bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutron Studies of Composites of Poly(phenylene oxide) Modified by Hybrid Star‐Shaped Fullerene‐Containing Macromolecules
Authors: Lebedev Vasily , Kulvelis Yury , Orlova Diana , Krasnopeeva Elena , Shamanin Valery , Vinogradova Lyudmila 
Published: February 2015

SummaryFilms of poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO) pure and modified by the hybrid star‐shaped polymer (1; 3 and 5% wt.) consisting of fullerene C60 core with the grafted arms of polystyrene (PS) and diblock copolymer of 2‐vinylpyridine (2VP) and tert‐butyl methacrylate (TBMA) have been prepared and analyzed by small‐angle neutron scattering. The neutron studies of these dry samples and then the same polymers saturated with D‐methanol have demonstrated in pure PPO‐matrix the existence of a labile system of branched channels for solvent diffusion. Meanwhile in the composites a developed network of stable linear channels was observed. The investigations of membranes' morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have revealed the presence of micro‐sized domains in the samples in accordance with the neutron scattering data.
Structure and Gas Transport Properties of Polybenzoxazinoneimides with Biquinoline Units in the Backbone
Authors: Polotskaya Galina , Guliy Natalia , Goikhman Mikhail , Podeshvo Irina , Brozova Libuse , Pientka Zbynek 
Published: February 2015

SummaryFour polymers with heteroaromatic structures were synthesized starting from dichloroanhydride of 2,2/‐biquinoline‐7,7/‐dicarboxylic acid. These are imide‐containing polyamic acid and product of its cyclization polybenzoxazinoneimide as well as complexes of these two polymers with Cu(I). Dense film membranes prepared from the four polymers were characterized in terms of their density and free volume. The gas permeabilities to H2, O2, N2, CO2, and CH4 of the four films and the selectivities in separations of industrially important gas pairs were determined. Polymer chemical structures, polymer free volumes, diffusion coefficients and the sizes of gas molecules were correlated with polymer permeabilities. The prepared and investigated polymers show very good separation properties located near the upper bound lines in Robeson's diagrams.
Effect of Temperature on Self‐Assembly of Amphiphilic Block‐Gradient Copolymers of Styrene and Acrylic Acid
Authors: Borisova Olga V. , Billon Laurent , Cernochova Zulfiya , Lapp Alain , Stepanek Petr , Borisov Oleg V. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe effect of temperature on self‐assembly of a novel type of amphiphilic ionic copolymers comprising a hydrophilic poly(acrylic acid) PAA block and an amphiphilic poly(acrylic acid)‐grad‐poly(styrene) PAA‐grad‐PS copolymer block has been studied by Small Angle Neutron and Dynamic Light Scattering (SANS, DLS). The polymers have been synthesized using direct Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization (NMP) as described elsewhere and proved to be capable of formation of the equilibrium (dynamic) micelles responsive to variations in pH and ionic strength of the solution. We have demonstrated that an increase in temperature from 20 to 80 °C has almost no influence if the assembly occurs at pH∼6 in a wide range of salt concentration. Under these conditions stable micelle aggregates are formed. At pH∼6.9 virtually no aggregation occurs at any temperature in salt‐free solution, whereas at 1 M salt concentration we observed an appearance of the correlation peak in the scattering curves and an increase in hydrodynamic radius in dilute solutions evidencing self‐association of polymer chains. The magnitude of the correlation peak increases upon an increase in temperature. This behaviour may be attributed to the combined effect of temperature on the ionization constant and on the strength of hydrophobic interactions.
Sulfonation of curcuminoids: Characterization and contribution of individual SULT enzymes
Authors: Lu Xiaoyue , Jiang Kunyu , Han Long , Zhang Maofan , Zhou Yu , Ma Yinglin , Zhou Yiping , Meng Shengnan 
Published: February 2015

ScopePoor oral bioavailability of curcuminoids limited their various applications, and one of the main reasons is their rapid metabolism in vivo. Sulfonation via sulfotransferases (SULTs) is an important metabolic pathway for such compounds. The objective of this study is to determine the SULT‐isoform‐specific metabolic fingerprint, tissue‐specific rate, and reaction kinetic profiles to describe the characterization and contribution of curcuminoids sulfonation.Methods and resultsSulfonation of curcuminoids was investigated by using nine expressed SULT isoforms and four pooled human tissue S9 fractions. The results showed that human small intestine is the predominant tissue responsible for sulfonation of curcuminoids. SULT1A3 is a major isoform catalyzing sulfonation of curcumin and demethoxycurcumin, but not for bisdemethoxycurcumin. SULT1B1 is only responsible for sulfonation of curcumin. Although SULT1C4 and 1E1 could highly catalyze the sulfate conjugations toward all the three compounds, the correlativities with human small intestine S9 fractions were much weaker (R2 = 0.100–0.482). Almost all the kinetic profiles of the SULT isoforms for curcuminoids exhibited substrate inhibition kinetics.ConclusionThis investigation contributed to elucidate the SULT‐mediated metabolism and detoxication of curcuminoids at molecular levels and in different organs.
Dietary proanthocyanidins modulate melatonin levels in plasma and the expression pattern of clock genes in the hypothalamus of rats
Authors: Ribas‐Latre Aleix , Del Bas Josep M. , Baselga‐Escudero Laura , Casanova Ester , Arola‐Arnal Anna , Salvadó Maria‐Josepa , Arola Lluís , Bladé Cinta 
Published: February 2015

ScopeCircadian rhythms allow organisms to anticipate and adapt to environmental changes, and food components can adjust internal rhythms. Proanthocyanidins improve cardiovascular risk factors that exhibit circadian oscillations. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to determine whether proanthocyanidins can modulate body rhythms.Methods and resultsMale Wistar rats were orally gavaged with 250 mg grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE)/kg body weight at zeitgeber time (ZT) 0 (light on). Phenotypic biorhythm was evaluated by measuring the concentration of plasma melatonin and metabolites, using MNR‐metabolomics, at several ZT. Remarkably, GSPE treatment maintained nocturnal melatonin levels at ZT3 and altered the oscillations of some metabolites in plasma. Quantification of expression of clock‐core (Clock, Bmal1, Per2, Rorα, Rev‐erbα) and clock‐controlled (Nampt) genes in the hypothalamus by RT‐PCR showed that this phenotypic alteration was concomitant with the modulation of the expression pattern of Bmal1 and Nampt. However, GSPE did not modulate the nocturnal expression of clock genes when administered at ZT12 (light off).ConclusionPAs could have chronobiological properties, although their activity depends largely on the time of administration.
Effectiveness of a worksite‐based weight loss randomized controlled trial: The worksite study
Authors: Almeida Fabio A. , You Wen , Harden Samantha M. , Blackman Kacie C.A. , Davy Brenda M. , Glasgow Russell E. , Hill Jennie L. , Linnan Laura A. , Wall Sarah S. , Yenerall Jackie , Zoellner Jamie M. , Estabrooks Paul A. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of an individually targeted Internet‐based intervention with monetary incentives (INCENT) at reducing weight of overweight and obese employees when compared with a less‐intensive intervention (Livin' My Weigh [LMW]) 6 months after program initiation.MethodsTwenty‐eight worksites were randomly assigned to either INCENT or LMW conditions. Both programs used evidence‐based strategies to support weight loss. INCENT was delivered via daily e‐mails over 12 months while LMW was delivered quarterly via both newsletters and on‐site educational sessions. Generalized linear mixed models were conducted for weight change from baseline to 6 months post‐program and using an intention‐to‐treat analysis to include all participants with baseline weight measurements.ResultsAcross 28 worksites, 1,790 employees (M = 47 years of age; 79% Caucasian; 74% women) participated. Participants lost an average of 2.27 lbs (P < 0.001) with a BMI decrease of 0.36 kg/m2 (P < 0.001) and 1.30 lbs (P < 0.01) with a BMI decrease of 0.20 kg/m2 (P < 0.01) in INCENT and LMW, respectively. The differences between INCENT and LMW in weight loss and BMI reduction were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThis study suggests that INCENT and a minimal intervention alternative may be effective approaches to help decrease the overall obesity burden within worksites.
Residential property values predict prevalent obesity but do not predict 1‐year weight change
Authors: Drewnowski Adam , Aggarwal Anju , Tang Wesley , Moudon Anne Vernez 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveLower socio economic status (SES) has been linked with higher obesity rates but not with weight gain. This study examined whether SES can predict short‐term weight change.MethodsThe Seattle Obesity Study II was based on an observational cohort of 440 adults. Weights and heights were measured at baseline and at 1 year. Self‐reported education and incomes were obtained by questionnaire. Home addresses were linked to tax parcel property values from the King County, Washington, tax assessor. Associations among SES variables, prevalent obesity, and 1‐year weight change were examined using multivariable linear regressions.ResultsLow residential property values at the tax parcel level predicted prevalent obesity at baseline and at 1 year. Living in the top quartile of house prices reduced obesity risk by 80% at both time points. At 1 year, about 38% of the sample lost >1 kg body weight; 32% maintained (± 1 kg); and 30% gained >1 kg. In adjusted models, none of the baseline SES measures had any impact on 1‐year weight change.ConclusionsSES variables, including tax parcel property values, predicted prevalent obesity but did not predict short‐term weight change. These findings, based on longitudinal cohort data, suggest other mechanisms are involved in short‐term weight change.
Multimorbidity in a prospective cohort: Prevalence and associations with weight loss and health status in severely obese patients
Authors: Agborsangaya Calypse B. , Majumdar Sumit R. , Sharma Arya M. , Gregg Edward W. , Padwal Raj S. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence of multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) in severely obese patients and its associations with weight loss and health status over 2 years.MethodsIn a prospective cohort including 500 severely obese adults, self‐reported prevalence of 20 chronic conditions was calculated at baseline and 2 years. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to test the covariate‐adjusted associations between ≥5% weight reduction and reduction in multimorbidity and the association between health status (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and reduction in multimorbidity over 2 years.ResultsAfter 2 years, mean weight change was −12.9 ±18.7 kg, 53% had ≥5% weight reduction, mean change in VAS was 11.5 ± 21.2, and 53.5% had ≥10% increase in VAS. Multimorbidity was reported in 95.4% and 92.8% patients at baseline and 2 years, respectively. Weight loss (≥5%) over 2 years was associated with reduction in multimorbidity (adjusted OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.1‐2.7). Reduction in multimorbidity was associated with clinically important improvements (≥10% increase in VAS) in health status (adjusted OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.6, 4.0).ConclusionsMultimorbidity is common in severely obese patients. Having ≥5% weight reduction over 2 years was associated with a reduction in multimorbidity, which was also associated with improvements in health status.
Obesity, fat distribution, and risk of frailty in two population‐based cohorts of older adults in Spain
Authors: García‐Esquinas Esther , José García‐García Francisco , León‐Muñoz Luz M. , Carnicero José Antonio , Guallar‐Castillón Pilar , Gonzalez‐Colaço Harmand Magali , López‐García Esther , Alonso‐Bouzón Cristina , Rodríguez‐Mañas Leocadio , Rodríguez‐Artalejo Fernando 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate for the first time the longitudinal relationship between abdominal obesity and the onset of frailty.MethodsStudy based on results from two population‐based cohorts, the Seniors‐ENRICA, with 1801 individuals aged ≥60, and the Toledo Study for Healthy Ageing (TSHA), with 1289 participants ≥65 years. Incident frailty was assessed with the Fried criteria.ResultsDuring 3.5 years of follow‐up, 125 individuals with incident frailty in Seniors‐ENRICA and 162 in TSHA were identified. After adjustment for the main confounders, the pooled odds ratio (pooled OR) for general obesity and risk of frailty was 1.73 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18‐2.28). Abdominal obesity was also associated with frailty (pooled OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.09‐2.25). Compared with individuals with BMI <25 kg/m2 and no abdominal obesity, the risk of frailty was highest among individuals with concurrent general and abdominal obesity (pooled OR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.23‐3.86). General obesity was associated with increased risk of exhaustion (pooled OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.11‐2.21), low physical activity (pooled OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.08‐2.05), and weakness (pooled OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.12‐2.05). For abdominal obesity, results were in the same direction, although they showed statistical significance only for weakness (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.11‐1.80).ConclusionsGeneral and abdominal obesity are associated with incident frailty in the elderly.
Development of a Wavelength‐Shifting Fluorescent Module for the Adenosine Aptamer Using Photostable Cyanine Dyes
Authors: Walter Heidi-Kristin , Bohländer Peggy R. , Wagenknecht Hans-Achim 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDNA‐based aptamers are commonly used recognition elements in biosensors for a range of target molecules. Here, the development of a wavelength‐shifting optical module for a DNA‐based adenosine‐binding aptamer is described. It applies the combination of two photostable cyanine‐styryl dyes as covalent modifications. This energy‐transfer pair is postsynthetically attached to oligonucleotides via a copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition by two structurally different approaches: 1) as nucleotide modifications at the 2′‐position of uridines and 2) as nucleotide substitutions using (S)‐amino‐1,2‐propanediol as acyclic linker between the phosphodiester bridges. Both dyes exhibit a remarkable photostability. A library of DNA aptamers consisting of different combinations of the two dyes in diagonal orientations were evaluated by their emission color contrast as readout. Further optimization led to aptasensors with improved fluorescent readout as compared with previously reported aptasensors. This approach described is synthetically facile using simple propargylated phosphoramidites as DNA building blocks. As such, this approach could be applied for other dyes and other chemical/biological applications.
ACK1 promotes gastric cancer epithelial–mesenchymal transition and metastasis through AKT–POU2F1–ECD signalling
Authors: Xu Song‐Hui , Huang Jin‐Zhou , Xu Man‐Li , Yu Guangchuang , Yin Xing‐Feng , Chen De , Yan Guang‐Rong 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAmplification of the activated Cdc42‐associated kinase 1 (ACK1) gene is frequent in gastric cancer (GC). However, little is known about the clinical roles and molecular mechanisms of ACK1 abnormalities in GC. Here, we found that the ACK1 protein level and ACK1 phosphorylation at Tyr 284 were frequently elevated in GC and associated with poor patient survival. Ectopic ACK1 expression in GC cells induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promoted migration and invasion in vitro, and metastasis in vivo; the depletion of ACK1 induced the opposite effects. We utilized SILAC quantitative proteomics to discover that the level of the cell cycle‐related protein ecdysoneless homologue (ECD) was markedly altered by ACK1. Overexpression of ECD promoted EMT, migration, and invasion in GC, similar to the effects of ACK1 overexpression. Silencing of ECD completely blocked the augmentation of ACK1 overexpression‐induced EMT, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, ACK1 phosphorylated AKT at Thr 308 and Ser 473 and activated the AKT pathway to up‐regulate the transcription factor POU2F1, which directly bound to the promoter region of its novel target gene ECD and thus regulated ECD expression in GC cells. Furthermore, the phosphorylation levels of AKT at Thr 308 and Ser 473 and POU2F1 and ECD levels were positively associated with ACK1 levels in clinical GC specimens. Collectively, we have demonstrated that ACK1 promotes EMT, migration, and invasion by activating AKT–POU2F1–ECD signalling in GC cells. ACK1 may be employed as a new prognostic factor and therapeutic target for GC. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dermatologic adverse events in pediatric patients receiving targeted anticancer therapies: A pooled analysis
Authors: Belum Viswanath Reddy , Washington Courtney , Pratilas Christine A. , Sibaud Vincent , Boralevi Franck , Lacouture Mario E. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundThe dermatologic adverse events (AEs) of various molecularly targeted therapies are well‐described in adult cancer patients. Little has been reported on the incidence and clinical presentation of such AEs in pediatric patients with cancer. To address this gap, we analyzed the dermatologic AEs reported across clinical trials of targeted anticancer therapies in pediatric patients.ProceduresWe conducted an electronic literature search (PubMed, American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meetings' abstracts, ClinicalTrials.gov, NCI's Pediatric Oncology Branch webpage) to identify clinical trials involving targeted anticancer therapies that reported dermatologic AEs in their safety data. Studies were limited to the pediatric population, monotherapy trials (oncology), and English language publications.ResultsPooled data from 19 clinical studies investigating 11 targeted anticancer agents (alemtuzumab, rituximab, imatinib, dasatinib, erlotinib, vandetanib, sorafenib, cabozantinib, pazopanib, everolimus, and temsirolimus) were analyzed. The most frequently encountered dermatologic AEs were rash (127/660; 19%), xerosis (18/100; 18%), mucositis (68/402; 17%), and pruritus (12/169; 7%). Other AEs included pigmentary abnormalities of the skin/hair (13%), hair disorders (trichomegaly, hypertrichosis, alopecia, and madarosis; 14%), urticaria (7%), palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia (7%), erythema, acne, purpura, skin fissures, other ‘unknown skin changes’, exanthem, infection, flushing, telangiectasia, and photosensitivity.ConclusionThis study describes the dermatologic manifestations of targeted anticancer therapy‐related AEs in the pediatric population. Since these AEs are often associated with significant morbidity, it is imperative that pediatric oncologists be familiar with their recognition and management, to avoid unnecessary dose modifications and/or termination, and to prevent impairments in patients' quality of life. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:798–806. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deep venous thrombosis in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: de Oliveira Boechat Tiago , do Nascimento Emilia Matos , de Castro Lobo Clarisse Lopes , Ballas Samir K. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundDeep venous thrombosis (DVT) is rare in children compared to adults. Its incidence and risk factors in children are not well known. This study determined these aspects of DVT in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).ProcedureA retrospective, observational and descriptive study was performed. Patients born between October 2000 and October 2012 with SCD and registered in HEMORIO, including those who died in HEMORIO, were included in this study. Patients whose medical records were inaccessible, who died in institutions other than HEMORIO, who died with implanted deep venous catheters, and those who were not monitored in HEMORIO for a period of 1 year or more were excluded from the study. Of a total of 1,519 patients, 456 were excluded and 1,063 patients were included in the study. Data were obtained from the computer system and the medical records at HEMORIO.ResultsOf the 1,063 patients, 2 (0.2%) developed DVT with both cases being related to central venous catheters (CVCs) (P‐value <0.001). Of the patients who required CVCs, the prevalence of DVT was 10%. No other variable was clinically or statistically significant with respect to DVT.ConclusionThe establishment of CVCs in children with SCD poses a high risk for DVT. If this procedure is necessary, the internal jugular vein should be utilized instead of the subclavian and femoral veins. The identification of associated risk factors may justify antithrombotic prophylaxis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:838–841. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Liquid polycarbosilanes: synthesis and evaluation as precursors for SiC ceramic
Authors: He Lijuan , Zhang Zongbo , Yang Xiaogan , Jiao Lingling , Li Yongming , Xu Caihong 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA series of liquid polycarbosilanes were successfully synthesized by a sequential Grignard coupling reaction of (chloromethyl)triethoxysilane and vinylmagnesium bromide, followed by reduction with lithium aluminium hydride. The use of non‐corrosive, easily handleable and storage stable (chloromethyl)triethoxysilane as starting material is an attractive advantage for this route. The as‐synthesized polymers containing Si−CH=CH2 and Si − H groups are storage stable and can be easily cured in an inert atmosphere. The ceramic yield of the cured polycarbosilane and the C:Si ratio of the derived ceramic were varied by adjusting the mole ratio of starting materials in the feed. Among them, the polymer with a mole ratio of Si−CH=CH2 to Si − H of 1:10 has the highest ceramic yield at 89.6% after curing at 220 °C and the C:Si ratio of the derived ceramic is 1.48. This kind of polycarbosilane shows high potential as an SiC ceramic precursor in the fabrication of an SiC matrix by the precursor infiltration pyrolysis process. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of upfront cellular enrichment by laser capture microdissection on protein and phosphoprotein drug target signaling activation measurements in human lung cancer: Implications for personalized medicine
Authors: Baldelli Elisa , Haura Eric B. , Crinò Lucio , Cress Douglas W. , Ludovini Vienna , Schabath Matthew B. , Liotta Lance A. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Pierobon Mariaelena 
Published: February 2015

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether upfront cellular enrichment via laser capture microdissection (LCM) is necessary for accurately quantifying predictive biomarkers in nonsmall cell lung cancer tumors.Experimental designFifteen snap frozen surgical biopsies were analyzed. Whole tissue lysate and matched highly enriched tumor epithelium via LCM were obtained for each patient. The expression and activation/phosphorylation levels of 26 proteins were measured by reverse phase protein microarray. Differences in signaling architecture of dissected and undissected matched pairs were visualized using unsupervised clustering analysis, bar graphs, and scatter plots.ResultsOverall patient matched LCM and undissected material displayed very distinct and differing signaling architectures with 93% of the matched pairs clustering separately. These differences were seen regardless of the amount of starting tumor epithelial content present in the specimen.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThese results indicate that LCM driven upfront cellular enrichment is necessary to accurately determine the expression/activation levels of predictive protein signaling markers although results should be evaluated in larger clinical settings. Upfront cellular enrichment of the target cell appears to be an important part of the workflow needed for the accurate quantification of predictive protein signaling biomarkers. Larger independent studies are warranted.