bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beta‐3 adrenoceptor expression in the uterosacral ligament in the postmenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Chong Woojin , Fantl John Andrew , Donovan Michael , Ascher‐Walsh Charles 
Published: April 2018

Aimsβ3‐adrenoceptor (β3‐AR) agonist is known to relax the detrusor muscles. Considering that both pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and overactive‐bladder (OAB) are frequently seen in the elderly population, the effect of β3‐AR agonist on the pelvic floor tissues should be investigated. As a first step, this pilot, experimental, and descriptive study was designed to investigate the presence of β3‐AR expression in the uterosacral‐ligaments (USLs) in postmenopausal (PMP) women with POP.MethodsAfter informed consent, PMP women undergoing hysterectomy for POP were recruited for the intraoperative collection of distal USL between 5/2016 and 8/2016. H&E analysis for the USLs and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis for β3‐AR and α‐actin smooth muscle (SM) were carried out. Tissue composition and percentage of β3‐AR expression in the USLs were subjectively measured and the staining results were expressed as descriptive analysis.ResultsTotal 11 USL specimens were collected and nine specimens were included for the final analysis (one specimen: used for antibody concentration adjustment and one specimen: failed proper staining). Under high‐power‐field, the USLs were composed of SM cells (81.5 ± 7.47%) and connective tissues (16.5 ± 7.9%). On IHC analysis, six out of nine specimens expressed β3‐AR with a different level of expression in SM cells in the USLs.ConclusionsThe majority of distal USLs were composed of SM cells. β3‐ARs are expressed in 67% of the study specimens. Considering that both POP and OAB are frequently seen in the elderly population, the effect of β3‐AR agonist on the pelvic floor tissues should be investigated further.
Triggered intravoxel incoherent motion MRI for the assessment of calf muscle perfusion during isometric intermittent exercise
Authors: Mastropietro Alfonso , Porcelli Simone , Cadioli Marcello , Rasica Letizia , Scalco Elisa , Gerevini Simonetta , Marzorati Mauro , Rizzo Giovanna 
Published: April 2018

The main aim of this paper was to propose triggered intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging sequences for the evaluation of perfusion changes in calf muscles before, during and after isometric intermittent exercise.Twelve healthy volunteers were involved in the study. The subjects were asked to perform intermittent isometric plantar flexions inside the MRI bore. MRI of the calf muscles was performed on a 3.0 T scanner and diffusion‐weighted (DW) images were obtained using eight different b values (0 to 500 s/mm2). Acquisitions were performed at rest, during exercise and in the subsequent recovery phase. A motion‐triggered echo‐planar imaging DW sequence was implemented to avoid movement artifacts. Image quality was evaluated using the average edge strength (AES) as a quantitative metric to assess the motion artifact effect. IVIM parameters (diffusion D, perfusion fraction f and pseudo‐diffusion D*) were estimated using a segmented fitting approach and evaluated in gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.No differences were observed in quality of IVIM images between resting state and triggered exercise, whereas the non‐triggered images acquired during exercise had a significantly lower value of AES (reduction of more than 20%). The isometric intermittent plantar‐flexion exercise induced an increase of all IVIM parameters (D by 10%; f by 90%; D* by 124%; fD* by 260%), in agreement with the increased muscle perfusion occurring during exercise. Finally, IVIM parameters reverted to the resting values within 3 min during the recovery phase.In conclusion, the IVIM approach, if properly adapted using motion‐triggered sequences, seems to be a promising method to investigate muscle perfusion during isometric exercise.
The Accumulating Data to Optimally Predict Obesity Treatment (ADOPT) Core Measures Project: Rationale and Approach
Authors: MacLean Paul S. , Rothman Alexander J. , Nicastro Holly L. , Czajkowski Susan M. , Agurs‐Collins Tanya , Rice Elise L. , Courcoulas Anita P. , Ryan Donna H. , Bessesen Daniel H. , Loria Catherine M. 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundIndividual variability in response to multiple modalities of obesity treatment is well documented, yet our understanding of why some individuals respond while others do not is limited. The etiology of this variability is multifactorial; however, at present, we lack a comprehensive evidence base to identify which factors or combination of factors influence treatment response.ObjectivesThis paper provides an overview and rationale of the Accumulating Data to Optimally Predict obesity Treatment (ADOPT) Core Measures Project, which aims to advance the understanding of individual variability in response to adult obesity treatment. This project provides an integrated model for how factors in the behavioral, biological, environmental, and psychosocial domains may influence obesity treatment responses and identify a core set of measures to be used consistently across adult weight‐loss trials. This paper provides the foundation for four companion papers that describe the core measures in detail.SignificanceThe accumulation of data on factors across the four ADOPT domains can inform the design and delivery of effective, tailored obesity treatments. ADOPT provides a framework for how obesity researchers can collectively generate this evidence base and is a first step in an ongoing process that can be refined as the science advances.
Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of nontransfusion‐dependent thalassemia in the United States
Authors: Vichinsky Elliott , Cohen Alan , Thompson Alexis A. , Giardina Patricia J. , Lal Ashutosh , Paley Carole , Cheng Wendy Y. , McCormick Nora , Sasane Medha , Qiu Ying , Kwiatkowski Janet L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundNontransfusion‐dependent thalassemia (NTDT) refers to a diverse group of thalassemia mutations and clinical phenotypes that do not require chronic transfusions. It is increasingly prevalent in the United States.ProcedureThis study reviews the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of 138 patients with NTDT treated at four US thalassemia centers from 1997 to 2014. Data on laboratory results, transfusions, and clinical complications were collected from patient charts.ResultsOverall, 84 patients with α‐thalassemia (62 deletional hemoglobin H; 22 nondeletional hemoglobin H), 39 with β‐thalassemia (26 with homozygous or double heterozygous β mutations; 13 with single β mutations with or without α triplication), and 15 with E/β‐thalassemia (12 E/β0; three E/β+) were identified. At study entry, the median age for patients with α‐thalassemia was 2.3 years; 9.2 years for patients with β‐thalassemia and 2.2 years for patients with E/β‐thalassemia. Most patients with α‐thalassemia were Asian. Patients with β‐thalassemia were predominantly Caucasian (46%) or of African descent (36%). Twenty percent of patients were born outside the United States and 5% were transfused before immigration. Complications varied by genotype and age. Individuals with nondeletional hemoglobin H were severely affected and, despite their young age, had many complications. Iron overload increased with age and was more common in patients who received transfusions.ConclusionsNTDT in the United States is a multi‐ethnic disease with different genotypic mutations and phenotypic manifestations. A higher than expected proportion of patients was Black/African American. NTDT‐related complications are common and increase with age, supporting a need for early diagnosis.
Multicultural school psychology training: An examination of students’ self‐reported course outcomes
Authors: Vega Desireé , Tabbah Rhonda , Monserrate Michele 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis mixed methods study examined the outcomes of a multicultural course on school psychology students’ feelings of empathy and sensitivity toward members of different racial and ethnic groups. It also investigated students’ perceptions of how the course would influence their future practice as school psychologists. Ethnic identity awareness was explored across ethnic groups and in relation to students’ feelings of empathy and sensitivity toward members of different racial and ethnic groups. Results showed differences in ethnic identity awareness between White and non‐White participants, significant increases in areas of feelings of empathy and sensitivity at posttest, and significant positive correlations between measures of ethnic identity awareness and feelings of empathy and sensitivity. Additionally, a content analysis of the participants’ reflection papers highlighted three key themes: (1) importance of a safe learning environment, (2) increased social awareness, and (3) putting theory into practice. Implications for school psychology training programs to prepare culturally competent practitioners will be discussed as well as limitations and future directions for research.
Energy transfer along a sequence controlled hybrid polymer
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Chi Hong , Li Tianduo , Wang FuKe , Chin Wee Shong , Xu Jing 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTThe present work provides an ideal model for intra‐chain energy transfer study in conjugated polymer through shielding the polymer backbone by using bulky polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS). POSS provides a circumference shielding of the polymer backbone to prevent closed packing of the polymer chains, allowing the intra‐chain energy transfer dominating in large concentration range. Bi‐functional POSS (B‐POSS) is specially designed to separate donor (fluorene) and acceptor (benzothiadiazole) within the polymer chain. The dynamics of energy transfer in poly(fluorene‐POSS‐alt‐POSS‐benzothiodiazole) (PTBtTbOFl3) is studied by steady state as well as time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy at different donor/acceptor ratios. Results reveal that POSS can effectively shield inter‐chains energy transfer of the polymers, suggesting it is an effective model for energy transfer study with less inter‐chains effects. PTBtTbOFl3 works as a chemosensors is also reported in the detection of explosive derivatives. These results provide insights for optimizing nanostructured materials for use in optoelectronic devices. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1225–1233
Stereoselective synthesis and polymerization of Exo‐5‐trimethylsilylnorbornene
Authors: Alentiev Dmitry A. , Bermeshev Maxim V. , Starannikova Lyudmila E. , Bermesheva Evgeniya V. , Shantarovich Viktor P. , Bekeshev Valentin G. , Yampolskii Yuri P. , Finkelshtein Eugene Sh. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTHerein the stereoselective two‐step synthesis of pure exo‐5‐trimethylsilylnorbornene is reported. The monomer proved to be highly reactive in both metathesis and addition polymerization. ROMP polymerization was catalyzed by the first‐generation Grubbs catalyst. High‐molecular‐weight saturated addition polymers were prepared using nickel or palladium complexes as precatalysts and Na+[B(3,5‐(CF3)2C6H3)4]− and/or MAO as cocatalysts. The obtained addition polynorbornenes are highly gas permeable and microporous materials possessing large free volume and BET surface area (up to 540 m2/g). The influence of the substituent orientation (exo‐ vs. exo‐/endo‐mixture) on polymer properties was established. The metathesis polymer based on exo‐isomer exhibits 1.5‐ to 2‐fold increase of permeability coefficients for all gases in comparison to the similar polymer based on the mixture of exo‐ and endo‐isomers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1234–1248
The amplified circularly polarized luminescence emission response of chiral 1,1′‐binaphthol‐based polymers via Zn(II)‐coordination fluorescence enhancement
Authors: Meng Fandian , Li Fei , Yang Lan , Wang Yuxiang , Quan Yiwu , Cheng Yixiang 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTTwo kinds of chiral 1,1′‐binaphthol (BINOL)‐based polymer enantiomers were designed and synthesized by the polymerization of 5,5′‐((2,2′‐bis (octyloxy)‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐3,3′‐diyl)bis(ethyne‐2,1‐diyl))bis(2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde) (M1) with alkyl diamine (M2) via nucleophilic addition–elimination reaction. The resulting chiral polymers can exhibit mirror image cotton effects either in the absence or in the presence of Zn2+ ion. Almost no fluorescence or circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) emission could be observed for two chiral BINOL‐based polymer enantiomers in the absence of Zn2+. Interestingly, the chiral polymers can show strong fluorescence and CPL response signals upon the addition of Zn2+, which can be attributed to Zn2+‐coordination fluorescence enhancement effect. This work can develop a new strategy on the design of the novel CPL materials via metal‐coordination reaction. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1282–1288
Associations between maternal mental health and early child wheezing in a South African birth cohort
Authors: MacGinty Rae P. , Lesosky Maia , Barnett Whitney , Stein Dan J. , Zar Heather J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundWheezing in early childhood is common and has been identified in high‐income countries (HIC) as associated with maternal antenatal or postnatal psychosocial risk factors. However, the association between maternal mental health and childhood wheezing has not been well studied in low and middle‐income countries (LMIC), such as South Africa.MethodsA total of 1137 pregnant women over 18 year old, between 20 and 28 weeks’ gestation, and attending either of two catchment area clinics were enrolled in a South African parent study, the Drakenstein Child Health Study (DCHS). Psychosocial risk factors including maternal depression, psychological distress, early adversity, and intimate partner violence (IPV), were measured antenatally and postnatally by validated questionnaires. Two outcomes were evaluated: Presence of wheeze (at least one episode of child wheeze during the first 2 years of life); and recurrent wheeze (two or more episodes of wheezing in a 12‐month period). Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between antenatal or postnatal psychosocial risk factors and child wheeze, adjusting for clinical and socio‐demographic covariates.ResultsPostnatal psychological distress and IPV were associated with both presence of wheeze (adjusted OR = 2.09, 95%CI: 1.16‐3.77 and 1.63, 95%CI: 1.13‐2.34, respectively), and recurrent child wheeze (adjusted OR = 2.26, 95%CI: 1.06‐4.81 and 2.20, 95%CI: 1.35‐3.61, respectively).ConclusionMaternal postnatal psychological distress and IPV were associated with wheezing in early childhood. Thus, screening and treatment programs to address maternal psychosocial risk factors may be potential strategies to reduce the burden of childhood wheeze in LMICs.
Morphologically poor blastocysts could affect the implantation rate of a morphologically good blastocyst during a double‐blastocyst transfer for patients who have experienced repeated implantation failures
Authors: Ohgi Shirei , Taga Yukino , Anakubo Hisayo , Kurata Yuki , Hatakeyama Shota , Yanaihara Atsushi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPurposeIncreasing the number of transferred blastocysts sometimes is selected for patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF). To confirm this strategy, the pregnancy rates (PRs) were compared among the groups who had transferred either a single morphologically good blastocyst (MGB group), double blastocysts with both a MGB and a morphologically poor blastocyst (MGB + MPB group), or a double‐BT with 2 MGBs (two‐MGB group).MethodsThis study was performed between April, 2009 and September, 2014, including 634 cycles for 354 patients with RIF. All the patients received cryopreserved blastocysts in either hormone replacement or natural ovulatory cycles. The included MGBs were at more than the Gardner grade 3BB stage. The PR and implantation rates (IRs) among the three groups were statistically evaluated by the chi‐square test. Statistical significance was set at P < .01.ResultsAlthough the PRs were similar in these three groups, the IR in the MGB + MPB group was significantly lower than that of the MGB group. The rate in the two‐MGB group also was significantly lower than that of the MGB group.ConclusionA double‐BT with a MGB and a MPB does not increase the pregnancy rate, compared with a single‐BT with a MGB among patients with RIF.
Development and characterization of hydrophobic anodized aluminum layer to act as a long‐lasting protective film in corrosion
Authors: Jaimes‐Ramírez R. , Covelo A. , Rodil S. E. , Corona‐Lira P. , Ramírez‐Reivich A. C. , Hernández M. 
Published: April 2018

This work focuses on the development of a novel hydrophobic process for anodized aluminum AA2024‐T3 which consists of a combination of corrosion inhibitors: sodium metavanadate with a γ‐irradiated fluoropolymer. The anodizing films, formed in sulfuric acid media, were sealed by using different aqueous solutions such as boiling water, potassium dichromate, and cerium nitrate. The corrosion resistance results obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that samples sealed with Ce(NO3)3 had a higher average value of total impedance of 1011 Ω cm2 obtained at low frequencies in 0.1 M NaCl solution. Water contact angle measurements revealed best results at 128.8°. X‐ray photoelectron microscopy in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy indicated the formation of a layer of fluoro compound above the anodized aluminum. X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated thermal modifications of the γ‐irradiated fluoropolymer.
In Vitro DNA/BSA Binding, Anticancer and Normal Cell Activity of Pd(II) Complexes: Substitution Behaviour and Computational Study
Authors: Mukherjee Subhajit , Mitra Ishani , B. Venkata P. Reddy , Das Payel , Misini Bashkim , Linert Wolfgang , Moi Sankar Ch. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn the aspect of an effective palladium based anticancer drug design, Pd(II) complexes [Pd(MAMP)Cl2], C1; [Pd(MAMP)(H2O)2]x2, C2; [Pd(MAMP)(L‐cys)]x, C3; [Pd(MAMP)(N‐ac‐L‐cys)], C4; [Pd(MAMP)(DL‐meth)]x2, C5; and [Pd(MAMP)(DL‐pen)]x, C6 (where x=ClO4−/NO3−) have been synthesised and characterised where 2‐[(methylamino)methyl]pyridine (MAMP) has been considered as carrier ligand and chloride, aqua, L‐cysteine (L‐cys), N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (N‐ac‐L‐cys), DL‐methionine (DL‐meth) and DL‐penicillamine (DL‐pen) are selected as leaving group. DNA as well as protein binding ability of the complexes has been investigated with CT‐DNA and BSA and the related binding parameters have been evaluated. Kinetic investigation for the reactions of Pd(II)‐diaqua complex C2 with four selected sulfur containing bio‐molecules have been carried out under pseudo first order condition. In addition, theoretical investigation has also been considered for structural optimisation, frontier molecular orbital mapping, TD‐DFT and NBO analysis. To get an insight into the cytotoxicity, the complexes have been treated on three different cancer cell lines (A549, HeLa, Hep G2) which reveal comparable anticancer activity of the reported complexes with the clinically acquainted anticancer drug Cisplatin. Very less complex initiated reactive oxygen species (ROS) with low degree of cell death in two different non‐tumour cell lines (L6 myotubes and HEK 293) indicate minimum normal cell toxicity of the complexes.
Nanostructured Ferroelectric‐Polymer Composites for Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Li He , Liu Feihua , Fan Baoyan , Ai Ding , Peng Zongren , Wang Qing 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe introduction of inorganic components into a polymer matrix to form polymer composites is an emerging and promising approach to dielectric materials for capacitive energy storage. Ferroelectric polymers are particularly attractive as matrices for dielectric polymer composites owing to their highest dielectric constant (≥10) among the known polymers. Here, the important aspects and recent advances in the development of the ferroelectric‐polymer‐based dielectric polymer composites for high‐energy‐density capacitor applications are summarized. The preparation methods of ferroelectric‐polymer composites with 0D, 1D, and 2D nanostructured fillers, surface‐modified nanofillers, and hierarchically structured fillers, and their comprehensive impacts on the dielectric properties, breakdown strength, and energy density of the resulting composites are described. The most recent progress on the incorporation of multiple nanofillers with complementary functionalities into ferroelectric polymers and the design of layer‐structured ferroelectric‐polymer composites is also highlighted. A discussion of the scientific and technological issues that remain to be addressed and an outlook for the future of ferroelectric polymer‐based dielectric composites are also presented.
Monoamine Oxidase Deficiency Causes Prostate Atrophy and Reduces Prostate Progenitor Cell Activity
Authors: Yin Lijuan , Li Jingjing , Liao Chun-Peng , Jason Wu Boyang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMonoamine oxidases (MAOs) degrade a number of biogenic and dietary amines, including monoamine neurotransmitters, and play an essential role in many biological processes. Neurotransmitters and related neural events have been shown to participate in the development, differentiation, and maintenance of diverse tissues and organs by regulating the specialized cellular function and morphological structures of innervated organs such as the prostate. Here we show that mice lacking both MAO isoforms, MAOA and MAOB, exhibit smaller prostate mass and develop epithelial atrophy in the ventral and dorsolateral prostates. The cellular composition of prostate epithelium showed reduced CK5+ or p63+ basal cells, accompanied by lower Sca-1 expression in p63+ basal cells, but intact differentiated CK8+ luminal cells in MAOA/B-deficient mouse prostates. MAOA/B ablation also decreased epithelial cell proliferation without affecting cell apoptosis in mouse prostates. Using a human prostate epithelial cell line, we found that stable knockdown of MAOA and MAOB impaired the capacity of prostate stem cells to form spheres, coinciding with a reduced CD133+/CD44+/CD24− stem cell population and less expression of CK5 and select stem cell markers, including ALDH1A1, TROP2, and CD166. Alternative pharmacological inhibition of MAOs also repressed prostate cell stemness. In addition, we found elevated expression of MAOA and MAOB in epithelial and/or stromal components of human prostate hyperplasia samples compared with normal prostate tissues. Taken together, our findings reveal critical roles for MAOs in the regulation of prostate basal progenitor cells and prostate maintenance.
Optimal Control for a Class of Infinite Dimensional Systems Involving an ‐term in the Cost Functional
Authors: Court Sébastien , Kunisch Karl , Pfeiffer Laurent 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAn optimal control problem with a time‐parameter is considered. The functional to be optimized includes the maximum over time‐horizon reached by a function of the state variable, and so an ‐term. In addition to the classical control function, the time at which this maximum is reached is considered as a free parameter. The problem couples the behavior of the state and the control, with this time‐parameter. A change of variable is introduced to derive first and second‐order optimality conditions. This allows the implementation of a Newton method. Numerical simulations are developed, for selected ordinary differential equations and a partial differential equation, which illustrate the influence of the additional parameter and the original motivation.