bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor Based on Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Liu Ruixiao , Wei Yahui , Zheng Jianbin , Zhang Hongfang , Sheng Qinglin
Published: October 2013

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized by Bacillus subtilis and used to construct a nonenzymatic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed that the AgNPs were prepared successfully with spherical morphology. The electrochemical properties of the resulted sensor were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It was found that the sensor exhibited good electrocatalytic activity towards H2O2 reduction with a wider linear range from 0.05 to 120 mmol·L−1, a detection limit of 8 µmol·L−1 and a fast response time less than 2 s. The sensor exhibited good selectivity for H2O2 determination in the presence of glucose, acetaminophen, ascorbic acid and uric acid.
Bromination of Isothianaphthene Derivatives towards the Application in Organic Electronics
Authors: Long Guankui , Wan Xiangjian , Yun Peng , Zhou Jiaoyan , Liu Yongsheng , Li Miaomiao , Zhang Mingtao , Chen Yongsheng
Published: October 2013

Different approaches to brominate dialkyl isothianaphthene‐5,6‐dicarboxylate were tried and single crystals of target molecule and side product were obtained. A planar copolymer with the trans‐ethene has been prepared, which shows good solubility in common organic solvents and broad absorption with edge to 967 nm in film.
Response to Fibromuscular Dysplasia Affecting a Two‐Branched Renal Artery in a Patient With a Solitary Kidney: Case Presentation
Authors: Bozzani Antonio , Moia Alessia , Carlino Marianna , Caldana Marco , Ragni Franco
Published: October 2013

An et al. Clin Cardiol. 2013;36:E7–E10.
Cell cortex composition and homeostasis resolved by integrating proteomics and quantitative imaging
Authors: Biro Maté , Romeo Yves , Kroschwald Sonja , Bovellan Miia , Boden Annett , Tcherkezian Joseph , Roux Philippe P. , Charras Guillaume , Paluch Ewa K.
Published: October 2013

The cellular actin cortex is the cytoskeletal structure primarily responsible for the control of animal cell shape and as such plays a central role in cell division, migration, and tissue morphogenesis. Due to the lack of experimental systems where the cortex can be investigated independently from other organelles, little is known about its composition, assembly, and homeostasis. Here, we describe novel tools to resolve the composition and regulation of the cortex. We report and validate a protocol for cortex purification based on the separation of cellular blebs. Mass spectrometry analysis of purified cortices provides a first extensive list of cortical components. To assess the function of identified proteins, we design an automated imaging assay for precise quantification of cortical actomyosin assembly dynamics. We show subtle changes in cortex assembly dynamics upon depletion of the identified cortical component profilin. Our widely applicable integrated method paves the way for systems‐level investigations of the actomyosin cortex and its regulation during morphogenesis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel wave intensity analysis of arterial pulse wave propagation accounting for peripheral reflections
Authors: Alastruey Jordi , Hunt Anthony A. E. , Weinberg Peter D.
Published: October 2013

We present a novel analysis of arterial pulse wave propagation that combines traditional wave intensity analysis with identification of Windkessel pressures to account for the effect on the pressure waveform of peripheral wave reflections. Using haemodynamic data measured in vivo in the rabbit or generated numerically in models of human compliant vessels, we show that traditional wave intensity analysis identifies the timing, direction and magnitude of the predominant waves that shape aortic pressure and flow waveforms in systole, but fails to identify the effect of peripheral reflections. These reflections persist for several cardiac cycles and make up most of the pressure waveform, especially in diastole and early systole. Ignoring peripheral reflections leads to an erroneous indication of a reflection‐free period in early systole and additional error in the estimates of (i) pulse wave velocity at the ascending aorta given by the PU–loop method (9.5% error) and (ii) transit time to a dominant reflection site calculated from the wave intensity profile (27% error). These errors decreased to 1.3% and 10%, respectively, when accounting for peripheral reflections. Using our new analysis, we investigate the effect of vessel compliance and peripheral resistance on wave intensity, peripheral reflections and reflections originating in previous cardiac cycles. © 2013 The Authors. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eating disorders: A hidden phenomenon in outpatient mental health?
Authors: Fursland Anthea , Watson Hunna J.
Published: October 2013

Background

Eating disorders are common but underdiagnosed illnesses. Help‐seeking for co‐occurring issues, such as anxiety and depression, are common.

Objectives

To identify the prevalence of eating problems, using the SCOFF, and eating disorders when screening positive on the SCOFF (i.e., ≥2), among patients seeking help for anxiety and depression at a community‐based mental health service.

Method

Patients (N = 260) consecutively referred and assessed for anxiety and depression treatment were administered the SCOFF screening questionnaire and a semi‐structured standardized diagnostic interview during routine intake.

Results

18.5% (48/260) scored ≥2 on the SCOFF, indicating eating problems. Of these, 41% (19/48) met criteria for an eating disorder. Thus, overall, 7.3% (19/260) of the sample met criteria for a DSM‐IV eating disorder. Those scoring ≥2 on the SCOFF were more likely to: be female (p = 0.001), younger (p = 0.003), and have a history of self‐harm (p < 0.001).

Discussion

This study confirms that eating disorders are a hidden phenomenon in general outpatient mental health. By using a standardized diagnostic interview to establish diagnosis rather than self‐ or staff‐report, the study builds on limited previous findings. The naturalistic study setting shows that screening for eating disorders can be easily built into routine intake practice, and successfully identifies treatment need. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:422–425)
An unconventional TRAIL to cancer therapy
Authors: Chen Hung‐Chang , Dieli Francesco , Eberl Matthias
Published: October 2013

Cellular immunotherapy offers novel, safe, and effective routes to treating cancer. However, approaches utilizing cytotoxic CD8+ T cells are hampered by the need to identify suitable target antigens that are expressed by tumor cells but not healthy tissues, and that are recognized with sufficient affinity. Most importantly, the applicability of CD8+ T‐cell‐based therapies is governed by the MHC restriction of tumor‐specific epitopes, thereby limiting the potential benefit to patients carrying the appropriate MHC haplotype. Alternative approaches to harness the immune system against tumors exploit non‐MHC‐restricted γδ T cells that recognize stress‐induced changes in transformed cells. A new report in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology [Eur. J. Immunol. 2013. 43: 3175–3182] shows that human γδ T cells efficiently kill lung cancer cells through recognition of the NKG2D ligand ULBP2 and secretion of soluble TRAIL. This finding provides new evidence for a TCR‐independent cytotoxicity of γδ T cells and supports their promising potential for non‐MHC‐restricted immunotherapies.
Tissue distribution of selected microRNA in Atlantic salmon
Authors: Trattner Sofia , Vestergren AnnaLotta Schiller
Published: October 2013

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that regulate numerous fundamental biological functions. So far miRNAs have only been identified in few commercially important fish species. Similarly to messenger RNA (mRNA) expression analysis, miRNA qPCR analysis requires thoroughly investigated endogenous controls. In this paper, we have in a pilot study investigated miRNAs in Atlantic salmon (liver, heart, brain, kidney, spleen, intestine, gill, white, and red muscle) by qPCR analysis. The expression of seven putative endogenous control genes (ssa‐let‐7a, ssa‐miR‐16a, ssa‐miR‐16b, ssa‐miR‐194a, ssa‐miR‐22a, ssa‐miR22b, and ssa‐miR‐27c) was examined with regard to their tissue distribution and use as endogenous controls microRNA expression studies. The candidates for endogenous controls were selected as they had been reported by others to be evenly expressed among tissues. The most suitable endogenous control was miR‐27c in this study. Further the expression of ssa‐miR 26b, ssa‐miR‐92a‐1, ssa‐miR‐122, ssa‐miR‐722, ssa‐miR‐21‐1, and ssa‐miR‐143‐1 were investigated and tissue specific expression of all miRNAs except ssa‐miR194a were found. The expression of sss‐miR‐122 and ssa‐miR‐722 were specific for liver, ssa‐miR‐26b mostly expressed in brain and ssa‐miR143‐1 mostly expressed in gill and kidney. This study has provided information of endogenous control genes and has also identified tissue specific expression of miRNAs in Atlantic salmon. Further investigation of endogenous control genes target genes in response to treatment would increase the knowledge of the role of miRNAs in Atlantic salmon.
Genetic profile characterization and population study of 21 autosomal STR in Chinese Kazak ethnic minority group
Authors: Yuan Jing‐Yi , Wang Xiao‐Ye , Shen Chun‐Mei , Liu Wen‐Juan , Yan Jiang‐Wei , Wang Hong‐Dan , Pu Hong‐Wei , Wang Yan‐Li , Yang Guang , Zhang Yu‐Dang , Meng Hao‐Tian , Jing Hang , Zhu Bo‐Feng
Published: October 2013

Short tandem repeat loci have been recognized as useful tools in the routine forensic application and in recent decades, more and more new short tandem repeat (STR) loci have been constantly discovered, studied, and applied in forensic caseworks. In this study, we investigated the genetic polymorphisms of 21 STR loci in the Kazak ethnic minority as well as the genetic relationships between the Kazak ethnic minority and other populations. Allelic frequencies of 21 STR loci were obtained from 114 unrelated healthy Kazak individuals in the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uigur Autonomous Region of China. We observed a total of 159 alleles in the group with the allelic diversity values ranging from 0.0044 to 0.5088. The highest polymorphism was found at D19S433 locus and the lowest was found at D1S1627. Statistical analysis of the generated data indicated no deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibriums at all 21 STR loci. In order to estimate the population differentiation, allelic frequencies of all STR loci of the Kazak were compared with those of other neighboring populations using analysis of molecular variance method. Statistically significant differences were found between the studied population and other populations at 2–7 STR loci. A neighbor‐joining tree was constructed based on allelic frequencies of the 21 STR loci and phylogenetic analysis indicates that the Kazak has a close genetic relationship with the Uigur ethnic group. The present results may provide useful information for forensic sciences and population genetics studies, and can also increase our understanding of the genetic background of this group. The present findings showed that all the 21 STR loci are highly genetically polymorphic in the Kazak group, which provided valuable population genetic data for the genetic information study, forensic human individual identification, and paternity tests.
β‐poly(l‐malic acid) production by fed‐batch culture of Aureobasidium pullulans ipe‐1 with mixed sugars
Authors: Cao Weifeng , Luo Jianquan , Qi Benkun , Zhao Juan , Qiao Changsheng , Ding Luhui , Su Yi , Wan Yinhua
Published: October 2013

β‐poly(l‐malic acid) (PMLA) is a biopolyester, which has attracted growing attention due to its potential applications in medicine and other industries. In this study, the biosynthetic pathway of PMLA and the fermentation strategies with mixed sugars were both investigated to enhance PMLA production by Aureobasidium pullulans ipe‐1. Metabolic intermediates and inhibitors were used to study the biosynthetic pathway of PMLA. It showed that exogenous addition of l‐malic acid, succinic acid, TFA, and avidin had negligible effect on PMLA production, while pyruvic acid and biotin were the inhibitors, indicating that PMLA biosynthesis was probably related to phosphoenolpyruvate via oxaloacetate catalyzed by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase. Sucrose was suitable for achieving the highest PMLA concentration, while fructose generated a higher yield of PMLA (PMLA produced per biomass). Furthermore, the fed‐batch culture using fed solution with different sugar mixture for PMLA production was implemented. During the fed‐batch culture with mixed solution, fructose could increase PMLA production. Compared with the batch culture, the feeding with mixed sugar (sucrose and glucose) increased PMLA concentration by 23.9%, up to 63.2 g/L, and the final volume of the broth was increased by 25%. These results provide a good reference for process development and optimization of PMLA production.
Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase encapsulated in silica‐based hydrogels for operation in a microreactor
Authors: Cumana Sucre , Ardao Inés , Zeng An‐Ping , Smirnova Irina
Published: October 2013

The future of hydrogen as fuel strongly depends on the possibility to produce it in an economic and clean way. Hydrogen can be produced from carbohydrates and water under mild conditions by means of a multistep synthetic pathway (13 enzymes) with very high yield. Crossover inhibitions and different optimal conditions of involved enzymes hinder the use of one‐pot approach. Immobilization of enzymes in coupled individual reactors may avoid this problem. This work deals with the immobilization in silica‐based hydrogels of one key enzyme of this pathway: glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides. The carriers were prepared with an ethylene glycol‐modified silane, two polymers (polyethylene oxide and Pluronic®) and amino groups created by 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane. These parameters influenced the enzymatic activity after immobilization. Gels prepared by addition of polyethylene oxide gave the best results and were used as monoliths in microreactors with two different geometries. The systems showed a high operational stability but a low effective enzyme activity. Enzyme leaching and a nonideal flow pattern may account for the low activity observed. This work is possibly the first one dealing with the immobilization of glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase in silica‐based gels for its application in flow‐through microreactors.
Utilization of cytoreductive nephrectomy and patient survival in the targeted therapy era
Authors: Conti Simon L. , Thomas I‐Chun , Hagedorn Judith C. , Chung Benjamin I. , Chertow Glenn M. , Wagner Todd H. , Brooks James D. , Srinivas Sandy , Leppert John T.
Published: October 2013

We sought to analyze utilization and survival outcomes of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) before and after introduction of targeted therapy. We identified patients with metastatic RCC between 1993 and 2010 in the SEER registry and examined temporal trends in utilization. We performed a joinpoint regression to determine when changes in utilization of CN occurred. We fitted multivariable proportional hazard models in full and propensity score‐matched cohorts. We performed a difference‐in‐difference analysis to compare survival outcomes before and after introduction of targeted therapy. The proportion of patients undergoing CN increased from 1993 to 2004, from 29% to 39%. We identified a primary joinpoint of 2004, just prior to the introduction of targeted therapy. Beginning in 2005, there was a modest decrease in utilization of CN. CN was associated with a lower adjusted relative hazard (0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.43). Median survival among patients receiving CN increased in the targeted therapy era (19 vs. 13 months), while median survival among patients not receiving CN increased only slightly (4 vs. 3 months). Difference‐in‐difference analysis showed a significant decrease in hazard of death among patients who received CN in the targeted therapy era. Despite decreased utilization in the targeted therapy era, CN remains associated with improved survival. Prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm the benefit of CN among patients with metastatic RCC treated with novel targeted therapies.
Remote opto‐acoustic probing of single‐cell adhesion on metallic surfaces
Authors: Abi Ghanem Maroun , Dehoux Thomas , Zouani Omar F. , Gadalla Atef , Durrieu Marie‐Christine , Audoin Bertrand
Published: October 2013

The reflection of picosecond ultrasonic pulses from a cell‐substrate interface is used to probe cell‐biomaterial adhesion with a subcell resolution. We culture monocytes on top of a thin biocompatible Ti metal film, supported by a transparent sapphire substrate. Low‐energy femtosecond pump laser pulses are focused at the bottom of the Ti film to a micron spot. The subsequent ultrafast thermal expansion launches a longitudinal acoustic pulse in Ti, with a broad spectrum extending up to 100 GHz. We measure the acoustic echoes reflected from the Ti‐cell interface through the transient optical reflectance changes. The time‐frequency analysis of the reflected acoustic pulses gives access to a map of the cell acoustic impedance Zc and to a map of the film‐cell interfacial stiffness K simultaneously. Variations in Zc across the cell are attributed to rigidity and density fluctuations within the cell, whereas variations in K are related to interfacial intermolecular forces and to the nano‐architecture of the transmembrane bonds. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: 2012 American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) consensus conference on classification, diagnosis, management, and future research
Authors: Sarode Ravi , Bandarenko Nick , Brecher Mark E. , Kiss Joseph E. , Marques Marisa B. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Winters Jeffrey L.
Published: October 2013

The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) conducted a 1 day consensus conference on Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) during its annual meeting in Atlanta, GA, on April 10, 2012. The authors of this article, a subcommittee of ASFA's Clinical Applications Committee, developed several questions with regard to definitions, classification, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and future research in TTP. These questions were provided to the seven invited speakers who are the experts in the field of TTP. Two moderators conducted the proceedings of the conference which was attended by more than 100 participants. After each presentation, there was an open discussion that included moderator‐selected written questions submitted by the audience. A medical writer‐generated transcript of the proceedings as well as each presentation was made available to the authors. Each summary was reviewed and approved by the respective speaker before submission of this article. The subcommittee also developed seven key questions for blinded, electronic polling conducted by the moderators to generate a consensus amongst the speakers. This article includes these presentation summaries as well as results of the electronic poll. J. Clin. Apheresis 29:148–167, 2014. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Clinical Apheresis Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
When “Harmless” Decisions Destroy Cash
Authors: Lee Reginald Tomas
Published: October 2013

All companies must create cash. So what creates or destroys cash should be clear and understood. But the problem is that they aren't, explains the author of this article—who gives examples based on his work as a business consultant. Competent and conscientious business leaders can still make “harm‐less” decisions that destroy cash. Here's how to avoid that. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Viruses associated with influenza‐like‐illnesses in Papua New Guinea, 2010
Authors: Kono Jacinta , Jonduo Marinjho H. , Omena Matthew , Siba Peter M. , Horwood Paul F.
Published: October 2013

Influenza‐like‐illness can be caused by a wide range of respiratory viruses. The etiology of influenza‐like‐illness in developing countries such as Papua New Guinea is poorly understood. The etiological agents associated with influenza‐like‐illness were investigated retrospectively for 300 nasopharyngeal swabs received by the Papua New Guinea National Influenza Centre in 2010. Real‐time PCR/RT‐PCR methods were used for the detection of 13 respiratory viruses. Patients with influenza‐like‐illness were identified according to the World Health Organization case definition: sudden onset of fever (>38°C), with cough and/or sore throat, in the absence of other diagnoses. At least one viral respiratory pathogen was detected in 66.3% of the samples tested. Rhinoviruses (17.0%), influenza A (16.7%), and influenza B (12.7%) were the pathogens detected most frequently. Children <5 years of age presented with a significantly higher rate of at least one viral pathogen and a significantly higher rate of co‐infections with multiple viruses, when compared to all other patients >5 years of age. Influenza B, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus were all detected at significantly higher rates in children <5 years of age. This study confirmed that multiple respiratory viruses are circulating and contributing to the presentation of influenza‐like‐illness in Papua New Guinea. J. Med. Virol. 86:899–904, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of a highly conserved and surface exposed B‐cell epitope on the nucleoprotein of influenza A virus
Authors: Gui Xun , Ge Pinghui , Wang Xuliang , Yang Kunyu , Yu Hai , Zhao Qinjian , Chen Yixin , Xia Ningshao
Published: October 2013

Influenza virus still poses a major threat to human health worldwide. The nucleoprotein (NP) of influenza A virus plays an essential role in the viral replication and transcription and hence becomes a promising therapeutic target. NP forms a complicated conformation under native conditions and might denature when performing immunoassays such as western blot in the study of NP function. Therefore, it is useful to make an NP specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes linear epitope instead of conformational epitope. In this study, a recombinant NP (rNP) of influenza A virus was over‐expressed and used to generate a panel of anti‐NP mAbs. These anti‐NP mAbs were grouped into three classes based on their reactivity in Western blots. Only Class I mAb can react with linear rNP fragments. One of Class I mAb, 4D2, was characterized further by epitope mapping with a series of overlapping synthetic peptides, indicating that the 4D2 epitope is a surface exposed, linear epitope between amino acid residues 243 and 251. This epitope is highly conserved among different influenza A viruses with an identity of 98.4% (17,922/18,210). Western blot, co‐immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry experiments all indicated 4D2 is highly specific to NP of influenza A virus. The results demonstrated that 4D2 can be used as a research tool for functional study of NP in the replication cycle of influenza A virus. Further work is needed to understand the function and importance of this epitope. J. Med. Virol. 86:995–1002, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mercuric reductase activity of multiple heavy metal‐resistant Lysinibacillus sphaericus G1
Authors: Bafana Amit , Chakrabarti Tapan , Krishnamurthi Kannan
Published: October 2013

A culture was isolated from an industrial mercuric salt‐contaminated soil, which could tolerate Cd, Co, Zn, Cr, and Hg up to 190, 525, 350, 935, and 370 μM, respectively. The isolate was identified as Lysinibacillus sphaericus by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. It bioaccumulated Cd, Co, and Zn, and reductively detoxified Cr and Hg. Chromate reductase and mercuric reductase (MerA) activities in the cell extract were 2.4 and 0.13 units mg−1 protein, respectively. The study also describes designing of broad‐specificity primers based on firmicute merA genes. These primers were successfully used to amplify a 440 bp merA fragment from the current isolate. Based on the partial sequence, complete merA ORF of 1641 bp was amplified. It showed 99% similarity to a putative merA gene from distantly related Streptococcus agalactiae, but only 72% identity with the well‐characterized merA from a more closely related Bacillus cereus RC607. The gene sequence possessed all the features required for the functioning of MerA enzyme, and its function was confirmed by recombinant expression in E. coli. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of full length merA gene from L. sphaericus.
Racial and socioeconomic disparities in pediatric and young adult liver transplant outcomes
Authors: Thammana Rekha V. , Knechtle Stuart J. , Romero Rene , Heffron Thomas G. , Daniels Caroline T. , Patzer Rachel E.
Published: October 2013

Racial and socioeconomic disparities exist in liver transplantation (LT) outcomes among adults, but little research exists for pediatric LT populations. We examined racial differences in graft survival and mortality within a retrospective cohort of pediatric and young adult LT recipients at a large children's transplant center in the Southeast between 1998 and 2011. The association between race/ethnicity and rates of graft failure and mortality was examined with Cox proportional hazards models that were adjusted for demographic and clinical factors as well as individual-level and census tract–level socioeconomic status (SES). Among the 208 LT recipients, 51.0% were white, 34.6% were black, and 14.4% were other race/ethnicity. Graft survival and patient survival were higher for whites versus minorities 1, 3, 5, and 10 years after transplantation. The 10-year graft survival rates were 84% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 76%-91%] for white patients, 60% (95% CI = 46%-74%) for black patients, and 49% (95% CI = 23%-77%) for other race/ethnicity patients. The 10-year patient survival rates were 92% (95% CI = 84%-96%), 65% (95% CI = 52%-79%), and 76% (95% CI = 54%-97%) for the white, black, and other race/ethnicity groups, respectively. In analyses adjusted for demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic characteristics, the rates of graft failure [black: hazard ratio (HR) = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.29-5.45; other: HR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.23-7.35] and mortality (black: HR = 4.24, 95% CI = 1.54-11.69; other: HR = 3.09, 95% CI = 0.78-12.19) were higher for minority groups versus whites. In conclusion, at a large pediatric transplant center in the Southeastern United States, racial/ethnic disparities exist in pediatric and young adult LT outcomes that are not fully explained by measured SES and clinical factors. Liver Transpl 20:100–115, 2014. © 2013 AASLD.
Parametric analysis of the spatial resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio in super‐resolved spatiotemporally encoded (SPEN) MRI
Authors: Ben‐Eliezer Noam , Shrot Yoav , Frydman Lucio , Sodickson Daniel K.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Spatiotemporally Encoded (SPEN) MRI is based on progressive point‐by‐point refocusing of the image in the spatial rather than the k‐space domain through the use of frequency‐swept radiofrequency pulses and quadratic phase profiles. This technique provides high robustness against frequency‐offsets including B0 inhomogeneities and chemical‐shift (e.g., fat/water) distortions, and can consequently perform fMRI at challenging regions such as the orbitofrontal cortex and the olfactory bulb, as well as to improve imaging near metallic implants. This work aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the implementation and super‐resolved reconstruction of SPEN‐based imaging, and to accurately quantify this method's spatial‐resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR).

Theory and Methods

A stepwise formalism was laid‐out for calculating the optimal experimental parameters for SPEN, followed by analytical analysis of the ensuing SNR and spatial‐resolution versus conventional k‐space encoding. Predictions were then confirmed using computer simulations and experimentally.

Results

Our findings show that SPEN is governed by the same fundamental signal‐processing principles as k‐space encoding, leading to similar averaging properties, and ultimately similar spatial‐resolution and SNR levels as k‐space encoding.

Conclusion

Presented analysis is applicable to general multidimensional SPEN designs and provides a unified framework for the analysis of future SPEN and similar approaches based on quadratic phase encoding. Magn Reson Med 72:418–429, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved temporal resolution for functional studies with reduced number of segments with three‐dimensional echo planar imaging
Authors: Narsude Mayur , van der Zwaag Wietske , Kober Tobias , Gruetter Rolf , Marques José P.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To introduce a new k‐space traversal strategy for segmented three‐dimensional echo planar imaging (3D EPI) that encodes two partitions per radiofrequency excitation, effectively reducing the number excitations used to acquire a 3D EPI dataset by half.

Methods

The strategy was evaluated in the context of functional MRI applications for: image quality compared with segmented 3D EPI, temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio (tSNR) (the ability to detect resting state networks compared with multislice two‐dimensional (2D) EPI and segmented 3D EPI, and temporal resolution (the ability to separate cardiac‐ and respiration‐related fluctuations from the desired blood oxygen level–dependent signal of interest).

Results

Whole brain images with a nominal voxel size of 2 mm isotropic could be acquired with a temporal resolution under half a second using traditional parallel imaging acceleration up to 4× in the partition‐encode direction and using novel data acquisition speed‐up of 2× with a 32‐channel coil. With 8× data acquisition speed‐up in the partition‐encode direction, 3D reduced excitations (RE)‐EPI produced acceptable image quality without introduction of noticeable additional artifacts. Due to increased tSNR and better characterization of physiological fluctuations, the new strategy allowed detection of more resting state networks compared with multislice 2D‐EPI and segmented 3D EPI.

Conclusion

3D RE‐EPI resulted in significant increases in temporal resolution for whole brain acquisitions and in improved physiological noise characterization compared with 2D‐EPI and segmented 3D EPI. Magn Reson Med 72:786–792, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved artery–vein separation with acceleration‐dependent preparation for non–contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Priest Andrew Nicholas , Taviani Valentina , Graves Martin John , Lomas David John
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To compare the use of acceleration‐dependent and velocity‐dependent flow‐preparation for non–contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (NCE‐MRA), investigating both image quality and the ability to discriminate between arteries and veins. We develop an acceleration‐dependent NCE‐MRA method known as acceleration dependent vascular anatomy for non–contrast‐enhanced MRA (ADVANCE‐MRA).

Methods

Acceleration‐dependent and velocity‐dependent images were acquired using a constant and pulsatile flow‐phantom and from the lower legs of six healthy volunteers and one patient with peripheral vascular disease. The volunteer images were assessed both by quantitative signal measurements and qualitative scoring by a radiologist.

Results

In the phantom, acceleration‐dependent preparation depicted pulsatile but not constant flow, while velocity‐dependent preparation depicted both. In the volunteers and the patient, the velocity‐dependent preparation was unable to separate the arterial and venous signals completely, with some overlap of arterial and venous signals for all acquired flow sensitizations whereas the acceleration‐dependent preparation gave complete artery–vein separation over a wide range of flow sensitizations. Acceleration‐dependent preparation received the best overall qualitative scores for arterial image quality and venous contamination.

Conclusion

Acceleration‐dependent NCE‐MRA improves arterial image quality and reduces venous contamination, compared with velocity‐dependent NCE‐MRA, and warrants further investigation in patients. Magn Reson Med 72:699–706, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of the plastic potential on plane strain failure
Authors: Lagioia Rocco , Panteghini Andrea
Published: October 2013

The influence of the shape of the plastic potential in the deviatoric plane on plane strain collapse is investigated. The most commonly employed elastic‐perfect plastic models are considered, which adopt well‐known failure criteria for defining the yield and plastic potential surfaces, namely the von Mises, the Drucker–Prager, the Tresca, the Mohr–Coulomb and the Matsuoka–Nakai criteria. Finally, the conclusions are also extended to strain hardening/softening models. For simple constitutive models based on perfect plasticity, it is shown that the value of the Lode's angle at plastic collapse in plane strain conditions strongly depends on the specific failure surface adopted for reproducing the plastic potential surface. If the value of the Lode's angle at yield coincides with the failure value prescribed by the plastic potential, the stress–strain curves exhibit the typical perfect plastic behaviour with yield coinciding with failure, otherwise the stress changes after yield and the stress‐strain curves resemble those of strain hardening/softening models. The infinite strength which is in some situations exhibited by the Drucker–Prager model in plane strain condition is investigated and explained, and it is shown that this can also affect strain hardening/softening models. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximation of solutions to operator equations in spaces of smooth functions and in spaces of distributions
Authors: Litvinov W. G.
Published: October 2013

The Galerkin method, in particular, the Galerkin method with finite elements (called finite element method) is widely used for numerical solution of differential equations. The Galerkin method allows us to obtain approximations of weak solutions only. However, there arises in applications a rich variety of problems where approximations of smooth solutions and solutions in the sense of distributions have to be found. This article is devoted to the employment of the Petrov–Galerkin method for solving such problems. The article contains general results on the Petrov–Galerkin approximations of solutions to linear and nonlinear operator equations. The problem on construction of the subspaces, which ensure the convergence of the approximations, is investigated. We apply the general results to two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D problems of the elasticity, to a parabolic problem, and to a nonlinear problem of the plasticity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 406–450, 2014
Mechanical properties of modified biofiller‐polypropylene composites
Authors: Kumar Raj , Dhaliwal J.S. , Kapur G.S. , Shashikant
Published: October 2013

This article reports the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of polypropylene (PP)‐chicken eggshell (ES) composites. Mechanical properties like tensile strength, tensile modulus, izod impact strength, flexural modulus of PP composites with normal (unmodified) eggshell and chemically treated ES [modified ES (MES) with isophthalic acid] have been investigated. PP–calcium carbonate (CaCO3) composites, at the same filler loadings, were also prepared and used as reference. The results showed that PP composites with chemically MES had better mechanical properties compared to the unmodified ES and CaCO3 composites. An increase of about 3–18% in tensile modulus, 4–44% in izod impact strength and 1.5–26% in flexural modulus at different filler loading was observed in MES composites as compared to unmodified ES composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of fractured tensile specimens confirmed better interfacial adhesion of MES with polymer matrix resulting into lower voids and plastic deformation resulting in improved mechanicals of the composites. TEM micrographs showed acicular needle shaped morphology for modified ES and have contributed to better dispersion which is the prime reason for enhancement of all the mechanical properties. At higher filler loading, the modulus of MES composite was found to be higher by 5% as compared to commercial CaCO3 composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:708–714, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Depression, cytokines, and pancreatic cancer
Authors: Breitbart William , Rosenfeld Barry , Tobias Kristen , Pessin Hayley , Ku Geoffrey Y. , Yuan Jianda , Wolchok Jedd
Published: October 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between cytokines, depression, and pancreatic cancer.

Method

A total of 75 individuals were recruited from two New York City hospitals (a cancer center and a psychiatric hospital) and composed of four subgroups: patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas who did (n = 17) and did not (n = 26) have a diagnosis of Major Depressive Episode (MDE), and healthy participants with (n = 7) and without (n = 25) MDE. All individuals completed a battery of self‐report measures. Sera was assayed using Meso Scale Discovery techniques to measure the following pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines: IL‐1beta, IL‐2, IL‐3, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, IFN‐gamma, TGF‐beta, and TNF‐alpha; we also calculated the IL‐2/IL‐4 ratio.

Results

Pancreatic cancer patients had significantly higher levels of IL‐6 and IL‐10 and significantly lower TGF‐beta levels than healthy participants. When the sample was divided into those with and without MDE, the groups only differed with regard to serum IL‐6 levels. No significant cancer and depression interaction effect was observed. Severity of depressive symptoms was also significantly correlated with IL‐6, rs = 0.28 and p = 0.02, whereas hopelessness was associated with IFN‐alpha, rs = 0.34 and p = 0.006. Pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance were associated with several of the cytokines assayed including IL‐1beta (pain intensity), IL‐4 (pain intensity and overall sleep quality), IL‐12p70 (pain intensity), and TGF‐beta (fatigue intensity), but anxiety was not associated with any of the cytokines assayed.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated an association between depression and IL‐6, but not with other cytokines. Moreover, IL‐6 was not significantly associated with other measures of psychological distress (anxiety and hopelessness) or with symptom distress (pain, fatigue, and sleep quality), although some cytokines assayed were associated with specific symptoms. The implications of these findings for the etiology and treatment of depression in pancreatic cancer patients are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypolipemic Effect of Garcinia cambogia in Obese Women
Authors: Vasques Carlos A. R. , Schneider Ricardo , Klein‐Júnior Luiz C. , Falavigna Andressa , Piazza Ivone , Rossetto Simone
Published: October 2013

Garcinia cambogia seems to promote weight reduction and improvement on lipid profile by its major compound, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), blocking ATP‐citratelyase, potentially inhibiting lipogenesis. Furthermore, it is suggested that its extract is able to change the adipokine levels. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyse the effect of G. cambogia on the lipid profile, endocrine, calorimetric and anthropometric parameters of obese women. The women (BMI > 25 kg/m2; age 25–60 years), divided in treated (n = 30) and control (n = 13) groups, received 2.4 g (800 mg 3×/day) of garcinia extract (50% of HCA) or placebo during 60 days, respectively, as well as dietary control. Weight, BMI, waist–hip ratio and percentage of fat mass, resting metabolic rate, respiratory coefficient, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, leptin and insulin serum levels were evaluated. TG was significantly reduced in the treated group (p = 0.0002) and the post‐treatment variation was different compared to the placebo group (p = 0.04). No significant response was observed on other variables of the lipid profile, or on the anthropometric and calorimetric parameters. Leptin and insulin levels did not change significantly after the treatment. The short‐term treatment with G. cambogia demonstrated a hypotriglyceridemic effect, which does not appear to be related to changes in leptinemia. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In–out asymmetry and interference effects in plasmon excitation by swift charged particles traversing a surface
Authors: Gervasoni J. L. , Barrachina R. O. , Segui S. , Werner W.
Published: October 2013

We investigate the excitation of plasmons by a fast charged particle moving in the vicinity or traversing the surface of a solid along an arbitrary trajectory. We use both quantum‐mechanical and semiclassical dielectric formulations to study how the particle couples with the bulk and surface excitations. We pay special attention to the differences and similarities between incoming and outgoing trajectories, finding some novel oscillatory structures that can be ascribed to an interference effect between direct and reflected plasmon excitations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface chemistry of PVD (Cr,Al)N coatings deposited by means of direct current and high power pulsed magnetron sputtering
Authors: Kunze Christian , Brugnara Ricardo H. , Bagcivan Nazlim , Bobzin Kirsten , Grundmeier Guido
Published: October 2013

(Cr,Al)N protective coatings were deposited using direct current (DC) and high power pulse magnetron sputtering (HPPMS) technology. The chemical analysis of the surface near region of the coatings was performed by means of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and was correlated to the deposition parameters and resulting coating morphology. A surface oxidation process was observed by means of angle resolved XPS studies and XPS sputter profiles. Both DC and HPPMS coatings showed a non‐stoichiometric chemical composition with a significant excess of cations (chromium and aluminum) in the bulk structure, leading to a metastable phase. The passivation reaction of the surface near region leads to an anion to metal ratio which goes along with an enrichment of aluminum in the surface near region as a thermodynamically favored composition in equilibrium with the ambient atmosphere. Interestingly, the variation of the pulse duration of the HPPMS process, which led to a change of the peak current, had a strong influence on the resulting composition of the surface near region. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic review of tools, languages, and methodologies for mashup development
Authors: Paredes‐Valverde Mario Andrés , Alor‐Hernández Giner , Rodríguez‐González Alejandro , Valencia‐García Rafael , Jiménez‐Domingo Enrique
Published: October 2013

Web 2.0 has become a powerful means of transmitting information in a number of fields, such as communication, e‐commerce, and entertainment. Nowadays, companies and organizations transmit specific information through different mechanisms, such as Web feeds and Web services. These data sources enable third parties to incorporate data from service providers into their own applications. On the basis of this understanding, mashups have emerged as a new approach to develop applications and which combine data and resources from heterogeneous sources—such as internal data sources, Web feeds, screen scraping, and Web services—with the aim of solving specific needs. Mashup development involves activities such as accessing heterogeneous sources, combining data from different data sources, and building graphical interfaces. These activities restrict the development of these kinds of applications only to experienced computer users. Today, a number of tools and programming languages are used to help carry out some of the aforementioned activities. These tools and programming languages have features enabling the integration of different technologies in order to solve problems such as data management from different data sources and content publication. If this is taken into account, there is a growing need to learn about the features, advantages, and disadvantages of these tools and programming languages in order to select the tool or language that best fits a specific need and a specific level of knowledge and experience in terms of software development. This paper presents a systematic review and analysis of the tools, programming languages, and software development methodologies involved in mashup development in order to learn more about the features and services provided by mashups. Furthermore, this research also explains the qualitative and quantitative evaluation used for the mashup development tools. The evaluation was performed in order to measure not only the usability of these tools but also the support that they provide for standardized features of Web development that they provide. Finally, new trends in the development of mashups are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of research for transforming youth agencies
Authors: Baizerman Michael , Rence Emily , Johnson Sean
Published: October 2013

Current philosophy and practice urge, even require for funding, that programs be empirically based and grounded in empirically proven emerging, promising, or best practices. In most of the human services, including youth programs, services, and practices, this requirement is a goal as well as an ideal. Empirical research and evaluation can be used in many ways. This article describes how it can be used for problem construction, a sociopolitical process that intentionally transforms data into “problems,” the latter to mobilize and respond to the conditions documented in and by the data. This is the research strategy used primarily in an effort to transform a community youth service agency.
A Low‐dimensional Viologen/Iodoargentate Hybrid [(BV)2­(Ag5I9)]n: Structure, Properties, and Theoretical Study
Authors: Chen Qiu‐Yan , Cheng Xian , Wang Tao , Yu Zi‐Hao , Zhang Chong , Lin Shu‐Kun , Li Hao‐Hong , Chen Zhi‐Rong
Published: October 2013

A new low‐dimensional benzyl viologen/iodoargentate hybrid, [(BV)2(Ag5I9)]n (1) (BV2+ = benzyl viologen) was prepared. In 1, (Ag6I9)n2– chain exhibits a new type of one‐dimensional chain constructed from vertex‐sharing of Ag5I10 units, and its two‐dimensional layer structure was constructed from C–H···I hydrogen bonds. Strong luminescence at 404 nm can be detected in 1. DFT calculation suggests that 1 displays a reduced bandgap, which is led by a more dispersed LUMO band of BV2+ compared with MV2+ in [MV(Ag2I4)]n.
The Energetic Nitrocarbamate O2NN(H)CO[OCH2C(NO2)3] Derived from Phosgene
Authors: Axthammer Quirin J. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard , Moll Richard , Rest Sebastian F.
Published: October 2013

A new simple synthesis route for 2,2,2‐trinitroethyl chloroformate (1), from easily available starting materials 2,2,2‐trinitroethanol and phosgene is presented. 2,2,2‐Trinitroethyl carbamate (2) was obtained by the reaction of 1 with aqueous ammonia. The nitration of 2 with anhydrous nitric acid and sulfuric acid yields 2,2,2‐trinitroethyl nitrocarbamate (3), which has potential as a perchlorate free high energetic dense oxidizer with a high oxygen balance of Ω(CO2) = +14.9 %. The thermal stability was studied using differential scanning calorimetry and the energies of formation were calculated on the CBS‐4M level of theory, as well as several detonation parameters and propulsion properties were determined. In addition to full spectroscopic characterization, X‐ray diffraction studies were performed for 2 and 3.