bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Polymer Clay‐Based Nanocomposites: Films with Remarkable Optical and Water Vapor Barrier Properties
Authors: Murima Douglas , Pfukwa Helen , Tiggelman Ineke , Hartmann Patrice C. , Pasch Harald 
Published: May 2016

The impact of varying the copolymer composition of styrene–co‐butyl acrylate copolymers on the dispersion of montmorillonite (MMT) clay and the effect thereof on the transparency and water vapor barrier properties of the resultant films is assessed. The hybrid latexes containing MMT clay concentrations of 10–30 wt% are prepared using miniemulsion polymerization. The morphology of the resultant latexes shows that the MMT particles are predominantly adhered onto the surface of the latex particles. However, the transparency of the films suggests a fair dispersion of the MMT platelets in the matrix. The thickness‐normalized light transmittance for copolymers with 40 and 50 mol% styrene only decreases from 70% in the neat films to 50% in the nanocomposite films containing 30 wt% clay. The best optical properties are observed for the copolymers with 30 mol% styrene, in which the light transmittance only decreases from 85% (unfilled film) to 60% in the nanocomposite films containing 30 wt% clay. Overall, the water vapor barrier properties are much higher in the copolymer films with 30 mol% styrene due to the unique morphological organization of MMT platelets in the matrix.
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The Effect of Asymmetric Heterocyclic Units on the Microstructure and the Improvement of Mechanical Properties of Three Rigid‐Rod co‐PI Fibers
Authors: Luo Longbo , Wang Yazhe , Zhang Jing , Huang Jieyang , Feng Yan , Peng Chaorong , Wang Xu , Liu Xiangyang 
Published: May 2016

Three kinds of rigid‐rod copolyimide (co‐PI) fibers are prepared by wet‐spinning of their precursor poly(amic acid)s, which are copolymerized from 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA), p‐phenylenediamine (PDA), and the third asymmetric heterocyclic diamines, including 2‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐aminobenzoxazole (BOA), 2‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐aminobenzimidazole (PABZ), and 2,5‐bis(4‐aminophenyl)‐pyrimidine (PRM), respectively. The asymmetry is increasing in the order PRM < BOA ≈ PABZ. The introduction of asymmetric heterocyclic units results in mesomorphic order structure and decreases the size of microvoid of PI fiber, which apparently improves the toughness of PI fiber and shows positive effects on mechanical properties. The tensile strength and initial modulus of co‐PI fibers are in the ranges of 2.6–3.2 GPa and 91.8–133.5 GPa, respectively. The lowest asymmetry leads to the highest lateral order, crystal orientation, and initial modulus of BPDA/PDA/PRM co‐PI. Moreover, the introduction of asymmetric heterocyclic units can effectively improve compressive properties. BPDA/PDA/PABZ co‐PI fiber shows the highest loop strength and recoil compressive strength due to hydrogen bonding interactions. The highest orientation leads to the lowest transverse strength of BPDA/PDA/PRM co‐PI fibers, reducing the recoil compressive strength.image
Biochanin A improves hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance by regulating the hepatic lipid and glucose metabolic pathways in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Park Hee‐Sook , Hur Haeng Jeon , Kim Soon‐Hee , Park Su‐Jin , Hong Moon Ju , Sung Mi Jeong , Kwon Dae Young , Kim Myung‐Sunny 
Published: May 2016

ScopeNatural compounds that regulate peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) have been reported to have beneficial effects in obesity‐mediated metabolic disorders. In this study, we demonstrated that biochanin A (BA), an agonist of PPAR‐α, improved hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance by regulating hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism.Methods and resultsC57BL/6 mice were fed a normal chow diet, a high‐fat diet (HFD), and an HFD supplemented with 0.05% BA for 12 weeks. Histological and biochemical examinations indicated that BA prevented obesity‐induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in HFD‐fed mice. BA stimulated the transcriptional activation of PPAR‐α in vitro and increased the expression of PPAR‐α and its regulatory proteins in the liver. CE‐TOF/MS analyses indicated that BA administration promoted the recovery of metabolites involved in phosphatidylcholine synthesis, lipogenesis, and beta‐oxidation in the livers of obese mice. BA also suppressed the levels of gluconeogenesis‐related metabolites and the expression of the associated enzymes, glucose 6‐phosphatase and pyruvate kinase.ConclusionTaken together, these results showed that BA ameliorated metabolic disorders such as hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance by modulating lipid and glucose metabolism in diet‐induced obesity. Thus, BA may be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of obesity‐mediated hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance.
Epigenetics of breast cancer: Modifying role of environmental and bioactive food compounds
Authors: Romagnolo Donato F. , Daniels Kevin D. , Grunwald Jonathan T. , Ramos Stephan A. , Propper Catherine R. , Selmin Ornella I. 
Published: May 2016

ScopeReduced expression of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) increases the susceptibility to breast cancer. However, only a small percentage of breast tumors is related to family history and mutational inactivation of TSG. Epigenetics refers to non‐mutational events that alter gene expression. Endocrine disruptors found in foods and drinking water may disrupt epigenetically hormonal regulation and increase breast cancer risk. This review centers on the working hypothesis that agonists of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), bisphenol A (BPA), and arsenic compounds, induce in TSG epigenetic signatures that mirror those often seen in sporadic breast tumors. Conversely, it is hypothesized that bioactive food components that target epigenetic mechanisms protect against sporadic breast cancer induced by these disruptors.Methods and resultsThis review highlights (i) overlaps between epigenetic signatures placed in TSG by AHR‐ligands, BPA, and arsenic with epigenetic alterations associated with sporadic breast tumorigenesis; and (ii) potential opportunities for the prevention of sporadic breast cancer with food components that target the epigenetic machinery.ConclusionsCharacterizing the overlap between epigenetic signatures elicited in TSG by endocrine disruptors with those observed in sporadic breast tumors may afford new strategies for breast cancer prevention with specific bioactive food components or diet.
Obesity and Age‐Related Changes in Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Across Four Generations
Authors: Hulsegge Gerben , Herber‐Gast Gerrie‐Cor M. , Spijkerman Annemieke M.W. , Susan H. , Picavet J. , van der Schouw Yvonne T. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Dollé Martijn E.T. , Smit Henriette A. , Monique Verschuren W.M. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveThe prevalence of obesity increases with age and is higher in each younger generation (unfavorable generation shift). This may influence patterns of oxidative stress and inflammation. Age‐related changes and generation shifts in markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were investigated, specifically addressing the role of body mass index (BMI).MethodsFour generations (aged 26–35, 36–45, 46–55, and 56–65 at baseline) (N = 5,155) were examined every 5 years for 15 years between 1993 and 2012. Random coefficient analyses were used to study age‐related changes and generation shifts in BMI, γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), uric acid (UA), and C‐reactive protein (CRP).ResultsLevels of BMI, UA, and CRP increased in all generations up to age 75, whereas GGT increased up to age 55. No consistent generation shifts were observed for GGT, UA, and CRP (P ≥ 0.05). Participants with a stable BMI (change ≤1 kg/m2/15 years) had either no or small increases with age in GGT, UA, and CRP, whereas participants with increasing BMI (increase >1 kg/m2/15 years) had much larger increases (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe unfavorable age‐related changes in obesity‐related biochemical markers, particularly among individuals with increasing BMI, show the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to improve population levels of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Investigation of the Effects of an Exercise Program on Physical Functions and Activities of Daily Life in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Yildiz Kabak Vesile , Duger Tulin , Uckan Cetinkaya Duygu 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an implemented exercise program for children throughout the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) process.ProcedureTwenty‐two children aged between 3 and 17, who were earlier selected for HSCT, were divided into two groups—intervention and control. Children's physical function, functional performance, and activities of daily life (ADL) were assessed before HSCT, at discharge, and 1 month later. The exercise program, which consisted of strengthening, endurance, stretching, and relaxation exercises, was implemented to the intervention group for 5 days a week throughout hospitalization; and these exercises were given as home program at discharge.ResultsThe results of the supervised exercise program during hospitalization showed that the children's physical function and functional performance increased statistically significantly in the intervention group (P < 0.05) and decreased statistically significantly in the control group (P < 0.05). For the ADL, no difference was found between the two groups (P ˃ 0.05).ConclusionsThe present study determined that the exercise program had positive effects throughout the HSCT process, but these effects did not continue during the follow‐up period. Exercise programs implemented by physiotherapists are important for children undergoing HSCT, and after transplantation it is necessary to continue supervised exercise program during follow‐up.
Proton Therapy for Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Wray Justin , Flampouri Stella , Slayton William , Joyce Michael , Sandler Eric , Morris Christopher G. , Li Zuofeng , Indelicato Daniel J. , Mendenhall Nancy P. , Hoppe Bradford S. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundCompared to X‐ray radiation therapy, proton therapy (PT) reduces the radiation dose to organs at risk, which is expected to translate into fewer second cancers and less cardiac morbidity decades after treatment. The Children's Oncology Group high‐risk pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (PHL) protocol, AHOD1331, allows the use of PT, yet limited data exist on the use of PT in PHL.ProcedureBetween 2010 and 2014, 22 pediatric patients were treated with PT for PHL at our institution: 7 intermediate‐risk patients, 11 high‐risk patients, and 4 relapsed patients. The patients’ age ranged from 6 to 18 years old. Median follow‐up was 36 months. All patients received chemotherapy before PT.ResultsThe 2‐year and 3‐year overall survival rates were both 94%, and the progression‐free survival rate was 86%. Recurrences occurred in three high‐risk patients: one isolated in‐field cervical lymph node and two in‐field and out‐of‐field. All recurrences occurred within 5 months of completing PT. No PT‐related grade 3 or higher acute or late complications were observed.ConclusionPT for PHL showed no short‐term severe toxicity and yields similar short‐term control to recently published large multi‐institutional clinical trials.
Simplicial complexes: Spectrum, homology and random walks
Authors: Parzanchevski Ori , Rosenthal Ron 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper studies the dynamical and asymptotic aspects of high‐dimensional expanders. We define a stochastic process on simplicial complexes of arbitrary dimension, which detects the existence of homology in the same way that a random walk on a finite graph reflects its connectedness. Through this, we obtain high‐dimensional analogues of graph properties such as bipartiteness, return probability, amenability and transience/recurrence. In the second part of the paper we generalize Kesten's result on the spectrum of regular trees, and of the connection between return probabilities and spectral radius. We study the analogue of the Alon‐Boppana theorem on spectral gaps, and exhibit a counterexample for its high‐dimensional counterpart. We show, however, that under some assumptions the theorem does hold ‐ for example, if the codimension‐one skeletons of the complexes in question form a family of expanders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 50, 225–261, 2017
Publishing histograms with outliers under data differential privacy
Authors: Han Qilong , Shao Bo , Li Lijie , Ma Zhiqiang , Zhang Haitao , Du Xiaojiang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHistograms are important tools for data mining and analysis. Several differentially private publishing schemes for histograms have been proposed recently. Existing differentially private histogram publication schemes have shown that histogram reconstruction is a promising idea for the improvement of publication histograms' accuracy. However, none of these have properly considered the problem outliers in the original histogram, which can cause significant reconstruction errors. Based on the problem, the publication of histogram outliers under differential privacy, this paper puts forward a publication method for histograms with outliers under differential privacy: Outlier‐HistoPub. Our method deals with the count sequence of the original histogram first, using a “global sort” to reduce the degree of alternative distribution (a concept proposed in this paper), which may eliminate the influence of outliers during reconstruction. To avoid individual privacy leakage in the reconstruction process, an exponential mechanism is used to select the most similar adjacent bins of the uniformity distribution histogram to merge each time, and the Laplace mechanism is utilized to generate noisy data to perturb the count sequence of the reconstruction histogram. Experiments prove that the method proposed in this paper can improve the efficiency and accuracy of histogram publication. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fungal spores from the Palaeogene El Foyel Group of Ñirihuau Basin, Argentina
Authors: Martínez Marcelo A. , Bianchinotti M. Virginia , Saxena Ramesh K. , Cornou M. Elina , Quattrocchio Mirta E. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe El Foyel Group is defined in the western section (Andean) of the Ñirihuau Basin, Argentina (41°44′S–71°30′W). It consists of three units: the Troncoso, Salto del Macho and Río Foyel formations. The age of the group and of the formations is still controversial. We studied the fungal remains recovered from 14 palynological samples from outcrops in the group with the intention of providing data to solve this problem. The fungal assemblage found is highly diverse and it is mostly composed of spores of different affinities (mainly ascomycetes). We identified 38 species from 18 genera (Anatolinites,Dictyosporites,Didymoporisporonites,Diporicellaesporites,Diporisporites,Dyadosporites,Exesisporites,Foveodiporites,Hypoxylonites,Inapertisporites,Lacrimasporonites,Monoporisporites,Multicellites,Papulosporonites,Pluricellaesporites,Polycellaesporonites,Staphlosporonitesand one indet.). Moreover, we propose two new species (Hypoxylonites foyelensissp. nov. andPluricellaesporites patagonicussp. nov.) and a new combination (Dyadosporites annulatuscomb. nov.). Most of the species were recovered from samples from the Troncoso Formation (21), while the Salto del Macho and Río Foyel formations showed lesser diversity.Anatolinites subcapsilaris,Dyadosporites subovalis,Inapertisporites subovoideus,Monoporisporites singularovalisandMulticellites ellipticus, biomarkers from the Middle Eocene appeared in the Troncoso and Salto del Salto del Macho formations; whereas indicators of the Eocene–Oligocene, such asDyadosporites elsikii,Didymoporisporonites panshanensis,Foveodiporites elegans,Lacrimasporonites fusoidesandMulticellites leptaleus, were mainly recorded in the Río Foyel Formation. The appearance of the biomarkers mentioned above reinforces the Palaeogene age proposed for the El Foyel Group in previous palynological studies. The record ofHypoxylonites ater(Miocene) in the Salto del Macho formation would expand its range as far back as the Palaeogene.
MiR-211/STAT5A Signaling Modulates Migration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Improve its Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Hu Xinyang , Chen Panpan , Wu Yan , Wang Kan , Xu Yinchuan , Chen Han , Zhang Ling , Wu Rongrong , Webster Keith A. , Yu Hong , Zhu Wei , Wang Jian'an 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Our previous study showed that the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation were improved by enhancing migration. MicroRNA-211 (miR-211) can modulate the migratory properties of some cell types by mechanisms that are not fully understood. This study was designed to investigate a possible role for miR-211 in MSC migration, and whether genetic manipulation of miR-211 in MSCs could be used to enhance its beneficial effects of cell transplantation. Transwell assays confirmed that MSCs migration of was significantly impaired by miR-211 knockdown but enhanced by miR-211 overexpression. MiR-211 overexpressing MSCs also exhibited significantly increased cell engraftment in the peri-infarct areas of female rat hearts 2 days after intravenous transplantation of male MSCs as shown by GFP tracking and SYR gene quantification. This conferred a significant decrease in infarct size and improved cardiac performance. By using a loss or gain of gene function approach, we demonstrated that miR-211 targeted STAT5A to modulate MSCs migration, possibly by interacting with MAPK signaling. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of miR-211 overexpression in MSCs were abolished by simultaneous overexpression of STAT5A whereas the negative effects of miR-211 silencing on MSC migration were rescued by simultaneous downregulation of STAT5A. Finally, using ChIP-PCR and luciferase assays, we provide novel evidence that STAT3 can directly bind to promoter elements that activate miR-211 expression. STAT3/miR-211/STAT5A signaling plays a key role in MSCs migration. Intravenous infusion of genetically modified miR-211 overexpressing MSCs conveys enhanced protection from adverse post-MI remodeling compared with unmodified MSCs.
Use of dental restorative temporization material for attaching radiotransmitters to hedgehogs
Authors: Reading Richard P. , Kenny David , Murdoch James , Batdorj Sodnompil 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTUse of glues and acrylics to attach radiotransmitters to small mammals may pose a threat to the animals and researchers by generating heat and adhering to skin. We tested the feasibility of attaching radiotransmitters on 2 hedgehog species (Daurian [Mesechinus dauuricus] and long‐eared [Hemiechinus auritus]) in Mongolia using a restorative dental composite material (Protemp™ 3 Garant™ Temporization Material). The composite is less toxic than glues and acrylics typically used to attach transmitters to hedgehogs, generates almost no heat during catalyzation, and does not bind to skin. Human dentistry uses this material for temporary restoration of crowns and bridges. We applied 73 transmitters to 34 Daurian and 26 long‐eared hedgehogs using this material from 2005 to 2014 without signs of adverse effects. This safe, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive composite did not degrade despite being deployed for several months to >4 years in highly variable environmental conditions. Hedgehogs periodically shed their quills and we discovered some transmitters in sheds from study animals. We believe this dental acrylic provides a safer and effective alternative to common epoxies for attaching transmitters to hedgehogs. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Surviving Sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit: The Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance and the Trauma Patient
Authors: Ramsamy Yogandree , Hardcastle Timothy C. , Muckart David J. J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU) presents a great challenge to any critical care clinician. Patients admitted to the ICU are especially vulnerable to sepsis due to the nature of the underlying pathology that warranted admission to the ICU and deranged physiological function coupled with invasive procedures. Nosocomial infections are common in patients admitted to the ICU, and with these infections come the burden of multidrug‐resistant organisms. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now a global emergency that warrants the attention of every health‐care professional. AMR has escalated to epic proportions and solutions to this problem are now a matter of “life and death.” The ICU also represents the “breeding ground” of antibiotic‐resistant organisms due to the high broad‐spectrum antibiotic consumption. Many would argue that broad‐spectrum antimicrobials are overprescribed in this patient population, but do all patients admitted to the ICU warrant such therapy? Is there evidence that narrower‐spectrum antimicrobial agents can be employed in specific ICU populations coupled with surveillance strategies? The aims of this review are to focus on strategies with the aim of optimizing antimicrobial use within ICUs, and to highlight the importance of differentiating ICU populations with regard to the use of antimicrobial agents.
Multidisciplinary training in perineal care during labor and delivery for the reduction of anal sphincter injuries
Authors: Frost Jonathan , Gundry Rowan , Young Helen , Naguib Adel 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether the introduction of a multidisciplinary intrapartum perineal‐care training program reduced the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries in patients undergoing vaginal deliveries.MethodsA prospective observational cohort study enrolled women undergoing vaginal deliveries at a district general hospital maternity unit in the United Kingdom between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2014. All women experiencing obstetric anal sphincter injuries during the study period were identified and the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries before (2012–2013) a multidisciplinary training program was implemented was compared with the rate after (2013–2014) implementation using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe study enrolled 4920 patients. Following the implementation of the training program, the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries decreased from 4.8% to 3.1% of vaginal deliveries (odds ratio 0.66; 95% confidence interval 0.493–0.899; P = 0.008).ConclusionsThe integration of intrapartum perineal‐care training into mandatory annual staff training was associated with a statistically and clinically significant reduction in the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries.
Correlations of suspended sediment size with bedrock lithology and glacier dynamics
Authors: Crompton Jeff W. , Flowers Gwenn E. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThe hypothesized link between glacier surging and bedrock geology motivates this study of the suspended sediment size distributions (SSSD) from surge-type and non-surge-type glaciers. We analyze SSSDs from proglacial streams in 20 individual basins comprising various fractions of metasedimentary (MS) and felsic plutonic rocks. We compare the size distributions by performing tests of significance on the distribution statistics, and a principal component analysis on discrete grain sizes. We find that surge-type and non-surge-type glaciers underlain solely by MS rocks have significantly different SSSDs, while surge-type glaciers as a whole have remarkably similar SSSDs, regardless of the underlying bedrock geology. These observations hint at a relationship between sediment characteristics and glacier surging, though causation in either direction cannot be established without additional data.