bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unorthodox approach toward microscopic shape from image focus using optical microscopy
Authors: Mutahira Husna , Muhammad Mannan Saeed , Jaffar Arfan , Choi Tae‐Sun
Published: October 2012

Shallow depth‐of‐field is an inherent property of optical microscope. Because of this limitation, it is usually impossible to image large three‐dimensional (3D) objects entirely in focus. However, the in‐focus information of the object's surface can be acquired over a range of images by optical sectioning of the object in consideration. These images can then be processed to generate a single in‐focus image and further for 3D shape reconstruction using methods like Shape from focus (SFF). SFF represents a passive technique for recovering object shapes. Although numerous methods for SFF have been recently proposed, all follow similar precedent of focus measure application and depth recovery by maximizing the focus curves. As the conventional techniques assume the presence of prominent texture in the scene, the shape of weak textured surfaces are not recovered properly. In this manuscript, we have followed an unorthodox approach to recover shapes of microscopic objects using SFF. At first, the in‐focus image is obtained, pursued by computing depth along the edges and their neighbors present in scene. Empty spaces in the final depth map are then calculated by surface interpolation. The proposed approach works well even for objects with weak textures. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lentiviral small hairpin RNA delivery reduces apical sodium channel activity in differentiated human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Aarbiou Jamil , Copreni Elena , Buijs‐Offerman Ruvalic M. , van der Wegen Pascal , Castellani Stefano , Carbone Annalucia , Tilesi Francesca , Fradiani Piera , Hiemstra Pieter S. , Yueksekdag Guelnihal , Diana Anna , Rosenecker Joseph , Ascenzioni Fiorentina , Conese Massimo , Scholte Bob J.
Published: October 2012

Background

Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) hyperactivity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis (CF) by dysregulation of fluid and electrolytes in the airways. In the present study, we show proof‐of‐principle for ENaC inhibition by lentiviral‐mediated RNA interference.

Methods

Immortalized normal (H441) and CF mutant (CFBE) airway cells, and differentiated human bronchial epithelial cells in air liquid interface culture (HBEC‐ALI) were transduced with a vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein pseudotyped lentiviral (LV) vector expressing a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting the α subunit of ENaC (ENaCα), and a marker gene. Efficacy of ENaCα down‐regulation was assayed by the real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), membrane potential assay, western blotting, short‐circuit currents and fluid absorption. Off‐target effects were investigated by a lab‐on‐a‐chip quantitative PCR array.

Results

Transduction to near one hundred percentage efficiency of H441, CFBE and HBEC‐ALI was achieved by the addition of the LV vector before differentiation and polarization. Transduction resulted in the inhibition of ENaCα mRNA and antigen expression, and a proportional decrease in ENaC‐dependent short circuit current and fluid transport. No effect on transepithelial resistance or cAMP‐induced secretion responses was observed in HBEC‐ALI. The production of interferon α and pro‐inflammatory cytokine mRNA, indicating Toll‐like receptor 3 or RNA‐induced silencing complex mediated off‐target effects, was not observed in HBEC‐ALI transduced with this vector.

Conclusions

We have established a generic method for studying the effect of RNA interference in HBEC‐ALI using standard lentiviral vectors. Down‐regulation of ENaCα by lentiviral shRNA expression vectors as shown in the absence off‐target effects has potential therapeutic value in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strength and muscle specificity of a compact promoter derived from the slow troponin I gene in the context of episomal (gutless adenovirus) and integrating (lentiviral) vectors
Authors: Robert Marc‐André , Lin Yuanbang , Bendjelloul Mehdi , Zeng Yue , Dessolin Sofien , Broussau Sophie , Larochelle Nancy , Nalbantoglu Josephine , Massie Bernard , Gilbert Rénald
Published: October 2012

Background

Gutless adenovirus (helper‐dependent adenoviral vector; HDAd) and lentiviral vectors (LV) are attractive vectors for the gene therapy of muscle diseases. Because the organization of their DNA (episomal versus integrated) differs, we investigated whether the strength and specificity of ΔUSEx3, a novel muscle‐specific promoter previously tested with plasmid, were maintained in the context of these vectors.

Methods

Two HDAds expressing β‐galactosidase regulated by ΔUSEx3 or CAG [cytomegalovirus (CMV) enhancer/β‐actin promoter], and three LV expressing green fluorescent protein regulated by ΔUSEx3, CMV or a modified skeletal α‐actin promoter (SPcΔ5‐12), were constructed. Gene expression was compared in cell culture and after intravenous (HDAd only) and intramuscular injection of mice.

Results

Irrespective of the vector used, ΔUSEx3 remained poorly active in nonmuscle cells and tissues. In myotubes, ΔUSEx3 was as strong as CMV and SPcΔ5‐12, although it was ten‐fold weaker than CAG, a proven powerful promoter in muscle. In cell culture, ΔUSEx3 activity in the context of LV was more stable than CMV, indicating it is less prone to silencing. In the context of HDAd, the behavior of ΔUSEx3 in skeletal muscle mirrored that of cell culture (10% of the CAG activity and half the number of transduced fibers). Surprisingly, in muscles treated with LV, ΔUSEx3 activity was five‐fold lower than SPcΔ5‐12.

Conclusions

The data obtained in the present study confirm that ΔUSEx3 is a strong and robust muscle‐specific promoter in the context of HDAd (cell culture and in vivo) and LV (cell culture). However, it was less efficient in vivo in the context of LV.

Copyright © 2012 National Research Council Canada & John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular characteristics of human coxsackievirus B1 infection in Korea, 2008–2009
Authors: Kim HyeJin , Kang Byunghak , Hwang Seoyeon , Hong Jiyoung , Chung Jaekeun , Kim Sunhee , Jeong Yong‐Seok , Kim Kisang , Cheon Doo‐Sung
Published: October 2012

This study was performed to analyze epidemiological and molecular characteristics of coxsakievirus (CV) B1 infection associated with severe neonatal illness cases and death in Korea during 2008–2009. Through a nationwide surveillance program, specimens were collected from 104 patients infected with CVB1. The detection of enteroviruses (EVs) from specimens was subjected to a diagnostic real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in the 5′‐non‐coding region (NCR). A semi‐nested PCR was conducted to amplify sequences from the VP1 region and sequence comparison was performed with reference strains registered in Genbank. Male‐to‐female ratio confirmed approximately 5:4. The major clinical manifestation of patients infected with CVB1 was aseptic meningitis (55.8%). The other clinical symptoms were herpangina or hand–foot–mouth disease (22.1%) and neonatal sepsis (7.7%). The sequences of CVB1 isolates were divided into four genetic clusters (A–D) with at least 15% diversity between the clusters. Almost all the CVB1 isolates in Korea from 2008 to 2009 were in cluster D (except for 2 cases). The homology relationship was also similar between the Korean CVB1 strains and US strain (above 93%). It is possible that Korean CVB1 isolates found during 2008–2009 originated from the US strains found during 2006–2008. The identification of CVB1 in South Korea shows the potential of EVs to cause serious disease in an unpredictable fashion. J. Med. Virol. 85:110–115, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does chronic hepatitis B infection affect the clinical course of acute hepatitis A?
Authors: Shin Su Rin , Moh In Ho , Jung Sung Won , Kim Jin Bae , Park Sang Hoon , Kim Hyoung Su , Jang Myung Kuk , Lee Myung Seok
Published: October 2012

The impact of chronic hepatitis B on the clinical outcome of acute hepatitis A remains controversial. The aim of present study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of acute hepatitis A in cases with underlying chronic hepatitis B compared to cases of acute hepatitis A alone. Data on 758 patients with acute hepatitis A admitted at two university‐affiliated hospitals were reviewed. Patients were classified into three groups: group A, patients with both acute hepatitis A and underlying chronic hepatitis B (n = 27); group B, patients infected by acute hepatitis A alone whose sexes and ages were matched with patients in group A (n = 54); and group C, patients with acute hepatitis A alone (n = 731). None of the demographic features of group A were significantly different from those of group B or C, except for the proportion of males and body weight, which differed from group C. When comparing to group B, clinical symptoms were more frequent, and higher total bilirubin and lower albumin levels were observed in group A. When comparing to group C, the albumin levels were lower in group A. There were no differences in the duration of hospital stay, occurrence of acute kidney injury, acute liver failure, prolonged cholestasis, or relapsing hepatitis. This study revealed that clinical symptoms and laboratory findings were less favorable for patients with acute hepatitis A and chronic hepatitis B compared to those with acute hepatitis A alone. However, there were no differences in fatal outcomes or serious complications. J. Med. Virol. 85:43–48, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Suppressive effect of PARP‐1 inhibitor on JC virus replication in vitro
Authors: Nukuzuma Souichi , Kameoka Masanori , Sugiura Shigeki , Nakamichi Kazuo , Nukuzuma Chiyoko , Takegami Tsutomu
Published: October 2012

The incidence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has increased due to the AIDS pandemic, hematological malignancies, and immunosuppressive therapies. Recently, the number of cases of monoclonal antibody‐associated PML has increased in patients treated with immunomodulatory drugs such as natalizumab. However, no common consensus regarding PML therapy has been reached in clinical studies. In order to examine the suppression of JC virus (JCV) replication by 3‐aminobenzamide (3‐AB), a representative PARP‐1 inhibitor, a DNA replication assay was carried out using the neuroblastoma cell line IMR‐32 and IMR‐adapted JCV. The suppression of JCV propagation by 3‐AB was also examined using JCI cells, which are a carrier culture producing continuously high JCV titers. The results indicated that PARP‐1 inhibitors, such as 3‐aminobenzamide (3‐AB), suppress JCV replication and propagation significantly in vitro, as judged by DNA replication assay, hemagglutination, and real‐time PCR analysis. It has been also shown that 3‐AB reduced PARP‐1 activity in IMR‐32 cells. According to the results of the MTT assay, the enzyme activity of 3‐AB‐treated cells was slightly lower than that of DMSO‐treated cells. However, the significant suppression of JCV propagation is not related to the slight decrease in cell growth. To our knowledge, this is the first report that PARP‐1 inhibitor suppresses the replication of JCV significantly in neuroblastoma cell lines via the reduction of PARP‐1 activity. Thus, PARP‐1 inhibitors also may be a novel therapeutic drug for PML. J. Med. Virol. 85:132–137, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
K&N management: An appetite for operational excellence in the restaurant industry
Authors: Young Allyson L.
Published: October 2012

Founded on the principle of pursuing excellence, K&N Management, a restaurant group based in Austin, Texas, strives to deliver value‐added experiences through the staff, products, and atmosphere at its eight fast‐casual properties. Recognizing that the food business is the people business, its leaders count customer delight with every interaction and careful staff selection, training, and development among the most critical ingredients in their recipe for success. As a result of their efforts, the organization has been honored with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and grown into a profitable and sustainable enterprise benchmarked by others in its industry. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and complementary techniques applied for the investigation of an Italian cultural heritage canvas
Authors: Gui O. M. , Fălămaş A. , Barbu‐Tudoran L. , Aluaş M. , Giambra B. , Cîntă Pînzaru S.
Published: October 2012

A cultural heritage canvas from the early 19th century, painted by the Vaccaro brothers for the church of Niscemi, province of Caltanissetta, Sicily, was analyzed using Fourier transform (FT)‐Raman, attenuated total reflectance‐FT‐infrared and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The painting, still used in religious rites related to the Easter mass (‘la calata da tila’), depicts the scene of the Crucifixion and is executed in a scarce palette, with white, green and blue colors. Analysing vibrational data in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy and solid ‐state 13C‐NMR signals of the linen threads, we were able to offer valuable insight into the painting technique, unknown prior to this study. SERS is usually employed in artwork diagnosis for the identification of organic lakes and dyes. Due to its sensitivity, SERS has been successfully applied for the detection of either organic painting materials (indigo) that are usually not resolved by conventional Raman spectroscopy or of inorganic pigments difficult to observe in the presence of highly fluorescent aged organic supports or binders. To the best of our knowledge, this is also the first report on the SERS investigation of flax used in linen from cultural heritage objects using Ag colloidal nanoparticles. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural D‐glucose as a biodegradable MRI contrast agent for detecting cancer
Authors: Chan Kannie W. Y. , McMahon Michael T. , Kato Yoshinori , Liu Guanshu , Bulte Jeff W. M. , Bhujwalla Zaver M. , Artemov Dmitri , van Zijl Peter C. M.
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

Modern imaging technologies such as CT, PET, SPECT, and MRI employ contrast agents to visualize the tumor microenvironment, providing information on malignancy and response to treatment. Currently, all clinical imaging agents require chemical labeling, i.e. with iodine (CT), radioisotopes (PET/SPECT), or paramagnetic metals (MRI). The goal was to explore the possibility of using simple D‐glucose as an infusable biodegradable MRI agent for cancer detection.

Methods:

D‐glucose signals were detected using chemical exchange saturation transfer (glucoCEST) MRI of its hydroxyl groups. Feasibility was established in phantoms as well as in vivo using two human breast cancer cell lines, MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7, implanted orthotopically in nude mice. PET and contrast‐enhanced MRI were also acquired.

Results:

Both tumor types exhibited significant glucoCEST signal enhancement during systemic sugar infusion (mild hyperglycemia), allowing their noninvasive visualization. GlucoCEST showed differences between types, while PET and CE‐MRI did not. Data are discussed in terms of signal contributions from the increased vascular volume in tumors and especially from the acidic extracellular extravascular space (EES), where glucoCEST signal is expected to be enhanced due to a slow down of hydroxyl proton exchange.

Conclusions:

This observation opens up the possibility for using simple non‐toxic sugars as contrast agents for cancer detection with MRI by employing hydroxyl protons as a natural label. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fractional order constitutive model of geomaterials under the condition of triaxial test
Authors: Yin Deshun , Wu Hao , Cheng Chen , Chen YangQuan
Published: October 2012

Fractional calculus has been successfully applied to characterize the rheological property of viscoelastic materials; however, geomaterials were seldom involved in fractional order constitutive models (FOCM), and the topic of first loading and then unloading is rarely discussed through fractional calculus. In this paper, mechanical properties are considered as a ‘spectrum’, both ends of which are elasticity and viscosity, and the fractional order can be utilized to describe such properties quantitatively. In addition to conditions such as creep, stress‐relaxation, and constant‐strain‐rate loading, stress‐strain relationship under the condition of first loading and then unloading was also derived using FOCM. FOCM is then adopted to simulate triaxial tests of geomaterials under corresponding conditions. A comparison of test and numerical results demonstrates that FOCM can reasonably describe the mechanical characteristics of geomaterials.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Clinical and Safety Outcomes Associated with Conversion from Brand‐Name to Generic Tacrolimus in Transplant Recipients Enrolled in an Integrated Health Care System
Authors: Spence Michele M. , Nguyen Lynda M. , Hui Rita L. , Chan James
Published: October 2012

Study Objective

To evaluate clinical and safety outcomes among transplant recipients whose tacrolimus was converted from the brand‐name formulation to a generic formulation.

Design

Retrospective analysis.

Data Source

Clinical databases and electronic records from a large, integrated health care system in California.

Patients

A total of 234 clinically stable, adult transplant recipients (renal, liver, and heart) whose tacrolimus was converted from the brand‐name formulation to a generic formulation between October 1, 2010, and December 31, 2010, according to a physician‐approved protocol.

Measurements and Main Results

For each patient, pre‐ and postconversion tacrolimus trough concentrations and serum creatinine concentrations were analyzed. Data were also collected on the percentage of patients who required dosage titration, drug cost savings, and rates of reversion to brand‐name tacrolimus, biopsy‐proved acute allograft rejections, and mortality. No significant differences were noted in mean ± SD pre‐ and postconversion tacrolimus trough levels (6.74 ± 1.61 vs 6.96 ± 2.31 ng/ml, p=0.137) or serum creatinine concentrations (1.33 ± 0.48 vs 1.36 ± 0.82 mg/dl, p=0.302). The mean ± SD percent change in tacrolimus trough concentration was 5.63 ± 32.95%. Thirty‐six patients (15.4%) required dosage titration. Six patients (2.6%) reverted back to brand‐name tacrolimus. No deaths or acute rejections occurred. Use of the generic product saved each patient an average of $45/month in drug acquisition cost and $26/prescription copayment.

Conclusion

Clinical experience as well as research data show that use of generic tacrolimus results in trough concentrations that are comparable to the brand‐name drug. Given the lack of adverse events reported and the cost savings recognized, conversion from brand‐name tacrolimus to generic tacrolimus should be encouraged. Since dosage titration may be required, close therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended.
Sequential interpenetrating poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels prepared by UV‐initiated thiol–ene coupling chemistry
Authors: Yang Ting , Malkoch Michael , Hult Anders
Published: October 2012

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐diallyls, ranging from 2 to 8 kDa, were successfully reacted with a trifunctional thiol crosslinker via thiol–ene coupling reaction to construct four different primary PEG hydrogels. These systems were used as scaffolds for the preparation of a library of sequential interpenetrating networks (SeqIPNs). The solid content of the secondary networks varied between 21 and 34% and was dependent on the length of the absorbing PEGs. The gel fractions for the IPNs were above 85%. Additionally, the lowest degree of swelling was found for the IPN based on 2‐kDa PEG (315%), whereas the 8‐kDa PEG IPN exhibited a value of 810%. The SeqIPN strategy facilitated hydrogel systems that cover a larger domain of tensile modulus (192–889 kPa) when compared with single hydrogel networks (175–555 kPa). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Interactions of cartilage extracellular matrix macromolecules
Authors: Horkay Ferenc
Published: October 2012

Articular cartilage is a low‐friction, load‐bearing tissue located at joint surfaces. The extracellular matrix (ECM) of cartilage consists of a fibrous collagen network, which is prestressed by the osmotic swelling pressure exerted by negatively charged proteoglycan (PG) aggregates embedded in the collagen network. The major PG is the bottlebrush‐shaped aggrecan, which forms complexes with linear hyaluronic acid (HA) chains. We quantify microscopic and macroscopic changes resulting from self‐assembly between aggrecan and HA using a complementary set of physical measurements to determine structure and interactions by combining scattering techniques, including small‐angle X‐ray scattering, small‐angle neutron scattering, and dynamic light scattering with macroscopic osmotic pressure measurements. It is demonstrated that the osmotic pressure that defines the load‐bearing ability of cartilage is primarily governed by the main macromolecular components (aggrecan and collagen) of the ECM. Knowledge of the interactions between the macromolecular components of cartilage ECM is essential to understand biological function and to develop successful tissue engineering strategies for cartilage repair. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Mechanism of surface pre‐treatments and modification for dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Hu Linhua , Mo Li’e , Li Wenxin , Fang Xiaqin , Dai Songyuan
Published: October 2012

The influence of the TiCl4 solution treatment on nanocrystalline TiO2 films in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSC) was investigated and compared with the untreated films by Intensity‐modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS) and Intensity‐modulated photovoltage spectroscopy (IMVS). The IMPS and IMVS experimental results indicated that the electron lifetime (τn), the diffusion coefficient (Dn), the diffusion length (Ln), the incident photo‐to‐current conversion efficiency (IPCE) and the electric charge (Qoc) in open‐circuit of the treated DSC were increased while the electron transit time (τd) decreased comparing with those of the untreated one. The electron generation, transportation, recombination rates and the electron collecting efficiency have been remarkably improved after treating. The properties of the electron generation, transport and recombination under different illumination intensities which were also investigated by IMPS/IMVS were accordant with the results reported in previous literature (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Wavelength‐modulated excitonic spectra in green series of Cu2O thin films sandwiched by MgO plates
Authors: Iwamitsu Kazunori , Aihara Shingo , Shimamoto Tomoshige , Fujii Atsuhiro , Akai Ichiro
Published: October 2012

In order to clarify uniaxial stress effects on a green excitonic series in Cu2O, we measured temperature dependence of wavelength modulated (WM) absorption spectra of a Cu2O thin film sandwiched by MgO plates. In these spectra, excitonic resonances of 2P∼4P states are clearly observed even at 180 K. From these resonance spectral structures at each temperature, it is found that the band gap of the green series shifts to lower energy side than that of bulk crystals and the red shift becomes obvious with cooling down to 7 K. These results indicate that the trapping potential for the green excitons is formed by the uniaxial stress due to a lattice mismatch between the Cu2O and MgO (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sub‐gap absorption study of SnS films deposited by thermal evaporation of sulfurized Sn powder
Authors: Gotoh Tamihiro
Published: October 2012

Optical absorption spectra of thermally evaporated SnS films were examined by optical transmittance and photothermal spectroscopy using individual cantilever. The SnS films exhibit optical bandgap of 1.30‐1.36 eV for indirect or nondirect transitions, Urbach energy of 0.12‐0.14 eV and mid‐gap absorption at 0.5‐1.2 eV. The slight decrease of bandgap was observed for the annealed films in vacuum. The mid‐gap absorption was reduced to less than 2% of as‐deposited films by thermal annealing up to 400 °C. These results indicate that heat‐induced structural change causes the reduction of gap‐states in SnS films. Photothermal spectroscopy using individual cantilever is useful for the quality monitoring of semiconducting SnS films (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoinduced mass transport in amorphous As‐S‐Se films
Authors: Reinfelde Mara , Grants Rolands , Teteris Janis
Published: October 2012

Direct surface patterning due to photoinduced mass transport in amorphous As‐S‐Se films has been studied. Illumination of the films with two orthogonally (±45°) polarized beam interference pattern causes the formation of surface relief gratings on the films due to lateral mass transport regarding to light propagation direction. The obtained experimental results showed the dependence of photoinduced surface relief depth (Δh) on film thickness during holographic recording from film side as well as from glass substrate side. After constant exposure doses for the films with a thickness d < 1 μm a strong dependence of Δh on film thickness was observed. For films with a thickness d > 1 μm values of Δh do not depend significantly on the film thickness for recording from film side but decrease rapidly for recording from opposite side. The studies of the surface relief grating formation dependence on the film thickness show that all illuminated film volume is involved in mass transport process (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Performance of blue fluorescence and red phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes using a molecular material with high hole drift mobility
Authors: Oshiro Tomoyuki , Tamura Takeshi , Kageyama Hiroshi , Shirota Yasuhiko , Kajii Hirotake , Ohmori Yutaka
Published: October 2012

This study focuses on the carrier balance factor and transient characteristics of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) utilizing tris[4‐(5‐phenylthiophen‐2‐yl)phenyl] amine (TPTPA) as a blue emissive material or a host material of a red phosphorescent dye, which exhibits the highest level of hole drift mobility (µ = 1.0×10‐2 cm2V‐1s‐1) among those reported for organic disordered systems. We investigated the doping effect of a red phos‐phorescent material in the TPTPA. The peak wavelengths and the shape of the electroluminescent (EL) spectra agree with those of the photoluminescent spectra, which indicate that the EL originates from the excited state of the TPTPA and dopant. The maximum luminance of approximately 11,000 and 2,000 cd/m2 were achieved for devices without and with dopant. While TPTPA device achieved good carrier balance, the hole current was decreased by doping a red phosphorescent material. Compared with the short response times of TPTPA device, relatively long response times of doped device was observed owing to phosphorescent recombination lifetime of a dopant. The TPTPA device exhibited the relatively high light outcoupling efficiency of approximately 34% (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Determination of stimulants using gas chromatography/high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and a soft ionization source
Authors: Lopez‐Avila Viorica , Cooley James , Urdahl Randall , Thevis Mario
Published: October 2012

RATIONALE

The aim of this study was to investigate the mass spectral fragmentation of a small set of stimulants in a high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer equipped with a soft ionization source using vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photons emitted from different plasma gases. It was postulated that the use of a plasma gas such as Xe, which emits photons at a lower energy than Kr or Ar, would lead to softer ionization of the test compounds, and thus to less fragmentation.

METHODS

A set of nine stimulants: cocaine, codeine, nicotine, methadone, phenmetrazine, pentylenetetrazole, niketamide, fencamfamine, and caffeine, was analyzed by gas chromatography/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC/TOFMS) in positive ion mode with this soft ionization source, using either Xe, Kr, or Ar as plasma gases. Working solutions of the test compounds at 0.1 to 100 ng/μL were used to establish instrument sensitivity and linearity.

RESULTS

All test compounds, except methadone and pentylenetetrazole, exhibited strong molecular ions and no fragmentation with Xe‐microplasma photoionization (MPPI). Methadone exhibited significant fragmentation not only with Xe, but also with Kr and Ar, and pentylenetetrazole could not be ionized with Xe, probably because its ionization energy is above 8.44 eV. The Kr‐ and Ar‐MPPI mass spectra of the test compounds showed that the relative intensity of the molecular ion decreased as the photon energy increased.

CONCLUSIONS

When coupled to a TOF mass spectrometer this soft ionization source has demonstrated signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratios from 7 to 730 at 100 pg per injection (depending on the compound), and a dynamic range of three orders of magnitude (100 pg to 100 ng) for some of the test compounds. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
More inclusive or selective ionization for mass spectrometry using obstructive sonic spray ionization and voltage polarity switching
Authors: Chubatyi Nicholas D. , Wang Tongwen , McEwen Charles N.
Published: October 2012

RATIONALE

A new variation of sonicspray ionization (SSI) significantly enhances its sensitivity with an advantage of producing selective or more inclusive ionization by changing the polarity of the potential applied to an obstruction in the path of the SSI spray. This technique also provides high sensitivity with water solutions, which is difficult for electrospray ionization (ESI) without added organic solvent.

METHODS

An Orbitrap Exactive mass spectrometer with an IonMax source heated electrospray ionization (ESI) probe operating at its maximum sheath gas setting was used for SSI. Both positive and negative polarities varying from 0.1 to 4 kV were applied to a metal obstruction positioned in the path of the spray using an atmospheric solid analysis probe. All mass spectra for this study were acquired in the positive ion mode.

RESULTS

SSI using a variety of obstructions improved the observed analyte ion abundance of small molecules, peptides, and proteins by approximately two orders of magnitude. The addition of a DC or AC voltage to a metal obstruction further enhanced the abundance of analyte ions by an additional two orders of magnitude. The relative abundances of the detected positive ions were considerably altered by switching the voltage polarity on the obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

SSI with an obstruction improves the sensitivity of various samples compared with SSI. An applied voltage onto the obstruction further enhances the analyte ion abundances to approximately equal that of ESI but has the added advantage that switching the voltage polarity from positive to negative on the obstruction emphasizes different compounds present in the sample. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficiency of study designs in diagnostic randomized clinical trials
Authors: Lu Bo , Gatsonis Constantine
Published: October 2012

From the patients’ management perspective, a good diagnostic test should contribute to both reflecting the true disease status and improving clinical outcomes. The diagnostic randomized clinical trial is designed to combine both diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions. Evaluation of diagnostic tests is carried out with therapeutic outcomes as the primary endpoint rather than test accuracy. We lay out the probability framework for evaluating such trials. We compare two commonly referred designs—the two‐arm design and the paired design—in a formal statistical hypothesis testing setup and identify the causal connection between the two tests. The paired design is shown to be more efficient than the two‐arm design. The efficiency gains vary depending on the discordant rates of test results. We derive sample size formulas for both binary and continuous endpoints. We derive estimation of important quantities under the paired design and also conduct simulation studies to verify the theoretical results. We illustrate the method with an example of designing a randomized study on preoperative staging of bladder cancer. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comfort and Burden: The Changing Meaning of Home for Owners At‐Risk of Foreclosure
Authors: McCormack Karen
Published: October 2012

The home is a meaningful site of security, control, and comfort. On the basis of ethnographic data, this paper examines how the meaning of home changes for people at‐risk of foreclosure and how their subsequent actions are shaped by these meanings. I explore shifts in the meaning of home, with particular attention to the interaction of race, family structure, and immigrant status in these constructions. As owners respond to foreclosure threat, interactions with lenders further leave owners with a sense that the process is beyond their control, threatening ontological security and a sense of being at home in the world.
Variations in interpulse interval of double action potentials during propagation in single neurons
Authors: Villagran‐Vargas Edgar , Rodríguez‐Sosa Leonardo , Hustert Reinhold , Blicher Andreas , Laub Katrine , Heimburg Thomas
Published: October 2012

In this work, we analyzed the interpulse interval (IPI) of doublets and triplets in single neurons of three biological models. Pulse trains with two or three spikes originate from the process of sensory mechanotransduction in neurons of the locust femoral nerve, as well as through spontaneous activity both in the abdominal motor neurons and the caudal photoreceptor of the crayfish. We show that the IPI for successive low‐frequency single action potentials, as recorded with two electrodes at two different points along a nerve axon, remains constant. On the other hand, IPI in doublets either remains constant, increases or decreases by up to about 3 ms as the pair propagates. When IPI increases, the succeeding pulse travels at a slower speed than the preceding one. When IPI is reduced, the succeeding pulse travels faster than the preceding one and may exceed the normal value for the specific neuron. In both cases, IPI increase and reduction, the speed of the preceding pulse differs slightly from the normal value, therefore the two pulses travel at different speeds in the same nerve axon. On the basis of our results, we may state that the effect of attraction or repulsion in doublets suggests a tendency of the spikes to reach a stable configuration. We strongly suggest that the change in IPI during spike propagation of doublets opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for neural coding and may have major implications for understanding information processing in nervous systems. Synapse, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
State‐specific multireference coupled‐cluster theory
Authors: Köhn Andreas , Hanauer Matthias , Mück Leonie Anna , Jagau Thomas‐Christian , Gauss Jürgen
Published: October 2012

The multireference problem is considered one of the great challenges in coupled‐cluster (CC) theory. Most recent developments are based on state‐specific approaches, which focus on a single state and avoid some of the numerical problems of more general approaches. We review various state‐of‐the‐art methods, including Mukherjee's state‐specific multireference coupled‐cluster (Mk‐MRCC) theory, multireference Brillouin–Wigner coupled‐cluster (MR‐BWCC) theory, the MRexpT method, and internally contracted multireference coupled‐cluster (ic‐MRCC) theory. Related methods such as extended single‐reference schemes [e.g., the complete active space coupled‐cluster (CASCC) theory] and canonical transformation (CT) theory are covered as well. The comparison is done on the basis of formal arguments, implementation issues, and numerical results. Although a final and generally accepted multireference CC theory is still lacking, it is emphasized that recent developments render the new MRCC schemes useful tools for solving chemical problems. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
Kidney organogenesis in the zebrafish: insights into vertebrate nephrogenesis and regeneration
Authors: Gerlach Gary F. , Wingert Rebecca A.
Published: October 2012

Vertebrates form a progressive series of up to three kidney organs during development—the pronephros, mesonephros, and metanephros. Each kidney derives from the intermediate mesoderm and is comprised of conserved excretory units called nephrons. The zebrafish is a powerful model for vertebrate developmental genetics, and recent studies have illustrated that zebrafish and mammals share numerous similarities in nephron composition and physiology. The zebrafish embryo forms an architecturally simple pronephros that has two nephrons, and these eventually become a scaffold onto which a mesonephros of several hundred nephrons is constructed during larval stages. In adult zebrafish, the mesonephros exhibits ongoing nephrogenesis, generating new nephrons from a local pool of renal progenitors during periods of growth or following kidney injury. The characteristics of the zebrafish pronephros and mesonephros make them genetically tractable kidney systems in which to study the functions of renal genes and address outstanding questions about the mechanisms of nephrogenesis. Here, we provide an overview of the formation and composition of these zebrafish kidney organs, and discuss how various zebrafish mutants, gene knockdowns, and transgenic models have created frameworks in which to further delineate nephrogenesis pathways. WIREs Dev Biol 2013, 2:559–585. doi: 10.1002/wdev.92

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms

Vertebrate Organogenesis > From a Tubular Primordium: Non-Branched

Vertebrate Organogenesis > From a Tubular Primordium: Branched
The significant other: splicing by the minor spliceosome
Authors: Turunen Janne J. , Niemelä Elina H. , Verma Bhupendra , Frilander Mikko J.
Published: October 2012

The removal of non‐coding sequences, introns, from the mRNA precursors is an essential step in eukaryotic gene expression. U12‐type introns are a minor subgroup of introns, distinct from the major or U2‐type introns. U12‐type introns are present in most eukaryotes but only account for less than 0.5% of all introns in any given genome. They are processed by a specific U12‐dependent spliceosome, which is similar to, but distinct from, the major spliceosome. U12‐type introns are spliced somewhat less efficiently than the major introns, and it is believed that this limits the expression of the genes containing such introns. Recent findings on the role of U12‐dependent splicing in development and human disease have shown that it can also affect multiple cellular processes not directly related to the functions of the host genes of U12‐type introns. At the same time, advances in understanding the regulation and phylogenetic distribution of the minor spliceosome are starting to shed light on how the U12‐type introns and the minor spliceosome may have evolved. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:61–76. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1141

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms
CDPKs are dual‐specificity protein kinases and tyrosine autophosphorylation attenuates kinase activity
Authors: Oh Man-Ho , Wu Xia , Kim Hyoung Seok , Harper Jeffrey F. , Zielinski Raymond E. , Clouse Steven D. , Huber Steven C.
Published: October 2012

GmCDPKβ
phosphorylates
GmCDPKβ
by protein kinase assay (View interaction)
Maturation of the auditory t‐complex brain response across adolescence
Authors: Mahajan Yatin , McArthur Genevieve
Published: October 2012

Adolescence is a time of great change in the brain in terms of structure and function. It is possible to track the development of neural function across adolescence using auditory event‐related potentials (ERPs). This study tested if the brain's functional processing of sound changed across adolescence. We measured passive auditory t‐complex peaks to pure tones and consonant‐vowel (CV) syllables in 90 children and adolescents aged 10–18 years, as well as 10 adults. Across adolescence, Na amplitude increased to tones and speech at the right, but not left, temporal site. Ta amplitude decreased at the right temporal site for tones, and at both sites for speech. The Tb remained constant at both sites. The Na and Ta appeared to mature later in the right than left hemisphere. The t‐complex peaks Na and Tb exhibited left lateralization and Ta showed right lateralization. Thus, the functional processing of sound continued to develop across adolescence and into adulthood.
Induced abortion, contraceptive use, and dual protection among female sex workers in Moscow, Russia
Authors: Decker Michele R. , Yam Eileen A. , Wirtz Andrea L. , Baral Stefan D. , Peryshkina Alena , Mogilnyi Vladmir , Beyrer Chris
Published: October 2012

Objective

To describe abortion history and current contraceptive use among female sex workers (FSWs) in Moscow, Russia.

Methods

A clinic‐based survey was conducted among 147 FSWs in Moscow during an 8‐month period in 2005.

Results

In total, 83 of 143 (58.0%) FSWs reported a history of abortion, with 45 of 143 (31.5%) indicating multiple abortions. Condoms were the primary form of contraception (145/146 [99.3%]); just 17 of 142 (12.0%) FSWs reported using non‐barrier modern contraception. All women who reported using a non‐barrier modern method also indicated condom use (i.e. dual protection). Non‐barrier contraceptive use was associated with inconsistent condom use (odds ratio [OR] 3.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–9.02) and multiple abortions (OR 4.71; 95% CI, 1.19–18.62).

Conclusion

The results illustrate substantial risk for unintended pregnancy among FSWs. Further research is needed regarding the dynamics of non‐barrier contraception and condom use. Efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of FSWs should include access to safe and effective contraception, in addition to HIV prevention.
Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation: State of the art, 2012
Authors: Nitta Takashi , Ishii Yosuke , Sakamoto Shun‐ichiro
Published: October 2012

The development and introduction of radiofrequency ablation devices allowed maze procedure to be performed safely and easily, further enabling off‐pump pulmonary vein isolation through mini‐thoracotomy or thoracoscopy. The outcomes of the maze procedure include the prevention of stroke and other complications related to atrial fibrillation (AF), improvement in cardiac performance, and relief of symptoms. The indications for the maze procedure have been discussed on the basis of available evidence. Pulmonary vein isolation has been shown to be effective in most patients with paroxysmal AF, and can be performed with both endocardial catheter ablation and minimally invasive epicardial ablation. These 2 modalities should be compared in terms of the success rate, occurrence of cerebral microembolic signals, capability adding other lesions indicated for persistent or long‐standing persistent AF, and closure of the left atrial appendage. Noncontinuous or nontransmural lines of conduction block as a result of incomplete ablation can result in the recurrence of AF and induction of atrial tachycardia. Intraoperative verification of a conduction block across the ablation lines is recommended to prevent these complications. Volume reduction of the enlarged left atrium or a box lesion to isolate the entire posterior left atrium may be effective in patients with a dilated left atrium, but the potentially impaired atrial transport function should be considered. Mapping of active ganglionated plexi and their ablation may improve the outcome of the procedure; however, the long‐term effect on AF and autonomic nerve activities should be examined. Because the mechanism underlying AF varies in each patient, a tailor‐made therapy, using a stepwise approach, with a hybrid procedure combining epicardial and endocardial ablation offers promising prospects in the nonpharmacological treatment of AF.
Chinese perspective on newsvendor bias: An exploratory note
Authors: Cui Yin , Chen Lucy Gongtao , Chen Jian , Gavirneni Srinagesh , Wang Qi
Published: October 2012

Chinese and American decision makers demonstrated significantly different biases while making newsvendor decisions in a laboratory experiment that utilizes the open‐ended verbal protocol analysis approach. Chinese subjects (i) asked more questions before reaching their decision, which suggests that they are more cautious when making a decision; (ii) were more frequently able to come up with a new number as their decision whereas the American decision makers tended to use one of the given numbers as their decision; (iii) were more cognizant of salvage values and as a result ordered more than the American decision makers. Due to the open‐ended, time‐consuming nature of our experiment, our subject pool was small and thus we present these results as exploratory in nature and discuss directions that are worth further study in future experiments.
Republic of Women
Authors: Pal Carol
Published: October 2012

Republic of Women recaptures a lost chapter in the narrative of intellectual history. It tells the story of a transnational network of female scholars who were active members of the seventeenth-century republic of letters and demonstrates that this intellectual commonwealth was a much more eclectic and diverse assemblage than has been assumed. These seven scholars - Anna Maria van Schurman, Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia, Marie de Gournay, Marie du Moulin, Dorothy Moore, Bathsua Makin and Katherine Jones, Lady Ranelagh - were philosophers, schoolteachers, reformers and mathematicians. They hailed from England, Ireland, Germany, France and The Netherlands. And together with their male colleagues - men like Descartes, Huygens, Hartlib and Montaigne - they represented the spectrum of contemporary approaches to science, faith, politics and the advancement of learning. Carol Pal uses their collective biography to reconfigure the intellectual biography of early modern Europe, offering a new, expanded analysis of the seventeenth-century community of ideas.
The Blank-Verse Tradition from Milton to Stevens
Authors: Weinfield Henry
Published: October 2012

Blank verse, unrhymed iambic pentameter, has been central to English poetry since the Renaissance. It is the basic vehicle of Shakespeare's plays and the form in which Milton chose to write Paradise Lost. Milton associated it with freedom, and the Romantics, connecting it in turn with freethinking, used it to explore change and confront modernity, sometimes in unexpectedly radical ways. Henry Weinfield's detailed readings of the masterpieces of English blank verse focus on Milton, Wordsworth, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson and Stevens. He traces the philosophical and psychological struggles underlying these poets' choice of form and genre, and the extent to which their work is marked, consciously or not, by the influence of other poets. Unusually attuned to echoes between poems, this study sheds new light on how important poetic texts, most of which are central to the literary canon, unfold as works of art.