bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal processing influence on mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation behavior in poly(β‐hydroxybutyrate)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) blends: A descriptive model
Authors: Vergara‐Porras Berenice , Gracida‐Rodríguez Jorge Noel , Pérez‐Guevara Fermín 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTPoly(β‐hydroxybutyrate) [PHB] is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer produced by some bacteria genders. To improve mechanical properties, PHB has been blended with other polymers. Compression‐molded blends of PHB and poly(ε‐caprolactone) [PCL] (70/30 mass ratio) were cooled to room temperature following five different thermal treatments after molding at 180 °C. Blends processed with higher cooling rates were easier to biodegrade, nevertheless elongation at break and tensile strength decreased. Slower cooling kinetics and isothermal treatments increased perfection of crystals, as seen in differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction and spherulites size. A descriptive model is proposed herein where thermal, biodegradation, tensile properties, and crystal features were related to cooling kinetics applied. It is proposed that properties of 70/30 (PHB/PCL) blends can be predetermined by an adequate control of thermal conditions during processing. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43569.
How Narcissistic Injury May Contribute to Reactive Violence: A Case Example Using Stanley Kubrick's The Shining
Authors: Merced Matthew 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTTo many observers, reactive violence can present as a puzzling phenomenon. Offenders often report experiencing cognitive distortions during the event. Offenders may have no history of violence, yet crime scenes are often described as “horrific.” When violence manifests, the motive often seems vastly disproportionate to any precipitating factor. Reactive violence is fueled by intense emotions, although they may not be evident before or during the event. How best to reconcile these findings and provide a parsimonious and coherent explanation? Psychoanalytic theory can illuminate the psychological processes that may underlie reactive violence. In particular, how narcissistic injury can generate impulsive aggression in vulnerable individuals. I draw upon Stanley Kubrick's film The Shining to study the phenomenon. While The Shining is a fictional horror film in which a family is tormented by supernatural forces, I argue that the horror does not emanate from paranormal sources; rather, it is found within human psychology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brief Report: Changes in Antiphospholipid Antibody Titers During Pregnancy: Effects on Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Yelnik Cecile M. , Porter T. Flint , Branch D. Ware , Laskin Carl A. , Merrill Joan T. , Guerra Marta M. , Lockshin Michael D. , Buyon Jill P. , Petri Michelle , Sammaritano Lisa R. , Stephenson Mary D. , Kim Mimi Y. , Salmon Jane E. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo measure variance in antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) levels during pregnancy and to determine if variation affects pregnancy outcomes.MethodsWe used data from the PROMISSE (Predictors of Pregnancy Outcome: Biomarkers in Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) study, a multicenter prospective study of pregnant women with aPL and/or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Antiphospholipid antibodies were considered present if any of the following were positive: anticardiolipin (aCL), anti–β2‐glycoprotein I (anti‐β2GPI) titers ≥40 IgG phospholipid (GPL) or IgM phospholipid (MPL) units, and/or lupus anticoagulant (LAC). Antiphospholipid antibodies were measured every trimester and postpartum. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were defined as fetal/neonatal death, preterm delivery (<36 weeks) due to preeclampsia or placental insufficiency, or growth restriction.ResultsOne hundred fifty‐two aPL‐positive patients were studied. Fifty‐seven percent had clinical antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and 36% had SLE. IgG aPL levels were significantly lower during the second and third trimesters compared to initial screening, but IgG aCL and anti‐β2GPI remained high‐positive through pregnancy in 93% of patients during the second trimester, and in 85% of patients during the third trimester. IgM aPL titers were negative in the majority of patients and decreased modestly during pregnancy among patients who were positive. LAC frequency also decreased, but 75% of patients remained positive through the second trimester. Only 4% of patients with aPL at baseline did not have aPL in either the second or third trimesters. Changes in aPL levels or aPL status were not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. LAC was the only aPL associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.ConclusionThe aPL in the cohort decreased marginally during pregnancy, and changes were not associated with pregnancy outcomes. Our results suggest that, among women with aPL and/or SLE, measuring aPL early in pregnancy is sufficient to assess risk. Repeat aPL testing through pregnancy is unnecessary.
Inhibition of G Protein βγ Subunit Signaling Abrogates Nephritis in Lupus‐Prone Mice
Authors: Rangel‐Moreno Javier , To Jesi Y. , Owen Teresa , Goldman Bruce I. , Smrcka Alan V. , Anolik Jennifer H. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveDespite considerable advances in the understanding of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), there is still an urgent need for new and more targeted treatment approaches. We previously demonstrated that small‐molecule blockade of G protein βγ subunit (Gβγ) signaling inhibits acute inflammation through inhibition of chemokine receptor signal transduction. We undertook this study to determine whether inhibition of Gβγ signaling ameliorates disease in a mouse model of SLE.MethodsLupus‐prone (NZB × NZW)F1 female mice were prophylactically or therapeutically treated with the small‐molecule Gβγ inhibitor gallein. Tissue samples were analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. The development and extent of nephritis were assessed by monitoring proteinuria and by immunohistochemical analysis. Serum immunoglobulin levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and total IgG and anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibody–secreting cells were measured by enzyme‐linked immunospot assay.ResultsGallein inhibited accumulation of T cells and germinal center (GC) B cells in the spleen. Both prophylactic and therapeutic treatment reduced GC size, decreased antibody‐secreting cell production in the spleen, and markedly decreased accumulation of autoreactive anti‐dsDNA antibody–secreting cells in kidneys. Gallein also reduced immune complex deposition in kidneys. Finally, gallein treatment dramatically inhibited kidney inflammation, prevented glomerular damage, and decreased proteinuria. Mechanistically, gallein inhibited immune cell migration and signaling in response to chemokines in vitro, which suggests that its mechanisms of action in vivo are inhibition of migration of immune cells to sites of inflammation and inhibition of immune cell maturation.ConclusionOverall, these data demonstrate the potential use of gallein or novel inhibitors of Gβγ signaling in SLE treatment.
IgE Inhibits Toll‐like Receptor 7– and Toll‐like Receptor 9–Mediated Expression of Interferon‐α by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Khoryati Liliane , Augusto Jean‐François , Shipley Emilie , Contin‐Bordes Cécile , Douchet Isabelle , Mitrovic Stéphane , Truchetet Marie‐Elise , Lazaro Estibaliz , Duffau Pierre , Couzi Lionel , Jacquemin Clément , Barnetche Thomas , Vacher Pierre , Schaeverbeke Thierry , Blanco Patrick , Richez Christophe ,   on behalf of the Fédération Hospitalo‐Universitaire ACRONIM
Published: March 2016

ObjectivePlasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) play a central role in pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through their unique ability to produce large amounts of type I interferon (IFN) upon Toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR‐7) and TLR‐9 triggering. PDCs express specific surface regulatory receptors involved in negative regulation of IFNα secretion. These receptors use the γ‐chain of high‐affinity Fc receptor (FcR) for IgE, FcɛRI. We undertook this study to test our hypothesis that IgE engagement of FcɛRI on PDCs may impact IFNα production in SLE patients.MethodsSerum levels of total IgE were measured in healthy volunteers, SLE patients, and patients with IgE‐dependent allergic disorders. FcɛRI expression on PDCs from SLE patients was evaluated by flow cytometry. Purified PDCs were incubated with monoclonal IgE for 24 hours, then stimulated for 18 hours with TLR agonists or immune complexes (ICs). IFNα production by PDCs was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of TLR‐7, TLR‐9, and IFN regulatory factor 7 (IRF‐7) in PDCs was quantified by quantitative real‐time PCR.ResultsWe observed significantly higher IgE levels in SLE patients with quiescent disease than in those with active disease. In SLE patients, IgE levels correlated inversely with disease activity. IgE levels were not associated with the presence of antinuclear IgE. Purified PDCs treated for 24 hours with monoclonal IgE up‐regulated FcɛRI expression in an IgE dose–dependent manner. IgE‐treated PDCs significantly decreased IFNα secretion and down‐regulated CCR7 expression upon stimulation with TLR‐7 and TLR‐9 ligands and ICs from lupus patients. IgE treatment down‐regulated expression of TLR‐9 and IRF‐7.ConclusionOur results support the notion that IgE plays a protective role in SLE pathogenesis through the modulation of inflammatory response by PDCs.
Reduction of Cerebral and Corpus Callosum Volumes in Childhood‐Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis
Authors: Tamires Lapa Aline , Postal Mariana , Angélica Sinicato Nailú , Geraldo Ferreira Weslley , Siqueira Bellini Bruna , Teixeira Fernandes Paula , Rittner Leticia , Marini Roberto , Cendes Fernando , Appenzeller Simone 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveThere have been few studies in which the prevalence of cerebral atrophy in childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetric measurements. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of cerebral and corpus callosum atrophy in childhood‐onset SLE and to determine the possible relationships between atrophy and clinical, laboratory, and treatment features of the disease.MethodsWe included 76 patients with childhood‐onset SLE (69 female and 7 male; median age 16 years) and 66 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Neurologic manifestations were analyzed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. These SLE patients were further assessed for clinical and laboratory manifestations of SLE, disease activity (using the SLE Disease Activity Index), damage (using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index), and current and cumulative drug exposures. Scans were performed with a Philips 3.0T MRI scanner using a standardized protocol.ResultsChildhood‐onset SLE patients had significantly smaller cerebral and corpus callosum volumes than controls (median cerebral volume 1,067.9 cm3 versus 1,172.7 cm3 and median corpus callosum volume 11.6 cm3 versus 13.7 cm3; P < 0.001). The presence of structural abnormalities was observed in 42 patients (55.3%) with childhood‐onset SLE. The presence of cerebral atrophy was associated with anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) (P = 0.02), anti–double‐stranded DNA (P = 0.02), and cumulative corticosteroid dose (P = 0.04). The presence of corpus callosum atrophy was associated with low complement level (P = 0.006) and acute confusional state (P = 0.01). Serum levels of S100B or high molecular weight neurofilament and the presence of anti–ribosomal P were not associated with atrophy.ConclusionStructural brain abnormalities were observed in 55.3% of the patients and were associated with neuropsychiatric manifestations, aCL, and corticosteroid use. To determine permanent neurologic damage, longitudinal studies must be conducted in these patients.
Cumulative Corticosteroid Dose Over Fifty‐Two Weeks in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Pooled Analyses From the Phase III Belimumab Trials
Authors: van Vollenhoven Ronald F. , Petri Michelle , Wallace Daniel J. , Roth David A. , Molta Charles T. , Hammer Anne E. , Tang Yongqiang , Thompson April 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of treatment with belimumab on corticosteroid dose in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) over 52 weeks in 2 randomized, controlled trials.MethodsData on patients who were taking corticosteroids at baseline in the Study of Belimumab in Subjects with SLE trials were pooled post hoc to compare patients who received belimumab 10 mg/kg plus standard therapy with those who received placebo plus standard therapy. The primary end point was cumulative change from baseline in corticosteroid dose (prednisone equivalent) through week 52. Further analyses specifically examined oral corticosteroid dose.ResultsAt baseline, 966 of 1,125 patients (86%) were receiving corticosteroids (478 belimumab 10 mg/kg and 488 placebo). Most were women (94%), their mean age was 37.1 years, mean Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment version of the SLE Disease Activity Index score was 9.8, and mean corticosteroid dosage was 12.5 mg/day. Over 52 weeks, there was a smaller increase in mean cumulative corticosteroid dose for the belimumab group than for the placebo group (531.2 mg versus 916.3 mg; P < 0.0001). Compared with placebo, the mean of all decreases in cumulative corticosteroid dose was higher with belimumab (P = 0.0165), and the mean of all increases was lower (P = 0.0005). More patients in the belimumab group had decreases in oral corticosteroid dose (38.5% versus 30.9%), and fewer had increases in dose (18.4% versus 30.7%), compared with placebo. Adverse events were comparable across groups.ConclusionOur findings show a significantly smaller increase in cumulative corticosteroid dose over 1 year, more patients with decreases in oral corticosteroid dose, and fewer patients with increases in oral corticosteroid dose in the belimumab group compared with the placebo group. These data suggest that belimumab may be steroid sparing.
A Three‐Photon Active Organic Fluorophore for Deep Tissue Ratiometric Imaging of Intracellular Divalent Zinc
Authors: Philips Divya Susan , Sreejith Sivaramapanicker , He Tingchao , Menon Nishanth Venugopal , Anees Palapuravan , Mathew Jomon , Sajikumar Sreedharan , Kang Yuejun , Stuparu Mihaiela Corina , Sun Handong , Zhao Yanli , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai 
Published: March 2016

AbstractDeep tissue bioimaging with three‐photon (3P) excitation using near‐infrared (NIR) light in the second IR window (1.0–1.4 μm) could provide high resolution images with an improved signal‐to‐noise ratio. Herein, we report a photostable and nontoxic 3P excitable donor‐π‐acceptor system (GMP) having 3P cross‐section (σ3) of 1.78×10−80 cm6 s2 photon−2 and action cross‐section (σ3η3) of 2.31×10−81 cm6 s2 photon−2, which provides ratiometric fluorescence response with divalent zinc ions in aqueous conditions. The probe signals the Zn2+ binding at 530 and 600 nm, respectively, upon 1150 nm excitation with enhanced σ3 of 1.85×10−80 cm6 s2 photon−2 and σ3η3 of 3.33×10−81 cm6 s2 photon−2. The application of this probe is demonstrated for ratiometric 3P imaging of Zn2+ in vitro using HuH‐7 cell lines. Furthermore, the Zn2+ concentration in rat hippocampal slices was imaged at 1150 nm excitation after incubation with GMP, illustrating its potential as a 3P ratiometric probe for deep tissue Zn2+ ion imaging.
Sustainable bioproducts in Brazil: disputes and agreements on a common ground agenda for agriculture and nature protection
Authors: Sparovek Gerd , Antoniazzi Laura Barcellos , Barretto Alberto , Barros Ana Cristina , Benevides Maria , Berndes Göran , do Prado Braga Estevão , Calmon Miguel , Groke Paulo Henrique , de Avelar Marques Fábio Nogueira , Nogueira Mauricio Palma , Guedes Pinto Luis Fernando , Precioso Vinicius 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA key question for food, biofuels, and bioproducts production is how agriculture affects the environment, and social and economic development. In Brazil, a large agricultural producer and among the biologically wealthiest of nations, this question is challenging and opinions often clash. The Brazilian parliament and several stakeholders have recently debated the revision of the Forest Act, the most important legal framework for conservation of natural vegetation on Brazilian private agricultural lands. Past decades have shown improvements in the agricultural sector with respect to productivity and efficiency, along with great reductions in deforestation and growth of environmentally certified production. However, the opposing sides in the debate have ignored this progress and instead continue to entrench their respective combative positions. A structured exchange involving nine experts associated with major producer interests (livestock, crops, planted forest, and charcoal) and environmental NGOs was moderated based on a framework that sorted viewpoints into four categories: (i) common ground – compatible interests considered to be high priority for Brazilian sustainable agricultural development; (ii) serving exclusive nature conservation interest; (iii) serving exclusive agricultural production interest; and (iv) mainly serving the purpose of sustaining dispute. We conclude that the majority of actions and expected future trends reflect achievements and ambitions to balance production and conservation, but much public opinion – and in turn decisions in the parliament and government for agriculture and conservation – is shaped by a perceived conflict between these objectives and a debate that has become, at least to some extent, an end in itself. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Limitations, depressive symptoms, and quality of life among a population‐based sample of young adults with congenital heart defects
Authors: Farr Sherry L. , Oster Matthew E. , Simeone Regina M. , Gilboa Suzanne M. , Honein Margaret A. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundLittle population‐based data exist on limitations and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with congenital heart defects (CHD).MethodsWe used 2004 to 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data to identify a population‐based sample of young adults ages 18 to 40 years reporting health symptoms or healthcare encounters in the previous year. Comparing adults reporting CHD to others, we examined the prevalence of cognitive, physical, and activity limitations, depressive symptoms, and physical and mental HRQoL. We used chi square tests to examine differences in demographic characteristics, logistic regression to generate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR), and linear regression to examine HRQoL. Multivariable associations were adjusted for sex, age, race/ethnicity, and smoking status. All analyses were conducted in SUDAAN using weights to account for clustering within sampling units and nonresponse.ResultsFifty‐nine adults reported CHD (weighted prevalence = 0.1%; representing 700,000 U.S. adults from 2004 to 2012 or, on average, 80,000 per year) and 54,011 did not. No demographic characteristics differed significantly by CHD status except health insurance; 31.5% of adults with CHD, compared with 11.0% without, reported public insurance (p = 0.01). Compared with their counterparts, adults reporting CHD had a higher prevalence of cognitive (aPR = 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0, 7.2), physical (aPR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.9, 8.2), and activity limitations (aPR = 4.8, 95% CI: 2.6, 9.1), and poorer physical HRQoL (p = 0.004). No differences were observed in depressive symptoms and mental HRQoL by CHD status.ConclusionPhysical health and cognitive abilities of adults with CHD were compromised compared with adults without CHD. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:580–586, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ion currents in embryo development
Authors: Tosti Elisabetta , Boni Raffaele , Gallo Alessandra 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIon channels are proteins expressed in the plasma membrane of electrogenic cells. In the zygote and blastomeres of the developing embryo, electrical modifications result from ion currents that flow through these channels. This phenomenon implies that ion current activity exerts a specific developmental function, and plays a crucial role in signal transduction and the control of embryogenesis, from the early cleavage stages and during growth and development of the embryo. This review describes the involvement of ion currents in early embryo development, from marine invertebrates to human, focusing on the occurrence, modulation, and dynamic role of ion fluxes taking place on the zygote and blastomere plasma membrane, and at the intercellular communication between embryo cell stages. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:6–18, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectroscopic, electrochemical and molecular docking studies of dothiepin and doxepin with bovine serum albumin and DNA base
Authors: Rajendiran N , Thulasidhasan J 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe interaction of dothiepin (DOT) and doxepin (DOX) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and a DNA base (adenine) was studied using UV–visible, fluorescence, attenuated total reflection–infra‐red (ATR‐IR), cyclic voltammetry and molecular docking methods. Strong fluorescence quenching was observed upon interaction of DOT and DOX with BSA/adenine and the mechanism suggested static quenching. Hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions were the predominant intermolecular forces needed to stabilize the copolymer. Upon addition of the drugs: (i) the tautomeric equilibrium structure of the adenine was changed; and (ii) the oxidation and the reduction peaks of the adenine/BSA interaction shifted towards high and low potentials, respectively. In ATR‐IR, the band shift of amides I and II indicated a change in secondary structure of BSA upon binding to DOT and DOX drugs. The reduction in voltammetric current in the presence of BSA/adenine was attributed to slow diffusion of BSA/adenine binding with DOX/DOT. The docking method indicated that the drug moiety interacted with the BSA molecule. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probation Officer Role Emphases and Use of Risk Assessment Information before and after Training
Authors: Ricks Elijah P. , Eno Louden Jennifer , Kennealy Patrick J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis research examined how probation officers use risk information about offenders, and how its use is affected by what aspects of their role they emphasize. Officers (N = 152) were invited to complete surveys before and after a risk assessment tool training (46.0–65.8% participation rate). Surveys assessed estimates of reoffense and officers' likely supervision approach given a probationer's risk level. Officers tended to overestimate the likelihood of medium‐ and high‐risk offenders to reoffend. As risk level rose, officers tended to increase the number of meetings and referrals. Officers' role emphases were related to how they perceived low‐risk offenders' likelihood to reoffend, but not for offenders at other risk levels. There was relative consistency in officers' role emphases, supervision decisions, and responses to violations, so that differences in practice did not appear to be systematic. Most officers' risk perceptions were more realistic after training. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.