bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wintertime aerosol chemical composition and source apportionment of the organic fraction in the metropolitan area of Paris
Authors: Crippa M. , DeCarlo P. F. , Slowik J. G. , Mohr C. , Heringa M. F. , Chirico R. , Poulain L. , Freutel F. , Sciare J. , Cozic J. , Di Marco C. F. , Elsasser M. , José N. , Marchand N. , Abidi E. , Wiedensohler A. , Drewnick F. , Schneider J. , Borrmann S. , Nemitz E. , Zimmermann R. , Jaffrezo J.-L. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Baltensperger U.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The effect of a post-industrial megacity on local and regional air quality was assessed via a month-long field measurement campaign in the Paris metropolitan area during winter 2010. Here we present source apportionment results from three aerosol mass spectrometers and two aethalometers deployed at three measurement stations within the Paris region. Submicron aerosol composition is dominated by the organic fraction (30–36%) and nitrate (28–29%), with lower contributions from sulfate (14–16%), ammonium (12–14%) and black carbon (7–13%). Organic source apportionment was performed using positive matrix factorization, resulting in a set of organic factors corresponding both to primary emission sources and secondary production. The dominant primary sources are traffic (11–15% of organic mass), biomass burning (13–15 %) and cooking (11–17% and up to 35% during meal hours). Secondary organic aerosol contributes more than 50% to the total organic mass and includes a highly oxidized factor from indeterminate and/or diverse sources and a less oxidized factor related to wood burning emissions. Black carbon was apportioned to traffic and wood burning sources using a model based on wavelength-dependent light absorption of these two combustion sources. The time series of organic and black carbon factors from related sources were strongly correlated. The similarities in aerosol composition, total mass and temporal variation between the three sites suggest that particulate pollution in Paris is dominated by regional factors, and that the emissions from Paris itself have a relatively low impact on its surroundings.
Saddle Point and Second Order Optimality in Nondifferentiable Nonlinear Abstract Multiobjective Optimization
Authors: Dos Santos Lucelina Batista , Rojas-Medar Marko Antonio , De Oliveira Valeriano Antunes
Published: September 2012

This article deals with a vector optimization problem with cone constraints in a Banach space setting. By making use of a real-valued Lagrangian and the concept of generalized subconvex-like functions, weakly efficient solutions are characterized through saddle point type conditions. The results, jointly with the notion of generalized Hessian (introduced in [Cominetti, R., Correa, R.: A generalized second-order derivative in nonsmooth optimization. SIAM J. Control Optim. 28, 789–809 (1990)]), are applied to achieve second order necessary and sufficient optimality conditions (without requiring twice differentiability for the objective and constraining functions) for the particular case when the functionals involved are defined on a general Banach space into finite dimensional ones.
Small-Intestine Pneumocystis jiroveci Pseudotumor as an Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome–Presenting Illness: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zhou Yi , Shetty Jayarama , Pins Michael R
Published: September 2012

A Pneumocystis jiroveci infection–associated mass clinically mimicking a malignancy (ie, pseudotumor) is rare and usually occurs in the lung in association with Pneumocystis pneumonia. Pneumocystis jiroveci pseudotumors of the small intestine are extremely rare and represent an unusual form of disseminated P jiroveci infection. We present a case of small-intestine P jiroveci pseudotumor as an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome–presenting illness in a patient with coinfection with cytomegalovirus, no pulmonary symptoms, and no known risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus infection. This case reinforces the potential importance of cytomegalovirus coinfection in the disseminated form of Pneumocystis infection and illustrates the importance of an expanded differential diagnosis when confronted with a clinically atypical mass lesion.
Étude de l’écriture chez des adultes porteurs de trisomie 21
Authors: Tsao Raphaele , Velay Jean-Luc , Barbier Marie-Laure , Gombert Anne
Published: September 2012

L’objectif de cette recherche est d’étudier l’écriture chez des adultes porteurs de trisomie 21 (T21) en analysant conjointement la qualité des tracés et les propriétés temporelles des mouvements afin d’extraire les mécanismes de programmation motrice et de contrôle du geste sous-jacents. Les productions d’adultes porteurs de T21 (n= 7) ont été comparées à celles d’enfants tout-venant de même âge de développement (n= 8) et d’adultes tout-venant de même âge réel (n= 8). Les résultats indiquent que la qualité des tracés et les temps de production des adultes avec T21 se caractérisent par un niveau d’efficience comparable au groupe d’enfants tout-venant de même âge de développement. Les adultes avec T21 ne présentent pas de déficit graphomoteur spécifique (au niveau de la fonction motrice de l’écriture).
Canevas pour évaluer et stimuler des compétences socio-émotionnelles d’enfants ayant une déficience intellectuelle, avec autisme ou trouble de comportement
Authors: Nader-Grosbois Nathalie
Published: September 2012

Cet article propose l’intégration de plusieurs axes d’évaluation et d’intervention ciblant les compétences socio-émotionnelles chez des enfants et adolescents à développement atypique, sur base d’un récent modèle heuristique du fonctionnement social de Yeates et al. (2007), inspiré des travaux menés en neuroscience sociale et en psychologie du développement. Il crée des articulations entre trois niveaux de fonctionnement social d’enfants et d’adolescents atypiques : en l’occurrence, le traitement de l’information sociale (Théorie de l’Esprit, traitement socio-perceptif, connaissances sociales), les interactions sociales (avec pairs et adultes), l’adaptation sociale et la qualité des relations. Pour chaque niveau spécifique, cet article propose des types d’instruments d’évaluation et des indications utiles pour soutenir leurs compétences ou pour limiter leurs déficits particuliers.
« It is man’s work and you are just little girlies » : narration genrée et figures de l’empowerment féminin dans le film catastrophe hollywoodien
Authors: Molia François-Xavier
Published: September 2012

Le film catastrophe hollywoodien des années 1970 reproduisait les représentations traditionnelles des rapports de sexe dans une société patriarcale. Le cycle des années 1990 semble, lui, prendre acte des évolutions de la société contemporaine en accordant aux femmes une présence filmique accrue ainsi que des statuts sociaux plus importants. À quelle éventuelle élaboration générique ce rééquilibrage de la galerie des personnages conduit-il ?Twister(Jan de Bont, 1996),Deep Impact(Mimi Leder, 1998) etTitanic(James Cameron, 1997) modifient la formule du film catastrophe en y greffant des éléments susceptibles (du moins le suppose-t-on) d’attirer les spectatrices vers un genre « pour hommes » : traitement approfondi des enjeux amoureux et familiaux, hybridation avec le mélodrame ou la romance et amplification de la tonalité pathétique et, enfin, travail sur le point de vue féminin à travers différents procédés narratifs. Cette réorientation produit du « texte incohérent » (Robin Wood), sur le plan générique et sur le plan des représentations genrées, puisque ces femmes agissantes mais malgré tout dominées font osciller les films entre vision progressiste et stéréotypes.
A PESQUISA NA RECONSTRUÇÃO HISTÓRICA DA FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES NO PARANÁ: UM DEPOIMENTO
Authors: Blanck Miguel Maria Elisabeth
Published: September 2012

O artigo trata da trajetória de um pesquisador no estudo histórico da formação de professores,no período do Paraná Provincial (1853-1889). Trata das fontes e compara as fontes oficiais (legislação e relatórios dos Presidentes da Província do Paraná) com os Ofícios que trazem os relatórios dos professores. Tais relatórios são considerados como depoimentos fornecidos pelos mestres traduzindo a organização escolar, a preferência por determinados métodos, a conceituação da educação, a relação professor-aluno, bem como os problemas com os quais se deparavam os professores. A argumentação se alicerça em Saviani,Ianni, Bloch, Le Goff, Wachowicz, Westephalen, Balhana, Machado, Villela, Vidal, dentre outros, além de fontes documentais. Enquanto depoimento, pretende contribuir com os que se iniciam na pesquisa histórica.
Ética e conhecimento na formação da pessoa (professor): uma abordagem no âmbito da História da Educação
Authors: Oliveira Terezinha
Published: September 2012

Neste artigo teceremos algumas considerações sobre a importância da ética como virtudetanto na formação da pessoa cidadã como na realização da pesquisa em educação, umavez que consideramos o ensino e a pesquisa faces da mesma moeda. Partimos da premissaque a ética se expressa nos atos cotidianos da pessoa, por conseguinte, também nas pesquisas.Destacamos que a escolha para o recorte deste texto origina-se do lócus de ondeparte nosso discurso, isto é, da condição de historiadora e historiadora da educação.É, portanto, deste campo que problematizaremos a ética como virtude essencial no ensinoe na pesquisa em história da educação. Esclarecemos, também, que concebemos a história e a educação como ações ou práticas humanas na sua totalidade e sob a perspectivada longa duração. Assim, salientamos que trataremos ambas sempre amalgamadase fundamentaremos, teoricamente, nosso discurso por meio de atores da e na história.
A general survey of the feasibility of culturing the mysid Gastrosaccus roscoffensis (Peracarida, Mysida): Growth, survival, predatory skills, and lipid composition
Authors: Escánez A , Riera R , Márquez L , Skalli A , Felipe BC , García-Herrero I , Reis D , Rodríguez C , Almansa E
Published: September 2012

The effects of culture conditions on growth, survival, predation, and nutritional composition of the mysid Gastrosaccus roscoffensis were studied. Light had a negative effect on the predation rates of G. roscoffensis and predator size was important to prey on Artemia nauplii and rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis). Growth rates were higher in the first three weeks and measured individuals increased almost 7 mm in length in six weeks. Mortality rate was not constant, but it peaked during the first 10 days and after the 40th day of culture. Lipid class composition of cultured G. roscoffensis juveniles showed differences compared to wild G. roscoffensis and other mysid species, with a high proportion of neutral lipids (72.04% total lipids) mainly triacylglycerol (41.74%). Fatty acid composition was characterized by high levels of 18:3n-3 (23.16% total lipids) and monoenes in cultured G. roscoffensis. The experiments demonstrated the feasibility of the culturing conditions assayed for G. roscoffensis, although further experiments should be carried out to test this mysid as a prey for new species of commercial interest, including fish and cephalopods.
Highly Electroresponsive Polymer Blends of Polyaniline Nanoparticles and Chloroprene Rubbers
Authors: Kunanuruksapong R. , Sirivat A.
Published: September 2012

Polymer blends between polyaniline (PANI) nano/large particles and chloroprene rubbers were fabricated and investigated as the electroresponsive materials. The effects of the chloroprene type, particle size, particle concentration, and electric field strength on the electrical properties, the storage modulus sensitivity, and the dielectrophoresis force were studied. Chloroprene W provides the highest storage modulus sensitivity at 55% and is chosen as the matrix. The electrical conductivity and the dielectric constant of the blends increase with an increasing concentration of PANI nano/large particles. The storage modulus of the blends (with and without the electric field) increases linearly with the PANI content. The maximum storage modulus sensitivities of the blends with PANI nano and large particles at E = 2 kV/mm are 73% at 0.01 vol% and 63% at 0.1 vol%, respectively. The dielectrophoresis force of all specimens increases monotonically with increasing electric field strength. The blends with PANI‐nano and large particles at 0.01 vol% generate higher dielectrophoresis forces than those of the pure chloroprene W. For the 0.1 vol% of PANI nano and large particles, the resultant deflection angle and dielectrophoresis forces are lower than those of the 0.01 vol% systems and the pure chloroprene W, presumably due to the diminishing resultant dipole moments generated with increasing PANI concentration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E556–E571, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21301
Effect of Biodegradable Cross‐Linkers on the Properties of the Novel Poly(NIPAAm) Hydrogels
Authors: Lee Wen‐Fu , Wang Jia‐Yi , Shen Hsin‐Hsin , Hsieh Meng‐Yow
Published: September 2012

In this article, a series of biodegradable cross‐linkers, [poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(d,l‐ lactide‐co‐glycolide), (PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA), diacrylate] (LGE dA) with different molar ratios of d,l‐lactide (LA)/glycolide (GA) in PLGA, were prepared from the corresponding PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA diol (LGE diol) triblock copolymers and then acrylated with acryloyl chloride. The LGE diols were synthesized through ring‐opening polymerization of LA and GA using PEG as an initiator and stannous octoate [Sn(Oct)2] as a catalyst in advance. A series of novel thermosensitive and biodegradable hydrogels were then prepared from N‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAm) and LGE dA as a cross‐linker. The effect of different molar ratios of LA/GA in PLGA on the swelling ratio and physical properties of the poly(NIPAAm) hydrogels were investigated. The results showed that the swelling ratios of the poly(NIPAAm) hydrogels in deionized water decreased with increasing cross‐linker content and increased with increasing GA content in the hydrogel. The compressive modulus and cross‐linking density of the hydrogels also increased with an increase in the cross‐linker content and molar ratio of LA/GA in the present hydrogel. The hydrogels can be degraded about 60% for the NL50 series of gels, but for NL78 about 53% can be degradable in 1‐month biodegradable experiment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E633–E650, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21307
Regulation of inflammatory responses in tumor necrosis factor–activated and rheumatoid arthritis synovial macrophages by JAK inhibitors
Authors: Yarilina Anna , Xu Kai , Chan Chunhin , Ivashkiv Lionel B.
Published: September 2012

Objective

JAK inhibitors have been developed as antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive agents and are currently undergoing testing in clinical trials. The JAK inhibitors CP‐690,550 (tofacitinib) and INCB018424 (ruxolitinib) have demonstrated clinical efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanisms that mediate the beneficial actions of these compounds are not known. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of both JAK inhibitors on inflammatory and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) responses in human macrophages.

Methods

In vitro studies were performed using peripheral blood macrophages derived from healthy donors and treated with TNF and using synovial fluid macrophages derived from patients with RA. Levels of activated STAT proteins and other transcription factors were detected by Western blotting, and gene expression was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The in vivo effects of JAK inhibitors were evaluated in the K/BxN serum–transfer model of arthritis.

Results

JAK inhibitors suppressed the activation and expression of STAT‐1 and downstream inflammatory target genes in TNF‐stimulated and RA synovial macrophages. In addition, JAK inhibitors decreased nuclear localization of NF‐κB subunits in TNF‐stimulated and RA synovial macrophages. CP‐690,550 significantly decreased the expression of interleukin‐6 in synovial macrophages. JAK inhibitors augmented nuclear levels of NF‐ATc1 and cJun, followed by increased formation of osteoclast‐like cells. CP‐690,550 strongly suppressed K/BxN serum–transfer arthritis, which is dependent on macrophages, but not lymphocytes.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that JAK inhibitors suppress macrophage activation and attenuate TNF responses and further suggest that suppression of cytokine/chemokine production and innate immunity contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of JAK inhibitors.
Bacteriocin‐mediated interactions within and between coexisting species
Authors: Hawlena Hadas , Bashey Farrah , Lively Curtis M.
Published: September 2012

Bacteriocins are bacteriocidal toxins released by almost all bacteria. They are thought to have a narrow range of killing, but as bacteriocin‐mediated interactions have been rarely studied at biologically relevant scales, whether this narrow range of action falls mostly within or mostly between coexisting species in natural communities is an open question with important ecological and evolutionary implications. In a previous study, we systematically sampled Xenorhabdus bacteria along a hillside and found evidence for genotypic variability and bacteriocin‐mediated interactions within Xenorhabdus bovienii and X. koppenhoeferi colonies that were collected only a few meters apart. In contrast, colonies that were isolated from the same soil sample were always genetically similar and showed no inhibitions. Here, we conducted pairwise growth‐inhibition assays within and between seven X. bovienii and five X. koppenhoeferi colonies that were isolated from different soil samples; all seven X. bovienii colonies and at least three of the X. koppenhoeferi have been distinguished as distinct genotypes based on coarse‐grain genomic markers. We found signatures for both conspecific and heterospecific bacteriocin inhibitions in this natural community of Xenorhabdus bacteria, but intraspecific inhibitions were significantly more common than interspecific inhibitions. These results suggest that bacteriocins have a major role in intraspecific competition in nature, but also suggest that bacterocins are important in mediating interspecific interactions among coexisting species in natural communities.
Simple infrared techniques for measuring beach surface moisture
Authors: Edwards Brandon L. , Namikas Steven L. , D'Sa Eurico J.
Published: September 2012

Knowledge of surface moisture on beaches is vital for aeolian process studies because moisture increases transport thresholds and limits mass flux. A number of beach surface moisture measurement techniques have been employed in the field, including sample extraction, commercial soil moisture sensors, and remote sensing techniques. Each method has significant limitations in the context of aeolian process studies. This study was designed to test infrared optic techniques for measuring beach surface moisture. A simple infrared sensor (narrow‐band radiometer) was developed to measure beach surface moisture content. The accuracy and practical usability of the narrow‐band radiometer were assessed in comparison to a commercial handheld spectroradiometer. Field calibrations conducted at Cape San Blas, Florida and Padre Island, Texas indicated that the narrow‐band radiometer performed quite well. The R2 values exceeded 0·98 in each case, and the standard error averaged about 1% moisture content compared with gravimetric moisture contents determined from 1·5 mm deep surface scrapes. The performance of the two instruments was found to be comparable, with the narrow‐band radiometer slightly outperforming the spectroradiometer. In practical applications, the narrow‐band radiometer also has logistical advantages and is better suited to measure large numbers of points. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of heavy metal and PAH exposure in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in the Reedy River watershed, South Carolina, USA: A multi-season assessment of metallothionein and bile fluorescence
Authors: Otter Ryan R. , Schreiber Erika A. , van den Hurk Peter , Klaine Stephen J.
Published: September 2012

Biomarkers can be used as tools to help determine ecological exposure in watershed assessments. In the present study, metallothionein and fixed wavelength bile fluorescence for two-, four-, and five-ring hydrocarbons were used as biomarkers of exposure in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in the Reedy River watershed located in South Carolina, USA. Fish were sampled from three impoundments and a reference site over three seasons in the same year. Biomarker endpoints were compared to chemical concentrations at each site during each season. Results indicated that despite elevated concentrations of hydrocarbons being present in sediments, the hydrocarbons did not appear to be bioavailable based on bile fluorescence analysis. Bile fluorescence analysis also indicated that the hydrocarbons detected in this watershed were likely of petrogenic origin. Significantly elevated sediment concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Ag, Zn, and metallothionein were found in one impoundment, Lake Conestee, compared with the reference site, indicating both the presence and bioavailability of these metals. Seasonal variability of bile fluorescence was limited; however, metallothionein showed elevated concentrations in the spring and summer compared with fall. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2763–2770. © 2012 SETAC
A meta-analytic review of life cycle assessment and flow analyses studies of palm oil biodiesel
Authors: Manik Yosef , Halog Anthony
Published: September 2012

This work reviews and performs a meta-analysis of the recent life cycle assessment and flow analyses studies palm oil biodiesel. The best available data and information are extracted, summarized, and discussed. Most studies found palm oil biodiesel would produce positive energy balance with an energy ratio between 2.27 and 4.81, and with a net energy production of 112 GJ ha−1y−1. With the exception of a few studies, most conclude that palm oil biodiesel is a net emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG). The origin of oil palm plantation (planted area) is the foremost determinant of GHG emissions and C payback time (CPBT). Converting peatland forest results in GHG emissions up to 60 tons CO2equivalent (eq) ha−1y−1 leading to 420 years of CPBT. In contrast, converting degraded land or grassland for plantation can positively offset the system to become a net sequester of 5 tons CO2eq ha−1y−1. Few studies have discussed cradle-to-grave environmental impacts such as acidification, eutrophication, toxicity, and biodiversity, which open opportunity for further studies. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013; 9: 134–141. © 2012 SETAC
Synthesis, characterization, and biocompatibility of a novel biomimetic material based on MGF‐Ct24E modified poly(D, L‐lactic acid)
Authors: Li Yuxiao , Zhang Bingbing , Ruan Changshun , Wang Pinpin , Sun Jiaoxia , Pan Jun , Wang Yuanliang
Published: September 2012

Mechano‐growth factor (MGF) is an alternative splicing variant of Insulin‐like growth factor I. MGF and its 24 amino acid peptide analog corresponding to the unique C‐terminal E‐domain (MGF‐Ct24E) are the positive regulator for tissue regenesis in bone. A novel biomimetic poly(D, L‐lactic acid) (PDLLA) modification was designed and synthesized based on MGF‐Ct24E grafted maleic anhydride modified PDLLA (MPLA). MGF‐Ct24Es were grafted into the side chain of MPLA via a stable covalent amide bond using 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethyllaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride and N‐hydroxysuccinimide as the condensing agent to produce biomimetic MPLA materials (MGF‐Ct24E‐MPLA). Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, amino acid analyzer, and elementary analysis were used to characterize the MGF‐Ct24E‐MPLA. The hydrophilicity of MGF‐Ct24E‐MPLA was evaluated by means of the water‐uptake ratios and static water contact angle. Data revealed that the grafting efficiency of MGF‐Ct24E was about 29.9%. MGF‐Ct24E‐MPLA had better hydrophilicity than PDLLA and MPLA. The osteoblasts behavior of proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization on PDLLA, MPLA, and MGF‐Ct24E‐MPLA films was investigated and the results indicated that the introduction of MGF‐Ct24E could improve osteoblasts proliferation, mineralization, and delay differentiation. The MGF‐Ct24E modified MPLA with higher bioactivity may have potential application for bone tissue engineering. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3496–3502, 2012.
Histopathological, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity evaluation of Biosilicate® glass–ceramic scaffolds
Authors: Kido Hueliton W. , Oliveira Poliani , Parizotto Nivaldo A. , Crovace Murilo C. , Zanotto Edgar D. , Peitl‐Filho Oscar , Fernandes Kristianne P. S. , Mesquita‐Ferrari Raquel A. , Ribeiro Daniel A. , M. Renno Ana Claudia
Published: September 2012

This study evaluated the biocompatibility of Biosilicate® scaffolds by means of histopathological, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity analysis. The histopathologic analysis of the biomaterial was performed using 65 male rats, distributed into the groups: control and Biosilicate®, evaluated at 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after implantation. The cytotoxicity analysis was performed by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, with various concentrations of extracts from the biomaterial in culture of osteoblasts and fibroblasts after 24, 72, and 120 h. The genotoxicity analysis (comet assay) was performed in osteoblasts and fibroblasts after contact with the biomaterial during 24, 72, and 96 h. In the histopathology analysis, we observed a foreign body reaction, characterized by the presence of granulation tissue after 7 days of implantation of the biomaterial, and fibrosis connective tissue and multinucleated giant cells for longer periods. In the cytotoxicity analysis, extracts from the biomaterial did not inhibit the proliferation of osteoblasts and fibroblasts, and relatively low concentrations (12.5% and 25%) stimulated the proliferation of both cell types after 72 and 120 h. The analysis of genotoxicity showed that Biosilicate® did not induce DNA damage in both lineages tested in all periods. The results showed that the Biosilicate® scaffolds present in vivo and in vitro biocompatibility. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 667–673, 2013.
Apatite‐coated three‐dimensional fibrous scaffolds and their osteoblast response
Authors: Tang Yanwei , Zhao Yan , Wong Cynthia S. , Wang Xungai , Lin Tong
Published: September 2012

Apatite was applied onto the fiber surface of an interbonded three‐dimensional polycaprolactone fibrous scaffold through a vacuum nitrogen plasma pretreatment followed by immersion in a simulated body fluid. The plasma pretreatment improved the wettability and accelerated apatite deposition on the fiber surface. The apatite coating was proven to be biocompatible to fibroblast cells without any cytotoxicity. Two osteoblast cell lines, human fetal osteoblast cells (hFOB1.19) and human osteosarcoma cells (Saos‐2), were used for evaluating the cell response of the fibrous matrices. The apatite coating showed enhanced cell attachment for both hFOB1.19 and Saos‐2 cells. In comparison to the uncoated fibrous scaffolds, the apatite‐coated fibrous matrix had an improved hFOB1.19 cell proliferation for at least 2 weeks. Enhanced cell differentiation was also observed on the apatite‐coated fibrous matrix primarily on the third, 10th, and 14th days of culture. Saos‐2 cells showed improved proliferation in the apatite‐coated matrix mainly on days 3 and 14, but the differentiation was increased only on the third day of culture. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 674–683, 2013.
Performance optimization of injectable chitosan hydrogel by combining physical and chemical triple crosslinking structure
Authors: Chen Chen , Wang Lei , Deng Liandong , Hu Renjie , Dong Anjie
Published: September 2012

To improve the biocompatibility and application properties of injectable chitosan hydrogel, an injectable triple crosslinking network hydrogel (CTGP) is prepared by physical interaction, Michael addition and disulfide bond formation based on thiolated chitosan (CS‐TGA), β‐glycerophosphate (β‐GP) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) without the addition of cytotoxic crosslinkers and catalysts. Compared with the short gelation time of 2 min of CTG hydrogel (without PEGDA) at 37°C, CTGP hydrogel containing different molecular weight of PEGDA exhibits controllable gelation times from 1 to 22 min, which could meet the different demands in clinical application. Further, the compressive modulus is improved differently by introducing PEGDA into the system. The presence of PEGDA in CTGP hydrogel imparts better swelling property, and there is a sustained protein release from the hydrogel without any initial burst. In vitro cytotoxicity and hemolysis reveal that the gel is biocompatible. In vivo subdermal injection into mice models further confirms the non‐cytotoxicity of the hydrogel and the hydrogel is highly resistant to degradation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 684–693, 2013.
Modular polylactic acid microparticle‐based scaffolds prepared via microfluidic emulsion/solvent displacement process: Fabrication, characterization, andin vitromesenchymal stem cells interaction study
Authors: Salerno A. , Levato R. , Mateos‐Timoneda M. A. , Engel E. , Netti P. A. , Planell J. A.
Published: September 2012

The present study reports a novel approach for the design and fabrication of polylactic acid (PLA) microparticle‐based scaffolds with microstructural properties suitable for bone and cartilage regeneration. Macroporous PLA scaffolds with controlled shape were fabricated by means of a semicontinuous process involving (1) microfluidic emulsification of a PLA/ethyl lactate solution (5% w/v) in a span 80/paraffin oil solution (3% v/v) followed by (2) particles coagulation/assembly in an acetone/water solution for the development of a continuous matrix. Porous scaffolds prepared from particles with monomodal or bimodal size distribution, overall porosity ranges from 93 to 96%, interparticles porosity from 41 to 54%, and static compression moduli from 0.3 to 1.4 MPa were manufactured by means of flow rate modulation of of the continuous phase during emulsion. The biological response of the scaffolds was assessedin vitroby using bone marrow‐derived rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The results demonstrated the ability of the scaffolds to support the extensive and uniform three‐dimensional adhesion, colonization, and proliferation of MSCs within the entire construct. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 720–732, 2013.
Distance dependency and minimum amino acid alphabets for decoy scoring potentials
Authors: Pape Susanne , Hoffgaard Franziska , Dür Mirjam , Hamacher Kay
Published: September 2012

The validity and accuracy of a proposed tertiary structure of a protein can be assessed in several ways. Scoring such a structure by a knowledge‐based potential is a well‐known approach in molecular biophysics, an important task in structure prediction and refinement, and a key step in several experiments on protein structures. Although several parameterizations for such models have been derived over the course of time, improvements in accuracy by explicitly using continuous distance information have not been suggested yet. We close this methodological gap by formulating the parameterization of a protein structure model as a linear program. Optimization of the parameters was performed using amino acid distances calculated for the residues in topology rich 2830 protein structures. We show the capability of our derived model to discriminate between native structures and decoys for a diverse set of proteins. In addition, we discuss the effect of reduced amino acid alphabets on the model. In contrast to studies focusing on binary contact schemes (without considering distance dependencies and proposing five symbols as optimal alphabet size), we find an accurate protein alphabet size to contain at least five symbols, preferably more, to assure a satisfactory fold recognition capability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proton affinities of deoxyribonucleosides via the ONIOM‐ccCA methodology
Authors: Riojas Amanda G. , John Joshua R. , Williams T. Gavin , Wilson Angela K.
Published: September 2012

Utilizing the recently developed ONIOM‐ccCA methodology, the proton affinities (PAs) of small biomolecules (∼15 nonhydrogen atoms) were determined. The ONIOM‐ccCA method was used to predict the PAs of eight amine‐containing molecules and these predictions were then compared with experiment. In these comparisons, a protocol for the determination of the model system size was established, and the low level method and basis set for the real system component of ONIOM‐ccCA were considered. Several possible density functionals were investigated for description of the real system (low layer), including B3LYP, B97‐1, B97‐2, B98, BMK, M06, and M06‐2X. The resulting proton affinities were compared both to experiment and to theoretical values that were calculated using the correlation consistent Composite Approach (ccCA). The impact of the choice of augmented correlation consistent basis sets in the ONIOM‐ccCA low level calculation was also examined, and PAs calculated with augmented and non‐augmented basis sets were compared to those extrapolated to the complete basis set (CBS) limit. ONIOM(ccCA:B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVDZ) was then applied to deoxyribonucleosides to determine the PAs at possible sites of protonation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GPGPU for orbital function evaluation with a new updating scheme
Authors: Uejima Yutaka , Maezono Ryo
Published: September 2012

We have accelerated an ab initio quantum Monte Carlo electronic structure calculation using general purpose computing on graphical processing units (GPGPU). The part of the code causing the bottleneck for extended systems is replaced by Compute Unified Device Architecture‐GPGPU subroutine kernels which build up spline basis set expansions of electronic orbital functions at each Monte Carlo step. We have achieved a speedup of a factor of 30 for the bottleneck for a simulation of solid TiO2 with 1536 electrons. To improve the performance with GPGPU we propose a new updating scheme for Monte Carlo sampling, quasi‐simultaneous updating, which is intermediate between configuration‐by‐configuration updating and the widely used particle‐by‐particle updating. The error in the energy due to by the single precision treatment and the new updating scheme is found to be within the required accuracy of ∼10−3 hartree per primitive cell. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of water in the adsorption of oxygenated aromatics on Pt and Pd
Authors: Yang Jin , Dauenhauer Paul J. , Ramasubramaniam Ashwin
Published: September 2012

Catalytic processing of biomass‐derived oxygenates to valuable chemical products will contribute to a sustainable future. To provide insight into the conversion of processed sugars and lignin monomers, we present density functional theory studies of adsorption of phloroglucinol, a potentially valuable biomass derivative, on Pt(111) and Pd(111) surfaces. A comprehensive study of adsorption geometries and associated energies indicates that the bridge site is the most preferred adsorption site for phloroglucinol, with binding energies in the range of 2–3 eV in the vapor phase. Adsorption of phloroglucinol on these metal surfaces occurs via hybridization between the carbon pzorbitals and the metal dand dyzorbitals. With explicit solvent, hydrogen bonds are formed between phloroglucinol and water molecules thereby decreasing binding of phloroglucinol to the metal surfaces relative to the vapor phase by 20–25%. Based on these results, we conclude that solvent effects can significantly impact adsorption of oxygenated aromatic compounds derived from biomass and influence catalytic hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation reactions as well. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute carotid artery dissection treated with stenting and hematoma aspiration guided by ultrasonography
Authors: Geng Liming , Zha Changsong , Liu Hao , Xu Jianjun , Xiang Yuexia , Zou Zhongmin
Published: September 2012

We report the successful treatment of dissection with stenosis of the carotid artery by stenting and aspiration of hematoma. A male patient, presenting with acute blurred vision and weakness and numbness of the right side of his body, was diagnosed with common carotid artery (CCA) dissection and severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery and CCA by digital subtraction arteriography and color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU). Two stents were separately implanted into the left internal carotid artery and CCA to restore blood flow and seal the opening of the dissection. The hematoma inside the CCA dissection was transcutaneously aspirated under CDU guidance after thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator. Three days after the operation, the dissection was still sealed. The patient was discharged 1 week later without any signs or symptoms. Follow‐up examination at 70 days confirmed complete healing of the CCA dissection. Transcutaneous intradissection hematoma aspiration with CDU guidance may be applicable in treating arterial dissection, especially when conservative treatments cannot be expected to improve severe flow disturbances. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 41:509–513, 2013;
μ‐Raman mapping to study calcium oxalate historical films
Authors: Conti C. , Aliatis I. , Colombo C. , Greco M. , Possenti E. , Realini M. , Castiglioni C. , Zerbi G.
Published: September 2012

This study is focused on the characterization of the oxalate films observed on the surfaces of several ancient monuments. They consist mostly of calcium oxalate in the common forms, namely whewellite (CaC2O4 • H2O) and weddellite (CaC2O4 • (2 + x) H2O), which chemically differ only by the number of water molecules contained in the crystalline unit cell. In order to ascertain the controversial origin of the calcium oxalate films, the settlement of their mineralogical composition and stratigraphy is essential. Because of the lack of analytical techniques able to discriminate, with an acceptable resolution, between whewellite and weddellite in cross‐sections, in the literature, very little attention has been paid to these data. μ‐Raman mapping allowed for the first time, to unequivocally identify the phases which occur in the calcium oxalate films and to obtain direct information, at high spatial resolution, on their distribution with respect to the material surface. μ‐Raman mapping carried out on polished cross‐sections of samples belonging to the façade of the Cathedral of Trento showed, for a yet unknown reason, either a random distribution of the two phases or a higher content of weddellite in the external portions of the calcium oxalate films. Meaningful differences in the mineralogical composition have been highlighted between areas of the monument sheltered from rainfall and those exposed to rainfall. A multivariate approach using principal components analysis has been used to analyze the huge number of spectra in the Raman maps. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Telaprevir-based triple therapy in liver transplant patients with hepatitis C virus: A 12-week pilot study providing safety and efficacy data
Authors: Werner Christoph R. , Egetemeyr Daniel P. , Lauer Ulrich M. , Nadalin Silvio , Königsrainer Alfred , Malek Nisar P. , Berg Christoph P.
Published: September 2012

After liver transplantation (LT), the management of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections still remains a major challenge. In HCV genotype 1 patients not undergoing transplantation, the introduction of protease inhibitor (PI)–based regimens has increased the sustained virological response rate significantly. This pilot study investigated both the safety and efficacy of telaprevir (TVR)-based triple therapy in HCV-infected LT patients with a special emphasis on drug-drug interactions between immunosuppressants and PIs. Safety and efficacy data were gathered for 12 weeks for 9 HCV-infected LT patients who were treated with a combination of TVR, pegylated interferon, and ribavirin (RBV) in parallel with immunosuppressive drugs such as tacrolimus (TAC; n = 4), cyclosporine A (CSA; n = 4), and sirolimus (SIR; n = 1). Seven of the transplant patients completed the 12 weeks of triple therapy. At week 4, 4 of the patients were found to be HCV RNA–negative, and importantly, 8 were found to be negative at week 12. During the 12-week course of triple therapy, short-term measurements of immunosuppressant trough levels required individual dose reductions in all patients (CSA, 2.5-fold; SIR, 7-fold; and TAC, 22-fold). Furthermore, two-thirds of the patients exhibited hematological side effects requiring RBV dose reductions, the administration of erythropoietin, or even blood transfusions. In conclusion, this pilot study provides evidence showing that TVR-based triple therapy is effective within the first 4 to 12 weeks in LT patients suffering from HCV genotype 1 recurrence, and it also provides evidence showing that drug-drug interactions between TVR and immunosuppressants can be handled appropriately through the close monitoring of trough levels and adequate dosage adjustments. Liver Transpl, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Ion mobility spectrometry‐mass spectrometry (IMS‐MS) of small molecules: Separating and assigning structures to ions
Authors: Lapthorn Cris , Pullen Frank , Chowdhry Babur Z.
Published: September 2012

The phenomenon of ion mobility (IM), the movement/transport of charged particles under the influence of an electric field, was first observed in the early 20th Century and harnessed later in ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). There have been rapid advances in instrumental design, experimental methods, and theory together with contributions from computational chemistry and gas‐phase ion chemistry, which have diversified the range of potential applications of contemporary IMS techniques. Whilst IMS‐mass spectrometry (IMS‐MS) has recently been recognized for having significant research/applied industrial potential and encompasses multi‐/cross‐disciplinary areas of science, the applications and impact from decades of research are only now beginning to be utilized for “small molecule” species. This review focuses on the application of IMS‐MS to “small molecule” species typically used in drug discovery (100–500 Da) including an assessment of the limitations and possibilities of the technique. Potential future developments in instrumental design, experimental methods, and applications are addressed. The typical application of IMS‐MS in relation to small molecules has been to separate species in fairly uniform molecular classes such as mixture analysis, including metabolites. Separation of similar species has historically been challenging using IMS as the resolving power, R, has been low (3–100) and the differences in collision cross‐sections that could be measured have been relatively small, so instrument and method development has often focused on increasing resolving power. However, IMS‐MS has a range of other potential applications that are examined in this review where it displays unique advantages, including: determination of small molecule structure from drift time, “small molecule” separation in achiral and chiral mixtures, improvement in selectivity, identification of carbohydrate isomers, metabonomics, and for understanding the size and shape of small molecules. This review provides a broad but selective overview of current literature, concentrating on IMS‐MS, not solely IMS, and small molecule applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 32:43–71, 2013
Coherent Dynamic Structure Factor of a Polymer Chain Confined Into a Harmonic Radial Potential
Authors: Dolgushev Maxim , Krutyeva Margarita
Published: September 2012

The coherent dynamic structure factor of a single polymer chain is calculated based on the model of a Rouse polymer chain constrained (confined) by a harmonic radial potential and its behavior in different limiting cases is analyzed. The strength of confinement is characterized using an effective diameter of the harmonic radial potential as a model parameter. The method provides a reliable model to study the crossover between unconstrained (Rouse) and constrained dynamics.

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Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric investigations of the complexation behavior of macrocyclic thiacrown ethers with bivalent transitional metals (Cu, Co, Ni and Zn)
Authors: Tsybizova Alexandra , Tarábek Ján , Buchta Michal , Holý Petr , Schröder Detlef
Published: September 2012

RATIONALE

Heavy metals are both a problem for the environment and an important resource for industry. Their selective extraction by means of organic ligands therefore is an attractive topic. The coordination of three thiacrown ethers to late 3d‐metal ions was investigated by a combination of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR).

METHODS

The mass spectrometric experiments were carried out in an ion trap mass spectrometer with an ESI source. Absolute binding constants were estimated by comparison with data for 18‐crown‐6/Na+. EPR spectroscopy was used as a complementary method for investigating the CuI/CuII redox couple.

RESULTS

The study found that thiacrown ethers preferentially bind traces of copper even at an excess of other metal ions (CoII, NiII, and ZnII). The absolute association constants of the CuI complexes were about 108 M–1, and about two orders of magnitude lower for the other 3d‐metal cations. The EPR spectra demonstrated that the reduction from CuII to CuI upon formation of the [(thiacrown)Cu]+ species takes place in solution.

CONCLUSIONS

ESI‐MS demonstrated that the three thiacrown ligands examined had high binding constants as well as good selectivities for copper(I) at low concentrations, and in the presence of other metal ions. By a combination of ESI‐MS and EPR spectrometry it was shown that the reduction from CuII to CuI occurred in solution. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety and Efficacy of Fast‐track Surgery in Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kim Jong Won , Kim Whan Sik , Cheong Jae‐Ho , Hyung Woo Jin , Choi Seung‐Ho , Noh Sung Hoon
Published: September 2012

Background

Fast‐track surgery has been shown to enhance postoperative recovery in several surgical fields. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fast‐track surgery in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

Methods

The present study was designed as a single‐center, randomized, unblinded, parallel‐group trial. Patients were eligible if they had gastric cancer for which laparoscopic distal gastrectomy was indicated. The fast‐track surgery protocol included intensive preoperative education, a short duration of fasting, a preoperative carbohydrate load, early postoperative ambulation, early feeding, and sufficient pain control using local anesthetics perfused via a local anesthesia pump device, with limited use of opioids. The primary endpoint was the duration of possible and actual postoperative hospital stay.

Results

We randomized 47 patients into a fast‐track group (n = 22) and a conventional pathway group (n = 22), with three patients withdrawn. The possible and actual postoperative hospital stays were shorter in the fast‐track group than in the conventional group (4.68 ± 0.65 vs. 7.05 ± 0.65; P < 0.001 and 5.36 ± 1.46 vs. 7.95 ± 1.98; P < 0.001). The time to first flatus and pain intensity were not different between groups; however, a greater frequency of additional pain control was needed in the conventional group (3.64 ± 3.66 vs. 1.64 ± 1.33; P = 0.023). The fast‐track group was superior to the conventional group in several factors of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, including: fatigue, appetite loss, financial problems, and anxiety. The complication and readmission rates were similar between groups.

Conclusions

Fast‐track surgery could enhance postoperative recovery, improve immediate postoperative quality of life, and be safely applied in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.