bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of highly dispersed, block copolymer‐grafted TiO2 nanoparticles within neat block copolymer films
Authors: Hailu Shimelis T. , Samant Saumil , Grabowski Christopher , Durstock Michael , Karim Alamgir , Raghavan Dharmaraj 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThe objective of the study is to formulate exclusive block copolymer (BCP) nanocomposites by dispersing bcp end‐grafted nanoparticles (bcp‐g‐nps) of PMMA‐b‐PS‐g‐TiO2 within PS‐b‐PMMA matrix. PMMA‐b‐PS‐g‐TiO2 is synthesized using a “grafting‐to” approach and characterized by XPS and TGA to establish that the copolymer chains were bonded to NPs. Good dispersion of bcp‐g‐nps in PMMA and PS‐PMMA bcp films is observed, in contrast to poor dispersion in PS films. In PS‐PMMA films, the compatible and identical bcp nature of the end‐grafted polymer, and large NP size caused it to span across entire PS‐PMMA domains. Poor and good dispersion in PS and PMMA matrices, respectively, can be rationalized by the fact that NPs interactions are driven by the PMMA at the outer corona of the bcp‐g‐nps. Developing bcp‐g‐nps as a strategic route to preparation of highly dispersed high permittivity NPs like titanium dioxide (TiO2) in bcp matrix can have important ramifications for energy storage devices. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 468–478
Synthesis of biodegradable thermoplastic elastomers from ε‐caprolactone and lactide
Authors: Nakayama Yuushou , Aihara Kazuki , Yamanishi Hitomi , Fukuoka Hiroshi , Tanaka Ryo , Cai Zhengguo , Shiono Takeshi 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThis article reports the synthesis and the properties of novel thermoplastic elastomers of A‐B‐A type triblock copolymer structure, where the hard segment A is poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) and the soft segment B is poly(ε‐caprolactone‐stat‐d,l‐lactide) (P(CL‐stat‐DLLA)). The P(CL‐stat‐DLLA) block with DLLA content of 30 mol % was applied because of its amorphous nature and low glass transition temperature (Tg = approximately −40 °C). Successive polymerization of l‐lactide afforded PLLA‐block‐P(CL‐stat‐DLLA)‐block‐PLLAs, which exhibited melting temperature (Tm = approximately 150 °C) for the crystalline PLLA segments and still low Tg (approximately −30 °C) of the soft segments. The triblock copolymers showed very high elongation at break up to approximately 2800% and elastic properties. The corresponding d‐triblock copolymers, PDLA‐block‐P(CL‐stat‐DLLA)‐block‐PDLAs (PDLA = poly(d‐lactide)) were also prepared with the same procedure using d‐lactide in place of l‐lactide. When the PLLA‐block‐P(CL‐stat‐DLLA)‐block‐PLLA was blended with PDLA‐block‐P(CL‐stat‐DLLA)‐block‐PDLA, stereocomplex crystals were formed to enhance their Tm as well as tensile properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 489–495
Protein unfolding rates correlate as strongly as folding rates with native structure
Authors: Broom Aron , Gosavi Shachi , Meiering Elizabeth M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAlthough the folding rates of proteins have been studied extensively, both experimentally and theoretically, and many native state topological parameters have been proposed to correlate with or predict these rates, unfolding rates have received much less attention. Moreover, unfolding rates have generally been thought either to not relate to native topology in the same manner as folding rates, perhaps depending on different topological parameters, or to be more difficult to predict. Using a dataset of 108 proteins including two‐state and multistate folders, we find that both unfolding and folding rates correlate strongly, and comparably well, with well‐established measures of native topology, the absolute contact order and the long range order, with correlation coefficient values of 0.75 or higher. In addition, compared to folding rates, the absolute values of unfolding rates vary more strongly with native topology, have a larger range of values, and correlate better with thermodynamic stability. Similar trends are observed for subsets of different protein structural classes. Taken together, these results suggest that choosing a scaffold for protein engineering may require a compromise between a simple topology that will fold sufficiently quickly but also unfold quickly, and a complex topology that will unfold slowly and hence have kinetic stability, but fold slowly. These observations, together with the established role of kinetic stability in determining resistance to thermal and chemical denaturation as well as proteases, have important implications for understanding fundamental aspects of protein unfolding and folding and for protein engineering and design.
Structural analysis of mevalonate‐3‐kinase provides insight into the mechanisms of isoprenoid pathway decarboxylases
Authors: Vinokur Jeffrey M. , Korman Tyler P. , Sawaya Michael R. , Collazo Michael , Cascio Duillio , Bowie James U. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn animals, cholesterol is made from 5‐carbon building blocks produced by the mevalonate pathway. Drugs that inhibit the mevalonate pathway such as atorvastatin (lipitor) have led to successful treatments for high cholesterol in humans. Another potential target for the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis is mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase (MDD), which catalyzes the phosphorylation of (R)‐mevalonate diphosphate, followed by decarboxylation to yield isopentenyl pyrophosphate. We recently discovered an MDD homolog, mevalonate‐3‐kinase (M3K) from Thermoplasma acidophilum, which catalyzes the identical phosphorylation of (R)‐mevalonate, but without concomitant decarboxylation. Thus, M3K catalyzes half the reaction of the decarboxylase, allowing us to separate features of the active site that are required for decarboxylation from features required for phosphorylation. Here we determine the crystal structure of M3K in the apo form, and with bound substrates, and compare it to MDD structures. Structural and mutagenic analysis reveals modifications that allow M3K to bind mevalonate rather than mevalonate diphosphate. Comparison to homologous MDD structures show that both enzymes employ analogous Arg or Lys residues to catalyze phosphate transfer. However, an invariant active site Asp/Lys pair of MDD previously thought to play a role in phosphorylation is missing in M3K with no functional replacement. Thus, we suggest that the invariant Asp/Lys pair in MDD may be critical for decarboxylation rather than phosphorylation.
Single Adult Kidney Stem/Progenitor Cells Reconstitute Three-Dimensional Nephron Structures In Vitro
Authors: Kitamura Shinji , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Makino Hirofumi 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The kidneys are formed during development from two distinct primordial tissues, the metanephric mesenchyme and the ureteric bud. The metanephric mesenchyme develops into the kidney nephron, the minimal functional unit of the kidney. A nephron consists of several segments and regulates water, electrolyte, and acid-base homeostasis in addition to secreting certain hormones. It has been predicted that the kidney will be among the last organs successfully regenerated in vitro due to its complex structure and multiple functions. Here, we show that adult kidney stem/progenitor cells (KS cells), derived from the S3 segment of adult rat kidney nephrons, can reconstitute a three-dimensional kidney-like structure in vitro. Kidney-like structures were formed when a cluster of KS cells was suspended in an extracellular matrix gel and cultured in the presence of several growth factors. Morphological analyses revealed that these kidney-like structures contained every substructure of the kidney, including glomeruli, proximal tubules, the loop of Henle, distal tubules, and collecting ducts, but no vasculature. Our results demonstrate that a cluster of tissue stem/progenitor cells has the ability to reconstitute the minimum unit of its organ of origin by differentiating into specialized cells in the correct location. This process differs from embryonic kidney development, which requires the mutual induction of two different populations of progenitors, metanephric mesenchymal cells and ureteric bud cells. Stem Cells 2015;33:774–784
A huge osteoma of the mandible detected with head and neck computed tomography
Authors: Ohashi Yu , Kumagai Akiko , Matsumoto Naoko , Izumisawa Mitsuru , Hoshi Hideki , Sugiyama Yoshiki 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe encountered a patient with a huge osteoma extending over half of the mandible, which was incidentally discovered on a head‐and‐neck computed tomography (CT) by an otolaryngological examination for vertigo.A tumorous lesion of the right mandible was noted, and the patient was referred to our department. The tumor extended from the median mandible over the right anterior margin of the ramus of the mandible.To improve the abnormal intraoral morphology, tumor resection and orthopedic surgery were performed. The histopathological diagnosis was a cancellous osteoma.Dentures were attached after surgery, and the postoperative course has been favorable with no tumor re‐enlargement.
Steady streaming of a viscoelastic fluid within a periodically rotating sphere
Authors: Repetto Rodolfo , Siggers Jennifer H. , Meskauskas Julia 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMotivated by understanding mass transport processes occurring in the vitreous chamber of the eye, we consider the steady streaming component of the flow generated in a viscoelastic fluid contained within a hollow, rigid sphere performing small-amplitude, periodic, torsional oscillations about an axis passing through its centre. The problem is solved semi-analytically, assuming that the amplitude of the oscillations is small. The paper extends the work by Repetto et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 608, 2008, pp. 71–80), in which the case of a purely viscous fluid was analysed. However, in reality, in young and healthy subjects, the vitreous humour has complex rheological properties, and so here we model it as a viscoelastic fluid. A similar problem was studied by Nikolakis (Eine Theorie für stationäre Drifterscheinungen viskoelastischer Flüssigkeiten, 1992, VDI). In the present model, the steady streaming flow is governed by four dimensionless parameters. We show that, when we account for the viscoelasticity of the fluid, there is a considerably more complex set of possible flow regimes than was found in the purely viscous case, and the flows can be classified into five qualitatively different types. Whereas there was only one circulation cell in each hemisphere in the viscous case, accounting for viscoelasticity it is possible have either one, two or three circulation cells, with different senses of rotation, depending on the parameter values.
Streamwise and doubly-localised periodic orbits in plane Poiseuille flow
Authors: Zammert Stefan , Eckhardt Bruno 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe study localised exact coherent structures in plane Poiseuille flow that are relative periodic orbits. They are obtained from extended states in smaller periodically continued domains, by increasing the length to obtain streamwise localisation and then by increasing the width to achieve spanwise localisation. The states maintain the travelling wave structure of the extended states, which is then modulated by a localised envelope on larger scales. In the streamwise direction, the envelope shows exponential localisation, with different exponents on the upstream and downstream sides. The upstream exponent increases linearly with Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}$, but the downstream exponent is essentially independent of $\mathit{Re}$. In the spanwise direction the decay is compatible with a power-law localisation. As the width increases the localised state undergoes further bifurcations which add additional unstable directions, so that the edge state, the relative attractor on the boundary between the laminar and turbulent motions, in the system becomes chaotic.
Weak–strong clustering transition in renewing compressible flows
Authors: Dhanagare Ajinkya , Musacchio Stefano , Vincenzi Dario 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe investigate the statistical properties of Lagrangian tracers transported by a time-correlated compressible renewing flow. We show that the preferential sampling of the phase space performed by tracers yields significant differences between the Lagrangian statistics and its Eulerian counterpart. In particular, the effective compressibility experienced by tracers has a non-trivial dependence on the time correlation of the flow. We examine the consequence of this phenomenon on the clustering of tracers, focusing on the transition from the weak- to the strong-clustering regime. We find that the critical compressibility at which the transition occurs is minimum when the time correlation of the flow is of the order of the typical eddy turnover time. Further, we demonstrate that the clustering properties in time-correlated compressible flows are non-universal and are strongly influenced by the spatio-temporal structure of the velocity field.
THE ADAPTED YAM MINISETT TECHNIQUE FOR PRODUCING CLEAN SEED YAMS (DIOSCOREA ROTUNDATA): AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE AND VARIETAL DIFFERENCES UNDER FARMER-MANAGED CONDITIONS IN NIGERIA
Authors: MORSE STEPHEN , McNAMARA NORA 
Published: November 2014

SUMMARYWhite yam (Dioscorea rotundata) is a major root crop grown throughout West Africa but one of the major factors that limits its production is the availability of good quality planting material. This paper described the results of farmer-managed demonstration plots established in 2012 and 2013 designed to promote the Adapted Yam Minisett Technique (AYMT) in Nigeria. The AYMT was developed between 2005 and 2008 to produce quality seed yam tubers at a cost that is viable for small-scale farmers. Since its development the agronomic performance of AYMT has not been explored across a large sample of farmers, and neither has there been any attempt to explore possible varietal effects although farmers have often alluded to this. This papers seeks to address these gaps in the literature and the results suggest that the AYMT does succeed in producing seed yams of the required size and the economic returns are also good. Results also suggest that there is a varietal affect with AYMT, including a significant interaction with pesticide treatment; the first time this has been demonstrated.
Blind Men Speaking of Colors: Paul's Recollection and the Self-Image of Early Thirteenth-Century Theologians
Authors: Even-Ezra Ayelet 
Published: November 2014

In the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul writes:It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. (2 Cor 12:1–5nkiv)This brief and enigmatic account is caught between multiple dialectics of power and infirmity, pride and humility, unveiling and secrecy. At this point in his letter Paul is turning to a new source of power in order to establish his authority against the crowd of boasting false apostles who populate the previous paragraphs. He wishes to divulge his intimate, occult knowledge of God, but at the same time keep his position as antihero that is prevalent throughout the epistle. These dialectics are enhanced by a sophisticated play of first and third person. The third person denotes the subject who experienced rapture fourteen years ago, while the first person denotes the narrator in the present. Only after several verses does the reader realize that these two are in fact the same person. This alienation allows Paul the intricate play of boasting, for “of such a one I will boast, yet of myself I will not boast.”
Magnetic seizure therapy in treatment-resistant depression: clinical, neuropsychological and metabolic effects
Authors: Kayser S. , Bewernick B. H. , Matusch A. , Hurlemann R. , Soehle M. , Schlaepfer T. E. 
Published: November 2014

Background.Magnetic seizure therapy (MST), despite being in an early phase of clinical research, has been demonstrated to be associated with antidepressant efficacy. However, safety, tolerability and efficacy data in connection with functional brain activity from larger samples are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine clinical and cognitive effects of MST and the influence of MST on regional brain glucose metabolism.Method.Twenty-six patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD) underwent MST. Ten patients underwent a randomized trial and 16 patients an open-label study design. The primary outcome criterion was the severity of depressive symptoms assessed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). Depressive symptoms, tolerability and cognitive safety, along with social functioning and quality of life parameters, were assessed using various rating scales. A clinical follow-up visit 6 months following the completion of a course of MST and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans of 12 patients were analysed.Results.A significant response to MST was demonstrated by 69% of the patient sample, with 46% meeting remission criteria. Anxiety ratings were significantly reduced in responders and their quality of life was improved. Half of the responders relapsed within 6 months. No cognitive side-effects were observed. FDG-PET scans showed a metabolic increase in the frontal cortex bilaterally and a decrease in the left striatum.Conclusions.Robust antidepressant and anti-anxiety efficacy of MST was demonstrated, and found to be associated with localized metabolic changes in brain areas that are strongly implicated in depression. Thus, MST presents an effective, well-tolerated and safe treatment option for patients unable to respond to other forms of therapy for depression.
Healthy populations, political stability, and regime type: Southeast Asia as a case study
Authors: DAVIES SARA E. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractOver the past decade, there have been increased attempts to understand the contributing factors to the relationship between healthy populations (that is, populations that have long life expectancy from birth), the prevention of conflict, and governance regimes that enable ‘healthy nations’ to survive and thrive. These studies have been largely informed by longitudinal studies on the positive relationship between regime type, provision of health care, and conflict prevention. This article examines what insights a comparison of postconflict countries in a regional setting may provide to challenge or indeed extend the findings advanced so far in the literature on the relationship between regime type and health insecurity. The Southeast Asian experience confirms the obvious – that the cessation of armed conflict is related to improved health outcomes. However, it challenges presumptions that democratisation plays a significant role in shaping this relationship.
Questioning health security: Insecurity and domination in world politics
Authors: NUNES JOÃO 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIt has become common to speak of health security, but the meaning of the latter is often taken for granted. Existing engagements with this notion have been constrained by an excessive focus on national security and on the securitising efforts of elites. This has led to an increasingly sceptical outlook on the potentialities of security for making sense of, and helping to tackle, health problems. Inspired by the idea of security as emancipation, this article reconsiders the notion of health security. It takes as its starting point the concrete insecurities experienced by individuals, and engages with them by way of an analytical framework centred on the notion of domination. Domination deepens analysis by connecting individual experiences of insecurity, the social interactions through which these are given meaning, and the structures that make them possible. Domination also broadens the remit of analysis, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of insecurity. The analytical benefits of this framework are demonstrated by two examples: HIV/AIDS; and water and sanitation. The lens of domination is also shown to bring benefits for the political engagement with global health problems.
RAPID ASSESSMENT OF BILATERAL COCHLEAR IMPLANTATION FOR CHILDREN IN KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Kosherbayeva Lyazzat , Hailey David , Kozhageldiyeva Laura 
Published: November 2014

Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) compared with unilateral CI for deaf children in the context of the Republic of Kazakhstan health system.Methods.A literature search was conducted, using the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase data bases for studies that compared the effectiveness of bilateral and unilateral CI in children. The search included English language, publications from 2002–2012. Two reviewers independently evaluated all relevant studies. Administrative data relevant to CI in Kazakhstan were obtained from the Ministry of Health.Results: Three relevant systematic reviews and an health technology assessment report were found. There was evidence of incremental benefits from bilateral CI but the quality of the available studies was poor and there was little information on longer term outcomes. No conclusions could be drawn regarding later incremental improvements to speech perception, learning, and quality of life. To date, in the Republic of Kazakhstan there is not full coverage of audiological screening due to the lack of medical equipment. This leads to late detection of hearing-impaired children and a long rehabilitation period, requiring more resources. Age of implantation in children is late and only a small minority attend general schools.Conclusions:The clinical effectiveness of bilateral CI, an expensive health technology, requires further study. Given the current situation in Kazakhstan with audiological screening and access to unilateral CI, there appeared to be other priorities for improving services for children with profound hearing impairment.
Maternal prenatal anxiety and child brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genotype: Effects on internalizing symptoms from 4 to 15 years of age
Authors: O'Donnell Kieran J. , Glover Vivette , Holbrook Joanna D. , O'Connor Thomas G. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMultiple behavioral and health outcomes, including internalizing symptoms, may be predicted from prenatal maternal anxiety, depression, or stress. However, not all children are affected, and those that are can be affected in different ways. Here we test the hypothesis that the effects of prenatal anxiety are moderated by genetic variation in the child's brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children population cohort. Internalizing symptoms were assessed from 4 to 13 years of age using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (n= 8,584); a clinical interview with the adolescents was conducted at age 15 years (n= 4,704). Obstetric and psychosocial risk and postnatal maternal symptoms were included as covariates. Results show that prenatal maternal anxiety predicted internalizing symptoms, including with the diagnostic assessment at 15 years. There was a main effect of twoBDNFpolymorphisms (rs6265[val66met] andrs11030104) on internalizing symptoms up to age 13. There was also genetic moderation of the prenatal anxiety effect by differentBDNFpolymorphisms (rs11030121andrs7124442), although significant effects were limited to preadolescence. The findings suggest a role forBDNFgene–environment interactions in individual vulnerability to the effects of prenatal anxiety on child internalizing symptoms.