bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein Nanocapsules Containing Doxorubicin as a pH‐Responsive Delivery System
Authors: Ren Dongmei , Kratz Felix , Wang Szu‐Wen 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe E2 component of pyruvate dehydrogenase is engineered to form a caged, hollow dodecahedral protein assembly, and the feasibility of this scaffold to be used as a drug delivery system is examined by introducing cysteines to the internal cavity (D381C). The fluorescent dye Alexa Fluor 532 (AF532M) and the antitumor drug doxorubicin are coupled to this internal cavity through maleimides on the guest molecules. The viruslike particle’s structure and stability remain intact after binding of the molecules within the interior of the nanocapsule. The pH‐dependent hydrolysis of a hydrazone linkage to doxorubicin allows 90% drug release from the D381C scaffold within 72 h at pH 5.0. Fluorescence microscopy of MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells indicates significant uptake of the D381C scaffold incorporating AF532M and doxorubicin, and suggests internalization of the nanoparticles through endocytosis. It is observed that the protein scaffold does not induce cell death, but doxorubicin encapsulated in D381C is indeed cytotoxic, yielding an IC50 of 1.3 ± 0.3 μM. While the majority of particulate‐based drug delivery strategies encapsulates drugs within polymeric nanoparticles, these results show the potential for using macromolecular protein assemblies. This approach yields a promising new opportunity for designing highly defined nanomaterials for therapeutic delivery.
Tall building with steel plate shear walls subject to load reversal
Authors: Kang Thomas H.‐K. , Martin Randy D. , Park Hong‐Gun , Wilkerson Ryan , Youssef Nabih 
Published: March 2011

SUMMARYThis paper presents a state‐of‐the‐art review of research on thin unstiffened steel plate shear walls including recent research advances, in addition to a case study building that used them as the primary lateral‐force‐resisting system. Thin unstiffened steel plate shear walls are becoming an attractive alternative to traditional lateral‐force‐resistance systems because they exhibit desirable structural properties. A properly designed steel plate shear wall will have considerable energy dissipation capacity, ductility, initial stiffness and ultimate strength. Furthermore, the said walls are efficient in terms of cost and space due to their light weight, ease of construction and small footprint. The case study building is a 55‐story high‐rise system that took advantage of these properties. Details are presented regarding the design process and tools that were used to ensure a safe and efficient structure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical molecular imaging of atherosclerosis using nanoparticles: shedding new light on the darkness
Authors: Douma Kim , Megens Remco T. A. , van Zandvoort Marc A. M. J. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe application of optical nanoparticles in cardiovascular research is increasing because of the high spatiotemporal resolution and high sensitivity of optical techniques as compared with other imaging platforms. The major cause of cardiovascular events is atherosclerosis, which is a chronic inflammation of the arterial wall. Interestingly, the composition rather than the size of nonstenotic atherosclerotic plaques and severe plaques with >90% stenosis are indicators for high‐risk vulnerability to rupture and acute cardiovascular events. Optical techniques may be highly suitable for discriminating, at subcellular resolution, the different stages of plaque progression by targeting bright and nontoxic optical nanoparticles toward distinct molecular epitopes in order to distinguish vulnerable from stable atherosclerotic plaques. Several optical techniques including two‐photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) have been applied for (in vivo) characterization of atherosclerotic plaques, in addition to investigate their feasibility in the clinical setting. Optical nanoparticles, however, have predominantly been used in optical molecular imaging of tumors, but their application in cardiovascular research is increasing. In this review, we first describe shortly the basics of the mentioned optical techniques. Then, we detail on the most‐extensively studied optical nanoparticles and relatively new optical nanoparticles that hold promise for in vivo applications in atherosclerosis research. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 376–388 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.139This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
PIXE analysis of multilayer targets
Authors: Reis M. A. , Barradas N. P. , Chaves P. C. , Taborda A. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractParticle induced X‐ray emission (PIXE) analysis is generally accepted to be a depth insensitive technique and most of the work up until recently has been oriented to the analysis of in‐depth homogeneous samples. Up until recently, multilayer targets were normally looked upon as a source of problems, implying a limitation to qualitative or semi‐quantitative approaches. The growing need to analyse layered targets having complex structures or close Z elements, which provide unsolvable Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) spectra, pointed out the need to change this situation. The coupling of two software codes, namely NDF and DATTPIXE, was thus carried out a few years ago based on the development of a PIXE yields simulation library, LibCPIXE. Since then, developments were introduced at various levels, from the software code level to the level of analytical methodologies and even equipment. Starting in the concepts of equivalent depth and differential PIXE, and ending in the possibilities opened up by the use of microcalorimeter high‐resolution detectors within this context, an overview of the current status of development of the analytical technology involved is made. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compact crystal spectrometers for ion microbeam WDX–PIXE applications
Authors: Tadić T. , Božičević I. , Jakšić M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe use of a CCD for detection of X‐rays and a focused or collimated beam of ionising radiation enables the design of a compact, wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray (WDX) spectrometer, with increased solid angle and tolerable loss of energy resolution. Experimental investigation of WDX spectrometer designs is rather expensive and time consuming, so in order to compare various designs, a numerical X‐ray tracing procedure (XTRACE) has been developed for the calculation of instrumental functions and solid angles. XTRACE has been applied to a range of candidate designs for downsized WDX spectrometers with CCD detection and flat, Von Hamos, Johann, Johansson and spherical crystals. Most of the crystal types studied for use in downsized WDX‐PIXE spectrometers are sensitive to sample surface rotation, which may affect the reproducibility of experimental conditions. Implications for construction of downsized WDX spectrometers for PIXE application using an ion microbeam are given. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self Diagnosis of Lynch Syndrome Using Direct to Consumer Genetic Testing: A Case Study
Authors: Roberts Maegan E. , Riegert‐Johnson Douglas L. , Thomas Brittany C. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe are reporting what we believe to be the first published case of patient initiated direct to consumer (DTC) genetic testing to test for the presence of a known familial mutation. Our client in this case is from a known MSH2 family; both his/her parent and associated grandparent have previously tested positive for the known familial MSH2 mutation. Using 23andme's “family inheritance genome‐wide comparison” option we were able to determine that our client most likely inherited the known familial MSH2 mutation without pursuing single site genetic testing. Our client pursued DTC genetic testing instead of single site genetic testing due to the fear of genetic discrimination. This case shows that patients are still fearful of genetic discrimination, despite the passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), and that DTC genetic testing may be useful despite the overall negative feeling towards this type of testing in the genetic counseling community.
Spikelet Proteomic Response to Combined Water Deficit and Heat Stress in Rice (Oryza sativa cv. N22)
Authors: Jagadish S. V. Krishna , Muthurajan Raveendran , Rang Zhongwen W. , Malo Richard , Heuer Sigrid , Bennett John , Craufurd Peter Q. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
In future climates, rice crops will be frequently exposed to water deficit and heat stress at the most sensitive flowering stage, causing spikelet sterility and yield losses. Water deficit alone and in combination with heat stress significantly reduced peduncle elongation, trapping 32% and 55% of spikelets within the leaf sheath, respectively. Trapped spikelets had lower spikelet fertility (66% in control) than those exserted normally (>93%). Average weighted fertility of exserted spikelets was lowest with heat stress (35%) but higher with combined stress (44%), suggesting acquired thermo-tolerance when preceded by water-deficit stress. Proteins favoring pollen germination, i.e., pollen allergens and beta expansin, were highly up-regulated with water deficit but were at normal levels under combined stress. The chaperonic heat shock transcripts and proteins were significantly up-regulated under combined stress compared with either heat or water deficit. The importance of spikelet proteins responsive to water deficit and heat stress to critical physiological processes during flowering is discussed.
Fibre intake among the Belgian population by sex–age and sex–education groups and its association with BMI and waist circumference
Authors: Lin Yi , Huybrechts Inge , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Bolca Selin , De Keyzer Willem , De Vriese Stephanie , Polet Anja , De Neve Melissa , Van Oyen Herman , Van Camp John , De Backer Guy , De Henauw Stefaan 
Published: March 2011

The objectives of the present study were to assess total dietary fibre intake and the main contributors to fibre intake in the Belgian population by sex–age and sex–education groups and to investigate its relationship with BMI and waist circumference (WC). The participants of the Belgian food consumption survey (2004) were randomly selected. Information about food intake was collected using two repeated, non-consecutive 24 h recall interviews. A total of 3083 individuals ( ≥ 15 years; 1546 men and 1537 women) completed both interviews. The main contributors to total fibre intake (17·8 g/d) were cereals and cereal products (34 %; 5·9 g/d), potatoes and other tubers (18·6 %; 3·3 g/d), fruits (14·7 %; 2·8 g/d) and vegetables (14·4 %; 2·6 g/d). Legume fibre intake was extremely low (0·672 %; 0·139 g/d). In all sex–age and sex–education groups, total fibre intake was below the recommendations of the Belgian Superior Health Council. Men (21 g/d) consumed significantly more fibre than women (17·3 g/d) (P < 0·001). Lower educated men and higher educated women reported the highest fibre intake. A significant inverse association was found between total fibre intake and WC (β = − 0·118,P < 0·001). Fruit-derived fibre was positively associated with WC (β = 0·731,P = 0·001). In summary, total fibre intake was inversely associated with WC, whereas fruit-derived fibre intake was positively associated with WC in the Belgian population.
Dietary intake of α-linolenic acid and low ratio of n-6:n-3 PUFA are associated with decreased exhaled NO and improved asthma control
Authors: Barros Renata , Moreira André , Fonseca João , Delgado Luís , Graça Castel-Branco M. , Haahtela Tari , Lopes Carla , Moreira Pedro 
Published: March 2011

As recently described, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with improved asthma control. However, evidence of how specific nutrients such as fatty acids and antioxidants may affect this relationship remains largely unknown. We aimed to examine the association between dietary intake of fatty acids and antioxidants and asthma control. A cross-sectional study was developed in 174 asthmatics, mean age of 40 (sd 15) years. Dietary intake was obtained by a FFQ, and nutritional content was calculated using Food Processor Plus™ software (ESHA Research, Inc., Salem, OR, USA). Good asthma control was defined by the combination of forced expiratory volume during the first second, exhaled NO (eNO) and Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score (control: forced expiratory volume in the first second ≥ 80 %; eNO ≤ 35 ppb; ACQ < 1·0, scale 0–6 score). Multiple linear and logistic regression models were performed to analyse the associations between nutrients and asthma outcomes, adjusting for confounders. A high n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio predicted high eNO, whereas high intakes of n-3 PUFA, α-linolenic acid (ALA) and SFA were associated with low eNO. Odds for controlled asthma improved along with an increased intake of n-3 PUFA (OR 0·14, 95 % CI 0·04, 0·45; P for trend = 0·001), SFA (OR 0·36, 95 % CI 0·13, 0·97; P for trend = 0·047) and ALA (OR 0·18, 95 % CI 0·06, 0·58; P for trend = 0·005). A high n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio increased the odds for uncontrolled asthma (OR 3·69, 95 % CI 1·37, 9·94; P for trend = 0·009), after adjusting for energy intake, sex, age, education and use of inhaled corticosteroids. Higher intakes of n-3 PUFA, ALA and SFA were associated with good asthma control, while the risk for uncontrolled asthma increased with a higher n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio. The present results introduce a protective effect of ALA in asthma control, independent of marine n-3 fatty acids, and provide a rationale to dietary intervention studies in asthma.
Arguing, reasoning, and the interpersonal (cultural) functions of human consciousness
Authors: Baumeister Roy F. , Masicampo E. J. , DeWall C. Nathan 
Published: March 2011

AbstractOur recent work suggests that (1) the purpose of human conscious thought is participation in social and cultural groups, and (2) logical reasoning depends on conscious thought. These mesh well with the argument theory of reasoning. In broader context, the distinctively human traits are adaptations for culture and inner processes serve interpersonal functions.
The freak in all of us: Logical truth seeking without argumentation
Authors: De Neys Wim 
Published: March 2011

AbstractMercier and Sperber (M&S) sketch a bleak picture of logical reasoning in classic, nonargumentative tasks. I argue that recent processing data indicate that despite people's poor performance they at least seek to adhere to traditional logical norms in these tasks. This implies that classic reasoning tasks are less artificial–and logical reasoning less exceptional–than M&S's framework suggests.
Artificial cognitive systems: Where does argumentation fit in?
Authors: Fox John 
Published: March 2011

AbstractMercier and Sperber (M&S) suggest that human reasoning is reflective and has evolved to support social interaction. Cognitive agents benefit from being able to reflect on their beliefs whether they are acting alone or socially. A formal framework for argumentation that has emerged from research on artificial cognitive systems that parallels M&S's proposals may shed light on mental processes that underpin social interactions.
Some empirical qualifications to the arguments for an argumentative theory
Authors: Wolfe Christopher R. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe empirical research on the psychology of argumentation suggests that people are prone to fallacies and suboptimal performance in generating, comprehending, and evaluating arguments. Reasoning and argumentation are interrelated skills that use many of the same cognitive processes. The processes we use to convince others are also used to convince ourselves. Argumentation would be ineffective if we couldn't reason for ourselves.
Regret and justification as a link from argumentation to consequentialism
Authors: Connolly Terry , Reb Jochen 
Published: March 2011

AbstractMercier and Sperber (M&S) argue that reasoning has evolved primarily as an adjunct to persuasive communication rather than as a basis for consequential choice. Recent research on decision-related regret suggests that regret aversion and concomitant needs for justification may underpin a complementary mechanism that can, if appropriately deployed, convert M&S's facile arguer into an effective decision maker, with obvious evolutionary advantages.
Deliberative democracy and epistemic humility
Authors: Wu Kevin Chien-Chang 
Published: March 2011

AbstractDeliberative democracy is one of the best designs that could facilitate good public policy decision making and bring about epistemic good based on Mercier and Sperber's (M&S's) theory of reasoning. However, three conditions are necessary: (1) an ethic of individual epistemic humility, (2) a pragmatic deflationist definition of truth, and (3) a microscopic framing power analysis during group reasoning.
Reasoning, robots, and navigation: Dual roles for deductive and abductive reasoning
Authors: Wiles Janet 
Published: March 2011

AbstractMercier & Sperber (M&S) argue for their argumentative theory in terms of communicative abilities. Insights can be gained by extending the discussion beyond human reasoning to rodent and robot navigation. The selection of arguments and conclusions that are mutually reinforcing can be cast as a form of abductive reasoning that I argue underlies the construction of cognitive maps in navigation tasks.
You can't have your hypothesis and test it: The importance of utilities in theories of reasoning
Authors: Poletiek Fenna H. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractMercier and Sperber's (M&S's) theory of reasoning cannot predict reasoning in the absence of an argumentative context. Applying the theory to hypothesis testing behavior, I propose that hypothesis testing is often motivated by determining the true inference and that reasoning models should account for utilities (affected by various motives, including the wish to convince) of reasoning outcomes.
True to the power of one? Cognition, argument, and reasoning
Authors: Khlentzos Drew Michael , Stevenson Bruce 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWhile impressed by much of what Mercier & Sperber (M&S) offer through their argumentative hypothesis, we question whether the specific competencies entailed in each system are adequate. In particular, whether system 2 might not require independent reasoning capabilities. We explore the adequacy of the explanations offered for confirmation bias and the Wason selection task.
Fiscalidad y precios en Castilla en el siglo xvii: los precios del vino en Madrid, 1606-1700
Authors: Andrés Ucendo José Ignacio 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis article deals with the relations between taxation and prices levels in seventeenth century Castile through an analysis of the influence of royal and municipal taxes on the retail prices of cheap wine in Madrid between 1606 and 1700. First part describes the taxes levied on cheap wine by the Castilian Crown and the town council in Madrid. Both kinds of taxes provided the Royal and the City Treasuries with the most important part of their tax revenues. Second part analyzes how the Royal and the city authorities estimated the monetary value of the taxes and excises levied on this beverage. Lastly, third part shows that the burden of the royal and municipal taxes levied on a litre of cheap wine rose during the period. If in 1606-10 both types of taxes amounted to around 30 per cent of the retail prices of a litre of cheap wine, in the last third of the century this percentage had risen to 60-65 per cent.
KNOW ESSENTIALS: A tool for informed decisions in the absence of formal HTA systems
Authors: Mathew Joseph L. 
Published: March 2011

Background: Most developing countries and resource-limited settings lack robust health technology assessment (HTA) systems. Because the development of locally relevant HTA is not immediately viable, and the extrapolation of external HTA is inappropriate, a new model for evaluating health technologies is required.Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the development and application of KNOW ESSENTIALS, a tool facilitating evidence-based decisions on health technologies by stakeholders in settings lacking formal HTA systems.Methods: Current HTA methodology was examined through literature search. Additional issues relevant to resource-limited settings, but not adequately addressed in current methodology, were identified through further literature search, appraisal of contextually relevant issues, discussion with healthcare professionals familiar with the local context, and personal experience. A set of thirteen elements important for evidence-based decisions was identified, selected and combined into a tool with the mnemonic KNOW ESSENTIALS. Detailed definitions for each element, coding for the elements, and a system to evaluate a given health technology using the tool were developed.Results and Conclusions: Developing countries and resource-limited settings face several challenges to informed decision making. Models that are relevant and applicable in high-income countries are unlikely in such settings. KNOW ESSENTIALS is an alternative that facilitates evidence-based decision making by stakeholders without formal expertise in HTA. The tool could be particularly useful, as an interim measure, in healthcare systems that are developing HTA capacity. It could also be useful anywhere when rapid evidence-based decisions on health technologies are required.
Singularities of spacelike constant mean curvature surfaces in Lorentz–Minkowski space
Authors: BRANDER DAVID 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe study singularities of spacelike, constant (non-zero) mean curvature (CMC) surfaces in the Lorentz–Minkowski 3-space L3. We show how to solve the singular Björling problem for such surfaces, which is stated as follows: given a real analytic null-curve f0(x), and a real analytic null vector field v(x) parallel to the tangent field of f0, find a conformally parameterized (generalized) CMC H surface in L3 which contains this curve as a singular set and such that the partial derivatives fx and fy are given by df0/dx and v along the curve. Within the class of generalized surfaces considered, the solution is unique and we give a formula for the generalized Weierstrass data for this surface. This gives a framework for studying the singularities of non-maximal CMC surfaces in L3. We use this to find the Björling data – and holomorphic potentials – which characterize cuspidal edge, swallowtail and cuspidal cross cap singularities.
Effects of mental health on quality of life in children and adolescents living in residential and foster care: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Damnjanovic M. , Lakic A. , Stevanovic D. , Jovanovic A. 
Published: March 2011

Aims.This study was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of mental health and quality of life (QOL) in children and adolescents living in residential and foster care.Methods.Two hundred and sixteen children and adolescents, aged 8–18 years, from residential and foster care participated. QOL was assessed using the Pediatric Quality-of-Life Inventory (PedsQL), levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms using the screen for child anxiety-related emotional disorders (SCARED) questionnaire and the short mood and feeling questionnaire (SMFQ), and general mental health through use of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ).Results.The children and adolescents from residential care had significantly low QOL and more frequently had mental health problems. A stepwise linear regression was performed to test the associations between the SCARED, SMFQ and SDQ scores, and PedsQL (QOL). Anxiety, depressive symptoms and general mental difficulties account for significant variations in QOL (p < 0.001).Conclusions.Mental health problems have significant negative effects on the QOL of children and adolescents living in residential and foster care.