bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Naphthalimide‐Based Triptycenes: Synthesis and Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Wu Di , Zhang Hua , Liu Sheng Hua , Yin Jun 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn the past decades, the naphthalimide structure has found application in many areas of chemistry due to its unique photophysical properties. Naphthalimide has two isomers, 1,8‐naphthalimide containing a six‐membered imide ring and 2,3‐naphthalimide containing a five‐membered imide ring. The former has been widely investigated while studies on the latter are considerably more rare. On the other hand, naphthalimide can also be regarded as a building block to construct polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have found wide applications in optical materials. Here we report the synthesis and optoelectronic properties of three 2,3‐naphthalimide‐based triptycenes. These three triptycene derivatives enrich the family of triptycenes.
Total Synthesis of (−)‐Dolastatrienol
Authors: Leung Lai To , Chiu Pauline 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe first asymmetric total synthesis of the tricyclic diterpenoid natural product (−)‐dolastatrienol has been accomplished using a rhodium(II)‐catalyzed carbene cyclization cycloaddition cascade reaction as the key step to construct the [5.4.0]carbobicyclic core. An intramolecular Heck reaction furnished the tricyclic skeleton and a challenging methylenation completed the synthesis of the target.
Segregated growth kinetics of Escherichia coli DH5α‐NH36 in exponential‐fed perfusion culture for pDNA vaccine production
Authors: Munguía‐Soto Rodolfo , García‐Rendón Aurora , Garibay‐Escobar Adriana , Guerrero‐Germán Patricia , Tejeda‐Mansir Armando 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe clinical demand of plasmid DNA (pDNA) has been increasing constantly. An exponential‐fed perfusion (EFP) culture is a new mode for plasmid production for clinical trials and commercialization. However, the culture conditions may lead to cell filamentation and growth cessation. In this study, the variation of the physiological state and the plasmid contents of Escherichia coli DH5α hosting pVAX1‐NH36 in an EFP culture for application as a Leishmaniasis vaccine was investigated. The culture performance was monitored using flow cytometry (FC) and real‐time quantitative PCR. The FC studies showed a high viability of cell population and a constant distribution of complexity and size. A high homogeneity of pDNA (>95 % of supercoiled) was obtained, which might be attributed to a better culture environment. The obtained plasmid specific and volumetric yields of 1.8 mg/g dcw and 36.5 mg/L represent typical values for laboratory‐scale plasmid production in a defined medium. A segregated kinetic model of the perfusion system was developed and fitted to the experimental data (R2 > 0.96). A practical conclusion of this work is that a space–time yield analysis of a bioprocess requires a viability evaluation. This new strategy of culture operation might help in the efficient production of pDNA for therapeutic use.
Metabolic engineering of clostridia for the production of chemicals
Authors: Cho Changhee , Jang Yu‐Sin , Moon Hyeon Gi , Lee Joungmin , Lee Sang Yup 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThere have recently been significant advances in bio‐based production of chemicals from renewable resources. Microorganisms belonging to the genus Clostridium have been considered as one of the promising hosts for the production of desired chemicals of wide industrial use. Clostridium strains have capability to utilize diverse carbon sources, including C5 and C6 substrates, which thus allows production of chemicals from inexpensive and abundant biomass such as corn stover, straw, and woody waste. In addition, Clostridium strains naturally produce various chemicals, such as acetic acid, butyric acid, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, 1,3‐propanediol, 2,3‐butanediol, and acetone. Recently, several important strategies for the metabolic engineering of Clostridium have been developed not only for the enhanced production of these natural products and but also for the production of non‐natural isobutanol production. Here, we review the strategies employed for the development of metabolically engineered Clostridium strains for the production of such chemicals and provide future perspectives.
Ruthenium Oxide‐Doped TiO2 Nanotubes by Single‐Step Anodization for Water‐Oxidation Applications
Authors: Yoo Hyeonseok , Choi Yong‐Wook , Choi Jinsub 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSingle‐step anodization in NH4F‐based ethylene glycol electrolyte containing KRuO4 and H2O led to the production of high‐aspect‐ratio TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) with a doping of ruthenium oxide. These NTs were successfully used as electrodes for water oxidation in KOH. This method offers homogenous incor poration of a small amount of ruthenium oxide (≈0.12 wt %) into 25 μm TiO2 nanotubes without the need for complicated facilities or steps. The addition of H2O into electrolytes is a key step for the stable adhesion of long‐length TiO2 NT films on a substrate. The tips of the TiO2 nanotubes prepared by this novel method are not easily dissolved by electrolyte because the walls of the nanotubes are thickened by a factor of more than two in response to the addition of KRuO4 and H2O. The longest nanotubular TiO2 with a doping of ruthenium oxide and no wall dissolution shows the largest current density in the oxygen‐evolution reaction.
Aging attenuates acquired heat tolerance and hypothalamic neurogenesis in rats
Authors: Matsuzaki Kentaro , Katakura Masanori , Inoue Takayuki , Hara Toshiko , Hashimoto Michio , Shido Osamu 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThis study investigated age‐dependent changes in heat exposure‐induced hypothalamic neurogenesis and acquired heat tolerance in rats. We previously reported that neuronal progenitor cell proliferation and neural differentiation are enhanced in the hypothalamus of long‐term heat‐acclimated (HA) rats. Male Wistar rats, 5 weeks (Young), 10–11 months (Adult), or 22–25 months (Old) old, were subjected to an ambient temperature of 32°C for 40–50 days (HA rats). Rats underwent a heat tolerance test. In HA rats, increases in abdominal temperature (Tab) in the the Young, Adult, and Old groups were significantly smaller than those in their respective controls. However, the increase in Tab of HA rats became greater with advancing age. The number of hypothalamic bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)‐immunopositive cells double stained with a mature neuron marker, neuronal nuclei (NeuN), of HA rats was significantly higher in the Young group than that in the control group. In Young HA, BrdU/NeuN‐immunopositive cells of the preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus appeared to be the highest among regions examined. Large numbers of newborn neurons were also located in the ventromedial and dorsomedial nuclei, as well as the posterior hypothalamic area, whereas heat exposure did not increase such numbers in the Adult and Old groups. Aging may interfere with heat exposure‐induced hypothalamic neurogenesis and acquired heat tolerance in rats. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:1190–1201, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pulmonary vascular response to exercise in symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Verbrugge Frederik H. , Dupont Matthias , Bertrand Philippe B. , Nijst Petra , Grieten Lars , Dens Joseph , Verhaert David , Janssens Stefan , Tang W. H. Wilson , Mullens Wilfried 
Published: December 2014

AimsTo study pulmonary vascular response patterns to exercise in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and pulmonary hypertension (PH).Methods and resultsIn this prospective single‐centre cohort study, consecutive symptomatic HFrEF patients (n = 40) with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) ≥25 mmHg, pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) >15 mmHg, and cardiac index <2.5 L/min.m2, received protocol‐driven titrated sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and diuretics to reach mean arterial blood pressure 65–75 mmHg and PAWP ≤15 mmHg. Patients performed symptom‐limited supine bicycle testing under continued SNP administration. Afterwards, SNP was gradually withdrawn, renin–angiotensin system blockers uptitrated, and hydralazine added to maintain haemodynamic targets. Subsequently, bicycle testing was repeated. Patients presented with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) = 3.8 ± 1.4 Wood Units at rest, decreasing to 2.9 ± 0.9 Wood Units after decongestion, with PH was completely reversed (MPAP <25 mmHg) in 22%. From rest to maximal exercise, the cardiac index did not change significantly (P = 0.334 under SNP; P‐value = 0.552 under oral therapy). A dynamic exercise‐induced PVR increase >3.5 Wood Units was noted in 19 patients (48%) under oral therapy vs. five (13%) under SNP. Such exercise‐induced PVR increase was associated with a 33% relative decrease in right ventricular stroke work index (P = 0.037).ConclusionsEven after thorough decongestion and under continuous afterload reduction, PH secondary to HFrEF is completely reversible in only a minority of patients. Others demonstrate an exercise‐induced PVR increase, associated with impaired right ventricular stroke work, which might be ameliorated by nitric oxide donor support.
Tumour suppressors and cellular senescence
Authors: Chan Adelyne S. L. , Mowla Sophia N. , Arora Parineeta , Jat Parmjit S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCellular senescence is a stable cell cycle arrest that normal cells undergo in response to a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, including progressive telomere shortening, changes in telomeric structure or other forms of genotoxic as well nongenotoxic stress. Senescence is thought to have originated as a remodelling program that is active in embryonic development and acts as a key tumour suppressor mechanism during the reproductive stage in early adult life, by leading to the removal of potentially cancerous cells. However, in later adult life, it promotes organismal aging by compromising tissue repair and regeneration due to the accumulation of senescent cells, depletion of stem/progenitor cells and secretion of an array of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteases. Whilst suppressing tumour formation in the senescent cells, these inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and metalloproteases can promote tumour progression and metastasis in the neighbouring cells. Herein, we review the molecular pathways that underlie cellular senescence and how it contributes towards tumour suppression. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(12):812–822, 2014
The effect of reactive oxygen species on motility parameters, DNA integrity, tyrosine phosphorylation and phosphatase activity of common carp (Cyprinus carpioL.) spermatozoa
Authors: Gazo Ievgeniia , Shaliutina‐Kolešová Anna , Dietrich Mariola A. , Linhartová Pavla , Shaliutina Olena , Cosson Jacky 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYThe effect of reactive oxygen species production on the motility parameters, DNA integrity, acid phosphatase activity, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in spermatozoa of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was investigated. Spermatozoa were exposed to different concentrations of xanthine and xanthine oxidase (X‐XO) either in the presence or absence of antioxidants for 15 and 60 min. A dose‐ and time‐dependent reduction in spermatozoa motility and velocity was observed. Comet assays showed a dramatic increase in DNA fragmentation after 15 min. Changes in tyrosine phosphorylation of spermatozoa proteins were observed by Western blotting with anti‐phosphotyrosine antibodies, and proteins of interest were identified by mass spectrometry. After a 60 min exposure to X‐XO, O‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine transferase, isoform 4 was phosphorylated and septin‐8‐A was dephosphorylated. Acid phosphatase activity also decreased in a dose‐dependent manner after a 60 min exposure to oxidative stress. The results demonstrate that oxidative stress impaired functional variables (sperm motility, velocity, DNA integrity) of carp spermatozoa, and altered intracellular signalling pathways through changes in tyrosine phosphorylation and acid phosphatase activity.Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 48–57, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term Immunoglobulin therapy for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTImmunoglobulins are an effective but expensive treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Although the goal is to improve function, use of functional scales to monitor therapy is not widespread. Limited recent evidence suggests that doses lower than those used traditionally may be as effective. There are no proven correlations of effective dose with weight, disease severity, or duration. The clinical course of CIDP is heterogeneous and includes monophasic forms and complete remissions. Careful monitoring of immunoglobulin use is necessary to avoid overtreatment. Definitive evidence for immunoglobulin superiority over steroids is lacking. Although latest trial evidence favors immunoglobulins over steroids, the latter may result in higher remission rates and longer remission periods. This article addresses the appropriateness of first‐line, high‐dose immunoglobulin treatment for CIDP and reviews important clinical questions regarding the need for long‐term therapy protocols, adequate monitoring, treatment withdrawal, and consideration of corticosteroids as an alternative to immunoglobulin therapy. Muscle Nerve 51:657–661, 2015
Impact of myasthenia gravis on family planning: How do women with myasthenia gravis decide and why?
Authors: Ohlraun Stephanie , Hoffmann Sarah , Klehmet Juliane , Kohler Siegfried , Grittner Ulrike , Schneider Alice , Heuschmann Peter U. , Meisel Andreas 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We analyzed the impact of myasthenia gravis (MG) on decision‐making in family planning by women with the disease. Methods: In a cross‐sectional, anonymous survey, a standardized questionnaire was sent or handed out to 1,637 women with MG. Results: In total, 801 questionnaires were eligible for analysis. Over fifty percent of the patients had abstained from having children due to MG. The concern mentioned most often was the possible influence of MG medication on the unborn child (87.1%). Spouses/partners (91.8%) and MG treating physicians (82.9%) were the most important persons involved in the decision‐making process. Higher age and personal experience of intensive‐care treatment for MG were independently associated with the decision to abstain from having children. Lower level of knowledge was independently associated with the probability of discouraging other MG patients from having children. Conclusions: Women with MG need specific guidance about family planning issues, which may lead to lower rates of voluntary childlessness. On the basis of our data, more specific hypotheses can be generated that require prospective investigation. Muscle Nerve 52:371–379, 2015
Evaluating the Validity of the Braden Scale Using Longitudinal Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Jin Yinji , Piao Jinshi , Lee Sun‐Mi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this study, we evaluated the validity of the Braden scale in assessing the risk of pressure ulcers. Longitudinal clinical data including weekly Braden scale scores for 1,138 patients admitted to a university hospital who developed pressure ulcers during the hospital stay and 4,794 who did not develop pressure ulcers were extracted from the hospital's electronic medical record system. Braden scale scores at three points during hospitalization were analyzed: the initial score at admission, the last score recorded before diagnosis (for pressure ulcer patients) or before discharge (for those without pressure ulcers), and the minimum (highest‐risk) score recorded. Using these data, the predictive validity of the scale was evaluated using a cut‐off score of 18, followed by an evaluation of the relative advantages and disadvantages of cut‐off scores from 12 to 19. Among patients in the general units, the minimum score had the greatest sensitivity (0.85), negative predictive value (NPV; 0.98), and Youden index (0.73). Among patients in the intensive care units, the last score had the best NPV (0.65), Youden index (0.53), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.78), while the minimum score had the highest sensitivity (0.88). The optimal cut‐off score for patients in the general units was 19 and for those in the intensive care units was 18. These results support a higher cut‐off score than previously recommended, particularly for severely ill patients who are more prone to developing pressure ulcers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Easy Money: Tax Exporting and State Support for Higher Education
Authors: Foster John M. , Fowles Jacob 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThere is a substantial literature that assesses the effects of tax‐exporting capacities on the tax structures and aggregate spending levels that state governments choose to implement, but no work exists that isolates the effects of state tax exporting on higher education spending. Using state‐level data for 1989, 1995, 2002, and 2007, we estimate for the median voter in each state the change in the marginal cost of higher education subsidization generated by tax exportation, and calculate the increased higher education spending that results. We consider three types of spending: state appropriations to public universities as well as need‐ and non‐need‐based aid awarded to in‐state students. We find that neither type of aid is responsive to the marginal cost, or tax price, faced by the median voter. However, the median voter's price elasticity of demand for state appropriations is statistically significant and negative. We find that the median voter's tax price is substantially reduced by the presence of prominent mining and tourism industries and by the federal deductibility offset available to firms. Thus, these tax‐exporting capacities exert upward pressure on voter demand for state appropriations to public universities.
Novel outcome measures for clinical trials in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Tiddens Harm A.W.M. , Puderbach Michael , Venegas Jose G. , Ratjen Felix , Donaldson Scott H. , Davis Stephanie D. , Rowe Steven M. , Sagel Scott D. , Higgins Mark , Waltz David A. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryCystic fibrosis (CF) is a common inherited condition caused by mutations in the gene encoding the CF transmembrane regulator protein. With increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying CF and the development of new therapies there comes the need to develop new outcome measures to assess the disease, its progression and response to treatment. As there are limitations to the current endpoints accepted for regulatory purposes, a workshop to discuss novel endpoints for clinical trials in CF was held in Anaheim, California in November 2011. The pros and cons of novel outcome measures with potential utility for evaluation of novel treatments in CF were critically evaluated. The highlights of the 2011 workshop and subsequent advances in technologies and techniques that could be used to inform the development of clinical trial endpoints are summarized in this review. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2014 The Authors. Pediatric Pulmonology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polysiloxanes with Quaternary Ammonium Groups for SPPO Aqueous Emulsions
Authors: Hou Zhaosheng , Kan Chengyou 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this paper, polysiloxanes with pendant quaternary ammonium groups (QAPS, cationic silicone surfactants) were synthesized through hydrosilylation of poly(dimethylhydro)siloxane with allyl glycidyl ether, then ring‐opening reaction of epoxide groups with diethyl amine and quaternization with benzyl chloride. The chemical structures of QAPS and intermediate products were characterized by 1H NMR and FT‐IR. The surface and thermal properties of QAPS were researched through surface tension measurement and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The results showed that the QAPS had reduced critical micelle concentration values and lowered glass‐transition temperatures (Tg). Waterborne silyl‐terminated polypropylene oxide emulsions were prepared via phase‐inversion emulsification using QAPS and polyoxyethylene octylphenyl ether (OP‐10) as composite emulsifiers and poly(ethylene glycol) ( = 400, PEG 400) as cosolvent. The electrical properties of the system indicated that the phase inversion was completely accomplished. The emulsions with smaller particle size (6.2 μm) had better storage stability (47 days at 50 °C) and freeze–thaw stability.
Effects of Sucrose Esters on Isothermal Crystallization of Palm Oil‐based Blend
Authors: Chen Cunhong , Zhang Hong , Bi Yanlan , Cheong Lingzhi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe effects of sucrose esters (SEs) with different acyl chain lengths, namely, lauryl (L‐195), palmitoyl (P‐170), stearoyl (S‐170), oleoyl (O‐170), and erucyl (ER‐190), on isothermal crystallization of a palm oil‐based blend (PO–PS) were studied. From this study, it was found that both α‐ and β′‐crystals coexisted following crystallization of PO–PS from melt to room temperature. Addition of SEs P‐170 and S‐170, which had saturated acyl chains similar to PO–PS, resulted in an accelerating crystallization rate, promoting the appearance of α‐crystals and transition to β′‐crystals and increasing viscosity of PO–PS blend. SE O‐170, which is liquid at room temperature, had little effect on blend crystallization. SEs L‐195 and ER‐190, with an acyl chain dissimilar to PO–PS, inhibited triacylglycerol bonding or further integration to the surface of crystals and reduced the crystallization rate and viscosity of the PO–PS blend. The PO–PS blend with SE L‐195 and ER‐190 contained large crystals and resulted in slower formation of α‐crystals and transformation to β′‐crystals. Results from this study indicate that crystallization of PO–PS was greatly influenced by acyl–acyl interactions between acyl chains of SEs and triacylglycerols.
Sex Differences in Cognitive Functioning in At-Risk Mental State for Psychosis, First Episode Psychosis and Healthy Control Subjects
Authors: Ittig S. , Studerus E. , Papmeyer M. , Uttinger M. , Koranyi S. , Ramyead A. , Riecher-Rössler A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackground:Several sex differences in schizophrenia have been reported including differences in cognitive functioning. Studies with schizophrenia patients and healthy controls (HC) indicate that the sex advantage for women in verbal domains is also present in schizophrenia patients. However, findings have been inconsistent. No study focused on sex-related cognitive performance differences in at-risk mental state for psychosis (ARMS) individuals yet. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate sex differences in cognitive functioning in ARMS, first episode psychosis (FEP) and HC subjects. We expected a better verbal learning and memory performance of women in all groups.Methods:The neuropsychological data analysed in this study were collected within the prospectiveFrüherkennung vonPsychosen (FePsy) study. In total, 118 ARMS, 88 FEP individuals and 86 HC completed a cognitive test battery covering the domains of executive functions, attention, working memory, verbal learning and memory, IQ and speed of processing.Results:Women performed better in verbal learning and memory regardless of diagnostic group. By contrast, men as compared to women showed a shorter reaction time during the working memory task across all groups.Conclusion:The results provide evidence that women generally perform better in verbal learning and memory, independent of diagnostic group (ARMS, FEP, HC). The finding of a shorter reaction time for men in the working memory task could indicate that men have a superior working memory performance since they responded faster during the target trials, while maintaining a comparable overall working memory performance level.