bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Downsizing of YVO4:Bi3+,Eu3+ Nanoparticles through Hydrophobization by Surface Modification with Primary Alkylamines
Authors: Iso Yoshiki , Takeshita Satoru , Isobe Tetsuhiko 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
YVO4:Bi3+,Eu3+ nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized in water by wet chemical synthesis via citrate precursors are hydrophobized by surface modification with either oleylamine or octylamine and phase transfer into pentane phase. The dried hydrophobized NPs are redispersed well in nonpolar solvents containing oleic acid. Their hydrodynamic sizes are smaller than that of the hydrophilic NPs dispersed in water before the hydrophobization. The downsizing of NPs could be explained by releasing the aggregation of NPs through the hydrophobization process.
Evaluation of Acyclic Form Content and Molar Absorption Coefficient of Carbonyl Group of Ketohexoses in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Fukada Kazuhiro , Okamitsu Masakazu , Sato Masashi 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The molar absorption coefficient of carbonyl groups, εC=O, of acyclic d-fructose, d-psicose, d-tagatose, and d-sorbose was estimated from the linear relationship between the absorbance at 280 nm and the carbonyl group concentration estimated via 13C NMR at various temperatures. The obtained εC=O values for ketohexoses were 3–4 times greater than for acetone and dihydroxyacetone. Delocalization of the carbonyl π electrons is thought to be the cause of the enhanced absorbance in acyclic ketohexose molecules.
Microflow-driven Temporal Self-assembly of Amphiphilic Molecules
Authors: Numata Munenori , Takayama Momoko , Shoji Sunao , Tamiaki Hitoshi 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
A dynamic oil–water interface generated in a double-Y-shaped microfluidic device allowed amphiphilic molecules to self-assemble spontaneously for a set period of time, leading to the creation of discrete supramolecular coordination polymers. After elution from the device, these 1-D structures gradually dissociated into their monomer units, regenerating the initial state. The self-assembled structures were maintained only under the flow conditions in the device.
High Yield of Ordered and Straight Polypyrrole Microwires Synthesized through a (Hydroxyethyl)cellulose Template
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Luyan , Wang Hailu , Zhang Yue , Pei Meishan 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Highly ordered and straight microwires of polypyrrole (PPy) are synthesized in high yield by an electrochemical method in the presence of a special (hydroxyethyl)cellulose (HEC) template. For the preparation of such a template, an old but simple dip-coating method is used to spread the HEC molecules on the indium tin oxide (ITO) glass. PPy microwires with diameters of 0.6–2.0 µm and lengths of tens to hundreds of micrometers are obtained when the HEC template is used as the working electrode. Otherwise, winding PPy nanowires will be formed in the presence of HEC in solution, or a cauliflower-like PPy film is formed without HEC.
Luminescent Properties of Rare-earth Complexes Embedded in Phenol–AOT Organogels Designed for Visible Color Tuning
Authors: Nishiyama Katsura , Watanabe Yasuhiro , Watanabe Keiichi , Harada Takashi 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
We have synthesized Tb and Eu complexes exhibiting visible emission under UV excitation. These complexes are embedded in an organogel composed of p-chlorophenol and an anionic surfactant, AOT, and organized by self-assembly in nonpolar solvents. The complexes can be dispersed about eight times more in the organogel than in conventional liquids. It is also shown that the Tb and Eu complexes emit almost independently in the organogel environment, a property that can be well applied to color-tuning devices.
Novel Magnetic Gold Electrode Applied for Direct Capture and Sensitive Detection of DNA Targets
Authors: Pan Zhengqi , Zhao Yan , Yang Qisheng , Song Xiaobing , Wang Xiang 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
A novel method is proposed to prepare magnetic gold electrodes for DNA targets detection. This magnetic gold electrode displayed excellent performance such as low internal resistance, good electrical conductivity, easy to capture and enrich probe-magnetic beads onto the electrode surface, and robust and simple to operate. It was successfully utilized for direct capture and sensitive detection of DNA targets by using Methylene Blue (MB) as an electrochemical indicator.
Selective Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol to 1,3-Propanediol Catalyzed by Pt Nanoparticles–AlOx/WO3
Authors: Mizugaki Tomoo , Yamakawa Takayuki , Arundhathi Racha , Mitsudome Takato , Jitsukawa Koichiro , Kaneda Kiyotomi 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Tungsten oxide-supported platinum nanoparticles containing aluminum oxide species (Pt–AlOx/WO3) act as a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol without any additives. High 1,3-propanediol selectivity was observed due to the concerted effect of the Pt nanoparticles, aluminum oxide, and tungsten oxide support. The Pt–AlOx/WO3 catalyst is reusable with maintaining its high catalytic performance.
Synthesis of 2′-Modified Cyclic Bis(3′–5′)diadenylic Acids (c-di-AMPs) and Their Promotion of Cell Division in a Freshwater Green Alga
Authors: Tezuka Takafumi , Suzuki Noritaka , Ishida Keigo , Oyama Kin-ichi , Aoki Setsuyuki , Tsukamoto Masaki 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Three 2′-modified cyclic bis(3′–5′)diadenylic acids (c-di-AMPs) were synthesized from commercially available adenosine phosphoramidites and the effects of c-di-AMP derivatives on the cell division of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a kind of freshwater green algae, were investigated. This structure–activity relationship study suggests that the di(2′-O-methyl)-c-di-AMP showed the highest activity and that 2′-substituents influenced the cell division of C. reinhardtii.
Routine screening for Cushing's syndrome is not required in patients presenting with hirsutism
Authors: Karaca Z , Acmaz B , Acmaz G , Tanriverdi F , Unluhizarci K , Aribas S , Sahin Y , Kelestimur F 
Published: December 2012

ContextPrevalence of Cushing's syndrome (CS) in patients presenting with hirsutism is not well known.ObjectiveScreening of CS in patients with hirsutism.SettingReferral hospital.Patients and other participantsThis study was carried out on 105 patients who were admitted to the Endocrinology Department with the complaint of hirsutism.InterventionAll the patients were evaluated with low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) for CS.Main outcome measureResponse to LDDST in patients presenting with hirsutism.ResultsAll the patients had suppressed cortisol levels following low-dose dexamethasone administration excluding CS. The etiology of hirsutism was polycystic ovary syndrome in 79%, idiopathic hirsutism in 13%, idiopathic hyperandrogenemia in 6%, and nonclassical congenital hyperplasia in 2% of the patients.ConclusionRoutine screening for CS in patients with a referral diagnosis of hirsutism is not required. For the time being, diagnostic tests for CS in hirsute patients should be limited to patients who have accompanying clinical stigmata of hypercortisolism.
Access to Palliative Care Among Patients Treated at a Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Hui David , Kim Sun-Hyun , Kwon Jung Hye , Tanco Kimberson Cochien , Zhang Tao , Kang Jung Hun , Rhondali Wadih , Chisholm Gary , Bruera Eduardo 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background.
Palliative care (PC) is a critical component of comprehensive cancer care. Previous studies on PC access have mostly examined the timing of PC referral. The proportion of patients who actually receive PC is unclear. We determined the proportion of cancer patients who received PC at our comprehensive cancer center and the predictors of PC referral.

Methods.
We reviewed the charts of consecutive patients with advanced cancer from the Houston region seen at MD Anderson Cancer Center who died between September 2009 and February 2010. We compared patients who received PC services with those who did not receive PC services before death.

Results.
In total, 366 of 816 (45%) decedents had a PC consultation. The median interval between PC consultation and death was 1.4 months (interquartile range, 0.5–4.2 months) and the median number of medical team encounters before PC was 20 (interquartile range, 6–45). On multivariate analysis, older age, being married, and specific cancer types (gynecologic, lung, and head and neck) were significantly associated with a PC referral. Patients with hematologic malignancies had significantly fewer PC referrals (33%), the longest interval between an advanced cancer diagnosis and PC consultation (median, 16 months), the shortest interval between PC consultation and death (median, 0.4 months), and one of the largest numbers of medical team encounters (median, 38) before PC.

Conclusions.
We found that a majority of cancer patients at our cancer center did not access PC before they died. PC referral occurs late in the disease process with many missed opportunities for referral.
Geometry and dynamics of admissible metrics in measure spaces
Authors: Vershik Anatoly , Zatitskiy Pavel , Petrov Fedor 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe study a wide class of metrics in a Lebesgue space, namely the class of so-called admissible metrics. We consider the cone of admissible metrics, introduce a special norm in it, prove compactness criteria, define the ɛ-entropy of a measure space with an admissible metric, etc. These notions and related results are applied to the theory of transformations with invariant measure; namely, we study the asymptotic properties of orbits in the cone of admissible metrics with respect to a given transformation or a group of transformations. The main result of this paper is a new discreteness criterion for the spectrum of an ergodic transformation: we prove that the spectrum is discrete if and only if the ɛ-entropy of the averages of some (and hence any) admissible metric over its trajectory is uniformly bounded.
Short-Term Combined Effects of Thoracic Spine Thrust Manipulation and Cervical Spine Nonthrust Manipulation in Individuals With Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Masaracchio Michael , Cleland Joshua , Hellman Madeleine , Hagins Marshall 
Published: December 2012

Study Design Randomized clinical trial. Objective To investigate the short-term effects of thoracic spine thrust manipulation combined with cervical spine nonthrust manipulation (experimental group) versus cervical spine nonthrust manipulation alone (comparison group) in individuals with mechanical neck pain. Background Research has demonstrated improved outcomes with both nonthrust manipulation directed at the cervical spine and thrust manipulation directed at the thoracic spine in patients with neck pain. Previous studies have not determined if thoracic spine thrust manipulation may increase benefits beyond those provided by cervical nonthrust manipulation alone. Methods Sixty-four participants with mechanical neck pain were randomized into 1 of 2 groups, an experimental or comparison group. Both groups received 2 treatment sessions of cervical spine nonthrust manipulation and a home exercise program consisting of active range-of-motion exercises, and the experimental group received additional thoracic spine thrust manipulations. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and at a 1-week follow-up, and included the numeric pain rating scale, the Neck Disability Index, and the global rating of change. Results Participants in the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements (P<.001) on both the numeric pain rating scale and Neck Disability Index at the 1-week follow-up compared to those in the comparison group. In addition, 31 of 33 (94%) participants in the experimental group, compared to 11 of 31 participants (35%) in the comparison group, indicated a global rating of change score of +4 or higher at the 1-week follow-up, with an associated number needed to treat of 2. Conclusion Individuals with neck pain who received a combination of thoracic spine thrust manipulation and cervical spine nonthrust manipulation plus exercise demonstrated better overall short-term outcomes on the numeric pain rating scale, the Neck Disability Index, and the global rating of change. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 1b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(3):118–127. Epub 7 December 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4221
Distribution of bulbil‐ and seed‐producing plants of Poa alpina (Poaceae) and their growth and reproduction in common gardens suggest adaptation to different elevations
Authors: Steiner Bigna L. , Armbruster Georg F. J. , Scheepens J. F. , Stöcklin Jürg 
Published: December 2012

• Premise of the study: The European Alps harbor a spatially heterogeneous environment. Plants can be adapted genetically to this heterogeneity but may also respond to it by phenotypic plasticity. We expected the important fodder grass Poa alpina to be adapted to elevation either genetically or plastically.• Methods: We investigated in three elevational common gardens whether growth and reproductive allocation of plants reproducing either by seeds or bulbils suggest adaptation to their elevation of origin and to what extent they can respond plastically to different elevations. Additionally, we analyzed genetic diversity using microsatellites and tested whether seeds are of sexual origin.• Key results: In the field, bulbil‐producing plants occurred more often at higher elevations, whereas seed‐producing plants occurred more often at lower elevations, but bulbil‐producing plants were generally less vigorous in the common gardens. The response of plants to elevational transplantation was highly plastic, and vigor was always best at the highest location. The small genetic differences were not clinally related to elevation of origin, underlining the importance of phenotypic plasticity. Reproductive allocation was, however, independent of elevational treatments. Seed‐producing plants had higher genetic diversity than the bulbil‐producing plants even though we found that seed‐producing plants were facultative apomicts mostly reproducing asexually.• Conclusions: Bulbil‐producing P. alpina, showing a fitness cost at lower elevations compared with seed‐producing plants, seem better adapted to higher elevations. By means of its two reproductive modes and the capacity to adjust plastically, P. alpina is able to occupy a broad ecological niche across a large elevational range.
Plastome sequences of two New World bamboos—Arundinaria gigantea and Cryptochloa strictiflora (Poaceae)—extend phylogenomic understanding of Bambusoideae
Authors: Burke Sean V. , Grennan Colin P. , Duvall Melvin R. 
Published: December 2012

• Premise of the study: Two New World species of Bambusoideae, Arundinaria gigantea and Crytpochloa strictiflora, were investigated in a phylogenomic context. Complete plastome sequences have been previously determined and analyzed for nine bambusoid species that exclusively represent Old World lineages. The addition of New World species provides more complete information on relationships within Bambusoideae.• Methods: Plastomes from A. gigantea and C. strictiflora were sequenced using Sanger methods. Phylogenomic and divergence estimate analyses were conducted on both species with 23 other Poaceae.• Key Results: Phylogenomic and divergence analyses suggested that A. gigantea diverged from within Arundinarieae between 1.94–3.92 mya and that C. strictiflora diverged as the sister to tropical woody species between 24.83 and 40.22 mya. These results are correlated with modern relative diversities in the two lineages.• Conclusions: The two New World bamboos show unique plastome features accumulated and maintained in biogeographic isolation from Old World taxa. The overall evidence for A. gigantea is consistent with recent dispersal, and that for C. strictiflora is consistent with vicariance.
Teaching English Medical Writing in a Blended Setting
Authors: Arani Jafar Asgari 
Published: December 2012

Medical writing activities which may have a context and seem to be engaging may be perceived as demotivating by the students of medicine. This opinion was confirmed by the learners' responses to the open-ended question given to them prior to this study. In their responses students evaluated the writing section of English course negatively. The negative views about the writing course posed a problem to the class teacher. The computer technology and the Internet can easily be integrated into language classroom if activities are designed carefully, and carried out systematically. These attempts brought about a new understanding to teaching and learning: blended learning (BL).
The purpose of this research was to investigate students of medicine attitude to blended writing classes. It was conducted with second year learners in the Faculty of Medicine at Kashan University of Medical Sciences. The first reflection aimed at finding out medical students' attitude toward blended writing lessons. Although learners' attitude to writing lessons was negative in the first reflections, they changed into positive in the latter ones. The findings indicated that blended writing class had changed students' perception of writing lessons positively. Therefore, this kind of classes may help students develop a positive attitude towards writing by providing meaningful writing opportunities. Like the student portfolio before it, the weblog faces challenges with practicality and security, but ultimately provides an alternative way to teach and assess authentic writing and reading skills. Blog Assisted Language Learning not only provides teachers with an exciting new way to approach communicative language learning, it also gives the students a new reason to enjoy writing! The paper concludes that Internet tools have the potential to be a transformational technology for teaching and learning writing, and teachers ought to give strong consideration to the setting up their facilities within their learning management system.
Effects of Deer Density and Land Use on Mass of White-Tailed Deer
Authors: Hefley Trevor J. , Hygnstrom Scott E. , Gilsdorf Jason M. , Clements Gregory M. , Clements Myndi J. , Tyre Andrew J. , Baasch David M. , VerCauteren Kurt C. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Local and regional land use changes, such as the expansion of cropland for cellulosic biofuels, and the population density of white-tailed deer can affect the health and body mass of white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus. We collected hunter-harvest data for 1,731 white-tailed deer from DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa from 2003 to 2010. We used linear mixed-effects models and information theoretic methods to estimate effects of density of white-tailed deer and proportion of total landcover area converted from cropland to cool- or warm-season grassland on body mass of white-tailed deer. Density of white-tailed deer at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge ranged from 36.5 to 50.6 deer/km2, and the proportion of landcover at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge that remained cropland each year ranged from 14.9 to 23.2%. Body mass was inversely related to population density (−1.4 kg/5.5 deer/km2) and proportion of cropland (−1.3 kg/3.1% conversion of total land area from cropland to grassland). We used auxiliary harvest data collected at Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge to validate our models and found our models performed well. We estimate densities of white-tailed deer must be reduced by 1.7 (SE  =  0.6) deer/km2 for every 1% change in total landcover from cropland to grassland in order for white-tailed deer to maintain body mass. Our results indicate increased harvest of white-tailed deer, resulting in a reduction in population density, may offset negative effects that a decline in the amount of available cropland could have on the body mass and health of white-tailed deer.
Immune-Mediated Regression of Established B16F10 Melanoma by Intratumoral Injection of Attenuated Toxoplasma gondii Protects against Rechallenge
Authors: Baird Jason R. , Byrne Katelyn T. , Lizotte Patrick H. , Toraya-Brown Seiko , Scarlett Uciane K. , Alexander Matthew P. , Sheen Mee Rie , Fox Barbara A. , Bzik David J. , Bosenberg Marcus , Mullins David W. , Turk Mary Jo , Fiering Steven 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Immune recognition of tumors can limit cancer development, but antitumor immune responses are often blocked by tumor-mediated immunosuppression. Because microbes or microbial constituents are powerful adjuvants to stimulate immune responses, we evaluated whether intratumoral administration of a highly immunogenic but attenuated parasite could induce rejection of an established poorly immunogenic tumor. We treated intradermal B16F10 murine melanoma by intratumoral injection of an attenuated strain of Toxoplasma gondii (cps) that cannot replicate in vivo and therefore is not infective. The cps treatment stimulated a strong CD8+ T cell–mediated antitumor immune response in vivo that regressed established primary melanoma. The cps monotherapy rapidly modified the tumor microenvironment, halting tumor growth, and subsequently, as tumor-reactive T cells expanded, the tumors disappeared and rarely returned. The treatment required live cps that could invade cells and also required CD8+ T cells and NK cells, but did not require CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that IL-12, IFN-γ, and the CXCR3-stimulating cytokines are required for full treatment efficacy. The treatment developed systemic antitumor immune activity as well as antitumor immune memory and therefore might have an impact against human metastatic disease. The approach is not specific for either B16F10 or melanoma. Direct intratumoral injection of cps has efficacy against an inducible genetic melanoma model and transplantable lung and ovarian tumors, demonstrating potential for broad clinical use. The combination of efficacy, systemic antitumor immune response, and complete attenuation with no observed host toxicity demonstrates the potential value of this novel cancer therapy.
In Vivo Processing of CXCL5 (LIX) by Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 Promotes Early Neutrophil Recruitment in IL-1β–Induced Peritonitis
Authors: Song Jian , Wu Chuan , Zhang Xueli , Sorokin Lydia M. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the cleavage of several proinflammatory chemokines, thereby modulating their function and having an impact on the inflammatory process. However, in vivo evidence of such a role remains limited. In this study, we use IL-1β–induced peritonitis as a model for an acute immune response, which is initiated by neutrophil influx followed by macrophage infiltration within a few hours of IL-1β injection into the peritoneal cavity. Using single and double knockout mice for MMP-2 and MMP-9, we show that MMP-2 and MMP-9 act synergistically mainly at the initial step of neutrophil recruitment into the peritoneal cavity. The use of bone marrow chimeric mice revealed the cellular sources of MMP-2 and MMP-9 to be distinct, with resident cells being the source of the former and infiltrating leukocytes the source of the latter. We show that the omentum is the main site of neutrophil entry into the peritoneal cavity, where MMP-2 and MMP-9 act synergistically to potentiate the action of CXCL5 (ENA-78/ LIX), thereby, promoting neutrophil migration into the peritoneal cavity. To our knowledge, this is the first in vivo demonstration of MMP-2 and MMP-9 processing of a chemokine that has been directly correlated with an enhanced chemoattracting function.