bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of interleukin‐1β/transforming growth factor‐β1 and hypoxia relate to molecular mechanisms underlying immobilization‐induced muscle contracture
Authors: Honda Yuichiro , Sakamoto Junya , Nakano Jiro , Kataoka Hideki , Sasabe Ryo , Goto Kyo , Tanaka Miho , Origuchi Tomoki , Yoshimura Toshiro , Okita Minoru 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: In this study we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying muscle contracture in rats. Methods: The rats were divided into immobilization and control groups, and soleus muscles of the right and left sides were selected for analyses. Results: The levels of CD11b and α‐SMA protein, IL‐1β, and TGF‐β1 mRNA, and type I and III collagen protein and mRNA were significantly greater in the immobilization group than in the control group at all time‐points. HIF‐1α mRNA levels were significantly higher in the immobilization group at 4 weeks. Moreover, HIF‐1α, α‐SMA, and type I collagen levels were significantly higher at 4 weeks than at 1 and 2 weeks in the immobilization group. Conclusions: In the early stages of immobilization, upregulation of IL‐1β/TGF‐β1 via macrophages may promote fibroblast differentiation that could affect muscle contracture. The soleus muscle became hypoxic in the later stages of immobilization, suggesting that hypoxia influences the progression of muscle contracture. Muscle Nerve 52:419–427, 2015
Three‐tesla magnetic resonance neurography of the brachial plexus in cervical radiculopathy
Authors: Yoshida Takeshi , Sueyoshi Takeshi , Suwazono Shugo , Suehara Masahito 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: There have been no reports of the use of 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance neurography (3T MRN) to characterize cervical radiculopathy. In particular, there are no reports of MRN of brachial plexus involvement in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Methods: We reviewed retrospectively 12 consecutive patients with cervical radiculopathy who underwent 3T MRN. Results: The median age was 54.5 years. Eleven of 12 patients were men. The distribution of nerve‐root signal abnormality was correlated with intervertebral foraminal stenosis and the presence of muscles that exhibited weakness and/or signs of denervation on electromyography. MRN abnormalities were found to extend into the distal part of the brachial plexus in 10 patients. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that MRN is potentially useful for diagnosis in patients with suspected cervical radiculopathy. Moreover, the finding of brachial plexus involvement on MRN may indicate a possible pathophysiological relationship between cervical radiculopathy and brachial plexopathy. Muscle Nerve 52:392–396, 2015
Reliability of the log‐transformed EMG amplitude‐power output relationship for incremental knee‐extensor ergometry
Authors: Eason Travis , Gavel Christine R. , Hawley Kyle A. , Galen Sujay S. , Malek Moh H. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the reproducibility of the log‐transformed model for electromyography (EMG) amplitude during incremental single‐leg knee‐extensor exercise. Methods: Eight healthy college‐aged men performed 3 incremental tests on separate occasions on a knee‐extensor ergometer. EMG amplitude was analyzed for each participant on each occasion for the rectus femoris and vastus medialis muscles at 4 different exercise power outputs (30%, 50%, 70%, and 90%) corresponding to each participant's maximal power output. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were determined for the slope and y‐intercept terms derived from the log‐transformed EMG amplitude‐power output relationship for each muscle. Results: The ICC values for the rectus femoris (slope = 0.779; y‐intercept = 0.787) and vastus medialis (slope = 0.756; y‐intercept = 0.763) muscles were high. Conclusions: The log‐transformed EMG amplitude‐power output relationship is a reliable index for measuring motor unit activation. Muscle Nerve 52:428–434, 2015
Demographic and clinical features of inclusion body myositis in north America
Authors: Paltiel A. David , Ingvarsson Einar , Lee Donald K. K. , Leff Richard L. , Nowak Richard J. , Petschke Kurt D. , Richards‐Shubik Seth , Zhou Ange , Shubik Martin , O'Connor Kevin C. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Few studies of the demographics, natural history, and clinical management of inclusion body myositis (IBM) have been performed in a large patient population. To more accurately define these characteristics, we developed and distributed a questionnaire to patients with IBM. Methods: A cross‐sectional, self‐reporting survey was conducted. Results: The mean age of the 916 participants was 70.4 years, the male‐to‐female ratio was 2:1, and the majority reported difficulty with ambulation and activities of daily living. The earliest symptoms included impaired use and weakness of arms and legs. The mean time from first symptoms to diagnosis was 4.7 years. Half reported that IBM was their initial diagnosis. A composite functional index negatively associated with age and disease duration, and positively associated with participation in exercise. Conclusions: These data are valuable for informing patients how IBM manifestations are expected to impair daily living and indicate that self‐reporting could be used to establish outcome measures in clinical trials. Muscle Nerve 52: 527–533, 2015
Identifying causes of variability in outcomes in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated in a resource‐rich developing country
Authors: Jastaniah Wasil , Elimam Naglla , Abdalla Khalid , Iqbal Basheer Ahmed Cittana , Khattab Taha M. , Felimban Sami , Abrar Mohammed Burhan 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundThe outcome of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in developing countries is less favorable than in developed countries, primarily due to resource constraints. However, it is unknown whether the therapeutic results differ. Thus, we hypothesized that outcomes in resource‐rich developing countries would be similar to those in industrialized regions.ProcedureWe performed a retrospective analysis of 224 consecutive children with ALL, who were treated according to the Children's Cancer Group (CCG) protocols between January 2001 and December 2007. High‐risk (HR) and standard‐risk (SR) patients were treated with modified CCG‐1961 and CCG‐1991 protocols, respectively. Modifications included substitution of dexamethasone for prednisone in HR patients and addition of two intrathecal methotrexate treatments for CNS2 patients during induction. All patients received double delayed intensification with two interim maintenance phases.ResultsFive‐year overall survival (OS), event‐free survival (EFS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were 84.7 ± 2.4%, 77.0 ± 2.9%, and 81.4 ± 2.7%, respectively. Remission was achieved in 98.1% of the patients. Induction failure and relapse rates were 1.9% and 15.1%, respectively. Death as the first event occurred in 6.4% of cases, of which 2.7% and 3.7% involved deaths in induction and remission, respectively. Interestingly, a significant reduction in induction deaths was observed over time.ConclusionsDespite the encouraging results observed in the present study, our patients displayed significantly lower survival outcomes compared to subjects treated in major clinical trials conducted by leading leukemia cooperative groups. Furthermore, this work underscores the need for targeted interventions to reduce death as the first event in developing regions. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:945–950. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical and experimental characterization of amino‐PEG‐phosphonate‐terminated Polyphosphorhydrazone dendrimers: Influence of size and PEG capping on cytotoxicity profiles
Authors: Hameau Aurélien , Fruchon Séverine , Bijani Christian , Barducci Alessandro , Blanzat Muriel , Poupot Rémy , Pavan Giovanni M. , Caminade Anne‐Marie , Turrin Cédric‐Olivier 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThe synthesis of new series of PPH (poly(phosphorhydrazone)) dendrimers with amino‐PEG phosphonates or the corresponding amino‐PEG phosphonic acids as terminal groups is presented, from generations 1–3. The size of PEG‐terminated dendrimers is experimentally measured by diffusional NMR, and by means of dynamic light scattering. Classical molecular dynamics and well‐tempered metadynamics simulations are used to assess or confirm the formation of aggregates in some cases. The influence of PEG capping on the cytotoxicity profiles of the dendrimers is evaluated on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by means of LIVE/DEAD assays, and confirms the importance of PEG capping to ensure low cytotoxicity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 761–774
Evolution of particle morphology during the synthesis of hybrid acrylic/CeO2 nanocomposites by miniemulsion polymerization
Authors: Aguirre Miren , Paulis Maria , Barrado Mariano , Iturrondobeitia Maider , Okariz Ana , Guraya Teresa , Ibarretxe Julen , Leiza Jose Ramon 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThe evolution of the morphology of an acrylic/CeO2 hybrid latex synthesized by a two step seeded semibatch emulsion polymerization process was investigated. The seed was produced by batch miniemulsion polymerization and in the second step a neat monomer preemulsion was fed to the seed to increase the solids content and encapsulate the inorganic material. The morphology of the hybrid miniemulsion droplets, the seed and the final latex was analyzed by TEM. The morphologies achieved could be explained by theoretical equilibrium morphology maps based on the interfacial tensions of the monomeric, polymeric, inorganic and aqueous phases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 792–799
Synthesis and chiral recognition of helical poly(phenylacetylene)s bearing l‐phenylglycinol and its phenylcarbamates as pendants
Authors: Zhang Chunhong , Wang Hailun , Yang Taotao , Ma Rui , Liu Lijia , Sakai Ryosuke , Satoh Toshifumi , Kakuchi Toyoji , Okamoto Yoshio 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTA series of novel stereoregular one‐handed helical poly(phenylacetylene) derivatives (PPA‐1 and PPA‐1a∼g) bearing l‐phenylglycinol and its phenylcarbamate residues as pendants was synthesized for use as chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for HPLC, and their chiral recognition abilities were evaluated using 13 racemates. The phenylcarbamate residues include an unsubstituted phenyl, three chloro‐substituted phenyls (3‐Cl, 4‐Cl, 3,5‐Cl2), and three methyl‐substituted phenyls (3‐CH3, 4‐CH3, 3,5‐(CH3)2). The acidity of the phenylcarbamate N‐H proton and the hydrogen bonds formed between the N‐H groups of the phenylcarbamate residues were dependent on the type, position, and the number of substituents on the phenylcarbamate residues. The chiral recognition abilities of these polymers significantly depended on the dynamic helical conformation of the main chain with more or less regularly arranged pendants. The chiral recognition abilities seem to be improved by the introduction of substituents on the phenylcarbamate residues, and PPA‐1d bearing the more acidic N‐H groups due to the 3,5‐dichloro substituents, exhibited a higher chiral recognition than the others. PPA‐1d showed an efficient chiral recognition for some racemates, and baseline separation was possible for racemates 5, 11, 12, and 15. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 809–821
Synthesis of bio‐based poly(N‐phenylitaconimide) by atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Okada Seiji , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTPoly(N‐phenylitaconimide) (polyPhII) was prepared using initiators for continuous activator regeneration atom transfer radical polymerization of PhII using FeBr3 complexes as catalysts. Conversion reached 69% in 24 h, yielding polyPhII with a number average molecular weight Mn = 11,900 and a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn = 1.52. Copolymerizations of PhII with styrene at various molar ratios were performed providing a range of polyPhII‐copolySt polymers. When the copolymerization was carried out with higher [St]0 > [PhII]0 ratio, a one‐pot synthesis of poly(St‐alt‐PhII)‐b‐polySt was achieved. The thermal properties of the obtained copolymers were studied by differential scanning calorimetry. PolyPhII prepared by ATRP showed high glass transition temperature (Tg) of 216 °C and the poly(St‐alt‐PhII)‐b‐polySt exhibited two Tgs, at 162 and 104 °C, corresponding to a poly(St‐alt‐PhII) and polySt segments, respectively. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 822–827
The role of sequential automation in improving process safety
Authors: Huffman David A. 
Published: December 2014

Generally, process safety automation has been considered to be the responsibility of a specialized safety system and that remains true for Safety Integrity Level safety automation requirements. But, what if the basic automation of the process could be constructed in such a way that it significantly improved the ability to maintain the process within acceptable operating limits and not reach the conditions that would trigger a response from the safety system?All processes operate based on procedures, usually written. Batch‐based processes more and more run on automated procedures. But, even continuous processes constantly use procedures. Among these are equipment and unit startup and shutdown procedures, product or grade change procedures, spare equipment in and out of service procedures, quality control procedures, alarm response procedures, and many more. Frequently, there can be significant benefits to automating a high percentage of these procedures.Safety is one of those benefits and can be derived from opportunities ranging from consistent and mistake proof operations to simply removing the need for an operator to be exposed to potential process or physical hazards. Additionally, significant impacts can be realized on alarm management based on procedural control. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 34: 199–201, 2015
Preschool children's taxonomic knowledge of animal species
Authors: Allen Michael 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAlthough taxonomic proficiency is a prerequisite for understanding ideas central to biology, previous research has established that learners frequently misclassify animals by not following the tenets of accepted taxonomic rubrics. This has immediate relevance with the recently revised English National Curriculum now requiring concepts of animal classification to be taught to 5–6 year‐olds. The current study represents an attempt to explore how preschool children aged 3–5 years classify animals, and patterns in the ways in which their taxonomic knowledge might progress with age were sought to illuminate potential origins of naive conceptions in the early years. A quantitative approach was employed with a sample of 75 children utilising a structured interview method to determine their ideas about the taxonomic labels animal, fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, mammal and insect. Findings revealed common learning trajectories as children's prototypes developed from 3 to 5 years. These trajectories confirmed that the preschool children held many of the same naive conceptions as those previously reported in older learners. Some of these conceptions started to dissipate with age; however, others began to emerge in the older children within the sample, representing a decline in performance with age. This decline is concerning though can be accounted for by contemporary categorization theory, giving support to the view that science misconceptions can emerge in the early years due to natural maturation (cognitive factors), as well as exposure to formal and informal learning experiences (socio‐cultural factors). To supplement established conceptual change strategies, which deal with already‐formed misconceptions, it is proposed that there be a fresh research emphasis towards conceptual creation where acceptable scientific ideas are seeded at the earliest years of schooling. Accordingly, the role of early years educators would become fundamental to effective science education. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 52: 107–134, 2015
The consequences of genetic and pharmacologic reduction in sphingolipid synthesis
Authors: Schiffmann Raphael 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA new therapy based on substrate synthesis reduction in sphingolipidoses is showing promise. The consequences of decreasing sphingolipid synthesis depend on the level at which synthetic blockage occurs and on the extent of the blockage. Complete synthetic blockage may be lethal if it includes all sphingolipids, such as in a global knockout of serine palmitoyltransferase. Partial inhibition of sphingolipid synthetic pathways is usually benign and may have beneficial effects in a number of lysosomal diseases and in more common pathologies, as seen in animal models for atherosclerosis, polycystic kidney disease, diabetes, and asthma. Studies of various forms of sphingolipid synthesis reduction serve to highlight not only the cellular role of these lipids but also the potential risks and therapeutic benefits of pharmacological agents to be used in therapy for human diseases.
Polymer‐Cationic Surfactant Interaction: 1. Surface and Physicochemical Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)‐S‐Alkyl Isothiouronium Bromide Surfactant Mixed Systems
Authors: Negm Nabel A. , Mohamed Amouna S. , Ahmed Sahar M. , El-Raouf Mohamed Abd 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSurface properties of polyvinyl alcohol (nonionic polymer) and three synthesized cationic surfactants, namely, S‐alkyl isothiouronium bromide at different mole fractions of 1:9, 3:7, 5:5, 7:3, and 9:1, were investigated. The values of the surface parameters were discussed according to the type of interaction between the cationic surfactant and type of polymer studied. The S‐alkyl isothiouronium bromide surfactant molecules are positively charged molecules, and the PVA chains contain hydroxyl groups that are partially negatively charged centers. The comparison between the surface properties of the individual cationic surfactants and their mixture with PVA polymer showed that the mixed systems have some advantages over the individual cationic surfactants.
Developing Strong Response Capacity: Training Volunteers in the Medical Reserve Corps
Authors: Ye Jiali , Stanford Stacy , Gousse Tahlia , Tosatto Robert J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe success of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is dependent on the ability of volunteers to respond in a timely and effective manner. This study aimed to assess the current status of MRC volunteer training and to examine the association between MRC characteristics and provision of training.MethodsThe data for this study were drawn from the 2013 Network Profile Survey of the MRC, which was administered to active MRC unit leaders or designated alternates of 962 units across the country in April to May of 2013.ResultsOver 80% of MRCs had a training plan. Ninety-one percent of MRCs offered one or more training courses to volunteers, and 73% indicated requirements for mandatory training. Approximately 84% of MRC units collaborated with other organizations to conduct trainings. Units with more volunteers (>150) were 3 times as likely to have a plan for volunteer training as were those with fewer volunteers (≤50). Compared to units with a full-time leader, those with leaders who were volunteers were only 0.57 times as likely to have a training plan.ConclusionsAn overwhelming majority of MRC units provide critical training to their volunteers prior to an emergency deployment. To further strengthen the overall MRC capacities, it is important for MRC units to have a training plan tailored to their community needs and features, make full use of available training resources, and collaborate with partner organizations. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;8:527-532)
Assessing Electronic Death Registration and American Red Cross Systems for Mortality Surveillance During Hurricane Sandy, October 29–November 10, 2012, New York City
Authors: Howland Renata E. , Madsen Ann M. , Nicaj Leze , Noe Rebecca S. , Casey-Lockyer Mary , Begier Elizabeth 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveWe briefly describe 2 systems that provided disaster-related mortality surveillance during and after Hurricane Sandy in New York City, namely, the New York City Health Department Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS) and the American Red Cross paper-based tracking system.MethodsRed Cross fatality data were linked with New York City EDRS records by using decedent name and date of birth. We analyzed cases identified by both systems for completeness and agreement across selected variables and the time interval between death and reporting in the system.ResultsRed Cross captured 93% (41/44) of all Sandy-related deaths; the completeness and quality varied by item, and timeliness was difficult to determine. The circumstances leading to death captured by Red Cross were particularly useful for identifying reasons individuals stayed in evacuation zones. EDRS variables were nearly 100% complete, and the median interval between date of death and reporting was 6 days (range: 0-43 days).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that a number of steps have the potential to improve disaster-related mortality surveillance, including updating Red Cross surveillance forms and electronic databases to enhance timeliness assessments, greater collaboration across agencies to share and use data for public health preparedness, and continued expansion of electronic death registration systems. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;8:489-491)
Legislative Explorer: Data-Driven Discovery of Lawmaking
Authors: Stramp Nicholas , Wilkerson John 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTInteractive visualizations are used widely in the natural sciences to facilitate discovery in “big-data” research. This article introduces a project that applies the same data-driven discovery approach to politics. Lawmaking is a complex process that can be diﬃcult to convey in a constructive way, whether the audience is the general public, students, or researchers.Legislative Explorer(available athttp://www.legex.org) visualizes the progress of more than 250,000 congressional bills and resolutions introduced since 1973. Users of all abilities can engage with actual data to discover how bills become law. Filters designed by domain experts guide them toward key insights. It is our hope thatLegislative Explorerpromotes greater understanding of a much-maligned institution.
Will Open Access Get Me Cited? An Analysis of the Efficacy of Open Access Publishing in Political Science
Authors: Atchison Amy , Bull Jonathan 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThe digital revolution has made it easier for political scientists to share and access high-quality research online. However, many articles are stored in proprietary databases that some institutions cannot afford. High-quality, peer-reviewed, top-tier journal articles that have been made open access (OA) (i.e., freely available online) theoretically should be accessed and cited more easily than articles of similar quality that are available only to paying customers. Research into the efficacy of OA publishing thus far has focused mainly on the natural sciences, and the results have been mixed. Because OA has not been as widely adopted in the social sciences, disciplines such as political science have received little attention in the OA research. In this article, we seek to determine the efficacy of OA in political science. Our primary hypothesis is that OA articles will be cited at higher rates than articles that are toll access (TA), which means available only to paying customers. We test this hypothesis by analyzing the mean citation rates of OA and TA articles from eight top-ranked political science journals. We find that OA publication results in a clear citation advantage in political science publishing.