bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On random walks and entropy in diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging studies of neural tissue
Authors: Ingo Carson , Magin Richard L. , Colon‐Perez Luis , Triplett William , Mareci Thomas H. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeIn diffusion‐weighted MRI studies of neural tissue, the classical model assumes the statistical mechanics of Brownian motion and predicts a monoexponential signal decay. However, there have been numerous reports of signal decays that are not monoexponential, particularly in the white matter.TheoryWe modeled diffusion in neural tissue from the perspective of the continuous time random walk. The characteristic diffusion decay is represented by the Mittag‐Leffler function, which relaxes a priori assumptions about the governing statistics. We then used entropy as a measure of the anomalous features for the characteristic function.MethodsDiffusion‐weighted MRI experiments were performed on a fixed rat brain using an imaging spectrometer at 17.6 T with b‐values arrayed up to 25,000 s/mm2. Additionally, we examined the impact of varying either the gradient strength, q, or mixing time, Δ, on the observed diffusion dynamics.ResultsIn white and gray matter regions, the Mittag‐Leffler and entropy parameters demonstrated new information regarding subdiffusion and produced different image contrast from that of the classical diffusion coefficient. The choice of weighting on q and Δ produced different image contrast within the regions of interest.ConclusionWe propose these parameters have the potential as biomarkers for morphology in neural tissue. Magn Reson Med 71:617–627, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fast, variable system delay correction for spiral MRI
Authors: Bhavsar Payal S. , Zwart Nicholas R. , Pipe James G. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeTime‐varying system delays and eddy currents can substantially reduce the image quality of spiral images. A new method is proposed to estimate variable system delays for spiral‐based trajectories.MethodsThis approach requires a minor modification of a conventional stack‐of‐spirals sequence and analyzes data collected on three overlapping orthogonal cylinders.ResultsInitial results are presented for acquired and synthesized phantom data and in vivo data.ConclusionThe proposed method includes gradient coupling effects, requires no phantom measurements or specialized hardware, is robust to off‐resonance effects, and estimates independent continuous delays for each gradient channel over the data‐sampling period. Magn Reson Med 71:773–782, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A fast approximate method of identifying paths of allosteric communication in proteins
Authors: Erman Burak 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTFluctuations of the distance between a pair of residues i and j may be correlated with the fluctuations of the distance between another pair k and l. In this case, information may be transmitted among these four residues. Allosteric activity is postulated to proceed through such correlated paths. In this short communication a fast method for calculating correlations among all possible pairs ij and kl leading to a pathway of correlated residues of a protein is proposed. The method is based on the alpha carbon centered Gaussian Network Model. The model is applied to Glutamine Amidotransferase and pathways of allosteric activity are identified and compared with literature. Proteins 2013; 81:1097–1101. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design of optimal fast scanning trajectory for the mechanical scanner of measurement instruments
Authors: Ju Bing‐Feng , Bai Xiaolong , Chen Jian , Ge Yaozheng 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThis paper focuses on the design of the optimal scanning mode for the family of scanning probe microscopes. Based on different values of the maximum acceleration (deceleration) rate and maximum speed of X‐ and Y‐ axes of the mechanical scanner encountered in practice due to different mechanical design and loads, the design procedure of the optimal fast scanning mode is presented, which is found to be sensitive to the specific parameters of the scanning motion. By utilizing the simultaneous motion of the two axes, the fast raster scanning mode proposed can improve the scanning efficiency by 29% when comparing with the conventional raster (CR) scanning mode, if the scanning speeds of both axes are identical. In addition, the optimal fast mode provided by us has no effects on the image accuracy such as image degradation, image distortion when the efficiency is evaluated. No further difficulties are introduced to the control of the mechanical scanner and the data acquisition process. This optimal scanning mode is useful when the response time of the probe is very fast (such as ultrasonic probe in scanning acoustic microscope (SAM)), and the main limitations are due to the mechanical scanner. By applying different loads for both axes, the experiments with different scanning areas and scanning modes are conducted in a self‐developed SAM. Experimental results coincide with the theoretical analysis and confirm the validation of our proposed optimal fast scanning mode and its superiority over the CR scanning mode. SCANNING 36:185–193, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carbon Nanotubes Multifunctionalized by Rolling Circle Amplification and Their Application for Highly Sensitive Detection of Cancer Markers
Authors: Zhao Bin , Yan Juan , Wang Dongfang , Ge Zhilei , He Shijiang , He Dannong , Song Shiping , Fan Chunhai 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThere are still challenges for the development of multifunctional carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Here, a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐based rolling circle amplification system (CRCAS) is reported which allows in situ rolling circle replication of DNA primer on the surface of MWCNTs to create a long single‐strand DNA (ssDNA) where a large number of nanoparticles or proteins could be loaded, forming a nano‐biohybridized 3D structure with a powerful signal amplification ability. In this strategy, the binding ability of proteins, hybridization, replication ability of DNA, and the catalytical ability of enzymes are integrated on a single carbon nanotube. The CRCAS is then used to develop colorimetric and chemiluminescent assays for the highly sensitive and specific detection of cancer protein markers, alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and prostate specific antigen (PSA). The colorimetric CRCAS assay is 4000 times more sensitive than a conventional enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and its concentration range is 10 000 times wider. Control experiments show that as low as 10 pg mL−1 AFP or PSA could be detected even in the presence of interfering protein markers with a more than 105‐fold greater concentration in the sample, demonstrating the high specificity of the CRCAS assay. The limit of detection of the chemiluminescent CRCAS assays for AFP and PSA are 5 fg mL−1 (70 aM) and 10 fg mL−1 (0.29 fM), respectively, indicating that the sensitivity is much higher than that of the colorimetric CRCAS assay. Importantly, CRCAS works well with real biological samples.
Altered expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 in epileptic patients and experimental rats
Authors: Jiang Guohui , Cao Qingqing , Li Jie , Zhang Yujiao , Liu Xiaoya , Wang Zhihua , Guo Fen , Chen Yun , Chen Yalan , Chen Guojun , Wang Xuefeng 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTIn the central nervous system (CNS), vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) transports cytoplasmic monoamines such as dopamine into synaptic vesicles for storage and subsequent exocytotic release. Recent studies have provided direct evidence for VMAT2‐regulated monoamine neurotransmitter involvement in the neurophysiological activities of neurological disease. This study investigated the expression pattern of VMAT2 in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and in a rat model of epilepsy. We assessed the expression of VMAT2 in the temporal neocortex in 24 TLE patients using western blotting and quantitative real time PCR (qRT‐PCR) analyses. These results showed that VMAT2 expression dynamically decreased in TLE patients when compared with the control subjects (n = 12). And that VMAT2 protein transiently increased in acute stages (1 day and 3 days) after epileptic seizures in pilocarpine‐treated rats; however, it clearly decreased after spontaneous recurrent seizures (7 days, 21 days, and 60 days after seizures). In addition, double immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical labeling studies performed in patient and experimental animal tissue revealed that VMAT2 protein was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm and in the axons of neurons but not glial cells in the hippocampus and temporal lobe cortex. These data suggested that the abnormal expression of VMAT2 mRNA and protein in epileptic brain tissue may contribute to vulnerability toward epilepsy‐related psychiatric disorders and cognitive impairment. Synapse 67:415–426, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Winter mortality in a warming climate: a reassessment
Authors: Ebi Kristie L. , Mills David 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn temperate climates, mortality is higher in the winter than the summer. Most wintertime deaths are attributed to cardiovascular and respiratory disease, with hypothermia from extreme cold accounting for a negligible share of all recorded deaths. International and national assessments of the health risks of climate change often conclude that increased temperatures from climate change will likely reduce winter mortality. This article examines the support for this hypothesis. We find that although there is a physiological basis for increased cardiovascular and respiratory disease mortality during winter months, the limited evidence suggests cardiovascular disease mortality is only weakly associated with temperature. Although respiratory disease mortality shows a stronger seasonal relationship with colder temperatures, cold alone does not explain infection rates. Further, respiratory disease mortality is a relatively small proportion of winter deaths. Therefore, assuming no changes in acclimatization and the degree to which temperature‐related deaths are prevented, climate change may alter the balance of deaths between winters and summers, but is unlikely to dramatically reduce overall winter mortality rates. WIREs Clim Change 2013, 4:203–212. doi: 10.1002/wcc.211This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies
Computational models of planning
Authors: Geffner Hector 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe selection of the action to do next is one of the central problems faced by autonomous agents. Natural and artificial systems address this problem in various ways: action responses can be hardwired, they can be learned, or they can be computed from a model of the situation, the actions, and the goals. Planning is the model‐based approach to action selection and a fundamental ingredient of intelligent behavior in both humans and machines. Planning, however, is computationally hard as the consideration of all possible courses of action is not computationally feasible. The problem has been addressed by research in Artificial Intelligence that in recent years has uncovered simple but powerful computational principles that make planning feasible. The principles take the form of domain‐independent methods for computing heuristics or appraisals that enable the effective generation of goal‐directed behavior even over huge spaces. In this paper, we look at several planning models, at methods that have been shown to scale up to large problems, and at what these methods may suggest about the human mind. WIREs Cogn Sci 2013, 4:341–356. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1233This article is categorized under:

Computer Science > Artificial Intelligence
The many functions of mRNA localization during normal development and disease: from pillar to post
Authors: Cody Neal A.L. , Iampietro Carole , Lécuyer Eric 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe regulated intracellular trafficking and localized translation of mRNA molecules represents an important and prevalent mechanism of gene regulation. This process plays a key role in modulating asymmetric protein distribution linked to a wide variety of biological processes in different organisms and cell types. In this review, we begin by discussing the diverse biological functions, advantages, and mechanisms of mRNA localization that have been characterized to date. We then review recent technological innovations in RNA imaging and functional genomics methods that will undoubtedly provide powerful new strategies for the elucidation of mRNA trafficking pathways. Finally, we discuss several examples linking human disease pathogenesis to defects in transcript localization, which further underlines the critical importance of this gene regulatory mechanism. WIREs Dev Biol 2013, 2:781–796. doi: 10.1002/wdev.113This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms
Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory RNA
Technologies > Analysis of Cell, Tissue, and Animal Phenotypes
Technologies > Analysis of the Transcriptome
Perceptions of Reportable Disease Lists by State Officials in the United States
Authors: Allen Heather , Katz Rebecca 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this research was to assess the perceptions of state officials about the importance of reportable disease lists in encouraging disease reporting. An electronic survey was sent to state veterinarian, state public health veterinarians, and state epidemiologists inquiring about their perceptions (based on official responsibilities) of the importance of reportable disease lists. MS Excel was used to calculate frequency counts and proportions; chi‐square statistics were calculated to assess differences between categories of respondents. The response rate was 40 percent for state veterinarians, 44 percent for state public health veterinarians, and 78 percent for state epidemiologists. State officials perceive (90 percent) that reportable disease lists are an effective policy mechanism to encourage disease reporting, though 43 percent believe underreporting of reportable diseases is a problem, and 43 percent believe the problem of underreporting exists, but varies by disease. Fifty‐five percent of respondents believe it is important that reportable disease lists have legal enforcement mechanisms associated with them, though 31 percent believe they would be too difficult to enforce. Responses across the three categories of officials were generally consistent. Electronic reporting and additional education were suggested to improve disease reporting. Because notifiable disease reporting remains an important part of disease detection, further improvements are needed to encourage infectious disease reporting. These results present evidence that state officials from both animal and health sectors perceive that education and electronic reporting would be more effective in improving reporting completeness than regulatory penalties.
Assessment and Management of Adult Obesity in a Primary Care Practice
Authors: Orlowski Marietta , Adkins Sherry , Ellison Sylvia , Choh Audrey , Terwoord Nancy , Schuster Richard 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this project was to describe primary care physician adherence to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, using a measurement tool developed purposefully for the project, and to explore patient characteristics associated with physician assessment and management behaviors. This study sought to add to the body of existing knowledge by analyzing physician clinical behaviors in a more descriptive and systematic manner. The researchers hypothesized that measuring physician behavior for assessing and managing overweight and obesity as a series of steps, as outlined in the NHLBI guidelines, would identify specific gaps in physician action and possibly identify other relationships between patient characteristics and physician behavior. A chart abstraction of 99 randomly selected adult patients with at least one visit to a primary care practice during a 12‐month period was completed. Three out of four health center patients were clinically overweight or obese, yet despite high rates of weight status measurement, only 25 percent of overweight and obese patients received such a diagnosis. High levels of weight measurement, including BMI calculations, did not correspond to a weight diagnosis. The majority of patients did not receive any dietary (72 percent) or physical activity (69 percent) management. When dietary management was introduced, patients received either information (68 percent) or a goal (32 percent), and none received a goal with an accompanying plan. In cases where physical activity management was introduced, patients received a goal (52 percent) or information (39 percent). Patients of higher BMIs were more likely to be diagnosed and managed with regard to their weight. Improvements in future weight‐related counseling may be found in encouraging physicians' willingness to make weight and weight‐related diagnoses. Results from this analysis of assessment highlight that measuring weight status (via BMI) and making a weight‐related diagnosis are not the same practice.
Cannabinoid receptors and pain
Authors: Starowicz Katarzyna , Malek Natalia , Przewlocka Barbara 
Published: March 2013

AbstractActivation of both cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors reduces nociceptive processing in acute and chronic animal models of pain. In addition, nociceptive processing is tonically modulated by endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids, ECs). This review examines the role of cannabinoids and ECs in the brain stem–spinal pathway of pain inhibition. Preclinical studies evaluating cannabinoids in neuropathic pain management are also reviewed. Pharmacological tools modulating the interaction of cannabinoids with its receptors and the treatment of pain by the augmentation of EC levels, specifically anandamide, are discussed. Particular attention is attributed to neuropathic pain in which pharmacological manipulation resulting in EC accumulation can be protective and produce antinociception, thereby making the system an attractive therapeutic target. Finally, the therapeutic value of cannabinoids in clinical research is summarized. WIREs Membr Transp Signal 2013, 2:121–132. doi: 10.1002/wmts.83For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
Long‐range assembly of DNA into nanofibers and highly ordered networks
Authors: Carneiro Karina M. M. , Avakyan Nicole , Sleiman Hanadi F. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractLong‐range assembly of DNA currently comprises both top‐down and bottom‐up methods. The top‐down techniques consist of physical alignment of DNA and lithographic patterning to organize DNA on surfaces. The bottom‐up approaches include lipid‐and polymer–DNA co‐assembly, the self‐assembly of DNA amphiphiles, and the remarkably specific and versatile methods of DNA nanotechnology. DNA‐based materials possess unprecedented molecular control and may offer innovative solutions in the fields of nanotechnology, sensing, nanomedicine, as well as optical and electronic devices. To realize the potential of these materials, a number of hurdles must be addressed. Bridging the gap between top‐down fabrication and bottom‐up assembly is of critical importance to the successful development of functional DNA‐based technology. A profound understanding of both regimes is necessary to achieve this goal. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2013, 5:266–285. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1218This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
On the fabrication of PDMS micromodels by rapid prototyping, and their use in two‐phase flow studies
Authors: Karadimitriou N. K. , Musterd M. , Kleingeld P. J. , Kreutzer M. T. , Hassanizadeh S. M. , Joekar‐Niasar V. 
Published: March 2013

Key Points
A complete method to fabricate reliable PDMS micro‐models.
Live visualization of two‐phase flow in a transparent micro‐model.
Validation of the extended theories in two‐phase flow.
Reduction of lateral pressure propagation due to dissipation into ambient mudrocks during geological carbon dioxide storage
Authors: Chang Kyung Won , Hesse Marc A. , Nicot Jean‐Philippe 
Published: March 2013

Key Points
Pressure dissipation into ambient mudrock can slow lateral pressure propagation
A single parameter governs the radial pressure propagation in a layered system
Careful mudrock characterization is required to determine the storage capacity
Tsetse flies as tools for minimally invasive blood sampling
Authors: Habicher Alexandra , Feldmann Udo , Kolter Lydia , Nogge Gunther 
Published: March 2013

AbstractCollecting blood samples is an important aspect of wildlife studies where data on physiological parameters are required. To avoid stress to the test animals and its potential influence on the test parameters, minimally invasive blood sampling offers numerous advantages. Here, we describe using the African tsetse fly (Glossina brevipalpis) to sample blood from meerkats (Suricata suricatta) habituated to human presence. Prior to the experiments, test animals were trained with positive reinforcement to tolerate a box that enclosed the insects being attached to their neck. This method allows drawing blood samples at defined points of time and from specific individuals during captive studies. Additionally, because it presents the first example of an African haematophagous insect suitable for sampling blood, African field studies might benefit from this minimally invasive blood‐sampling technique without the risk of importing potentially invasive species. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Detection of secreted antimicrobial peptides isolated from cell-free culture supernatant of Paenibacillus alvei AN5
Authors: Alkotaini Bassam , Anuar Nurina , Kadhum Abdul Amir Hassan , Sani Asmahani Azira Abdu 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
An antimicrobial substance produced by the Paenibacillus alvei strain AN5 was detected in fermentation broth. Subsequently, cell-free culture supernatant (CFCS) was obtained by medium centrifugation and filtration, and its antimicrobial activity was tested. This showed a broad inhibitory spectrum against both Gram-positive and -negative bacterial strains. The CFCS was then purified and subjected to SDS-PAGE and infrared spectroscopy, which indicated the proteinaceous nature of the antimicrobial compound. Some de novo sequencing using an automatic Q-TOF premier system determined the amino acid sequence of the purified antimicrobial peptide as Y-S-K-S-L-P-L-S-V-L-N-P (1,316 Da). The novel peptide was designated as peptide AN5-1. Its mode of action was bactericidal, inducing cell lysis in E. coli ATCC 29522 and S. aureus, and non-cell lysis in both S. marcescens and B. cereus ATCC 14579. Peptide AN5-1 displayed stability at a wide range of pH values (2–12) and remained active after exposure to high temperatures (100 °C). It also maintained its antimicrobial activity after incubation with chemicals such as SDS, urea and EDTA.