bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benzimidazole: A short review of their antimicrobial activities
Authors: Singh Namrata , Pandurangan Annamalai , Rana Kavita , Anand Preeti , Ahamad Arsad , Tiwari Amit Kumar
Published: April 2012

Benzimidazole is the heterocyclic compound formed from benzene and imidazole ring containing nitrogen, oxygen sulphor and its derivatives are of wide interest because of their diverse biological activity and clinical applications, they are remarkably effective compounds both with respect to their inhibitory activity and their favourable selectivity ratio. Reported nucleus is a constituent of vitamin-B12. Benzimidazoles are regarded as a promising class of bioactive heterocyclic compounds that exhibit a range of biological activities like anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer activity, numerous anti-oxidant, anti-parasitic, anti-helmintics, anti-proliferative, anti-HIV, anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-neoplastic, proton pump inhibitor and anti-trichinellosis. Benzimidazoles exhibit significant activity as potential antitumor agents, smooth muscle cell proliferation inhibitors, a treatment for intestinal cystitis, and in diverse area of chemistry. Some of the important benzimidazole derivatives have been reported as thyroid receptor agonist gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor antagonists, non-nucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors and interestingly alkynylbenzimidazoles as modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptors. The imidazole core is a common moiety in a large number of natural products and pharmacologically active compounds. The synthesis of novel benzimidazole derivatives remains a main focus of medicinal research. This comprehensive overview summarizes the chemistry of different derivative of substituted benzimidazole along with their anti-microbial activity containing anti-malarial anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral activities.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i5.10284International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(5): 119-127
CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF TITANIUM SUBSTRATES COATED WITH GELATIN/HYDROXYAPATITE COMPOSITE FOR CULTURING RAT BONE MARROW DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STROMAL CELLS
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Zhao Hongbo , Wang Rui , Lan Bo , Deng Linhong
Published: April 2012

Titanium (Ti) is widely used for making tissue engineering implants, due to its good corrosion resistance, biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, bare Ti does not integrate well with natural bone tissue and releases ions and particles that are harmful to the extracellular matrix. To overcome these problems, the Ti substrate could be coated with various biocompatible materials including a composite of gelatin and hydroxyapatite (HA). However, few have characterized and evaluated the coating of gelatin/HA on Ti substrate and its effect on bone related cells. In this study, samples of Ti substrate coated with gelatin/HA composite were fabricated with gelatin concentration ranging from 0 to 200 mg/L. The porous surface structure of gelatin/HA composite formed on the Ti substrate was then examined and characterized for its composition and topography by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and image processing and analysis software (ImageJ), respectively. Subsequently, rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSC) were cultured on the surface of gelatin/HA composite on Ti substrate, and evaluated for cell morphology, proliferation, and osteo-differentiation using SEM, MTT assay, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, respectively. It is shown that gelatin enhanced binding of HA onto Ti substrate, and the topography of the porous surface structures was influenced by gelatin concentration only for the large pore sizes. Furthermore, the results indicate that the porous surface structures of gelatin/HA on Ti substrate promoted proliferation and osteo–differentiation as compared to the naked pure Ti substrate, particularly on that with concentration of gelatin at 100 mg/L. These findings, taken together, suggest that Ti substrate can be coated with different porous surface structures of gelatin/HA composite with gelatin solution of different concentrations. Such coated Ti substrates can promote cytocompitibility and osteo-differentiation of BMMSC, and thus may be of potential in development of implants and devices for bone tissue engineering.
CHARACTERISTICS of Al2O3 GATE pH-ISFET DIFFERENCE OF THERMAL ANNEALING TEMPERATURE
Authors: Ryu Sang-Hyuk , Lee Sang-Kwon , Sohn Young-Soo , Son Won-Ho , Choi Sie-Young
Published: April 2012

We investigated the characteristics of Al2O3 gate pH-ISFET which was fabricated by using the standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-process techniques. The Al2O3 film used to sensing membrane was deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Then, thermal temperature annealing process of the Al2O3 film was performed in O2 ambient for 40 min at a temperature of 500°C, 600°C, 800°C and 900°C. We measured the I D– V D, I D– V G and transconductance of fabricated FET device in order to confirm stability of device before the fabrication of pH-ISFET. Then, the package process was performed. To investigate the pH response characteristics, we measured the I–V curves of the Al2O3 gate pH-ISFET sensor using a 4155 probe station. Form the measured results, we confirmed that sensitivity, hysteresis, and long-term stability of the Al2O3 pH-ISFET showed the changed characteristics at various annealing temperature. The characteristics of Al2O3 gate pH-ISFET annealed at 600°C indicated the best results of the high sensitivity (56 mV/pH), low hysteresis (0.5 ~ 0.7 mV), and low drift (1.35 mV/h) in comparison to Al2O3 gate pH-ISFETs annealed other conditions. As measured results, we confirmed that sensitivity, hysteresis, and long-term stability of Al2O3 gate pH-ISFET depend on the thermal annealing temperature of Al2O3 film and also it is the very important parameter in the pH-ISFET.
ANALYSIS OF THE PHYSICAL BEHAVIOR OF A HOOKED TITANIUM BASED PERCUTANEOUS AORTIC VALVE STENT
Authors: Kumar Gideon Praveen , Mathew Lazar
Published: April 2012

Vascular support structures are important devices for treating valve stenosis. Large population of patients is treated for valvular disease and the principal mode of treatment is the use of percutaneous valvuloplasty. Stent devices are proving to be an improved technology in minimal invasive cardiac surgery. This technology now accounts for 20% of treatments in Europe. This new technology provides highly effective results at minimal cost and short duration of hospitalization. During the development process, a number of specific designs and materials have come and gone, and a few have remained. Many design changes were successful, and many were not. This paper discusses the physical behavior of a hooked percutaneous aortic valve stent design using finite element analysis using a new Titanium alloy. The analysis performed in this paper may aid in understanding the stent's displacement ranges when subjected to the physiological pressures exerted by the heart and cardiac blood flow during abnormal cardiovascular conditions. It may also help to evaluate the suitability of a new titanium alloy for fabrication purposes.
U1-Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Activates the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Human Monocytes
Authors: Shin Min Sun , Kang Youna , Lee Naeun , Kim Sang Hyun , Kang Ki Soo , Lazova Rossitza , Kang Insoo
Published: April 2012

The NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a caspase-1–containing cytosolic protein complex that is essential for processing and secretion of IL-1β. The U1-small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (U1-snRNP) that includes U1-small nuclear RNA is a highly conserved intranuclear molecular complex involved in splicing pre-mRNA. Abs against this self nuclear molecule are characteristically found in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, suggesting a potential role of U1-snRNP in autoimmunity. Although endogenous DNA and microbial nucleic acids are known to activate the inflammasomes, it is unknown whether endogenous RNA-containing U1-snRNP could activate this molecular complex. In this study, we show that U1-snRNP activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in CD14+ human monocytes dependently of anti–U1-snRNP Abs, leading to IL-1β production. Reactive oxygen species and K+ efflux were responsible for this activation. Knocking down the NLRP3 or inhibiting caspase-1 or TLR7/8 pathway decreased IL-1β production from monocytes treated with U1-snRNP in the presence of anti–U1-snRNP Abs. Our findings indicate that endogenous RNA-containing U1-snRNP could be a signal that activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus where anti–U1-snRNP Abs are present.
Behavior and Analysis of Self-Consolidated Reinforced Concrete Deep Beams Strengthened in Shear
Authors: Heiza Kh. M. , Meleka N. N. , Elwkad N. Y.
Published: April 2012

In this study, a new shear strengthening technique for reinforced self-compacting concrete (RSCC) deep beams was suggested and compared with some traditional techniques. An experimental test program consists of sixteen specimens of RSCC deep beams strengthened by different materials such as steel, glass, and carbon fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP and CFRP) was executed. Externally bonded layers (EBLs) and near-surface mounted reinforcement (NSMR) were used as two different techniques. The effects of the new technique which depends on using intertwined roving NSM GFRP rods saturated with epoxy were compared with the other models. The new technique for shear strengthening increases the load capacity from 36% to 55% depending on the anchorage length of GFRP rods. Two-dimensional nonlinear isoperimetric degenerated layered finite elements (FEs) analysis was used to represent the SCC, reinforcement, and strengthening layers of the tested models. The analytical results have been very close to the experimental results.
On an Algebraical Computation of the Tensor and the Curvature for 3-Web
Authors: Bouetou Thomas B.
Published: April 2012

The algebraic methods are used in the web geometry, in particular in the 3-web. Along the line, we suggest a new, alternative algebraic method for computation of the quantities ∇l1ajki, ∇l2ajki, and djklmi by means of the embedding of local loops into Lie groups.
Polynomial Time Instances for the IKHO Problem
Authors: Rizzi Romeo , Nardin Luca
Published: April 2012

The Interactive Knapsacks Heuristic Optimization (IKHO) problem is a particular knapsacks model in which, given an array of knapsacks, every insertion in a knapsack affects also the other knapsacks, in terms of weight and profit. The IKHO model was introduced by Isto Aho to model instances of the load clipping problem. The IKHO problem is known to be APX-hard and, motivated by this negative fact, Aho exhibited a few classes of polynomial instances for the IKHO problem. These instances were obtained by limiting the ranges of two structural parameters, c and u, which describe the extent to which an insertion in a knapsack in uences the nearby knapsacks. We identify a new and broad class of instances allowing for a polynomial time algorithm. More precisely, we show that the restriction of IKHO to instances where is bounded by a constant can be solved in polynomial time, using dynamic programming.
Photoluminescence of Zinc Oxide Nanowires: The Effect of Surface Band Bending
Authors: Wang Dake , Reynolds Nicholas
Published: April 2012

The photoluminescence of zinc oxide nanowires was investigated via the thermal annealing treatment in oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor conditions. Dramatic changes in the relative intensity of the ultraviolet and the green visible luminescence were observed following different annealing treatments. The changes in photoluminescence bear little correlation to the changes in the oxygen-to-zinc ratios that were revealed using Raman scattering and other characterization techniques. The chemisorption of oxygen and the subsequent surface band bending, instead of the oxygen vacancy concentration, are shown to be the mechanism that determines the observed changes in photoluminescence.
The role of protein–plasticizer–clay interactions on processing and properties of thermoplastic zein bionanocomposites
Authors: Nedi I. , Di Maio E. , Iannace S.
Published: April 2012

Bionanocomposites (BNCs) based on thermoplastic zein (TPZ) and unmodified sodium montmorillonite (MMT), at 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 wt % loading, were prepared by using an internal mixer. The nanocomposites were characterized by using the following analytical methods: small‐angle and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric, dynamic‐mechanical and mechanical analyses. Results evidenced that the efficient dispersion of the inorganic reinforcement, as proved by X‐ray diffraction, allowed for an effective improvement of thermal and mechanical properties of the BNCs with respect to the neat TPZ. In particular, a significant increase of the storage modulus in the whole temperature range was observed in dynamic‐mechanical experiments. A dramatic increase of mechanical properties has also been observed, with Young's modulus increasing from 296 MPa for neat TPZ to 1205 MPa at 5 wt % and to 1478 at 10 wt % of MMT. The observed dependencies are explained by means of three concurring mechanisms: (i) the stiffening by exfoliated MMT platelets, (ii) the development of strong interactions between the nanoparticles and the protein macromolecules, promoted by the low‐molecular weight plasticizer, (iii) the occurrence of possible plasticizer sequestration by MMT and the corresponding reduction of plasticizing effect on the protein. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Prevalence of breast cancer treatment sequelae over 6 years of follow‐up
Authors: Schmitz Kathryn H. , Speck Rebecca M. , Rye Sheree A. , DiSipio Tracey , Hayes Sandra C.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

There is a need to better describe and understand the prevalence of breast cancer treatment‐related adverse effects amenable to physical therapy and rehabilitative exercise. Prior studies have been limited to single issues and lacked long‐term follow‐up. The Pulling Through Study provides data on prevalence of adverse effects in breast cancer survivors followed over 6 years.

METHODS:

A population‐based sample of Australian women (n = 287) diagnosed with invasive, unilateral breast cancer was followed for a median of 6.6 years and prospectively assessed for treatment‐related complications at 6, 12, and 18 months and 6 years after diagnosis. Assessments included postsurgical complications, skin or tissue reaction to radiation therapy, upper‐body symptoms, lymphedema, 10% weight gain, fatigue, and upper‐quadrant function. The proportion of women with positive indication for each complication and 1 or more complication was estimated using all available data at each time point. Women were only considered to have a specific complication if they reported the highest 2 levels of the Likert scale for self‐reported issues.

RESULTS:

At 6 years after diagnosis, more than 60% of women experienced 1 or more side effects amenable to rehabilitative intervention. The proportion of women experiencing 3 or more side effects decreased throughout follow‐up, whereas the proportion experiencing no side effects remained stable around 40% from 12 months to 6 years. Weight gain was the only complication to increase in prevalence over time.

CONCLUSIONS:

These data support the development of a multidisciplinary prospective surveillance approach for the purposes of managing and treating adverse effects in breast cancer survivors. Cancer 2012;118(8 suppl):. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Cancer‐related fatigue
Authors: Berger Ann M. , Gerber Lynn H. , Mayer Deborah K.
Published: April 2012

Cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) has been documented as 1 of the most distressing symptoms reported by breast cancer survivors. CRF affects functioning and impacts quality of life. Possible causal factors include physical conditions, affective and cognitive states, proinflammatory cytokines, and metabolic factors. Several common problems are associated with CRF in women with breast cancer, including treatment side effects, obesity, arm/upper quadrant symptoms, sleep disturbances, psychological effects, and comorbid conditions. In this article, the authors review the state of the knowledge regarding these issues and nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions for CRF. Physical activity and psychosocial interventions are recommended for practice. Numerous limitations of past studies need to be considered in the design of future studies. CRF is prevalent in preoperative, postoperative, and ongoing surveillance phases. Throughout the continuum of care for women with breast cancer, clinicians must screen, further assess as indicated, and treat CRF, because it is associated with emotional distress and limits function and willingness to exercise. Cancer 2012;118(8 suppl):. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Participatory approaches to environmental conflict resolution in Cyprus
Authors: Stephane Jarraud Nicolas , Lordos Alexandros
Published: April 2012

There are four conceptual relationships between the environment and conflict: the environment as a tool for conflict resolution, or as a source of conflict, environmental damage as a result of conflict, and the creation of de‐facto ecological havens in demilitarized zones. The focus of this article is on Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974, and where since the late 1990s the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been involved in testing different methodologies for leveraging environmental issues as entry points for conflict resolution. This has involved a growing realization that environment is at its most powerful as a peace‐building tool when it is combined with a focus on citizen participation.
25-hydroxyvitamin D3 suppresses hepatitis C virus production
Authors: Matsumura Takuya , Kato Takanobu , Sugiyama Nao , Tasaka-Fujita Megumi , Murayama Asako , Masaki Takahiro , Wakita Takaji , Imawari Michio
Published: April 2012

Because the current interferon (IFN)-based treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has a therapeutic limitation and side effects, a more efficient therapeutic strategy is desired. Recent studies show that supplementation of vitamin D significantly improves sustained viral response via IFN-based therapy. However, mechanisms and an active molecular form of vitamin D for its anti-HCV effects have not been fully clarified. To address these questions, we infected HuH-7 cells with cell culture-generated HCV in the presence or absence of vitamin D3 or its metabolites. To our surprise, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], but not vitamin D3 or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, reduced the extra- and intracellular levels of HCV core antigen in a concentration-dependent manner. Single-cycle virus production assay with a CD81-negative cell line reveals that the inhibitory effect of 25(OH)D3 is at the level of infectious virus assembly but not entry or replication. Long-term 25(OH)D3 treatment generates a HCV mutant with acquired resistance to 25(OH)D3, and this mutation resulting in a N1279Y substitution in the nonstructural region 3 helicase domain is responsible for the resistance.

Conclusion:

25(OH)D3 is a novel anti-HCV agent that targets an infectious viral particle assembly step. This finding provides insight into the improved efficacy of anti-HCV treatment via the combination of vitamin D3 and IFN. Our results also suggest that 25(OH)D3, not vitamin D3, is a better therapeutic option in patients with hepatic dysfunction and reduced enzymatic activity for generation of 25(OH)D3. (Hepatology 2012)
The Caenorhabditis elegans DAF‐12 nuclear receptor: Structure, dynamics, and interaction with ligands
Authors: Alvarez Lautaro D. , Mañez Pau Arroyo , Estrin Darío A. , Burton Gerardo
Published: April 2012

A structure for the ligand binding domain (LBD) of the DAF‐12 receptor from Caenorhabditis elegans was obtained from the X‐ray crystal structure of the receptor LBD from Strongyloides stercoralis bound to (25R)‐Δ7‐dafachronic acid (DA) (pdb:3GYU). The model was constructed in the presence of the ligand using a combination of Modeller, Autodock, and molecular dynamics (MD) programs, and then its dynamical behavior was studied by MD. A strong ligand binding mode (LBM) was found, with the three arginines in the ligand binding pocket (LBP) contacting the C‐26 carboxylate group of the DA. The quality of the ceDAF‐12 model was then evaluated by constructing several ligand systems for which the experimental activity is known. Thus, the dynamical behavior of the ceDAF‐12 complex with the more active (25S)‐Δ7‐DA showed two distinct binding modes, one of them being energetically more favorable compared with the 25R isomer. Then the effect of the Arg564Cys and Arg598Met mutations on the (25R)‐Δ7‐DA binding was analyzed. The MD simulations showed that in the first case the complex was unstable, consistent with the lack of transactivation activity of (25R)‐Δ7‐DA in this mutant. Instead, in the case of the Arg598Met mutant, known to produce a partial loss of activity, our model predicted smaller effects on the LBM with a more stable MD trajectory. The model also showed that removal of the C‐25 methyl does not impede the simultaneous strong interaction of the carboxylate with the three arginines, predicting that 27‐nor‐DAs are putative ceDAF‐12 ligands. Proteins 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accurate ab initio‐based double many‐body expansion adiabatic potential energy surface for the 22 A′ state of NH2 by extrapolation to the complete basis set limit
Authors: Li Yong Q. , Varandas António J. C.
Published: April 2012

An accurate single‐sheeted double many‐body expansion potential energy surface (PES) is reported for the title system, which is suitable for dynamics and kinetics studies of the reactions N(2D) + H2(X1 Σ) ⇋ NH(b1 Σ+) + H(2S) and their isotopomeric variants. It is obtained using the aug‐cc‐pVTZ and aug‐cc‐pVQZ basis sets with extrapolation of the electron correlation energy to the complete basis set limit, plus extrapolation to the complete basis set limit of the complete‐active‐space self‐consistent field energy. A switching function formalism has been used to ensure the correct behavior at the NH(A3 Π) + H(2S) and NH(b1 Σ+) + H(2S) dissociation limits. The topographical features of the new global PES are examined in detail, and found to be in general good agreement with those calculated directly from the raw ab initio energies, as well as previous calculations from the literature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RF transmitter using the dual‐pulse position modulation method for low‐power smart micro‐sensing chip
Authors: Gu Bon Ju , Lee Wang Hoon , Sawada Kazuaki , Ishida Makoto
Published: April 2012

This paper presents a low‐power radio frequency (RF) transmitter using dual‐pulse position modulation (DPPM) for a smart micro‐sensing chip (SMSC) with sensors and large scale integrated circuit (LSI) on the same chip. The DPPM method is presented by a fixed pulse and a variable pulse within the same time frame. The distance between the fixed pulse and the variable pulse describes the amplitude of the input signal. A modulator and a ring oscillator were designed for the RF transmitter using the DPPM method. In the modulator, the pulse width modulation (PWM) signal is generated by the intersective method, and narrow pulses are extracted at the rising and falling positions of the generated PWM signal. The designed oscillator has the function of an oscillation controller. The RF transmitter was fabricated with sensors for an SMSC by complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The power consumption of the fabricated modulator was 4.5 mW. The power consumption of the proposed RF transmitter was measured as 7.0–7.3 mW at an input signal of 0.8–2.5 V. The RF transmitter using the DPPM method was able to reduce the power consumption by a maximum of 50.3% compared to a transmitter using the PWM method, because in the latter the dissipated power was 8.4–14.5 mW at the same input signal. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Hydrogen peroxide induces adaptive response and differential gene expression in human embryo lung fibroblast cells
Authors: Wei Qinzhi , Huang Haiyan , Yang Linqing , Yuan Jianhui , Yang Xiaohua , Liu Yungang , Zhuang Zhixiong
Published: April 2012

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a substance involved in cellular oxidative stress, has been observed to induce an adaptive response, which is characterized by a protection against the toxic effect of H2O2 at higher concentrations. However, the molecular mechanism for the adaptive response remains unclear. In particular, the existing reports on H2O2‐induced adaptive response are limited to animal cells and human tumor cells, and relatively normal human cells have never been observed for an adaptive response to H2O2. In this study, a human embryo lung fibroblast (MRC‐5) cell line was used to model an adaptive response to H2O2, and the relevant differential gene expressions by using fluoro mRNA differential display RT‐PCR. The results showed significant suppression of cytotoxicity of H2O2 (1100 μM, 1 h) after pretreatment of the cells with H2O2 at lower concentrations (0.088–8.8 μM, 24 h), as indicated by cell survival, lactate dehydrogenase release, and the rate of apoptotic cells. Totally 60 mRNA components were differentially expressed compared to untreated cells, and five of them (sizing 400–600 bp) which demonstrated the greatest increase in expression were cloned and sequenced. They showed identity with known genes, such as BCL‐2, eIF3S5, NDUFS4, and RPS10. Real time RT‐PCR analysis of the five genes displayed a pattern of differential expression consistent with that by the last method. These five genes may be involved in the induction of adaptive response by H2O2 in human cells, at least in this particular cell type. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 478–485, 2014.
Nanoformulations for molecular MRI
Authors: Tu Chuqiao , Louie Angelique Y.
Published: April 2012

Nanoscale contrast agents have shown the ability to increase the detection sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by several orders of magnitude, endowing this traditionally macroscopic modality with the ability to observe unique molecular signatures. Herein, we describe three types of nanoparticulate contrast agents: iron oxide nanoparticles, gadolinium‐based nanoparticles, and bio‐essential manganese, cobalt, nickel, and copper ion‐containing nanoformulations. Some of these agents have been approved for clinical use, but more are still under development for medical imaging. The advantages and disadvantages of each nanoformulation, in terms of intrinsic magnetism, ease of synthesis, biodistribution, etc. are discussed. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2012, 4:448–457. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1170

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Comparison of Fresh‐Frozen Cadaver and High‐Fidelity Virtual Reality Simulator as Methods of Laparoscopic Training
Authors: Sharma Mitesh , Horgan Alan
Published: April 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to compare fresh‐frozen cadavers (FFC) with a high‐fidelity virtual reality simulator (VRS) as training tools in minimal access surgery for complex and relatively simple procedures.

Methods

A prospective comparative face validity study between FFC and VRS (LAP Mentor™) was performed. Surgeons were recruited to perform tasks on both FFC and VRS appropriately paired to their experience level. Group A (senior) performed a laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy, Group B (intermediate) performed a laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, and Group C (junior) performed basic laparoscopic tasks (BLT) (camera manipulation, hand‐eye coordination, tissue dissection and hand‐transferring skills). Each subject completed a 5‐point Likert‐type questionnaire rating the training modalities in nine domains. Data were analysed using nonparametric tests.

Results

Forty‐five surgeons were recruited to participate (15 per skill group). Median scores for subjects in Group A were significantly higher for evaluation of FFC in all nine domains compared to VRS (p < 0.01). Group B scored FFC significantly better (p < 0.05) in all domains except task replication (p = 0.06). Group C scored FFC significantly better (p < 0.01) in eight domains but not on performance feedback (p = 0.09). When compared across groups, juniors accepted VRS as a training model more than did intermediate and senior groups on most domains (p < 0.01) except team work.

Conclusions

Fresh‐frozen cadaver is perceived as a significantly overall better model for laparoscopic training than the high‐fidelity VRS by all training grades, irrespective of the complexity of the operative procedure performed. VRS is still useful when training junior trainees in BLT.
Timing of Two‐stage Liver Resection during Chemotherapy for Otherwise Unresectable Colorectal Metastases
Authors: Tanaka Kuniya , Kumamoto Takafumi , Nojiri Kazunori , Takeda Kazuhisa , Ichikawa Yasushi , Endo Itaru
Published: April 2012

Background

Tumor downsizing by effective chemotherapy while increasing remnant liver volume by two‐stage hepatectomy can expand eligibility for resection of otherwise unresectable liver metastases. However, optimal timing of two‐stage hepatectomy with respect to chemotherapy is undetermined.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the effect of timing of two‐stage hepatectomy and chemotherapy using data from 95 patients whose colorectal liver metastases initially were considered unresectable.

Results

In 21 of 22 (95 %) patients whose first liver resection preceded chemotherapy (Hx‐CTx group) and in 39 of 73 (53 %) patients whose chemotherapy preceded surgery (CTx‐Hx group), macroscopic complete resection ultimately was achieved (P < 0.01). Overall and disease‐free survivals were comparable between groups. However, overall survival of patients not achieving complete resection in the CTx‐Hx group was significantly poorer than that for patients achieving complete resection (P < 0.01). When the 21 patients with complete resection in the Hx‐CTx group were compared to the 39 patients with complete resection in the CTx‐Hx group, no difference in overall or disease‐free survival was observed (P = 0.12 and P = 0.24, respectively), although poor response to chemotherapy was more frequent in the Hx‐CTx group.

Conclusions

Optimal timing of hepatectomy and chemotherapy is difficult to specify, but performing the initial resection in a two‐stage hepatectomy before chemotherapy may increase likelihood of macroscopic complete resection, even in patients with a poor response to chemotherapy or with limited courses of chemotherapy.
Synthesis and Surface Active Properties of a Novel Linear Dodecyl Diphenyl Ether Sulfonate Gemini Surfactant
Authors: Hujun Xu , Qicheng Liu , Dandan Chen , Xiaoya Liu
Published: April 2012

The linear dodecyl diphenyl ether sulfonate gemini surfactant (C12‐DLADS) has been synthesized by a new route from lauric acid according to a five‐step reaction sequence consisting of acidification, Friedel–Crafts acylation, Clemmensen reduction, sulfonation and a neutralization reaction. The surfactant and intermediates were characterized by 1H‐NMR, HPLC/MS and elemental analysis. The properties have been studied by surface tension (γCMC) and conductivity measurements. The thermodynamic parameters of micellization were calculated. The test results show that C12‐DLADS has lower critical micelle concentration (CMC) and better capability for lowering the γCMC. The γCMC and CMC are 36.04 mN/m and 6.03 × 10−4 mol/L respectively at 45 °C. Moreover, with the increase in temperature, the conductivity of C12‐DLADS increased, while the counterion binding K0 decreased. The thermodynamic data show that the micellization process for the surfactant C12‐DLADS is entropy driven.
Urban health in megacities of developing countries
Authors: Khan Mobarak Hossain
Published: April 2012

Urban health in rapidly urbanizing megacities of developing countries is a global public health concern due to growing slums in vulnerable areas, huge impacts of climate change, environment pollution, unhealthy lifestyles, high inequity, limited resources, and growing violence. Increasing cooperation and partnership among relevant disciplines such as urban planners, health professionals, community workers and politicians including improved urban governance are necessary to ameliorate risk factors and improve megacity health.
A Psychometric Investigation of the Georgian Version of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire
Authors: Martskvishvili Khatuna , Arutinov Luiza , Mestvirishvili Maia
Published: April 2012

The current study presents the results of the adaptation of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue; Petrides, 2009 ) to the Georgian population. Nine hundred twenty two individuals participated in the standardization of the instrument (267 male and 655 female participants, from 17 to 70 years). Results from exploratory factor analyses indicate that the factor structure of the British TEIQue is broadly replicated in the Georgian translation. The Georgian Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire comprises 15 primary facets and four higher-order factors: Emotionality, Sociability, Self-Control, and Well-Being. The Cronbach α reliabilities of the TEIQue factors ranged from .69 to .82, and from .62 to .81 for the 15 facets. TEIQue global scores were normally distributed. There were no gender differences in global TEI scores, though such differences did emerge in some TEI factors and facets.
A Validation and Replication Study of the Patient-Generated Measure PSYCHLOPS on an Icelandic Clinical Population
Authors: Héðinsson Helgi , Kristjánsdóttir Hafrún , Ólason Daníel Þór , Sigurðsson Jón Friðrik
Published: April 2012

PSYCHLOPS (Psychological Outcome Profiles; Ashworth et al., 2004 ) is a patient-generated outcome measure developed to be a sensitive indicator of change after therapy. It requires the patient to choose which symptoms or problems are most important to measure over the course of therapy. The present study replicates previous findings for the original version and validates the Icelandic version. The psychometric properties of PSYCHLOPS were investigated by comparing it to an established nomothetic outcome measure, CORE-OM. Icelandic versions of both questionnaires were administered to patients attending cognitive behavior group therapy in a mental-health setting in Iceland. PSYCHLOPS was found to be considerably more sensitive to change over therapy than CORE-OM; convergent and concurrent validity was supported, and internal reliabilities were satisfactory. The acceptability of the instrument was demonstrated by the high completion rate. Overall, these findings suggest that the Icelandic version of PSYCHLOPS has good psychometric properties, and the findings compared very favorably to previous findings. It is concluded that PSYCHLOPS should be considered a desirable instrument for evaluating mental-health outcome and a valuable complement to conventional nomothetic outcome measures.
Assessing the Effects of a Parent-Implemented Language Intervention for Children With Language Impairments Using Empirical Benchmarks: A Pilot Study
Authors: Roberts Megan Y. , Kaiser Ann P.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which a parent-implemented language intervention improves language skills in toddlers at risk for persistent language impairment (LI) as compared with a group of typically developing toddlers.

Method

Thirty-four children with LI between 24 and 42 months of age were randomly assigned to a treatment or nontreatment experimental condition. Participants in the treatment group received 24 biweekly 1-hr sessions for 3 months. An additional sample of 28 age- and gender-matched children with typically developing language (TL) was also included. Norm-referenced child assessments and observational measures were used to assess changes in children’s language growth.

Results

Results from multilevel modeling indicate that children in the treatment group made greater gains than children in the control group on most language measures. Whereas children in the treatment group had lower language scores than children with TL at the end of intervention, the rate of language growth was not significantly different between groups. Child receptive language and parent use of matched turns predicted expressive language growth in both children with and without LI.

Conclusion

The results of this preliminary study indicate that parent-implemented interventions may be an effective treatment for children with expressive and receptive LI.
Identification of Prelinguistic Phonological Categories
Authors: Ramsdell Heather L. , Oller D. Kimbrough , Buder Eugene H. , Ethington Corinna A. , Chorna Lesya
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The prelinguistic infant’s babbling repertoire of
syllables
—the phonological categories that form the basis for early word learning—is noticed by caregivers who interact with infants around them. Prior research on babbling has not explored the caregiver’s role in recognition of early vocal categories as foundations for word learning. In the present work, the authors begin to address this gap.

Method

The authors explored vocalizations produced by 8 infants at 3 ages (8, 10, and 12 months) in studies illustrating identification of phonological categories through caregiver report, laboratory procedures simulating the caregiver’s natural mode of listening, and the more traditional laboratory approach (phonetic transcription).

Results

Caregivers reported small repertoires of syllables for their infants. Repertoires of similar size and phonetic content were discerned in the laboratory by judges who simulated the caregiver’s natural mode of listening. However, phonetic transcription with repeated listening to infant recordings yielded repertoire sizes that vastly exceeded those reported by caregivers and naturalistic listeners.

Conclusions

The results suggest that caregiver report and naturalistic listening by laboratory staff can provide a new way to explore key characteristics of early infant vocal categories, a way that may provide insight into later speech and language development.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6170384
Stereoscopic high-speed imaging using additive colors
Authors: Sankin Georgy N. , Piech David , Zhong Pei
Published: April 2012

An experimental system for digital stereoscopic imaging produced by using a high-speed color camera is described. Two bright-field image projections of a three-dimensional object are captured utilizing additive-color backlighting (blue and red). The two images are simultaneously combined on a two-dimensional image sensor using a set of dichromatic mirrors, and stored for off-line separation of each projection. This method has been demonstrated in analyzing cavitation bubble dynamics near boundaries. This technique may be useful for flow visualization and in machine vision applications.
Thermally induced polarizabilities and dipole moments of small tin clusters
Authors: Kast Stefan M. , Schäfer Sascha , Schäfer Rolf
Published: April 2012

We study the influence of thermal excitation on the electric susceptibilities for Sn6 and Sn7 clusters by molecular beam electric deflection and Monte-Carlo simulations in conjunction with quantum-chemical calculations. At low temperatures (40 K), no field-induced broadening of the Sn6 and Sn7 cluster beams are observed, in agreement with vanishing permanent electric dipole moments due to their centro-symmetrical ground states. The electric polarizabilities of Sn6 and Sn7, as inferred from the field-induced molecular beam deflection, are in good agreement with the quantum-chemical predictions. At elevated temperatures of 50–100 K, increased polarizabilities of about 2–3 Å3 are obtained. Also, we found indications of a field-induced beam broadening which points to the existence of permanent dipole moments of about 0.01–0.02 D per atom at higher temperatures. These results cannot be explained by thermal excitations within a harmonic oscillator model, which would yield a temperature-independent polarizability and fluxional, but not permanent, dipole moments. We analyze this behavior by Monte-Carlo simulations in order to compute average temperature-induced electric dipole moments. For that purpose, we developed a novel technique for predicting observables sampled on the quantum-chemical potential energy surface by an umbrella sampling correction of Monte-Carlo results obtained from simulations utilizing an empirical potential. The calculated, fluxional dipole moments are in tune with the observed beam broadenings. The cluster dynamics underlying the polarizability appear to be intermediate between rigid and floppy molecules which leads to the conclusion that the rotational, not the vibrational temperature seems to be the key parameter that determines the temperature dependence of the polarizability.
The EPED pedestal model and edge localized mode-suppressed regimes: Studies of quiescent H-mode and development of a model for edge localized mode suppression via resonant magnetic perturbations
Authors: Snyder P. B. , Osborne T. H. , Burrell K. H. , Groebner R. J. , Leonard A. W. , Nazikian R. , Orlov D. M. , Schmitz O. , Wade M. R. , Wilson H. R.
Published: April 2012

The EPED model predicts the H-mode pedestal height and width based upon two fundamental and calculable constraints: (1) onset of non-local peeling-ballooning modes at low to intermediate mode number, (2) onset of nearly local kinetic ballooning modes at high mode number. We present detailed tests of the EPED model in discharges with edge localized modes (ELMs), employing new high resolution measurements, and finding good quantitative agreement across a range of parameters. The EPED model is then applied for the first time to quiescent H-mode (QH), finding a similar level of agreement between predicted and observed pedestal height and width, and suggesting that the model can be used to predict the critical density for QH-mode operation. Finally, the model is applied toward understanding the suppression of ELMs with 3D resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP). Combining EPED with plasma response physics, a new working model for RMP ELM suppression is developed. We propose that ELMs are suppressed when a “wall” associated with the RMP blocks the inward penetration of the edge transport barrier. A calculation of the required location of this “wall” with EPED is consistent with observed profile changes during RMP ELM suppression and offers an explanation for the observed dependence on safety factor (q95).
Effect of electron accretion by quantum tunneling on charging of dust particles in complex plasmas
Authors: Misra Shikha , Mishra S. K. , Sodha M. S.
Published: April 2012

This investigation explores the impact of the accretion of electrons on the dust particles through quantum tunneling on the charging of the dust particles in dark complex plasmas. With deference to the openness nature of complex plasmas, this analysis is based on the charge balance over dust particles and number/energy balance of electrons and ionic species. An expression for the mean energy associated with electrons, accreting through quantum tunneling has been derived and used in the kinetics. The difference between the predictions of the present analysis and the semi classical treatment has been graphically illustrated. It is seen that the electron accretion through tunneling appreciably affects the charging of the dust particles, and the mechanism is important for small radius (∼10nm) and number density (<103cm-3) of the dust particles and high electron density/temperature.
Application of a transmission crystal x-ray spectrometer to moderate-intensity laser driven sources
Authors: Mao J. Y. , Chen L. M. , Hudson L. T. , Seely J. F. , Zhang L. , Sun Y. Q. , Lin X. X. , Zhang J.
Published: April 2012

In the pursuit of novel, laser-produced x-ray sources for medical imaging applications, appropriate instrumental diagnostics need to be developed concurrently. A type of transmission crystal spectroscopy has previously been demonstrated as a survey tool for sources produced by high-power and high-energy lasers. The present work demonstrates the extension of this method into the study of medium-intensity laser driven hard x-ray sources with a design that preserves resolving power while maintaining high sensitivity. Specifically, spectroscopic measurements of characteristic Kα and Kβ emissions were studied from Mo targets irradiated by a 100 fs, 200 mJ, Ti: sapphire laser with intensity of 1017 W/cm2 to 1018 W/cm2 per shot. Using a transmission curved crystal spectrometer and off-Rowland circle imaging, resolving powers (E/ΔE) of around 300 for Mo Kα2 at 17.37 keV were obtained with an end-to-end spectrometer efficiency of (1.13 ± 0.10) × 10−5. This sensitivity is sufficient for registering x-ray lines with high signal to background from targets following irradiation by a single laser pulse, demonstrating the utility of this method in the study of the development of medium-intensity laser driven x-ray sources.
How to build a loaded thermoacoustic engine
Authors: Hatori Hiroki , Biwa Tetsushi , Yazaki Taichi
Published: April 2012

This paper presents an experimental method to predict the operating point of a looped tube thermoacoustic engine combined with an acoustic load. The thermoacoustic engine is divided into two subsystems, one containing the loop and the other containing the load. Their respective acoustic impedances are individually measured using an acoustic driver. Results show that the operating temperature difference and frequency of the loaded engine can be obtained from the measured impedances, before actually combining the subsystems. Furthermore, through measurements of the acoustic power distribution, the frequency best suited to extract the acoustic power from the engine subsystem is identified. Analyzing the subsystems offers a useful method to build a thermoacoustic engine with the desired performance.
Probing the electrode-polymer interface in conjugated polymer devices with surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Li Dongbo , J. Borys Nicholas , Lupton John M.
Published: April 2012

A crucial consideration in organic devices is the role of the interface between a metal electrode and the active polymer material. Here, we use the conjugated polymer poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyl-oxy)-1,4-phenylene-vinylene] (MEH-PPV) with model gold and silver electrodes to perform surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) on the metal-MEH-PPV interface. We observe significant differences between the SERS spectra on the two metals, which we assign to conformational changes of the phenyl rings within the polymer. The difference between gold and silver interfaces can be removed upon thermal annealing, suggesting structural relaxation. Resonance Raman spectra of the two interfaces are identical, implying that the overall conformation of the polymer backbone which supports the pi-electron transition remains unaffected by the different metals. SERS is uniquely sensitive to the interfacial metal/organic layer and provides an important in situ tool to optimizing organic device structures.
Role of external torque in the formation of ion thermal internal transport barriers
Authors: Jhang Hogun , Kim S. S. , Diamond P. H.
Published: April 2012

We present an analytic study of the impact of external torque on the formation of ion internal transport barriers (ITBs). A simple analytic relation representing the effect of low external torque on transport bifurcations is derived based on a two field transport model of pressure and toroidal momentum density. It is found that the application of an external torque can either facilitate or hamper bifurcation in heat flux driven plasmas depending on its sign relative to the direction of intrinsic torque. The ratio between radially integrated momentum (i.e., external torque) density to power input is shown to be a key macroscopic control parameter governing the characteristics of bifurcation.