bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Layer‐Controlled and Wafer‐Scale Synthesis of Uniform and High‐Quality Graphene Films on a Polycrystalline Nickel Catalyst
Authors: Gong Youpin , Zhang Xuemin , Liu Guangtong , Wu Liqiong , Geng Xiumei , Long Mingsheng , Cao Xiaohui , Guo Yufen , Li Weiwei , Xu Jianbao , Sun Mengtao , Lu Li , Liu Liwei 
Published: April 2012

AbstractChemical vapor deposition (CVD) provides a synthesis route for large‐area and high‐quality graphene films. However, layer‐controlled synthesis remains a great challenge on polycrystalline metallic films. Here, a facile and viable synthesis of layer‐controlled and high‐quality graphene films on wafer‐scale Ni surface by the sequentially separated steps of gas carburization, hydrogen exposure, and segregation is developed. The layer numbers of graphene films with large domain sizes are controlled precisely at ambient pressure by modulating the simplified CVD process conditions and hydrogen exposure. The hydrogen exposure assisted with a Ni catalyst plays a critical role in promoting the preferential segregation through removing the carbon layers on the Ni surface and reducing carbon content in the Ni. Excellent electrical and transparent conductive performance, with a room‐temperature mobility of ≈3000 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a sheet resistance as low as ≈100 Ω per square at ≈90% transmittance, of the twisted few‐layer grapheme films grown on the Ni catalyst is demonstrated.
Myeloid microvesicles are a marker and therapeutic target for neuroinflammation
Authors: Verderio Claudia , Muzio Luca , Turola Elena , Bergami Alessandra , Novellino Luisa , Ruffini Francesca , Riganti Loredana , Corradini Irene , Francolini Maura , Garzetti Livia , Maiorino Chiara , Servida Federica , Vercelli Alessandro , Rocca Mara , Libera Dacia Dalla , Martinelli Vittorio , Comi Giancarlo , Martino Gianvito , Matteoli Michela , Furlan Roberto 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjective:Microvesicles (MVs) have been indicated as important mediators of intercellular communication and are emerging as new biomarkers of tissue damage. Our previous data indicate that reactive microglia/macrophages release MVs in vitro. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether MVs are released by microglia/macrophages in vivo and whether their number varies in brain inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods:Electron and fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used to detect myeloid MVs in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of healthy controls, MS patients, and rodents affected by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS.Results:Myeloid MVs were detected in CSF of healthy controls. In relapsing and remitting EAE mice, the concentration of myeloid MVs in the CSF was significantly increased and closely associated with disease course. Analysis of MVs in the CSF of 28 relapsing patients and 28 patients with clinical isolated syndrome from 2 independent cohorts revealed higher levels of myeloid MVs than in 13 age‐matched controls, indicating a clinical value of MVs as a companion tool to capture disease activity. Myeloid MVs were found to spread inflammatory signals both in vitro and in vivo at the site of administration; mice impaired in MV shedding were protected from EAE, suggesting a pathogenic role for MVs in the disease. Finally, FTY720, the first approved oral MS drug, significantly reduced the amount of MVs in the CSF of EAE‐treated mice.Interpretation:These findings identify myeloid MVs as a marker and therapeutic target of brain inflammation. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:610–624
Thermal stability and flammability of banana‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Biswal Manoranjan , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBanana‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites were prepared with a melt‐blending technique followed by compression molding. The thermal stability and fire retardancy of the fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites was studied as a function of the variable weight percentages of fibers and nanoclays with both thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone calorimetry measurements. The test results indicated char formation at relatively low loadings of the nanoclays, thereby indicating flame retardancy in the fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites. The change in the degradation pathway of the polymer was observed with the incorporation of clay within the natural‐fiber‐reinforced composite, wherein the clay layers acted as barriers to mass transport that contributed to superheated conditions in the condensed phase. TGA thermograms also revealed improved thermal properties compared with the virgin matrix. Both the isothermal and nonisothermal degradation kinetics of the fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites were also studied. Differential scanning calorimetry studies showed an increase in the melting and crystallization temperatures of PP in the fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites. Furthermore, the morphology of the fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites was evaluated with X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
What We Learned from Proust: Psychological and Social Determinants of Snobbery and Prejudice
Authors: Richards Arlene Kramer , Spira Lucille 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTProust's original contribution to understanding social exclusion is the focus of this paper. Proust's psycho‐logical novel, In Search of Lost Time is used to show how social exclusion is related to early feelings of exclusion from the parental couple in the family. Proust's addition shows how a child who wins his mother's attention by acting as a victim suffers from both guilt and humiliation which he may resolve by defending another victim or by excluding others if he identifies with the aggressor. This paper shows how excluding others from events, opportunities, and equality under the law can be an attempt to repair the humiliation of having been excluded. This expands Anna Freud's idea about identification with the aggressor. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceptions of anatomy: Critical components in the clinical setting
Authors: Lazarus Michelle D. , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Leong Shou Ling , Kauffman Gordon L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe evolution in undergraduate medical school curricula has significantly impacted anatomy education. This study investigated the perceived role of clinical anatomy and evaluated perceptions of medical students' ability to apply anatomical knowledge in the clinic. The aim of this study was to develop a framework to enhance anatomical educational initiatives. Unlike previous work, multiple stakeholders (clinicians, medical students, and academic anatomists) in anatomy education were evaluated. Participants completed an eleven‐point Likert scale survey written by the investigators. Responses from both clinical educators and medical students at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine suggest that medical students are perceived as ill‐prepared to transfer anatomy to the clinic. Although some areas of patient management differ in relevancy to anatomical education, there are areas of clinical care which were uniformly ranked as relying heavily on anatomical knowledge (imaging and diagnostic studies, physical examination, and arrival at correct diagnosis) by a variety of clinical specialists. Our results suggest a need for advanced anatomy courses to be taught coincidental with medical students' clinical education. Development of these courses would optimally rely on input from both clinicians and academic anatomists, as both cohorts rated clinical anatomy similarly (P ≥ 0.05). Additionally, we hypothesize that preclinical students' application of anatomy would be enhanced if clinical context was derived from areas of clinical care which rely heavily on anatomy, whereas courses designed for advanced medical students will benefit from anatomical context focused on specialty specific aspects of clinical care identified in this study. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
The impact of intrauterine tobacco exposure on the cerebral mass of the neonate based on the measurement of head circumference
Authors: Król Marzenna , Florek Ewa , Piekoszewski Wojciech , Bokiniec Renata , Kornacka Maria K. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe objective of the study was to assess cerebral mass, based on head circumference measurements in neonates exposed to tobacco smoke in utero, and to determine the relative proportions of the cerebral and body mass. The study included 147 neonates born in the period 2003–2004 at the Princess Anna Mazowiecka University Hospital and admitted to the Neonatal and Intensive Care Department of the Medical University in Warsaw. Subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of maternal status as active, passive, or nonsmokers determined by maternal urinary cotinine concentration and a questionnaire. Neonates whose mothers were active smokers throughout the whole period of pregnancy had a lower head circumference and in consequence a lower cerebral mass significantly more frequently when compared with those whose mothers were nonsmokers, P= 0.002. (Median difference in cerebral mass was 48.27 g.) The risk of lower cerebral mass was 3.9 (1.4–10.8, CI 95%) in the group of neonates whose mothers actively smoked cigarettes during pregnancy. A negative correlation was seen between cerebral mass and maternal urinary cotinine concentration (correlation coefficient r=−23, P= 0.006). The ratio of the cerebral to body mass was similar for neonates in all three groups. Active smoking during pregnancy had a negative effect on the cerebral mass of the neonate, however no such effect was observed in neonates whose mothers were passive smokers. The deficiency in cerebral mass increased with greater smoking intensity. Active smoking by the mother during pregnancy inhibits the growth of the brain as well as that of the body mass of the neonate.
An adaptable mri radiofrequency breast coil: Evaluation of size, coil diameter, and uniformity
Authors: Maillet Donald , Ruehle Anjuli , Reutens David C. , Vegh Viktor 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThree quadrature transmit/receive radiofrequency magnetic resonance imaging breast coils were designed and built. The coils are geometrically equivalent but were scaled for different breast sizes. The coils were tested using a 4‐T Bruker/Siemens whole‐body scanner. We used different coil sizes to establish whether it is necessary to match coil size to load size. Moreover, our work investigated how the coil configuration can be changed to improve signal uniformity in the acquired images. We found that improvements can be gained by carefully matching the coil to the sample. In addition, we propose a coil layout that allows images quality to be improved, as measured by the signal‐to‐noise ratio and field uniformity of the coil. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 41B: 50–56, 2012
Managerial Ownership and Corporate Social Performance: Evidence from Privately Owned Chinese Firms' Response to the Sichuan Earthquake
Authors: Jia Ming , Zhang Zhe 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThis study seeks to understand the underlying relationship between managerial ownership and corporate social performance in privately owned Chinese firms. Agency theory predicts that corporate expenditure on social practices is merely a managerial expropriation in an ordinary business setting. However, the business context of natural disasters in China has been characterized by stakeholder pressure on corporate responsibility. We propose that in our context of study, corporate social performance constitutes an investment and managers who own significant parts of the company are more likely to promote corporate philanthropic actions. Using a hand‐collected database that includes firm‐level data on corporate contributions after the Sichuan Earthquake on 12 May 2008, we find that higher managerial ownership is associated with a significantly higher probability of donation and charity. Furthermore, we find that corporate board size and political ties with the government moderate this relationship. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Reconfigurable architecture of VDF filter for multidimensional data
Authors: Atitallah Ahmed Ben , Boudabous Anis , Khriji Lazhar , Masmoudi Nouri 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we present a hardware reconfigurable architecture of vector directional filter (VDF) and an experimental validation based on HW/SW implementation context. An FPGA with a Nios II processor combines the benefits of a programmable logic component as well as a microprocessor. VDF is very useful in multidimensional data (such as color images) for noise removal and details preservation. Comparative results between simulations of ANSI‐C and hardware implementation are given. An estimate method of nonlinear function is presented and serves as an approximation for the appropriate hardware implementation on FPGA. Finally, to verify the functionality of the implementation, a validation state using FPGA platform has been performed. This validation demonstrated that our implementation hardware system speeds up the filtering process as well as preserving a high data quality (image quality). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of frequency stabilizing scheme for integrating wind power generation into an isolated grid
Authors: Yamashita Koji , Sakamoto Orie , Kitauchi Yoshihiro , Nanahara Toshiya , Inoue Toshio , Shiohama Tomohiro , Fukuda Hitoshi 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIntegration of wind power generation into small islands has been one of the demonstration projects in Okinawa Prefecture. Since such integration could degrade power quality including frequency in an island grid, a frequency stabilizing system using flywheels has been installed into a small island. In order to establish a proper frequency stabilizing scheme for the small island, an accurate model of a diesel generator including governor is vital. Therefore, the model was developed based on the measured values of generator dump tests. A new frequency stabilizing scheme was also developed through time‐domain simulation of the island grid model, which consists of the above‐mentioned diesel generator model and an equivalent load change representing wind power variation. The proper parameters of the scheme were derived considering role sharing between the diesel generators and the flywheels. The developed stabilizing scheme was applied to the flywheels in the island grid and revealed excellent performance in mitigating frequency variation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 180(1): 24–35, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21277
Regulation of Schwann cell differentiation and proliferation by the Pax‐3 transcription factor
Authors: Doddrell Robin D. S. , Dun Xin‐Peng , Moate Roy M. , Jessen Kristjan R. , Mirsky Rhona , Parkinson David B. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPax‐3 is a paired domain transcription factor that plays many roles during vertebrate development. In the Schwann cell lineage, Pax‐3 is expressed at an early stage in Schwann cells precursors of the embryonic nerve, is maintained in the nonmyelinating cells of the adult nerve, and is upregulated in Schwann cells after peripheral nerve injury. Consistent with this expression pattern, Pax‐3 has previously been shown to play a role in repressing the expression of the myelin basic protein gene in Schwann cells. We have studied the role of Pax‐3 in Schwann cells and have found that it controls not only the regulation of cell differentiation but also the survival and proliferation of Schwann cells. Pax‐3 expression blocks both the induction of Oct‐6 and Krox‐20 (K20) by cyclic AMP and completely inhibits the ability of K20, the physiological regulator of myelination in the peripheral nervous system, to induce myelin gene expression in Schwann cells. In contrast to other inhibitors of myelination, we find that Pax‐3 represses myelin gene expression in a c‐Jun‐independent manner. In addition to this, we find that Pax‐3 expression alone is sufficient to inhibit the induction of apoptosis by TGFβ1 in Schwann cells. Expression of Pax‐3 is also sufficient to induce the proliferation of Schwann cells in the absence of added growth factors and to reverse K20‐induced exit from the cell cycle. These findings indicate new roles for the Pax‐3 transcription factor in controlling the differentiation and proliferation of Schwann cells during development and after peripheral nerve injury. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effectiveness of cognitive training in Chinese older people with subjective cognitive complaints: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Kwok Timothy CY , Bai Xue , Li Jessie CY , Ho Florence KY , Lee Tatia MC 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveThis study examines the short‐term and long‐term effects of a cognitive training (CT) program in enhancing cognitive function of older people with subjective memory complaints.MethodsA single‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled trial was carried out in a sample of 223 older adults aged 65 years or above with subjective memory complaints in Hong Kong. They were randomly assigned to either receive CT (intervention group, N = 111) or attend health‐related educational lectures only (control group, N = 112). Participants' cognitive abilities were assessed by the Chinese version of Mattis Dementia Rating Scale at baseline, immediately after the training, and nine months after the training.ResultsSignificant interaction effect of CT and education was detected on participants' CT gains at both T2 (F(2, 200) = 6.329, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.060) and T3 (F(2, 189) = 3.294, p = 0.039, η2 = 0.034).ConclusionsCognitive training was effective in enhancing the overall cognitive functioning of less educated older adults with subjective memory complaints. The positive effect was durable for at least nine months in two cognitive areas, namely conceptualization and memory. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional up‐regulation of P2X3 receptors in dorsal root ganglion in a rat model of bone cancer pain
Authors: Wu J.X. , Xu M.Y. , Miao X.R. , Lu Z.J. , Yuan X.M. , Li X.Q. , Yu W.F. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundCancer‐induced bone pain remains a clinical challenge due to the poor understanding of the mechanisms. Recent study revealed extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and P2X receptors may be implicated in nociceptive signalling under cancer pain state. Therefore, here we investigated the potential role of P2X3 receptor in a rat model of bone cancer pain.MethodsWalker 256 tumour cells were inoculated into the left tibia of Wistar rats. The model was verified by X‐ray imaging, pathology and behaviour examinations. The expression of P2X3 receptors in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) was examined. Functional significance of altered P2X3 receptors was investigated by measuring influx upon α,β‐meATP stimulation in acutely dissociated DRG neurons. Moreover, A‐317491, an antagonist of P2X3 receptors, was administrated intrathecally or locally to evaluate its analgesia effect in the cancer pain animals.ResultsThe P2X3 receptor was up‐regulated for about 50% in DRG neurons in rats with bone cancer at both protein and mRNA levels and correlated with the pain behaviour in bone cancer rats. A 51.9% increase of α,β‐me ATP (10 μM, for 4 s) evoked transient response currents and a higher percentage of neurons responsive to the application of α,β‐me ATP was detected in bone cancer rats. Intrathecal or local injection of A‐317491 significantly attenuated pain behaviour induced by bone cancer.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the P2X3 receptor is functionally up‐regulated in DRG in cancer rats. P2X3 receptor is a promising target for therapeutic intervention in cancer patients for pain management.
Pain sensitivity in fibromyalgia is associated with catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) gene
Authors: Martínez‐Jauand M. , Sitges C. , Rodríguez V. , Picornell A. , Ramon M. , Buskila D. , Montoya P. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundRecent evidence suggests that genetic factors might contribute to individual differences in pain sensitivity, risk for developing clinical pain conditions and efficacy of pain treatments. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship of three common haplotypes of COMT gene affecting the metabolism of catecholamines on pain sensitivity in patients with fibromyalgia (FM).MethodsOne hundred and thirteen FM patients and 65 age‐matched healthy volunteers participated in the study. We genotyped four single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs6269, rs4633, rs4818 and rs4680 or Val158Met) and identified haplotypes previously designated as low (LPS), average (APS) and high pain sensitivity (HPS). Thermal, pressure and touch thresholds were also examined using a quantitative sensory testing protocol.ResultsThe frequency of genetic variations associated with low COMT enzyme activity was significantly higher in FM patients than in healthy volunteers. FM patients were more sensitive to experimental pain than healthy volunteers and, in particular, FM individuals with the met/met genotype (Val158Met SNP) or the HPS‐APS haplotypes showing higher sensitivity to thermal and pressure pain stimuli than patients carrying the LPS haplotype or val alleles (Val158Met SNP). No differences due to genotype or haplotypes were found on non‐painful touch thresholds.ConclusionsAccording with previous research, our findings revealed that haplotypes of the COMT gene and genotypes of the Val158Met polymorphism play a key role on pain sensitivity in FM patients.
Effects of untreated preoperative essential hypertension on post‐operative pain after major abdominal surgery
Authors: Luo F. , Cai X.J. , Li Z.Y. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundHypertension has been associated with hypoalgesia. This prospective study was designed to test the effects of untreated preoperative essential hypertension on post‐operative pain intensity and morphine requirement after major abdominal surgery.MethodsSixty subjects (30 untreated essential hypertensives and 30 normotensives) scheduled for abdominal surgery were included in this study. All subjects received standardized anaesthetic with intra‐operative fentanyl and patient‐controlled analgesia with morphine for 48 h post‐operatively as the only analgesics. Pain intensity scores, cumulative morphine requirement and side effects were recorded until 48 h post‐operatively.ResultsAll subjects with essential hypertension had systolic hypertension, 93.3% had grade 1 severity and 6.7% had grade 2 severity. 23.3% of essential hypertensive subjects had elevated diastolic blood pressure. Essential hypertensive subjects had significantly lower total post‐operative morphine requirement (29.6 mg vs. 49.9 mg; p = 0.002), significantly lower verbal rating scale post‐operative pain intensity scores at rest and with coughing (p = 0.000), and significantly less incidence of post‐operative pruritus (p = 0.048) over 48 h than normotensive subjects. There were no post‐operative differences in the incidence of post‐operative nausea (p = 0.982) or vomiting (p = 0.644) between the two groups.ConclusionUntreated essential hypertension is associated with significantly reduced post‐operative morphine requirement and pain intensity, suggesting hypertension‐associated hypoalgesia.