bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of platelet‐derived growth factor‐α in eosinophilic and non‐eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Lin Hai , Lin Dong , Xiong Xi‐Sheng , Dai Xiong‐Xiong , Lin Ting 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundThe pathogenesis of human chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) comprising eosinophilic CRSwNP (ECRSwNP) and non‐eosinophilic (nECRSwNP) is not completely understood. Recent evidence has suggested that platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) is implicated in cell growth, transformation, proliferation, migration, and vascular permeability and platelet‐derived growth factor‐A (PDGF‐A) is a specific ligand for PDGFRα. However, little is known about their roles in CRSwNP. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression and role of PDGFRα and PDGF‐A in CRSwNP.MethodsPDGFRα protein expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry method and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of PDGFRα and PDGF‐A were assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in CRSwNP patients and control subjects. Moreover, the effects of various stimulators with different concentrations and time on PDGFRα were evaluated on nasal explant culture.ResultsQuantitative analysis of immunostaining for PDGFRα showed an obvious elevation in immunolabeling of PDGFRα in CRSwNP groups compared with controls. Furthermore, PDGFRα protein was significantly stronger expressed in ECRSwNP group than nECRSwNP group and atopic patients showed stronger expression of PDGFRα protein than nonatopic patients. The mRNA of PDGFRα and PDGF‐A were overexpressed in CRSwNP, especially in ECRSwNP. PDGFRα mRNA expression was closely related to PDGF‐A mRNA. In nasal explant culture and stimulation, PDGFRα mRNA was augmented by interleukin 4 (IL‐4), IL‐5, or IL‐1β respectively, but suppressed by IL‐27.ConclusionPDGFRα may play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of ECRSwNP and nECRSwNP by combining with PDGF‐A. IL‐4, IL‐5, or IL‐1β may be critical for PDGFRα gene expression.
Feeling Bad Posing as a Model: An Objective Manner of Study Upward Own‐Body Comparisons in Body‐Dissatisfied Women
Authors: Ortega‐Roldán Blanca , Rodríguez‐Ruiz Sonia , Díaz‐Ferrer Sandra , Fernández‐Santaella M. Carmen , Vila Jaime 
Published: September 2014

AbstractEmotional effects of upward body comparisons are suggested to occur automatically. A startle reflex paradigm was used to objectively examine the emotions elicited by viewing a picture of one's own body adopting a model pose or a neutral pose, in 30 women with high body dissatisfaction (HBD) and 33 women with low body dissatisfaction (LBD). In‐task emotional responses in perceived valence, arousal and control were assessed. Additionally, post‐task positive/negative and body‐related beauty feelings were recorded. The results revealed that HBD women, compared with LBD women, showed (i) less pleasure, higher activation and less control whilst viewing their own bodies and (ii) less pleasure, more negative/ugliness feelings and an increased startle response when viewing themselves posing as models. The data showed that their own bodies provoked an immediate negative emotional state in HBD women. However, greater aversive psychophysiological mechanisms were automatically activated only when these women posed as models, suggesting that they made upward own‐body comparisons. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
A nonlinear ALE‐FCT scheme for non‐equilibrium reactive solute transport in moving domains
Authors: Mabuza Sibusiso , Kuzmin Dmitri 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYIn this paper, we present a conservative, positivity‐preserving, high‐resolution nonlinear ALE‐flux‐corrected transport (FCT) scheme for reactive transport models in moving domains. The mathematical model is a convection–diffusion equation with a nonlinear flux equation on the moving channel wall. The reactive transport is assumed to have dominant Péclet and Damköhler numbers, a phenomenon that often results in non‐physical negative solutions. The scheme presented here is proven to be mass conservative in time and positive at all times for a small enough Δt. Reactive transport examples are simulated using this scheme for its validation, to show its convergence, and to compare it against the linear ALE‐FCT scheme. The nonlinear ALE‐FCT is shown to perform better than the linear ALE‐FCT schemes for large time steps. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling and Trading the Greek Stock Market with Gene Expression and Genetic Programing Algorithms
Authors: Karatahansopoulos Andreas , Sermpinis Georgios , Laws Jason , Dunis Christian 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper presents an application of the gene expression programming (GEP) and integrated genetic programming (GP) algorithms to the modelling of ASE 20 Greek index. GEP and GP are robust evolutionary algorithms that evolve computer programs in the form of mathematical expressions, decision trees or logical expressions. The results indicate that GEP and GP produce significant trading performance when applied to ASE 20 and outperform the well‐known existing methods. The trading performance of the derived models is further enhanced by applying a leverage filter. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of fruit quality, bioactive compounds and total antioxidant activity of flat peach cultivars
Authors: Di Vaio Claudio , Marallo Nadia , Graziani Giulia , Ritieni Alberto , Di Matteo Antonio 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDFruit quality traits (fresh weight, dry weight, soluble solids content, titratable acidity and firmness) as well as the content of bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds) and total antioxidant activity were evaluated in four commercial cultivars of peach (Greta, Ufo 4, Rome Star and Ufo 6) and four of nectarine (Neve, Planet 1, Maria Carla and Mesembrina) differing in fruit shape (standard or flat) and flesh colour (white or yellow), important cultivars of the Italian and foreign market. The higher fruit organoleptic quality and nutritional profile of flat peach and nectarine cultivars make them candidates for exploiting new market opportunities and the chance to improve profits of farmers.RESULTSThe results showed that assayed quality parameters differed greatly among cultivars. In particular, flesh color and fruit shape accounted for most of the variation in traits underlying organoleptic and nutritional quality.CONCLUSIONOverall data suggested that the flat white‐fleshed nectarine Planet 1, the yellow‐fleshed nectarine Mesembrina and the yellow‐fleshed peach Ufo 6, because of their profiles in terms of soluble solids content, titratable acidity and bioactive compounds, have the greatest potential to meet current consumer requirements. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Tailored Thiol‐Functional Polyamides: Synthesis and Functionalization
Authors: Mommer Stefan , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin 
Published: September 2014

In this article, a synthetic concept for the preparation of polyamides with functional side groups is described. First, the synthesis of a bis(thiolactone) monomer is shown in a concise three‐step route from itaconic acid and DL‐homocysteine thiolactone. The reactivity of the resulting bis(thiolactone) toward hexyl amine is examined. Next, the bis(thiolactone) is reacted as A,A‐type monomer with different B,B‐type comonomers (1,12‐diaminododecane and 1,3‐bis(aminopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane). Ring opening of the thiolactones by the diamines leads to polyamides with pendant thiol groups. Using two diamines in different ratios, the properties of the resulting polyamides are tuned (thermal properties are determined) and different molecular weights are acquired. Subsequently, the thiol groups are reacted with methyl acrylate via Michael addition to functionalize the polyamides. Functionalization of thiol‐functional polyamides using poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (mPEG) acrylates ( = 480 and 1700 g mol−1) results in water‐soluble amphiphilic poly­amides with molecular weights higher than 10 000 g mol−1.
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Development of a Mechanical Actuator for Active Lenses
Authors: Vargas Angela C. , Picciani Paulo H. , Michel Ricardo C. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryVariable focus lenses can vary their shape and consequently their focus when a stimulus is applied. This kind of lenses, on some applications, has advantages over the regular lenses because of their smaller size and weight. Different types of stimulus can be used to change the shape of these lenses; the element that applies the stimulus is called actuator. Lenses deformed by a mechanical force are interesting devices that work in a way similar to human eyes. The muscles around a human eye compress or relax its lens every time a focus change is needed. On this paper we describe a voice coil actuator that applies mechanical force over a flexible polymeric lens, changing its shape and consequently its focus. The applied force, the deformation of the lens and its convergence power are functions of the driving current in the voice coil actuator. The maximum force applied by the actuator is 0.48N. The convergence power is also dependent of optical and viscoelastic properties of the lens material.
Synthesis of Core‐Shell Particles with Low Molecular Weight Alkanes by Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Capeletto Claudia A. , da Silva Marcel R. , Sayer Claudia , de Araújo Pedro H. H. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryMiniemulsion polymerization technique was used to obtain core‐shell nanoparticles with a core of low molecular weight alkanes and a polystyrene shell. Reactions were performed at 80°C for 5 hours using benzoyl peroxide as oil‐soluble initiator. The effect of different alkane types, namely n‐hexadecane, n‐octane and n‐heptane, and initiator concentrations on reaction rates, particle sizes, molecular weights and particles morphology were evaluated. When shorter chain alkanes as n‐heptane and n‐octane were used it was observed lower reaction rates, higher particle sizes and less sharp particle morphology than in reactions with hexadecane in which well formed core‐shell particles were obtained. These results were assigned to the plasticizing effect and higher water‐solubility of n‐octane and n‐heptane, responsible for decreasing the gel effect and favoring the diffusional degradation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) PMMA and Evaluation of Cytotoxicity for Biomedical Application
Authors: Feuser Paulo E. , Gaspar Pamela C. , Ricci‐Júnior Eduardo , Silva Maria C. S. da , Nele Marcio , Sayer Claudia , H. H. de Araújo Pedro. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe objective this work was the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of cytotoxicity poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, nanoparticles (NPs) produced using miniemulsion polymerization technique adopting azobisisobutylonitrile (AIBN) as initiator and biocompatible and biodegradable surfactant, lecithin and co‐stabilizer, miglyol 812 The NPs showed high stability during one year and an average diameter of 89 nm with polydispersity index of 0.11 and a zeta potential −48 mV. The PMMA NPs were tested for cytotoxicity in acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP1) and in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549). The PMMA NPs did not show any adverse effect on cell viability indicating their potential to encapsulate antitumor agents.
Surface Modification of Starch Films by Plasma
Authors: de Albuquerque Marta D. F. , Bastos Daniele C. , Simão Renata A. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryMany studies have shown that starch is a good alternative to produce biodegradable plastics. Corn starch based films were prepared by solvent evaporation using water and glycerol as plasticizers and their surfaces were modified by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) employing different plasma treatments in order to induce different surface wettability characteristics. Three different surfaces were produced: (i) starch modified by helium (He) plasma at −100 V for 10 min; (ii) starch coated using hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) monomer at −60 V for 20 min;and (iii) starch surface modification by He plasma at −100 V for 10 min followed by coating with HMDSO monomer at −60 V for 20 min. The results indicated that He plasma treatment under this condition was not able to induce changes in the surface wettability, but HMDSO coating led to surface hydrophobization, both of the as‐prepared starch films and the He‐modified surfaces.
Variable number tandem repeats in dopamine receptor D4 in Tourette's syndrome
Authors: Liu Shiguo , Cui Jiajia , Zhang Xinhua , Wu Weifeng , Niu Haitao , Ma Xu , Xu Hongmei , Yi Mingji 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundWe attempted to clarify the association between dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) 48‐bp variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism and Tourette's syndrome.MethodsThe DRD4 48‐bp VNTR polymorphism was genotyped in 291 Tourette's syndrome patients (including 218 trios) and 405 controls. Chi‐square and transmission disequilibrium test analysis were used to compare genetic distributions. We retrieved related studies in a meta‐analysis to clarify the role of 2‐repeat and 4‐repeat alleles in the pathogenesis.ResultsObvious genotype and allele distribution differences were observed between patients and healthy controls for both 2‐repeat and 4‐repeat alleles. This was verified using transmission disequilibrium test analysis. Meta‐analysis showed strong associations in both the total population and the Asian population.ConclusionsThe DRD4 48‐bp VNTR polymorphism appears to be associated with Tourette's syndrome, with the 2‐repeat allele performing a protective role and the 4‐repeat allele a nonprotective role in the genesis of the disease. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Lack of validation of variants associated with cervical dystonia risk: A GWAS replication study
Authors: Gómez‐Garre Pilar , Huertas‐Fernández Ismael , Cáceres‐Redondo María Teresa , Alonso‐Canovas Araceli , Bernal‐Bernal Inmaculada , Blanco‐Ollero Alberto , Bonilla‐Toribio Marta , Burguera Juan Andrés , Carballo Manuel , Carrillo Fatima , José Catalán‐Alonso M. , Escamilla‐Sevilla Francisco , Espinosa‐Rosso Raul , Carmen Fernández‐Moreno María , García‐Caldentey Juan , García‐Moreno José Manuel , Giacometti‐Silveira Sandra , Gutiérrez‐García Javier , Jesús‐Maestre Silvia , López‐Valdés Eva , Martínez‐Castrillo Juan Carlos , Medialdea‐Natera María Pilar , Méndez‐Lucena Carolina , Mínguez‐Castellanos Adolfo , Angel Moya Miguel , Ochoa‐Sepulveda Juan José , Ojea Tomas , Rodríguez Nuria , Rubio‐Agusti Ignacio , Sillero‐Sánchez Miriam , del Val Javier , Vargas‐González Laura , Mir Pablo 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundA recent genome‐wide association study (GWAS) has identified a putative association, not statistically confirmed, of cervical dystonia within several regions in a British population. Hence, the authors proposed dysfunction of the ion channel NALCN (for sodium leak channel, nonselective) as a plausible cause of cervical dystonia. The objective of our study was to investigate the association of five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously reported with high signals as putative genetic risk factors for cervical dystonia in a British GWAS, including two located in the NALCN gene region.MethodsWe performed a case‐control association study in a Spanish population. The SNPs selected for genotyping were two SNPS in the NALCN gene (rs61973742 and rs1338041), one SNP in the OR4X2 gene (rs67863238), one SNP in the COL4A1 region (rs619152), and one intergenic SNP (rs1249277). Genomic DNA was collected from 252 patients with cervical dystonia, with a mean age of 55.3 ± 14.1 years (mean age at onset, 43.5 ± 15.7 years), and 342 unrelated control subjects with a mean age of 56.3 ± 14.3 years. Genotyping of SNPs was performed using TaqMan assays and SimpleProbe assays.ResultsThe SNP rs619152 had to be excluded because of assay failure. No significant differences were found in allele distribution between cases and controls for all analyzed SNPs. Therefore, we found no association with cervical dystonia for the analyzed SNPs in our Spanish population.ConclusionsWe did not find any evidence supporting the association of NALCN with cervical dystonia, indicating that this gene is not implicated in the pathogenesis of this disorder in our cervical dystonia population. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Prostacyclin‐synthase expression in head and neck carcinoma patients and its prognostic value in the response to radiotherapy
Authors: Camacho Mercedes , Piñeiro Zenaida , Alcolea Sonia , García Jacinto , Balart Josep , Terra Ximena , Avilés‐Jurado Francesc‐Xavier , Soler Marta , Quer Miquel , León Xavier , Vila Luis 
Published: September 2014

AbstractProstacyclin (PGI2) plays a role in cancer progression but the mechanism is currently poorly understood. Additionally, no data are available about the prognostic value of the PGI2 pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) therapy. We evaluated the expression of the PGI2 pathway in HNSCC patients. PGI2 production and PGI synthase (PGIS) expression, in terms of mRNA (RT‐PCR) and protein (immunoblotting), were lower in tumour samples than in non‐tumoural mucosa, whereas, as expected, COX‐2 expression was increased in HNSCC tumour samples. Using local control of the tumour after radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy as a dependent variable, patients were classified into two categories of PGIS transcript levels. The high‐PGIS group had a significantly lower frequency of local and distant failure than the low‐PGIS group, and the 5‐year cancer‐specific survival was higher [90.2% (95% CI 81.0–99.4%) versus 60.5% (95% CI 44.4–76.6%)]. None of the four HNSCC cell lines analysed expressed PGIS and therefore they did not produce PGI2. However, HNSCC‐conditioned media enhanced PGI2 production in endothelial cells (ECs). The stable analogue of PGI2, carbaprostacyclin (cPGI2), exerted little effect on HNSCC cell line migration, and no effect on cell cycle distribution or proliferation rate after radiation injury was observed. Nevertheless, cPGI2 promoted EP‐4‐dependent in vitro angiogenesis. Von Willebrand factor expression (EC marker) and capillary density were significantly higher in the group of patients with high expression of PGIS. Our results indicate that PGIS expression was associated with radiotherapy efficiency. Although we do not provide direct evidence of a relationship between tumour vascularization and radiotherapy efficiency, our results suggest that the effect of PGI2 is related to its ability to promote vascularization. These results also support the concept that co‐adjuvant therapy with PGIS enhancers, such as retinoids, could have therapeutic value for HNSCC treatment. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The push–pull strategy for citrus psyllid control
Authors: Yan Huaxue , Zeng Jiwu , Zhong Guangyan 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is the only natural vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus that causes citrus huanglongbing (HLB), a most destructive disease of citrus. Currently, no remedial therapy exists for the disease, and so effective control of ACP is very important in curbing the transmission of the disease. The push–pull strategy should be thoroughly explored as an approach to ACP management. This mini‐review summarises the current progress towards more effective repellent and attractant chemicals through investigating known repellent and attractive plants. Interactions between ACP and its host plants are also addressed, with emphasis on the possible involvement of the host biochemicals in attracting the insect. Potential ways to increase the effectiveness of the pull–push strategy are briefly discussed. It is expected that the pull–push strategy will be gradually developed following more extensive research. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Natural enemy‐mediated indirect interactions among prey species: potential for enhancing biocontrol services in agroecosystems
Authors: Chailleux Anaïs , Mohl Emily K , Teixeira Alves Mickaël , Messelink Gerben J , Desneux Nicolas 
Published: September 2014

AbstractUnderstanding how arthropod pests and their natural enemies interact in complex agroecosystems is essential for pest management programmes. Theory predicts that prey sharing a predator, such as a biological control agent, can indirectly reduce each other's density at equilibrium (apparent competition). From this premise, we (i) discuss the complexity of indirect interactions among pests in agroecosystems and highlight the importance of natural enemy‐mediated indirect interactions other than apparent competition, (ii) outline factors that affect the nature of enemy‐mediated indirect interactions in the field and (iii) identify the way to manipulate enemy‐mediated interactions for biological control. We argue that there is a need to increase the link between community ecology theory and biological control to develop better agroecological methods of crop protection via conservation biological control. In conclusion, we identify (i) interventions to be chosen depending on agroecosystem characteristics and (ii) several lines of research that will improve the potential for enemy‐mediated indirect interactions to be applied to biological control. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of strain induced by polymer curing in benzocyclobutene embedded semiconductor nanostructures
Authors: Bussone Genziana , Dimakis Emmanouil , Grifone Raphael , Biermanns Andreas , Tahraoui Abbes , Carbone Dina , Geelhaar Lutz , Schülli Tobias U. , Pietsch Ullrich 
Published: September 2014

Polymers such as benzocyclobutene are commonly used as embedding materials for semiconductor nanostructures. During the curing process of the polymer up to 250 °C, a significant impact of strain can be induced on the embedded semiconductor material due to different thermal expansion coefficients. This strain has been revealed by X‐ray diffraction in free‐standing GaAs nanowires grown on a silicon substrate, embedded in a polymer matrix. It will be shown that this strain is released during the X‐ray irradiation if additionally an external static electric field is applied.
magnified image(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Classroom Instruction
Authors: McNaughton Stuart 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMarie Clay's body of work has influenced classroom instruction in direct and indirect ways, through large overarching themes in our pedagogical content knowledge as well as specific smart practices. This paper focuses on her the contributions to our thinking about instruction which come from two broad theoretical concepts; emergent literacy and tutorial for teaching. These have contributed to shifts in the ways we think about instruction and provide a basis for the development and retuning of instructional practices.
Ga2SbCl7O – A Molecular Gallium Antimony Chloride Oxide Synthesized from a GaCl3 Melt
Authors: Eich Andreas , Schnakenburg Gregor , Beck Johannes 
Published: September 2014

Abstract Gallium antimony chloride oxide, Ga2SbCl7O, is formed in a GaCl3‐based melt containing tellurium, antimony, SbCl3, and Sb2O3 in form of colorless, highly hygroscopic crystals. The crystal structure consists of discrete molecules, in which a bent SbOCl unit is coordinated by two GaCl3 groups. The Ga atoms coordinate the oxygen atom, resulting in a planar [Ga2SbO] central building unit. A distinct stereochemical lone pair effect is present at the antimony atom. In the crystal, the molecules are packed in the motif of a hexagonal closest packing. DFT calculations and NBO considerations show that the low lying molecular orbital comprising the lone pair at the oxygen atom emerges from a pure p orbital showing almost no delocalization and no steric effect.