bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐195a‐3p inhibits angiogenesis by targeting Mmp2 in murine mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Gao Fan , Sun Meng , Gong Yumei , Wang Haiyan , Wang Yusheng , Hou Huiyuan 
Published: March 2016

SUMMARYMicroRNAs (miRNAs) modulate complex physiological and pathological processes, including the regulation of angiogenesis. Our previous study reported that bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recruited into choroidal neovascularization lesions. miRNA‐195 is highly expressed in MSCs, but its function remains unknown. In the present study, miR‐195a‐3p abundance was significantly decreased in hypoxia‐treated murine MSCs; on the other hand, its overexpression reduced MSC proliferation and migration while increasing the activation of anti‐angiogenic factor pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF). We further discovered that matrix metalloproteinase 2 (Mmp2) transcript is a target of miR‐195a‐3p, and that silencing Mmp2 phenocopied the reduced proliferation and migration of MSCs. The therapeutic potential of miR‐195a‐3p as an angiogenesis inhibitor was also demonstrated in a laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization mouse model. These findings collectively indicate that miR‐195a‐3p is a negative modulator of angiogenesis, and could be used as an angiogenesis inhibitor. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 413–423, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MR thermometry near metallic devices using multispectral imaging
Authors: Weber Hans , Taviani Valentina , Yoon Daehyun , Ghanouni Pejman , Pauly Kim Butts , Hargreaves Brian A. 
Published: March 2016

PurposeThe lack of a technique for MR thermometry near metal excludes a growing patient population from promising treatments such as MR‐guided focused ultrasound therapy. Here we explore the feasibility of multispectral imaging (MSI) for noninvasive temperature measurement in the presence of strong field inhomogeneities by exploiting the temperature dependency of the T1 relaxation time.MethodsA two‐dimensional inversion‐recovery–prepared MSI pulse sequence (2DMSI) was implemented for artifact‐reduced T1 mapping near metal. A series of T1 maps was acquired in a metallic implant phantom while increasing the phantom temperature. The measured change in T1 was analyzed with respect to the phantom temperature. For comparison, proton resonance frequency shift (PRFS) thermometry was performed.Results2DMSI achieved artifact‐reduced, single‐slice T1 mapping in the presence of strong off‐resonance with a spatial resolution of 1.9 mm in‐plane and a temporal resolution of 5 min. The maps enabled temperature measurements over a range of 30°C with an uncertainty below 1.4°C. The quality of the resulting temperature maps was independent of the distance from the metal, whereas the PRFS‐based temperature measurements were increasingly impaired with increasing off‐resonance.ConclusionWe demonstrated the ability to noninvasively measure temperature near metal using MSI and the T1 temperature sensitivity. Magn Reson Med 77:1162–1169, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Analysis of piled raft with nodular pile subjected to vertical load using a Winkler model approach
Authors: Hirai Hiroyoshi 
Published: March 2016

SummaryAn investigation is made to present analytical solutions provided by a Winkler model approach for analysis of piled rafts with nodular pile subjected to vertical loads in nonhomogeneous soils. The vertical stiffness coefficient along a piled raft with the nodular pile in nonhomogeneous soils is derived from the displacement given by the Mindlin solution for elastic continuum analysis. The vertical stiffness coefficients for the bases of the raft and the nodular part in the nodular pile in a soil are expressed by the Muki solution for the 3‐D elastic analysis. The relationship between settlement and vertical load on the pile base is presented considering the Mindlin solution and the equivalent thickness in the equivalent elastic method. The interaction factor between the shaft of the nodular pile and the soil is expressed taking into account the Mindlin solution and the equivalent elastic modulus. The relationship between settlement and vertical load for a piled raft with the nodular pile in nonhomogeneous soils is obtained by using the recurrence equation of influence factors of the pile for each layer. The percentage of each load carried by both nodular pile and raft subjected to vertical load is represented through the vertical influence factors proposed here. Comparison of the results calculated by the present method for piled rafts with nodular piles in nonhomogeneous soils has shown good agreement with those obtained from the finite element method and a field test. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of patients who are admitted with or acquire Pressure Ulcers in a District General Hospital; a 3 year retrospective analysis
Authors: Worsley Peter R. , Smith Glenn , Schoonhoven Lisette , Bader Dan L. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimThe study aimed to characterize demographic and clinical practice factors associated with community (CAPU) and hospital acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU).DesignA comparative retrospective evaluation of pressure ulcer data, collected from a district general hospital.MethodsDemographic and pressure ulcer related data were collected from patients at risk of developing a pressure ulcer, collated by a single observer using a standardized tool. Comparisons were made within and between patient groups (no PU, CAPU and HAPU).ResultsCAPU and HAPU patient groups were significantly (P < 0·001) older, had extended lengths of hospital stay and were less likely to be provided quickly with a pressure relieving support surface than those with no PU. HAPU patients had a longer length of stay and a higher proportion of heel PUs compared to CAPU.
The use of noninvasive prenatal testing in obstetric care: educational resources, practice patterns, and barriers reported by a national sample of clinicians
Authors: Farrell Ruth M. , Agatisa Patricia K. , Mercer Mary Beth , Mitchum Ariane G. , Coleridge Marissa B. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify how physicians develop their knowledge base and practice patterns regarding noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT).MethodsA survey was used to assess physicians' informational sources and practice patterns regarding NIPT.ResultsWhile most of the 258 participants acquire knowledge about NIPT from the medical literature or didactic educational programming, 74 (28.7%) cite commercial laboratories as an initial source and 124 (47.8%) as a way to keep current with changes in NIPT. About one‐third (n = 94, 36.4%) seek information about ethical issues related to NIPT. Half of the OB/GYN respondents (n = 136, 52.7%) provide pretest counseling; fewer refer to a genetic counselor or maternal fetal medicine specialist (MFM) (n = 94, 34.6%, n = 29, 11.2%, respectively). Pretest counseling content and the comfort with which participants discuss topics pertinent to patients' utilization of NIPT varied between OB/GYNs and MFMs.ConclusionsAdvances in cff DNA technology emphasize the need for effective strategies for physicians to develop competency and practice patterns regarding NIPT. Study findings speak to the need for effective educational resources for obstetric providers, not just early adopters of NIPT but also for primary OB/GYNs as they serve in the role of the first point of contact for women considering their prenatal testing options. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Likelihood and predictors of detention in patients with personality disorder compared with other mental disorders: A retrospective, quantitative study of Mental Health Act assessments
Authors: Olajide Kike , Tyrer Peter , Singh Swaran P. , Burns Tom , Rugkåsa Jorun , Thana Lavanya , Paul Moli , Islam Zoebia , Crawford Mike J. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe UK guidelines on the treatment of personality disorder recommend avoiding compulsory treatment except in extreme situations. Little is known about how often patients with personality disorder are detained or how this compares with the treatment of other mental disorders.ObjectivesOur aim is to test the hypothesis that people with personality disorder are infrequently detained under the Mental Health Act (MHA) and that risk factors associated with detention are the same as those for people with other mental disorders.MethodWe used a retrospective, quantitative study of MHA assessments.ResultsOf the 2 087 assessments undertaken, 204 (9.8%) patients had a diagnosis of personality disorder; 40.7% of assessments in the personality disorder group resulted in detention, as did 69.7% of patients with other mental disorders. A higher proportion of people with personality disorder received no intervention following assessment compared with those with other mental disorders (20.6% vs. 4.7%, p < 0.001). Study centre and a history of admission were risk factors for detention in both groups. Risk was a predictor of detention in those with other mental disorders.ConclusionsDetention rates in patients with personality disorder are lower than those for other disorders but are still substantial. Risk factors for detention in patients with personality disorder differ from those with other mental disorders. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of “Living” star‐shaped poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) with four arms and carboxylic acid end groups
Authors: Cortez‐Lemus Norma A. , Licea‐Claverie Angel 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTPoly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) star‐shaped polymers with four arms and carboxyl end groups were synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of N‐vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) employing a tetrafunctional trithiocarbonate as an R‐RAFT agent. The resulting star polymers were characterized using 1H NMR, FT‐IR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and UV–vis. Molecular weight of star polymers were analyzed by GPC and UV–vis being observed that the values obtained were very similar. Furthermore, the thermosensitive behavior of the star polymers was studied in aqueous solution by measuring the lower critical solution temperature by dynamic light scattering. Star‐shaped PNVCL were chain extended with ethyl‐hexyl acrylate (EHA) to yield star PNVCL‐b‐PEHA copolymers with an EHA molar content between 4% and 6% proving the living character of the star‐shaped macroCTA. These star block copolymers form aggregates in aqueous solutions with a hydrodynamic diameter ranged from 170 to 225 nm. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2156–2165
Improved self‐assembly of poly(dimethylsiloxane‐b‐ethylene oxide) using a hydrogen‐bonding additive
Authors: Luo Yingdong , Kim Bongkeun , Montarnal Damien , Mester Zoltan , Pester Christian W. , McGrath Alaina J. , Hill Glake , Kramer Edward J. , Fredrickson Glenn H. , Hawker Craig J. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTBlock copolymers with increased Flory–Huggins interaction parameters (χ) play an essential role in the production of sub‐10 nm nanopatterns in the growing field of directed self‐assembly for next generation lithographic applications. A library of PDMS‐b‐PEO block copolymers were synthesized by click chemistry and their interaction parameters (χ) determined. The highest χ measured in our samples was 0.21 at 150 °C, which resulted in phase‐separated domains with periods as small as 7.9 nm, suggesting that PDMS‐b‐PEO is a prime candidate for sub‐10 nm nanopatterning. To suppress PEO crystallization, PDMS‐b‐PEO was blended with (l)‐tartaric acid (LTA) which allows for tuning of the self‐assembled morphologies. Additionally, it was observed that the order‐disorder transition temperature (TODT) of PDMS‐b‐PEO increased dramatically as the amount of LTA in the blend increased, allowing for further control over self‐assembly. To understand the mechanism of this phenomenon, we present a novel field‐based supramolecular model, which describes the formation of copolymer‐additive complexes by reversible hydrogen bonding. The mean‐field phase separation behavior of the model was calculated using the random phase approximation (RPA). The RPA analysis reproduces behavior consistent with an increase of the effective χ in the PDMS‐b‐(PEO/LTA suprablock). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2200–2208
Understanding volumetric capacitance in conducting polymers
Authors: Proctor Christopher M. , Rivnay Jonathan , Malliaras George G. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTRecent measurements in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films show that capacitance scales with film volume. We discuss the ramifications of this finding and propose a simple model that describes capacitance in terms of sites in which ions injected from the electrolyte replace holes that are extracted from the film by a metal contact. We propose that volumetric capacitance is inversely proportional to the average distance between these sites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1433–1436
Aggregation of Trp > Glu point mutants of human gamma‐D crystallin provides a model for hereditary or UV‐induced cataract
Authors: Serebryany Eugene , Takata Takumi , Erickson Erika , Schafheimer Nathaniel , Wang Yongting , King Jonathan A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNumerous mutations and covalent modifications of the highly abundant, long‐lived crystallins of the eye lens cause their aggregation leading to progressive opacification of the lens, cataract. The nature and biochemical mechanisms of the aggregation process are poorly understood, as neither amyloid nor native‐state polymers are commonly found in opaque lenses. The βγ‐crystallin fold contains four highly conserved buried tryptophans, which can be oxidized to more hydrophilic products, such as kynurenine, upon UV‐B irradiation. We mimicked this class of oxidative damage using Trp→Glu point mutants of human γD‐crystallin. Such substitutions may represent a model of UV‐induced photodamage—introduction of a charged group into the hydrophobic core generating “denaturation from within.” The effects of Trp→Glu substitutions were highly position dependent. While each was destabilizing, only the two located in the bottom of the double Greek key fold—W42E and W130E—yielded robust aggregation of partially unfolded intermediates at 37°C and pH 7. The αB‐crystallin chaperone suppressed aggregation of W130E, but not W42E, indicating distinct aggregation pathways from damage in the N‐terminal vs C‐terminal domain. The W130E aggregates had loosely fibrillar morphology, yet were nonamyloid, noncovalent, showed little surface hydrophobicity, and formed at least 20°C below the melting temperature of the native β‐sheets. These features are most consistent with domain‐swapped polymerization. Aggregation of partially destabilized crystallins under physiological conditions, as occurs in this class of point mutants, could provide a simple in vitro model system for drug discovery and optimization.
Dissecting the roles of local packing density and longer‐range effects in protein sequence evolution
Authors: Shahmoradi Amir , Wilke Claus O. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTWhat are the structural determinants of protein sequence evolution? A number of site‐specific structural characteristics have been proposed, most of which are broadly related to either the density of contacts or the solvent accessibility of individual residues. Most importantly, there has been disagreement in the literature over the relative importance of solvent accessibility and local packing density for explaining site‐specific sequence variability in proteins. We show that this discussion has been confounded by the definition of local packing density. The most commonly used measures of local packing, such as contact number and the weighted contact number, represent the combined effects of local packing density and longer‐range effects. As an alternative, we propose a truly local measure of packing density around a single residue, based on the Voronoi cell volume. We show that the Voronoi cell volume, when calculated relative to the geometric center of amino‐acid side chains, behaves nearly identically to the relative solvent accessibility, and each individually can explain, on average, approximately 34% of the site‐specific variation in evolutionary rate in a data set of 209 enzymes. An additional 10% of variation can be explained by nonlocal effects that are captured in the weighted contact number. Consequently, evolutionary variation at a site is determined by the combined effects of the immediate amino‐acid neighbors of that site and effects mediated by more distant amino acids. We conclude that instead of contrasting solvent accessibility and local packing density, future research should emphasize on the relative importance of immediate contacts and longer‐range effects on evolutionary variation. Proteins 2016; 84:841–854. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of bacterial adhesion to dental materials of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Fang Jie , Wang Chuanyong , Li Yifei , Zhao Zhihe , Mei Li 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThe aim of this study was to compare the bacterial adhesion to denture materials of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The adhesion forces of living Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus mutans to PET and PMMA were directly measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in liquid. Streptococcal biofilms formed on the two material surfaces were investigated and compared using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and colony‐forming units (CFU) counting. Surface roughness and hydrophobicity of PET and PMMA were also measured. The results showed that PET surfaces were significantly smoother and more hydrophilic than PMMA surfaces both with and without a salivary film (p < 0.01). The adhesion forces of S. sanguinis and S. mutans to PET surfaces were significantly stronger than to PMMA surfaces in the absence of a salivary film (p < 0.01). In the presence of a salivary film, the adhesion forces of both bacterial strains to PET and PMMA were significantly decreased (p < 0.01). The adhesion forces of S. mutans to PET surfaces (0.14 nN) were still significantly stronger than to PMMA surfaces (0.09 nN) (p < 0.01). The biofilm formed on PET surfaces was also significantly denser and more than on PMMA surfaces (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the bacterial adhesion to PMMA was significantly less in comparison with PET. PMMA may be preferable for patients who have poor oral hygiene, caries susceptibility, periodontosis, and halitosis. SCANNING 38:665–670, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Corrosion properties of plasma electrolytic oxidation coated AA7075 treated using an electrolyte containing lanthanum‐salts
Authors: Pezzato L. , Brunelli K. , Dabalà M. 
Published: March 2016

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is a very promising process that can enhance the corrosion and wear resistance by producing a relatively thick, dense and hard oxide ceramic coating on light alloys. The improvement in the corrosion behaviour of the treated metals strongly depends on some process parameters: current density, voltage, treatment time and electrolyte composition. In particular, the addition of additives in the electrolyte produces significant changes in the corrosion behaviour. The use of rare earth salts, especially of cerium and lanthanum, during PEO treatment was already studied in literature and the use of these salts improved the corrosion resistance of the obtained coatings. However, only few works reported the dissolution of rare earth salts in the electrolyte, whereas in the majority of studies these salts are used in pre‐treatment or post‐treatment solutions.In this work, the effect of the dissolution in the electrolyte of various concentrations of lanthanum nitrate on the corrosion properties of PEO coated 7075 aluminium alloy was studied. The base electrolyte was an alkaline solution containing sodium silicate and different concentrations of lanthanum nitrate (0.025, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1 g/l). All the samples were treated with high current densities and for short treatment times. The morphology, thickness and composition of the protective layer were studied with SEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), glow‐discharge optical emission spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The corrosion resistance was evaluated performing potentiodynamic polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests.PEO coatings obtained with additions between 0.05 and 0.075 g/l of lanthanum nitrate resulted more dense and adherent, as evidenced by SEM analysis. These additions of La(NO3)3 had a positive effect on the corrosion resistance causing the formation of a large passive zone. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Repeated exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles causes testicular toxicity in mice
Authors: Sundarraj Kiruthika , Manickam Vijayprakash , Raghunath Azhwar , Periyasamy Madhivadhani , Viswanathan Mangala Priya , Perumal Ekambaram 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to determine whether repeated exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3‐NPs) could be toxic to mice testis. Fe2O3‐NPs (25 and 50 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally administered into mice once a week for 4 weeks. Our study showed that Fe2O3‐NPs have the ability to cross the blood‐testis barrier to get into the testis. The findings showed that exposure resulted in the accumulation of Fe2O3‐NPs which was evidenced from the iron content and accumulation in the testis. Furthermore, 25 and 50 mg/kg Fe2O3‐NPs administration increased the reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content, glutathione peroxidase activity, and nitric oxide levels with a concomitant decrease in the levels of antioxidants—superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and vitamin C. Increased expression of Bax, cleaved‐caspase‐3, and cleaved‐PARP confirms apoptosis. Serum testosterone levels increased with increased concentration of Fe2O3‐NPs exposure. In addition, the histopathological lesions like vacuolization, detachment, and sloughing of germ cells were also observed in response to Fe2O3‐NPs treatment. The data from our study entailed that testicular toxicity caused by Fe2O3‐NPs exposure may be associated with Fe2O3‐NPs accumulation leading to oxidative stress and apoptosis. Therefore, precautions should be taken in the safe use of Fe2O3‐NPs to avoid complications in the fertility of males. Further research will unravel the possible molecular mechanisms on testicular toxicity of Fe2O3‐NPs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 594–608, 2017.