bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward single‐walled carbon nanotube–gadolinium complex as advanced MRI contrast agents: Pharmacodynamics and global genomic response in small animals
Authors: Avti Pramod K. , Talukdar Yahfi , Sirotkin Matvey V. , Shroyer Kenneth R. , Sitharaman Balaji 
Published: April 2013

AbstractGadolinium nanoparticle‐catalyzed single‐walled carbon nanotubes (Gd‐SWCNTs) have recently shown potentialin vitroas high‐performanceT1magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (CAs). Their preclinical safety assessment at nontoxic dosages is essential for MRI applications. Herein, thein vivo(in rats) pharmacodynamics of Gd‐SWCNTs (water solubilized with the amphiphilic polymer PEG‐DSPE) at the organ, tissue, molecular, and genetic level is reported. Gd‐SWCNT, commercially available iron catalyzed SWCNTs (Fe‐SWCNTs, control 1) and PEG‐DSPE (control 2) solutions were intravenously injected at a potential nontoxic therapeutic dose (0.5 mg/kg body weight, single bolus). Postinjection, bright‐field optical microscopy showed their macroscale distribution in lung, liver, kidney, brain, and spleen up to 5 days. Raman and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed their presence at the nanoscale within hepatocytes. Their effects on the host organ tissue, molecular, and genetic level were analyzed after 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 days by histology, biomolecular [lipid peroxidation, plasma tumor necrosis factor TNF‐α assay, microarrays] assays. The results indicate that Gd‐SWCNTs neither cause any inflammation, nor damage to the above organs, nor any significant change in the lipid peroxidation or plasma proinflammatory cytokine (TNF‐α) levels for all the groups at all time points. Global gene expression profile of liver (main organ for the metabolism) after day 1 treatment with Gd‐SWCNTs shows that the gene regulation is directed toward maintaining normal homeostasis. The results taken together indicate that PEG‐DSPE water‐solubilized Gd‐SWCNTs at potentially nontoxic dosages have pharmacodynamics similar to other commercially available Fe‐SWCNTs and are suitable for future preclinical development asin vivoMRI CAs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Late gadolinium enhancement in the assessment of the infarcted mouse heart: A longitudinal comparison with manganese‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Skårdal Kristine , Rolim Natale P.L. , Haraldseth Olav , Goa Pål Erik , Thuen Marte 
Published: April 2013

PurposeTo evaluate late gadolinium‐enhanced (LGE) assessment of infarct size, a comparison with manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI), and histology was performed in a permanent infarction model in the mouse at the acute and chronic stage.Materials and MethodsIn a paired fashion at the acute and chronic stage after infarction (3–4 days and 21 days, respectively), LGE and MEMRI was performed using a self‐gated fast low flip angle shot (FLASH). Infarct size was evaluated as the enhanced area relative to the complete myocardial wall area in a mid‐ventricular slice. Paired comparisons were made between contrast agents and between timepoints, as well as to histology.ResultsAt the acute stage, LGE delineated a larger infarct size as compared to both MEMRI and histology. Infarct size from LGE decreased from the acute to chronic stage, a temporal development not seen with MEMRI. At the chronic stage, no significant differences in infarct size were found between the methods.ConclusionThis study indicates an overenhancement of infarct size when using LGE, supported by an initial overestimation at the acute stage and a temporal decrease in infarct size from the acute to chronic stage, as compared to infarct size from MEMRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1388–1394. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noncontrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography and venography imaging with enhanced angiography
Authors: Ye Yongquan , Hu Jiani , Wu Dongmei , Haacke E. Mark 
Published: April 2013

PurposeTo achieve simultaneous high‐resolution magnetic resonance angiography and venography (MRAV) imaging in terms of enhanced time‐of‐flight (TOF) angiography and susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI), with a clear separation of arteries and veins.Materials and MethodsA new flow rephase/dephase interleaved double‐echo sequence was introduced that facilitates multiple types of imaging contrast, i.e., TOF, SWI, and dark blood, in a single acquisition. A nonlinear subtraction (NLS) method is proposed and assessed to maximally enhance angiography contrast with minimum venous contamination.ResultsFully flow rephased TOF MRA and SWI MRV data were acquired simultaneously, along with an extra flow dephased dark blood image for angiography enhancement calculation. Compared to linear subtraction methods, the proposed NLS method was able to enhance angiography contrast while effectively eliminating vein‐tissue contrast. The NLS method even outperformed low‐dose contrast‐enhanced MRA for a clean, enhanced angiography map.ConclusionUsing the proposed interleaved double‐echo sequence along with the NLS postprocessing method, one can simultaneously obtain both high‐quality SWI and significantly enhanced TOF MRA with clear separation of arterial and venous maps. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1539–1548. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phase separation structure and interfacial properties of lattice‐patterned liquid crystal–polymer composites prepared from multicomponent prepolymers
Authors: Sung Shi‐Joon , Jung Eun‐Ae , Sim Kyoseung , Kim Dae‐Hwan , Cho Kuk Young 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLattice‐patterned liquid crystal (LC)–polymer composites are representative candidates for the practical application of LC materials in high‐quality flexible displays. In this work, multicomponent prepolymers are used for the fabrication of lattice‐patterned LC–polymer composites via photoinduced phase separation. Phase separation behavior between LC and polymer is closely related to the solubility parameter of acrylate monomers in the prepolymers. The lattice structure of polymer walls formed by photoinduced phase separation between LC and polymers is stoichiometrically controlled by the composition of acrylate monomers with various solubility parameters. However, unlike the polymer wall structure, it is impossible to control the LC–polymer wall interfacial properties just by altering the composition of the acrylate monomers. The interfacial properties are found to be predominantly affected by a specific component, a fluorinated acrylate monomer, in the prepolymers, and thus the anchoring energy of polymer walls is controlled by incorporation of the fluorinated acrylate monomer. By selecting an appropriate combination of acrylate monomers in the prepolymers, both the phase separation structure and driving properties of lattice‐patterned LC–polymer composites can be controlled simultaneously. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Oxygen‐releasing biomaterials for tissue engineering
Authors: Camci‐Unal Gulden , Alemdar Neslihan , Annabi Nasim , Khademhosseini Ali 
Published: April 2013

AbstractDue to the increasing demand to generate thick and vascularized tissue‐engineered constructs, novel strategies are currently being developed. An emerging example is the generation of oxygen‐releasing biomaterials to tackle mass transport and diffusion limitations within engineered tissue constructs. Biomaterials containing oxygen‐releasing molecules can be fabricated in various forms, such as hybrid thin films, microparticles or three dimensional scaffolds. In this perspective, we summarize various oxygen‐releasing reagents and their potential applications in regenerative engineering. Moreover, we review the main approaches for fabricating oxygen‐releasing biomaterials for a range of tissue engineering applications. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Radical copolymerization of alkyl cyclobutenecarboxylates fused with cycloaliphatic framework with alkyl (meth)acrylates
Authors: Ihara Eiji , Ueda Takafumi , Yokoyama Kotaro , Fujiwara Yuka , Inoue Kenzo , Itoh Tomomichi , Shimomoto Hiroaki , Momose Hikaru , Nodono Mitsufumi 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTRadical copolymerization behavior of alkyl cyclobutenecarboxylate‐derivatives 4‐6 and related norbornene‐derived compounds 7–9 is described. A variety of alkyl cyclobutenecarboxylates fused with cycloaliphatic framework (4–6) were prepared by [2 + 2] cycloaddition of five, six, and eight‐membered cycloolefins with alkyl propiolates [alkyl = Me, 2‐hydroxyethyl, and 3‐γ‐butyrolactonyl (γ‐BL)]. The fused cyclobutenecarboxylates 4–6 were radically copolymerized with n‐butyl acrylate (nBA) to afford random copolymers, and terpolymerized with alkyl methacrylates with bulky ester groups [alkyl = γ‐BL and 3‐(3‐methyladamantyl)]. The cyclobutane‐containing bicyclic framework incorporated in the resulting polymer backbone contributes to raising Tg of resulting copolymers. Similar results were obtained when a mixture of related norbornene‐derived compounds were used as monomers with an apparently enhanced Tg‐raising effect in the copolymerization with nBA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2716–2724
Estimating the Market Demand and Elasticity for Enrollment at an Institution
Authors: Wohlgemuth Darin 
Published: April 2013

This article presents an applied research framework that can be helpful in tuition and net price policy discussions. It is the classic microeconomic concept of market demand applied to enrollment management in higher education. The policy relevance includes measuring a response to price. For example, the results of this model will allow the enrollment manager to determine the percentage change in enrollment from a given percentage change in tuition.This article presents the steps to develop an empirical market demand curve to answer the question of how much enrollment changes when specific factors change. The data used in this approach is available at most institutions. Data is analyzed using ordinary least squares regression, and policy recommendations are made based on these empirical findings. The approach can be replicated with institutional data and staff with basic skills in regression analysis.
Alterations in the Cellular Immune Compartment of Patients Treated with Third-Party Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Jitschin Regina , Mougiakakos Dimitrios , Von Bahr Lena , Völkl Simon , Moll Guido , Ringden Olle , Kiessling Rolf , Linder Stig , Le Blanc Katarina 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Adoptive transfer of third-party mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has emerged as a promising tool for the treatment of steroid-refractory graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Despite numerous in vitro studies and preclinical models, little is known about their effects on the patients' immune system. We assessed immune alterations in the T-cell, B-cell, natural killer cell, dendritic cell, and monocytic compartments of steroid-refractory GVHD patients 30, 90, and 180 days after MSC (n = 6) or placebo (n = 5) infusion, respectively. Infused MSCs were bioactive as suggested by the significant reduction in epithelial cell death, which represents a biomarker for acute GVHD. There were several indications that MSCs shift the patients' immune system toward a more tolerogenic profile. Most importantly, infusion of MSCs was associated with increased levels of regulatory (forkhead box P3 (FOXP3)+ and interleukin (IL)-10+) T-cells, reduced pro-inflammatory IL-17+ T(Th17)-cells, and skewing toward type-2 T-helper cell responses. Furthermore, IL-2, which has been recently shown to exert a positive immune modulating effect in GVHD patients, was higher in the MSC patients at all evaluated time points during 6 months after MSC-infusion. Overall, our findings will contribute to the refinement of monitoring tools, for assessing MSC treatment-efficacy and increase our understanding regarding the MSCs' in vivo effects.
A Bayesian analysis of sensible heat flux estimation: Quantifying uncertainty in meteorological forcing to improve model prediction
Authors: Ershadi Ali , McCabe Matthew F. , Evans Jason P. , Mariethoz Gregoire , Kavetski Dmitri 
Published: April 2013

Key PointsBayesian inference with prior info is well suited for input uncertainty analysisThe land surface temperature has large uncertainties in flux estimationScaling of surface temperature is required to capture spatial variability
Automated quantification of budding Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a novel image cytometry method
Authors: Laverty Daniel J , Kury Alexandria L , Kuksin Dmitry , Pirani Alnoor , Flanagan Kevin , Chan Leo Li-Ying 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The measurements of concentration, viability, and budding percentages of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are performed on a routine basis in the brewing and biofuel industries. Generation of these parameters is of great importance in a manufacturing setting, where they can aid in the estimation of product quality, quantity, and fermentation time of the manufacturing process. Specifically, budding percentages can be used to estimate the reproduction rate of yeast populations, which directly correlates with metabolism of polysaccharides and bioethanol production, and can be monitored to maximize production of bioethanol during fermentation. The traditional method involves manual counting using a hemacytometer, but this is time-consuming and prone to human error. In this study, we developed a novel automated method for the quantification of yeast budding percentages using Cellometer image cytometry. The automated method utilizes a dual-fluorescent nucleic acid dye to specifically stain live cells for imaging analysis of unique morphological characteristics of budding yeast. In addition, cell cycle analysis is performed as an alternative method for budding analysis. We were able to show comparable yeast budding percentages between manual and automated counting, as well as cell cycle analysis. The automated image cytometry method is used to analyze and characterize corn mash samples directly from fermenters during standard fermentation. Since concentration, viability, and budding percentages can be obtained simultaneously, the automated method can be integrated into the fermentation quality assurance protocol, which may improve the quality and efficiency of beer and bioethanol production processes.
Direct numerical simulation of a breaking inertia–gravity wave
Authors: Remmler S. , Fruman M. D. , Hickel S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe have performed fully resolved three-dimensional numerical simulations of a statically unstable monochromatic inertia–gravity wave using the Boussinesq equations on an $f$-plane with constant stratification. The chosen parameters represent a gravity wave with almost vertical direction of propagation and a wavelength of 3 km breaking in the middle atmosphere. We initialized the simulation with a statically unstable gravity wave perturbed by its leading transverse normal mode and the leading instability modes of the time-dependent wave breaking in a two-dimensional space. The wave was simulated for approximately 16 h, which is twice the wave period. After the first breaking triggered by the imposed perturbation, two secondary breaking events are observed. Similarities and differences between the three-dimensional and previous two-dimensional solutions of the problem and effects of domain size and initial perturbations are discussed.
FK506 binding protein 51 positively regulates melanoma stemness and metastatic potential
Authors: Romano S , Staibano S , Greco A , Brunetti A , Nappo G , Ilardi G , Martinelli R , Sorrentino A , Di Pace A , Mascolo M , Bisogni R , Scalvenzi M , Alfano B , Romano M F 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMelanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer; there is no cure in advanced stages. Identifying molecular participants in melanoma progression may provide useful diagnostic and therapeutic tools. FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP51), an immunophilin with a relevant role in developmental stages, is highly expressed in melanoma and correlates with aggressiveness and therapy resistance. We hypothesized a role for FKBP51 in melanoma invasive behaviour. FKBP51 promoted activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes and improved melanoma cell migration and invasion. In addition, FKBP51 induced some melanoma stem cell (MCSC) genes. Purified MCSCs expressed high EMT genes levels, suggesting that genetic programs of EMT and MCSCs overlap. Immunohistochemistry of samples from patients showed intense FKBP51 nuclear signal and cytoplasmic positivity for the stem cell marker nestin in extravasating melanoma cells and metastatic brains. In addition, FKBP51 targeting by small interfering RNA (siRNA) prevented the massive metastatic substitution of liver and lung in a mouse model of experimental metastasis. The present study provides evidence that the genetic programs of cancer stemness and invasiveness overlap in melanoma, and that FKBP51 plays a pivotal role in sustaining such a program.
Temporal variability in soil microbial communities across land-use types
Authors: Lauber Christian L , Ramirez Kelly S , Aanderud Zach , Lennon Jay , Fierer Noah 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Although numerous studies have investigated changes in soil microbial communities across space, questions about the temporal variability in these communities and how this variability compares across soils have received far less attention. We collected soils on a monthly basis (May to November) from replicated plots representing three land-use types (conventional and reduced-input row crop agricultural plots and early successional grasslands) maintained at a research site in Michigan, USA. Using barcoded pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we found that the agricultural and early successional land uses harbored unique soil bacterial communities that exhibited distinct temporal patterns. α-Diversity, the numbers of taxa or lineages, was significantly influenced by the sampling month with the temporal variability in α-diversity exceeding the variability between land-use types. In contrast, differences in community composition across land-use types were reasonably constant across the 7-month period, suggesting that the time of sampling is less important when assessing β-diversity patterns. Communities in the agricultural soils were most variable over time and the changes were significantly correlated with soil moisture and temperature. Temporal shifts in bacterial community composition within the successional grassland plots were less predictable and are likely a product of complex interactions between the soil environment and the more diverse plant community. Temporal variability needs to be carefully assessed when comparing microbial diversity across soil types and the temporal patterns in microbial community structure can not necessarily be generalized across land uses, even if those soils are exposed to the same climatic conditions.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion for Adjacent Segment Disease
Authors: O’Neill Kevin R. , Wilson Robert J. , Burns Katharine M. , Mioton Lauren M. , Wright Brian T. , Adogwa Owoicho , McGirt Matthew J. , Devin Clinton J. 
Published: April 2013

Study Design:
Retrospective review.

Objective:
Determine clinical outcomes and cost utility of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for the treatment of adjacent segment disease (ASD).

Summary of Background Data:
The incidence of symptomatic ASD after ACDF has been estimated to occur in up to 26% of patients. Commonly, these patients will undergo an additional ACDF procedure. However, there are currently no studies available that adequately describe the clinical outcomes or cost utility of performing ACDF for ASD.

Methods:
A retrospective review of 40 patients undergoing ACDF for ASD was performed. Baseline and 2-year neck and arm pain (NRS-NP, NRS-AP), neck disability index (NDI), physical and mental quality of life (SF-12 PCS & MCS), and Zung depression score (ZDS) were assessed. Two-year total neck-related medical resource utilization, amount of missed work, and health-state values were determined. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated from EQ-5D assessments with US valuation. Comprehensive costs (indirect, direct, and total cost) and the value (cost-per-QALY gained) of performing ACDF for ASD were assessed.

Results:
Performing ACDF to treat ASD resulted in significant improvements (P<0.05) in NRS-NP, NRS-AP, NDI, SF-12 PCS, and ZDS outcome measures. Patient-reported health states also significantly improved, with a mean cumulative 2-year gain of 0.54 QALYs. The mean 2-year cost of surgery was $32,616 (direct cost: $25,391; indirect cost: $7225). ACDF for the treatment of ASD was associated with a mean 2-year cost per QALY gained of $60,526.

Conclusions:
Performing ACDF for ASD resulted in significant improvements in patient pain, disability, and quality of life. Further, the mean 2-year cost-per-QALY was determined to be $60,526, which suggests surgical intervention to be cost effective. This study is the first to provide evidence that performing an ACDF for ASD is both clinically and cost effective.
Long-term Results of Surgical Treatment for Symptomatic Anterior Cervical Osteophytes
Authors: Vodičar Miha , Košak Robert , Vengust Rok 
Published: April 2013

Purpose:Presentation of a case series (10 patients) with surgical treatment of symptomatic anterior cervical osteophytes, a review of the latest literature and discussion of surgical methods.Objective:To present our results of the surgical treatment and compare them with the existing literature. On the basis of the gathered data, we aim to propose an optimal choice of surgical treatment.Summary of Background Data:Anterior cervical osteophytes rarely cause symptoms that require surgical treatment, which disables bigger cohort analysis. Surgery always includes anterior osteophyte resection. Some authors propose instrumented anterior fusion after osteophyte resection as the first choice of surgery in order to prevent regrowth of osteophytes, whereas others support resection without fusion because of beneficial long-term results.Methods:Diagnostics included plain radiography, contrast esophagography, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment consisted of left lateral cervicotomy and osteophytectomy. We performed a systematic review of the literature from 2006.Results:Average age at surgery was 69.5 years (63–77 y), average follow-up 61.9 months (15–117 mo). Twenty-five osteophytes were resected, with average size of 12.7 mm (4–22 mm) preoperatively and 5.12 mm (0–12 mm) at final follow-up. Average functional outcome swallowing scale score before surgery was 3.3 (2–5) and 1.2 (0–5) at final follow-up. Only 1 patient had reoccurrence of symptoms because of osseous etiology.Conclusions:Symptomatic ventral cervical osteophytes can be successfully treated by surgery. In the majority of patients, osteophytes do not regrow significantly in the long term, precluding the need for prophylactic instrumented fusion after osteophyte resection.