bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative facial muscle ultrasound: Feasibility and reproducibility
Authors: Alfen Nens Van , Gilhuis H. Jacobus , Keijzers Jurre P. , Pillen Sigrid , Van Dijk Johannes P. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionIn this study we describe a protocol for quantitative ultrasound of facial muscles (procerus, zygomaticus major, levator labii superior, depressor anguli oris, mentalis, orbicularis oris pars labialis, orbicularis oris pars marginalis). Methods: Muscle thickness (MT) and echo intensity (EI) were measured in 12 healthy subjects and a myotonic dystrophy type 1 patient. Results: MTs ranged from 0.15 to 0.30 mm, except for the procerus muscle (0.06 mm). EIs ranged from 1 to 34, except for the procerus muscle. MT reproducibility was fair for the orbicularis oris pars labialis, excellent for the procerus and levator labii, and good for the other muscles. The myotonic dystrophy type 1 patient showed high EIs, outside the range in healthy subjects in 6 of the 7 muscles. MT was lower than the range seen in healthy subjects in 4 muscles. Conclusion: Quantitative muscle ultrasound of the facial muscles is feasible and shows moderate to excellent reproducibility. Muscle Nerve 48: 375–380, 2013
A quasi‐static dual particle method for solids based on dual particle dynamics
Authors: Sanchez J.J. , Randles P.W. 
Published: January 2013

SUMMARYA dual particle method for problems in solid mechanics, on the basis of dual particle dynamics, is extended to applications of quasi‐static deformations of solids. The general approach incorporates the discrete strong form of the governing equation, a Lagrangian representation of a moving least squares approximation of field variables and a spatial discretization comprised of two particle sets: motion points and stress points. The quasi‐static dual particle method introduced in this work incorporates geometric and material nonlinearities as well as a modified method for applying traction boundary conditions. Some computational exercises are performed to verify the correct implementation of the method, show convergence behavior, and demonstrate the improved performance of the modified traction boundary condition application method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fused structures in the polymer backbone to investigate the photovoltaic and electrochromic properties of donor–acceptor‐type conjugated polymers
Authors: Cevher Sevki Can , Unlu Naime Akbasoglu , Ozelcaglayan Ali Can , Apaydin Dogukan Hazar , Udum Yasemin Arslan , Toppare Levent , Cirpan Ali 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn this study, two new benzotriazole (BTz) and dithienothiophene (DTT) containing conjugated polymers were synthesized. After successful characterizations of the monomers by proton‐nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and carbon‐NMR (13C NMR) techniques, poly(4‐(dithieno[3, 2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2‐(2‐octyldodecyl)‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3] triazole) P1 and poly(4‐(5‐(dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophen‐2‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2‐(2‐octyldodecyl)‐7‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole) P2 were synthesized via a typical Stille coupling. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies showed that both polymers can be multipurpose materials and used in electrochromic and photovoltaic applications. Reported study indicated that incorporation of DTT into the structure leads to fast switching times compared with BTz‐based polymers and competent percentage transmittance in the near‐infrared region. Multichromism is important in the context of low‐cost flexible display device technology and both polymers are ambipolar and processable as well as multichromic. Throughout the preliminary photovoltaic studies, the best performances of photovoltaic devices were found as Voc = 0.49 V, Jsc = 0.83 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) = 34.4%, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) = 0.14% for P1, and as Voc = 0.35 V, Jsc = 1.57 mA/cm2, FF = 38.2%, and PCE = 0.21% for P2. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Characterizing polymer macrostructures by identifying and locating microstructures along their chains with the kerr effect
Authors: Hardrict S. N. , Gurarslan R. , Galvin C. J. , Gracz H. , Roy D. , Sumerlin B. S. , Genzer J. , Tonelli A. E. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn this brief report, we demonstrate that Kerr effect measurements, which determine the excess birefringence contributed by polymer solutes in dilute solutions observed under a strong electric field, are highly sensitive to and capable of determining their microstructures, as well as their locations along the macromolecular backbone. Specifically, using atactic triblock copolymers with the same overall composition of styrene (S) and p‐bromostyrene (pBrS) units, but with two different block arrangements, that is, pBrS90‐b‐S120‐b‐pBrS90 (I) and S60‐b‐pBrS180‐b‐S60 (II), which are indistinguishable by NMR, we detected a dramatic difference in their molar Kerr constants (mK), in agreement with those previously estimated. Although similar in magnitude, their Kerr constants differ in sign, with mK(II) positive and mK(I) negative. In addition, S/pBrS random and gradient copolymers synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization exhibit a heretofore unexpected enhanced enchainment of racemic (r) pBrS‐pBrS diads. Comparison of their observed and calculated mKs suggests that the gradient S/pBrS copolymers possess an unanticipated additional gradient in stereosequence that parallels their comonomer gradient, that is, as the concentration of pBrs units decreases from one end of the copolymer chain to the other, so does the content of r diads. This conclusion could only be reached by comparison of observed and calculated Kerr effects, which access the global properties of macromolecules, and not NMR, which is only sensitive to local polymer structural environments, but not to their locations on the copolymer chains. Molar Kerr constants are characteristic of entire polymer chains and are highly sensitive to their constituent microstructures and their distribution along the chain. They may be used to both identify constituent microstructures and locate them along the polymer chain, thereby enabling, for the first time, characterization of their complete macrostructures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
Nucleation of hydroxyapatite crystals by self‐assembledBombyx morisilk fibroin
Authors: Yang Mingying , He Wen , Shuai Yajun , Min Sijia , Zhu Liangjun 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBombyx morisilk fibroin (SF) is known to be capable of facilitating nucleation of the hydroxyapatite crystals (HAps). To find out how SF mediates the nucleation of HAps, self‐assembly of SF in 1.5 simulated body fluid (SBF) was observed in this study through design of a co‐solution of SF and 1.5‐times SBF (SF/1.5 SBF). After the co‐solution of SF/1.5 SBF was incubated at 37.2 °C up to 7 days, SEM, X‐ray, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) observations indicated that nucleation of HAps was increased. In addition, the structure of SF was transited from random coil into β‐sheet indicated by FTIR spectra. The β‐sheet assembly of SF in 1.5 SBF was also supported by CD spectra. Atomic force microscopy provided detailed progress of the self‐assembly that SF incubated in 1.5 SBF was self‐assembled in the form from dot, through rod to final net. Therefore, this study suggested that nucleation of HAps of SF was controlled by its molecular self‐assembly. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
Toward tunable and adaptable polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Wanasekara Nandula D. , Korley LaShanda T. J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractNew bio‐derived strategies have been recently explored in the design of polymer nanocomposites, particularly in the area of responsive materials, which offer pathways toward tailored interfacial adhesion, responsive interactions and controlled dispersion. In this Feature article, we discuss: (1) precise control of dispersion via self‐assembly driven approaches in responsive mechanics, (2) inherent and strong interfacial adhesion in single polymer composites, and (3) percolating, electrospun nanofiber networks as filler elements in adaptable composites. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
Structural and optical properties of electrochemically deposited ZnO films in electrolyte containing Al2(SO4)3
Authors: Lovchinov Konstantin , Ganchev Maxim , Petrov Miroslav , Nichev Hristo , Rachkova Avgustina , Angelov Orlin , Mikli Valdek , Dimova‐Malinovska Doriana 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe present work concerns the electrochemical deposition of aluminum‐doped ZnO nanostructured thin films on SnO2:F‐covered glass substrates. Doped with Al nanostructured ZnO (ZnO:Al) films are obtained by an electrochemical process using a three‐electrode potentiostatic system with a saturated calomel electrode as reference electrode, in aqueous solution containing ZnCl2, KCl, and Al2(SO4)3. The influence of the deposition parameters on the structural properties of the obtained ZnO:Al layers is investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX) is applied for measurement of the Al content in the films. The SEM micrographs and AFM pictures show that the ZnO:Al films consist of nanograins with a shape of walls. The XRD spectra demonstrate the characteristic (100), (002), (101), (110), and (103) reflections of the ZnO. The influence of the Al concentration on the IR reflectance spectra and the haze ratio of ZnO:Al thin films are presented and discussed.
Hypoxia Increases the Yield of Photoreceptors Differentiating from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells and Improves the Modeling of Retinogenesis In Vitro
Authors: Garita-HernÁndez Marcela , Diaz-Corrales Francisco , Lukovic Dunja , GonzÁlez-Guede Irene , Diez-Lloret Andrea , ValdÉs-SÁnchez M. Lourdes , Massalini Simone , Erceg Slaven , Bhattacharya Shomi S. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a genetically heterogeneous group of diseases together with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are the leading causes of permanent blindness and are characterized by the progressive dysfunction and death of the light sensing photoreceptors of the retina. Due to the limited regeneration capacity of the mammalian retina, the scientific community has invested significantly in trying to obtain retinal progenitor cells from embryonic stem cells (ESC). These represent an unlimited source of retinal cells, but it has not yet been possible to achieve specific populations, such as photoreceptors, efficiently enough to allow them to be used safely in the future as cell therapy of RP or AMD. In this study, we generated a high yield of photoreceptors from directed differentiation of mouse ESC (mESC) by recapitulating crucial phases of retinal development. We present a new protocol of differentiation, involving hypoxia and taking into account extrinsic and intrinsic cues. These include niche-specific conditions as well as the manipulation of the signaling pathways involved in retinal development. Our results show that hypoxia promotes and improves the differentiation of mESC toward photoreceptors. Different populations of retinal cells are increased in number under the hypoxic conditions applied, such as Crx-positive cells, S-Opsin-positive cells, and double positive cells for Rhodopsin and Recoverin, as shown by immunofluorescence analysis. For the first time, this manuscript reports the high efficiency of differentiation in vivo and the expression of mature rod photoreceptor markers in a large number of differentiated cells, transplanted in the subretinal space of wild-type mice.
Concise Review: The Dynamics of Induced Pluripotency and Its Behavior Captured in Gene Network Motifs
Authors: Muraro Mauro J. , Kempe Hermannus , Verschure Pernette J. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
The flexibility of cellular identity is clearly demonstrated by the possibility to reprogram fully differentiated somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells through forced expression of a set of transcription factors. The generation of iPS cells is of great interest as they provide a tremendous potential for regenerative medicine and an attractive platform to investigate pluripotency. Despite having gathered much attention, the molecular details and responsible gene regulatory networks during the reprogramming process are largely unresolved. In this review, we analyze the sequence and dynamics of reprogramming to construct a timeline of the molecular events taking place during induced pluripotency. We use this timeline as a road map to explore the distinct phases of the reprogramming process and to suggest gene network motifs that are able to describe its systems behavior. We conclude that the gene networks involved in reprogramming comprise several feedforward loops combined with autoregulatory behavior and one or more AND gate motifs that can explain the observed dynamics of induced pluripotency. Our proposed timeline and derived gene network motif behavior could serve as a tool to understand the systems behavior of reprogramming and identify key transitions and/or transcription factors that influence somatic cell reprogramming. Such a systems biology strategy could provide ways to define and explore the use of additional regulatory factors acting at defined gene network motifs to potentially overcome the current challenges of inefficient, slow, and partial somatic cell reprogramming and hence set ground of using iPS cells for clinical and therapeutic use.
A model study for an Oceania watershed: spatio‐temporal changes of mesozooplankton in riverine and estuarine parts of the Lanyang River in Taiwan
Authors: Dahms Hans‐Uwe , Tseng Li‐Chun , Hsiao Shih‐Hui , Chen Qing‐Chao , Hwang Jiang‐Shiou 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe mesozooplankton of a river tributary in Oceania is evaluated and is correlated against environmental, abiotic, and biological attributes of this lotic system. Abundance, distribution, and the diversity of mesozooplankton was studied at nine stations including one estuarine station during ten sampling campaigns from June 2004 to December 2005 along the Lanyang River, the largest river and estuarine ecosystem in northeastern Taiwan. Mesozooplankton was dominated by copepods, cladocerans, and fish larvae. Among all samples, the highest abundances of mesozooplankton (5,049.36 individuals m−3) occurred in the estuary station in August 2004, which also corresponds to the highest salinities (37.0), indicating the marine role in shaping the estuarine planktonic assemblages. The abundance of mesozooplankton and number of mesozooplankton taxa were significantly higher in samples of the estuarine station than in the riverine stations (p< 0.05, one‐way ANOVA). The number of mesozooplankton taxa number was affected by water temperature (r= 0.697;p= 0.025, Pearson's correlation) that was primarily influenced by the weather that was in turn affected by seasonal monsoons.
Resolution and Recurrence Rates of Idiopathic Trigger Finger after Corticosteroid Injection
Authors: Mol Marianne F. , Neuhaus Valentin , Becker Stéphanie J. E. , Jupiter Jesse B. , Mudgal Chaitanya , Ring David 
Published: January 2013

Background This study addresses factors associated with apparent resolution and recurrence of triggering using data from providers with various treatment strategies. Method A retrospective review identified 878 adult patients with 1,210 Quinnell grade 2 or 3 trigger fingers that had one or more corticosteroid injections by one of three surgeons between 2001 and 2011. Two surgeons injected dexamethasone, but one had patients return 1 month after injection and was quick to recommend surgery (strategy A) and the other had patients return 2 months after injection, offered another injection or surgery, and followed the patient's preference. One surgeon used triamcinolone, had patients return only if the injection did not work, and waited at least 3 months to offer surgery. Factors associated with apparent resolution and recurrence of triggering were sought in bivariable and multivariable statistical analysis. Results Triamcinolone injection was associated with more frequent apparent resolution (83 %), than dexamethasone injection (30 %). Apparent resolution of triggering was also associated with a delayed surgery treatment strategy (B and C) and the affected finger (long and ring fingers were less likely to resolve). Return with triggering after documented or presumed resolution occurred in 188 fingers (33 %) and was associated with triamcinolone injection, index, long and ring finger, and orally treated non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Strategy A had the lowest initial apparent resolution rate, the highest proportion of patients having surgery, and the lowest final triggering rate of 10 %. Conclusion Both treatment strategy and type of corticosteroid determine apparent resolution and recurrence rates.
White matter hyperintensities and amyloid are independently associated with entorhinal cortex volume among individuals with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Guzman Vanessa A. , Carmichael Owen T. , Schwarz Christopher , Tosto Giuseppe , Zimmerman Molly E. , Brickman Adam M. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2013

BackgroundCurrent hypothetical models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis emphasize the role of β‐amyloid (Aβ), tau deposition, and neurodegenerative changes in the mesial temporal lobe, particularly the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. However, many individuals with clinical AD who come to autopsy also exhibit cerebrovascular disease. The relationship between AD and vascular pathology is unclear, especially whether they represent additive and independent effects on neuronal injury. We used data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) to (1) confirm whether entorhinal cortex and hippocampal volume are associated with memory among individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who are at risk for AD; and (2) determine whether regional white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, a radiological marker of small‐vessel cerebrovascular disease, is associated with entorhinal cortex and hippocampal volume independent of putative AD biomarkers in this group.MethodsCognitive test scores, entorhinal cortex volume, hippocampus volume, intracranial volume, and cerebrospinal fluid‐derived phosphorylated tau and Aβ1‐42 protein levels were measured in 199 subjects with amnestic MCI (mean age = 74.89 ± 7.47). Lobar WMH volumes were derived from T1‐, proton‐density‐, and T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans. We examined the association between entorhinal cortex volume and cognition. Next, we examined the association of tau and Aβ1‐42 with entorhinal cortex volume and between lobar WMH and entorhinal cortex volume. Finally, tau, Aβ1‐42, and regional WMH volumes were entered simultaneously to predict entorhinal cortex volume. We repeated the analyses with hippocampal volume instead of entorhinal cortex volume. The analyses were also repeated with the sample restricted to those MCI patients who transitioned to AD on subsequent ADNI follow‐up visits (n = 86).ResultsLarger entorhinal cortex volume was associated with better memory but not with performance on a task of executive functioning. Lower levels of Aβ1‐42 and higher temporal WMH volumes were associated with smaller entorhinal cortex volume. When entered simultaneously, temporal lobe WMH volume was more reliably associated with entorhinal cortex volume than was Aβ1‐42. The findings were similar for hippocampus volume and when the sample was restricted to MCI patients who subsequently transitioned to AD.ConclusionsThe findings confirm the role of entorhinal cortex and hippocampus volume in influencing memory decline in amnestic MCI, and emphasize that even in this nominally AD prodromal condition, WMH may be influencing regional neurodegeneration.
BRCA1/2 mutation analysis in 41 ovarian cell lines reveals only one functionally deleterious BRCA1 mutation
Authors: Stordal Britta , Timms Kirsten , Farrelly Angela , Gallagher Danielle , Busschots Steven , Renaud Mickaël , Thery Julien , Williams Deborah , Potter Jennifer , Tran Thanh , Korpanty Greg , Cremona Mattia , Carey Mark , Li Jie , Li Yang , Aslan Ozlem , O'Leary John J. , Mills Gordon B. , Hennessy Bryan T. 
Published: January 2013

Mutations in BRCA1/2 increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Germline BRCA1/2 mutations occur in 8.6–13.7% of unselected epithelial ovarian cancers, somatic mutations are also frequent. BRCA1/2 mutated or dysfunctional cells may be sensitive to PARP inhibition by synthetic lethality. The aim of this study is to comprehensively characterise the BRCA1/2 status of a large panel of ovarian cancer cell lines available to the research community to assist in biomarker studies of novel drugs and in particular of PARP inhibitors. The BRCA1/2 genes were sequenced in 41 ovarian cell lines, mRNA expression of BRCA1/2 and gene methylation status of BRCA1 was also examined. The cytotoxicity of PARP inhibitors olaparib and veliparib was examined in 20 cell lines.The cell line SNU‐251 has a deleterious BRCA1 mutation at 5564G > A, and is the only deleterious BRCA1/2 mutant in the panel. Two cell lines (UPN‐251 and PEO1) had deleterious mutations as well as additional reversion mutations that restored the protein functionality. Heterozygous mutations in BRCA1/2 were relatively common, found in 14.6% of cell lines. BRCA1 was methylated in two cell lines (OVCAR8, A1847) and there was a corresponding decrease in gene expression. The BRCA1 methylated cell lines were more sensitive to PARP inhibition than wild‐type cells. The SNU‐251 deleterious mutant was more sensitive to PARP inhibition, but only in a long‐term exposure to correct for its slow growth rate. Cell lines derived from metastatic disease are significantly more resistant to veliparib (2.0 fold p = 0.03) compared to those derived from primary tumours. Resistance to olaparib and veliparib was correlated Pearsons‐R 0.5393, p = 0.0311.The incidence of BRCA1/2 deleterious mutations 1/41 cell lines derived from 33 different patients (3.0%) is much lower than the population incidence. The reversion mutations and high frequency of heterozygous mutations suggest that there is a selective pressure against BRCA1/2 in cell culture similar to the selective pressure seen in the clinic after treatment with chemotherapy. PARP inhibitors may be useful in patients with BRCA1 deleterious mutations or gene methylation.