bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully Automated On-Chip Imaging Flow Cytometry System with Disposable Contamination-Free Plastic Re-Cultivation Chip
Authors: Hayashi Masahito , Hattori Akihiro , Kim Hyonchol , Terazono Hideyuki , Kaneko Tomoyuki , Yasuda Kenji
Published: June 2011

We have developed a novel imaging cytometry system using a poly(methyl methacrylate (PMMA)) based microfluidic chip. The system was contamination-free, because sample suspensions contacted only with a flammable PMMA chip and no other component of the system. The transparency and low-fluorescence of PMMA was suitable for microscopic imaging of cells flowing through microchannels on the chip. Sample particles flowing through microchannels on the chip were discriminated by an image-recognition unit with a high-speed camera in real time at the rate of 200 event/s, e.g., microparticles 2.5 μm and 3.0 μm in diameter were differentiated with an error rate of less than 2%. Desired cells were separated automatically from other cells by electrophoretic or dielectrophoretic force one by one with a separation efficiency of 90%. Cells in suspension with fluorescent dye were separated using the same kind of microfluidic chip. Sample of 5 μL with 1 × 106 particle/mL was processed within 40 min. Separated cells could be cultured on the microfluidic chip without contamination. The whole operation of sample handling was automated using 3D micropipetting system. These results showed that the novel imaging flow cytometry system is practically applicable for biological research and clinical diagnostics.
Recent Advances in Plant Early Signaling in Response to Herbivory
Authors: Arimura Gen-Ichiro , Ozawa Rika , Maffei Massimo E.
Published: June 2011

Plants are frequently attacked by herbivores and pathogens and therefore have acquired constitutive and induced defenses during the course of their evolution. Here we review recent progress in the study of the early signal transduction pathways in host plants in response to herbivory. The sophisticated signaling network for plant defense responses is elicited and driven by both herbivore-induced factors (e.g., elicitors, effectors, and wounding) and plant signaling (e.g., phytohormone and plant volatiles) in response to arthropod factors. We describe significant findings, illuminating the scenario by providing broad insights into plant signaling involved in several arthropod-host interactions.
Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Heterofucans from the Seaweed Sargassum filipendula
Authors: Costa Leandro Silva , Fidelis Gabriel Pereira , Telles Cinthia Beatrice Silva , Dantas-Santos Nednaldo , Camara Rafael Barros Gomes , Cordeiro Sara Lima , Costa Mariana Santana Santos Pereira , Almeida-Lima Jailma , Melo-Silveira Raniere Fagundes , Oliveira Ruth Medeiros , Albuquerque Ivan Rui Lopes , Andrade Giulianna Paiva Viana , Rocha Hugo Alexandre Oliveira
Published: June 2011

Fucan is a term used to denominate a type of polysaccharide which contains substantial percentages of L-fucose and sulfate ester groups. We obtained five heterofucans from Sargassum filipendula by proteolytic digestion followed by sequential acetone precipitation. These heterofucans are composed mainly of fucose, glucose, glucuronic acid, galactose and sulfate. These fucans did not show anticoagulant activity in PT and aPTT tests. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated using the follow tests; total antioxidant capacity, scavenging hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, reducing power and ferrous ion [Fe(II)] chelating. All heterofucans displayed considerable activity, especially SF-1.0v which showed the most significant antioxidant potential with 90.7 ascorbic acid equivalents in a total antioxidant capacity test and similar activity when compared with vitamin C in a reducing power assay. The fucan antiproliferative activity was performed with HeLa, PC3 and HepG2 cells using MTT test. In all tested conditions the heterofucans exhibited a dose-dependent effect. The strongest inhibition was observed in HeLa cells, where SF-1.0 and SF-1.5 exhibited considerable activity with an IC50 value of 15.69 and 13.83 µM, respectively. These results clearly indicate the beneficial effect of S. filipendula polysaccharides as antiproliferative and antioxidant. Further purification steps and additional studies on structural features as well as in vivo experiments are needed to test the viability of their use as therapeutic agents.
Monasnicotinates A–D, Four New Pyridine Alkaloids from the Fungal Strain Monascus pilosus BCRC 38093
Authors: Wu Ming-Der , Cheng Ming-Jen , Yech Yi-Jen , Chen Yen-Lin , Chen Kai-Ping , Chen Ih-Sheng , Yang Ping-Hsun , Yuan Gwo-Fang
Published: June 2011

Four new pyridine derivatives, monasnicotinates A–D (1–4) were isolated from the red yeast rice of Monascus pilosus BCRC 38093. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical evidence, in-depth NMR spectroscopic analysis, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Their inhibitory effects on NO production was also evaluated.
Synthesis of Gentiooligosaccharides of Genistein and Glycitein and Their Radical Scavenging and Anti-Allergic Activity
Authors: Shimoda Kei , Kubota Naoji , Hamada Hatsuyuki , Hamada Hiroki
Published: June 2011

The synthesis of gentiooligosaccharides of genistein and glycitein using cultured cells of Eucalyptus perriniana as biocatalysts was investigated. The cells of E. perriniana glycosylated genistein and glycitein to give the corresponding 4'-O-b-glucosides, 7-O-b-glucosides, and 7-O-b-gentiobiosides, which were two new compounds. The b-glucosides of genistein and glycitein showed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging activity and superoxide-radical scavenging activity. On the other hand, 7-O-b-glucosides of genistein and glycitein and the 7-O-b-gentiobioside of glycitein exerted inhibitory effects on IgE antibody production.
The Multi-Chamber Electronic Nose—An Improved Olfaction Sensor for Mobile Robotics
Authors: Gonzalez-Jimenez Javier , Monroy Javier G. , Blanco Jose Luis
Published: June 2011

One of the major disadvantages of the use of Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) technology as a transducer for electronic gas sensing devices (e-noses) is the long recovery period needed after each gas exposure. This severely restricts its usage in applications where the gas concentrations may change rapidly, as in mobile robotic olfaction, where allowing for sensor recovery forces the robot to move at a very low speed, almost incompatible with any practical robot operation. This paper describes the design of a new e-nose which overcomes, to a great extent, such a limitation. The proposed e-nose, called Multi-Chamber Electronic Nose (MCE-nose), comprises several identical sets of MOS sensors accommodated in separate chambers (four in our current prototype), which alternate between sensing and recovery states, providing, as a whole, a device capable of sensing changes in chemical concentrations faster. The utility and performance of the MCE-nose in mobile robotic olfaction is shown through several experiments involving rapid sensing of gas concentration and mobile robot gas mapping.
4-Pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribonucleoside Triphosphate (4PyTP), a Novel NAD+ Metabolite Accumulating in Erythrocytes of Uremic Children: A Biomarker for a Toxic NAD+ Analogue in Other Tissues?
Authors: Synesiou Elena , Fairbanks Lynnette D. , Simmonds H. Anne , Slominska Ewa M. , Smolenski Ryszard T. , Carrey Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2011

We have identified a novel nucleotide, 4-pyridone 3/5-carboxamide ribonucleoside triphosphate (4PyTP), which accumulates in human erythrocytes during renal failure. Using plasma and erythrocyte extracts obtained from children with chronic renal failure we show that the concentration of 4PyTP is increased, as well as other soluble NAD+ metabolites (nicotinamide, N1-methylnicotinamide and 4Py-riboside) and the major nicotinamide metabolite N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (2PY), with increasing degrees of renal failure. We noted that 2PY concentration was highest in the plasma of haemodialysis patients, while 4PyTP was highest in erythrocytes of children undergoing peritoneal dialysis: its concentration correlated closely with 4Py-riboside, an authentic precursor of 4PyTP, in the plasma. In the dialysis patients, GTP concentration was elevated: similar accumulation was noted previously, as a paradoxical effect in erythrocytes during treatment with immunosuppressants such as ribavirin and mycophenolate mofetil, which deplete GTP through inhibition of IMP dehydrogenase in nucleated cells such as lymphocytes. We predict that 4Py-riboside and 4Py-nucleotides bind to this enzyme and alter its activity. The enzymes that regenerate NAD+ from nicotinamide riboside also convert the drugs tiazofurin and benzamide riboside into NAD+ analogues that inhibit IMP dehydrogenase more effectively than the related ribosides: we therefore propose that the accumulation of 4PyTP in erythrocytes during renal failure is a marker for the accumulation of a related toxic NAD+ analogue that inhibits IMP dehydrogenase in other cells.
Synthetic applications of gold-catalyzed ring expansions
Authors: Garayalde David , Nevado Cristina
Published: June 2011

The development of new methodologies catalyzed by late transition metals involving cycloisomerizations of strained rings can open new venues for the synthesis of structurally complex molecules with interesting biological activities. Herein we summarize, from both a synthetic as well as a mechanistic point of view, the most recent developments in gold-catalyzed ring expansions.
The stylistic role of the anticipatory genitive construction in sumerian literature
Authors: Haber Esther
Published: June 2011

Résumé La construction génitivale inversée est assurément une construction morpho-syntaxique sumérienne originale; elle dérive de la construction génitivale standard et est employée comme outil stylistique dans la littérature. La construction génitivale inversée constitue un outil particulier pour mettre l’accent sur le nom régi, en le déplaçant au début de la construction génitivale. Une des fonctions stylistiques les plus significatives du génitif inverse est la singularisation d’un ou de plusieurs mots clés à l’intérieur d’une composition littéraire, en le(s) plaçant au début de la phrase. Un examen des textes sumériens littéraires montre que ce phénomène, à la fois grammatical et stylistique, est largement répandu. Dans ces compositions, le mot-clé apparaît souvent au début de la phrase, qu’il soit sujet, objet ou mot régi, et cela en dépit de l’ordre des mots habituel en sumérien.
Babylonian texts from the folios of Sidney Smith. Part four: two old Babylonian letters
Authors: George Andrew R.
Published: June 2011

Résumé Dans cet article sont publiées les copies par le regretté Sidney Smith de deux lettres paléo-babyloniennes, la première étant accompagnée d’une édition commentée ; il s’agit de l’ordre de prêter une certaine quantité de briques à un tiers. Cette lettre a été envoyée par Damiq-Marduk à Marduk-dayyān, qui sont probablement les personnes de ce nom connues par leur implication dans la culture de palmiers de la région du Yahrurum inférieur pendant le règne de Samsu-iluna de Babylone. La lettre se signale par son emploi de l’expression akkadienne bēl ṣibûtim , que l’on propose ici de comprendre comme désignant un homme d’affaires.
Hittite āššweni
Authors: Alexandrov Boris Е. , Sideltsev Andrej V.
Published: June 2011

Résumé L’article est consacré à l’analyse de la forme verbale āššweni et de son contexte dans la lettre KBo 18.28+ (Face i 4’-12’). Selon les auteurs āššweni est une dérivation du verbe āšš- « être bon ». Ils avancent les arguments favorisant l’interprétation de cette forme comme partie d’une construction quasi-sériale avec le sens de ‘(faire, i. e. conclure, un accord) d’une manière amicale’. L’analyse des formes tiya (l. 11’), tekri- (l. 9’) et la délimitation du discours direct dans ce passage difficile constituent d’autres points de discussion. En ce qui concerne le cadre historique de la lettre étudiée, on suit la proposition de J. Miller de l’attribuer à la correspondance royale hittite-assyrienne et on examine les diverses possibilités d’identification de son auteur et de son destinataire.
La « sainte offrande » de Nergal-Ēreš à Aššur et Adad en 775. Une interprétation de l'inscription votive de la masse d'armes ASS 10274 (VA 5929)
Authors: Niederreiter Zoltán
Published: June 2011

Résumé Cet article porte en premier lieu sur l’inscription votive et la carrière de Nergal-ēreš qui était gouverneur, l’un des plus éminents de l’Assyrie sous le règne d’Adad-nērārī III et de Salmanazar IV. La tête de masse d’armes, Ass 10274 (VA 5929), de Nergal-ēreš porte cette inscription de trois lignes dont une partie a été publiée par E. Weidner (1939-41). La présente étude essaye de faire paraître pour la première fois l’inscription complète dont un passage rend compte de la « sainte offrande » qui fait l’objet de l’interprétation qui suit. Il s’agit des « 650 bœufs, 6000 moutons, 3000 ( mesures de) farine (et) 1400 ( mesures de) vin » qui furent faite à Aššur et Adad par Nergal-ēreš en 775, année où il fut éponyme pour la deuxième fois. C’est la dernière source datable de la carrière du gouverneur Nergal-ēreš, dont l’aspect exceptionnel renouvelle les recherches sur le rôle des éponymes et la situation politique de son époque au point de vue d’Aššur, la capitale du culte.
Unusual Metastases from Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Ryzewicz Mark , McLoughlin Heather A. , Freudenberger Curt , Williams Allison , Lindeque Bennie
Published: June 2011

The most common metastatic route for extremity soft-tissue sarcomas is via the venous system to the lungs. Metastases to other sites such as the brain, liver, and soft tissue distant from the primary tumor are rare. A tumor registry, prospectively kept since 1986, was reviewed for unusual metastatic spread. Of 3671 tumors, 346 high-grade extremity soft-tissue sarcomas were evaluated. A total of 15 patients (4.3%) presented with initial recurrence of disease that was extrapulmonary and distant from the site of the primary tumor. Four of these patients (27%) were successfully treated for their recurrence. Based on these findings, a different strategy for follow-up of patients after treatment of a high-grade extremity soft-tissue sarcoma is suggested.
Risk Factors in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Comparison of Infection Rates in Patients with Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds
Authors: Webb Brian G. , Lichtman David M. , Wagner Russell A.
Published: June 2011

Infection after total joint arthroplasty is a serious complication. Several risk factors have been shown to increase the risk of total joint infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether socioeconomic background was a risk factor for infection in primary total joint arthroplasty. A retrospective chart review was conducted over a 4-year period on a single surgeon’s split practice between private patients with mostly private insurance and Medicare and county based patients with predominately indigent county health coverage and Medicaid. An infection rate was calculated for each population in both primary total knee and hip arthroplasty. The two populations were statistically analyzed for differences in age, preoperative diagnoses, and socioeconomic background. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing an increased risk of infection in total joint arthroplasty based on socioeconomic background.
The Use of Locking Plates in Orthopedic Oncology Reconstructions
Authors: Virkus Walter W. , Miller Benjamin J. , Chye Ping C. , Gitelis Steven
Published: June 2011

Locking-plate systems are believed to provide better purchase in poor quality bone and equivalent purchase with fewer screws, and also to limit screw pullout by functioning as fixed-angle devices. This retrospective study examined 25 oncologic reconstructions involving locking plates. There were 8 cases of open reduction and internal fixation for pathologic fracture or nonunion and 17 limb-salvage reconstructions. Mean follow-up was 18.2 months with 92% of constructs intact (there were 2 implant-related failures). Locking plates offer advantages that can be useful in orthopedic oncology reconstructions. The long-term performance and mechanisms of failure of these implants remains to be defined.
Predicting the Adoption of Mobile Government Services
Authors: Vrechopoulos Adam , Batikas Michail
Published: June 2011

Mobile government transform many of the traditional governance practices. The citizens’ adoption of M-Government services (e.g. voting, tax services, health services, etc.), however, is determined by a series of factors (e.g. ease of use, image, compatibility, etc.). This chapter investigates the predicting power of these factors towards contributing to theory building and providing direct implications that are useful for the diffusion and adoption of mobile government services in Greece. The study reviews the available literature on adoption and diffusion of innovation as well as the available relevant research insights on the mobile commerce landscape. Then, the study empirically tests the predicting power of aseries of critical variables that are theoretically related to the Greek citizens’ intention to adopt mobile government services. The findings imply that compatibility and ease of use have significant predicting power on citizens’ intention to adopt M-Government services. Direct implications and further research directions are provided at the end.
Framework for Mobile Payment Systems in India
Authors: Carr Mahil
Published: June 2011

This chapter introduces concepts, frameworks and possible models for introducing mobile payments in India. The introductory section defines mobile payments, outlines its characteristics and identifies the stakeholders. Ideally, mobile payments have to be simple and usable, universal, interoperable, secure, private, affordable and be available within the country wide as well as globally. There are various stakeholders in this context: the customer, the merchant, banks, mobile network operators, software and technology service providers, mobile device manufacturers and the government. The technology considerations are addressed in a technological landscape with a wide variety of possibilities for implementing mobile payments. Implementations can be based on different access channels to the mobile device such as SMS, USSD or WAP/GPRS. The relative advantages and disadvantages each of these channels for mobile payments are discussed. Generic architectures that employ these technologies are modeled. The mobile phone carrying debit or card information (Track 2) within the device can act as a payment instrument. It can be used to extend the present day card based payment systems. This requires an independent entity called as a Trusted Service Manager (TSM) who provides the necessary hardware and software for handling transactions. The TSM is an intermediary between the financial institutions (banks) and the mobile network operators (telecommunications industry). Essentially the TSM accepts the information from the customer owning a mobile and it routes the financial transaction to the bank or an inter-bank clearing and settlement system (using an electronic interface—a financial switch) or to a payment systems operator (in the case that the customer is using a credit card). Possible models for one TSM in the country or having several independent TSMs are outlined. The TSMs may commu nicate with the financial system using the ISO 8583 messaging standards. Finally, technical standards and security issues are addressed. A symmetric encryption scheme (based on Triple DES or AES) can offer confidentiality of mobile payment transactions. However, for assuring integrity, authentication and non-repudiation a PKI scheme is required. Cost wise a PKI enabled scheme would be more than twice as costly as a symmetric scheme due to overheads in digital certificate transmission. Low value transactions may use the symmetric encryption standards whereas high value transactions can be done using asymmetric encryption standards.
Living Lab
Authors: Bergvall-Kåreborn Birgitta , Ståhlbröst Anna
Published: June 2011

In this chapter we focus on a new research area, Living Lab that introduces new ways of managing innovation processes. A Living Lab can be viewed as both an innovation milieu and an innovation approach, and the aim of this chapter is to clarify these two perspectives, as well as to illustrate how they can enrich each other. This is done by presenting one Living Lab milieu, Botnia Living Lab, and its key components; and one Living Lab approach, FormIT, and its key principles. The presentation is done on two levels, one general level and one case specific level. The case focuses on involving citizens in the design of an e-service aimed to increase their influence in a municipality and its development. Through this we learnt that the key components of a Living Lab constitutes important structures that enhance the process and as such the principles.
FcR-Independent Effects of IgE and IgG Autoantibodies in Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Messingham Kelly N. , Srikantha Rupasree , DeGueme Amy M. , Fairley Janet A.
Published: June 2011

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a subepidermal blistering disease characterized by IgE and IgG class autoantibodies specific for 180-kDa BP Ag 2 (BP180), a protein involved in cell-substrate attachment. Although some direct effects of BP IgG have been observed on keratinocytes, no study to date has examined direct effects of BP IgE. In this study, we use primary cultures of human keratinocytes to demonstrate Ag-specific binding and internalization of BP IgE. Moreover, when BP IgE and BP IgG were compared, both isotypes stimulated FcR- independent production of IL-6 and IL-8, cytokines critical for BP pathology, and elicited changes in culture confluence and viability. We then used a human skin organ culture model to test the direct effects of these Abs on the skin, whereas excluding the immune inflammatory processes that are triggered by these Abs. In these experiments, physiologic concentrations of BP IgE and BP IgG exerted similar effects on human skin by stimulating IL-6 and IL-8 production and decreasing the number of hemidesmosomes localized at the basement membrane zone. We propose that the Ab-mediated loss of hemidesmosomes could weaken attachment of basal keratinocytes to the basement membrane zone of affected skin, thereby contributing to blister formation. In this article, we identify a novel role for IgE class autoantibodies in BP mediated through an interaction with BP180 on the keratinocyte surface. In addition, we provide evidence for an FcR-independent mechanism for both IgE and IgG class autoantibodies that could contribute to BP pathogenesis.
Determination of Maximum Scan Rate for Linear Polarization Measurements
Authors: Townley D. W.
Published: June 2011

Circuit analysis techniques are used to determine the maximum scan rate for linear polarization measurements of corrosion rates. The analysis is validated by measurements on dummy cells. The results are compared with the criterion presently used, and it is shown that the present criterion is incorrect. Conclusions are also drawn about the proper procedure for making linear polarization measurements.
Failure Analysis in Concrete Structures: A Comparison of Field Data with Results from Laboratory Exposures
Authors: Borgard B. , Ramirez C. , Somayaji S. , Jones D. , Keeling D. , Heidersbach R.
Published: June 2011

The corrosion of metals in reinforced concrete structures is a multibillion dollar problem that affects construction, transportation, housing, and many other industries. This report compares the widely-reported literature on salt-related corrosion with results of exposures involving no exposure to salt. Laboratory exposure results are compared with results from actual structures. The results indicate that structural cracking is far more important as a cause of corrosion than is commonly assumed.
Effect of Elemental Sulfur on Corrosion in Sour Gas Systems
Authors: Schmitt G.
Published: June 2011

The corrosive interaction of wet elemental sulfur with construction materials is reviewed, emphasizing effects of alloy composition (carbon steels, ferritic steels, austenitic steels, ferritic-austenitic [duplex] steels, Ni- and Co-base alloys, and titanium and its alloys), medium composition (salts, partial pressures of H2S and CO2, and acetic acid), and environmental conditions (temperature 20 to 250°C, stress). A summary of relevant physical and chemical properties of elemental sulfur is given to provide the fundamental basis for the understanding of sulfur corrosion. The different corrosion mechanisms found in the literature are critically discussed. Considering all data available, a mechanism is proposed explaining the electrochemical role of sulfur in the (physically) dissolved, solid, and liquid states. Methods for corrosion protection are outlined for carbon steels and corrosion-resistant alloys (CRA).
Incremental Damage Formulation and Its Application to Assess IGSCC Growth of Circumferential Cracks in a Tube
Authors: Garud Y. S.
Published: June 2011

Recent cracking indications in the roll-transition (RT) zone of steam-generator tubes of several pressurized water reactors emphasize the greater need for quantitative assessment of the cracking response, especially for the safe and economic continued operation of the reactors. To address this need, the author recently proposed and examined a strain rate-based incremental damage formulation using the concept of an effective stress. Details of the formulation and its application to the tube cracking phenomenon are presented in this paper.

The crack growth model consists of a set of constitutive relations for the material deformation (including creep), an effective stress relation that couples the local and nominal deformation responses and accounts for the crack size and its growth rate, and the corrosion damage relation in terms of the local strain rate and environmental parameters. In this model, the crack initiation and propagation phases do not need to be treated separately; nor is it a requirement to assume a pre-existing crack or a crack-like defect. The formulation allows determination of the instantaneous crack growth rate based on the CERT data. Its application to the RT cracking is illustrated with simplifying assumptions for the state of stress and the shape of crack likely to exist in the RT zone; influence of the stress and temperature on the crack growth response is evaluated. Practical implications of both the modeling approach and the results of its application are briefly discussed.
Microstructure, Growth Kinetics, and Corrosion Resistance of Hot-Dip Galvanized Zn-5% Al Coatings
Authors: Rocha L. A. , Barbosa M. A.
Published: June 2011

Several characteristics of Zn-5% A1 coatings—namely microstructure, growth kinetics, and electrochemical behavior—have been studied. A ZnCl2-based flux for the production of Zn-5% Al coatings by a dry hot-dip galvanizing process, developed in this work, produced coatings with good adhesion and without bare spots. The coating thickness is practically independent of the immersion time (between 1 and 600 seconds). The formation of an intermetallic compound on the surface of the steel during the first moments of contact with the molten bath is responsible for this behavior. Electrochemical tests in a 0.1 M NaCl deaerated solution have shown that the corrosion potential is ca. 400 mV anodic in relation to the corrosion potential of the steel and that preferential dissolution of zinc occurs during anodic polarization, resulting in a surface enrichment of aluminum.
One-month-old infants show visual preference for human-like feature
Authors: Sanefuji Wakako , Wada Kazuko , Yamamoto Tomoka , Shizawa Miho , Matsuzaki Junko , Mohri Ikuko , Ozono Keiichi , Taniike Masako
Published: June 2011

Infants’ behaviors toward humans differ from those toward objects since early development.  Previous studies have mainly investigated the role of motion for the distinction between human and non-human objects, although physical appearance is another crucial factor.  The present study investigated one-month-old infants’ responses to the still-image of human faces and non-human objects including face-like pattern (doll and object), using this infant-control preferential looking procedure.  The results revealed the infants’ preference for human faces over objects including face-like patterns but no such preferences for humans over dolls.  The infants preferred faces resembling human faces in the absence of motion information.  Such preferences for human-like features supplement evidence on the first step of early social cognition, which is important in human communication.
Self-Organizing Map-Based Color Image Segmentation with k-Means Clustering and Saliency Map
Authors: Chi Dongxiang
Published: June 2011

Natural image segmentation is an important topic in digital image processing, and it could be solved by clustering methods. We present in this paper an SOM-based k-means method (SOM-K) and a further saliency map-enhanced SOM-K method (SOM-KS). In SOM-K, pixel features of intensity and L∗u∗v∗ color space are trained with SOM and followed by a k-means method to cluster the prototype vectors, which are filtered with hits map. A variant of the proposed method, SOM-KS, adds a modified saliency map to improve the segmentation performance. Both SOM-K and SOM-KS segment the image with the guidance of an entropy evaluation index. Compared to SOM-K, SOM-KS makes a more precise segmentation in most cases by segmenting an image into a smaller number of regions. At the same time, the salient object of an image stands out, while other minor parts are restrained. The computational load of the proposed methods of SOM-K and SOM-KS are compared to J-image-based segmentation (JSEG) and k-means. Segmentation evaluations of SOM-K and SOM-KS with the entropy index are compared with JSEG and k-means. It is observed that SOM-K and SOM-KS, being an unsupervised method, can achieve better segmentation results with less computational load and no human intervention.
Severe Hair Loss of the Scalp due to a Hair Dye Containing Para phenylenediamine
Authors: Ishida Waka , Makino Teruhiko , Shimizu Tadamichi
Published: June 2011

We report the case of a 41-year-old female showing severe hair loss approximately 90% after the use of a hair dye. These symptoms developed six days after the use of a hair dye containing PPD. A patch test showed a (++) reaction at 48 h to 1% PPD in petrolatum, whereas all metals and white petrolatum were negative. She was therefore diagnosed with contact dermatitis due to PPD, resulting in hair loss. The skin lesions gradually improved after starting treatment with the systemic corticosteroids. The possibility that allergic contact dermatitis from hair dyes may be responsible for telogen effluvium should always be considered in a patient with increased hair loss.
Revisiting Race and the Benefit of RAS Blockade in Heart Failure
Authors: Shen Li , Lee Matthew M. Y. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Granger Christopher B. , Anand Inder S. , Maggioni Aldo P. , Pfeffer Marc A. , Solomon Scott D. , Swedberg Karl , Yusuf Salim , McMurray John J. V.
Published: May 2024

Importance

Concerns have arisen that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers are less effective in Black patients than non-Black patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Objective

To determine whether the effects of RAS blockers on cardiovascular outcomes differ between Black patients and non-Black patients with HFrEF.

Data Sources

MEDLINE and Embase databases through December 31, 2023.

Study Selection

Randomized trials investigating the effect of RAS blockers on cardiovascular outcomes in adults with HFrEF that enrolled Black and non-Black patients.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Individual-participant data were extracted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Independent Personal Data (PRISMA-IPD) reporting guidelines. Effects were estimated using a mixed-effects model using a 1-stage approach.

Main Outcome and Measure

The primary outcome was first hospitalization for HF or cardiovascular death.

Results

The primary analysis, based on the 3 placebo-controlled RAS inhibitor monotherapy trials, included 8825 patients (9.9% Black). Rates of death and hospitalization for HF were substantially higher in Black than non-Black patients. The hazard ratio (HR) for RAS blockade vs placebo for the primary composite was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.69-1.03) in Black patients and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.67-0.79) in non-Black patients (P for interaction = .14). The HR for first HF hospitalization was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.70-1.13) in Black patients and 0.62 (95% CI, 0.56-0.69) in non-Black patients (P for interaction = .006). Conversely, the corresponding HRs for cardiovascular death were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.65-1.07) and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.77-0.93), respectively (P for interaction = .99). For total hospitalizations for HF and cardiovascular deaths, the corresponding rate ratios were 0.82 (95% CI, 0.66-1.02) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.66-0.80), respectively (P for interaction = .27). The supportive analyses including the 2 trials adding an angiotensin receptor blocker to background angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment (n = 16 383) gave consistent findings.

Conclusions and Relevance

The mortality benefit from RAS blockade was similar in Black and non-Black patients. Despite the smaller relative risk reduction in hospitalization for HF with RAS blockade in Black patients, the absolute benefit in Black patients was comparable with non-Black patients because of the greater incidence of this outcome in Black patients.
Domain-Specific Physical Activity and Stroke in Sweden
Authors: Viktorisson Adam , Palstam Annie , Nyberg Fredrik , Berg Christina , Lissner Lauren , Sunnerhagen Katharina S.
Published: May 2024

Importance

Associations of domain-specific physical activity with stroke incidence and poststroke outcomes have not been extensively studied using long-term, population-based data.

Objective

To investigate associations of leisure time, work time, transport, and household physical activity with stroke incidence and death or dependency in activities of daily living (ADL) 3 months after stroke.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The prospective, population-based Interplay Between Genetic Susceptibility and External Factors (INTERGENE) cohort study was conducted among a random sample of individuals from an urban-rural area covering western Sweden; 3614 individuals aged 24 to 77 years were examined in 2001 to 2004, and 1394 individuals were reexamined in 2014 to 2016. The median (range) follow-up was 20.0 years (56 days to 21.9 years). Data were analyzed from September through October 2023.

Exposure

Physical activity levels were self-reported for leisure time, work time, transportation, and household domains. The mean number of steps taken over a 6-day period was collected in a subgroup of participants using a sealed pedometer.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Follow-up for stroke incidence and mortality rates continued until December 31, 2022. The composite outcome of death or ADL dependency was assessed at 3 months after stroke.

Results

Among 3614 individuals (mean [SD] age, 51.4 [13.1] years; 1910 female [52.9%]); 269 individuals (7.4%) developed stroke, of whom 120 individuals (44.6%) were dead or ADL dependent at 3 months. Intermediate (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.54; 95% CI, 0.38-0.77) and high (aHR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31-0.73) levels of leisure time physical activity were associated with a reduced incidence of stroke compared with low levels, as was an intermediate level of physical activity in transportation (aHR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.52-0.93). High levels of leisure time physical activity were also associated with a reduced risk of poststroke death or ADL dependency (adjusted odds ratio, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16-0.71) compared with low levels. Work time and household physical activity were not associated with stroke incidence or stroke outcomes. In exploratory subgroup analyses, there were interactions between physical activity and smoking (current smoking or smoking in the past year associated with stroke risk only in participants with low or intermediate physical activity: aHR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.72-3.15) and family history of stroke (first-degree relative with a history of stroke associated with stroke risk only in participants with low or intermediate physical activity: aHR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.27-2.38).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, leisure time and transport-related physical activities were associated with a reduced risk of stroke. A high level of leisure time physical activity was also associated with a lower risk of death or ADL dependency 3 months after stroke.
Dosimetric characterization for GRID collimator‐based spatially fractionated radiation therapy: Dosimetric parameter acquisition and machine interchangeability investigation
Authors: Xu Zhengzheng , Balik Salim , Woods Kaley , Shen Zhilei , Cheng Chihyao , Cui Jing , Gallogly Haihong , Chang Eric , Lukas Lauren , Lim Andrew , Natsuaki Yutaka , Ye Jason , Ma Lijun , Zhang Hualin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to characterize the dosimetric properties of a commercial brass GRID collimator for high energy photon beams including 15 and 10 MV. Then, the difference in dosimetric parameters of GRID beams among different energies and linacs was evaluated.

Method

A water tank scanning system was used to acquire the dosimetric parameters, including the percentage depth dose (PDD), beam profiles, peak to valley dose ratios (PVDRs), and output factors (OFs). The profiles at various depths were measured at 100 cm source to surface distance (SSD), and field sizes of 10 × 10 cm2 and 20 × 20 cm2 on three linacs. The PVDRs and OFs were measured and compared with the treatment planning system (TPS) calculations.

Results

Compared with the open beam data, there were noticeable changes in PDDs of GRID fields across all the energies. The GRID fields demonstrated a maximal of 3 mm shift in dmax (Truebeam STX, 15MV, 10 × 10 cm2). The PVDR decreased as beam energy increases. The difference in PVDRs between Trilogy and Truebeam STx using 6MV and 15MV was 1.5% ± 4.0% and 2.1% ± 4.3%, respectively. However, two Truebeam linacs demonstrated less than 2% difference in PVDRs. The OF of the GRID field was dependent on the energy and field size. The measured PDDs, PVDRs, and OFs agreed with the TPS calculations within 3% difference. The TPS calculations agreed with the measurements when using 1 mm calculation resolution.

Conclusion

The dosimetric characteristics of high‐energy GRID fields, especially PVDR, significantly differ from those of low‐energy GRID fields. Two Truebeam machines are interchangeable for GRID therapy, while a pronounced difference was observed between Truebeam and Trilogy. A series of empirical equations and reference look‐up tables for GRID therapy can be generated to facilitate clinical applications.
Ultrasensitive, Highly Stable, and Stretchable Strain Sensor Using Gated Liquid Metal Channel
Authors: Yao Bin , Lü Xiaozhou , Wang Yanwei , Bai Nini , Chen Congyi , Wang Shaowei , Su Haijun , Zhang Yunke
Published: May 2024

Developing stretchable strain sensors with high sensitivity and stability is crucial for various applications such as prosthetic hands, human health monitoring, and human‐machine interactions. However, achieving these qualities simultaneously remains challenging. Here, an inherently stretchable strain sensor is presented that integrates ultrahigh sensitivity and robust stability, enabling stretch, press, or bend sensing capabilities. This sensor employs a softer elastomeric channel filled with liquid metal (LM) as the conductive path. A stiffer elastomer convex integrated into the channel serves as a strain‐manipulated gate, controlling opening gap of electrical current flow path. During deformation, the softer elastomer undergoes cross sectional reduction due to the Poisson effect, while the stiffer convex gate retains its geometry. This heterogeneous deformation behavior leads to significant contraction or closure of the LM channel, resulting in increased resistance and a remarkable enhancement in sensitivity by more than two orders of magnitude. The all‐soft design maintains exceptional stability even under extended or repetitive substantial deformations. With the ability to monitor subtle and large human body movements, detect grip actions of soft grippers reliably, and monitor the gradual and extended growth process of plants, this sensor holds significant potential for advancements in flexible electronics.
Visible‐Light Manipulated Reversible and Ultralong Phosphorescence of Carbon Dots Through Dynamic Cross‐Linking
Authors: Zhang Tao , Wang Meiyan , Liu Lele , Li Zijian , Bi Hong
Published: May 2024

Dynamic organic room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials are highly promising for various applications. However, developing photo‐responsive RTP systems with simple fabrication, high reversibility, and visible‐light responsiveness presents a significant challenge. Herein, in situ embedding of boron‐doped carbon dots (B‐CDs) in amorphous polymer (pPBA) is achieved by a two‐step polymerization and carbonization process. Impressively, the B‐CDs@pPBA composite exhibits visible‐light‐activated ultralong RTP with full reversibility and a lifetime on–off ratio exceeding 280. By correlating photophysical properties with structural characterization results, it is concluded that photoinduced intensifying of the crosslinking between B‐CDs and pPBA is responsible for the dynamic RTP. More interestingly, the B‐CDs@pPBA film is found to display bending actuation and reversible deformable behavior upon light exposure. Finally, potential applications of such photo‐responsive systems in programmable information storage and encryption are demonstrated. This research may pave a new way for the development of dynamic RTP nanomaterials and promote their use in a wide range of promising applications.
Lowering Charge Transport Barriers by Eliminating the Electric Double Layer Residues to Reconstruct Adjacent SnO2 Nanocrystals for High‐Efficiency Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Linghui , Ma Hongru , Ying Zhehan , Dong Qingshun , Yuan Mengmeng , Rong Shiqi , Wang Zhiyong , Wang Shuhong , Li Siao , Zhang Jie , Cao Dequan , Han Wenqi , Yan Ying , Tian Wenming , Bian Jiming , Shi Yantao
Published: May 2024

The sol–gel method is efficient and cost‐effective for synthesizing SnO2 sol, wherein SnO2 nanocrystallites (NCs) are stabilized by electric double‐layer of solvated ions tightly bound to their surface. However, this strong binding makes the removal of electric double‐layer residues from the SnO2 electron transport layer (ETL) to be difficult at low temperatures. This hinders both the close contact and subsequent growth among adjacent SnO2 NCs, leading to severe carriers scattering at grain boundary, adversely affecting the electrical properties of SnO2 ETL. Herein, SnO2 sol is synthesized via an ethanol‐based sol–gel method and aqueous ammonia (NH3·H2O) is introduced to effectively clean stubborn electric double‐layer residues within the SnO2 ETL at a low temperature (80 °C). Removing residues reduces the gap among adjacent SnO2 NCs and promotes further reconstructed growth through oriented attachment (OA), thereby reducing the number of grain boundaries. Hence, the energy barriers for electron transport decrease within the SnO2 ETL. Furthermore, MHP prepared on the treated ETL has fine‐tuned energy level alignment, improving the electron extraction capacity. Consequently, flexible perovskite solar cells (f‐PSCs) incorporating this ETL achieved a notable increase in power conversion efficiency, rising from 19.16% to 23.71%, as well as superior mechanical stability.
Injectable PEG Hydrogels with Tissue‐Like Viscoelasticity Formed through Reversible Alendronate–Calcium Phosphate Crosslinking for Cell–Material Interactions
Authors: Yu Hongqiang , Yan Ziqian , Dreiss Cecile A. , Gaitano Gustavo G. , Jarvis James A. , Gentleman Eileen , da Silva Ricardo M. P. , Grigoriadis Agamemnon E.
Published: May 2024

Synthetic hydrogels provide controllable 3D environments, which can be used to study fundamental biological phenomena. The growing body of evidence that cell behavior depends upon hydrogel stress relaxation creates a high demand for hydrogels with tissue‐like viscoelastic properties. Here, a unique platform of synthetic polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels in which star‐shaped PEG molecules are conjugated with alendronate and/or RGD peptides, attaining modifiable degradability as well as flexible cell adhesion, is created. Novel reversible ionic interactions between alendronate and calcium phosphate nanoparticles, leading to versatile viscoelastic properties with varying initial elastic modulus and stress relaxation time, are identified. This new crosslinking mechanism provides shear‐thinning properties resulting in differential cellular responses between cancer cells and stem cells. The novel hydrogel system is an improved design to the other ionic crosslink platforms and opens new avenues for the development of pathologically relevant cancer models, as well as minimally invasive approaches for cell delivery for potential regenerative therapies.
Site‐Selective Growth of fcc‐2H‐fcc Copper on Unconventional Phase Metal Nanomaterials for Highly Efficient Tandem CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Ma Yangbo , Sun Mingzi , Xu Hongming , Zhang Qinghua , Lv Jia , Guo Weihua , Hao Fengkun , Cui Wenting , Wang Yunhao , Yin Jinwen , Wen Haiyu , Lu Pengyi , Wang Guozhi , Zhou Jingwen , Yu Jinli , Ye Chenliang , Gan Lin , Zhang Daliang , Chu Shengqi , Gu Lin , Shao Minhua , Huang Bolong , Fan Zhanxi
Published: May 2024

Copper (Cu) nanomaterials are a unique kind of electrocatalysts for high‐value multi‐carbon production in carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), which holds enormous potential in attaining carbon neutrality. However, phase engineering of Cu nanomaterials remains challenging, especially for the construction of unconventional phase Cu‐based asymmetric heteronanostructures. Here the site‐selective growth of Cu on unusual phase gold (Au) nanorods, obtaining three kinds of heterophase fcc‐2H‐fcc Au–Cu heteronanostructures is reported. Significantly, the resultant fcc‐2H‐fcc Au–Cu Janus nanostructures (JNSs) break the symmetric growth mode of Cu on Au. In electrocatalytic CO2RR, the fcc‐2H‐fcc Au–Cu JNSs exhibit excellent performance in both H‐type and flow cells, with Faradaic efficiencies of 55.5% and 84.3% for ethylene and multi‐carbon products, respectively. In situ characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal the co‐exposure of 2H‐Au and 2H‐Cu domains in Au–Cu JNSs diversifies the CO* adsorption configurations and promotes the CO* spillover and subsequent C–C coupling toward ethylene generation with reduced energy barriers.
Reduction of Nitroarenes Using Efficient PdRu@mSiO2 Nanocatalyst Synthesized by a One‐Pot Approach
Authors: Arenas‐Sánchez Eduardo , Niño González Carlos Eduardo , Resendiz‐Bujaidar Valeria , Smolentseva Elena , Acosta Brenda
Published: May 2024

In the present work, PdRu@mSiO2 bimetallic core‐shell nanoreactors (NRs) are synthesized for the first time by a fine‐tuning one‐pot method. The obtained NRs are evaluated in the reduction of nitroarenes using 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP), 1‐chloro‐4‐nitrobenzene (1‐Cl‐4‐NB), 4‐nitrotoluene (4‐NT) and 2,4‐dinitrophenol (2,4‐DNP) as reagents. The mesoporous PdRu@mSiO2 NRs with a Pd1:Ru1 molar ratio present a homogenous spherical morphology with a single nucleus per capsule. Various techniques confirm the formation of Pd‐Ru alloy. The bimetallic NRs show higher catalytic activity and stability compared with the reference catalysts (free and supported nanoparticles (NPs)) and with those reported in the literature. The order of catalytic activity for studied nitroarene compounds is 4‐NP>1‐Cl‐4‐NB>2,4‐DNP>4‐NT. The catalytic activity of NRs is affected by inter and intramolecular interactions between the reagent molecules. The one‐pot method of NRs synthesis is low‐cost and effective, with possible application in the catalytic reduction of various hazardous materials.