bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated measurement of spontaneous pain‐associated limb movement and drug efficacy evaluation in a rat model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Kawasaki‐Yatsugi S. , Nagakura Y. , Ogino S. , Sekizawa T. , Kiso T. , Takahashi M. , Ishikawa G. , Ito H. , Shimizu Y.
Published: March 2012

Background

The withdrawal response elicited by a nociceptive stimulus, i.e., evoked pain measure, is commonly used as an efficacy endpoint in neuropathic pain animal models. It, however, has several limitations, which highlight the importance of examining spontaneous pain. The present study describes an automated method for measuring spontaneous pain behaviour in a rat model of neuropathic pain caused by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve.

Methods

After CCI surgery, a small magnet was implanted into the operated limb. The rat was placed in a test chamber that was surrounded by wire coil. Limb movements, including lifting/guarding, flinching/shaking, licking and walking in the operated limb, caused changes in the electromagnetic field, including a change in voltage and transformed into a signal via an amplifier.

Results

CCI rats consistently showed more frequent limb movement than sham rats. There was no significant correlation between the frequency of spontaneous pain behaviour and the evoked pain symptoms. Treatment with duloxetine (30 mg/kg p.o.) and amitriptyline (30 and 100 mg/kg p.o.) significantly reduced this frequency. Pregabalin at 30 mg/kg p.o. tended to reduce the frequency, and diclofenac up to 10 mg/kg p.o. had no effect.

Conclusion

A non‐subjective automated method for measuring spontaneous pain behaviour in an animal model of neuropathic pain was established. It is expected that the current system will greatly enhance the analysis of spontaneous pain‐related behaviour, which is a predominant symptom in patients with neuropathic pain. The current system may also be valuable in the screening of potential analgesic treatments.
Video Journaling as a Method of Reflective Practice
Authors: Parikh Sejal B. , Janson Christopher , Singleton Tiffany
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine seven school counseling students’ experiences of creating reflective video journals during their first internship course. Specifically, this study focused on capturing the essence of the experiences related to personal reactions, feelings, and thoughts about creating two video journal entries. Qualitative analysis revealed that reflection as a developmental process, authenticity, parallel process, and apprehension with the process were significant themes related to the video journaling experience. Implications for counselor education and training and directions for future research are presented.
Preparing School Counselors to Promote Academic Development
Authors: Galassi John P. , Akos Patrick
Published: March 2012

Reform in school counseling over the last decade has focused on how school counselors can contribute to the academic development of K–12 students. Consensus in this matter has yet to be achieved, and recommendations about how best to prepare preservice K–12 school counselors for this objective have been incomplete. The authors describe content and supervised experiences from a preservice course designed to prepare school counselors to promote student academic development.
The Effects of a Stress Management Course on Counselors‐in‐Training
Authors: Abel Holly , Abel Annette , Smith Robert L.
Published: March 2012

The effects of a stress management course on the stress knowledge and coping techniques of 101 graduate students in counseling were examined. Participants, drawn from various racial groups, were typically female (79%) and 21 to 55 years of age. Seven of the 8 null hypotheses were rejected. There were significant differences on 6 of the 7 dependent variables (overall knowledge of stress, perceived state and trait anxiety, stress response to positive and negative self‐statements, and general and current stress level). The treatment group learned and implemented stress management strategies to better cope with stress. Recommendations and further directions for research are offered.
Gender Similarity or Gender Difference? Contemporary Women's and Men's Career Patterns
Authors: Whitmarsh Lona , Wentworth Diane Keyser
Published: March 2012

Career development research has often explored gender differences in and development of career patterns (Gottfredson, 2006). Hyde's (2005) meta‐analysis indicated that men and women shared more similarities than differences. Applying Hyde's gender similarities hypothesis to careers, the authors conducted a 2‐stage study. Stage 1 was an analysis of career choices of couples (a socioeconomically and educationally advantaged group) announcing their wedding in the New York Times. Stage 2 was a comparison of a New York Times wedding cohort with a cohort from 11 other U.S. newspapers, examining national trends and exploring generalizability of the findings from Stage 1 of the study. Results revealed that there are shifting trends in career choices, most notably in the legal profession.
Fabrication of chitosan/hydroxylapatite composite rods with a layer‐by‐layer structure for fracture fixation
Authors: Pu Xi‐Ming , Sun Zhen‐Zhen , Hou Zhen‐Qing , Yang Yun , Yao Qing‐Qing , Zhang Qi‐Qing
Published: March 2012

A composite rod for fracture fixation using chitosan (CHI)/hydroxylapatite (HA) was prepared by means of in situ precipitation, which had a layer‐by‐layer structure, good mechanical properties, and cell compatibilities. The CHI/HA composite rods were precipitated from the chitosan solution with calcium and phosphorus precursors, followed by treatment with a tripolyphosphate–trisodium phosphate solution (pH >13) to crosslink the CHI and to hydrolyze the calcium phosphates to nanocrystalline HA. The results of FTIR, XRD, and TEM measurements confirmed that HA had been formed within the CHI matrix. The effects of the CHI/HA ratios (20/0, 20/1, 20/2, 20/4, and 20/5, w/w) on the mechanical properties were investigated. At the CHI/HA ratio of 20/4 (w/w), the bending strength and modulus of the rods were 133 MPa and 6.8 GPa, respectively. Pre‐osteoblast MC3T3‐E1 cells were cultured in an extract of the CHI/HA rods (20/4, w/w) to study the cell compatibilities of the composite. The observations indicated that the CHI/HA composite could promote the growth of MC3T3‐E1 cells better than the composite without HA (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the co‐cultivation of the cells and the CHI/HA composite showed that cells fully spread on the surface of the composite with an obvious cytoskeleton organization, which also revealed that the CHI/HA composite had a good biocompatibility. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 1179–1189, 2012.
Effect of crystallization heat treatment on the microstructure of niobium‐doped fluorapatite glass‐ceramics
Authors: Denry I. , Holloway J. A. , Gupta P. K.
Published: March 2012

Our goal was to study the effect of heat treatment temperature and heating rate on the microstructure and crystalline phases and assess the domain of existence of submicrometer fluorapatite crystals in niobium‐doped fluorapatite glass‐ceramics for biomedical applications. Glass‐ceramic specimens were prepared by casting and heat treatment between 700 and 1200°C using a fast or a slow heating rate. The microstructure was characterized by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Crystalline phases were analyzed by x‐ray diffraction. AFM of the as‐cast glass revealed that amorphous phase separation occurred in this system. XRD confirmed the presence of fluorapatite in all specimens, together with forsterite and enstatite at higher temperatures. Both heating rate and heat treatment temperature strongly influenced microstructure and crystallinity. A dual microstructure with submicrometer fluorapatite crystals and polygonal forsterite crystals was obtained when slow heating rates and crystallization temperatures between 950 and 1100°C were used. Needle‐shaped fluorapatite crystals appeared after heat treatment above 1100°C. Fast heating rates led to an increase in crystal size. Heat treatment temperatures should remain below 1100°C, together with slow heating rates, to prevent crystal dissolution, and preserve a dual microstructure of finely dispersed submicrometer crystals without growth of needle‐shaped crystals. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B:1198–1205, 2012.
Preparation of a New Solid‐Phase Microextraction Fiber by Coating Silylated Nanoporous Silica on a Copper Wire
Authors: Hashemi Payman , Badiei Alireza , Shamizadeh Mohammad , Ziarani Ghodsi Mohammadi , Ghiasvand Ali Reza
Published: March 2012

LUS‐1 typed nanoporous silica particles were synthesized and silylated with hexamethyldisilazane and investigated as a highly porous fiber coating for solid‐phase microextraction (SPME). The pore size distribution of the prepared Sil‐LUS‐1 was still typical of MCM‐41 and centered at 3 nm with a specific surface area of 720 m2g−1. The SPME fiber was prepared by liming the material on a copper wire. The extraction efficiency of the new fiber was compared with a commercial PDMS fiber for headspace extraction and GC‐MS analysis of phenol, 4‐nitrophenol, 2,4‐dichlorophenol and 4‐chlorophenol in water samples. Due to the high porosity of the prepared fiber it showed a higher sensitivity and better selectivity for the extraction of the target compounds. For optimization of different factors affecting the extraction efficiency, a simplex optimization method was used. The relative standard deviation for the measurements by one fiber was better than 7% for five replicates and the fiber‐to‐fiber reproducibility was about 10% for five fabricated fibers. Detection limits in the range of 0.002 to 0.026 μg mL−1 were obtained for the phenolic compounds. The fiber was successfully applied for the determination of phenolic compounds in natural water samples.
β‐Enaminonitriles in Heterocyclic Synthesis: Synthesis of New 1,4‐Dihydropyridine, Tetrahydropyridine, Nicotinonitrile and Aminopyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Ramiz Mahmoud M. M. , Abdel Hafiz Ibrahim S. , Elian Mohamed A.
Published: March 2012

A series of new pyridine, dihydropyridine, tetrahydropyridine, nicotinonitrile and pyrazole derivatives with expected biological activity were prepared through the reactions of 3‐aminopent‐2‐enenitrile 1 with some electrophilic reagents, nucleophilic reagents, and aryl diazonium salts. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and mass spectral studies.
Synthesis of (3‐N‐substituted‐piperidin‐4‐ylidene)acetic Acid Ethyl Esters
Authors: Chang Meng‐Yang , Lee Tein‐Wei
Published: March 2012

A convenient preparation of skeletons 2A and 2B (cyclic γ,δ‐diamino‐α,β‐unsaturated esters) is reported by a three‐step synthetic route based on a sequence of NBS‐mediated one‐pot α‐bromination/Wittig olefination of piperidin‐4‐one 3, nucleophilic addition with NaN3, and followed by PPh3‐promoted Staudinger reduction/substitution or CuI‐catalyzed Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition.
Leading with metaphoric intelligence
Authors: Nguyen Nhu T. B. , Umemoto Katsuhiro
Published: March 2012

This paper argues that metaphoric intelligence plays a major role in successful leadership. We are embarking on the understanding of metaphoric intelligence by reporting partial research surrounding successful metaphors that can potentially account for metaphoric intelligence. We analyzed recent ideas on the effective use of metaphors by leaders of countries, providing the reader with a useful, convenient base for investigation on the general role of metaphor in leadership, and the role of metaphoric intelligence as manifested in speeches for special purposes in particular. Only the first step in the direction of providing a comprehension of metaphoric intelligence for leadership, this paper opens a number of interesting avenues of future research. In particular, this study calls for more empirical research, especially research focusing on how metaphoric intelligence foster leadership's role in organization.
Classifying compound mechanism of action for linking whole cell phenotypes to molecular targets
Authors: Bourne Christina R. , Wakeham Nancy , Bunce Richard A. , Nammalwar Baskar , Darrell Berlin K. , Barrow William W.
Published: March 2012

Drug development programs have proven successful when performed at a whole cell level, thus incorporating solubility and permeability into the primary screen. However, linking those results to the target within the cell has been a major setback. The Phenotype Microarray system, marketed and sold by Biolog, seeks to address this need by assessing the phenotype in combination with a variety of chemicals with known mechanism of action (MOA). We have evaluated this system for usefulness in deducing the MOA for three test compounds. To achieve this, we constructed a database with 21 known antimicrobials, which served as a comparison for grouping our unknown MOA compounds. Pearson correlation and Ward linkage calculations were used to generate a dendrogram that produced clustering largely by known MOA, although there were exceptions. Of the three unknown compounds, one was definitively placed as an antifolate. The second and third compounds' MOA were not clearly identified, likely because the unique MOA was not represented within the database. The availability of the database generated in this report for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 will increase the accessibility of this technique to other investigators. From our analysis, the Phenotype Microarray system can group compounds with clear MOA, but the distinction of unique or broadly acting MOA at this time is less clear. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the multifunctional proteins RPA, YB‐1, and XPC repair factor on AP site cleavage by DNA glycosylase NEIL1
Authors: Pestryakov Pavel , Zharkov Dmitry O. , Grin Inga , Fomina Elizaveta E. , Kim Ekaterina R. , Hamon Loïc , Eliseeva Irina A. , Petruseva Irina O. , Curmi Patrick A. , Ovchinnikov Lev P. , Lavrik Olga I.
Published: March 2012

DNA glycosylases are key enzymes in the first step of base excision DNA repair, recognizing DNA damage and catalyzing the release of damaged nucleobases. Bifunctional DNA glycosylases also possess associated apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) lyase activity that nick the damaged DNA strand at an abasic (or AP) site, formed either spontaneously or at the first step of repair. NEIL1 is a bifunctional DNA glycosylase capable of processing lesions, including AP sites, not only in double‐stranded but also in single‐stranded DNA. Here, we show that proteins participating in DNA damage response, YB‐1 and RPA, affect AP site cleavage by NEIL1. Stimulation of the AP lyase activity of NEIL1 was observed when an AP site was located in a 60 nt‐long double‐stranded DNA. Both RPA and YB‐1 inhibited AP site cleavage by NEIL1 when the AP site was located in single‐stranded DNA. Taking into account a direct interaction of YB‐1 with the AP site, located in single‐stranded DNA, and the high affinity of both YB‐1 and RPA for single‐stranded DNA, this behavior is presumably a consequence of a competition with NEIL1 for the DNA substrate. Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C protein (XPC), a key protein of another DNA repair pathway, was shown to interact directly with AP sites but had no effect on AP site cleavage by NEIL1. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The absence of tertiary interactions in a self‐assembled DNA crystal structure
Authors: Nguyen Nam , Birktoft Jens J. , Sha Ruojie , Wang Tong , Zheng Jianping , Constantinou Pamela E. , Ginell Stephan L. , Chen Yi , Mao Chengde , Seeman Nadrian C.
Published: March 2012

DNA is a highly effective molecule for controlling nanometer‐scale structure. The convenience of using DNA lies in the programmability of Watson–Crick base‐paired secondary interactions, useful both to design branched molecular motifs and to connect them through sticky‐ended cohesion. Recently, the tensegrity triangle motif has been used to self‐assemble three‐dimensional crystals whose structures have been determined; sticky ends were reported to be the only intermolecular cohesive elements in those crystals. A recent communication in this journal suggested that tertiary interactions between phosphates and cytosine N(4) groups are responsible for intermolecular cohesion in these crystals, in addition to the secondary and covalent interactions programmed into the motif. To resolve this issue, we report experiments challenging this contention. Gel electrophoresis demonstrates that the tensegrity triangle exists in conditions where cytosine–PO4 tertiary interactions seem ineffective. Furthermore, we have crystallized a tensegrity triangle using a junction lacking the cytosine suggested for involvement in tertiary interactions. The unit cell is isomorphous with that of a tensegrity triangle crystal reported earlier. This structure has been solved by molecular replacement and refined. The data presented here leave no doubt that the tensegrity triangle crystal structures reported earlier depend only on base pairing and covalent interactions for their formation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increasing the recipient benefit/donor risk ratio by lowering the graft size requirement for living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Chan See Ching , Fan Sheung Tat , Chok Kenneth S. H. , Sharr William W. , Dai Wing Chiu , Fung James Y. Y. , Chan Kwok Yin , Balsarkar Dharmesh J. , Lo Chung Mau
Published: March 2012

In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), a right liver graft is larger than a left liver graft and hence leads to better recipient survival. However, in comparison with donor left hepatectomy, donor right hepatectomy carries a higher donor risk. We estimated the expansion of the applicability of left liver living donor liver transplantation (LLDLT) by lowering the graft weight (GW)/standard liver volume (SLV) ratio in increments of 5%. Consecutive LDLT cases were included in this study. The results of computed tomography volumetry provided the graft volume measurements, and the GW was derived from the graft volume with the conversion factor of 1.19 mL/g. We tried to estimate how many more times LLDLT would have been feasible if the GW/SLV requirement had been lowered to 40%, 35%, 30%, or 25%. In all, 361 consecutive donor-recipient pairs underwent LDLT. Right liver living donor liver transplantation (RLDLT) accounted for 95% of the LDLT cases. Most recipients were male (74.2%), and most donors were female (60.4%). The median GW/SLV ratio was 46% (47% for RLDLT and 37% for LLDLT, P < 0.001). Two of the 218 female donors donated the left liver, and 12 of the 93 female recipients received a left liver. In 147 of the 173 cases (85%) when the donor was female and the recipient was male, the GW/SLV ratio did not reach 30%. LLDLT could have been performed more often than 5% of the time if a lower GW/SLV requirement had been adopted. With GW/SLV ratios ≥ 40%, ≥ 35%, ≥ 30%, and ≥ 25%, the proportion of LLDLT cases would have risen from 5% to 5.8%, 12.5%, 29.1%, and 62.3%, respectively. LLDLT could have been performed approximately twice as often with every 5% reduction of the GW/SLV requirement. In conclusion, lowering the graft size requirement could improve the applicability of LLDLT and hence reduce donor risk. Liver Transpl, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Eukaryotic life in biofilms formed in a uranium mine
Authors: Zirnstein Isabel , Arnold Thuro , Krawczyk‐Bärsch Evelyn , Jenk Ulf , Bernhard Gert , Röske Isolde
Published: March 2012

The underground uranium mine Königstein (Saxony, Germany), currently in the process of remediation, represents an underground acid mine drainage (AMD) environment, that is, low pH conditions and high concentrations of heavy metals including uranium, in which eye‐catching biofilm formations were observed. During active uranium mining from 1984 to 1990, technical leaching with sulphuric acid was applied underground on‐site resulting in a change of the underground mine environment and initiated the formation of AMD and also the growth of AMD‐related copious biofilms. Biofilms grow underground in the mine galleries in a depth of 250 m (50 m above sea level) either as stalactite‐like slime communities or as acid streamers in the drainage channels. The eukaryotic diversity of these biofilms was analyzed by microscopic investigations and by molecular methods, that is, 18S rDNA PCR, cloning, and sequencing. The biofilm communities of the Königstein environment showed a low eukaryotic biodiversity and consisted of a variety of groups belonging to nine major taxa: ciliates, flagellates, amoebae, heterolobosea, fungi, apicomplexa, stramenopiles, rotifers and arthropoda, and a large number of uncultured eukaryotes, denoted as acidotolerant eukaryotic cluster (AEC). In Königstein, the flagellates Bodo saltans, the stramenopiles Diplophrys archeri, and the phylum of rotifers, class Bdelloidea, were detected for the first time in an AMD environment characterized by high concentrations of uranium. This study shows that not only bacteria and archaea may live in radioactive contaminated environments, but also species of eukaryotes, clearly indicating their potential influence on carbon cycling and metal immobilization within AMD‐affected environment.
Surface movements in a rock massif induced by drainage associated to tunnel excavation
Authors: Mokni N. , Olivella S. , Carrera J. , Otto B.
Published: March 2012

Surface movements were measured in the Gotthard massif as the Gotthard Base Tunnel was excavated. These movements might damage concrete dams constructed on the surface valleys. The leading assumption of this work is that deformation is induced by the dissipation of pore pressures in the massif caused by tunnel drainage. Deformations induce both horizontal and vertical surface displacements. Horizontal displacements, may lead to valley closures if they are in opposite direction, which would induce negative effects on arch dams. An analytical solution is derived using the method of images and an approximated integration of deformations to calculate the movements and the flow rate collected in the tunnel. Numerical calculations were carried out in 2D (vertical cross section) and 3D to investigate the problem under different conditions and to study the effect of parameters. The 3D models permit to incorporate the presence of a vertical fracture perpendicular to the tunnel that increases the drainage and pressure drop as it is hit by the tunnel. It was also possible to simulate the impermeabilization works in the tunnel to reduce drainage and consequently, movements. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of alignment algorithms with mixed dimensions for dimensionality reduction
Authors: Ye Qiang , Zhi Weifeng
Published: March 2012

We consider an alignment algorithm for reconstructing global coordinates of a given data set from coordinates constructed for data points in small local neighborhoods through computing a spectral subspace of an alignment matrix. We show that, under certain conditions, the null space of the alignment matrix recovers global coordinates even when local point sets have different dimensions. This result generalizes a previous analysis to allow alignment of local coordinates of mixed dimensions. We also extend this result to the setting of a semi‐supervised learning problem, and we present several examples to illustrate our results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
miR‐124 inhibits cell proliferation in gastric cancer through down‐regulation of SPHK1
Authors: Xia Jintang , Wu Zhiqiang , Yu Chunping , He Weiling , Zheng Haiqing , He Yulong , Jian Weihua , Chen Lianzhou , Zhang Luanjing , Li Wen
Published: March 2012

SPHK1 expression is elevated in gastric cancer and is associated with shorter survival times for patients. However, the molecular mechanism of SPHK1 up‐regulation in gastric cancer remains unclear. In the present study, we report that miR‐124 down‐regulated SPHK1 expression by directly targeting its 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) and that miR‐124 expression was inversely correlated with SPHK1 expression in gastric cancer samples. Furthermore, we demonstrated that, similar to the effect of silencing SPHK1, up‐regulation of miR‐124 markedly inhibited proliferation and tumourigenicity of gastric cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. This was found to be mechanistically associated with induction of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors p21$^{{\rm Cip1}}$ and p27$^{{\rm Kip1}}$, enhancement of the transcriptional activity of FOXO1 and suppression of AKT activity. Moreover, we showed that the re‐introduction of SPHK1 (without the 3′‐UTR), but not with the 3′‐UTR, could abrogate the miR‐124‐mediated induction of p21$^{{\rm Cip1}}$ and p27$^{{\rm Kip1}}$, as well as rescue the miR‐124‐induced proliferation inhibition. Together, these results suggest that miR‐124 has an important role in the suppression of gastric cancer and presents a novel mechanism of miRNA‐mediated SPHK1 expression in cancer cells. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical treatment of crystallization in tube flow
Authors: Wo Duane Lee , Tanner Roger I. , Fletcher David F.
Published: March 2012

A viscosity‐oriented, flow‐induced crystallization model is used to predict the rate of crystal layer growth in a tube at high shear rates. A combined strain and strain rate dependence of the enhancement of crystallization kinetics was proposed that showed excellent agreement with viscosity measurements at low deformation rates in simple shear, and it is here considered in the more complex Poiseuille flow. Suspension mechanics is used to link the relative crystalline volume fraction to the viscosity of the semicrystalline polymer. The microstructure is directly related to the thermomechanical histories and this was accounted for in the total volume fraction using the Avrami‐Kolmogorov model. The key characteristic of our model is the coupling of the flow history to induced crystallization and the linkage of the flow‐enhanced nucleation with viscosity. In this way, the flow is described in terms of changes in crystallization due to changes in rheological behavior. A finite volume numerical treatment was employed using the ANSYS CFX software to model the layer growth. The model is further tested with the presence of an organic nucleating agent in which the sensitivity of the rheological properties of the pigment–polymer blend to stress and temperature was evident. Reasonable agreement with experiments was observed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Conformal coating of yarns and wires with electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Dabirian Farzad , Ravandi Seyed Abdolkarim Hosseini , Hinestroza Juan P. , Abuzade Ramazan Ali
Published: March 2012

Metal wires and fibrous yarns are often coated with functional polymeric layers aimed at adding certain finishing properties such as abrasion resistance, electrical insulation, or enhanced lubrication. This manuscript demonstrates that by modifying some aspects of typical electrospinning setup, a novel method for nanocoating of textile yarns and copper wires with conformal layers of electrospun nanofibers can be devised. The benefits of the presented experimental setup were evaluated by twisting and wrapping of electrospun nylon nanofibers on the surface of conventionally spun nylon yarns as well as by coating polylactic acid nanofibers on the surface of copper wires. The coating density was found to be influenced by the applied voltage and the take up velocity of the yarn while the alignment of the nanofibers was found to be influenced only by the yarn take up velocity. The presented setup may open a new avenue to provide conformal finishing characteristics to yarns and fibers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Bubble development in a polymeric resin under vacuum
Authors: Sul In Hwan , Youn Jae Ryoun , Song Young Seok
Published: March 2012

Understanding the gas diffusion and evaporation behavior in a polymeric resin under vacuum is of great importance because many types of polymer and composite products are manufactured by applying a vacuum to the production system. This article proposes a theoretical model that can describe bubble growth under vacuum by combining the mechanisms of gas diffusion and evaporation. To confirm such a model, we carried out experimental analyses including evaporation experiments with a bell jar or a tube as well as vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). Particularly in the VARTM process, it was identified that many bubbles were nucleated and grew at the fiber‐matrix interface due to the applied vacuum pressure. Those results suggest that more attention should be paid to vacuum‐assisted material processing to prevent bubbles from existing in the final products. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rheological properties and morphological evolutions of polypropylene/ethylene‐butene copolymer blends
Authors: Zhang Xian‐Ming , Li Hao , Chen Wen‐Xing , Feng Lian‐Fang
Published: March 2012

This work aims at studying the extensional rheological behavior of polypropylene (PP), ethylene‐butene copolymer (PEB) and their blends in the melt. The weight fraction of the PEB in the blend is 20 and 40%, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows that these two blends exhibit two tanδ peaks corresponding to the glass transitions of the PP and PEB, respectively. Differential scanning calorimeter results indicate that the presence of the PEB does not alter the melting and crystallization temperatures of the PP. Master curves at 170°C are constructed for the storage and loss modulus as well as complex viscosity. The extensional behavior of the PP, PEB, and their two blends is studied. The PEB enhances the strain hardening of the PP. Changes in the blend morphology during the extensional analysis are also studied. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
In situ synthesis, morphology, and thermal properties of polystyrene—MgAl layered double hydroxide nanocomposites
Authors: Botan Rodrigo , Nogueira Telma Regina , Wypych Fernando , Lona Liliane Maria Ferrareso
Published: March 2012

Polystyrene (PS)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ free radical bulk polymerization. LDH formed by magnesium and aluminum (Mg:Al—molar ratio of 2:1) was prepared by coprecipitation method and intercalated with sodium dodecyl sulfate (DDS). The nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and flammability test. The XRD and TEM demonstrated that synthesized nanocomposites in all compositions studied showed a high global dispersion of LDH in PS, suggesting exfoliation. The results of TGAs (when 50% mass loss was selected as a comparison point) and flammability tests for synthesized nanocomposites, presented a significant improvement in thermal stability and flammability property when compared with pure PS. This behavior and properties indicate application of the surfactant intercalated LDH reinforced PS in fields where thermal stability is an important characteristic. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nanocomposite Thin Films with Hybrid Inorganic/Organic Matrix for the Modification of Silicon‐Based Implants
Authors: Nunes Jorge , Santos Rita J. , Loureiro Vera , Piedade Ana P.
Published: March 2012

Thin nanocomposite hybrid films were deposited by r.f. magnetron sputtering. These were composed of of SiO2, poly(propylene) (PP) and SiO2/PP, with Ag contents varying from 0 to 30 at.‐%. The influence of metal concentration on the properties of the deposited surfaces was evaluated. The chemical composition, chemical structure, morphology, dynamic wettability behavior, and microstructure were studied. The overall properties of the inorganic/organic system are more influenced by those of the ceramic fraction than by the polymeric one. The hysteresis of the contact angle shows that all the surfaces interact with water and that the presence of the metallic element increases reactivity in an aqueous medium. These results show promising applications in the biomedical field particularly in those that use silicon as a biomaterial for implants.

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Early, Intensified Home‐based Exercise after Total Hip Replacement — A Pilot Study
Authors: Mikkelsen Lone R. , Mikkelsen Søren S. , Christensen Finn B.
Published: March 2012

Background and Purpose

Despite a successful surgical procedure, deficits in muscle strength and physical function are documented 1–2 years after total hip replacement (THR). There is a lack of evidence concerning which rehabilitation strategy is the most effective after THR. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of an early‐initiated intensified, home‐based training regime and to form the basis of future studies with regard to exercises, outcome measures and power calculations.

Methods

The trial is a single‐blinded, cluster‐randomized controlled trial performed at an orthopaedic physiotherapy department in a public hospital in Denmark. A consecutive sample of 46 patients undergoing primary THR surgery for osteoarthritis between September 2008 and January 2009 was included. Forty‐four patients completed the trial (96% follow‐up). Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG, n = 23) receiving 12 weeks of intensified exercises (e.g. rubber band resistance) or a control group (CG, n = 21) receiving standard rehabilitation exercises without external resistance. The outcome measurements were maximal gait speed, isometric hip abductor muscle strength, one‐legged stance, health‐related quality of life (EuroQol‐5 Dimensions), patient satisfaction, and patient‐evaluated function, stiffness and pain (Western and Ontario McMasters University Osteoarthritis Index).

Results

There were significant increases in both groups in all the measurements during the 12 weeks of exercises. All participants in the IG were satisfied or very satisfied with the exercises compared with 85% in the CG (P = 0.095). In the IG, four participants (17.4%) had difficulties when performing the intensified exercises at home. Hip abduction strength was significantly weaker in the leg operated compared with the leg not operated on after the intervention in both groups (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This pilot study indicates that the majority of THR patients tolerated early‐initiated intensified exercises without additional pain and with high patient satisfaction. It seems that some of the patients need supervision to perform intensified exercises. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marriage Postponement in Iran: Accounting for Socio‐economic and Cultural Change in Time and Space
Authors: Torabi Fatemeh , Baschieri Angela , Clarke Lynda , Abbasi‐Shavazi Mohammad Jalal
Published: March 2012

The mean age at marriage of Iranian women increased by three years between the mid‐1980s and 2000 during a period of great socio‐economic change, particularly affecting the 1971–1975 and 1976–1980 birth cohorts. This paper analyses the marriage timing and life course experience of these cohorts of women and highlights the contribution that ethnicity and changes in the socio‐economic context made to the sharp marriage delay experienced by the 1976–1980 birth cohort. A discrete time hazard model is applied to the 2000 Iran Demographic and Health Survey data, which are linked to a range of time‐varying district‐level contextual variables created from the 1986 and 1996 Iranian censuses. The findings suggest that the marriage postponement experienced by the younger birth cohort is related to improvements in women's education and can partly be explained by the increased opportunity costs of marriage, which resulted from limited access to education after marriage. The findings also suggest that differences in marriage timing between areas predominated by certain ethnic groups became less evident for the younger birth cohort. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐chip control of magnetic particles
Authors: Rinklin Philipp , Krause Hans‐Joachim , Wolfrum Bernhard
Published: March 2012

We describe an on‐chip system to control the actuation of micrometer‐ and nanometer‐sized magnetic particles. Orthogonal conducting microwire arrays are used to induce magnetic fields with highly localized peaks and strong local gradients. These fields are then applied in actuation experiments to generate defined particle movement with micrometer precision. We examine different types of current sequences to efficiently move and separate the particle cloud on the chip without the use of external magnets. The final protocol allows efficient and reliable control over the particle cloud's position minimizing the loss of particles during the individual switching steps.

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Schematic of a microwire chip controlling a cloud of particles (black). The chips are processed on silicon (blue). The microwires consist of Au (yellow) and are insulated with an oxide nitride passivation layer (green transparent).
Detection of L‐nicotine with dissipation mode quartz crystal microbalance using molecular imprinted polymers
Authors: Alenus Jan , Galar Pavel , Ethirajan Anitha , Horemans Frederik , Weustenraed Ans , Cleij Thomas J. , Wagner Patrick
Published: March 2012

Synthetic materials with imprinted nanocavities can act as highly selective tailor‐made artificial receptors. Implementing these materials in a piezoelectric sensing device can offer fast and straightforward detection together with high sensitivity. L‐nicotine, a major addictive substance in cigarettes is used as target molecule. The synthetic receptors for L‐nicotine are made via the molecular imprinting technique. The target molecule is added to a monomer mixture containing initiator and this mixture is polymerized with heat. Subsequently, microparticles are obtained by crushing the bulk molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs), which are then immobilized on thin films of polyvinyl chloride. Using Quartz crystal microbalance, L‐nicotine could be detected in the submicromolar range and the selectivity of the sensors was verified by reference measurements with L‐cotinine. The effectiveness of the sensor was also tested for different aqueous fluids at different pH. It was found that MIPs bind 4.03 times more L‐nicotine than non‐imprinted polymer in water and 1.99 times more in 0.1× phosphate buffer saline at pH 9.
Density functional study of copper‐exchanged zeolites and related microporous materials: Adsorption of nitrosyls
Authors: Uzunova Ellie L. , Mikosch Hans , St. Nikolov Georgi
Published: March 2012

DFT periodic, ONIOM, and cluster studies with all‐electron basis sets are applied to Cu(I) exchanged zeolites and silicoalumino‐phosphate analogs with faujasite and chabazite topology. The reactivity of the cations at different cation positions is probed by NO adsorption. In the ONIOM approach, the cation center and the nearest framework environment are described by DFT, whereas a larger part of the structure is modeled at the semiempirical PM6 level. The importance of including all electrons explicitly in the periodic model computations is outlined by comparison of the results with those from ONIOM and previous plane‐wave studies. The Cu(I) cations reside at distinct extraframework cation sites in the vicinity of the double six‐membered rings (D6R) and upon adsorption they experience a displacement from their previous position. A full optimization with all‐electron basis set is a prerequisite for proper elucidation of the coordination of the transition metal cations by the framework oxygen atoms. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correlation measures as benchmarks in reduced density matrix functional theory
Authors: Lathiotakis N. N.
Published: March 2012

In reduced density matrix functional theory, approximate total energy expressions in terms of the one‐body reduced density matrix (1RDM) are minimized under the appropriate N‐representability subsidiary conditions. The optimal 1RDM is in general nonidempotent. Measures of nonidempotency are the total charge of weakly occupied states and correlation entropy given in terms of the eigenvalues of the 1RDM. In this work, we calculate these quantities for several systems using different 1RDM functionals and compare with accurate results from a multideterminant method. Our goal is to assess 1RDM functionals with respect to the quality of the obtained 1RDM. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy with gasless approach in a girl with goitre
Authors: Kandil Emad , Noureldine Salem , Abdel Khalek Mohamed , Aslam Rizwan , Ekaidi Ibrahim , Steiner Rodney , Holsinger Floyd C.
Published: March 2012

Background

Robotic‐assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy is a minimally invasive approach for the removal of the thyroid through the axilla. This technique eliminates a visible scar and affords excellent optics of the cervical anatomy. We sought to describe the technique and outcome for transaxillary gasless subtotal thyroidectomy in the paediatric population.

Methods

A 13 year‐old female with an enlarged goitre underwent a transaxillary robot‐assisted gasless subtotal thyroidectomy in an academic institution. The main outcome measures were feasibility of the robotic approach, patient and gland characteristics, operative time and complications.

Results

There was no conversion to laparoscopic or open surgery. The robotic docking time was 110 min and total operative time was 150 min. The patient tolerated the procedure well. Estimated blood loss was 10 ml. The patient was discharged within 24 h. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications. In addition there was no evidence of postoperative vocal cord palsy or paresis.

Conclusions

This initial experience demonstrates that this technique can be a feasible, safe and effective method for subtotal thyroidectomy in the paediatric population. The use of robotic technology for endoscopic thyroid surgery could overcome the limitations of conventional endoscopic surgeries in the surgical management of thyroid disease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of volatile metabolites emitted by soil‐derived fungi using head space solid‐phase microextraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry: I. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulans, Fusarium solani and Penicillium paneum
Authors: Takeuchi Takae , Kimura Tomoko , Tanaka Haruna , Kaneko Sachiyo , Ichii Shoko , Kiuchi Masato , Suzuki Takahito
Published: March 2012

The microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) emitted from soil‐derived fungal strains were investigated using solid‐phase microextraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Aspergillus fumigatus (KT176 and IFM40822), Aspergillus nidulans (FGSC4), Fusarium solani (NBRC31093) and Penicillium paneum (KT138) were cultured on the Czapek‐Dox agar in various growth stages. Extracted ion chromatograms and mass spectra of MVOCs from the above fungi show that 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol and 2‐undecanone observed in the specimens began to increase at an early stage of incubation. Therefore, 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol and 2‐undecanone are candidates for indicating fungal growth if these compounds are not already present in the existing environment. Alcohols, aldehydes and ketones were found as MVOCs in most A. fumigatus, A. nidulans, F. solani and P. paneum. On the other hand, sesquiterpenes were found in only specific fungi. Because each fungal strain had a characteristic compound (sesquiterpene), these compounds are useful in identifying their fungi.As the number of spores increased with the fungal cultivation period, it was found that the amount of these MVOCs, ketones, aldehydes and alcohols also increased. Therefore, 3‐octanone is suited to be an indicator of the size of fungi (fungal amounts) because of the positive correlation found between the number of spores and the amount of the compound. On the other hand, sesquiterpenes showed a peak of MVOCs at a particular period right before spore reproduction and therefore are useful to identify both fungal species and their reproduction periods. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorption characteristics of a Zn‐Porphyrin on MgO surfaces
Authors: Killian Manuela S. , Wagener Victoria , Schmuki Patrik
Published: March 2012

Time‐of‐flight SIMS was used to study monolayers of the siloxane terminated porphyrin Zn‐TESP (C67H75N5O5SiZn) attached to magnesium oxide (MgO) substrates in a silanisation reaction. Time‐of‐flight SIMS spectra show dependence of the coverage on the preparation temperature. The fragmentation pattern of the porphyrin suggests a strong bond formation to MgO, as was previously reported for SiO2. No signal of physisorbed porphyrin—as previously described for TiO2—could be detected, indicating chemisorbed species under all investigated preparation conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural analysis and depth profiling of nanometric SiO2/SRO multilayers
Authors: Barozzi M. , Gennaro S. , Bersani M. , Vanzetti L. , Jestin Y. , Pucker G. , Milita S. , Balboni R.
Published: March 2012

Multilayers (MLs) consisting of alternating nanometer‐thick silicon‐rich oxide (SRO) and SiO2 layers are attractive structures to produce Si nanocrystals embedded in SiO2 matrix, with controlled size and distribution. The resulting materials are of great interest for applications in silicon light emitting diodes, memory devices and solar cells. The electro‐optical properties depend strongly on the phase separation process and crystallization of the silicon nanocrystals. In addition to furnace annealing (FA), rapid thermal annealing (RTA) can be used to induce the phase separation process. RTA reduces the thermal budget considerably with respect to FA. Here, we present a study on SiO2/SRO MLs annealed either with RTA or FA. Dynamic SIMS depth profiles were acquired to analyze how the excess silicon distribution is influenced by the annealing and to confirm that the ML structure is maintained during the annealing process. In addition, we used photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to analyze the composition of the films and to monitor the phase separation process. The SIMS profiles indicate that the layered structure is stable at all temperatures for both FA and RTA annealing. During annealing the concentration of excess Si increases at the centre of the SRO‐rich layer due to formation of Si‐rich dots. Also, the XPS measurements indicate that 10 s of annealing at 1000 or 1100 °C induces substantial phase separation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gold Nanoparticles Supported on Nanoparticulate Ceria as a Powerful Agent against Intracellular Oxidative Stress
Authors: Menchón Cristina , Martín Roberto , Apostolova Nadezda , Victor Victor M. , Álvaro Mercedes , Herance José Raúl , García Hermenegildo
Published: March 2012

Ceria‐supported gold nanoparticles are prepared exhibiting peroxidase activity and acting as radical traps. Au/CeO2 shows a remarkable biocompatibility as demonstrated by measuring cellular viability, proliferation, and lack of apoptosis for two human cell lines (Hep3B and HeLa). The antioxidant activity of Au/CeO2 against reactive oxygen species (ROS) is demonstrated by studying the cellular behavior of Hep3B and HeLa in a model of cellular oxidative stress. It is determined that Au/CeO2 exhibits higher antioxidant activity than glutathione, the main cytosolic antioxidant compound, and its CeO2 carrier. Overall the result presented here shows the potential of implementing well‐established nanoparticulated gold catalysts with remarkable biocompatibility in cellular biology.