bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conjugated polyaniline as a result of the benzidine rearrangement
Authors: Sapurina Irina , Tenkovtsev Andrey V , Stejskal Jaroslav 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe mechanism of the oxidative polymerization of aniline is reviewed on the basis of the experimental evidence and reaction schemes proposed in the literature. It is demonstrated that the balance between the non‐protonated and protonated forms of the monomer and the growing chain is responsible for the diversity of the molecular structure, morphology and properties of aniline oxidation products. Various forms are oxidized by two oxidation mechanisms: (1) chain reaction of electrophilic substitution and (2) coupling of cation‐radical centres. At pH > 2.5, the non‐protonated reagents are oxidized with a chain reaction controlled by electrophilic substitution of the aromatic ring. The reaction leads to the formation of non‐conducting aniline oligomers with heterogeneous molecular structures. At pH = 2.5–4, the electrophilic substitution is reduced because of the protonation of the aniline, and the cyclic dimer, phenazine, becomes the main product of the oxidation. The growth of the conjugated chain proceeds at pH < 2.5, when the reactants are protonated. The reaction proceeds through coupling between the terminal cation radical and the monomer cation radical with formation of a π‐complex. The transformation of the π‐complex into a para‐substituted monomer unit is thermodynamically controlled and is produced through an intramolecular benzidine (semidine) rearrangement. The regular structure of the growing chains is a result of the high regioselectivity of the sigmatropic rearrangements and significant energy gain attained by the formation of protonated polyconjugated chains in the agglomerated state. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and characterization of covalently bonded PVA/Laponite/HAPI nanocomposite multilayer freestanding films by layer‐by‐layer assembly
Authors: Ren Wenchen , Wu Ronglan , Guo Pingping , Zhu Jinlong , Li Huili , Xu Shimei , Wang Jide 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThe layer‐by‐layer (LBL) assembly technique is an attractive method to make functional multilayer thin films and has been applied to fabricate a wide range of materials. LBL materials could improve optical transmittance and mechanical properties if the film components were covalently bonded. Covalently bonded nanocomposite multilayer films were prepared by employing hydrophilic aliphatic polyisocyanate (HAPI) as the reactive component, to react with Laponite and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). FT‐IR spectra suggested that HAPI reacted with Laponite and PVA at ambient temperature rapidly. Ellipsometry measurement showed that the film thickness was in linear growth. The influences of HAPI on the optical, mechanical and thermal properties of the films were investigated by UV‐Vis spectroscopy, tensile stress measurement, DSC and TGA. The obtained results showed that the optical transmittance and mechanical strength were enhanced when the film components were covalently bonded by HAPI. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 545–551
New BPD predicts lung function at school age: Follow‐up study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ronkainen Eveliina , Dunder Teija , Peltoniemi Outi , Kaukola Tuula , Marttila Riitta , Hallman Mikko 
Published: January 2015

SummaryNew treatment practices have improved survival of preterm infants and decreased airway pathology in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Our aim was to investigate whether preterm birth, BPD, and the severity of BPD predict lung function in school children that are born in surfactant era.We studied pulmonary function of 88 school‐aged children born very preterm (gestational age <32 weeks) and paired them with 88 age‐ and sex‐matched controls born at term. Spirometry and diffusion capacity were recorded. We also performed a meta‐analysis covering the era of antenatal corticosteroid and surfactant treatment.BPD was defined as oxygen dependence for ≥28 days and it was severity‐graded by oxygen requirement at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (mild, none; moderate, FiO2 = 0.22–0.29; severe, FiO2 ≥ 0.30). Preterm children had lower forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) 86.4 ± 11.8 versus 94.9 ± 10.1 (mean % predicted ± SD; P < 0.001), and lower diffusion capacity (DLCO) 87.6 ± 13.9 versus 93.7 ± 12.0 (P = 0.005) compared with term controls. BPD group differed in both FEV1 (P = 0.037) and DLCO (P = 0.018) from those without BPD. For meta‐analysis, search identified 210 articles. Together with present results, six articles met the inclusion criteria. FEV1 of no BPD, all BPD, and moderate to severe BPD groups differed from that in term controls by −7.4, −10.5, and −17.8%, respectively.According to meta‐analysis and follow‐up study, the adverse effects of prematurity on pulmonary function are still detectable in school‐age. BPD was associated with reductions in both diffusion capacity and spirometry. New interventions are required to document a further decrease in the life‐long consequences of prematurity. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:1090–1098. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure–function analysis reveals that the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Tps4 two‐partner secretion system is involved in CupB5 translocation
Authors: Garnett James A. , Muhl Daniela , Douse Christopher H. , Hui Kailyn , Busch Andreas , Omisore Ayodele , Yang Yi , Simpson Peter , Marchant Jan , Waksman Gabriel , Matthews Steve , Filloux Alain 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram‐negative opportunistic bacterium, synonymous with cystic fibrosis patients, which can cause chronic infection of the lungs. This pathogen is a model organism to study biofilms: a bacterial population embedded in an extracellular matrix that provide protection from environmental pressures and lead to persistence. A number of Chaperone‐Usher Pathways, namely CupA‐CupE, play key roles in these processes by assembling adhesive pili on the bacterial surface. One of these, encoded by the cupB operon, is unique as it contains a nonchaperone‐usher gene product, CupB5. Two‐partner secretion (TPS) systems are comprised of a C‐terminal integral membrane β‐barrel pore with tandem N‐terminal POTRA (POlypeptide TRansport Associated) domains located in the periplasm (TpsB) and a secreted substrate (TpsA). Using NMR we show that TpsB4 (LepB) interacts with CupB5 and its predicted cognate partner TpsA4 (LepA), an extracellular protease. Moreover, using cellular studies we confirm that TpsB4 can translocate CupB5 across the P. aeruginosa outer membrane, which contrasts a previous observation that suggested the CupB3 P‐usher secretes CupB5. In support of our findings we also demonstrate that tps4/cupB operons are coregulated by the RocS1 sensor suggesting P. aeruginosa has developed synergy between these systems. Furthermore, we have determined the solution‐structure of the TpsB4‐POTRA1 domain and together with restraints from NMR chemical shift mapping and in vivo mutational analysis we have calculated models for the entire TpsB4 periplasmic region in complex with both TpsA4 and CupB5 secretion motifs. The data highlight specific residues for TpsA4/CupB5 recognition by TpsB4 in the periplasm and suggest distinct roles for each POTRA domain.
NUSAP1 expression is upregulated by loss of RB1 in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Gordon Catherine A. , Gulzar Zulfiqar G. , Brooks James D. 
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUNDOverexpression of NUSAP1 is associated with poor prognosis in prostate cancer, but little is known about what leads to its overexpression. Based on previous observations that NUSAP1 expression is enhanced by E2F1, we hypothesized that NUSAP1 expression is regulated, at least in part, by loss of RB1 via the RB1/E2F1 axis.METHODSUsing Significance Analysis of Microarrays, we examined RB1, E2F1, and NUSAP1 transcript levels in prostate cancer gene expression datasets. We compared NUSAP1 expression levels in DU145, LNCaP, and PC‐3 prostate cancer cell lines via use of cDNA microarray data, RT‐qPCR, and Western blots. In addition, we used lentiviral expression constructs to knockdown RB1 in prostate cancer cell lines and transient transfections to knockdown E2F1, and investigated RB1, E2F1, and NUSAP1 expression levels with RT‐qPCR and Western blots. Finally, in DU145 cells or PC‐3 cells that stably underexpress RB1, we used proliferation and invasion assays to assess whether NUSAP1 knockdown affects proliferation or invasion.RESULTSNUSAP1 transcript levels are positively correlated with E2F1 and negatively correlated with RB1 transcript levels in prostate cancer microarray datasets. NUSAP1 expression is elevated in the RB1‐null DU145 prostate cancer cell line, as opposed to LNCaP and PC‐3 cell lines. Furthermore, NUSAP1 expression increases upon knockdown of RB1 in prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP and PC‐3) and decreases after knockdown of E2F1. Lastly, knockdown of NUSAP1 in DU145 cells or PC‐3 cells with stable knockdown of RB1 decreases proliferation and invasion of these cells.CONCLUSIONOur studies support the notion that NUSAP1 expression is upregulated by loss of RB1 via the RB1/E2F1 axis in prostate cancer cells. Such upregulation may promote prostate cancer progression by increasing proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells. NUSAP1 may thus represent a novel therapeutic target. Prostate 75: 517–526, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of deferent ducts papillae in urogenital duct system of the male rat
Authors: Wakui Shin , Motohashi Masaya , Inomata Tomo , Ichihara Nobutsume , Mutou Tomoko , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Ikegami Masahiro , Asari Masao 
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUNDThe rodent ejaculatory ducts penetrate the male accessory sex gland complex and open into the urethra, anatomically similar to humans. Although the deferent ducts papillae in rodents have been described at the distal end of deferent ducts, they are absent in humans, and their detailed morphology has been unclear.METHODSThe detailed anatomical structures of the distal end of the deferent ducts of rats were investigated by the computer assisted three‐dimensional reconstruction analysis using serial sections of the male accessory sex gland complexes in rats.RESULTSThe present study revealed that a pair of deferent ducts enters the ventral side of the male accessory sex gland complex, runs caudally parallel to the urethra, and then exits at about midsection of the dorso‐lateral lobe of prostate. They are composed of mammilliform papillae, called the deferent duct papillae, which dorso‐laterally protrude into the duct lumen from intra‐ventral portion of the main duct of ampullary gland. The internal surface of the deferent ducts papillae is composed of ciliated columnar epithelium continuous from the deferent ducts, while their external surface is composed of the columnar secretory epithelium of the ampullary glands. Sphincter muscles were not observed in the deferent ducts papillae, while their lamina propria were occupied by many arterial or venous capillaries.CONCLUSIONSThe deferent ducts of rat terminated at the deferent ducts papillae that located at the main duct of ampullary glands that drained into the urethra. The deferent ducts papillae might be controlled by the expansion/contraction of well‐developed papillary mucosal capillary vessels. Prostate 75: 646–652, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improvement of vertical light extraction from GaN‐based LEDs on moth‐eye patterned sapphire substrates
Authors: Ohya Masaki , Naniwae Koichi , Kondo Toshiyuki , Suzuki Atsushi , Mori Midori , Kitano Tsukasa , Usui Akane , Kamiyama Satoshi 
Published: January 2015

A newly developed moth‐eye patterned sapphire substrate (MPSS) technology increased light extraction efficiency (LEE) in the vertical direction in nitride‐based blue light emitting diodes (LEDs). MPSS is characterized by a submicron‐scale periodical structure that exerts the Bragg diffraction effect at the interface between gallium nitride (GaN) and sapphire. Through simulations and experiments, it was revealed that emphasis of the diffraction effect by optimizing the MPSS structure enhanced vertical emission from LEDs. As a result, resin‐encapsulated, large‐sized LEDs on MPSS with a large diffraction effect achieved a high LEE of 0.76 that was comparable to that of commercially available thin‐film LEDs.Bird's‐eye view of scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of MPSS.
A scaling relation for warm‐phase orographic precipitation: a Lagrangian analysis for 2D mountains
Authors: Miltenberger Annette K. , Seifert Axel , Joos Hanna , Wernli Heini 
Published: January 2015

The precipitation produced by orographic clouds is the result of the interaction between nonlinear dynamical and microphysical processes. Focusing on warm‐phase stable clouds, we propose that the precipitation efficiency is essentially controlled by the bulk Damköhler number of the system, i.e. the ratio of the characteristic advective to the microphysical time‐scale of the cloud. These time‐scales are investigated thoroughly for single air parcels along temporally highly resolved trajectories from quasi‐two‐dimensional numerical simulations with vertical Froude numbers between 0.38 and 2.31. Based on these results, analytical formulations for the Damköhler number of single parcels and for a bulk Damköhler number for the entire cloud are developed, which depend only on the far upstream flow properties and the cloud droplet number density.Relating the bulk Damköhler numbers to the precipitation efficiencies from the numerical simulations results in a unique scaling relation between the two non‐dimensional numbers: no precipitation is observed for very small Damköhler numbers, while for large Damköhler numbers the precipitation efficiency asymptotically approaches a maximum value of about 0.8. For intermediate Damköhler numbers, the precipitation efficiency depends strongly on the microphysical properties of the clouds.
Local and systemic metal ion release occurs intraoperatively during correction and instrumented spinal fusion for scoliosis
Authors: Cundy William J. , Mascarenhas Annika R. , Antoniou Georgia , Freeman Brian J. C. , Cundy Peter J. 
Published: January 2015

Study design Prospective pilot study. Objectives The aim of this study was to measure titanium, niobium and aluminium levels in various intraoperative and postoperative samples to determine patterns of metal ion release that occur within the first month following instrumented spinal fusion. Summary of background data Raised serum metal ion levels are reported following instrumented spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The exact topological origin and chronology of metal ion release remains conjectural. Recent literature suggests an immediate rise in serum metal levels within the first postoperative week. Methods Titanium, niobium and aluminium levels were measured before, during and after surgery in serum and local intraoperative fluid samples obtained from two pediatric patients undergoing posterior correction and instrumentation for scoliosis. Results Measurable metal ion levels were detected in all local samples obtained from wound irrigation fluid, cell saver blood, and fluid that immersed metal universal reduction screw tabs. Postoperative serum metal ion levels were elevated compared to baseline preoperative levels. In general, metal ion levels were considerably higher in the intraoperative fluid samples compared to those observed in the serum levels. Conclusion Our findings of contextually high metal ion concentrations in intraoperative and early postoperative samples provide further empirical support of a ‘putting-in’ phenomenon of metal ion release following instrumented spinal fusion. This challenges existing beliefs that metal ion release occurs during an intermediate ‘wearing-in’ phase. We recommend thorough irrigation of the operative site prior to wound closure to dilute and remove intraoperative metal ion debris. Possibilities of filtering trace metal ions from cell saver content may be considered.
Self-stigma as a mediator between social capital and empowerment among people with major depressive disorder in Europe: The ASPEN study
Authors: Lanfredi M. , Zoppei S. , Ferrari C. , Bonetto C. , Van Bortel T. , Thornicroft G. , Knifton L. , Quinn N. , Rossi G. , Lasalvia A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIntroduction:Individual social capital has been recognized as having an important role for health and well-being. We tested the hypothesis that poor social capital increases internalized stigma and, in turn, can reduce empowerment among people with major depressive disorder (MDD).Materials and methods:This is a cross-sectional multisite study conducted on a sample of 516 people with MDD in 19 European countries. Structural Equation Models were developed to examine the direct and indirect effects of self-stigma and social capital on empowerment.Results:Social capital and self-stigma accounted for 56% of the variability in empowerment. Higher social capital was related to lower self-stigma (r = –0.72, P < 0.001) which, in turn, partially mediated the relationship between social capital and empowerment (r = 0.38, P < 0.001).Conclusions:Social capital plays a key role in the appraisal of empowerment, both directly and through the indirect effect mediated by self-stigma. In order to improve empowerment of people with MDD, we identify strategies to foster individual social capital, and to overcome the negative consequences related to self-stigma for attainment of life goals.
Cognition and autonomic function in schizophrenia: Inferior cognitive test performance in electrodermal and niacin skin flush non-responders
Authors: Nilsson B.M. , Holm G , Hultman C.M. , Ekselius L. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground:Patients with schizophrenia suffer from a broad range of cognitive disturbances. The impact in terms of functional outcome is significant. There are also several reports of disturbed autonomic regulation in the disease. The present study examined cognitive function as well as psychophysiological parameters in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls.Methods:Twenty-five patients and 14 controls were investigated with electrodermal activity (EDA), an oral niacin skin flush test and a comprehensive neurocognitive test program including the Wechsler battery (WAIS-R), Fingertapping Test, Trail Making Test, Verbal Fluency, Benton Visual Retention Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test.Results:The patients generally had inferior test results compared to controls. Further analysis revealed that the EDA non-responding patient group explained this variation with significant lower test results than controls. On executive tests, EDA non-responders also performed significantly worse than EDA responding patients. The small group of niacin non-responding patients exhibited an even lower overall test performance. Delayed niacin flush also correlated inversely with psychomotor function and IQ in the patients.Conclusion:The findings support the hypothesis of a neurodevelopment disturbance affecting both autonomic function and higher cortical function in schizophrenia.
Glycan‐related gene expression signatures in breast cancer subtypes; relation to survival
Authors: Potapenko Ivan O. , Lüders Torben , Russnes Hege G. , Helland Åslaug , Sørlie Therese , Kristensen Vessela N. , Nord Silje , Lingjærde Ole C. , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Haakensen Vilde D. 
Published: January 2015

Alterations in glycan structures are early signs of malignancy and have recently been proposed to be in part a driving force behind malignant transformation. Here, we explore whether differences in expression of genes related to the process of glycosylation exist between breast carcinoma subtypes – and look for their association to clinical parameters.Five expression datasets of 454 invasive breast carcinomas, 31 ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS), and 79 non‐malignant breast tissue samples were analysed. Results were validated in 1960 breast carcinomas. 419 genes encoding glycosylation‐related proteins were selected.The DCIS samples appeared expression‐wise similar to carcinomas, showing altered gene expression related to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and N‐glycans when compared to non‐malignant samples. In‐situ lesions with different aggressiveness potentials demonstrated changes in glycosaminoglycan sulfation and adhesion proteins. Subtype‐specific expression patterns revealed down‐regulation of genes encoding glycan‐binding proteins in the luminal A and B subtypes. Clustering basal‐like samples using a consensus list of genes differentially expressed across discovery datasets produced two clusters with significantly differing prognosis in the validation dataset. Finally, our analyses suggest that glycolipids may play an important role in carcinogenesis of breast tumors – as demonstrated by association of B3GNT5 and UGCG genes to patient survival.In conclusion, most glycan‐specific changes occur early in the carcinogenic process. We have identified glycan‐related alterations specific to breast cancer subtypes including a prognostic signature for two basal‐like subgroups. Future research in this area may potentially lead to markers for better prognostication and treatment stratification of breast cancer patients.
Ethical Considerations in Stem Cell Research on Neurologic and Orthopedic Conditions
Authors: Banja John Dennis 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe range and gravity of ethical considerations in stem cell research are remarkable and, quite possibly, unprecedented. From the point of securing stem cells for implantation, through the translational and first‐in‐humans process, and then proceeding through clinical trials culminating in product or service line launch, the entire research trajectory is replete with risk, uncertainty, and problems overweighing foreseeable harms against hoped‐for benefits. This article offers an overview of some of the most salient ethical challenges of stem cell research, including ones involving moral status, the intersection of research risks and informed consent processes, methodologic considerations in early phase 1 trials, the temptation to exaggerate the benefits of research discoveries, managing conflicts of interest, and the ethical obligation to conduct various monitoring practices throughout a trial, which could last years. The article will conclude with a glimpse into the future of these technologies wherein the need for ethical scrutiny will likely not diminish.
Advanced Joystick Algorithms for Computer Access Tasks
Authors: Dicianno Brad E. , Mahajan Harshal , Cooper Rory A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo compare 2 correction algorithms and 2 joysticks (a conventional movement‐sensing joystick and a custom‐designed isometric joystick) in computer access tasks.DesignRepeated‐measures, within‐subject.SettingNational Veterans Wheelchair Games.ParticipantsFifteen participants with various diagnoses including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Wilson disease, and Parkinson disease.MethodsA computer access test scenario was used to evaluate the effects of applying proportional integral derivative (PID)–based and least means–based algorithms to suppress unintentional cursor motions by users with upper extremity spasticity.Main Outcome MeasuresTrial completion time, reaction time, and trajectory‐based measures: movement offset, movement variability, and percentage of out‐of‐path motion on test tracks.ResultsThe quantitative outcome measures showed a high correlation with clinical measures for spasticity and functional independence. On small test tracks, compared to when no correction algorithms were used, both algorithms performed equally well in suppressing unintentional cursor motions. On longer test tracks, participants navigated most accurately while using the PID algorithm. Participants moved the cursor more accurately using the isometric joystick compared to the movement‐sensing joystick, with only a slight increase in the task completion times.ConclusionsThe joysticks and the advanced correction algorithms show promise for use in wide‐ranging applications as control interfaces.