bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical sleep deprivation induces muscle atrophy
Authors: Dattilo Murilo , Antunes Hanna Karen Moreira , Medeiros Alessandra , Mônico‐neto Marcos , Souza Helton de SÁ , Lee Kil Sun , Tufik Sergio , de Mello Marco Túlio 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Because paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) induces a catabolic hormone profile, we sought to evaluate the morphology of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle and testosterone and corticosterone levels of paradoxical sleep–deprived rats.Methods: Three study groups of rats were established: the first group was sleep deprived for 96 h; the second group was also sleep deprived for 96 h, but then returned to their home‐cage and allowed to sleep for the next 96 h; and the third group was the control group, with a normal sleep cycle. Results: PSD reduced the weight and fiber cross‐sectional area of the TA muscle. Moreover, PSD enhanced plasma corticosterone and reduced serum testosterone levels. The 96 h of sleep after PSD was sufficient to restore partially the morphology of TA, while hormones returned to basal levels. Conclusion: PSD induces hormonal alterations that may mediate muscle atrophy. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Effects of extracorporeal shock‐wave lithotripsy directed at the parotid gland on oxidative stress parameters and some trace element levels in facial nerve of rats
Authors: Kavak Servet , Garca M. Fatih , Gecit Ilhan , Meral İSmail , Cengiz Nurettin , Demir Halit 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIntroduction:This study was designed to assess the effect of extracorporeal shock‐wave lithotripsy (ESWL) exposure of the parotid gland on oxidative stress and some trace element levels in the facial nerves of rats.Methods:Twelve male Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups, each consisting of 6 animals. The rats in the first group served as controls. The left parotid glands of animals in the second group were treated with 1000 18‐kV shock waves while anesthetized with ketamine. The animals in both groups were euthanized 72 h after the ESWL treatment, and the right facial nerve was harvested for determination of oxidant/antioxidant status and trace element levels.Results:Lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant glutathione (GSH) levels increased, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), decreased in the facial nerves of ESWL‐treated rats. The levels of iron, lead, manganese, and cobalt increased, and magnesium, cadmium, and copper levels decreased.Conclusions:ESWL treatment of the parotid gland may increase lipid peroxidation and decrease antioxidant enzyme activity in adjacent tissues such as the facial nerve. It also causes a decrease or increase in many mineral levels of the facial nerve, which is an undesirable condition for normal physiological function. Muscle Nerve, 2012
High‐resolution ultrasonography in the assessment of meralgia paresthetica
Authors: Aravindakannan Therimadasamy , Wilder‐Smith Einar P. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Meralgia paresthetica can be difficult to diagnose, as neurophysiological studies are often hard to interpret due to excess fatty tissue and the varying anatomy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the use of high‐resolution ultrasound (HRU) for confirming clinical meralgia paresthetica and compared results with nerve conduction studies. Results: In all 6 patients evaluated, HRUs showed significantly enlarged nerve diameter and in 3 enlarged cross‐sectional area, 4 had absent nerve potentials, and in 2 the potentials could not be recorded on either side. Conclusions: HRU seems promising for confirming meralgia paresthetica and can accurately localize nerve entrapment. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Crystallization behavior and hydrophilicity of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) ternary blends
Authors: Cheng Jing , Wang Shichao , Chen Shuangjun , Zhang Jun , Wang Xiaolin 
Published: October 2011

AbstractTernary blends composed of matrix polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with different proportions of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) blends were prepared by melt mixing. The miscibility, crystallization behavior, mechanical properties and hydrophilicity of the ternary blends have been investigated. The high compatibility of PVDF/PMMA/PVP ternary blends is induced by strong interactions between the carbonyl groups of the PMMA/PVP blend and the CF2 or CH2 group of PVDF. According to the Fourier transform infrared and wide‐angle X‐ray difffraction analyses, the introduction of PMMA does not change the crystalline state (i.e. α phase) of PVDF. By contrast, the addition of PVP in the blends favors the transformation of the crystalline state of PVDF from non‐polar α to polar β phase. Moreover, the crystallinity of the PVDF/PMMA/PVP ternary blends also decreases compared with neat PVDF. Through mechanical analysis, the elongation at break of the blends significantly increases to more than six times that of neat PVDF. This confirms that the addition of the PMMA/PVP blend enhances the toughness of PVDF. Besides, the hydrophilicity of PVDF is remarkably improved by blending with PMMA/PVP; in particular when the content of PVP reaches 30 wt%, the water contact angle displays its lowest value which decreased from 91.4° to 51.0°. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of pH and ionic strength on the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in poly(acrylic acid) solutions
Authors: Shieh Yeong‐Tarng , Chen Jin‐Yu , Twu Yawo‐Kuo , Chen Wen‐Jang 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe dispersion of three kinds of acid‐treated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) aqueous solution of different pH and ionic strengths (varied by NaCl, KCl and ZnCl2) was investigated by visual observation, zeta potential, particle size analysis, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Visual observation revealed that the dispersion of CNTs acid treated at 60 °C for 3 h and at 80 °C for 2 h was poor in aqueous solutions with pH < 2 or pH > 12. The poor dispersion of acid‐treated CNTs may be improved by adding PAA. In particular, PAA improved the dispersion of CNTs with greater COOH content. In a low pH solution (pH 1.5), a higher PAA content resulted in poorer CNT dispersion while in a high pH solution (pH 12.5), a higher PAA content led to better CNT dispersion. For superior dispersion in a basic aqueous solution (pH 12.5), experimental data showed that a greater atomic radius or a higher cationic charge of the added salt may result in faster aggregation and thus precipitation of CNTs. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐rate deposition of a‐Si:H thin layers for high‐performance silicon heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Liu Chie‐Sheng , Wu Chia‐Yin , Chen Ian‐Wei , Lee Hseuh‐Chuan , Hong Lu‐Sheng 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we describe a technique for high‐quality interface passivation of n‐type crystalline silicon wafers through the growth of hydrogenated amorphous Si (a‐Si:H) thin layers using conventional plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition. We investigated the onset of crystallization of the a‐Si:H layers at various deposition rates and its effect on the surface passivation properties. Epitaxial growth occurred, even at a low substrate temperature of 90 °C, when the deposition rate was as low as 0·5 Å/s; amorphous growth occurred at temperatures up to 150 °C at a higher deposition rate of 4·2 Å/s. After optimizing the intrinsic a‐Si:H layer deposition conditions and then subjecting the sample to post‐annealing treatment, we achieved a very low surface recombination velocity (7·6 cm/s) for a double‐sided intrinsic a‐Si:H coating on an n‐type crystalline silicon wafer. Under the optimized conditions, we achieved an untextured heterojunction cell efficiency of 16·7%, with a high open‐circuit voltage (694 mV) on an n‐type float‐zone Si substrate. On a textured wafer, the cell efficiency was further enhanced to 19·6%. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlling electrospun nanofiber morphology and mechanical properties using humidity
Authors: Huang Liwei , Bui Nhu‐Ngoc , Manickam Seetha S. , McCutcheon Jeffrey R. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractElectrospinning is a fiber spinning technique used to produce nanoscale polymeric fibers with superior interconnectivity and specific surface area. The fiber diameter, surface morphology, and mechanical strength are important properties of electrospun fibers that can be tuned for diverse applications. In this study, the authors investigate how the humidity during electrospinning influences these specific properties of the fiber mat. Using two previously uninvestigated polymers, poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) and polysulfone (PSU) dissolved in N,N‐Dimethylformamide (DMF), experimental results show that increasing humidity during spinning causes an increase in fiber diameter and a decrease in mechanical strength. Moreover, surface features such as roughness or pores become evident when electrospinning in an atmosphere with high relative humidity (RH). However, PAN and PSU fibers are affected differently. PAN has a narrower distribution of fiber diameter regardless of the RH, whereas PSU has a wider and more bimodal distribution under high RH. In addition, PSU fibers spun at high humidity exhibit surface pores and higher specific surface area whereas PAN fibers exhibit an increased surface roughness but no visible pores. These fiber morphologies are caused by a complex interaction between the nonsolvent (water), the hygroscopic solvent (DMF), and the polymer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Magnetic field alignment of block copolymers and polymer nanocomposites: Scalable microstructure control in functional soft materials
Authors: Majewski Pawel W. , Gopinadhan Manesh , Osuji Chinedum O. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBlock copolymers (BCPs) offer an exciting range of structures and functions that are of potential utility in existing as well as emerging technologies. Although this is generally acknowledged, with few exceptions, viable strategies for establishing scalable and robust control of BCP microstructure are underdeveloped. Magnetic field alignment offers great potential in this regard. The physics bears much in common with electric field alignment, but the absence of dielectric breakdown concerns and the more flexible, space pervasive nature of magnetic fields make it possible to design processes for high‐throughput fabrication of well‐ordered films with appropriate materials. In this perspective, we highlight the use of magnetic fields for control of microstructure in BCPs as well as polymer nanocomposites involving anisotropic nanomaterials. A brief review of efforts to date is given. Open questions related to field‐polymer interactions and future directions for magnetic alignment of these systems are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Free Radicals Generated by Ion Bombardment of a Semi‐Crystalline PEEK Surface
Authors: Awaja Firas , Zhang Shengnan , James Natalie , McKenzie David R. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThin films of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) were ion bombarded using a plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) process in Ar and CH4/O2 plasmas. Free radicals generated by the treatment were detected using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Several types of radicals were observed after the Ar and CH4/O2 PIII treatment, including carbon‐centred (alkyl) and oxygen‐centred radicals. A higher density of radicals was found after CH4/O2 treatment than after Ar treatment, largely because of an increase in oxygen radicals. The increase in radical intensity was attributed partly to additional radicals contained in a nano‐layer deposited by the CH4/O2 PIII treatment. Ar PIII treatment is believed to generate oxygen‐containing radicals as a result of reactions with oxygen in the environment. A strong correlation was observed between the free radical density and the autohesive bonding strength developed between two treated PEEK surfaces.magnified image
Venous thromboembolism in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Takemoto Clifford M. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increasing in the pediatric population. Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) have an increased risk of thrombosis due to central venous catheters (CVCs), as well as acquired thrombophilia secondary to inflammation, or deficiencies of anticoagulant proteins due to vitamin K deficiency and/or liver dysfunction. CVC‐associated thrombosis commonly results in line occlusion, but may develop into serious life‐threatening conditions such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT), superior vena cava syndrome or pulmonary embolism (PE). Post‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS) may be a long complication. Local occlusion of the catheter tip may be managed with instillation of thrombolytics (such as tPA) within the lumen of the catheter; however, CVC‐associated thrombosis involving the proximal veins is most often is treated with systemic anticoagulation. Initial treatment with heparin is a standard approach, but thrombolytic therapy, which may carry higher bleeding risks, should be considered for life and limb threatening episodes of VTE. Recommended duration of anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or warfarin ranges from 3 to 6 months for major removable thrombotic risks; longer anticoagulation is considered for recurrent thrombosis, major persistent thrombophilia, or the continued presence of a major risk factor such as a CVC. While CVCs are the most common risk for development of VTE in children, studies have not demonstrated a clear benefit with routine use of systemic thromboprophylaxis. The incidence and risk factors of VTE in CF patients will be reviewed and principles of diagnosis and management will be summarized. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:105–112. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Septin localization in the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: Reis T. F. , Basso L. R. , Oliveira R. R. , Coelho P. S. R. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractSeptins are evolutionarily conserved proteins that contain a GTPase domain and are capable of forming filaments at the cell periphery. Septins are involved in many essential cellular processes, such as cytokinesis and cell polarization, and are used as markers of morphogenesis in several fungi. Dimorphism in fungi enables cells to switch between morphologies (yeast or filament forms), due to changes in the temperature of the environment. We analysed the localization of septin proteins in yeast and filamentous cells of the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a common cause of granulomatous mycosis. In order to determine septin localization, we first cloned Cdc12p, a septin homolog from P. brasiliensis, and expressed it in Escherichia coli. Following PbCdc12p purification, specific serum against PbCdc12p were raised for use in immunofluorescence assays. We observed the hourglass and ring forms of septin filaments during cell division in yeast. Septin filaments were also simultaneously localized in the necks of multiple budding cells. A distinctive pattern of punctuate and/or diffuse localization was also seen in the periphery of multinucleate yeast cells and at the tips and septa of filamentous cells. A more diffuse and punctuate pattern of localization observed in P. brasiliensis cells seems to be unique to filamentous and dimorphic fungi and may be related to their specialization in cell wall deposition, morphogenesis and cell cycle control. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of corporate governance in the write‐off decision
Authors: Minnick Kristina 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe recent popularity of write‐offs allows for examination of the role governance plays in the write‐off decision. I find that well governed companies are more likely to announce write‐offs. Additionally, better governed firms announce smaller write‐offs relative to poorly governed firms. The evidence also indicates that the stocks of well governed firms experience announcement abnormal returns that are over six percent higher than those of poorly governed firms. The results suggest better governed firms take a pro‐active approach to reveal bad news early, and thereby mitigate further uncertainty for investors.
Irukandji Sydrome in the Torres Strait: A Series of 8 Cases
Authors: McIver Lachlan J. , Tjhung Irene G. , Parish Shaun T. , Derkenne Ruth C. , Kippin Alexander N. 
Published: October 2011

Objective To review the presentations of a series of patients with suspected Irukandji syndrome in the Torres Strait, where the syndrome has hitherto been unknown or undocumented, in order to identify at-risk groups and improve the management of this condition in the region. Methods A mixed retrospective-prospective review of eight cases of patients with suspected Irukandji syndrome in the Torres Strait, with a focus on the differences between the clinical presentations and patient outcomes. Results Irukandji syndrome is the most likely explanation, based on current knowledge, of this series of marine envenomation syndromes in the Torres Strait. The syndrome appears to be more common in the monsoon season and young, Torres Strait Islander males likely represent a high-risk group in the region. Conclusions The Torres Strait can be added to the growing list of regions where Irukandji syndrome has been documented. The clinical picture, including time to onset of symptoms, constellation of symptoms and signs, analgesic requirement and time to recovery, can differ markedly between patients. There is a need for health promotion and education of health staff and the public regarding the risks, symptoms and signs of this condition. There is also a clear need for the use of case definitions and standardised management approaches for Irukandji syndrome, while the health community awaits the results of ongoing research into the pathophysiology and improved treatments for this interesting but dangerous tropical marine envenomation syndrome.
Size-structure patterns of juvenile hard corals in the Maldives
Authors: Cardini Ulisse , Chiantore Mariachiara , Lasagna Roberta , Morri Carla , Bianchi Carlo Nike 
Published: October 2011

In April 2006 and May 2007 abundance data of small coral colonies were collected in the central atolls of the Maldives (N3°35.9–4°26.6 E72°47.3–73°57.5) in order to evaluate variability in hard coral recruitment and post-settlement success. Visual quadrats were randomly placed in two reef typologies (oceanic reef and lagoonal reef) at three different depths. Colonies were conventionally defined as ‘recruits’ when smaller than 5 cm in diameter, whereas the term ‘juveniles’ was reserved for colonies ranging between 5 and 15 cm. Clear differences in the relative importance of the two size-classes across the three different depths and the two reef typologies were found. A size-structure index (SsI%), based on abundance data, was calculated in order to evaluate the percentage of ‘recruits’ out of the total juvenile hard corals.SsI%values differed between reef typologies and according to depth zones with a higher percentage of ‘recruits’ found in shallow oceanic reefs. Physical and ecological differences between the two reef typologies according to depth are presumed to cause different success in the settlement of new colonies and their survival during growth. Coupled with the usual estimates of hard coral cover,SsI%may represent a useful tool for monitoring, and be effective for the quick assessment of coral reef recovery after disturbances.
Psychotic-like experiences in a community sample of 8000 children aged 9 to 11 years: an item response theory analysis
Authors: Laurens K. R. , Hobbs M. J. , Sunderland M. , Green M. J. , Mould G. L. 
Published: October 2011

BackgroundPsychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in the general population are common, particularly in childhood, and may constitute part of a spectrum of normative development. Nevertheless, these experiences confer increased risk for later psychotic disorder, and are associated with poorer health and quality of life.MethodThis study used factor analytic methods to determine the latent structure underlying PLEs, problem behaviours and personal competencies in the general child population, and used item response theory (IRT) to assess the psychometric properties of nine PLE items to determine which items best represented a latent psychotic-like construct (PSY). A total of 7966 children aged 9–11 years, constituting 95% of eligible children, completed self-report questionnaires.ResultsAlmost two-thirds of the children endorsed at least one PLE item. Structural analyses identified a unidimensional construct representing psychotic-like severity in the population, the full range of which was well sampled by the nine items. This construct was discriminable from (though correlated with) latent dimensions representing internalizing and externalizing problems. Items assessing visual and auditory hallucination-like experiences provided the most information about PSY; delusion-like experiences identified children at more severe levels of the construct.ConclusionsAssessing PLEs during middle childhood is feasible and supplements information concerning internalizing and externalizing problems presented by children. The hallucination-like experiences constitute appropriate items to screen the population to identify children who may require further clinical assessment or monitoring. Longitudinal follow-up of the children is required to determine sensitivity and specificity of the PLE items for later psychotic illness.
Which supranational sovereignty? Criminal and socioeconomic justice compared
Authors: ORRÙ ELISA , RONZONI MIRIAM 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe idea that transnational dynamics challenge the regulatory capacity of the state has hardly ever received as much attention as in contemporary debates. Different voices denounce the crisis of the state and advocate the establishment of supranational institutions with legally coercive power. It is tempting to jump to the conclusion that these voices are concerned with the same cluster of problems. We think that one should resist this temptation. Firstly, not all theproblemspointed out by the advocates of supranational sovereignty are of the same kind and structure. Some concern the need to limit the power of states, whereas others address the almost opposite necessity to support and strengthen their problem-solving capacity through forms of international regulation. Secondly, the correspondingsolutionsare different. In particular, although they may all imply the establishment ofsupranationalinstitutions, not all such institutions need beglobal. The creation of a full-blown global rule of criminal law, for instance, would raise serious concerns of global despotism and cultural imperialism, and we therefore make a case forregionaland context-sensitive solutions in this case. However, problems of supranational socioeconomic justice can only be addressed through global regulatory institutions, for regional institutions would, in this case, only recreate current problems at the interregional level.