bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bio‐inspired Platform to Modulate Myogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through Focal Adhesion Regulation
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Tay Chor Yong , Pal Mintu , Leong Wen Shing , Li Huaqiong , Li Hai , Wen Feng , Leong David Tai , Tan Lay Poh
Published: October 2012

The use of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in cardiac‐tissue engineering has gained widespread attention and many reports have shown that matrix compliance, micro/nano‐patterns could be some of the important biophysical cues that drive hMSCs differentiation. Regardless of the type of biophysical induction cues, cells mainly explore their environment via focal adhesion (FA) and FA plays an important role in many cellular behaviours. Therefore, it is hypothesized that FA modulation through materials manipulation could be an important cue for modulation that would result in the stem cell lineage commitment. In this work, the FA of hMSCs is modulated by a novel microcontact printing method using polyvinyl alcohol as a trans‐print media which can successfully print proteins on soft polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The FA is successfully modified into dense FA and elongated FA by micropatterning square and rectangular patterns on 12.6 kPa PDMS respectively. Additionally, the combined effects of stiffness of PDMS substrates (hard (308 kPa), intermediate (12.6 kPa)) and FA patterning on hMSCs differentiation are studied. The results indicate that dense FA does not induce myogenesis while elongated FA can promote cytoskeleton alignment and further myogenesis on PDMS with intermediate stiffness of 12.6 kPa. However, on stiff substrate (308 kPa), with or without patterns, the cytoskeleton alignment and myogenesis are not obvious. This demonstrates for the first time that it is possible to induce the differentiation of hMSCs by regulating the FA using a materials platform even in the absence of any biochemical factors. It also shows that there is a synergistic effect between FA regulation and matrix stiffness that results in a more specific and higher up‐regulated myogenesis. This platform presents a new chemical/biological‐free method to engineer the myogenic differentiation of hMSCs.
Ultra‐High Voltage Multijunction Organic Solar Cells for Low‐Power Electronic Applications
Authors: Sullivan Paul , Schumann Stefan , Da Campo Raffaello , Howells Thomas , Duraud Amelie , Shipman Michael , Hatton Ross A. , Jones Tim S.
Published: October 2012

Low power electronics are an ideal application for organic photovoltaics (OPV) where a low‐cost OPV device can be integrated directly with a battery to provide a constant power source. We demonstrate ultra‐high voltage small molecule multijunction devices with open circuit voltage (VOC) values of up to 7V. Optical modelling is employed to aid the optimisation of the complex multi‐layer stacks and ensure current balancing is achieved between sub‐cells, and optimised multijunction devices show power conversion efficiencies of up to 3.4% which is a modest increase over the single junction devices. Sub‐cell donor/acceptor pairs of boron subphthalocyanine chloride (SubPc)/fullerene (C60) and SubPc/Cl6‐SubPc were selected both for their high VOC in order to minimise the required number of junctions, but also for their absorption overlap to reduce the spectral dependence of the device performance. As a result, the devices are shown to directly charge a micro‐energy cell type battery under both low illumination intensity white light and monochromatic illumination.
Matrix metalloproteinase 3 deletion preserves denervated motor endplates after traumatic nerve injury
Authors: Chao Tom , Frump Derek , Lin Michael , Caiozzo Vincent J. , Mozaffar Tahseen , Steward Oswald , Gupta Ranjan
Published: October 2012

Objective

Traumatic peripheral nerve injuries often produce permanent functional deficits despite optimal surgical and medical management. One reason for the impaired target organ reinnervation is degradation of motor endplates during prolonged denervation. Here we investigate the effect of preserving agrin on the stability of denervated endplates. Because matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) is known to degrade agrin, we examined the changes in endplate structure following traumatic nerve injury in MMP3 knockout mice.

Methods

After creation of a critical size nerve defect to preclude reinnervation, we characterized receptor area, receptor density, and endplate morphology in denervated plantaris muscles in wild‐type and MMP3 null mice. The level of agrin and muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK) was assessed at denervated endplates. In addition, denervated muscles were subjected to ex vivo stimulation with acetylcholine. Finally, reinnervation potential was compared after long‐term denervation.

Results

In wild‐type mice, the endplates demonstrated time‐dependent decreases in area and receptor density and conversion to an immature receptor phenotype. In striking contrast, all denervation‐induced changes were attenuated in MMP3 null mice, with endplates retaining their differentiated form. Agrin and MuSK were preserved in endplates from denervated MMP3 null animals. Furthermore, denervated muscles from MMP3 null mice demonstrated greater endplate efficacy and reinnervation.

Interpretation

These results demonstrate a critical role for MMP3 in motor endplate remodeling, and reveal a potential target for therapeutic intervention to prevent motor endplate degradation following nerve injury. ANN NEUROL 2013;73:210–223
IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TWO SENSORY NEURON MEMBRANE PROTEINS FROM Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE)
Authors: Liu Su , Zhang Yan‐Ru , Zhou Wen‐Wu , Liang Qing‐Mei , Yuan Xin , Cheng Jiaan , Zhu Zeng‐Rong , Gong Zhong‐Jun
Published: October 2012

Sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), which are located on the dendritic membrane of olfactory neurons, were considered as important components involved in pheromone reception in insects. In Drosophila melanogaster, mutants without SNMP are unable to evoke neuronal activities in the presence of pheromone cis‐vaccenyl acetate (cVA). So deeply understanding the SNMPs functions may help to develop pheromone‐mediated insect pest management tactics. The present study reports the identification and characterization of CmedSNMP1 and CmedSNMP2, two candidate SNMPs in the rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, one of the serious rice insect pests in Asia. The comparison of amino acid sequences shows that CmedSNMP1 and CmedSNMP2 are very similar to the previously reported SNMPs isolated from moths such as Ostrinia nubilalis and O. furnacalis, respectively, but the two CmedSNMPs share low identity with each other. The distribution patterns of two CmedSNMPs in different tissues of adult moths were examined using RT‐PCR and quantitative real‐time PCR. Although the two genes are expressed not only in antennae but also in nonolfactory tissues such as wings, legs, and body; the relative transcription level shows both CmedSNMP1 and CmedSNMP2 are highly enriched in antennae. The dN/dS ratios of the two CmedSNMPs indicate that the two genes are all subject to purifying selection and evolved to be functional genes. This work presents for the first time a study on the SNMPs of C. medinalis, which may help in providing guidance to future functional research of moth SNMPs.
Clay modeling versus written modules as effective interventions in understanding human anatomy
Authors: Bareither Mary Lou , Arbel Vered , Growe Meghan , Muszczynski Emily , Rudd Adam , Marone Jane R.
Published: October 2012

The effectiveness of clay modeling to written modules is examined to determine the degree of improvement in learning and retention of anatomical 3D relationships among students with different learning preferences. Thirty‐nine undergraduate students enrolled in a cadaver dissection course completed a pre‐assessment examination and the VARK questionnaire, classifying learning preference as visual, auditory, read/write, or kinesthetic. Students were divided into clay, module, and control groups with preference for learning style distributed among groups. The clay and module groups participated in weekly one‐hour classes using either clay models or answering written questions (modules) about anatomical relationships, respectively. The control group received no intervention. Post‐assessment and retention examinations were administered at the end of the semester, and three months later, respectively. Two variables (Δ1, Δ2) represented examination score differences between pre‐ and post‐assessment and between post‐assessment and retention examinations, respectively. The Δ1 for clay and module groups were each significantly higher than controls (21.46 ± 8.2 vs. 15.70 ± 7.5, P ≤ 0.05; and 21.31 ± 6.9 vs. 15.70 ± 7.5, P ≤0.05, respectively). The Δ2 for clay and module groups approached but did not achieve significance over controls (−6.09 ± 5.07 vs. −8.80 ± 4.60, P = 0.16 and −5.73 ± 4.47 vs. −8.80 ± 4.60, P = 0.12, respectively). No significant differences were seen between interventions or learning preferences in any group. However, students of some learning styles tended to perform better when engaging in certain modalities. Multiple teaching modalities may accommodate learning preferences and improve understanding of anatomy. Anat Sci Educ. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
An integrated model for evacuation routing and traffic signal optimization with background demand uncertainty
Authors: Ren Gang , Huang Zhengfeng , Cheng Yang , Zhao Xing , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2012

Emergency evacuation in congested urban networks can be influenced by uncertain background travel demands, but this issue has not been fully investigated. In this study, evacuation links are prepared for exclusive use by evacuees. Under this assumption, an integrated model is proposed for determining flows on emergency evacuation routes and traffic signals at intersections in the presence of uncertain background travel demands. The problem is formulated as a bi‐objective bi‐level programming model based on the concept of robust optimization. It is assumed that background travel demands belong to an ellipsoidal likelihood region whose parameters are determined by a singly constrained gravity model. With the aim of maximizing the background traffic impact degree in the lower‐level model with a logit‐based stochastic assignment constraint and background demands constraint (the aforementioned ellipsoidal likelihood region), background traffic corresponding to worst‐case demands is determined by the Lagrange multiplier method. In the upper‐level model, two objectives, minimizing both the total travel time of evacuation flows and performance index of the whole network flows, are constructed to determine optimal evacuation flows and traffic signals. The Non‐dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II is employed to determine the Pareto solutions of this optimization problem. An example using Sioux Falls networks illustrates the validity of the algorithm. A field case involving the Jianye network around the Nanjing Olympics Sports Center shows the applicability of this algorithm. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
KRAS status and outcome of liver resection after neoadjuvant chemotherapy including bevacizumab (Br J Surg 2012; 99: 1575–1582)
Authors: Mentha G
Published: October 2012

Important predictor of survival
Altered leucocyte progenitor profile in human bone marrow from patients with major trauma during the recovery phase (Br J Surg 2012; 99: 1591–1599)
Authors: Stahel P F
Published: October 2012

Immature cells during recovery
Authors' reply: The surgical significance of residual mucosal abnormalities in rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (Br J Surg 2012; 99: 993–1001)
Authors: Smith F M , Sheahan K , Hyland J , O'Connell P R , Winter D C
Published: October 2012

No
The Impact of Stressor Patterns on Clinical Features in Patients With Tako‐tsubo Cardiomyopathy: Experiences of Two Tertiary Cardiovascular Centers
Authors: Song Bong Gun , Yang Hyun Suk , Hwang Hweung Kon , Kang Gu Hyun , Park Yong Hwan , Chun Woo Jung , Oh Ju Hyeon
Published: October 2012

Background:

Tako‐tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is typically triggered by an acute emotional or physical stress event. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of stressor patterns on clinical features, laboratory parameters, and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings in patients with TTC.

Hypothesis:

Clinical features are different according to stressor patterns.

Methods:

Of 137 patients enrolled from the TTC registry database, 14 patients had emotional triggers (E group), 96 had physical triggers (P group), and 27 had no triggers (N group).

Results:

Most clinical presentations and in‐hospital courses were similar among the groups. However, the E group had a higher prevalence of chest pain (P = 0.006) and palpitation (P = 0.006), whereas the P group had a higher prevalence of cardiogenic shock (P = 0.040), than other groups. The P group had a significantly higher heart rate (P = 0.001); higher high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (P = 0.006), creatine kinase MB fraction (P = 0.045), and N terminal‐probrain natriuretic peptide (P = 0.036) levels; higher left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (P = 0.019) and left ventricular end‐systolic diameter (P = 0.002); but lower left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.018). The E group had lesser prevalence of apical ballooning pattern (P = 0.038) than other groups. The P group required more frequent use of inotropics (P = 0.041) and diuretics (P = 0.047) and had significantly longer intensive care unit (P = 0.014) and in‐hospital stays (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

The clinical features of TTC are different according to preceding stressor patterns. The TTC group with preceding physical stressors was less likely to have preserved cardiovascular reserve and more likely to require hemodynamic support than other groups. The overall prognosis of TTC is excellent, regardless of triggering stressors. Clin. Cardiol. 2011 DOI: 10.1002/clc.22053

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Prediction of Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy With Persistent Renal Dysfunction and Adverse Long‐term Outcomes in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Using the Mehran Risk Score
Authors: Wi Jin , Ko Young‐Guk , Shin Dong‐Ho , Kim Jung‐Sun , Kim Byeong‐Keuk , Choi Donghoon , Ha Jong‐Won , Hong Myeong‐Ki , Jang Yangsoo
Published: October 2012

Background:

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) has been generally considered to be transient and associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes.

Hypothesis:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether Mehran risk score could predict CIN with persistent renal dysfunction and long‐term clinical outcomes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods:

We analyzed the clinical data of 1041 AMI patients. The primary end point was defined as major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) including death, reinfarction, target vessel revascularization, heart failure requiring hospital admission, and stroke. Patients were categorized into 4 groups according to risk scores: low (≤ 5, n = 596), moderate (6–10, n = 265), high (11–15, n = 111), and very high (≥16, n = 69).

Results:

Among the 148 patients (14.2%) who developed CIN, persistent renal dysfunction was observed in 68 patients. Presence in high‐ or very high‐risk groups was the most important independent risk factor of CIN with persistent renal dysfunction (odds ratio: 3.35, 95 confidence interval [CI]: 1.89–5.92, P < 0.001). Furthermore, patients in higher‐risk groups experienced significantly more MACCE and mortality 2 years after PCI. Using multivariate analysis, significant increase in the hazard ratio (HR) for MACCE was noted in moderate‐ (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 0.97–2.03, P = 0.075), high‐ (HR 1.96, 95% CI: 1.22–3.15, P = 0.006), and very high‐risk (HR 2.40, 95% CI: 1.36–4.21, p = 0.002) groups, compared with the low‐risk group. The very high‐risk group had approximately 6‐fold increase in mortality over the low‐risk group (HR: 6.22, 95% CI: 2.77–13.95, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Mehran risk score predicted CIN with persistent renal dysfunction and long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with AMI.

Drs. Jin Wi and Young‐Guk Ko contributed equally to the preparation of the article.

This study was supported partly by grants from the Korea Healthcare Technology R&D Project, Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, Republic of Korea (No. A085012, A102064, and A110879); the Korea Health 21 R&D Project, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (No.A08 5136); Yonsei University (6‐2009‐0008); Korea Institute of Medicine; and the Cardiovascular Research Center, Seoul, Korea.

The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Regulation of organization and function of microtubules by the mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade during plant cytokinesis
Authors: Sasabe Michiko , Machida Yasunori
Published: October 2012

Cytokinesis in eukaryotes involves specific arrays of microtubules (MTs), which are known as the central spindle in animals, the anaphase spindle in yeasts, and the phragmoplast in plants. In plants, a mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade stimulates the turnover of phragmoplast MTs, which allows the expansion of the phragmoplast that is essential for cytokinesis including the formation of cell plates. A prerequisite for activation of this cascade is the interaction between mitotic kinesin NACK1 in tobacco (HINKEL in Arabidopsis) and MAPK kinase kinase NPK1 (ANP1, 2, 3 in Arabidopsis). Other members of this cascade are NQK1 MAPK kinase and NRK1/NTF6 MAPK in tobacco and the respective orthologs in Arabidopsis. All the components in the pathway (designated the NACK‐PQR pathway) concentrate at the midzone of the phragmoplast in plant cells during cytokinesis. Downstream MAPKs in both plant species phosphorylate microtubule‐associated protein 65 (MAP65). Interestingly, activities of components in the NACK‐PQR pathway are downregulated by depolymerization of MTs. In the present review, we summarize current views on the mechanisms involved in activating the kinase cascade, a role of MAP65 phosphorylation by MAPK during cytokinesis, and the feedback mechanism for regulating inactivation of the kinase cascade. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Treatment planning for a TCPC test case: A numerical investigation under rigid and moving wall assumptions
Authors: Mirabella Lucia , Haggerty Christopher M. , Passerini Tiziano , Piccinelli Marina , Powell Andrew J. , Del Nido Pedro J. , Veneziani Alessandro , Yoganathan Ajit P.
Published: October 2012

The hemodynamics in patients with total cavopulmonary connections (TCPC) is generally very complex and characterized by patient‐to‐patient variability. To better understand its effect on patients’ outcome, CFD models are widely used, also to test and optimize surgical options before their implementation. These models often assume rigid geometries, despite the motion experienced by thoracic vessels that could influence the hemodynamics predictions. By improving their accuracy and expanding the range of simulated interventions, the benefit of treatment planning for patients is expected to increase. We simulate three types of intervention on a patient‐specific 3D model, and compare their predicted outcome with baseline condition: a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance obtainable with medications; a surgical revision of the connection design; the introduction of a fenestration in the TCPC wall. The simulations are performed both with rigid wall assumption and including patient‐specific TCPC wall motion, reconstructed from a 4DMRI dataset. The results show the effect of each option on clinically important metrics and highlight the impact of patient‐specific wall motion. The largest differences between rigid and moving wall models are observed in measures of energetic efficiency of TCPC as well as in hepatic flow distribution and transit time of seeded particles through the connection.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thinness in the Pursuit for Social Safeness: An Integrative Model of Social Rank Mentality to Explain Eating Psychopathology
Authors: Pinto‐Gouveia José , Ferreira Cláudia , Duarte Cristiana
Published: October 2012

The current study tests a model based on social rank mentality investigating whether women who feel inferior and believe others see them negatively, and feel under pressure to compete to avoid social inferiority, present increased body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness and whether these associations are mediated by distinct emotional regulation processes. The predictions from the model proposed were examined through path analyses, in a sample of 125 women from the general population and 102 patients with eating disorders.

Results showed that the path model explained 51% of body dissatisfaction variance and 61% of drive for thinness and allowed us to confirm that social ranking variables increased drive for thinness through higher levels of self‐criticism and lower levels of self‐compassion.

The findings suggest that the nuclear eating disorders' features arise as a result of a more self‐critical and less compassionate attitude with the self, in the context of a mentality focused on social ranking and competition. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

The current study explores an innovative comprehensive model based on social rank theory to understand eating disorders' symptoms in women.

A mentality focused on ranking, shame and competition predicts body image dissatisfaction.

This ranking‐focused mentality, along with body image dissatisfaction, leads to drive for thinness through increased self‐criticism and decreased self‐compassion.

These findings support the emergent psychotherapeutic approaches for eating disorders that target self‐criticism and self‐compassion.
Stability of T cell phenotype and functional assays following heparinized umbilical cord blood collection
Authors: Scheible Kristin , Secor‐Socha Shelley , Wightman Terry , Wang Hongyue , Mariani Thomas J. , Topham David J. , Pryhuber Gloria , Quataert Sally
Published: October 2012

Umbilical cord blood has been used for a wide variety of immunologic investigations including assessments of developmental perturbations by antenatal exposures. Recent advances in multiparameter flow cytometry have allowed finer characterization of lymphocyte phenotype and function, revealing important differences between the fetal and adult immune systems. The degree of variability between human subjects confounds the ability to draw firm conclusions. Artifacts resulting from processing techniques exacerbate this variability. The unpredictable nature of deliveries, especially of premature infants, makes it difficult to control variables such as timing of umbilical cord mononuclear cell (UCMC) isolation and method of collection. Additionally, in multicenter studies dependent on central processing, delays are inevitable. However, little available literature describes systematic testing of the degree to which processing variations affect UCMC phenotype and function. Using multiparameter flow cytometry, we tested the effect of collection technique and length of time prior to UCMC isolation on T cell phenotype and function, with the goal of creating a standardized operating procedure for a multicenter investigation. The study also provides a benchmark data set including extensive surface and functional phenotyping of umbilical cord T cells. UCMC isolation delay of up to 24 h produced similar T cell phenotype and function as tested by in vitro SEB stimulation. There were few statistically significant differences between time points based on data medians. We conclude that, for the purpose of immunologic investigations, a 24‐h time delay from sample collection to mononuclear cell isolation does not introduce a significant degree of variation in T cell phenotype and function when adhering to strict standard operating procedures. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
QoS‐based radio network dimensioning for LTE networks with heavy real‐time traffic
Authors: Ng Thiaw Seng , Chuah Teong Chee , Tan Yi Fei
Published: October 2012

Applications of video streaming and real‐time gaming, which generate large amounts of real‐time traffic in the network, are expected to gain considerable popularity in Long Term Evolution networks. Maintaining the QoS such as packet delay, packet loss ratio, median, and cell border throughput requirements in networks dominated by real time traffic, is critical. The existing dimensioning methodology does not consider QoS parameters of real‐time traffic in network dimensioning. Moreover, exhaustive and time‐consuming simulations are normally required to evaluate the performance and QoS of real‐time services. To overcome this problem, we propose an improved radio network dimensioning framework that considers the QoS of real‐time traffic in network dimensioning. In this framework, an analytical model is proposed to evaluate the capacity and performance of real‐time traffic dominant Long Term Evolution networks. The proposed framework provides a fast and accurate means of finding the trade‐off between system load, packet delay, packet loss ratio, required median, and cell border throughput. It also provides network operators with an analytical means for obtaining the minimum number of sites required by jointly considering coverage, capacity and QoS requirements. The accuracy of the proposed model is validated through simulations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Particle path characteristics at the large gravel‐bed river Danube: results from a tracer study and numerical modelling
Authors: Liedermann Marcel , Tritthart Michael , Habersack Helmut
Published: October 2012

A tracer study performed on a 3 km long reach of the Danube River in Austria is presented. Forty artificial stones of three different sizes (intermediate b‐axis: 25 mm, 40 mm, 70 mm) were produced and a coded radio acoustic transmitter was implanted. The measurement system had to be improved to be applicable to large rivers with water depths up to 12 m. The positions of the stones were observed approximately once a week, depending on hydrology, over a period of at least one year by radio‐tracking from a boat, including a 15 year flood event. Transport paths and velocities, as well as the incipient motion of bedload transport, could be monitored for the first time on a large gravel‐bed river. The particle paths were found to be mostly bankline‐parallel, even though the stones passed a 30° river bend. The median of the transverse particle displacement was found to be 4% of the longitudinal displacement. Calculations considering both transverse slope and transverse flow velocities showed transverse transport to be 6·6% of the longitudinal transport indicating that marginal lateral transport is mainly influenced by morphology. A three‐dimensional (3D) numerical model using a stochastic particle tracing approach was validated with the data, indicating that the observed positions are well reproduced by the model. Within the observation period, 74% of all stones passed the reach. With more than 1000 detections, particle transport could be characterized by a mean travel velocity of about 10 m per day (variable for the different grain sizes); single tracer stones were transported up to 1000 m during a single flood event. Size‐selective behaviour could be shown and the incipient motion of the large 70 mm gravel was detected at lower discharges than predicted by commonly used uniform bedload transport formulae. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and evaluation of a mechanistic bioconcentration model for ionogenic organic chemicals in fish
Authors: Armitage James M. , Arnot Jon A. , Wania Frank , Mackay Don
Published: October 2012

A mechanistic mass balance bioconcentration model is developed and parameterized for ionogenic organic chemicals (IOCs) in fish and evaluated against a compilation of empirical bioconcentration factors (BCFs). The model is subsequently applied to a set of perfluoroalkyl acids. Key aspects of model development include revised methods to estimate the chemical absorption efficiency of IOCs at the respiratory surface (EW) and the use of distribution ratios to characterize the overall sorption capacity of the organism. Membrane–water distribution ratios (DMW) are used to characterize sorption to phospholipids instead of only considering the octanol–water distribution ratio (DOW). Modeled BCFs are well correlated with the observations (e.g., r2 = 0.68 and 0.75 for organic acids and bases, respectively) and accurate to within a factor of three on average. Model prediction errors appear to be largely the result of uncertainties in the biotransformation rate constant (kM) estimates and the generic approaches for estimating sorption capacity (e.g., DMW). Model performance for the set of perfluoroalkyl acids considered is highly dependent on the input parameters describing hydrophobicity (i.e., log KOW of the neutral form). The model applications broadly support the hypothesis that phospholipids contribute substantially to the sorption capacity of fish, particularly for compounds that exhibit a high degree of ionization at biologically relevant pH. Additional empirical data on biotransformation and sorption to phospholipids and subsequent incorporation into property estimation approaches (e.g., kM, DMW) are priorities with respect to improving model performance. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:115–128. © 2012 SETAC
Protective and antioxidant role of selenium on arsenic trioxide–induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in the fish hepatoma cell line PLHC-1
Authors: Selvaraj Vellaisamy , Yeager-Armstead Mindy , Murray Elizabeth
Published: October 2012

In vitro models are useful tools for rapid screening for toxicity, elucidation of mechanisms of toxicity, and understanding complex interactions among environmental toxicants. These evaluations may provide useful information for ecological evaluations if the relationship between in vitro and in vivo effects is established. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of selenium on arsenic trioxide (As2O3)–induced cytotoxicity, DNA damage, and apoptosis. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a free radical scavenger, was used to determine the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in As2O3-induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Poeciliopsis lucida hepatocellular carcinoma line 1 (PLHC-1) cells were pretreated with selenium (1, 5, and 10 µM) and NAC (50 and 100 µM) for 2 h. After pretreatment, cells were exposed to 100 µM of As2O3 for 10-, 20-, and 40-h intervals. The As2O3 exposure promoted extensive DNA damage and apoptosis compared to control, while selenium- and NAC-pretreated cells improved cell survival rate against As2O3-induced cell death. Improved survival likely resulted from increasing glutathione peroxidase activity and reduction of ROS formation, reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential damage, DNA damage, and caspase-3 activity. During As2O3 exposure, selenium played the same role as NAC. The authors conclude that As2O3-induced DNA damage and apoptosis are mediated by oxidative stress and selenium and that, although toxic at higher concentrations, selenium provides significant protection against As2O3 effects in PLHC-1 cells. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2861–2869. © 2012 SETAC
Cross‐layer optimization for fair end‐to‐end rate allocation in WMNs with MIMO links
Authors: Bansal M. , Trivedi A.
Published: October 2012

Multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) technology can bring substantial throughput improvement in wireless mesh networks (WMNs) via a combination of interference suppression and spatial multiplexing. In this paper, we investigate a cross‐layer design problem in MIMO‐based WMNs, which involves end‐to‐end rate allocation, routing, and stream control scheduling. Scheduling is addressed by using a set of transmission configurations (TCs), and a greedy heuristic algorithm is proposed to identify a good subset of all possible TCs. We define three optimization problems to find the maximum throughput, max–min fair and proportional fair rate allocation solutions. We propose a cross‐layer scheme to solve these problems. We also discuss how the proposed cross‐layer scheme can be implemented on the basis of the IEEE 802.16 mesh mode. Simulation results show that the performance of the proposed schemes with the heuristic algorithm is close to the optimal. The computational complexity of obtaining the solution using the proposed heuristic algorithm is substantially less than that of finding the optimal solution. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high‐order accurate discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for laminar low Mach number flows
Authors: Nigro A. , Renda S. , De Bartolo C. , Hartmann R. , Bassi F.
Published: October 2012

In this paper we present a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of laminar flow simulations at low Mach numbers using an implicit scheme. The algorithm is based on the flux preconditioning approach, which modifies only the dissipative terms of the numerical flux. This formulation is quite simple to implement in existing implicit DG codes, it overcomes the time‐stepping restrictions of explicit multistage algorithms, is consistent in time and thus applicable to unsteady flows. The performance of the method is demonstrated by solving the flow around a NACA0012 airfoil and on a flat plate, at different low Mach numbers using various degrees of polynomial approximations. Computations with and without flux preconditioning are performed on different grid topologies to analyze the influence of the spatial discretization on the accuracy of the DG solutions at low Mach numbers. The time accurate solution of unsteady flow is also demonstrated by solving the vortex shedding behind a circular cylinder at the Reynolds number of 100. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of central nervous system adult neurogenesis are sex, hormones, mouse strain, age, and brain region
Authors: Tatar Carrie , Bessert Denise , Tse Harley , Skoff Robert P.
Published: October 2012

Multiple sclerosis is a sexually dimorphic (SD) disease that causes oligodendrocyte death, but SD of glial cells is poorly studied. Here, we analyze SD of neural progenitors in 6–8 weeks and 6–8 months normal C57BL/6, SJL/J, and BALB/c mice in the subventricular zone (SVZ), dorsolateral horn (DLC), corpus callosum (CC), and parenchyma. With a short 2‐h bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) pulse, no gender and strain differences are present at 6–8 weeks. At 6–8 months, the number of BrdU+ cells decreases twofold in each sex, strain, and region, indicating that a common aging mechanism regulates BrdU incorporation. Strikingly, 2× more BrdU+ cells are found in all brain regions in 6–8 months C57BL/6 females versus males, no gender differences in 6–8 months SJL/J, and fewer BrdU+ cells in females versus males in BALB/cs. The number of BrdU+ cells modestly fluctuates throughout the estrous cycle in C57BL/6 and SJLs. Castration causes a dramatic increase in BrdU+ cells in SVZ and DLC. These findings indicate that testosterone is a major regulator of adult neural proliferation. At 6–8 months, the ratio of PDGFRα+ cells in the CC to BrdU+ cells in the DLC of both strains, sexes, estrous cycle, and castrated mice was essentially the same, suggesting that BrdU+ cells in the DLC differentiate into CC oligodendrocytes. The ratio of TUNEL+ to BrdU+ cells does not match proliferation, indicating that these events are differentially regulated. Differential regulation of these two processes leads to the variation in glial numbers between gender and strain. Explanations of neural proliferation based upon data from one sex or strain may be very misleading. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HDAC11 is a novel drug target in carcinomas
Authors: Deubzer Hedwig E. , Schier Marie C. , Oehme Ina , Lodrini Marco , Haendler Bernard , Sommer Anette , Witt Olaf
Published: October 2012

Inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity as stand‐alone or combination therapy represents a promising therapeutic approach in oncology. The pan‐ or class I HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) currently approved or in clinical studies for oncology give rise to dose‐limiting toxicities, presumably because of the inhibition of several HDACs. This could potentially be overcome by selective blockade of single HDAC family members. Here we report that HDAC11, the most recently identified zinc‐dependent HDAC, is overexpressed in several carcinomas as compared to corresponding healthy tissues. HDAC11 depletion is sufficient to cause cell death and to inhibit metabolic activity in HCT‐116 colon, PC‐3 prostate, MCF‐7 breast and SK‐OV‐3 ovarian cancer cell lines. The antitumoral effect induced can be mimicked by enforced expression of a catalytically impaired HDAC11 variant, suggesting that inhibition of the enzymatic activity of HDAC11 by small molecules could trigger the desired phenotypic changes. HDAC11 depletion in normal cells causes no changes in metabolic activity and viability, strongly suggesting that tumor‐selective effects can be achieved. Altogether, our data show that HDAC11 plays a critical role in cancer cell survival and may represent a novel drug target in oncology.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin‐use and risk of bladder cancer in a large cohort study
Authors: Newton Christina C. , Gapstur Susan M. , Campbell Peter T. , Jacobs Eric J.
Published: October 2012

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased bladder cancer incidence in some, but not all, studies. Many studies had limited statistical power and few examined risk by insulin‐use, duration of diabetes or cancer stage. We examined the association between T2DM and bladder cancer incidence in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort, a large prospective study with information on insulin‐use and duration of diabetes. Diabetes and insulin‐use were ascertained from a questionnaire at study enrollment in 1992 or 1993 and updated in 1997 and every 2 years thereafter. During follow‐up through 2007, 1,852 cases of incident bladder cancer were identified among 172,791 participants. Multivariable adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using extended Cox regression modeling. There were no associations of T2DM with the risk of bladder cancer overall (RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.87–1.17), noninvasive disease (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.76–1.14) or invasive disease (RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.91–1.40). Compared to participants without T2DM, risk of invasive bladder cancer was higher among participants who had had T2DM for >15 years (RR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.09–2.43) and among those using insulin (RR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.18–2.27). These results do not support an association of T2DM with overall bladder cancer incidence, but do suggest positive associations of long‐term T2DM and insulin‐use or other factors correlated with severe diabetes, with invasive bladder cancer incidence.
4.1: Distinguished Student Paper: Low‐Voltage and Hysteresis‐Free Blue‐Phase LCD with Vertical Field Switching
Authors: Cheng Hui‐Chuan , Yan Jin , Ishinabe Takahiro , Tsai Cheng‐Yeh , Lin Ching‐Huan , Huang Tai‐Hsiang , Liu Kang‐Hung , Liu Chu‐Yu , Sugiura Norio , Liau Wei‐Lung , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: October 2012

We report a new polymer‐stabilized blue‐phase liquid crystal display with vertical field switching (VFS) and oblique incident backlight. This VFS mode offers several attractive features, such as low operation voltage, high transmittance, submillisecond response time, and negligible hysteresis and residual birefringence.
4.4: New Materials for Polymer‐Stabilized Blue Phase
Authors: Wittek Michael , Tanaka Norihiko , Wilkes David , Bremer Matthias , Pauluth Detlef , Canisius Johannes , Yeh Aska , Yan Ray , Skjonnemand Karl , Klasen‐Memmer Melanie
Published: October 2012

Electro‐optical switching of the liquid crystalline Blue Phase exhibits extremely fast response times. However, the unstabilized Blue Phase is characterized by a rather narrow temperature range on the order of a few K. For display applications the operating temperature range needs to be increased. One very promising way is to broaden the stable temperature range by polymer‐stabilization of the Blue Phase. Successful stabilization is achieved by proper material selection/matching of reactive mesogens (RMs) and the chiral host. One prerequisite for application in display manufacturing is excellent UV and heat stability as well as good processability. Improvements in relevant performance parameters will be presented and discussed.
6.3: A New Method for Hot‐Spot and Mura Quantification and Evaluation in LCD Backlight Units and Panel
Authors: Chen Li‐Xuan , Kang Chih‐Tsung
Published: October 2012

A convenient method to quantificationally and objectively describe the grade of hot‐spot and mura of Liquid Crystal Display is introduced. By converting the spatial backlight unit luminance distribution of a Liquid Crystal Display to frequency domain, Fast Fourier transform is used for luminance variation analysis. The results not only give a factor which can quantificationally describe the grade of hot‐spot and mura of a LCD backlight unit area but also unify different experimental processes that using a camera or a Radiant Imaging ProMetric 1400 system keeping the results consistent.
7.2: Fast‐Addressing Waveform with Negative‐Going Ramp for High‐Xe PDP with High‐Gamma Cathode Materials
Authors: Whang Ki‐Woong , Cheong Hee‐Woon , Kwon Ohyung
Published: October 2012

In this paper, the address discharge characteristics of high‐Xe PDPs with high‐gamma cathode materials were investigated. It will be shown that the address discharge characteristics such as the dynamic voltage margin and the address discharge time lag of high‐Xe PDP with MgO‐SrO double cathode layer and one with MgCaO single cathode layer can be improved by inducing stable, continuous weak discharges during the reset period with a newly designed waveform. The deposition of pure MgO powder on high gamma cathode material has also proved to be effective in reducing the address discharge time lag of high‐Xe PDP.
7.3: Distinquished Paper: Ultra‐Thin Shadow‐Mask PDP Fabricated by Vacuum In‐line Sealing Technology
Authors: Yang Lanlan , Tu Yan , Zhang Xiong , Tolner Harm , Jin Ye , Zhang Panpan , Wang Baoping
Published: October 2012

An ultra‐thin shadow mask plasma display panel is put forward to meet the market demands of a much thinner, lighter and flexible display. Thanks to the ultra‐thin 70μm thick glass, a special vacuum in‐line sealing technology could be used to fabricate the novel device without a pumping tube. The sealed panel is only 300μm thick. The sealing characteristics and the discharge characteristics are investigated. The experimental results indicate that a high ratio of Xe in the gas mixture can be used, thereby improving the performance of the ultra‐thin SMPDP. In future applications AF32 type of foil glass will be used with a dielectric constant of 5.1. In addition a sealing temperature of 600 °C or higher will enable to exploit the full benefits of MgCaO protective layer. The ultra‐thin panel is well suited both for a double‐sided display and for 3D‐display.
8.2: Flexible N‐type Organic Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Hung Wei‐Lun , Yang Ming‐Che , Tu Chia‐Hsun , Hung Shih‐Hsing , Hwu Keh‐Long , Hu Chih‐Jen , Huang Wei‐Ming
Published: October 2012

N‐type organic thin film transistors have been successfully fabricated on G1 production line. Simple solution‐spin‐coating method followed by conventional photolithography process is used for all organic thin film deposition and patterning in the devices The devices can be used for electrophoretic display (EPD).
8.4: Distinguished Paper: Novel Color Electrophoretic E‐Paper Using Independently Movable Colored Particles
Authors: Hiji Naoki , Machida Yoshinori , Yamamoto Yasuo , Satoh Yoshihide , Ootani Shigeaki , Satoh Tadanobu , Shigemura Koji
Published: October 2012

A novel color electrophoretic E‐Paper using independently movable colored particles with different threshold fields was proposed for the first time. An a‐Si TFT driven two primary colors prototype with red and cyan particles was successfully demonstrated. A full color feasibility was also proved using three primary colored particles (yellow, magenta and cyan), which showed a gamut as wide as that of newsprint.
9.1: WITHDRAWN: 9.2: New Threshold Voltage Compensation Pixel Circuits in 13.5‐inch Quad Full High Definition OLED Display of Crystalline In‐Ga‐Zn‐Oxide FETs
Authors: Tanabe Toru , Amano Seiko , Miyake Hiroyuki , Suzuki Akio , Komatsu Ryu , Koyama Jun , Yamazaki Shunpei , Okazaki Kenichi , Katayama Masahiro , Matsukizono Hiroshi , Kanzaki Yohsuke , Matsuo Takuya
Published: October 2012

We devised a 5Tr+1C threshold voltage compensation pixel circuit that operates even with a normally‐on transistor. Variations in threshold voltage can be reduced to 25 to 30%. We fabricated a 13.5‐inch quad full high definition (QFHD) OLED display, which has a top‐emission structure using white tandem OLEDs with color filters.
10.1: A Microsecond‐Response Blue Phase Liquid Crystal Device
Authors: Chen Yuan , Yan Jin , Sun Jie , Wu Shin‐Tson , Liang Xiao , Liu Shih‐Hsien , Hsieh Pao‐Ju , Cheng Kung‐Lung , Shiu Jyh‐Wen
Published: October 2012

A polymer‐stabilized blue‐phase liquid crystal (BPLC) with microsecond response time is demonstrated using a vertical field switching cell. The measured decay time is 39.4 μs at room temperature (21°C) and then decreases to 9.6μs at 44.3°C. Such a response time is 1–2 orders of magnitude faster than that of a typical BPLC device. The responsible physical mechanisms are the collective effects of short pitch length, strong polymer network, and low viscosity through elevated temperature effect. The on‐state voltage of our BPLC device is 44.2 V, hysteresis is below 0.7%, and contrast ratio is over 1300:1.
10.2: Dynamic Decay Processes of a Polymer‐Stabilized Blue‐Phase Liquid Crystal
Authors: Yan Jin , Chen Yuan , Wu Shin‐Tson , Liu Shih‐Hsien , Cheng Kung‐Lung , Shiu Jyh‐Wen
Published: October 2012

Fast response time is the most attractive feature of polymer‐stabilized blue phase liquid crystals (PS‐BPLCs). We have investigated the response time of a PS‐BPLC under various electric fields and proposed a double‐relaxation model to explain the possible mechanisms. These results will guide the future device design for keeping fast response time while suppressing hysteresis.
13.2: Characteristics of AC‐PDP with (Mg, Ca)O Thin Film Layer Sealed under Reducing Atmosphere
Authors: Kim Sang‐Young , Kwon Sang‐Jik , Kim Young‐Kwan , Kim Yong‐Seog
Published: October 2012

In order to reduce the extent of hydroxide and carbonate formation on (Mg, Ca)O protective layer during sealing step, panels were sealed while Ar‐5H2 gas was flown between front and rear plates assembled. The gas was supplied up to a temperature below sealing took place. This processing scheme lowered firing and sustaining voltages of the panels significantly, demonstrating a practical way to seal the panel.
15.1: Research, Development, and Application of Crystalline Oxide Semiconductor
Authors: Yamazaki Shunpei , Koyama Jun , Yamamoto Yoshitaka , Okamoto Kenji
Published: October 2012

The study of IGZO was started by Kimizuka et al. in 1985. IGZO is developed as a material for displays. We found crystalline IGZO having c‐axis alignment and have studied its application to displays, memories, processors, etc. Crystalline IGZO is expected to be used in a variety of applications.
15.5L: Late‐News Paper: 4.0‐in. High Definition AMOLED Panel Employing Simultaneous Emission Driving Method
Authors: Lee Soo‐Yeon , Lee Jeong‐Soo , Song Moon‐Kyu , Song Seung‐Min , Kuk Seung‐Hee , Han Min‐Koo
Published: October 2012

We have fabricated a new 4.0‐inch 1280 × 720 pixels active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) panel employing simultaneous emission driving, which reduces the pixel area. A pixel circuit, which consists of 4 PMOS TFTs and 1 capacitor, successfully compensates the threshold voltage variation of low temperature poly‐silicon TFTs.