bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphology and tensile properties of model thermoplastic polyurethanes with MDI/butanediol based monodisperse hard segments
Authors: Ren Li , Shah Priyank N. , Faust Rudolf 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTMorphology and tensile properties of model thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) containing polyisobutylene (PIB) or poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) based soft segment and 4,4‐methylene bis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) based monodisperse hard segments (HSs), consisting of exactly two to four MDI units extended by BDO, were investigated. Using FT‐IR spectroscopy, increased hydrogen bonded CO fraction was observed in model TPUs as the HS size increased. The hydrogen bonded CO fraction was higher in PIB based TPUs compared with PTMO based TPUs, indicating higher phase separation in PIB based TPUs. The morphology of TPUs was investigated using AFM phase imaging, which showed ribbon‐like or interconnected hard domains in PTMO based model TPUs and randomly dispersed hard domains in PIB based model TPUs. SAXS revealed that the degree of phase separation in the model TPUs was higher than in their polydisperse analogues. Domain spacing as well as interfacial thickness increased with the increasing HS size, and both values were higher in PTMO based TPUs. The tensile analysis indicated that model TPUs exhibited higher modulus and slightly higher elongation compared with their polydisperse analogues. Only in PTMO based model TPUs, strain induced crystallization was observed above 300% elongation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 2485–2493
Prostate Cancer Cells in Different Androgen Receptor Status Employ Different Leucine Transporters
Authors: Otsuki Hideo , Kimura Toru , Yamaga Takashi , Kosaka Takeo , Suehiro Jun‐ichi , Sakurai Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUNDLeucine stimulates cancer cell proliferation through the mTOR pathway, therefore, inhibiting leucine transporters may be a novel therapeutic target for cancer. L‐type amino acid transporter (LAT) 1, a Na+‐independent amino acid transporter, is highly expressed in many tumor cells. However, leucine transporter(s) in different stages of prostate cancer, particularly in the stages of castration resistance with androgen receptor (AR) expression, is unclear.METHODSLNCaP and DU145 and PC‐3 cell lines were used as a model of androgen dependent, and metastatic prostate cancer. A new “LN‐cr” cell line was established after culturing LNCaP cells for 6 months under androgen‐free conditions, which is considered a model of castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with androgen AR expression. The expression of leucine transporters was investigated with quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence. Uptake of 14C Leucine was examined in the presence or absence of BCH (a pan‐LAT inhibitor), JPH203 (an LAT1‐specific inhibitor), or Na+. Cell growth was assessed with MTT assay. siRNA studies were performed to evaluate the indispensability of y+LAT2 on leucine uptake and cell viability in LN‐cr.RESULTSCell viability showed a 90% decrease in the absence of leucine in all four cell lines. LNCaP cells principally expressed LAT3, and their leucine uptake was more than 90% Na+‐independent. BCH, but not JPH203, inhibited leucine uptake, and cell proliferation (IC50BCH:15 mM). DU145 and PC‐3 cells predominantly expressed LAT1. Leucine uptake and cell growth were suppressed by BCH or JPH203 in a dose‐dependent manner (IC50BCH: ∼20 mM, IC50JPH203: ∼5 µM). In LN‐cr cells, Na+‐dependent uptake of leucine was 3.8 pmol/mgprotein/min, while, Na+‐independent uptake was only 0.52 (P < 0.05). Leucine uptake of LN‐cr was largely (∼85%) Na+‐dependent. y+LAT2 expression was confirmed in LN‐cr. Knockdown of y+LAT2 lead to significant leucine uptake inhibition (40%) and cell growth inhibition (20%).CONCLUSIONSNew CRPC cell line with increased expression of y+LAT2 as a leucine transporter was established in vitro. Anti‐leucine transporter therapy could be an important option against prostate cancer. Prostate 77:222–233, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry measurement of xenon in gas‐loaded liposomes for neuroprotective applications
Authors: Klegerman Melvin E. , Moody Melanie R. , Hurling Jermaine R. , Peng Tao , Huang Shao‐Ling , McPherson David D. 
Published: October 2016

RationaleWe have produced a liposomal formulation of xenon (Xe‐ELIP) as a neuroprotectant for inhibition of brain damage in stroke patients. This mandates development of a reliable assay to measure the amount of dissolved xenon released from Xe‐ELIP in water and blood samples.MethodsGas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to quantify xenon gas released into the headspace of vials containing Xe‐ELIP samples in water or blood. In order to determine blood concentration of xenon in vivo after Xe‐ELIP administration, 6 mg of Xe‐ELIP lipid was infused intravenously into rats. Blood samples were drawn directly from a catheterized right carotid artery. After introduction of the samples, each vial was allowed to equilibrate to 37°C in a water bath, followed by 20 minutes of sonication prior to headspace sampling. Xenon concentrations were calculated from a gas dose–response curve and normalized using the published xenon water–gas solubility coefficient.ResultsThe mean corrected percent of xenon from Xe‐ELIP released into water was 3.87 ± 0.56% (SD, n = 8), corresponding to 19.3 ± 2.8 μL/mg lipid, which is consistent with previous independent Xe‐ELIP measurements. The corresponding xenon content of Xe‐ELIP in rat blood was 23.38 ± 7.36 μL/mg lipid (n = 8). Mean rat blood xenon concentration after intravenous administration of Xe‐ELIP was 14 ± 10 μM, which is approximately 15% of the estimated neuroprotective level.ConclusionsUsing this approach, we have established a reproducible method for measuring dissolved xenon in fluids. These measurements have established that neuroprotective effects can be elicited by less than 20% of the calculated neuroprotective xenon blood concentration. More work will have to be done to establish the protective xenon pharmacokinetic range. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scenario Writing of Future Lifestyles in Japan for 2030
Authors: Tasaki Tomohiro , Yoshida Aya , Aoyagi Midori , Kanamori Yuko , Awata Keigo , Tominaga Naoki , Shimizu Aiko , Suwabe Hiromi , Nemoto Kaori 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn order to change current lifestyles to sustainable ones, it is necessary to understand what kinds of lifestyle change could occur and what factors could affect these changes in the future. In this study, we explored possible lifestyle changes in Japan from the present to 2030, using techniques of scanning and constrained idea generation in an expert workshop. The participants generated 14 hypotheses for possible discontinuous changes by using a scanning technique wherein they skimmed many articles from different sources. Subsequently, the participants employed constrained idea generation, combining these ideas with continuous lifestyle changes to portray concept proposals for future lifestyles. Using these proposals, we elaborated four lifestyle scenarios and then investigated people's reactions to them. Finally, we discussed the insights obtained from this scenario writing in terms of attention needed to lifestyle scenario writing, similarity with other scenarios, and peoples' perceptions and transformation of lifestyles. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Concern For Global Warming In Six Islamic Nations: A Multilevel Bayesian Analysis
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to investigate factors influencing concern for global warming among six Islamic nations (Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Indonesia and Malaysia). Due to the hierarchical nature of the data, the study uses multilevel and Bayesian multilevel modeling to cross‐culturally test the influence of nations“ wealth, CO2 emissions, post‐materialistic tendencies, religiosity, political orientation and locus of control on concern for global warming. The results obtained from the Islamic nations investigated contradict both the affluence and the post‐materialist hypotheses. The general pattern of the results shows that concern for global warming is a global phenomenon and not unique to the wealthy nations. We also found that concern for global warming is driven by religiosity, political orientation and internal locus of control. The findings of this paper highlight the importance of simultaneously assessing individual‐ and contextual‐level variables in determining concern for global warming across nations. They also highlight the importance of examining the specificity of global warming and environmental concern within a non‐Western context. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The Imperatives of Sustainable Development
Authors: Holden Erling , Linnerud Kristin , Banister David 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe United Nations sustainable development goals are under fire. By attempting to cover all that is good and desirable in society, these targets have ended up as vague, weak, or meaningless. We suggest a model for sustainable development based on three moral imperatives: satisfying human needs, ensuring social equity, and respecting environmental limits. The model reflects Our Common Future's central message, moral imperatives laid out in philosophical texts on needs and equity, and recent scientific insights on environmental limits. The model is in conflict with the popular three‐pillar model of sustainable development, which seeks to balance social, environmental, and economic targets. Rather, we argue that sustainable development constitutes a set of constraints on human behaviour, including constraints on economic activity. By identifying indicators, and thresholds, we illustrate that different regions or groups of countries face different challenges. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
New Global Sustainable Development Agenda: A Focus on Africa
Authors: Nhamo Godwell 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis paper focuses on how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) may ‘play out for Africa’, an element including the interfacing of the SDGs and Africa's Agenda 2063. Through critical document and discourse analysis, the paper deconstructs meaning from the texts. What emerges is that there are ‘the good’ and ‘the bad’ in the SDGs in terms of where Africa wishes to be. Issues that include gender and women, education, desire to prioritize Africa and technology emerge strongly. However, there are glaring omissions: the silence on reforming the United Nations and other global multilateral political institutions, addressing land‐grab concerns, the much popularized green economy agenda and equity. The paper concludes that, if the SDGs are to be a vehicle for poverty eradication in Africa, then the continent needs to do more for itself, including domestic mobilization of financial resources. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Sustainability of Economic Growth and Convergence in Regions of Different Developmental Stages
Authors: Juknys Romualdas , Liobikienė Genovaitė , Dagiliūtė Renata 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis study aims to contribute to the overall discussion on sustainability of growth and convergence in a variety of regions, focusing on not only economic but also environmental sustainability aspects and consequences of convergence.Results show that the direction and rate of economic convergence among countries of different regions markedly depends on the stage of their development and corresponds well to the primary regularities of logistic growth law. In developing regions, faster growth in richer countries leads to divergence among countries of the region. Absolute economic convergence is only possible in economically developed regions, which have already passed the stage of maximal growth rate and can be characterized by the deceleration of economic growth gradually approaching the steady state (zero‐growth) stage.Economic growth and convergence lead to both positive and negative environmental outcomes. The first signs of absolute decoupling have been noticed over the last decade in some developed countries, but only a relative decoupling of environmental impact from economic growth is characteristic of developing regions and countries. The level of decoupling is not sufficient, and environmental impact in developing countries and in the largest emerging economies in particular is approaching the high level of developed countries much faster than the economy. Hence, different development stages require different approaches and policies for both economic development and environmental sustainability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Adaptable secure communication for the Cloud of Things
Authors: Vasić Valter , Antonić Aleksandar , Pripužić Krešimir , Mikuc Miljenko , Žarko Ivana Podnar 
Published: October 2016

SummaryCloud of Things (CoT) is a novel concept driven by the synergy of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing paradigm. The CoT concept has expedited the development of smart services resulting in the proliferation of their real world deployments. However, new research challenges arise because of the transition of research‐driven and proof‐of‐concept solutions to commercial offerings, which need to provide secure, energy‐efficient, and reliable services. An open research issue in the CoT is to provide a satisfactory level of security between various IoT devices and the cloud. Existing solutions for secure CoT communication typically use devices with pre‐loaded and pre‐configured parameters, which define a static setup for secure communication. In contrast to existing pre‐configured solutions, we present an adaptable model for secure communication in CoT environments. The model defines six secure communication operations to enable CoT entities to autonomously and dynamically agree on the security protocol and cryptographic keys used for communication. Further on, we focus on device agreement and present an original solution, which uses the Agile Cryptographic Agreement Protocol in the context of CoT. We verify our solution by a prototype implementation of CoT device agreement based on required security level, which takes into account the capabilities of communicating devices. Our experimental evaluation compares the average processing times of the proposed secure communication operations demonstrating the viability of the proposed solution in real‐world deployments. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low startle magnitude may be a behavioral marker of vulnerability to cocaine addiction
Authors: Wheeler Marina G. , Duncan Erica , Davis Michael 
Published: October 2016

AbstractCocaine addicted men have low startle magnitude persisting during prolonged abstinence. Low startle rats show greater cocaine self‐administration than high startle rats. Low startle may be a marker of a vulnerability to heightened cocaine‐related behaviors in rats and similarly may be a marker of vulnerability to cocaine addiction in humans.
Readmissions After Surgery: A French Nationwide Cross‐Sectional Study of 1,686,602 Procedures Performed in 2010
Authors: Lefèvre Jérémie H. , Reboul‐Marty Jeanne , de Vaugrigneuse Sophie , Zeitoun Jean‐David 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundSurgical readmissions have been extensively studied in North America, but very few data from other countries are available. We aimed to describe surgical readmissions in France and to assess their association with hospital status, surgical volume, and day surgery activity.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional study encompassing all 1270 French hospitals, except for military hospitals and hospitals with very small volume. Data were retrieved from the national database regarding all patients undergoing surgery between January 1, 2010 and November 30, 2010. The main outcome measure was 30‐day readmission rate. Association with hospital status, surgical volume, and the level of day surgery were assessed. Risk adjustment was performed based upon administrative categories.ResultsAfter exclusion of deaths and hospital transfers, there were 1,686,602 patients in the study cohort. Thirty‐day readmission rate was 5.9 %. Distribution was skewed, with 21.5 % of procedures accounting for 33.5 % of all 30‐day readmissions. Early readmissions (≤3 days) were associated with higher mortality as compared to those occurring later (>7 days) (3.2 vs. 2.6 %; p < 0.0001). After multivariate analysis, University hospitals were shown to be affected by a significantly greater risk of 30‐day readmission as compared to private hospitals (odds ratio 1.46 [95 % CI 1.42–1.5]). Other independent factors were as follows: male gender, longer initial hospital stay, and comorbidities.ConclusionsSurgical 30‐day readmission rate was low, with early readmissions being associated with higher mortality. Conversely to prior research, University hospitals were shown to be associated with significantly higher risk of 30‐day readmissions, even after risk adjustment.
New clinical trials regulation in Spain: analysis of royal decree 1090/2015
Authors: Martin Jimenez M. , Calvo Ferrandiz A. , Aparicio Urtasun J. , Garcia-Campelo R. , Gonzalez-Flores E. , Lazaro Quintela M. , Muñoz Mateu M. , Rodriguez Sanchez C. A. , Santaballa Bertran A. , Sepulveda Sanchez J. M. , Vera Garcia R. , Virizuela Echaburu J. A. , Segui Palmer M. A. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The coming into force of Directive 2001/20/EC represented a step forward in harmonising clinical trial regulation in European countries, guaranteeing a uniform protection of subjects participating in clinical research across Europe. However, it led to a disproportionate increase in the bureaucratization, and thus, it became evident that procedures needed to be simplified without detriment to patient’s safety. Thus, Regulation 536/2014, that repealed Directive 2001/20/EC, with the aim of decreasing the growing bureaucratization and stimulating clinical research in Europe, established simplified procedures, such as regulating a common procedure for authorising trials in Europe, the institution of strict assessment timelines, or the definition of new concepts, such as “low-intervention clinical trial”. The legal form of a Regulation allowed the norm to be directly applied to Member States without the need for transposition. By means of the new Royal Decree, the national legislation is adapted to make the application of the regulation feasible and it allows the development of the aspects that the Regulation leaves to national legislation. Both documents seek to stimulate clinical research with medicinal products to foster knowledge, facilitate transparency, and reinforce subjects’ safety. This will surely be the case, but with this revision, we will look at the novelties and key aspects that are most relevant to investigators and we will analyse the consequences for all parties involved in clinical research.
An examination of the reciprocal relations between life satisfaction and social problem solving in early adolescents
Authors: Jiang Xu , Lyons Michael D. , Huebner E. Scott 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTTheoretical and emerging empirical advances in the life satisfaction (LS) and social problem solving (SPS) literature suggest that LS and SPS may have bidirectional relations. The main purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis of bidirectionality between LS and two components of the SPS, orientation (SPS‐O) and skills (SPS‐S). Two waves of data were collected from a sample of 733 adolescents at a middle school over a 6‐month period. Cross‐lagged panel analysis results showed that statistically, LS significantly predicted SPS‐O and SPS‐S after six months; however, neither SPS‐O nor SPS‐S significantly predicted LS after six months. These findings suggest LS may function as an antecedent of SPS‐O and SPS‐S among early adolescents, which lead to a main implication that both SPS and LS could be the direct aims of educational and psychological programs to promote SPS development in early adolescents. Additional implication and future directions are discussed.
Recommended cognitive outcomes in preclinical Alzheimer's disease: Consensus statement from the European Prevention of Alzheimer's Dementia project
Authors: Ritchie Karen , Ropacki Michael , Albala Bruce , Harrison John , Kaye Jeffrey , Kramer Joel , Randolph Christopher , Ritchie Craig W. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe Horizon 2020/IMI European Prevention of Alzheimer's Dementia (EPAD) project will undertake large‐scale proof‐of‐concept trials in predementia Alzheimer's disease (AD). Within EPAD, the monitoring of cognitive trajectories in the preclinical period will constitute a central outcome measure; however, there are currently no clear guidelines as to how this should be achieved as most measures have been developed for the period around dementia diagnosis. The EPAD Scientific Advisory Group for Clinical and Cognitive Outcomes identified appropriate cognitive measures based on a literature search covering both cognitive correlates of preclinical brain changes from imaging studies and cognitive changes observed over time in nondementia population cohorts developing incident dementia. These measures were evaluated according to the following criteria: validity, coherence with biomarker changes, psychometric properties, cross‐cultural suitability, availability of alternative forms, and normative data limited practice effects. The resulting consensus statement provides recommendations for both future drug trials and research into preclinical Alzheimer's disease.
Expression of CALR mutants causes mpl-dependent thrombocytosis in zebrafish
Authors: Lim K-H , Chang Y-C , Chiang Y-H , Lin H-C , Chang C-Y , Lin C-S , Huang L , Wang W-T , Gon-Shen Chen C , Chou W-C , Kuo Y-Y 
Published: October 2016

AbstractCALR mutations are identified in about 30% of JAK2/MPL-unmutated myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) including essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis. Although the molecular pathogenesis of CALR mutations leading to MPNs has been studied using in vitro cell lines models, how mutant CALR may affect developmental hematopoiesis remains unknown. Here we took advantage of the zebrafish model to examine the effects of mutant CALR on early hematopoiesis and model human CALR-mutated MPNs. We identified three zebrafish genes orthologous to human CALR, referred to as calr, calr3a and calr3b. The expression of CALR-del52 and CALR-ins5 mutants caused an increase in the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells followed by thrombocytosis without affecting normal angiogenesis. The expression of CALR mutants also perturbed early developmental hematopoiesis in zebrafish. Importantly, morpholino knockdown of mpl but not epor or csf3r could significantly attenuate the effects of mutant CALR. Furthermore, the expression of mutant CALR caused jak-stat signaling activation in zebrafish that could be blocked by JAK inhibitors (ruxolitinib and fedratinib). These findings showed that mutant CALR activates jak-stat signaling through an mpl-dependent mechanism to mediate pathogenic thrombopoiesis in zebrafish, and illustrated that the signaling machinery related to mutant CALR tumorigenesis are conserved between human and zebrafish.