bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phobos 2/ASPERA data revisited: Planetary ion escape rate from Mars near the 1989 solar maximum
Authors: Ramstad Robin , Futaana Yoshifumi , Barabash Stas , Nilsson Hans , Martin del Campo B Sergio , Lundin Rickard , Schwingenschuh Konrad 
Published: February 2013

AbstractInsights about the near‐Mars space environment from Mars Express observations have motivated a revisit of the Phobos 2/ASPERA ion data from 1989. We have expanded the analysis to now include all usable heavy ion (O+, O, CO) measurements from the circular orbits of Phobos 2. Phobos 2/ASPERA ion fluxes in the Martian tail are compared with previous results obtained by the instruments on Phobos 2. Further validation of the measurement results is obtained by comparing IMP‐8 and Phobos 2/ASPERA solar wind ion fluxes, taking into account the time lag between Earth and Mars. Heavy ion flux measurements from 18 circular equatorial orbits around Mars are bin‐averaged to a grid, using the MSE (electric field) frame of reference. The binned data are subsequently integrated to determine the total escape rate of planetary ions. From this we derive a total planetary heavy ion escape rate of (2–3) × 1025 s−1 from Mars for the 1989 solar maximum.
Population pharmacokinetics of blonanserin in Chinese healthy volunteers and the effect of the food intake
Authors: Wen Yu‐Guan , Shang De‐Wei , Xie He‐Zhi , Wang Xi‐Pei , Ni Xiao‐Jia , Zhang Ming , Lu Wei , Qiu Chang , Liu Xia , Li Fang‐Fang , Li Xuan , Luo Fu‐Tian 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to better understand blonanserin population pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics in Chinese healthy subjects.MethodsData from two studies with 50 subjects were analyzed to investigate the population PK characteristics of blonanserin at single dose (4, 8, and 12 mg) under fasting, multidose (4 mg bid or 8 mg qd for 7 days) and under food intake condition (single dose, 8 mg). Blonanserin plasma concentrations were detected using the high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). A nonlinear mixed‐effects model was developed to describe the blonanserin concentration–time profiles.ResultsA two compartment model with first‐order absorption was built to describe the time‐course of blonanserin. The population‐predicted system apparent clearance (CL/F), volume of apparent distribution in center (V1/F), and the first‐order absorption rate constant (Ka) of blonanserin under fasting was 1230 L/h, 9500 L, and 3.02 h−1, respectively. Food intake decreased Ka of blonanserin to 0.78 h−1. The relative bioavailability between fasting and food intake estimated by the final model was 55%. No clinically significant safety issues were identified.ConclusionThis is the first study assessing the PK profile of blonanserin with population PKs method. The results can be used for simulation in further clinical trial and optimize individual dosage regimens using a Bayesian methodology in patients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly Selective Li+ Ion Transport by Porous Molybdenum‐Oxide Keplerate‐Type Nanocapsules Integrated in a Supported Liquid Membrane
Authors: Gilles Arnaud , Mihai Simona , Nasr Gihane , Mahon Eugene , Garai Somenath , Müller Achim , Barboiu Mihail 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPorous Keplerate‐type molybdenum‐oxide nanocapsules – encapsulated into cationic surfactants – act as transporting systems for alkali cations through supported liquid membranes. The transport is based on the ability of the nanocapsules containing water molecules inside their cavities to attract and release the cations. This results in specific nanoscaled translocation pathways, based on corresponding dynamic diffusional domains within the liquid bulk membrane phase, due to the self‐assembly of the capsules. Li+ cations are preferentially extracted and transported, thus allowing separation from Na+ and K+ cations, which are not transported to the receiving phase.
Localized micro‐scale disruption of cells using laser‐generated focused ultrasound
Authors: Baac Hyoung Won , Frampton John , Ok Jong G. , Takayama Shuichi , Guo L. Jay 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe utilize laser‐generated focused ultrasound (LGFU) to create targeted mechanical disturbance on a few cells. The LGFU is transmitted through an optoacoustic lens that converts laser pulses into focused ultrasound. The tight focusing (<100 µm) and high peak pressure of the LGFU produces cavitational disturbances at a localized spot with micro‐jetting and secondary shock‐waves arising from micro‐bubble collapse. We demonstrate that LGFU can be used as a non‐contact, non‐ionizing, high‐precision tool to selectively detach a single cell from its culture substrate. Furthermore, we explore the possibility of biomolecule delivery in a small population of cells targeted by LGFU at pressure amplitudes below and above the cavitation threshold. We experimentally confirm that cavitational disruption is required for delivery of propidium iodide, a membrane‐impermeable nucleic acid‐binding dye, into cells. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A self‐deletion lentiviral vector to reduce the risk of replication‐competent virus formation
Authors: Fang Yudan , Gong Xiuli , Xu Miao , Zeng Fanyi , Zhang Jingzhi 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundMajor improvements have been made progressively on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 based lentiviral vectors to minimize the probability of replication‐competent lentivirus formation. This includes the deletion of U3 promoter and the use of packaging cells, which has increased their potential for use in gene therapy and other in vivo applications. However, the risk of forming replication‐competent lentiviruses remains.MethodsWe investigated the use of Cre‐loxP mediation with the insertion of the transgene‐expressing cassette in ΔU3 to remove additional parts of the HIV‐1 backbone upon cre expression, after integration. This, leads to deletion of the packaging signal, primer binding site and Rev response element, including cre itself.ResultsThis approach left a split truncated form of long terminal repeat flanked by a loxP and a transgene‐expressing cassette in the genome, which made replication‐competent lentivirus formation almost impossible. This self‐deletion vector could stably express transgenes both in cell lines and transgenic mice with only modest losses of viral titer. The maximum size of the inserts was approximately 3 kb, which was sufficient for most transgenic applications. Moreover, the addition of some enhancer blocking agents downstream of the transgene could reduce the probability of transcriptional read‐through in transfected 293T cells.ConclusionsOur approach could improve the biosafety of lentiviral vectors, thus improving their potential application for use in clinical trials and other in vivo applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WHO GETS WHAT? DETERMINANTS OF LOAN SIZE AND CREDIT RATIONING AMONG MICROCREDIT BORROWERS: EVIDENCE FROM NICARAGUA
Authors: Mason David R. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractJoint liability microcredit lending employs members' trust and social networks to screen and monitor members. Lenders may use this information along with a formal application to determine the size and terms of the loan they disburse. Yet it is unclear what factors influence loan size. This paper examines two questions related to credit consumption: the size of loans disbursed and whether the borrower was credit rationed, using a sample of clients from Nicaragua. Findings suggest that borrower assets, gender and length of time with the lending institution influence the size of loans received. Recent evidence has also suggested that credit rationing may be related to loan officer discrimination, although evidence for this and other factors here is not clear. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local Religious Organisations Performing Development: Refugees in the Central Methodist Mission in Johannesburg
Authors: Bompani Barbara 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis article presents the situation of the Central Methodist Mission in inner‐city Johannesburg and the role played by its religious leadership in defining, shaping and supporting relief and longer‐term development projects. Following a series of xenophobic attacks in 2008 the number of migrants and refugees assisted by the church increased exponentially. Despite the difficulties that this organisation encountered, the work of assistance to those in need was pursued, thanks to the tenacity and vision of the religious leader of the institution. This underlines the crucial role of leadership within religious organisations delivering development, especially in small organisations that are not used to the language of the development apparatus. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Whole breast and excision cavity radiotherapy plan comparison: Conformal radiotherapy with sequential boost versus intensity‐modulated radiation therapy with a simultaneously integrated boost
Authors: Small Katherine , Kelly Chris , Beldham‐Collins Rachael , Gebski Val 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIntroductionA comparative study was conducted comparing the difference between (1) conformal radiotherapy (CRT) to the whole breast with sequential boost excision cavity plans and (2) intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to the whole breast with simultaneously integrated boost to the excision cavity. The computed tomography (CT) data sets of 25 breast cancer patients were used and the results analysed to determine if either planning method produced superior plans.MethodsCT data sets from 25 past breast cancer patients were planned using (1) CRT prescribed to 50 Gy in 25 fractions (Fx) to the whole‐breast planning target volume (PTV) and 10 Gy in 5Fx to the excision cavity and (2) IMRT prescribed to 60 Gy in 25Fx, with 60 Gy delivered to the excision cavity PTV and 50 Gy delivered to the whole‐breast PTV, treated simultaneously. In total, 50 plans were created, with each plan evaluated by PTV coverage using conformity indices, plan maximum dose, lung dose, and heart maximum dose for patients with left‐side lesions.ResultsCRT plans delivered the lowest plan maximum doses in 56% of cases (average CRT = 6314.34 cGy, IMRT = 6371.52 cGy). They also delivered the lowest mean lung dose in 68% of cases (average CRT = 1206.64 cGy, IMRT = 1288.37 cGy) and V20 in 88% of cases (average CRT = 20.03%, IMRT = 21.73%) and V30 doses in 92% of cases (average CRT = 16.82%, IMRT = 17.97%). IMRT created more conformal plans, using both conformity index and conformation number, in every instance, and lower heart maximum doses in 78.6% of cases (average CRT = 5295.26 cGy, IMRT = 5209.87 cGy).ConclusionIMRT plans produced superior dose conformity and shorter treatment duration, but a slightly higher planning maximum and increased lung doses. IMRT plans are also faster to treat on a daily basis, with shorter fractionation.
Numerical device simulation to investigate the noise currents of mercury cadmium telluride photosensors for thermal imaging applications
Authors: Kocer H. 
Published: February 2013

SUMMARYInfrared (IR) sensors are widely used in thermal imaging and sensor applications. The performance of IR sensor is strongly dependent on the noise currents of the sensor. If characteristics of the noise currents are known prior to the costly and time‐consuming sensor production phase, high performance IR sensors could be obtained rapidly and cost effectively. In this study, a p–n long‐wave IR mercury cadmium telluride sensor is evaluated at 77 K using a physics‐based numerical modeling and simulation approach. Results of the study showed that 1/f noise originating from the trap‐assisted tunneling dominates as the cut‐off wavelength and the magnitude of the applied reverse bias voltage increase. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trabecular bone adaptation to loading in a rabbit model is not magnitude‐dependent
Authors: Yang Xu , Willie Bettina M. , Beach Jocelyn M. , Wright Timothy M. , van der Meulen Marjolein C. H. , Bostrom Mathias P. G. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAlthough mechanical loading is known to influence trabecular bone adaptation, the role of specific loading parameters requires further investigation. Previous studies demonstrated that the number of loading cycles and loading duration modulate the adaptive response of trabecular bone in a rabbit model of applied loading. In the current study, we investigated the influence of load magnitude on the adaptive response of trabecular bone using the rabbit model. Cyclic compressive loads, producing peak pressures of either 0.5 or 1.0 MPa, were applied daily (5 days/week) at 1 Hz and 50 cycles/day for 4 weeks post‐operatively to the trabecular bone on the lateral side of the distal right femur, while the left side served as an nonloaded control. The adaptive response was characterized by microcomputed tomography and histomorphometry. Bone volume fraction, bone mineral content, tissue mineral density, and mineral apposition rate (MAR) increased in loaded limbs compared to the contralateral control limbs. No load magnitude dependent difference was observed, which may reflect the critical role of loading compared to the operated, nonloaded contralateral limb. The increased MAR suggests that loading stimulated new bone formation rather than just maintaining bone volume. The absence of a dose‐dependent response of trabecular bone observed in this study suggests that a range of load magnitudes should be examined for biophysical therapies aimed at augmenting current treatments to enhance long‐term fixation of orthopedic devices. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 930–934, 2013
Palaeoflood activity and climate change over the last 1400 years recorded by lake sediments in the north‐west European Alps
Authors: Wilhelm B. , Arnaud F. , Sabatier P. , Magand O. , Chapron E. , Courp T. , Tachikawa K. , Fanget B. , Malet E. , Pignol C. , Bard E. , Delannoy J. J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA high‐resolution sedimentological and geochemical study of a high‐altitude proglacial lake (Lake Blanc, Aiguilles Rouges, 2352 m a.s.l.) revealed 195 turbidites, 190 of which are related to flood events over the last 1400 years. We used the coarsest sediment fraction of each turbidite as a proxy for the intensity of each flood event. Because most flood events at this locality are triggered by localized summer convective precipitation events, the reconstructed sedimentary record reveals changes in the frequency and intensity of such events over the last millennium. Comparisons with other temperature, palaeohydrological and glacier reconstructions in the region suggest that the most intense events occurred during the warmest periods, i.e. during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (AD 800–1300) and the current period of global warming. On a multi‐decadal time scale, almost all the flood frequency peaks seem to correspond to warmer periods, whereas multi‐centennial variations in flood frequency appear to follow the regional precipitation pattern. Consequently, this new Alpine flood record provides further evidence of a link between climate warming and an increase in the frequency and intensity of flooding on a multi‐decadal time scale, whereas the centennial variability in flood frequencies is related to regional precipitation patterns. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proximate composition and lipid stability of dourado (Salminus brasilensis, Cuvier, 1817) fillets exposed to different levels of ammonia and oxygen in vivo
Authors: Veeck Ana Paula L , Garcia Luciano O , Baldisserotto Bernardo , Zaniboni Filho Evoy , Emanuelli Tatiana 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe ammonia and oxygen levels of water are physicochemical parameters that affect fish physiology. Thus, we hypothesized that in vivo exposure to stressful ammonia and oxygen levels will affect the post‐mortem quality of the fish. Therefore, in this study, the effects of in vivo exposure to stressful ammonia and oxygen levels on the composition and content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in fillets from dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) and on the lipid oxidation of these fillets during frozen storage were evaluated.ResultsShort‐term exposure (12 h) to stressful environmental conditions (low oxygen and high ammonia levels) did not change the composition of the flesh. However, longer exposure (15 days) to these stressful conditions caused significant changes in the composition of the flesh. Exposure to a stressful ammonia level before slaughtering increased the susceptibility of the fish fillets to lipid oxidation during frozen storage. In contrast, exposure to low oxygen levels did not increase the lipid oxidation rate of the fillets.ConclusionThese results indicate that the in vivo exposure to high ammonia levels may reduce the quality and stability of dourado fillets. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficacy of pulsed dye laser plus topical tazarotene versus topical tazarotene alone in psoriatic nail disease: A single‐blind, intrapatient left‐to‐right controlled study
Authors: Huang Yu‐Chen , Chou Chia‐Lun , Chiang Ying‐Yi 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundNail psoriasis is difficult to treat. The efficacy of pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy for nail psoriasis has been reported in non‐placebo controlled studies.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of PDL with topical retinoid in the treatment of nail psoriasis.MethodsThe study was an intrapatient, left‐to‐right controlled trial of PDL in 25 patients with recalcitrant, bilateral fingernail psoriasis recruited between February 2011 and August 2011. We included two groups of patients: (1) patients with severe psoriasis who were receiving stable systemic therapy (phototherapy and systemic medication); (2) patients with mild psoriasis who were not receiving systemic therapy. One hand received the experimental treatment (PDL and tazarotene 0.1% cream) and the other, the control treatment (tazarotene 0.1% cream). All five fingernails of the experimental hand were treated with 595‐nm PDL once a month for 6 months. Assessments included the modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) at baseline, 3, and 6 months, the Physician's Global Assessment at 3 and 6 months, the patient's global assessment, and adverse events.ResultsNineteen patients completed the 6‐month protocol. The mean decrease in modified NAPSI score from baseline to 6 months was significantly more after the experimental treatment than the control treatment. Physician's global assessment showed significantly higher percentage of patients had ≥75% improvement at 6 months in the experimental group than the control group (31.6% vs. 5.3%, P = 0.045). Scores on the patient's global assessment were significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group (P < 0.001).ConclusionPDL plus topical tazarotene 0.1% cream is an effective and safe therapy in the treatment of nail psoriasis. Lasers Surg. Med. 45: 102–107, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A fast, analytically based method to optimize local transmit efficiency for a transmit array
Authors: Carluccio Giuseppe , Collins Christopher M. , Erricolo Danilo 
Published: February 2013

PurposeTo develop an analytically based algorithm for rapid optimization of the local radiofrequency magnetic
field intensity for a given radiofrequency power through a transmit array. The analytical nature of the method will yield insight to optimization requirements and provides a valuable reference for numerically based searches.MethodsWith the knowledge of the
field distribution generated by each single coil of the array, both the phases and the amplitudes of each coil current are optimized to maximize the magnitude of the
field in a specific location of the body per unit of power transmitted through the array and, consequently, minimizing the whole body specific absorption rate for a given pulse sequence.ResultsSimulations considering the human body show that the proposed method can reduce the whole‐body specific absorption rate for a given
magnitude at the location of interest by a factor of about 6.3 compared to the classic birdcage current configuration, and by a factor of 3.2 compared to phase‐only shimming in a case with significant coupling between the elements of the array.ConclusionThe proposed method can rapidly provide valuable information pertinent to the optimization of field distributions from transmit arrays. Magn Reson Med 71:432–439, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noncontrast skeletal muscle oximetry
Authors: Zheng Jie , An Hongyu , Coggan Andrew R. , Zhang Xiaodong , Bashir Adil , Muccigrosso David , Peterson Linda R. , Gropler Robert J. 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe objective of this study was to develop a new noncontrast method to directly quantify regional skeletal muscle oxygenation.MethodsThe feasibility of the method was examined in five healthy volunteers using a 3 T clinical MRI scanner, at rest and during a sustained isometric contraction. The perfusion of skeletal muscle of the calf was measured using an arterial spin labeling method, whereas the oxygen extraction fraction of the muscle was measured using a susceptibility‐based MRI technique.ResultsIn all volunteers, the perfusion in soleus muscle increased significantly from 6.5 ± 2.0 mL (100 g min)−1 at rest to 47.9 ± 7.7 mL (100 g min)−1 during exercise (P < 0.05). Although the corresponding oxygen extraction fraction did not change significantly, the rate of oxygen consumption increased from 0.43 ± 0.13 to 4.2 ± 1.5 mL (100 g min)−1 (P < 0.05). Similar results were observed in gastrocnemius muscle but with greater oxygen extraction fraction increase than the soleus muscle.ConclusionThis is the first MR oximetry developed for quantification of regional skeletal muscle oxygenation. A broad range of medical conditions could benefit from these techniques, including cardiology, gerontology, kinesiology, and physical therapy. Magn Reson Med 71:318–325, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MR Elastography of the Liver and the Spleen Using a Piezoelectric Driver, Single‐Shot Wave‐Field Acquisition, and Multifrequency Dual Parameter Reconstruction
Authors: Hirsch Sebastian , Guo Jing , Reiter Rolf , Papazoglou Sebastian , Kroencke Thomas , Braun Juergen , Sack Ingolf 
Published: February 2013

PurposeViscoelastic properties of the liver are sensitive to fibrosis. This study proposes several modifications to existing magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) techniques to improve the accuracy of abdominal MRE.MethodsThe proposed method comprises the following steps: (i) wave generation by a nonmagnetic, piezoelectric driver suitable for integration into the patient table, (ii) fast single‐shot 3D wave‐field acquisition at four drive frequencies between 30 and 60 Hz, and (iii) single‐step postprocessing by a novel multifrequency dual parameter inversion of the wave equation. The method is tested in phantoms, healthy volunteers, and patients with portal hypertension and ascites.ResultsSpatial maps of magnitude and phase of the complex shear modulus were acquired within 6–8 min. These maps are not subject to bias from inversion‐related artifacts known from classic MRE. The spatially averaged modulus for healthy liver was 1.44 ± 0.23 kPa with ϕ = 0.492 ± 0.064. Both parameters were significantly higher in the spleen (2.29 ± 0.97 kPa, P = 0.015 and 0.749 ± 0.144, P = 6.58·10−5, respectively).ConclusionThe proposed method provides abdominal images of viscoelasticity in a short time with spatial resolution comparable to conventional MR images and improved quality without being compromised by ascites. The new setup allows for the integration of abdominal MRE into the clinical workflow. Magn Reson Med 71:267–277, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.