bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poly(lactic acid) composites with poly(lactic acid)‐modified carbon nanotubes
Authors: Novais Rui M. , Simon Frank , Pötschke Petra , Villmow Tobias , Covas José A. , Paiva Maria C. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTThis work reports the study of the effect of chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes on their dispersion in poly(lactic acid). The nanotubes were functionalized by the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction, generating pyrrolidine groups at the nanotube surface. Further reaction of the pyrrolidine groups with poly(lactic acid) was studied in solution and in the polymer melt. The former involved refluxing the nanotubes in a dimethylformamide/polymer solution; the latter was carried out by direct melt mixing in a microcompounder. The carbon nanotubes collected after each process were characterized by thermogravimetry and by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, showing evidence of polymer bonded to the nanotube surface only when the reaction was carried out in the polymer melt. The composites with polymer modified nanotubes present smaller average agglomerate area and a narrower agglomerate area distribution. In addition, they show improved tensile properties at low CNT concentration and present lower electrical resistivity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3740–3750
Application of a PEG precipitation method for solubility screening: A tool for developing high protein concentration formulations
Authors: Li Li , Kantor Angela , Warne Nicholas 
Published: June 2013

AbstractPrevious publications demonstrated that the extrapolated solubility by polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation method (Middaugh et al., J Biol Chem 1979; 254:367–370; Juckes, Biochim Biophys Acta 1971; 229:535–546; Foster et al., Biochim Biophys Acta 1973; 317:505; Mahadevan and Hall, AIChE J 1990; 36:1517–1528; Stevenson and Hageman, Pharm Res 1995; 12:1671–1676) has a strong correlation to experimentally measured solubility of proteins. Here, we explored the utility of extrapolated solubility as a method to compare multiple protein drug candidates when nonideality of a highly soluble protein prohibits accurate quantitative solubility prediction. To achieve high efficiency and reduce the amount of protein required, the method is miniaturized to microwell plate format for high‐throughput screening application. In this simplified version of the method, comparative solubility of proteins can be obtained without the need of concentration measurement of the supernatant following the precipitation step in the conventional method. The monoclonal antibodies with the lowest apparent solubilities determined by this method are the most difficult to be concentrated, indicating a good correlation between the prediction and empirical observations. This study also shows that the PEG precipitation method gives results for opalescence prediction that favorably compares to experimentally determined opalescence levels at high concentration. This approach may be useful in detecting proteins with potential solubility and opalescence problems prior to the time‐consuming and expensive development process of high concentration formulation.
Dissipation of soil fumigants from soil following repeated applications
Authors: Triky‐Dotan Shachaf , Ajwa Husein A 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe dissipation of pesticides in soil and the occurrence of accelerated degradation following repeated applications are well‐known phenomena with many pesticides, but much less so with soil fumigants. The fate of various soil fumigants was studied in different agricultural soils following repeated applications of chloropicrin.RESULTSFumigant dissipation reflected by Σconcentration × time (ΣC × T) and half‐life values varied widely among the tested soils. Methyl iodide (MI) had the slowest dissipation rate compared with other fumigants in all tested soils. Elimination of biotic agents by soil sterilization prior to MI application did not affect MI concentration in Oxnard soil. Clay content and fumigant dose (ΣC × T values) of chloropicrin, 1,3‐dichloropropene and MI were significantly correlated. No significant correlations were found between soil properties and ΣC × T values following metam sodium and methyl bromide (MBr) application.CONCLUSIONThe fate of the tested soil fumigants is highly dependent on and specific to the fumigant, previous fumigant application and soil type. This study suggests that biotic factors are more essential in the dissipation of metam sodium and MBr than abiotic factors. By contrast, MI dissipation from the tested soils is affected more by abiotic factors than by biotic activities. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.
Mechanical stress effect on the crystallization behavior of Ge2Sb2Te5 films studied by electrical resistance measurement
Authors: Du Yingchao , Kan Yi , Lu Xiaomei , Liu Yunfei , Bo Huifeng , Cai Wei , Hu Dazhi , Huang Fengzhen , Zhu Jinsong 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe mechanical stress effect on the crystallization behaviour of Ge2Sb2Te5(GST) thin films is carefully investigated by electrical resistance measurements. It is found that the crystallization temperature of GST films increases as external compressive stress is applied, while the crystallization temperature decreases under tensile stress. We also find that the uneven distribution of extrinsic stress can widen the span of transition temperature. These results clearly demonstrate that mechanical stress plays an important role during the crystallization process of GST films and may further influence the reliability and storage speed of relevant devices. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
HIF-1α is upregulated in human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Palomäki Sami , Pietilä Mika , Laitinen Saara , Pesälä Juha , Sormunen Raija , Lehenkari Petri , Koivunen Peppi 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are multipotent cells that have aroused great expectations in regenerative medicine. They are assumed to originate from hypoxic stem cell niches, especially in the bone marrow. This suggests that O2 is of importance in their regulation. In order to characterize regulation of the oxygen sensing pathway in these cells, we studied hMSCs isolated from three origins, adult and pediatric bone marrow and umbilical cord blood (UCB). Surprisingly, pediatric bone marrow and UCB MSCs showed normoxic stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) that is normally degraded completely by HIF prolyl 4-hydroxylases in the presence of oxygen. This was due to a high expression level of HIF-1α mRNA rather than inappropriate post-translational degradation of HIF-1α protein. HIF-1α mRNA was also induced in normoxic adult bone marrow MSCs, but 40% less than in the pediatric cells, and this was apparently not enough to stabilize the protein. The high normoxic HIF expression in all the hMSCs studied was accompanied by increased expression of a large number of glycolytic HIF target genes and increased glycolysis. Osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived hMSCs reduced HIF-1α mRNA and protein expression and the expression of glycolytic mRNAs, resulting in decreased glycolysis and induction of oxidative metabolism. Induced mitochondrial biogenesis, changes in mitochondrial morphology and size indicative of increased oxidative phosphorylation, and induction of extracellular matrix synthesis were observed following osteogenic differentiation. Altogether, these data suggest that HIF-1α is a general regulator controlling the metabolic fate and multipotency of the hMSCs.
SDF-1 fused to a fractalkine stalk and a GPI anchor enables functional neovascularization
Authors: Stachel Georg , Trenkwalder Teresa , Götz Franziska , El Aouni Chiraz , Muenchmeier Niklas , Pfosser Achim , Nussbaum Claudia , Sperandio Markus , Hatzopoulos Antonis K. , Hinkel Rabea , Nelson Peter J. , Kupatt Christian 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The facilitated recruitment of vascular progenitor cells (VPCs) to ischemic areas might be a therapeutic target for neovascularization and repair. However, efficient and directed attraction of VPCs remains a major challenge in clinical application. To enhance VPC homing, we developed a fusion protein (S1FG), based on the biology of stroma-derived factor-1/CXCL12 and the mucin backbone taken from fractalkine/CXCL12. A GPI-anchor was included to link the fusion-protein to the cell surface. HUVECs transfected with S1FG were capable of increasing firm adhesion of CXCR4+-mononuclear cells (THP-1) under shear stress conditions in vitro. In an in vivo rabbit model of chronic hind limb ischemia, local S1FG application enhanced the recruitment of adoptively transferred embryonic EPCs (eEPCs) to the ischemic muscles 2.5-fold. S1FG combined with eEPClow (2 × 106) yielded similar capillary growth as eEPChigh (5 × 106) alone. Compared to controls, collateral formation was increased in the S1FG eEPClow group, but not the eEPChigh group without S1FG, whereas perfusion was found enhanced in both groups. In addition, S1FG also increased collateral formation and flow when combined with AMD3100 treatment, to increase circulating levels of endogenous VPC. These data demonstrate that the fusion protein S1FG is capable of enhancing the recruitment of exogenously applied or endogenously mobilized progenitor cells to sites of injury. Recombinant versions of S1FG applied via catheters in combination with progenitor cell mobilization may be useful in the treatment of chronic ischemic syndromes requiring improved perfusion.
Using delimiting surveys to characterize the spatiotemporal dynamics facilitates the management of an invasive non‐native insect
Authors: Tobin Patrick C. , Blackburn Laura M. , Gray Rebecca H. , Lettau Christopher T. , Liebhold Andrew M. , Raffa Kenneth F. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe ability to ascertain abundance and spatial extent of a nascent population of a non‐native species can inform management decisions. Following initial detection, delimiting surveys, which involve the use of a finer network of samples around the focal point of a newly detected colony, are often used to quantify colony size, spatial extent, and the location of the population core. Despite the widespread use of pheromone‐baited traps in delimitation surveys to manage invading populations of Lymantria dispar (L.) in North America, there has been no prior comprehensive attempt to analytically determine the adequacy of these surveys. We used data from 2,190 delimiting grids collected from 2000 to 2010 in the United States to quantify the information gained from delimiting surveys. The use of delimiting surveys revealed that ≈53 % of populations of low initial abundance persisted as detectable populations in the following year; however, when trap data from delimiting surveys were excluded, only ≈16 % of these low density populations were detected in the following year. Measurements of abundance and spatial extent of a detected population were affected by the increased use of delimiting traps after accounting for initial abundance, the distance from an infested area, and colony area. The use of delimiting traps had a lesser effect on the estimation of the spatial location of the population core, indicating that initial detection of a population often reflects the population core. The need to prioritize resources in efforts to manage non‐native species is paramount, and early detection is a key in invasive species management.
A Community's Response to Suicide Through Public Art: Stakeholder Perspectives from the Finding the Light Within Project
Authors: Mohatt Nathaniel V. , Singer Jonathan B. , Evans Arthur C. , Matlin Samantha L. , Golden Jane , Harris Cathy , Burns James , Siciliano Catherine , Kiernan Guy , Pelleritti Margaret , Tebes Jacob Kraemer 
Published: June 2013

AbstractSuicide is a preventable public health problem and a leading cause of death in the United States. Despite recognized need for community‐based strategies for suicide prevention, most suicide prevention programs focus on individual‐level change. This article presents seven first person accounts of Finding the Light Within, a community mobilization initiative to reduce the stigma associated with suicide through public arts participation that took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 2011 through 2012. The stigma associated with suicide is a major challenge to suicide prevention, erecting social barriers to effective prevention and treatment and enhancing risk factors for people struggling with suicidal ideation and recovery after losing a loved one to suicide. This project engaged a large and diverse audience and built a new community around suicide prevention through participatory public art, including community design and production of a large public mural about suicide, storytelling and art workshops, and a storytelling website. We present this project as a model for how arts participation can address suicide on multiple fronts—from raising awareness and reducing stigma, to promoting community recovery, to providing healing for people and communities in need.
Further Examination of the Mechanism of Round Synthetic Jets in Delaying Turbulent Flow Separation
Authors: Zhong Shan , Zhang Shanying 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis paper reports the findings from a further study of the 2D and stereo PIV data obtained in the interaction zone between the separated turbulent boundary layer over a 2D ramp and round synthetic jets by the authors. The synthetic jets are operated at two actuation frequencies with one being close to the natural frequency of the separated shear layer. Both the triple decomposition technique and Q-criterion are employed to investigate how the separated flow responds to the passage of different parts of the vortical structures produced by the synthetic jets during an actuation cycle at different synthetic jet operating conditions. An attempt is made to explain the observed differences in the ways that the separated flow responds to the actuation of synthetic jets at the two actuation frequencies. A better understanding of the mechanism of flow separation delay using round synthetic jets is obtained, leading to a more complete physical model describing the interaction mechanism.
Medical Genetics and Genetic Counseling in Chile
Authors: Margarit Sonia B. , Alvarado Mónica , Alvarez Karin , Lay‐Son Guillermo 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIn the South American Republic of Chile genetic counseling is not currently recognized as an independent clinical discipline, and in general is provided by physicians with training in clinical genetics. At present only one genetic counselor and 28 clinical geneticists practice in this country of over 16 million inhabitants. Pediatric dysmorphology constitutes the primary area of practice in clinical genetics. Although the country has a universal health care system and an adequate level of health care, genetic conditions are not considered a health care priority and there is a lack of clinical and laboratory resources designated for clinical genetics services. Multiple educational, cultural and financial barriers exist to the growth and development of genetic counseling services in Chile. However, during the last 10 years increased awareness of the importance of identifying individuals at risk for inherited cancer syndromes led to growing interest in the practice of cancer genetics.
On Being Attracted to the Possibility of a Win: Reward Sensitivity (via Gambling Motives) Undermines Treatment Seeking Among Pathological Gamblers
Authors: Sztainert Travis , Wohl Michael J. A. , McManus Justin F. , Stead John D. H. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Unfortunately, only a small percent of pathological gamblers seek the professional help they need. In the current study, we test the idea that individual differences in reward sensitivity should predict whether a pathological gambler has sought treatment—the odds of treatment seeking should decrease as reward sensitivity increases. This hypothesis rests on the proposition that reward sensitive pathological gamblers should find treatment seeking aversive because doing so would remove a route to reward. We also tested those motivations to gamble that are positively reinforcing (social affliction and self-enhancement) as a possible mechanism by which reward sensitivity undermines treatment seeking—we did not anticipate negatively reinforcing motivations (e.g., coping) to be a mechanistic variable. Ninety-two pathological gamblers completed a large-scale survey that contained the variables of interest. As predicted, pathological gamblers were less likely to have sought treatment as reward sensitivity increased. Moreover, this relationship was mediated by social affiliation motivations to gamble, but not self-enhancement or coping motives. Reward sensitive gamblers did not wish to seek treatment to the extent that they were motivated to gamble for the social interactions it provides—seeking treatment would cut this avenue of affiliation with others. In light of these results, we suggest health care professionals take reward sensitivity into account when trying to promote treatment seeking, to say nothing of the social affiliation motives that underlie the reward sensitivity-treatment seeking link.
Effect of Tocopherols on the Anti‐Polymerization Activity of Oryzanol and Corn Steryl Ferulates in Soybean Oil
Authors: Winkler‐Moser Jill K. , Rennick Kathy A. , Hwang Hong‐Sik , Berhow Mark A. , Vaughn Steven F. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractSteryl ferulates (SFs) are ferulic acid esters of phytosterols and/or triterpene alcohols which have potential as frying oil antioxidants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti‐polymerization and antioxidant activity at frying temperatures of corn steryl ferulates (CSFs), rice steryl ferulates (oryzanol), and a mixture of CSFs with oryzanol, alone and with tocopherols. Antioxidant activity was measured by the reduction of polymerized triacylglycerol formation, and loss of olefinic and bisallylic protons from fatty acid double bonds by 1H NMR. CSFs and oryzanol slowed the oxidation and polymerization of soybean oil triacylglycerols heated to 180 °C more effectively than a mixture of alpha and gamma tocopherols. CSFs were more effective at preventing polymerization than oryzanol, but when oryzanol was combined with tocopherols, they all had similar antioxidant activity. In addition, tocopherols had a protective effect on SFs. Corn SFs were degraded more quickly during heating than oryzanol, however, the phytosterol constituents of corn SFs, sitostanol and campestanol, were actually more resistant to degradation compared to the phytosterol constituents of rice SFs. Results demonstrate that corn and rice SFs may be effective antioxidants for use in frying oils, and that their activity is enhanced in the presence of tocopherols.
Promoter identification and transcriptional regulation of the metastasis gene MACC1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Juneja Manisha , Ilm Katharina , Schlag Peter M. , Stein Ulrike 
Published: June 2013

MACC1, Metastasis associated in colon cancer 1, is a newly identified prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer metastasis and patient survival, when determined in the primary tumor or patient blood. MACC1 induces cell motility and proliferation in cell culture and metastasis in mouse models. MACC1 acts as a transcriptional regulator of the receptor tyrosine kinase gene Met via binding to its promoter. However, no information about the promoter of the MACC1 gene and its transcriptional regulation has been reported so far. Here we report the identification of the MACC1 promoter using a promoter luciferase construct that directs transcription of MACC1. To gain insights into the essential domains within this promoter region, we constructed 5′ truncated deletion constructs. Our results show that the region from −426 to −18 constitutes the core promoter and harbors functional motifs for the binding of AP‐1, Sp1, and C/EBP transcription factors as validated by site directed mutagenesis study. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we demonstrated the physical interaction of these transcription factors to a minimal essential MACC1 core promoter sequence. Knock down of these transcription factors using RNAi strategy reduced MACC1 expression (P < 0.001), and resulted in decrease of cell migration (P < 0.01) which could be specifically rescued by ectopic overexpression of MACC1. In human colorectal tumors, expression levels of c‐Jun and Sp1 correlated significantly to MACC1 (P = 0.0007 and P = 0.02, respectively). Importantly, levels of c‐Jun and Sp1 also showed significant correlation to development of metachronous metastases (P = 0.01 and P = 0.001, respectively). This is the first study identifying the MACC1 promoter and its transcriptional regulation by AP‐1 and Sp1. Knowledge of the transcriptional regulation of the MACC1 gene will implicate in enhanced understanding of its role in cancer progression and metastasis.
CEO Entrenchment and Corporate Hedging: Evidence from the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Rabinovitch Ramon 
Published: June 2013

AbstractUsing a unique data set with detailed information on the derivative positions of upstream oil and gas firms during 1996–2008, we find that hedging intensity is positively related to factors that amplify chief executive officer (CEO) entrenchment and free cash flow agency costs. There is also robust evidence that hedging is motivated by the reduction of financial distress and borrowing costs, and that it is influenced by both intrinsic cash flow risk and temporary spikes in commodity price volatility. We present a comprehensive perspective on the determinants of corporate hedging, and the results are consistent with the predictions of the risk management and agency costs literatures.
Papillary thyroid carcinoma in a lateral neck cyst: primary of ectopic thyroid tissue versus cystic metastasis
Authors: Xu J J , Kwan K , Fung K 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjective:To review the diagnosis of primary papillary carcinoma of ectopic thyroid tissue within branchial cleft cysts, and to discuss the diagnostic challenge of differentiating this condition from metastatic disease when an occult microcarcinoma is found in the thyroid gland.Methods:These comprise a case report and a literature review. We present the case of a 75-year-old woman with papillary thyroid carcinoma within the wall of a recurrent, 15 cm, lateral neck cyst.Results:Histological examination of the patient's thyroid gland found a 0.5 mm papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.Conclusion:Our differential diagnosis was primary papillary carcinoma arising from ectopic thyroid tissue, or metastatic cystic degeneration of a lateral lymph node. We make an argument for the former.