bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of flow cytometric detection and cell sorting of transgenic Plasmodium parasites using interchangeable optical filters
Authors: Vorobjev Ivan A , Buchholz Kathrin , Prabhat Prashant , Ketman Kenneth , Egan Elizabeth S , Marti Matthias , Duraisingh Manoj T , Barteneva Natasha S 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Flow cytometry-based assays that take advantage of fluorescent protein (FP)-expressing malaria parasites have proven to be valuable tools for quantification and sorting of specific subpopulations of parasite-infected red blood cells. However, identification of rare subpopulations of parasites using green fluorescent protein (GFP) labelling is complicated by autofluorescence (AF) of red blood cells and low signal from transgenic parasites. It has been suggested that cell sorting yield could be improved by using filters that precisely match the emission spectrum of GFP.

Methods
Detection of transgenic Plasmodium falciparum parasites expressing either tdTomato or GFP was performed using a flow cytometer with interchangeable optical filters. Parasitaemia was evaluated using different optical filters and, after optimization of optics, the GFP-expressing parasites were sorted and analysed by microscopy after cytospin preparation and by imaging cytometry.

Results
A new approach to evaluate filter performance in flow cytometry using two-dimensional dot blot was developed. By selecting optical filters with narrow bandpass (BP) and maximum position of filter emission close to GFP maximum emission in the FL1 channel (510/20, 512/20 and 517/20; dichroics 502LP and 466LP), AF was markedly decreased and signal-background improve dramatically. Sorting of GFP-expressing parasite populations in infected red blood cells at 90 or 95% purity with these filters resulted in 50-150% increased yield when compared to the standard filter set-up. The purity of the sorted population was confirmed using imaging cytometry and microscopy of cytospin preparations of sorted red blood cells infected with transgenic malaria parasites.

Discussion
Filter optimization is particularly important for applications where the FP signal and percentage of positive events are relatively low, such as analysis of parasite-infected samples with in the intention of gene-expression profiling and analysis. The approach outlined here results in substantially improved yield of GFP-expressing parasites, and requires decreased sorting time in comparison to standard methods. It is anticipated that this protocol will be useful for a wide range of applications involving rare events.
Steroidogenic and maturation-inducing potency of native gonadotropic hormones in female chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus
Authors: Ohga Hirofumi , Kaneko Kensuke , Shimizu Akio , Kitano Hajime , Selvaraj Sethu , Nyuji Mitsuo , Adachi Hayato , Yamaguchi Akihiko , Matsuyama Michiya 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The gonadotropins (GtHs), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are produced in the pituitary gland and regulates gametogenesis through production of gonadal steroids. However, respective roles of two GtHs in the teleosts are still incompletely characterized due to technical difficulties in the purification of native GtHs.

Methods
Native FSH and LH were purified from the pituitaries of adult chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus by anion-exchange chromatography and immunoblotting using specific antisera. The steroidogenic potency of the intact chub mackerel FSH (cmFSH) and LH (cmLH) were evaluated in mid- and late-vitellogenic stage follicles by measuring the level of gonadal steroids, estradiol-17beta (Ε2) and 17,20beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20beta-P). In addition, we evaluated the maturation-inducing potency of the GtHs on same stage follicles.

Results
Both cmFSH and cmLH significantly stimulated E2 production in mid-vitellogenic stage follicles. In contrast, only LH significantly stimulated the production of 17,20beta-P in late-vitellogenic stage follicles. Similarly, cmLH induced final oocyte maturation (FOM) in late-vitellogenic stage follicles.

Conclusions
Present results indicate that both FSH and LH may regulate vitellogenic processes, whereas only LH initiates FOM in chub mackerel.
Verify level control criteria for multi-level cell flash memories and their applications
Authors: Kim Yongjune , Kim Jaehong , Kong Jun Jin , K Vijaya Kumar B V , Li Xin 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
In 1
M-bit/cell multi-level cell (MLC) flash memories, it is more difficult to guarantee the reliability of data as M increases. The reason is that an M-bit/cell MLC has 2
M
states whereas a single-level cell (SLC) has only two states. Hence, compared to SLC, the margin of MLC is reduced, thereby making it sensitive to a number of degradation mechanisms such as cell-to-cell interference and charge leakage. In flash memories, distances between 2
M
states can be controlled by adjusting verify levels during incremental step pulse programming (ISPP). For high data reliability, the control of verify levels in ISPP is important because the bit error rate (BER) will be affected significantly by verify levels. As M increases, the verify level control will be more important and complex. In this article, we investigate two verify level control criteria for MLC flash memories. The first criterion is to minimize the overall BER and the second criterion is to make page BERs equal. The choice between these criteria relates to flash memory architecture, bits per cell, reliability, and speed performance. Considering these factors, we will discuss the strategy of verify level control in the hybrid solid state drives (SSD) which are composed of flash memories with different number of bits per cell.
Unusual death due to a bleeding from a varicose vein: a case report
Authors: Fragkouli Kleio , Mitselou Antigoni , Boumba Vassiliki A , Siozios George , Vougiouklakis George T , Vougiouklakis Theodore 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Varicose veins are a common entity presenting a worldwide distribution. Although they are usually benign, sometimes are proved to be a threatening condition. Massive hemorrhage is an unusual complication of this common venous pathology that demands immediate medical intervention.

Case presentation
We present a case of a 66-year-old woman found dead in her house surrounded by a large quantity of blood. Autopsy revealed a 7 mm ulcer on the internal surface of the left lower leg communicating with a varicose vein, signs of exsanguinations and liver cirrhosis. Toxicological analysis was negative.

Conclusion
Massive hemorrhage from a ruptured varicosity is a severe medical emergency. Awareness of the risk of massive hemorrhage may provoke preventive treatment to be undertaken so as terminal loss of consciousness and a subsequent unattended death to be averted.
Mineralogical and Physico-Chemical Characterizations of Ferruginous Beidellite-Rich Clay from Agadir Basin (Morocco)
Authors: Bouna L. , Rhouta B. , Daoudi L. , Maury F. , Amjoud M. , Senocq F. , Lafont M. C. , Jada A. , Aït Aghzzaf A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe mechanism of formation of detrital, beidellite-rich clay occurring in the Agadir basin (Morocco) is well documented, but its detailed characterization is incomplete which limits its application. The aim of the present study was to provide further details of the mineralogical and physico-chemical characteristics of this clay. Bulk raw clay and its Na+-saturated, <2 μm fraction were characterized using chemical, structural, and thermal techniques. Measurements of induced streaming potential (e.g. particle charge) and of specific surface area and porous volume are reported. The raw clay contained carbonate and quartz as associated minerals along with phyllosilicates (<2 μm particle size). X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses showed that the <2 μm fraction was dominated by a dioctahedral smectite. Because dehydroxylation of this mineral occurred at 510°C, and because it re-expanded in ethylene glycol after Li+-saturation followed by heating at 240°C for 24 h, the mineral was shown to be a beidellite rather than montmorillonite. This assertion was further supported by 27Al and 29Si magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectra showing predominantly negative charges in the tetrahedral sheets due to notable Al-for-Si substitutions. The chemical composition of the <2 μm fraction showed an Fe2O3 content which was ~7.52 wt.% greater than those of other beidellite occurrences but not so much that it would be identified as a nontronite. The absence of stretching and bending absorption bands corresponding to characteristic (Fe2OH) units in mid-infrared spectra and their corresponding fundamental overtones or combination bands in near-infrared spectra supported this notion. The structural formula of the beidellite in the present study was determined to be (Si7.51Al0.49)(Al2.99Fe0.68Mg0.33) (Ca0.03Na0.54Mg0.11)O20(OH)4, having dioctahedral ferruginous characteristics with almost 60% of the negative charge found in tetrahedral sheets. The cation exchange capacity determined from the structural formula was ~108 meq/100 g. The specific surface area and total pore volume were ~82.2 m2/g and 0.136 cm3/g, respectively. Interestingly, a detrital rather than a hydrothermal-alteration origin, as reported for other beidellite occurrences, explains its natural abundance and emphasizes the great interest in it.
Coarse-Graining of Ionic Microgels: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Riest Jonas , Mohanty Priti , Schurtenberger Peter , Likos Christos N. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
In this work, we discuss the statistical mechanics of many-body systems consisting of electrically charged microgels, and we show that their collective behavior is determined by an interplay between the screened electrostatic and the elastic contributions to their effective interaction potential. The former is derived by means of a statistical-mechanical approach due to Denton [A. R. Denton, Phys. Rev. E 67, 011804 (2003)], and it includes the screened electrostatic potential between penetrable spheres and the counterion entropic contribution. The latter is based on the Hertzian model of the theory of elasticity. Comparisons with experimental results demonstrate the realistic nature of the coarse-graining procedure, which makes it possible to put forward theoretical predictions on the phase diagram of ionic microgels and on the behavior of soft, neutral microgels under confinement in narrow pores.
The Structure of Fluids with Impurities
Authors: Bier Markus , Harnau Ludger 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The influence of dilute impurities on the structure of a fluid solvent is investigated theoretically. General arguments, which do not rely on particular models, are used to derive an extension of the Ornstein–Zernike form for the solvent structure factor at small scattering vectors. It is shown that dilute impurities can influence the solvent structure only if they are composed of ions with significantly different sizes. Non-ionic impurities or ions of similar size are shown to not alter the solvent structure qualitatively. This picture is compatible with available experimental data. The derived form of the solvent structure factor is expected to be useful to infer information on the impurity-solvent interactions form measured scattering intensities.
Au-TiO
2
Yolk-Shell Particles for Photocatalysis Application
Authors: Dai Bin , Polzer Frank , Häusler Ines , Lu Yan 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Au-TiO2 yolk-shell particles with gold as core and mesoporous TiO2 as shell have been synthesized by deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles onto Au-silica core-shell particles via modified sol-gel method at room temperature followed by the removal of silica midlayer by NaOH treatment. The Au-TiO2 yolk-shell particles exhibit a high colloidal stability, which can be applied as excellent heterogeneous photocatalysts for the photodegradation of the dye Rhodamine B under UV irradiation. The Au-TiO2 yolk-shell particles have shown much higher photocatalytic activity than that of the hollow TiO2 particles without gold.
Synthesis of PEG-Stabilized Fluoro-Acrylate Particles and Study of their Glass Transition in Aqueous Dispersion
Authors: Wiemann Malte , Schneider René , Bartsch Eckhard 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Synthesis of colloidal particles which are sterically stabilized in water and at the same time isorefractive in aqueous dispersion has been achieved by copolymerizing a fluoracrylate monomer with a PEG-macromonomer. Colloidal stability against salt addition and freeze-thawing cycles is demonstrated, indicating that the particles consist of a core of fluoroacrylate and a stabilizing surface layer of grafted PEG. To test the performance as a model system for studies of colloidal vitrification in aqueous media, the dynamics of a binary mixture of these particles with a size ratio of 0.8 and a number ratio of 1.3 (small : large particles) were studied in an isorefractive mixture of water and DMSO (≈ 11 mol % DMSO). The characteristic features of a system close to the glass transition were observed in the density density autocorrelation function f(q, τ) as measured by DLS. However, the glass transition occurred at an unexpectedly low volume fraction of 0.262. This discrepancy correlates with an unusually large difference between TEM and DLS radii and is explained by the presence of a rather extended hairy PEG surface layer.
Structure-Property Relations of Liquid Crystalline Gels with ABA-Triblock Copolymers as Gelators
Authors: Pettau Robin , Müller Thomas , Khazimullin Maxim , Rehberg Ingo , Schmidt Hans-Werner 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
This paper reports on the influence of the structure of tailored ABA-triblock copolymers on physical gelation of the nematic liquid crystal 4'-n-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl (5CB), rheological properties, and the electro-optical response of the gels. The block copolymer gelators, comprised of two polystyrene A-blocks connected to a cyanobiphenyl-functionalized polyhydroxystyrene B-block, were synthesized by living anionic polymerization and functionalized by polymer analogous reactions. These block copolymers feature selective solubility. The B-block is soluble in the nematic and isotropic state of 5CB, whereas the polystyrene A-blocks are only soluble in the isotropic state. Consequently, upon cooling liquid crystalline gels are formed due to the controlled microphase-separation of the A-blocks. We show that the polymer composition and the different block lengths are important to vary the gel properties and the electro-optical response. It is confirmed that the gel formation correlates to the isotropic to nematic transition of 5CB for block copolymer gelators with sufficiently long A-blocks. Higher gel elasticity is obtained if gelators with short B-blocks are employed. The influence of the polymer network on the switching behavior of these liquid crystalline gels is investigated with respect to the electro-optical response in light scattering experiments. Intriguingly, these indicate a rearrangement of the nodes formed by the A-blocks under a strong electric field for block copolymers with short A-blocks.
Transitional Implants to Support a Mandibular Overdenture Inserted Over Immediate Implants With Guided Bone Regeneration
Authors: Thompson‐Sloan Tamika N. , Neely Anthony L. 
Published: September 2012

Introduction: Replacement of missing teeth with implants and implant‐supported prostheses is commonplace today. Most implants require a healing period before loading, delaying prosthetic treatment. Transitional implants (TIs) can support prostheses during the healing period, especially after immediate implant and overdenture placement with concomitant bone grafting procedures. TIs can provide immediate tooth replacement while preventing immediate implant and bone graft overloading.Case Presentation: A 53‐year‐old male was referred to the Graduate Periodontics Clinic at the University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan, for extraction of his mandibular teeth and placement of dental implants to retain an overdenture. Clinical examination revealed the presence of a complete maxillary denture and generalized severe attachment and bone loss in the mandibular arch. Class I mobility and extensive carious lesions were present on all teeth along with prominent root eminences and a thin biotype. Radiographic examination revealed adequate bone height for immediate implants in the canine regions. Treatment consisted of extraction of all teeth with alveoloplasty of the ridge and placement of permanent implants and TIs in the mandible. A resorbable membrane covered the bone graft that filled the gap between implants and bulked out the buccal ridge. Insertion of an immediate TI‐supported denture occurred after surgery. Postoperative healing was uneventful. Subsequent free gingival grafts augmented keratinized tissue and aided in proper oral hygiene before final prosthesis delivery.Conclusion: TIs can minimize delay in placement of implant‐supported prostheses by bearing the load during the healing of immediate implants placed in fresh extraction sites with bone grafts.
Measures of noncompactness in the study of solutions of nonlinear differential and integral equations
Authors: Banaś Józef 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to make an overview of some existence results for nonlinear differential and integral equations. Those results were obtained by the author and his co-workers during last years with some help of the technique of measures of noncompactness and a fixed point theorem of Darbo type.
Aeroallergen Sensitization Influences Quality of Life and Comorbidities in Patients with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Dávila Ignacio , Rondón Carmen , Navarro Ana , Antón Encarnación , Colas Carlos , Dordal María Teresa , Ibáñez María Dolores , Fernández-Parra Beatriz , Lluch-Bernal Magdalena , Matheu Víctor , Montoro Javier , Sánchez María Cesárea , Valero Antonio 
Published: September 2012

Background Nasal polyposis (NP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that impairs quality of life (QoL). The role of atopy in NP is not established. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and QoL in a broad sample of patients with NP and to evaluate the influence of allergy on this disease. Methods A multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in 67 allergy units in Spain. NP and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) hypersensitivity were diagnosed following EP3OS guidelines. Rhinitis and asthma were classified following Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma and the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, respectively. Skin tests with a battery of aeroallergens were performed on all patients. A visual analog scale (VAS) and Short-Form 12 (SF-12) and 31-item Rhinosinusitis Outcome Measure (RSOM 31) questionnaires were completed by all the patients. Results Of the 671 patients included, 611 were evaluable. Mean age was 46 years and 50% of patients were men. Also, 50% were atopic. Asthma was present in 66% of patients and NSAID hypersensitivity was present in 26%. The most frequent symptoms were nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. Mean value of VAS was 58.6. Global health and bodily pain were the items most frequently identified in the SF-12 questionnaire and nasal and ocular symptoms in the RSOM-31 questionnaire. There was a good correlation between VAS score and QoL (p < 0.0001). Rhinitis was more severe in nonallergic patients. Asthma was more frequent in atopic patients, whereas ASA triad was more frequent in nonatopic patients. Atopic patients showed higher VAS scores and worse QoL. Conclusion Atopic NP patients showed worse QoL, higher incidence of asthma and a less severe form of rhinitis than non-atopic patients.
The Validation of an Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Skills Training Model: A Pilot Study
Authors: Burge Scott D. , Bunegin Leon , Weitzel Erik K. , McMains K. Christopher 
Published: September 2012

Background Performing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) requires a trainee surgeon to develop both thorough anatomic understanding and new manual dexterity skills. Traditionally, these skills were learned in the operating room setting. In an era of available surgical simulation, this practice introduces ethical concerns about exposing patients to unnecessary risks during surgical skills development. Additionally, cost-effective rhinologic training has become increasingly important. To address these problems, a low-cost, intermediate-fidelity FESS training model was developed, and both speed and accuracy of task completion were measured to assess both immediate and intermediate-term skills retention. Methods Preliminary data were collected on 12 medical students and 10 resident-level (PGY1, -2, and -3) learners. Distinct tasks were performed five times on the initial day of testing and repeated after 2 weeks. Results Both groups attained statistically significant improvement in time to complete both tasks by the second iteration of each task and retained this effect after 2 weeks. Similarly, statistically significant improvement was seen for accuracy relative to the initial attempt by the fifth iteration for residents. This effect was also seen by the third through fifth iterations and after 2 weeks for students. Additionally, when the 2-week follow-up testing was compared with the fifth attempt, the only skills that deteriorated significantly were the resident group with the complex task times and the students with measures of accuracy. However, in both cases a highly significant improvement from initial attempts was maintained (p = 0.02 and p = 0.005, respectively). Residents were significantly faster than medical students at both simple and complex tasks for attempts 1 through h 4, but this difference was not significant for attempt 5 and after 2 weeks. Residents had significantly fewer errors for all but the 2-week data point. Conclusion The data from this pilot study support improved FESS skills for both medical students and residents using this low-cost, intermediate-fidelity model.
The Young's Procedure for Severe Epistaxis from Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Richer Sara L. , Geisthoff Urban W. , Livada Nancy , Ward P. Daniel , Johnson Leland , Mainka Alexander , Henderson Katharine J. , Maune Steffen , White Robert I. , Ross Douglas A. 
Published: September 2012

Background Surgical treatment of epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) has historically been managed with the laser procedure or the septodermoplasty procedure. For transfusion-dependent patients with severe epistaxis we have been performing the Young's procedure or surgical closure of the nostrils. The objective of this study was to report treatment of severe epistaxis related to HHT with the Young's procedure and assess patient outcome. Methods Patients with severe iron or blood transfusion–dependent epistaxis who underwent a Young's procedure in three otolaryngology HHT centers were reviewed. Patients were evaluated for postoperative epistaxis and subjective outcome. Results Forty-three patients underwent a Young's procedure for severe epistaxis and were observed for a mean of 34 months. The procedure was well tolerated by all patients and 30 of 36 patients (83%) experienced complete cessation of bleeding after the Young's procedure. Patients had a mean increase in hemoglobin of 4.68 g/dL after the procedure. The average Glasgow Benefit Inventory score after surgery was 43.56. No patients requested a reversal of the procedure. Conclusion The Young's procedure is a safe and efficacious procedure with complete cessation of epistaxis in most patients with severe epistaxis and HHT.