bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Therapy on Metabolic Syndrome in Young Adult Premenopausal Female Lupus Patients: Beneficial Effect of Antimalarials
Authors: Muniz Luciana F. , Pereira Rosa M. R. , Silva Thiago F. , Bonfá Eloisa , Borba Eduardo F. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveThere are no data about the main factors associated with metabolic syndrome in young premenopausal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of metabolic syndrome and disease‐ or therapy‐related factors in premenopausal young SLE patients.MethodsA total of 103 premenopausal SLE patients ages <40 years were selected and compared to 35 healthy premenopausal age‐matched women. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the 2009 Joint Interim Statement.ResultsA higher frequency of metabolic syndrome (22.3% versus 5.7%; P = 0.03) was observed in the SLE group. Metabolic syndrome–SLE patients had higher SLE Disease Activity Index scores (mean ± SD 5.9 ± 7.6 versus 1.9 ± 2.7; P = 0.006), more frequently had previous renal disease (73.9% versus 51.2%; P = 0.05) and current renal disease (34.8% versus 10.0%; P = 0.008), and had higher current prednisone dose (median [range] 20 [0–60] versus 5 [0–60] mg/dl; P = 0.018) and cumulative prednisone dose (mean ± SD 41.48 ± 27.81 versus 24.7 ± 18.66 gm; P = 0.023) than those without metabolic syndrome. Chloroquine was less frequently used in metabolic syndrome–SLE patients (65.2% versus 90.0%; P = 0.008). In multivariate analysis, only current chloroquine use (prevalence ratio [PR] 0.29, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.13–0.64) and cumulative prednisone were associated with metabolic syndrome (PR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04). Further estimated prevalence analysis identified the fact that antimalarial use promoted continuous decrease in the progressive metabolic syndrome prevalence associated with glucocorticoid cumulative dose.ConclusionThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome is high in premenopausal young adult SLE patients. Chloroquine has a protective effect on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in these patients, and this benefit counteracts the deleterious effect of glucocorticoids in a dose‐dependent manner.
Design and characterization of polypropylene matrix/glass fibers composite materials
Authors: Sönmez Maria , Georgescu Mihai , Vâlsan Mihaela , Radulescu Marius , Ficai Denisa , Voicu Georgeta , Ficai Anton , Alexandrescu Laurentia 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTIn this article, polymer composites based on polypropylene (PP) matrix reinforced with short glass fibers type E (GF‐type E) were obtained. However, to ensure good interfacial adhesion and stress transfer across the interface, the influence of the chemical functionalization of the phases was analyzed. The better interfacial adhesion is assured by the use of maleic anhydride grafted PP and amino‐functionalized GF. The obtained composite materials were tested from the point of view of composition, morphology, and mechanical properties. It can conclude that the chemical functionalization of the two phases is beneficial from the point of view of compatibility of the phases and consequently higher mechanical properties are obtained. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42163.
Vinculin focal adhesion of osteoblast‐like cells on PEEK coated with ultra‐thin polymer nano films
Authors: Awaja Firas , Carletti Eleonora , Bonani Walter , Speranza Giorgio 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTPEEK is the polymer of choice to replace metal encapsulants and other parts in active medical implants fixated into bone. The current challenge is to improve its biocompatibility with bone tissue to ultimately achieve osseointegration. PEEK sheets surfaces coated with plasma deposited nano thin polymer films using CH4, (CH4 + O2) and (CH4 + N2) gases. PEEK samples plasma treated with nonpolymerizing gases (O2) were also used for comparison. The adhesion performance of osteoblast like cells on the plasma‐treated PEEK surfaces and the presence of Vinculin in these cells were evaluated after long culturing period (12 days). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger spectroscopy were used to provide surface molecular information, surface hardness and molecular density. All plasma‐treated surfaces retained functionality after the sterilization process. PEEK surfaces with high number of oxygen functional groups and particularly oxygen rich thin polymer coating (plasma deposition using CH4+O2 gas mixture) resulted in strong cellular adhesion strength and large Vinculin amount. Further, osteoblast‐like cells responded better to surfaces with lower molecular density acting like another signal for cell adhesion. The osteoblast‐like cells response was weaker for surfaces with both thin films with nitrogen functional groups and nonfunctional (nonpolar) films. Furthermore, thin films rich in nitrogen functional groups repelled the cells, showed abnormal cells shape, smaller Vinculin amount and induced thicker cellular clusters with poor spread. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42181.
Brief Report: Autocrine Cytokine–Mediated Deficiency of TRAIL‐Induced Monocyte Apoptosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Meusch Undine , Klingner Maria , Mathar Christoph , Malysheva Olga , Baerwald Christoph , Rossol Manuela , Wagner Ulf 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveDysregulated apoptosis of monocytes is a pathogenic feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TRAIL and TRAIL‐induced apoptosis in patients with RA.MethodsCell surface expression and serum concentrations of TRAIL were determined in 63 patients with RA, and TRAIL‐induced monocyte apoptosis was quantified. Surface expression of TRAILR‐1, TRAILR‐2, TRAILR‐3, TRAILR‐4, CXCR1, and CXCR2 was determined, and intracellular signal transduction was investigated. In 8 patients with RA, clinical and laboratory parameters of disease activity were investigated longitudinally, before and after initiation of treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.ResultsSerum concentrations of both TRAIL and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) were increased in patients with RA, while cell surface expression of the TRAIL receptors TRAILR‐1, TRAILR‐2, TRAILR‐3, and TRAILR‐4 was diminished. TRAIL‐induced monocyte apoptosis was significantly decreased in RA due to increased TRAIL‐induced IL‐8 secretion by RA monocytes. The combined effect of TRAIL and IL‐8 on monocytes resulted in activation of antiapoptotic pathways, including p42/44 MAPK and p38. Susceptibility to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis was restored in RA monocytes after 3 months of TNF inhibition.ConclusionIn RA, circulating monocytes with the potential to produce proinflammatory cytokines appear to have defects in several pathways of apoptosis induction, among which is a deficiency in TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Although this resistance to apoptosis might contribute to perpetuation of the disease, it remains to be determined whether specific induction of apoptosis could be therapeutically beneficial.
Preparation of the Monolith of Hierarchical Macro‐/Mesoporous Calcium Silicate Ultrathin Nanosheets with Low Thermal Conductivity by Means of Ambient‐Pressure Drying
Authors: Bai Jilin , Li Yuanzhi , Xiang Jiwei , Ren Lu , Mao Mingyang , Zeng Min , Zhao Xiujian 
Published: April 2015

AbstractCalcium silicate monolith was prepared by the hydrothermal reaction of a slurry of SiO2, calcium hydroxide, and surfactant (OP‐10) obtained by high‐energy ball milling, followed by drying at ambient pressure. By using this strategy, the shrinkage due to the collapse of pores during the drying of porous materials, which is a commonly observed phenomena, was successfully avoided. It has a unique microstructure of hierarchical macro‐/mesoporous ultrathin calcium silicate nanosheets with a layered gyrolite crystalline structure. Very interestingly, the calcium silicate nanosheets can be peeled off to give a single‐layer nanosheet (1.23 nm) of gyrolite by ultrasonication. The monolith has a low apparent density (0.073 g cm−3) and low thermal conductivity (0.0399 W K−1 m−1). The reasons behind why the formation of the unique hierarchical macro‐/mesoporous ultrathin nanosheets avoids shrinkage during the hydrothermal reaction and drying, and considerably decreases the thermal conductivity, is discussed.
Sensorless Control of Induction Machine Supplied by Current Source Inverter
Authors: Morawiec Marcin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe paper describes the voltage control technique of induction machines supplied by a current source inverter. The control system is based on proposed new multi‐scalar variables, which are named “r.” The control system contains the output filter capacitor's model. In the sensorless control system the Z type backstepping speed observer was applied. The mathematical dependences are confirmed by simulation and experimental research.
Low abundance of mitochondrial DNA changes mitochondrial status and renders cells resistant to serum starvation and sodium nitroprusside insult
Authors: Lee Sung Ryul , Heo Hye Jin , Jeong Seung Hun , Kim Hyoung Kyu , Song In Sung , Ko Kyung Soo , Rhee Byoung Doo , Kim Nari , Han Jin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractMutation or depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can cause severe mitochondrial malfunction, originating from the mitochondrion itself, or from the crosstalk between nuclei and mitochondria. However, the changes that would occur if the amount of mtDNA is diminished are less known. Thus, we generated rat myoblast H9c2 cells containing lower amounts of mtDNA via ethidium bromide and uridine supplementation. After confirming the depletion of mtDNA by quantitative PCR and gel electrophoresis analysis, we investigated the changes in mitochondrial physical parameters by using flow cytometry. We also evaluated the resistance of these cells to serum starvation and sodium nitroprusside. H9c2 cells with diminished mtDNA contents showed decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, mass, free calcium, and zinc ion contents as compared to naïve H9c2 cells. Furthermore, cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels were significantly higher in mtDNA‐lowered H9c2 cells than in the naïve cells. Although the oxygen consumption rate and cell proliferation were decreased, mtDNA‐lowered H9c2 cells were more resistant to serum deprivation and nitroprusside insults than the naïve H9c2 cells. Taken together, we conclude that the low abundance of mtDNA cause changes in cellular status, such as changes in reactive oxygen species, calcium, and zinc ion levels inducing resistance to stress.
Studienanfängerinnen und Studienanfänger im Fach Chemie
Authors: Freyer Katja , Asikainen Mervi A. , Hirvonen Pekka E. , Sumfleth Elke 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDie PISA‐Erhebungen haben den Vorsprung Finnlands gegenüber Deutschland hinsichtlich der naturwissenschaftlichen Kompetenzen fünfzehnjähriger Schülerinnen und Schüler deutlich gemacht. Es ist anzunehmen, dass dieser Vorsprung während der Schulzeit erhalten bleibt. Fraglich ist, ob sich die Leistungsunterschiede auch zu Beginn eines Fachstudiums, in diesem Fall des Chemiestudiums wiederfinden lassen, oder ob durch die Selektion aufgrund der Studienfachwahl diese Unterschiede aufgehoben werden. Es werden Chemie‐ und Chemielehramtsstudierende beider Länder zu Beginn des ersten Semesters hinsichtlich ihrer Schulnoten, ihrer kognitiven Fähigkeiten, ihres Chemiefachwissens, ihrer Selbsteinschätzung und ihres Fachinteresses verglichen. Zwischen den Ländern lassen sich kaum Unterschiede feststellen. Jedoch zeigt sich, dass Chemielehramtsstudierende in Finnland zu Studienbeginn ähnliche Leistungen erbringen und ähnliche Einstellungen aufweisen wie finnische Studierende im Studiengang Chemie. In Deutschland hingegen unterscheiden sich Chemie‐ und Chemielehramtsstudierende gerade bezüglich fachbezogener Variablen deutlich voneinander.
Ionization Potential Depression in Hot Dense Plasmas Through a Pure Classical Model
Authors: Calisti A. , Ferri S. , Talin B. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe ionization potential of an ion embedded in a plasma, lowered due to the whole of the charged particles (ions and electrons) interacting with this ion, is the so‐called plasma effect. A numerical plasma model based on classical molecular dynamics has been developed recently. It is capable to describe a neutral plasma at equilibrium involving ions of various charge states of the same atom together with electrons. This code is used here to investigate the ionization potential depression (IPD). The study of the IPD is illustrated and discussed for aluminum plasmas at mid and solid density and electron temperatures varying from 50eV to 190eV. The method relies on a sampling of the total potential energy of the electron located at an ion being ionized. The potential energy of such electron results from all of the interacting charged particles interacting with it. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Note on Mechanism for Formation of Bulbs (Structures) in Complex Plasmas with Grains of Different Size
Authors: Tsytovich V. , Suetterlin R. , Thomas H. , Ivlev A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this note the phenomena of formation of grain bulbs (compact grain structure) in presence of grains with different size is discussed from point of view of grain force balance. The requirement is found showing where in the equilibrium conditions the larger size grains are expelled from the regions of smaller size grains forming dust bulbs containing only the smallest size grains. The experiments where this phenomenon was observed are discussed. It is possible to conclude that these experiments can serve as direct evidence for existence of the non‐linear screening of individual grains and for excitation of collective large scale electric fields that balances the drag forces in domain of structures. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), solvent extract and essential oil can be used to extend the usage life of hazelnut oil during deep frying
Authors: Tohma Serdar , Turan Semra 
Published: April 2015

In this study, the effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) plant (RP), its alcoholic extracts (REE and RME) and essential oil (REO) on the oxidative stability of hazelnut oil (HO) during deep frying were investigated. HOs containing rosemary additives had lower conjugated diene (CD) content, p‐anisidine value (AV) and polar material content compared to control values. Additionally, changes in L*, a*, and b* color values and viscosity were lower than control values. RP (50 g/kg) caused the highest retention of α‐tocopherol. At the end of the frying period, the induction periods (IPs) of HOs containing rosemary additives were between 9.43 and 35.01 min, much higher than the control IP (4.28 min). The ratios of C18:1/C16:0 and C18:2/C16:0 were 7.6 and 1.2, respectively, in HOs containing 50 g/kg RP, values which were higher than those of the control. The study indicated that HO containing 50 g/kg RP had the best frying performance. Rosemary additives had no adverse effects on sensory acceptability according to results of a sensorial analysis of French fries. The rosemary additives also had no significant effect in terms of texture and color of French fries (P > 0.05). Consequently, this study shows that rosemary plant or extracts can be used to extend the usage life of hazelnut oil for frying.Practical applications: Rosemary is an herb with a high antioxidant activity due to its phenolic compound content. After grinding, it can be directly added to frying oils or added as a solvent extract. In direct application, which does not require the use of any additional chemicals, it increases the stability of the frying oil when it is used in an appropriate amount.Total phenolic content of hazelnut oil increased with the addition of rosemary plant, essential oil and alcoholic extracts.
EDC·HCl and Potassium Salts of Oxyma and Oxyma‐B as Superior Coupling Cocktails for Peptide Synthesis
Authors: Jad Yahya E. , Khattab Sherine N. , de la Torre Beatriz G. , Govender Thavendran , Kruger Hendrik G. , El‐Faham Ayman , Albericio Fernando 
Published: April 2015

AbstractNowadays, DIC is the most widely used carbodiimide for solid‐phase peptide synthesis, while EDC·HCl is mostly used only for solution‐phase synthesis. In this paper, we report new coupling cocktails containing EDC·HCl in combination with potassium salts of OxymaPure and Oxyma‐B (i.e., K‐Oxyma and K‐Oxyma‐B, respectively). These reagent cocktails gave spectacular purity compared to DIC/classical N‐hydroxylamine derivatives in the solid‐phase peptide synthesis of the Aib‐enkephaline (Aib = 2‐aminoisobutyric acid) pentapeptide (H‐Tyr‐Aib‐Aib‐Phe‐Leu‐NH2), a hindered peptide. Furthermore, we found that the EDC·HCl/K‐Oxyma combination can be used with DMF, THF, or MeCN as the solvent. The optimized cocktail gave less racemization than benzotriazole derivatives, but slightly more than OxymaPure and Oxyma‐B during stepwise solution‐phase peptide synthesis.
High‐order compact finite difference schemes for the vorticity–divergence representation of the spherical shallow water equations
Authors: Ghader Sarmad , Nordström Jan 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThis work is devoted to the application of the super compact finite difference method (SCFDM) and the combined compact finite difference method (CCFDM) for spatial differencing of the spherical shallow water equations in terms of vorticity, divergence, and height. The fourth‐order compact, the sixth‐order and eighth‐order SCFDM, and the sixth‐order and eighth‐order CCFDM schemes are used for the spatial differencing. To advance the solution in time, a semi‐implicit Runge–Kutta method is used. In addition, to control the nonlinear instability, an eighth‐order compact spatial filter is employed. For the numerical solution of the elliptic equations in the problem, a direct hybrid method, which consists of a high‐order compact scheme for spatial differencing in the latitude coordinate and a fast Fourier transform in longitude coordinate, is utilized. The accuracy and convergence rate for all methods are verified against exact analytical solutions. Qualitative and quantitative assessments of the results for an unstable barotropic mid‐latitude zonal jet employed as an initial condition are addressed. It is revealed that the sixth‐order and eighth‐order CCFDMs and SCFDMs lead to a remarkable improvement of the solution over the fourth‐order compact method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decision management in transoral robotic surgery: Indications, individual patient selection, and role in the multidisciplinary treatment for head and neck cancer from a European perspective
Authors: Lörincz Balazs B. , Jowett Nathan , Knecht Rainald 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundTransoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become an accepted first‐line treatment for T1 and T2 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The growing popularity of this procedure is the result of mounting skepticism as to the survival and quality of life (QOL) benefits of primary chemoradiation over definitive surgery, the rising incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in progressively younger patients, and the advantages of TORS over transoral laser microsurgery (TOLM) and open surgery.MethodsThe authors use their experience and data gained from the TORS‐based management of >100 patients to establish a systematic approach to the use of TORS in HNSCC.ResultsThis approach is constructed on a framework which goal is to select the primary treatment option that is most likely to reduce morbidity while preserving function and maintaining oncologic safety.ConclusionA consensus regarding the indications of TORS and its role in the multidisciplinary management of HNSCC is to be established. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2190–E2196, 2016
Development of toxicity values and exposure estimates for tetrabromobisphenol A: application in a margin of exposure assessment
Authors: Wikoff Daniele , Thompson Chad , Perry Camarie , White Matthew , Borghoff Susan , Fitzgerald Lauren , Haws Laurie C. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is used in a diverse array of products to improve fire safety. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) recently completed a 2‐year bioassay for TBBPA. The objective of the present study was to develop a cancer‐based and a non‐cancer based toxicity value and to compare such to appropriate estimates of human exposure. Data from the NTP 2‐year and 13‐week studies were selected to develop candidate toxicity values. Benchmark dose modeling and subsequent evaluation of candidate values resulted in selection of an oral reference dose (RfD) of 0.6 mg kg−1 day−1 based on uterine hyperplasia in rats and an oral cancer slope factor (OSF) of 0.00315 per mg kg−1 day−1 based on an increased incidence of uterine tumors in rats. Lifetime average daily dose (LADD) estimates ranged from 2.2 E−7 to 3.9 E−6 mg kg−1 day−1 based on age‐adjusted exposures to TBBPA via breast milk consumption, dietary intake, soil/dust ingestion and drinking water ingestion in infants, young children, older children and adults. Average daily dose (ADD) estimates ranged from 3.2 E −7 to 8.4 E−5 mg kg−1 day−1. Resulting margin of exposure (MOE) values were > 800 000 for non‐cancer endpoints and > 32 000 000 for cancer‐based endpoints. These data collectively indicate a low level of health concern associated with exposures to TBBPA based on current data. It is anticipated that the exposure estimates, along with the toxicity values described within, should be informative for understanding human health hazards associated with TBBPA. Copyright © 2015. The Authors. Journal of Applied Toxicology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Polyclonality of Parathyroid Tumors in Neonatal Severe Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Corrado Kristin R , Andrade Simone Caixeta , Bellizzi Justin , D'Souza-Li Lilia , Arnold Andrew 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

Neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT) is a rare disorder characterized by major hypercalcemia, elevated parathyroid hormone levels, and marked enlargement of multiple parathyroid glands, usually associated with germline mutations in the calcium receptor gene CASR. However, little is known about the outgrowth of parathyroid tumors in NSHPT, including whether they represent monoclonal or polyclonal expansions. We sought to examine the clonality of parathyroid tissues resected from a patient with NSHPT and biallelic CASR mutations. DNA from two distinct parathyroid tumors resected from a girl with NSHPT, plus polyclonal/monoclonal control samples, were subjected to analyses of clonality by two independent methods, X-chromosome inactivation analysis at the androgen receptor locus (HUMARA) and BAC array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Both parathyroid tumor samples revealed polyclonal patterns by X-inactivation analysis, with polyclonal and monoclonal controls yielding the expected patterns. Similarly, by BAC array CGH, neither parathyroid sample contained monoclonal copy number changes and both appeared identical to the patient-matched polyclonal controls. Our observations provide direct experimental evidence that the markedly enlarged parathyroid tumors in the setting of NSHPT constitute polyclonal, generalized hyperplastic growths rather than monoclonal neoplasms. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.