bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Osmolarity affects matrix synthesis in the nucleus pulposus associated with the involvement of MAPK pathways: A study of ex vivo disc organ culture system
Authors: Li Pei , Gan Yibo , Xu Yuan , Li Songtao , Song Lei , Li Sukai , Li Huijuan , Zhou Qiang 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTMatrix homeostasis within the nucleus pulposus (NP) is important for disc function. Unfortunately, the effects of osmolarity on NP matrix synthesis in a disc organ culture system and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The present study was to investigate the effects of different osmolarity modes (constant and cyclic) and osmolarity levels (hypo‐, iso‐, and hyper‐) on NP matrix synthesis using a disc organ culture system and determine whether ERK1/2 or p38MAPK pathway has a role in this process. Porcine discs were cultured for 7 days in various osmotic media, including constant hypo‐, iso‐, hyper‐osmolarity (330, 430, and 550 mOsm/kg, respectively) and cyclic‐osmolarity (430 mOsm/kg for 8 h, followed by 550 mOsm/kg for 16 h). The role of ERK1/2 and p38MAPK pathways were determined by their inhibitors U0126 and SB202190 respectively. The expression of SOX9 and downstream aggrecan and collagen II, biochemical content, and histology were used to assess NP matrix synthesis. The findings revealed that NP matrix synthesis was promoted in iso‐ and cyclic‐osmolarity cultures compared to hypo‐ or hyper‐osmolarity culture although the level of matrix synthesis in cyclic‐osmolarity culture did not reach that in iso‐osmolarity culture. Further analysis suggested that inhibition of the ERK1/2 or p38MAPK pathway in iso‐ and cyclic‐osmolarity cultures reduced NP matrix production. Therefore, we concluded that the effects of osmolarity on NP matrix synthesis depend on osmolarity level (hypo‐, iso‐, or hyper‐) and osmolarity mode (constant or cyclic), and the ERK1/2 and p38MAPK pathways may participate in this process. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1092–1100, 2016.
Vinyl pivalate Propagation Kinetics in Radical Polymerization
Authors: Monyatsi Otlaatla , Hutchinson Robin A. 
Published: November 2015

Radical propagation kinetics of the bulk homopolymerizations of vinyl pivalate (VPi) and vinyl benzoate (VBz) have been studied using pulsed‐laser polymerization (PLP) combined with size exclusion chromatography (SEC). As part of the study, the Mark–Houwink para­meters of poly(VPi) and poly(VBz) in tetrahydrofuran are determined using a triple detector SEC. The observed significant increase (by ≈ 20%) of the bulk VPi propagation rate coefficient (kp) as pulse repetition rate is increased from 200 to 500 Hz is similar to that reported for vinyl acetate (VAc). Data collected in the temperature range of 25–85 °C for VPi is well fit by the Arrhenius relation ln(kp/L mol−1 s−1) = 15.73−2093(T/K). The activation energy is similar to that found for vinyl acetate (VAc), with kp values higher by ≈ 50%. PLP studies in ethyl acetate and in heptane find no substantial solvent effect on VPi or VAc kp values. Attempts to measure the propagation kinetics of VBz by PLP are not successful, suggesting that significant radical stabilization occurs for the system. Small‐scale batch poly­merization experiments demonstrate relative polymerization rates of these vinyl ester monomers that are consistent with the PLP results.
image
Forward and backward in time Cauchy problems for systems of parabolic‐type PDE with a small parameter
Authors: Danilov V. G. 
Published: November 2015

The paper introduces a class of functions where the resolving operator for a system of Kolmogorov–Feller‐type equations with a small parameter is well posed in forward and backward times. The introduced class of functions is invariant under the resolving operator if the solution is understood in the weak sense with an exponential weight. The paper continues the study of .
Fabrication of Electrospun Polymer Fibers with Nonspherical Cross‐Sections Using a Nanopressing Technique
Authors: Chen Jiun‐Tai , Kao Yi‐Huei , Kuo Tyng‐Yow , Liu Chih‐Ting , Chiu Yu‐Jing , Chu Chien‐Wei , Chi Mu‐Huan , Tsai Chia‐Chan 
Published: November 2015

The fabrication of electrospun polymer fibers is demonstrated with anisotropic cross‐sections by applying a simple pressing method. Electrospun polystyrene or poly(methyl methacrylate) fibers are pressed by flat or patterned substrates while the samples are annealed at elevated temperatures. The shapes and morphologies of the pressed polymer fibers are controlled by the experimental conditions such as the pressing force, the pressing temperature, the pressing time, and the surface pattern of the substrate. At the same pressing force, the shape changes of the polymer fibers can be controlled by the pressing time. For shorter pressing times, the deformation process is dominated by the effect of pressing and fibers with barrel‐shaped cross‐sections can be generated. For longer pressing times, the effect of wetting becomes more important and fibers with dumbbell‐shaped cross‐sections can be obtained. Hierarchical polymer fibers with nanorods are fabricated by pressing the fibers with porous anodic aluminum oxide templates.
image
Cognitive dysfunction predicts poorer emotion recognition in bariatric surgery candidates
Authors: Manderino L. , Spitznagel M. B. , Strain G. , Devlin M. , Cohen R. , Crosby R. D. , Mitchell J. E. , Gunstad J. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryObjectiveDeficits in traditional cognitive domains (e.g. executive function and memory) are common in persons with severe obesity, but it is unclear if this pattern of dysfunction extends to social cognition. The present study examined whether cognitive impairment was associated with poorer emotion recognition in bariatric surgery candidates.MethodsOne hundred sixteen bariatric surgery candidates (mean age = 43.62 ± 11.03; 81% female) completed the computerized Integneuro test battery as part of a larger study visit. In addition to assessing traditional cognitive domains, the Integneuro also includes an emotion recognition measure. This task presents 48 faces (eight different individuals depicting neutral, happiness, fear, sadness, anger and disgust), and participants must choose the correct verbal label from six expression options. Number of correct responses and average reaction time for correct responses served as primary dependent variables.ResultsStepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that older age, more maze errors, and history of hypertension predicted less accuracy in emotion recognition (adjusted R2 = .22, F[3, 111] = 11.86, p < .001) and that slower switching of attention‐digits, worse long‐delay recall, and older age predicted speed of responses (adjusted R2 = .26, F[3, 111] = 13.00, p < .001).DiscussionResults show that cognitive dysfunction is associated with poorer performance on a computerized test of emotion recognition, consistent with those in persons with a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Additional work is needed to clarify the mechanisms and functional impact of these impairments, especially in relation to weight loss following bariatric surgery.
Picking the right tool for the job—Phosphoproteomics of egg activation
Authors: Wessel Gary M. 
Published: November 2015

Eggs are the rarest cell in the human body, yet their study is essential for the fields of fertility, reproduction, and fetal health. Guo et al. (Proteomics 2015, 15, 4080–4095) use a “surrogate” animal to discover the phosphoproteomic pathways involved in egg activation. With datasets of several thousand phosphosites on 2500 different proteins, these investigators have defined new pathways, connections to pathways, and priorities in searches for how eggs are activated at fertilization. These results in a sea urchin are now transposable to mammals for testing on a per candidate strategy.
Bioassay of salmeterol in children using methacholine challenge with impulse oscillometry
Authors: Mondal Pritish , Baumstein Sandra , Prabhakaran Sreekala , Abu‐Hasan Mutasim , Zeng Yaohui , Singh Sachinkumar , Wang Kai , Ahrens Richard C. , Hendeles Leslie 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundBronchoprovocation with methacholine (MC) is the most sensitive method of determining bioequivalence of inhaled bronchodilators. FEV1 is used to determine the endpoint, but many children cannot perform spirometry reproducibly. The purpose of this study was to determine whether MC, using impulse oscillometry (IOS) as the endpoint, can differentiate between two doses of salmeterol (SM).MethodsThis was a single‐blind, randomized study of 10 subjects with mild stable asthma, ages 4–11 years. None were taking a long‐acting β‐agonist but most were on low‐dose inhaled corticosteroid. On one study day, MC was performed 1 hr after one inhalation from each of two separate Advair 100/50 Diskus (100 μg salmeterol treatment). On a second day, MC was performed after one inhalation from Advair Diskus and one inhalation from Flovent Diskus 100 (50 μg salmeterol treatment). The provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 40% increase in total airway resistance (PC40R5) was calculated.ResultsThe reduction in R5 (bronchodilator effect) was 15.5% and 18.4% for 50 and 100 μg, respectively (NS). After MC (bronchoprotective effect), the geometric mean (95%CI) PC40R5 (mg/ml) was 2.4 (1.3–4.4) during screening, 22.9 (8.5–61.6) after 50 μg SM and 47.0 (25.2–87.8) after 100 μg SM (P = 0.051 for 50 vs. 100 using a linear mixed effects model). No adverse effects were observed.ConclusionsMC with IOS endpoint will be a useful method for determining bioequivalence of a generic inhaler in children. Seventy‐two subjects will be required to achieve 80% power to assess bioequivalence of SM. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:570–575. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stability of environmentally friendly paper electronic devices
Authors: Pettersson Fredrik , Adekanye David , Österbacka Ronald 
Published: November 2015

We have performed bias‐stress measurements and determined the shelf‐life of environmentally friendly paper electronic devices. We have utilized a low‐voltage transistor that has a sorbitol‐based ionic liquid as the electrolyte and a blend of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) and poly(l‐lactic acid) as the semiconductor layer. The bias‐stress measurements revealed that the devices operated below 1V are functioning without degradation, while above 1V an irreversible degradation process, probably due to water‐induced oxidation of the semiconductor. A number of these devices are then used to create more complicated logic with, that is the operation of a NOR‐gate and a one bit memory is demonstrated.A D‐latch manufactured on paper connected on a breadboard using a sample containing five paper transistors and three resistors.
Super‐framing: a powerful physical layer frame structure for next generation satellite broadband systems
Authors: Rohde Christian , Alagha Nader , De Gaudenzi Riccardo , Stadali Holger , Mocker Gerhard 
Published: November 2015

SummaryFollowing the definition of commercial requirements in different satellite communication market segments, the satellite communications technical module of the Digital Video Broadcasting Project (DVB) took the mandate to develop the extension of the second generation DVB System for satellite broadcasting and unicasting (DVB‐S2) standard in order to achieve higher efficiencies without introducing fundamental changes to the complexity and structure of DVB‐S2.In this paper, we focus on a new powerful physical layer frame structure, known as Super‐Frame (SF), which has been adopted as optional waveform container in Annex E of the recently approved DVB‐S2 eXtension standard specifications. The main contribution of this paper is to provide the rationale, design choices, potential applications and performance gains of the SF structure with particular emphasis on the context of satellite broadband systems. In order to demonstrate the satisfaction of the stated requirements to the SF approach, analytical results of the SF performance are complemented by the performance results obtained from an end‐to‐end testbed and prototype design of modulator and demodulator featuring the SF generation and detection capability. The prototype devices are able to operate at a wide range of signal‐to‐noise ratios and at high symbol rates. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employee Ownership and Sustainable Development in Tourism: A Case in North Cyprus
Authors: Timur Seldjan , Timur A. Tarik 
Published: November 2015

AbstractEmployee ownership systems influence both the economic and social contexts of organizations and have the potential to contribute to sustainable development. This paper examines the contributions of an employee‐owned hotel to sustainable development in North Cyprus. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews with employees and managers and by analyzing the relevant documents. The employee ownership system was found to have a positive socio‐economic impact on the development of sustainable tourism. The employee ownership system enabled the hotel to establish strong and long‐term relations with the local community by generating new and stable local employment, fairly distributing business opportunities in their local community, improving the locals' quality of life and preserving an iconic built resource of the island. The factors that helped the new ownership system at the hotel to be successful in this case are identified as ethical leadership, people‐centered human resource practices, autonomy, collaboration with the local community and customers, and political willpower. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Predicting metamorphic relations for testing scientific software: a machine learning approach using graph kernels
Authors: Kanewala Upulee , Bieman James M. , Ben‐Hur Asa 
Published: November 2015

SummaryComprehensive, automated software testing requires an oracle to check whether the output produced by a test case matches the expected behaviour of the programme. But the challenges in creating suitable oracles limit the ability to perform automated testing in some programmes, and especially in scientific software. Metamorphic testing is a method for automating the testing process for programmes without test oracles. This technique operates by checking whether the programme behaves according to properties called metamorphic relations. A metamorphic relation describes the change in output when the input is changed in a prescribed way. Unfortunately, finding the metamorphic relations satisfied by a programme or function remains a labour‐intensive task, which is generally performed by a domain expert or a programmer. In this work, we propose a machine learning approach for predicting metamorphic relations that uses a graph‐based representation of a programme to represent control flow and data dependency information. In earlier work, we found that simple features derived from such graphs provide good performance. An analysis of the features used in this earlier work led us to explore the effectiveness of several representations of those graphs using the machine learning framework of graph kernels, which provide various ways of measuring similarity between graphs. Our results show that a graph kernel that evaluates the contribution of all paths in the graph has the best accuracy and that control flow information is more useful than data dependency information. The data used in this study are available for download at http://www.cs.colostate.edu/saxs/MRpred/functions.tar.gz to help researchers in further development of metamorphic relation prediction methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neonatal cellular and gene therapies for mucopolysaccharidoses: the earlier the better?
Authors: Tomatsu Shunji , Azario Isabella , Sawamoto Kazuki , Pievani Alice Silvia , Biondi Andrea , Serafini Marta 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). The increasing interest in newborn screening procedures for LSDs underlines the need for alternative cellular and gene therapy approaches to be developed during the perinatal period, supporting the treatment of MPS patients before the onset of clinical signs and symptoms. The rationale for considering these early therapies results from the clinical experience in the treatment of MPSs and other genetic disorders. The normal or gene‐corrected hematopoiesis transplanted in patients can produce the missing protein at levels sufficient to improve and/or halt the disease‐related abnormalities. However, these current therapies are only partially successful, probably due to the limited efficacy of the protein provided through the hematopoiesis. An alternative explanation is that the time at which the cellular or gene therapy procedures are performed could be too late to prevent pre‐existing or progressive organ damage. Considering these aspects, in the last several years, novel cellular and gene therapy approaches have been tested in different animal models at birth, a highly early stage, showing that precocious treatment is critical to prevent long‐term pathological consequences. This review provides insights into the state‐of‐art accomplishments made with neonatal cellular and gene‐based therapies and the major barriers that need to be overcome before they can be implemented in the medical community.
Experience with genetic counseling: the adolescent perspective
Authors: Pichini Amanda , Shuman Cheryl , Sappleton Karen , Kaufman Miriam , Chitayat David , Babul‐Hirji Riyana 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAdolescence is a complex period of development that involves creating a sense of identity, autonomy, relationships and values. This stage of adjustment can be complicated by having a genetic condition. Genetic counseling can play an important role in providing information and support to this patient population; however, resources and guidelines are currently limited. In order to appropriately establish genetic counseling approaches and resource development, we investigated the experiences and perspectives of adolescents with a genetic condition with respect to their genetic counseling interactions. Using a qualitative exploratory approach, eleven semi‐structured interviews were conducted with adolescents diagnosed with a genetic condition who received genetic counseling between the ages of 12 and 18 years at The Hospital for Sick Children. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using qualitative content analysis, from which three major interrelated themes emerged: 1) understanding the genetic counselor's role; 2) increasing perceived personal control; and 3) adolescent‐specific factors influencing adaptation to one's condition. Additionally, a list of suggested tools and strategies for genetic counseling practice were elucidated. Our findings can contribute to the development of an adolescent‐focused framework to enhance emerging genetic counseling approaches for this patient population, and can also facilitate the transition process from pediatric to adult care within patient and family‐centered contexts.
Apocynaceae Seed Lipids: Characterization and Occurrence of Isoricinoleic Acid and Triacylglycerol Estolides
Authors: Smith Mark A. , Zhang Haixia 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIsoricinoleic acid (9‐hydroxy‐cis‐12‐octadecenoic acid; IR) is a potential renewable feedstock for the oleochemical industry, a precursor for the synthesis of antimicrobial compounds and a component of the seed oil of certain plants in the Apocynaceae. For a more detailed survey of this plant family, seeds of 18 species representing different subfamilies were obtained and acyl composition and oil content was determined. IR was observed only in species of the tribes Wrightieae and Nerieae in the Apocynoideae subfamily and is reported for the first time in the seed oil of the desert rose Adenium obesum in which it is present at a level of around 26 %. In contrast to previous reports, IR was not found in oil from Holarrhena species, H. antidysenterica and H. pubescens, nor in oil from Annona squamosa. To examine the oil structure, samples were analyzed using MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. This technique proved to be a simple method to demonstrate the occurrence of the estolide 9‐acetoxy‐cis‐12‐octadecenoic acid in oil from Nerium oleander and gave further insight into the distribution of estolides within the oil, revealing the presence of tetra‐ and penta‐acyl‐TAG molecules, and molecules containing IR esterified to all three position of glycerol. For other species in which IR was observed, the HFA was found to be a component of seed TAG, but no secondary acylation of the hydroxyl groups was observed.
Performing a Perinatal Autopsy
Authors: Jaiman Sunil 
Published: November 2015

Abstract Intrauterine fetal demise or termination for malformation is adverse obstetric outcomes, agonizing for the parents and frustrating for health care providers. These events are often unpredictable and investigation entails not only the evaluation of the fetus/neonate but also the placenta. Though nothing can compensate the bereavement of families who have encountered fetal or a neonatal loss, a meticulous study of the placental, fetal, and neonatal tissues provides succor and help in the healing process. In recent times, with extensive advances in the pediatric specialty, the significance and requirements for perinatal autopsy have also commensurately heightened. There is an inordinate need for an accurate diagnosis in order to render genetic counseling and ascertain the implications of possible recurrence in future pregnancies. A conscientious perinatal autopsy, supplemented by cytogenetic and metabolic evaluation, followed by dissemination of the information to the parents, clinicians, and public health organizations is of paramount importance. This not only assists in the clinical management and bereavement closure but also helps in the reduction of perinatal mortality and morbidity. An autopsy protocol assists in performing an adequate perinatal dissection, facilitates the recognition and documentation of all relevant information and in addition also provides a format for the collection, recording and presenting of data which facilitates collaborative research. A brief account of the benefits and techniques of perinatal autopsy and the protocol are presented.
Les outils pour la rédaction des certificats de soins sans consentement
Authors: Péchillon E. 
Published: November 2015

Depuis maintenant plus de quatre ans les psychiatres sont confrontés aux particularités d’application d’une nouvelle loi de soins sans consentement. En apparence elle succède à ses devancières de 1838 et 1990 alors qu’en réalité elle s’appuie sur des concepts juridiques nouveaux empruntés au droit constitutionnel ou au droit européen. La particularité du nouveau texte est de donner une place prépondérante au juge des libertés et de la détention (JLD). Chacun a pu constater des différences importantes d’appréciation de la nécessité des soins entre médecins et magistrats. Il en résulte un nombre non négligeable de mainlevée des soins par décision de justice. La session apporte les notions et concepts nécessaires pour que les psychiatres rédigent leurs certificats de telle sorte qu’ils soient bien compris par les magistrats. Une première communication présente les concepts à l’origine de la loi (constitution, convention européenne de sauvegarde des Droits de l’homme, recommandation 2004/10 du conseil de l’Europe…). La complexité de la loi conduit à la nécessité d’une interprétation de nombre de ses articles. La jurisprudence commence à donner des pistes de compréhension utiles. Ce sera l’objet de la deuxième intervention avant de réfléchir sur les aspects cliniques à faire figurer dans les certificats qui constituent le moyen privilégié de communication avec les JLD.