bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Theories of Crime
Authors: Krohn Marvin D. , Eassey John M.
Published: January 2014

Theoretical integration is the process of joining ideas from two or more criminological theories into a single theoretical statement, often to provide a more complete and accurate explanation of crime or delinquent behavior. There are number of ways in which theories may be combined, including propositional integration, up‐and‐down integration, side‐by‐side integration, end‐to‐end integration, and conceptual integration. While some scholars posit that integration is a viable means to develop better explanations of crime or delinquent behavior, others believe that theories need to compete against each other in order to advance. In addition to discussing the merits and criticisms of theoretical integration, this entry also examines the historical context of theoretical integration, the issues that need to be considered before attempting to combine theories, and the different approaches to integration with examples of each.
Environmental Justice
Authors: Burns Ronald G.
Published: January 2014

Environmental justice involves consideration of the disproportionate siting of environmental harms that have negatively impacted minority and lower‐income areas. It also includes consideration of responses to the siting and the effects of such harms. Research in the area suggests that less powerful groups in society have disproportionately been impacted by environmental harms for various reasons. Reactions to concerns for environmental justice stem from a wide array of groups and individuals who have sought to ensure that no groups are disproportionately affected.
Farrington, David P.
Authors: Hawkins Paul , Kim Bitna
Published: January 2014

David P. Farrington is considered one of the leading psychologists and main contributors to the field of criminology in recent years. He has spent much of his time contributing to the field of criminology while teaching and researching at the University of Cambridge. Farrington has been involved with and held many notable membership and leadership positions within criminological organizations. His research interest has focused particularly on the development of criminal careers throughout the lifecycle using longitudinal studies. In addition, Farrington's main research areas include evidence‐based crime prevention and evaluations of interventions.
Deviance
Authors: Meier Robert F.
Published: January 2014

The concept of deviance is critical to understanding human conduct. Deviance is defined as behavior that violates a norm beyond the tolerance of a group such that a sanction could be applied to the violator. While there are some scholars who define deviance in terms of societal reaction to behavior, it is possible that the normative and reactivist definitions are essentially different aspects of the same understanding. Deviance appears to stem from human differentiation and is related to the sociological notion of stratification.
Routine Activity Theory
Authors: Miró Fernando
Published: January 2014

The routine activity theory by Cohen and Felson posits that changes in the structure of the patterns of daily activity could explain the rise in crime that occurred following World War
II
. This approach assumes that, for a crime to occur, three necessary elements must converge in time and space: likely offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians. This theory remains one of the leading theoretical approaches in criminology and has garnered significant scientific support.
Pillar[n]arenes—a Novel, Highly Promising Class of Macrocyclic Host Molecules
Authors: Cao Derong , Meier Herbert
Published: January 2014

Since 2008 a new field of supramolecular chemistry has developed rapidly: the chemistry of pillar[n]arenes. These “younger brothers and sisters” of calixarenes are conveniently accessible and extremely guest‐friendly. Guests from many different classes of organic compounds are welcome. Nevertheless, a high selectivity for the threading of guest molecules in the macrocyclic cavities can be achieved. The complex stability is characterized by association constants Ka between 10 and 1×108 M−1. The rate constants of the threading vary over several orders of magnitude. The focus of this article lies on the preparation (sections 2 and 3) and the structures (section 4) of pillar[n]arenes (n=5–10) in solution and in the solid state. A further important point concerns the complexation and its selectivity (section 5). Only some new or outstanding examples are discussed in section 6 on self‐assembly and aggregation.
Chimpanzees form long‐term memories for food locations after limited exposure
Authors: Mendes Natacha , Call Josep
Published: January 2014

Remembering the location of fruiting trees for extended periods of time has been hypothesized to play a major role in the evolution of primate cognition. Such ability would be especially useful when paired with a fast learning mechanism capable of consolidating long‐term memory after minimal exposure. We investigated whether chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) can remember different food locations after minimal exposure (i.e., 1–2 trials) both after 24 hr and after 3‐month. We released pairs of chimpanzees in their indoor enclosure (the enclosure of group A measured 430 m2and group B's measured 175 m2) and tested them for four consecutive days (Baseline, Test, Retest, and Post‐test). During the Test and Retest food was hidden in the same location whereas no food was hidden during the Baseline and Post‐test days (control trials). Subjects were tested with four different locations and assessed for their retention after 24 hr and 3‐month since the initial food discovery. Results revealed that chimpanzees accurately remembered the locations in which they found the food after one or two exposures to them, and both after 24 hr and a 3‐month retention interval. Am. J. Primatol. 76:485–495, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Off‐Pathway Folding Intermediate of an Acyl Carrier Protein Domain Coexists with the Folded and Unfolded States under Native Conditions
Authors: Lim Jackwee , Xiao Tianshu , Fan Jingsong , Yang Daiwen
Published: January 2014

A protein can exist in multiple states under native conditions and those states with low populations are often critical to biological function and self‐assembly. To investigate the role of the minor states of an acyl carrier protein, NMR techniques were applied to determine the number of minor states and characterize their structures and kinetics. The acyl carrier protein from Micromonospora echinospora was found to exist in one major folded state (95.2 %), one unfolded state (4.1 %), and one intermediate state (0.7 %) under native conditions. The three states are in dynamic equilibrium and the intermediate state very likely adopts a native‐like structure and is an off‐pathway folding product. The intermediate state may mediate the formation of oligomers in vitro and play an important role in the recognition of partner enzymes in vivo.
An Enantioselective Inverse‐Electron‐Demand Imino Diels–Alder Reaction
Authors: Eschenbrenner‐Lux Vincent , Küchler Philipp , Ziegler Slava , Kumar Kamal , Waldmann Herbert
Published: January 2014

The imino Diels–Alder reaction is an efficient method for the synthesis of aza‐heterocycles. While different stereo‐ and enantioselective inverse‐electron‐demand imino Diels–Alder (IEDIDA) reactions have been reported before, IEDIDA reactions including electron‐deficient dienes are unprecedented. The first enantioselective IEDIDA reaction between electron‐poor chromone dienes and cyclic imines, catalyzed by zinc/binol complexes is described. The novel reaction provides a facile entry to a natural product inspired collection of ring‐fused quinolizines including a potent modulator of mitosis.
Irreversible Site‐Specific Hydrazinolysis of Proteins by Use of Sortase
Authors: Li Yi‐Ming , Li Yi‐Tong , Pan Man , Kong Xiu‐Qi , Huang Yi‐Chao , Hong Zhang‐Yong , Liu Lei
Published: January 2014

Sortase‐mediated hydrazinolysis of proteins with hydrazine or its derivatives was developed for the production of recombinant protein hydrazides. This process provides an alternative approach for protein semisynthesis through the use of recombinant protein hydrazides as thioester surrogates. It also provides an alternative method for C‐terminal modification of proteins with functional units as well as for the preparation of C‐to‐C fusion proteins.
Effects of a titanate coupling agent on the mechanical and thermo‐physical properties of talc‐reinforced polyethylene compounds
Authors: Mehrjerdi Adib Kalantar , Mengistu Bemnet Abebe , Åkesson Dan , Skrifvars Mikael
Published: January 2014

An experimental study was carried out to investigate the effects of a titanate coupling agent on the mechanical properties, moisture absorption, and thermal conductivity of talc‐filled high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). Talc (0–35 wt %) was used as reinforcement particulate filler in an HDPE matrix and samples were prepared in a micro‐compounder and an injection molding machine. Isopropyl tri(dioctyl)phosphate titanate (0.5 wt %) was used as coupling agent. Composites with and without coupling agent were evaluated for changes in mechanical and thermo‐physical properties, morphology, and void content. Addition of the titanate coupling agent most often resulted in an increase in stiffness and tensile strength. Furthermore, both the void content and the elongation at break of composites were reduced. Results also showed that the coupling agent had no effects on the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat capacity of the composites. In addition, it was observed that the coupling agent was more effective at low concentrations of filler. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40449.
Geophysical Survey at Ohio Earthworks: updating Nineteenth Century Maps and Filling the ‘Empty’ Spaces
Authors: Burks Jarrod
Published: January 2014

The state of Ohio is rich in monumental architecture, from small, geometric ditch‐and‐embankment earthworks to wooden henge‐like enclosures and massive complexes consisting of miles of earthen embankments. Until recently, scholars have relied primarily upon nineteenth century maps and mound excavations for use in a range of research programmes related to the earthworks. However, large‐scale geophysical surveys are showing that most of the nineteenth century maps are inaccurate in a variety of ways. To many earthwork scholars perhaps most surprising are the new enclosures and other features appearing between the mounds in the geophysical data. This article explores the geophysical survey results from three sites in southern Ohio: Steel Group, Snake Den Group and Fort Ancient. A selection of magnetic gradient, electrical resistance and ground‐penetrating radar data are presented. The three sites examined represent a range of different earthwork site types, including floodplain enclosures, a large hilltop enclosure and hilltop mound clusters. The surveys from these sites also highlight the kinds of previously undocumented features that can be found during geophysical surveys at Ohio earthwork sites, including henge‐type wooden enclosures, ditch‐and‐embankment enclosures and pit‐type features. These results suggest that other Ohio earthwork sites, and earthwork sites in surrounding states, are probably more complex than previously thought. Although archaeologists have in the past 100 years attempted to look beyond the burial mounds for evidence of what these monumental sites were used for, the large size of the spaces between the mounds and enclosures has made it difficult to locate additional evidence. As in other regions of the world, geophysical survey in the Ohio valley is allowing archaeologists to create more detailed and accurate maps of monumental architecture sites, as well as to locate some of the smaller and more subtle features between the monumental constructions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence from Raman Spectroscopy of a Putative Link Between Inherent Bone Matrix Chemistry and Degenerative Joint Disease
Authors: Kerns Jemma G. , Gikas Panagiotis D. , Buckley Kevin , Shepperd Adam , Birch Helen L. , McCarthy Ian , Miles Jonathan , Briggs Timothy W. R. , Keen Richard , Parker Anthony W. , Matousek Pavel , Goodship Allen E.
Published: January 2014

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common debilitating disease that results in degeneration of cartilage and bone in the synovial joints. Subtle changes in the molecular structure of the subchondral bone matrix occur and may be associated with cartilage changes. The aim of this study was to explore whether the abnormal molecular changes observed in the matrix of OA subchondral bone can be identified with Raman spectroscopy.

Methods

Tibial plateaus from patients undergoing total knee replacement for OA (n = 10) were compared with healthy joints from patients undergoing leg amputation (n = 5; sex‐ and laterality‐matched) and with non‐OA cadaveric knee specimens (n = 5; age‐matched). The samples were analyzed with Raman spectroscopy, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and chemical analysis to compare changes in defined load‐bearing sites in both the medial and lateral compartments.

Results

OA subchondral bone matrix changes were detected by Raman spectroscopy. Within each cohort, there was no spectral difference in bone matrix chemistry between the medial and lateral compartments, whereas a significant spectral difference (P < 0.001) was observed between the non‐OA and OA specimens. Type I collagen chain ratios were normal in the non‐OA specimens but were significantly elevated in the OA specimens.

Conclusion

In comparing the results of Raman spectroscopy with those obtained by other standard techniques, these findings show, for the first time, that subchondral bone changes, or inherent differences, exist in both the medial and lateral (beneath intact cartilage) compartments of OA knees. The development of Raman spectroscopy as a screening tool, based on molecular‐specific modifications in bone, would facilitate the identification of clinical disease, including early molecular changes.
Derivation and Validation of a Prediction Rule for Two‐Year Mortality in Early Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Domsic Robyn T. , Nihtyanova Svetlana I. , Wisniewski Stephen R. , Fine Michael J. , Lucas Mary , Kwoh C. Kent , Denton Christopher P. , Medsger Thomas A.
Published: January 2014

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with a reduction in life expectancy, but there are no validated prognostic models for determining short‐term mortality. The objective of this study was to derive and validate a prediction rule for 2‐year mortality in patients with early diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc).

Methods

We studied a prospectively enrolled cohort of 387 US Caucasian patients with early dcSSc (<2 years from the appearance of the first symptom), randomly divided into a derivation cohort (n = 260) and a validation cohort (n = 127). Predefined baseline predictor variables were analyzed in a stepwise multivariable logistic regression model in order to identify factors independently associated with 2‐year all‐cause mortality using a cutoff of P < 0.05. We rounded the beta values to the nearest integer and summed the points assigned to each variable in order to stratify patients into low‐risk, moderate‐risk, and high‐risk groups. We then applied this rule to an external validation cohort of 110 Caucasian patients with early dcSSc from a single UK center and compared stratum‐specific mortality using chi‐square statistics.

Results

Four independent predictor variables (with assigned integer values) comprised the model: age at first visit (points allotted: –1, 0, or 1), skin thickness progression rate (points allotted: 0 or 1), gastrointestinal tract severity (points allotted: 0, 1, or 2), and anemia (points allotted: 0 or 2). The prediction model performed well, with no significant differences between the derivation cohort and the US or UK validation cohorts in the low‐risk and moderate‐risk groups.

Conclusion

We derived a 4‐variable prediction rule that can be used to stratify patients with early dcSSc into groups by risk of 2‐year mortality, and we validated that prediction rule in US and UK cohorts.
The kiss of death? The effect of being cited in a review on subsequent citations
Authors: Lachance Christian , Poirier Steve , Larivière Vincent
Published: January 2014

This work investigates recent claims that citation in a review article provokes a decline in a paper's later citation count; citations being given to the review article instead of the original paper. Using the Science Citation Index Expanded, we looked at the yearly percentages of lifetime citations of papers published in 1990 first cited in review articles in 1992 and 1995 in the field of biomedical research, and found that no significant change occurred after citation in a review article, regardless of the papers' citation activity or specialty. Additional comparison was done for papers from the field of clinical research, and this yielded no meaningful results to support the notion that review articles have any substantial effect on the citation count of the papers they review.
Reverse‐Lens Technique in Process Visualization
Authors: Ochowiak Marek , Broniarz‐Press Lubomira , Woziwodzki Szymon
Published: January 2014

The practicability of the reverse‐lens method for the visualization, analysis, and description of objects is evaluated. This microphotography technique cannot be influenced by optical properties of the liquid and is often required for formulations, such as suspensions and emulsions. Compared to phase the Doppler analysis and laser diffraction methods it is inexpensive. Visualizations of a steel ball, fluidized bed, and droplets of liquids are presented. The phenomenon of the breakup of a jet into drops is applied mainly to separation technologies in chemical, pharmaceutical, and metallurgical industries. The addition of polymers to a solvent can affect this breakup of jets. The suitability of the proposed visualization method for the study, analyses, and characterization of objects and flow phenomena in chemical and process engineering is demonstrated.
Molecular Mechanism of Diaminomaleonitrile to Diaminofumaronitrile Photoisomerization: An Intermediate Step in the Prebiotic Formation of Purine Nucleobases
Authors: Szabla Rafał , Góra Robert W. , Šponer Jiří , Šponer Judit E.
Published: January 2014

The photoinduced isomerization of diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) to diaminofumaronitrile (DAFN) was suggested to play a key role in the prebiotically plausible formation of purine nucleobases and nucleotides. In this work we analyze two competitive photoisomerization mechanisms on the basis of state‐of‐the‐art quantum‐chemical calculations. Even though it was suggested that this process might occur on the triplet potential‐energy surface, our results indicate that the singlet reaction channel should not be disregarded either. In fact, the peaked topography of the S1/S0 conical intersection suggests that the deexcitation should most likely occur on a sub‐picosecond timescale and the singlet photoisomerization mechanism might effectively compete even with a very efficient intersystem crossing. Such a scenario is further supported by the relatively small spin–orbit coupling of the S1 and T2 states in the Franck–Condon region, which does not indicate a very effective triplet bypass for this photoreaction. Therefore, we conclude that the triplet reaction channel in DAMN might not be as prominent as was previously thought.
Impact and Compression Behavior of Wet Zeolite 4A Granules
Authors: Müller Peter , Aman Sergej , Tomas Jürgen
Published: January 2014

In dieser Arbeit wurde das Druckverhalten kugelförmiger Zeolith 4A‐Granulate untersucht und die Feuchtebeladung als signifikanter Parameter ermittelt. Ebenfalls zeigte sich, dass befeuchtete Zeolith 4A‐Granulate eine signifikant verringerte Bruchfestigkeit aufweisen. Bei weiterführenden Auswertungen wurden die Bruchkraftverteilungen aus den aufgezeichneten Kraft‐Weg‐Kurven ermittelt. Das Materialverhalten der Zeolith 4A‐Granulate wurde zudem experimentell mittels dynamischer Prallversuche untersucht und die Ergebnisse entsprechend eines kürzlich publizierten Ansatzes ausgewertet.
Xanthones from Swertia mussotii as Multitarget‐Directed Antidiabetic Agents
Authors: Zheng Huan‐Huan , Luo Cui‐Ting , Chen Heru , Lin Juan‐Na , Ye Chun‐Ling , Mao Shuang‐Shuang , Li Yu‐Lin
Published: January 2014

Oxidative stress has been suggested to play a causative role in the development of obesity‐induced insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Given the antioxidant potency of previously reported xanthones isolated from Swertia mussotii. These natural products were further evaluated against other targets in diabetes, aldose reductase and α‐glucosidase, in order to identify novel multitarget‐directed antidiabetic agents. Among the 14 xanthones screened, 1,3,7,8‐tetrahydroxyxanthone (6), 1,3,5,8‐tetrahydroxyxanthone (7), and 2,3,6,8‐tetrahydroxyxanthone‐7C‐(β‐D‐glucoside) (12) were confirmed as good antioxidants and α‐glucosidase inhibitors. Xanthone 7 was also confirmed as a potent inhibitor of aldose reductase (ALR2). Xanthone 7 was the most active α‐glucosidase and ALR2 inhibitor, with IC50 values of 5.2±0.3 μM and 88.6±1.6 nM, respectively, while compound 12 was shown to be the most active antioxidant. Given the overall profile, xanthone 7 is considered to be the most promising multitarget antidiabetic agent, and may have potential for the treatment of both diabetes and diabetic complications.
Relaxometric studies of gadolinium‐functionalized perfluorocarbon nanoparticles for MR imaging
Authors: de Vries Anke , Moonen Rik , Yildirim Muhammed , Langereis Sander , Lamerichs Rolf , Pikkemaat Jeroen A. , Baroni Simona , Terreno Enzo , Nicolay Klaas , Strijkers Gustav J. , Grüll Holger
Published: January 2014

Fluorine MRI (19F MRI) is receiving an increasing attention as a viable alternative to proton‐based MRI (1H MRI) for dedicated application in molecular imaging. The 19F nucleus has a high gyromagnetic ratio, a 100% natural abundance and is furthermore hardly present in human tissues allowing for hot spot MR imaging. The applicability of 19F MRI as a molecular and cellular imaging technique has been exploited, ranging from cell tracking to detection and imaging of tumors in preclinical studies. In addition to applications, developing new contrast materials with improved relaxation properties has also been a core research topic in the field, since the inherently low longitudinal relaxation rates of perfluorocarbon compounds result in relatively low imaging efficiency. Borrowed from 1H MRI, the incorporation of lanthanides, specifically Gd(III) complexes, as signal modulating ingredients in the nanoparticle formulation has emerged as a promising approach to improvement of the fluorine signal. Three different perfluorocarbon emulsions were investigated at five different magnetic field strengths. Perfluoro‐15‐crown‐5‐ether was used as the core material and Gd(III)DOTA–DSPE, Gd(III)DOTA–C6–DSPE and Gd(III)DTPA–BSA as the relaxation altering components. While Gd(III)DOTA–DSPE and Gd(III)DOTA–C6–DSPE were favorable constructs for 1H NMR, Gd(III)DTPA–BSA showed the strongest increase in 19FR1. These results show the potential of the use of paramagnetic lipids to increase 19FR1 at clinical field strengths (1.5–3 T). At higher field strengths (6.3–14 T), gadolinium does not lead to an increase in 19FR1 compared with emulsions without gadolinium, but leads to an significant increase in 19FR2. Our data therefore suggest that the most favorable situation for fluorine measurements is at high magnetic fields without the inclusion of gadolinium constructs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic Photomechanical Materials
Authors: Kim Taehyung , Zhu Lingyan , Al‐Kaysi Rabih O. , Bardeen Christopher J.
Published: January 2014

Organic molecules can transform photons into Angstrom‐scale motions by undergoing photochemical reactions. Ordered media, for example, liquid crystals or molecular crystals, can align these molecular‐scale motions to produce motion on much larger (micron to millimeter) length scales. In this Review, we describe the basic principles that underlie organic photomechanical materials, starting with a brief survey of molecular photochromic systems that have been used as elements of photomechanical materials. We then describe various options for incorporating these active elements into a solid‐state material, including dispersal in a polymer matrix, covalent attachment to a polymer chain, or self‐assembly into molecular crystals. Particular emphasis is placed on ordered media, such as liquid‐crystal elastomers and molecular crystals, that have been shown to produce motion on large (micron to millimeter) length scales. We also discuss other mechanisms for generating photomechanical motion that do not involve photochemical reactions, such as photothermal expansion and photoinduced charge transfer. Finally, we identify areas for future research, ranging from the study of basic phenomena in solid‐state photochemistry, to molecular and host matrix design, and the optimization of photoexcitation conditions. The ultimate realization of photon‐fueled micromachines will likely involve advances spanning the disciplines of chemistry, physics and engineering.
Nanoparticle Doping in Nematic Liquid Crystals: Distinction between Surface and Bulk Effects by Numerical Simulations
Authors: Urbanski Martin , Mirzaei Javad , Hegmann Torsten , Kitzerow Heinz‐S.
Published: January 2014

Doping nematic liquid crystals with small amounts of nanoparticles can significantly alter the electro‐optic response of the nematic host. Some of these effects result from nanoparticles influencing the liquid crystal/substrate interface, while other effects are caused by nanoparticles in the bulk. So far, little attention has been paid to the influence of surface interactions on the determination of bulk properties. In the present study, these effects are investigated experimentally and confirmed by numerical simulations. The splay‐type Fréedericksz‐transition of the nematic liquid crystal 5CB doped with CdSe quantum dots is investigated, as these dispersions are known from earlier studies to affect the initial alignment layers. In comparison, dispersions of chemically and thermally stable silanized gold nanoparticles in the apolar nematic host FELIX‐2900‐03 are analyzed, which are expected to be bulk‐active only. A data fitting routine is presented which allows a distinction between bulk and surface effects of nanoparticle doping. For the quantum dots, an increase of pretilt angle proportional to the doping concentration is found, as well as a slight decrease of the anchoring energy of molecules at the confining substrates. The silanized gold particles show no influence on the boundary conditions up to doping concentrations of 2.5 % (w). For higher concentrations an increase of pretilt angle is reported.
Effect of Alignment on a Liquid Crystal/Split‐Ring Resonator Metasurface
Authors: Atorf Bernhard , Mühlenbernd Holger , Muldarisnur Mulda , Zentgraf Thomas , Kitzerow Heinz
Published: January 2014

A metasurface comprising a two‐dimensional array of split‐ring resonators with resonance frequencies in the near‐infrared region is fabricated and embedded in a uniformly aligned liquid crystal. The change of the dielectric permittivity in proximity to the plasmonic structure by the replacement of air with the liquid crystal results in a decrease in resonance frequencies. The resonance shift can be attributed to the interaction of the evanescent field of the excited resonant plasmon modes with the liquid crystal. This shift in resonance frequency is found to depend on the liquid‐crystal alignment and to vary for different modes. Also, the resulting effects of changes in temperature or applied external electric field on the metasurface depend on the liquid‐crystal alignment and may differ from mode to mode. These observations indicate that the characteristic frequencies of the resonant split‐ring resonator modes may depend on different evanescent field components interacting with the liquid crystal. Consequently, certain design rules should be taken into account for the development of tunable metasurfaces based on liquid crystals.
Conducting Polypyrrole Nanotube Arrays as an Implant Surface: Fabricated on Biomedical Titanium with Fine‐Tunability by Means of Template‐Free Electrochemical Polymerization
Authors: Liao Jingwen , Ning Chengyun , Tan Guoxin , Ni Guoxin , Pan Haobo
Published: January 2014

With the aim of inducing angiogenesis and neurogenesis between implants and bone tissue through electrical signals, conducting polypyrrole (PPy) nanotube arrays (CPNAs) as an implant surface were designed. Large‐area CPNAs were fabricated on biomedical titanium by means of template‐free electrochemical polymerization based on prenucleation film. The nanoarchitectures were able to be finely tuned between cylindrical and conical nanotubes by tailoring the electrochemical parameters, which were accompanied by a shift in the crystallinity. Accordingly, we propose insight into the fine‐tunable fabrication of CPNAs. The prenucleation film possessed a great capability for forming sufficient active nucleation sites that created an isotropic two‐dimensional environment, which is a desired medium for facilitating the fabrication of large‐area CPNAs on biomedical titanium. Moreover, the fine‐tunability of the nanoarchitectures results from the dependency of pyrrole solubility in phosphate buffer solution on the electrochemical conditions.
Hepatitis C virus genotype 1b increases cumulative lifetime risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lee Mei‐Hsuan , Yang Hwai‐I , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Jen Chin‐Lan , You San‐Lin , Wang Li‐Yu , L'Italien Gilbert , Chen Chien‐Jen , Yuan Yong ,   for the REVEAL‐HCV Study Group
Published: January 2014

The association between subtypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remained inconclusive and evaluated in both case–control and cohort studies. In the case–control study, 397 HCC cases from medical centers were compared with 410 community‐based non‐HCC controls. All of them were anti‐HCV‐seropositive, HBsAg‐seronegative with serum HCV RNA levels ≥1,000 IU/mL. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of HCV subtype after controlling for other HCC risk factors. In the cohort study, 866 anti‐HCV‐seropositive individuals were followed from 1991 to 2008 to assess the long‐term HCC predictability of HCV subtypes. Newly developed HCC cases were ascertained by follow‐up health examinations and computerized linkage with national databases. The percentage of HCV 1b subtype was higher among HCC cases than controls (64 vs. 55%, p < 0.001). Participant infected with HCV 1b had a higher mean serum HCV RNA level (2.0 × 106 IU/mL) than those infected with HCV non‐1b (1.2 × 106 IU/mL, p < 0.001). The multivariate‐adjusted OR (95% CI) of developing HCC for HCV 1b comparing to non‐1b was 1.43 (1.02–2.02). After the long‐term follow‐up, the cumulative lifetime (30–80 years old) HCC risk was 19.2 and 29.7% for patients infected with HCV non‐1b and 1b, respectively (p < 0.001). The multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) was 1.85 (1.06–3.22) for HCV 1b compared to non‐1b. HCV subtype 1b, the most prevalent subtype in Taiwan, was associated with an increased HCC risk and a proactive clinical management is suggested for patients with HCV 1b.
HOW THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA HAS NEARLY ELIMINATED THE USE OF INSTITUTIONAL CARE FOR CHILDREN
Authors: Greenberg Aaron Luis , Partskhaladze Natia
Published: January 2014

Countries throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia struggle to change their childcare systems from one that is predominantly based on large‐institution care to one that has a continuum of services and is family‐focused. Georgia has shown, in large part, that the laudable goal of ending large‐scale institutions for children is possible, including for children under the age of 6 years. Between 2005 and 2013, the Government in the Republic of Georgia closed 32 large, state‐run institutions housing children without adequate family care. Social work was strengthened, a robust program was created to reunite children with their families, a foster care system was put into place and scaled up, and small group homes housing 8 to 10 children were established. What happened in Georgia is unique in the region. The Ukraine, which by many accounts has 100,000 children living in large, Soviet‐style orphanages, has struggled to reform its childcare system. It has been estimated by childcare professionals in the Ukraine that institutional care for children accounts for over 1% of the gross domestic product. Romania, which has made considerable progress over the past 10 years, still has over 40,000 children in large‐institution care. This article aims to tell how this transformation was accomplished, the conditions in Georgia that made the reform possible, how the institutions were closed, how the alternatives were established, and how sustainable the progress has been.
A Mixed Methods Study of Male Recruitment in the Counseling Profession
Authors: Michel Rebecca E. , Hall Sean B. , Hays Danica G. , Runyan Helen I.
Published: January 2014

There are fewer men than women entering the counseling profession, but little is known about the perceived impact of this phenomenon. This mixed methods study investigated counselor educators' (n= 217) and counseling graduate students' (n= 10) perceptions of the presence and recruitment of men in the counseling profession. Results indicate that the gender gap limits the voice of male counseling students, affects client options, and influences the perception of the counseling profession. Implications for counselor preparation programs are discussed.
Simvastatin prevents neuroinflammation by inhibiting N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid receptor 1 in 6‐hydroxydopamine‐treated PC12 cells
Authors: Yan Junqiang , Sun Jiachun , Huang Lina , Fu Qizhi , Du Ganqin
Published: January 2014

This study investigates the impact of simvastatin on neuroinflammation in experimental parkinsonian cell models. 6‐Hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐treated pheochromocytoma‐12 (PC12) cells were used to investigate the neuroprotective nature of simvastatin. After incubation with 6‐OHDA, simvastatin, and/or N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid receptor 1 (NMDAR1) siRNA for 24 hr, test kits were used to detect the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutamate released from PC12 cells exposed to different culture media. The mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)−1β, and IL‐6 were determined by RT‐PCR, and the protein levels were analyzed by Western blot. NMDAR1 were also determined by RT‐PCR and the protein levels were analyzed by Western blot. LDH and glutamate levels in 6‐OHDA‐incubated PC12 cells increased compared with those in the controls, and incubation with simvastatin inhibited this elevation. Silencing of NMDAR1 with siRNA inhibited the expression of LDH and glutamate to a degree similar to simvastatin. The expression levels of NMDAR1, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 were significantly upregulated after treatment with 6‐OHDA. The 6‐OHDA‐stimulated mRNA and protein levels of the proinflammatory cytokines NMDAR1, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 were reduced by simvastatin. Silencing of NMDAR1 with siRNA decreased the NMDAR1, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 mRNA and protein expression levels in 6‐OHDA‐stimulated PC12 cells. Simvastatin could also inhibit the expression of NMDAR1 and cytokines to a degree similar to silencing of NMDAR1 with siRNA. Our results suggest that NMDAR1 modulation could explain the anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of simvastatin in experimental parkinsonian cell models. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MLK3‐MKK3/6‐P38MAPK cascades following N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor activation contributes to amyloid‐β peptide‐induced apoptosis in SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Zhou Fang , Xu Yan , Hou Xiao‐Yu
Published: January 2014

Amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) has been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The present study explores the proapoptosis signaling evoked by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors in Aβ neurotoxicity. Oligomeric Aβ25–35 incubation resulted in significant apoptosis of neuronal SH‐SY5Y cells. Preadministration of the potent NMDA receptor antagonist MK801 promoted neuronal survival. Both NVP‐AAM077 and Ro25–6981, GluN2A‐ and GluN2B‐subunit‐selective NMDA receptor antagonists, respectively, showed effects similar to those of MK801, supporting a critical role of GluN2A‐ or GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors in Aβ neurotoxicity. Exposure to oligomeric Aβ25–35 increased the phosphorylation (activation) of mixed‐lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), dual‐specific mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6), and P38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (P38MAPK) in SH‐SY5Y cells. Inhibition of P38MAPK activation by SB239063 had a neuroprotective effect. K252a attenuated the phosphorylation of MLK3, MKK3/6, and P38MAPK but also partially prevented SH‐SY5Y cells apoptosis. MK801, NVP‐AAM077, and Ro25–6981, abrogated the MLK3‐MKK3/6‐P38MAPK activation induced by oligomeric Aβ25–35. These results suggest that the activation of GluN2A‐ or GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors is responsible for the activation of MLK3‐MKK3/6‐P38MAPK cascades, which contributes to Aβ‐mediated cell apoptosis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SIRT1 inhibition by sirtinol aggravates brain edema after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Ming , Zhang Xin , Zhang Xiang‐Sheng , Zhuang Zong , Li Wei , Sun Qing , Li Tao , Wang Chun‐Xi , Zhu Lin , Shi Ji‐Xin , Zhou Meng‐Liang
Published: January 2014

Secondary brain injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is poorly understood. We utilized a rat model of SAH to investigate whether SIRT1 has a protective role against brain edema via the tumor suppressor protein p53 pathway. Experimental SAH was induced in adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats by prechiasmatic cistern injection. Brain SIRT1 protein levels were examined in the sham controls and in rats 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hr after SAH induction. The SIRT1 inhibitor sirtinol was administered by intracerebroventricular infusion. Neurological functions, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and brain water content were assessed. Endothelial cell apoptosis, caspase 3 protein expression, p53 acetylation, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) activity were examined. Compared with the control, SIRT1 protein expression increased remarkably, reaching a maximum at 24 hr after SAH. Sirtinol treatment significantly lowered SIRT1 expression, accompanied by deteriorated neurologic function, BBB disruption, brain edema, increased endothelial cell apoptosis, and increased MMP‐9 gelatinase activity compared with the rats treated with vehicle only. Our results suggest that increased expression of endogenous SIRT1 may play a neuroprotective role against brain edema after SAH. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synchronized separation of seven medications representing most commonly prescribed antihypertensive classes by using reversed‐phase liquid chromatography: Application for analysis in their combined formulations
Authors: Ebeid Walid M. , Elkady Ehab F. , El‐Zaher Asmaa A. , El‐Bagary Ramzia I. , Patonay Gabor
Published: January 2014

A reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous determination of the diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, along with six drugs representing the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive pharmacological classes such as atenolol, a selective β1 blocker, amlodipine besylate, a calcium channel blocker, moexipril hydrochloride, an angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitor, valsartan and candesartan cilexetil, which are angiotensin II receptor blockers, and aliskiren hemifumarate, a renin inhibitor, using irbesartan as an internal standard. The chromatographic separation was achieved using acetonitrile/sodium phosphate dibasic buffer (0.02 M, pH 5.5) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min in gradient elution mode at ambient temperature on a stationary phase composed of an Eclipse XDB‐C18 (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 μm) column. UV detection was carried out at 220 nm. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines. Linearity, accuracy, and precision were satisfactory over the concentration ranges of 2–40 μg/mL for hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan cilexetil, 20–120, 10–160, 5–40, 20–250, and 5–50 μg/mL for atenolol, valsartan, moexipril hydrochloride, aliskiren hemifumarate, and amlodipine besylate, respectively. The method was successfully applied for the determination of each of the studied drugs in their combined formulations with hydrochlorothiazide. The developed method is suitable for the quality control and routine analysis of the cited drugs in their pharmaceutical dosage forms.
On‐chip silicon 8‐channel hybrid (de)multiplexer enabling simultaneous mode‐ and polarization‐division‐multiplexing
Authors: Wang Jian , He Sailing , Dai Daoxin
Published: January 2014

An 8‐channel hybrid (de)multiplexer to simultaneously achieve mode‐ and polarization‐division‐(de)multiplexing is proposed and demonstrated experimentally on a silicon‐on‐insulator platform to improve the link capacity of an on‐chip optical interconnect. The present hybrid (de)multiplexer has four channels for each polarization. A polarization beam splitter based on a three‐waveguide coupler is used to combine/separate the fundamental modes of TE‐ and TM‐polarizations (TE0 and TM0). Six asymmetric directional couplers are cascaded for (de)multiplexing the high‐order modes (TE1, TE2, TE3, TM1, TM2, and TM3). The experimental results show all eight channels have low loss and low crosstalk (<−10 dB) over a ∼ 30 nm wavelength range.
Beryllium Silicate, Be2SiO4 (phenakite) – a Novel Trigonal SRS‐Active Crystal
Authors: Kaminskii Alexander A. , Lux Oliver , Rhee Hanjo , Eichler Hans‐Joachim , Yoneda Hitoki , Shirakawa Akita , Becker Petra , Bohatý Ladislav
Published: January 2014

In single crystals of the beryllium silicate Be2SiO4 with trigonal symmetry , known also as the mineral phenakite, χ(3)‐nonlinear lasing by stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) is investigated. All observed Stokes and anti‐Stokes lasing components are identified and ascribed to a single SRS‐promoting vibration mode with ωSRS ≈876 cm−1. With picosecond single‐wavelength pumping at one micrometer the generation of an octave‐spanning Stokes and anti‐Stokes comb is observed.
Ripple artifact reduction using slice overlap in slice encoding for metal artifact correction
Authors: den Harder J. Chiel , van Yperen Gert H. , Blume Ulrike A. , Bos Clemens
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Multispectral imaging (MSI) significantly reduces metal artifacts. Yet, especially in techniques that use gradient selection, such as slice encoding for metal artifact correction (SEMAC), a residual ripple artifact may be prominent. Here, an analysis is presented of the ripple artifact and of slice overlap as an approach to reduce the artifact.

Methods

The ripple artifact was analyzed theoretically to clarify its cause. Slice overlap, conceptually similar to spectral bin overlap in multi‐acquisition with variable resonances image combination (MAVRIC), was achieved by reducing the selection gradient and, thus, increasing the slice profile width. Time domain simulations and phantom experiments were performed to validate the analyses and proposed solution.

Results

Discontinuities between slices are aggravated by signal displacement in the frequency encoding direction in areas with deviating B0. Specifically, it was demonstrated that ripple artifacts appear only where B0 varies both in‐plane and through‐plane. Simulations and phantom studies of metal implants confirmed the efficacy of slice overlap to reduce the artifact.

Conclusion

The ripple artifact is an important limitation of gradient selection based MSI techniques, and can be understood using the presented simulations. At a scan‐time penalty, slice overlap effectively addressed the artifact, thereby improving image quality near metal implants. Magn Reson Med 73:318–324, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Respiratory syncytial virus and seasonal influenza cause similar illnesses in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Sadreameli Sara Christina , Reller Megan E. , Bundy David G. , Casella James F. , Strouse John J.
Published: January 2014

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a cause of acute chest syndrome (ACS) in sickle cell disease (SCD), but its clinical course and acute complications have not been well characterized. We compared RSV to seasonal influenza infections in children with SCD.

Procedure

We defined cases as laboratory‐confirmed RSV or seasonal influenza infection in inpatients and outpatients <18 years of age with SCD from 1 September 1993 to 30 June 2011. We used Fisher's exact test to compare proportions, Student's t‐test or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test to compare continuous variables, and logistic regression to evaluate associations.

Results

We identified 64 children with RSV and 91 with seasonal influenza. Clinical symptoms, including fever, cough, and rhinorrhea were similar for RSV and influenza, as were complications, including ACS and treatments for SCD. In a multivariable logistic regression model, older age (OR 1.2 per year, 95% CI [1.02–1.5], P = 0.04), increased white blood cell count at presentation (OR 1.1 per 1,000/μl increase, 95% CI [1.03–1.3], P = 0.008), and a history of asthma (OR 7, 95% [CI 1.3–37], P = 0.03) were independently associated with increased risk of ACS in children with RSV. The hospitalization rate for children with SCD and RSV (40 per 1,000 <5 years and 63 per 1,000 <2 years) greatly exceeds the general population (3 in 1,000 <5 years).

Conclusions

We conclude that RSV infection is often associated with ACS and similar in severity to influenza infection in febrile children with SCD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:875–878. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Compound heterozygotes and beta‐thalassemia: Top‐down mass spectrometry for detection of hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Edwards Rebecca L. , Griffiths Paul , Bunch Josephine , Cooper Helen J.
Published: January 2014

We have shown previously that liquid extraction surface analysis of dried blood spots coupled to high resolution top‐down MS may be applied for the diagnosis of hemoglobin (Hb) variants FS, FAS, FC, FAC, FAD in newborn samples. The objective of the current work was to determine whether the structural variant HbE, compound heterozygote variants FSC and FSD, and β‐thalassemia were amenable to diagnosis by this approach. Anonymized residual neonatal dried blood spot samples, taken as part of the routine newborn screening program, were analyzed by liquid extraction surface analysis coupled to high resolution MS/MS. The samples had been previously screened and were known to be FAE, FSC, FSD, or β‐thalassemia. Manual analysis of the mass spectra revealed that, in all cases, the variants may be confirmed. Direct surface sampling MS should be considered as an alternative to current screening techniques for the diagnosis of Hb variants.