bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separation technologies for stem cell bioprocessing
Authors: Diogo Maria Margarida , da Silva Cláudia Lobato , Cabral Joaquim M.S.
Published: August 2012

Stem cells have been the focus of an intense research due to their potential in Regenerative Medicine, drug discovery, toxicology studies, as well as for fundamental studies on developmental biology and human disease mechanisms. To fully accomplish this potential, the successful application of separation processes for the isolation and purification of stem cells and stem cell‐derived cells is a crucial issue. Although separation methods have been used over the past decades for the isolation and enrichment of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells for transplantation in hemato‐oncological settings, recent achievements in the stem cell field have created new challenges including the need for novel scalable separation processes with a higher resolution and more cost‐effective. Important examples are the need for high‐resolution methods for the separation of heterogeneous populations of multipotent adult stem cells to study their differential biological features and clinical utility, as well as for the depletion of tumorigenic cells after pluripotent stem cell differentiation. Focusing on these challenges, this review presents a critical assessment of separation processes that have been used in the stem cell field, as well as their current and potential applications. The techniques are grouped according to the fundamental principles that govern cell separation, which are defined by the main physical, biophysical, and affinity properties of cells. A special emphasis is given to novel and promising approaches such as affinity‐based methods that take advantage of the use of new ligands (e.g., aptamers, lectins), as well as to novel biophysical‐based methods requiring no cell labeling and integrated with microscale technologies. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109: 2699–2709. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An educational tool for implementing reactive systems following a goal‐driven approach
Authors: Soto Fulgencio , Sánchez Pedro , Mateo Antonio , Alonso Diego , Navarro Pedro J.
Published: August 2012

This article presents a novel computer‐based tool that has proven useful for students to both implement and validate the design of reactive systems using the Teleo‐Reactive approach. The design and implementation of the tool and the proposed laboratory exercises are described. The tool, then, is a useful framework for tackling the synthesis of control systems for reactive systems. The results of the tests on efficiency with undergraduate students are also discussed.© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:764–773, 2014; View this article online atwileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI10.1002/cae.21568
eLearning standards and automatic assessment in a distributed eclipse based environment for learning computer programming
Authors: Jurado Francisco , Redondo Miguel , Ortega Manuel
Published: August 2012

Computer Programming competence is a good research field in which students of Computer Science can be assisted by an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS). An ITS can guide the students in their learning process proposing the corresponding learning activities for each particular student. In this article, we will outline a proposal about how to use eLearning standard and automatic assessment techniques to build an ITS for learning to program. In addition, we will show the implemented system to test our proposal and how we have evaluated it with students in our university.© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:774–787, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21569
ATP oscillations mediate inductive action of FGF and Shh signalling on prechondrogenic condensation
Authors: Kwon Hyuck Joon
Published: August 2012

Skeletal patterns are prefigured by prechondrogenic condensation. Morphogens such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and sonic hedgehog (Shh) specify the skeletal patterns in limb development. However, how morphogens regulate prechondrogenic condensation has remained unclear. Recently, it was demonstrated that synchronized Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) oscillations play a critical role in prechondrogenic condensation. Thus, the present study has focused on whether ATP oscillations mediate the actions of major developmental morphogens such as FGF and Shh on prechondrogenic condensation. It has been shown that both FGF and Shh signalling promoted cellular condensation but not chondrogenic differentiation and also induced ATP oscillations. In addition, blockage of FGF and Shh signalling prevented both ATP oscillations and prechondrogenic condensation. Furthermore, it was found that inhibition of ATP oscillations suppressed FGF/Shh‐induced prechondrogenic condensation. These results indicate that ATP oscillations mediate the actions of FGF and Shh signalling on prechondrogenic condensation. This study proposes that morphogens organize skeletal patterns via ATP oscillations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal@COFs: Covalent Organic Frameworks as Templates for Pd Nanoparticles and Hydrogen Storage Properties of Pd@COF‐102 Hybrid Material
Authors: Kalidindi Suresh Babu , Oh Hyunchul , Hirscher Michael , Esken Daniel , Wiktor Christian , Turner Stuart , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Fischer Roland A.
Published: August 2012

Three‐dimensional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been demonstrated as a new class of templates for nanoparticles. Photodecomposition of the [Pd(η3‐C3H5)(η5‐C5H5)]@COF‐102 inclusion compound (synthesized by a gas‐phase infiltration method) led to the formation of the Pd@COF‐102 hybrid material. Advanced electron microscopy techniques (including high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography) along with other conventional characterization techniques unambiguously showed that highly monodisperse Pd nanoparticles ((2.4±0.5) nm) were evenly distributed inside the COF‐102 framework. The Pd@COF‐102 hybrid material is a rare example of a metal‐nanoparticle‐loaded porous crystalline material with a very narrow size distribution without any larger agglomerates even at high loadings (30 wt %). Two samples with moderate Pd content (3.5 and 9.5 wt %) were used to study the hydrogen storage properties of the metal‐decorated COF surface. The uptakes at room temperature from these samples were higher than those of similar systems such as Pd@metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The studies show that the H2 capacities were enhanced by a factor of 2–3 through Pd impregnation on COF‐102 at room temperature and 20 bar. This remarkable enhancement is not just due to Pd hydride formation and can be mainly ascribed to hydrogenation of residual organic compounds, such as bicyclopentadiene. The significantly higher reversible hydrogen storage capacity that comes from decomposed products of the employed organometallic Pd precursor suggests that this discovery may be relevant to the discussion of the spillover phenomenon in metal/MOFs and related systems.
Liquid degassing using mono‐dispersed and poly‐dispersed micron droplets
Authors: Ji Yiming , Xu Zhenghe , Tan Zhongchao
Published: August 2012

Liquid degassing using mono‐dispersed and poly‐dispersed micron droplets (148.6 and 264.8 µm) falling in an inert gas was studied experimentally and analytically in a laboratory setting. The system using poly‐dispersed droplets revealed an upper degassing limit of 93% when the inert gas to liquid flow ratio was above 15 and a fog‐type nozzle was used. Linear correlations of the Sherwood number to the Peclet number were derived for both systems of medium Reynolds numbers (10–100). The correlation for the mono‐dispersed droplets agreed well with the steady state mass transfer correlations that are available in literature, especially at small Peclet number situations. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Recent Advances in Biochar Applications in Agricultural Soils: Benefits and Environmental Implications
Authors: Xu Gang , Lv Yingchun , Sun Junna , Shao Hongbo , Wei Linlin
Published: August 2012

Biochar, a by‐product of biomass pyrolysis, has been suggested as a mean to combat climate change, and at the same time to achieve agricultural and environmental benefits. As one possible source of the components with high aromatic structure in soil humus, biochar is of great importance in increasing soil carbon storage and improving soil nutrient retention and nutrient availability, and in maintaining the balance of soil ecosystem. This paper briefly reviewed and synthesized recent findings and discussions regarding the production and characteristics of biochar, its effects on global climate change and particularly in relation to the environmental effects of biochar in soils. Agronomic benefits of biochar application are critically highlighted because researches show that biochar had varied effects on crop productivity thorough the different bio‐physical interactions between the biochar and the soils, which are deserved for further investigations. Potential pitfalls and knowledge gaps were briefly discussed on the environmental behavior and the effects of biochar in agricultural ecosystem.
Heterogeneity of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in the mouse revealed by molecular phenotyping
Authors: Karnas Diana , Mordel Jérôme , Bonnet Delphine , Pévet Paul , Hicks David , Meissl Hilmar
Published: August 2012

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) types can be distinguished by their dendritic tree stratification and intensity of melanopsin staining. We identified heavily stained melanopsin‐positive M1 cells branching in the outermost part of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and weakly melanopsin‐positive M2 cells branching in the innermost layer of the IPL. A third type can be distinguished by the displacement of the soma to the inner nuclear layer and has morphological similarities with either M1 cells or M2 cells, and is termed here displaced or M‐d cells. The aim of the present study was to examine the phenotypic traits of ipRGC types. Using whole retinae from adult mice, we performed immunohistochemistry using melanopsin immunostaining and a number of antibodies directed against proteins typically expressed in retinal ganglion cells. The majority of M1 and M2 ipRGCs expressed Isl‐1, microtubule associated protein‐2 (MAP2), γ‐synuclein, and NeuN, whereas Brn3 transcription factor and the different neurofilaments (NF68, NF160, NF200) were able to discriminate between ipRGC subtypes. Brn3 was expressed preferentially in M2 cells and in a small subpopulation of weakly melanopsin‐positive M‐d cells with similarities to M2 cells. All three neurofilaments were primarily expressed in large M2 cells with similarities to the recently described alpha‐like M4 cells, but not in M1 cells. Expression of NF68 and NF160 was also observed in a few large M‐d ipRGCs. These findings show that ipRGCs are not a phenotypically homogenous population and that specific neuronal markers (Brn3 and neurofilament) can partly distinguish between different ipRGC subtypes. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:912–932, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor in the gymnotiform fish brain and its implications for the organization of the teleost pallium
Authors: Harvey‐Girard Erik , Giassi Ana C.C. , Ellis William , Maler Leonard
Published: August 2012

Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1R) are widely distributed in the brains of many vertebrates, but whether their functions are conserved is unknown. The weakly electric fish, Apteronotus leptorhynchus (Apt), has been well studied for its brain structure, behavior, sensory processing, and learning and memory. It therefore offers an attractive model for comparative studies of CB1R functions. We sequenced partial AptCB1R mRNAs and performed in situ hybridization to localize its expression. Partial AptCB1R protein sequence was highly conserved to zebrafish (90.7%) and mouse (81.9%) orthologs. AptCB1R mRNA was highly expressed in the telencephalon. Subpallial neurons (dorsal, central, intermediate regions and part of the ventral region, Vd/Vc/Vi, and Vv) expressed high levels of AptCB1R transcript. The central region of dorsocentral telencephalon (DCcore) strongly expressed CB1R mRNA; cells in DCcore project to midbrain regions involved in electrosensory/visual function. The lateral and rostral regions of DC surrounding DCcore (DCshell) lack AptCB1R mRNA. The rostral division of the dorsomedial telencephalon (DM1) highly expresses AptCB1R mRNA. In dorsolateral division (DL) AptCB1R mRNA was expressed in a gradient that declined in a rostrocaudal manner. In diencephalon, AptCB1R RNA probe weakly stained the central‐posterior (CP) and prepacemaker (PPn) nuclei. In mesencephalon, AptCB1R mRNA is expressed in deep layers of the dorsal (electrosensory) torus semicircularis (TSd). In hindbrain, AptCB1R RNA probe weakly labeled inhibitory interneurons in the electrosensory lateral line lobe (ELL). Unlike mammals, only few cerebellar granule cells expressed AptCB1R transcripts and these were located in the center of eminentia granularis pars posterior (EGp), a cerebellar region involved in feedback to ELL. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:949–975, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrothermal conversion of ZnO2 to ZnO flowers: A mechanistic investigation and characterization
Authors: Chithaiah P. , Ashoka S. , Thipperudraiah K. V. , Chandrappa G. T.
Published: August 2012

In this article, we report a novel but simple method for the phase transformation of ZnO2 to flower‐like ZnO microstructures hydrothermally at 90 °C with and without the assistance of hexadecylamine as surfactant. The generation of zincate ion ZnO\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$^{2-}_{2}$\end{document} as a growth unit from the reaction between ZnO2 and peroxide ion O\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$^{2-}_{2}$\end{document} in situ plays a key role in the phase transformation of ZnO2 to ZnO. The morphology, structure, and composition of the products have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX). It has been demonstrated that the as‐fabricated ZnO flowers are composed of self‐assembled brooms and rods in the presence and absence of hexadecylamine respectively. On the basis of experimental results, a possible reaction mechanism and the growth processes involved in the formation of flower‐like ZnO microstructures are discussed.
Fibre‐optic distributed temperature sensing for characterizing the impacts of vegetation coverage on thermal patterns in woodlands
Authors: Krause S. , Taylor S. L. , Weatherill J. , Haffenden A. , Levy A. , Cassidy N. J. , Thomas P. A.
Published: August 2012

This study presents the first application of fibre‐optic distributed temperature sensing (FO‐DTS) for analysing the impact of spatially heterogeneous vegetation patterns on the thermal conditions of an ecosystem. It analyses the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of canopy and ground temperatures at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution to showcase the potential as well as limitations of the FO‐DTS technology for ecohydrological applications. By using the partial rhododendron coverage of a deciduous UK woodland as a model system, FO‐DTS surveys were carried out to demonstrate the detection of different dynamic thermal patterns in the presence/absence of rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum L).

The high‐resolution temperature measurements of this study provide strong evidence for the moderating impact of rhododendron coverage on air, ground and soil temperatures in forest ecosystems, which has important implications for ecological and biogeochemical process dynamics.

The results successfully demonstrate the significant potential of FO‐DTS for high‐resolution, spatially detailed, transient temperature monitoring in forest environments. The survey performance and its very efficient signal‐to‐noise ratio proves the capability of FO‐DTS networks to provide highly accurate information on temporal dynamics in spatial temperature patterns with great prospect for substantially improving spatial coverage and sensitivity of temperature observations in a range of ecological applications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Reduction of Sterically Hindered o‐Quinone and o‐Iminoquinone with Gallium and “GaI”
Authors: Piskunov Alexandr V. , Maleeva Arina V. , Mescheryakova Irina N. , Fukin Georgii K.
Published: August 2012

Metallic gallium reacts with 3,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐o‐benzoquinone (3,6‐Q) in THF to produce a gallium tris‐o‐semiquinolate complex, whereas the same interaction with 4,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐N‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐o‐iminobenzoquinone (imQ) does not proceed. The reduction of imQ is possible with amalgamed gallium in THF and produces a gallium complex that contains two o‐iminobenzoquinone ligands in different redox states. In the case of 3,6‐Q, the analogous reaction leads to dimeric derivative [Cat2Ga(Et2O)2][CatGa] (in which Cat is the dianion of 3,6‐Q). The structure of this compound was determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The gallium(III) amidophenolate derivative can only be obtained by exchange reaction of APNa2 with GaI3 (in which AP is the dianion of imQ). The reduction of 3,6‐Q and imQ with “GaI” results in the formation of corresponding compounds that contain redox‐active ligands in the dianionic state. The structure of [AP2Ga][GaI2] was determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Metal‐Doped Mesoporous Materials from (Dicyanamido)metallate Precursors
Authors: Paraknowitsch Jens Peter , Sukhbat Oyunbileg , Zhang Yuanjian , Thomas Arne
Published: August 2012

Metal‐doped mesoporous composites were synthesised by using a facile one‐pot sol–gel approach. Special multifunctional surfactants were designed and used simultaneously as structure‐directing agents, N‐doped carbon source and metal dopant. This versatile profile of properties is obtained by combining complex metallate anions carrying dicyanamide ions as ligands with nitrogen‐containing amphiphilic counteranions. Furthermore, also the use of nonamphiphilic countercations yields interesting precursors that can be converted into carbon materials with submicron‐sized morphologies by simple annealing. We therefore present herein a novel precursor system enabling immediate pathways to new materials that are of significant interest for sustainable catalysis and energy applications.
Synthesis and Functionalization of 5‐Substituted Tetrazoles
Authors: Roh Jaroslav , Vávrová Kateřina , Hrabálek Alexandr
Published: August 2012

Tetrazoles are synthetic heterocycles with numerous applications in organic chemistry, coordination chemistry, the photographic industry, explosives, and, in particular, medicinal chemistry. In organic chemistry, 5‐substituted tetrazoles are used as advantageous intermediates in the synthesis of other heterocycles and as activators in oligonucleotide synthesis. In drug design, 5‐monosubstituted tetrazoles are the most important tetrazole derivatives because they represent non‐classical bioisosteres of carboxylic acids, with similar acidities but higher lipophilicities and metabolic resistance. In this review we focus on the preparation and further functionalization of these heterocycles. Firstly, the role of 5‐substituted tetrazoles in medicinal chemistry is described, including examples of their effects on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and metabolism of the associated drugs. Then, the main synthetic approaches to 5‐substituted tetrazoles – consisting of methods based on acidic media/proton catalysis, Lewis acids, and organometallic or organosilicon azides – are presented, from the early procedures to the most recent ones, with special attention paid to the reaction mechanisms. Functionalization of 5‐substituted tetrazoles is a challenging task because it usually leads to the formation of two isomers, 1,5‐ and 2,5‐disubstituted tetrazoles, in various ratios. In this overview, reactions with high or unusual regioselectivities are described, with comments on the possible mechanisms. Microwave‐assisted approaches to the synthesis and functionalization of 5‐substituted tetrazoles are also included.
Diethylaluminum Iodide Promoted Morita–Baylis–Hillman Reaction of D‐Glucose‐Derived Densely O‐Functionalized Cyclopentenone: Route to α‐C‐Branched Densely Functionalized Cyclic Enones
Authors: Ghosal Partha , Ajay Sama , Bajpai Vikas , Kumar Brijesh , Shaw Arun K.
Published: August 2012

Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) reaction of D‐glucose‐derived highly O‐functionalized cyclopentenone is described for the first time. The MBH reaction of cyclopentenone with different aldehydes in the presence of diethylaluminum iodide proceeded smoothly in moderate to good yields. Promoters such as organic, inorganic, or Lewis bases and an aqueous medium are not suitable conditions for the MBH reaction of highly O‐functionalized cyclopentenones with aldehydes.
Access to 2,3‐Disubstituted Benzofurans through One‐Pot Acid‐Catalyzed Nucleophilic Substitution/TBAF‐Mediated Oxacycloisomerization
Authors: Raji Reddy Chada , Krishna Gaddam , Kavitha Nerella , Latha Bellamkonda , Shin Dong‐Soo
Published: August 2012

An efficient synthetic strategy for the synthesis of diversely 2,3‐disubstituted benzofurans is described. This method is based on the use of propargylic alcohols generated from TBS‐protected ortho‐hydroxy benzaldehydes as starting materials and allows a library of 2,3‐disubstituted benzofurans to be built. The procedure consists of one‐pot nucleophilic substitution, TBS‐deprotection, and exo‐dig cycloisomerization.
Comparison of nanosilver and ionic silver toxicity in Daphnia magna and Pimephales promelas
Authors: Hoheisel Sarah M. , Diamond Steve , Mount David
Published: August 2012

The increasing use of nanosilver in consumer products and the likelihood of environmental exposure warrant investigation into the toxicity of nanosilver to aquatic organisms. A series of studies were conducted comparing the potency of nanosilver to ionic silver (Ag+) at acute and sublethal levels using two test organisms (Daphnia magna and Pimephales promelas). The 48-h D. magna median lethal concentration (LC50) of multiple sizes (10, 20, 30, and 50 nm) of commercially prepared nanosilver (nanoComposix) ranged from 4.31 to 30.36 µg total Ag L−1 with increasing toxicity associated with decreasing particle size. A strong relationship between estimated specific particle surface area and acute toxicity was observed. Nanosilver suspensions (10 nm) treated with cation exchange resin to reduce the concentration of Ag+ associated with it were approximately equally toxic to D. magna compared to untreated nanosilver (48-h LC50s were 2.15 and 2.79 µg total Ag L−1, respectively). The 96-h LC50 and 7-d sublethal 20% effective concentrations (EC20s) for P. promelas were 89.4 and 46.1 µg total Ag L−1, respectively, for 10 nm nanosilver and 4.70 and 1.37 µg total Ag L−1, respectively, for Ag+; the resulting ratios of 96-h LC50 to 7-d EC20 were not significantly different for nanosilver and ionic silver. Overall, these studies did not provide strong evidence that nanosilver either acts by a different mechanism of toxicity than ionic silver, or is likely to cause acute or lethal toxicity beyond that which would be predicted by mass concentration of total silver. This in turn suggests that regulatory approaches based on the toxicity of ionic silver to aquatic life would not be underprotective for environmental releases of nanosilver. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2557–2563. © 2012 SETAC
Influence of temperature on fluoride toxicity and bioaccumulation in the nonindigenous freshwater mollusk Dreissena polymorpha Pallas, 1769
Authors: Del Piero Stefania , Masiero Luciano , Casellato Sandra
Published: August 2012

Fluoride toxicity and bioaccumulation tests (short- and long-term) were performed on the nonindigenous freshwater mollusk Dreissena polymorpha at two different temperatures: 17 ± 0.5°C and 22 ± 0.5°C. Concentrations that did not result in toxicity in short-term experiments (96 h) induced effects over a longer period (17 weeks), especially at the warmest temperature, highlighting the role of this parameter. Fluoride bioaccumulation increased linearly with increasing concentration and temperature, reaching 4,202 µg F–/g dry weight in soft tissues only after 48 h of exposure at 22°C at a concentration of 640 mg F–/L. Comparing tolerance to fluoride and bioaccumulation values of this species with those of other freshwater invertebrates, D. polymorpha was much more resistant and revealed its capacity to accumulate a great quantity of this xenobiotic substance. The results of the present study demonstrated that fluoride accumulation in the soft tissue of this animal was much higher (up to 1,409.6 µg F−/g dry wt) than that in its shell (up to 706.4 µg F−/g dry wt). If we consider this datum and the fact that D. polymorpha is widespread in many aquatic ecosystems around the world, representing a food source for many birds and other vertebrates, we must acknowledge the possibility that it can represent a serious danger in view of fluoride biomagnification in the aquatic environment. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2567–2571. © 2012 SETAC
Linear Hygrothermal Viscoelastic Characterization of Nafion NRE 211 Proton Exchange Membrane
Authors: Patankar K. A. , Dillard D. A. , Case S. W. , Ellis M. W. , Lai Y.‐H. , Gittleman C. S.
Published: August 2012

The tensile relaxation modulus of a commercially available proton exchange membrane, Nafion® NRE 211, was obtained over a range of humidity levels and temperatures using a commercial dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). Hygral stress relaxation master curves were first constructed, followed by a hygrothermal master curve using the time temperature moisture superposition principle. The hygrothermal master curve was fitted using a 10‐term Prony series and validated using longer term stress relaxation tests. To validate the results from the stress relaxation experiments, short and long‐term creep compliance was converted into stress relaxation modulus using a well‐known viscoelastic conversion formula, and compared with the relaxation modulus obtained under identical conditions. Good agreement was found between the two datasets. It was evident that relaxation data at 2% RH at the test temperatures was not superposable with the master curves obtained at higher relative humidity (10% < RH < 90%) at the temperature range 70 °C < T < 90 °C. It was observed that the longer term relaxation modulus under humid conditions matched well with the hygrothermal master curve; however, the longer term relaxation modulus under dry conditions was significantly higher than the relaxation master curve obtained under dry conditions, raising the possibility of a physical aging process in the ionomer and/or irreversible morphological changes in the membrane under dry conditions.
Improved Electrodes/Electrolyte Interfaces for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell by Using Dual‐Sized Powders in Electrolyte Slurry
Authors: Pan W.‐P. , Lü Z. , Zhang Y.‐H. , Huang X.‐Q. , Wei B. , Wang Z.‐H. , Su W.‐H.
Published: August 2012

The dense electrolyte film with the rough surfaces for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) was fabricated on NiO/yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anode substrate by using dual‐sized YSZ powders without additional effort to roughen electrolyte film. The dual‐sized YSZ powders consisted of the fine YSZ powder and the coarse YSZ powder at different weight ratios. Incorporation of the coarse YSZ powder into the fine YSZ powder is in order to increase the surface roughness of electrolyte film, and the surface roughness obviously increased with the increase of coarse YSZ powder. The rough surfaces resulted in an enlargement of the electrochemical active area. It was found that electrode polarization was reduced evidently and cell electrochemical performance was enhanced, as the surface roughness increased. However, the excessive coarse YSZ powder was not beneficial for densification of electrolyte film and thus the open‐circuit voltage (OCV) was declined. The cell with 17 wt.% coarse YSZ powder in the electrolyte exhibited the best performance and the maximum power density was 1,930 mW cm–2 at 800 °C.
Layered YSZ/SCSZ/YSZ Electrolytes for Intermediate Temperature SOFC Part I: Design and Manufacturing
Authors: Chen Y. , Orlovskaya N. , Klimov M. , Huang X. , Cullen D. , Graule T. , Kuebler J.
Published: August 2012

(Sc2O3)0.1(CeO2)0.01(ZrO2)0.89 (SCSZ) ceramic electrolyte has superior ionic conductivity in the intermediate temperature range (700–800 °C), but it does not exhibit good phase and chemical stability in comparison with 8 mol% Y2O3–ZrO2 (YSZ). To maintain high ionic conductivity and improve the stability in the whole electrolyte, layered structures with YSZ outer layers and SCSZ inner layers were designed. Because of a mismatch of coefficients of thermal expansion and Young's moduli of SCSZ and YSZ phases, upon cooling of the electrolytes after sintering, thermal residual stresses will arise, leading to a possible strengthening of the layered composite and, therefore, an increase in the reliability of the electrolyte. Laminated electrolytes with three, four, and six layers design were manufactured using tape‐casting, lamination, and sintering techniques. After sintering, while the thickness of YSZ outer layers remained constant at ∼30 μm, the thickness of the SCSZ inner layer varied from ∼30 μm for a Y–SC–Y three‐layered electrolyte, ∼60 μm for a Y–2SC–Y four‐layered electrolyte, and ∼120 μm for a Y–4SC–Y six‐layered electrolyte. The microstructure, crystal structure, impurities present, and the density of the sintered electrolytes were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray and neutron diffraction, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, and water immersion techniques.
Survival differences among American Indians/Alaska natives with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Dwojak Sunshine M. , Sequist Thomas D. , Emerick Kevin , Deschler Daniel G.
Published: August 2012

Background

American Indians/Alaska Natives experience poor overall survival. Data are limited on American Indians/Alaska Natives with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

We identified all cases of HNSCC among American Indians/Alaska Natives, and white patients from 1996 to 2007 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Univariate, multivariate, and Cox models were fit to analyze racial differences in sex, age, stage, treatment, and survival.

Results

American Indians/Alaska Natives experienced decreased survival for oropharyngeal cancer (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.4; p = .008). After adjusting for demographic factors, survival was decreased for oral cavity cancer (HR = 1.3; p = .05) and hypopharyngeal/laryngeal cancer (HR = 1.6; p = .04). These disparities were eliminated after adjusting for treatment for oral cavity cancer (HR = 1.2; p = .17) and stage for hypopharyngeal/laryngeal cancer (HR = 1.4; p = .12). American Indians/Alaska Natives received less surgery for oral cavity cancer (78% vs 85%; p = .02).

Conclusion

Disparities in survival exist among American Indians/Alaska Natives patients with HNSCC. They are related to stage and differential treatment patterns. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
What Are You Really Saying? Associations between Shyness and Verbal Irony Comprehension
Authors: Mewhort‐Buist Tracy Anne , Nilsen Elizabeth S.
Published: August 2012

Verbal irony exploits the ambiguity inherent in language by using the discrepancy between a speaker's intended meaning and the literal meaning of his or her words to achieve social goals. Irony provides a window into children's developing pragmatic competence. Yet, little research exists on individual differences that may disrupt this understanding. For example, verbal irony may challenge shy children, who tend to interpret ambiguous stimuli as being threatening and who have difficulty mentalizing in social contexts. We examined whether shyness is related to the interpretation of ironic statements. Ninety‐nine children (8–12 year olds) listened to stories wherein one character made either a literal or ironic criticism or a literal or ironic compliment. Children appraised the speaker's belief and communicative intention. Shyness was assessed using self‐report measures of social anxiety symptoms and shy negative affect. Shyness was not related to children's comprehension of the counterfactual nature of ironic statements. However, shyness was related to children's ratings of speaker meanness for ironic statements. Thus, although not related to the understanding that speakers intended to communicate their true beliefs, shyness was related to children's construal of the social meaning of irony. Such subtle differences in language interpretation may underlie some of the social difficulties facing shy children. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microindentation for in vivo measurement of bone tissue material properties in atypical femoral fracture patients and controls
Authors: Güerri-Fernández Roberto C , Nogués Xavier , Quesada Gómez José M , Torres del Pliego Elisa , Puig Lluís , García-Giralt Natalia , Yoskovitz Guy , Mellibovsky Leonardo , Hansma Paul K , Díez-Pérez Adolfo
Published: August 2012

Atypical femoral fractures (AFF) associated with long-term bisphosphonates (LTB) are a growing concern. Their etiology is unknown, but bone material properties might be deteriorated. In an AFF series, we analyzed the bone material properties by microindentation. Four groups of patients were included: 6 AFF, 38 typical osteoporotic fractures, 6 LTB, and 20 controls without fracture. Neither typical osteoporotic fractures nor controls have received any antiosteoporotic medication. A general laboratory workup, bone densitometry by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and microindentation testing at the tibia were done in all patients. Total indentation distance (Total ID), indentation distance increase (IDI), and creep indentation distance (Creep ID) were measured (microns). Age-adjusted analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for comparisons. Controls were significantly younger than fracture groups. Bisphosphonate exposure was on average 5.5 years (range 5 to 12 years) for the AFF and 5.4 years (range 5 to 8 years) for the LTB groups. Total ID (microns) showed better material properties (lower Total ID) for controls 36 (± 6; mean ± SD) than for AFF 46 (± 4) and for typical femoral fractures 47 (± 13), respectively. Patients on LTB showed values between controls and fractures, 38 (± 4), although not significantly different from any of the other three groups. IDI values showed a similar pattern 13 (± 2), 16 (± 6), 19 (± 3), and 18 (± 5). After adjusting by age, significant differences were seen between controls and typical (p < 0.001) and atypical fractures (p = 0.03) for Total ID and for IDI (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). There were no differences in Creep ID between groups. Our data suggest that patients with AFF have a deep deterioration in bone material properties at a tissue level similar to that for the osteoporotic fracture group. The LTB group shows levels that are in between controls and both type of fractures, although not statistically different. These results suggest that bisphosphonate therapy probably does not put the majority of patients at risk for AFF. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Pharmacological inhibition of PHOSPHO1 suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell calcification
Authors: Kiffer-Moreira Tina , Yadav Manisha C , Zhu Dongxing , Narisawa Sonoko , Sheen Campbell , Stec Boguslaw , Cosford Nicholas D , Dahl Russell , Farquharson Colin , Hoylaerts Marc F , MacRae Vicky E , Millán José Luis
Published: August 2012

Medial vascular calcification (MVC) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease, obesity, and aging. MVC is an actively regulated process that resembles skeletal mineralization, resulting from chondro-osteogenic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Here, we used mineralizing murine VSMCs to study the expression of PHOSPHO1, a phosphatase that participates in the first step of matrix vesicles-mediated initiation of mineralization during endochondral ossification. Wild-type (WT) VSMCs cultured under calcifying conditions exhibited increased Phospho1 gene expression and Phospho1–/– VSMCs failed to mineralize in vitro. Using natural PHOSPHO1 substrates, potent and specific inhibitors of PHOSPHO1 were identified via high-throughput screening and mechanistic analysis and two of these inhibitors, designated MLS-0390838 and MLS-0263839, were selected for further analysis. Their effectiveness in preventing VSMC calcification by targeting PHOSPHO1 function was assessed, alone and in combination with a potent tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) inhibitor MLS-0038949. PHOSPHO1 inhibition by MLS-0263839 in mineralizing WT cells (cultured with added inorganic phosphate) reduced calcification in culture to 41.8% ± 2.0% of control. Combined inhibition of PHOSPHO1 by MLS-0263839 and TNAP by MLS-0038949 significantly reduced calcification to 20.9% ± 0.74% of control. Furthermore, the dual inhibition strategy affected the expression of several mineralization-related enzymes while increasing expression of the smooth muscle cell marker Acta2. We conclude that PHOSPHO1 plays a critical role in VSMC mineralization and that “phosphatase inhibition” may be a useful therapeutic strategy to reduce MVC. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
HSPB1 is an intracellular antiviral factor against hepatitis B virus
Authors: Tong Shi‐Wen , Yang Yi‐Xuan , Hu Huai‐Dong , An Xuan , Ye Feng , Ren Hong , Li Sang‐Lin , Zhang Da‐Zhi
Published: August 2012

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most common of the hepatitis viruses that cause chronic liver infections in humans and it is considered a major global health problem. However, the mechanisms of HBV replication are complex and not yet fully understood. In this study, the HBV DNA‐transfected HepG2.2.15 cell line and its parental HepG2 cell line were analyzed by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)‐coupled two‐dimensional liquid chromatography tandem mass‐spectrophotometry (2D LC‐MS/MS), a successfully exploited high‐throughput proteomic technology. In total, 2,028 unique proteins were identified and 170 proteins were differentially expressed in HepG2.2.15 cells as compared with that in HepG2. Several differentially expressed proteins were further validated by Western blot and real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR. Furthermore, the association of HBV replication with heat shock protein B1, one of the highly expressed proteins in HepG2.2.15 cells, was verified. HSPB1 functions as a anti‐viral protein during HBV infection by specifically inducing type interferon and some downstream antiviral effectors. This study is the first to report the application of iTRAQ technology to analyze the underlying mechanisms of HBV replication. Many of the differentially expressed proteins identified have not been linked to HBV replication before, and may provide valuable novel insights into HBV replication. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 162–173, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metacognition and Social Cognition in Schizophrenia: Stability and Relationship to Concurrent and Prospective Symptom Assessments
Authors: Hamm Jay A. , Renard Selwyn B. , Fogley Rebecca L. , Leonhardt Bethany L. , Dimaggio Giancarlo , Buck Kelly D. , Lysaker Paul H.
Published: August 2012

Objective

Schizophrenia has been linked with deficits in the ability to form complex representations about oneself and others. Less clear is whether these deficits are stable over time, and whether they are related to symptoms.

Method

We assessed metacognition capacity, affect recognition, executive function, and symptoms at baseline and 6 months later for 49 adults with schizophrenia.

Results

Paired t tests revealed assessments of metacognition and affect recognition were stable across measurements points. Metacognition was related to concurrent assessments of positive, negative and disorganized symptoms. Multiple regressions revealed metacognition was related to prospective assessments of negative symptoms after controlling for baseline negative symptoms and executive function.

Conclusions

Metacognitive deficits are a stable feature of schizophrenia related with negative symptoms.
Levels of basic personality factors in a psychiatric population
Authors: Berger Audrey , Wrobel Thomas A. , Lycaki Helene
Published: August 2012

Diverse sets of factors have been claimed by various investigators to be basic personality variables of the highest factor order. A sample of 400 psychiatric patient records were rated for presence or absence of 14 criteria. The data were factor analyzed, and four factors were extracted. Three of the four factors resemble Eysenck's three‐factor model of personality at the universal or general level. The fourth factor is interpreted to be a behavioral dimension at a lower level. The results are discussed in terms of the population and the type of data utilized.
Semi‐automated full battery
Authors: Vincent Ken R.
Published: August 2012

Presented an outline of the development of a semi‐automated full psychological test battery. Focus is on the interpretation and narrative of the report. The format for the development of interpretive statements that cover the entire test battery content is presented on both objective tests and projective instruments. A sample case report is included. This procedure, which utilizes an automated typewriter, focuses on the development of a semiautomated method that can be employed by the individual psychologist who does not have access to extensive computer facilities. The Semi‐Automated Full Battery is a method that can lessen significantly the time and much of the repetition entailed in psychological report writing.
A comparison of the WISC and WISC‐R on hispanic children
Authors: Munford Paul R. , Munoz Alejandra
Published: August 2012

Administered the WISC and the WISC‐R in a counterbalanced design to 20 Hispanic children. Ss scored significantly lower on the WISC‐R on Similarities, Object Assembly, Coding, and Mazes subtests, which resulted in lower Performance and Full Scale IQs. WISC‐R scores tended to increase after practice on the WISC, but WISC scores tended to decrease after practice on the WISC‐R. There was an overall difference of approximately 14 points between the Verbal and the Performance IQs on both tests. The only sex difference occurred on the Coding subscale; girls' mean score was higher than boys'. The tests were highly correlated. Important implications are that the WISC‐R is as culturally biased as the WISC and that more Hispanic children may be labeled as mentally deficient. It is suggested that the Verbal IQ reflects the extent of acculturation, while the Performance IQ reflects actual ability.
The validity of the modified word learning test
Authors: Vaughan M.
Published: August 2012

Inspected reports on 59 psychiatric patients who had completed the Modified Word Learning Test (MWLT), Memory for Designs Test, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale in order to assess the validity of the MWLT. It was found that MWLT scores were correlated with age, Verbal Scale and Full Scale IQs and Verbal‐Performance Discrepancies. In addition, there was 61% agreement in classification with the Memory for Designs Test. It was suggested tentatively that the MWLT may misclassify patients with low Verbal Scale IQs.
Comparison of two methods of administering the Halstead category test
Authors: Wood William D. , Strider Mary Ann
Published: August 2012

Developed an alternative method of administering Halstead's Category Test that uses answer sheet and latent image developer. The method does not entail bulky apparatus operated by the examiner. There is lessened possibility of examiner error in providing reinforcement and in recording responses. Use of visual rather than auditory reinforcement makes the method useful with the deaf. Performance on alternative and standard methods by psychiatric inpatients (N = 50) was the same, which suggests that the two methods are equivalent.
Marital role dynamics during brief group psychotherapy: Assessment of verbal interactions
Authors: Silbergeld Sam , Thune Elizabeth S. , Manderscheid Ronald W.
Published: August 2012

Examined the impact of brief group psychotherapy on the marital and sex roles of five volunteer couples who participated in two, 15‐session, model therapy groups conducted approximately 2 years apart. Assessments are based on Hill Interaction Matrix (HIM) analysis of the style and content of marital partners' verbal behavior during the sessions. Results show that interactional correlates of traditional marital and sex role variations are attenuated, that communication between spouses is improved, and that the therapeutic quality of verbal behavior is enhanced over the course of therapy. Generally, from the perspective of interactional dynamics, these findings suggest that the group psychotherapy model that was being evaluated is an effective mode of brief, precrisis intervention for married couples.
Effectiveness of alpha biofeedback therapy: Negative results
Authors: Watson Charles G. , Herder Joseph
Published: August 2012

Assessed the utility of alpha biofeedback training in the treatment of psychiatric patients (N = 66). Biofeedback and placebo biofeedback groups were given alpha or mock‐alpha training sessions, and their improvement on 54 variables was compared to that of no‐treatment controls. Only a chance number of significant differential changes appeared among the three groups. A comparison of these negative results with an earlier study from our laboratory that had yielded positive findings suggested that clinical improvement in alpha biofeedback treatment may be the result of the relaxation training or special verbal instructions often incorporated into alpha training.
Multidimensional change in psychotherapy
Authors: Jones Enrico E.
Published: August 2012

Assessed psychotherapy outcome for 177 patients who were seen for an average of 31 therapy hours with the Rating Scales for Outcome of Therapy and a Therapist Questionnaire. Results of a components analysis did not support Storrow's rational groupings of the Rating Scales into five dimensions and suggested that two general areas of psychological adjustment underlie the 11 scales. A second components analysis that included both outcome measures supports only in part the contention that when results from diverse outcome measures are factor analyzed, the factors necessarily are associated with method of measurement rather than substantive dimensions of change.