bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sputter power and sputter pressure influenced structural and optical behaviour of RF sputtered nanocrystalline ZnO films
Authors: Reddy R. Subba , Reddy A. Sivasankar , Radhakrishna B. , Uthanna S.
Published: August 2012

Zinc oxide thin films were deposited on p‐type (100) silicon and Corning glass substrate by using RF magnetron sputtering at different sputter powers range 100–200 W and sputter pressures range 2–8 Pa. The deposited films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscope and UV‐Vis‐NIR spectrophotometer. The films formed at sputter power of 100 W consists of weak (100) reflection and then sputter power increased to 150 W additional (110) reflection was present with enhancement in the intensity of (100) peak. Further increase of sputtering power to 200 W the intensity of (100) phase decreased with the presence of additional peaks of (002) and (101) of ZnO. The FTIR analysis confirms the Zn‐O absorption band was located at 414 cm‐1. The optical band gap of zinc oxide films decreased from 3.28 to 3.07 eV with increase of sputter power from 100 to 200 W. The maximum crystallite size of 21 nm, the root mean square roughness of 7.2 nm was found at films formed at working pressure of 5 Pa. The optical transmittance of the films increased from 88 to 96% and then decreased to 84% with increase of sputter pressure from 2 to 8 Pa.
Out ofFlorida: mtDNAreveals patterns of migration andPleistocene range expansion of theGreenAnole lizard (Anolis carolinensis)
Authors: Campbell‐Staton Shane C. , Goodman Rachel M. , Backström Niclas , Edwards Scott V. , Losos Jonathan B. , Kolbe Jason J.
Published: August 2012

Anolis carolinensisis an emerging model species and the sole member of its genus native to theUnitedStates. Considerable morphological and physiological variation has been described in the species, and the recent sequencing of its genome makes it an attractive system for studies of genome variation. To inform future studies of molecular and phenotypic variation withinA. carolinensis, a rigorous account of intraspecific population structure and relatedness is needed. Here, we present the most extensive phylogeographic study of this species to date. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrialDNAsequence data support the previous hypothesis of a westernCuban origin of the species. We found five well‐supported, geographically distinct mitochondrial haplotype clades throughout the southeasternUnitedStates. MostFlorida populations fall into one of three divergent clades, whereas the vast majority of populations outsideFlorida belong to a single, shallowly diverged clade. Genetic boundaries do not correspond to major rivers, but may reflect effects of Pleistocene glaciation events and theAppalachianMountains on migration and expansion of the species. Phylogeographic signal should be examined using nuclear loci to complement these findings.
Abrupt watercourse formation in a semiarid sedimentary landscape of central Argentina: the roles of forest clearing, rainfall variability and seismic activity
Authors: Contreras S. , Santoni C. S. , Jobbágy E. G.
Published: August 2012

In a semiarid sedimentary catchment of central Argentina, we describe a recent process of landscape dissection, abrupt canyon and watercourse formation and soil salinization. We link these adverse hydrological and geomorphological transformations to three potentially important drivers: precipitation increase, seismic activity and deforestation. Remote sensing imagery in the last 48 years showed an exponential increase in the length of streams, with drainage density values tripling to reach 0.22 km km2. During the same period, forest area declined from 47% to 10%, at the expense of agriculture expansion. A 3.4‐fold expansion of surface water bodies and water table level raise of 0.15 m y−1over the last 35 years was observed. Discharge of a new stream at the middle of the basin ranged between 0.25 and 0.45 m3s−1accompanied by a large and stable load of salts (~0.7 g l−1). Nil recharge and large vadose accumulation of salts in dry forests stands contrasted with recharge rates of ~16 mm y−1and salt‐leached profiles under agriculture. Although the process of landscape dissection occurred during decades of higher than average precipitation, extreme rainfall events and seismic activity were not exceptional in that period. Results suggest that the replacement of forests by annual crops played a more important role, reducing evapotranspiration, triggering the onset of groundwater recharge and favouring subsurface through piping/sapping processes. The abrupt landscape dissection shows no signs of stabilization at the present and may only be ameliorated through changes in vegetation that restore the original non‐flow condition of the forest. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calixarene‐Supported Polynuclear Cobalt(II) Cluster Complexes Tuned by Substitution Groups of the Second Bridging Ligands
Authors: Liu Cai‐Ming , Zhang De‐Qing , Hao Xiang , Zhu Dao‐Ben
Published: August 2012

A wheel‐like dodecanuclear cobalt(II) cluster complex [Co12(TBSOC)4(5‐NH2‐tz)8(CH3OH)6]·3H2O·5CH3OH (1, 5‐NH2‐tzH = 5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazole) and an irregular rod‐like tetradecanuclear cobalt(II) cluster complex [Co14(OH)2(TBSOC)4(5‐ph‐tz)10(5‐ph‐tzH)2(CH3OH)2]·16·5H2O·2CH3OH(2, 5‐ph‐tzH = 5‐phenyl‐1H‐tetrazole) were solvothermally synthesized by using p‐tert‐butylsulfonylcalix[4]arene (H4TBSOC) and 5‐subst‐1H‐tetrazoles as ligands. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses revealed that the 5‐substituent groups of the 1H‐tetrazole bridging ligands have asignificant influence on the structure of the polynuclear cobalt(II) cluster complexes: 1 shows a closed wheel‐like structure whereas 2 an open rod‐like structure. A magnetic investigation indicated that both complexes exhibit antiferromagnetic properties.
Glycosylated Eumelanin Building Blocks by Thioglycosylation of 5,6‐Diacetoxyindole with an Expedient Selenium‐Based Dynamic‐Mixture Methodology
Authors: Adinolfi Matteo , d'Ischia Marco , Iadonisi Alfonso , Leone Loredana , Pezzella Alessandro , Valerio Silvia
Published: August 2012

A series of 3‐thioglycosylated 5,6‐diacetoxyindole derivatives, which are important tools for eumelanin research and application, were prepared through a practical and efficient approach exploiting a dynamic mixture of thioglycoside agents. The strategy is feasible for installing both mono‐ and disaccharide units and relies on the facile in situ conversion of glycosyl disulfides into the corresponding, more reactive, phenylselenenyl sulfides in the presence of diphenyl diselenide, N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS) and tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB).
Activation of Si–Si Bonds for Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Conjugate Silylation
Authors: Iannazzo Laura , Molander Gary A.
Published: August 2012

Several alkyl‐ and vinylsilanes were prepared through the copper(I)‐catalyzed conjugate silylation of α,β‐unsaturated compounds. Optimal reaction conditions were first investigated to realize the conjugate addition of a nucleophilic silicon species to poorly electrophilic acceptors such as phenylvinyl sulfone by cleavage of the Si–Si bond of a disilane reagent. The scope of this reaction was extended to various electrophiles bearing different electron‐withdrawing groups and afforded the desired substituted alkyl‐ and vinylsilanes. Among the wide range of commercially available disilanes, the reactivities of alkyl‐, aryl‐, and ethoxydisilane were also examined.
Acute toxicity of nanosized TiO2 to Daphnia magna under UVA irradiation
Authors: Amiano Irene , Olabarrieta Josune , Vitorica Joana , Zorita Saioa
Published: August 2012

The production and use of nanoparticles (NPs), especially those of titanium dioxide (TiO2) have increased steadily within the last decade. Common knowledge of photoactive nanosized TiO2 (nTiO2) effects on freshwater organisms is largely limited to acute toxicity tests without taking into consideration solar ultraviolet-A (UVA) irradiation. The authors' approach in the present study, based on a combination of a standardized ecotoxicology method (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development [OECD] test 202) and the expected solar UVA contribution, will allow a more realistic understanding of the toxicity of TiO2 to Daphnia magna. The results show that the contribution of UVA to TiO2 toxicity cannot be ignored. The half-maximal effective concentration values (median effective concentration [EC50], immobilization as the endpoint) using Organization for Standardization (ISO) test water as well as river water decreased from 29.7 to 33.6 mg/L under dark conditions to 1.2 to 3.4 mg/L TiO2 after exposure to 0.56 mW/cm2 UVA radiation. The authors also discuss possible mechanisms of NPs toxicity and the accuracy of results in terms of problems observed, such as solubilization and sedimentation of NPs, in ecotoxicological testing of nTiO2. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2564–2566. © 2012 SETAC
PETROTOX: An aquatic toxicity model for petroleum substances
Authors: Redman Aaron D. , Parkerton Thomas F. , McGrath Joy A. , Di Toro Dominic M.
Published: August 2012

A spreadsheet model (PETROTOX) is described that predicts the aquatic toxicity of complex petroleum substances from petroleum substance composition. Substance composition is characterized by specifying mass fractions in constituent hydrocarbon blocks (HBs) based on available analytical information. The HBs are defined by their mass fractions within a defined carbon number range or boiling point interval. Physicochemical properties of the HBs are approximated by assigning representative hydrocarbons from a database of individual hydrocarbons with associated physicochemical properties. A three-phase fate model is used to simulate the distribution of each structure among the water-, air-, and oil-phase liquid in the laboratory test system. Toxicity is then computed based on the predicted aqueous concentrations and aquatic toxicity of each structure and the target lipid model. The toxicity of the complex substance is computed assuming additivity of the contribution of the individual assigned hydrocarbons. Model performance was evaluated by using direct comparisons with measured toxicity data for petroleum substances with sufficient analytical characterization to run the model. Indirect evaluations were made by comparing predicted toxicity distributions using analytical data on petroleum substances from different product categories with independent, empirical distributions of toxicity data available for the same categories. Predictions compared favorably with measured aquatic toxicity data across different petroleum substance categories. These findings demonstrate the utility of PETROTOX for assessing environmental hazards of petroleum substances given knowledge of substance composition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2498–2506. © 2012 SETAC
Investigating Reliability on Fuel Cell Model Identification. Part II: An Estimation Method for Stochastic Parameters
Authors: Tsikonis L. , Diethelm S. , Seiler H. , Nakajo A. , Van herle J. , Favrat D.
Published: August 2012

An alternative way to process data from polarization measurements for fuel cell model validation is proposed. The method is based on re‐ and subsampling of I–V data, with which repetitive estimations are obtained for the model parameters. This way statistics such as standard deviations and correlations between the parameters may be experimentally derived. Histograms may also be produced, approximating the probability distributions that they follow. Two experimental case studies are discussed. In the first case, observations are made on the behavior of the parameter values for two mathematical models. As the number of data points (measurement points) employed in the estimation of the parameters increases, parameters with high variances converge to specific values. On the contrary, parameters with small variances diverge linearly. The parameters' histograms do not usually follow normal distributions rather they show a connection between the number of peaks in the graphs and correlations of the parameters. The second case study is an application on a fast degraded SOFC button cell, where the values and the histograms of the parameters are compared before and after degradation.
Yes-associated protein regulates the hepatic response after bile duct ligation
Authors: Bai Haibo , Zhang Nailing , Xu Yang , Chen Qian , Khan Mehtab , Potter James J. , Nayar Suresh K. , Cornish Toby , Alpini Gianfranco , Bronk Steven , Pan Duojia , Anders Robert A.
Published: August 2012

Human chronic cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by cholangiocyte proliferation, hepatocyte injury, and fibrosis. Yes-associated protein (YAP), the effector of the Hippo tumor-suppressor pathway, has been shown to play a critical role in promoting cholangiocyte and hepatocyte proliferation and survival during embryonic liver development and hepatocellular carcinogenesis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether YAP participates in the regenerative response after cholestatic injury. First, we examined human liver tissue from patients with chronic cholestasis. We found more-active nuclear YAP in the bile ductular reactions of primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis patient liver samples. Next, we used the murine bile duct ligation (BDL) model to induce cholestatic liver injury. We found significant changes in YAP activity after BDL in wild-type mice. The function of YAP in the hepatic response after BDL was further evaluated with liver-specific

Yap

conditional deletion in mice. Ablating

Yap

in the mouse liver not only compromised bile duct proliferation, but also enhanced hepatocyte necrosis and suppressed hepatocyte proliferation after BDL. Furthermore, primary hepatocytes and cholangiocytes isolated from

Yap
-deficient livers showed reduced proliferation in response to epidermal growth factor

in vitro
. Finally, we demonstrated that YAP likely mediates its biological effects through the modulation of

Survivin

expression.

Conclusion
: Our data suggest that YAP promotes cholangiocyte and hepatocyte proliferation and prevents parenchymal damage after cholestatic injury in mice and thus may mediate the response to cholestasis-induced human liver disease.
How much does it cost to achieve coverage targets for primary healthcare services? A costing model from Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Abdullah Asnawi , Hort Krishna , Abidin Azwar Zaenal , Amin Fadilah M.
Published: August 2012

Despite significant investment in improving service infrastructure and training of staff, public primary healthcare services in low‐income and middle‐income countries tend to perform poorly in reaching coverage targets. One of the factors identified in Aceh, Indonesia was the lack of operational funds for service provision. The objective of this study was to develop a simple and transparent costing tool that enables health planners to calculate the unit costs of providing basic health services to estimate additional budgets required to deliver services in accordance with national targets. The tool was developed using a standard economic approach that linked the input activities to achieving six national priority programs at primary healthcare level: health promotion, sanitation and environment health, maternal and child health and family planning, nutrition, immunization and communicable diseases control, and treatment of common illness. Costing was focused on costs of delivery of the programs that need to be funded by local government budgets. The costing tool consisting of 16 linked Microsoft Excel worksheets was developed and tested in several districts enabled the calculation of the unit costs of delivering of the six national priority programs per coverage target of each program (such as unit costs of delivering of maternal and child health program per pregnant mother). This costing tool can be used by health planners to estimate additional money required to achieve a certain level of coverage of programs, and it can be adjusted for different costs and program delivery parameters in different settings. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Passive and active targeting of quantum dots for whole‐body fluorescence imaging of breast cancer xenografts
Authors: Balalaeva Irina V. , Zdobnova Tatiana A. , Krutova Irina V. , Brilkina Anna A. , Lebedenko Ekaterina N. , Deyev Sergey M.
Published: August 2012

Far‐red and near‐infrared fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) have become advancing contrast agents for efficient whole‐body tumor imaging. In this study, we investigated the possibility of the vital fluorescence imaging of tumor using two contrast agents on the basis of QDs: bioinert QDs coated with polyethyleneglycol and QDs bound with anti‐HER2/neu scFv antibodies. HER2/neu‐positive breast cancer tumor xenografts in nude mice were used as a model. It was shown that both bioinert and tumor‐targeted QD probes can be successfully applied for visualization of the tumor using in vivo imaging method, but fluorescent signal of QD‐4D5scFv in tumors was considerably stronger than that of QD‐PEG. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
MMPI profiles of men referred for a pretrial psychiatric assessment as a function of offense type
Authors: Quinsey Vernon L. , Arnold Larry S. , Pruesse Manfred G.
Published: August 2012

Gathered MMPI and demographic data on six groups of 25 men each who had been remanded by the courts to a maximum security psychiatric hospital for pretrial assessment. The groups differed according to offense type: Murder or attempted murder of a family member or girlfriend, murder or attempted murder of an unrelated victim, rape, arson, child molesting, or property. The MMPI profiles of the groups were remarkably similar, and the prediction that the murder family group would have the highest Overcontrolled Hostility scores was not supported. Multiple discriminant analyses showed that the remand's age on admission and whether he had been in corrections before the current offense were the best discriminators among the groups. These data indicate that the MMPI is not related to the offense types of mentally disordered offenders referred by the courts for assessment, but does reflect their relatively high levels of psychopathology.
Torque and cognitive ability: Some contradictions to Blau's proposals
Authors: Jarman Ronald F. , Nelson J. Gordon
Published: August 2012

Investigated with two spatial and language tasks Blau's (1977a) theory that clockwise directionality in circle drawing indicates neural integration difficulties. The tasks were administered to 106 children of approximately 8 years of age, and the data were analyzed for sex differences and circling behavior. None of the hypotheses based on Blau's theory was supported, and some significant results in the opposite direction to predictions were found. Aspects of the results that may be of potential future research interest are identified.
Kimura's recurring‐figures‐test: A normative study
Authors: Rixecker H. , Hartje W.
Published: August 2012

Administered Kimura's Recurring‐Figures‐Test to 427 normal Ss from Germany. A Kuder‐Richardson test reliability of rtt = .94 was obtained. T‐scale norms are given for two subgroups of different educational level.
Heart rate changes associated with EMG and alpha biofeedback
Authors: Travis T. A. , Partlow J. , Bean J. A. , Kondo C. Y.
Published: August 2012

Physiological concomitants of relaxation are needed to characterize objectively the response to biofeedback training. Ss (N = 30) received either alpha, EMG, or no biofeedback training. Heart rate, EMG, and alpha activity were measured in all groups. Increases in alpha and decreases in EMG were noted in their respective feedback groups. Heart rate, however, was not related systematically to these changes, and no significant changes in heart rate occurred in any group.
The MacAndrew scale as a measure of substance abuse and delinquency among adolescents
Authors: Rathus Spencer A. , Fox James Alan , Ortins J. Bradley
Published: August 2012

Used regression equations to determine the predictive power of the abbreviated MacAndrew Scale of the MMPI‐168 on self‐reported delinquent behavior of 1,672 suburban high school students. The abbreviated MacAndrew Scale score successfully predicted alcohol abuse, but was also shown to be related to crimes against property and persons and to marijuana usage. It was concluded that the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale may not be uniquely sensitive to alcohol abuse among the population sampled.
Alcoholics' recovery from cerebral impairment as a function of duration of abstinence
Authors: Kish G. B. , Hagen J. M. , Woody M. M. , Harvey H. L.
Published: August 2012

There is clear evidence in the literature for permanent cerebral impairment due to prolonged alcohol abuse. Observation also suggests that there is a component of this cerebral impairment that is found immediately subsequent to heavy drinking and that is reversible. This study examined the time‐course of recovery from this temporary impairment and delineated more specifically the neuropsychological functions that participate in the recovery. Four groups (N = 87) of hospitalized male alcoholics were tested after 6, 15, 21, and 110 days of abstinence using the Raven Progressive Matrices, the Trail‐Making Test, the Memory for Designs, and the following subscales of the WAIS: Arithmetic, Digit Span, Block Design, Similarities, and Digit Symbol. The results indicated that significant improvement occurred during the third week of abstinence (between 15 and 21 days) on the Digit Span, Block Design, Similarities, Memory for Designs, Raven, and Trail‐Making tests, but not on the Arithmetic and Digit Symbol tests. These results suggest that treatment programs that use a preliminary “drying‐out” period should consider lengthening this period to 3 weeks to insure that patients are maximally responsive to psychotherapy.
Emerging roles of RB family: New defense mechanisms against tumor progression
Authors: Indovina Paola , Marcelli Eleonora , Casini Nadia , Rizzo Valeria , Giordano Antonio
Published: August 2012

The retinoblastoma (RB) family of proteins, including RB1/p105, retinoblastoma‐like 1 (RBL1/p107), and retinoblastoma‐like 2 (RBL2/p130), is principally known for its central role on cell cycle regulation. The inactivation of RB proteins confers a growth advantage and underlies multiple types of tumors. Recently, it has been shown that RB proteins have other important roles, such as preservation of chromosomal stability, induction and maintenance of senescence and regulation of apoptosis, cellular differentiation, and angiogenesis. RB proteins are involved in many cellular pathways and act as transcriptional regulators able to bind several transcription factors, thus antagonizing or potentiating their functions. Furthermore, RB proteins might control the expression of specific target genes by recruiting chromatin remodeling enzymes. Although many efforts have been made to dissect the different functions of RB proteins, it remains still unclear which are necessary for cancer suppression and the role they play at distinct steps of carcinogenesis. Moreover, RB proteins can behave differently in various cell types or cell states. Elucidating the intricate RB protein network in regulating cell fate might provide the knowledge necessary to explain their potent tumor suppressor activity and to design novel therapeutic strategies. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 525–535, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retinoic acid derived from the fetal ovary initiates meiosis in mouse germ cells
Authors: Mu Xinyi , Wen Jing , Guo Meng , Wang Jianwei , Li Ge , Wang Zhengpin , Wang Yijing , Teng Zhen , Cui Yan , Xia Guoliang
Published: August 2012

Meiotic initiation of germ cells at 13.5 dpc (days post‐coitus) indicates female sex determination in mice. Recent studies reveal that mesonephroi‐derived retinoic acid (RA) is the key signal for induction of meiosis. However, whether the mesonephroi is dispensable for meiosis is unclear and the role of the ovary in this meiotic process remains to be clarified. This study provides data that RA derived from fetal ovaries is sufficient to induce germ cell meiosis in a fetal ovary culture system. When fetal ovaries were collected from 11.5 to 13.5 dpc fetuses, isolated and cultured in vitro, germ cells enter meiosis in the absence of mesonephroi. To exclude RA sourcing from mesonephroi, 11.5 dpc urogenital ridges (UGRs; mesonephroi and ovary complexes) were treated with diethylaminobenzaldehyde (DEAB) to block retinaldehyde dehydrogenase (RALDH) activity in the mesonephros and the ovary. Meiosis occurred when DEAB was withdrawn and the mesonephros was removed 2 days later. Furthermore, RALDH1, rather than RALDH2, serves as the major RA synthetase in UGRs from 12.5 to 15.5 dpc. DEAB treatment to the ovary alone was able to block germ cell meiotic entry. We also found that exogenously supplied RA dose‐dependently reduced germ cell numbers in ovaries by accelerating the entry into meiosis. These results suggest that ovary‐derived RA is responsible for meiosis initiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 627–639, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carotid circumferential wall stress homeostasis in early remodeling: Theoretical approach and clinical application
Authors: Bokov Plamen , Chironi Gilles , Orobinskaia Ludmila , Flaud Patrice , Simon Alain
Published: August 2012

Purpose.

To assess the influence of cardiovascular risk factors on arterial wall growth and the remodeling process.

Methods.

In a theoretical part, we used a well‐established relationship linking the rate of thickening of the arterial wall to the circumferential wall stress (CWS) increase. In a clinical part, we measured the intima‐media thickness (IMT) in 166 subjects with increased cardiovascular risk score but no treatment for hypertension or hypercholesterolemia, no diabetes, and no cardiovascular disease. Far wall IMT and lumen diameter were measured along the right carotid artery by high‐resolution ultrasonography and computerized image analysis.

Results.

A decreasing linear relationship between IMT and CWS was deduced from the theoretical model, implying that an increase in CWS would result in an IMT increase, and that the higher the IMT‐CWS slope, the higher the thickening response. Subjects with advanced age, renal insufficiency, high 10‐year Framingham risk, carotid atherosclerosis, and advanced atherosclerosis at other sites had sharper IMT‐CWS slope (p < 0.05), in agreement with the homeostasis of CWS hypothesis.

Conclusions.

The IMT increase responding to a CWS increase was greater in high‐risk patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:486–494, 2012
Poloxamer synperonic F108 improves cellular transduction with lentiviral vectors
Authors: Höfig Ines , Atkinson Michael J. , Mall Sabine , Krackhardt Angela M. , Thirion Christian , Anastasov Nataša
Published: August 2012

Background

Although lentiviral transduction methods are widely used, their broader application is dependent upon the optimization of lentiviral transduction efficiency for a broad range of cell types. In the present study, we focus on the evaluation of two chemical classes with respect to their ability to increase lentiviral transduction without cytotoxicity.

Methods

We compared the activity of adjuvants that are already used for lentivirus delivery with that of novel adjuvants selected on the basis of their chemical and physical characteristics.

Results

The novel poloxamer synperonic F108 demonstrated superior characteristics for enhancing lentiviral transduction over the best‐in‐class polybrene‐assisted transduction. The results revealed that poloxamer synperonic F108 exhibited the dual benefits of low toxicity and a high efficiency of lentiviral gene delivery into a range of different primary cell cultures. In the presence of poloxamer synperonic F108, cells showed an increased propidium dye influx indicating a re‐organization of membrane microstructures accompanying lentivirus uptake. The administration of a mixture of poloxamer synperonic F108 with polybrene further enhanced lentiviral transduction rates.

Conclusions

The results obtained in the present study indicate that a contribution to efficiency is made by each adjuvant, with polybrene acting as a charge protector and poloxamer synperonic F108 as a membrane modulator. Therefore, poloxamer synperonic F108, either alone or in combination, can lead to the optimization of large‐scale lentiviral transduction approaches. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of sclerostin antibody on healing of a non‐critical size femoral bone defect
Authors: Jawad Muhammad U. , Fritton Kate E. , Ma Ting , Ren Pei‐Gen , Goodman Stuart B. , Ke Hua Z. , Babij Philip , Genovese Mark C.
Published: August 2012

Sclerostin is a glycoprotein secreted by osteocytes and inhibits osteoblastogenesis via inhibition of Wnt signaling. We hypothesized that sclerostin antibody (Scl‐AbIII) would accelerate the healing of a murine femoral non‐critical size bone defect model. A unilateral and unicortical 0.8 mm‐sized drill hole was made in the proximal femoral shaft of adult female nude mice. One group of mice received subcutaneous injections of Scl‐AbIII and a second group received vehicle only. Reporter MC3T3 osteoprogenitor cells were injected via the tail vein 3 days after surgery to monitor systemic trafficking of exogenous osteoprogenitors. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI), microcomputed tomography (microCT), micropositron emission tomography (microPET) and histological analysis were used to compare the bone healing responses to Scl‐AbIII treatment. Bone mineral density (BMD) significantly increased at the defect site after week 1, and was significantly higher in the treatment compared with the control group at all time points. This finding was also confirmed on histological analysis by increased deposition of new woven bone. MicroPET scanning showed a trend for greater activity in the control group at day 21 compared with the Scl‐AbIII group, indicating early bone maturation following treatment with Scl‐AbIII. Whereas the BLI signals derived from the injected osteoprogenitor cells showed no differences between vehicle and Scl‐AbIII treated groups, systemic migration of MC3T3 cells to the bone defect was clearly identified in both groups using immunohistochemistry. Systemic administration of Scl‐AbIII resulted in earlier healing and maturation of a non‐critical size bone defect. These findings underscore the potential use of Scl‐AbIII for treatment of complicated fractures, non‐unions, and other clinical scenarios. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:155–163, 2012
Assessment of loading history of compartments in the knee using bone SPECT/CT: A study combining alignment and 99mTc‐HDP tracer uptake/distribution patterns
Authors: Hirschmann Michael T. , Schön Stephan , Afifi Faik K. , Amsler Felix , Rasch Helmut , Friederich Niklaus F. , Arnold Markus P.
Published: August 2012

This study investigates if the mechanical/anatomical alignment influences the intensity values as well as the distribution pattern of SPECT/CT tracer uptake. Eighty‐five knees (mean age 48 ± 16) undergoing 99mTc‐HDP‐SPECT/CT due to pain were prospectively included. SPECT/CTs were analyzed using a previously validated localization method. The maximum intensities in each femoral, tibial, and patellar joint compartment (medial, lateral, central, superior, and inferior) were noted using a color‐coded grading scale (0–10). The Kellgren–Lawrence osteoarthritis score (KL) was assessed on standardized radiographs. Long leg radiographs were used to assess the mechanical/anatomical leg alignment, which was classified as varus, valgus, or neutral. The alignment and KL was correlated with the intensity of tracer uptake in each area of interest (p < 0.05). The intensity of SPECT/CT tracer uptake in the medial and lateral knee compartment significantly correlated with varus or valgus alignment of the knee. A higher degree of osteoarthritis was significantly related to higher tracer uptake in the corresponding joint compartments. SPECT/CT reflects the specific loading pattern of the knee with regard to its alignment. It is also related to the degree of osteoarthritis. Hence, SPECT/CT should be considered for follow‐up of patients after realignment treatments, osteotomies, deloader devices, or insoles. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 268–274, 2013
Highly reproducible tip‐enhanced Raman scattering using an oxidized and metallized silicon cantilever tip as a tool for everyone
Authors: Hayazawa Norihiko , Yano Taka‐aki , Kawata Satoshi
Published: August 2012

We have successfully improved the reproducibility of tip‐enhancement effect on metallized silicon cantilever tips for characterization of carbon nanotubes. Plasmon resonance tuning relative to an excitation wavelength is crucial for efficient tip‐enhancement, which is accomplished by thermal oxidization and subsequent metallization of commercial silicon tips. Because of the change of the refractive index of the tip from silicon to silicon dioxide, the plasmon resonance of the silver‐coated tip is blue‐shifted showing an enormous enhancement at 532 nm excitation. Highly reproducible tips exhibit an enhancement factor of >100 with a 100% yield. Because the tips are fabricated from commercially available silicon cantilever tips in a simple and robust way, our approach provides an important step of ‘tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy for everyone’. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of disinfecting solutions in removing biofilms from polyvinyl chloride tracheostomy tubes
Authors: Silva Rodrigo C. , Carver Ryan A. , Ojano‐Dirain Carolyn P. , Antonelli Patrick J.
Published: August 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Bacterial biofilms are prevalent in pediatric tracheostomy tubes (TTs) and are not completely cleared by standard cleaning with gauze and household detergents. We aimed to examine the effectiveness of different disinfecting solutions to remove Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Pseudomonas aerginosa (PA) biofilms from TTs.

Study Design:

Prospective, controlled, in vitro microbiologic study.

Methods:

Uniform coupons obtained from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pediatric TTs were briefly exposed to human plasma. The samples were incubated in growth media with either PA or SA for 7 days, and total bacterial growth was monitored by media turbidity. Five sets of 18 coupons each were exposed for 5 minutes to one of five different solutions: 2% aqueous chlorhexidine gluconate solution, 0.3% aqueous sodium hypochlorite, Polident denture cleanser, 3% hydrogen peroxide, or preservative‐free phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) as a negative control. Biofilm presence was measured with bacterial counts, and surface integrity was assessed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results:

All treatments significantly reduced mean SA counts (P = <.001). Sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine were more effective than peroxide and Polident. Chlorhexidine, sodium hypochlorite, and peroxide reduced PA counts (P = .001, .001, and .002, respectively), but Polident tabs had no significant effect. SEM revealed preserved TT surface integrity after exposure to all solutions.

Conclusions:

Disinfection with sodium hypochlorite or chlorhexidine solutions significantly reduces SA and PA biofilms on PVC TTs. Standard home care of reusable pediatric TTs may be improved by use of these readily available solutions. Laryngoscope, 2013
Direct femtosecond laser surface nano/microstructuring and its applications
Authors: Vorobyev Anatoliy Y. , Guo Chunlei
Published: August 2012

This paper reviews a new field of direct femtosecond laser surface nano/microstructuring and its applications. Over the past few years, direct femtosecond laser surface processing has distinguished itself from other conventional laser ablation methods and become one of the best ways to create surface structures at nano‐ and micro‐scales on metals and semiconductors due to its flexibility, simplicity, and controllability in creating various types of nano/microstructures that are suitable for a wide range of applications. Significant advancements were made recently in applying this technique to altering optical properties of metals and semiconductors. As a result, highly absorptive metals and semiconductors were created, dubbed as the “black metals” and “black silicon”. Furthermore, various colors other than black have been created through structural coloring on metals. Direct femtosecond laser processing is also capable of producing novel materials with wetting properties ranging from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic. In the extreme case, superwicking materials were created that can make liquids run vertically uphill against the gravity over an extended surface area. Though impressive scientific achievements have been made so far, direct femtosecond laser processing is still a young research field and many exciting findings are expected to emerge on its horizon.
Mathematical Modeling of Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation (TREF) of Polyethylene and Ethylene/1‐Olefin Copolymers
Authors: Siriwongsarn Ekaphol , Anantawaraskul Siripon , Chokputtanawuttilerd Nuttawat , Alghyamah Abdulaziz A. , Soares João B. P.
Published: August 2012

Temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) is a characterization technique widely used to estimate chemical composition distribution (CCD) of semicrystalline copolymers. Although several mathematical models have been previously proposed to elucidate the TREF fractionation mechanism, all previous TREF models assume equilibrium fractionation; thus, they cannot describe important kinetics effects observed in TREF experiments. In this work, a new TREF model is developed incorporating crystallization and dissolution kinetic models during the fractionation process. The proposed model describes the effects of molecular weight, comonomer content, cooling rate, heating rate, and solvent flow rate on experimental TREF profiles for both polyethylene and ethylene/1‐olefin copolymers very well.
Which prior knowledge? Quantification of in vivo brain 13C MR spectra following 13C glucose infusion using AMARES
Authors: Lanz Bernard , Duarte João M. N. , Kunz Nicolas , Mlynárik Vladimir , Gruetter Rolf , Cudalbu Cristina
Published: August 2012

The recent developments in high magnetic field 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy with improved localization and shimming techniques have led to important gains in sensitivity and spectral resolution of 13C in vivo spectra in the rodent brain, enabling the separation of several 13C isotopomers of glutamate and glutamine. In this context, the assumptions used in spectral quantification might have a significant impact on the determination of the 13C concentrations and the related metabolic fluxes. In this study, the time domain spectral quantification algorithm AMARES (advanced method for accurate, robust and efficient spectral fitting) was applied to 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy spectra acquired in the rat brain at 9.4 T, following infusion of [1,6‐13C2] glucose. Using both Monte Carlo simulations and in vivo data, the goal of this work was: (1) to validate the quantification of in vivo 13C isotopomers using AMARES; (2) to assess the impact of the prior knowledge on the quantification of in vivo 13C isotopomers using AMARES; (3) to compare AMARES and LCModel (linear combination of model spectra) for the quantification of in vivo 13C spectra. AMARES led to accurate and reliable 13C spectral quantification similar to those obtained using LCModel, when the frequency shifts, J‐coupling constants and phase patterns of the different 13C isotopomers were included as prior knowledge in the analysis. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phrenic nerve conduction studies in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Podnar Simon , Harlander Matevž
Published: August 2012

Introduction: The most common etiology of hypercapnic respiratory failure is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the differential diagnosis also includes neuromuscular disorders. We studied the specificity of reduced amplitude phrenic nerve compound motor action potential (CMAP) to diagnose neuromuscular disorders. Methods: A group of patients with advanced COPD were recruited prospectively and compared with controls. Phrenic nerve CMAPs were measured bilaterally using supraclavicular surface stimulation and bipolar recording (G1: 5 cm above the xiphoid; G2: 16 cm from G1). Results: A group of 20 patients (15 men) and a group of 29 controls (15 men) were included. Phrenic nerve CMAPs of patients with COPD had significantly longer latency and higher amplitude. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure and reduced phrenic nerve CMAP amplitude most probably have a neuromuscular disorder affecting the diaphragm and not COPD or another lung disorder. Muscle Nerve 47: 504–509, 2013
Age‐associated changes in muscle activity during isometric contraction
Authors: Arjunan Sridhar P. , Kumar Dinesh K.
Published: August 2012

Introduction: We investigated the effect of age on the complexity of muscle activity and the variance in the force of isometric contraction. Methods: Surface electromyography (sEMG) from biceps brachii muscle and force of contraction were recorded from 96 subjects (20–70 years of age) during isometric contractions. Results: There was a reduction in the complexity of sEMG associated with aging. The relationship of age and complexity was approximated using a bilinear fit, with the average knee point at 45 years. There was an age‐associated increase in the coefficient of variation (CoV) of the force of muscle contraction, and this increase was correlated with the decrease in complexity of sEMG (r2 = 0.76). Conclusions: There was an age‐associated increase in CoV and also a reduction in the complexity of sEMG. The correlation between these 2 factors can be explained based on the age‐associated increase in motor unit density. Muscle Nerve 47: 545–549, 2013
Soleus H‐reflex operant conditioning changes the H‐reflex recruitment curve
Authors: Thompson Aiko K. , Yang Chen Xiang , Wolpaw Jonathan R.
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Operant conditioning can gradually change the human soleus H‐reflex. The protocol conditions the reflex near M‐wave threshold. In this study we examine its impact on the reflexes at other stimulus strengths.Methods: H‐reflex recruitment curves were obtained before and after a 24‐session exposure to an up‐conditioning (HRup) or a down‐conditioning (HRdown) protocol and were compared.Results: In both HRup and HRdown subjects, conditioning affected the entire H‐reflex recruitment curve. In 5 of 6 HRup and 3 of 6 HRdown subjects, conditioning elevated (HRup) or depressed (HRdown), respectively, the entire curve. In the other HRup subject or the other 3 HRdown subjects, the curve was shifted to the left or to the right, respectively.Conclusions: H‐reflex conditioning does not simply change the H‐reflex to a stimulus of particular strength; it also changes the H‐reflexes to stimuli of different strengths. Thus, it is likely to affect many actions in which this pathway participates. Muscle Nerve 47: [?show $1534v]–[?show $1535v], 2013
Validity and reliability of nerve and muscle ultrasound
Authors: Cartwright Michael S. , Demar Samantha , Griffin Leah P. , Balakrishnan Nikhil , Harris Jessica M. , Walker Francis O.
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Nerve and muscle ultrasound has been studied in several conditions, but validity and reliability have not been assessed systematically.Methods: Nerve cross‐sectional area and muscle thickness were measured ultrasonographically at several sites in 4 cadavers, which were then dissected, and actual measurements were obtained. To assess intrarater and interrater reliability, between 3 and 5 ultrasonographers, with varying experience levels, made repeated measurements on healthy volunteers.Results: Correlation coefficients for nerve and muscle validity were >0.968 (P< 0.001), and for intrarater reliability were >0.901 (P< 0.001) for still and real‐time images. Correlation coefficients for interrater reliability were more varied, but for still images they were all significant at theP< 0.001 (0.542–0.998) level, and for real‐time images they were significant at theP< 0.05 level for half the sites (0.243–0.981).Conclusion: Overall, nerve and muscle ultrasound is a valid and reliable diagnostic imaging technique. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Importance of voriconazole therapeutic drug monitoring in pediatric cancer patients with invasive aspergillosis
Authors: Choi Soo‐Han , Lee Soo‐Youn , Hwang Ji‐Young , Lee Soo Hyun , Yoo Keon Hee , Sung Ki Woong , Koo Hong Hoe , Kim Yae‐Jean
Published: August 2012

Background

Voriconazole is the drug of choice for invasive aspergillosis (IA) and drug levels are influenced by interactions with other drugs and genetic predisposition. We performed a retrospective analysis of voriconazole drug levels and investigated the adequacy of drug levels in pediatric cancer patients and hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients with IA.

Procedure

Trough serum concentrations of voriconazole in patients younger than 19 years during a 30‐month period were analyzed. The therapeutic range was determined as 1–6 µg/ml.

Results

A total of 193 voriconazole measurements at steady‐state [86 on intravenous (IV) and 107 on oral (PO) doses] were obtained from 27 patients (median age 12.2 years). On the first monitoring, 19 patients (70.4%) achieved the therapeutic range. However, only 10 patients (37.0%) achieved the therapeutic range on second monitoring. Sixty‐four percent of the total measurements were within the therapeutic range: 66.3% of IV and 61.7% of PO. A significant correlation between oral doses and trough levels of voriconazole was observed in patients ≤6 years old (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient = 0.4819, P = 0.027). Patients aged ≤6 years needed a significantly higher median dose of PO voriconazole to maintain therapeutic trough levels compared to older patient groups (8.9 vs. 4.2 mg/kg/dose, P < 0.001). Voriconazole level <1 µg/ml was more frequently observed in patients with treatment failure at week 6 of voriconazole therapy (failure vs. success, 42.1% vs. 19.7%; P = 0.012).

Conclusions

Serum concentrations of voriconazole in children were variable, depending on the patient's age and route of administration. Continuous and careful drug level monitoring should be performed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 82–87. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.