bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vivo NIR Fluorescence Imaging, Biodistribution, and Toxicology of Photoluminescent Carbon Dots Produced from Carbon Nanotubes and Graphite
Authors: Tao Huiquan , Yang Kai , Ma Zhen , Wan Jianmei , Zhang Youjiu , Kang Zhenhui , Liu Zhuang 
Published: November 2011

AbstractOxidization of carbon nanotubes by a mixed acid has been utilized as a standard method to functionalize carbon nanomaterials for years. Here, the products obtained from carbon nanotubes and graphite after a mixed‐acid treatment are carefully studied. Nearly identical carbon dot (Cdot) products with diameters of 3–4 nm are produced using this approach from a variety of carbon starting materials, including single‐walled carbon nanotubes, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and graphite. These Cdots exhibit strong yellow fluorescence under UV irradiation and shifted emission peaks as the excitation wavelength is changed. In vivo fluorescence imaging with Cdots is then demonstrated in mouse experiments, by using varied excitation wavelengths including some in the near‐infrared (NIR) region. Furthermore, in vivo biodistribution and toxicology of those Cdots in mice over different periods of time are studied; no noticeable signs of toxicity for Cdots to the treated animals are discovered. This work provides a facile method to synthesize Cdots as safe non‐heavy‐metal‐containing fluorescent nanoprobes, promising for applications in biomedical imaging.
Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells are Attracted by Multiple Myeloma Cell-Produced Chemokine CCL25 and Favor Myeloma Cell Growth in Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Xu Song , Menu Eline , Becker Ann De , Van Camp Ben , Vanderkerken Karin , Van Riet Ivan 
Published: November 2011

AbstractMultiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of terminally differentiated plasma cells that are predominantly localized in the bone marrow (BM). Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) give rise to most BM stromal cells that interact with MM cells. However, the direct involvement of MSCs in the pathophysiology of MM has not been well addressed. In this study, in vitro and in vivo migration assays revealed that MSCs have tropism toward MM cells, and CCL25 was identified as a major MM cell-produced chemoattractant for MSCs. By coculture experiments, we found that MSCs favor the proliferation of stroma-dependent MM cells through soluble factors and cell to cell contact, which was confirmed by intrafemoral coengraftment experiments. We also demonstrated that MSCs protected MM cells against spontaneous and Bortezomib-induced apoptosis. The tumor-promoting effect of MSCs correlated with their capacity to enhance AKT and ERK activities in MM cells, accompanied with increased expression of CyclinD2, CDK4, and Bcl-XL and decreased cleaved caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase expression. In turn, MM cells upregulated interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, insulin growth factor-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and dickkopf homolog 1 expression in MSCs. Finally, infusion of in vitro-expanded murine MSCs in 5T33MM mice resulted in a significantly shorter survival. MSC infusion is a promising way to support hematopoietic recovery and to control graft versus host disease in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, our data suggest that MSC-based cytotherapy has a potential risk for MM disease progression or relapse and should be considered with caution in MM patients.Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Model predictive control for wind turbines with distributed active flaps: incorporating inflow signals and actuator constraints
Authors: Barlas T.K. , van der Veen G.J. , van Kuik G.A.M. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper describes the implementation of system identification and controller design techniques using model predictive control (MPC) for wind turbines with distributed active flaps for load control. An aeroservoelastic model of the 5 MW NREL/Upwind reference wind turbine, implemented in the code DU_SWAMP, is used in an industry‐based MPC controller design cycle, involving the use of dedicated system identification techniques. The novel multiple‐input multiple‐output MPC controllers, which incorporate flap actuator constraints and the use of local inflow measurement signals, are designed and implemented for various operating points. The controllers are evaluated in standard power production load cases and fatigue load reductions up to 27.3% are achieved. The distributed flaps controller scheme is also compared with simpler single‐flap single‐input single‐output and individual pitch controller schemes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coordinated control of series‐connected offshore wind park based on matrix converters
Authors: Garcés A. , Molinas M. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTOptimization and reliability are two important aspects in design and operation of wind parks either for offshore as for onland emplacements. However, offshore locations demand conscientious effort in optimizing the size and the weight of each component in the energy conversion system because of the high investment and maintenance costs related with the supporting structures and transportation respectively. Achieving these two objectives requires the combination of different optimization stages, which consider a suitable design of the entire conversion system with innovative and more eﬃcient power electronic devices, optimized topology of the offshore grid and customized control strategies for optimizing the operation of the park.This paper presents an energy conversion concept for wind turbines on the basis of a reduced matrix converter (RMC) that will enable series direct current architecture in offshore wind parks thus preventing the need for offshore platforms. The RMC is built with bidirectional semiconductors that give reduced losses because of both superior topology and more eﬃcient semiconductors. The proposed conversion topology is tested in stationary state and transient operation. In addition to operational features of the concept, control and operation of a wind park with several turbines are presented.Dynamic operation of the turbine as well as the high‐voltage direct current transmission line effects are considered. Three types of models are therefore developed. First, an accurate and detailed model for analyzing one single turbine with the converter operated at high‐frequency switching is presented. This model considers a new modulation for the RMC. A second and simpliﬁed model is used for small signal analysis. This model permits to simulate several series‐connected cluster during transient. Finally, an optimal direct current load ﬂow model is used for evaluating stationary state operation.Results show the technical feasibility of the proposed concept and their advantages over conventional topologies. The paper also discusses the technological challenges that this type of offshore grid architecture will bring. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model of ice throw trajectories from wind turbines
Authors: Biswas Sumita , Taylor Peter , Salmon Jim 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTA model of the trajectories of ice fragments thrown from a rotating wind turbine blade is used to estimate the ground impact locations that could occur under different scenarios. Wind speed, ejection position on the blade and turbine rotation rate all play a role in determining the impact point, as well as mass, density and drag coefficient of the ice fragment. For ‘compact’ ice fragments, the trajectory depends on the combination CDA∕M where CD is the drag coefficient, A is the frontal area and M the mass of the ice fragment. Sensitivity tests show that ice fragments can travel further laterally for low CD and further downwind for high CD. For plate‐like fragments, aerodynamic lift can increase the distance travelled if the plate maintains an orientation to maximize lift. Although this may be a relatively rare event, we provide an example where a 1 kg plate‐like fragment could travel up to 350 m from the base of the turbine. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Engineering Yarrowia lipolytica to express secretory invertase with strong FBA1IN promoter
Authors: Hong Seung‐Pyo , Seip John , Walters‐Pollak Dana , Rupert Ross , Jackson Raymond , Xue Zhixiong , Zhu Quinn 
Published: November 2011

AbstractOleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is an important host for the production of lipid‐derived compounds or heterologous proteins. Selection of strong promoters and effective expression systems is critical for heterologous protein secretion. To search for a strong promoter in Y. lipolytica, activities of FBA1, TDH1 and GPM1 promoters were compared to that of TEF1 promoter by constructing GUS reporter fusions. The FBA1 promoter activity was 2.2 and 5.5 times stronger than the TDH1 and GPM1 promoters, respectively. The FBA1IN promoter (FBA1 sequence of −826 to +169) containing an intron (+64 to +165) showed five‐fold higher expression than the FBA1 promoter (−831 to −1). The transcriptional enhancement by the 5′‐region within the FBA1 gene was confirmed by GPM1::FBA1 chimeric promoter construction. Using the strong FBA1IN promoter, four different S. cerevisiae SUC2 expression cassettes were tested for the SUC+ phenotype in Y. lipolytica. Functional invertase secretion was facilitated by the Xpr2 prepro‐region with an additional 13 amino acids of mature Xpr2, or by the native Suc2 signal sequence. However, these two secretory signals in tandem, or the mature Suc2 with no secretory signal, did not direct secretion of functional invertase. Unlike previously reported Y. lipolytica SUC+ strains, our engineered stains secreted most of invertase into the medium. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioral autonomy age expectations among Mexican‐origin mother–daughter dyads: An examination of within‐group variability
Authors: Bámaca‐Colbert Mayra Y. , Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J. , Espinosa‐Hernández Graciela , Brown Ashley M. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThis study examined differences in behavioral autonomy age expectations between Mexican‐origin mothers and their adolescent daughters (N = 319 dyads); variability in behavioral autonomy age expectations as a function of nativity and maternal educational attainment also was examined. Findings indicated significant differences between mothers and daughters, such that mothers reported later expectations for the timing of behavioral autonomy than did daughters. Follow‐up analyses indicated that findings appeared to be driven by maternal nativity, with dyads comprised of Mexico‐born mothers reporting the latest age expectations for behavioral autonomy when compared with dyads comprised of U.S. born mothers. Findings underscore the need to examine normative development among Latino adolescents and their families with a specific focus on how sociocultural characteristics can contribute to within‐family differences.
Clinical and Spatiotemporal Gait Effects of Canes in Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Fang Meika A. , Heiney Constance , Yentes Jennifer M. , Harada Nancy D. , Masih Sulabha , Perell‐Gerson Karen L. 
Published: November 2011

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of cane use on spatiotemporal gait parameters, pain, and function in adults with hip osteoarthritis (OA).DesignProspective observational study.SettingAn academic tertiary Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center.ParticipantsThirteen adults with symptomatic hip OA and 13 healthy adults.MethodsWe undertook gait analysis in all subjects with an optoelectronic camera system. Pain, stiffness, and physical function in subjects with hip OA were assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).Main Outcome MeasurementsBaseline spatiotemporal measures of unaided gait were obtained for healthy subjects. Baseline and 4‐week spatiotemporal gait parameters were assessed for hip OA subjects while they walked with and without a cane. Participants with hip OA completed the WOMAC at baseline and after 4 weeks of cane use.ResultsAt baseline when walking unaided, the subjects with hip OA (age range 60‐75 years) had a significantly slower gait velocity, shorter affected limb stride length, and longer double‐stance time compared with healthy control subjects. When walking with a cane, they had a reduction in gait velocity (P < .05) caused by a decrease in cadence (P < .05) compared with walking unaided. After 4 weeks of cane use, the participants with hip OA demonstrated significant improvements in gait velocity (P < .05) and double‐stance time (P < .05) when walking with a cane in comparison with baseline data. There was no improvement in pain and function after 4 weeks of cane use, a period in which only approximately 60% of the hip OA subjects used the cane 6 or more times per week.ConclusionsInitial use of a cane led to decreased gait velocity and cadence in people with hip OA compared with walking unaided. This difference in gait velocity diminished after they practiced walking with the cane. Inconsistent use of the cane may have contributed to the lack of improvement in the subjects' hip OA pain and function.
An Assessment of the Compliance and Utility of a Home Exercise DVD for Caregivers of Children and Adolescents With Brachial Plexus Palsy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Murphy Kathleen M. , Rasmussen Lynnette , Hervey‐Jumper Shawn L. , Justice Denise , Nelson Virginia S. , Yang Lynda J.‐S. 
Published: November 2011

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of a video‐based educational resource on home exercise compliance among caregivers of children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP).DesignRetrospective analysis of self‐reported caregiver home exercise habits and resultant shoulder range of motion (ROM) and biceps power in patients with NBPP.SettingHome‐based exercise program.ParticipantsAdult caregivers of children with NBPP followed up through the Brachial Plexus Program at the University of Michigan (N = 83 surveyed initially, with N = 37 completing the final survey).MethodsCaregivers completed surveys before and approximately 3, 6, and 12 months (times A, B, and C, respectively) after receiving the “Home Exercise Therapy Program for Brachial Plexus Palsy” digital video disk (DVD). A retrospective analysis of shoulder ROM and biceps power of patients was completed as representative of arm function during the study.Main Outcome MeasurementsSurveys assessed home exercise compliance, resources used to guide exercises, and caregiver confidence in the correctness of exercises being performed. Functional outcomes analyzed include biceps strength and shoulder active and passive ROM.ResultsHome exercise compliance increased from 74% initially to 96% at time A (P < .001), remained at 94% at time B (P < .001), and fell to 84% at time C (P = .016). Use of the DVD to guide home exercise decreased from 69% at time A to 57% at time B and C (P = .026). After receiving the DVD, exercise frequency and caregiver confidence increased. Although some measures of shoulder active ROM and biceps power improved during the course of the study, there was no consistent statistically significant relationship between increased caregiver confidence and functional outcomes. No causal relationship exists between DVD content and functional status at this time.ConclusionsAs the first formal evaluation of a video‐based resource guiding exercise therapy for children with NBPP, we suggest that this population may be receptive to alternative media and may benefit from dynamic modeling of home exercises.
Physiological adaption to maternal malaria and other adverse exposure: Low birth weight, functional capacity, and possible metabolic disease in adult life
Authors: Christensen Dirk L. , Kapur Anil , Bygbjerg Ib C. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe concept of developmental origins of health and disease and the epidemic of noncommunicable diseases in low‐ and middle‐income countries has increased the focus on low birth weight (LBW). Most studies linking LBW to future risk of metabolic diseases have focused on maternal nutrition and anemia. Several studies have shown that LBWis linked to skeletal muscle insulin resistance and future risk of type 2 diabetes, possibly caused by permanent modifications in skeletal muscle morphology and biochemistry leading to lowered functional capacity and physical activity in adult life. In some parts of the world, malaria infection during pregnancy is the most common cause of anemia and LBW. By causing disruption to nutrient supply, as well as hypoxia, placental malaria and anemia negatively impact intrauterine fetal development. Thus, in utero exposure to placental malaria and consequent LBW may impart a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in early adult life. This has not been investigated systematically. Worldwide, an estimated 125 million pregnancies occur annually in malarial areas with a vast potential for intrauterine growth restriction, LBW, and subsequent risk of metabolic dysfunction, including type 2 diabetes; this potential link also opens an opportunity for early prevention of future metabolic diseases by paying greater attention to malaria during pregnancy.
Integrating noncommunicable disease prevention into maternal and child health programs: Can it be done and what will it take?
Authors: Maina William K. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractNoncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. However, these diseases have not been adequately addressed by health systems, especially in low‐resource countries. Similarly, there is no equitable allocation of global resources for health commensurate with the burden of diseases occasioned by NCDs. This has resulted in poor access to care for women, girls, and other vulnerable groups affected by NCDs. Owing to their position in most societies, women lack control over resources and, hence, cannot afford quality care to treat NCDs. Women also face sociocultural, geographic, and economic barriers to access to care. They are less recognized and catered for in terms of accessibility, comprehensiveness, and responsiveness of healthcare systems. Considering that NCDs affect women more than the general population, tackling them as part of an integrated program for women's health will improve the coverage of the most vulnerable groups. This paper describes how NCD prevention and control could be integrated into maternal and child health programs to improve access to NCD services. It presents the effectiveness, benefits, and challenges of this approach when applied at the primary healthcare level.
Dietaryn-3 PUFA affect lipid metabolism and tissue function-related genes in bovine muscle
Authors: Hiller Beate , Hocquette Jean-Francois , Cassar-Malek Isabelle , Nuernberg Gerd , Nuernberg Karin 
Published: November 2011

Gene expression profiles of bovinelongissimusmuscle as affected by dietaryn-3v.n-6 fatty acid (FA) intervention were analysed by microarray pre-screening of >3000 muscle biology/meat quality-related genes as well as subsequent quantitative RT-PCR gene expression validation of genes encoding lipogenesis-related transcription factors (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β, sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1), key-lipogenic enzymes (acetyl-CoA carboxylase α (ACACA), fatty acid synthase (FASN), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD)), lipid storage-associated proteins (adipose differentiation-related protein (ADFP)) and muscle biology-related proteins (cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, α1, farnesyl diphosphate farnesyl transferase 1, sema domain 3C (SEMA3C)). Down-regulation of ACACA (P = 0·00), FASN (P = 0·09) and SCD (P = 0·02) gene expression upon ann-3 FA intervention directly corresponded to reduced SFA, MUFA and total FA concentrations inlongissimusmuscle, whereas changes in ADFP (P = 0·00) and SEMA3C (P = 0·05) gene expression indicated improved muscle function via enhanced energy metabolism, vasculogenesis, innervation and mediator synthesis. The present study highlights the significance of dietaryn-3 FA intervention on muscle development, maintenance and function, which are relevant for meat quality tailoring of bovine tissues and modulating animal production-relevant physiological processes.
Improvement of sulphur mustard-induced chronic pruritus, quality of life and antioxidant status by curcumin: results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Panahi Yunes , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Amiri Mojtaba , Davoudi Seyyed Masoud , Beiraghdar Fatemeh , Hoseininejad Seyyedeh Leila , Kolivand Marjan 
Published: November 2011

Skin is among the first and most heavily damaged organs upon sulphur mustard (SM) exposure. Pruritus is the most common chronic skin complication of SM, which adversely affects the quality of life (QoL). However, current therapies for the management of SM-induced pruritus are very limited and associated with side effects. The present trial investigated the efficacy of curcumin in the alleviation of SM-induced chronic pruritic symptoms. A total of ninety-six male Iranian veterans (age 37–59 years) were randomised to receive either curcumin (1 g/d,n46) or placebo (n50) for 4 weeks. Serum concentrations of substance P and activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured at baseline and at the end of the trial. Assessment of pruritus severity was performed using the pruritus score, visual analogue scale (VAS) and scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index. QoL was evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. Serum concentrations of substance P (P < 0·001) as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (P = 0·02), glutathione peroxidase (P = 0·006) and catalase (P < 0·001) were significantly reduced in the curcumin group, while no significant change was observed in the placebo group. Curcumin supplementation was also associated with significant reductions in measures of pruritus severity including the pruritus score (P < 0·001), VAS score (P < 0·001), overall (P < 0·001) and objective SCORAD (P = 0·009), and DLQI's first question (P < 0·001). None of these measures was significantly changed in the placebo group. As for the QoL, although DLQI scores decreased in both groups (P < 0·001 andP = 0·003 in the curcumin and placebo groups, respectively), the magnitude of reduction was significantly greater in the curcumin group (P < 0·001). In conclusion, curcumin may be regarded as a natural, safe, widely available and inexpensive treatment for the management of SM-induced chronic pruritus.