bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photochemical Properties and Activity of Water‐Soluble Polymer/C60 Nanohybrids for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Hurtgen Marie , Debuigne Antoine , Hoebeke Maryse , Passirani Catherine , Lautram Nolwenn , Mouithys‐Mickalad Ange , Guelluy Pierre‐Henri , Jérôme Christine , Detrembleur Christophe
Published: November 2012

Water‐soluble star‐like poly(vinyl alcohol)/C60 and poly{[poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate]‐co‐(vinyl acetate)}/C60 nanohybrids are prepared by grafting macroradicals onto C60 and are assessed as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. The photophysical and biological properties of both nanohybrids highlight key characteristics influencing their overall efficiency. The macromolecular structure (linear/graft) and nature (presence/absence of hydroxyl groups) of the polymeric arms respectively impact the photodynamic activity and the stealthiness of the nanohybrids. The advantages of both nanohybrids are encountered in a third one, poly[(N‐vinylpyrrolidone)‐co‐(vinyl acetate)]/C60, which has linear grafts without hydroxyl groups, and shows a better photodynamic activity.

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Accessing New DPP‐Based Copolymers by Direct Heteroarylation Polymerization
Authors: Pouliot Jean‐Rémi , Mercier Lauren G. , Caron Samuel , Leclerc Mario
Published: November 2012

A diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative was copolymerized with different electron‐withdrawing units [i.e., thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione (TPD), bis(thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione) (BTPD), and 3,4‐dicyanothiophene (DCT)] using direct heteroarylation polymerization (DHAP) methodology. Alternating copolymers with low‐lying frontier orbitals suitable for n‐type semiconducting behavior were obtained. Under optimized conditions, polymerization reactions were reproducible and high number‐average molecular weights (Mn) were achieved. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that the structures with the lowest conformational energy had planar backbones. Preliminary results showed that these new low‐bandgap materials exhibit good n‐type behavior.
Stable, Hydroxyl Functional Polycarbonates With Glycerol Side Chains Synthesized From CO2 and Isopropylidene(glyceryl glycidyl ether)
Authors: Geschwind Jeannette , Frey Holger
Published: November 2012

A series of functional polycarbonates, poly((isopropylidene glyceryl glycidyl ether)‐co‐(glycidyl methyl ether) carbonate) (P((IGG‐co‐GME) C)) random copolymers with different fractions of 1,2‐isopropylidene glyceryl glycidyl ether (IGG) units, is synthesized. After acidic hydrolysis of the acetal protecting groups, a new type of functional polycarbonate prepared directly from CO2 and glycerol is obtained, namely poly((glyceryl glycerol)‐co‐(glycidyl methyl ether) carbonate) (P((GG‐co‐GME) C)). All hydroxyl functional samples exhibit monomodal molecular weight distributions with PDIs between 2.5 and 3.3 and Mn between 12 000 and 25 000 g mol−1. Thermal properties reflect the amorphous structure of the polymers. The materials are stable in bulk and solution.
Exome sequencing in a family with restless legs syndrome
Authors: Weissbach Anne , Siegesmund Katharina , Brüggemann Norbert , Schmidt Alexander , Kasten Meike , Pichler Irene , Muhle Hiltrud , Lohmann Ebba , Lohnau Thora , Schwinger Eberhard , Hagenah Johann , Stephani Ulrich , Pramstaller Peter P. , Klein Christine , Lohmann Katja
Published: November 2012

Background:

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) has a high familial aggregation. To date, several loci and genetic risk factors have been identified, but no causative gene mutation has been found.

Methods:

We evaluated a German family with autosomal dominantly inherited RLS in 7 definitely and 2 possibly affected members by genome‐wide linkage analysis and exome sequencing.

Results:

We identified three novel missense and one splice site variant in the PCDHA3, WWC2, ATRN, and FAT2 genes that segregated with RLS in the family. All four exons of the PCDHA3 gene, the most plausible candidate, were sequenced in 64 unrelated RLS cases and 250 controls. This revealed three additional rare missense variants (frequency <1%) of unknown pathogenicity in 2 patients and 1 control.

Conclusions:

We present the first next‐generation sequencing study on RLS and suggest PCDHA3 as a candidate gene for RLS. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Modelling of wind shear downwind of mountain ridges at Hong Kong International Airport
Authors: Carruthers David , Ellis Andrew , Hunt Julian , Chan P. W.
Published: November 2012

A theoretical and computational study is presented of the wind flow over the mountain ridges to the south of Hong Kong International Airport given the upwind profiles of ‘mean’ velocity and temperature. A sensitivity study shows how large variations in wind speed, wind shear and wind direction occur on the approach path when the upwind flow from the southeast is stably stratified above the boundary layer with a significant inversion no more than a few hundred metres above the ridge (height about 450 m). The Froude number is close to unity. The effects of vertical wind shear across the inversion layer reduce the speed‐up, and directional wind shear changes the surface flow direction. The observed horizontal length scales along the approach are about equal to the projected widths of the predominant features of the ridges and valleys. For an extreme wind event there was found to be satisfactory agreement between the wind speed measured by a landing aircraft and the predictions of the fast quasi‐linear analytically based computer model FLOWSTAR. This suggests that near real time application of the model and near real time monitoring with remote and in situ instruments can be used to predict these extreme flow events and hence give warnings about them. Conclusions are drawn about how such predictive modelling could be developed.
Apigenin and its impact on gastrointestinal cancers
Authors: Lefort Émilie C. , Blay Jonathan
Published: November 2012

Apigenin (4′,5,7‐trihydroxyflavone, 5,7‐dihydroxy‐2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐one) is a flavonoid found in many fruits, vegetables, and herbs, the most abundant sources being the leafy herb parsley and dried flowers of chamomile. Present in dietary sources as a glycoside, it is cleaved in the gastrointestinal lumen to be absorbed and distributed as apigenin itself. For this reason, the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract is exposed to higher concentrations of apigenin than tissues at other locations. This would also be true for epithelial cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. We consider the evidence for actions of apigenin that might hinder the ability of gastrointestinal cancers to progress and spread. Apigenin has been shown to inhibit cell growth, sensitize cancer cells to elimination by apoptosis, and hinder the development of blood vessels to serve the growing tumor. It also has actions that alter the relationship of the cancer cells with their microenvironment. Apigenin is able to reduce cancer cell glucose uptake, inhibit remodeling of the extracellular matrix, inhibit cell adhesion molecules that participate in cancer progression, and oppose chemokine signaling pathways that direct the course of metastasis into other locations. As such, apigenin may provide some additional benefit beyond existing drugs in slowing the emergence of metastatic disease.
Urge urinary incontinence and the brain factor
Authors: Morris Carolyn Louise
Published: November 2012

Aims

To evaluate cognitive processing in elderly women with urge incontinence as compared to continent cohorts by measuring performance on neuropsychological tests of working memory, attention and inhibition. To measure speed of information processing, intensity of bladder filling sensation, and urine volume at a first desire (FDV) and strong desire to void (SDV), and level of attentional demands.

Methods

Test measures included Operation and Reading Span, Wisconsin Card‐Sorting, Stroop Color Reading, Map Planning, and Maze Speed tests. A Likert scale measured bladder filling sensation intensity at FDV and SDV. An Attentional Demands Survey measured perceived attentional demands.

Results

Women with urge incontinence had a mean severity index of 4.71 ± 2.7 with 84% demonstrating urge incontinence and 16% with mixed urge/stress incontinence. They experienced a FDV and a SDV to void at a lower bladder filling intensity with significantly smaller volumes of urine in the bladder compared to controls. Incontinent women also perceived significantly higher attentional demands but were not significantly different than controls on tests of executive function.

Conclusions

While observations from neuroimaging provide evidence of differences between women with urge incontinence and controls in regional brain activity, efforts need to be made to decipher how these differences in metabolic activity relate to the fluid operations that create thoughts, decisions, and behavior. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 441–448, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A bubble‐inspired algorithm for finite element mesh partitioning
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Chao‐Fu
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a bubble‐inspired algorithm for partitioning finite element mesh into subdomains. Differing from previous diffusion BUBBLE and Center‐oriented Bubble methods, the newly proposed algorithm employs the physics of real bubbles, including nucleation, spherical growth, bubble–bubble collision, reaching critical state, and the final competing growth. The realization of foaming process of real bubbles in the algorithm enables us to create partitions with good shape without having to specify large number of artificial controls. The minimum edge cut is simply achieved by increasing the volume of each bubble in the most energy efficient way. Moreover, the order, in which an element is gathered into a bubble, delivers the minimum number of surface cells at every gathering step; thus, the optimal numbering of elements in each subdomain has naturally achieved. Because finite element solvers, such as multifrontal method, must loop over all elements in the local subdomain condensation phase and the global interface solution phase, these two features have a huge payback in terms of solver efficiency. Experiments have been conducted on various structured and unstructured meshes. The obtained results are consistently better than the classical kMetis library in terms of the edge cut, partition shape, and partition connectivity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emergency department visits in children with hemophilia
Authors: Özgönenel Bülent , Zia Ayesha , Callaghan Michael U. , Chitlur Meera , Rajpurkar Madhvi , Lusher Jeanne M.
Published: November 2012

Background

The pediatric emergency department (ED) management of bleeding and other complications of hemophilia constitutes an increasingly important component of hemophilia therapy. This retrospective study examined the overall ED use by children with hemophilia in a single center, with a particular aim to investigate visits related to injury or bleeding, and those related to blood stream infection in patients with a central venous catheter (CVC).

Methods

Electronic medical records of patients with hemophilia presenting to Children's Hospital of Michigan ED were reviewed. Different categories of ED visits over a 5‐year period (January 2006–December 2010) were examined.

Results

There were 536 ED visits from 84 male patients (median age 4 years, range 0–21) with hemophilia over the 5‐year period. The reasons for ED visits were: injury or bleeding (61.2%); suspected CVC‐related infection (11.8%); causes unrelated to hemophilia (19.2%); and routine clotting factor infusion (7.8%). Eighteen visits from six patients were secondary to injury or bleeding in a patient not yet diagnosed with hemophilia. An intracranial hemorrhage was detected in five visits. Overall, 5.4% of all visits represented distinct episodes of bloodstream infection.

Conclusion

The pediatric ED is an indispensable component of the overall hemophilia care, because: (1) patients with potentially lethal problems such as ICH or CVC‐related infection may present to the ED for their initial management; (2) previously undiagnosed patients with hemophilia may also present to the ED for their first bleeding episodes, initiating the diagnostic investigations; (3) the ED provides after‐hours treatment service for many episodes of injury or bleeding, and also for clotting factor infusion. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 1188–1191. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Practical recommendations for the management of children with Endemic Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) in a resource limited setting
Authors: Hesseling Peter , Israels Trijn , Harif Mhamed , Chantada Guillermo , Molyneux Elizabeth
Published: November 2012

Treatment recommendations for endemic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) in settings with only minimum requirements for curative treatment (PODC setting 1) are described. The reported cure rate for endemic BL is usually <50%. Facilities within setting 1 differ. Three treatment schedules are proposed based on: (1) when accurate staging is not possible, (2) when staging is possible and for (3) relapses and poor responders to primary therapy. A literature review and personal experience were used to formulate the recommendations. Recorded 1‐year event free survival was 48% for treatment 1, 61% for treatment 2, and 35% for the rescue treatment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 357–362. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization and thermal degradation of poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) composites with nanofillers
Authors: Palacios Jordana , Albano Carmen , González Gema , Castillo Reina Verónica , Karam Arquímedes , Covis María
Published: November 2012

Chemical and thermal characterization of poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) composites filled with hydroxyapatite (HA) or carbon nanotubes (CNT) were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and dynamic–mechanical–thermal analysis. The morphology and distribution of the nanoparticles were studied by transmission electron microscopy. The composites were prepared by solvent casting using 30% HA or 1, 3, and 5% of pristine and functionalized CNT as nanoparticles and PLGA 75:25 and PLGA 50:50 as copolymer matrix. The Coats–Redfern and E2 function methodologies were used to calculate the reaction order and the activation energy (Ea) of the thermal degradation process. It was found that the addition of nanoparticles increased the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composites. Also, higher degradation temperatures and Ea values were obtained for PLGA–HA composites and compared with the neat copolymer, and the opposite behavior was exhibited by PLGA–CNT composites. The thermal and mechanical properties were highly dependent on the morphology and dispersion of the filler. The functionalization process of CNT promoted, to some extent, a better distribution and dispersion of CNT into the matrix, and these composites exhibited a slight enhancement on storage modulus. On the other hand, PLGA–HA composites showed a good dispersion but no improvement on the storage modulus below Tg. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of added amines on the morphology of multivesiculated polyester particles
Authors: Dias Ângela , Machado João , Moniz Jorge , Mendes Adélio , Magalhães Fernão D.
Published: November 2012

Multivesiculated polyester particles (MVPs) are obtained by reticulation of a double emulsion system formed by a polyester/styrene solution dispersed in an aqueous colloidal solution. During its synthesis, the acid/base reaction between polyester carboxylic end groups and an added amine plays an important role in stabilizing the two emulsion systems (water‐in‐oil and oil‐in‐water). This work studies the influence of diethylenetriamine, aminoethylethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine on MVPs' average particle size, vesiculation morphology, dry film opacity, and yellowing. The particular aspects observed for each amine are discussed, allowing identification of the relevant mechanisms taking place in the formation of MVPs. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2261–2269, 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical properties of high density packed silica/poly(vinyl chloride) composites
Authors: Conradi M. , Zorko M. , Jerman I. , Orel B. , Verpoest I.
Published: November 2012

This article focuses on the preparation and mechanical properties of silica/poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites enriched with 60% mass ratio of 130 nm and 30 nm silica sphere fillers. Silica particles were pre‐treated with silane, IO7 T7(OH)3 (trisilanol isooctyl polyhedral‐oligomeric silsesquioxane) to prevent agglomeration. The dispersion and interfacial compatibility of silica particles in a PVC matrix were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The composite mechanical properties were characterized by tensile test, revealing improved Young modulus and tensile strength. Compared to pure PVC, the stiffness of 30 nm and 130 nm silica/PVC composites is on average increased by 30–40%, respectively. Similar trend was observed for the composite tensile strength on the change of the silica size. In contrast, elongation at break decreased for both composites compared to pure PVC, for 15% in 30 nm and for 30% in 130 nm silica/PVC composite. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evaluation of two‐stage process (refining and homogenization) for nanofibrillation of cotton fibers
Authors: Karande V.S. , Mhaske S.T. , Bharimalla A.K. , Hadge G.B. , Vigneshwaran N.
Published: November 2012

In this study, nonspinnable short staple cotton fibers were microfibrillated in disc refiner followed by nanofibrillation in high pressure homogenizer and their properties evaluated. The extent of fibrillation was improved by increased number of repeated passes. Refining as a pretreatment process helps to circumvent the fiber clogging problem in homogenizer nozzle. Microfibrillation by 30 passes in refining produced the fibrils of size 416 ± 177 nm and subsequent nanofibrillation by 15 passes in homogenization resulted in 112 ± 49 nm as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. While refining process does not significantly affect the crystalline index of fibers, homogenization reduced it by 10% due to very high shear and impact forces and hydrodynamic cavitation. The degree of polymerization of cotton fibers was reduced significantly (35.4%) during this two‐stage process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy proved that there is no change in the molecular structure of cotton fibrils during this two‐stage fibrillation process. Thus produced nanofibrils having potential application as fillers in composites which can be used for various application food packaging, much films membranes etc. add value to the cotton fibers that are not suitable for spinning in textile industries due to their very short length. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation of long‐chain branching polypropylene and investigation on its foamability
Authors: Zhang Wen , Yang Lili , Chen Peng , Zhang Huaji , Lin Wei , Wang Yuexiang
Published: November 2012

In this work, zinc N,N‐dimethyldithiocarbamate (ZDMC) was used to mediate the melt modification of polypropylene (PP) with 1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) in an internal mixer in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP). Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that HDDA was directly grafted onto PP backbone. The dependence of torque on processing time indicated that the presence of ZDMC restrained the degradation of PP, and the end‐torque value increased with the addition of ZDMC. Dynamic rheological measurement indicated that the modified PP possessed higher G′ and lower tan δ at low frequency, displaying an increase in η* and disappearance of Newtonian plateau in η*–ω plot, as well as larger radius of semicircle in Cole–Cole plot. All the rheological characterizations, together with the decreased gel content with the increase of ZDMC, confirmed the formation of long‐chain branching. Subsequently, the foamability of the modified samples was investigated by one‐step compression–molding process. The cellular structure and morphology of the obtained foams were observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the results showed that the addition of ZDMC decreased the cell size, increased the cell density, and brought about well‐defined closed cell structure. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Modulating protein function through reversible oxidation: Redox‐mediated processes in plants revealed through proteomics
Authors: Bykova Natalia V. , Rampitsch Christof
Published: November 2012

It has been clearly demonstrated that plants redox control can be exerted over virtually every cellular metabolic pathway affecting metabolic homeostasis and energy balance. Therefore, a tight link exists between cellular/compartmental steady‐state redox level and cellular metabolism. Proteomics offers a powerful new way to characterize the response and regulation of protein oxidation in different cell types and in relation to cellular metabolism. Compelling evidence revealed in proteomics studies suggests the integration of the redox network with other cellular signaling pathways such as Ca2+ and/or protein phosphorylation, jasmonic, salicylic, abscisic acids, ethylene, and other phytohormones. Here we review progress in using the various proteomics techniques and approaches to answer biological questions arising from redox signaling and from changes in redox status of the cell. The focus is on reversible redox protein modifications and on three main processes, namely oxidative and nitrosative stress, defense against pathogens, cellular redox response and regulation, drawing on examples from plant redox proteomics studies.
The Connection of peak alarm rates to plant incidents and what you can do to minimize
Authors: Beebe Dustin , Ferrer Steve , Logerot Darwin
Published: November 2012

Even after several years of trying, many plants still struggle with controlling alarm floods. Static rationalization can reduce your average number of alarms but without controlling the alarm floods, there is no help for the operator when he needs it the most. This session will cover the justification for alarm management from the safety and environmental as well as economic perspective. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 72–77, 2013
Oxidative folding and preparation of α‐conotoxins for use in high‐throughput structure–activity relationship studies
Authors: Gyanda Reena , Banerjee Jayati , Chang Yi‐Pin , Phillips Angela M. , Toll Lawrence , Armishaw Christopher J.
Published: November 2012

α‐Conotoxins are peptide neurotoxins that selectively inhibit various subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. They are important research tools for studying numerous pharmacological disorders, with profound potential for developing drug leads for treating pain, tobacco addiction, and other conditions. They are characterized by the presence of two disulfide bonds connected in a globular arrangement, which stabilizes a bioactive helical conformation. Despite extensive structure–activity relationship studies that have produced α‐conotoxin analogs with increased potency and selectivity towards specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes, the efficient production of diversity‐oriented α‐conotoxin combinatorial libraries has been limited by inefficient folding and purification procedures. We have investigated the optimized conditions for the reliable folding of α‐conotoxins using simplified oxidation procedures for use in the accelerated production of synthetic combinatorial libraries of α‐conotoxins. To this end, the effect of co‐solvent, redox reagents, pH, and temperature on the proportion of disulfide bond isomers was determined for α‐conotoxins exhibiting commonly known Cys loop spacing frameworks. In addition, we have developed high‐throughput ‘semi‐purification’ methods for the quick and efficient parallel preparation of α‐conotoxin libraries for use in accelerated structure–activity relationship studies. Our simplified procedures represent an effective strategy for the preparation of large arrays of correctly folded α‐conotoxin analogs and permit the rapid identification of active hits directly from high‐throughput pharmacological screening assays. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of new immunological targets in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Chanson Jean‐Baptiste , Paolini Ilaria , Collongues Nicolas , Alcaro Maria C. , Blanc Frédéric , Barbetti Francesca , Fleury Marie , Peroni Elisa , Rovero Paolo , Rudolf Gabrielle , Lolli Francesco , Trifilieff Élisabeth , Papini Anna‐Maria , de Seze Jérôme
Published: November 2012

The detection of reactivity against autoantigens plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. However, only a few autoantibodies are known in each disease, and their precise targets are often not precisely defined. In neuromyelitis optica (NMO), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, anti‐aquaporin 4 antibodies are currently the only available immunological markers, although they are not detected in 10–50% of patients. Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, we evaluated the reactivity against 19 structurally defined peptides in 26 NMO sera compared with 21 healthy subjects. We observed increased levels of IgG against myelin basic protein sequence MBP(156–175), pyruvate dehydrogenase sequence PDH(167–186) and CSF114(Glc), the last of these having a possible correlation with onset of inflammatory relapse. These preliminary results may suggest that the aquaporin 4 is not the unique target in NMO and that the study of reactivity against these peptides would be helpful for the diagnosis and follow‐up of the disease. Complementary studies are however warranted to confirm these results. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of sintering temperature on internal‐bias field and electric properties of 0.2PZN–0.8PZT ceramics
Authors: Zheng Mupeng , Hou Yudong , Ge Haiyan , Zhu Mankang , Yan Hui
Published: November 2012

Piezoelectric ceramics system of Pb((Zn1/3Nb2/3)0.20–(Zr0.50Ti0.50)0.80)O3 (0.2PZN–0.8PZT) was prepared by the conventional oxide mixing method. The dependences of the internal‐bias field and electric properties on the sintering temperature were investigated systematically. The results indicated that the perovskite structure was stable in a wide sintering temperature region. The rise of sintering temperature favored the enlargement of the grain size, while showing a slight effect on tetragonal distortion c/a. The dissymmetrical shape of polarization–electric field hysteresis loops was displayed in all specimens, indicating the existence of internal‐bias field (Ei). With the increase of sintering temperature, Ei sharply decreased to 0.84 kV cm−1 at 1000 °C then increased, while the remnant polarization (Pr) was found to show the inverse trend. The derivative effects of the sintering temperatures, involving the internal‐bias field effect and grain‐size effect, affected the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of 0.2PZN–0.8PZT.
Influence of Ga doping on the microstructure of 3C‐SiC layers grown on 4H‐SiC substrates by VLS mechanism
Authors: Marinova Maya , Mantzari Alkyoni , Andreadou Ariadne , Lorenzzi Jean , Ferro Gabriel , Polychroniadis Efstathios K.
Published: November 2012

This work focuses on the Transmission Electron Microscopy investigation of p‐type doped 3C‐SiC layers grown by Vapor‐Liquid‐Solid mechanism using Si‐Ga melts on 4H‐SiC substrates. Ga concentration strongly influences the appearance of defects in the grown layers. Ga inclusions are observed only in the layer grown at the highest temperature and lowest Ga content in the melt. At the highest concentration of Ga in the melt main defects are dislocations forming periodic bands along 〈$ 1\bar10 $〉 and 〈$ \bar211 $〉 directions. The most appropriate conditions (in terms of defect density) for VLS growth using SiGa melts, as defined from the current study, should be growth in Si25Ga75 alloy at T = 1200 ºC. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Privacy protection in human‐centric healthcare home environment
Authors: Seo Deok‐Seok , Kim Soon Seok , Lee Yong Hee , Kim Gwang Hee , Shin Yoon Seok
Published: November 2012

The medical environment has evolved from the one centered on the hospital diagnosis to that centered on the healthcare. The healthcare environment is the technology enabling the remote diagnosis for personal healthcare not only of lonesome old men but also of general households. In relation with it, an international standard technology was published recently that transmits the information from the devices to measure the biometric information of persons to the healthcare center or hospital. But, for its actual application into each household, it is necessary to solve the privacy protection problem. Therefore, this paper proposes a new architecture and system to secure the privacy of person for the newly published international standard technology. The proposed technology is expected to provide a more secure and realistic alternative in the future human‐centric healthcare home environment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insulin Inhibits Cardiac Mesoderm, Not Mesendoderm, Formation During Cardiac Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Modulation of Canonical Wnt Signaling Can Rescue This Inhibition
Authors: Lian Xiaojun , Zhang Jianhua , Zhu Kexian , Kamp Timothy J. , Palecek Sean P.
Published: November 2012

The study of the regulatory signaling hierarchies of human heart development is limited by a lack of model systems that can reproduce the precise developmental events that occur during human embryogenesis. The advent of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technology and robust cardiac differentiation methods affords a unique opportunity to monitor the full course of cardiac induction in vitro. Here, we show that stage-specific activation of insulin signaling strongly inhibited cardiac differentiation during a monolayer-based differentiation protocol that used transforming growth factor β superfamily ligands to generate cardiomyocytes. However, insulin did not repress cardiomyocyte differentiation in a defined protocol that used small molecule regulators of canonical Wnt signaling. By examining the context of insulin inhibition of cardiomyocyte differentiation, we determined that the inhibitory effects by insulin required Wnt/β-catenin signaling and that the cardiomyocyte differentiation defect resulting from insulin exposure was rescued by inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin during the cardiac mesoderm (Nkx2.5+) stage. Thus, insulin and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, as a network, coordinate to influence hPSC differentiation to cardiomyocytes, with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway dominant to the insulin pathway. Our study contributes to the understanding of the regulatory hierarchies of human cardiomyocyte differentiation and has implications for modeling human heart development.
Brief Report: Long-Term Functional Engraftment of Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells in a Mouse Model of Accelerated Aging
Authors: Singh Lakshman , Brennan Tracy A. , Kim Jung-Hoon , Egan Kevin P. , Mcmillan Emily A. , Chen Qijun , Hankenson Kurt D. , Zhang Yi , Emerson Stephen G. , Johnson F. Brad , Pignolo Robert J.
Published: November 2012

Age-related osteoporosis is characterized by a decrease in bone-forming capacity mediated by defects in the number and function of osteoblasts. An important cellular mechanism that may in part explain osteoblast dysfunction that occurs with aging is senescence of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs). In the telomere-based Wrn−/−Terc−/− model of accelerated aging, the osteoporotic phenotype of these mice is also associated with a major decline in MPC differentiation into osteoblasts. To investigate the role of MPC aging as a cell-autonomous mechanism in senile bone loss, transplantation of young wild-type whole bone marrow into Wrn−/−Terc−/− mutants was performed and the ability of engrafted cells to differentiate into cells of the osteoblast lineage was assessed. We found that whole bone marrow transplantation in Wrn−/−Terc−/− mice resulted in functional engraftment of MPCs up to 42 weeks, which was accompanied by a survival advantage as well as delays in microarchitectural features of skeletal aging.
Using SysML modeling to understand and evolve systems of systems
Authors: Lane Jo Ann , Bohn Tim
Published: November 2012

The recent Department of Defense (DoD) guidebook, Systems Engineering Guide for Systems of Systems, describes how traditional systems engineering activities have evolved to support systems engineering at the system of systems (SoS) level. Part of the research for this guidebook probed the application of modeling and simulation to support SoS systems engineering. The findings indicated that limited modeling and simulation are currently used, but that additional support would be useful if models could be quickly generated and used to support needed decision making. This paper presents an approach to using Systems Modeling Language (SysML) models to support these needs. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
Evaluation of standard impulse voltage/current measuring systems in Japan
Authors: Wakimoto Takayuki , Ishii Masaru , Miyazaki Satoru
Published: November 2012

A national‐standard‐class impulse voltage measuring system in Japan was developed in the consignment research of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) from 1998 to 2006. The standard measuring system for the impulse voltage measurements is managed by the Japan High Voltage Impulse Testing Laboratories Liaison (JHILL) established under the Japan Electric Machine Industry Association (JEMA). The standard impulse voltage measuring system calibrates other measuring systems and assesses their uncertainties, and, therefore, its uncertainty needs to be evaluated independently. The principal components of the system are a voltage divider, a digital recorder, and a low‐voltage calibrator which generates impulse voltages of known peak voltages and waveforms. Moreover, a reference measuring system for impulse current in Japan was also developed in 2009 supported by JEMA. Its international compatibility was confirmed through an international comparison test. Through domestic comparison tests, traceability among transducers of impulse current in Japan was established. In this paper, the constitution of these measuring systems, their performance, and related latest activities, such as comparison tests, are described. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Generation of three‐dimensional pharmacophore models
Authors: Van Drie John H.
Published: November 2012

Different approaches to the generation of pharmacophore models—pharmaco‐phore discovery—are compared, and analyzed in detail at the level of their conceptual basis, their theoretical foundations, and the algorithms used to implement them. Strengths and weaknesses of each are discussed, with the aim of pointing toward future developments in this field.

This article is categorized under:

Computer and Information Science > Chemoinformatics
Druggability predictions: methods, limitations, and applications
Authors: Barril Xavier
Published: November 2012

Pharmacological treatment with small organic molecules offers important medical, economic, and practical advantages over other therapeutic approaches. However, such small molecules can only elicit an effect when they bind to a biological component at the appropriate site and with sufficient affinity to modify its behavior. Druggability predictions assess the ability of a given binding site to host drug‐like organic molecules. Combined with information about the involvement of such component in a disease, druggability predictions can be used to prioritize therapeutic targets and are particularly useful when moving beyond the traditional target classes. In the last few years, significant progress has been made to understand the molecular basis of druggability, to compile datasets of targets with various degrees of druggability, and to develop a diverse set of computational prediction methods. These tools offer a better prospect for target‐based drug discovery. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Computer and Information Science > Chemoinformatics
Technology cooperation for sustainable energy: a review of pathways
Authors: Mallett Alexandra
Published: November 2012

Policy makers, practitioners and academics agree that addressing climate change requires global efforts and that one pillar of any effective approach must include actions undertaken by developing countries. A key mechanism in which developing countries can be engaged is through collaboration to elicit more use of sustainable energy technologies in a region, organization, or community's energy portfolio. Approaches have tended to emphasize the role of the public and/or private sector. An alternative view has also emerged, termed as community approach, noting the absence of civil society actors in the predominant pathways that often characterize technology cooperation in developing countries. Local engagement is important, as it is often these players [whether local governments, community groups, and/or organizations (e.g. hospitals, schools)] who ultimately reap the benefits and/or bear the costs of these technologies. Recent emphasis centres on an enabling environment, recognizing the importance of creating markets for technology diffusion. Tackling the uptake of sustainable energy in a systematic way, emphasis is placed on policies, actors, and institutions. Building on these foundational frameworks, this paper scrutinizes actors and their relationships with a finer grain to better understand sustainable energy technology uptake. The notion is that sustainable energy technology use will increase with the active engagement of local players (earlier on, in a more meaningful way) in the technology cooperation process.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Policy and Planning > Climate and Environment

Energy and Development > Economics and Policy
NLL resummation for the static potential in $ \mathcal{N}=4 $ SYM theory
Authors: Stahlhofen Maximilian
Published: November 2012

Abstract

We determine the complete NLL running of the static potential associated with the locally 1/2 BPS Wilson loop in
$ \mathcal{N}=4 $
supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. We present results for the SU(N
c) singlet as well as for the adjoint configuration and arbitrary N
c at weak coupling. In order to derive the respective anomalous dimensions we perform a two-loop calculation in the
$ \mathcal{N}=4 $
supersymmetric version of the effective field theory pNRQCD. In addition we confirm the recently obtained fixed-order result for the singlet static potential generated exclusively by ladder diagrams to the third order in the t‘Hooft coupling. We also give an explicit expression for the logarithmic contribution of all non-ladder diagrams at this order.
Catheter Tract Recurrence After Percutaneous Biliary Drainage for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kang Mee Joo , Choi Yun‐Suk , Jang Jin‐Young , Han In Woong , Kim Sun‐Whe
Published: November 2012

Background

Despite its wide use, catheter tract recurrence after percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD) is rarely reported. However, one recent large‐scale study reported a catheter tract recurrence rate as high as 5.2 % in patients with perihilar or distal bile duct cancer. We report on our 20 years of experience with catheter tract seeding after PBD for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

The medical records of 441 patients who underwent operation for hilar cholangiocarcinoma between 1991 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Of the 441 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma, PBD was performed in 315 patients, and 232 others underwent resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma with PBD. Catheter tract recurrence developed in 6 patients (2.6 %). The median drainage duration was 30 days, and 1 patient had multiple PBDs. The median time to catheter recurrence after surgery was 10.9 months. Three patients underwent curative resection of the abdominal wall followed by chemotherapy, 1 patient underwent chemotherapy only, and 2 patients received conservative treatment. Five patients in whom the catheter tract recurrence was their first recurrence died of systemic recurrence at median 3.9 months after detection of catheter tract seeding. T1 or 2 disease (66.7 vs. 31.3 %; p = 0.086) tended to have catheter tract seeding with marginal significance. The overall survival rate was lower in patients with catheter tract seeding than in those without (median 17.5 vs. 23.0 months; p = 0.089).

Conclusions

The PBD catheter tract recurrence rate for hilar cholangiocarcinoma was 2.6 %. However, patients with catheter tract recurrence had a poor prognosis despite complete surgical metastasectomy.
Continuous Noninvasive Hemoglobin Monitor from Pulse Ox: Ready for Prime Time?
Authors: Joseph Bellal , Hadjizacharia Pantelis , Aziz Hassan , Snyder Kara , Wynne Julie , Kulvatunyou Narong , Tang Andrew , O’Keeffe Terence , Latifi Rifat , Friese Randall , Rhee Peter
Published: November 2012

Background

Advances in technology have allowed for continuous noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring (SpHb), which may enable earlier detection of hemorrhage and more efficient surgical and/or blood transfusion management. The use of SpHb has not been described in the trauma population. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of a SpHb measurement device in severely injured trauma patients.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort analysis of severely injured trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at our level I trauma center over a 6 month period. Serial IHb (invasive hemoglobin) levels and SpHb for the first 72 h were measured. Each SpHb measurement was matched with a corresponding IHb measurement. We defined normal Hgb as >8 mg/dL and low Hgb as <8 mg/dL. Data were then grouped based on Hgb level. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, and Spearman correlation coefficient plot were calculated.

Results

A total of 23 trauma patients with 89 data pairs were reviewed. Eighty‐six percent of the patients were male with a mean age of 32 years and a mean injury severity score (ISS) of 21.1 ± 14. Invasive hemoglobin had a range of 7.2–16.9 and SpHb had a range of 3.3–15.2. The average mean and difference between IHb and SpHb were 10.7 and 1, respectively. Continuous noninvasive hemoglobin measurement did not record data points 13.5 % of the time. The Spearman correlation plot revealed a correlation of R = 0.670 (p < 0.001). After dichotomization with Hgb > 8, SpHb was found to have a sensitivity of 91 %, PPV 96 %, specificity 40 %, NPV 20 %, and an accuracy of 88 %.

Conclusions

The continuous noninvasive hemoglobin monitor does not appear to represent serum hemoglobin levels accurately in severely injured trauma patients. However, we were able to identify utility for this noninvasive tool when Hgb was dichotomized into normal or low levels.
Immobilization of Trametes versicolor cultures for improving laccase production in bubble column reactor intensified by sonication
Authors: Wang Feng , Guo Chen , Liu Chun-Zhao
Published: November 2012

The mycelia of Trametes versicolor immobilized in alginate beads provided higher laccase production than that in pelleted form. An efficient ultrasonic treatment enhanced laccase production from the immobilized T. versicolor cultures. The optimized treatment process consisted of exposing 36-h-old bead cultures to 7-min ultrasonic treatments twice with a 12-h interval using a fixed ultrasonic power and frequency (120 W, 40 kHz). Using the intensification strategy with sonication, laccase production increased by more than 2.1-fold greater than the untreated control in both flasks and bubble column reactors. The enhancement of laccase production by ultrasonic treatment is related to the improved mass transfer of nutrients and product between the liquid medium and the gel matrix. These results provide a basis for the large-scale and highly-efficient production of laccase using sonobioreactors.
Krabbe disease in adults: phenotypic and genotypic update from a series of 11 cases and a review
Authors: Debs Rabab , Froissart Roseline , Aubourg Patrick , Papeix Caroline , Douillard Claire , Degos Bertrand , Fontaine Bertrand , Audoin Bertrand , Lacour Arnaud , Said Gérard , Vanier Marie T. , Sedel Frédéric
Published: November 2012

Krabbe disease usually presents as a severe leukodystrophy in early infancy and childhood. From a series of 11 patients and 30 cases previously reported in the literature we describe the clinical, radiological, electrophysiological and genetic features of adult Krabbe disease. Patients diagnosed after the age of 16 years were included in this study. They were further divided into three groups depending on age at symptoms onset: (1) childhood onset cases (n = 7); (2) adolescence onset cases (n = 6) and adult onset cases (n = 28). Overall, 96 % of patients in the adult‐onset group presented with signs of pyramidal tracts dysfunction. Spastic paraparesis or tetraparesis became prominent in all cases. A peripheral neuropathy was present in 59 % of cases and was most often demyelinating (80 %). Other clinical signs encompassed dysarthria (31 %), cerebellar ataxia (27 %), pes cavus (27 %), deep sensory signs (23 %), tongue atrophy (15 %), optic neuropathy (12 %), cognitive decline (12 %). Cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration was moderately increased in 54 % of patients. Patients in the adolescent‐ and childhood‐onset groups had similar presentations but were more likely to display optic neuropathy (33 % and 57 %) and cerebellar ataxia (50 % and 57 %). In the adult‐onset group, the disease progressed slowly over more than 10 years, but a rapid course was observed in two patients. Abnormalities of brain MRI was similar in the three groups and included high signals of cortico‐spinal tracts (94 % of cases), hyper‐intensities of optic radiations (89 %) and hyper‐intensities or atrophy of the posterior part of the corpus callosum (60 %). No clear genotype‐phenotype relationship could be demonstrated.
Stereoselective Synthesis and NMR Characterization of C‐24 Epimeric Pairs of 24‐Alkyl Oxysterols
Authors: Ogawa Shoujiro , Kawamoto Hiroaki , Mitsuma Takashi , Fujimori Hiroki , Higashi Tatsuya , Iida Takashi
Published: November 2012

Two pairs of C‐24 epimeric (24R)‐/(24S)‐24‐hydroxy‐24‐methyl‐5α‐cholestan‐3β‐yl acetates and (24R)‐/(24S)‐25‐hydroxy‐24‐methyl‐5α‐cholestan‐3β‐yl acetates as well as some related 24‐ethyl oxysterol analogs were stereoselectively synthesized directly from the respective parent 24‐alkyl sterols by a remote O‐insertion reaction with 2,6‐dichloropyridine N‐oxide (DCP) in the presence of a catalytic amount of (5,10,15,20‐tetramesitylporphrinate) ruthenium(II) carbonyl complex [Ru(TMP)CO] and HBr. 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR signals serving to differentiate each of the two epimeric pairs were interpreted. The C‐24 alkyl oxysterols epimeric at C‐24 were found to be effectively characterized by the aromatic solvent‐induced shift (ASIS) by C5D5N, particularly for the difference in the 13C resonances in the substituted cholestane side chain. A method for differentiating the 1H and 13C signal assignment of the terminal 26‐/27‐CH3 in the iso‐octane side chain was also discussed on the basis of a combined use of the preferred conformational analysis and HMQC and HMBC techniques. The present method may be useful for determining the stereochemical configuration at C‐24 of this type of 24‐alkyl oxysterols.