bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss assures improvement of accompanying tinnitus
Authors: Rah Yoon C. , Park Kyung T. , Yi Yeo‐Jeen , Seok Jungirl , Kang Seong I. , Kim Young H. 
Published: December 2014

Objectives/HypothesisTo investigate the long‐term outcomes of accompanying tinnitus after steroid therapy for patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).Study DesignRetrospective chart review and survey.MethodsFifty patients diagnosed with SSNHL accompanied by tinnitus were enrolled and divided into two groups—satisfied and unsatisfied—according to the degree of improvement of tinnitus after SSNHL treatment. Subjective improvement of tinnitus and hearing status were investigated before and 6 months after SSNHL treatment. Hearing improvement was assessed using criteria from our previous study and Siegel's criteria. The change of tinnitus was assessed using a visual analogue scale for tinnitus intensity and frequency.ResultsPatients with more severe initial hearing loss had less chance of hearing recovery (P = .05). The satisfied group included significantly more cases with better hearing recovery after SSNHL treatment than the unsatisfied group (P = .049). Pure‐tone threshold and speech discrimination scores were significantly better in the satisfied group than in the unsatisfied group after SSNHL treatment (P = .033 and P = .018, respectively), although the two groups showed no definitive differences before treatment.ConclusionsOptimal and successful treatment of SSNHL may be an important factor in obtaining favorable long‐term control of tinnitus accompanied by SSNHL.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 125:1433–1437, 2015
Gap junction enhances phototoxicity of photodynamic therapy agent 2‐[1‐hexyloxyethyl]‐2‐devinylpyropheophorbide‐a (HPPH)
Authors: Liu Zhen , Wang Qin , Fan Lixia , Wu Deng Pan , Zhang Yuan , Liu Lucy , Tao Liang 
Published: December 2014

Background and ObjectiveIt has been reported that 2‐(1‐hexyloxyethyl)‐2‐devinyl pyropheophorbide‐a (HPPH)‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) effects on antitumor. However, it remains unclear whether gap junction (GJ) acts on phototoxicity of HPPH and which pathways are involved in the process.Materials and MethodsWe determine the effect of HPPH on cancer cell viability and the apoptosis‐associated signaling by cell viability assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement, and caspase‐3 activity assay.ResultsOur study uniquely showed that there is a strong correlation between GJ and HPPH‐PDT cytotoxicity, that inhibition of GJ function in U87 cells by tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐aaetate or carbenoxolone reduces HPPH‐PDT cytotoxicity, that and the enhancement of GJ function by retinoid acid in U87 cells increases HPPH‐PDT cytotoxicity. We also observed that GJ intercellular communication composed of connexin 32 (Cx32) induced by doxycycline in Hela cells enhances HPPH‐PDT phototoxicity. In addition, we indicated that GJ prompts the HPPH‐induced apoptosis likely due to the “bystander effect” of passing apoptotic signals between cells, which results in improving the accumulation of ROS, which also amplifies mitochondria depolarization and the activation of caspase‐3.ConclusionGJ enhances the efficacy of HPPH‐PDT in U87 and Hela; GJ augments ROS production, which enhances the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the activation of caspase‐3, and increases apoptosis in the tumor cells induced by HPPH‐PDT. Our findings provide a basis for further development of GJ as a potential prediction of the efficacy of photodynamic therapy. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:68–76, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthetic Control of Pore Properties in Conjugated Microporous Polymers Based on Carbazole Building Blocks
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Zhao Yang , Wei Lingling , Zhang Chong , Yang Xiao , Yu Miao , Jiang Jia‐Xing 
Published: December 2014

A series of conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) from 1,3,6,8‐tetrabromocarbazole and its alkylated derivative is synthesized via Suzuki cross‐coupling polycondensation. These polymer networks are stable in common organic solvents and thermally stable. The pore properties (pore size and surface area) of this kind of CMPs can be tuned by using either a linker with different geometries or carbazole substituted with alkyl groups. All of the polymers show high isosteric heats of CO2 adsorption (27.1–30.8 kJ mol−1) because the incorporation of nitrogen atoms into the skeleton of the CMP enhances the interaction between the pore wall and CO2 molecules. The polymer PPTBC shows a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area up to 917 m2 g−1 with a high CO2 uptake ability of 2.93 mmol g−1 at 1.13 bar/273 K. These data show that these materials are potential candidates for applications in post‐combustion CO2 capture and sequestration technology.
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Dendritic Polyurea Polymers
Authors: Tuerp David , Bruchmann Bernd 
Published: December 2014

Dendritic polymers, subsuming dendrimers as well as hyperbranched or highly branched polymers are well established in the field of polymer chemistry. This review article focuses on urea based dendritic polymers and summarizes their synthetic routes through both isocyanate and isocyanate‐free processes. Furthermore, this article highlights applications where dendritic polyureas show their specific chemical and physical potential. For these purposes scientific publications as well as patent literature are investigated to generate a comprehensive overview on this topic.
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Tuning the LCST and UCST Thermoresponsive Behavior of Poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) by Electrostatic Interactions with Trivalent Metal Hexacyano Anions and Copolymerization
Authors: Zhang Qilu , Tosi Filippo , Üǧdüler Sibel , Maji Samarendra , Hoogenboom Richard 
Published: December 2014

Poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) has been reported to show both upper critical solution temperature (UCST) and lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior in presence of trivalent metal hexacyano anions, which is attractive for the development of smart materials. In this communication, the influence of the double thermoresponsive behavior of PDMAEMA driven by electrostatic interactions is investigated by comparing systems with [Co(CN)6]3−, [Fe(CN)6]3−, and [Cr(CN)6]3− as trivalent anions. Furthermore, tuning of double thermoresponsive behavior of PDMAEMA by incorporating hydrophilic or hydrophobic comonomers is also discussed in the presence of [Fe(CN)6]3− as trivalent ion.
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Scope and Limitations of a Direct Arylation Polycondensation Scheme in the Synthesis of PCPDTBT‐Type Copolymers
Authors: Kowalski Sebastian , Allard Sybille , Scherf Ullrich 
Published: December 2014

Direct arylation polycondensation represents a promising alternative to the currently used aryl–aryl coupling schemes for conjugated polymer synthesis that is characterized by a potentially lower impact on the environment and reduced costs. However, scope and limitations of this novel protocol are not fully understood until now. Two main aspects are, hereby, i) the chemical nature of side reactions that occur during coupling of nonactivated and dihalogenated aromatic monomers, and ii) the influence of steric and electronic factors on the reactivity of the monomers. Within this communication, the 4,4‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐cyclopenta[1,2‐b:5,4‐b′]dithiophene (CPDT)/2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole (BT) monomer couple for direct arylation synthesis of the alternating copolymer poly(4,4‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐alt‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole) (PCPDTBT) is studied and homocoupling identified as the dominating side reaction. The study demonstrates that homocoupling can be almost completely suppressed through a clever choice of the reaction conditions. Finally, the findings implicate that mainly electronic factors control the reactivity of both monomers.
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Characteristics and Origin of Rock Glaciers in Northern Tien Shan (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan)
Authors: Bolch Tobias , Gorbunov Aldar P. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTNorthern Tien Shan is characterised by a distinct periglacial belt that contains many rock glaciers with an area of 1 km2 or more. To investigate the reason for their large size and variable occurrence, we analysed a representative subsample of the rock glaciers with respect to topographic and climatic variables. A simple permafrost model indicates that the rock glaciers originate in the zone where permafrost occurrence is very likely and some large rock glaciers flow down to elevations where permafrost is unlikely to exist outside the rock glaciers themselves. Correlation and multiple regression analyses revealed that the occurrence and characteristics of the rock glaciers can only be partly explained by the characteristics of the contributing area (e.g. its area or the headwall height). The correlation is greater with talus‐type rock glaciers than with moraine‐type rock glaciers. The climate can explain the general occurrence of rock glaciers but not their specific characteristics. It is hypothesised that the main reason for the specific distribution and characteristics of these large rock glaciers relates to the interaction with polythermal glaciers, topographic characteristics, intensive weathering and rock avalanches triggered by seismic activity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Longitudinal Pilot Study of Resilience in Canadian Military Personnel
Authors: Sudom Kerry A. , Lee Jennifer E. C. , Zamorski Mark A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractResearch on psychological resilience is important for occupations involving routine exposure to trauma or critical events. Such research can allow for the identification of factors to target in training, education and intervention programs, as well as groups that may be at higher risk for mental health problems. Although efforts have been made to determine the individual characteristics that contribute to positive outcomes under stress, little is known about whether such characteristics are stable over time or how stressful events can impact psychological resilience in high‐risk occupations such as military service. Following a review of the evidence on variations in resilience over time, results of a pilot study of Canadian Armed Forces personnel are presented in which differences in resilience characteristics were examined from military recruitment to several years after enrolment. While there was little change in resilience characteristics over time on average, there was considerable individual variation, with some individuals showing marked improvement and others showing marked deterioration in resilience characteristics. At both time points, individuals who had been deployed showed greater resilience characteristics than those who had never been deployed. Implications for the promotion of psychological resilience in military populations and personnel employed in other high‐risk occupations are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positive Psychological Factors are Associated with Lower PTSD Symptoms among Police Officers: Post Hurricane Katrina
Authors: McCanlies Erin C. , Mnatsakanova Anna , Andrew Michael E. , Burchfiel Cecil M. , Violanti John M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractFollowing Hurricane Katrina, police officers in the New Orleans geographic area faced a number of challenges. This cross‐sectional study examined the association between resilience, satisfaction with life, gratitude, posttraumatic growth, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in 84 male and 30 female police officers from Louisiana. Protective factors were measured using the Connor–Davidson Resilience scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Gratitude Questionnaire, and the Posttraumatic Growth inventory. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder were measured using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist—Civilian (PCL‐C). Potential associations were measured using linear regression and analysis of variance. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, education, and alcohol. Mean PCL‐C symptoms were 29.5 ± 14.5 for females and 27.8 ± 12.1 for males. Adjusted mean levels of PCL‐C symptoms significantly decreased as quartiles of resilience (p < .001), satisfaction with life (p < .001), and gratitude (p < .001) increased. In contrast, PCL‐C symptoms were not associated with posttraumatic growth in this sample. These results indicate that positive factors such as resilience, satisfaction with life, and gratitude may help mitigate symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. To further explore these relationships, longitudinal follow‐up in a larger population would be of interest. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the Relationship between Worry and Impulsivity in Military Recruits: The Role of Mindfulness and Self‐compassion as Potential Mediators
Authors: Mantzios Michail 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWhen military recruits cannot tolerate the stressful environment in the military, they typically become more impulsive. Impulsivity serves to avoid the stress, or, in other words, to release the pressure and cope. Becoming more impulsive, however, is related to damaging behaviours and unsuccessful coping. This research explored the relationship between worry and impulsivity in armed forces, and the possibility of mindfulness and self‐compassion mediating this relationship. Participants (n = 166), who were in the second week of their basic military training, completed questionnaires in mindfulness, self‐compassion, worry and impulsivity. Results indicated that worry related positively to impulsivity. Further, the negative relationship of worry with mindfulness and self‐compassion mediated the relationship between worry and impulsivity. Findings support the notion that lacking mindfulness and self‐compassion, in excessive worriers, may lead to impulsivity. This research concluded that mindfulness and self‐compassion may assist military personnel who are exposed to highly stressful environments. Alternative explanations and future directions are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Team Spirit Makes the Difference: The Interactive Effects of Team Work Engagement and Organizational Constraints during a Military Operation on Psychological Outcomes Afterwards
Authors: Boermans S. M. , Kamphuis W. , Delahaij R. , van den Berg C. , Euwema M. C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis article prospectively explores the effects of collective team work engagement and organizational constraints during military deployment on individual‐level psychological outcomes afterwards. Participants were 971 Dutch peacekeepers within 93 teams who were deployed between the end of 2008 and beginning of 2010, for an average of 4 months, in the International Security Assistance Force. Surveys were administered 2 months into deployment and 6 months afterwards. Multi‐level regression analyses demonstrated that team work engagement during deployment moderated the relation between organizational constraints and post‐deployment fatigue symptoms. Team members reported less fatigue symptoms after deployment if they were part of highly engaged teams during deployment, particularly when concerns about organizational constraints during deployment were high. In contrast, low team work engagement was related to more fatigue symptoms, particularly when concerns about organizational constraints were high. Contrary to expectations, no effects for team work engagement or organizational constraints were found for post‐traumatic growth. The present study highlights that investing in team work engagement is important for those working in highly demanding jobs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of neuroprotection by melatonin against adverse effects of prenatal exposure to a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug during peripheral nerve development
Authors: Keskin Ilknur , Kaplan Suleyman , Kalkan Serpil , Sutcu Mustafa , Ulkay M. Basak , Esener O. Burak 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe potential ability of melatonin to protect against impairment of the fetal peripheral nerve system due to maternal consumption of diclofenac sodium (DS) was investigated. Eighty‐four pregnant rats were divided into seven groups: control (CONT), saline administered (PS), DS administered (DS), DS with low‐dose melatonin administered (DS + MLT10), DS with high‐dose melatonin administered (DS + MLT50), low‐dose melatonin administered (MLT10), and high‐dose melatonin administered (MLT50). After the pregnancy, six male newborn rats from each group were sacrificed at 4 and 20 weeks of age. Their right sciatic nerves were harvested, and nerve fibers were evaluated using stereological techniques. Mean numbers of myelinated axons, axon cross‐section areas and the mean thickness of the myelin sheet were estimated. Four‐week‐old prenatally DS‐exposed rats had significantly fewer axons, a smaller myelinated axonal area, and a thinner myelin sheath compared to CONT group (p < 0.05). Although melatonin at both doses significantly increased axon numbers, only a high dose of melatonin increased the diameter of those axons (p < 0.05). At 20‐weeks of age, myelinated axon number in the DS group was not only significantly lower than all other groups (p < 0.05) but also the cross‐sectional area of these axons was smaller than all other groups (p < 0.05). There were no differences between the groups regarding the mean thickness of the myelin sheet. The current study indicates that prenatal exposure to DS decreases the number and the diameter of sciatic nerve axons and that melatonin prophylaxis can prevent these effects.
Association between educational level and access to safe abortion in a Brazilian population
Authors: Dias Tábata Z. , Passini Renato , Duarte Graciana A. , Sousa Maria H. , Faúndes Aníbal 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate sociodemographic factors associated with induced abortion.MethodsAs part of a cross‐sectional, descriptive study, 15 800 civil servants from Campinas, Brazil, were invited to complete a self‐administered questionnaire about absolutely unwanted pregnancies in January 2010. Bivariate analysis and multivariate Poisson regression analysis were used to explore the associations between induced abortion and sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsOverall, 1660 questionnaires were returned. Unwanted pregnancy was reported by 296 (17.8%) respondents, of whom 165 (55.7%) resorted to abortion. Multiple regression analysis showed that college education was the only variable associated with an increased chance of abortion. Among 157 participants who answered questions about the abortion procedure, 97 (61.8%) reported that it had been performed by a physician. Following abortion, 35 (22.9%) of 153 reported that medical care was required and 26 (16.6%) of 157 reported hospitalization, principally those with a lower level of education and those whose abortion had been performed by a nonphysician.ConclusionCompared with women with a college education, those with a lower education level were less likely to terminate an absolutely unwanted pregnancy and to have an abortion performed by a physician, and they were more likely to have complications. These findings confirm the social inequalities associated with abortion in Brazil.
Safety of induced abortions at less than 12 weeks of pregnancy in Japan
Authors: Sekiguchi Atsuko , Ikeda Tomoaki , Okamura Kunihiro , Nakai Akihito 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the safety of various methods of induced abortion when used before 12 weeks of pregnancy in Japan.MethodsA retrospective study was undertaken of induced abortions conducted between January 1 and December 31, 2012. Questionnaires were sent to 4154 institutions that employed doctors who were licensed to conduct induced abortions. Information was obtained about the numbers of induced abortions performed before 12 weeks, methods, complications, and routine management.ResultsCompleted questionnaires from 2434 institutions showed that 100 851 induced abortions had been performed. Vacuum aspiration (VA) was used in 20 458 (20.3%) abortions, VA with sharp curettage in 47 148 (46.8%), dilatation and curettage (D&C) in 32 958 (32.7%), and medical abortion in 287 (0.3%). Overall, 358 complications were reported (355.0 per 100 000 procedures). The rate of complications was significantly higher after D&C than after VA and after VA with sharp curettage (P < 0.001 for both). However, incomplete abortion requiring repeat procedures was the only complication that was significantly associated with D&C (P < 0.001).ConclusionD&C can be safely used for induced abortion before 12 weeks of pregnancy, but changing from D&C to VA could reduce incomplete abortions and improve the safety of induced abortions before 12 weeks of pregnancy in Japan.
Demographic and delivery characteristics associated with obstetric fistula in Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Washington Blair B. , Raker Christina A. , Kabeja George A. , Kay Allison , Hampton Brittany S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the characteristics of Rwandan women undergoing surgical correction of obstetric fistula.MethodsA retrospective, cross‐sectional study was conducted of women undergoing surgery to repair obstetric fistula as part of a program run by the International Organization for Women and Development in Kigali, Rwanda, between April 1, 2010, and February 28, 2011. Data were collected from medical records, including demographics, obstetric history, and results of the physical examination.ResultsA total of 65 women underwent fistula surgery in the study period. Among 59 women for whom relevant data were available, 43 (73%) reported that the fetus did not survive the pregnancy during which the fistula developed. Delivery had occurred in a healthcare facility for 49 (82%) of 60 women. Delivery was by cesarean in 31 (48%) women included in the analyses. Cervicovesical or uterovesical fistula occurred more frequently among women who underwent cesarean delivery (9 [29%]) than among those who underwent vaginal delivery (3 [9%] of 34; P = 0.04). There was no difference in the number of fetal or neonatal deaths between the two groups (P = 0.2).ConclusionApproximately half of the women in the sample delivered by cesarean, and these women were more likely to have a fistula involving the uterus or cervix.
A social identity perspective on aspirational advertising: Implicit threats to collective self‐esteem and strategies to overcome them
Authors: Dimofte Claudiu V. , Goodstein Ronald C. , Brumbaugh Anne M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis research explores the effects of consumers' self‐comparisons with specific social identities associated with a product‐based out‐group that are primed by aspirational advertising. We hypothesize and find that when a consumer's relevant identity is inferior to the primed social identity, product attitudes suffer. The process accounting for this effect consists of a negative social comparison between the two that reduces the consumer's related collective self‐esteem. This outcome is more (less) apparent under conditions of high comparison salience (identification with the inferior in‐group). We also demonstrate two marketer strategies that alleviate this negative effect: facilitated affiliation (i.e., making desired out‐group membership appear accessible) and indirect self‐affirmation (i.e., improving perceptions of worth associated with other self identities). The results advance theoretical knowledge of social identity processes influencing consumer attitudes.