bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atomic spectroscopy and quantum optics in hollow‐core waveguides
Authors: Schmidt H. , Hawkins A.R. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAtomic spectroscopy is a well‐established, integral part of the physicist's toolbox with an extremely broad range of applications ranging from astronomy to single atom quantum optics. While highly desirable, miniaturization of atomic spectroscopy techniques on the chip scale was hampered by the apparent incompatibility of conventional solid‐state integrated optics and gaseous media. Here, the state of the art of atomic spectroscopy in hollow‐core optical waveguides is reviewed The two main approaches to confining light in low index atomic vapors are described: hollow‐core photonic crystal fiber (HC‐PCF) and planar antiresonant reflecting optical waveguides (ARROWs). Waveguide design, fabrication, and characterization are reviewed along with the current performance as compact atomic spectroscopy devices. The article specifically focuses on the realization of quantum interference effects in alkali atoms which may enable radically new optical devices based on low‐level nonlinear interactions on the single photon level for frequency standards and quantum communication systems.
Femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Frontiera R.R. , Mathies R.A. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAdvances in the field of Femtosecond Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy (FSRS), a new time‐resolved structural technique that provides complete vibrational spectra on the ultrafast timescale, are reviewed. When coupled with a femtosecond optical trigger, the time evolution of a reacting species can be monitored with unprecedented <25 femtosecond temporal and 5 cm‐1 spectral resolution. New technological and theoretical advances including the development of tunable FSRS and a background‐free FSRS format are discussed. The most recent experimental studies focus on ultrafast reaction dynamics in electronically excited states: isomerization in cyanobacterial phytochrome, ultrafast spin flipping in a solar cell sensitizer, and excited state proton transfer in green fluorescent protein. The use of FSRS to directly map multidimensional reactive potential energy surfaces and to probe the mechanism of reactive internal conversion is prospectively discussed.
High power‐pulsed Nd:YAG laser as a new stimulus to induce BMP‐2 expression in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts
Authors: Kim In Sook , Cho Tae Hyung , Kim Kwansik , Weber Franz E. , Hwang Soon Jung 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveHigh‐power laser has recently become a physical stimulus for bone regeneration. Little is known about how high‐power laser irradiation affects osteoblast differentiation. This study investigated osteoblast responses to high‐power laser and combined irradiation with BMP‐2 treatment.Study Design/Materials and MethodsMC3T3‐E1 pre‐osteoblasts were exposed to laser irradiation, 100 ng/ml BMP‐2 or both. Cells were irradiated with a Q‐switched, pulsed neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, with a 1,064 nm wavelength and 0.75 W output power under 1.5, 3, or 5 J/cm2 energy densities. Cell proliferation was evaluated using tetrazolium salt, WST‐8. To determine the effect of these treatments on in vitro osteogenesis, we examined alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineral deposition, and expression of genes associated with osteogenesis. Quantitative real time PCR or ELISA was used to examine cytokine expression. In each experiment, either non‐irradiated or BMP‐2 (100 ng/ml)‐treated cells were used as controls.ResultsHigh‐power, low‐level, Nd:YAG laser irradiation significantly increased ALP activity, when combined with BMP‐2 or not. Cell proliferation declined in the irradiation and combined irradiation/BMP‐2 groups. Interestingly, Nd:YAG laser stimulation resulted in significant induction of endogenous BMP‐2 protein and gene expression. The increased expression of upstream regulators cbfa1 by Nd:YAG laser alone was comparable to exogenous BMP‐2 treatment (100 ng/ml). Combined laser/BMP‐2 treatment was synergistic in the expression of some genes (IGF‐1, cbfa1) and ALP activity, compared to both BMP‐2 treatment and laser irradiation alone. In vitro matrix mineralization was significantly accelerated by laser stimulation compared to that of the control, more so than with the combined laser/BMP‐2 treatment.ConclusionsThe present in vitro findings demonstrate that high‐power, low‐level Nd:YAG laser increased osteoblast activity, very efficiently accelerating mineral deposition. Osteoinductive effect of laser is likely mediated by activation of BMP‐2‐related signaling pathway. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:510–518, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Peptide Nucleic Acid Films and Capsules: Assembly and Enzymatic Degradation
Authors: Becker Alisa L. , Johnston Angus P. R. , Caruso Frank 
Published: February 2010

AbstractSequence‐directed hybridization of nucleic acids provides a high level of control for the bottom‐up assembly of nanostructured materials. Altering the DNA sequence affords control and versatility over the film structure, but is limited by the chemical and physical properties of DNA. Here, we use DNA analogues, peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), to introduce new properties to multilayered thin films and retain the advantages of sequence‐directed assembly. Thin films, formed by the layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly of PNA strands, were assembled from short PNA sequences on planar and colloidal substrates. In the case of PNA‐coated particles, hollow capsules were obtained following removal of the sacrificial particle template. The PNA films were stable to both nuclease and protease degradation, and the nuclease degradation rate could be tuned by varying the amount of DNA incorporated into the films. These thin films may find use in biomedical applications.magnified image
Triggered Drug Release from Dynamic Microspheres via a Protein Conformational Change
Authors: King William J. , Pytel Nicholas J. , Ng Kelvin , Murphy William L. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn this study we formed and characterized dynamic hydrogel microspheres in which a protein conformational change was used to control microsphere volume changes and the release of an encapsulated drug. In particular, a specific biochemical ligand, trifluoperazine, induced calmodulin's nanometer scale conformation change, which translated to a 48.7% microsphere volume decrease. This specific, ligand‐induced volume change triggered the release of a model drug, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), at pre‐determined times. After release from the microspheres, 85.6 ± 10.5% of VEGF was in its native conformation. Taken together, these results suggest that protein conformational change could serve as a useful mechanism to control drug release from dynamic hydrogels.magnified image
Facile Synthesis of Nanoporous Hydroquinone/Catechol Formaldehyde Resins and their Highly Selective, Efficient and Regenerate Reactive Adsorption for Gold Ions
Authors: Zeng Shaozhong , Guo Limin , Zhang Lingxia , Cui Fangming , Zhou Jian , Gao Zhe , Chen Yu , Shi Jianlin 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe present a new type of nanoporous hydroquinone/catechol formaldehyde resin synthesized by a one‐pot route, with a surface area of up to 1 112 m2 · g−1. The resins show highly efficient reactive adsorption for silver/gold (silver adsorbance up to 2.43 g · g−1) and excellent selectivity for gold (Kd is as high as 1 914 090 mL · g−1). The first‐used resins can be regenerated with NaHSO3, and the gold capacities of the recycled PCFR and PHFR reach 44 and 78% of their first loading capacities, respectively.magnified image
Rapid Soybean Oil Copolymers Synthesis by Microwave‐Assisted Cationic Polymerization
Authors: Sacristán Marta , Ronda Joan C. , Galià Marina , Cádiz Virginia 
Published: February 2010

AbstractSoybean oil is one of the most promising renewable raw materials for polymers. Cationic copolymerization with a variety of olefinic monomers gives interesting materials but the curing process is tedious and high temperatures and long reaction times are needed. We studied the cationic homopolymerization of soybean oil and its copolymerization with styrene and divinylbenzene under microwave irradiation using boron trifluoride etherate as initiator and the comparison with conventional heating showed a great enhancement in reaction rates.magnified image
Synthetic Route and Characterization of Main Chain Ester‐Containing Hydrolytically Degradable Poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)‐Based Polycations
Authors: Agarwal Seema , Ren Liqun , Kissel Thomas , Bege Nadja 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe possibility of introducing hydrolytically cleavable ester linkages onto the poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) for the formation of less toxic and degradable polycations is shown in this work. For achieving this aim, the copolymerization behavior of 5,6‐benzo‐2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxepane (BMDO), with N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) is studied by free radical ring‐opening polymerization. Structural characterization is performed using 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Under optimized reaction conditions, quantitative ring‐opening of BMDO took place during the copolymerizations leading to the formation of poly(DMAEMA‐co‐ester)s. Blocky random copolymers were further quaternized by alkyl bromide to generate degradable cation containing polymers. Cytotoxicity results were highly encouraging and showed less cytotoxicity as compared to polyethyleneimine, which was used as a positive control. The formation and characterization of highly stable copolymer/DNA polyplexes is also shown here.magnified image
Polythiophenes with Carbazole Side Chains: Design, Synthesis and Their Application in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Li Weiwei , Han Yang , Chen Yulan , Li Cuihong , Li Bingsong , Bo Zhishan 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA series of polythiophene derivatives P1‐P5 containing carbazole side chains were designed and synthesized via the Stille polymerization. All carbazole containing polymers showed broad absorption in the visible region. The power conversion efficiencies of solar cells based on blends of two component copolymers and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) were determined to be 0.29 and 0.56% for P1 and P5, respectively. For solar cells fabricated with the three component copolymers and PC61BM, the efficiencies were 0.56% for P2, 0.86% for P3, and 0.70% for P4. The introduction of electron‐donating carbazole side chains can broaden the absorption in the visible region and meanwhile reduce phase separation due to the steric hinderance of the carbazole moiety to the conjugated main chain. Improving efficiency needs a balance of broad absorption and ordered packing of polymer chains in the solid state.magnified image
Difference in Molecular Weight Averages between a Precipitated Sample and the Original Polymer
Authors: Pastoriza M. Alejandra , Horta Arturo 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe difference in molecular weight distribution between a polymer as obtained in the reaction mixture and the polymer as purified sample may be important when the mechanism and kinetics of polymerization are deduced from the sample. This difference is calculated for distributions representative of the ideal mechanisms of step‐growth, free‐radical (combination and dismutation), controlled/living free‐radical, and living anionic polymerizations. Example values are given to the parameters that define the precipitation conditions (Flory‐Huggins interaction parameter, etc.), in order to calculate the errors committed in molecular weight averages when the values of the sample are used for the original polymer. Thus the range of conditions where these errors are significant is estimated.magnified image
Use of Alcohol as Initiator for Reversible Chain Transfer Catalyzed Polymerization
Authors: Kim Jeongsik , Nomura Akihiro , Fukuda Takeshi , Goto Atsushi , Tsujii Yoshinobu 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA novel initiation system, using a hydroxyl group as an initiating moiety, was developed for reversible chain transfer catalyzed polymerization (RTCP), a living radical polymerization. The hydroxyl (alcohol) group was reacted with an iodinating agent and a monomer (M), giving a dormant species RO–M–I (I = iodine). It was prepared in the polymerization medium (monomer) and used in the polymerization without the purification, leading to a one‐pot RTCP from a hydroxyl group (an alcohol).magnified image
Antimuscarinics and bladder outlet obstruction: From a contraindication to an indication?
Authors: Athanasopoulos Anastasios 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAimTo review if the existing data support the new concept that antimuscarinic agents can be used for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) with coexisting overactive bladder (OAB).MethodA literature search of Medline publications (up to 2008) on use of antimuscarinic agents for treatment BOO was performed and all data were presented. All relevant data from published studies in congress abstracts were as well included.ResultsThe existing data show that this treatment effectively improves patient quality of life. Concerns about the possibility of urinary retention were shown to be unfounded. It seems that antimuscarinic agents do not affect voiding pressures and the use of antimuscarinic agents for BOO seems safe.ConclusionsThe combination of an α‐blocker and antimuscarinic agent for the treatment of BOO with concomitant OAB seems promising. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:S46–S50, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chronic sacral nerve stimulation prevents detrusor structural and functional changes associated with bladder outlet obstruction—a rat model
Authors: Comiter Craig V. , Mazar Carla , Phull Hardeep , Salkini Mohamad 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAimsBladder outlet obstruction (BOO) can mediate structural and functional detrusor changes, which can lead to bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms. We investigate if sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) can prevent these structural and functional changes in a rat model of BOO.Methods24 female Sprague‐Dawley rats (250 gm) were divided into 4 groups: control (CTRL), BOO, SNS, and both (BOO/SNS). BOO was achieved by partially occluding the proximal urethra. SNS involved stimulating the S1–S4 dorsal roots with a unipolar S1 lead, 8 hours daily. Urodynamics were performed at baseline and after 6 weeks. Bladders were harvested, stained, and scored for detrusor hypertrophy and fibrosis (scale = 1–5).ResultsBOO caused an increase in mean voiding pressure (Pdet = 35 ± 2 mmHg vs. 23 ± 1 mmHg, p = 0.02), an increase in mean bladder capacity (C = 1230 ± 250 μl vs. 484 ± 60 μl, p = 0.03), and a decrease in mean volume at first non‐voiding contraction (67 ± 16 μl vs. 110 ± 24 μl, p = 0.02) compared to CTRL. Addition of SNS neither significantly affected Pdet (30 ± 3 mm Hg vs. 35 ± 2 mmHg, p = 0.2), nor C (630 ± 90 μl vs. 1230 ± 250 μl, p = 0.06) compared to BOO, but eliminated non‐voiding contractions. Detrusor hypertrophy and fibrosis were both significantly greater in BOO vs. CTRL and vs. BOO/SNS.ConclusionsPartial BOO caused functional and structural changes in the rat bladder. SNS in obstructed rats prevents these alterations, without adversely affecting detrusor contractility. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:783–788, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Static single channel and multichannel water perfusion pressure profilometry in a bench model of a urethra
Authors: Hirst G.R. , Beeton R.J. , Lucas M.G. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAimsTo determine the catheter perfusion and withdrawal rate which generate the most repeatable single (SCPP) and multichannel pressure profilometry (MCPP) profiles in a bench model.MethodsA bench model using a urethral substitute was developed in which SCPP and MCPP were performed using the Brown–Wickham method. One single channel and four multichannel catheters were tested using seven withdrawal rates and three perfusion rates. Repeatability was determined using spread of mean profile pressure, cross‐correlation, Bland–Altman statistic, and a one‐tailed Student's t‐statistic. An artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) model was constructed to create a predictable intraluminal profile. MCPP data were used to generate three‐dimensional (3D) images of the pressures exerted by the AUS model.ResultsA withdrawal rate of 0.5 mm/sec and perfusion rate 1 ml/min produced the most repeatable SCPP profiles with a spread of mean profile pressure ≤7 cmH2O. For MCPP, a 10 F 6‐channel catheter using a withdrawal rate of 1 mm/sec and perfusion rate of 1 ml/min produced the most similar profiles (cross‐correlation = 0.99). However, the spread of MCPP was large (spread ≤44 cmH2O per channel). Nevertheless MCPP was able to consistently demonstrate areas of high pressure as predicted by the AUS model.ConclusionsMCPP was not repeatable and is an unreliable measure of urethral pressure. MCPP and 3D images do demonstrate directional differences predicted from the AUS model. These may be of use for qualitative understanding and appreciation of relative relationships if not actual forces within the urethra and have application in understanding urethral function in vivo. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1312–1319, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐report of difficult defecation is associated with overactive bladder symptoms
Authors: Cameron Anne , Fenner Dee E. , DeLancey John O.L. , Morgan Daniel M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAimsThe association of dysfunctional bowel elimination with lower urinary tract symptoms is well known in children, but not in adults. It was our objective to assess lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women who report difficult defecation (DD).MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of 2,812 women, aged 35–64, who participated in a telephone interview. All subjects were asked “When you move your bowels, does the stool come out easily?” DD was considered present in those answering “no.” All subjects were queried regarding LUTS, urinary infections in the past year, self‐perceived health status, medical history, and demographics. Symptoms of stress incontinence (five items), urge incontinence (five items), and the impact of these symptoms on their quality of life were solicited from subjects reporting more than 12 episodes of incontinence in 1 year.ResultsDD was reported by 10.4% (290/2,790) of women. Women with DD had higher LUTS than those who did not: nocturia (mean 1.8 ± 0.1 vs. 1.3 ± 0.0), urgency (47.6% vs. 29.2%), increased daytime frequency (mean 8.2 ± 0.3 vs. 7.2 ± 0.1), dysuria (22.9% vs. 13.7%), and a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying (55.6% vs. 28.2%). DD women were more often menopausal, reported a fair or poor self‐reported health status, and had a higher number of comorbidities, less formal education, and lower annual household income.ConclusionsWomen with symptoms of DD have an increased rate of LUTS, consistent with the diagnosis of overactive bladder without incontinence. The pathophysiology underlying this association is worthy of future research. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1290–1294, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of chronic hyperlipidemia on bladder function in myocardial infarction‐prone Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHLMI) rabbits
Authors: Yoshida Masaki , Masunaga Koichi , Nagata Takashi , Satoji Yo , Shiomi Masashi 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAimsLower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in the aging population. LUTS cause profoundly negative impacts on their quality of life. Pathophysiology of LUTS is multifactorial, and recently, bladder ischemia and metabolic syndrome have been suggested as etiological factors. To evaluate chronic hyperlipidemia on bladder function, we examined the functional and histological changes of the bladder in myocardial infarction‐prone Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic (WHHLMI) rabbits.Methods20‐ to 24‐month‐old WHHLMI rabbits and age‐ and sex‐matched control rabbits were prepared. Bladder functions were evaluated using cystometrograms and functional experiments with isolated bladder specimens. Histological studies of bladder and internal iliac arteries were performed with hematoxylin and eosin staining. The bladder was also stained immunohistochemically with mouse monoclonal S‐100 antibodies and sheep polyclonal calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) antibodies.ResultsIn cystometric examination, WHHLMI rabbits showed significantly shorter micturition interval, smaller voided volume with non‐voiding contractions, and lower micturition pressure, as compared to control. The functional experiments showed that carbachol‐ and electrical field stimulation‐induced contractions were significantly decreased in WHHLMI rabbits than those in control. In WHHLMI rabbits, cross‐sections of internal iliac arteries showed significant atherosclerosis and thickening of media. Bladder showed thinner urothelium and decreased smooth muscle area in WHHLMI rabbits, as compared to control. WHHLMI rabbits showed a significant decrease in S‐100 protein positive neurons, and an increased number of CGRP positive neurons.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that WHHLMI rabbits showed detrusor overactivity with decreased detrusor contraction. It is suggested that chronic hyperlipidemia contributes to the bladder dysfunction. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1350–1354, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Continuous uroflow cystometry in the urethane‐anesthetized mouse
Authors: Smith Phillip P. , Kuchel George A. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractPurposeIn vivo animal cystometry represents an accepted methodology for the study of lower urinary tract physiology. A particular advantage of the mouse model is the availability of genetically modified strains, offering the possibility of linking individual genes to relevant physiological events. However, small voided volumes complicate the ability to obtain reliable pressure‐flow data by gravimetric methods, due to non‐continuous drop formation and release during voiding. We investigated the feasibility of a simple non‐gravimetric continuous urine collection system during cystometry under urethane anesthesia, and compared urethane‐anesthetized with awake cystometry.MethodsCystometry was performed in awake and urethane‐anesthetized female mice using a suprapubic tube. A simple, novel non‐gravimetric method of urine collection was used in urethane‐anesthetized animals to assess voided volume and permit flow rate calculations. Pressure and time‐related variables were compared between groups.ResultsVoided urine collection appears to be complete and continuous in this model. Mean voided volume was 0.09 ± 0.020 ml, with an average flow rate of 0.029 ± 0.007 ml/sec. Urethane anesthesia delayed cystometric pressure/volume responses. However, micturition reflexes were intact and otherwise comparable between groups. Female mice void with pulsatile pressurization previously described in rats.ConclusionSuprapubic voiding cystometry using a simple and reliable urine collection method under urethane anesthesia is feasible in mice, permitting the integration of voided volumes with pressure and time data. The inclusion of volume and flow data enhances the usefulness of the mouse model for in vivo assessment of detrusor and potentially sphincteric performance. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1344–1349, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.