bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strontium Barium Niobate as a Multifunctional Two‐Dimensional Nonlinear “Photonic Glass”
Authors: Molina Pablo , Ramírez María de la O , Bausá Luisa E. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe ability of Strontium Barium Niobate crystal as a two‐dimensional nonlinear optical multiple‐wavelength‐and‐direction converter is demonstrated, showing how harmonic generation can be obtained in an extremely large spectral range. The whole visible spectral region can be continuously generated without any angle or temperature tuning by using different nonlinear schemes involving SHG and THG in different configurations. The dominant frequency conversion mechanisms acting in each case are experimentally determined. The system can act as a nonlinear prism since the SHG conical radiation from 430 to 680 nm can be dispersed into an external angle range of 36°. Conical nonlinear processes are also demonstrated under intracavity conditions from a diode pumped Nd3+:SBN laser crystal. Different harmonic generated rings appear simultaneously inside the cavity, while the crystal is lasing at 1063 nm. The system constitutes the first experimental example of a two‐dimensional generalized nonlinear photonic glass on a tunable solid state laser and can be useful for novel optical multifunctional devices such as nonlinear prism self‐frequency converted solid state lasers.
Bubble dynamics investigation in a slurry bubble column
Authors: Wu Chengtian , Suddard Kelsey , Al‐dahhan Muthanna H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe application of four‐point optical probe has been for the first time extended to a slurry system in a 10.2‐cm ID column. Bubble dynamics (local gas holdup, bubble chord length, bubble velocity, bubble frequency, and specific interfacial area) were investigated using an air–water‐catalyst system under atmospheric pressure. With an increase in solids loading, the local gas holdup, specific interfacial area, and bubble frequency decreased, while the bubble velocity changed slightly. Bubble chord length increased noticeably, and the bubble chord length distribution spread more widely at high solids loading. It has also been found that the probe orientation is important for an investigation using probes, especially in the wall region of the column. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Mediators' alert: Now, certification goes global
Authors: Meyer Judith 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA new Netherlands‐based initiative intends to certify mediators' training, qualifications, and general fitness for the work they do. The International Mediation Institute is soliciting comments this month on its proposed standards. Regular Alternatives contributor Judith Meyer, of Haverford, Pa., is an officer of the commission overseeing the efforts, and describes why the effort is underway and what it hopes to accomplish.
A phase I/IItrial of MYO‐029 in adult subjects with muscular dystrophy
Authors: Wagner Kathryn R. , Fleckenstein James L. , Amato Anthony A. , Barohn Richard J. , Bushby Katharine , Escolar Diana M. , Flanigan Kevin M. , Pestronk Alan , Tawil Rabi , Wolfe Gil I. , Eagle Michelle , Florence Julaine M. , King Wendy M. , Pandya Shree , Straub Volker , Juneau Paul , Meyers Kathleen , Csimma Cristina , Araujo Tracey , Allen Robert , Parsons Stephanie A. , Wozney John M. , LaVallie Edward R. , Mendell Jerry R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveMyostatin is an endogenous negative regulator of muscle growth and a novel target for muscle diseases. We conducted a safety trial of a neutralizing antibody to myostatin, MYO‐029, in adult muscular dystrophies (Becker muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, and limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy).MethodsThis double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multinational, randomized study included 116 subjects divided into sequential dose‐escalation cohorts, each receiving MYO‐029 or placebo (Cohort 1 at 1mg/kg; Cohort 2 at 3mg/kg; Cohort 3 at 10mg/kg; Cohort 4 at 30mg/kg). Safety and adverse events were assessed by reported signs and symptoms, as well as by physical examinations, laboratory results, echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and in subjects with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, funduscopic and audiometry examinations. Biological activity of MYO‐029 was assessed through manual muscle testing, quantitative muscle testing, timed function tests, subject‐reported outcomes, magnetic resonance imaging studies, dual‐energy radiographic absorptiometry studies, and muscle biopsy.ResultsMYO‐029 had good safety and tolerability with the exception of cutaneous hypersensitivity at the 10 and 30mg/kg doses. There were no improvements noted in exploratory end points of muscle strength or function, but the study was not powered to look for efficacy. Importantly, bioactivity of MYO‐029 was supported by a trend in a limited number of subjects toward increased muscle size using dual‐energy radiographic absorptiometry and muscle histology.InterpretationThis trial supports the hypothesis that systemic administration of myostatin inhibitors provides an adequate safety margin for clinical studies. Further evaluation of more potent myostatin inhibitors for stimulating muscle growth in muscular dystrophy should be considered. Ann Neurol 2008
Nanoclay and long‐fiber‐reinforced composites based on epoxy and phenolic resins
Authors: Zhou Gang , Movva Siva , Lee L. James 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this study, high‐performance thermoset polymer composites are synthesized by using both long fibers and nanoclays. Epoxy and phenolic resins, the two most important thermoset polymers, are used as the polymer matrix. The hydrophobic epoxy resin is mixed with surface modified nanoclay, while the hydrophilic phenolic resin is mixed with unmodified raw nanoclay to form nanocomposites. Long carbon fibers are also added into the nanocomposites to produce hybrid composites. Mechanical and thermal properties of synthesized composites are compared with both long‐fiber‐reinforced composites and polymer‐ layered silicate composites. The optimal conditions of sample preparation and processing are also investigated to achieve the best properties of the hybrid composites. It is found that mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy and phenolic nanocomposites can be substantially improved. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Überlegungen zur Verortung der Nanotechnologie in einem wissenschafts‐ und technikgeschichtlichen Kontinuum
Authors: Woyke Andreas 
Published: March 2008

AbstractReflections about an embedding of nanotechnology in a continuum of the history of science and technology. Nanotechnology is not a completely new technology, we can rather understand it as a continuation and extension of chemical technology. Along this line, it is not only problematic to characterize nanotechnology as a new ‘key technology’ but also the definition of nanotechnology as looking at a particular causality between properties and dimensions of materials seems hardly new. For embedding nanotechnology in such a greater historical context, the development of colloid chemistry at the beginning of the 20th century by Richard Zsigmondy and Wolfgang Ostwald is shown as an important reference point. Modern theories of supramolecular chemistry as those constituted by Jean‐Marie Lehn and others refer to this line of research in colloid chemistry and lead currently to scientific foundations of some nanotechnological fields. The historical embedding of nanotechnology can hence be used as a contribution for a more realistic evaluation of the technological possibilities as well as for a critical estimation of technological visions.
Crystal structures of peptide enantiomers and racemates: Probing conformational diversity in heterochiral Pro‐Pro sequences
Authors: Saha Indranil , Chatterjee Bhaswati , Shamala Narayanaswamy , Balaram Padmanabhan 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMultiple conformational states in heterochiral diproline sequences have been characterized in the solid state by the determination of the crystal structures of seven tripeptides in enantiomeric and racemic forms. The sequences of the type Piv‐DPro‐LPro‐DXxx‐NHMe (D‐L‐D) [DXxx = DVal 1, DLeu 3, and DPhe 5] and their corresponding enatiomeric L‐D‐L sequences [LXxx = LVal 2, LLeu 4, and LPhe 6] have been investigated. Single crystals have been obtained for the pure enantiomers 1, 2, 3, 4 and for the racemates 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6. For Xxx = Leu, mirror image conformations (type II/II′ β‐turns) at Pro‐Leu segment are obtained. For Xxx = Val, a LPro‐DPro type II β‐turn in 2 and an open/extended structure is obtained in the solvated form of the enantiomer 1. For Xxx = Phe, suitable crystals could not be obtained for enatiomeric peptides. The racemate 5/6 revealed a cis peptide bond between the diproline segment with the absence of any intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Crystal structures of enantiomers and racemates prove useful in characterizing the multiple conformational states that are accessible to Pro‐Pro segments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 537–543, 2008.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Structural insights into the elastin mimetic (LGGVG)6 using solid‐state 13C NMR experiments and statistical analysis of the PDB
Authors: Kumashiro Kristin K. , Ohgo Kosuke , Niemczura Walter P. , Onizuka Allen K. , Asakura Tetsuo 
Published: March 2008

AbstractElastin is a crosslinked hydrophobic protein found in abundance in vertebrate tissue and is the source of elasticity in connective tissues and blood vessels. The repeating polypeptide sequences found in the hydrophobic domains of elastin have been the focus of many studies that attempt to understand the function of the native protein on a molecular scale. In this study, the central residues of the (LGGVG)6 elastin mimetic are targeted. Using a combination of a statistical analysis based on structures in the Brookhaven Protein Data Bank (PDB), 1D cross‐polarization magic‐angle‐spinning (CPMAS) NMR spectroscopy, and 2D off‐magic‐angle‐spinning (OMAS) spin‐diffusion experiments, it is determined that none of the residues are found in a singular regular, highly ordered structure. Instead, like the poly(VPGVG) elastin mimetics, there are multiple conformations and significant disorder. Furthermore, the conformational ensembles are not reflective of proteins generally, as in the PDB, suggesting that the structure distributions in elastin mimetics are unique to these peptides and are a salient feature of the functional model of the native protein. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 668–679, 2008.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Engineering Nanorafts of Calixarene Polyphosphonates
Authors: Clark Thomas E. , Makha Mohamed , Sobolev Alexandre N. , Rohrs Henry , Atwood Jerry L. , Raston Colin L. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe water‐soluble calix[4]arene bearing p‐substituted phosphonic acid groups is accessible in five steps in overall 62 % yield, with the hydrogen‐bonding prowess of the acidic groups dominating its self‐assembly processes. These include the formation of 3.0(3) nm and 20(2) nm nanorafts of the calixarene in water using spinning disc processing, stabilized by acetonitrile, and nanorafts in the gas phase (≤20 molecules). The 20(2) nm particles transform into 3.0(3) nm particles prior to crystallization into a compact bilayer, whereas crystallization in the presence of large organic molecules gives an expanded bilayer interposed by layers of water molecules.
Efficient stem cell labeling for MRI studies
Authors: Küstermann E. , Himmelreich U. , Kandal K. , Geelen T. , Ketkar A. , Wiedermann D. , Strecker C. , Esser J. , Arnhold S. , Hoehn M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIron oxide particles are especially suited for cell tracking experiments due to their extraordinarily molar relaxivity as compared with other paramagnetic nuclei. We have compared different iron oxide particles (Sinerem, Endorem and magnetic microspheres) for their suitability to label embryonic stem cells (D3 cell line). In addition to detectability thresholds, particular attention has been paid to the evaluation of long‐term stability of the labelling procedure (up to 4 weeks) as well as to toxic and other adverse effects on cell viability. Comparative studies were performed using neural progenitor cells (C17.2) and dendritic cells. The present study indicates strong dependence of the label efficiency and stability on the iron oxide particles and cell lines in use. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential projections from the vestibular nuclei to the flocculus and uvula‐nodulus in pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Pakan Janelle M.P. , Graham David J. , Iwaniuk Andrew N. , Wylie Douglas R.W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe pigeon vestibulocerebellum is divided into two regions based on the responses of Purkinje cells to optic flow stimuli: the uvula‐nodulus responds best to self‐translation, and the flocculus responds best to self‐rotation. We used retrograde tracing to determine whether the flocculus and uvula‐nodulus receive differential mossy fiber input from the vestibular and cerebellar nuclei. From retrograde injections into the both the flocculus and uvula‐nodulus, numerous cells were found in the superior vestibular nucleus (VeS), the cerebellovestibular process (pcv), the descending vestibular nucleus (VeD), and the medial vestibular nucleus (VeM). Less labeling was found in the prepositus hypoglossi, the cerebellar nuclei, the dorsolateral vestibular nucleus, and the lateral vestibular nucleus, pars ventralis. In the VeS, the differential input to the flocculus and uvula‐nodulus was distinct: cells were localized to the medial and lateral regions, respectively. The same pattern was observed in the VeD, although there was considerable overlap. In the VeM, the majority of cells labeled from the flocculus were in rostral margins on the ipsilateral side, whereas labeling from uvula‐nodulus injections was distributed bilaterally throughout the VeM. Finally, from injections in the flocculus but not the uvula‐nodulus, moderate labeling was observed in a paramedian area, adjacent to the medial longitudinal fasciculus. In summary, there were clear differences with respect to the projections from the vestibular nuclei to functionally distinct parts of the vestibulocerebellum. Generally speaking, the mossy fibers to the flocculus and uvula‐nodulus arise from regions of the vestibular nuclei that receive input from the semicircular canals and otolith organs, respectively. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:402–417, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nuclear factor I gene expression in the developing forebrain
Authors: Plachez Céline , Lindwall Charlotta , Sunn Nana , Piper Michael , Moldrich Randal X. , Campbell Christine E. , Osinski Jason M. , Gronostajski Richard M. , Richards Linda J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThree members of the Nuclear Factor I (Nfi) gene family of transcription factors; Nfia, Nfib, and Nfix are highly expressed in the developing mouse brain. Nfia and Nfib knockout mice display profound defects in the development of midline glial populations and the development of forebrain commissures (das Neves et al. [1999] Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 96:11946–11951; Shu et al. [2003] J Neurosci 23:203–212; Steele‐Perkins et al. [2005] Mol Cell Biol 25:685–698). These findings suggest that Nfi genes may regulate the substrate over which the commissural axons grow to reach targets in the contralateral hemisphere. However, these genes are also expressed in the cerebral cortex and, thus, it is important to assess whether this expression correlates with a cell‐autonomous role in cortical development. Here we detail the protein expression of NFIA and NFIB during embryonic and postnatal mouse forebrain development. We find that both NFIA and NFIB are expressed in the deep cortical layers and subplate prenatally and display dynamic expression patterns postnatally. Both genes are also highly expressed in the developing hippocampus and in the diencephalon. We also find that principally neither NFIA nor NFIB are expressed in callosally projecting neurons postnatally, emphasizing the role for midline glial cell populations in commissure formation. However, a large proportion of laterally projecting neurons express both NFIA and NFIB, indicating a possible cell‐autonomous role for these transcription factors in corticospinal neuron development. Collectively, these data suggest that, in addition to regulating the formation of axon guidance substrates, these genes also have cell‐autonomous roles in cortical development. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:385–401, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunocytochemical typing of primary tumors on fine‐needle aspiration cytologies of lymph nodes
Authors: Casimiro Onofre Alexandre Sherlley , Pomjanski Natalia , Buckstegge Birgit , Böcking Alfred 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyze the role of immunocytochemistry as an ancillary method on routine FNACs of enlarged lymph nodes, using different markers. In a validating cohort study all patients had confirmatory histological and/or clinical follow‐up. 10 FNACs were analyzed for the differentiation of Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) from metastatic carcinoma (MC), 30 cases to identify the sites of metastatic unknown primary tumors and 16 cases were checked to confirm clinical suspicion of a specific MC. Accuracy to differentiate NHL from MC was 100%, 92.3% to identify a primary tumor site of MC, and 100% to confirm a clinical suspicion of a specific MC. In 7 cases, the site of the primary tumor remained clinically unknown. Application of immunocytochemical markers on the same slide used for microscopic diagnosis is a useful tool in the routine assessment of FNACs of lymph nodes. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:207–215. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Utility of thin‐layer preparations in endometrial cytology: Immunocytochemical expression of PTEN, beta‐catenin and p53 for benign endometrial lesions
Authors: Norimatsu Yoshiaki , Miyamoto Tomoyuki , Kobayashi Tadao K. , Oda Tomohiro , Moriya Takuya , Yanoh Kenji , Miyake Yasuyuki , Ohno Eiji 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis article focuses on the characteristic features of morphology and molecular biology of PTEN, beta‐catenin, and p53 immunocytochemistry in normal endometrium (proliferative, secretory, and atrophic) and endometrial glandular and stromal breakdown (EGBD) using thin‐layer specimens. During a 6‐month period, 120 endometrial samples were collected directly using the Uterobrush and a thin‐layer specimen was prepared. Immunocytochemical expression of PTEN, beta‐catenin, and p53 were investigated using 30 cases each of proliferative endometrium (PE), secretory endometrium (SE), atrophic endometrium (AE), and EGBD.PTEN expression of normal endometrial glandular epithelial cells changes with the hormonal status; PE produce very high expression, SE creates attenuation or disappearance of PTEN expression and AE diminished more in comparison with SE. PTEN expression of EGBD showed a tendency towards attenuation compared with PE, but showed high expression in comparison with SE and AE. As for the immunoreactivity of beta‐catenin, in all phases (PE, SE, AE, and EGBD), it was observed in the cytoplasm of glandular epithelial cells, but not nuclei, and showed strong membranous staining. As for the p53 immunoreactivity, p53 positivity was not observed in the glandular epithelial cells in all phases (PE, SE, AE, and EGBD) with the exception of some metaplastic cells. The presence of p53 immunoreactivity of a weak, low ratio in metaplastic cells was unexpected. In the current study, the expression manner of PTEN, beta‐catenin, and p53 immunocytochemistry was observed in the normal endometrium (PE, SE, and AE) and EGBD. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:216–223. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Disseminated subcutaneous nocardiosis caused by Nocardia farcinica diagnosed by FNA biopsy and 16S ribosomal gene sequencing
Authors: Angeles Ronald M. , LaSala Rocco P. , Fanning Cristina V. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractNocardia is an infrequent but significant cause of infections in the immunocompromised host. Clinical syndromes are varied and ranges from pulmonary, disseminated, cutaneous, and CNS involvement. Here we describe a case of disseminated subcutaneous nodules in a patient with multiple myeloma caused by Nocardia farcinica. The diagnosis was made by FNA biopsy which revealed gram positive filamentous bacilli in background of acute inflammation on smears. This was confirmed by 16S ribosomal gene sequencing. Prompt identification of N. farcinica is important because of its intrinsic resistance to broad spectrum cephalosporins and high risk of dissemination. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:266–269. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enriched environment restores impaired hippocampal long‐term potentiation and water maze performance induced by developmental lead exposure in rats
Authors: Cao Xiujing , Huang Shenghai , Ruan Diyun 
Published: March 2008

AbstractLead (Pb2+) exposure in children can induce long lasting deficits in cognitive function and has been modeled in experimental animals. Based on previous studies which demonstrated that learning impairments resulting from developmental Pb2+ exposure were reversible if the animals were provided with an enriched environment, here, we asked if environmental enrichment (EE) could also reverse long‐term potention (LTP) impairment induced by lead. Rats drank 1,500 ppm lead acetate (PbAc) solution or distilled water throughout gestation and lactation. After weaning at postnatal Day 22, one half of the control and lead‐exposed male offspring were given the environmental enrichment treatment through all the experiments until tested. Electrophysiological and Morris water maze test were performed at 8 weeks of age. The result showed that the impaired learning ability induced by lead could be reversed by EE. Furthermore, our results revealed that EPSP LTP and PS LTP impairments induced by lead were also reversible by EE experience. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 307–313, 2008.
Notch2 is required for the proliferation of cardiac neural crest‐derived smooth muscle cells
Authors: Varadkar Prajakta , Kraman Matthew , Despres Daryl , Ma Ge , Lozier Julie , McCright Brent 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMutations in Notch receptors and their ligands have been identified as the cause of human congenital heart diseases, indicating the importance of the Notch signaling pathway during heart development. In our study, we use Cre‐Lox technology to inactivate Notch2 in several cardiac cell lineages to determine the functional requirements for Notch2 during mammalian heart development. Inactivation of Notch2 in cardiac neural crest cells resulted in abnormally narrow aortas and pulmonary arteries due to a decrease in smooth muscle tissue. The reduction in smooth muscle tissue was not due to cell migration defects but instead was found to be caused by less proliferation in smooth muscle cells during mid to late gestation. Our findings demonstrate that Notch2 is required cell autonomously for proper formation of the heart outflow tract and provides insights into the role of Notch2 in vascular smooth muscle development and the cardiovascular defects associated with Alagille syndrome. Developmental Dynamics 237:1144–1152, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.