bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial and Oxidative Stress Response in HepG2 Cells Following Acute and Prolonged Exposure to Antiretroviral Drugs
Authors: Nagiah Savania , Phulukdaree Alisa , Chuturgoon Anil 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTChronic HIV treatment with antiretroviral drugs has been associated with adverse health outcomes. Mitochondrial toxicity exhibited by nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) is pinpointed as a molecular mechanism of toxicity. This study evaluated the effect of NRTIs: Zidovudine (AZT, 7.1 μM), Stavudine (d4T, 4 μM) and Tenofovir (TFV, 1.2 μM), on mitochondrial (mt) stress response, mtDNA integrity and oxidative stress response in human hepatoma cells at 24 and 120 h. Markers for mt function, mt biogenesis, oxidative stress parameters, and antioxidant response were evaluated by spectrophotometry, luminometry, flow cytometry, qPCR and western blots. We found that AZT and d4T reduced mtDNA integrity (120 h, AZT: 76.1%; d4T:36.1%, P < 0.05) and remained unchanged with TFV. All three NRTIs, however, reduced ATP levels (AZT: 38%; d4T: 56.4%; TFV: 27.4%, P = 0.01) and mt membrane potential at 120 h (P < 0.005). Oxidative damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were increased by TFV and AZT at 24 h, and by d4T at 120 h (P < 0.05). Antioxidant response molecules and mt biogenesis markers were elevated by all NRTIs, with TFV causing the most significant increase (P < 0.05). Data from this study suggest that AZT, d4T and TFV alter mt function. TFV, however, achieves this independently of mtDNA depletion. Furthermore, AZT exerts toxicity soon after exposure as noted from changes at 24 h and d4T exerts greater toxicity over prolonged exposure (120 h). J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1939–1946, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Somatosensory temporal discrimination in essential tremor and isolated head and voice tremors
Authors: Conte Antonella , Ferrazzano Gina , Manzo Nicoletta , Leodori Giorgio , Fabbrini Giovanni , Fasano Alfonso , Tinazzi Michele , Berardelli Alfredo 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold in patients with essential tremor (sporadic and familial) and to evaluate whether somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values differ depending on the body parts involved by tremor. We also investigated the somatosensory temporal discrimination in patients with isolated voice tremor. We enrolled 61 patients with tremor: 48 patients with essential tremor (31 patients with upper limb tremor alone, nine patients with head tremor alone, and eight patients with upper limb plus head tremor; 22 patients with familial vs. 26 sporadic essential tremor), 13 patients with isolated voice tremor, and 45 healthy subjects. Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values were normal in patients with familial essential tremor, whereas they were higher in patients with sporadic essential tremor. When we classified patients according to tremor distribution, somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values were normal in patients with upper limb tremor and abnormal only in patients with isolated head tremor. Temporal discrimination threshold values were also abnormal in patients with isolated voice tremor. Somatosensory temporal discrimination processing is normal in patients with familial as well as in patients with sporadic essential tremor involving the upper limbs. By contrast, somatosensory temporal discrimination is altered in patients with isolated head tremor and voice tremor. This study with somatosensory temporal discrimination suggests that isolated head and voice tremors might possibly be considered as separate clinical entities from essential tremor. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Diminished event‐related cortical arousals and altered heart rate response in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Sommerauer Michael , Imbach Lukas L. , Jarallah Mohan , Baumann Christian R. , Valko Philipp O. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectivesIn Parkinson's disease (PD), partial neuronal loss occurs in several arousal‐promoting structures, but the effects on arousability have not yet been studied.MethodsPolysomnographic analysis of 70 PD patients and 70 control subjects matched for age, sex, body mass index, apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), and periodic limb movements in sleep index (PLMSI).ResultsIn PD patients, arousal frequency was diminished by 50% compared with controls (9.1 ± 7.6 vs. 18.6 ± 22.9/h; P < 0.001), and the correlations with AHI (rho = 0.266 vs. 0.503, P = 0.004) and PLMSI (rho = 0.082 vs. 0.354, P = 0.006) were weaker. Hoehn & Yahr stage was an independent negative predictor of arousal index (β = –0.297, P = 0.015). Normalization of heart rate increase after cortical arousals was prolonged in PD patients compared with controls (P = 0.003).ConclusionOur findings indicate that the neurodegenerative process in PD is associated with an attenuated arousability to respiratory and motor events, and with an alteration of the heart rate pattern accompanying arousals. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Die Gurke leuchtet komplex
Authors: Vollmer Michael , Möllmann Klaus‐Peter 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDas Experiment, bei dem eine Essiggurke elektrisch stimuliert leuchtet, gehört zum Standardrepertoire vieler Schulen und Hochschulen. Meist wird es zur Elektrizitätslehre oder zur Atomphysik vorgeführt, inklusive vordergründig einleuchtender Erklärung. Eine genauere Untersuchung zeigt jedoch, dass der Mechanismus komplexer als gedacht ist. Die Lichtemission entsteht in einem Zusammenspiel von Elektrolyse und hohen Elektrodentemperaturen. Dabei regen wahrscheinlich vor allem exotherme Wasserstoff‐ oder Knallgasreaktionen das Natriumlicht an.
Die Kunst des Elektronenzählens
Authors: Fricke Lukas , Dolata Ralf , Kästner Bernd , Hohls Frank , Schumacher Hans Werner 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDas derzeitig verwendete Einheitensystem, SI, soll umdefiniert werden. Dabei werden die Einheiten auf Naturkonstanten zurückgeführt. Im Fall der einzigen elektrischen Einheit, dem Ampere, ist dies die Elementarladung des Elektrons. Eine solche Quantenstromquelle muss einzelne Elektronen zuverlässig abgeben können. Als zwei alternative Verfahren diskutiert man derzeit die Detektion zufällig emittierter Elektronen und das Elektronenpumpen durch ein äußeres Taktsignal. Damit lässt sich in beiden Fällen die Strommessung auf eine Zeitmessung zurückführen. An der PTB wird derzeit eine Schaltung entwickelt, die beide Verfahren kombiniert und somit beide Vorteile vereint. Das erlaubt eine genauere Bestimmung des erzeugten Stroms. Mit einer solchen Quelle könnte in Zukunft das Ampere auf Basis der Elementarladung realisiert werden.
Optimizing the electrochemical performance of imidazolium‐based polymeric ionic liquids by varying tethering groups
Authors: Jia Zhe , Yuan Wen , Sheng Chunjuan , Zhao Hui , Hu Heyi , Baker Gregory L. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTWe report the synthesis and characterization of a series of novel imidazolium cation and bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide anion (TFSI−)‐based ionic liquid (IL) model compounds and their corresponding polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) with various tethering groups. Ethylene oxide repeating units were attached as tethering groups to an imidazolium cation to optimize the glass transition temperatures (Tg) and ionic conductivities of the PILs. The novel PILs exhibit excellent conductivity values of around 8 × 10−4 S/cm at room temperature. The thermophysical and electrochemical properties of ILs, including thermal transition, ionic conductivity, and rheological behavior, were characterized to investigate the effect of tethering groups. We conclude that the length of poly(ethylene oxide) tethering group has a tremendous effect on both physical property and electrochemical behavior and that charge carrier density is dominant in defining ionic conductivity with free ILs, whereas ion mobility plays a more important role after polymerization. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1339–1350
Screening of metal catalysts influence on the synthesis, structure, properties, and biodegradation of PLA‐PBA triblock copolymers obtained in melt
Authors: Kundys Anna , Plichta Andrzej , Florjańczyk Zbigniew , Frydrych Anita , Żurawski Konrad 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe synthesis of ABA type triblock copolymers comprising poly(1,4‐butylene adipate) macroinitiator and polylactide segments is described in this article. Acetylacetonates of various low‐toxic metals: Li, Mg, Ca, Zn, Fe, and Zr are used as catalysts. The course of polymerization, microstructure, thermal properties, and biodegradation of the copolymers obtained are analyzed based on the electronegativity of the metal used. The macroinitiator is completely incorporated into the major products, however, linear and cyclic lactide homopolymers and copolymers are present because of moisture presence and transesterification processes. The efficiency of side reactions depends on the catalyst used. The highest molar mass of copolymer is obtained with a Zr‐based catalyst. The efficacy of polylactide racemization is higher for catalysts comprising the metal of lower electronegativity. Under thermal degradation conditions the polylactide segment degrades before the macroinitiator one. The copolymers studied undergo faster biodegradation than polylactide and they can decompose in compost within 16 weeks. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1444–1456
Synthesis of diisocyanides with phenolic groups and their polymerization to helically chiral poly(quinoxaline‐2,3‐diyl)s
Authors: Scholz Johannes , Reggelin Michael 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe development of synthetic routes which lead to five new diisocyanide monomers with one or two phenolic groups is described. Their polymerization behavior is studied with Pd‐ and Ni‐based initiators, as well as under microwave irradiation. The polymerizability is mainly dominated by steric effects as is concluded from experiments using different protecting groups. Chiroptical properties of these new polymers are studied by CD‐spectroscopy. After deprotection, helically chiral poly(quinoxalin‐2,3‐diyl)s are obtained which display a Brønsted function attached to a stereolabile biaryl axis whose configuration should be influenced by the chiral polymer backbone. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1320–1329
Competitive permeation of gas and water vapour in high free volume polymeric membranes
Authors: Scholes Colin A. , Jin Jianyong , Stevens Geoff W. , Kentish Sandra E. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTHighly permeable glassy polymeric membranes based on poly (1‐trimethylsilyl‐1‐propyne) (PTMSP) and a polymer of intrinsic porosity (PIM‐1) were investigated for water sorption, water permeability and the separation of CO2 from N2 under humid mixed gas conditions. The water sorption isotherms for both materials followed behavior indicative of multilayer adsorption within the microvoids, with PIM‐1 registering a significant water uptake at very high water activities. Analysis of the sorption isotherms using a modified dual sorption model which accounts for such multilayer effects gave Langmuir affinity constants more consistent with lighter gases than the use of the standard dual mode approach. The water permeability through PTMSP and PIM‐1 was comparable over the water activities studied, and could be successfully modeled through a dual mode sorption model with a concentration dependent diffusivity. The water permeability through both membranes as a function of temperature was also measured, and found to be at a minimum at 80 °C for PTMSP and 70 °C for PIM‐1. This temperature dependence is a function of reducing water solubility in both membranes with increasing temperature countered by increasing water diffusivity. The CO2 ‐ N2 mixed gas permeabilities through PTMSP and PIM‐1 were also measured and modeled through dual mode sorption theory. Introducing water vapour further reduced both the CO2 and N2 permeabilities. The plasticization potential of water in PTMSP was determined and indicated water swelled the membrane increasing CO2 and N2 diffusivity, while for PIM‐1 a negative potential implied that water filling of the microvoids hampered CO2 and N2 diffusion through the membrane. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 719–728
The impact of robotics on the mode of benign hysterectomy and clinical outcomes
Authors: Luciano Anthony A. , Luciano Danielle E. , Gabbert Jessica , Seshadri‐Kreaden Usha 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of robotics on benign hysterectomy surgical approach, clinical outcomes, and learning curve is still unclear.MethodsReview of abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic, or robotic cases in 156 US hospitals in the Premier Research Database.ResultsOf 289 875 hysterectomies, abdominal cases decreased from 2005–2010 (60–33%) and minimally invasive approaches increased (40–67%). Conversion rates were: 0.04% for vaginal, 2.5% for robotic, and 7.2% for laparoscopy (P < 0.001). Robotic surgery time was longest (3.4 h vs. 2.2 vaginal, 2.5 abdominal, 2.7 laparoscopy, P < 0.001). Robotic complication rate was lowest (14.8% vs. 16.2% vaginal, 18.6% laparoscopy, 28.9% abdominal, P < 0.001). Hospital stay was longer following abdominal surgery (3.5 days vs. 1.8 robotic, 1.9 vaginal, 1.8 laparoscopy, P < 0.001). Robotic surgery times and conversion and complication rates improved with experience (2.8 h, 2%, and 13.9%, respectively), even with increasing complexity.ConclusionsRobotics was successfully incorporated without jeopardizing patient outcomes and increased the overall use of minimally invasive approaches. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for bounded distributed mean square tracking of multi‐agent systems with noises
Authors: Li Wuquan , Li Tao , Xie Lihua , Zhang Ji‐Feng 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThis paper is concerned with the distributed control problem of second‐order agents under directed network topology. The control input of each agent only depends on its own state and the states of its neighbors corrupted by white noises. By using the algebraic graph theory and stochastic analysis method, necessary and sufficient conditions are presented for mean square bounded tracking. Finally, several simulation examples are given to illustrate the results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Severe adult atopic dermatitis successfully treated with concurrent Unseiin and standard treatment
Authors: Nakai Noriaki , Katoh Norito 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTCaseA 64 year‐old woman suffering from atopic dermatitis refractory to standard treatment presented for treatment of severe skin eruptions on the whole body.OutcomeOn her first visit, white blood cell count including eosinophils (3310/μL), serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; 460 IU/L), serum immunoglobulin E (19 694 IU/mL), and thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC; 58 250 pg/mL) were elevated. Oral treatment with fexofenadine hydrochloride and topical steroids were started, but the eruptions and itching did not significantly improve. On day 18, concurrent treatment with Unseiin 7.5 g/day was started. On day 81, remission of skin eruption, and normal TARC (396 pg/mL), eosinophils (200/μL), and LDH (187 IU/L) were confirmed.ConclusionConcurrent treatment with Unseiin and standard treatment may provide an effective treatment option for patients with atopic dermatitis refractory to standard treatment.
Double Bond Stereochemistry Influences the Susceptibility of Short‐Chain Isoprenoids and Polyprenols to Decomposition by Thermo‐Oxidation
Authors: Molińska Ewa , Klimczak Urszula , Komaszyło Joanna , Derewiaka Dorota , Obiedziński Mieczysław , Kania Magdalena , Danikiewicz Witold , Swiezewska Ewa 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIsoprenoid alcohols are common constituents of living cells. They are usually assigned a role in the adaptation of the cell to environmental stimuli, and this process might give rise to their oxidation by reactive oxygen species. Moreover, cellular isoprenoids may also undergo various chemical modifications resulting from the physico‐chemical treatment of the tissues, e.g., heating during food processing. Susceptibility of isoprenoid alcohols to heat treatment has not been studied in detail so far. In this study, isoprenoid alcohols differing in the number of isoprene units and geometry of the double bonds, β‐citronellol, geraniol, nerol, farnesol, solanesol and Pren‐9, were subjected to thermo‐oxidation at 80 °C. Thermo‐oxidation resulted in the decomposition of the tested short‐chain isoprenoids as well as medium‐chain polyprenols with simultaneous formation of oxidized derivatives, such as hydroperoxides, monoepoxides, diepoxides and aldehydes, and possible formation of oligomeric derivatives. Oxidation products were monitored by GC‐FID, GC‐MS, ESI‐MS and spectrophotometric methods. Interestingly, nerol, a short‐chain isoprenoid with a double bond in the cis (Z) configuration, was more oxidatively stable than its trans (E) isomer, geraniol. However, the opposite effect was observed for medium‐chain polyprenols, since Pren‐9 (di‐trans‐poly‐cis‐prenol) was more susceptible to thermo‐oxidation than its all‐trans isomer, solanesol. Taken together, these results experimentally confirm that both short‐ and long‐chain polyisoprenoid alcohols are prone to thermo‐oxidation.
Flow Experience during Attentional Training Improves Cognitive Functions in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: An Exploratory Case Study
Authors: Yoshida Kazuki , Sawamura Daisuke , Ogawa Keita , Ikoma Katsunori , Asakawa Kiyoshi , Yamauchi Taro , Sakai Shinya 
Published: March 2015

Objective/Background Flow is the holistic experience that occurs when an individual acts with total involvement. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of attention training that induces flow experience for patients with attention-deficit disorder after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods A two-patient case report with a within-subject AB design was conducted. Two patients with attention deficit after TBI were recruited for attention training. Two types of video game tasks for attention training were created, one inducing flow (flow task) and the other not (control task). Patient A performed the flow task for 14 days after receiving general occupational therapy (OT) for 11 days. Patient B performed the flow task for 15 days after performing the control task for 10 days. We examined training effects using neuropsychological tests. The Flow State Scale for Occupational Tasks was administered to identify the patient's flow state. To evaluate the training effect, we used visual analysis, the two-standard deviation band method, and effect-size analyses. Results Both Patient A and Patient B showed improvement on the Continuous Performance Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, and Moss Attention Rating Scale after the flow task. Patient B also showed improvement on the Trail Making Test. Conclusion The results for Patient A suggested that the flow task was more effective than general OT for improving attention deficits. Moreover, the results for Patient B suggested that the flow task was more effective than the control task. Attention training inducing flow experience may thus facilitate improvement of attention.
Agonistic Pluralism and Stakeholder Engagement
Authors: Dawkins Cedric 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT:This paper argues that, although stakeholder engagement occurs within the context of power, neither market-centered CSR nor the deliberative model of political CSR adequately addresses the specter of power asymmetries and the inevitability of conflict in stakeholder relations, particularly for powerless stakeholders. Noting that the objective of stakeholder engagement should not be benevolence toward stakeholders, but mechanisms that address power asymmetries such that stakeholders are able to protect their own interests, I present a framework of stakeholder engagement based on agonistic pluralism that seeks to structure and utilize discord rather than reduce or eliminate it. I then propose arbitration as an agonistic mechanism to address power asymmetries in stakeholder engagement and explore its implications.
Haemogregarines of freshwater turtles from Southeast Asia with a description ofHaemogregarina sacaliaesp. n. and a redescription ofHaemogregarina pellegriniLaveran and Pettit, 1910
Authors: DVOŘÁKOVÁ NELA , KVIČEROVÁ JANA , HOSTOVSKÝ MARTIN , ŠIROKÝ PAVEL 
Published: March 2015

SUMMARYThe uniform morphology of the developmental stages ofHaemogregarinaspecies and the insufficient information supplied by the simplistic descriptions of previous authors complicates their differential diagnosis and proper species identification. In this study, we detectedHaemogregarinaspp. in 6 out of 22 (27·2%) examined turtles originating from Southeast Asia,Malayemys subtrijuga(n= 4),Sacalia quadriocellata(n= 1) andPlatysternon megacephalum(n= 1), and compared them with the available literature data. Microscopic analysis of our isolates distinguished 2 morphological species,Haemogregarina pellegriniand one new species, being described in this paper asHaemogregarina sacaliaesp. n. Phylogenetic analyses based on 1210 bp long fragment of 18S rDNA sequences placed both haemogregarines firmly within the monophyleticHaemogregarinaclade. Isolates ofH. pellegrinifrom 2 distantly related turtle hosts,M. subtrijugaandP. megacephalum, were genetically identical. Despite the fact that numerousHaemogregarinaspecies of turtles have been described, the incompleteness of the morphological data and relatively low host specificity provides the space for large synonymy within this taxon. Therefore, a complex approach combining microscopic analyses together with molecular-genetic methods should represent the basic standard for all taxonomic studies.
An internet survey of psychiatrists who have a particular interest in cognitive behavioural therapy: what is the place for the cognitive behavioural model in their role as a psychiatrist?
Authors: Alfaraj Ali Isa , Whitfield Graeme , Townend Michael 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA survey of psychiatrists with a special interest in CBT was conducted by email correspondence to answer two main questions: ‘What are the uses and the usefulness of the cognitive behavioural model within the day-to-day practice of psychiatrists?’ and ‘What are the most important roles of the consultant medical psychotherapist who has specialized in CBT?’ Despite the constraints of a low response rate the results still reflected the views of 46 psychiatrists who were particularly experienced in the area of CBT. They reported that the cognitive behavioural model was useful in general psychiatric settings, in particular in the engagement of patients, improving client's insight, adherence to medications, and for trainee supervision. The responders reaffirmed previously held views about the role of the consultant medical psychotherapist (CBT), in particular the roles of the assessment and management of complex cases, of taking responsibility for patients with a combination of medical and psychological issues and of teaching CBT to psychiatrists and other mental health professionals. The challenges of translating CBT competencies into generic non-CBT psychiatric settings are discussed, with the important potential role of the medical psychotherapist in this respect. The key skill of formulating cases in secondary care is emphasized.