bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrokinetic supercharging preconcentration prior to CGE analysis of DNA: Sensitivity depends on buffer viscosity and electrode configuration
Authors: Ye Xiaoxue , Mori Satomi , Yamada Mihoro , Inoue Junji , Xu Zhongqi , Hirokawa Takeshi 
Published: November 2012

Aiming to high sensitivity DNA analysis by CGE, electrokinetic supercharging (EKS) approach was adopted in this article. EKS is known as an online preconcentration technique that combines electrokinetic sample injection (EKI) with transient ITP (tITP). Herein, two factors of buffer viscosity and electrode configuration were studied to further improve EKS performance. An ultralow‐viscosity Tris‐Boric acid‐EDTA (TBE) buffer solution, consisted of 2% low‐molecular‐weight hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and 6% mannitol and with pH 8.0 adjusted by boric acid, was applied. The boric acid would make a complex with mannitol and generates borate polyanion, which acts as the leading ion for tITP process. The new electrode configuration, a Pt ring around capillary, was modified on Agilent CE system to lead large amount sample introduction during EKS. The standard DNA sample of φX174/HaeIII digest was used to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative abilities of the proposed strategy. The 170 000‐fold highly diluted sample at concentration of 3.0 ng/mL was enriched by EKS and detected by normal UV detection method. The obtained LOD of the weakest peak of 72 bp fragment was around 7.7 pg/mL, apparently improved more than 10 000‐fold in comparison with conventional CGE with UV detection.
Operant self‐administration of a sigma ligand improves nociceptive and emotional manifestations of neuropathic pain
Authors: Bura A.S. , Guegan T. , Zamanillo D. , Vela J.M. , Maldonado R. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe treatment of neuropathic pain is unsatisfactory at the present moment and the sigma 1 receptor has been identified as a new potential target for neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to use an operant self‐administration model to reveal the potential interest of a new sigma 1 receptor antagonist, S1RA, in chronic pain that was developed in mice by a partial ligation of the sciatic nerve.MethodsOnce that chronic pain had reached a steady state, mice were trained to maintain an operant behaviour to self‐administer S1RA. The possible abuse liability of the analgesic compound was determined by evaluating operant self‐administration in sham‐operated mice. The influence of S1RA on the anhedonic state related to chronic pain was also evaluated by measuring the preference for palatable drink (2% sucrose solution) using a recently validated and highly sensitive behavioural device.ResultsNerve‐injured mice, but not sham‐operated animals, acquired the operant responding to obtain S1RA (6 mg/kg/infusion). After 10 days of S1RA self‐administration, neuropathic pain was significantly reduced in nerve‐injured mice. In addition, an anhedonic state was revealed in nerve‐injured mice by a decreased consumption of palatable drink, which was significantly attenuated by S1RA (25 mg/kg).ConclusionsThese results reveal the analgesic efficacy of the sigma antagonist, S1RA, in neuropathic pain associated with an improvement of the emotional negative state and that was devoided of reinforcing effects. The operant responses evaluated in this new mouse model can have a high predictive value to estimate the clinical benefit/risk ratio of new analgesic compounds to treat chronic pain, such as S1RA.
Improving alginate‐poly‐L‐ornithine‐alginate capsule biocompatibility through genipin crosslinking
Authors: Hillberg Anna L. , Kathirgamanathan Kalyani , Lam Janice B. B. , Law Lee Yong , Garkavenko Olga , Elliott Robert B. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractDIABECELL® capsules comprise an inner core of alginate (Alg) coated with a polycationic polymer, poly‐L‐ornithine (PLO), designed as a stabilizing agent for strengthening the capsule wall, which is masked by an outer layer of biocompatible Alg. These polymeric microcapsules have demonstrated excellent mechanical properties and a reduction in hypoglycemia after tranplantation in human clinical trials; however, degradation of the outer Alg layer leaves the underlying layers of PLO exposed, which ultimately leads to reduced biocompatibility in vivo. Here we aim to improve capsule biocompatibility and to increase the hydrophilic properties of the capsule surface through chemical crosslinking/modification of the PLO layer using genipin. Fluorescence microscopy established crosslinking was limited to the layers of PLO. In vitro experiments confirmed islet viability and insulin release within chemically modified capsules over the course of a month and in vivo investigations demonstrated improved biocompatibility when comparing standard Alg/PLO/Alg capsules with genipin modified capsules. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Surface treatment, corrosion behavior, and apatite‐forming ability of Ti‐45Nb implant alloy
Authors: Gostin Petre F. , Helth Arne , Voss Andrea , Sueptitz Ralph , Calin Mariana , Eckert Jürgen , Gebert Annett 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe low modulus β‐type Ti‐45Nb alloy is a promising new implant alloy due to its excellent mechanical biocompatibility and composition of non‐toxic elements. The effect of surface treatments on the evolution of controlled topography and roughness was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry. Severe mechanical treatments, for example sand‐blasting, or etching treatments in strongly oxidizing acidic solutions, like HF:HNO3 (4:1) or H2SO4:H2O2 (1:1) piranha solution were found to be very effective. In particular, the latter generates a nanopatterned surface topography which is expected to be promising for the stimulation of bone tissue growth. Compared to Ti and Ti‐6Al‐4V, the β‐type Ti‐45Nb alloy requires significantly longer etching durations due to the high chemical stability of Nb. Severe surface treatments alter the passive film properties, but do not deteriorate the outstanding corrosion resistance of the Ti‐45Nb alloy in synthetic body fluid environments. The Ti‐45Nb appears to have a lower apatite‐formation ability compared to Ti. Etching with H2SO4:H2O2 (1:1) piranha solution inhibits apatite formation on Ti, but not on Ti‐45Nb. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Development of sustained‐release antibacterial urinary biomaterials through using an antimicrobial as an organic modifier in polyurethane nanocomposites
Authors: Fong N. , Poole‐Warren L. A. , Simmons A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractUrinary catheters are among the most frequently used medical devices in clinical practice. However, their use is associated with high rates of nosocomial infection. This study investigates the use of polyurethane nanocomposites (PUNCs) incorporating an antimicrobial agent, chlorhexidine diacetate (CHX), behaving as nanoparticle dispersant and model drug/active agent, as sustained‐release antibacterial biomaterials in urinary devices. A range of PUNCs incorporating organically modified silicate (OMS) nanoparticles with CHX was fabricated using a solution‐cast method. PUNCs with free CHX added into the bulk polymer were also made. Materials were assessed for antibacterial activity in an in vitro urinary tract (UT) model and release kinetics of CHX was studied. PUNCs demonstrated sustained antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis in the UT model, reaching ∼50 days infection‐free in materials with 2 wt % free CHX loading. Drug‐release profiles demonstrated that, compared with microcomposite and unfilled polyurethane, the initial burst effect was significantly reduced in PUNCs. Prolonged drug release was achieved through incorporation of OMS, hypothesized to be due to a combination of barrier properties created by the nanoinclusions and strong interactions between CHX and MMT within the PUNCs. Use of PUNCs for sustained drug release in long‐term urinary applications shows promise in addressing catheter‐related nosocomial infections. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Biodegradable internal fixation plates enabled with X‐ray visibility by a radiopaque layer of β‐tricalcium phosphate and poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)
Authors: Shasteen Catherine , Kwon Seok Min , Park Keun Yung , Jung Sun Young , Lee Seung Ho , Park Chun Gwon , Kim Myung Hun , Kim Sukwha , Son Woo‐Chan , Choi Tae Hyun , Choy Young Bin 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBiodegradable polymer plates can be clinically used as an alternative to metal plates (e.g., titanium) for internal fixation, which, however, are not visible with X‐ray imaging, often used for post‐operative diagnostics. In this study, therefore, we prepared a biodegradable plate enabled with X‐ray visibility by attaching a radiopaque layer on a biodegradable fixation plate in clinical use (Inion, Finland). A radiopaque layer was made of a fine powder of a radiopaque agent, β‐tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and a biodegradable binder material, poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA), which were physically mixed without change in their chemical structure. The radiopacity increased as we increased the layer thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 1.3 mm. Regardless of layer thickness, however, the radiopacity decreased with time both in vitro and in vivo due to decreasing density of TCP in the layer by swelling and degradation of a binder material, PLGA. The in vivo study with rabbits revealed that a discernible image of the radiopaque plate could be obtained by X‐ray for up to 21 days, also showing the overall biocompatibility 6 months after implantation. Therefore, we conclude that the radiopaque plate prepared in this work is a promising fixation device enabled with both X‐ray visibility and biodegradability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Influence of surface topography and surface physicochemistry on wettability of zirconia (tetragonal zirconia polycrystal)
Authors: Noro Akio , Kaneko Morio , Murata Isao , Yoshinari Masao 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSurface modification technologies are available for tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP) to enhance its bioactivity and osseointegration capability. The surface wettability of an implant material is one of the important factors in the process of osseointegration, possibly regulating protein adsorption, and subsequent cell behavior. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of topographical or physicochemical modification of TZP ceramics on wettability to determine the potential of such treatment in application to implants. Several types of surface topography were produced by alumina blasting and acid etching with hydrofluoric acid; surface physicochemistry was modified with oxygen (O2) plasma, ultraviolet (UV) light, or hydrogen peroxide treatment. The obtained specimens were also subjected to storage under various conditions to evaluate their potential to maintain superhydrophilicity. The results showed that surface modification of surface topography or physicochemistry, especially of blast/acid etching as well as O2plasma and UV treatment, greatly increased the surface wettability, resulting in superhydrophilicity. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that a remarkable decrease in carbon content and the introduction of hydroxyl groups were responsible for the observed superhydrophilicity. Furthermore, superhydrophilicity was maintained, even after immersion in an aqueous solution, an important consideration in the clinical application of this technology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Comparison of R2* correction methods for accurate fat quantification in fatty liver
Authors: Horng Debra E. , Hernando Diego , Hines Catherine D.G. , Reeder Scott B. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPurpose:To compare the performance of fat fraction quantification using single‐R2* and dual‐R2* correction methods in patients with fatty liver, using MR spectroscopy (MRS) as the reference standard.Materials and Methods:From a group of 97 patients, 32 patients with hepatic fat fraction greater than 5%, as measured by MRS, were identified. In these patients, chemical shift encoded fat‐water imaging was performed, covering the entire liver in a single breathhold. Fat fraction was measured from the imaging data by postprocessing using 6 different models: single‐ and dual‐R2* correction, each performed with complex fitting, magnitude fitting, and mixed magnitude/complex fitting to compare the effects of phase error correction. Fat fraction measurements were compared with co‐registered spectroscopy measurements using linear regression.Results:Linear regression demonstrated higher agreement with MRS using single‐R2* correction compared with dual‐R2* correction. Among single‐R2* models, all 3 fittings methods performed similarly well (slope = 1.0 ± 0.06, r2 = 0.89–0.91).Conclusion:Single‐R2* modeling is more accurate than dual‐R2* modeling for hepatic fat quantification in patients, even in those with high hepatic fat concentrations. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:414–422. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy of neurodegeneration in a mouse model of niemann‐pick type C1 disease
Authors: Totenhagen John W. , Yoshimaru Eriko S. , Erickson Robert P. , Trouard Theodore P. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPurpose:To evaluate brain metabolite levels as in vivo indicators of disease progression in a widely studied mouse model of Niemann‐Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease with quantitative 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).Materials and Methods:Single voxel MRS experiments were carried out in vivo in a mouse model of NPC1 disease and in control mice in two brain regions (central and posterior) at two timepoints (presymptomatic and endstage) to examine changes in metabolite levels in NPC1 disease. Concentrations of nine metabolites were quantified by fitting a simulated basis set of metabolite signals to the acquired spectra.Results:The only differences found in brain metabolite levels between NPC1 disease model and control mice were increased myo‐inositol and decreased taurine in the posterior region of the brain at the endstage of the disease. Metabolite changes reported in past clinical MRS studies of NPC disease were not found in the current study of the mouse model.Conclusions:The 1H spectra obtained from NPC1 mice and control mice were very similar, even at endstages of the disease. Although differences in two metabolites associated with neurodegenerative diseases were found and could inform future studies of the disease model, it appears that MRS in this mouse model of NPC1 disease does not have the sensitivity desired for a biomarker. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1195–1201. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between iron content and gray matter missegmentation with voxel‐based morphometry in basal ganglia
Authors: Goto Masami , Abe Osamu , Miyati Tosiaki , Aoki Shigeki , Takao Hidemasa , Hayashi Naoto , Mori Harushi , Kunimatsu Akira , Ino Kenji , Yano Keiichi , Ohtomo Kuni 
Published: November 2012

PurposeTo show an association between T2‐weighted signal intensity (T2‐SI) variation and missegmentation in the putamen of healthy adults, using 3.0‐tesla magnetic resonance scanner and voxel‐based morphomery (VBM).Materials and MethodsContiguous sagittal T1‐weighted images and axial T2‐weighted images of the brain were obtained from 1380 healthy participants using a 3.0 Tesla (T) MR scanner. After image preprocessing with Statistical Parametric Mapping 5, the association between T2‐SI ratio (= A/B, where A is the mean of the T2‐SI in the putamen, and B is that in the thalamus) variation and gray matter missegmentation was assessed using VBM.ResultsA significant positive correlation was revealed between T2‐SI ratio and bilateral putamen volume on the gray matter images. In addition, we found a significant negative correlation between T2‐SI ratio and bilateral putamen volume on the white matter images. We consider that these results show the influence of missegmentation.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first VBM study to demonstrate an association between T2‐SI variation and gray matter missegmentation. These results indicate the possibility that VBM may be more affected by individual differences in iron content levels than by individual differences in tissue volumes if detected‐regions with VBM contained substantial iron deposition. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:958–962. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MRI of carotid atherosclerosis to identify TIA and stroke patients who are at risk of a recurrence
Authors: Kwee Robert M. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Mess Werner H. , Prins Martin H. , van der Geest Rob J. , ter Berg Johannes W.M. , Franke Cees L. , Korten Arthur G.G.C. , Meems Bé J. , van Engelshoven Jos M.A. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Kooi M. Eline 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPurpose:To evaluate the potential of carotid plaque MRI to predict transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke recurrence in previously symptomatic patients.Materials and Methods:One hundred twenty‐six TIA/stroke patients with ipsilateral 30–69% carotid stenosis underwent multisequence carotid plaque MRI. The presence of a lipid‐rich necrotic core (LRNC), fibrous cap (FC) status, and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) were assessed. Patients were followed to determine the recurrence of ipsilateral TIA and/or stroke within 1 year after inclusion.Results:Thirteen patients suffered from recurrent ipsilateral clinical ischemic events (10 TIAs and 3 strokes). Carotid stenosis grade was not associated with recurrent events (hazard ratio [HR] for 50–69% versus 30–49% stenosis = 1.198; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.383 to 3.749; P = 0.756). The presence of an LRNC (HR = 3.2001; 95% CI, 1.078 to 9.504; P = 0.036), a thin and/or ruptured FC (HR = 5.756; 95% CI, 1.913 to 17.324; P = 0.002), and IPH (HR = 3.542; 95% CI, 1.058 to 11.856; P = 0.040) were associated with recurrence.Conclusion:The presence of MRI‐depicted LRNC, a thin and/or ruptured FC, and IPH are associated with the recurrence of clinical cerebrovascular ischemic events in TIA and stroke patients with carotid atherosclerosis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1189–1194. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A climatology of vessel icing for the subpolar North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Moore G. W. K. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTVessel icing resulting from sea spray is a significant risk to maritime operations in the high latitudes. Despite the acknowledged risk that it imposes, there is limited climatological information that can be used for assessment and mitigation purposes. Here we use a parameterization of the icing rate that has been validated against observed cases of vessel icing and the Interim Reanalysis from the ECMWF (ERA‐I) to develop the first climatology of the vessel icing for the wintertime subpolar North Atlantic. Three regions, the Labrador Sea, the Iceland Sea and the Greenland Sea, are examined in further detail. In all three regions, the icing rate and the frequency of occurrence of vessel icing increases towards the ice edge. The Labrador Sea is shown to have the highest risk of icing followed by the Greenland Sea and then the Iceland Sea. In particular, icing rates in excess of 4 cm h−1 are predicted to occur approximately 35%, 20% and 10% of the time during the winter in the Labrador, Greenland and Iceland Seas, respectively. On the monthly mean time scale, the severity of icing in all three regions is determined, to lowest order, by the location and depth of the Icelandic Low and its subsidiary feature, the Lofoten Low. In addition, heavy icing events in all three regions are shown to be associated with the passage of synoptic scale low‐pressure systems that trigger cold air outbreaks.
A climatology of strong wind events at McMurdo station, Antarctica
Authors: Chenoli Sheeba Nettukandy , Turner John , Samah Azizan Abu 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThe first climatology of strong wind events (SWEs) at McMurdo station, Antarctica based on the in situ observations and reanalysis fields is presented. SWEs occur throughout the year, but with a minimum during the summer. They are associated with negative mean sea level pressure (MSLP) and upper height anomalies across the Ross Sea/Ice Shelf, as well as positive temperature anomalies at the station. Wind directions during SWEs exhibit a bimodal distribution of 135–180° and 45–90°. This distribution occurs because of the interaction of the predominantly southerly flow with the orography of Black and White Island and Minna Bluff. The east‐northeast flow is associated with winds that are deflected around the orography, while the more southerly events have sufficient energy to override the barriers. The bimodal wind distribution is most common during the winter season since the southerly flow is stronger as a result of deeper cyclonic systems. SWEs also occur when there are large, positive MSLP anomalies at McMurdo station as ridges of high pressure build from the interior and enhance the pressure gradient between the continental high and offshore lows. The interannual variability in the number of winter SWEs is large. Years with many SWEs are associated with a deep climatological low centred over the north eastern Ross Ice Shelf. Years with few winter SWEs have a weakened mid‐tropospheric vortex over the Ross Ice Shelf. There are periods when the index of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) correlates with the number of SWEs. However, the links are not statistically significant in the longer term. A similar link was also observed between the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and the interannual variability in the number of SWEs. The relationship was found to be stronger when the phase of ENSO and the SAM were the same.
Trends in European precipitation extremes over 1951–2010
Authors: van den Besselaar E. J. M. , Klein Tank A. M. G. , Buishand T. A. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTSignificant trends in precipitation extremes over Europe since the middle of the 20th century have been found in earlier studies. Most of these studies are based on descriptive indices of moderate extremes that occur on average a few times per year. Here we have analyzed rarer precipitation events which occur on average once in 5, 10 and 20 years in the 1950s and 1960s using extreme value theory. We have focused on the 1‐d and 5‐d precipitation amounts in Northern and Southern Europe in all four seasons. Changes over the time period 1951–2010 are studied by considering five consecutive 20‐year time intervals with 10‐year overlap. Despite considerable decadal variability, our results indicate that 5‐, 10‐ and 20‐year events of 1‐d and 5‐d precipitation for the first 20‐year period generally became more common during this 60‐year period. For all regions, seasons and return periods, the median reduction in return period between the first and last 20‐year periods is ∼21% with variations between a decrease of ∼2% and ∼58%.