bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of aromatic regularity on the structure and conductivity of polyimide‐poly(ethylene glycol) materials doped with ionic liquid
Authors: Coletta Elyse , Toney Michael F. , Frank Curtis W. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTAn understanding of the structure and properties of polymer electrolyte systems can be crucial to a variety of different applications. The current work performs a study of the composition, structure and properties of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐aromatic polyimide systems incorporating ionic liquids that are relevant to several applications especially fuel cell membranes. Composition was varied through using different aromatic dianhydrides, aromatic diamines and in some cases synthesis solvent. Properties were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, small‐angle x‐ray scattering, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. By varying solvent, aromatic regularity and expected rigidity can be tuned, impacting average conductivity by 30%. Varying the aromatic diamine can influence the length scale and amount of aromatic regularity, which can ultimately affect the conductivity by a factor of four. The maximum conductivity reached was 83 mS/cm at 80 °C and 70 %RH. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 509–521
Conserved movement of TMS11 between occluded conformations of LacY and XylE of the major facilitator superfamily suggests a similar hinge‐like mechanism
Authors: Västermark Åke , Driker Adelle , Li Jiaqi , Saier Milton H. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThe Δ‐distance maps can detect local remodeling that is difficult to accurately determine using superimpositions. Transmembrane segments (TMSs) 11 in both LacY and XylE of the major facilitator superfamily uniquely contribute the greatest amount of mobile surface area in the outward‐occluded state and undergo analogous movements. The intracellular part of TMS11 moves away from the C‐terminal domain and into the substrate cavity during the conformational change from the outward‐occluded to the inward‐occluded state. A difference was noted between LacY and XylE when they assumed the inward open state after releasing a substrate to the inside in which TMS11 of LacY moved further into the substrate release space, whereas in XylE, TMS11 slightly retracted into the C‐terminal domain. Independent movement of the N‐terminal half of TMS11 suggests that it is flexible in the middle. Repeat‐swapped homology modeling was used to discover that a loop connecting TMSs 10 and 11 in LacY probably moves during the transition between the unavailable outward‐open state and the outward‐occluded state. TMSs 11 and the other elements displaying a notable domain‐independent movement colocalize with the interdomain linker, suggesting that these elements could drive the alternating access movement between the domain halves. Preliminary evidence indicates that analogous movements occur in other members of the major facilitator superfamily. Proteins 2015; 83:735–745. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An iterative learning control design approach for networked control systems with data dropouts
Authors: Xuhui Bu , Zhongsheng Hou , Shangtai Jin , Ronghu Chi 
Published: January 2015

SummaryIn network‐based iterative learning control (ILC) systems, data dropout often occurs during data packet transfers from the remote plant to the ILC controller. This paper considers the problem of controller design for such ILC processes. Packet missing is modeled by stochastic variables satisfying the Bernoulli random binary distribution, which renders such an ILC system to be a stochastic one. Then, the design of ILC law is transformed into the stabilization of a 2‐D stochastic system described by the Roesser model. A sufficient condition for mean‐square asymptotic stability is established by means of a linear matrix inequality technique, and formulas can be given for the control law design simultaneously. This result is further extended to more general cases where the system matrices also contain uncertain parameters. The effectiveness and merits of the proposed method are illustrated by a numerical example. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HCELL Expression on Murine MSC Licenses Pancreatotropism and Confers Durable Reversal of Autoimmune Diabetes in NOD Mice
Authors: Abdi Reza , Moore Robert , Sakai Shinobu , Donnelly Conor B. , Mounayar Marwan , Sackstein Robert 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an immune-mediated disease resulting in destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess potent immunomodulatory properties, garnering increasing attention as cellular therapy for T1D and other immunologic diseases. However, MSCs generally lack homing molecules, hindering their colonization at inflammatory sites following intravenous (IV) administration. Here, we analyzed whether enforced E-selectin ligand expression on murine MSCs could impact their effect in reversing hyperglycemia in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. Although murine MSCs natively do not express the E-selectin-binding determinant sialyl Lewisx (sLex), we found that fucosyltransferase-mediated α(1,3)-exofucosylation of murine MSCs resulted in sLex display uniquely on cell surface CD44 thereby creating hematopoietic cell E-/L-selectin ligand (HCELL), the E-selectin-binding glycoform of CD44. Following IV infusion into diabetic NOD mice, allogeneic HCELL+ MSCs showed threefold greater peri-islet infiltrates compared to buffer-treated (i.e., HCELL−) MSCs, with distribution in proximity to E-selectin-expressing microvessels. Exofucosylation had no effect on MSC immunosuppressive capacity in in vitro assays; however, although engraftment was temporary for both HCELL+ and HCELL− MSCs, administration of HCELL+ MSCs resulted in durable reversal of hyperglycemia, whereas only transient reversal was observed following administration of HCELL− MSCs. Notably, exofucosylation of MSCs generated from CD44−/− mice induced prominent membrane expression of sLex, but IV administration of these MSCs into hyperglycemic NOD mice showed no enhanced pancreatotropism or reversal of hyperglycemia. These findings provide evidence that glycan engineering to enforce HCELL expression boosts trafficking of infused MSCs to pancreatic islets of NOD mice and substantially improves their efficacy in reversing autoimmune diabetes. Stem Cells 2013;33:1523–1531
Safety and Feasibility of Laparoscopic Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Posterosuperior Liver Segments
Authors: Xiang Lunjian , Xiao Le , Li Jianwei , Chen Jian , Fan Yudong , Zheng Shuguo 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) is mostly performed to treat solitary tumors in the anterolateral liver segments (II, III, IVb, V, and VI). Few reports are available on LH for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the posterosuperior liver segments (I, IVa, VII, and VIII), especially in association with cirrhosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of LH in this clinical setting.MethodsFrom January 2008 to January 2011, LH was conducted in 56 patients with HCC in the posterosuperior liver segments (PS group) and 70 patients with HCC in the anterolateral liver segments (AL group) who were admitted to Southwest Hospital of the Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China. The clinical data and follow‐up results in the two groups of patients were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsNo patient in either group died during the perioperative period. Statistically significant differences were found between the PS and AL groups in terms of the operation time (217.5 ± 63.7 vs 176.8 ± 48.4 min, P = 0.000), volume of blood loss (295.5 ± 186.8 vs 220.4 ± 164.2 ml, P = 0.001), conversion rate from laparoscopy to laparotomy (17.9 vs 7.1 %, P = 0.031), transfusion rate (16.1 vs 4.3 %, P = 0.025), cases of hepatic inflow occlusion (38/18 vs 28/42, P = 0.002), and duration of inflow occlusion (41.3 ± 16.3 vs 31.3 ± 12.2 min, P = 0.005). Parameters with no significant differences between the two groups of patients included tumor size (4.0 ± 1.5 vs 3.9 ± 1.7 cm, P = 0.894), resection margin (1.7 ± 0.7 vs 1.8 ± 0.6 cm, P = 0.102), postoperative complication rate (16.1 vs 17.1 %, P = 0.873), postoperative anal exhaust time (3.2 ± 0.6 vs 3.0 ± 0.6 days, P = 0.361), and postoperative hospital stay (10.5 ± 2.7 vs 10.0 ± 0.6 days, P = 0.102). The serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels on postoperative days 1 and 3 were significantly higher in the PS group than in the AL group. There were no significant differences in the postoperative levels of the serum total bilirubin, albumin, ALT, or AST levels on postoperative days 5 and 7. After 2–48 months of follow‐up, no significant differences in the 1‐ and 3‐year overall survival rates (92.9 vs 95.7 %, P = 0.487 and 76.0 vs 76.8 %, P = 0.878, respectively) or 1‐ and 3‐year disease‐free survival rates (85.7 vs 87.1 %, P = 0.797 and 57.6 vs 56.4 %, P = 0.806, respectively) were noted between the two groups.ConclusionsLH is safe and feasible for selected patients with HCC in the posterosuperior segments of the liver.
The proteome of cblC defect: in vivo elucidation of altered cellular pathways in humans
Authors: Caterino Marianna , Pastore Anna , Strozziero Maria Grazia , Di Giovamberardino Gianna , Imperlini Esther , Scolamiero Emanuela , Ingenito Laura , Boenzi Sara , Ceravolo Ferdinando , Martinelli Diego , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo , Ruoppolo Margherita 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMethylmalonic acidemia with homocystinuria, cobalamin deficiency type C (cblC) (MMACHC) is the most common inborn error of cobalamin metabolism. Despite a multidrug treatment, the long‐term follow‐up of early‐onset patients is often unsatisfactory, with progression of neurological and ocular impairment. Here, the in‐vivo proteome of control and MMACHC lymphocytes (obtained from patients under standard treatment with OHCbl, betaine, folate and L‐carnitine) was quantitatively examined by two dimensional differential in‐gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE) and mass spectrometry. Twenty three proteins were found up‐regulated and 38 proteins were down‐regulated. Consistent with in vivo studies showing disturbance of glutathione metabolism, a deregulation in proteins involved in cellular detoxification, especially in glutathione metabolism was found. In addition, relevant changes were observed in the expression levels of proteins involved in intracellular trafficking and protein folding, energy metabolism, cytoskeleton organization and assembly. This study demonstrates relevant changes in the proteome profile of circulating lymphocytes isolated from treated cblC patients. Some results confirm previous observations in vivo on fibroblast, thus concluding that some dysregulation is ubiquitous. On the other hand, new findings could be tissue‐specific. These observations expand our current understanding of the cblC disease and may ignite new research and therapeutic strategies to treat this disorder.
The use of an iPad to Collect Patient-Reported Functional Outcome Measures in Hand Surgery
Authors: Yafef Mark , Goyal Nitin , Kokmeyer Daniel , Merrel Gregory A 
Published: January 2015

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) patient preferences regarding iPad and paper-based questionnaires, (2) the efficacy of iPad and paper questionnaires in a hand surgery practice, (3) the influence of questionnaire length on patient preferences and data collection, and (4) patient characteristics associated with a preference for iPad-based questionnaires. Methods Two hundred total patients in a single hand surgery practice were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Each group completed either the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) or QuickDASH (QD) using either an iPad or pen and paper. Patient preferences, questionnaire completion and timing, and demographic data were analyzed. Results The use of an iPad was associated with a statistically stronger preference for the same delivery format in the future compared to paper for the MHQ (93.9 vs 52.1 %, p<0.001) and QD (90.0 vs 41.7 %, p<0.001). The MHQ iPad group found the survey “physically easy” more often compared to the MHQ paper group, while no difference was found among QD groups. Questionnaire timing between iPad and paper groups was similar for the MHQ but statistically longer with the iPad for QD. A significantly higher proportion of patients who preferred the iPad were under the age of 50 compared to those who preferred paper. Conclusions The addition of an iPad is an efficient and preferable questionnaire format for functional outcome assessment in a hand and upper extremity surgery practice setting. The iPad is particularly preferable for longer outcome questionnaires and for patients under the age of 50.
Effect of a Social Emotional Learning Programme for Primary School Students
Authors: Wong Agnes S.K. , Li-Tsang Cecilia W.P. , Siu Andrew M.H. 
Published: January 2015

Objective/Background This study evaluates the effect of a social emotional learning (SEL) programme for primary school students who have difficulties in social and emotional management, as reported by their teachers or parents. Methods Twenty-seven primary school students were recruited and randomly assigned to the treatment group (n = 14) and the control group (n = 13). The elementary school version of the Social Skills Rating System was used to assess the social skills and problem behaviours of the participants before and after the programme. The treatment group joined a six-session SEL programme, which was modified and localized based on the Strong Kids Programme. The programme aimed to improve participants’ social emotional skills, such as dealing with anxiety and understanding and identifying the emotions of self and others. Each session lasted for about 1 hour and was run in small groups. Results Problem behaviours were significantly less frequent in the treatment group after the programme (p = .008), but not in the control group. However, no significant changes were found in the measures of social skills. Conclusion The results of this pilot study show that the SEL can effectively reduce the problem behaviours of primary school students. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
How social context impacts on the development, identification and treatment of mental and substance use disorders among young people – a qualitative study of health care workers
Authors: Leahy D. , Schaffalitzky E. , Armstrong C. , Latham L. , McNicholas F. , Meagher D. , Nathan Y. , O’Connor R. , O’Keane V. , Ryan P. , Smyth B. P. , Swan D. , Cullen W. 
Published: January 2015

IntroductionSocial context has a major influence on the detection and treatment of youth mental and substance use disorders in socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas, particularly where gang culture, community violence, normalisation of drug use and repetitive maladaptive family structures prevail. This paper aims to examine how social context influences the development, identification and treatment of youth mental and substance use disorders in socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas from the perspectives of health care workers.MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted with health care workers (n=37) from clinical settings including: primary care, secondary care and community agencies and analysed thematically using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory to guide analysis.ResultsHealth care workers’ engagement with young people was influenced by the multilevel ecological systems within the individual’s social context which included: the young person’s immediate environment/‘microsystem’ (e.g., family relationships), personal relationships in the ‘mesosystem’ (e.g., peer and school relationships), external factors in the young person’s local area context/‘exosystem’ (e.g., drug culture and criminality) and wider societal aspects in the ‘macrosystem’ (e.g., mental health policy, health care inequalities and stigma).ConclusionsIn socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas, social context, specifically the micro-, meso-, exo-, and macro-system impact both on the young person’s experience of mental health or substance use problems and services, which endeavour to address these problems. Interventions that effectively identify and treat these problems should reflect the additional challenges posed by such settings.
‘As long as it's good’: An intergenerational family perspective of bridging gaps between reality and ideality of second couplehood as a problem and as a solution
Authors: KOREN CHAYA , SIMHI SHIRAN 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTSecond couplehood in old age following widowhood or divorce is a phenomenon developing with the increase in life expectancy and is yet to be accepted as part of the normative ageing process. The aim of this paper is to examine how family members of three generations perceive second couplehood in old age as a new phenomenon within a changing society and a dynamic family structure. The multigenerational families of 19 second-couplehood dyads (a total of 38 multigenerational families) were recruited using criterion sampling. The second-couplehood dyads were composed of men who repartnered at age 65+ and women at 60+, with children and grandchildren from a lifelong marriage. We tape recorded and transcribed verbatim 107 semi-structured qualitative interviews with older partners, their adult children and grandchildren. Analysis was based on grounded theory and dyadic-analysis principles adapted to families. Two main themes were found that presented gaps between reality and ideality experienced by the participants regarding second couplehood: as a problem through its disadvantages, and as a solution through its advantages. The gaps in both themes were bridged by the account: ‘as long as it's good’. Findings are discussed in the context of modernisation theory, the lifecourse and the family lifecycle perspectives relating to changes in family structure and ambivalence and how to deal with them on the macro, mezzo and micro levels.
Bordetella parapertussis outbreak in Bisham, Pakistan in 2009–2010: fallout of the 9/11 syndrome
Authors: JAVED S. , SAID F. , EQANI S. A. M. A. S. , BOKHARI H. 
Published: January 2015

SUMMARYPertussis or whooping cough is a highly contagious community disease mainly caused by Bordetella pertussis and B. parapertussis. We report a minor outbreak of whooping cough (2009–2010) in symptomatic subjects from Bisham, near Swat, Khyber Pukhtoonkhawa province, Pakistan. Interestingly, our results show that all the culture-positive isolates (n = 21) collected from children (average age 3·46 years), were identified as B. parapertussis after routine identification tests and PCR IS481, IS1001 and IS1002. Furthermore, in the affected patients, none had received immunization with diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DTPw) vaccine. Therefore, the possibility of the re-emergence of the disease due to limitation of basic health services as a result of the political unrest due to the 9/11 situation is also examined. Moreover, we discuss the importance of vaccinating both adults and children with DTPwPaw vaccine containing both organisms for better protection.
Development and evaluation of a stand-alone index for the assessment of small children’s diet quality
Authors: Röytiö Henna , Jaakkola Johanna , Hoppu Ulla , Poussa Tuija , Laitinen Kirsi 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo construct and evaluate an independent Children’s Index of Diet Quality (CIDQ).DesignA food consumption questionnaire, which contained twenty-five multiple-item questions on eating and food intake, was formulated and evaluated against 7 d food records. Key questions that best reflected a healthy diet, defined in criteria set by the nutrient recommendations, were searched and validated by correlation and analyses of receiver-operating characteristic curves.SettingsA cohort of a young population of South-West Finland.SubjectsParticipants (n 400) were 2–6-year-old children.ResultsFifteen questions were identified to best depict the children’s diet quality in reference to the recommendations. These questions were scored, summarized and further constructed into a three-class index (good, moderate and poor dietary quality) where higher scores depicted better diet quality. The CIDQ cut-off score of 14 points for good dietary quality had a sensitivity of 0·59 and a specificity of 0·82 and the cut-off score of 10 points, for at least moderate dietary quality, had a sensitivity of 0·77 and a specificity of 0·69. Higher index scores were related to higher dietary intakes of several vitamins, lower dietary intakes of SFA and cholesterol, and further with lower serum cholesterol and higher serum vitamin C concentrations.ConclusionsThe three-class food index was found to represent diet quality as defined in recommendations and evaluated against nutrient intakes from food diaries and biochemical markers. This self-standing index could provide an effective and low-burden method to obtain information about diet quality and guide future recommendations.
Harmony of the Heart: Music Therapy
Authors: Hanser Suzanne B. , Mandel Susan E. 
Published: January 2015

This article presents a research agenda that began with the development of a clinical music therapy protocol, including music-assisted relaxation and imagery (MARI), for individuals with heart conditions who are referred for cardiac rehabilitation. Health-related outcomes of this program were investigated in a randomized controlled trial, finding significant changes in blood pressure over time, and short-term changes in stress and anxiety. A mixed methods study then examined process and outcomes more thoroughly in a small sample of patients. In a more recent trial, this approach was applied to individuals who have diabetes. Coming full circle, the research investigations informed an adaptation of the original music therapy protocol for clinical use in cardiac rehabilitation. Underlying mechanisms in the autonomic nervous system and future research directions are also discussed.
Conventional US, elastography and contrast enhanced US features of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma predict central compartment lymph node metastases
Authors: Hong Yu-Rong , Yan Cao-Xin , Mo Guo-Qaing , Luo Zhi-Yan , Zhang Ying , Wang Yong , Huang Pin-Tong 
Published: January 2015

AbstractLymph node metastases at the time of diagnosis have a major impact on both therapeutic strategy and tumor recurrence for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Our objective was to evaluate the usefulness of PTMC characteristics on ultrasonography for predicting central compartment lymph node metastases (CCLNM) of PTMC. One hundred twenty seven patients who underwent surgery for PTMC were enrolled in this study. The relationship between the CCLNM and the characteristics on conventional US, elastographic and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) were investigated. Univariate analysis indicated that PTMCs with CCLNM were more often nodule irregular shape, microcalcifications, hyperenhancing or isoenhancing parametric maps and peak index ≥1 at preoperative US and CEUS than those without CCLNM (P< 0.01, 0.05, 0.01 and 0.05 respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that microcalcification (OR:2.378, 95% CI: 1.096–5.158) and hyperenhancement or isoenhancement (OR:2.8, 95% CI: 1.287–6.094) were predictive for the presence of CCLNM. Elastography score was not significantly different between the groups. Our study indicated that preoperative thyroid nodule characteristics on conventional US and CEUS may serve as a useful tool to predict central compartment lymph node metastases in PTMC.