bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy in an Intensive Outpatient Program With a Mixed‐Diagnostic Sample
Authors: Ritschel Lorie A. , Cheavens Jennifer S. , Nelson Juliet
Published: March 2012

Objectives

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) have become increasingly common for treating highly distressed patients, and a burgeoning number of IOPs are based on, or informed by, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of DBT in a community mental health center IOP for patients with heterogeneous diagnoses.

Method

Using a within‐subjects design, we examined changes in depression, anxiety, mindfulness, and hope during DBT treatment in a community mental health center in the Midwestern United States. The final sample comprised 56 participants (59% female) ranging in age from 18 to 73 years, with a mean age of 36.8 years (standard deviation = 13.7). The majority of participants (80%) met criteria for a mood disorder, just over half met criteria for an anxiety disorder, and 20% met criteria for comorbid substance abuse or dependence. Over half met criteria for more than one diagnosis. Length of treatment varied based on the needs of the individual patient; treatment ranged from 2 to 16 weeks, with an average stay of 6 weeks.

Results

Depression and anxiety scores decreased significantly and hope scores increased significantly over the course of treatment (all p's < .001). Mindfulness scores did not increase significantly, although changes did occur in the predicted direction. In addition, the extent to which hope and mindfulness increased over the course of treatment predicted final depression and anxiety scores after controlling for baseline symptom levels.

Conclusions

Results suggest that this DBT‐informed intervention was effective in reducing depression and anxiety and increasing hope. Because of the move away from inpatient hospitalizations over the last few decades, it is incumbent on the field to find alternative ways to treat patients in need of more acute, intensive care. Moreover, these treatments must be cost effective, as many of these patients have limited financial resources. Group therapy formats might provide an appropriate and needed bridge for this coverage gap. The results of this study suggest that a DBT‐informed IOP might be an amenable treatment for this population.
Ultrastructural effect of self‐ligating bracket materials on stainless steel and superelastic niTi wire surfaces
Authors: Choi Samjin , Lee Sunghoon , Cheong Youjin , Park Ki‐Ho , Park Hun‐Kuk , Park Young‐Guk
Published: March 2012

Frictional interactions between wires and brackets reduce the efficacy in orthodontic treatments. Self‐ligating brackets (SLBs) are now more often used due to lower frictional forces when compared with conventional‐ligating brackets. In this study, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to examine the microstructural effects of stainless steel and ceramic SLBs on the surface roughness of stainless steel and superelastic NiTi wires both after in vivo clinical orthodontic treatment as well as in in vitro three‐point bending experiments. A combination of two wires—0.019 in. × 0.025 in. stainless steel wires and 0.016 in. superelastic NiTi wires—and two SLBs—both passive‐type stainless steel SLBs and active‐type ceramic SLBs—was applied for 4 months (bicuspid‐extraction) in an in vivo setting and for 1 month in an in vitro setting (200 g loads). After the SLB treatments, all wires exhibited severe scratches secondary to frictional interactions with the brackets. When used with the stainless steel SLBs (Damon 3MX®), the surfaces of 0.019 in. × 0.025 in. stainless steel (P < 0.0001) and 0.016 in. superelastic NiTi wires (P < 0.05) were significantly smoother than when used with the ceramic SLBs (Clippy‐C®). Such results suggest that orthodontic treatments with stainless steel SLBs are more effective than with ceramic SLBs. Microsc. Res. Tech. 75:1076–1083, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Testing convergent and parallel adaptations in talpids humeral mechanical performance by means of geometric morphometrics and finite element analysis
Authors: Piras P. , Sansalone G. , Teresi L. , Kotsakis T. , Colangelo, P. , Loy A.
Published: March 2012

The shape and mechanical performance in Talpidae humeri were studied by means of Geometric Morphometrics and Finite Element Analysis, including both extinct and extant taxa. The aim of this study was to test whether the ability to dig, quantified by humerus mechanical performance, was characterized by convergent or parallel adaptations in different clades of complex tunnel digger within Talpidae, that is, Talpinae+Condylura(monophyletic) and some complex tunnel diggers not belonging to this clade. Our results suggest that the pattern underlying Talpidae humerus evolution is evolutionary parallelism. However, this insight changed to true convergence when we tested an alternative phylogeny based on molecular data, withCondyluramoved to a more basal phylogenetic position. Shape and performance analyses, as well as specific comparative methods, provided strong evidence that the ability to dig complex tunnels reached a functional optimum in distantly related taxa. This was also confirmed by the lower phenotypic variance in complex tunnel digger taxa, compared to non‐complex tunnel diggers. Evolutionary rates of phenotypic change showed a smooth deceleration in correspondence with the most recent common ancestor of the Talpinae+Condyluraclade. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Critical evaluation of screening techniques for emerging environmental contaminants based on accurate mass measurements with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Nurmi Joonas , Pellinen Jukka , Rantalainen Anna‐Lea
Published: March 2012

Emerging contaminants from wastewater effluent samples were analysed, using posttarget and nontarget analysis techniques. The samples were analysed with an ultra performance liquid chromatograph‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (UPLC‐TOF‐MS), and the resulting data were processed with commercial deconvolution software. The method works well for posttarget analysis with prior information about the retention times of the compounds of interest. With positive polarity, 63 of 66 compounds and with negative polarity, 18 of 20 compounds were correctly identified in a spiked sample, while two compounds of a total of 88 fell out of the mass range. Furthermore, a four‐stage process for identification was developed for the posttarget analysis lacking the retention time data. In the process, the number of candidate compounds was reduced by using the accurate mass of selected compounds in two steps (stages 1 and 2), structure–property relationships (stage 3) and isotope patterns of the analytes (stage 4). The process developed was validated by analysing wastewater samples spiked with 88 compounds. This procedure can be used to gain a preliminary indication of the presence of certain analytes in the samples. Nontarget analysis was tested by applying a theoretical mass spectra library for a wastewater sample spiked with six pharmaceuticals. The results showed a high number of false identifications. In addition, manual processing of the data was considered laborious and ineffective. Finally, the posttarget analysis was applied to a real wastewater sample. The analysis revealed the presence of six compounds that were afterwards confirmed with standard compounds as being correct. Three psycholeptics (nordiazepam, oxazepam and temazepam) could be tentatively identified, using the identification process developed. Posttarget analysis with UPLC‐TOF‐MS proved to be a promising method for analysing wastewater samples, while we concluded that the software for nontarget analysis will need improvement before it can be used in environmental analytical work with LC‐TOF‐MS systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collagen‐based proteinaceous binder‐pigment interaction study under UV ageing conditions by MALDI‐TOF‐MS and principal component analysis
Authors: Romero‐Pastor Julia , Navas Natalia , Kuckova Stepanka , Rodríguez‐Navarro Alejandro , Cardell Carolina
Published: March 2012

This study focuses on acquiring information on the degradation process of proteinaceous binders due to ultra violet (UV) radiation and possible interactions owing to the presence of historical mineral pigments. With this aim, three different paint model samples were prepared according to medieval recipes, using rabbit glue as proteinaceus binders. One of these model samples contained only the binder, and the other two were prepared by mixing each of the pigments (cinnabar or azurite) with the binder (glue tempera model samples). The model samples were studied by applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to their mass spectra obtained with Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization‐Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS). The complementary use of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to study conformational changes of secondary structure of the proteinaceous binder is also proposed. Ageing effects on the model samples after up to 3000 h of UV irradiation were periodically analyzed by the proposed approach. PCA on MS data proved capable of identifying significant changes in the model samples, and the results suggested different aging behavior based on the pigment present. This research represents the first attempt to use this approach (PCA on MALDI‐TOF‐MS data) in the field of Cultural Heritage and demonstrates the potential benefits in the study of proteinaceous artistic materials for purposes of conservation and restoration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristic ion clusters as determinants for the identification of pyrrolizidine alkaloidN‐oxides in pyrrolizidine alkaloid–containing natural products using HPLC–MS analysis
Authors: Ruan Jianqing , Li Na , Xia Qingsu , Fu Peter P. , Peng Shuying , Ye Yang , Lin Ge
Published: March 2012

Pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)–containing plants are widely distributed in the world. PAs are hepatotoxic, affecting livestock and humans. PAN‐oxides are often present together with PAs in plants and also exhibit hepatotoxicity but with less potency. HPLC–MS is generally used to analyze PA‐containing herbs, although PA references are unavailable in most cases. However, to date, without reference standards, HPLC–MS methodology cannot distinguish PAN‐oxides from PAs because they both produce the same characteristic ions in mass spectra. In the present study, the mass spectra of 10 PAN‐oxides and the corresponding PAs were systemically investigated using HPLC–MS to define the characteristic mass fragment ions specific to PAs and PAN‐oxides. Mass spectra of toxic retronecine‐type PAN‐oxides exhibited two characteristic ion clusters atm/z118–120 and 136–138. These ion clusters were produced by three unique fragmentation pathways of PAN‐oxides and were not found in their corresponding PAs. Similarly, the nontoxic platynecine‐type PAN‐oxides also fragmented via three similar pathways to form two characteristic ion clusters atm/z120–122 and 138–140. Further application of using these characteristic ion clusters allowed successful and rapid identification of PAs and PAN‐oxides in two PA‐containing herbal plants. Our results demonstrated, for the first time, that these characteristic ion clusters are unique determinants to discriminate PAN‐oxides from PAs even without the availability of reference samples. Our findings provide a novel and specific method to differentiate PAN‐oxides from PAs in PA‐containing natural products, which is crucial for the assessment of their intoxication. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiated adipose‐derived stem cells promote myelination and enhance functional recovery in a rat model of chronic denervation
Authors: Tomita Koichi , Madura Tomas , Mantovani Cristina , Terenghi Giorgio
Published: March 2012

Transplantation of autologous Schwann cells (SCs) is a promising approach for treating various peripheral nerve disorders, including chronic denervation. However, given their drawbacks, such as invasive biopsy and lengthy culture in vitro, alternative cell sources would be needed. Adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) are a candidate, and in this study rat ASCs transdifferentiated into a SC phenotype (dASC) cocultured with dorsal root ganglion neurons were shown to associate with neurites and to express myelin basic protein (MBP)‐positive myelin protein. Furthermore, dASCs transplanted into a chronically denervated rat common peroneal nerve survived for at least for 10 weeks, maintaining their differentiated state. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that transplanted dASCs associated with regenerating axons, forming MBP‐/protein zero‐positive myelin sheaths. The cell survival and myelin expression assessed by double labelling with S100 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were similar between the dASC‐ and SC‐transplanted nerves. Importantly, transplantation of dASCs resulted in dramatically improved motor functional recovery and nerve regeneration, with a level comparable to, or even superior to, transplantation of SCs. In conclusion, dASCs are capable of myelinating axons in vivo and enhancing functional outcome after chronic denervation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased aquaporin‐1 and Na+‐K+‐2Cl– cotransporter 1 expression in choroid plexus leads to blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier disruption and necrosis of hippocampal CA1 cells in acute rat models of hyponatremia
Authors: Kim Jaehyun , Jung Yongwook
Published: March 2012

Hyponatremia is a metabolic disorder characterized by increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume and pressure, although the site of brain insult is unclear. Specifically, the hippocampus, which is in direct contact with expanding CSF ventricles, may be involved. The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible roles of choroid plexus aquaporin‐1 (AQP1) and of cation chloride transporters (Na+‐K+‐2Cl– cotransporter 1 [NKCC1] and K+‐Cl– cotransporter 4 [KCC4]) in the underlying hippocampal pathophysiology of hyponatremia in acute (6 and 12 hr duration) experimental models. It was found that the expressions of AQP1 and NKCC1 proteins in choroid plexus were significantly increased, whereas the expression of KCC4 protein was unchanged vs. control values after 6 and 12 hr of hyponatremia. Choroid plexuses with increased AQP1 and NKCC1 after 6 hr of hyponatremia showed caspase 3‐dependent apoptosis and disruption of the blood–CSF barrier. Furthermore, necrotic changes in CA1 neuronal cells were observed after 6 and 12 hr of hyponatremia. Overall, these data suggest that increases in AQP1 and NKCC1 expression under hyposmotic stress may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of acute hyponatremia, such as the necrotic cell death of hippocampal CA1 region by increasing water transport across the blood–CSF barrier. Furthermore, we suggest that opening of the blood–CSF barrier after acute hyponatremia may be triggered the secondary adverse conditions that are capable of enhancing selective necrosis in hippocampal CA1 cells. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ectopic expression of TrKA in the adult rat basal ganglia induces both nerve growth factor‐dependent and ‐independent neuronal responses
Authors: Giannakopoulou Dimitra , Daguin‐Nerrière Véronique , Mitsacos Adamantia , Kouvelas Elias D. , Neveu Isabelle , Giompres Panagiotis , Brachet Philippe
Published: March 2012

Ectopic expression of tropomyosin‐related kinase A (TrkA), the high‐affinity receptor of nerve growth factor (NGF), has been widely used in cell culture systems to uncover its role in cell survival or death events. In contrast, little is known about the consequences of its expression in vivo. To address this question, adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors were used to express TrkA in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum of adult rats. Nine weeks after transfer, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) mRNAs were slightly decreased in the ipsilateral SN. This decrease was no longer significant when NGF was delivered into the striatum. There was no change of DAT binding sites or D1 or D2 receptor mRNAs and binding sites in the striatum, suggesting that ectopic TrkA exerts a limited effect on the pool of TH and DAT transcripts, without affecting overall dopamine signaling. When transferred into the striatum, TrkA transgene had no effect on the size of the cholinergic interneurons, but it exerted typical neurotrophic effects, as shown by an enlargement of the projection neurons and nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)‐expressing interneurons. This trophic action was amplified by a delivery of NGF. No toxic effect of the transgene was noted. These data indicate that ectopic expression of TrkA may result in the promotion of neurotrophic effects or can influence neuronal plasticity in the absence of exogenous NGF in neuronal populations that naturally fail to respond to this factor. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of estrogen receptors in gastric cancer and their clinical significance
Authors: Ryu Woo‐Sang , Kim Jong‐Han , Jang You‐Jin , Park Sung‐Soo , Um Jun‐Won , Park Seong‐Heum , Kim Seung‐Joo , Mok Young‐Jae , Kim Chong‐Suk
Published: March 2012

Backgrounds and Objectives

The male predominance of gastric cancer suggests that female sex hormones may have a protective effect against gastric cancer. We evaluated the expression of estrogen receptors in gastric cancer tissue and cells and the clinical significance of ER‐β expression in gastric cancer.

Method

ER‐α, ER‐β proteins extracted from normal stomach, gastric cancer tissues, and cultured gastric cancer cells (KATO‐III, mkn28, mkn45, and mkn74) were assessed by Western blot analysis. The clinical significance of ER‐β was explored using tissue microarray methods and immunohistochemical staining of specimens from 148 gastric cancers.

Results

Both ER‐α and β protein expression were noted in normal and gastric cancer tissues. However, in cultured gastric cells, only ER‐β was noted in mkn28 and mkn74. Of 148 gastric cancers, 67 (45.3%) were ER‐β positive. The ER‐β positive group was associated with lower tumor stage, Lauren's intestinal type, negative perineural invasion, and free of recurrence. The ER‐β positive group had a better 3‐year survival compared with the negative group in survival analysis.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the presence of ER‐β in gastric cancer could have a protective effect against invasiveness of gastric cancer. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of ER‐β in gastric cancers. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:456–461. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative study of the tribological properties of ionic liquids as additives of the attapulgite and bentone greases
Authors: Wang Zeyun , Xia Yanqiu , Liu Zhilu
Published: March 2012

Three kinds of ionic liquids (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (L‐P104), 1‐hexyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (L‐P106) and 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (LB108)) were added to the attapulgite base grease and the bentone base grease to investigate and compare the tribological behaviours of the ionic liquids with the two base greases at room temperature and 150°C. Tribological tests were performed using a ball‐on‐plate reciprocating tribometer. The attapulgite base grease showed better wear resistance properties than that of bentone base grease by adding ionic liquids as additives. At same time, the attapulgite base grease showed excellent friction‐reducing and wear resistance properties at high temperature (150°C). Also, we discussed the tribological mechanism of the attapulgite base grease at both room temperature and 150°C from the aspect of the structure of the grease thicker. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Galling resistance evaluation of tool steels by two different laboratory test methods for sheet metal forming
Authors: Karlsson P. , Eriksson J. , Gåård A. , Krakhmalev P. , Olsson M. , Bergström J.
Published: March 2012

Adhesive accumulation of work material on the tool surface is today a major problem in many sheet metal‐forming applications. Different laboratory test methods are used to investigate galling with respect to different tool materials, lubricants and process conditions. In the present study, the galling resistance of a modern nitrogen‐alloyed powder metallurgy tool steel and an conventional ingot cast D2 type tool steel was evaluated under lubricated sliding against ferritic stainless steel sheets using a commercial pin‐on‐disc (POD) and an in‐house made slider‐on‐flat‐surface (SOFS) tribotester. The investigated tool steels ranked similarly in terms of galling resistanc in both test methods. However, sliding distances to galling were longer for the SOFS equipment due to continuous sliding on new lubricated sheet surface. Best performance was demonstrated by the powder metallurgy tool steel treated to 65 HRC. Differences in friction behaviour and galling initiation were analysed on the basis of the two different working conditions, i.e. open (SOFS) and closed (POD) tribosystems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis (GROUP), a multi site longitudinal cohort study focused on gene–environment interaction: objectives, sample characteristics, recruitment and assessment methods
Authors: Korver Nikie , Quee Piotr J. , Boos Heleen B. M. , Simons Claudia J. P. , de Haan Lieuwe ,   GROUP investigators
Published: March 2012

Objective

A longitudinal focus on gene–environment vulnerability and resilience in both patients, their unaffected family members and non‐related controls offers the opportunity to elucidate etiological and pathogenetic factors influencing the onset and course of psychotic disorders. The current paper delineates the objectives, sample characteristics, recruitment and assessment procedures of the Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychoses (GROUP) study.

Methods

A naturalistic longitudinal cohort study with assessments at baseline, after three and six years of follow‐up. The study is conducted by a consortium of four university psychiatric centres, with their affiliated mental health care institutions in the Netherlands covering more than 7.5 million inhabitants. Extensive assessment of genetic factors, environmental factors, (endo)phenotypes, and outcome.

Results

At baseline, 1120 patients, 1057 siblings, 919 parents and 590 healthy controls were included.

Conclusion

The GROUP study will contribute to insight in risk and protective factors in the aetiology of non‐affective psychotic disorders, and in the variation in their course and outcome. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mental adjustment at different phases in breast cancer trajectory: re‐examination of factor structure of the Mini‐MAC and its correlation with distress
Authors: Wang Wei‐Ting , Tu Pei‐Chiung , Liu Tse‐Jia , Yeh Dah‐Cherng , Hsu Wen‐Yau
Published: March 2012

Objective

The aim of this study is twofold. First, it aims to determine the factor structure of the Mini‐Mental Adjustment to Cancer (Mini‐MAC) Scale by using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to compare the three‐factor, four‐factor, and five‐factor structures among 340 Taiwanese breast cancer patients. Second, it aims to test the difference in the correlations of coping strategies and the outcome measures between two populations: one‐month newly diagnosed and five‐year long‐term survival patients.

Methods

Two samples, composed of 142 newly diagnosed and 198 long‐term survival breast cancer patients, were recruited. Cancer‐specific coping and distress were assessed via the Mini‐MAC Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), respectively.

Results

The CFA confirmed Watson's original five‐factor structure fit the data best. The correlation difference between the two samples lies in the fighting spirit (FS), which correlated negatively with distress among the newly diagnosed sample but had no correlation among the long‐term survivors. Moreover, fatalism (FA) was found to correlate positively with distress.

Conclusions

The five‐factor structure represents a more psychometrically sound measure of psychological adjustment in the current data set. The findings also support the argument that the relationships between coping and distress vary, to some degree, at different phases in the cancer trajectory. FS is only a positive predictor of psychological adjustment among newly diagnosed patients. Because of the exclusion of two items, FA showed a positive correlation with distress, a result that contradicts previous findings. Further theoretical and practical implications for FS and FA are discussed.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpreting differences in patterns of supportive care needs between patients with breast cancer and patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Wylie W. Y. , Lam Wendy W. T. , Au Angel H. Y. , Ye Michelle , Law Wai Lun , Poon Jensen , Kwong Ava , Suen Dacita , Tsang Janice , Girgis Afaf , Fielding Richard
Published: March 2012

Background

Understanding cancer patients' supportive care needs can help optimize health‐care systems and inform services development. We therefore examined the prevalence of supportive care needs in Chinese breast (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) patients to identify prevalence and correlates of unmet needs.

Methods

We assessed supportive care needs (Supportive Care Needs Survey—Short Form), psychological distress (the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), symptom distress (The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale—Short Form), and satisfaction with care (Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire) among 210 Chinese BC (97) or CRC (104) outpatient clinic attendees.

Results

Breast cancer patients (89.7%) reported more unmet needs (χ2 = 4.409, p = 0.027), but both CRC and BC samples ranked unmet needs prevalence similarly, with health system and information needs reported as the most common. Younger patients reported higher health system and information and sexuality needs. After multivariate adjustment, the strength of unmet needs did not differ by cancer type. Unmet psychological, physical and daily living, and sexuality needs were positively associated with greater symptom distress. Greater health system information needs were associated with high global distress and low depression scores, whereas greater psychological needs were associated with higher anxiety scores.

Conclusions

Hong Kong Chinese BC and CRC patients strongly prioritized needs related to health systems and information provision. Symptoms and psychological distress were associated with unmet needs, reflecting a service shortfall in symptom management. Improving care provision by optimizing communication and clinic organization can better prepare cancer patients for their rehabilitation and improve symptom control. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unravelling the genetic bases of non‐target‐site‐based resistance (NTSR) to herbicides: a major challenge for weed science in the forthcoming decade
Authors: Délye Christophe
Published: March 2012

Non‐target‐site‐based resistance (NTSR) can confer unpredictable cross‐resistance to herbicides. However, the genetic determinants of NTSR remain poorly known. The current, urgent challenge for weed scientists is thus to elucidate the bases of NTSR so that detection tools are developed, the evolution of NTSR is understood, the efficacy of the shrinking herbicide portfolio is maintained and integrated weed management strategies, including fully effective herbicide applications, are designed and implemented. In this paper, the importance of NTSR in resistance to herbicides is underlined. The most likely way in which NTSR evolves—by accumulation of different mechanisms within individual plants—is described. The NTSR mechanisms, which can interfere with herbicide penetration, translocation and accumulation at the target site, and/or protect the plant against the consequences of herbicide action, are then reviewed. NTSR is a part of the plant stress response. As such, NTSR is a dynamic process unrolling over time that involves ‘protectors’ directly interfering with herbicide action, and also regulators controlling ‘protector’ expression. NTSR is thus a quantitative trait. On this basis, a three‐step procedure is proposed, based on the use of the ‘omics’ (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics or metabolomics), to unravel the genetic bases of NTSR. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Syntheses and properties of new metal complexes based on TTF‐ligands with multidentate coordination sites
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroyuki , Kitabatake Ryosuke , Mitsumoto Kiyotaka , Oshio Hiroki
Published: March 2012

Several TTF‐ligands with Schiff‐base type coordination sites have been synthesized to develop new TTF‐based metal complexes: tetradentate H2bsae‐TTF [4,5‐bis(2‐salycylideneiminoethylthio)‐TTF] and hexadentate macrocyclic‐TTF. Both ligands yielded mononuclear metal complexes, [CuII(bsae‐TTF)] and [MII(macrocyclic‐TTF)](BF4)2 (MII = FeII, CoII, NiII, ZnII). Electrochemical measurements revealed that both the bsae‐TTF and macrocyclic‐TTF complexes retained the redox properties of TTF moieties. All the metal complexes with macrocyclic‐TTF ligand were isostructural octahedral coordination structure. Among them, Co(II) complex showed spin‐crossover behaviour above room temperature. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic properties of [K(18‐crown‐6)][Ni(α‐tpdt)2]
Authors: Belo Dulce , Neves Ana I. S. , Pereira L. C. J. , Almeida Manuel
Published: March 2012

A new salt based on the [Ni(α‐tpdt)2]‐ anion, (α‐tpdt=2,3‐thiophenedithiolate) and on the K+ crown‐ether cation [K(18‐crown‐6)]+ is magnetically characterized. This salt exhibits interesting magnetic properties resulting from the spin polarization within the anionic molecule and from the specific molecular interactions arrangement in the crystal structure. Therefore the magnetic properties are due to the competition between AFM and FM interactions leading, at low temperature, to a cluster glass behaviour that is also associated with the ligand cis‐trans disorder. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structure and properties of semisquarate‐substituted TTF derivatives and their radical ion salts
Authors: Miyazaki Akira , Ono Satoshi , Yamazaki Miki
Published: March 2012

Synthesis, characterization and physical properties of two semisquarate‐substituted TTF derivatives, Me2TTFsqiPr and Me3TTFsqiPr and their radical salts are reported. Both molecules show solvatochromism as observed similarly in TTFsqiPr, showing the zwitterionic character of their photoexcited states. The maximum wavelength of the intra‐molecular charge‐transfer transition (λmax), and the two‐step redox potentials correlate to the number of electron‐donating methyl groups introduced in the TTF unit. These molecules form columnar structures in their neutral crystals and face‐to‐face dimer structures in radical ion salts Men TTFsqiPr•FeCl4 (n = 2, 3). The magnetic Fe spins in Me3TTFsqiPr•FeCl4 salt is antiferromagnetically coupled with the donor dimer units by means of superexchange interaction. The structure of TTFsqiPr•GaCl4 is characterized with mutually‐orthogonal donor and anion helices. The small magnetism in TTFsqiPr•FeCl4 suggests the antiferromagnetic coupling of donor and anion magnetic chains via intermolecular contacts. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic heat capacities of κ ‐(BETS)2FeBr4 measured by a micro‐chip calorimeter
Authors: Fukuoka Shuhei , Yamashita Satoshi , Yamamoto Takashi , Nakazawa Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Akiko , Kobayashi Hayao
Published: March 2012

Low temperature thermodynamic properties of κ ‐(BETS)2FeBr4 are studied by using a tiny single crystal sample with 1 µg adhered on a micro‐chip calorimeter TCG3880. A large thermal anomaly associated with the antiferromagnetic transition of localized d electrons of Fe3+ was observed around 2.2 K. With the increase of magnetic fields applied parallel to the ac plane, the transition temperature shifts to lower temperature side accompanied by an anisotropic character. We found that the reduction of the transition temperature is largest, when magnetic field was applied parallel to a‐axis. This observation is consistent with the previous result obtained by transport measurements which claimed that the spin easy axis is a‐axis. The results demonstrate that the microchip calorimeter is effective for conducting thermodynamic measurements of molecular compounds. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Field‐induced length changes in the spin‐liquid candidate κ‐(BEDT‐TTF)2Cu2(CN)3
Authors: Manna Rudra Sekhar , de Souza Mariano , Schlueter John A. , Lang Michael
Published: March 2012

Measurements of the coefficient of thermal expansion on the spin‐liquid candidate κ‐(BEDT‐TTF)2Cu2(CN)3 have revealed distinct and strongly anisotropic lattice effects around 6 K – a possible spin liquid instability. In order to study the effects of a magnetic field on the low‐temperature spin‐liquid state, dilatometric measurements have been conducted both as a function of temperature at B = const. and as a function of field at T = const. While the 6 K anomaly is found to be insensitive to magnetic fields B ≤ 10 T, the maximum field applied, surprisingly strong B ‐induced effects are observed for magnetic fields applied along the in‐plane b‐axis. Above a threshold field of 0.5 T < Bc ≤ 1 T, a jump‐like anomaly is observed in the b‐axis lattice parameter. This anomaly, which is located at 8.7 K at B = 1 T, grows in size and shifts to lower temperatures with increasing the magnetic field. Although the anomaly bears resemblance to a first‐order phase transition, the lack of hysteresis suggests otherwise. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The role of pressure in the electrical transport of doped plasticized polyanilines
Authors: Fier I. , Djurado D. , Pron A. , Travers J.‐P. , Walmsley L.
Published: March 2012

The behaviour of dc longitudinal and transverse conductivity in self‐assembled plastdoped films of polyaniline has been studied over the range of 9 K to 320 K, under different applied mechanical pressures. We observe a progressive evolution of the conductivity picture as the applied pressure is increased, especially in the transverse direction, where the conductivity tends to lower as the pressure is increased. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetism in crown‐ether‐substituted nitronyl nitroxide derivatives and their metal complexes
Authors: Sugano Tadashi , Blundell Stephen J. , Hayes William , Tajima Hiroyuki , Mori Hatsumi
Published: March 2012

Rare‐earth‐metal (M = Nd, Gd and Dy) complexes of the organic monoradicals, 15‐crown‐5‐phenyl nitronyl nitroxide 1 and 15‐crown‐5‐ or 18‐crown‐6‐phenyl iminonitroxide 2, were synthesized. We present here magnetic properties of the metal‐free radicals and the metal complexes of these organic monoradicals studied using SQUID megnetometry. Almost of all the rare‐earth‐metal complexes show two‐sublattice behavior in a wide range of antiferromagnetic (AFM) intrasublattice and ferromagnetic (FM) intersublattice interactions, Γ and λ, with |CΓ | and |Cλ | ≅ 10 to 100 K (C is the Curie constant) over the temperature range between 1.8 and 300 K, while the metal‐free radicals exhibit only weak AFM intermolecular interactions, less than the Weiss constant θ = –1 K. The magnitude of interactions observed in the metal complexes of each radical increase in order from Gd to Dy to Nd complexes. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Biochip applications of DLC films on a resin material
Authors: Murata Satoshi , Ito Shin , Mizuno Jun , Hirakuri Kenji , Sakamoto Hitoshi , Masuko Sadaaki , Sato Keisuke , Fukata Naoki , Shizuku Fukuo , Shoji Shuichi
Published: March 2012

Recent studies of diamond‐like carbon (DLC) coated medical devices have indicated possibility for developing biochip applications. We have deposited DLC film on cyclo‐olefin polymer (COP) sheet by using radio frequency plasma chemical vapor deposition technique. To enhance the adhesion strength between the COP sheet and the DLC films, the COP surface was modified by oxygen (O2) or nitrogen (N2) plasma treatment before the film coating. The critical load of samples was measured by using a scratch test. The result showed the adhesion strength of films was improved by the plasma treatment. After the DLC film coating, we performed the plasma post‐treatment of O2, N2 or hexafluoroethane (C2F6) gases to control the wettability of the material surface. The wettability, structure, roughness, and chemical composition of the samples have been investigated by a contact angle measurement, Raman spectroscopy (Raman), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These measurements indicated that wettability on the surface condition of DLC films was easily controlled by plasma post‐treatment of O2, N2 and C2F6. Furthermore, results of XPS showed that wettability of the surface condition is strongly dependent on chemical components with existemce of oxygen, nitrogen and flourine. We have estimated the wettability of hydorphilicity and hydrophobicity on DLC coating under plasma post‐treatment for biochip applications (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sol‐gel ZnO films crystallized under an electric field and the ZnO/Si heterojunction characteristic
Authors: Abe Kazunori , Komiyama Takao , Chonan Yasunori , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Aoyama Takashi
Published: March 2012

Sol‐gel ZnO films were spin‐coated on either quartz substrates or silicon (100) wafers, and they were crystallized under an electric field between 0 and 2.0 kV/cm at 800 °C in air for 10 min. Finally, hydrogen annealing was done at 400 °C for 1 h. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements indicated that the films crystallized under electric fields of more than 1.0 kV/cm had increased ZnO (002) peak intensity. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements showed that the near band edge (NBE) emission was increased and the deep level emission (DLE) was decreased for the films crystallized under the 1.7 kV/cm electric field. All the I‐V curves for the n‐ZnO/p‐Si heterojunctions showed typical rectifying behaviours. By applying an electric field (1.7 kV/cm) during the crystallization of the film, the forward current was apparently increased while the reverse current was decreased (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Micro‐Raman spectroscopy as a tool to analyze mechanical stress in nano‐structured diamond‐like carbon films
Authors: Mansano Ronaldo Domingues , Mousinho Ana Paula
Published: March 2012

In this work, we deposited nano‐structured diamond‐like carbon (DLC) films by high density plasma chemical vapour deposition system (HDPCVD) and the study of mechanical stress of these films has been made using micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Recently developed high‐density plasma chemical vapour deposition techniques have made it possible to produce nano‐structured DLC films with low surface roughness and high sp3/sp2 hybridization ratio. Thus, these parameters have been studied in this work. Nano‐structured DLC films were obtained using four methods for the surface modification of the silicon wafers: diamond powder, surface roughness generated by plasma etching, surface roughness generated by wet chemical etching solution and reference sample (silicon wafer only submitted to a chemical clean). The samples were analysed by AFM and SEM, too. We related the mechanical stress with the position of G and D bands, creating a new method to analyze these films (analyzing the displacement of central position G band). Thus, the results obtained in this work, related the Raman spectroscopy bands with the mechanical stress in DLC films obtained with different surface topographies (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Graphene and graphane functionalization with hydrogen: electronic and optical signatures
Authors: Shkrebtii A. I. , Heritage E. , McNelles P. , Cabellos J. L. , Mendoza B. S.
Published: March 2012

We proved the possibility of electron gap tuning of graphene‐based materials, using extensive first principles modelling of the structural, electronic and optical properties of partially hydrogenated graphene. Optical tools were proposed to characterize the hydrogenation process. Sub‐monolayer hydrogen passivated graphene and various hydrogen induced superstructures were considered. Electron and optical DFT LDA gaps between 0.2 and 1.8 eV, suitable for microelectronic application, were obtained for low hydrogen coverage structures. For such systems, hydrogen clustering (by saturating neighbouring C dangling bonds at opposite sides of the graphene sheet) is energetically most favourable and generally produces a larger gap. A more homogeneous H distribution with one‐side bonding to C‐host atoms is, in contrast, less energetically favourable and even structurally unstable. In addition, such H configurations generally produce lower electron band gap. Hydrogen at low coverage not only locally buckles six‐fold carbon rings, it leads to dimerization and subsequent electron localization for neighbouring carbon atoms, which are not H bonded. Such structural and electronic processes are responsible for gap opening and its magnitude. Calculated linear optical response indicates that the optics is not only gap sensitive, but, combined with experimental spectra, can also provide access to microscopic properties of 2D nano‐sheets such as symmetry, hydrogen induced structure, degree of hydrogenation, chemical bonding, and others (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study on spin and charge fluctuations in τ ‐type organic conductor
Authors: Aizawa Hirohito , Kuroki Kazuhiko
Published: March 2012

We theoretically study the possibility of the ferromagnetic behavior in a quasi‐two‐dimensional organic conductor, τ ‐(EDO‐S,S ‐DMEDT‐TTF)2(AuBr2)1+y with y ≈ 0.875. We adopt a two‐band extended Hubbard model, whose band dispersion nicely reproduces the ab initio band structure. We consider both on‐site and nearest neighbor off‐site repulsive interactions.

By applying the random phase approximation, we find that both spin and charge susceptibilities are maximized at Q = (0, 0). Although this can be an indication of pure antiferromagnetism since two sites are present in a unit cell, the divergence of the susceptibilities at the origin of the k ‐space can also be related to the ferromagnetic behavior observed in this organic conductor. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic resonance chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging and nanotechnology
Authors: Winter Patrick M.
Published: March 2012

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) agents and paramagnetic CEST (PARACEST) agents display bound water signals that exchange protons with the bulk water. CEST magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relies on exchangeable protons that resonate at a chemical shift that is distinguishable from the bulk water signal. In some cases, paramagnetic chelates are utilized to shift the bound water frequency further away from the bulk water. Radiofrequency prepulses applied at the appropriate frequency can saturate the exchangeable protons, which transfer into the bulk water pool and lead to reduced equilibrium magnetization. Therefore, CEST and PARACEST agents allow the image contrast to be switched ‘on’ and ‘off’ by simply changing the pulse sequence parameters. One of the main limitations with this approach is the inherent insensitivity of MRI to CEST and PARACEST agents. Nanoscale carriers have been developed to improve the limit of detection for these agents, demonstrating the feasibility ofin vivomolecular or cellular MRI based on CEST or PARACEST contrast. These carriers have been based on a number of different nanoparticle constructs, such as liposomes, dendrimers, polymers, adenovirus particles, and perfluorocarbon nanoparticles. The unique MRI properties of CEST and PARACEST nanoparticle systems have spawned research into an array of potential medical applications.WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol2012, 4:389–398. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1167

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
A Higgs boson near 125 GeV with enhanced di-photon signal in the NMSSM
Authors: Ellwanger Ulrich
Published: March 2012

Abstract

A natural region in the parameter space of the NMSSM can accomodate a CP-even Higgs boson with a mass of about 125 GeV and, simultaneously, an enhanced cross section times branching ratio in the di-photon channel. This happens in the case of strong singlet-doublet mixing, when the partial width of a 125 GeV Higgs boson into
$ b\overline b $
is strongly reduced. In this case, a second lighter CP-even Higgs boson is potentially also observable at the LHC.
Mapping of Shear Zones in the Western Ghats, Southwestern Part of Dharwar Craton
Authors: Chetty T. R. K. , Mohanty D. P. , Yellappa T.
Published: March 2012

A new map of structural architecture has been compiled involving modern mapping techniques at the cratonmobile belt interface in the Western Ghats around the Coorg granulite massif revealing the occurrence of important shear zones. The shear zones are linked to the Moyar-Bhavani Shear Zone in Southern India. The nature, geometry and kinematics of the shear zones in the granulitic crust and the cratonic part are distinctly different.
Clay Mineralogical Studies on Bijawars of the Sonrai Basin: Palaeoenvironmental Implications and Inferences on the Uranium Mineralization
Authors: Jha Surendra Kumar , Shrivastava J. P. , Bhairam C. L.
Published: March 2012

Clays associated with the Precambrian unconformity-related (sensu lato) uranium mineralization that occur along fractures of Rohini carbonate, Bandai sandstone and clay-organic rich black carbonaceous Gorakalan shale of the Sonrai Formation from Bijawar Group is significant. Nature and structural complexity of these clays have been studied to understand depositional mechanism and palaeoenvironmental conditions responsible for the restricted enrichment of uranium in the Sonrai basin. Clays (<2 μm fraction) separated from indurate sedimentary rocks by disaggregation, chemical treatment and centrifugation were examined using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Presence of tv-1M type illite is inferred from the Rohini and Bandai Members of the Sonrai Formation, indicative of high fluid/rock interaction and super-saturation state of the fluids available in proximity with the uranium mineralization. It is observed that the Sonrai Formation is characterized by kaolinite > chlorite > illite > smectite mineral assemblages, whereas, Solda Formation contains kaolinite > illite > chlorite clays. It has been found that the former mineral assemblage resulted from the alteration process is associated with the uranium mineralization and follow progressive reaction series, indicating palaeoenvironmental (cycles of tropical humid to semi-arid/arid) changes prevailed during maturation of the Sonrai basin. The hydrothermal activity possibly associated with Kurrat volcanics is accountable for the clay mineral alterations.