bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effect of dual nanofillers (MWCNT and Ni–Al LDH) on the electrical and thermal characteristics of polystyrene nanocomposites
Authors: Sen Payel , Pugazhenthi G. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTThe advantage of using 3D hybrid filler containing carboxylic acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (c‐MWCNTs) and sodium dodecyl sulfate modified Ni–Al layered double hydroxide (sN‐LDH) over c‐MWCNTs and sN‐LDHs acting alone was investigated. PS/c‐MWCNT composites proved to be good for improvement of properties, but not to an appreciable level, especially in case of electrical conductivity, flame retardancy, rheology, and water vapor permeability. Hence, a combination of 0.3 wt % of c‐MWCNT and 3 wt % of sN‐LDH was optimized as additives to assist in the full expression of the filler traits in the nanocomposite and to obtain a versatile nanocomposite with properties specific to both the fillers. This approach slightly decreases the dispersion challenge faced with handling high loadings of CNT and also the intrinsic limitations specific to the individual fillers (i.e., inertness of CNTs and low conductivity of LDHs). Moreover, the anion/anionic repulsion of organically modified CNT/LDH facilitates effective dispersion of the additive opposing adhesion. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy provided evidence for incorporation and proper dispersion of the additives in the polymer matrix, with XRD and TEM confirming a well‐dispersed morphology of the nanocomposites. In this work, focus is made on the improvement of thermal stability, flame retardancy, melt rheology, hardness, electrical conductivity, and water vapor permeability of PS/0.3 wt % c‐MWCNT/3 wt % sN‐LDH nanocomposites over PS/0.3 wt % c‐MWCNT, making use of the synergistic effect of c‐MWCNT coupled with sN‐LDH on polystyrene. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46513.
Spectrofluorimetric determination of acotiamide hydrochloride trihydrate in the presence of its oxidative degradation product
Authors: Attia Khalid A. M. , Nassar Mohammed W. I. , El‐Olemy Ahmed , Ramzy Sherif 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAcotiamide hydrochloride trihydrate is a novel gastroprokinetic drug which has been recently approved for the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia. This study presents the first reported to investigate the fluorimetric behavior of acotiamide hydrochloride trihydrate in the presence of its oxidative degradation product. All variables that affect fluorescence intensity were studied and optimized. The described method involved the measurement of native fluorescence of the drug in ethanol at 404 nm after excitation at 326 nm. Calibration plot was found to be linear over the concentration range 0.1–0.9 μg/ml. The specificity of the method has been tested via selective determination of the studied drug in its synthetic mixtures with its degradation product. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the analysis of the drug in its new pharmaceutical dosage form and the results have been statistically compared with the reported HPLC method showing no significant differences by applying t‐test and F‐test.
Association between serum uric acid, high sensitive C‐reactive protein and pro‐oxidant‐antioxidant balance in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Ahmadnezhad Mahsa , Arefhosseini Seyed Rafie , Parizadeh Mohammad Reza , Tavallaie Shima , Tayefi Maryam , Darroudi Susan , Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Moohebati Mohsen , Ebrahimi Mahmoud , Heidari‐Bakavoli Alireza , Azarpajouh Mahmoud Reza , Ferns Gordon A. , Mogharebzadeh Vahid , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThere is persuasive evidence that oxidative stress and inflammation are features of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). We have investigated the relationship between serum pro‐oxidant‐antioxidant balance (PAB), serum uric acid, and high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) in 7,208 participants from the MASHAD study cohort, who were categorized as having MetS, or not, using International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) criteria. Serum hs‐CRP was measured by Polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐enhanced immunoturbidimetry method using an Alycon analyzer (ABBOTT, Chicago, IL, USA). A colorimetric method was used to determine serum PAB. Serum PAB values were significantly higher in the individuals with MetS compared to those without (P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a step‐wise increase in mean serum PAB concentrations as the number of components of the MetS increased. The combination of features of MetS had different association with serum PAB and hs‐CRP. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that body mass index (BMI, B = 2.04, P < 0.001), physical activity level (PAL, B = 18.728, P = 0.001), serum uric acid (B = −1.545, P = 0.003), and serum C‐reactive protein (B = 0.663, P < 0.001) were associated with serum PAB in individuals with MetS. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that serum PAB (B = 0.002, P < 0.001, CI = 1.001–1.003), serum C‐reactive protein (B = 0.007, P < 0.015, CI = 1.001–1.013), and serum uric acid (B = 0.207, P < 0.001, CI = 1.186–1.277) were all significantly associated with MetS. Serum PAB was strongly associated with serum uric acid and serum hs‐CRP. Moreover, serum PAB as well as serum uric acid and serum hs‐CRP were independently associated with MetS. Individual features of MetS were also associated with serum hs‐CRP and PAB. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(3):263–271, 2018
Psychotherapy for depression from the point of view of economically disadvantaged individuals in Chile and Colombia
Authors: Krause Mariane , Espinosa‐Duque Henry Daniel , Tomicic Alemka , Córdoba Ana Catalina , Vásquez Daniel 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis article presents a qualitative study, conducted in Chile and Colombia, on mental health care access and experiences with psychotherapy from the perspectives of economically disadvantaged clients. Current epidemiological data show it is important to conduct psychological interventions to address depression in poor populations, given the high prevalence of this disorder in these groups. However, despite efforts made in both countries at the health care policy level, the impact of the available psychological care has been weaker than expected.AimsBased on this observation, this study sought to collect more information for understanding this problem by incorporating patients’ views.Materials & MethodsTo shed light on this issue, 24 participants from Chile and Colombia were interviewed with respect to their opinions on access to psychotherapeutic care and their experience with it. Semi‐structured interviews conducted were analysed using Grounded Theory procedures.ResultsThe facilitating and impeding factors that low‐income people have regarding access to psychotherapy, in an institutional context, and specific challenges involving changes in their understanding of their problems and their own role in recovery are presented. These changes involve distancing themselves from their original culturally‐shaped understanding of psychological disorders.DiscussionThe influence of psychotherapy as a force capable of shaping culturally determined meanings in clients from economically disadvantaged areas is problematised.ConclusionThe results of this research may encourage clinicians to see the client's uniqueness within a certain social order and a social network as different from that of the therapist.
Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction on TiO2‐Based Materials under Controlled Reaction Conditions: Systematic Insights from a Literature Study
Authors: Moustakas Nikolaos G. , Strunk Jennifer 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPhotocatalytic CO2 conversion to hydrocarbons (sometimes referred to as ‘artificial photosynthesis’), which mimics natural photosynthesis with purely inorganic photocatalysts, has the potential to simultaneously combat the energy crisis and the greenhouse effect. In more than half of all reported studies to date, TiO2‐based materials are used as the photocatalyst. Yet, the reaction conditions and reactor designs employed in previous studies cover a vast range, hindering mutual comparisons of observed activities and selectivity. In this work, a systematic literature study is attempted, including a selection of only such research publications which report experimental conditions of high purity and a proof of the carbon source (blank experiments, 13CO2 isotope labelling or stoichiometric O2 identification) for CO2 photoreduction. General trends were then detected and discussed, aiming to guide future research to more efficient photocatalytic systems.
Mycenaflavin A, B, C, and D: Pyrroloquinoline Alkaloids from the Fruiting Bodies of the Mushroom Mycena haematopus
Authors: Lohmann Julia S. , Wagner Silke , von Nussbaum Monika , Pulte Anna , Steglich Wolfgang , Spiteller Peter 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFour so far unknown pyrroloquinoline alkaloids, yellow mycenaflavins A, B, and C, and the purple mycenaflavin D, have been isolated from the fruiting bodies of Mycena haematopus. The structures of these new alkaloids were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and HRMS (ESI+). The mycenaflavins are structurally related to mycenarubins and haematopodins, which have been previously identified in M. haematopus. However, compared with other known fungal pyrroloquinoline alkaloids, the mycenaflavins contain an additional double bond within the pyrroloquinoline moiety that accounts for the yellow colour of the monomeric mycenaflavins A, B, and C. The purple mycenaflavin D is the first known dimeric pyrroloquinoline alkaloid with a C−C bridge between the two pyrroloquinoline units. Although the minor pyrroloquinoline alkaloid constituent mycenaflavin A exhibits only moderate bioactivity against the soil bacterium Azoarcus tolulyticus, the major pyrroloquinoline alkaloid constituent haematopodin B is similarly active as the antibiotic gentamicin.
Silicon(IV) Corroles
Authors: Pomarico Giuseppe , Monti Donato , Bischetti Martina , Savoldelli Andrea , Fronczek Frank R. , Smith Kevin M. , Genovese Damiano , Prodi Luca , Paolesse Roberto 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSilicon complexes of corrole were obtained for the first time by reaction of the free‐base corrole with hexachlorodisilane. The peripheral substituents of corrole strongly influence the nature of the reaction products: β‐octaalkyl corrole was mainly isolated as the μ‐oxo dimer, while a hydroxo complex was obtained in the case of 5,10,15‐tris‐(pentafluorophenyl)corrole. In the case of meso‐tritolyl corrole, a mixture of monomer/μ‐oxo dimer was obtained. The silicon corrole complexes are more stable toward hydrolysis than the corresponding porphyrin derivatives and are endowed with brilliant luminescence properties. The high affinity of silicon for fluoride ion allowed investigation of the ability of an Si corrole to serve as a sensor for F− detection. The strong color variation due to the interaction with the halide ion makes the Si corrole an interesting material for the naked‐eye detection of inorganic fluoride.
Soft X‐ray Spectroscopy as a Probe for Gas‐Phase Protein Structure: Electron Impact Ionization from Within
Authors: Bari Sadia , Egorov Dmitrii , Jansen Thomas L. C. , Boll Rebecca , Hoekstra Ronnie , Techert Simone , Zamudio‐Bayer Vicente , Bülow Christine , Lindblad Rebecka , Leistner Georg , Ławicki Arkadiusz , Hirsch Konstantin , Miedema Piter S. , von Issendorff Bernd , Lau J. Tobias , Schlathölter Thomas 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPreservation of protein conformation upon transfer into the gas phase is key for structure determination of free single molecules, for example using X‐ray free‐electron lasers. In the gas phase, the helicity of melittin decreases strongly as the protein's protonation state increases. We demonstrate the sensitivity of soft X‐ray spectroscopy to the gas‐phase structure of melittin cations ([melittin+qH]q+, q=2–4) in a cryogenic linear radiofrequency ion trap. With increasing helicity, we observe a decrease of the dominating carbon 1 s–π* transition in the amide C=O bonds for non‐dissociative single ionization and an increase for non‐dissociative double ionization. As the underlying mechanism we identify inelastic electron scattering. Using an independent atom model, we show that the more compact nature of the helical protein conformation substantially increases the probability for off‐site intramolecular ionization by inelastic Auger electron scattering.
Molecular testing for indeterminate thyroid nodules: Performance of the Afirma gene expression classifier and ThyroSeq panel
Authors: Jug Rachel C. , Datto Michael B. , Jiang Xiaoyin “Sara” 
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUNDThe ThyroSeq mutational panel and Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) are used to risk stratify cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. In the current study, the authors evaluated the performance of these tests within the context of ultrasonographic features and with the incorporation of the noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features (NIFTP) nomenclature.METHODSThe authors reviewed nodules using ThyroSeq or Afirma GEC testing. For nodules that were surgically resected, both tests were studied within the context of ultrasound findings, comparing performance stratified by the 2015 American Thyroid Association guideline (ATA 2015) sonographic patterns and assessing the positive predictive value (PPV) of these tests both including and excluding NIFTP in the malignant category.RESULTSA total of 304 cases were identified, 119 of which were resected. All cases that met the criteria for NIFTP on excision demonstrated either high‐risk mutations on ThyroSeq or a “suspicious” result on Afirma GEC. When NIFTP cases were shifted from the malignant to nonmalignant category, the PPV of “positive” tests for both ThyroSeq and Afirma GEC decreased from 42.9% to 14.3% (an absolute decrease of 28.6%) and 30.1% to 25.3% (an absolute decrease of 4.8%), respectively. No cases of malignancy were found in the ATA 2015 “very low suspicion” group, even with a “suspicious” Afirma GEC result.CONCLUSIONSBoth the ThyroSeq and Afirma GEC tests demonstrated decreases in the PPV when NIFTP was considered nonmalignant. In the era of NIFTP, a “positive” test result for either the Afirma GEC or ThyroSeq should be interpreted in light of clinical factors and should not exclude conservative (ie, lobectomy) surgical management. ATA 2015 “very low suspicion” nodules, even with “suspicious” Afirma GEC results, were not found to demonstrate malignancy in this series. Cancer Cytopathol 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
A circular nonhomogeneous hidden Markov field for the spatial segmentation of wildfire occurrences
Authors: Ameijeiras‐Alonso Jose , Lagona Francesco , Ranalli Monia , Crujeiras Rosa M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMotivated by studies of wildfire seasonality, we propose a nonhomogeneous hidden Markov random field to model the spatial distribution of georeferenced fire occurrences during the year, by representing occurrence times as circular data. The model is based on a mixture of Kato–Jones circular densities, whose parameters vary across space according to a latent nonhomogeneous Potts model, modulated by georeferenced covariates. It allows us to segment fire occurrences according to a finite number of latent classes that represent the conditional distributions of the data under specific periods of the year, simultaneously accounting for unobserved heterogeneity and spatial autocorrelation. Further, it parsimoniously accommodates specific features of wildfire occurrence data such as multimodality, skewness, and kurtosis. Due to the numerical intractability of the likelihood function, estimation of the parameters is based on composite likelihood methods. It reduces to a computationally efficient expectation–maximization algorithm that iteratively alternates the maximization of a weighted composite likelihood function with weights updating. The proposal is illustrated in a study of wildfire occurrences in the Iberian Peninsula during a decade.
Development and validation of a new cognitive screening test: The Hong Kong Brief Cognitive Test (HKBC)
Authors: Chiu Helen F.K. , Zhong Bao‐Liang , Leung Tony , Li S.W. , Chow Paulina , Tsoh Joshua , Yan Connie , Xiang Yu‐Tao , Wong Mike 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo develop and examine the validity of a new brief cognitive test with less educational bias for screening cognitive impairment.MethodsA new cognitive test, Hong Kong Brief Cognitive Test (HKBC), was developed based on review of the literature, as well as the views of an expert panel. Three groups of subjects aged 65 or above were recruited after written consent: normal older people recruited in elderly centres, people with mild NCD (neurocognitive disorder), and people with major NCD. The brief cognitive test, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), were administered to the subjects. The performance of HKBC in differentiating subjects with major NCD, mild NCD, and normal older people were compared with the clinical diagnosis, as well as the MMSE and MoCA scores.ResultsIn total, 359 subjects were recruited, with 99 normal controls, 132 subjects with major NCD, and 128 with mild NCD. The mean MMSE, MoCA, and HKBC scores showed significant differences among the 3 groups of subjects. In the receiving operating characteristic curve analysis of the HKBC in differentiating normal subjects from those with cognitive impairment (mild NCD + major NCD), the area under the curve was 0.955 with an optimal cut‐off score of 21/22. The performances of MMSE and MoCA in differentiating normal from cognitively impaired subjects are slightly inferior to the HKBC.ConclusionsThe HKBC is a brief instrument useful for screening cognitive impairment in older adults and is also useful in populations with low educational level.
Care pathways in the transition of patients between district psychiatric hospital centres (DPCs) and community mental health services
Authors: Sather Eva W. , Svindseth Marit F. , Crawford Paul , Iversen Valentina C. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesPatients with mental health problems experience numerous transitions into and out of hospital. Primary care providers have mixed success in identifying and managing patients' needs. This study explores health personnel's experience of care pathways in patient transition between inpatient and community mental health services.MethodsA descriptive qualitative design was chosen. Four focus group interviews with 12 informants from 7 different communities were conducted. Interviews were analyzed thematically.ResultsTwo main themes were identified: integrated care and patient activation. The participants shared their experiences on topics that can affect smooth care pathways in mental health. Six promoting factors were identified for successful patient transition: opportunities for information sharing, implementation of systematic plans, use of e‐messages, around‐the‐clock care, designating one responsible health person in each system for each patient, and the involvement of patients and their families. The following barriers were all found to impede the patients' transition between levels of care: the lack of a single responsible person at each health care level, insufficient meetings, the absence of systematic plans, difficulties in identifying the right staff at different levels, delays in information sharing, and the complexity of welfare systems negatively affecting patient dignity.ConclusionsSystems and procedures should be developed to ensure clear responsibilities and transparency at each stage of the pathways of care. A single person should take charge of ensuring sufficient connection and communication between inpatient and community mental health services. Finally, both patient and staff in community services should be linked through a direct telephone number with around‐the‐clock availability.
Fas Ligand localizes to intraluminal vesicles within NK cell cytolytic granules and is enriched at the immune synapse
Authors: Lee Jeansun , Dieckmann Nele M.G. , Edgar James R. , Griffiths Gillian M. , Siegel Richard M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionT cell and NK cell cytotoxicity can be mediated via the perforin/granzyme system and Fas Ligand (FasL, CD178). FasL is synthesized as a type II transmembrane protein that binds its cognate receptor Fas (CD95). Membrane‐bound FasL is expressed on the plasma membrane of activated lymphocytes and is the main form of FasL with cytotoxic activity, but whether FasL is delivered to the immune synapse along with granzyme and perforin‐containing granules is unclear.MethodsWe stably expressed FasL‐fluorescent fusion proteins into human NK cells and examined the localization of FasL relative to other intracellular markers by confocal and immunoelectron microscopy, and examined the trafficking of FasL during formation of immune synapses with HLA‐deficient B cells.ResultsFasL co‐localized with CD63 more strongly than perforin or Lamp1+ in cytolytic granules. Electron microscopy revealed that FasL is enriched on intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) adjacent to the dense‐core within cytolytic granules. In NK cells forming immune synapses with HLA‐deficient B cells, a portion of FasL‐containing granules re‐localize toward the immune synapse, while a distinct pool of FasL remains at the distal pole of the cell.ConclusionsLocalization of FasL to intra‐luminal vesicles within cytolytic granules facilitates FasL trafficking to immune synapses and cytotoxic function in NK cells.
Umbilical cord arterial base deficit and arterial pH as predictors of adverse outcomes among term neonates
Authors: Knutzen Liv , Anderson‐Knight Hannah , Svirko Elena , Impey Lawrence 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the importance of arterial pH and arterial base deficit (ABD) for predicting adverse outcomes among all term neonates, regardless of acidemic status.MethodsThe present observational cohort study included consecutive term, non‐anomalous singleton neonates with validated paired cord gas data at a single UK teaching hospital between June 23, 2005, and December 31, 2009. Outcomes included encephalopathy (Sarnat grade 2–3) and/or death; 5‐minute Apgar score below 7; a composite neurologic adverse outcome; and systemic involvement. Comparison of areas under the curve and hierarchical logistical regressions were used to examine the importance of arterial pH and arterial base deficit (ABD) in predicting adverse outcomes.ResultsThere were 8759 neonates included. In all, 111 (1.3%) neonates had high ABD (≥12 mmol/L). Encephalopathy and/or death was recorded in 17 (0.2%) neonates in the whole cohort and 6 (5.4%) from the high ABD group. The mean arterial pH values for these two groups were 7.23 and 7.03, respectively. Comparison of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves showed that adding ABD to arterial pH did not improve the prediction. Further, hierarchical logistic regression analysis demonstrated that ABD was not an independent predictor of adverse outcomes when adjusted for arterial pH.ConclusionsABD demonstrated no predictive value for adverse neonatal outcomes beyond using arterial pH alone.