bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and laboratorial impact of antiretroviral therapy in a cohort of Portuguese patients chronically infected with HIV‐2
Authors: Miranda Ana , Peres Susana , Moneti Virginia , Azevedo Telma , Aldir Isabel , Mansinho Kamal 
Published: November 2014

IntroductionHIV‐2 infection is endemic in West Africa and some European countries, namely Portugal. HIV‐2 antiretroviral (ARV) treatment presents some restrains related to intrinsic resistance to non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) and fusion inhibitors, and poorer response to protease inhibitors (PI).Material and MethodsRetrospective observational study of a cohort of 135 infected HIV‐2 patients, diagnosed between 1989 and 2008.ObjectivesEvaluation of epidemiologic, clinical, immunologic and virologic progression, comparing to groups of patients (naïve vs ARV experienced); characterization of therapeutic, immunologic and virologic response. SPSS version 20.0 was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe study included 135 patients: 41% (n=55) naïve and 59% (n=80) with ARV experience. The comparison between groups (naïve vs ARV) revealed: male prevalence 76% vs 50%; mean age 54.5 years vs 54.8 (p=0.90); main geographic origin Guiné Bissau (47% vs 44%) and Portugal (22% vs 33%); and transmission mainly acquired by heterosexual contact (87% vs 80%). Mean time since diagnosis was 14 vs 13 years (p=0.31); 2% vs 50% presented AIDS criteria at diagnosis (p<0.001) and 93% vs 38% registered TCD4>350 cell/mm3 at diagnosis (p<0.001). Immunological evolution showed no significant decline in naïve population (Δ=−67 cell/mm3 – p=0.18) and a significant recovery in ARV experienced (Δ=+207 cell/mm3 – p<0.001). Global mortality rate found was 18% (6% vs 13% – p=0.122). Eighty patients initiated ARV: 84% presented a time interval of ARV exposure between 0–5 years (42%) and 5–10 years (42%). Fifty percent experienced ≤2 ARV regimens and the remaining >2 regimes. Considering the first ARV therapy: 56% initiated PI, 30% NTRI and 5% integrase inhibitor (II)‐based regimens. Currently, 54 patients maintain regular follow‐up and ARV therapy: 60% NTRI+PI; 37% NRTI+PI+II and 3% NRTI+II. TDF/FTC is the backbone in 56%. Most frequent PIs are LPV/r (54%), DRV/r (19%) and ATV/r (12%). Mean time of exposure to NRTI=3 years, PI=7 years and II=2 years. Immunologic recovery was sustained for each of the ARV class considered (NRTI Δ=+144 cell/mm3; PI=Δ+92 cell/mm3; II=Δ=+116 cell/mm3).ConclusionsThis is a cohort accompanied for a long period and the majority of patients present extensive ARV experience. The ARV‐experienced patients registered a favourable response to treatment, with sustained immune recovery (Δ=+207 cell/mm3) and virologic control in 74%. Immunologic behaviour evidenced a sustained gain for each of the ARV class considered.
Thermal properties of methane hydrate‐bearing sediments and surrounding mud recovered from Nankai Trough wells
Authors: Muraoka M. , Ohtake M. , Susuki N. , Yamamoto Y. , Suzuki K. , Tsuji T. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis paper presents the measurement of the thermal constants of natural methane hydrate‐bearing sediments and mud layer samples recovered from wells. Core samples were recovered from the Tokai‐oki test wells (Nankai Trough, Japan) in 2004. The thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat of the samples were simultaneously determined using the hot‐disk transient method. The thermal conductivity of natural hydrate‐bearing sediments decreased slightly with increasing porosity. In addition, the thermal diffusivity of hydrate‐bearing sediments decreased as the porosity increased. Moreover, we also used simple models to calculate the thermal conductivity and diffusivity. Estimations of the distribution model (geometric mean model) were relatively consistent with the measured results, suggesting that sand grains and hydrates should be independently distributed for hydrate‐bearing sediments, which exhibit a pore‐filling pattern. The measurement results were also consistent with the thermal diffusivity, which was estimated by dividing the thermal conductivity obtained from the distribution model by the specific heat taken from the arithmetic mean. Finally, our estimate of the thermal conductivity of silt soil was much lower than that for sand soil in hydrate‐bearing sediment, which suggests that the small grains influence thermal conductivity.
Insights into mantle structure and flow beneath Alaska based on a decade of observations of shear wave splitting
Authors: Perttu Anna , Christensen Douglas , Abers Geoffrey , Song Xiaodong 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSKS shear wave splitting measurements from three Program for Array Seismic Studies of the Continental Lithosphere experiments (Broadband Experiment Across the Alaska Range, Alaska Receiving Cross Transect of the Inner Core, and Multidisciplinary Observations Of Subduction), which form a north/south transect across Alaska, show a remarkably simple pattern of two large anisotropy domains. In the northern domain, extending from the 70 km contour of the subducting Pacific plate north to the Arctic Ocean, fast directions are consistently in the NE‐SW direction. These directions are essentially parallel to the absolute plate motion direction in northern Alaska and parallel to the strike of the subducting plate above the mantle wedge, suggesting that they represent some combination of plate‐scale asthenospheric flow in the upper mantle and flow along the subducting plate in the mantle wedge. A strong wedge component beneath the Alaska Range is required to explain systematics of splitting delay times. In the southern domain, which extends south from the 70 km depth contour to the subducting plate, fast directions are in the NW‐SE direction, a 90° rotation from the northern domain. These fast directions are parallel to the dip of the subducting plate in the direction of convergence and represent entrained flow beneath the subducting slab; the Pacific Plate absolute motion approximately parallels local convergence. Two major factors seem to control flow in these regions, absolute plate motion in the north and the subduction of the Pacific plate in the south, although both subduction‐driven wedge flow and absolute plate motion contribute to the southern part of the northern regime.
Centrifugation
Authors: Gallagher Sean R. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCentrifugation is a ubiquitous technique in the life science laboratory that uses specialized equipment (centrifuges) to spin, or centrifuge, samples in rotors, generating centrifugal force for a range of applications that include pelleting of precipitates, isolating organelles, and protein and DNA purification. The unit describes basic applications, definitions, and references, and provides up‐to‐date tables for rotor specifications from major suppliers. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Digital Image Processing and Analysis with ImageJ
Authors: Gallagher Sean R. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractImageJ is a freely available, cross‐platform (e.g., Windows, Mac, Linux) image processing and analysis program developed by the NIH. In addition to being readily available for no cost, ImageJ is supported by a wide range of constantly evolving user‐created functionalities to address a remarkable range of applications, complementing commercial software that typically comes with imaging instruments such as digital gel‐imaging systems or microscopy workstations. New processing/analysis macros and plug‐ins are routinely added to the support site, and are frequently validated via refereed publications. With the continued improvements and growth of fluorescence‐based applications, ImageJ continues to be a mainstay in the laboratory. ImageJ has extensive support materials available online, its base code is regularly updated, and a survey of Medline references indicates that it is one of the most widely used image‐analysis packages available today. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Characterization of cleaning and disinfecting tasks and product use among hospital occupations
Authors: Saito Rena , Virji M. Abbas , Henneberger Paul K. , Humann Michael J. , LeBouf Ryan F. , Stanton Marcia L. , Liang Xiaoming , Stefaniak Aleksandr B. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundHealthcare workers have an elevated prevalence of asthma and related symptoms associated with the use of cleaning/disinfecting products. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize cleaning/disinfecting tasks and products used among hospital occupations.MethodsWorkers from 14 occupations at five hospitals were monitored for 216 shifts, and work tasks and products used were recorded at five‐minute intervals. The major chemical constituents of each product were identified from safety data sheets.ResultsCleaning and disinfecting tasks were performed with a high frequency at least once per shift in many occupations. Medical equipment preparers, housekeepers, floor strippers/waxers, and endoscopy technicians spent on average 108–177 min/shift performing cleaning/disinfecting tasks. Many occupations used products containing amines and quaternary ammonium compounds for >100 min/shift.ConclusionsThis analysis demonstrates that many occupations besides housekeeping incur exposures to cleaning/disinfecting products, albeit for different durations and using products containing different chemicals. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:101–111, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inducing Axial Chirality in a “Geländer” Oligomer by Length Mismatch of the Oligomer Strands
Authors: Rickhaus Michel , Bannwart Linda Maria , Neuburger Markus , Gsellinger Heiko , Zimmermann Kaspar , Häussinger Daniel , Mayor Marcel 
Published: November 2014

AbstractHelical molecules are not only esthetically appealing due to their structural beauty, they also display unique physical properties as a result of their chirality. We describe herein a new approach to “Geländer” oligomers by interlinking two oligomer strands of different length. To compensate for the dimensional mismatch, the longer oligo(benzyl ether) oligomer wraps around the oligophenyl backbone. The new “Geländer” oligomer 1 was assembled in a sequence of functional‐group transformations and cross‐coupling steps followed by final cyclizations based on nucleophilic substitution reactions, and was fully characterized, including X‐ray diffraction analysis. The isolation of pure enantiomers enabled the racemization process to be studied by circular dichroism spectroscopy.
Hyperbranched polyester polyol modified with polylactic acid
Authors: Mesias Ricardo , Murillo Edwin A. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTIn this study the modification of a hyperbranched polyester polyol of second generation (HBP2G) with polylactic acid (PLA) was carried out. The proportions employed of PLA were: 10 (HBP2G90), 25 (HBP2G75), 40 (HBP2G60), and 55 wt % (HBP2G45). The materials obtained were characterized by acid value, hydroxyl value, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), chromatography exclusion size (SEC), dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric, differential scanning calorimetry, and rheology analyses. The analyses of the acid values and hydroxyl values showed that the reaction between HBP2G and PLA occurred. The greater modification degree was 92.00%. The NMR spectrum shows that evidently the PLA was grafted onto the HBP2G. The SEC analysis revealed that all samples presented values ​​of average molecular weight (Mn) and weight average molecular weight (Mw) higher than the HBP2G. The thermal stability of the materials increased with respect to HBP2G and it was independent of the modification degree. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41589.
Multiscale approach to the morphology, structure, and segmental dynamics of complex degradable aliphatic polyurethanes
Authors: Špírková Milena , Machová Luďka , Kobera Libor , Brus Jiří , Poręba Rafał , Serkis Magdalena , Zhigunov Alexander 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTA multiscale approach spanning from the segmental (subnanometer) up to micrometer level was applied for detailed study of the self‐assembly of aliphatic block polyurethane (PU) elastomers. To understand the principles of the self‐organization of hard and soft segments in the complex multi‐component systems, several two‐component model PU samples, that is, the products of 1,6‐diisocyanatohexane (HDI) with three diols differing in the length and constitution were also prepared, characterized, and investigated: (i) polycarbonate‐based macrodiol (MD), (ii) biodegradable oligomeric diol (DL‐L; product of butane‐1,4‐diol and D,L‐lactide), and (iii) butane‐1,4‐diol (BD). The study (particularly 13C‐1H PILGRIM NMR spectra) reveals complex internal organization and interesting (application appealing) behavior of multi‐component PUs. Hard segments (HDI+BD products) feature self‐assembled and significantly folded chain conformations with interdomain spacing 15–22 nm (small‐angle X‐ray scattering analysis). The small domains are hierarchically assembled in various structural formations of µm size (spherulites) depending on PU composition, as detected by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41590.
Flow characteristics of three enhanced oil recovery polymers in porous media
Authors: Wei Bing 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTThis article presents an experimental study aiming to explore the relationship among rheological properties, flow characteristics in porous media, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) performance of three typical EOR polymers. The results suggest that xanthan gum exhibits a very pronounced shear‐thinning behavior, which is probably also the reason explaining its moderate adsorption extent within porous media (thickness of adsorbed layer, e = 3.1 μm). The advanced viscoelastic properties coupled with the less adsorption extent compared to the hydrophobically modified copolymer (HMSPAM) allow xanthan gum to establish a “piston‐like” displacement pattern and lead up to 49.4% original oil in place (OOIP) of the cumulative oil recovery during polymer flooding. Regarding HMSPAM, the significant permeability reduction of the porous media induced by multilayer adsorption (e = 5.6 μm) results in much higher drive forces (ΔP) in the extended waterflooding stage, which further raises the cumulative oil recovery by 18.5% OOIP. In general, xanthan gum and HMSPAM totally produced 84% OOIP which is 15% higher than the extensively used EOR polymer, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM), under the same experimental conditions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41598.
Luminescent properties and energy transfer in the green phosphors LaBSiO5:Tb3+,Ce3+
Authors: Wang Zhengliang , Cheng Ping , He Pei , Liu Yong , Zhou Yayun , Zhou Qiang 
Published: October 2014

AbstractLaBSiO5 phosphors doped with Ce3+ and Tb3+ were synthesized using the conventional solid‐state method at 1100 °C. The phase purity and luminescent properties of these phosphors are investigated. LaBSiO5:Tb3+ phosphors show intense green emission, and LaBSiO5 phosphors doped with Ce3+ show blue–violet emission under UV light excitation. LaBSiO5 phosphors co‐doped with Ce3+ and Tb3+ exhibit blue–violet and green emission under excitation by UV light. The blue–violet emission is due to the 5d–4f transition of Ce3+ and the green emission is ascribed to the 5D4 → 7 F5 transition of Tb3+. The spectral overlap between the excitation band of Tb3+ and the emission band of Ce3+ supports the occurrence of energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+, and the energy transfer process was investigated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Universal probe amplification: Multiplex screening technologies for genetic variations
Authors: Park Jung Hun , Park Ki Soo , Lee Kyungmee , Jang Hyowon , Park Hyun Gyu 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn order to achieve multiplex screening of genetic variations, multiplex amplification of target genomic DNA is necessary. Universal amplification technology meets this requirement by simultaneously amplifying a number of different regions within the target genomic DNA using a single pair of universal primers and thus eliminating the limitations associated with the use of multiple pairs of primers. We comprehensively review universal probe amplification and its use with multiplex technologies for the identification of the most representative genetic variation, i. e. single nucleotide polymorphisms. The progress and key issues relating to universal probe amplification are discussed and the representative technologies are summarized with an emphasis on their application for the identification of susceptibility to human diseases.
Randomized clinical trial of the impact of surgical ward-care checklists on postoperative care in a simulated environment
Authors: Pucher P H , Aggarwal R , Qurashi M , Singh P , Darzi A 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Background
Complications are a common and accepted risk of surgery. Failure to optimize the management of patients who suffer postoperative morbidity may result in poorer surgical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate a checklist-based tool to improve and standardize care of postoperative complications.

Methods
Surgical trainees conducted baseline ward rounds of three patients with common postoperative complications in a high-fidelity simulated ward environment. Subjects were randomized to intervention or control groups, and final ward rounds were conducted with or without the aid of checklists for management of postoperative complications. Adherence to critical care processes was assessed, in addition to technical (Surgical Ward-care Assessment Tool, SWAT) and non-technical (Ward NOn-TECHnical Skills (W-NOTECHS) scale) performance. Subjects completed a feedback questionnaire regarding their perception of the checklists.

Results
Twenty trainees completed 120 patient assessments. All intervention group subjects opted to use the checklists, resulting in significantly fewer critical errors compared with controls (median (i.q.r.) 0 (0–0) versus 60 (40–73) per cent; P &lt; 0·001). The intervention group demonstrated improved patient management (SWAT-M) (P &lt; 0·001) and non-technical skills (P = 0·043) between baseline and final ward rounds, whereas controls did not (P = 0·571 and P = 0·809 respectively). A small learning effect was seen with improvement in patient assessment (SWAT-A) in both groups (P &lt; 0·001). Intervention group subjects found checklists easy and effective to use, and would want them used for their own care if they were to experience postoperative complications.

Conclusion
Checklist use resulted in significantly improved standardization, evidence-based management of postoperative complications, and quality of ward rounds. Simulation-based piloting aided appropriate use of checklists and staff engagement. Checklists represent a low-cost intervention to reduce rates of failure to rescue and to improve patient care.
Control of Cellular Function by Reversible Photoregulation of Translation
Authors: Ogasawara Shinzi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe use of light as an external stimulus offers the potential for spatiotemporal control and is thus ideal for controlling gene expression in living cells. In commonly used caging systems, once the caging compound is removed, protein expression cannot be stopped, due to the irreversibility of the uncaging reaction. We have developed a reversible method for regulating protein expression with the aid of a photoresponsive cap that can control the translation of mRNA in a reversible manner through triggering of cis–trans photoisomerization of the cap. In its trans form, the photoresponsive cap completely inhibited translation, whereas the cis form yielded protein (12.7 times more translated protein than in the trans form). Moreover, we succeeded in controlling the levels, timing and duration of protein expression in living mammalian cells. Additionally, neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells was photoinduced by controlling constitutively active H‐Ras 61L protein expression.
Insights into the Active Species of Nanoparticle‐Functionalized Hierarchical Zeolites in Alkylation Reactions
Authors: Grau‐Atienza Aida , Campos Rafael , Serrano Elena , Ojeda Manuel , Romero Antonio A. , Garcia‐Martinez Javier , Luque Rafael 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSupported iron oxide nanoparticles have been incorporated onto hierarchical zeolites by microwave‐assisted impregnation and mechanochemical grinding. Nanoparticle‐functionalised porous zeolites were characterised by a number of analytical techniques such as XRD, N2 physisorption, TEM, and surface acidity measurements. The catalytic activities of the synthesised nanomaterials were investigated in an alkylation reaction. The results pointed to different species with varying acidity and accessibility in the materials, which provided essentially different catalytic activities in the alkylation of toluene with benzyl chloride under microwave irradiation, selected as the test reaction.
Application of Cationic Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) Iron Oxide/Chitosan‐Based Nanocomposite for the Determination of Paraoxon
Authors: Tiwari Ida , Gupta Mandakini , Pandey Chandra Mouli 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe preparation of stable oleic‐acid‐capped iron‐oxide nanoparticles is reported, which were further coated with cationic poly (d,l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) and chitosan in aqueous media by using a nano‐emulsion technique. The prepared composite was used to modify a glassy carbon electrode and the electrochemical behavior and stability of modified electrode were investigated by using cyclic voltammetry. This platform was then utilized to prepare an electrochemical pesticide biosensor based on the inhibition study of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Furthermore, the response characteristics show that this fabricated electrode has a shelf life of about 3–4 months and has good adhesion properties along with homogeneous dispersion at the electrode surface. The linear range and detection limit for paraoxon pesticide detection was found to be 9.55–37.1 nM and 8.91 nM, respectively.
Synergistic Catalysis: Enantioselective Addition of Alkylbenzoxazoles to Enals
Authors: Meazza Marta , Ceban Victor , Pitak Mateusz B. , Coles Simon J. , Rios Ramon 
Published: October 2014

AbstractA novel catalytic enantioselective methodology based on synergistic catalysis is reported. The strategy involves: 1) the metal‐Lewis‐acid activation of alkylazaarenes, and 2) the secondary‐amine activation of enals. Consequently, highly functionalized chiral alkylazaarenes were obtained in good yields and with reasonable stereoselectivity.
ortho‐Fluoroazobenzenes: Visible Light Switches with Very Long‐Lived Z Isomers
Authors: Knie Christopher , Utecht Manuel , Zhao Fangli , Kulla Hannes , Kovalenko Sergey , Brouwer Albert M. , Saalfrank Peter , Hecht Stefan , Bléger David 
Published: October 2014

AbstractImproving the photochemical properties of molecular photoswitches is crucial for the development of light‐responsive systems in materials and life sciences. ortho‐Fluoroazobenzenes are a new class of rationally designed photochromic azo compounds with optimized properties, such as the ability to isomerize with visible light only, high photoconversions, and unprecedented robust bistable character. Introducing σ‐electron‐withdrawing F atoms ortho to the NN unit leads to both an effective separation of the n→π* bands of the E and Z isomers, thus offering the possibility of using these two transitions for selectively inducing E/Z isomerizations, and greatly enhanced thermal stability of the Z isomers. Additional para‐electron‐withdrawing groups (EWGs) work in concert with ortho‐F atoms, giving rise to enhanced separation of the n→π* transitions. A comprehensive study of the effect of substitution on the key photochemical properties of ortho‐fluoroazobenzenes is reported herein. In particular, the position, number, and nature of the EWGs have been varied, and the visible light photoconversions, quantum yields of isomerization, and thermal stabilities have been measured and rationalized by DFT calculations.