bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein fraction isolated from epididymal fluid re‐associates sperm in vitro: Possible role of serpins in rat rosettes assembly
Authors: Monclus María A. , Andreina Cesari , Cabrillana María E. , Saez Lancellotti Tania E. , Rensetti Daniel E. , Clementi Marisa A. , Boarelli Paola V. , Vincenti Amanda E. , Fornés Miguel W. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn many mammalian species, sperm associate as a consequence of the epididymal transit. From the classic Rouleaux in guinea pig to the most recent work in mouse and echidna, authors have focused mainly on a detailed morphological description of this phenomenon. Some of these articles have also begun to describe the nature of the material present between sperm heads. Here, we try to better understand the factor/s involved in rat sperm association (Rosette). Based on previous work describing the appearance of Rosettes in the distal segments of the rat epididymis, we consider that sperm during their transit must be in contact with factor/s present in the caudal lumen in order to associate with each other. By an in vitro sperm re‐associating assay, we try to determine the in vivo phenomenon observed in the lumen. The assay consists of co‐incubating non‐associated sperm with several protein fractions obtained from epididymal caudal fluid. After establishing the most active fraction, the proteins were characterized by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. Among the proteins we found two members of the serine protease inhibitors family; an α‐1 antitrypsin and a new protein with an α‐1 antitrypsin like domain which includes a sequence compatible with the serpins' reactive center loop. These serpins may play a role in the assembly/disassembly process of Rosettes by modulating lumenal protease activity. Finally, a biochemical‐morphological model which explains the sperm–proteases interaction was proposed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 410–419, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictors of HAV/HBV vaccination completion among methadone maintenance clients
Authors: Nyamathi Adeline , Sinha Karabi , Greengold Barbara , Cohen Allan , Marfisee Mary 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis randomized, controlled study (N = 256) was conducted to compare three interventions designed to promote hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination completion among clients undergoing methadone maintenance (MM) treatment. Participants were recruited from five MM treatment sites in Southern California and randomized into three groups: Motivational Interviewing‐Single (MI‐Single), Motivational Interviewing‐Group (MI‐Group); and Nurse‐Led Hepatitis Health Promotion (HHP). All were offered the three‐series HAV/HBV vaccine. A total of 148 participants completed the vaccine. Groups did not differ in rate of vaccination completion (73.6%, HHP group, vs. 65% and 69% for the MI‐Single and MI‐Group, respectively). The equivalence of findings across groups suggests the value of including nurses with a comprehensive health focus in promoting vaccination completion. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:120–132, 2010
Selenium in skeletal remains
Authors: Smrčka V. , Edriss A. , Korunová V. , Dobisíková M. , Zocová J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractContents of selenium (Se) were determined in human skeletal remains of prehistoric populations by in situ trapping of Se hydride by ET AAS (atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomisation). Dr Korunová worked out a method of determination of Se in preparation. The method of determination of Se was verified by means of radioactive indicator 75Se incorporated in the tissues of laboratory animals. Detection limit of the method was 23 pg Se.Se is another element suitable for dietary reconstruction in past populations as it relates to the consumption of meat in a similar way to zinc. Through the analysis of Se, we were able to distinguish between Eneolithic archaeological cultures (Corded Ware ceramic, Bell Beaker culture) and Bronze Age cultures (Protounětice, Starounětice, Unětice cultures).Significant differences were found in the levels of Se in the bones of individuals derived from the Bell Beaker and Uneětice Cultures, to the 95% confidence interval. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of cognitive technologies in geriatric rehabilitation: a case study pilot project
Authors: de Oliveira Assis Luciana , Tirado Marcella Guimarães Assis , de Melo Pertence Antônio Eustáquio , Pereira Leani Souza Máximo , Mancini Marisa Cotta 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop and evaluate low‐cost technology for cognitive rehabilitation in older individuals with dementia and document changes stemming from a clinical case study using these tools. An activity board, a calendar, a routine organizer and a software program were used and evaluated by specialists (n = 7). A pre‐post‐case study with an elderly male with dementia was undertaken for four months. All rehabilitation resources were classified as appropriate by the specialists. Post‐intervention scores demonstrated improvement in cognitive functioning and daily activities at home. There is a need for further research to assess the therapeutic effects in patients with dementia applying equipment and software to improve cognitive function. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of magnesium dihydroxide nanoparticles on thermal degradation and flame resistance of PMMA nanocomposites
Authors: Laoutid Fouad , Sonnier Rodolphe , Francois Damien , Bonnaud Leila , Cinausero Nicolas , Cuesta José‐Marie Lopez , Dubois Philippe 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe influence of magnesium dihydroxide (MDH) nanoparticles on thermal degradation and fire behavior of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) has been investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), cone calorimeter, and pyrolysis‐combustion flow calorimeter (PCFC) tests, respectively. MDH nanoparticles with either lamellar or fibrous shape have been synthesized via a sol‐gel technique and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction analysis. PMMA–MDH nanocomposites have been prepared by melt blending the recovered MDH nanoparticles within PMMA at different loadings (5, 10, and 20 wt% MDH). According to TGA results, the incorporation of lamellar or fibrous MDH nanoparticles into PMMA leads to a significant improvement in PMMA thermal stability, both under air and inert atmosphere. The results obtained by PCFC and cone calorimeter tests show an important decrease in the peak of heat release rate (pHRR) concomitant with charring during the combustion. Lamellar MDH nanoparticles were found to be more efficient than fibrous MDH nanoparticles. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is there a role for myeloablative chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic cell rescue in the management of childhood high‐grade astrocytomas?
Authors: Massimino Maura , Cohen Kenneth J. , Finlay Jonathan L. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractHigh‐grade or malignant glioma represent 10% of pediatric brain tumors and are, taken as a whole, the second more frequent malignant histotype after medulloblastoma. Apart from a complete excision followed by full dose local radiotherapy, chemotherapy seems to give some beneficial to final outcome. Different trials have explored the role of high‐dose chemotherapy that theoretically could give an advantage to these patients by overcoming blood–brain barrier, tumor cell chemo‐resistance and inducing a wider number of responses. It is, however, still doubtful if better responses translate into improved outcome and which patients can have a true beneficial from this treatment strategy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:641–643. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors associated with psychoactive drug initiation in a sample of workers in France: results of the VISAT cohort study
Authors: Boeuf‐Cazou O. , Niezborala M. , Marquie J.C. , Lapeyre‐Mestre M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractPurposeTo identify which psychosocial factors at work are associated with the initiation of psychoactive drug use in a cohort of healthy French workers.MethodThis study used data collected from the VISAT (‘Vieillissement, Santé, Travail’) cohort which included workers aged 32, 42, 52 and 62 years in 1996 with follow‐ups conducted over the following 5 years. Data were collected through interviews and five standardized questionnaires in annual occupational medical examinations in 1996, 1999 and 2001. We defined new consumers of psychoactive drugs according to their answers during the follow‐ups and compared their psychosocial and working characteristics to non‐consumers. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate factors related to a psychoactive drug initiation.ResultsAmong 1533 subjects, 5.4% began consuming psychoactive drugs during the follow‐up with a twofold rate for women than for men. Factors related to psychoactive drug initiation were different according to gender. In men, initiation was mainly found in participants who were separated, showed high emotional reaction scores and were members of the white‐collar working class. We did not find any other occupational factors associated to psychoactive drug initiation in men. By contrast, among women, drug initiation was more frequent in participants who were 52 years old and over, and whose job control‐reward level was lower.ConclusionsPsychoactive drug initiation concerned 5.4% of workers within the 5‐year interval in this study. The pressure of psychosocial environment was more important in men, whereas age and work‐related psychosocial factors were the main factors associated with new consumption among women. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
900‐MHz Nonthermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Choi Jun , Mohamed Abdel‐Aleam H , Kang Sung Kil , Woo Kyung Chul , Kim Kyong Tai , Lee Jae Koo 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA portable microwave‐excited atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) using a coaxial transmission line resonator is introduced for applications of plasma biomedicine. Its unique feature includes the portability and no need for matching network and cooling system with high power efficiency, operating at 900 MHz with low ignition power less than 2.5 W in argon at atmospheric pressure. The temperature at the downstream of the APPJ stays less than 47 °C (≈320 K) during 5 min of continuous operation. The optical emission spectrum of the APPJ shows various reactive radicals such as OH, NO, and O which are responsible for biomedicine. The APPJ was applied to investigate the acceleration of blood coagulation, which occurred within 20 s of plasma treatment in vitro and within 1 min in vivo. This is significantly faster than the natural coagulation.magnified image
Effect of face mask dead volume, respiratory rate, and tidal volume on inhaled albuterol delivery
Authors: Chavez Alma , McCracken Andy , Berlinski Ariel 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIntroductionPediatric patients often require metered‐dose inhaler (MDI) with holding chamber (HC) to overcome lack of coordination when receiving inhaled therapy. In infants and young children unable to use a mouthpiece, it is necessary to use a mask interface. We compared the effect of varying mask static dead volume (SDV), respiratory rate (RR), and tidal volume (VT) on albuterol captured at the mouth opening (ACMO) in an in vitro model.MethodsAn Aerochamber Max® without and with three mask sizes (SDV of 10, 36, 85, and 200 ml, respectively) was connected in series to a filter holder and breathing simulator. ACMO was measured at VTs = 36, 72, 145, and 290 ml and RR of 12 and 24. Each experiment comprised 10 puffs run for six respiratory cycles each. Albuterol was quantified via spectrophotometry at 276 nm. A P‐value of 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsIncreasing VT increased ACMO (all SDVs and RRs). Adding SDV decreased ACMO, except for the small mask at VTs = 145 and 290 ml at RR = 12. Increasing SDV decreased ACMO, except at VT = 36 ml (all masks) and VT = 72 ml (small = medium) at RR = 12 and VT = 36 ml (small = other and medium > large) at RR = 24. Increasing RR increased ACMO for all SDVs at VTs = 36 and 72 ml, but not for VTs = 145 and 290 ml, except for no and large mask at VT = 145 ml.ConclusionIn general, decreasing SDV, increasing VT, and increasing RR increase ACMO. Early transition from face mask to mouthpiece should be considered in children receiving albuterol via MDI with HC. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:224–229. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The craniocervical flexion test: intra‐tester reliability in asymptomatic subjects
Authors: James Gill , Doe Tom 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground and Purpose. The deep neck flexor muscles (DNFs) stabilize the cervical spine and cervicogenic pain appears to adversely affect their endurance capacity. They are inaccessible to direct palpation, thereby making assessment difficult. However, the cranio‐cervical flexion test (CCFT) provides an indirect method of assessing the endurance capacity of the DNFs. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the intratester reliability of the CCFT in asymptomatic subjects. Method. The clinical protocol of the CCFT was measured on two occasions with 7 days between measurements. Prior to testing, participants were trained and compensation strategies were corrected. Nineteen asymptomatic participants (mean age 24.9 years; range 22–36) were recruited. Results. The test had excellent intratester reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.983; standard error of the mean = 8.94; smallest real difference = 24.7). A Bland and Altman's limits of agreement analysis confirmed the high reliability of the test. Conclusion. The CCFT results demonstrated excellent intra‐tester reliability in asymptomatic subjects, thus contributing to the normative data regarding the test. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The feet of the measles virus polymerase bind the viral nucleocapsid protein at a single site
Authors: Yegambaram Kavestri , Kingston Richard L. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractMeasles virus has a single‐stranded RNA genome that is organized into a helical complex by the viral N protein. The resulting structure is termed the nucleocapsid and is traversed by the viral polymerase during RNA synthesis. The P protein, the noncatalytic subunit of the polymerase, provides the “legs and feet” that allow the polymerase to walk along its protein‐RNA template. The polymerase feet are very simple three‐helix bundles, only 50 amino acids in size. Previously, we have shown that these feet grasp the viral N protein during movement by attaching to a short sequence (amino acids 487–503) within the disordered and surface‐exposed tail of N, causing it to fold into a helix. The result is a weak‐affinity complex with a short lifetime, which would allow the polymerase to take rapid steps forward. The structure of the complex was determined using X‐ray crystallography. This simple model of binding was challenged by a paper in this journal, claiming that a downstream sequence in the tail of N (amino acids 517–525) was also critical for the association. Its presence was reported to enhance the overall affinity of the polymerase feet for N by three orders of magnitude. We have, therefore, examined binding of the polymerase foot domain to amino acids 477–525 of N using quantitative biophysical techniques, and compared the results to our previous binding studies, performed using amino acids 477–505 of N. We find no evidence that the sequence downstream of amino acid 505 influences binding, validating the original single‐site binding model.
Induced phase cloning in generalized BCS systems
Authors: Ilieva N. , Thirring W. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe discuss a possible mechanism for high‐temperature superconductivity, inspired by typically field‐theoretical arguments. We consider a BCS‐based model in the quasi‐spin formalism, with additional mean‐field dictated self‐interaction. We argue that the structure of the interaction provides a mechanism for control over directions of the spin S other than Sz, which is being controlled via the conventional chemical potential. The phenomenon is possible in a KMS state, that is at non‐zero temperature. We also find the conditions for the appearance of a high‐Tc superconducting phase. The symmetry properties of the model (ODLRO, supersymmetric equivalence in certain limits, both positive and negative values of the mean‐field coupling) are important in the context of the recent string‐theory inspired considerations of superconductivity within the AdS/CFT duality approach.
Simple approach to the hierarchy problem
Authors: Grzadkowski B. , Wudka J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe show that gauge‐singlet real scalars added to the Standard Model can both soften the little hierarchy problem and offer a candidate for Dark Matter. Masses of the scalars are in the 1–3 TeV range, depending on the Higgs boson mass and the number of singlets present. If the scalars couple to the Majorana mass term for right‐handed neutrinos then one neutrino must be massless. The mixing angles are consistent with the tri‐bimaximal mixing.
Minority carrier injection limited current in Re/4H‐SiC Schottky diodes
Authors: Sarpatwari K. , Mohney S. E. , Ashok S. , Awadelkarim O. O. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractCurrent–voltage–temperature, capacitance–voltage, and Fourier transform‐deep level transient spectroscopy (FT‐DLTS) measurements have been employed to gain insights into the conduction mechanism in Re/4H n‐silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky diodes. A power law dependence of current on voltage has been observed in the Re/4H‐SiC Schottky diodes at large forward bias. DLTS studies of the diodes reveal the presence of a deep trap at an energy $E_{\rm c} - E_{\rm t} = 0.6\,{\rm eV}$. The electron trap center is tentatively associated with the prominent Z1 defect level, and the obtained trap density and capture cross‐section values correlate well with available literature values. Excess capacitance has been observed under forward bias suggesting that minority carrier injection is the mechanism responsible for the observed characteristics.
Ambient and temperature dependent electric properties of backgate graphene transistors
Authors: Hummel Christian , Schwierz Frank , Hanisch Antonia , Pezoldt Jörg 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe electrical behavior of backgate graphene field effect (GFET) transistor was studied at different ambient conditions. Backgate p‐channel GFET transistors were fabricated on oxidized silicon wafers by exfoliation of graphite. The carrier mobilities were determined from the measured transconductance. For all ambients investigated (N2, Ar, and air), the graphene transistors show enhanced mobilities at elevated temperatures. This behavior can be explained by a stronger screening of scattering centers, i.e., defects in graphene and at the graphene oxide interface, with increasing temperature. For operation in air the transistors showed a higher transconductance compared to the operation in nitrogen and argon due to the strong acceptor‐like behavior of gases adsorbed on the graphene surface. magnified image
Effect of temperature and ambient on the output characteristic of a backgate GFET.
Effect of Pd doping on the Kondo insulating state in CeRh1−xPdxSb
Authors: Ślebarski Andrzej , Goraus Jerzy 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIt follows from our analysis that the formation of the Kondo insulator (KI) state in CeRh1−xPdxSb is due to the formation of the collective Kondo singlet state. The semiconducting gap in CeRhSb is strongly reduced with Pd substitution, the activated behaviour in the resistivity is observed only for $x\; < \;0.08$. In this paper, we present a schematic phase diagram for CeRh1−xPdxSb on the temperature T−x plane, based on the magnetic susceptibility data and resistivity. For $x \leq 0.06$ the intra‐atomic hybridization energy V dominates the KI ground state. With increase in x the hybridization V is strongly reduced, which leads to metallic properties of CeRh1−xPdxSb.
Planar and local anisotropies in the Kondo necklace model
Authors: Mendoza‐Arenas J. J. , Franco R. , Silva‐Valencia J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractUsing the density matrix renormalization group method, we study the one‐dimensional Kondo necklace model including two anisotropies: η in the XY interaction of the conduction chain, and Δ in the local Kondo coupling between localized and conduction spins. For different values of the anisotropies, we calculate the energy gap and estimate the quantum critical points in which a phase transition from antiferromagnetic to spin liquid states takes place, assuming a Kosterlitz–Thouless‐like behavior. For the case $\eta = 0$, the system remains in a spin liquid state for the different Δ considered, but when $\eta \ne 0$, Δ markedly affects the location of the critical points. We also calculate correlation functions for a specific case, in order to support our gap results.
Gd3+ rattling triggered by a “weak” M–I transition at 140–160 K in the Ce1−xGdxFe4P12 (x ≈ 0.001) skutterudite compounds: An ESR study
Authors: Garcia F. A. , Duque J. G. S. , Pagliuso P. G. , Rettori C. , Fisk Z. , Oseroff S. B. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn this work we report electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements in the semiconducting ${\rm Ce}_{1 - x} {\rm Gd}_x {\rm Fe}_4 {\rm P}_{12}$ ($x \approx 0.001$) filled skutterudite compounds. Investigation of the temperature (T) dependence of the ESR spectra and relaxation process suggests, that in the T‐interval of 140–160 K, the onset of a “weak” metal–insulator (M–I) transition takes place due to the increasing density of thermally activated carriers across the semiconducting gap of $\approx 1500$ K. In addition, the observed low‐T fine and hyperfine structures start to collapse at $T \approx 140\,{\rm K}$ and is completely absent for T ≳ 160 K. We claim that the increasing carrier density is able to trigger the rattling of the Gd3+ ions which in turn is responsible, via a motional narrowing mechanism, for the collapse of the ESR spectra.
Study of in‐plane upper critical fields in noncentrosymmetric superconductors CeRhSi3 and CeIrSi3 near quantum criticality
Authors: Tada Yasuhiro , Kawakami Norio , Fujimoto Satoshi 
Published: February 2010

AbstractUpper critical fields Hc2 in noncentrosymmetric superconductors CeRhSi3 and CeIrSi3 for $H \bot \hat {z}$ are investigated by taking into account both electron correlation effects and higher Landau levels. $H_{{\rm c}2} \bot \hat {z}$ is determined mainly by the Pauli depairing effects and almost independent of the applied pressure, in contrast to the $H_{{\rm c}2} \parallel \hat {z}$ which is governed by the orbital depairing effects and enhanced near the antiferromagnetic quantum critical point. Such a difference in the mechanism of the pair breaking effects is characteristic of the compounds, and can lead to the anisotropic Hc2 observed in the experiments.
Magnetic impurity transition in a (d + s)‐wave superconductor
Authors: Borkowski L. S. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe consider the superconducting state of $d + s$ symmetry with finite concentration of Anderson impurities in the limit $\Delta _s /\Delta _d \ll 1$. The model consists of a BCS‐like term in the Hamiltonian and the Anderson impurity treated in the self‐consistent large‐N mean field approximation. Increasing impurity concentration or lowering the ratio $\Delta _s /\Delta _d$ drives the system through a transition from a state with two sharp peaks at low energies and exponentially small density of states at the Fermi level to one with $N(0) \simeq (\Delta _s /\Delta _d )^2$. This transition is discontinuous if the energy of the impurity resonance is the smallest energy scale in the problem.