bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liquid Crystals at Interfaces
Authors: Gupta Raj Kumar , Manjuladevi V. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe ordering in liquid crystals (LCs) can be influenced by an interface. Some of these molecules adsorbed at the air‐water interface yield a stable Langmuir monolayer. They exhibit numerous surface phases, which are classified on the basis of intermolecular separation and ordering. These surface phases are governed by the molecular interactions and the ambient experimental conditions such as temperature, humidity, pH, and ion content of the subphase. In this article, the role of molecular interactions on the surface behavior of several rodlike LCs are discussed. The Langmuir monolayer of a cholesteric LC exhibits an interesting low density liquid (L1′) phase with tilted molecules. Brewster angle microscopy reveals stripe patterns, which arise due to the precession of the tilted molecules. It is demonstrated that this molecular precession can be controlled by the relative humidity, presence of cations in the subphase, and incorporation of appropriate molecular species. The Langmuir monolayer and Langmuir‐Blodgett films of a novel rod‐disc hybrid LC are discussed.
miRNAs in cardiac disease: Sitting duck or moving target?
Authors: Hynes Carly J. , Clancy Jennifer L. , Preiss Thomas 
Published: September 2012

AbstractEmerging findings indicate that cells can produce both micro (mi)RNAs and their messenger (m)RNA targets in multiple processing variants in a tissue‐ and developmental stage‐selective manner. Specifically, we find that cells accumulate a greater range of functional miRNAs than hitherto expected, whereas mRNAs with alternative 3′ untranslated regions that include varying numbers of miRNA target sites are also seen to be common. This has important implications for both our understanding of miRNA function in a given biological context and the design of successful strategies for experimental or therapeutic intervention. In this review, we relate these new phenomena to miRNAs in the heart, where they are known to play critical roles during normal function as well as in cardiac disease. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 64(11): 872–878, 2012
Synthesis and application of nanostructured calcium phosphate ceramics for bone regeneration
Authors: Alves Cardoso D. , Jansen J. A. , G. Leeuwenburgh S. C. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn the past two decades, nanotechnology has entered the field of regenerative medicine, resulting in the development of a novel generation of instructive, nanostructured biomaterials that are able to orchestrate cellular behavior by presenting specific morphological and biological cues. Using nanotechnology, materials containing nanosized features (e.g., pores, patterns, textures, grain sizes) can be obtained that exhibit properties that are considerably altered compared with micron‐structured materials. Inspired by the hierarchical nanostructure of bone, the application of nanostructured materials for bone regeneration is gaining increasing interest in the field of biomaterials research. Because crystallographic and chemical studies have shown that synthetic hydroxyapatite closely resembles the inorganic phase found in bone and teeth, synthesis and applications of nanostructured calcium phosphate ceramics have been reviewed. Synthesis techniques for the preparation of calcium phosphate nanoparticles include precipitation, sol–gel, and hydrothermal processes, whereas four main biomedical applications of nanostructured calcium phosphate ceramics in bone regeneration have been addressed in more detail, that is, (1) polymer/calcium phosphate nanocomposites, (2) nanostructured monophasic calcium phosphate bone fillers, (3) nanostructured precursor phases for calcium phosphate cements, and (4) nanostructured calcium phosphate coatings. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in a North American population: Does hepatobiliary MR imaging with Gd‐EOB‐DTPA improve sensitivity and confidence for diagnosis?
Authors: Bashir Mustafa R. , Gupta Rajan T. , Davenport Matthew S. , Allen Brian C. , Jaffe Tracy A. , Ho Lisa M. , Boll Daniel T. , Merkle Elmar M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurpose:To evaluate the value of hepatobiliary phase imaging for detection and characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in liver MRI with Gd‐EOB‐DTPA, in a North American population.Materials and Methods:One hundred MRI examinations performed with the intravenous injection of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA in patients with cirrhosis were reviewed retrospectively. Nodules were classified as HCC (n = 70), indeterminate (n = 33), or benign (n = 22). Five readers independently reviewed each examination with and without hepatobiliary phase images (HBP). Lesion conspicuity scores were compared between the two readings. Lesion detection, confidence scores, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were compared.Results:Lesion detection was slightly improved for all lesion types with the inclusion of the HBP, and was substantially higher for small HCCs (96.0% versus 85.3%). Mean confidence scores for the diagnosis of HCC increased for HCCs overall and each size category (P < 0.001). Diagnostic performance improved with the addition of the HBP (aggregate AROC 87.7% versus 80.0%, P < 0.01), and sensitivity for characterization improved (90.9% versus 78.3%, P < 0.01) while specificity was unchanged.Conclusion:Hepatobiliary phase imaging may improve small lesion detection (<1 cm) and characterization of lesions in general, in MRI of the cirrhotic liver with Gd‐EOB‐DTPA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:398–406. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reproducibility of rapid short echo time CSI at 3 tesla for clinical applications
Authors: Van Cauter Sofie , Sima Diana M. , Luts Jan , ter Beek Leon , Ribbens Annemie , Peeters Ronald R. , Osorio Garcia Maria I. , Li Yuquan , Sunaert Stefan , Van Gool Stefaan W. , Van Huffel Sabine , Himmelreich Uwe 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurpose:To validate the reproducibility of a chemical shift imaging (CSI) acquisition protocol with parallel imaging, using automated repositioning software.Materials and Methods:Ten volunteers were imaged three times on two different 3 Tesla (T) MRI scanners, receiving anatomical imaging and two identical CSI measurements, using automated repositioning software for consistent repositioning of the CSI grid. Offcenter parameters of the CSI plane were analyzed. Coefficients of variation (CoV), Cramér‐Rao lower bounds (CRLB), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and coefficients of repeatability (CoR) for immediate repetition and between scanners were calculated for N‐acetylaspartate, total choline, creatine, myo‐inositol (Myo) and glutamine+glutamate (Glx). Proportions of variance reflecting the effect of voxel location, volunteer, repetition, time instance and scanner were calculated from an analysis of variance analysis.Results:The offcenter vector and angulations of the CSI grid differed less than 1 mm and 2° between all measurements. The mean CoV and CRLB were less than 30% for all metabolites, except for Myo. The variance due to voxel location in the volume of interest and the error represent the largest contributions in variability. The ICC is the lowest for Myo and Glx. CoR for immediate repetition and between scanners display values between 22 and 83%.Conclusion:We propose a CSI protocol with acceptable reproducibility, applicable in clinical routine. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:445–456. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emotion regulation as a boundary condition of the relationship between team conflict and performance: A multi‐level examination
Authors: Jiang Jane Yan , Zhang Xiao , Tjosvold Dean 
Published: September 2012

SummaryAlthough task conflict is widely believed to be beneficial whereas relationship conflict is destructive, evidence overall does not support this conclusion. This study develops the idea that the emotion regulation abilities of team members affect how they manage task and relationship conflict, both as individuals and as a team. Findings from a field study involving 39 teams support the argument that individuals skilled in emotion regulation can take advantage of task conflict to perform effectively and limit the negative impact of relationship conflict. Groups that have individuals highly skilled in emotion regulation were also found to make good use of team conflict. Results suggest that emotion regulation skills contribute to the effective management of task conflict and relationship conflict at both individual and group levels. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioactivity of probiotic whey cheese: characterization of the content of peptides and organic acids
Authors: Madureira Ana R , Soares José C , Amorim Maria , Tavares Tânia , Gomes Ana M , Pintado Maria M , Malcata Francisco X 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundProbiotic whey cheeses have been produced for several years. It is recognized that several bacterium‐mediated metabolic activities contribute differently to the final sensory and nutritional profiles of dairy products. Hence the metabolic activity of probiotic strains in a whey cheese and their contribution to the bioactivity of such matrices were investigated here, including in particularBifidobacterium animalis,Lactobacillus acidophilusandLactobacillus casei.ResultsBothL. caseiandB. animalisproduce lactic and acetic acids, whereasL. acidophilusproduce mainly lactic acid; these metabolites may be considered bioprotection factors. Water‐soluble extracts (WSE) obtained from these cheese matrices were subjected to ultrafiltration through a 3kDacut‐off membrane, and the eluted peptides were resolved by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Different qualitative and quantitative profiles were obtained, depending on the strain.WSEwere further assayed for their ability to inhibit angiotensin‐converting enzyme; the <3kDafraction exhibited higher activities in the case ofL. caseiandB. animalisthan the control andL. acidophilus.ConclusionWhey cheeses with higher nutritional value were those inoculated withL. casei.
The effect of fish matrix on the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay of antibiotics
Authors: Wang Xiudan , Lin Hong , Sui Jianxin , Cao Limin 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe matrix effect is considered to be a problem in the immunoassay of foodstuffs. However, information on the interference from aquatic products, as well as the mechanism involved, is very limited. In this study, using three flatfishes (Scophthalmus maximus, Paralichthys olivaceus and Cymoglossus robustus) as samples, the effect of the fish matrix on the competitive indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ci‐ELISA) of antibiotic (norfloxacin) residues was investigated. The mechanism of the observed matrix effect is also preliminarily discussed.RESULTSWithin the working range of the calibration curves, a significant (P = 0.05) but irregular variation in the inhibition ratio was observed in the presence of fish extracts. Further experiments revealed that such a matrix effect could be caused by some water‐soluble fish proteins with a wide range of molecular weight (from below 14.4 kDa to about 116.0 kDa), and the ions from fish muscles may also contribute to the interference. The results of western blotting indicated that some fish protein components might effectively bind with antibody reagents used.CONCLUSIONSignificant interference in the immunoassay of norfloxacin was observed in the presence of fish matrix. Some proteins and ions were demonstrated to contribute to the matrix effect investigated. Although the detailed mechanism is still unclear, the non‐specific interaction between fish proteins and immunoglobulin G (IgG) or horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labelled IgG was assumed to be an important source of the matrix effect in immunoassays. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The use of sensory attributes, sugar content, instrumental data and consumer acceptability in selection of sweet potato varieties
Authors: Laurie Sunette M , Faber Mieke , Calitz Frikkie J , Moelich Erika I , Muller Nina , Labuschagne Maryke T 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundAs eating quality is important for adoption of new varieties, nine orange‐fleshed and three cream‐fleshed sweet potato varieties were assessed for sensory characteristics, dry mass and free sugar content, instrumental texture and colour and consumer acceptability (n =  216) in a peri‐urban South African setting.ResultsCream‐fleshed varieties were higher in yellow‐green colour and sweet potato‐like flavour and lower in graininess. Orange‐fleshed varieties were higher in pumpkin‐like flavour, orange colour, discolouration and sucrose content. Partial least squares regression analysis showed that the most accepted varieties (Impilo, Excel, Resisto, 2001_5_2, Serolane, W‐119 and Monate) were associated with sweet flavour, dry mass and maltose content, while the least accepted varieties (Beauregard, Khano and 1999_1_7) were associated with wateriness. Pearson correlation analysis highlighted correlations of sensory attributes yellow and orange with instrumental colour measurements (colour a* and colour b*), instrumental firmness with sensory firmness, dry mass with sensory wateriness, and maltose content with sensory sweet and sweet potato‐like flavour. The varieties were clustered into three groups. Consumer acceptability for eating quality correlated with maltose content, dry mass and sweet flavour.ConclusionChemical and instrumental measurements were identified to evaluate key attributes and will be useful in the intermediate phases of sweet potato varietal development.
Next generation organelles: Structure and role of germ granules in the germline
Authors: Gao Ming , Arkov Alexey L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractGerm cells belong to a unique class of stem cells that gives rise to eggs and sperm, and ultimately to an entire organism after gamete fusion. In many organisms, germ cells contain electron‐dense structures that are also known as nuage or germ granules. Although germ granules were discovered more than 100 years ago, their composition, structure, assembly, and function are not fully understood. Germ granules contain non‐coding RNAs, mRNAs, and proteins required for germline development. Here we review recent studies that highlight the importance of several protein families in germ granule assembly and function, including germ granule inducers, which initiate the granule formation, and downstream components, such as RNA helicases and Tudor domain–Piwi protein–piRNA complexes. Assembly of these components into one granule is likely to result in a highly efficient molecular machine that ensures translational control and protects germline DNA from mutations caused by mobile genetic elements. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that different somatic cells, including stem cells and neurons, produce germ granule components that play a crucial role in stem cell maintenance and memory formation, indicating a much more diverse functional repertoire for these organelles than previously thought. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80:610–623, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cell volume regulation in mammalian oocytes and preimplantation embryos
Authors: Baltz Jay M. , Zhou Chenxi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe earliest stages of preimplantation embryos are particularly sensitive to increased osmolarity, even within the physiological range. This sensitivity contributed to persistent developmental arrest, even when embryos were cultured in vitro in older, conditioned culture media, and seems to arise when embryos at the 1‐ and 2‐cell stages accumulate inorganic ions used for cell volume homeostasis at too high a level, through activation of coupled Na+/H+ and HCO/Cl− exchange. Such accumulation of inorganic ions can be disruptive since, above a certain level, the increased ionic strength disrupts cellular biochemistry and macromolecular functions and alters membrane potential. To counter this, embryos have evolved mechanisms of cell volume regulation that are unique to early preimplantation embryogenesis. The primary role of these is glycine accumulation via the GLYT1 transporter, with a secondary contribution by betaine accumulation via the SIT1 transporter. Independent cell‐volume regulation first arises in the oocyte only after ovulation is triggered, when the strong oocyte‐zona pellucida adhesion present in germinal vesicle stage oocytes in the ovarian follicle is released and GLYT1 becomes activated to begin accumulating glycine. Open questions still remain regarding how these processes are regulated. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 821–831, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Menstrual management and intellectual disability: New perspectives
Authors: Griffin Jeni , Carlson Glenys , Taylor Miriam , Wilson Jill 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAssessment and education in self‐care, ‘activities of daily living’ (ADL) have provided a traditional focus among occupational therapists. Available literature supports the teaching of self‐care skills to clients who have severe and profound intellectual disability. Although some programmes have been developed to deal with menstrual management for women with mild and moderate intellectual disability, studies addressing the needs of women with more severe disabilities (high support needs) are sparse, and generally involve only small numbers of women. A menstrual management project based at the University of Queensland developed a model of intervention to assist with menstrual management for women with high support needs. Case studies illustrate three key areas of intervention: (1) assessment of the women's actual or potential menstrual management skills; (2) increasing awareness of attitudes towards menstruation for women who have intellectual disability, among people assisting them; and (3) provision of a range of information, processes and resources to assist educators, families and others providing personal assistance, with informed menstrual management for these women. Positive gains made by four women with high support needs are presented. Relevant issues and difficulties are discussed.
Occupational therapy and school‐to‐work transition: A preventive education model
Authors: McInerney Claudia A. , McInerney Maurice 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis report describes a preventive education model of occupational therapy that anticipates and prevents problems of postsecondary school transition among students with disabilities. Under the model, therapists assess students' functional skills in three transition related areas: personal attitudes, interpersonal behaviors and work habits. Therapists then preventively train these skills through an individualized program of direct therapy with consultation or indirect therapy with on‐going monitoring of student performance. These therapeutic activities are integrated within existing curricular activities at each grade level and coordinated across grades throughout the student's public school career. Research evidence and case history illustrations about the effectiveness of the model are presented. The report recommends strategies to ensure that students with disabilities acquire prerequisite skills before — not after — beginning their transition from high school to work and independent living in the community.
Sensorimotor coordination in boys with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Friefeld Sharon J. , Macgregor Daune 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe sensorimotor coordination of 14 boys diagnosed with fragile X syndrome was assessed by standardised motor tests, including the McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development (MAND) and the Beery Test of Visual‐Motor Integration — Revised. Clinical observations of quality of movement during gross and fine motor activities were made and the sessions videotaped to objectify test results. Subjects ranged in age from 3;11 years to 14;2 years (mean = 8;2 years). According to the MAND assessment, 80% of the children's motor functioning was severely impaired. The children had the most difficulty on motor tasks requiring visual‐motor integration and balance. Their fine motor skills were superior to their gross motor skills (F = 4.57; p < 0.05), and the older boys (>11 years) performed significantly better on tasks of bimanual dexterity. The presence of mild hypotonicity and finger joint hyperextensibility was noted in most subjects (100% among the younger children, 57–86% among those over 11 years). This study is viewed as a preliminary examination of the clinical characteristics of motor proficiency in children diagnosed with fragile X syndrome. Although its results are inconclusive because of the small sample size, the severity of motor skills was consistent throughout the sample, and the superiority of the children's fine motor performance is worthy of note.
An investigation into the effects of structured music workshops with adults with mental handicap
Authors: Macdonald Raymond A. R. , O'Donnell Patrick J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of structured group workshops for a population with special needs. Twenty subjects, each with a mild or moderate mental handicap, attended a series of 10 weekly 1‐hour music workshops on the structured group playing of a Javanese Gamelan. Twenty subjects formed a non‐intervention control group. The experimental hypothesis was that participation in the experimental group would produce significant improvements in musical ability as measured by the Rossi test of musical ability, devised and validated for use in this study. Significant gains in communication skills as measured by the Communication Assessment Profile for Adults with a Mental Handicap (CASP) and self‐esteem levels measured by the Khalid semantic differential technique were also postulated. It was also suggested that these gains would be significantly correlated. Results show significant gains in musical ability (instrumental rhythm production: t = 5.67, d.f. = 29, p < 0.01 and simple rhythm production: t = 8.42, d.f. = 29, p < 0.01) and communication skills (t = 4.69, d.f. = 29, p < 0.01). Moreover these results are significantly correlated (r = 0.59, p < 0.05, r = 0.75, p < 0.05, r = 0.56, p < 0.05). A ceiling effect was obtained in the measurement of self‐esteem. It is suggested that these gains derive from certain aspects of the musical communicative environment at the workshops. Suggestions for future research involve examining the possible influences on these developments.
Enhanced thermal conductivity and dimensional stability of flexible polyimide nanocomposite film by addition of functionalized graphene oxide
Authors: Tseng I‐Hsiang , Chang Jen‐Chi , Huang Shih‐Liang , Tsai Mei‐Hui 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPolyimide (PI) nanocomposites with both enhanced thermal conductivity and dimensional stability were achieved by incorporating glycidyl methacrylate‐grafted graphene oxide (g‐GO) in the PI matrix. The PI/g‐GO nanocomposites exhibited linear enhancement in thermal conductivity when the amount of incorporated g‐GO was less than 10 wt%. With the addition of 10 wt% of g‐GO to PI (PI/g‐GO‐10), the thermal conductivity increased to 0.81 W m−1 K−1 compared to 0.13 W m−1 K−1 for pure PI. Moreover, the PI/g‐GO‐10 composite exhibited a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 29 ppm °C−1. The values of CTE and thermal conductivity continuously decreased and increased, respectively, as the g‐GO content increased to 20 wt%. Combined with excellent thermal stability and high mechanical strength, the highly thermally conducting PI/g‐GO‐10 nanocomposite is a potential substrate material for modern flexible printed circuits requiring efficient heat transfer capability.