bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosing erectile dysfunction could save your patient’s life
Authors: Brock Gerald
Published: August 2014

Erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease are increasingly recognized as different clinical manifestations of the same process. Because the smaller vessels of the penis may be affected by plaque burden much earlier than the larger coronary, internal carotid, and femoral arteries, men may present with symptoms of erectile dysfunction long before signs of cardiovascular disease manifest. This presents an opportunity for the urologist to not only treat the sexual dysfunction and uncover occult coronary disease, but also screen for cardiac risk, as even men with mild arteriogenic erectile dysfunction may be at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Satellite Image Identification of Wind Channels to Delineate Wind Energy Generation Sites in Pakistan
Authors: Zeeshan Alam Nayyar  , Nayyer Alam Zaigham
Published: August 2014

Technologically, all the renewable energy sources are viable and consequently suit to efforts for poverty alleviation and cleaner environment in Pakistan. They can play an important role in meeting the challenge of providing future electricity to all parts of the country. Wind energy is one of these renewable sources. Considering the geological & geomorphologic setup, geographical position and climatic cycles, Pakistan has tremendous wind potential. Pakistan has about 1000 km long coastline, which could be utilized for the installation of wind farms and wind-monitoring stations as well. Various preliminary comparative studies apparently show that the wind potential is not uniformly distributed along the coastal belt of Pakistan. The present research study is based on the analyses of the satellite images of different periods. On the bases of the result of the study, the prospective wind channels have been identified all along the coastal belt of Pakistan, which are the ideal regions to establish the wind farms for the generation of electricity on the commercial scale.
A Case of Oliguric Mannitol Induced Acute Kidney Injury Early Treated by Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Hwang Kyungo , Kang Yeo-Jin , Bae Eun Jin , Chang Se-Ho , Park Dong Jun
Published: August 2014

We report oliguric mannitol-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) early treated by continuous renal replacement therapy. A 70-year-old woman was admitted to the Department of Neurology with diagnosis of acute intracranial hemorrhage. Mannitol was infused for intracranial pressure control. At admission third day, urine output was abruptly decreased to 57 ml during first 6 hours and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine was increased to 54.2 mg/dL and 5.3 mg/dL respectively. Plasma osmolality was 340 mOsm/kg and osmolar gap was 70. Mannitol was immediately withdrawn and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was performed to remove mannitol rapidly. Urine output was increased 6 hours later after continuous veno-veno hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) start. BUN and creatinine was decreased to 21.4 and 1.2 mg/dL at admission ninth day. Mannitol can develop oliguric AKI and CRRT may be of more benefit than conventional hemodialysis in the case of increased intracranial pressure.
A Case of Lead Migration Caused by Involuntary Movement in Implanted Spinal Cord Stimulation
Authors: Kim Ju-Deok , Lee Jeong-Gil , Kim Sang-Su , Shin Hye-Young
Published: August 2014

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a reliable clinical option for treatment of refractory chronic pain. It is known to be effective method for treating sympathetic pain, failed back surgery syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome etc. The devices and implantation techniques for SCS are already highly developed and continuously improving, but there are some complications that can not be corrected easily. Lead migration is the most common complication after SCS. It can cause failure of SCS that can make discomfort to patients. Here we describe our experience of lead migration in implanted SCS which was inserted to a patient with complex regional pain syndrome patient.
Längtan efter visshet: en studie av trossynen inom den lutherska ortodoxins föreställningsvärld
Authors: Nordbäck Carola
Published: August 2014

[no abstract]
Namn på känslor: nostalgi – en fallberättelse
Authors: Johannisson Karin
Published: August 2014

[no abstract]
Känslans frihet – tankar kring 1700-talets moderna problem
Authors: Jarlert Anders
Published: August 2014

[no abstract]
Manlighet och virilitet i 1700-talets Sverige
Authors: Liliequist Jonas
Published: August 2014

[no abstract]
Lust som last: manlig åtrå i våldtäktsmål från 1700-talet
Authors: Jansson Karin Hassan
Published: August 2014

[no abstract]
Känslans stasis och modersgestaltens framträdelseformer hos Bengt Lidner – ett romantikens perspektiv
Authors: Lysell Roland
Published: August 2014

[no abstract]
Water resources management in a homogenizing world: Averting the Growth and Underinvestment trajectory
Authors: Mirchi Ali , Watkins David W. , Huckins Casey J. , Madani Kaveh , Hjorth Peder
Published: August 2014

Biotic homogenization, a de facto symptom of a global biodiversity crisis, underscores the urgency of reforming water resources management to focus on the health and viability of ecosystems. Global population and economic growth, coupled with inadequate investment in maintenance of ecological systems, threaten to degrade environmental integrity and ecosystem services that support the global socioeconomic system, indicative of a system governed by the Growth and Underinvestment (G&U) archetype. Water resources management is linked to biotic homogenization and degradation of system integrity through alteration of water systems, ecosystem dynamics, and composition of the biota. Consistent with the G&U archetype, water resources planning primarily treats ecological considerations as exogenous constraints rather than integral, dynamic, and responsive parts of the system. It is essential that the ecological considerations be made objectives of water resources development plans to facilitate the analysis of feedbacks and potential trade‐offs between socioeconomic gains and ecological losses. We call for expediting a shift to ecosystem‐based management of water resources, which requires a better understanding of the dynamics and links between water resources management actions, ecological side‐effects, and associated long‐term ramifications for sustainability. To address existing knowledge gaps, models that include dynamics and estimated thresholds for regime shifts or ecosystem degradation need to be developed. Policy levers for implementation of ecosystem‐based water resources management include shifting away from growth‐oriented supply management, better demand management, increased public awareness, and institutional reform that promotes adaptive and transdisciplinary management approaches.
Spatiotemporal analysis and interpretation of 1993–2013 ground deformation at Campi Flegrei, Italy, observed by advanced DInSAR
Authors: Samsonov Sergey V. , Tiampo Kristy F. , Camacho Antonio G. , Fernández José , González Pablo J.
Published: August 2014

Campi Flegrei is one of the most hazardous volcanic areas in the world because of its close proximity to the city of Naples. Here we apply the multidimensional small baseline subset (MSBAS) differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR) technique to obtain vertical and horizontal components of ground deformation for Campi Flegrei at high spatial and temporal resolutions that span, for the first time, 20 years. The area underwent continuous subsidence from 1993 through 1999. Moderate uplift began in 2010 and substantially increased through 2012, reaching approximately 13 cm by 2013. We model the observed deformation to determine source parameters for subsidence and uplift epochs. Both the inflation and deflation mechanisms involve large, extended sources in a layered hydrothermal system whose location is controlled by the caldera structure and stratigraphy. The temporal resolution of MSBAS approaches that of GPS daily time series, with superior precision and spatial resolution, making it an excellent alternative for volcano monitoring.
Ion energization and transport associated with magnetic dipolarizations
Authors: Pan Qingjiang , Ashour‐Abdalla Maha , Walker Raymond J. , El‐Alaoui Mostafa
Published: August 2014

Ion energization in the magnetotail during substorms is examined by simulating a modest substorm event that occurred on 7 February 2009. The simulation scheme combines global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modeling of the magnetosphere driven by realistic upstream solar wind conditions, with a large‐scale kinetics (LSK) simulation. Multiple earthward propagating dipolarizations driven by reconnection outflow jets are modeled by the MHD simulation. Ion trajectories in the LSK simulation show that ions that originated near the reconnection site first gained energy nonadiabatically and then gained energy adiabatically as they “caught up with and then rode on” the earthward propagating dipolarizations. Consequently, the high‐energy (>25 keV) ion fluxes were enhanced where and when the dipolarizations intensified. High‐speed flows in narrow channels controlled the ion earthward transport in the outer magnetosphere due to the dominant E × B drift. The mechanisms of nonlocal energization by dipolarizations and transport controlled by high‐speed flows operate similarly for electrons as described by Ashour‐Abdalla et al. (2011) and Pan et al. (2014).
Detection and attribution of global mean thermosteric sea level change
Authors: Slangen Aimée B. A. , Church John A. , Zhang Xuebin , Monselesan Didier
Published: August 2014

Changes in sea level are driven by a range of natural and anthropogenic forcings. To better understand the response of global mean thermosteric sea level change to these forcings, we compare three observational data sets to experiments of 28 climate models with up to five different forcing scenarios for 1957–2005. We use the preindustrial control runs to determine the internal climate variability. Our analysis shows that anthropogenic greenhouse gas and aerosol forcing are required to explain the magnitude of the observed changes, while natural forcing drives most of the externally forced variability. The experiments that include anthropogenic and natural forcings capture the observed increased trend toward the end of the twentieth century best. The observed changes can be explained by scaling the natural‐only experiment by 0.70 ± 0.30 and the anthropogenic‐only experiment (including opposing forcing from greenhouse gases and aerosols) by 1.08 ± 0.13(±2σ).
Seasonal trends of nighttime plasma density enhancements in the topside ionosphere
Authors: Slominska Ewa , Blecki Jan , Lebreton Jean‐Pierre , Parrot Michel , Slominski Jan
Published: August 2014

In situ registrations of electron density from the Langmuir probe on board Detection of Electro‐Magnetic Emissions Transmitted from Earthquake Regions satellite are used to study spatial and temporal evolution of nighttime plasma density enhancements (NPDEs). The study introduces the normalized density difference index INDD in order to provide global estimates of the phenomenon. In the validation test, in situ data are compared with synthetic data set generated with the International Reference Ionosphere model. We find signatures of two most common examples of NPDEs, the Weddell Sea Anomaly (WSA) and midlatitude nighttime summer anomaly (MSNA) with proposed index, in the topside ionosphere. The study provides evidence that the occurrence of the WSA and MSNA is not limited to the local summer conditions. Analyzed annual trend of INDD and in particular spatial pattern obtained during equinoxes suggest that mechanisms governing the behavior of the equatorial ionosphere cannot be neglected in the explanation of the development of NPDEs.
Propagation of gravity waves and spread F in the low‐latitude ionosphere over Tucumán, Argentina, by continuous Doppler sounding: First results
Authors: Chum J. , Bonomi F. A. M. , Fišer J. , Cabrera M. A. , Ezquer R. G. , Burešová D. , Laštovička J. , Baše J. , Hruška F. , Molina M. G. , Ise J. E. , Cangemi J. I. , Šindelářová T.
Published: August 2014

Results of systematic analysis of propagation directions and horizontal velocities of gravity waves (GWs) and spread F structures in low‐latitude ionosphere (magnetic inclination ~27°) in Tucumán region, Argentina, are presented. Measurements were carried out by multipoint continuous Doppler system during 1 year from December 2012 to November 2013. It was found that meridian propagation of GWs dominated and that southward propagation prevailed in the local summer. Oblique spread structures observed in Doppler shift spectrograms and associated with spread F propagated roughly eastward at velocities from ~70 to ~180 m/s and were observed at night from ~ September to ~ March. The velocities were computed for 182 events and the azimuths for 64 events. Continuous Doppler sounding makes it possible to analyze more events compared to optical observations often used for propagation studies since the measurements do not depend on weather.
Investigation of a mesospheric gravity wave ducting event using coordinated sodium lidar and Mesospheric Temperature Mapper measurements at ALOMAR, Norway (69°N)
Authors: Bossert Katrina , Fritts David C. , Pautet Pierre‐Dominique , Taylor Michael J. , Williams Bifford P. , Pendelton William R.
Published: August 2014

New measurements at the ALOMAR observatory in northern Norway (69°N, 16°E) using the Weber sodium lidar and the Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (AMTM) allow for a comprehensive investigation of a gravity wave (GW) event on 22 and 23 January 2012 and the complex and varying propagation environment in which the GW was observed. These observational techniques provide insight into the altitude ranges over which a GW may be evanescent or propagating and enable a clear distinction in specific cases. Weber sodium lidar measurements provide estimates of background temperature, wind, and stability profiles at altitudes from ~78 to 105 km. Detailed AMTM temperature maps of GWs in the OH emission layer together with lidar measurements quantify estimates of the observed and intrinsic GW parameters centered near 87 km. Lidar measurements of sodium densities also allow more precise identification of GW phase structures extending over a broad altitude range. We find for this particular event that the extent of evanescent regions versus regions allowing GW propagation can vary largely over a period of hours and significantly change the range of altitudes over which a GW can propagate.
The influence of canopy snow parameterizations on snow albedo feedback in boreal forest regions
Authors: Thackeray Chad W. , Fletcher Christopher G. , Derksen Chris
Published: August 2014

Variation in snow albedo feedback (SAF) among Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 climate models has been shown to explain much of the variation in projected 21st century warming over Northern Hemisphere land. Prior studies using observations and models have demonstrated both considerable spread in the albedo and a negative bias in the simulated strength of SAF, over snow‐covered boreal forests. Boreal evergreen needleleaf forests are capable of intercepting snowfall throughout the winter and consequently exert a significant impact on seasonal surface albedo. Two satellite data products and tower‐based observations of albedo are compared with simulations from multiple versions of the Community Climate System Model (CCSM4) to investigate the causes of weak simulated SAF over the boreal forest. The largest bias occurs in April and May, when simulated SAF is one half the strength of SAF in observations. This is traced to two features of the canopy snow parameterizations used in the land model. First, there is no mechanism for the dynamic removal of snow from the canopy when temperatures are below freezing, which results in albedo values in midwinter that are biased high. Second, when temperatures do rise above freezing, all snow on the canopy is melted instantaneously, which results in an unrealistically early transition from a snow‐covered to a snow‐free canopy. These processes combine to produce large differences between simulated and observed monthly albedo and are the source of the weak bias in SAF. This analysis highlights the importance of canopy snow parameterizations for simulating the hemispheric scale climate response to surface albedo perturbations.
Middle Miocene climate instability associated with high‐amplitude CO2 variability
Authors: Greenop Rosanna , Foster Gavin L. , Wilson Paul A. , Lear Caroline H.
Published: August 2014

The amplitude of climatic change, as recorded in the benthic oxygen isotope record, has varied throughout geological time. During the late Pleistocene, changes in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) are an important control on this amplitude of variability. The contribution of CO2 to climate variability during the pre‐Quaternary however is unknown. Here we present a new boron isotope‐based CO2 record for the transition into the middle Miocene Climatic Optimum (MCO) between 15.5 and 17 Myr that shows pronounced variability between 300 ppm and 500 ppm on a roughly 100 kyr time scale during the MCO. The CO2 changes reconstructed for the Miocene are ~2 times larger in absolute terms (300 to 500 ppm compared to 180 to 280 ppm) than those associated with the late Pleistocene and ~15% larger in terms of climate forcing. In contrast, however, variability in the contemporaneous benthic oxygen isotope record (at ~1‰) is approximately two thirds the amplitude of that seen during the late Pleistocene. These observations indicate a lower overall sensitivity to CO2 forcing for Miocene (Antarctic only) ice sheets than their late Pleistocene (Antarctic plus lower latitude northern hemisphere) counterparts. When our Miocene CO2 record is compared to the estimated changes in contemporaneous δ18Osw (ice volume), they point to the existence of two reservoirs of ice on Antarctica. One of these reservoirs appears stable, while a second reservoir shows a level of dynamism that contradicts the results of coupled climate‐ice sheet model experiments given the CO2 concentrations that we reconstruct.
A Service Start: Repaying the Gift of a Thanksgiving Meal
Authors: Buschlen Eric
Published: August 2014

Invite students onto the path of service.
A Quick and Easy Strategy to Reduce Test Anxiety and Enhance Test Performance
Authors: Mavilidi Myrto‐Foteini , Hoogerheide Vincent , Paas Fred
Published: August 2014

The negative thoughts that anxious children experience while sitting for an exam consume working memory resources at the cost of resources for performing on the exam. In a randomized field experiment (N = 117) with primary school students, we investigated the hypothesis that stimulating students to look through the problems of a math test before they start solving them would reduce anxiety, release these anxiety‐related working memory resources, and lead to higher test performance than not allowing students to look ahead in the test. The results confirmed the hypothesis, indicating that the positive effects of looking ahead applied to all students, regardless of their anxiety level (low, medium, or high). The results suggest that by looking ahead in a test, less working memory resources are consumed by intrusive thoughts, and consequently, more resources can be used for performing on the test. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesion of an Elastomeric Protein Complex Extracted From Squid Ring Teeth
Authors: Pena‐Francesch Abdon , Akgun Bulent , Miserez Ali , Zhu Wenpeng , Gao Huajian , Demirel Melik C.
Published: August 2014

The pressure sensitive adhesion characteristic of a protein complex extracted from squid ring teeth (SRT), which exhibits an unusual and reversible transition from a solid to a melt, is studied. The native SRT is an elastomeric protein complex that has standard amino acids, and it does not function as adhesives in nature. The SRT can be thermally shaped into any 3D geometry (e.g., thin films, ribbons, colloids), and it has a glass transition temperature of 32 °C in water. Underwater adhesion strength of the protein film is approximately 1.5–2.5 MPa. The thermoplastic protein film could potentially be used in an array of fields, including dental resins, bandages for wound healing, and surgical sutures in the body.
Synthese Stickstoff‐dotierter Zickzackkanten: Dibenzo‐9a‐azaphenalen als molekularer Baustein
Authors: Berger Reinhard , Giannakopoulos Angelos , Ravat Prince , Wagner Manfred , Beljonne David , Feng Xinliang , Müllen Klaus
Published: August 2014

Eine Bottom‐up‐Methode zur Synthese stabiler und monodisperser Graphensegmente mit Stickstoff‐dotierten Zickzackkanten wird vorgestellt. Auf Grundlage des bisher unbeschriebenen Dibenzo‐9a‐azaphenalens (DBAPhen) als molekularer Baustein wird ein allgemein anwendbares Konzept zur Synthese ausgedehnter Nanographene und Nanographenstreifen mit Stickstoff‐dotierten Zickzackkanten eingeführt.
Characterizing Methyl‐Bearing Side Chain Contacts and Dynamics Mediating Amyloid β Protofibril Interactions Using 13Cmethyl‐DEST and Lifetime Line Broadening
Authors: Fawzi Nicolas L. , Libich David S. , Ying Jinfa , Tugarinov Vitali , Clore G. Marius
Published: August 2014

Many details pertaining to the formation and interactions of protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases are invisible to conventional biophysical techniques. We recently introduced 15N dark‐state exchange saturation transfer (DEST) and 15N lifetime line‐broadening to study solution backbone dynamics and position‐specific binding probabilities for amyloid β (Aβ) monomers in exchange with large (2–80 MDa) protofibrillar Aβ aggregates. Here we use 13Cmethyl DEST and lifetime line‐broadening to probe the interactions and dynamics of methyl‐bearing side chains in the Aβ‐protofibril‐bound state. We show that all methyl groups of Aβ40 populate direct‐contact bound states with a very fast effective transverse relaxation rate, indicative of side‐chain‐mediated direct binding to the protofibril surface. The data are consistent with position‐specific enhancements of 13Cmethyl‐${R{{{\rm tethered}\hfill \atop 2\hfill}}}$ values in tethered states, providing further insights into the structural ensemble of the protofibril‐bound state.
Magnetic‐Structure‐Stabilized Polarization in an Above‐Room‐Temperature Ferrimagnet
Authors: Li Man‐Rong , Retuerto Maria , Walker David , Sarkar Tapati , Stephens Peter W. , Mukherjee Swarnakamal , Dasgupta Tanusri Saha , Hodges Jason P. , Croft Mark , Grams Christoph P. , Hemberger Joachim , Sánchez‐Benítez Javier , Huq Ashfia , Saouma Felix O. , Jang Joon I. , Greenblatt Martha
Published: August 2014

Above‐room‐temperature polar magnets are of interest due to their practical applications in spintronics. Here we present a strategy to design high‐temperature polar magnetic oxides in the corundum‐derived A2BB′O6family, exemplified by the non‐centrosymmetric (R3) Ni3TeO6‐type Mn2+2Fe3+Mo5+O6, which shows strong ferrimagnetic ordering withTC=337 K and demonstrates structural polarization without any ions with (n−1)d10ns0, d0, or stereoactive lone‐pair electrons. Density functional theory calculations confirm the experimental results and suggest that the energy of the magnetically ordered structure, based on the Ni3TeO6prototype, is significantly lower than that of any related structure, and accounts for the spontaneous polarization (68 μC cm−2) and non‐centrosymmetry confirmed directly by second harmonic generation. These results motivate new directions in the search for practical magnetoelectric/multiferroic materials.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Formal [3+2] Annulation Reaction of Enals: An Efficient Enantioselective Access to Spiro‐Heterocycles
Authors: Guo Chang , Schedler Michael , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Glorius Frank
Published: August 2014

A highly enantioselective N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed formal [3+2] annulation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes with azaaurones or aurone generating spiro‐heterocycles has been developed. The protocol represents a unique NHC‐activation‐based approach to access spiro‐heterocyclic derivatives bearing a quaternary stereogenic center with high optical purity (up to 95 % ee).
Peroxophosphotungstate held in an ionic liquid brush: an efficient and reusable catalyst for the dihydroxylation of olefins with H2O2 in neat water
Authors: Shi Xian‐Ying , Wang Peng‐Min , Liu Ke‐Yan , Dong Xue‐Fen , Han Xiao‐Yan , Wei Jun‐Fa
Published: August 2014

A reusable heterogeneous catalytic assembly of [PO4{WO(O2)2}4]3− held in an ionic liquid brush was synthesized and an environmentally friendly procedure was developed for the dihydroxylation of several olefins with 30 wt% H2O2. These reactions were conducted in neat water under mild conditions without any organic co‐solvent or other additive. Several factors that affect the dihydroxylation were investigated in detail. The catalyst is easily recovered after the reaction via simple filtration, and can be reused at least eight times without a noticeable loss of activity. The experimental results demonstrate that this dihydroxylation process has no apparent scale‐up effect. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphorous antioxidants against polypropylene thermal degradation during rotational molding‐kinetic modeling
Authors: Sarrabi Salah , Lacrampe Marie‐France , Krawczak Patricia
Published: August 2014

Phosphorous antioxidants efficiency against molten polypropylene (PP) thermal oxidation was assessed during isothermal ageing and processing by rotational molding. During isothermal ageing, experimental data were compared to the ones calculated on the basis of a kinetic model. Phosphonite is more effective than phosphite. Both phosphite and phosphonite decompose hydroperoxide and prevent initiation of oxidation reactions. However, phosphonite hydrolysis product acts as a radical chain terminator and blocks propagation reactions. Kinetic constants of stabilization reactions were evaluated and discussed. Further, this kinetic modeling was coupled to a thermal software, able to predict polymer temperature evolution during rotational molding and the degradation critical temperature (DCT) of different stabilized PP. A DCT of 235°C was obtained for PP stabilized with phosphonite and hindered phenol against 215°C for PP stabilized with phosphite and the same phenol. This difference of 20°C, corresponding to 5 min more heating is significant to optimize rotational molding. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41285.
Iron‐catalyzed depolymerization of polysiloxanes to produce dichlorodimethylsilane, diacetoxydimethylsilane, or dimethoxydimethylsilane
Authors: Enthaler Stephan
Published: August 2014

Polymers are one of the important pillars of our current society. Besides the great success a matter is the accumulation of huge amounts of end‐of‐life polymers. Current waste management bases primarily on landfills, thermal recycling, and down‐cycling. Noteworthy, only a small part of the end‐of‐life materials is recycled by depolymerization, means low‐molecular weight synthons are created, which can be polymerized to new polymers to close the cycle. Widely used polymers in modern life times are silicones (polysiloxanes). Based on the intrinsic properties the depolymerization is challenging and only a few high temperature or less environmental‐friendly processes have been reported. In this regard, we have set up a capable low‐temperature protocol for the depolymerization of silicones with acid chlorides, acetic acid, or methanol in the presence of cheap iron salts as precatalysts to yield dichlorodimethylsilane, diacetoxydimethylsilane, or dimethoxydimethylsilane as well‐defined products. Notably, dichlorodimethylsilane, diacetoxydimethylsilane, and dimethoxydimethylsilane can be useful starting materials for synthesizing new polymers; overall a recycling is feasible. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41287.
Dielectric and gas transport properties of the films of thermally stable poly(arylene ether ketone)s containing content‐tunable benzimidazole moiety
Authors: Liao Junbin , Chu Youqun , Wang Jianli , Zhou Meiqing , Cao Yiming
Published: August 2014

A series of thermally stable poly(arylene ether ketone)s (PAEKs) bearing benzimidazole structure in the main chains, named poly(arylene ether ketone‐benzimidazole)s (PAEK‐BIs), were directly synthesized by polycondensation of dimethyl bisphenol, dibenzimidazole bisphenol, and difluorobenzophenones. By systematically varying the amount ratio of two kind of bisphenols, the content of benzimidazole moiety in the backbone was controlled straightforwardly. The prepared amorphous polymers were characterized in terms of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, thermal, dielectric, and gas transport properties. Evaluation of solubility reveals that PAEK‐BIs with >60% content of benzimidazole units could be soluble in commonly used organic solvents. Also polymers containing content‐tunable benzimidazole show high glass‐transition temperatures (Tg's, 157–319°C) and excellent thermal stability (e.g., temperature of 5% weight loss, above 438°C in air). Dielectric constants of PAEK‐BIs measured at 25°C are all less than 2.66 in the frequency range of 0.1–50 kHz. For dense films, the ideal gas selectivity and permeability coefficients could be compared with that of commercial Ultem 1000 membrane, which indicate that the PAEK‐BIs are potential to be used for gas separation membrane material. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41289.
Sorption and thermal properties of strongly basic cross‐linked ionic polymer modified with Cr(III) compounds
Authors: Gutsanu Vasile , Lisa Gabriela , Vizir Constantin , Tudorachi Nita
Published: August 2014

AV‐17(Cr) material was prepared by modifying a commercial polymer AV‐17 (initially bearing R4N+ functional groups) with Cr(III) compounds was investigated. Comparative isotherms characterizing the
and
ion sorption from solution with pH values of 3 and 8, respectively, at 19°C and 60°C, were obtained using the raw AV‐17(Cl) and the modified AV‐17(Cr) material. The sorption process on AV‐17(Cr) takes place through the coordination of Cr(VI) ions with Cr(III) ions, while on AV‐17(Cl) it is due to an ion exchange mechanism. The sorption isotherms obtained in pH 8 solutions fit perfectly the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic functions ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS characteristic to the adsorption of
ions from K2CrO4 solutions with pH = 8 were calculated. The active sites belonging to the AV‐17(Cr) material were identified as jarosite type compounds of Cr(III). SEM images show that the Cr(III) compounds are present in the form of ultrafine particles located on the surface and within the bulk phase of the polymer granules. Comparative thermal degradation process of both the AV‐17(Cr) and the AV‐17(Cl) material was conducted in air and in an inert atmosphere (He). The thermal degradation mechanism of sorbent AV‐17(Cr) and exchanger AV‐17(Cl) is proposed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41306.
Tissue alterations in urethral and vaginal walls related to multiparity in rabbits
Authors: Xelhuantzi Nicte , Rodríguez‐Antolín Jorge , Nicolás Leticia , Castelán Francisco , Cuevas Estela , Martínez‐Gómez Margarita
Published: August 2014

In rodents, vaginal distention after delivery or experimental manipulation affects innervations as well as the amount of striated/smooth musculature or collagen in both the urethra and vagina. These changes are associated with modifications in excretory and reproductive processes. Although successive and consecutive vaginal deliveries (multiparity) affect the contractile and functional properties of the female lower urogenital tract (LUT), its impact on LUT morphometry, including persistency, has been barely studied. The caudal urethra (CU) and cranial (V1) and caudal (V2) pelvic vaginal regions were excised from young and adult nulliparous (YN and AN, respectively) and multiparous (YM and AM, respectively) rabbits. Tissues were histologically processed and stained with Masson's trichrome. The thickness of the tissue layers and areas covered by tissue components were measured and compared using two‐way ANOVA followed by Student‐Newmann‐Keuls tests to determine statistical differences (P ≤ 0.05). Compared to YN, YM, and AN tissues showed a reduction in the thickness of the epithelium, as well as in areas covered by striated musculature, collagen, and blood vessels of the LUT. In comparison with YM, only some morphometric changes were recovered in the AM group. Our study shows that multiparity and age can be associated with epithelial and muscular atrophy of urethral and vaginal walls. The morphometry of the LUT between young and adult female rabbits varies with multiparity. These findings may help to better understand the effects of multiparity on young and adult females and its correlation with the development of pelvic dysfunctions. Anat Rec, 297:1963–1970, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thirty‐Day Hospital Readmissions in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Predictors and Hospital‐ and State‐Level Variation
Authors: Yazdany Jinoos , Marafino Ben J. , Dean Mitzi L. , Bardach Naomi S. , Duseja Reena , Ward Michael M. , Dudley R. Adams
Published: August 2014

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has one of the highest hospital readmission rates among chronic conditions. This study was undertaken to identify patient‐level, hospital‐level, and geographic predictors of 30‐day hospital readmissions associated with SLE.

Methods

Using hospital discharge databases from 5 geographically dispersed states, we studied all‐cause readmission of SLE patients between 2008 and 2009. We evaluated each hospitalization as a possible index event leading up to a readmission, our primary outcome. We accounted for clustering of hospitalizations within patients and within hospitals and adjusted for hospital case mix. Using multilevel mixed‐effects logistic regression, we examined factors associated with 30‐day readmission and calculated risk‐standardized hospital‐level and state‐level readmission rates.

Results

We examined 55,936 hospitalizations among 31,903 patients with SLE. Of these hospitalizations, 9,244 (16.5%) resulted in readmission within 30 days. In adjusted analyses, age was inversely related to risk of readmission. African American and Hispanic patients were more likely to be readmitted than white patients, as were those with Medicare or Medicaid insurance (versus private insurance). Several clinical characteristics of lupus, including nephritis, serositis, and thrombocytopenia, were associated with readmission. Readmission rates varied significantly between hospitals after accounting for patient‐level clustering and hospital case mix. We also found geographic variation, with risk‐adjusted readmission rates lower in New York and higher in Florida as compared to California.

Conclusion

We found that ∼1 in 6 hospitalized patients with SLE were readmitted within 30 days of discharge, with higher rates among historically underserved populations. Significant geographic and hospital‐level variation in risk‐adjusted readmission rates suggests potential for quality improvement.
Metallogel Template Fabrication of pH‐Responsive Copolymer Nanowires Loaded with Silver Nanoparticles and Their Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Wen Xing , Tang Liming , Li Botian
Published: August 2014

Poly(N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide–4‐vinylpyridine) (P(MBA‐4VP)) nanowires loaded with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been fabricated by silver metallogel template copolymerization, and subsequently, silver ions are reduced instead of the template being removed. Ag NPs with a diameter of 5–15 nm were dispersed throughout the core of P(MBA‐4VP) nanowires. The size and distribution of the formed Ag NPs could be finely controlled by reduction time. The pH sensitivity of P(MBA‐4VP) nanowires offers the possibility of Ag NP release from the nanowires under acidic conditions. The photocatalytic performance of the P(MBA‐4VP) nanowires loaded with Ag NPs was evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV light irradiation. Their rate of degradation is dependent on the content and size of the Ag NPs, as well as the pH values of the MB solution. Moreover, the P(MBA‐4VP) nanowires loaded with Ag NPs exhibited high photostability, and the photocatalytic efficiency reduced by only 1.81 % after being used three times.
Self‐Assembly of Pyridinium‐Tailored Anthracene Amphiphiles into Supramolecular Hydrogels
Authors: Wang Peiyi , Hu Jun , Yang Song , Song Baoan , Wang Qian
Published: August 2014

The mixing of a polyacid cross‐linker with a pyridinium‐functionalized anthracene amphiphile afforded a supramolecular hydrogel through a self‐assembly process that was primarily driven by π‐stacking and electrostatic interactions.
Curcumin improves hypoxia induced dysfunctions in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes by protecting mitochondria and down regulating inflammation
Authors: Priyanka Ariyapalli , Anusree Sasidharan Suseela , Nisha Vijayakumar Marykutty , Raghu Kozhiparambil Gopalan
Published: August 2014

Obesity induced metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. It is characterized by excessive expansion of white adipose tissue which leads to hypoxia and impairs normal metabolism. Recent studies reveal that hypoxia could be one of the factors for inflammation, insulin resistance and other obesity related complications. There is a high demand for anti‐obese phytoceuticals to control and manage the complications resulting from obesity. In this study, we investigated how hypoxia affect the physiological functions of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes emphasizing on oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial functions. We also evaluated the protective role of various doses of curcumin, a well‐known dietary antioxidant, on hypoxia induced alterations. The results revealed that hypoxia significantly altered the vital parameters of adipocyte biology like HIF 1α expression (103.47% ↑), lactate, and glycerol release (184.34% and 69.1% ↑, respectively), reactive oxygen species production (432.53% ↑), lipid and protein oxidation (376.6% and 566.6% ↑, respectively), reduction in antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) status, secretion of inflammatory markers (TNF α, IL 6, IL 1β, and IFN γ), and mitochondrial functions (mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, permeability transition pore integrity, and superoxide generation). Curcumin substantially protected adipocytes from toxic effects of hypoxia in a dose dependent manner by protecting mitochondria and down regulating inflammation. Acriflavine is used as a positive control. A detailed investigation is required for the development of curcumin as an effective nutraceutical against obesity. © 2014 BioFactors, 40(5):513–523, 2014
Bioactive nanoparticles stimulate bone tissue formation in bioprinted three‐dimensional scaffold and human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Gao Guifang , Schilling Arndt F. , Yonezawa Tomo , Wang Jiang , Dai Guohao , Cui Xiaofeng
Published: August 2014

Bioprinting based on thermal inkjet printing is a promising but unexplored approach in bone tissue engineering. Appropriate cell types and suitable biomaterial scaffolds are two critical factors to generate successful bioprinted tissue. This study was undertaken in order to evaluate bioactive ceramic nanoparticles in stimulating osteogenesis of printed bone marrow‐derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) scaffold. hMSCs suspended in PEGDMA were co‐printed with nanoparticles of bioactive glass (BG) and hydroxyapatite (HA) under simultaneous polymerization so the printed substrates were delivered with highly accurate placement in three‐dimensional (3D) locations. hMSCs interacted with HA showed the highest cell viability (86.62 ± 6.02%) and increased compressive modulus (358.91 ± 48.05 kPa) after 21 days in culture among all groups. Biochemical analysis showed the most collagen production and highest alkaline phosphatase activity in PEG‐HA group, which is consistent with gene expression determined by quantitative PCR. Masson's trichrome staining also showed the most collagen deposition in PEG‐HA scaffold. Therefore, HA is more effective comparing to BG for hMSCs osteogenesis in bioprinted bone constructs. Combining with our previous experience in vasculature, cartilage, and muscle bioprinting, this technology demonstrates the capacity for both soft and hard tissue engineering with biomimetic structures.
Solid support membrane‐aerated catalytic biofilm reactor for the continuous synthesis of (S)‐styrene oxide at gram scale
Authors: Halan Babu , Letzel Thomas , Schmid Andreas , Buehler Katja
Published: August 2014

Catalytic biofilms minimize reactant toxicity and maximize biocatalyst stability in selective transformations of chemicals to value‐added products in continuous processes. The scaling up of such catalytic biofilm processes is challenging, due to fluidic and biological parameters affording a special reactor design affecting process performance. A solid support membrane‐aerated biofilm reactor was optimized and scaled‐up to yield gram amounts of (S)‐styrene oxide, a toxic and instable high value chemical synthon. A sintered stainless steel membrane unit was identified as an optimal choice as biofilm substratum and for high oxygen mass transfer. A stable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane was best suited for in situ substrate delivery and product extraction. For the verification of scalability, catalytic biofilms of Pseudomonas sp. strain VLB120ΔC produced (S)‐styrene oxide to an average concentration of 390 mM in the organic phase per day (equivalent to 24.4 g Laq–1 day–1). This productivity was gained by efficiently using the catalyst with an excellent product yield on biomass of 13.6 gproduct gbiomass–1. This product yield on biomass is in the order of magnitude reported for other continuous systems based on artificially immobilized biocatalysts and is fulfilling the minimum requirements for industrial biocatalytic processes. Overall, 46 g of (S)‐styrene oxide were produced and isolated (purity: 99%; enantiomeric excess [ee]: >99.8%. yield: 30%). The productivity is in a similar range as in comparable small‐scale biofilm reactors highlighting the large potential of this methodology for continuous bioprocessing of bulk chemicals and biofuels.
The validity and clinical utility of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument – version 2 (MAYSI‐2) in the UK
Authors: Lennox Charlotte , O'Malley Kate , Bell Vicky , Shaw Jenny , Dolan Mairead
Published: August 2014

Background

The Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument – version 2 (MAYSI‐2) is designed to assist in identifying the mental health needs of young people admitted to secure establishments. To date, very few studies have assessed the MAYSI‐2 outside the USA.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the validity and clinical utility of the MAYSI‐2 in England.

Methods

Boys newly admitted into one large young offenders' institution, were consecutively interviewed individually and completed the MAYSI‐2, the Youth Self Report (YSR), which capture similar syndrome scales – and the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K‐SADS), which allows for making psychiatric diagnoses.

Results

Two hundred and six boys, of average age 16.5 years, completed all assessments. According to the K‐SADS, co‐morbidity of psychiatric disorders was high (80% of the sample). The MAYSI‐2 showed good convergent validity but poorer discriminant validity with the YSR. The MAYSI‐2 and YSR corresponded with both conceptually and non‐conceptually relevant diagnostic domains.

Conclusions

The poor ability of the MAYSI‐2 and YSR to discriminate and specify disorders is likely to reflect the high rates of co‐morbidity. The fact that 90% of the participants reached the caution cut‐off for any scale on the MAYSI‐2, while suggesting its limited use as a screening tool for this sample, is probably best reflective of the high levels of psychopathology of incarcerated young people in England and Wales since particular efforts to divert as many as possible from custody. A more holistic and comprehensive approach to assessing health needs on admission into custody may be necessary for such a population. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Ratio of High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol to Apolipoprotein A‐I Predicts Myocardial Injury Following Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Li Xiao‐Lin , Li Jian‐Jun , Guo Yuan‐Lin , Zhu Cheng‐Gang , Qing Ping , Wu Na‐Qiong , Xu Bo , Gao Run‐Lin
Published: August 2014

Background

High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) has cardioprotective properties. Each HDL particle has a few molecules of apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I) and carries various amounts of cholesterol. The ratio of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) to apoA‐I may reflect mean HDL particle size.

Hypothesis

HDL‐C/apoA‐I ratio may provide more information than HDL‐C and apoA‐I in predicting myocardial injury following elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 2529 consecutive patients who underwent elective PCI and assessed the relationships of preprocedural HDL‐C, apoA‐I, and their ratio with peak cardiac troponin I (cTnI) within 24 hours after PCI.

Results

Neither HDL‐C nor apoA‐I levels showed significant association with postprocedural cTnI elevation, whereas HDL‐C/apoA‐I ratio was associated with postprocedural cTnI elevation above 3 up to 30 × upper limit of normal (ULN), with the lowest risk in the middle quintile (all P values for quadratic term were <0.05). Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of postprocedural cTnI >3 × ULN for quintile 1 to 5 of HDL‐C/apoA‐I ratio were: 1 (reference), 0.81 (0.62‐1.07), 0.57 (0.43‐0.75), 0.65 (0.49‐0.85), and 0.76 (0.58–1.01), respectively, and the adjusted odds ratios of postprocedural cTnI >30 × ULN for quintile 1 to 5 of HDL‐C/apoA‐I ratio were: 1 (reference), 0.81 (0.49‐1.361), 0.42 (0.23‐0.77), 0.66 (0.38‐1.14), and 0.82 (0.49‐1.38), respectively.

Conclusions

There was a U‐shaped association between HDL‐C/apoA‐I ratio and myocardial injury following PCI.