bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Femtosecond Laser Induced Nanowire Technique and Its Applications
Authors: Baba Motoyoshi , Jia Tianqing , Suzuki Masayuki , Kuroda Hiroto
Published: June 2011

Semiconductor nanowires are very attractive due to their interesting fundamental properties and enormous potentials for device applications to the nanoscale optoelectronics and solar cells, and so forth. We fabricated semiconductor nanowires of various wire parameters such as wire length, diameter, and density by femtosecond laser induced method. We report the development of our technology of creating semiconductor nanowires with smaller size than the laser wavelength at precise position by femtosecond laser ablation technique. There are a variety of growth methods for nanowires including chemical vapor deposition (CVD), molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE), and pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Although PLD has recently been applied as a growth method for nanowires, laser induced nanowires are very good in quality. Their growth rate is much higher than that of nanowires grown by other ways. We discuss the growth mechanism of laser induced nanowires and describe the advantages of this approach.
Amyloid‐β associated volume loss occurs only in the presence of phospho‐tau
Authors: Desikan Rahul S. , McEvoy Linda K. , Thompson Wesley K. , Holland Dominic , Roddey J. Cooper , Blennow Kaj , Aisen Paul S. , Brewer James B. , Hyman Bradley T. , Dale Anders M.
Published: June 2011

The relationship between neurodegeneration and the 2 hallmark proteins of Alzheimer's disease, amyloid‐β (Aβ) and tau, is still unclear. Here, we examined 286 nondemented participants (107 cognitively normal older adults and 179 memory impaired individuals) who underwent longitudinal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and lumbar puncture. Using mixed effects models, we investigated the relationship between longitudinal entorhinal cortex atrophy rate, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) p‐tau181p and CSF Aβ1–42. We found a significant relationship between elevated entorhinal cortex atrophy rate and decreased CSF Aβ1–42 only with elevated CSF p‐tau181p. Our findings indicate that Aβ‐associated volume loss occurs only in the presence of phospho‐tau in humans at risk for dementia. Ann Neurol 2011
Molecular combing reveals allelic combinations in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy
Authors: Nguyen Karine , Walrafen Pierre , Bernard Rafaëlle , Attarian Shahram , Chaix Charlène , Vovan Catherine , Renard Emilie , Dufrane Nathalie , Pouget Jean , Vannier Anne , Bensimon Aaron , Lévy Nicolas
Published: June 2011

Objective:

The genetic variation underlying facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), 1 of the most common hereditary neuromuscular disorders, is complex, and associated with the contraction of a repeat array (D4Z4) at the subtelomeric end of chromosome 4q. Nonpathogenic variants of 4q and the presence of a homologous array on chromosome 10q make FSHD diagnosis extremely challenging, at least in individuals with nonstandard D4Z4 arrays. We aimed to improve FSHD molecular analysis by proposing an alternative technique to the Southern blot.

Methods:

We applied molecular combing (MC) to directly visualize allelic combinations associated with FSHD.

Results:

MC enabled the accurate diagnosis of 32 FSHD patients. Unreported haplotypes and rearrangements, as well as somatic mosaicism, which is common in the 10 to 30% of cases that are sporadic, were detectable by MC.

Interpretation:

MC enables the detailed exploration of the FSHD locus and accurate diagnosis of FSHD, the first Mendelian disease to benefit from this technique. MC is also likely to be applicable to other copy number‐variant or repeat expansion‐associated human diseases. ANN NEUROL 2011;70:627–633
Hospital volume and surgical outcomes after elective hip/knee arthroplasty: A risk‐adjusted analysis of a large regional database
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A. , Kwoh C. Kent , Boudreau Robert M. , Lee Gwo‐Chin , Ibrahim Said A.
Published: June 2011

Objective

To examine the relationship between hospital procedure volume and surgical outcomes following elective primary total hip arthroplasty/total knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA).

Methods

Using the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council database, we identified all patients who underwent elective primary THA/TKA in Pennsylvania. Hospitals were categorized according to the annual volume of THA/TKA procedures, as follows: ≤25, 26–100, 101–200, and >200. The 30‐day complication rate and 30‐day and 1‐year mortality rates were assessed by logistic regression models, adjusted for age, sex, race, insurance type, hospital region, 3M All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Group risk of mortality score, hospital teaching status, and bed count.

Results

In the THA and TKA cohorts, the mean age of the patients was 69 years, and 42.8% and 35%, respectively, were men. Compared with patients whose surgeries were performed at very‐high‐volume hospitals (>200 procedures/year), patients who underwent elective primary THA procedures at hospitals with a very low volume (≤25 procedures/year), a low volume (26–100 procedures/year), or a high volume (101–200 procedures/year) had higher multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for venous thromboembolism (OR 2.0, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.2–16.0), OR 3.4 [95% CI 1.4–8.0], and OR 1.1 [95% CI 0.3–3.7], respectively) and 1‐year mortality (OR 2.1 [95% CI 1.2–3.6], OR 2.0 [95% CI 1.4–2.9], and OR 1.0 [95% CI 0.7–1.5], respectively). Among patients ages ≥65 years who underwent elective primary TKA at very‐low‐volume, low‐volume, and high‐volume hospitals, the ORs for 1‐year mortality were significantly higher (OR 0.6 [95% CI 0.2–2.1], OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.0–2.4], and OR 0.9 [95% CI 0.6–1.3], respectively), compared with very‐high‐volume hospitals.

Conclusion

Performance of elective primary THA and TKA surgeries in low‐volume hospitals was associated with a higher risk of venous thromboembolism and mortality. Confounding due to unmeasured variables is possible. Modifiable system‐based factors/processes should be targeted to reduce the number of complications associated with THA/TKA procedures.
Maternal influences on epigenetic programming of the developing hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis
Authors: Grace Curtis E. , Kim Sung‐Jae , Rogers John M.
Published: June 2011

Parental and environmental factors during the prenatal and postnatal periods permanently affect the physiology and metabolism of offspring, potentially increasing disease risk later in life. Underlying mechanisms are being elucidated, and effects on a number of organs and metabolic pathways are likely involved. In this review, we consider effects on the developing hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis, which may represent a common pathway for developmental programming. The focus is on prenatal and early postnatal development, during which the HPA axis may be programmed in a manner that affects health for a lifetime. Programming of the HPA axis involves, at least in part, epigenetic remodeling of chromatin, leading to alterations in the expression of genes in many organs and tissues involved in HPA activation and response, including the hippocampus and peripheral tissues. Examples of developmental epigenetic modifications affecting the HPA axis as well as target tissues are provided. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epigenomic reprogramming of the developing reproductive tract and disease susceptibility in adulthood
Authors: Walker Cheryl Lyn
Published: June 2011

During development, epigenetic programs are “installed” on the genome that direct differentiation and normal tissue and organ function in adulthood. Consequently, development is also a period of susceptibility to reprogramming of the epigenome. Developmental reprogramming occurs when an adverse stimulus or insult interrupts the proper “install” of epigenetic programs during development, reprogramming normal physiologic responses in such a way as to promote disease later in life. Some of the best examples of developmental reprogramming involve the reproductive tract, where early life exposures to environmental estrogens can increase susceptibility to benign and malignant tumors in adulthood including leiomyoma (fibroids), endometrial, and prostate cancer. Although specific mechanism(s) by which environmental estrogens reprogram the developing epigenome were unknown, both DNA and histone methylation were considered likely targets for epigenetic reprogramming. We have now identified a mechanism by which developmental exposures to environmental estrogens reprogram the epigenome by inducing inappropriate activation of nongenomic estrogen receptor (ER) signaling. Activation of nongenomic ER signaling via the phosphotidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway activates the kinase AKT/PKB in the developing reproductive tract, which phosphorylates the histone lysine methyltransferase (HKMT) EZH2, the key “installer” of epigenetic histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). AKT phosphorylation inactivates EZH2, decreasing levels of H3K27 methylation, a repressive mark that inhibits gene expression, in the developing uterus. As a result of this developmental reprogramming, many estrogen‐responsive genes become hypersensitive to estrogen in adulthood, exhibiting elevated expression throughout the estrus cycle, and resulting in a “hyper‐estrogenized” phenotype in the adult uterus that promotes development of hormone‐dependent tumors. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trans‐apical aortic valve implantation complicated by left main occlusion
Authors: Crimi Gabriele , Passerone Giancarlo , Rubartelli Paolo
Published: June 2011

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a highly effective procedure for selected patients who are at high risk for aortic valve replacement; however, the incidence of severe complications is still relevant. Coronary occlusion during TAVI is a life‐threatening complication that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. We report the case of an 87‐years‐old woman affected by severe aortic stenosis, symptomatic for refractory heart failure, who underwent urgent balloon aortic valvuloplasty and subsequent elective transapical aortic valve implantation. Valve deployment was complicated by cardiac arrest and hemodynamic collapse, and left main coronary artery occlusion was recognized and successfully recovered by balloon angioplasty and stent implantation. Patient is alive and well 6 months after procedure. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimizing the Benefits of Pulse Combustion Impingement for Paper Drying
Authors: Ahrens F. , Liewkongsataporn W. , Patterson T.
Published: June 2011

Numerical simulation results, quantifying the effects of impingement zone geometry on pulse‐combustion‐driven and steady‐impingement heat transfer, are used to investigate the design tradeoffs between heat transfer rate (i.e., drying rate), heat transfer (jet thermal energy) effectiveness, and heat transfer enhancement due to the pulsating jet. At equal area‐average heat flux, it was found that nozzle spacing and, thus, jet thermal energy effectiveness may be as much as three times greater for pulsating impingement jets as for steady‐flow jets having the same temperature and mean velocity. Alternatively, at equal jet thermal energy effectiveness, the average heat flux (drying rate) with pulsating impingement may be around 2.4 times greater than with steady impingement.
Numerical Study of Convective Water Desorption from the Polystyrene Cation Resin CG‐8
Authors: Stakić M. , Nikolić A. , Urošević T.
Published: June 2011

A mathematical model was developed to evaluate the influence of structural and operational factors on convective desorption processes (desorption of a liquid from capillary‐porous material). The possibility to utilize this model for the case of water desorption from the polystyrene cation resin CG‐8 is presented. The model accounts for unsteady one‐dimensional simultaneous heat and mass transfer between the gas (humid air) and the solid phase (CG‐8 resin). The identification of effective transport properties for the considered packed bed of material (CG‐8 resin) is discussed. To this purpose, data from the literature are used.
Arene–Anion Based Arginine‐Binding Motif on a Galactose Scaffold: Structure–Activity Relationships of Interactions with Arginine‐Rich Galectins
Authors: Öberg Christopher T. , Noresson Ann‐Louise , Leffler Hakon , Nilsson Ulf J.
Published: June 2011

Two series of C3‐benzamido and O2‐anion‐substituted galactopyranosides were synthesized and studied as binders to arginine‐rich proteins galectin‐1, ‐3, ‐7, ‐8N (N‐terminal domain), and ‐9N (N‐terminal domain). The first series had a 4‐methylbenzamide at C3 and the anionic O2‐substituent was varied. The second series varied the 4‐substituent of the C3‐benzamide, whereas the anionic O2 substituent was kept as a sulfate. The influence of the O2‐anion substituent correlated negatively with the oxygen charge density in case of galectin‐1, ‐3, and ‐9N. In the second series, the electron‐donating capacity of the 4‐substituent of the C3‐benzamides correlated positively with the magnitude of the affinity enhancement by the 2O‐sulfate.
Expanding Mg–Zn Hybrid Chemistry: Inorganic Salt Effects in Addition Reactions of Organozinc Reagents to Trifluoroacetophenone and the Implications for a Synergistic Lithium–Magnesium–Zinc Activation
Authors: Armstrong David R. , Clegg William , García‐Álvarez Pablo , Kennedy Alan R. , McCall Matthew D. , Russo Luca , Hevia Eva
Published: June 2011

Numerous organic transformations rely on organozinc compounds made through salt‐metathesis (exchange) reactions from organolithium or Grignard reagents with a suitable zinc precursor. By combining X‐ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations, this study sheds new light on the constitution of the organometallic species involved in this important synthetic tool. Investigations into the metathesis reactions of equimolar amounts of Grignard reagents (RMgX) and ZnCl2in THF led to the isolation of novel magnesium–zinc hybrids, [{(thf)2Mg(μ‐Cl)3ZnR}2] (R=Et,tBu,nBu oro‐OMe‐C6H4), which exhibit an unprecedented structural motif in mixed magnesium–zinc chemistry. Furthermore, theoretical modelling of the reaction of EtMgCl with ZnCl2reveals that formation of the mixed‐metal compound is thermodynamically preferred to that of the expected homometallic products, RZnCl and MgCl2. This study also assesses the alkylating ability of hybrid3towards the sensitive ketone trifluoroacetophenone, revealing a dramatic increase in the chemoselectivity of the reaction when LiCl is introduced as an additive. This observation, combined with recent related breakthroughs in synthesis, points towards the existence of a trilateral Li/Mg/Zn synergistic effect.
Shape diversity in particles obtained by low temperature pyrolysis of ferrocene
Authors: Koprinarov N. , Konstantinova M.
Published: June 2011

Synthesis experiments, made in a hermetically closed steel container through pyrolytical decomposition of various mixtures like ferrocene and xylene; ferrocene and water; ferrocene, xylene and water in different ratios have resulted in emergence of different in shape particles. The necessary for the realization of each experiment temperature increases linearly with 20 K/min up to the needed temperature and decreases mostly with no delay with a cooling rate of 30 K/min down to room temperature. The obtained particles are shaped as spheres, entirely or partially finished octahedrons or resemble stars. The spheres are perfect in shape and consist of pure incompletely graphitisized carbon. The octahedron and star‐like shaped particles, synthesized in the presence of ferrocene as precursor, have magnetite nuclei and carbon coating. Particle morphology has been examined by Scanning (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and their chemical composition and crystal structure by the means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer spectroscopy and Electron Probe X‐ray Micro Analysis and Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectrometry (EDS). Based on the results obtained it has been concluded that the synthesized particle morphology depends on the simultaneous proceeding magnetite crystal growing and crystal coating with partially graphitisized carbon deposit. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A more clear insight of the lysozyme crystal composition
Authors: Müller C. , Ulrich J.
Published: June 2011

Crystallization can be used as a purification method for proteins. Lysozyme was chosen as a model substance. Changing crystallization conditions will lead as shown to different lysozyme crystal morphologies with different properties. Beside others, lysozyme crystals can show a Tetragonal, High Temperature and Low Temperature Orthorhombic crystal morphology. Experiments such as conductivity measurements, pH tests, chloride detection tests, experiments using methylene blue as a dye and dissolution experiments were carried out to investigate the composition of the lysozyme crystals. It is proven that lysozyme crystals are made up of the initial buffer solution components: lysozyme (the protein), water which is part of the crystal lattice, salt ions which are attached to the protein molecule and voids filled with the buffer solution containing the crystallization agent (e.g. salt). Interesting dissolution behaviours of the lysozyme crystals were observed which are not described so far elsewhere (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of ferric ions on the morphology and size of magnetite nanocrystals synthesized by ultrasonic irradiation
Authors: Cheng J. P. , Ma R. , Chen X. , Shi D. , Liu F. , Zhang X. B.
Published: June 2011

Two‐dimensional plate‐like Fe3O4 nanocrystals and nanoparticles could be synthesized by a simple one‐step sonochemical method through ultrasonic irradiation in reverse co‐precipitation solution at low temperature. This technique provided a facile and rapid way to prepare Fe3O4nanocrystals with different morphology and size. Magnetite nanoplates were synthesized with only ferrous salt adding into alkali solution, and adding ferric ions with low molar ratio in the metal salts solution would lead to the formation of very small magnetite nanoparticles (∼10 nm). The size of as‐prepared magnetite nanoparticles increased with increasing reaction temperature and showed narrow size distribution, the standard deviation less than 2 nm. This investigation indicated that ferric ions had significant influence on the morphology of Fe3O4 nanocrystals. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A new nonlinear optical crystal: Bi2O2(OH)(NO3)
Authors: Wang Cuiping , Liu Qian , Li Zhihua
Published: June 2011

The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of Bi2O2(OH)(NO3) crystals have been reported for the first time. Bi2O2(OH)(NO3) crystals with dimensions of 1.3×1.2×0.1 mm3 have been grown by hydrothermal method, and the crystals characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), SEM and IR. The measured second harmonic generation (SHG) effect of Bi2O2(OH)(NO3) was about 7 times that of KDP. The mechanism responsible for the large SHG of Bi2O2(OH)(NO3) was explained according to its structure. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Expression patterns of Ephs and ephrins throughout retinotectal development in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Higenell Valerie , Han Sang Myung , Feldheim David A. , Scalia Frank , Ruthazer Edward S.
Published: June 2011

The Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their ligands the ephrins play an essential role in the targeting of retinal ganglion cell axons to topographically correct locations in the optic tectum during visual system development. The African claw‐toed frog Xenopus laevis is a popular animal model for the study of retinotectal development because of its amenability to live imaging and electrophysiology. Its visual system undergoes protracted growth continuing beyond metamorphosis, yet little is known about ephrin and Eph expression patterns beyond stage 39 when retinal axons first arrive in the tectum. We used alkaline phosphatase fusion proteins of EphA3, ephrin‐A5, EphB2, and ephrin‐B1 as affinity probes to reveal the expression patterns of ephrin‐As, EphAs, ephrin‐Bs, and EphBs, respectively. Analysis of brains from stage 40 to adult frog revealed that ephrins and Eph receptors are expressed throughout development. As observed in other species, staining for ephrin‐As displayed a high caudal to low rostral expression pattern across the tectum, roughly complementary to the expression of EphAs. In contrast with the prevailing model, EphBs were found to be expressed in the tectum in a high dorsal to low ventral gradient in young animals. In animals with induced binocular tectal innervation, ocular dominance bands of alternating input from the two eyes formed in the tectum; however, ephrin‐A and EphA expression patterns were unmodulated and similar to those in normal frogs, confirming that the segregation of axons into eye‐specific stripes is not the consequence of a respecification of molecular guidance cues in the tectum. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 72: 547–563, 2012
Childhood emotional abuse and eating symptoms in bulimic disorders: An examination of possible mediating variables
Authors: Groleau Patricia , Steiger Howard , Bruce Kenneth , Israel Mimi , Sycz Lindsay , Ouellette Anne‐Sophie , Badawi Ghislaine
Published: June 2011

Objective:

We sought to estimate prevalences of childhood emotional abuse (CEA) in bulimic and normal‐eater control groups, and to replicate previous findings linking CEA to severity of eating symptoms in BN. We also examined potential mediators of the link between CEA and disordered eating.

Method:

Women diagnosed with a bulimic disorder (n = 176) and normal‐eater women (n = 139) were assessed for childhood traumata, eating‐disorder (ED) symptoms and psychopathological characteristics (ineffectiveness, perfectionism, depression, and affective instability) thought to be potential mediators of interest.

Results:

CEA was more prevalent in the bulimic than in the nonbulimic group, and predicted severity of some eating‐symptom indices. Ineffectiveness and affective instability both mediated relationships between CEA and selected ED symptoms.

Discussion:

We found CEA to predict eating pathology through mediating effects of ineffectiveness and affective instability. CEA might influence severity of ED symptoms by impacting an individual's self‐esteem and capacity for affect regulation. © 2011 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)
A Study of Factors Affecting Enantioselectivity in the Oxidation of Aryl Benzyl Sulfides in the Presence of Chiral Titanium Catalysts
Authors: Capozzi Maria Annunziata M. , Centrone Caterina , Fracchiolla Giuseppe , Naso Francesco , Cardellicchio Cosimo
Published: June 2011

A series of experiments was performed to test a theoretical model that we have recently proposed to explain the highly enantioselective oxidation of aryl benzyl sulfides with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of a complex between titanium and (S,S)‐ or (R,R)‐hydrobenzoin. The studied variations involved the sulfides, the ligands, and the order of addition of reactants. The reaction path predicted by our model was confirmed in every experiment. In particular, aryl benzyl sulfides behaved as the ideal substrate for this type of asymmetric oxidation, which yields synthetically useful, enantiopure aryl benzyl sulfoxides in a straightforward manner.
Thermoregulated Copper‐Free Sonogashira Coupling in Water
Authors: Liu Ning , Liu Chun , Xu Qiang , Jin Zilin
Published: June 2011

The Sonogashira cross‐coupling reaction between aryl halides and terminal alkynes was carried out smoothly in water over a thermoregulated ligand–palladium catalyst under copper‐free conditions, resulting in good to excellent yields. The Sonogashira reaction was sensitive to the electronic nature of the substituents on the aryl halides. Aryl halides with an electron‐withdrawing group showed higher reactivity than those with an electron‐donating group. Particularly, this protocol could be applied to the synthesis of liquid crystals involving trans‐cyclohexyltolans. The products could be separated from the reaction system easily by decanting, and the catalyst was recovered in water and used directly for the next run.
Exploration of the Scope of Pt‐Catalyzed C–F Activation
Authors: Keyes Lauren , Sun Alex D. , Love Jennifer A.
Published: June 2011

We recently reported methods for the catalytic methylation and methoxylation of polyfluoroaryl imines utilizing [Pt2Me4(SMe2)2] as a precatalyst. These methodologies provide a novel route to partially functionalized aryl fluorides, which have potential utility as building blocks for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and materials. We report herein efforts to expand the scope of these processes, particularly the choice of directing group. Comparisons to the previously reported scope of PtII‐catalyzed methylation and methoxylation are described.
Automated detection and characterization of SPIO‐labeled cells and capsules using magnetic field perturbations
Authors: Mills Parker H. , Hitchens T. Kevin , Foley Lesley M. , Link Thomas , Ye Qing , Weiss Clifford R. , Thompson Joe D. , Gilson Wesley D. , Arepally Aravind , Melick John A. , Kochanek Patrick M. , Ho Chien , Bulte Jeff W. M. , Ahrens Eric T.
Published: June 2011

Understanding how individual cells behave inside living systems will help enable new diagnostic tools and cellular therapies. Superparamagnetic iron oxide particles can be used to label cells and theranostic capsules for noninvasive tracking using MRI. Contrast changes from superparamagnetic iron oxide are often subtle relative to intrinsic sources of contrast, presenting a detection challenge. Here, we describe a versatile postprocessing method, called Phase map cross‐correlation Detection and Quantification (PDQ), that automatically identifies localized deposits of superparamagnetic iron oxide, estimating their volume magnetic susceptibility and magnetic moment. To demonstrate applicability, PDQ was used to detect and characterize superparamagnetic iron oxide‐labeled magnetocapsules implanted in porcine liver and suspended in agarose gel. PDQ was also applied to mouse brains infiltrated by MPIO‐labeled macrophages following traumatic brain injury; longitudinal, in vivo studies tracked individual MPIO clusters over 3 days, and tracked clusters were corroborated in ex vivo brain scans. Additionally, we applied PDQ to rat hearts infiltrated by MPIO‐labeled macrophages in a transplant model of organ rejection. PDQ magnetic measurements were signal‐to‐noise ratio invariant for images with signal‐to‐noise ratio > 11. PDQ can be used with conventional gradient‐echo pulse sequences, requiring no extra scan time. The method is useful for visualizing biodistribution of cells and theranostic magnetocapsules and for measuring their relative iron content. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The influence of radial undersampling schemes on compressed sensing reconstruction in breast MRI
Authors: Chan Rachel W. , Ramsay Elizabeth A. , Cheung Edward Y. , Plewes Donald B.
Published: June 2011

Fast imaging applications in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) frequently involve undersampling of k‐space data to achieve the desired temporal resolution. However, high temporal resolution images generated from undersampled data suffer from aliasing artifacts. In radial k‐space sampling, this manifests as undesirable streaks that obscure image detail. Compressed sensing reconstruction has been shown to reduce such streak artifacts, based on the assumption of image sparsity. Here, compressed sensing is implemented with three different radial sampling schemes (golden‐angle, bit‐reversed, and random sampling), which are compared over a range of spatiotemporal resolutions. The sampling methods are implemented in static scenarios where different undersampling patterns could be compared. Results from point spread function studies, simulations, phantom and in vivo experiments show that the choice of radial sampling pattern influences the quality of the final image reconstructed by the compressed sensing algorithm. While evenly undersampled radial trajectories are best for specific temporal resolutions, golden‐angle radial sampling results in the least overall error when various temporal resolutions are considered. Reduced temporal fluctuations from aliasing artifacts in golden‐angle sampling translates to improved compressed sensing reconstructions overall. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantification techniques to minimize the effects of native T1 variation and B1 inhomogeneity in dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI of the breast at 3 T
Authors: Azlan Che A. , Ahearn Trevor S. , Di Giovanni Pierluigi , Semple Scott I. K. , Gilbert Fiona J. , Redpath Thomas W.
Published: June 2011

The variation of the native T1 (T10) of different tissues and B1 transmission‐field inhomogeneity at 3 T are major contributors of errors in the quantification of breast dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI. To address these issues, we have introduced new enhancement indices derived from saturation‐recovery snapshot‐FLASH (SRSF) images. The stability of the new indices, i.e., the SRSF enhancement factor (EFSRSF) and its simplified version (EF′SRSF) with respect to differences in T10 and B1 inhomogeneity was compared against a typical index used in breast dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI, i.e., the enhancement ratio (ER), by using computer simulations. Imaging experiments with Gd‐DTPA‐doped gel phantoms and a female volunteer were also performed. A lower error was observed in the new indices compared to enhancement ratio in the presence of typical T10 variation and B1 inhomogeneity. At changes of relaxation rate (ΔR1) of 8 s−1, the differences between a T10 of 1266 and 566 ms are <1, 12, and 58%, respectively, for EFSRSF, EF′SRSF, and ER, whereas differences of 20, 8, and 51%, respectively, result from a 50% B1 field reduction at the same ΔR1. These quantification techniques may be a solution to minimize the effect of T10 variation and B1 inhomogeneity on dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI of the breast at 3 T. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reverse polarized inductive coupling to transmit and receive radiofrequency coil arrays
Authors: Celik Haydar , Atalar Ergin
Published: June 2011

In this study, the reverse polarization method is implemented using transmit and receive arrays to improve the visibility of the interventional devices. Linearly polarized signal sources—inductively and receptively coupled radiofrequency coils—are used in the experimental setups to demonstrate the ability of the method to separate these sources from a forward polarized anatomy signal. Two different applications of the reverse polarization method are presented here: (a) catheter tracking and (b) fiducial marker visualization, in both of which transmit and receive arrays are used. The performance of the reverse polarization method was further tested with phantom and volunteer studies, and the results proved the feasibility of this method with transmit and receive arrays. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From the genome sequence to the protein inventory of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Becher Dörte , Büttner Knut , Moche Martin , Heßling Bernd , Hecker Michael
Published: June 2011

Owing to the low number of proteins necessary to render a bacterial cell viable, bacteria are extremely attractive model systems to understand how the genome sequence is translated into actual life processes. One of the most intensively investigated model organisms is Bacillus subtilis. It has attracted world‐wide research interest, addressing cell differentiation and adaptation on a molecular scale as well as biotechnological production processes. Meanwhile, we are looking back on more than 25 years of B. subtilis proteomics. A wide range of methods have been developed during this period for the large‐scale qualitative and quantitative proteome analysis. Currently, it is possible to identify and quantify more than 50% of the predicted proteome in different cellular subfractions. In this review, we summarize the development of B. subtilis proteomics during the past 25 years.
The superhydrophobicity of polymer surfaces: Recent developments
Authors: Shirtcliffe Neil J. , McHale Glen , I. Newton Michael
Published: June 2011

Superhydrophobicity is the extreme water repellence of highly textured surfaces. The field of superhydrophobicity research has reached a stage where huge numbers of candidate treatments have been proposed and jumps have been made in theoretically describing them. There now seems to be a move to more practical concerns and to considering the demands of individual applications instead of more general cases. With these developments, polymeric surfaces with their huge variety of properties have come to the fore and are fast becoming the material of choice for designing, developing, and producing superhydrophobic surfaces. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1203–1217, 2011
Quantum confinement effect on 2DEG in InGaN/InN HEMT with an interfacial layer
Authors: Muhtadi Sakib M. , Sajjad Hossain S. M. , Bhuiyan Ashraful G. , Sasamoto K. , Hashimoto A. , Yamamoto A.
Published: June 2011

Quantum confinement effect on 2DEG density and distribution on the dependence of an interfacial layer has been investigated in InGaN/InN HEMT using self‐consistent solution of one dimensional Schrödinger‐Poisson equation. It is shown that the addition of an i‐InGaN interfacial layer leads to an increase in 2DEG density. The role of quantum confinement effect in the 2DEG distribution with an inserted i‐InGaN interfacial layer is revealed. In the classical model, the insertion of an interfacial layer has a negligible effect on 2DEG distribution. While taking the quantum effect along with polarization effect into account, it is observed that i‐InGaN interfacial layer has substantial influence on the 2DEG distribution in InGaN/InN HEMT; with electron spillover into the barrier is sharply reduced. The maximum 2DEG density after insertion of an i‐InGaN interfacial layer has been found to be 1 × 1014 cm‐2 which is higher than the conventional GaN‐based HEMT (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Astragalosides Rescue Both Cardiac Function and Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Transport in Rats with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Wang Yi , Ji Yansu , Xing Yongfa , Li Xiang , Gao Xiumei
Published: June 2011

The study investigated the beneficial effects of astragalosides (AS) on cardiac performance in rats with chronic heart failure. Chronic heart failure was produced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation, and the therapeutic efficacy of astragalosides at 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg was evaluated. Five weeks after the operation, cardiac function was deficient and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA) activity was significantly reduced. Moreover, SERCA mRNA decreased, while expression of the SERCA down‐regulator phospholamban (PLB) was significantly increased. Phosphorylated phospholamban (P‐PLB), the form that does not inhibit SERCA, was also reduced by chronic heart failure. Treatment with AS improved left ventricle function and cardiac structure, reversed the depression of SERCA activity, and increased P‐PLB. These results suggest that the cardioprotective effect of AS may be due to the increase in P‐PLB protein, which disinhibits SERCA activity. Rescue of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ cycling by astragalosides could normalize excitation–contraction coupling and improve overall cardiac function. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polygoni Rhizoma Inhibits Inflammatory Response through Inactivation of Nuclear Factor‐kappaB and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways in RAW264.7 Mouse Macrophage Cells
Authors: Seo Hyuk‐Jin , Huh Jeong‐Eun , Han Jong‐Hyun , Jeong Soo‐Jin , Jang Jinsil , Lee Eun‐Ok , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Lee Hyo‐Jeong , Ahn Kyoo Seok , Kim Sung‐Hoon
Published: June 2011

The objective of this study was to determine the antiinflammatory effects of Polygoni Rhizoma (PR), an Oriental medicinal herb, in interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cells. PR significantly reduced the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and pro‐inflammatory mediators such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) even at a concentration of 1 µg/mL in the cells. In addition, PR inhibited the transcriptional activity of NF‐κB as well as the degradation and phosphorylation of inhibitory kappa B alpha (IκBα). Furthermore, PR suppressed the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) in IL‐1β and LPS‐treated RAW264.7. The results suggest that PR exerts an antiinflammatory property by inhibiting iNOS, COX‐2, TNF‐α and IL‐6 production in association with inactivation of the NF‐κB and MAPK signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of reproductive biomarkers in three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) from sewage effluent recipients
Authors: Björkblom Carina , Mustamäki Noora , Olsson Per‐Erik , Katsiadaki Ioanna , Wiklund Tom
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of endocrine disruption close to sewage treatment plant effluent discharges along the Finnish Baltic Sea coast using a set of reproductive biomarkers present in adult three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Possible variation and sensitivity of the biomarkers during an entire reproductive period were also examined. The analysis of vitellogenin (VTG) for estrogenic activity and spiggin for androgenic activity, together with histopathological analysis indicated that sticklebacks were exposed to estrogenic loads sufficient to cause inappropriate production of VTG and to disrupt normal testicular structure in adult male sticklebacks. No androgenic disruption was observed. The results emphasize the need of a combination of several reproductive biomarkers in fish and repeated sampling for the detection of potential endocrine modulating substances under field condition. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2013.
Catalase activity and innate immune response of Caenorhabditis elegans against the heavy metal toxin lead
Authors: Vigneshkumar Balasubramanian , Pandian Shunmugiah Karutha , Balamurugan Krishnaswamy
Published: June 2011

The heavy metal lead‐induced oxidative stress on Caenorhabditis elegans was examined at the level of catalase activity and on innate immunity. Stress‐induced C. elegans was exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosaPA14::GFP for monitoring the impact at the physiological level. Role of catalase on the innate‐immune responses of C. elegans was examined. PA14::GFP did not colonize lead pretreated C. elegans intestinal cells significantly compared to untreated controls, indicating stress‐mediated upregulation of host‐immunity. Semiquantitative PCR analyses of lead‐exposed and PA14‐infected C. elegans mRNA showed significant upregulation of candidate antimicrobial enzyme gene lys‐7 after 24 h of exposures. Upregulation of metallothionein(mtl‐1) when compared to mtl‐2 in response to the lead suggesting active detoxification of metal by mtl‐1. Exogenously provided Catalase (0.4–3.2 U) induced significant upregulation of lys‐7 compared to controls. lys‐7 upregulation during lead exposure was reconfirmed by real‐time PCR. Confocal microscopy and fluorescence spectrophotometer analyses indicated that the lead pretreated C. elegans was significantly less colonized by PA14::GFP when compared to controls. Relative expression of ctl‐1 and ctl‐2 mRNA was measured using real time PCR and found to be regulated during lead exposures. Over all, the upregulation of antimicrobial gene expression appears to be correlated with the level of catalase during stress emphasizing their key roles in defensive mechanism(s). These results provide a link between the stress and related immune responses which can be explored in higher systems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2013.
Molecular mechanism of inflammatory response in mouse liver caused by exposure to CeCl3
Authors: Li Na , Cheng Jie , Cheng Zhe , Hu Renping , Cai Jingwei , Gao Guodong , Cui Yaling , Wang Ling , Hong Fashui
Published: June 2011

To investigate the molecular mechanism of inflammatory response in the mouse liver caused by exposure to CeCl3, we measured the liver indices, and cerium content, evaluated the liver histopathological section, detected serum biochemical parameters of liver function, and the immunoglobulin M (IgM) content, analyzed the liver mRNA and protein expression levels of Toll‐like receptor 2, 4 (TLR2, TLR4), and inflammatory cytokines in liver using real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that exposure to CeCl3 decreased body weight and caused cerium accumulation in the mouse liver and histopathological changes of liver (such as inflammatory cell infiltration). Furthermore, biochemical assays suggested that CeCl3 could promote the activities of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, pseudocholinesterase, and leucine aminopeptidase, decrease serum IgM, upregulate the levels of TLR2, TLR4, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), NF‐κBp52, NF‐κBp65, NF‐κB‐inducing kinase (NIK), IκB kinase α (IKK‐α), IκB kinase β (IKK‐β), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) expression, and suppress NF‐κB‐inhibiting factor (IκB) and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) expression in liver. Taken together, the inflammation of mice liver caused by exposure to CeCl3 might be closely associated with the alteration of inflammatory cytokine expressions in the mouse liver, the signal‐transducing events happening in CeCl3‐induced macrophages of liver sequentially might occur via activation of TLRs→TNF‐α→NIK→IκB kinase (including IKK1, IKK2)→NF‐κB (including NF‐κBP52, NF‐κBP65)→ inflammation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2013.
Preoperative biliary drainage for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: which stent should be selected?
Authors: Kawakami Hiroshi , Kondo Satoshi , Kuwatani Masaki , Yamato Hiroaki , Ehira Nobuyuki , Kudo Taiki , Eto Kazunori , Haba Shin , Matsumoto Joe , Kato Kentaro , Tsuchikawa Takahiro , Tanaka Eiichi , Hirano Satoshi , Asaka Masahiro
Published: June 2011

The controversy over whether and how to perform preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCA) remains unsettled. Arguments against PBD before pancreatoduodenectomy have recently been gaining momentum. However, the complication‐related mortality rate is as high as 10% for patients with HCA who have undergone major liver resection, and liver failure is a major cause of postoperative death. This suggests the need for PBD to treat jaundice in HCA patients scheduled for major surgical resection of the liver and that major surgery should be performed only after the recovery of hepatic function. No definite criteria or guidelines outlining indications for PBD are currently available. In patients with HCA, PBD may be performed by either percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) or endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD). No consensus, however, has been reached regarding which drainage method is more appropriate. No reported study has compared the effectiveness of PTBD, endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS), and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) in patients with HCA. This review summarizes the results of our study comparing the three methods and outlines the preoperative endoscopic management of segmental cholangitis (SC) in HCA patients undergoing PBD.
It's a dog‐eat‐croc world: dingo predation on the nests of freshwater crocodiles in tropical Australia
Authors: Somaweera Ruchira , Webb Jonathan K. , Shine Richard
Published: June 2011

Predation on eggs is an important source of mortality for many long‐lived organisms, but causes of egg mortality from specific predators remain poorly known in most cases. Understanding the identity of predators, and the rates and determinants of their effects on a cohort of recruits, can provide a valuable background for attempts to exploit, control or conserve populations. We used remotely triggered cameras to study predation on the nests of freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni) inhabiting Lake Argyle, in tropical Australia. We also supplemented our work on natural crocodile nests with artificial nests. Overall, 80 of 111 natural nests were opened by predators, and predation occurred throughout the study period (7 weeks). Unlike in other parts of the species’ range, most nest‐robbers were dingoes (Canis lupus dingo, responsible for 98% of all predator visits in the northern sites, and 54% in the Ord River site), with minimal additional predation by reptiles and birds. Contrary to expectation, rates of nest predation were not influenced by spatial clumping of nests: the probability of predation per nest did not change with total numbers of nests laid in an area, and artificially aggregated versus dispersed nests experienced similar levels of predation. Nest vulnerability was linked to abiotic features including slope of surrounding banks, compactness of nesting substrate, and distance from the nearest forest. Abundant aquatic food resources support a large crocodile population, but a lack of suitable nest‐sites forces the crocodiles to concentrate nesting in small areas readily accessible to wide‐ranging nest predators. Collectively, our results suggest that distinctive attributes of the lakeside landscape alter predator guilds and fashion unique predator–prey interactions.
Fish intake, erythrocyten-3 fatty acid status and metabolic health in Danish adolescent girls and boys
Authors: Lauritzen Lotte , Harsløf Laurine B. S. , Hellgren Lars I. , Pedersen Maiken H. , Mølgaard Christian , Michaelsen Kim F.
Published: June 2011

Marinen-3 long-chain PUFA (n-3 LCPUFA) may have a beneficial effect on several aspects of the metabolic syndrome (dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, hypertension and abdominal obesity). The metabolic syndrome is increasing in prevalence during adolescence, but only few studies have investigated the effects ofn-3 LCPUFA in adolescence. The present study examines associations between fish intake (assessed by a 7 d pre-coded food diary), erythrocyte (RBC) DHA status (analysed by GC) and metabolic syndrome measures (anthropometry, blood pressure and plasma lipids, insulin and glucose) in 109 17-year-old children from the Copenhagen Birth Cohort Study. Of the children, 8 % were overweight or obese and few showed signs of the metabolic syndrome, but all the metabolic syndrome variables were correlated. Median fish intake was 10·7 (interquartile range 3·6–21·2) g/d. Boys tended to have a higher fish intake (P = 0·052), but girls had significantly higher RBC levels of DHA (P = 0·001). Sex and fish intake explained 37 % of the variance in RBC-DHA (P < 0·001). After adjusting for confounders, high DHA status was found to be significantly correlated with higher systolic blood pressure (P = 0·014) and increased fasting insulin (P = 0·018), but no adverse association was observed with the mean metabolic syndromez-score. Overall, the present study showed the expected association between fish intake and RBC-DHA, which in contrast to our expectations tended to be associated with a poorer metabolic profile. Whether these results reflect the physiological function ofn-3 LCPUFA, lifestyle factors associated with fish intake in Denmark, or mere chance remains to be investigated.
New Evidence on the Relation between the Enterprise Multiple and Average Stock Returns
Authors: Loughran Tim , Wellman Jay W.
Published: June 2011

Practitioners increasingly use the enterprise multiple (EM) as a valuation measure. EM is (equity value + debt + preferred stock – cash) / (EBITDA). We document that EM is a strong determinant of stock returns. Following Fama and French (1993) and Chen, Novy-Marx, and Zhang (2010), we create an EM factor that generates a return premium of 5.28% per year. We interpret EM as a proxy for the discount rate. Firms with low EM values appear to have higher discount rates and higher subsequent stock returns than firms with high EM values.