bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid large-scale preparation of ZnO nanowires for photocatalytic application
Authors: Ma Chunyu , Zhou Zhihua , Wei Hao , Yang Zhi , Wang Zhiming , Zhang Yafei 
Published: October 2011

AbstractZnO nanowires are a promising nanomaterial for applications in the fields of photocatalysis, nano-optoelectronics, and reinforced composite materials. However, the challenge of producing large-scale ZnO nanowires has stunted the development and practical utilization of ZnO nanowires. In this study, a modified carbothermal reduction method for preparing large-scale ZnO nanowires in less than 5 min is reported. The preparation was performed in a quartz tube furnace at atmospheric pressure without using any catalysts. A mixed gas of air and N2 with a volume ratio of 45:1 was used as the reactive and carrier gas. About 0.8 g ZnO nanowires was obtained using 1 g ZnO and 1 g graphite powder as source materials. The obtained nanowires exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with an average diameter of about 33 nm. Good photocatalytic activity of the nanowires toward the photodegradation of methylene blue dye under UV irradiation was also demonstrated.
Strong convergence theorem for amenable semigroups of nonexpansive mappings and variational inequalities
Authors: Piri Hossein , Badali Ali Haji 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn this paper, using strongly monotone and lipschitzian operator, we introduce a general iterative process for finding a common fixed point of a semigroup of nonexpansive mappings, with respect to strongly left regular sequence of means defined on an appropriate space of bounded real-valued functions of the semigroups and the set of solutions of variational inequality for β-inverse strongly monotone mapping in a real Hilbert space. Under suitable conditions, we prove the strong convergence theorem for approximating a common element of the above two sets.Mathematics Subject Classification 2000: 47H09, 47H10, 43A07, 47J25
Spice up the hypertension diet - curcumin and piperine prevent remodeling of aorta in experimental L-NAME induced hypertension
Authors: Hlavačková Livia , Janegová Andrea , Uličná Olga , Janega Pavol , Černá Andrea , Babál Pavel 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Increase of blood pressure is accompanied by functional and morphological changes in the vascular wall. The presented study explored the effects of curcuma and black pepper compounds on increased blood pressure and remodeling of aorta in the rat model of experimental NO-deficient hypertension.

Methods
Wistar rats were administered for 6 weeks clear water or L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) dissolved in water, piperine (20 mg/kg/day), curcumin (100 mg/kg/day) or their combination in corn oil by oral gavage. The systolic blood pressure was measured weekly. Histological slices of thoracic aorta were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Mallory's phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin (PTAH), orcein, picrosirius red and van Gieson staining and with antibodies against smooth muscle cells actin. Microscopic pictures were digitally processed and morphometrically evaluated.

Results
The increase of blood pressure caused by L-NAME was partially prevented by piperine and curcumin, but the effect of their combination was less significant. Animals with hypertension had increased wall thickness and cross-sectional area of the aorta, accompanied by relative increase of PTAH positive myofibrils and decrease of elastin, collagen and actin content. Piperine was able to decrease the content of myofibrils and slightly increase actin, while curcumin also prevented elastin decrease. The combination of spices had similar effects on aortic morphology as curcumin itself.

Conclusions
Administration of piperine or curcumin, less their combination, is able to partially prevent the increase of blood pressure caused by chronic L-NAME administration. The spices modify the remodeling of the wall of the aorta induced by hypertension. Our results show that independent administration of curcumin is more effective in preventing negative changes in blood vessel morphology accompanying hypertensive disease.
Targeted high throughput sequencing in clinical cancer Settings: formaldehyde fixed-paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues, input amount and tumor heterogeneity
Authors: Kerick Martin , Isau Melanie , Timmermann Bernd , Sültmann Holger , Herwig Ralf , Krobitsch Sylvia , Schaefer Georg , Verdorfer Irmgard , Bartsch Georg , Klocker Helmut , Lehrach Hans , Schweiger Michal R 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Massively parallel sequencing technologies have brought an enormous increase in sequencing throughput. However, these technologies need to be further improved with regard to reproducibility and applicability to clinical samples and settings.

Methods
Using identification of genetic variations in prostate cancer as an example we address three crucial challenges in the field of targeted re-sequencing: Small nucleotide variation (SNV) detection in samples of formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue material, minimal amount of input sample and sampling in view of tissue heterogeneity.

Results
We show that FFPE tissue material can supplement for fresh frozen tissues for the detection of SNVs and that solution-based enrichment experiments can be accomplished with small amounts of DNA with only minimal effects on enrichment uniformity and data variance.
Finally, we address the question whether the heterogeneity of a tumor is reflected by different genetic alterations, e.g. different foci of a tumor display different genomic patterns. We show that the tumor heterogeneity plays an important role for the detection of copy number variations.

Conclusions
The application of high throughput sequencing technologies in cancer genomics opens up a new dimension for the identification of disease mechanisms. In particular the ability to use small amounts of FFPE samples available from surgical tumor resections and histopathological examinations facilitates the collection of precious tissue materials. However, care needs to be taken in regard to the locations of the biopsies, which can have an influence on the prediction of copy number variations. Bearing these technological challenges in mind will significantly improve many large-scale sequencing studies and will - in the long term - result in a more reliable prediction of individual cancer therapies.
Comparative genomics of the pathogenic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, its free-living relatives and a host species provide insights into adoption of a parasitic lifestyle and prospects for disease control
Authors: Coyne Robert S , Hannick Linda , Shanmugam Dhanasekaran , Hostetler Jessica B , Brami Daniel , Joardar Vinita S , Johnson Justin , Radune Diana , Singh Irtisha , Badger Jonathan H , Kumar Ujjwal , Saier Milton , Wang Yufeng , Cai Hong , Gu Jianying , Mather Michael W , Vaidya Akhil B , Wilkes David E , Rajagopalan Vidyalakshmi , Asai David J , Pearson Chad G , Findly Robert C , Dickerson Harry W , Wu Martin , Martens Cindy , Van de Peer Yves , Roos David S , Cassidy-Hanley Donna M , Clark Theodore G 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Background
Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, commonly known as Ich, is a highly pathogenic ciliate responsible for 'white spot', a disease causing significant economic losses to the global aquaculture industry. Options for disease control are extremely limited, and Ich's obligate parasitic lifestyle makes experimental studies challenging. Unlike most well-studied protozoan parasites, Ich belongs to a phylum composed primarily of free-living members. Indeed, it is closely related to the model organism Tetrahymena thermophila. Genomic studies represent a promising strategy to reduce the impact of this disease and to understand the evolutionary transition to parasitism.

Results
We report the sequencing, assembly and annotation of the Ich macronuclear genome. Compared with its free-living relative T. thermophila, the Ich genome is reduced approximately two-fold in length and gene density and three-fold in gene content. We analyzed in detail several gene classes with diverse functions in behavior, cellular function and host immunogenicity, including protein kinases, membrane transporters, proteases, surface antigens and cytoskeletal components and regulators. We also mapped by orthology Ich's metabolic pathways in comparison with other ciliates and a potential host organism, the zebrafish Danio rerio.

Conclusions
Knowledge of the complete protein-coding and metabolic potential of Ich opens avenues for rational testing of therapeutic drugs that target functions essential to this parasite but not to its fish hosts. Also, a catalog of surface protein-encoding genes will facilitate development of more effective vaccines. The potential to use T. thermophila as a surrogate model offers promise toward controlling 'white spot' disease and understanding the adaptation to a parasitic lifestyle.
Electroformation of Giant Vesicles and Electrode Polarity
Authors: Okumura Yukihisa , Iwata Yuuichi 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Electroformation of giant vesicles (GVs) on the negative electrode of dc (static and pulsed) was identical to ac. The negative phase of ac mainly drives the formation. The mechanical oscillation of lipid had little effects. At higher frequency, electroformation with ac deteriorated, while dc pulses still yielded GVs.
Real-time Imaging of RNA Expression in Living Cells Using Bispyrene-modified RNA Probes
Authors: Waki Reiko , Yamayoshi Asako , Kobori Akio , Murakami Akira 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
We successfully monitored time-dependent RNA expression profiles using bispyrene-modified RNA probe in living cervical carcinoma cells stimulated with EGF. Fluorescence microscopy images clearly showed the RNA expression profile, and our time-dependent profiles were in good agreement with those obtained by RT-PCR. This suggests that our novel method can analyze cellular responses to specific stimuli in a time-dependent manner at a single-cell level.
Use of CT-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy in epidermal growth factor receptor mutation analysis in patients with advanced lung cancer
Authors: Zhuang Yi-Ping , Wang Hai-Yan , Shi Mei-Qi , Zhang Jin , Feng Yong 
Published: October 2011

Background The safety of using a cutting needle when performing a core-needle biopsy is of major concern, in particular for small lung tumors or tumors near the hilum. Purpose To investigate the usefulness of CT-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the lung in obtaining tumor tissue for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation analysis in advanced lung cancer patients. Material and Methods Forty-three patients with stage IIIB–IV lung cancer were enrolled. In all patients, CT-guided FNAB was performed using an 18-gauge or 20-gauge Chiba aspiration needle for histology diagnosis and EGFR mutation analysis. Complications associated with CT-guided FNAB were observed, and the specimen mutational assessments were recorded. Results The obtained tumor samples ranged from 0.5–1.5 cm in length and were adequate for histological and DNA analyses in all patients. No patient had a pneumothorax or hemoptysis. Minor needle tract bleeding appeared in eight patients. Mutation analysis was satisfactorily demonstrated in 23 mutations and 20 non-mutations. Ten and 13 mutations were identified by 18-gauge and 20-gauge needle biopsies, respectively. EFGR mutations, including 12 cases of EGFR exon 19 deletion and 11 cases of exon 21 point mutation, were present in 21 patients with adenocarcinomas, one with squamous cell carcinoma, and one with undifferentiated carcinoma. Conclusion CT-guided FNAB is a feasible and safe technique for obtaining lung tumor tissues for EGFR gene mutation analysis.
Characteristics of poly(lactic acid) reinforced composites with waste cotton
Authors: Zhang Xiuju , Shen Juncai , Yang Tingting , Ye Bihua , Lin Zhidan , Tan Shaozao 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
In this study, waste cotton cloth (RC) was bonded with soluble starches as an adhesive, then dried, cut into particles and filled into polylactic acid (PLA) to achieve resource efficiency. The mechanical, thermal and crystallization properties of the composites were characterized. The results indicated that with the addition of RC, the tensile strength, impact strength and flexural strength of PLA composites improved. Also, the heat distortion temperatures increased slowly, indicating that RC filled into PLA can be turned back into useful items without the degradation of PLA composites. This is a good way to give direction to the resource utilization of waste clothing. The addition of RC could significantly reduce the spherulitic size of PLA.
Melt temperature dynamic control strategy of injection molding machine based on variable structure control and iterative learning control
Authors: Peng Yonggang , Wei Wei 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Melt temperature in the injection molding process directly affects the quality of the molded plastic product. The injection molding process is a periodic dynamic process. Many factors affect the barrel melt temperature, so precise control of the melt temperature is difficult. This paper introduces this industrial problem and presents a combined strategy using a feedback controller and an iterative learning controller to resolve the problem. Results show that this method has a high dynamic control accuracy and improves molded part mass repeat accuracy.
Layer Growth Kinetics during Post-Discharge Nitriding
Authors: Oseguera Joaquin , Castillo Francisco 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
A mathematical simulation of the evolution of nitrogen concentration profiles in iron samples is presented. The nitrogen concentration profiles are produced by a nitrogen microwave post-discharge. This mathematical model takes into account the nitrogen concentration evolution from the very beginning of the process and describes the formation and growth of compact nitride layers. This model also proposes a description of how the solubility limits in each growing phase are attained during the layer formation. An approximate analytical solution of Goodman’s type for the model is sought. This leads to a system of differential algebraic equations (DAE). Then, the DAE is finally numerically solved. The steady state of the process is also studied within the model. In this case, analytical representations of the nitrogen concentration profiles and the diffusion coefficients are found
Pitfalls in the diagnosis of thyroid dysgenesis by thyroid ultrasonography and scintigraphy
Authors: Karakoc-Aydiner Elif , Turan Serap , Akpinar Ihsan , Dede Fuat , Isguven Pinar , Adal Erdal , Guran Tulay , Akcay Teoman , Bereket Abdullah 
Published: October 2011

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the reliability of thyroid ultrasonography (US) and scintigraphy in determining the type of thyroid dysgenesis (TD).MethodsThe study included 82 children (8.0±5.6 years) with a diagnosis of TD by thyroid scintigraphy with 99mTc and/or US. The patients were re-evaluated 6.0±5.1 years after the diagnosis. Thyroid US was performed in all cases, regardless of the previous US imaging. Scintigraphy images performed at the time of diagnoses (n=60) were re-evaluated during the study. Those who had no scintigraphy at the time of diagnosis (n=22) or had discordant findings with US (n=6) underwent a new scintigraphy.ResultsScintigraphies revealed no uptake in 37, ectopia in 35, and hypoplasia in 10 cases. The sensitivity vs specificity for US to detect athyreosis, ectopia, and hypoplasia at the time of initial diagnoses was 90.5 vs 47.8, 10 vs 100, and 100 vs 80.4% respectively. The sensitivity vs specificity for scintigraphy at the time of initial diagnoses was 96.2 vs 100, 92 vs 97.1, and 100 vs 96%, respectively, for each diagnosis. Re-scintigraphy at the time of the study led to a change in the initial diagnosis of 3/6 cases. Repeated US showed disappearance of previously reported hypoplastic thyroid tissues in eight patients.ConclusionUS alone could not differentiate ectopia and athyreosis, whereas scintigraphy alone is also prone to mistakes in newborns and young ages. Dual thyroid imaging is important for precise structural definition of TD.
Childhood General Mental Ability and Midlife Psychosocial Work Characteristics as Related to Mental Distress, Neck/Shoulder Pain and Self‐rated Health in Working Women and Men
Authors: Wulff Cornelia , Lindfors Petra , Sverke Magnus 
Published: October 2011

Childhood General Mental Ability and Midlife Psychosocial Work Characteristics as Related to Mental Distress, Neck/Shoulder Pain and Self‐rated Health in Working Women and Men: Cornelia Wulff, et al. Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden—Psychosocial work characteristics including high demands, lack of control and poor social support have consistently been linked to poor health as has poor general mental ability (GMA). However, less is known about the relationships between stable individual factors such as GMA, psychosocial work characteristics and health.ObjectiveThe present study investigated how childhood mental ability and psychosocial work characteristics relate to health in terms of mental distress, neck/shoulder pain (NSP) and self‐rated health (SRH).MethodsData on childhood GMA, occupational level, self‐reports of demands, control and social support and health (mental distress, NSP and SRH) in midlife came from working women (n=271) and men (n=291) included in a Swedish school cohort. Hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for occupational level, were used to examine associations between childhood GMA, self‐reports of high demands, low control and poor social support and the three health indicators. Taking into consideration the gendered labor market and variations in health patterns between women and men, gender specific analyses were performed.ResultsThere were no significant associations between childhood GMA and health indicators. Further, there were no significant interactions between GMA and psychosocial work factors. As regards the strength of the associations between GMA, psychosocial work factors and health, no consistent differences emerged between women and men.ConclusionsIn a cohort of healthy and working middle‐aged women and men, self‐reports of current psychosocial work characteristics seem to be more strongly linked to health, than are stable childhood factors such as GMA.
Prevalence of Physical Health Problems Among Youth Entering Residential Treatment
Authors: Nelson Timothy D. , Smith Tori R. , Thompson Ronald W. , Epstein Michael H. , Griffith Annette K. , Hurley Kristin Duppong , Tonniges Thomas F. 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:To examine the prevalence of physical health problems among youth entering residential treatment.PATIENTS AND METHODS:The sample included 1744 youth (mean age: 14.6 ± 1.8 years) entering a large residential treatment program between 2000 and 2010. Youth received an intake medical evaluation, including a review of available records, detailed medical history, and physical examination. Medical conditions present at the time of the evaluation were recorded by the examining physician and later coded by the research team. Only diagnoses recognized by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, were included in the analyses. To maintain the focus on physical health problems, behavioral and emotional disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision were excluded. Obesity, acne, and allergies were also excluded.RESULTS:Approximately one-third (33.7%) of youth had a physical health diagnosis at the time of intake. Asthma was the most prevalent condition diagnosed (15.3% of the sample). Girls were significantly more likely to have a diagnosis than were boys (37.1% vs 31.5%). Age was not associated with diagnostic status. Rates of physical health conditions differed significantly by ethnicity: black (36.4%) and white (35.4%) youth had the highest rates, and Hispanic youth (23.2%) had the lowest.CONCLUSIONS:Youth who enter residential treatment have high rates of physical health conditions. These problems could complicate mental health treatment and should be considered in multidisciplinary treatment planning.
Disparities in Provider Elicitation of Parents' Developmental Concerns for US Children
Authors: Guerrero Alma D. , Rodriguez Michael A. , Flores Glenn 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:To examine factors associated with provider elicitation of parents' developmental concerns among US children.METHODS:The 2007 National Survey of Children's Health was used to examine factors associated with parents' reports of provider elicitation of developmental concerns in the previous 12 months. Independent variables included child characteristics, sociodemographic factors, insurance status, and having a medical home.RESULTS:One-half of US parents reported provider elicitation of developmental concerns. African-American (41%) and Latino (49% in households with English as the primary language and 33% with a non-English primary language) parents were significantly less likely than white parents (55%) to report elicitation of developmental concerns. With multivariate adjustment, African-American (odds ratio [OR]: 0.67 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55–0.81]) and Latino (OR: 0.61 [95% CI: 0.44–0.84]) parents, compared with white parents, had significantly lower adjusted odds of provider elicitation of developmental concerns. Lack of insurance (OR: 0.61 [95% CI: 0.44–0.85]) and having a medical home (OR: 1.42 [95% CI: 1.21–1.67]) were associated with elicitation of developmental concerns. Parents of African-American and Latino children who received family-centered care had almost twice the odds of provider elicitation. For Latino parents in households with a non-English primary language, other medical home components, including having a personal provider (OR: 1.51 [95% CI: 1.08–2.11]) and a usual source of care (OR: 1.76 [95% CI: 1.13–2.74]), were significantly associated with elicitation of developmental concerns.CONCLUSIONS:Racial/ethnic and linguistic disparities exist in provider elicitation of developmental concerns. Addressing lack of insurance, medical homes, and specific medical-home components might reduce disparities.
Correlates of Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior in US Preschool Children
Authors: Byun Wonwoo , Dowda Marsha , Pate Russell R. 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:
To identify correlates of objectively measured sedentary behavior in a diverse sample of preschool children.

METHODS:
A total of 331 children (51% male, 51% black) from a wide range of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds in greater Columbia, South Carolina, were recruited for this study. Sedentary behavior (minutes/hour) was measured by using ActiGraph accelerometers (&lt;37.5 counts per 15 seconds) over a 2-week period. All potential correlates except for anthropometric data of children were measured by a parent survey. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between 29 potential correlates across multiple domains (demographic, biological, psychosocial, behavioral, and physical environmental) and sedentary behavior measured by accelerometry in preschool children.

RESULTS:
Girls spent more time in sedentary behavior than boys (33.2 vs 32.4 minutes/hour; P = .05). Six and 8 potential correlates were found to be significant in univariate analyses for boys and girls, respectively. In the gender-specific final model, for boys, a child's weekday TV/video games and physical activity equipment in the home were significant correlates of sedentary behavior (R2 = 0.091). For girls, BMI z score and child's athletic coordination were significantly associated with sedentary behavior (R2 = 0.069).

CONCLUSION:
Several factors were identified as correlates of objectively measured sedentary behavior in American preschool children. However, there were no common correlates that influenced sedentary behavior for both boys and girls. Future interventions for reducing sedentary behavior could target correlates identified in this study.