bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Te/Zn flux ratio on aluminium doped ZnTe grown by MBE on GaSb substrates
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Liu Xinyu , DiNezza Michael J. , Fan Jin , Ding D. , Furdyna Jacek K. , Zhang Yong‐Hang 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAluminum doped ZnTe epitaxial layers have been grown on GaSb substrates by molecular beam epitaxy under different Te/Zn flux ratios, while the flux ratio is varied by keeping Te flux constant and changing Zn flux. The Te/Zn flux ratio ∼0.9 leads to the narrowest full width at half maximum of x‐ray diffraction rocking curve. Indium deposition is applied to improve the contact conductivity, characterized by current‐voltage measurements. The effect of annealing in forming gas (5% H2+ 95% Ar) has been studied and the secondary ion mass spectrometry results indicate Zn vacancies are suppressed in the order of 2 magnitudes by decreasing Te/Zn flux ratio from 2 to 0.5. This study assists the understanding and realization of effective n‐type doping of ZnTe by the approach of suppressing Zn vacancies (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A simple method for the removal of dissolved organic matter and δ15N analysis of NO3– from freshwater
Authors: Huber Benjamin , Bernasconi Stefano M. , Pannatier Elisabeth Graf , Luster Jörg 
Published: May 2012

RATIONALEStable isotopes of nitrogen in nitrate (NO3–) are frequently used to identify nitrate sources and to study nitrogen (N) transformation processes, but the measurement methods available are generally rather labor intensive and/or costly, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) can interfere with the δ15N signature of nitrate. We therefore have developed a simple cleanup procedure for freshwater samples with low nitrate and high DOM concentrations.METHODSNitrate and DOM are extracted from a freeze‐dried water sample by using a concentrated sodium hydroxide solution. By the subsequent addition of acetone, two liquid layers are formed, and nitrate migrates into the acetone while DOM remains in the concentrated NaOH solution, thus separating the nitrate from the DOM. For nitrogen isotope analysis, purified nitrate salts are combusted at 1030 °C to produce N2 gas in an elemental analyzer (EA) coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS).RESULTSWith this novel technique up to 99% of DOM could be removed from river water and soil solutions. The method has been tested for sample amounts as small as 4 µmol NO3– with a precision of <0.1‰ (1SD). Nitrate standards are reproduced accurately without any blank correction.CONCLUSIONSThe benefits of this method are the lack of interferences derived from DOM on the δ15N signature and the ease of sample preparation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Master–slave robotic platform and its feasibility study for micro‐neurosurgery
Authors: Mitsuishi Mamoru , Morita Akio , Sugita Naohiko , Sora Shigeo , Mochizuki Ryo , Tanimoto Keiji , Baek Young Min , Takahashi Hiroki , Harada Kanako 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundMicrosurgery is a widely performed process in neurosurgery. However, it is difficult for surgeons because manipulating small and long instruments under a microscope often restricts dexterity. Hand tremors are also an issue, as the accuracy required for microsurgery is very high.MethodA master–slave robotic platform has been developed for neurosurgery. A position–orientation decoupled design was employed to enhance positioning accuracy, and a smooth trajectory generation method was developed.ResultThe robotic tasks exhibited improved positioning accuracy compared to manual tasks. Anastomoses of 0.3 and 0.5 mm artificial vessels were successfully performed in end‐to‐end and end‐to‐side fashion.ConclusionWith the robotic platform, the surgeon was able to perform a fine and complex task, which is very difficult with manual operation. The robotic system showed sufficient accuracy and dexterity, but with a longer task completion time. Further improvement of the dexterity and user interface is expected to realize better performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound predict histopathological findings of uterine fibroids? A preliminary study
Authors: Minsart A.‐F. , Ntoutoume Sima F. , Vandenhoute K. , Jani J. , Van Pachterbeke C. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo compare three‐dimensional (3D) power Doppler sonographic characteristics of fibroids with histopathological parameters.MethodsWe evaluated sonographically 73 fibroids before myomectomy or hysterectomy. For each, the total fibroid volume, a shell of 3  mm and a 1‐cm3 spherical sample from the most vascularized area on subjective assessment were captured. 3D power Doppler vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were generated in the acquired volumes. The degree of cellularity, ischemic necrosis and fibrosclerosis, as well as CD31 and Ki‐67 staining for vascular density and proliferation index, respectively, were estimated using the surgical sample. Pathological data were considered as dependent variables and ultrasound data as independent variables in multivariable logistic regression models including patients' characteristics.ResultsA high histological ‘cellular activity score’, combining hypercellularity, a fibrosclerosis rate < 25% and positive Ki‐67 staining, was statistically related in multivariate analyses to high 3D power Doppler VI in spherical samples (odds ratio (OR), 1.1 (95% CI, 1.0–1.3), P < 0.05) and VFI (OR, 1.3 (95% CI, 1.0–1.8), P < 0.05). Positive CD31 staining was statistically related to high 3D power Doppler VI in spherical samples (OR, 1.1 (95% CI, 1.0–1.3), P < 0.05). In contrast, ischemic necrosis was statistically related to low 3D power Doppler VI in the total volume (OR, 0.6 (95% CI, 0.4–1.0), P < 0.05) and VFI (OR, 0.4 (95% CI, 0.1–1.1), P < 0.05).ConclusionVascular density, ischemic necrosis and histological cellular activity score are statistically significantly associated with some 3D power Doppler indices. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organogenesis of the vertebrate heart
Authors: Miquerol Lucile , Kelly Robert G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractOrganogenesis of the vertebrate heart involves a complex sequence of events initiating with specification and differentiation of myocardial and endocardial cells in anterior lateral mesoderm shortly after gastrulation, followed by formation and rightward looping of the early heart tube. During looping, the heart tube elongates by addition of second heart field progenitor cells from adjacent pharyngeal mesoderm at the arterial and venous poles. Progressive differentiation is controlled by intercellular signaling events between pharyngeal mesoderm, foregut endoderm, and neural crest‐derived mesenchyme. Regulated patterns of myocardial gene expression and proliferation within the embryonic heart drive morphogenesis of atrial and ventricular chambers, while cardiac cushions, precursors of the definitive valves, form in the atrioventricular and outflow regions. In amniotes, separate systemic and pulmonary circulatory systems arise by septation and remodeling events that divide the atria and ventricles into left and right chambers. Cardiac neural crest cells play a key role in dividing the arterial pole of the heart into the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk. During the remodeling phase the definitive cardiac conduction system, that coordinates the heartbeat, is established. In addition, the epicardium, critical for regulated ventricular growth and development of the coronary vasculature, spreads over the surface of the heart as an epithelium from which cells invade the myocardium to give rise to diverse cell types including fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. Cardiogenesis thus involves highly coordinated development of multiple cell types and insight into the different lineage contributions and molecular regulation of each of these steps is expanding rapidly.WIREs Dev Biol2013, 2:17–29. doi: 10.1002/wdev.68This article is categorized under:Vertebrate Organogenesis > Musculoskeletal and Vascular
Rare syndromes of the head and face—Pierre Robin sequence
Authors: Tan Tiong Yang , Farlie Peter G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPierre Robin sequence (PRS) is an association of clinical features consisting of mandibular hypoplasia, cleft secondary palate, and glossoptosis leading to obstructive apnea and feeding difficulties. PRS can occur as an isolated condition or can be found in association with a range of other features in a number of conditions including Treacher collins and Stickler syndromes. The frequent association of the PRS triad suggests a common underlying developmental mechanism which impacts on each of these tissues. Isolated PRS is typically sporadic but when familial usually exhibits autosomal dominant inheritance. The term PRS is applied on the basis of the pattern of malformation rather than etiology and growing evidence indicates that the initiating genetic lesion is variable. Various chromosomal anomalies have been associated with PRS including loci on chromosomes 2, 4, and 17. Associations with genes including SOX9, a number of collagen genes and work with animal models suggest the phenotype derives from a cartilage defect during early facial growth. However, alternative theories have been proposed and these highlight the difficulty of characterising congenital anomalies of craniofacial development in which multiple etiologies can result in very similar phenotypes. WIREs Dev Biol 2013, 2:369–377. doi: 10.1002/wdev.69For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Understanding multimodal biological decisions from single cell and population dynamics
Authors: Selvarajoo Kumar 
Published: May 2012

AbstractModern techniques on single‐cell and ‐molecule resolution reveal that gene and protein expressions between cells of an otherwise identical group are stochastic in time, and clonal population of cells display heterogeneity in the abundance of a given protein per cell at any measured time. Today, combinatorially, stochasticity and heterogeneity are considered as biological noise and are essential for generating phenotypic variations, cell fate decisions and amplification of molecular signals. Here, several works from experimental and theoretical aspects that show multimodal biological decisions at single cell and population level are reviewed. The emerging lessons from these studies suggest that, for yielding multimodal decisions, living systems are guided by well‐defined nonlinear deterministic processes which are sensitive to specific range of biological parameters. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012 doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1175This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Fates
Mg3[M(CN)6]2·xH2O with M = Fe, Co: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Hydrogen Sorption
Authors: Jiménez‐Gallegos Juan , Roque Jorge , Yee‐Madeira Hernani , Reguera Edilso 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe titled materials were obtained neutralizing in situ prepared aqueous solutions of H3[M(CN)6] (M = Fe, Co) by adding Mg(OH)2 and evaporating the solvent under vacuum. Their crystal structure was solved and refined from powder X‐ray diffraction data. The two solids crystallize with a cubic unit cell, in the Pm$\bar{3}$m space group, which corresponds to an ordered distribution of [M(CN)6] vacancies. The materials structure is preserved when the crystal water is removed by moderated heating. The formed open porous framework was evaluated from nitrogen and hydrogen adsorption isotherms. The amount of hydrogen adsorbed is similar to that found for transition metal Prussian blue analogues. The structural study was complemented with infrared, thermo‐gravimetric, and Mössbauer spectroscopy data.
Production of a thermostable alcohol dehydrogenase from Rhodococcus ruber in three different yeast species using the Xplor®2 transformation/expression platform
Authors: Giersberg Martin , Degelmann Adelheid , Bode Rüdiger , Piontek Michael , Kunze Gotthard 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The Xplor®2 transformation/expression platform was employed for comparative assessment of three different yeast species as hosts for synthesis of a thermostable nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent medium-chain alcohol dehydrogenase from Rhodococcus ruber strain 219. Using yeast ribosomal DNA (rDNA) integrative expression cassettes (YRCs) and yeast integrative expression cassettes (YICs) equipped with a selection-marker module and one, two or four expression modules for transformation of auxotrophic Arxula adeninivorans, Hansenula polymorpha, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, quantitative comparison of the yield of recombinant alcohol dehydrogenase RR-ADH6Hp in all three species was carried out. In all cases, the RR-ADH6H gene was expressed under the control of the strong constitutive A. adeninivorans-derived TEF1 promoter, which functions in all yeast species analyzed. Recombinant RR-ADH6Hp accumulated intracellularly in all strains tested. The best yields of active enzyme were obtained from A. adeninivorans, with S. cerevisiae producing intermediate amounts. Although H. polymorpha was the least efficient producer overall, the product obtained was most similar to the enzyme synthesized by R. ruber 219 with respect to its thermostability.
Attitudes and Practices Among Internists Concerning Genetic Testing
Authors: Klitzman Robert , Chung Wendy , Marder Karen , Shanmugham Anita , Chin Lisa J. , Stark Meredith , Leu Cheng‐Shiun , Appelbaum Paul S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMany questions remain concerning whether, when, and how physicians order genetic tests, and what factors are involved in their decisions. We surveyed 220 internists from two academic medical centers about their utilization of genetic testing. Rates of genetic utilizations varied widely by disease. Respondents were most likely to have ordered tests for Factor V Leiden (16.8 %), followed by Breast/Ovarian Cancer (15.0 %). In the past 6 months, 65 % had counseled patients on genetic issues, 44 % had ordered genetic tests, 38.5 % had referred patients to a genetic counselor or geneticist, and 27.5 % had received ads from commercial labs for genetic testing. Only 4.5 % had tried to hide or disguise genetic information, and <2 % have had patients report genetic discrimination. Only 53.4 % knew of a geneticist/genetic counselor to whom to refer patients. Most rated their knowledge as very/somewhat poor concerning genetics (73.7 %) and guidelines for genetic testing (87.1 %). Most felt needs for more training on when to order tests (79 %), and how to counsel patients (82 %), interpret results (77.3 %), and maintain privacy (80.6 %). Physicians were more likely to have ordered a genetic test if patients inquired about genetic testing (p < .001), and if physicians had a geneticist/genetic counselor to whom to refer patients (p < .002), had referred patients to a geneticist/genetic counselor in the past 6 months, had more comfort counseling patients about testing (p < .019), counseled patients about genetics, larger practices (p < .032), fewer African‐American patients (p < .027), and patients who had reported genetic discrimination (p < .044). In a multiple logistic regression, ordering a genetic test was associated with patients inquiring about testing, having referred patients to a geneticist/genetic counselor and knowing how to order tests. These data suggest that physicians recognize their knowledge deficits, and are interested in training. These findings have important implications for future medical practice, research, and education.
8‐[2‐(2‐Pentyl‐Cyclopropylmethyl)‐Cyclopropyl]‐Octanoic Acid and Its Diastereomers Improve Age‐Related Cognitive Deterioration
Authors: Kanno Takeshi , Yaguchi Takahiro , Shimizu Tadashi , Tanaka Akito , Nishizaki Tomoyuki 
Published: May 2012

AbstractRacemic 8‐[2‐(2‐pentyl‐cyclopropylmethyl)‐cyclopropyl]‐octanoic acid (DCP‐LA), a linoleic acid derivative with cyclopropane rings instead of cis‐double bonds, contains possible four diastereomers such as α,α‐, α,β‐, β,α‐, and β,β‐DCP‐LA. The present study examined the effect of racemic and diastereomeric DCP‐LA on age‐related learning and memory disorders using accelerated‐senescence‐prone mice 8 (SAMP8) and accelerated‐senescence‐resistant mice 1 (SAMR1). In the water maze test, the acquisition and retention latencies for SAMP8 mice were significantly longer than the latency for SAMR1 mice, indicating spatial learning and memory impairment for SAMP8 mice. All the racemic (1 mg/kg, per os) and diastereomeric DCP‐LA (0.25 mg/kg, per os) significantly shortened the acquisition latency for SAMP8 mice, and racemic, α,α‐ and α,β‐DCP‐LA significantly shortened the retention latency, with the advantage greater than the acetylcholine (ACh) esterase inhibitor galanthamine. The results of the present study show that all the racemic and diastereomeric DCP‐LA, has the potential to improve age‐related learning and memory deterioration, the potential varying among them.
Statistical Security for Social Security
Authors: Soneji Samir , King Gary 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The financial viability of Social Security, the single largest U.S. government program, depends on accurate forecasts of the solvency of its intergenerational trust fund. We begin by detailing information necessary for replicating the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) forecasting procedures, which until now has been unavailable in the public domain. We then offer a way to improve the quality of these procedures via age- and sex-specific mortality forecasts. The most recent SSA mortality forecasts were based on the best available technology at the time, which was a combination of linear extrapolation and qualitative judgments. Unfortunately, linear extrapolation excludes known risk factors and is inconsistent with long-standing demographic patterns, such as the smoothness of age profiles. Modern statistical methods typically outperform even the best qualitative judgments in these contexts. We show how to use such methods, enabling researchers to forecast using far more information, such as the known risk factors of smoking and obesity and known demographic patterns. Including this extra information makes a substantial difference. For example, by improving only mortality forecasting methods, we predict three fewer years of net surplus, $730 billion less in Social Security Trust Funds, and program costs that are 0.66% greater for projected taxable payroll by 2031 compared with SSA projections. More important than specific numerical estimates are the advantages of transparency, replicability, reduction of uncertainty, and what may be the resulting lower vulnerability to the politicization of program forecasts. In addition, by offering with this article software and detailed replication information, we hope to marshal the efforts of the research community to include ever more informative inputs and to continue to reduce uncertainties in Social Security forecasts.
Cancer cachexia and anabolic interventions: a case report
Authors: Dillon Edgar L. , Basra Gurjot , Horstman Astrid M. , Casperson Shanon L. , Randolph Kathleen M. , Durham William J. , Urban Randall J. , Diaz-Arrastia Concepcion , Levine Lyuba , Hatch Sandra S. , Willis Maurice , Richardson Gwyn , Sheffield-Moore Melinda 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundStandard‐of‐care (SOC) cancer treatments are primarily aimed at reducing size and progression of a tumor. There is a need for successful supplemental anabolic therapies to combat cancer cachexia in addition to these SOC treatment modalities. Anabolic interventions, including testosterone and amino acid supplements, may be beneficial in reducing and/or reversing muscle wasting in these patient populations.MethodsA 48‐year‐old Caucasian female with recurrent cervical cancer was scheduled to receive three 21‐day cycles of cisplatin and topetecan chemotherapy. She qualified, consented, and enrolled into a blinded interventional pilot study where she received daily whey protein (10 g, three times per day with meals) and a weekly injection of testosterone enanthate (100 mg intramuscular) before and during the SOC chemotherapy treatment period. Body composition, serum inflammatory markers, mixed muscle protein synthesis and breakdown rates, physical function, fatigue, and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention period.ResultsBody composition, as assessed by an increase in body weight and lean body mass and reduction in fat mass; physical function; fatigue; and quality of life each improved across the entire intervention period despite general increases in inflammatory markers and no improvements in muscle protein turnover towards the end of the intervention.ConclusionsConcomitant treatment of oral amino acids and testosterone may be a viable therapeutic option for fighting cachexia and improving body composition and quality of life during chemotherapeutic treatment of recurrent cervical cancer. These positive outcomes may be attainable over time despite overall poor inflammatory status.
Impact of Ankle Bracing on Skill Performance in Recreational Soccer Players
Authors: Putnam Alison R. , Bandolin Shakira N. , Krabak Brian J. 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of ankle braces on kicking accuracy, speed, and agility in competitive, nonelite soccer players. We hypothesized that the use of ankle bracing would significantly decrease performance in soccer‐specific drills immediately after use but not after acclimation to the brace.DesignA prospective randomized controlled trial.SettingUniversity.ParticipantsTwenty healthy recreational adult soccer players (5 men and 15 women; mean age, 23 ± 4.8 years) without a history of lower extremity injury in the past 6 months. All the subjects completed the study.MethodsThe subjects completed a set of performance measures (ie, accuracy shooting at a target, 40‐yard dash, S180° run, and T test) with an McDavid 199 Lightweight ankle brace (test subjects) and without an ankle brace (control subjects) during 2 testing sessions spaced 7‐10 days apart. Between the 2 testing sessions, the subjects wore the ankle brace on at least 4 occasions while participating in athletic activities to ensure that a learning effect occurred.Main Outcome MeasurementsOutcomes included kicking accuracy (accuracy shooting at a target) and speed and agility (time to complete a 40‐yard dash, S180° run, and T test).ResultsNo significant difference in performance was found for the accuracy in shooting at a target, 40‐yard dash, S180° run, and T test (P > .05) with and without an ankle brace during a session and between sessions.ConclusionsAnkle braces did not significantly affect performance in speed, agility, or kicking accuracy in healthy, competitive, recreational soccer athletes.