix with dispersed composite droplets of HDPE subinclusions encapsulated by EPDM‐g‐MA phase, while for PA6/HDPE‐g‐MA/EPDM blend with the same composition is constituted of polyamide 6 matrix with dispersed composite droplets of HDPE‐g‐MA subinclusions encapsulated by EPDM phase. Quiescent annealing test revealed that for PA6/HDPE/EPDM‐g‐MA blend, a perfect core–shell structure with one HDPE particle encapsulated by EPDM‐g‐MA phase was formed during annealing, and for PA6/HDPE‐g‐MA/EPDM blend, a novel complete inverting HDPE‐g‐MA/EPDM core/shell structure was achieved. Moreover, quantitative analysis about coalescent behaviors of HDPE‐g‐MA and HDPE subinclusions during quiescent annealing were investigated by image analysis and the result suggested that the grafted maleic anhydride group in HDPE‐g‐MA, acted as a role of steric repulsion, could suppress coalescence effects, thus leaded to a lower coalescent rate than that of HDPE subinclusions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39937.
Synthesis of Pyrimidones and Evaluation of Their Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Gurupadaswamy Handuvinahalli Devanna , Girish Virupaksha , Zameer Farhan , Hegdekatte Raghavendra , Chauhan Jyoti Bala , Khanum Shaukath Ara
Published: October 2013

The increasing prevalence of gout has been accompanied by a growing number of patients intolerant to or with disease refractory to the available urate‐lowering therapies. This metabolic disease is a common disease with a higher prevalence in men older than 30 years and in women older than 50 years. These findings highlight the need for emerging treatments to effectively lower urate levels. In this view, we describe the xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activities of the synthesized compounds 5a–j and also their antioxidant activities. Compounds 5c, 5d, 5f, 5h, and 5j exhibited good inhibitory activities against XO. On the other hand, compounds 5g and 5j exhibited moderate antioxidant activity.
Backward Stochastic H2/H∞ Control with Random Jumps
Authors: Zhang Qixia
Published: October 2013

This paper is concerned with H2/H∞ control of a new class of stochastic systems. The most distinguishing feature, compared with the existing literature, is that the systems are described by backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs) with Brownian motion and random jumps. It is shown that the backward stochastic H2/H∞ control under consideration is associated with the of the corresponding uncontrolled backward stochastic perturbed system. A necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a unique solution to the control problem under consideration is derived. The resulting solution is characterized by the solution of an uncontrolled forward backward stochastic differential equation (FBSDE) with Brownian motion and random jumps. When the coefficients are all deterministic, the equivalent linear feedback solution involves a pair of Riccati‐type equations and an uncontrolled BSDE. In addition an uncontrolled forward stochastic differential equation (SDE) is given.
Molecular determinants of the binding specificity of BH3 ligands to BclXL apoptotic repressor
Authors: Bhat Vikas , Olenick Max B. , Schuchardt Brett J. , Mikles David C. , McDonald Caleb B. , Farooq Amjad
Published: October 2013

B‐cell lymphoma extra‐large protein (BclXL) serves as an apoptotic repressor by virtue of its ability to recognize and bind to BH3 domains found within a diverse array of proapoptotic regulators. Herein, we investigate the molecular basis of the specificity of the binding of proapoptotic BH3 ligands to BclXL. Our data reveal that while the BH3 ligands harboring the LXXX[A/S]D and [R/Q]XLXXXGD motif bind to BclXL with high affinity in the submicromolar range, those with the LXXXGD motif afford weak interactions. This suggests that the presence of a glycine at the fourth position (G+4)—relative to the N‐terminal leucine (L0) within the LXXXGD motif—mitigates binding, unless the LXXXGD motif also contains arginine/glutamine at the −2 position. Of particular note is the observation that the residues at the +4 and −2 positions within the LXXX[A/S]D and [R/Q]XLXXXGD motifs appear to be energetically coupled—replacement of either [A/S]+4 or [R/Q]‐2 with other residues has little bearing on the binding affinity of BH3 ligands harboring one of these motifs. Collectively, our study lends new molecular insights into understanding the binding specificity of BH3 ligands to BclXL with important consequences on the design of novel anticancer drugs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 573–582, 2014.
Transcriptome dynamics of transgene amplification in Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Vishwanathan Nandita , Le Huong , Jacob Nitya M. , Tsao Yung‐Shyeng , Ng Sze‐Wai , Loo Bernard , Liu Zhong , Kantardjieff Anne , Hu Wei‐Shou
Published: October 2013

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) system is used to amplify the product gene to multiple copies in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells for generating cell lines which produce the recombinant protein at high levels. The physiological changes accompanying the transformation of the non‐protein secreting host cells to a high producing cell line is not well characterized. We performed transcriptome analysis on CHO cells undergoing the selection and amplification processes. A host CHO cell line was transfected with a vector containing genes encoding the mouse DHFR (mDHFR) and a recombinant human IgG (hIgG). Clones were isolated following selection and subcloned following amplification. Control cells were transfected with a control plasmid which did not have the hIgG genes. Although methotrexate (MTX) amplification increased the transcript level of the mDHFR gene significantly, its effect on both hIgG heavy and light chain genes was more modest. The subclones appeared to retain the transcriptome signatures of their parental clones, however, their productivity varied among those derived from the same clone. The transcript levels of hIgG transgenes of all subclones fall in a narrower range than the product titer, alluding to the role of many functional attributes, other than transgene transcript, on productivity. We cross examined functional class enrichment during selection and amplification as well as between high and low producers and discerned common features among them. We hypothesize that the role of amplification is not merely increasing transcript levels, but also enriching survivors which have developed the cellular machinery for secreting proteins, leading to an increased frequency of isolating high‐producing clones. We put forward the possibility of assembling a hyper‐productivity gene set through comparative transcriptome analysis of a wide range of samples. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 518–528. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel Shifts in Memory Research and their Impact on the Legal Process: Introduction to the Special Issue on Memory Formation and Suggestibility in the Legal Process
Authors: Otgaar Henry , Sauerland Melanie , Petrila John P.
Published: October 2013

The functioning and frailties of memory are frequently at the centerpiece of much expert testimony about the reliability of eyewitness accounts. Although we have much knowledge about how false memories and suggestibility can affect testimonies, the contributions in this special issue show that when using a sound theoretical framework, novel directions in this field can surface. The papers in this issue can broadly be divided into contributions that are related to: (1) the exact determinants of false memory and suggestibility; (2) new paradigms in legal psychology; (3) positive consequences of memory illusions; and (4) developmental false memory research. Collectively, these contributions have the potential to provide novel shifts in memory research and push this field beyond its current boundaries. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase 1 and pharmacodynamic trial of everolimus in combination with cetuximab in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Ciunci Christine A. , Perini Rodolfo F. , Avadhani Anjali N. , Kang Hyunseon C. , Sun Weijing , Redlinger Maryann , Harlacker Kathleen , Flaherty Keith T. , Giantonio Bruce J. , Rosen Mark A. , Divgi Chaitanya R. , Song Hee Kwon , Englander Sarah , Troxel Andrea , Schnall Mitchell , O'Dwyer Peter J.
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Preclinical and clinical studies suggest mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitors may have metabolic and antiangiogenic effects, and synergize with epidermal growth factor pathway inhibitors. Therefore, a phase 1/pharmacodynamic trial of everolimus with cetuximab was performed.

METHODS

A total of 29 patients were randomized to a run‐in of oral everolimus (30, 50, or 70 mg) or cetuximab (400 mg/m2 loading, 250 mg/m2 maintenance) weekly, followed by the combination in this dose‐escalation study. Primary endpoints were phase 2 dose and toxicity characterization. [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) was performed as a pharmacodynamic marker of mTOR inhibition, and dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) was performed as an indicator of tumor perfusion changes, at 3 time points.

RESULTS

Everolimus and cetuximab were tolerable at full doses, with an expected toxicity profile. Dose‐limiting toxicities in the everolimus 70 mg group included grade 3 skin toxicity in 2 patients, and mucositis in 1 patient. Of 16 patients evaluable for response, 5 had stable disease lasting 4 to 19 months. Mean change in maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) for those treated initially with everolimus was −24% (2% to −54%), and with cetuximab was −5% (−23 to 36%). The Ktrans measured by DCE‐MRI did not decrease, regardless of run‐in drug.

CONCLUSIONS

Everolimus and cetuximab can be safely administered at standard doses, and are associated with prolonged disease control. The recommended phase 2 dose of oral weekly everolimus is 70 mg in combination with standard cetuximab. Imaging studies reveal that metabolic inhibition by everolimus alone and in combination with cetuximab predominates over changes in tumor perfusion in this patient population. Cancer 2014;120:77–85. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Effect of the thrombin receptor antagonist (PAR‐1) vorapaxar on QT/QTc interval in healthy volunteers: A randomized, placebo‐ and positive‐controlled, parallel group trial
Authors: Kosoglou Teddy , Hunt Thomas L. , Xuan Fengjuan , Kumar Bharath , Statkevich Paul , Hanson Mary E. , Cutler David L.
Published: October 2013

In a randomized, double‐blind (vorapaxar and placebo), placebo‐ and positive‐controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg) parallel group study, the effect of single‐dose vorapaxar 120 mg on QT/QTc interval was assessed in 120 adults 18–50 years. Twelve‐lead digital ECGs were obtained in triplicate using Mortara H12+ Holter monitors at 9 timepoints over 24 hours. If the largest upper bound of the 95% one‐sided CI for the mean difference in QTcF between vorapaxar and placebo was <10 milliseconds, vorapaxar was considered to have no potential for QT/QTc prolongation of regulatory concern. Vorapaxar was well‐tolerated. The lower bound of the 95% CI for the difference in QTcF between moxifloxacin and placebo was >5 milliseconds, confirming study sensitivity. Vorapaxar had no significant effect on QTcF. At all timepoints the upper 95% CI for the mean difference between placebo and vorapaxar was ≤3.8 milliseconds (mean difference ≤1.0 milliseconds). Vorapaxar does not prolong the QT/QTc interval in healthy subjects.
Extracting mobility pattern from target trajectory in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Misra Sudip , Singh Sukhchain , Khatua Manas , Obaidat Mohammad S.
Published: October 2013

Target tracking in wireless sensor networks is a well‐known application. In real life scenario, target mobility can be predicted using well‐known filters. In this paper, we explain an approach to model the pattern of movement of a target on the basis of target data available. This method utilizes filter techniques to predict the target and a curve‐fitting algorithm to model the mobility of a target in both linear and non‐linear motion patterns. Two alternate strategies to achieve mobility approximation have been proposed and compared. The efficacy of the algorithm is, further, adjudged by comparing its mobility prediction vis‐a‐vis the Kalman filter. Simulation results show that with sufficient data, the mobility pattern of the target can be fairly calculated even if the target moves unpredictably. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strong species‐environment feedback shapes plant community assembly along environmental gradients
Authors: Jiang Jiang , DeAngelis Donald L.
Published: October 2013

An aim of community ecology is to understand the patterns of competing species assembly along environmental gradients. All species interact with their environments. However, theories of community assembly have seldom taken into account the effects of species that are able to engineer the environment. In this modeling study, we integrate the species' engineering trait together with processes of immigration and local dispersal into a theory of community assembly. We quantify the species' engineering trait as the degree to which it can move the local environment away from its baseline state towards the optimum state of the species (species‐environment feedback). We find that, in the presence of immigration from a regional pool, strong feedback can increase local species richness; however, in the absence of continual immigration, species richness is a declining function of the strength of species‐environment feedback. This shift from a negative effect of engineering strength on species richness to a positive effect, as immigration rate increases, is clearer when there is spatial heterogeneity in the form of a gradient in environmental conditions than when the environment is homogeneous or it is randomly heterogeneous. Increasing the scale over which local dispersal occurs can facilitate species richness when there is no species‐environment feedback or when the feedback is weak. However, increases in the spatial scale of dispersal can reduce species richness when the species‐environment feedback is strong. These results expand the theoretical basis for understanding the effects of the strength of species‐environment feedback on community assembly.
Crosstalk between human DC subsets promotes antibacterial activity and CD8+T‐cell stimulation in response to bacille Calmette‐Guérin
Authors: Lozza Laura , Farinacci Maura , Faé Kellen , Bechtle Marina , Stäber Manuela , Dorhoi Anca , Bauer Mario , Ganoza Christian , Weber Stephan , Kaufmann Stefan H.E.
Published: October 2013

To date, little is known about the unique contributions of specialized human DC subsets to protection against tuberculosis (TB). Here, we focus on the role of human plasmacytoid (p)DCs and myeloid (m)DCs in the immune response to the TB vaccine bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG). Ex vivo DC subsets from human peripheral blood were purified and infected with BCG expressing GFP to distinguish between infected and noninfected cells. BDCA‐1+ myeloid DCs were more susceptible than BDCA‐3+ mDCs to BCG infection. Plasmacytoid DCs have poor phagocytic activity but are equipped with endocytic receptors and can be activated by bystander stimulation. Consequently, the mutual interaction of the two DC subsets in response to BCG was analyzed. We found that pDCs were activated by BCG‐infected BDCA‐1+ mDCs to upregulate maturation markers and to produce granzyme B, but not IFN‐α. Reciprocally, the presence of activated pDCs enhanced mycobacterial growth control by infected mDCs and increased IL‐1β availability. The synergy between the two DC subsets promoted BCG‐specific CD8+ T‐cell stimulation and the role of BCG‐infected BDCA‐1+ mDCs could not be efficiently replaced by infected BDCA‐3+ mDCs in the crosstalk with pDCs. We conclude that mDC–pDC crosstalk should be exploited for rational design of next‐generation TB vaccines.
A novel condition for capillary electrophoretic analysis of reductively aminated saccharides without removal of excess reagents
Authors: Yodoshi Masahiro , Ikeda Natsumi , Yamaguchi Naoko , Nagata Mana , Nishida Noriaki , Kakehi Kazuaki , Hayakawa Takao , Suzuki Shigeo
Published: October 2013

We have identified novel CE conditions for the separation of 7‐amino‐4‐methylcoumarin‐labeled monosaccharides and oligosaccharides from glycoproteins. Using a neutrally coated capillary and alkaline borate buffer containing hydroxypropylcellulose and ACN, saccharide derivatives form anionic borate complexes, which move from the cathode to the anode in an electric field and are detected near the anodic end. Excess labeling reagents and other fluorescent products remain at the cathodic end. Fluorimetric detection using an LED as a light source enables determination of monosaccharide derivatives with good linearity between at least 0.4 and 400 μM, may correspond to 140 amol to 140 fmol. The lower LOD (S/N = 5) is only 80 nM in the sample solution (ca. 28 amol). The results were comparable to reported values using fluorometric detection LC. The method was also applied to the analysis of oligosaccharides that were enzymatically released from glycoproteins. Fine resolution enables profiling of glycans in glycoproteins. The applicability of the method was examined by applying it to other derivatives labeled with nonacidic tags such as ethyl p‐aminobenzoate‐ and 2‐aminoacridone‐labeled saccharides.
Dielectrophoresis with 3D microelectrodes fabricated by surface tension assisted lithography
Authors: Nasabi Mahyar , Khoshmanesh Khashayar , Tovar‐Lopez Francisco J. , Kalantar‐zadeh Kourosh , Mitchell Arnan
Published: October 2013

This paper demonstrates the utilization of 3D semispherical shaped microelectrodes for dielectrophoretic manipulation of yeast cells. The semispherical microelectrodes are capable of producing strong electric field gradients, and in turn dielectrophoretic forces across a large area of channel cross‐section. The semispherical shape of microelectrodes avoids the formation of undesired sharp electric fields along the structure and also minimizes the disturbance of the streamlines of nearby passing fluid. The advantage of semispherical microelectrodes over the planar microelectrodes is demonstrated in a series of numerical simulations and proof‐of‐concept experiments aimed toward immobilization of viable yeast cells.
Microfluidic sorting of fluorescently activated cells depending on gene expression level
Authors: Shang Haifeng , Hyun Kyung‐A. , Kwon Mi‐Hye , Ha Kwon‐Soo , Joo Chulmin , Jung Hyo‐Il
Published: October 2013

During the last few years, fluorescence activated cell sorter has played an important role in a variety of biological investigations as well as clinical diagnostics. However, the conventional fluorescence activated cell sorter has several limitations, such as large size, large sample volumes required for operation, and high cost. In this paper, we present a novel microfluidic device that can separate cells based on various fluorescent protein expression levels. Our system consists of three major parts: focusing, detection, and separation. The operating principles are briefly as follows: first fluorescent cells were delivered into the microfluidic chip and focused in the center of channel by sheath flow. Subsequently, the cells were excited by a 532 nm laser at 30 μW and concurrently detected by a photomultiplier tube. Based on their fluorescence intensities, the cells were separated into three outlets by a dielectrophoretic force. Using this system, we successfully separated the genetically modified cells at 0.1 μL/min (sample flow rate) to sheath flow rate at 1:5, 5 Vpp voltage, and 800 kHz frequency. The separation efficiency was measured as high as 94.7%. In conclusion, we found that our system has the capability of separating genetically modified cells with various fluorescent intensities and help study biology and medicine in a molecular level.
Inorganic analysis using CE: Advanced methodologies to face old challenges
Authors: Kubáň Petr , Timerbaev Andrei R.
Published: October 2013

Inorganic species still remain of secondary importance when CE is used as an analytical separation tool. Despite considerable efforts of great many groups over last 20 years, plenty of competition, mostly from ion chromatography and elemental MS, restrains the routine use of CE in inorganic analysis. If there is yet hope clinging to make CE a viable alternative in the field, success would ultimately be attained through research activities on negating the disadvantages and amplifying the advantages of the method. Being the latest update of a series of reviews covering the time period from 1990 to 2010, this paper will comment on how and to what extent these challenges of inorganic CE analysis have been addressed in two recent years.
Recent advances in amino acid analysis by capillary electromigration methods, 2011–2013
Authors: Poinsot Véréna , Ong‐Meang Varravaddheay , Gavard Pierre , Couderc François
Published: October 2013

This article describes the most important research published on amino acid (AA) analysis using CE during the period from June 2011 to May 2013, and follows the format of the previous articles of Smith (Electrophoresis 1999, 20, 3078–3083), Prata et al. (Electrophoresis 2001, 22, 4129–4138), and Poinsot et al. (Electrophoresis 2003, 24, 4047–4062; Electrophoresis 2006, 27, 176–194; Electrophoresis 2008, 29, 207–223; Electrophoresis 2010, 31, 105–121; Electrophoresis 2012, 33, 14–35). We present new developments in AA analysis with CE, mainly describing the use of MS or LEDs for detection following conventional or enantiomeric separation developments. In addition, in an application part, we describe neurochemical or clinical studies, metabolomics for plant extracts and biological fluids, and finally works focused on AAs in food and agricultural applications.
A novel fabrication technique to minimize poly(dimethylsiloxane)‐microchannels deformation under high‐pressure operation
Authors: Madadi Hojjat , Mohammadi Mahdi , Casals‐Terré Jasmina , López Roberto Castilla
Published: October 2013

PDMS is one of the most common materials used for the flow delivery in the microfluidics chips, since it is clear, inert, nontoxic, and nonflammable. Its inexpensiveness, straightforward fabrication, and biological compatibility have made it a favorite material in the exploratory stages of the bio‐microfluidic devices. If small footprint assays want to be performed while keeping the throughput, high pressure‐rated channels should be used, but PDMS flexibility causes an important issue since it can generate a large variation of microchannel geometry. In this work, a novel fabrication technique based on the prevention of PDMS deformation is developed. A photo‐sensible thiolene resin (Norland Optical Adhesive 63, NOA 63) is used to create a rigid coating layer over the stiff PDMS micropillar array, which significantly reduces the pressure‐induced shape changes. This method uses the exact same soft lithography manufacturing equipment. The verification of the presented technique was investigated experimentally and numerically and the manufactured samples showed a deformation 70% lower than PDMS conventional samples.
Seismic transect across the Lomonosov and Mendeleev Ridges: Constraints on the geological evolution of the Amerasia Basin, Arctic Ocean
Authors: Jokat Wilfried , Ickrath Michele , O'Connor John
Published: October 2013

We report on seismic and petrological data that provide new constraints on the geological evolution of the Amerasia Basin. A seismic reflection transect across the Makarov Basin, located between the Mendeleev and Lomonosov Ridges, shows a complete undisturbed sedimentary section of Mesozoic/Cenozoic age. In contrast to the Mendeleev Ridge, the margin of the Lomonosov Ridge is wide and shows horst and graben structures. We suggest that the Mendeleev Ridge is most likely volcanic in origin and support this finding with a 40Ar/39Ar isotopic age for a tholeiitic basalt sampled from the central Alpha/Mendeleev Ridge. Seismic reflection data for the Makarov Basin show no evidence of compressional features, consistent with the Lomonosov Ridge moving as a microplate in the Cenozoic. We propose that the Amerasia Basin moved as a single tectonic plate during the opening of the Eurasia Basin.
EFFECTS OF WATER STORAGE IN DEEPER SOIL LAYERS ON GROWTH, YIELD, AND WATER PRODUCTIVITY OF COTTON (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L.) IN ARID AREAS OF NORTHWESTERN CHINA
Authors: Luo Honghai , Zhang Hongzhi , Han Huanyong , Hu Yuanyuan , Zhang Yali , Zhang Wangfeng
Published: October 2013

In order to understand how the available water stored prior to planting (ASWp) affects cotton yield and the relative physiological parameters, we designed two ASWp levels in columns, well‐watered (P90) and no watering (P0), combined with different water management scenarios during the cotton‐growing period, 70% of field capacity (FC) during the third leaf to boll opening stage (I70) and changed the third leaf to flowering stage in 55% of FC and 80% of FC thereafter (I55‐80). P90 enhanced root length density (RLD), surface area density (RSD), and root activity, which in turn increased the efficiency of ASWp usage. A significantly higher leaf water potential, net photosynthesis rate, above‐ground dry matter (DM), and yield were found in P90 than in P0. Under well‐watered conditions, I55‐80 had a higher RLD in the 40–120 cm layer compared with I70. However, root mass density (RMD) and DM in I55‐80 were significantly decreased that led to marked decreases in yield and, to a lesser extent, in water productivity (WP). Under no watering conditions, yield and WP were significantly increased in I70 relative to I55‐80. It showed that sufficient water in deeper soil layers and a sustained 65–75% of FC could be an appropriate drip irrigation mode for the local cotton field. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid hyaluronic acid hydrogel/poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) scaffold provides mechanically favorable platform for cartilage tissue engineering studies
Authors: Mintz Benjamin R. , Cooper James A.
Published: October 2013

Hybrid scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering provide the potential for high stiffness properties in tension and compression while exhibiting the viscoelastic response found in hydrogels and native cartilage tissue. We investigate the impact of a hybrid scaffold fabricated from a hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based hydrogel combined with porous poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) material formed by a particulate leaching method to study dedifferentiated chondrocyte response. The material properties of the hybrid scaffold showed mean Young's moduli in tension which were similar to human articular cartilage but not statistically different between the hybrid and porous PCL scaffolds at 2.02 and 2.07 MPa, respectively. For both the hybrid and porous PCL control scaffolds in compression at low loading frequencies (<1 Hz) and 10% strain peak amplitude the Young's moduli are not statistically distinct. However, at frequencies in the range of normal human gait from 1 to2 Hz, hybrid scaffolds exhibit significantly (p < 0.01) increased loss moduli indicating additional contribution of the viscous phase to stiffness. Dedifferentiated chondrocytes seeded onto the scaffolds exhibited a rounded morphology in hybrid scaffolds however ECM protein expression levels of collagen type I, collagen type II, and aggrecan are not different from the PCL control scaffolds. These results provide a model platform to investigate cell response to mechanical and chemical cues in a hybrid scaffold system with mechanical properties similar to human cartilage that does not contribute to differentiation in order to identify the appropriate design and development parameters to promote formation of extracellular matrix and investigate chondrocyte scaffold interactions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2918–2926, 2014.
RANKL Inhibitors Induce Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Mice With Periapical Disease
Authors: Aghaloo Tara L , Cheong Simon , Bezouglaia Olga , Kostenuik Paul , Atti Elisa , Dry Sarah M , Pirih Flavia Q , Tetradis Sotirios
Published: October 2013

Antiresorptive medications are essential in treating diseases of pathologic osteoclastic bone resorption, including bone cancer and osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates (BPs) are the most commonly used antiresorptives in clinical practice. Although inhibition of bone resorption is important in regulating unwanted malignant and metabolic osteolysis, BP treatment is associated with potential side effects, including osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ). Recently, non-BP antiresorptive medications targeting osteoclastic function and differentiation, such as denosumab, have entered the clinical arena. Denosumab treatment results in a similar rate of ONJ as BPs. Animal models of ONJ, using high-dose BP treatment in combination with tooth extraction or dental disease, provide valuable tools and insight in exploring ONJ pathophysiology. However, the ability of other antiresorptives to induce ONJ-like lesions in animal models has not been explored. Such studies would be beneficial in providing support for the role of osteoclast inhibition in ONJ pathogenesis versus a direct BP effect on oral tissues. Here, we tested the ability of the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) inhibitors RANK-Fc (composed of the extracellular domain of RANK fused to the fragment crystallizable [Fc] portion of immunoglobulin G [IgG]) and OPG-Fc (composed of the RANKL-binding domains of osteoprotegerin [OPG] linked to the Fc portion of IgG) to induce ONJ in mice in the presence of periapical disease, but in the absence of dental extractions. We demonstrate radiographic evidence of ONJ in RANK-Fc–treated and OPG-Fc–treated mice, including inhibition of bone loss, increased bone density, lamina dura thickening, and periosteal bone deposition. These findings closely resembled the radiographic appearance of an ONJ patient on denosumab treatment. Histologic examination revealed that RANK-Fc treatment and OPG-Fc treatment resulted in absence of osteoclasts, periosteal bone formation, empty osteocytic lacunae, osteonecrosis, and bone exposure. In conclusion, we have successfully induced ONJ in mice with periapical disease, using potent osteoclast inhibitors other than BPs. Our findings, coupled with ONJ animal models using high-dose BPs, suggest that osteoclast inhibition is pivotal to the pathogenesis of ONJ. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Color‐Coded Fluorescence Imaging of Lymph‐Node Metastasis, Angiogenesis, and Its Drug‐Induced Inhibition
Authors: Aki Ryoichi , Amoh Yasuyuki , Bouvet Michael , Katsuoka Kensei , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: October 2013

Lymph nodes are often the first target of metastatic cancer which can then remetastasize to distant organs. The progression of lymph node metastasis is dependent on sufficient blood supply provided by angiogenesis. In the present study, we have developed a color‐coded imaging model to visualize angiogenesis of lymph nodes metastasis using green fluorescent protein (GFP) and red fluorescent protein (RFP). Transgenic mice carrying GFP under the control of the nestin promoter (ND‐GFP mice) were used as hosts. Nascent blood vessels express GFP in these mice. B16F10‐RFP melanoma cells were injected into the efferent lymph vessel of the inguinal lymph node of the ND‐GFP nude mice, whereby the melanoma cells trafficked to the axillary lymph node. Three days after melanoma implantation, ND‐GFP‐expressing nascent blood vessels were imaged in the axillary lymph nodes. Seven days after implantation, ND‐GFP‐expressing nascent blood vessels formed a network in the lymph nodes. ND‐GFP‐positive blood vessels surrounded the tumor mass by 14 days after implantation. However, by 28 days after implantation, ND‐GFP expression was diminished as the blood vessels matured. Treatment with doxorubicin significantly decreased the mean nascent blood vessel length per tumor volume. These results show that the dual‐color ND‐GFP blood vessels/RFP‐tumor model is a powerful tool to visualize and quantitate angiogenesis of metastatic lymph nodes as well as for evaluation of its inhibition. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 457–463, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correcting the NOAA/MEPED energetic electron fluxes for detector efficiency and proton contamination
Authors: Asikainen T. , Mursula K.
Published: October 2013

The Medium Energy Proton and Electron Detector (MEPED) instruments onboard the NOAA/POES satellites have provided a valuable long‐term database of low‐altitude energetic particle observations spanning from 1978 to present. Here we study the instrumental problems of the NOAA/MEPED electron detectors and present methods to correct them. It is well known that the MEPED electron detectors are contaminated by protons of certain energy range. Using the recently corrected MEPED proton fluxes, we are now able to reliably remove this contamination. Using a simple simulation model to estimate the response of the MEPED electron detectors to incoming electrons and protons, we show that efficiencies of (Space Environment Monitors) SEM‐1 and SEM‐2 versions of the detectors have large differences due to different detector designs. This leads to a systematic difference between the SEM‐1 and SEM‐2 measurements and causes a significant long‐term inhomogeneity in measured MEPED electron fluxes. Using the estimated efficiencies, we remove the proton contamination and correct the electron measurements for nonideal detector efficiency. We discuss the entire 34 year time series of MEPED measurements and show that, on an average, the correction affects different energy channels and SEM‐1 and SEM‐2 instruments differently. Accordingly, the uncorrected electron fluxes and electron spectra are severely distorted by nonideal detector efficiency and proton contamination, and their long‐term evolution is misrepresented without the correction. The present correction of the MEPED electron fluxes over the whole interval of NOAA/POES measurements covering several solar cycles is important for long‐term studies of, e.g., magnetospheric dynamics, solar activity, ionospheric research, and atmospheric effects of energetic electrons.
A modeling study of ice formation affected by aerosols
Authors: Li Zhe , Xue Huiwen , Yang Fan
Published: October 2013

This study investigates the effects of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN) on ice formation in mixed‐phase clouds using an adiabatic parcel model. The simulations with lower updrafts represent mixed‐phase stratiform clouds, and those with higher updrafts represent deep convective clouds. Increasing CCN concentration can lead to more ice crystals with smaller sizes, but does not affect the height of freezing nucleation at lower updrafts. At higher updrafts, ice number concentration is more sensitive to CCN, and CCN effect on ice nucleation height is also more noticeable. This study also investigates the effects of IN properties (number concentration, size, contact angle) on ice formation assuming the immersion freezing mechanism. At very low IN number concentration, ice nucleation is dominated by homogeneous freezing and ice number concentration is relatively high. As IN number concentration is increased, ice number concentration decreases because both heterogeneous and homogeneous freezing processes occur. A mixed‐phase layer extends up to the height for homogeneous freezing and there is a competition between the two freezing processes. As IN number concentration is further increased, ice number concentration increases because heterogeneous freezing dominates ice nucleation. IN number concentration needs to be higher for heterogeneous freezing to dominate ice nucleation at higher updrafts and lower at lower updrafts. Increasing IN size and contact coefficient also increases the contribution of heterogeneous freezing to ice nucleation. Finally, spheroids are used to represent columnar and plate‐like ice crystals. CCN and IN effects are not dependent on the assumption of ice crystal shapes.
Meteorological conditions on an Arctic ice cap—8 years of automatic weather station data from Austfonna, Svalbard
Authors: Schuler Thomas V. , Dunse Thorben , Østby Torbjørn I. , Hagen Jon O.
Published: October 2013

Only few reliable records are available covering more than 5 years of meteorological conditions on Arctic glaciers. Here, we report on the operation of an automatic weather station at the Austfonna ice cap, Svalbard, over an 8‐year period from 2004 to 2012. Time series of measured and derived quantities are analysed to characterize meteorological conditions close to the equilibrium line altitude at ∼400 m.a.s.l. The mean annual temperature is −8.3 °C but exhibits large variability such that excursions above 0 °C occur even during winter. In general, relative air humidity is high and evaluating the wind pattern, we find that moisture is primarily advected from south‐easterly directions. Net radiation is dominated by shortwave radiation and, hence, surface albedo plays an important role in the radiation budget. Frequent summer snowfalls, as observed in 2008, have the ability to maintain a high albedo over much of the ablation season, thereby having large impact on the energy balance as well as on glacier mass balance. Cloudiness is assessed using records of incoming longwave radiation. Analyzing the radiation data, we find evidence for the radiation paradox, i.e. an increase of average net radiation (2004–2012) from −15.7 W m−2 for clear‐sky conditions to 7.3 W m−2 during overcast skies.