bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synaptic defects in type I spinal muscular atrophy in human development
Authors: Martínez‐Hernández Rebeca , Bernal Sara , Also‐Rallo Eva , Alías Laura , Barceló MaJesús , Hereu Marta , Esquerda Josep E , Tizzano Eduardo F 
Published: July 2012

AbstractChildhood spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by alterations in the Survival Motor Neuron 1 gene that triggers degeneration of motor neurons within the spinal cord. Spinal muscular atrophy is the second most common severe hereditary disease of infancy and early childhood. In the most severe cases (type I), the disease appears in the first months of life, suggesting defects in fetal development. However, it is not yet known how motor neurons, neuromuscular junctions, and muscle interact in the neuropathology of the disease. We report the structure of presynaptic and postsynaptic apparatus of the neuromuscular junctions in control and spinal muscular atrophy prenatal and postnatal human samples. Qualitative and quantitative data from confocal and electron microscopy studies revealed changes in acetylcholine receptor clustering, abnormal preterminal accumulation of vesicles, and aberrant ultrastructure of nerve terminals in the motor endplates of prenatal type I spinal muscular atrophy samples. Fetuses predicted to develop milder type II disease had a similar appearance to controls. Postnatal muscle of type I spinal muscular atrophy patients showed persistence of the fetal subunit of acetylcholine receptors, suggesting a delay in maturation of neuromuscular junctions. We observed that pathology in the severe form of the disease starts in fetal development and that a defect in maintaining the initial innervation is an early finding of neuromuscular dysfunction. These results will improve our understanding of the spinal muscular atrophy pathogenesis and help to define targets for possible presymptomatic therapy for this disease. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) inhibits plasma cell/stromal cell cross‐talk in the bone marrow of multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Basile Antonio , Moschetta Michele , Ditonno Paolo , Ria Roberto , Marech Ilaria , De Luisi Annunziata , Berardi Simona , Frassanito Maria Antonia , Angelucci Emanuele , Derudas Daniele , Specchia Giorgina , Curci Paola , Pavone Vincenzo , Rossini Bernardo , Ribatti Domenico , Bottazzi Barbara , Mantovani Alberto , Presta Marco , Dammacco Franco , Vacca Angelo 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a soluble pattern recognition receptor that binds with high affinity and selectivity to fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF2), thus inhibiting its pro‐angiogenic activity. Here we investigated the effects of PTX3 on monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM) patient‐derived bone marrow (BM) plasma cells (PCs), endothelial cells (ECs), and fibroblasts (FBs), and assessed whether PTX3 can modulate the cross‐talk between PCs and those microenvironment cells. PTX3 and FGF2 expression was evaluated by ELISA. Functional studies, including cell viability, wound healing, chemotaxis, and Matrigel® assays, were performed on MGUS and MM ECs and FBs upon the PTX3 treatment. Through western blot PTX3‐induced modulation in FGF2/FGF receptor signalling pathways was evaluated in MGUS and MM ECs and FBs through western blot. Co‐cultures between MM ECs/FBs and human PC lines were used to evaluate possible PTX3 indirect effects on MM PCs. Adhesion molecules were studied by flow cytometry. PTX3 provides a direct time‐ and dose‐dependent apoptotic effect on MM ECs and FBs, but not on either MM primary PCs or human PC lines. PTX3 inhibits migration of MM ECs and FBs in a dose‐dependent manner, and impacts in vitro and in vivo FGF2‐mediated MM angiogenesis. Co‐cultures of PCs and ECs/FBs show that PTX3 treatment indirectly impairs PC viability and adhesion. We conclude that PTX3 is an anti‐angiogenic factor in MM and behaves as a cytotoxic molecule on MM cells by inhibiting the cross‐talk between PCs and ECs/FBs. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patients’ motives for participating in active post‐marketing surveillance
Authors: Härmark Linda , Lie‐Kwie Miguel , Berm Lisette , de Gier Han , van Grootheest Kees 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTPurposeWeb‐based intensive monitoring is a method to actively collect information about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) using patients as a source of information. To date, little is known about patients’ motivation to participate in this kind of active post‐marketing surveillance (PMS). Increased insight in this matter can help us to better understand and interpret patient reported information, and it can be used for developing and improving patient‐based pharmacovigilance tools. The aim of this study is to gain insight into patients’ motives for participating in active PMS and investigate their experiences with such a system.MethodA mixed model approach combining qualitative and quantitative research methods was used. For both parts, patients participating in a web‐based intensive monitoring study about the safety of anti‐diabetic drugs (excluding insulins) were used. A questionnaire was developed based on the results from qualitative interviews. The data collected through the questionnaires was analysed with descriptive statistics. Relations between patient characteristics and motives were analysed using a t‐test or a Chi‐squared test.Results1332 (54.6%) patients responded to the questionnaire. The main motive for participation was altruism. Often experiencing ADRs or negative experiences with drugs were not important motives. The patient's gender played a role in the different motives for participation. For men, potential future personal benefit from the results was more important than for women. The overall opinion about the system was positive.ConclusionThe knowledge that patients participate in this kind of research from an altruistic point of view may strengthen patient involvement in pharmacovigilance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheological study of gel phenomena during epoxide network formation in the presence of sepiolite
Authors: Nohales Andrés , López Daniel , Culebras Mario , Gómez Clara M 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe dynamic behaviour during the crosslinking of an epoxy polymer near the gel point was monitored using rheological multiple frequency experiments. The influence of a needle‐shaped inorganic nanofiller, sepiolite, either non‐modified or organically surface modified during the cure process in the presence of an aliphatic and an aromatic hardener was investigated. The validity of various criteria for determining the gel point was examined for the crosslinking of these filled thermosets. The Winter–Chambon criterion at the gel point is obeyed by the unfilled and by the non‐modified sepiolite‐filled epoxy matrix with either of the two hardeners. However, physical gels are formed in the presence of the organically modified sepiolite and the Winter–Chambon criterion is not valid. For all the systems investigated, the nanofiller reduces the time to reach gelation. Critical relaxation exponents and gel strength have been determined indicating a more elastic and stronger gel in the presence of the aliphatic hardener. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Non‐suicidal self‐injury: The contribution of general personality functioning
Authors: Mullins‐Sweatt Stephanie N. , Lengel Gregory J. , Grant Demond M. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTNon‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is a public health problem of increasing significance. The purpose of the present study was to determine if individuals with and without a history of NSSI would differ significantly on the domains and facets of the Five Factor Model (FFM) as well as the facets from the UPPS‐P Impulsive Behaviour Scale. Self‐report measures of personality, borderline personality disorder and NSSI were administered to an undergraduate sample (n = 211). Individuals who had engaged in NSSI had significantly elevated levels of FFM facets of neuroticism (i.e. anxiousness, angry hostility, depressiveness, self‐consciousness, impulsiveness and vulnerability) and openness (i.e. aesthetics, feelings and values) and significantly lower levels of conscientiousness (i.e. order, achievement, self‐discipline and deliberation). Additionally, those with an NSSI history scored higher on UPPS‐P negative urgency, lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance. The knowledge gained from this study provides further support for personality's role in NSSI. This information may aid in the identification of risk factors for NSSI and assist in efforts examining interventions for NSSI that are targeted toward personality‐relevant strategies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health Outcomes can be Improved by Implementing an Occupational Physiotherapy Provider Programme
Authors: Pizzari Tania , Davidson Megan 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the return to work and health outcomes of a physiotherapy network provider programme.MethodA prospective case–control study was conducted with 21 clients of network occupational physiotherapy (OP) providers and 21 matched clients of non‐network providers.Outcome measuresHealth outcomes and return to work were recorded 3 and 6 months following the commencement of physiotherapy. Health outcomes included the Short Form (SF)‐12, return to usual activities and the global perceived effect of treatment. Within‐group changes and between‐group differences were analysed.ResultsWithin‐group changes showed the OP group improved significantly in physical functioning (p = 0.006), and the control group deteriorated in mental health status (p = 0.016) as measured by the SF‐12. Mean change over time between groups from the 3‐month to 6‐month follow‐ups showed a significant difference favouring the OP group for return to usual activities (p = 0.027) and the physical component of the SF‐12 (p = 0.009). All job‐attached participants returned to work following their accident, so there was no difference between the groups.ConclusionThe OP clients demonstrated a greater change in physical functioning health outcomes over time. This study provides preliminary support for the implementation of the OP scheme. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Freestanding CVD boron doped diamond single crystals: A substrate for vertical power electronic devices?
Authors: Achard J. , Issaoui R. , Tallaire A. , Silva F. , Barjon J. , Jomard F. , Gicquel A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe development of ‘all‐diamond’ devices for power electronics is attracting more and more interest as judged by the recent increase in the number of publications on the subject. Nevertheless most devices reported in the literature used coplanar or pseudo‐vertical geometries which, although promising in term of breakdown voltage, have still a relatively high on‐state resistance. This could be related to current crowding due the low cross‐section p+ layer. Vertical configuration, which requires thick heavily doped substrates, is a possible alternative usually used in conventional semiconductors. In this study, chemical vapour deposition (CVD) diamond growth conditions allowing heavy boron doping over an important thickness are discussed. It was found that there is an optimal range of microwave power density (MWPD) for which reasonable doping efficiencies and growth rates can be obtained leading to hundreds of micrometers thick crystals with a doping level higher than 1020 cm−3. The crystal morphology was predicted thanks to a 3D geometrical model and a small addition of oxygen to the gas phase was efficient to avoid the appearance of undesirable crystals faces and keep the crystal integrity. Freestanding boron‐doped diamond single crystals were eventually grown and characterized by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), Fourier transformed InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, high resolution X‐ray diffraction (HRXRD) and four‐point probe measurements. The high quality of the synthetic crystals was confirmed exhibiting electrical resistivities as low as 0.26 Ω cm illustrating that this material is suitable for the development of vertical power electronic devices.
Direct nanopatterning of commercially pure titanium with ultra‐nanocrystalline diamond stamps
Authors: Greer A. I. M. , Seunarine K. , Khokhar A. Z. , Li X. , Moran D. A. J. , Gadegaard N. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn order to directly imprint features into a hard metal such as titanium, an imprinting stamp composed of material of greater hardness is required. Diamond is the hardest known material, so is an obvious choice for the production of direct‐imprint stamps. Diamond also benefits from a low surface energy, chemical inertness, high resistance to wear and is easily cleaned of contaminants, further favouring it as a stamp material of choice. Chemical vapour deposited ultra‐nanocrystalline diamond (UNCD) provides similar mechanical properties to bulk single crystal diamond and can be deposited across large surface areas. This work examines the use of UNCD as a stamp medium for the transfer of nanoscale features into commercially pure titanium (cpTi) substrates. Development of an efficient and viable method for nanopatterning large, non‐planar cpTi surfaces is highly desirable to control cell adhesion on the surface of bio‐implants. The fabrication of UNCD nanoimprint stamps is detailed and the ability of UNCD to imprint cpTi is illustrated. A square‐ordered matrix of 200 nm diameter pillars over a quarter mm square area are shown to be imprinted with the depth quantified against load (kg). The limitations of the technology are also discussed.
Performance and geometry optimization of the ceramic‐based rectilinear ion traps
Authors: Wang Liang , Xu Fuxing , Ding Chuan‐Fan 
Published: July 2012

RATIONALEThe rectilinear ion trap (RIT), as a simplified linear ion trap, has shown great potential in the field of portable mass spectrometers for its simple structure and easy manufacture. In this study, the new ceramic‐based rectilinear ion trap (cRIT) was constructed, and the performance and geometry optimization of a series of cRITs were examined.METHODSGold‐plated zirconia ceramic electrodes were used to build the cRITs. A home‐built electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) platform was used to test the properties of the cRITs. The protonated ions of arginine (m/z 175) and reserpine (m/z 609) were produced in the experiments by ESI.RESULTSA series of cRITs with different geometries were constructed, and the overall mechanical accuracy of all parts and the cRIT assembly is within ~10 µm. The mass resolution, the first stability diagram and the tandem mass (MS/MS) analysis capability were tested. For a 6 mm × 5 mm cRIT, the mass resolution was higher than 1800 at m/z 609 when the scan speed was 2190 Th/s. A MS/MS capability with a ca. 94.8% CID efficiency on the cRIT 6 × 5 was obtained.CONCLUSIONSThe ceramic‐based rectilinear ion trap (cRIT) can be a qualified linear ion trap mass analyzer with high ion storage capability, excellent mass resolution, and high tandem mass analysis efficiency. It can be easily manufactured and operated, and has great potential in ion trap mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motion planning and synchronized control of the dental arch generator of the tooth‐arrangement robot
Authors: Jiang Jin‐Gang , Zhang Yong‐De 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe traditional, manual method of reproducing the dental arch form is prone to numerous random errors caused by human factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the automatic acquisition of the dental arch and implement the motion planning and synchronized control of the dental arch generator of the multi‐manipulator tooth‐arrangement robot for use in full denture manufacture.MethodsFirst, the mathematical model of the dental arch generator was derived. Then the kinematics and control point position of the dental arch generator of the tooth arrangement robot were calculated and motion planning of each control point was analysed. A hardware control scheme is presented, based on the industrial personal computer and control card PC6401. In order to gain single‐axis, precise control of the dental arch generator, we studied the control pulse realization of high‐resolution timing. Real‐time, closed‐loop, synchronous control was applied to the dental arch generator. Experimental control of the dental arch generator and preliminary tooth arrangement were gained by using the multi‐manipulator tooth‐arrangement robotic system.ResultsThe dental arch generator can automatically generate a dental arch to fit a patient according to the patient's arch parameters. Repeated positioning accuracy is 0.12 mm for the slipways that drive the dental arch generator. The maximum value of single‐point error is 1.83 mm, while the arc‐width direction (x axis) is −33.29 mm.ConclusionA novel system that generates the dental arch has been developed. The traditional method of manually determining the dental arch may soon be replaced by a robot to assist in generating a more individual dental arch. The system can be used to fabricate full dentures and bend orthodontic wires. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When does the K4‐free process stop?
Authors: Warnke Lutz 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe K4‐free process starts with the empty graph on n vertices and at each step adds a new edge chosen uniformly at random from all remaining edges that do not complete a copy of K4. Let G be the random maximal K4‐free graph obtained at the end of the process. We show that for some positive constant C, with high probability as , the maximum degree in G is at most . This resolves a conjecture of Bohman and Keevash for the K4‐free process and improves on previous bounds obtained by Bollobás and Riordan and by Osthus and Taraz. Combined with results of Bohman and Keevash this shows that with high probability G has edges and is ‘nearly regular’, i.e., every vertex has degree . This answers a question of Erdős, Suen and Winkler for the K4‐free process. We furthermore deduce an additional structural property: we show that whp the independence number of G is at least , which matches an upper bound obtained by Bohman up to a factor of . Our analysis of the K4‐free process also yields a new result in Ramsey theory: for a special case of a well‐studied function introduced by Erdős and Rogers we slightly improve the best known upper bound.Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 44, 355‐397, 2014
A randomized version of Ramsey's theorem
Authors: Gugelmann Luca , Person Yury , Steger Angelika , Thomas Henning 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe standard randomization of Ramsey's theorem asks for a fixed graph F and a fixed number r of colors: for what densities p = p(n) can we asymptotically almost surely color the edges of the random graph G(n, p) with r colors without creating a monochromatic copy of F. This question was solved in full generality by Rödl and Ruciński [Combinatorics, Paul Erdős is eighty, vol. 1, 1993, 317–346; J Am Math Soc 8(1995), 917–942]. In this paper we consider a different randomization that was recently suggested by Allen et al. [Random Struct Algorithms, in press]. Let
\documentclass{article} \usepackage{amsmath,amsfonts} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document}${{\mathcal R}_F(n,q)}$\end{document}
be a random subset of all copies of F on a vertex set Vn of size n, in which every copy is present independently with probability q. For which functions q = q(n) can we color the edges of the complete graph on Vn with r colors such that no monochromatic copy of F is contained in
\documentclass{article} \usepackage{amsmath,amsfonts} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document}${{\mathcal R}_F(n,q)}$\end{document}
? We answer this question for strictly 2‐balanced graphs F. Moreover, we combine bsts an r‐edge‐coloring of G(n, p)oth randomizations and prove a threshold result for the property that there exi such that no monochromatic copy of F is contained in
\documentclass{article} \usepackage{amsmath,amsfonts} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document}${{\mathcal R}_F(n,q)}$\end{document}. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2012
Prenatal nicotine exposure alters neuroanatomical organization of the developing brain
Authors: Muhammad Arif , Mychasiuk Richelle , Nakahashi Ayuno , Hossain S. Russell , Gibb Robbin , Kolb Bryan 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAlthough there has been considerable research conducted regarding the long‐term effects of prenatal exposure to nicotine, there has been little examination of how this experience influences brain development. This study was designed to examine if there are morphological changes (dendritic branching, dendritic length, and spine density) in medial prefrontal cortex, orbital frontal cortex, parietal cortex, and nucleus accumbens associated with exposure to nicotine during gestation. Nicotine or saline was administered to pregnant Long Evans dams for the duration of pregnancy. Golgi‐Cox techniques were used to examine neuroanatomy of offspring at postnatal day 21. The dendritic changes identified in rats exposed to nicotine prenatally resembled neuroanatomical changes that are identified in rats administered with nicotine in adulthood. Of the 18 anatomical parameters measured, 11 exhibited significant modification, with two parameters apical and basilar spine density in parietal cortex demonstrating sex‐dependent modification. These early changes in anatomy and behavior have important implications for later plasticity and long‐term well‐being. Synapse 66:950–954, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lesson study for accessible science: Building expertise to improve practice in inclusive science classrooms
Authors: Mutch‐Jones Karen , Puttick Gillian , Minner Daphne 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe Lesson Study for Accessible Science (LSAS) project created middle school teams comprised of both science and special education teachers who engaged in collaborative work to improve instruction in inclusive classrooms. The intervention is based on Lesson Study, a professional development approach that originated in Japan, which supports the systematic examination of practice and student understanding. Using an experimental design, teams of teachers were randomly assigned to the LSAS intervention or to a wait‐list comparison group. The results of this study suggest that science and special educators in the LSAS intervention were able to generate more accommodations for students with learning disabilities, and they increased their ability to set an instructional context and adapt an instructional plan to meet science learning goals for all students in an inclusive classroom. They did not, however, show significant increases in their knowledge of science content or learning disabilities. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 1012–1034, 2012
Effects of dynamic vulcanization on the physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of high‐density polyethylene/(natural rubber)/(thermoplastic tapioca starch) blends
Authors: Abdul Wahab Mohamad Kahar , Ismail Hanafi , Othman Nadras 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBlending of high density polyethylene (HDPE), natural rubber (NR), and thermoplastic tapioca starch (TPS) have been studied. Two series of samples having 5–30 wt% of TPS were prepared: (a) unvulcanized blends (control) and (b) dynamically vulcanized HDPE/NR/TPS blends. The composition of the HDPE/NR was constant and fixed at a blend ratio of 70/30. Morphology studies by SEM showed that the TPS particles were homogeneously dispersed and well‐embedded in vulcanized HDPE/NR matrix. The SEM micrographs showed agreement with the tensile strength and elongation at break values. Tensile strength improved significanly when the HDPE/NR/TPS blends were vulcanized by using sulfur curative system. The enhancement in tensile properties is attributed to the crosslinking reaction within the NR phase. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 18:192–197, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers