bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of left atrial contraction contribution to left ventricular filling using cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Alhogbani Tariq , Strohm Oliver , Friedrich Matthias G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPurpose:To describe a new method to quantify the left atrial contraction contribution (ACC) to left ventricular (LV) filling using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR).Materials and Methods:We assessed 120 normal subjects (50% female) using steady‐state free precession CMR volumetry. Volumes measurements were performed using short axis and rotational long axis views. The percentage of ACC was calculated by dividing the LV filling volume resulting from left atrial (LA) contraction by the LV stroke volume (LVSV).Results:The described method was well reproducible. The ACC in normal subjects was 15 ± 5% for ages <40 years, 28 ± 8% for ages 40 to 55 years, and 38 ± 5% for ages >55 years. When adjusted for age, ie, dividing the ACC percentage by age, a value between 0.4 and 0.7 was found to represent the normal range of ACC at any age.Conclusion:The study presents a new and accurate CMR volumetric method to quantify ACC to LV filling. ACC ranges from 10%–40%, depending on age. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:860–864. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of the tibial tunnel after intraoperatively administered platelet‐rich plasma gel during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using diffusion weighted and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Rupreht Mitja , Jevtič Vladimir , Serša Igor , Vogrin Matjaž , Jevšek Marko 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPurpose:To evaluate effect of platelet‐rich plasma gel (PRPG), locally administered during the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, with two MRI methods. The proximal tibial tunnel was assessed with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and with dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging (DCE‐MRI).Materials and Methods:In 50 patients, standard arthroscopic ACL reconstructions were performed. The patients in the PRPG group (n = 25) received a local application of PRPG. The proximal tibial tunnel was examined by DWI and DCE‐MRI, which were used to calculate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, as well as the contrast enhancement gradient (Genh) and enhancement factor (Fenh) values.Results:At 1 month, the calculated average ADC value in the PRPG group was significantly lower than in the control group. At 2.5 and at 6 months, Genh was significantly higher in the PRPG group. There were no significant differences in Fenh between the groups at any control examination.Conclusion:DWI and DCE‐MRI measurements indicate a reduced extent of edema during the first postoperative month as well as an increased vascular density and microvessel permeability in the proximal tibial tunnel at 1 and 2.5 postoperative months as the effect of the application of PRPG. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:928–935. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multidrug‐resistant hepatitis B virus resulting from sequential monotherapy with lamivudine, adefovir, and entecavir: Clonal evolution during lamivudine plus adefovir therapy
Authors: Kim Soon Sun , Cho Sung Won , Kim Soo‐Ok , Hong Sun Pyo , Cheong Jae Youn 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWhether multidrug‐resistant (MDR) hepatitis B virus (HBV) harbors mutations co‐located in the same HBV clones that confer reduced sensitivity to antiviral therapy remains uncertain. This study investigated the evolution of MDR HBV strains developed from sequential monotherapy with lamivudine (LAM), adefovir (ADV), and entecavir (ETV) during LAM plus ADV salvage therapy. Sera were obtained from six patients who had developed sequential resistance to LAM, ADV, and ETV before and during LAM plus ADV therapy. The HBV genomes from each patient were amplified, cloned, and sequenced. Among 6 sets of 20 clones obtained before salvage therapy, all clones harbored the rtM204V mutation, and ETV‐resistant mutations were detected with the rtM204V in 108 clones. The rtA181 mutation was not detected at baseline, but emerged in five patients during therapy. Among 9 sets of 20 clones obtained during salvage therapy, 39 clones harbored rtA181T/V ± rtN236T mutations, which were detected in the absence of rtM204 and ETV‐resistant mutations in 37 clones (94.9%). Only two clones (5.1%) harbored both rtA181T/V and ETV‐resistant mutations. The rtA181T/V mutation emerged after reversion from ETV‐resistant mutants to wild‐type HBV. Five patients achieved a partial virologic response to LAM plus ADV therapy. In conclusion, the majority of MDR mutations existed in different genomes. Suboptimal response to LAM plus ADV therapy may not result from the co‐localization of MDR HBV mutations in the same genome, but instead the low antiviral potency of these drugs. Thus, more potent antiviral drug combinations may be an effective salvage therapy for patients infected with MDR HBV. J. Med. Virol. 85:55–64, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BMP‐6 and BMPR‐1a are up‐regulated in the growth plate of the fractured tibia
Authors: Fischerauer Eva E. , Manninger Martin , Seles Maximilian , Janezic Gregor , Pichler Karin , Ebner Birgit , Weinberg Annelie M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBone overgrowth is a known phenomenon occurring after fracture of growing long bones with possible long‐term physical consequences for affected children. Here, the physeal expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) was investigated in a fracture‐animal model to test the hypothesis that a diaphyseal fracture stimulates the physeal expression of these known key regulators of bone formation, thus stimulating bone overgrowth. Sprague–Dawley rats (male, 4 weeks old), were subjected to a unilateral mid‐diaphyseal tibial fracture. Kinetic expression of physeal BMP‐2, ‐4, ‐6, ‐7, and BMP receptor‐1a (BMPR‐1a) was analyzed in a monthly period by quantitative real time‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. On Days 1, 3, 10, and 14 post‐fracture, no changes in physeal BMPs gene‐expression were detected. Twenty‐nine days post‐fracture, when the fracture was consolidated, physeal expression of BMP‐6 and BMPR‐1a was significantly upregulated in the growth plate of the fractured and contra‐lateral intact bone compared to control (p < 0.005). This study demonstrates a late role of BMP‐6 and BMPR‐1a in fracture‐induced physeal growth alterations and furthermore, may have discovered the existence of a regulatory “cross‐talk” mechanism between the lower limbs whose function could be to limit leg‐length‐discrepancies following the breakage of growing bones. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 357–363, 2013
Optimization of the position of the acetabulum in a ganz periacetabular osteotomy by finite element analysis
Authors: Zou Zhenmin , Chávez‐Arreola Arturo , Mandal Parthasarathi , Board Tim N , Alonso‐Rasgado Teresa 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPeriacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a surgical procedure to correct acetabular orientation in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). It changes the position of the acetabulum to increase femoral head coverage and distribute the contact pressure over the cartilage surface. The success of PAO depends significantly on the surgeon's experience. Using computed tomography data from patients with DDH, we developed a 3D finite element (FE) model to investigate the optimal position of the acetabulum following PAO. A virtual PAO was performed with the acetabulum rotated in increments from the original center edge (CE) angle. Contact area, contact pressure, and Von Mises stress in the femoral and pelvic cartilage were analyzed. Five dysplastic hips from four patients were modeled. Contact area, contact pressure, and Von Mises stress in the cartilage all varied according to the change of CE angle through virtual PAO. An optimal position could be achieved for the acetabulum that maximizes the contact area while minimizing the contact pressure and von Mises stress in the pelvic and femoral cartilage. The optimal position of the acetabulum was patient dependent and did not always correspond to what would be considered a “normal” CE angle. We demonstrated for the first time the interrelation of correction angle, contact area, and contact pressure between the pelvic and femoral cartilage in PAO surgery. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 472–479, 2013
Micro‐Raman and GC/MS analysis to characterize the wall painting technique of Dicho Zograph in churches from Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Čukovska Lidija Robeva , Minčeva – Šukarova Biljana , Lluveras‐Tenorio Anna , Andreotti Alessia , Colombini Maria Perla , Nastova Irena 
Published: October 2012

Micro‐Raman spectroscopy, pyrolysis/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py/GC/MS) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (CG/MS) were applied for the characterization of pigments and binders used in the wall paintings ascribed to the works of the prominent 19th century Macedonian iconographer, Dicho Zograph. Among numerous works attributed to him, wall paintings from three churches in the Western part of the Republic of Macedonia have been selected for pigment and binder analysis.A rich palette of pigments, both natural/mineral and synthetic ones, were identified by micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Organic material analysis evidenced the use of mixtures of proteinaceous materials (mainly animal glue and egg) with linseed oil and pine resin, while saccharide materials were excluded.A comparison between the pigments and binders identified in this study and those suggested in Dicho's Painter's Manual (from 1851) showed that some materials had not been mentioned in his written source. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterostereocomplex Crystallization and Homocrystallization From the Melt in Blends of Substituted and Unsubstituted Poly(lactide)s
Authors: Tsuji Hideto , Deguchi Fumiaki , Sakamoto Yuzuru , Shimizu Satoru 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPoly(L‐2‐hydroxybutyrate) [P(L‐2HB)] and poly(D‐lactide) (PDLA) in their blends were phase separated to form P(L‐2HB)‐ and PDLA‐enriched domains, and heterostereocomplex (HTSC) crystallization occurred at the interface between these domains. In the blends, HTSC crystallites were formed at crystallization temperature (Tc) = 80–160 °C, and their exclusive formation without the formation of other crystalline species was observed at Tc of 150 or 160 °C. The effects of polymer blend ratio on the types of formed crystalline species were very small due to the phase separation of the blends. The presence of a small amount of P(L‐2HB) decreased the low limit of crystallizable Tc of PDLA homocrystallites from 80 to 60 °C. The equilibrium melting temperature of HTSC crystallites was 257.6 °C.
Influence of Comesogens on the Thermal and Actuation Properties of 2‐tert‐Butyl‐1,4‐bis[4‐(4‐pentenyloxy)benzoyl]hydroquinone Based Nematic Main‐Chain Liquid Crystalline Elastomers
Authors: Melchert Christian , Behl Marc , Nöchel Ulrich , Lendlein Andreas 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAlthough the shape‐changing capabilities of LCEs hold great potential for applications ranging from micropumps to artificial muscles, customization of the LCE functionality to the applications' requirements is still a challenge. It is studied whether the orientation of NMC‐LCPs and NMC‐LCEs based on 2‐tert‐butyl‐1,4‐bis[4‐(4‐pentenyloxy)benzoyl]hydroquinone can be enhanced by copolymerization with 2‐methyl‐1,4‐bis[4‐(4‐pentenyloxy)benzoyl]hydroquinone or 2,6‐bis[4‐(4‐pentenyl‐oxy)‐benzoyl]anthracene. An increasing content of the comonomers stabilizes the nematic phase, which enables a tailoring ofTNIfor the NMC‐LCP between 45 and 68 °C, while for the NMC‐LCETNIranges between 69 and 76 °C. In addition, NMC‐LCE show an increased actuation performance.magnified image
Postnatal longitudinal evaluation of children diagnosed with prenatal hydronephrosis: insights in natural history and referral pattern
Authors: Barbosa Joao A. B. A. , Chow Jeanne S. , Benson Carol B. , Yorioka Marco A. , Bull Alexandre S. , Retik Alan B. , Nguyen Hiep T. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTObjectivesClinical significance and management of prenatal hydronephrosis (PNH) are sources of debate. Existing studies are flawed with biased cohorts or inconsistent follow‐up. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of pathology in a large cohort of PNH and assess the biases and outcomes of this population.MethodsWe reviewed 1034 charts of fetuses with PNH. Records of delivered offspring were reviewed at a pediatric center and analyzed with respect to prenatal and postnatal pathology and management.ResultsPrenatal resolution of hydronephrosis occurred in 24.7% of pregnancies. On first postnatal ultrasound, some degree of dilatation was present in 80%, 88% and 95% of mild, moderate and severe PNH cases, respectively. At the end of follow‐up, hydronephrosis persisted in 10%, 25% and 72% of children, respectively. Incidence of vesicoureteral reflux did not correlate with severity of PNH. Children with postnatal workup had more severe PNH than those without.ConclusionsDespite prenatal resolution totalizing 25%, pelvic dilatation persisted on first postnatal imaging in most cases, thus justifying postnatal ultrasound evaluation. Whereas most mild cases resolved spontaneously, a quarter of moderate and more than half of severe cases required surgery. Patients with postnatal imaging and referral had more severe PNH, which could result in overestimation of pathology. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of 2D‐DIGE to formalin‐fixed diseased tissue samples from hospital repositories: Results from four case studies
Authors: Tanca Alessandro , Pisanu Salvatore , Biosa Grazia , Pagnozzi Daniela , Antuofermo Elisabetta , Burrai Giovanni P. , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Cossu‐Rocca Paolo , Re Valli De , Eccher Albino , Fanciulli Giuseppe , Rocca Stefano , Uzzau Sergio , Addis Maria Filippa 
Published: October 2012

PurposeIn the recent past, the potential suitability of fixed samples to 2D‐DIGE studies has been demonstrated on model tissues, but not on “real‐world” archival tissues. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the quality of the results delivered by 2D‐DIGE on samples retrieved from hospital tissue repositories.Experimental designDiseased and normal tissue samples (namely, human gastric adenocarcinoma and normal gastric tissue, human lung neuroendocrine tumors, canine mammary tubulo‐papillary carcinoma and normal mammary tissue, sheep liver with cloudy swelling degeneration and normal liver tissue) were retrieved from human and veterinary biorepositories and subjected to full‐length protein extraction, cyanine labeling, 2D‐DIGE separation, image analysis, MS analysis, and protein identification.ResultsArchival samples could be successfully subjected to 2D‐DIGE, providing maps of satisfactory resolution, although with varying pattern complexity (possibly influenced by preanalytical variables). Moreover, differentially expressed protein identities were consistent with the disease biology.Conclusions and clinical relevance2D‐DIGE can support biomarker discovery and validation studies on large sample cohorts. In fact, although some information complexity is lost when compared to fresh‐frozen tissues, their vast availability and the associated patient information can considerably boost studies suffering limited sample availability or involving long‐distance exchange of samples.
SWCNT growth from C:Ni nanocomposites
Authors: Krause Matthias , Haluška Miro , Abrasonis Gintautas , Gemming Sibylle 
Published: October 2012

AbstractCarbon:nickel (C:Ni) nanocomposite thin films deposited by ion beam co‐sputtering were used for catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The SWCNTs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The approach allows a precise and reproducible control of the catalyst diameter, while the embedding carbon matrix prevents the particles from coalescence during catalyst activation and nanotube growth. The SWCNTs obtained from Ni particles with ∼4 nm diameter have a radial breathing mode frequency distribution of 147.5 ± 32 cm−1 and a diameter distribution of 1.6 ± 0.4 nm. Small line widths of the radial breathing mode and ID/IG ratios of 0.05 indicate SWCNTs with a low defect concentration. magnified imageLeft: Scheme of C:Ni nanocomposite based SWCNT synthesis. The dark contrast image regions correspond to the Ni particles. Right: Radial breathing mode Raman spectrum of a structurally highly ordered SWCNT.
Geometry dependent performance of bucky gel actuators: Increasing operating frequency by miniaturization
Authors: Biso Maurizio , Ansaldo Alberto , Ricci Davide 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBucky gel actuators are one of the most promising type of electrochemical actuators based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs). They are lightweight, they are able to work in air without any liquid electrolyte and require just few volts to operate. In order to find real world applications where bucky gel actuators can outperform conventional motors, there are still some issues to be addressed. One key aspect in CNT‐based electrochemical actuators is that their actuation speed is limited by the ability of charging and discharging the device without exceeding the electrochemical stability window of the electrolyte. This speed is macroscopically related with the product of the resistance and the capacitance of the equivalent circuit (circuit time constant), and with the ion diffusion speed inside the active electrodes. To enhance the actuator performance it is necessary to increase the ion drift current in the electrolyte avoiding to significantly raise the voltage at the electrodes and shorten the ion path necessary to charge the bucky gel electrodes. By proper material processing, we have successfully addressed this issue. A reduced thickness of the actuators to one third of the original size results in a one order of magnitude increase both of the strain at higher frequencies and of the maximum operating frequency.
Studies on some exponential‐screened coulomb potentials
Authors: Roy Amlan K. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe generalized pseudospectral method is used to study the bound‐state spectra of some of the exponentially screened Coulomb potentials, namely, the exponential cosine screened Coulomb (ECSC) and general exponential screened Coulomb (GESC) potential, with special emphasis on higher states and stronger interaction. Eigenvalues accurate up to 11 significant figures are obtained through a nonuniform optimal spatial discretization of the radial Schrödinger equation. All the 55 eigenstates of ECSC potential with n ≤ 10 and 36 eigenstates of GESC potential with n ≤ 8 are considered for arbitrary values of the screening parameter, covering a wide range of interaction. Excited states as high as up to n = 18 have been computed with high accuracy for the first time. Excellent agreement with the literature data has been observed in all cases. All the GESC eigenstates are calculated with much greater accuracy than the existing methods available in literature. Many l ≠ 0 states of this potential are reported here. In both cases, a detailed variation of energies with respect to the parameters in potential is monitored. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Co‐evolutionary analysis: a policy exploration method for system dynamics models
Authors: Liu Hongliang , Howley Enda , Duggan Jim 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn system dynamics (SD), complex nonlinear systems can generate a wide range of possible behaviours that frequently require search and optimization algorithms in order to explore optimal policies. Within the SD literature, the conventional approach to optimization is the formulation of a single objective function, with a targeted parameter list, and the entire model is simulated repeatedly in order to arrive at optimum values. However, many sector‐based SD models contain heuristics of “intended rationality”, and a desired outcome for modellers to be able to explore the policy implications of locally rational behaviours. This can now be achieved through a method known as coevolution, which allows modellers to divide an unsolved problem into constituent parts, where each part can be solved with respect to its own fitness function. In this paper, we specify a solution for evolving locally rational strategies across a multi‐sector SD structure. Using the beer distribution game (BDG) as an illustration, we demonstrate the utility of this approach in terms of the impact of two different order management strategies on the policy space of the BDG. Copyright © 2012 System Dynamics Society.
Cell Autonomous and Nonautonomous Mechanisms Drive Hematopoietic Stem/progenitor Cell Loss in the Absence of DNA Repair
Authors: Cho Joon Seok , Kook Sung Ho , Robinson Andria Rasile , Niedernhofer Laura J. , Lee Byeong-Chel 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Daily, cells incur tens of thousands of DNA lesions caused by endogenous processes. Due to their long-lived nature, adult stem cells may be particularly susceptible to the negative impact of this constant genotoxic stress. Indeed, in murine models of DNA repair deficiencies, there is accumulation of DNA damage in hematopoietic stem cells and premature loss of function. Herein, we demonstrate that mice expressing reduced levels of ERCC1-XPF DNA repair endonuclease (Ercc1−/Δ mice) spontaneously display a progressive decline in the number and function of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). This was accompanied by increased cell death, expression of senescence markers, reactive oxygen species, and DNA damage in HSPC populations, illustrating cell autonomous mechanisms that contribute to loss of function. In addition, the bone marrow microenvironment of Ercc1−/Δ mice was not permissive for the engraftment of transplanted normal stem cells. Bones from Ercc1−/Δ mice displayed excessive osteoclastic activity, which alters the microenvironment in a way that is unfavorable to HSPC maintenance. This was accompanied by increased proinflammatory cytokines in the bone marrow of Ercc1−/Δ mice. These data provide novel evidence that spontaneous, endogenous DNA damage, if not repaired, promotes progressive attrition of adult stem cells via both cell autonomous and nonautonomous mechanisms.
Brief Report: The Potential Role of Epigenetics on Multipotent Cell Differentiation Capacity of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Yannarelli Gustavo , Pacienza Natalia , Cuniberti Luis , Medin Jeffrey , Davies John , Keating Armand 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHuman umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVCs) are a readily available source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for cell therapy. We were interested in understanding how differences from human bone marrow (BM)-derived MSCs might yield insights into MSC biology. We found that HUCPVCs exhibited increased telomerase activity and longer telomeres compared with BM-MSCs. We also observed enhanced expression of the pluripotency factors OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG in HUCPVCs. The methylation of OCT4 and NANOG promoters was similar in both cell types, indicating that differences in the expression of pluripotency factors between the MSCs were not associated with epigenetic changes. MSC methylation at these loci is greater than reported for embryonic stem cells but less than in dermal fibroblasts, suggesting that multipotentiality of MSCs is epigenetically restricted. These results are consistent with the notion that the MSC population (whether BM- or HUCPV-derived) exhibits higher proliferative capacity and contains more progenitor cells than do dermal fibroblasts.