bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical copolymers of N‐vinylpyrrolidone and 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate via RAFT: Monomer reactivity ratios, thermal properties, and kinetics of thermal decomposition
Authors: Roka Nikoletta , Kokkorogianni Olga , Pitsikalis Marinos 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTStatistical copolymers of N‐vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) with 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) were prepared by Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation chain Transfer Polymerization (RAFT), employing three different RAFT agents: [(O‐ethylxanthyl)methyl]benzene, [1‐(O‐ethylxanthyl)ethyl]benzene, and O‐ethyl S‐(phthalimidylmethyl) xanthate. The reactivity ratios were estimated using the Fineman‐Ross, inverted Fineman‐Ross, Kelen‐Tüdos, and extended Kelen‐Tüdos graphical methods, along with the computer program COPOINT. Structural parameters of the copolymers were obtained by calculating the dyad sequence fractions and the mean sequence length. All the methods indicate that the DMAEMA reactivity ratio is much greater than the one of NVP, thus, the statistical copolymers are in fact pseudo‐diblocks. The glass‐transition temperature (Tg) values of the copolymers were measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Furthermore, a systematic and detailed investigation has been done, on the thermal degradation of the copolymers compared with the respective homopolymers, by Thermogravimetric Analysis, within the framework of the Ozawa‐Flynn‐Wall and Kissinger methodologies. Apparently, the thermal stability of the copolymers is influenced by both monomers and by the structure of the thiocarbonylthio end groups due to the RAFT agents. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3776–3787
Correlates of concealment behavior among couples coping with cancer: Actor partner model
Authors: Wertheim Reut , Goldzweig Gil , Mashiach‐Eizenberg Michal , Pizem Noam , Shacham‐Shmueli Einat , Hasson‐Ohayon Ilanit 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectivesContextual self‐concealment in the psychooncology literature has been found to be associated with elevated distress. The current study aimed to understand the dyadic relationships of an individual's perception of spousal support and dispositional perspective‐taking with own and partner's levels of self‐concealment behavior, among couples coping with cancer.MethodsA subsample of 61 heterosexual couples coping with cancer was taken from a large‐scale cross‐sectional study. Patients and their spouses independently completed measures of perceived spousal support, perspective‐taking, and contextual self‐concealment. Dyadic data were analyzed by using the actor‐partner interdependence model both for couples in which the woman was the patient and also for couples in which the man was the patient.ResultsPerceived spousal support negatively predicted contextual self‐concealment, regardless of gender and role. Implications of perspective‐taking for concealment behavior were dependent on role and gender. A female patient's perspective‐taking was associated with a reduction in her own and her spouse's concealment behavior. A male spouse's perspective‐taking was associated with an increase in his own and his spouse's concealment behavior. A female spouse's perspective‐taking negatively predicted patient's concealment behavior, but not her own.ConclusionsFindings stress the important roles played by spousal support and perspective‐taking in communication patterns between couples affected by cancer. Although the perception of support from one's spouse seems to reduce the need to conceal cancer‐related issues, interventions that focus on couples' communication should address the differential implications of perspective‐taking, as they can lead to either more or less self‐concealment among couples, depending on role and gender.
Inhibition of RhoA/Rho kinase pathway and smooth muscle contraction by hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Nalli Ancy D. , Wang Hongxia , Bhattacharya Sayak , Blakeney Bryan A. , Murthy Karnam S. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays an important role in smooth muscle relaxation. Here, we investigated the expression of enzymes in H2S synthesis and the mechanism regulating colonic smooth muscle function by H2S. Expression of cystathionine‐γ‐lyase (CSE), but not cystathionine‐β‐synthase (CBS), was identified in the colonic smooth muscle of rabbit, mouse, and human. Carbachol (CCh)‐induced contraction in rabbit muscle strips and isolated muscle cells was inhibited by l‐cysteine (substrate of CSE) and NaHS (an exogenous H2S donor) in a concentration‐dependent fashion. H2S induced S‐sulfhydration of RhoA that was associated with inhibition of RhoA activity. CCh‐induced Rho kinase activity also was inhibited by l‐cysteine and NaHS in a concentration‐dependent fashion. Inhibition of CCh‐induced contraction by l‐cysteine was blocked by the CSE inhibitor, dl‐propargylglycine (DL‐PPG) in dispersed muscle cells. Inhibition of CCh‐induced Rho kinase activity by l‐cysteine was blocked by CSE siRNA in cultured cells and DL‐PPG in dispersed muscle cells. Stimulation of Rho kinase activity and muscle contraction in response to CCh was also inhibited by l‐cysteine or NaHS in colonic muscle cells from mouse and human. Collectively, our studies identified the expression of CSE in colonic smooth muscle and determined that sulfhydration of RhoA by H2S leads to inhibition of RhoA and Rho kinase activities and muscle contraction. The mechanism identified may provide novel therapeutic approaches to mitigate gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Higher patient satisfaction with antidepressants correlates with earlier drug release dates across online user‐generated medical databases
Authors: Siskind Scott , Aydin Roland C. , Matta Punit , Cyron Christian J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractStudies establishing the use of new antidepressants often rely simply on proving efficacy of a new compound, comparing against placebo and single compound. The advent of large online databases in which patients themselves rate drugs allows for a new Big Data–driven approach to compare the efficacy and patient satisfaction with sample sizes exceeding previous studies. Exemplifying this approach with antidepressants, we show that patient satisfaction with a drug anticorrelates with its release date with high significance, across different online user‐driven databases. This finding suggests that a systematic reevaluation of current, often patent‐protected drugs compared to their older predecessors may be helpful, especially given that the efficacy of newer agents relative to older classes of antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) is as yet quantitatively unexplored.
Seasonal variation in effectiveness of the boar‐operated system to deliver baits to wild boar
Authors: Ferretti Francesco , Coats Julia , Cowan Dave P , Pietravalle Stéphane , Massei Giovanna 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDWild boar and feral pig numbers are growing worldwide and have substantial economic and environmental impacts. Bait‐delivered pharmaceuticals such as disease vaccines, toxicants and contraceptives are advocated to mitigate these impacts. Effective campaigns based on these pharmaceuticals rely on optimising the target species' bait uptake, which may differ between seasons. We investigated seasonal differences in the use of Boar‐Operated Systems (BOSs) by wild boar and non‐target species in an English woodland.RESULTSIn a pre‐trial phase (BOS left open), wild boar, wild mammals, birds, livestock and companion animals fed on the peanuts and maize used as bait in the BOS. During the trial (BOS closed), only wild boar consumed the baits. Wild boar visited and fed from a larger number of BOSs in spring than in summer or winter. No aggressive intra‐group interactions were recorded when wild boar fed from the BOSs but adult males were observed to monopolise two BOSs. Group size was highest in spring and bait uptake was lowest in winter.CONCLUSIONThe study confirmed the species‐specificity of the BOS throughout the year and highlighted that, at least in this area, bait uptake by wild boar for baits delivered through the BOS would be maximised in spring. © 2017 Crown copyright. Pest Management Science © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
RUNX1cRegulates Hematopoietic Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Possibly in Cooperation with Proinflammatory Signaling
Authors: Navarro-Montero Oscar , Ayllon Veronica , Lamolda Mar , López-Onieva Lourdes , Montes Rosa , Bueno Clara , Ng Elizabeth , Guerrero-Carreno Xiomara , Romero Tamara , Romero-Moya Damià , Stanley Ed , Elefanty Andrew , Ramos-Mejia Verónica , Menendez Pablo , Real Pedro J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRunt-related transcription factor 1 (Runx1) is a master hematopoietic transcription factor essential for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) emergence. Runx1-deficient mice die during early embryogenesis due to the inability to establish definitive hematopoiesis. Here, we have used human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) as model to study the role of RUNX1 in human embryonic hematopoiesis. Although the three RUNX1 isoforms a, b, and c were induced in CD45+ hematopoietic cells, RUNX1c was the only isoform induced in hematoendothelial progenitors (HEPs)/hemogenic endothelium. Constitutive expression of RUNX1c in human embryonic stem cells enhanced the appearance of HEPs, including hemogenic (CD43+) HEPs and promoted subsequent differentiation into blood cells. Conversely, specific deletion of RUNX1c dramatically reduced the generation of hematopoietic cells from HEPs, indicating that RUNX1c is a master regulator of human hematopoietic development. Gene expression profiling of HEPs revealed a RUNX1c-induced proinflammatory molecular signature, supporting previous studies demonstrating proinflammatory signaling as a regulator of HSC emergence. Collectively, RUNX1c orchestrates hematopoietic specification of hPSCs, possibly in cooperation with proinflammatory signaling.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein Promotes Lewis X Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen 1 Expression Thereby Interfering with Neural Precursor and Stem Cell Proliferation
Authors: Luque-Molina Inma , Khatri Priti , Schmidt-Edelkraut Udo , Simeonova Ina K. , Hölzl-Wenig Gabriele , Mandl Claudi , Ciccolini Francesca 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The glycoprotein Prominin-1 and the carbohydrate Lewis X stage-specific embryonic antigen 1 (LeX-SSEA1) both have been extensively used as cell surface markers to purify neural stem cells (NSCs). While Prominin-1 labels a specialized membrane region in NSCs and ependymal cells, the specificity of LeX-SSEA1 expression and its biological significance are still unknown. To address these issues, we have here monitored the expression of the carbohydrate in neonatal and adult NSCs and in their progeny. Our results show that the percentage of immunopositive cells and the levels of LeX-SSEA1 immunoreactivity both increase with postnatal age across all stages of the neural lineage. This is associated with decreased proliferation in precursors including NSCs, which accumulate the carbohydrate at the cell surface while remaining quiescent. Exposure of precursors to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) increases LEX-SSEA1 expression, which promotes cell cycle withdrawal by a mechanism involving LeX-SSEA1-mediated interaction at the cell surface. Conversely, interference with either BMP signaling or with LeX-SSEA1 promotes proliferation to a similar degree. Thus, in the postnatal germinal niche, the expression of LeX-SSEA1 increases with age and exposure to BMP signaling, thereby downregulating the proliferation of subependymal zone precursors including NSCs.
Biologically Active Digests from Pumpkin Oil Cake Protein: Effect of Cross‐linking by Transglutaminase
Authors: Popović Ljiljana , Stolić Žužana , Čakarević Jelena , Torbica Aleksandra , Tomić Jelena , Šijački Mirjana 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study was to show that biologically active hydrolysates can be obtained by simulated human gastrointestinal digestion (HGD) of transglutaminase cross‐linked pumpkin oil cake protein (Tg‐C) which was previously reported as a potential functional food additive. A two‐stage in vitro digestion model system (by pepsin and α chymotrypsin and trypsin, simultaneously) was used to simulate the process of HGD on native and Tg‐C major storage pumpkin oil seed/cake protein, cucurbitin (C). The biologically active potential of the digests was evaluated, measuring the angiotensin‐converting‐I enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and anti‐oxidant capacity. The ACE inhibitory activity was determined in both final digests, with IC50 = 0.30 ± 0.04 mg/ml for C and IC50 = 0.28 ± 0.01 for Tg‐C. The anti‐oxidant potency of the examined proteins was enhanced by the digestion process. The 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) radical cation activities and reducing power testing showed that all the hydrolysates act as a radical quencher and reducing agents. Overall, the results showed that the cross‐linking by Tg did not influence the digestion process, as well as having no effect on the biological activity of the hydrolysates. These also indicate that Tg‐C, if used as functional food additive, after food consumption can be digested and become a source of peptides exerting positive effects on human health.
The influence of online images on self‐harm: A qualitative study of young people aged 16–24
Authors: Jacob Nina , Evans Rhiannon , Scourfield Jonathan 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTTo date, research on the role of the Internet in self‐harm has focused on young people's interaction via the medium of text, with limited consideration of the effect of images. This qualitative study explores how young people understand and use online images of self‐harm. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a community sample of 21 individuals aged 16–24 living in Wales, UK, with a previous history of self‐harm. Interviewees reported the role of the Internet in normalising young people's self‐harm. Images rather than textual interactions are the primary reason cited for using the Internet for self‐harm purposes. Images invoke a physical reaction and inspire behavioural enactment, with Tumblr, which permits the sharing of images by anonymous individuals, being the preferred platform. Viewing online images serves a vital role in many young people's self‐harm, as part of ritualistic practice. Online prevention and intervention need to attend to the importance of images.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in a Patient With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Presentation
Authors: Omura Jaclyn , Osorio Marisa 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe present a case of a 17‐year‐old girl who developed premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) after sustaining a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and we review the diagnosis of PMDD. The patient developed symptoms of severe depression surrounding her menses months after sustaining severe TBI and was diagnosed with PMDD by a psychiatrist. She ultimately required antipsychotics for optimal symptom resolution. PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome with symptoms including irritability, anxiety, and nonfatal suicidal behavior. We discuss other potential causes of mood disturbance that are important to screen for after TBI, including depression, anxiety, and hypothalamic‐pituitary axis disorders. Rehabilitation medicine providers need to be aware of PMDD in postpubertal female patients with TBI because it can lead to nonfatal suicidal behaviors.Level of EvidenceV
Immunosuppressant Medication–Induced Lower Extremity Pain After Combined Liver and Kidney Transplant: A Case Report
Authors: Mohideen Thanzeela Kausar , Wu Hong 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCalcineurin inhibitors are imperative in the success of a transplanted organ. However, these immunosuppressants can lead to a rare complication known as calcineurin inhibitor–induced pain syndrome, which may not be recognized early and managed appropriately. We present a case of a 35‐year‐old woman who underwent a combined liver/kidney transplant and developed lower extremity pain while being maintained on tacrolimus. This case illustrates a patient with previously reported characteristic clinical features of calcineurin inhibitor–induced pain syndrome in addition to uncharacteristic neuropathic symptoms and imaging findings. The patient was treated successfully with gabapentin, calcitonin nasal spray, and acupuncture. Early recognition of this syndrome can help improve a patient's quality of life.Level of EvidenceV
How Prospective Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Trainees Rank Residency Training Programs
Authors: Auriemma Michael J. , Whitehair Curtis L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundSince the inception of the National Resident Matching Program, multiple studies have investigated the factors applicants consider important to ranking prospective residency programs. However, only 2 previous studies focused on prospective physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) trainees, and the most recent of these studies was published in 1993. It is unknown whether these previous studies are reflective of current prospective PM&R residents.ObjectiveTo assess various factors that contribute to prospective PM&R residents' decision making in choosing a residency program and compare these findings with previous studies.DesignAn anonymous, voluntary questionnaire.SettingA single PM&R residency program.ParticipantsAll applicants to a single PM&R residency program.MethodsAll applicants to our PM&R residency program were invited to participate in a 44‐item, 5‐point Likert‐based questionnaire. Applicants were asked to rate the importance of various factors as they related to constructing their residency rank list.Main Outcome MeasurementsMeans and standard deviations were calculated for items included in the survey.ResultsA response rate of 26% was obtained, with the responses of 98 applicants (20%) ultimately analyzed. The highest rated factors included “perceived happiness of current residents,” “opportunities for hands‐on procedure training,” “perceived camaraderie among current residents,” “perceived camaraderie among faculty and current residents,” “perceived quality of current residents,” and “perceived work/life balance among current residents.” Although male and female respondents demonstrated similar ranking preferences, an apparent difference was detected between how genders rated the importance of “whether the program projects a favorable environment for women” and “whether the program projects a favorable environment for minorities.” As compared with previous PM&R applicants, current prospective trainees seem to place greater importance on skill acquisition over didactic teaching.ConclusionProspective PM&R residents highly value subjective perceptions of prospective PM&R training programs and the ability to obtain hands‐on procedural experience.Level of EvidenceNot applicable
Acoustical Analysis of Enclosure Design Parameters for Microspeaker System
Authors: Chang J. R. , Wang C. N. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMicrospeakers are key components of mobile devices in current consumer products; moreover, the user experience of multimedia products plays an essential role. The objective of this study was to investigate the acoustic performance of microspeakers in different enclosure parameters for mobile devices. Two methodologies are performed. The first model is an electro-mechano-acoustical model (EMA) of microspeaker along with distribution model of enclosure effect; the 2nd model, the details of diaphragms are taken into account in calculating the distribution models of microspeaker with enclosure parameters. They were combined and applied to determine microspeaker performance levels for mobile devices. Two methodologies show acceptable agreement with experimental results. The distribution model can well simulate the high frequency response than lumped model of microspeaker. The results can predict microspeaker system performance before industrial design and mechanism placement processes are executed.
Two-Dimensional Dynamic Ground Effect on a Swimming Undulating Plate: A Parametric Study
Authors: Sierra D. M. , Guo J. H. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe dynamic ground effect enhances the swimming of fish. The dynamic ground effect affects the kinematic conditions of fish, causing them to swim more efficiently. However, predicting the degree to which the dynamic ground effect can improve the swimming performance of fish is difficult. The dynamic ground effect can potentially save energy for biomimetic underwater vehicles. Therefore, a theoretical model was developed to investigate the effect of a planar boundary on the swimming performance of a two-dimensional undulating plate. General expressions for the thrust, power input, efficiency, and energy loss of the plate were obtained. As examples, cases in which an undulating plate with linearly varying amplitude swam far from and close to a wall under a range of different kinematic conditions were studied. The dynamic ground effect improved the swimming performance of the plate by reducing the power input while maintaining an almost constant thrust; the degree of improvement depended on the kinematic conditions of the plate. Furthermore, the swimming performance of the plate was improved over a range of distances from the wall; this range of distances also depended on the kinematic conditions of the plate.
Scrutiny of Unsteady Flow and Heat Transfer in a Backward-Facing Step Under Pulsating Nanofluid Blowing Using the Eulerian-Eulerian Approach
Authors: Zahmatkesh I. , Torshizi E. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this paper, unsteady flow and heat transfer of water flow in a backward-facing step under pulsating nanofluid blowing are studied numerically. Attention is focused to examine the impact of this type of blowing and its pertinent parameters on the heat transfer performance and to detect possible non-equilibrium between the base fluid and the nanoparticles inside the flow field. To this aim, the Eulerian-Eulerian two-phase model is adopted. This approach consists of separate equation sets for the base fluid and the nanoparticles. So, it provides details of the flow field for each of the constituents, separately. Computations are undertaken for different cases and the consequences of the frequency, amplitude, and the mean velocity of the pulsating blowing as well as the type, diameter, and the volume fraction of the nanoparticles therein on the heat transfer characteristics are analyzed. It is found that in addition to thermal conductivity of the blown nanoparticles, their penetration into the water flow is an important trait that has a momentous role on the heat transfer rate. In the current Eulerian-Eulerian simulation, temperature distributions of the base fluid and the nanoparticles are similar but the corresponding velocity fields are quite distinct. This reveals a kind of non-equilibrium between the base fluid and the nanoparticles inside the flow that invalidates equilibrium approaches (e.g., the single-phase model or the two-phase mixture model) for the description of the problem.