bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing electrochromic contrast and redox stability of nanostructure polypyrrole film doped by heparin as polyanion in different solvents
Authors: Alizadeh Naader , Tavoli Farnaz 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTHeparin‐doped polypyrrole (PPy‐Hep) and
‐doped polypyrrole (PPy‐ClO4) films are synthesized onto FTO‐coated glass electrode in a potentiostatic electrochemical process with the aim of producing uniform, transparent, and adherent coating. The resultant polymers are characterized via cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. SEM study indicates that the PPy‐Hep film to be composed of a continuous interlinked network of quasi spherical grains (50–80 nm in dimensions). The electrochromic properties of PPy‐Hep and PPy‐ClO4 polymer films are compared to spectroelectrochemistry and switching studies. The effect of different solvents (water, propylene carbonate, and acetonitrile) on the electrochromic features of electropolymerized polymers has been investigated, and we find a very significant solvent effect. PPy‐Hep film exhibits switching time of 1 s and the maximum transmittance contrast (ΔT%) is 48% at 800 nm in water. In addition, presence of Hep causes drastic enhancement of electro‐optical stability of PPy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3365–3371
Linear and four‐armed poly(l‐lactide)‐block‐poly(d‐lactide) copolymers and their stereocomplexation with poly(lactide)s
Authors: Shao Jun , Tang Zhaohui , Sun Jingru , Li Gao , Chen Xuesi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractLinear and four‐armed poly(l‐lactide)‐block‐poly(d‐lactide) (PLLA‐b‐PDLA) block copolymers are synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of d‐lactide on the end hydroxyl of linear and four‐armed PLLA prepolymers. DSC results indicate that the melting temperature and melting enthalpies of poly (lactide) stereocomplex in the copolymers are obviously lower than corresponding linear and four‐armed PLLA/PDLA blends. Compared with the four‐armed PLLA‐b‐PDLA copolymer, the similar linear PLLA‐b‐PDLA shows higher melting temperature (212.3 °C) and larger melting enthalpy (70.6 J g−1). After these copolymers blend with additional neat PLAs, DSC, and WAXD results show that the stereocomplex formation between free PLA molecular chain and enantiomeric PLA block is the major stereocomplex formation. In the linear copolymer/linear PLA blends, the stereocomplex crystallites (sc) as well as homochiral crystallites (hc) form in the copolymer/PLA cast films. However, in the four‐armed copolymer/linear PLA blends, both sc and hc develop in the four‐armed PLLA‐b‐PDLA/PDLA specimen, which means that the stereocomplexation mainly forms between free PDLA molecule and the inside PLLA block, and the outside PDLA block could form some microcrystallites. Although the melting enthalpies of stereocomplexes in the blends are smaller than that of neat copolymers, only two‐thirds of the molecular chains participate in the stereocomplex formation, and the crystallization efficiency strengthens. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1560–1567
Variation of Methods in Small‐Scale Safety and Thermal Testing of Improvised Explosives
Authors: Sandstrom Mary M. , Brown Geoffrey W. , Preston Daniel N. , Pollard Colin J. , Warner Kirstin F. , Sorensen Daniel N. , Remmers Daniel L. , Phillips Jason J. , Shelley Timothy J. , Reyes Jose A. , Hsu Peter C. , Reynolds John G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractOne of the first steps in establishing safe handling procedures for explosives is small‐scale safety and thermal (SSST) testing. To better understand the response of homemade or improvised explosives (HMEs) to SSST testing, 16 HME materials were compared to three standard military explosives in a proficiency‐type round robin study among five laboratories, two U.S. Department of Defense and three U.S. Department of Energy, sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, Science & Technology Directorate, Explosives Division. The testing included impact, friction, electrostatic discharge (ESD) and thermal. The testing matrix was designed to address problems encountered with improvised materials: powder mixtures, liquid suspensions, partially wetted solids, immiscible liquids, and reactive materials. All testing materials and/or precursors came from the same batch distributed to each of the participants and were handled, pretreated, and mixed by standardized procedures. For this proficiency test, the participants had similar equipment, usually differing by vintage. This allowed for a direct comparison of the results from each participant to the average of the results from all the participants. Some general trends observed for each series of tests were: (1) Drop hammer – LLNL usually found the materials less sensitive than the average with materials that have high sensitivity to impact and LANL usually found the materials less sensitive than the average with materials that have high sensitivity to impact; (2) friction – LLNL found the materials less sensitive than the average; (3) and ESD – IHD usually found the materials less sensitive than the average. In this report, the proficiency test data from all the participants is compared and contrasted for impact, selected friction, and ESD testing. Other friction and thermal data will be addressed elsewhere as well as the statistical analysis of several repeated measurements on the proficiency test standards.
Rheology of peptide‐ and protein‐based physical hydrogels: Are everyday measurements just scratching the surface?
Authors: Sathaye Sameer , Mbi Armstrong , Sonmez Cem , Chen Yingchao , Blair Daniel L. , Schneider Joel P. , Pochan Darrin J. 
Published: September 2014

Rheological characterization of physically crosslinked peptide‐ and protein‐based hydrogels is widely reported in the literature. In this review, we focus on solid injectable hydrogels, which are commonly referred to as ‘shear‐thinning and rehealing’ materials. This class of what sometimes also are called ‘yield‐stress’ materials holds exciting promise for biomedical applications that require well‐defined morphological and mechanical properties after delivery to a desired site through a shearing process (e.g., syringe or catheter injection). In addition to the review of recent studies using common rheometric measurements on peptide‐ and protein‐based, physically crosslinked hydrogels, we provide experimentally obtained visual evidence, using a rheo‐confocal microscope, of the fracture and subsequent flow of physically crosslinked β‐hairpin peptide hydrogels under steady‐state shear mimicking commonly conducted experimental conditions using bench‐top rheometers. The observed fracture demonstrates that the supposed bulk shear‐thinning and rehealing behavior of physical gels can be limited to the yielding of a hydrogel layer close to the shearing surface with the bulk of the hydrogel below experiencing negligible shear. We suggest some measures to be taken while acquiring and interpreting data using bench‐top rheometers with a particular focus on physical hydrogels. In particular, the use of confocal‐rheometer assembly is intended to inspire studies on yielding behavior of hydrogels perceived as shear‐thinning and rehealing materials. A deeper insight into their yielding behavior will lead to the development of yield‐stress, injectable, solid biomaterials, and hopefully inspire the design of new shear‐thinning and rehealing hydrogels and more thorough physical characterization of such systems. Finally, more examples of bulk fracture in some physical hydrogels based on peptides and proteins are explored in the light of their behavior as yield‐stress materials. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 7:34–68. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1299This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Peptide-Based Structures
Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures
Carbon black and titanium dioxide nanoparticles induce distinct molecular mechanisms of toxicity
Authors: Boland Sonja , Hussain Salik , Baeza‐Squiban Armelle 
Published: September 2014

Increasing evidence link nanomaterials with adverse biological outcomes and due to the variety of applications and potential human exposures to nanoparticles, it is thus important to evaluate their toxicity for the risk assessment of workers and consumers. It is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms of their toxicity as observation of similar effects after different nanomaterial exposures does not reflect similar intracellular processing and organelle interactions. A thorough understanding of mechanisms is needed not only for accurate prediction of potential toxicological impacts but also for the development of safer nanoapplications by modulating the physicochemical characteristics. Furthermore biomedical applications may also take advantage of an in depth knowledge about the mode of action of nanotoxicity to design new nanoparticle‐derived drugs. In the present manuscript we discuss the similarities and differences in molecular pathways of toxicity after carbon black (CB) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle exposures and identify the main toxicity mechanisms induced by these two nanoparticles which may also be indicative for the mode of action of other insoluble nanomaterials. We address the translocation, cell death induction, genotoxicity, and inflammation induced by TiO2 and CB nanoparticles which depend on their internalization, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capacities and/or protein interactions. We summarize their distinct cellular mechanisms of toxicity and the crucial steps which may be targeted to avoid adverse effects or to induce them for nanomedical purposes. Several physicochemical characteristics could influence these general toxicity pathways depicted here and the identification of common toxicity pathways could support the grouping of nanomaterials in terms of toxicity. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2014, 6:641–652. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1302This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Atom‐ and Group Transfers to MIV Oxo and Imido Complexes, (η5‐C5Me5)M[N(iPr)C(Me)N(iPr)](E) (M = Mo, W; E = O, NSiMe3): Orthogonal Generation of a MVI Terminal Nitride via Inter‐ligand Silyl Group Migration
Authors: Yonke Brendan L. , Reeds Jonathan P. , Zavalij Peter Y. , Sita Lawrence R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe group 6 MIV terminal oxo complexes, Cp*M[N(iPr)C(Me)N(iPr)](O) (Cp* = η5‐C5Me5) where M = Mo (1) and W (2) react with N3SiMe3 to provide the MVI terminal nitrido complexes, Cp*M[N(iPr)C(Me)N(iPr)](N)(OSiMe3) where M = Mo (5) and W (7), respectively. A mechanism involving nitrene group transfer to generate a MVI oxo, imido intermediate, followed by inter‐ligand silyl group transfer is proposed to account for formation of 5 and 7. Compound 7 was alternatively prepared through an orthogonal route to the same proposed intermediate involving oxygen atom transfer from N2O to the WIV terminal imido complex Cp*W[N(iPr)C(Me)N(iPr)](NSiMe3) (4). The nucleophilicity of the terminal nitride 7 was further established through methylation to provide cationic {Cp*W[N(iPr)C(Me)N(iPr)](NMe)(OSiMe3)}{I} (8).
Clinicopathologic Analysis of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors in Duodenum and Small Intestine
Authors: Han In Woong , Jang Jin‐Young , Lee Kyoung Bun , Kang Mee Joo , Kwon Wooil , Park Jae Woo , Chang Ye Rim , Lee Hyuk‐Joon , Park Kyu Joo , Kim Sun‐Whe 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe prognosis about duodenal GISTs is debatable. The purpose of this study is to compare the characteristics and the prognostic factors in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) located in the duodenum with those located in the small intestine.MethodsOne hundred‐one patients with GIST located in the duodenum (n = 40), or small intestine (n = 61) underwent resection between 1996 and 2010. We analyzed clinicopathologic features, surgical outcomes, and prognostic factors.ResultsFive‐year survival rate in patients with GIST located in the duodenum and small intestine were 66.6 and 80.8 %, respectively (p = 0.018). After survival analysis, high mitotic count and tumor rupture were identified as independent adverse prognostic factors. Advanced T stage and absence of adjuvant imatinib treatment were adverse prognostic factors with marginal statistical significance. The rate of progressive disease was significantly higher in patients with duodenal GISTs (36.8 %) than in those with small intestinal GIST (29.6 %) (p = 0.024).ConclusionsThe clinicopathologic findings of duodenal GIST differ from those of small intestinal GIST. Patients with duodenal GIST have a worse prognosis than those with small intestinal GIST. Aggressive treatment including surgical resection should be considered for duodenal GIST, even if the risk is relatively low.
Feedback structure of cliff and shore platform morphodynamics
Authors: Payo Andres , Hall Jim W. , Dickson Mark E. , Walkden Mike J. A. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
It has been suggested that studies of geomorphological systems should identify potential system feedbacks, determine their direction of influence, and assess their relative importance. In this paper we show how a core set of processes and feedback loops can be distilled from existing literature on rock coast morphodynamics. The structure has been represented using Causal Loop Diagrams and a methodology to estimate the strength of a single feedback loop is presented. The backwearing erosion rate (cliff horizontal erosion) has been found to be controlled by at least four feedback loops; three balancing (cliff toe wave energy depletion, ground-water pore pressure diminution and cliff deposit protection) and one positive loop (abrasion enhancement). The downwearing erosion rate (vertical erosion) has been found to be controlled by at least three balancing feedback loops (weathering limited, shear depletion, cover-protection). Mean sea level directly influences the downwearing rate, through the water depth relative to the wave base, and indirectly influences the backwearing erosion rate through the wave energy dissipation that determines the amount of energy reaching the cliff toe. The offshore wave non-linearity parameter is proposed to capture the complex interaction between waves and shore platform geometries. The strength of the cliff toe energy depletion loop is assessed by reasoning on its causal pathway and found to be O(−10−10 to −10−4) for poorly lithified rock coasts. By understanding how the individual and overall feedback strengths are influenced by different future environmental and human intervention scenarios we could provide better assessment at the time scales needed for coastal management.
Modulation of the unfolded protein response impedes tumor cell adaptation to proteotoxic stress: a PERK for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy
Authors: Vandewynckel Yves-Paul , Laukens Debby , Bogaerts Eliene , Paridaens Annelies , Van den Bussche Anja , Verhelst Xavier , Van Steenkiste Christophe , Descamps Benedicte , Vanhove Chris , Libbrecht Louis , De Rycke Riet , Lambrecht Bart N. , Geerts Anja , Janssens Sophie , Van Vlierberghe Hans 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background
Functional disturbances of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lead to activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), which is involved in the consecutive steps of carcinogenesis. In human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the UPR is shown to be activated; however, little is known about the UPR kinetics and effects of UPR modulation in HCC.

Methods
We sequentially monitored the UPR over time in an orthotopic mouse model for HCC and explored the effects of UPR modulation on cell viability and proliferation in vitro and in the mouse model.

Results
The expression of ER-resident chaperones peaked during tumor initiation and increased further during tumor progression, predominantly within the nodules. A peak in Ire1 signaling was observed during tumor initiation. The Perk pathway was activated during tumor progression, and the proapoptotic target Chop was upregulated from week 5 and continued to rise, especially in the tumors. The Atf6 pathway was modestly activated only after tumor initiation. Consistent with the UPR activation, electron microscopy demonstrated ER expansion and reorganization in HCC cells in vivo. Strikingly, under ER stress or hypoxia, the Perk inhibitor and not the Ire1 inhibitor reduced cell viability and proliferation via escalating proteotoxic stress in vitro. Notably, the Perk inhibitor significantly decreased tumor burden in the mouse model.

Conclusion
We provide the first evaluation of the UPR dynamics in a long-term cancer model and identified a small molecule inhibitor of Perk as a promising strategy for HCC therapy.
Continuity Across Inpatient and Outpatient Mental Health Care or Specialisation of Teams? A Systematic Review
Authors: Omer S. , Priebe S. , Giacco D. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground:A central question for the organisation of mental health care is whether the same clinicians should be responsible for a patient's care across inpatient and outpatient settings (continuity of care) or if there should be separate teams (specialisation). Current reforms in Europe are inconsistent on which to favour, and are based on little research evidence. This review is the first systematic appraisal of the existing evidence comparing continuity of care and specialisation across inpatient and outpatient mental health care.Method:A systematic search for studies of any design comparing mental health care systems based on continuity or specialisation of care was performed. Differences in clinical, social and cost-effective outcomes, and the views and experiences of patients and staff were assessed using narrative synthesis.Results:Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies had methodological shortcomings, but findings point towards reduced length and number of hospitalisations, and faster or more flexible transitions between services in continuity systems. Survey and qualitative findings suggest advantages of both systems, whilst patients and staff appear to prefer a continuity system.Conclusion:The evidence base suggests better outcomes and stakeholder preferences for continuity of care systems, but the quality of existing studies is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions. Higher quality comparative studies across various settings and population groups are urgently needed.
Changes in serum calcium and vitamin D3 levels after tibolone treatment and their correlations with health‐related quality of life
Authors: Bhattacharya Sudhindra M. , Ghosh Mainak 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effects of tibolone on serum calcium and vitamin D3 levels, the effects on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), and the relationship between these variables.MethodsAn open‐label, prospective, parallel‐arm study was conducted at S.C. Das Memorial Medical and Research Center, Kolkata, India, between July 2012, and June 2013. Women aged 34–55 years were eligible when they were experiencing surgical menopause and were symptomatic. Group A comprised patients who chose to receive tibolone (2.5 mg daily for 6 months) and group B comprised those who refused treatment. At baseline and 6 months, body mass index (BMI), serum calcium and vitamin D3 levels and HRQOL were assessed.ResultsOf 79 participants, 53 were in group A and 26 in group B. After 6 months, BMI had increased significantly in both groups. The vitamin D3 level had increased significantly from baseline in group A (P = 0.02), and was higher than that in group B (P = 0.01). HRQOL had also improved significantly from baseline in group A (P = 0.001), and was significantly better than that in group B (P < 0.001). In group A, a significant correlation was found between HRQOL improvement and vitamin D3 levels (P < 0.001).ConclusionTibolone significantly increases the serum vitamin D3 level and improves HRQOL in menopausal women.Clinical Trial Registry India: CTRI/2012/06/002752.
Geomagnetic induction responses of anisotropic conducting mantle
Authors: Plotkin V.V. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Phase change of dielectric magnesiowüstite in the lower mantle may leave signatures in geomagnetic records of the globally distributed array of observatories. The related features appear in EM induction responses of lower mantle, which are studied theoretically. The surface EM field corresponding to a response of the earth with conductivity anisotropy in a mantle spherical layer is presented as the sum of the magnetic and electric modes. Equations for the fields of both modes and their relationship in a weakly anisotropic earth are obtained by the perturbation method. The two field modes are analyzed jointly and separately to characterize the conductivity tensor of the anisotropic lower mantle. The tensor elements corresponding to the tangential components of the field can be estimated from the magnetic mode alone recorded currently by the global network of geomagnetic observatories. For the tensor data to be complete, observatory data on lateral variations of the electric field are required in addition to three-component geomagnetic records.
Reciprocity Laws on Algebraic Surfaces via Iterated Integrals
Authors: Horozov Ivan , Kerr Matt 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn this paper we introduce new local symbols, which we call 4-function local symbols. We formulate reciprocity laws for them. These reciprocity laws are proven using a new method - multidimensional iterated integrals. Besides providing reciprocity laws for the new 4-function local symbols, the same method works for proving reciprocity laws for the Parshin symbol. Both the new 4-function local symbols and the Parshin symbol can be expressed as a finite product of newly defined bi-local symbols, each of which satisfies a reciprocity law. TheK-theoretic variant of the first 4-function local symbol is defined in the Appendix. It differs by a sign from the one defined via iterated integrals. Both the sign and theK-theoretic variant of the 4-function local symbol satisfy reciprocity laws, whose proof is based on MilnorK-theory (see the Appendix). The relation of the 4-function local symbols to the double free loop space of the surface is given by iterated integrals over membranes.