bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence from Raman Spectroscopy of a Putative Link Between Inherent Bone Matrix Chemistry and Degenerative Joint Disease
Authors: Kerns Jemma G. , Gikas Panagiotis D. , Buckley Kevin , Shepperd Adam , Birch Helen L. , McCarthy Ian , Miles Jonathan , Briggs Timothy W. R. , Keen Richard , Parker Anthony W. , Matousek Pavel , Goodship Allen E. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveOsteoarthritis (OA) is a common debilitating disease that results in degeneration of cartilage and bone in the synovial joints. Subtle changes in the molecular structure of the subchondral bone matrix occur and may be associated with cartilage changes. The aim of this study was to explore whether the abnormal molecular changes observed in the matrix of OA subchondral bone can be identified with Raman spectroscopy.MethodsTibial plateaus from patients undergoing total knee replacement for OA (n = 10) were compared with healthy joints from patients undergoing leg amputation (n = 5; sex‐ and laterality‐matched) and with non‐OA cadaveric knee specimens (n = 5; age‐matched). The samples were analyzed with Raman spectroscopy, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and chemical analysis to compare changes in defined load‐bearing sites in both the medial and lateral compartments.ResultsOA subchondral bone matrix changes were detected by Raman spectroscopy. Within each cohort, there was no spectral difference in bone matrix chemistry between the medial and lateral compartments, whereas a significant spectral difference (P < 0.001) was observed between the non‐OA and OA specimens. Type I collagen chain ratios were normal in the non‐OA specimens but were significantly elevated in the OA specimens.ConclusionIn comparing the results of Raman spectroscopy with those obtained by other standard techniques, these findings show, for the first time, that subchondral bone changes, or inherent differences, exist in both the medial and lateral (beneath intact cartilage) compartments of OA knees. The development of Raman spectroscopy as a screening tool, based on molecular‐specific modifications in bone, would facilitate the identification of clinical disease, including early molecular changes.
Derivation and Validation of a Prediction Rule for Two‐Year Mortality in Early Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Domsic Robyn T. , Nihtyanova Svetlana I. , Wisniewski Stephen R. , Fine Michael J. , Lucas Mary , Kwoh C. Kent , Denton Christopher P. , Medsger Thomas A. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with a reduction in life expectancy, but there are no validated prognostic models for determining short‐term mortality. The objective of this study was to derive and validate a prediction rule for 2‐year mortality in patients with early diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc).MethodsWe studied a prospectively enrolled cohort of 387 US Caucasian patients with early dcSSc (<2 years from the appearance of the first symptom), randomly divided into a derivation cohort (n = 260) and a validation cohort (n = 127). Predefined baseline predictor variables were analyzed in a stepwise multivariable logistic regression model in order to identify factors independently associated with 2‐year all‐cause mortality using a cutoff of P < 0.05. We rounded the beta values to the nearest integer and summed the points assigned to each variable in order to stratify patients into low‐risk, moderate‐risk, and high‐risk groups. We then applied this rule to an external validation cohort of 110 Caucasian patients with early dcSSc from a single UK center and compared stratum‐specific mortality using chi‐square statistics.ResultsFour independent predictor variables (with assigned integer values) comprised the model: age at first visit (points allotted: –1, 0, or 1), skin thickness progression rate (points allotted: 0 or 1), gastrointestinal tract severity (points allotted: 0, 1, or 2), and anemia (points allotted: 0 or 2). The prediction model performed well, with no significant differences between the derivation cohort and the US or UK validation cohorts in the low‐risk and moderate‐risk groups.ConclusionWe derived a 4‐variable prediction rule that can be used to stratify patients with early dcSSc into groups by risk of 2‐year mortality, and we validated that prediction rule in US and UK cohorts.
Reverse‐Lens Technique in Process Visualization
Authors: Ochowiak Marek , Broniarz‐Press Lubomira , Woziwodzki Szymon 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe practicability of the reverse‐lens method for the visualization, analysis, and description of objects is evaluated. This microphotography technique cannot be influenced by optical properties of the liquid and is often required for formulations, such as suspensions and emulsions. Compared to phase the Doppler analysis and laser diffraction methods it is inexpensive. Visualizations of a steel ball, fluidized bed, and droplets of liquids are presented. The phenomenon of the breakup of a jet into drops is applied mainly to separation technologies in chemical, pharmaceutical, and metallurgical industries. The addition of polymers to a solvent can affect this breakup of jets. The suitability of the proposed visualization method for the study, analyses, and characterization of objects and flow phenomena in chemical and process engineering is demonstrated.
Molecular Mechanism of Diaminomaleonitrile to Diaminofumaronitrile Photoisomerization: An Intermediate Step in the Prebiotic Formation of Purine Nucleobases
Authors: Szabla Rafał , Góra Robert W. , Šponer Jiří , Šponer Judit E. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe photoinduced isomerization of diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) to diaminofumaronitrile (DAFN) was suggested to play a key role in the prebiotically plausible formation of purine nucleobases and nucleotides. In this work we analyze two competitive photoisomerization mechanisms on the basis of state‐of‐the‐art quantum‐chemical calculations. Even though it was suggested that this process might occur on the triplet potential‐energy surface, our results indicate that the singlet reaction channel should not be disregarded either. In fact, the peaked topography of the S1/S0 conical intersection suggests that the deexcitation should most likely occur on a sub‐picosecond timescale and the singlet photoisomerization mechanism might effectively compete even with a very efficient intersystem crossing. Such a scenario is further supported by the relatively small spin–orbit coupling of the S1 and T2 states in the Franck–Condon region, which does not indicate a very effective triplet bypass for this photoreaction. Therefore, we conclude that the triplet reaction channel in DAMN might not be as prominent as was previously thought.
Impact and Compression Behavior of Wet Zeolite 4A Granules
Authors: Müller Peter , Aman Sergej , Tomas Jürgen 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn dieser Arbeit wurde das Druckverhalten kugelförmiger Zeolith 4A‐Granulate untersucht und die Feuchtebeladung als signifikanter Parameter ermittelt. Ebenfalls zeigte sich, dass befeuchtete Zeolith 4A‐Granulate eine signifikant verringerte Bruchfestigkeit aufweisen. Bei weiterführenden Auswertungen wurden die Bruchkraftverteilungen aus den aufgezeichneten Kraft‐Weg‐Kurven ermittelt. Das Materialverhalten der Zeolith 4A‐Granulate wurde zudem experimentell mittels dynamischer Prallversuche untersucht und die Ergebnisse entsprechend eines kürzlich publizierten Ansatzes ausgewertet.
Xanthones from Swertia mussotii as Multitarget‐Directed Antidiabetic Agents
Authors: Zheng Huan‐Huan , Luo Cui‐Ting , Chen Heru , Lin Juan‐Na , Ye Chun‐Ling , Mao Shuang‐Shuang , Li Yu‐Lin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractOxidative stress has been suggested to play a causative role in the development of obesity‐induced insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Given the antioxidant potency of previously reported xanthones isolated from Swertia mussotii. These natural products were further evaluated against other targets in diabetes, aldose reductase and α‐glucosidase, in order to identify novel multitarget‐directed antidiabetic agents. Among the 14 xanthones screened, 1,3,7,8‐tetrahydroxyxanthone (6), 1,3,5,8‐tetrahydroxyxanthone (7), and 2,3,6,8‐tetrahydroxyxanthone‐7C‐(β‐D‐glucoside) (12) were confirmed as good antioxidants and α‐glucosidase inhibitors. Xanthone 7 was also confirmed as a potent inhibitor of aldose reductase (ALR2). Xanthone 7 was the most active α‐glucosidase and ALR2 inhibitor, with IC50 values of 5.2±0.3 μM and 88.6±1.6 nM, respectively, while compound 12 was shown to be the most active antioxidant. Given the overall profile, xanthone 7 is considered to be the most promising multitarget antidiabetic agent, and may have potential for the treatment of both diabetes and diabetic complications.
Organic Photomechanical Materials
Authors: Kim Taehyung , Zhu Lingyan , Al‐Kaysi Rabih O. , Bardeen Christopher J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractOrganic molecules can transform photons into Angstrom‐scale motions by undergoing photochemical reactions. Ordered media, for example, liquid crystals or molecular crystals, can align these molecular‐scale motions to produce motion on much larger (micron to millimeter) length scales. In this Review, we describe the basic principles that underlie organic photomechanical materials, starting with a brief survey of molecular photochromic systems that have been used as elements of photomechanical materials. We then describe various options for incorporating these active elements into a solid‐state material, including dispersal in a polymer matrix, covalent attachment to a polymer chain, or self‐assembly into molecular crystals. Particular emphasis is placed on ordered media, such as liquid‐crystal elastomers and molecular crystals, that have been shown to produce motion on large (micron to millimeter) length scales. We also discuss other mechanisms for generating photomechanical motion that do not involve photochemical reactions, such as photothermal expansion and photoinduced charge transfer. Finally, we identify areas for future research, ranging from the study of basic phenomena in solid‐state photochemistry, to molecular and host matrix design, and the optimization of photoexcitation conditions. The ultimate realization of photon‐fueled micromachines will likely involve advances spanning the disciplines of chemistry, physics and engineering.
Nanoparticle Doping in Nematic Liquid Crystals: Distinction between Surface and Bulk Effects by Numerical Simulations
Authors: Urbanski Martin , Mirzaei Javad , Hegmann Torsten , Kitzerow Heinz‐S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractDoping nematic liquid crystals with small amounts of nanoparticles can significantly alter the electro‐optic response of the nematic host. Some of these effects result from nanoparticles influencing the liquid crystal/substrate interface, while other effects are caused by nanoparticles in the bulk. So far, little attention has been paid to the influence of surface interactions on the determination of bulk properties. In the present study, these effects are investigated experimentally and confirmed by numerical simulations. The splay‐type Fréedericksz‐transition of the nematic liquid crystal 5CB doped with CdSe quantum dots is investigated, as these dispersions are known from earlier studies to affect the initial alignment layers. In comparison, dispersions of chemically and thermally stable silanized gold nanoparticles in the apolar nematic host FELIX‐2900‐03 are analyzed, which are expected to be bulk‐active only. A data fitting routine is presented which allows a distinction between bulk and surface effects of nanoparticle doping. For the quantum dots, an increase of pretilt angle proportional to the doping concentration is found, as well as a slight decrease of the anchoring energy of molecules at the confining substrates. The silanized gold particles show no influence on the boundary conditions up to doping concentrations of 2.5 % (w). For higher concentrations an increase of pretilt angle is reported.
Effect of Alignment on a Liquid Crystal/Split‐Ring Resonator Metasurface
Authors: Atorf Bernhard , Mühlenbernd Holger , Muldarisnur Mulda , Zentgraf Thomas , Kitzerow Heinz 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA metasurface comprising a two‐dimensional array of split‐ring resonators with resonance frequencies in the near‐infrared region is fabricated and embedded in a uniformly aligned liquid crystal. The change of the dielectric permittivity in proximity to the plasmonic structure by the replacement of air with the liquid crystal results in a decrease in resonance frequencies. The resonance shift can be attributed to the interaction of the evanescent field of the excited resonant plasmon modes with the liquid crystal. This shift in resonance frequency is found to depend on the liquid‐crystal alignment and to vary for different modes. Also, the resulting effects of changes in temperature or applied external electric field on the metasurface depend on the liquid‐crystal alignment and may differ from mode to mode. These observations indicate that the characteristic frequencies of the resonant split‐ring resonator modes may depend on different evanescent field components interacting with the liquid crystal. Consequently, certain design rules should be taken into account for the development of tunable metasurfaces based on liquid crystals.
Conducting Polypyrrole Nanotube Arrays as an Implant Surface: Fabricated on Biomedical Titanium with Fine‐Tunability by Means of Template‐Free Electrochemical Polymerization
Authors: Liao Jingwen , Ning Chengyun , Tan Guoxin , Ni Guoxin , Pan Haobo 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWith the aim of inducing angiogenesis and neurogenesis between implants and bone tissue through electrical signals, conducting polypyrrole (PPy) nanotube arrays (CPNAs) as an implant surface were designed. Large‐area CPNAs were fabricated on biomedical titanium by means of template‐free electrochemical polymerization based on prenucleation film. The nanoarchitectures were able to be finely tuned between cylindrical and conical nanotubes by tailoring the electrochemical parameters, which were accompanied by a shift in the crystallinity. Accordingly, we propose insight into the fine‐tunable fabrication of CPNAs. The prenucleation film possessed a great capability for forming sufficient active nucleation sites that created an isotropic two‐dimensional environment, which is a desired medium for facilitating the fabrication of large‐area CPNAs on biomedical titanium. Moreover, the fine‐tunability of the nanoarchitectures results from the dependency of pyrrole solubility in phosphate buffer solution on the electrochemical conditions.
HOW THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA HAS NEARLY ELIMINATED THE USE OF INSTITUTIONAL CARE FOR CHILDREN
Authors: Greenberg Aaron Luis , Partskhaladze Natia 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTCountries throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia struggle to change their childcare systems from one that is predominantly based on large‐institution care to one that has a continuum of services and is family‐focused. Georgia has shown, in large part, that the laudable goal of ending large‐scale institutions for children is possible, including for children under the age of 6 years. Between 2005 and 2013, the Government in the Republic of Georgia closed 32 large, state‐run institutions housing children without adequate family care. Social work was strengthened, a robust program was created to reunite children with their families, a foster care system was put into place and scaled up, and small group homes housing 8 to 10 children were established. What happened in Georgia is unique in the region. The Ukraine, which by many accounts has 100,000 children living in large, Soviet‐style orphanages, has struggled to reform its childcare system. It has been estimated by childcare professionals in the Ukraine that institutional care for children accounts for over 1% of the gross domestic product. Romania, which has made considerable progress over the past 10 years, still has over 40,000 children in large‐institution care. This article aims to tell how this transformation was accomplished, the conditions in Georgia that made the reform possible, how the institutions were closed, how the alternatives were established, and how sustainable the progress has been.
Synchronized separation of seven medications representing most commonly prescribed antihypertensive classes by using reversed‐phase liquid chromatography: Application for analysis in their combined formulations
Authors: Ebeid Walid M. , Elkady Ehab F. , El‐Zaher Asmaa A. , El‐Bagary Ramzia I. , Patonay Gabor 
Published: January 2014

A reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous determination of the diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, along with six drugs representing the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive pharmacological classes such as atenolol, a selective β1 blocker, amlodipine besylate, a calcium channel blocker, moexipril hydrochloride, an angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitor, valsartan and candesartan cilexetil, which are angiotensin II receptor blockers, and aliskiren hemifumarate, a renin inhibitor, using irbesartan as an internal standard. The chromatographic separation was achieved using acetonitrile/sodium phosphate dibasic buffer (0.02 M, pH 5.5) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min in gradient elution mode at ambient temperature on a stationary phase composed of an Eclipse XDB‐C18 (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 μm) column. UV detection was carried out at 220 nm. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines. Linearity, accuracy, and precision were satisfactory over the concentration ranges of 2–40 μg/mL for hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan cilexetil, 20–120, 10–160, 5–40, 20–250, and 5–50 μg/mL for atenolol, valsartan, moexipril hydrochloride, aliskiren hemifumarate, and amlodipine besylate, respectively. The method was successfully applied for the determination of each of the studied drugs in their combined formulations with hydrochlorothiazide. The developed method is suitable for the quality control and routine analysis of the cited drugs in their pharmaceutical dosage forms.
On‐chip silicon 8‐channel hybrid (de)multiplexer enabling simultaneous mode‐ and polarization‐division‐multiplexing
Authors: Wang Jian , He Sailing , Dai Daoxin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAn 8‐channel hybrid (de)multiplexer to simultaneously achieve mode‐ and polarization‐division‐(de)multiplexing is proposed and demonstrated experimentally on a silicon‐on‐insulator platform to improve the link capacity of an on‐chip optical interconnect. The present hybrid (de)multiplexer has four channels for each polarization. A polarization beam splitter based on a three‐waveguide coupler is used to combine/separate the fundamental modes of TE‐ and TM‐polarizations (TE0 and TM0). Six asymmetric directional couplers are cascaded for (de)multiplexing the high‐order modes (TE1, TE2, TE3, TM1, TM2, and TM3). The experimental results show all eight channels have low loss and low crosstalk (<−10 dB) over a ∼ 30 nm wavelength range.
Beryllium Silicate, Be2SiO4 (phenakite) – a Novel Trigonal SRS‐Active Crystal
Authors: Kaminskii Alexander A. , Lux Oliver , Rhee Hanjo , Eichler Hans‐Joachim , Yoneda Hitoki , Shirakawa Akita , Becker Petra , Bohatý Ladislav 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn single crystals of the beryllium silicate Be2SiO4 with trigonal symmetry , known also as the mineral phenakite, χ(3)‐nonlinear lasing by stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) is investigated. All observed Stokes and anti‐Stokes lasing components are identified and ascribed to a single SRS‐promoting vibration mode with ωSRS ≈876 cm−1. With picosecond single‐wavelength pumping at one micrometer the generation of an octave‐spanning Stokes and anti‐Stokes comb is observed.
Ripple artifact reduction using slice overlap in slice encoding for metal artifact correction
Authors: den Harder J. Chiel , van Yperen Gert H. , Blume Ulrike A. , Bos Clemens 
Published: January 2014

PurposeMultispectral imaging (MSI) significantly reduces metal artifacts. Yet, especially in techniques that use gradient selection, such as slice encoding for metal artifact correction (SEMAC), a residual ripple artifact may be prominent. Here, an analysis is presented of the ripple artifact and of slice overlap as an approach to reduce the artifact.MethodsThe ripple artifact was analyzed theoretically to clarify its cause. Slice overlap, conceptually similar to spectral bin overlap in multi‐acquisition with variable resonances image combination (MAVRIC), was achieved by reducing the selection gradient and, thus, increasing the slice profile width. Time domain simulations and phantom experiments were performed to validate the analyses and proposed solution.ResultsDiscontinuities between slices are aggravated by signal displacement in the frequency encoding direction in areas with deviating B0. Specifically, it was demonstrated that ripple artifacts appear only where B0 varies both in‐plane and through‐plane. Simulations and phantom studies of metal implants confirmed the efficacy of slice overlap to reduce the artifact.ConclusionThe ripple artifact is an important limitation of gradient selection based MSI techniques, and can be understood using the presented simulations. At a scan‐time penalty, slice overlap effectively addressed the artifact, thereby improving image quality near metal implants. Magn Reson Med 73:318–324, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Respiratory syncytial virus and seasonal influenza cause similar illnesses in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Sadreameli Sara Christina , Reller Megan E. , Bundy David G. , Casella James F. , Strouse John J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a cause of acute chest syndrome (ACS) in sickle cell disease (SCD), but its clinical course and acute complications have not been well characterized. We compared RSV to seasonal influenza infections in children with SCD.ProcedureWe defined cases as laboratory‐confirmed RSV or seasonal influenza infection in inpatients and outpatients <18 years of age with SCD from 1 September 1993 to 30 June 2011. We used Fisher's exact test to compare proportions, Student's t‐test or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test to compare continuous variables, and logistic regression to evaluate associations.ResultsWe identified 64 children with RSV and 91 with seasonal influenza. Clinical symptoms, including fever, cough, and rhinorrhea were similar for RSV and influenza, as were complications, including ACS and treatments for SCD. In a multivariable logistic regression model, older age (OR 1.2 per year, 95% CI [1.02–1.5], P = 0.04), increased white blood cell count at presentation (OR 1.1 per 1,000/μl increase, 95% CI [1.03–1.3], P = 0.008), and a history of asthma (OR 7, 95% [CI 1.3–37], P = 0.03) were independently associated with increased risk of ACS in children with RSV. The hospitalization rate for children with SCD and RSV (40 per 1,000 <5 years and 63 per 1,000 <2 years) greatly exceeds the general population (3 in 1,000 <5 years).ConclusionsWe conclude that RSV infection is often associated with ACS and similar in severity to influenza infection in febrile children with SCD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:875–878. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.