bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of well‐defined optically active methacrylic diblock copolymers
Authors: Achilleos Mariliz , Kafouris Demetris , Holder Simon J. , Krasia‐Christoforou Theodora 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA new, simple, and cost‐effective approach toward the development of well‐defined optically active diblock copolymers based on methacrylate monomers is described for the first time. Starting from the low‐cost optically active (S)‐(−)‐2‐methyl‐1‐butanol, a new optically active methacrylic monomer, namely, (S)‐(+)‐2‐methyl‐1‐butyl methacrylate [(S)‐(+)‐MBuMA], was synthesized. Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization was then used for preparing well‐defined poly[(S)‐(+)‐MBuMA] homopolymers and water‐soluble diblock copolymers based on [(S)‐(+)‐MBuMA] and the hydrophilic and ionizable monomer 2‐(dimethyl amino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). The respective homopolymers and diblock copolymers were characterized in terms of their molecular weights, polydispersity indices, and compositions by size exclusion chromatography and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Polarimetry measurements were used to determine the specific optical rotations of these systems. The structural and compositional characteristics of micellar nanostructures possessing an optically active core generated by p((S)‐(+)‐MBuMA)‐b‐p(DMAEMA) chains characterized by predetermined molecular characteristics may be easily tuned to match biological constructs. Consequently, the aggregation behavior of the p[(S)‐(+)‐MBuMA]‐b‐p[DMAEMA] diblock copolymers was investigated in aqueous media by means of dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy, which revealed the formation of micelles in neutral and acidified aqueous solutions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Fast annealing and patterning of polymer solar cells by means of vapor printing
Authors: Burgués‐Ceballos Ignasi , Campoy‐Quiles Mariano , Francesch Laia , Lacharmoise Paul D. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe viability of vapor printing as a fast annealing treatment for the processing of polymer solar cells is demonstrated. In this method, a carrier gas transporting vapor solvent is delivered through a nozzle promoting self‐assembly of polymer chains. Devices based on poly(3‐hexylthiophene) blended with soluble fullerene are locally exposed during different annealing times to chlorobenzene vapor in a nitrogen flow. This enables finding an optimal nanostructure in promisingly short time‐scales (<5 s of exposure to vapor solvent), which yields a twofold increase in efficiency with respect to as‐cast samples. Moreover, a combined Raman, photometric, and ellipsometric characterization allows to understand why overexposure to vapor solvent reduces the performance. Finally, toluene and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronaphthalene are also tested using this method, showing different printing efficiencies corresponding to their specific vapor pressures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Computational strategy for graphene: Insight from odd electrons correlation
Authors: Sheka Elena F. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe correlation of odd electrons in graphene turns out to be significant so that the species should be attributed to correlated ones. This finding profoundly influences the computational strategy addressing it to multireference computational schemes. Owing to serious problems related to the schemes realization, a compromise can be suggested using single‐determinant approaches based on either Hartree–Fock or density‐functional theory in the form of unrestricted open‐shell presentation. Both computational schemes enable to fix the electron correlation, whereas only the Hartree–Fock theory suggests a set of quantities to be calculated that can quantitatively characterize the electron correlation and be used for a quantitative description of such graphene properties as magnetism, chemical reactivity, and mechanical response. The article presents concepts and algorithms of the unrestricted Hartree–Fock theory applied for the consideration of magnetic properties of nanographenes, their chemical modification by the example of stepwise hydrogenation, as well as a possible governing the electron correlation by the carbon skeleton deformation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The diameter of a random subgraph of the hypercube
Authors: Kulich Tomáš 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn this paper we present an estimation for the diameter of random subgraph of a hypercube. In the article by A. V. Kostochka (Random Struct Algorithms 4 (1993) 215–229) the authors obtained lower and upper bound for the diameter. According to their work, the inequalities n + mp ≤ D(Gn) ≤ n + mp + 8 almost surely hold as n → ∞, where n is dimension of the hypercube and mp depends only on sampling probabilities. It is not clear from their work, whether the values of the diameter are really distributed on these 9 values, or whether the inequality can be sharpened. In this paper we introduce several new ideas, using which we are able to obtain an exact result: D(Gn) = n + mp (almost surely). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2012
Simultaneous Observation of the Lever Arm and Head Explains Myosin VI Dual Function
Authors: Ikezaki Keigo , Komori Tomotaka , Sugawa Mitsuhiro , Arai Yoshiyuki , Nishikawa So , Iwane Atsuko H. , Yanagida Toshio 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMyosin VI is an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐driven dimeric molecular motor that has dual function as a vesicle transporter and a cytoskeletal anchor. Recently, it was reported that myosin VI generates three types of steps by taking either a distant binding or adjacent binding state (noncanonical hand‐over‐hand step pathway). The adjacent binding state, in which both heads bind to an actin filament near one another, is unique to myosin VI and therefore may help explain its distinct features. However, detailed information of the adjacent binding state remains unclear. Here simultaneous observations of the head and tail domain during stepping are presented. These observations show that the lever arms tilt forward in the adjacent binding state. Furthermore, it is revealed that either head could take the subsequent step with equal probability from this state. Together with previous results, a comprehensive stepping scheme is proposed; it includes the tail domain motion to explain how myosin VI achieves its dual function.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Five New Coordination Polymers Based on Benzophenone‐2, 4′‐dicarboxylic Acid and N‐Donor Spacers
Authors: Xu Jiakun , Sun Xiaochun , Fan Yuhua , Bi Caifeng , Sun Mi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractFive new coordination polymers, namely, [Ni2(L)2(4, 4′‐bipy)3)]·H2O]n (1), [Ni2(L)2(O) (bpp)2]n (2), [Zn(L)(bib)0.5]n (3), [Zn(L)(PyBIm)]n (4), and [Zn3(L)2(OH)(im)]n (5) [H2L = benzophenone‐2, 4′‐dicarboxylic acid, 4, 4′‐bipy = 4, 4′‐bipyridine, bpp = 1, 3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane, PyBIm = 2‐(4‐pyridyl)benzimidazole, and im = imidazole] were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Structure determination revealed that compound 1 is a 3D network and exhibits a 4‐connected metal‐organic framework with (42.63.8) topology, whereas compounds 2, 3, 4, and 5 are two‐dimensional layer structures. In compounds 2–4, dinuclear metal clusters are formed through carboxylic groups. In compound 5, trinuclear metal clusters are formed through μ3‐OH and carboxylic groups. The carboxylic groups exhibit three coordination modes in compounds 1–5: monodentately, bidentate‐chelating, and bis‐monodentately. Furthermore, the luminescent properties for compounds 3, 4, and 5 were investigated.
New Quaternary Alkali‐Metal Hypodiphosphate Hydrates: Preparation, Crystal Structure, Vibrational Spectrum, and Thermal Behavior of K4P2O6·8H2O and Na2K2P2O6·8H2O in Comparison to Na4P2O6·10H2O
Authors: Gjikaj Mimoza , Wu Peng , Brockner Wolfgang 
Published: July 2012

AbstractSingle crystals of the alkali‐metal hypodiphosphates K4P2O6·8H2O (1) and Na2K2P2O6·8H2O (2) could be obtained and their crystal structures determined. The compounds 1 and 2 crystallize isotypic in the orthorhombic space group Pbca (no. 61) with four formula units in the unit cell. The crystal structures are built up by discrete [P2O6]4– units in an ethane‐like staggered conformation, by the corresponding alkali‐metal cations and water molecules. FT‐IR/FIR and FT‐Raman spectra of the crystalline title compounds were recorded and a complete assignment for the [P2O6]4– modes is proposed. Raman spectra of aqueous hypodiphosphate solutions deliver additional polarization data supporting the band assignment. Compounds 1 and 2 show a complete H2O loss in case of slow heating avoiding the formation of a hydrate melt.
Moving Knowledge into Action: Developing the Rapid Synthesis and Translation Process Within the Interactive Systems Framework
Authors: Thigpen Sally , Puddy Richard W. , Singer Helen Harber , Hall Diane M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe Interactive Systems Framework (ISF) for Dissemination and Implementation presents an overall framework for translating knowledge into action. Each of its three systems requires further clarification and explanation to truly understand how to conduct this work. This article describes the development and initial application of the Rapid Synthesis and Translation Process (RSTP) using the exchange model of knowledge transfer in the context of one of the ISF systems: the Prevention Synthesis and Translation System (see [special issue “introduction” article] for a translation of the Wandersman et al. (Am J Community Psychol 41:3–4, 2008) article using the RSTP). This six‐step process, which was developed by and for the Division of Violence Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with partners, serves as an example of how a federal agency can expedite the transfer of research knowledge to practitioners to prevent violence. While the RSTP itself represents one of the possible functions in the Prevention Synthesis and Translation System, the resulting products affect both prevention support and prevention delivery as well. Examples of how practitioner and researcher feedback were incorporated into the Rapid Synthesis and Translation Process are discussed.Special Issue: Advances in Bridging Research and Practice Using the Interactive System Framework for Dissemination and Implementation; Guest Editors: Abraham Wandersman, Paul Flaspohler, Catherine A. Lesesne, Richard Puddy; Action Editor: Emilie Phillips Smith
Serum creatinine as a marker of muscle mass in chronic kidney disease: results of a cross‐sectional study and review of literature
Authors: Patel Sapna S. , Molnar Miklos Z. , Tayek John A. , Ix Joachim H. , Noori Nazanin , Benner Deborah , Heymsfield Steven , Kopple Joel D. , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundHigher muscle mass is associated with better outcomes and longevity in patients with chronic disease states. Imaging studies such as dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) are among the gold standard methods for assessing body fat and lean body mass (LBM), approximately half of which is comprised of skeletal muscle mass. Elaborate imaging devices, however, are not commonly available in routine clinical practice and therefore easily accessible and cost‐effective, but reliable muscle mass biomarkers are needed. One such marker is serum creatinine, derived from muscle‐based creatine, which is inexpensive and ubiquitously available, and it can serve as a biomarker of skeletal muscle mass in human subjects.Methods and resultsIn 118 hemodialysis patients, we found that the 3‐month averaged serum creatinine concentration correlated well with DEXA‐measured LBM. The recent literature regarding serum creatinine as a surrogate of muscle mass is summarized, as is the literature concerning the use of other measures of muscle mass, such as plasma gelsolin and actin, and urinary creatinine excretion. We have also reviewed the role of dietary meat intake in serum creatinine variability along with several biomarkers of dietary meat intake (creatine, carnitine, carnosine, ophidine, anserine, 3‐methyl‐
l‐histidine and 1‐methylhistidine).ConclusionIn summary, none of these biomarkers was studied in CKD patients. We advance the hypothesis that in both health and disease, under steady state, serum creatinine can serve as a reliable muscle mass biomarker if appropriate adjustment for full or residual kidney function and dietary meat intake is undertaken.
Verification of epigenetic inheritance in a unicellular model system: multigenerational effects of hormonal imprinting
Authors: Kőhidai László , Lajkó Eszter , Pállinger Éva , Csaba György 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe unicellular Tetrahymena has receptors for hormones of higher vertebrates, produces these hormones, and their signal pathways are similar. The first encounter with a hormone in higher dose provokes the phenomenon of hormonal imprinting, by which the reaction of the cell is quantitatively modified. This modification is transmitted to the progeny generations. The duration of the single imprinter effect of two representative signal molecules, insulin and 5‐HT (5‐hydroxytryptamine), in two concentrations (10−6 and 10−15 M) were studied. The effects of imprinting were followed in 5 physiological indices: (i) insulin binding, (ii) 5‐HT synthesis, (iii) swimming behaviour, (iv) cell growth and (v) chemotaxis in progeny generations 500 and 1000. The result of each index was different from the non‐imprinted control functions, growth rate, swimming behaviour and chemotactic activity to insulin being enhanced, while others, e.g. synthesis and chemotactic responsiveness of 5‐HT and the binding of insulin were reduced. This means that a function‐specific heritable epigenetic change during imprinting occurs, and generally a single encounter with a femtomolar hormone concentration is enough for provoking durable and heritable imprinting in Tetrahymena. The experiments demonstrate the possibility of epigenetic effects at a unicellular level and call attention to the possibility that the character of unicellular organisms has changed through to the present day due to an enormous amount of non‐physiological imprinter substances in their environment. The results – together with results obtained earlier in mammals – point to the validity of epigenetic imprinting effects throughout the animal world.
A Stuttering Education and Bullying Awareness and Prevention Resource: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Langevin Marilyn , Prasad N. G. Narasimha 
Published: July 2012

Purpose
This pretest–posttest study examined the feasibility of using a curriculum-level stuttering education and bullying awareness and prevention program to improve peer attitudes toward children who stutter and attitudes toward bullying. Knowledge about potential responses to bullying and students' liking of the program also were examined.

Method
Data were obtained from 608 children who participated in the stuttering education and bullying prevention initiative that used the Teasing and Bullying: Unacceptable Behaviour (TAB; Langevin, 2000) Program. Participants completed the Peer Attitudes Toward Children Who Stutter (PATCS; Langevin, 2009; Langevin & Hagler, 2004; Langevin, Kleitman, Packman, & Onslow, 2009) scale, the Provictim scale (Rigby & Slee, 1991, 1993), and bullying involvement and knowledge questionnaires.

Results
Statistically and practically significant improvements were found for both questionnaires. Children who did not know someone who stutters had higher change scores on the PATCS than children who knew someone who stutters. In general, children who were uninvolved in bullying had the most positive changes in attitudes and liked the TAB program the most. Victims liked the program significantly more often than children who were perpetrators of bullying or were dually involved in bullying.

Conclusion
Findings suggest that the TAB program may have the potential to effect positive changes in peer attitudes toward children who stutter and toward bullying. Further research using a randomized experimental design is warranted.
Subcellular targeting of an evolutionarily conserved plant defensin MtDef4.2 determines the outcome of plant–pathogen interaction in transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Kaur Jagdeep , Thokala Mercy , Robert‐Seilaniantz Alexandre , Zhao Patrick , Peyret Hadrien , Berg Howard , Pandey Sona , Jones Jonathan , Shah Dilip 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe Medicago truncatula gene encoding an evolutionarily conserved antifungal defensin MtDef4.2 was cloned and characterized. In silico expression analysis indicated that MtDef4.2 is expressed in many tissues during the normal growth and development of M. truncatula. MtDef4.2 exhibits potent broad‐spectrum antifungal activity against various Fusarium spp. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana lines in which MtDef4.2 was targeted to three different subcellular compartments were generated. These lines were tested for resistance to the obligate biotrophic oomycete Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis Noco2 and the hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum PH‐1. MtDef4.2 directed to the extracellular space, but not to the vacuole or retained in the endoplasmic reticulum, conferred robust resistance to H. arabidopsidis. Siliques of transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing either extracellularly or intracellularly targeted MtDef4.2 displayed low levels of resistance to F. graminearum, but accumulated substantially reduced levels of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol. The data presented here suggest that extracellularly targeted MtDef4.2 is sufficient to provide strong resistance to the biotrophic oomycete, consistent with the extracellular lifestyle of this pathogen. However, the co‐expression of extracellular and intracellular MtDef4.2 is probably required to achieve strong resistance to the hemibiotrophic pathogen F. graminearum which grows extracellularly and intracellularly.
Dealing with the uncertain risk of variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease transmission by coagulation replacement products
Authors: Millar Carolyn M. , Makris Mike 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe identification of variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD) in the UK in 1996 led to significant concerns about the possibility of secondary transmission, however the prevalence of subclinical vCJD and risks of vCJD transmission by plasma are not known. In the UK, public health precautions have been implemented in all recipients of coagulation factor concentrates manufactured from UK plasma pools between 1980 and 2001. The recent demonstration of abnormal prion protein in a spleen sample at autopsy of a UK haemophilic patient who received coagulation factor concentrates to which a donor incubating vCJD had contributed most likely represents the first case of vCJD transmission by coagulation factor concentrates. We review the uncertainties that surround risk of vCJD transmission by coagulation factor concentrates, the challenges in dealing with undefined risks, the rationale behind current policies and the implementation of vCJD surveillance and risk management measures in bleeding disorder patients in the UK.
Endothelial function measured using flow‐mediated dilation in polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta‐analysis of the observational studies
Authors: Sprung Victoria S. , Atkinson Greg , Cuthbertson Daniel J. , Pugh Christopher J. A. , Aziz Nabil , Green Daniel J. , Cable N. Timothy , Jones Helen 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectiveWomen with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) demonstrate an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Previous researchers have compared flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), an early marker of CVD, in women with and without PCOS. Evidence for a PCOS‐mediated reduction in FMD remains equivocal, potentially because of study differences in cohort‐matching and measurement approaches. The aims of this systematic review and meta‐analysis were to examine to what extent FMD is impaired in PCOS and to explore the influence of potential moderators of FMD reduction, such as age and BMI.DesignA systematic review and meta‐analysis of published observational studies comparing FMD in PCOS with control women.PatientsTwenty‐one published studies were included (PCOS, n = 908; controls, n = 566). A subanalysis, using tighter inclusion criteria, involved seven studies (PCOS, n = 402; control, n = 251).MeasurementsMean differences in FMD between PCOS and controls were synthesized. The subanalysis was delimited to the inclusion of age and BMI‐matched controls. These factors were then explored as moderators using meta‐regression.ResultsThe pooled mean FMD was 3·4% (95% CI=1·9, 4·9) lower in PCOS compared with control women, with substantial heterogeneity between studies. In the subanalysis, the PCOS‐mediated reduction in FMD was 4·1% (95% CI=2·7, 5·5). Heterogeneity remained substantial (I2=81%). Subsequent meta‐regression indicated that the magnitude of FMD difference was not influenced by BMI (P = 0·17) nor age (P = 0·38).ConclusionsThis systematic research synthesis indicates that endothelial function is compromised in PCOS women, even if they are young and nonobese.
Vitamin D attenuates high fat diet–induced hepatic steatosis in rats by modulating lipid metabolism
Authors: Yin Yi , Yu Zhiwen , Xia Min , Luo Xiaoqin , Lu Xiaofei , Ling Wenhua 
Published: July 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (11): 1189–1196AbstractBackground  Vitamin D has been reported to be reversely associated with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome and is involved in modulation of lipid metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) has a protective effect on high fat diet (HFD)‐induced hepatic steatosis in rats and to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms.Materials and methods  Male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were fed with normal fat diet, HFD or HFD with intraperitoneal injection of 1, 2·5 and 5 μg/kg 1,25(OH)2D3, respectively, each 2 days for 8 weeks. Serum lipid profile and liver triglyceride were determined. Hepatic histology was examined by haematoxylin/eosin (H&E) and Oil Red O stainings. Hepatic gene expression involved in lipogenesis and lipid oxidation was analysed by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).Results  The administration of 1,25(OH)2D3 prevented HFD‐induced body weight gain and reduced liver weight. 1,25(OH)2D3 attenuated hepatic steatosis in a dose‐dependent manner along with improved serum lipid profile. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)2D3 downregulated mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) and its target genes acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) involved in lipogenesis. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) and its target gene carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 (CPT‐1) involved in hepatic fatty acid (FA) oxidation were upregulated by 1,25(OH)2D3.Conclusions  These results suggest that the preventing effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 against HFD‐induced hepatic steatosis is related to the inhibition of lipogenesis and the promotion of FA oxidation in rat liver.