bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
X-ray phase contrast and fluorescence nanotomography for material studies
Authors: Suhonen Heikki , Xu Feng , Helfen Lukas , Ferrero Claudio , Vladimirov Pavel , Cloetens Peter 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe macroscopic properties of many materials are determined by structural features spanning a wide range of length scales. The nano-imaging endstation ID22NI of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility is optimized for nanoscale imaging (X-ray focus size well below 100 nm) at high X-ray energy (17 – 29 keV), making it possible to study the interior of dense samples with a millimetric size. Computed tomography and computed laminography setups allow three dimensional imaging of a wide variety of samples, laminography being especially suited for non-destructive imaging of flat samples. The focused X-rays are used as a scanning probe for fluorescence tomography, providing sensitivity for elemental composition down to the ppm level. Projection microscopy with phase contrast is used for imaging the electron density in an extremely sensitive way. We demonstrate these capabilities by imaging a Be pebble. We found large scale cracks and nanoporosity (< 1 μm pores). Furthermore, beryllium oxide inclusions could be detected, ranging from 200 nm to several microns in size. Some of the smallest inclusions were located next to a small pore, indicating beryllium oxide formation after solidification of the structure.
Antiviral Activity of Recombinant Mouse β-defensin 3 against Influenza a Virus in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Jiang Yan , Yang De , Li Wanyi , Wang Baoning , Jiang Zhonghua , Li Mingyuan 
Published: February 2012

Background: Influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality. Mammalian β-defensins are small peptides of about 4.5–6 kDa in mass and are effectors of the innate immune response with potent antimicrobial activity. In this paper, we focused on the anti-influenza A activity of the recombinant mouse β-defensin 3 (rMBD-3) in vivo and in vitro. Methods: The rMBD-3 peptide was added to Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells at different stages of influenza A virus (IAV) A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) infection and its virus inhibitory properties were determined. Mice were infected with IAV and treated with rMBD-3 peptide from 12 h post-infection. The effect of rMBD-3 peptide was determined by pulmonary viral load, pathology and mortality. In addition, the expression of interleukin ( IL) -12, interferon ( IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor ( TNF)-α genes in mice with or without rMBD-3 treatment was determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Results: rMBD-3 was shown to protect MDCK cells against IAV infection and had a major role in inhibition of adsorption and uptake by cells infected with IAV. Following the addition of 100 μg/ml rMBD-3 to MDCK cells medium, approximately 80% of cells were protected from infection in vitro. rMBD-3 given by tail vein injection (10 mg/kg/day) was the most effective method to improve the survival rate of the mice. Treatment with rMBD-3 was found to up-regulate IFN-γ and IL-12 gene expression, but reduced expression of the TNF-α gene. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that rMBD-3 possesses anti-influenza virus activity both in vivo and in vitro that might be of therapeutic use.
The Role of Parents and Related Factors on Adolescent Computer Use
Authors: Epstein Jennifer A. 
Published: February 2012

Background Research suggested the importance of parents on their adolescents’ computer activity. Spending too much time on the computer for recreational purposes in particular has been found to be related to areas of public health concern in children/adolescents, including obesity and substance use. Design and Methods The goal of the research was to determine the association between recreational computer use and potentially linked factors (parental monitoring, social influences to use computers including parents, age of first computer use, self-control, and particular internet activities). Participants (aged 13-17 years and residing in the United States) were recruited via the Internet to complete an anonymous survey online using a survey tool. The target sample of 200 participants who completed the survey was achieved. The sample's average age was 16 and was 63% girls. Results A set of regressions with recreational computer use as dependent variables were run. Conclusions Less parental monitoring, younger age at first computer use, listening or downloading music from the internet more frequently, using the internet for educational purposes less frequently, and parent's use of the computer for pleasure were related to spending a greater percentage of time on non-school computer use. These findings suggest the importance of parental monitoring and parental computer use on their children's own computer use, and the influence of some internet activities on adolescent computer use. Finally, programs aimed at parents to help them increase the age when their children start using computers and learn how to place limits on recreational computer use are needed.
Autologous conjunctival epithelium transplantation and scleral patch graft for postlensectomy wound leakage in Marfan syndrome
Authors: Mancino Raffaele , Aiello Francesco , Ceccarelli Simona , Marchese Cinzia , Varesi Chiara , Nucci Carlo , Cerulli Luciano 
Published: February 2012

Purpose We report a case of woman with Marfan syndrome and longstanding postlensectomy scleral wound dehiscence. Methods A 34-year-old woman with Marfan syndrome who underwent lensectomy 20 years ago had conjunctival leakage with chronic hypotony and conjunctival cystic degeneration secondary to scleral wound dehiscence. Presentation, clinical evaluation, and particular treatment with autologous cultivated conjunctival epithelium transplantation and scleral patch graft are described. Results A 6-month follow-up confirmed complete epithelization of the ocular surface and absence of leaking from the wound with normal intraocular pressure. Conclusions Transplantation of autologous cultivated conjunctival epithelium appears to be a valid strategy in the treatment of ocular disease requiring extensive excision of the conjunctiva.
Polyrotaxanes
Authors: Harada Akira , Hashidzume Akihito , Yamaguchi Hiroyasu , Takashima Yoshinori 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA large number of examples of polyrotaxanes have been reported. These examples include various macrocycles, for example, crown ethers, cyclophanes, calyx[n]arenas, cyclodextrins (CDs), cucurbiturils, cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene), and pillararenes, and numerous types of axes depending on the macrocycles. Polyrotaxanes are categorized into two classes based on their structure: main‐chain polyrotaxanes and side‐chain polyrotaxanes. In the former, macrocyles include the polymer main chain, whereas side chains in the latter. This review shows typical examples of main‐chain and side‐chain polyrotaxanes, mainly focusing on CDs.
Fluorescence of Colloidal Gold Nanoparticles is Controlled by the Surface Adsorbate
Authors: Goldys Ewa M. , Sobhan Mushtaq A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractFluorescent gold nanoparticles are important biological labels, in particular for combined optical and electron microscopy. It is reported that density and type of surface ligands have key influence on the dominant UV‐vis fluorescence band in positively and negatively charged gold nanoparticles capped with citrate, gold oxide, and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The peak excitation and emission energies and fluorescence intensities vary with nanoparticle size, reflecting changes in surface charge and surface potential as well as a varying density of surface adsorbates. The fluorescence peak shifts, the evolution of zeta potentials, and fluorescence intensity trends are explained by a model of the principal fluorescence transitions that takes into account the nanoparticle surface conditions, such as the adhesion of ligands. Varying surface ligands is a simple strategy to optimize fluorescence intensity and to design spectral properties of gold nanoparticles.
High Energy Density Supercapacitor Based on a Hybrid Carbon Nanotube–Reduced Graphite Oxide Architecture
Authors: Jha Neetu , Ramesh Palanisamy , Bekyarova Elena , Itkis Mikhail E. , Haddon Robert C. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA high energy density supercapacitor device is reported that utilizes hybrid carbon electrodes and the ionic liquid, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4) as an electrolyte. The hybrid electrodes are prepared from reduced graphite oxide (rGO) and purified single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). A simple casting technique gives the hybrid structure with optimum porosity and functionality that provides high energy and power densities. The combination of SWCNTs and rGO in a weight ratio of 1:1 is found to afford a specific capacitance of 222 F g−1 and an energy density of 94 Wh kg−1 at room temperature.
Association of X‐linked hydrocephalus and Hirschsprung disease: Report of a new patient with a mutation in the L1CAM gene
Authors: Fernández Raquel M. , Núñez‐Torres Rocío , García‐Díaz Lutgardo , de Agustín Juan Carlos , Antiñolo Guillermo , Borrego Salud 
Published: February 2012

AbstractX‐linked hydrocephalus (XLH) has an incidence of 1/30,000 male births and is characterized by intellectual disability, spastic paraplegia, adducted thumbs, and agenesis of corpus callosum, and/or corticospinal tract. The great proportion of cases is ascribed to loss of function mutations of L1CAM gene. Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses along a variable portion of the intestinal tract and has incidence of about 1/5,000. Although with several genes involved in its pathogenesis, the major HSCR gene is the RET proto‐oncogene. To date only a few patients have been reported with both phenotypes and mutations in the L1CAM gene. In this report, we describe a new patient with concurrent XLH and HSCR. L1CAM mutational screening showed the presence of the G698R hemizygous mutation, which is a deleterious substitution affecting a key residue necessary for the correct folding of the protein. Moreover, the patient also carried the transcriptional enhancer RET mutation (c.73 + 9277T > C) in heterozygosis. We speculate that both the RET enhancer variant, and the L1CAM mutation may act in combination to produce the enteric phenotype, probably with the participation of other still unidentified molecular events. While it is obvious that additional studies are necessary to further delineate the association between XLH and HSCR in the presence of L1CAM mutations, the documentation of this new patient reinforces the role of this gene acting either in a direct or indirect way in the pathogenesis of Hirschsprung disease. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and properties of the highly porous poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol)/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites prepared by a simple saponification method
Authors: Lee Eun‐Ju , Yoon Jin‐San , Park Eun‐Soo 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMultiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were functionalized by electron‐beam (EB) irradiation in air at room temperature. As the EB dose was increased to 1000 kGy, Fourier transform infrared analysis detected the formation of carbonyl groups in the irradiated MWNTs. Poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol)/MWNT nanocomposite particles were prepared by the incorporation of EB‐irradiated MWNTs in a poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA)/toluene solution and saponification in an ethanol/KOH solution. Scanning electron microscopy observation showed that the nanocomposite particles had a highly porous, spongelike structure of connected matrix polymers and MWNTs. At low EVA/MWNT concentrations, the particles were less porous, and the precipitated polymer phase had a granular structure. At high concentrations, the porosity increased, and the precipitated polymer phase became spongelike. The thermal and mechanical properties and the electrical resistivity change of the prepared nanocomposites were investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Exfoliated/intercalated silicate/hot styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites: Structure–properties relationship
Authors: Díez J. , Barral L. , Bellas R. , López J. , Ramírez C. , Rodríguez A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractRubber nanocomposites based on hot styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) and organophilic layered silicate were prepared via mechanical mixing followed by compression molding. Varying amount of organically modified nanosilicate, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 parts per hundred of rubber (phr), was added to the SBR matrix to examine the influence of nanosilicate on morphology and structure–property relationships. The morphology of nanocomposites was studied by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy which reveal that the nanocomposite contained a good dispersion of intercalated/exfoliated layers through the matrix. The interaction between SBR matrix and nanofiller was studied by infrared spectroscopy. No clear evidence for the formation of new components in the rubber was found but infrared spectroscopy denoted evidence for exfoliation. The reinforcing effect of the nanosilicate was determined by mechanical testing and dynamomechanical analysis. The results indicate that the tensile properties and the storage modulus increased with increasing nanofiller loading. This suggests a strong rubber–nanosilicate interaction which is attributed to the exfoliated/intercalated structure. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that incorporation of organoclay enhances the thermal stability of the nanocomposites. The best thermal stability was observed for nanocomposites containing 5 phr nanosilicate. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Hadrosaurs Were Perennial Polar Residents
Authors: Chinsamy Anusuya , Thomas Daniel B. , Tumarkin‐Deratzian Allison R. , Fiorillo Anthony R. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractRecent biomechanical evidence has fuelled debate surrounding the winter habits of the hadrosaurian dinosaur Edmontosaurus (ca. 70 Ma). Using histological characteristics recorded in bone, we show that polar Edmontosaurus endured the long winter night. In contrast, the bone microstructure of temperate Edmontosaurus is inconsistent with a perennially harsh environment. Differences in the bone microstructure of polar and temperate Edmontosaurus consequently dispute the hypothesis that polar populations were migratory. The overwintering signal preserved in the microstructure of polar Edmontosaurus bone offers significant insight into the life history of dinosaurs within the Late Cretaceous Arctic. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased expression of the integral membrane proteins EGFR and FGFR3 in anti‐apoptotic Chinese hamster ovary cell lines
Authors: Ohsfeldt Erika , Huang Szu‐Han , Baycin‐Hizal Deniz , Kristoffersen Linda , Le Thuy‐My T. , Li Edwin , Hristova Kalina , Betenbaugh Michael J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMembrane proteins such as receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) have a vital role in many cellular functions, making them potential targets for therapeutic research. In this study, we investigated the coexpression of the anti‐apoptosis gene Bcl‐xL with model membrane proteins as a means of increasing membrane protein expression in mammalian cells. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing heterologous Bcl‐xL and wild‐type CHO cells were transfected with either epidermal growth factor receptor or fibroblast growth factor receptor 3. The CHO–Bcl‐xL cell lines showed increased expression of both RTK proteins as compared with the wild‐type CHO cell lines in transient expression analysis, as detected by Western blot and flow cytometry after 15 days of antibiotic selection in stable expression pools. Increased expression was also seen in clonal isolates from the CHO–Bcl‐xL cell lines, whereas the clonal cell line expression was minimal in wild‐type CHO cell lines. Our results demonstrate that application of the anti‐apoptosis gene Bcl‐xL can increase expression of RTK proteins in CHO cells. This approach may be applied to improve stable expression of other membrane proteins in the future using mammalian cell lines with Bcl‐xL or perhaps other anti‐apoptotic genes.
Watching grass grow in Australia: is there sufficient production potential for a biofuel industry?
Authors: Herr Alexander , O'Connell Deborah , Farine Damien , Dunlop Michael , Crimp Steven , Poole Michael 
Published: February 2012

AbstractGrasses could provide an alternative to the use of food crops for biofuel production. Australia has large areas of non‐crop land that already produce grasses. However, there is currently no detailed assessment of Australia's grass production potential for bioenergy or carbon management. This paper provides an overview of grass production potential in Australia. Our approach is based on modeling native grass pastures net primary production (NPP) at a broad scale using the AussieGRASS NPP model. We assess the technical production potential of grasses for the whole of Australia; and, after excluding unsuitable production areas examine the bioenergy feedstock potential in seven regions around Australia. The paper identifies areas for grass feedstock production outside existing cropping and hay production areas. The analysis highlights areas of high production in north‐east Australia around the Tropic of Capricorn. The non‐cleared land in this extensive agricultural zone shows a promising technical production potential (266 Mt y−1) and if 15% of this land's NPP were to be transformed into ethanol, it could replace a significant part (54%) of current Australian petrol demand. We subsequently discuss these modeling results to identify areas for further improvement and future development for this approach that would produce a more robust spatial grass feedstock assessment. The paper investigates only a set of technical constraints for grass production. There will be many other constraints to consider, e.g. competing uses for grass resources from crop and animal production, and conservation needs, which will reduce the possible off‐take of grasses for energy. © 2012 Commonwealth of Australia
Lignocellulosic biomass feedstock transportation alternatives, logistics, equipment configurations, and modeling
Authors: Miao Zewei , Shastri Yogendra , Grift Tony E. , Hansen Alan C. , Ting K.C. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractLignocellulosic biomass feedstock transportation bridges biomass production, transformation, and conversion into a complete bioenergy system. Transportation and associated logistics account for a major portion of the total feedstock supply cost and energy consumption, and therefore improvements in transportation can substantially improve the cost‐competitiveness of the bioenergy sector as a whole. The biomass form, intended end use, supply and demand locations, and equipment and facility availability further affect the performance of the transportation system. The sustainability of the delivery system thus requires optimized logistic chains, cost‐effective transportation alternatives, standardized facility design and equipment configurations, efficient regulations, and environmental impact analysis. These issues have been studied rigorously in the last decade. It is therefore prudent to comprehensively review the existing literature, which can then support systematic design of a feedstock transportation system. The paper reviews the major transportation alternatives and logistics and the implementation of those for various types of energy crops such as energy grasses, short‐rotation woody coppices, and agricultural residue. It emphasizes the importance of performance‐based equipment configuration, standard regulations, and rules for calculating transport cost of delivery systems. Finally, the principles, approaches, and further direction of lignocellulosic feedstock transportation modeling are reviewed and analyzed. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Provider volume and long-term outcome after elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Holt P J E , Karthikesalingam A , Hofman D , Poloniecki J D , Hinchliffe R J , Loftus I M , Thompson M M 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Robust risk-adjusted analyses have demonstrated that a reduction in perioperative mortality is associated with the repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in centres with a high operative caseload (volume). However, the long-term impact of this volume-related effect on mortality remains unknown.

Methods
Demographic and clinical data were extracted from UK Hospital Episodes Statistics for patients undergoing elective repair of an infrarenal AAA from 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2005. The long-term mortality of this cohort was investigated through linkage to the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) registry. Risk-adjusted survival was analysed using Cox proportional hazards modelling to identify the effect of hospital volume on long-term mortality.

Results
A total of 14 396 patients with mean age of 72 years, of whom 85·7 per cent were men, underwent elective repair of an infrarenal AAA in England. They were linked to follow-up using ONS data. Risk-adjusted analysis of all-cause mortality by Cox proportional hazards modelling demonstrated a significant effect of hospital volume across all quintiles up to 2 years (P = 0·013). Remodelling the data after excluding in-hospital mortality still demonstrated the significant effect of hospital volume on late outcome.

Conclusion
There is a long-term benefit to patients who undergo elective AAA repair in a high-volume hospital.
Reversible Synthesis of Sub‐10 nm Spherical and Icosahedral Gold Nanoparticles from a Covalent Au(CN)2− Precursor and Recycling of Cyanide to form Ferric Ferrocyanide for Cell Staining
Authors: Huang Chih‐Chia , Lai Wei‐Cheng , Tsai Chia‐Yi , Yang Chih‐Hui , Yeh Chen‐Sheng 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA solution approach based on Au(CN)2− chemistry is reported for the formation of nanoparticles. The covalent character of the Au(CN)2− precursor was exploited in the formation of sub‐10 nm nanospheres (≈2.4 nm) and highly monodisperse icosahedral Au nanoparticles (≈8 nm) at room temperature in a one‐pot aqueous synthesis. The respective spherical and icosahedral Au morphologies can be controlled by either the absence or presence of the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Using Au(CN)2− as a metal ion source, our findings suggest that the addition of citrate ions is necessary to enhance the particle formation rate as well as to generate a more homogeneous colloidal dispersion. Because of the presence of oxygen and the operation of a CN− etching process associated with Au(CN)2− complex formation, an interesting reversible formation–dissolution process was observed, which allowed us to repeatedly prepare spherical and icosahedral Au nanoparticles. Time‐dependent TEM images and UV/Vis spectra were carefully acquired to study the reversibility of this formation–dissolution process. In view of the accompanying generation of toxic cyanide anions, we have developed a protocol to recycle cyanide in the presence of citrate ions through ferric ferrocyanide formation. After completion of particle formation, the residual solutions containing citrate ions and cyanide ions were processed to stain iron oxide nanoparticles endocytosized in cells. Additionally, the as‐prepared 8 nm Au icosahedra could be isolated and grown to larger 57 nm‐sized icosahedra using the seed‐mediated growth approach.