bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experiences using PSP and XP to support teaching in undergraduate programming courses
Authors: Martínez Luis G. , Licea Guillermo , Juárez J. Reyes , Aguilar Leocundo 
Published: October 2011

AbstractComputer programming has a technological part and a creative part; it involves specific technical aspects of programming languages and creative aspects to find the best solutions for different problem domains. The programming learning process encompasses a group of different teacher–student techniques that are put into practice. These techniques have the object of learning a programming language to solve real problems; in this learning process we must include good software development practices of analysis and design so the novice programmer disciplines himself into developing quality software. To improve the learning programming process we use techniques and methods of software development adapting them to the context of courses in programs of the curricula. There are different methods to help us develop quality software; this article is a case study of using PSP (Personal Software Process) method and XP (eXtreme Programming) techniques on curricula's first programming course for engineering students, as support of the learning process of a programming language, and acquiring good software development habits. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:563–569, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.10.1002/cae.20581
5,10‐A2B2‐Type meso‐Substituted Porphyrins—A Unique Class of Porphyrins with a Realigned Dipole Moment
Authors: Senge Mathias O. , Ryppa Claudia , Fazekas Marijana , Zawadzka Monika , Dahms Katja 
Published: October 2011

AbstractCurrent applications in porphyrin chemistry require the use of unsymmetrically substituted porphyrins. Many current industrial interests in optics and biomedicine require systems with either push–pull (electron‐donating and ‐withdrawing groups) or amphiphilic systems (hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups). In this context we present the class of 5,10‐A2B2‐type porphyrins for which two different substituents are positioned in diagonally opposite meso positions. Thus, the intramolecular dipole moment in these tetrapyrroles is positioned along a β–β vector passing through two pyrrole rings. This is opposite to the situation of the frequently used 5,15‐A2BC porphyrins for which the dipole moment is oriented along a meso–meso axis. We have elaborated syntheses of the 5,10‐A2B2 porphyrins by using transition‐metal‐catalyzed transformations of 5,10‐A2 porphyrins or direct substitutions reactions thereof; this gives the target molecules in 22–77 % overall yields. The compounds exhibit interesting structural, spectroscopic, and optical features and can serve as building blocks for new porphyrin arrays and applications.
A General Approach for the Growth of Metal Oxide Nanorod Arrays on Graphene Sheets and Their Applications
Authors: Zou Rujia , Zhang Zhenyu , Yu Li , Tian Qiwei , Chen Zhigang , Hu Junqing 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn the fabrication of flexible devices, highly ordered nanoscale texturing, such as semiconductor metal oxide nanorod arrays on flexible substrates, is critical for optimal performance. Use of transparent conducting films, metallic films, and polymer substrates is limited by mechanical brittleness, chemical and thermal instability, or low electrical conductivity, low melting point, and so on. A simple and general nanocrystal‐seed‐directed hydrothermal route has now been developed for large‐scale growth of nanorod arrays of various semiconductor metal oxides (MO), including TiO2, ZnO, MnO2, CuO, and ZrO2 on both sides of flexible graphene (G) sheets to form sandwichlike MO/G/MO heterostructures. The TiO2/G/TiO2 heterostructures have much higher photocatalytic activity than TiO2 nanorods, with a photocatalytic degradation rate of methylene blue that is four times faster than that of the TiO2 nanorods, and are thus promising candidates for photocatalytic decontamination.
Can eyes smell? cross‐modal correspondences between color hue‐tone and fragrance family
Authors: Kim Yu‐Jin 
Published: October 2011

AbstractColor can facilitate the identification of odor quality and influence the perception of odor intensity. To deliver coherent sensory messages of perfumes effectively, this research investigated whether people experience cross‐modal interactions between color hue–tone and fragrance family and how consistent these cross‐modal interactions are. Two experimental tasks were conducted with eight commercial perfumes in four typical fragrance families (floral, oriental, fresh, and woody): direct fragrance–color matching and degree of similarity judgement between color and fragrance. These tasks revealed that fragrances were nonrandomly, consistently matched with colors. The correspondences between the fragrance families and colors were influenced by the hue (warm–cool color images) and tone (especially, lightness property) dimensions. In addition, gender differences in the color–fragrance correspondences were partially revealed for the four fragrance families. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between the degrees of familiarity with the fragrance families and the color–fragrance correspondences. These findings confirm the robust existence of cross‐modal correspondences between vision and olfaction in perfumery. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2013
Irreversible Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase B by the Antiparkinsonian Medicines Rasagiline and Selegiline: A Computational Study (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 32/2011)
Authors: Borštnar Rok , Repič Matej , Kržan Mojca , Mavri Janez , Vianello Robert 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe cover picture shows the importance of understanding the mechanism of monoamine oxidase B inhibition for the development of novel and improved antiparkinsonian drugs. Computational analysis of seven inhibition mechanisms elucidated the most plausible one. It involves the nucleophilic attack of the deprotonated inhibitor onto the enzyme's cofactor FAD, following enzymatic proton detachment from the inhibitor's terminal acetylene carbon. This reaction forms a therapeutical basis for relieving the symptoms of Parkinson disease. Mechanism‐based inhibitors of enzymes, being highly specific, often prove to be promising drug candidates. Details are discussed in the article by R. Vianello et al. on p. 6419 ff.
Integrated continuous flow polymerase chain reaction and micro‐capillary electrophoresis system with bioaffinity preconcentration
Authors: Njoroge Samuel K. , Witek Magorzata A. , Battle Katrina N. , Immethun Vicki E. , Hupert Mateusz L. , Soper Steven A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAn integrated and modular DNA analysis system is reported that consists of two modules: (i) A continuous flow polymerase chain reaction (CFPCR) module fabricated in a high Tg (150°C) polycarbonate substrate in which selected gene fragments were amplified using biotin and fluorescently labeled primers accomplished by continuously shuttling small packets of PCR reagents and template through isothermal zones as opposed to heating and cooling large thermal masses typically performed in batch‐type thermal reactors. (ii) μCE (micro‐capillary electrophoresis) module fabricated in poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), which utilized a bioaffinity selection and purification bed (2.9 μL) to preconcentrate and purify the PCR products generated from the CFPCR module prior to electrophoretic sorting. Biotin‐labeled CFPCR products were hydrostatically pumped through the streptavidin‐modified bed, where they were extracted onto the surface of micropillars. The affinity bed was also fabricated in PMMA and was populated with an array of microposts (50 μm width; 100 μm height) yielding a total surface area of ∼117 mm2. This solid‐phase extraction (SPE) process demonstrated high selectivity for biotinylated amplicons and utilized the strong streptavidin/biotin interaction (Kd = 10−15 M) to generate high recoveries. The SPE selected CFPCR products were thermally denatured and single‐stranded DNA released for injection into a 7‐cm‐long μCE channel for size‐based separations and fluorescence detection. The utility of the system was demonstrated using Alu DNA typing for gender and ethnicity determinations as a model. Compared with the traditional cross‐T injection procedure typically used for μCE, the affinity pre‐concentration and injection procedure generated signal enhancements of 17‐ to 40‐fold, critical for CFPCR thermal cyclers due to Taylor dispersion associated with their operation.
Fabrication optimization of a miniaturized array device for cell‐free protein synthesis
Authors: Khnouf Ruba , Chapman Benjamin D. , Hugh Fan Z. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractCell‐free protein synthesis (CFPS) is an attractive alternative to cell‐based protein expression systems because of its advantages including speed, simplicity, and adaptability to various formats. However, two major obstacles exist that have been preventing it from being widely used. One is high cost and the other is low protein synthesis yield. We report here a miniaturized CFPS device that addresses these challenges. The cost saving was achieved by miniaturization, which reduced the reagent consumption by two orders of magnitude. The protein synthesis yield was enhanced by prolonging CFPS reactions through continuous supply of reactants (e.g. nutrients and energy components). The reactants were contained in a feeding solution, which was replenished through a nanoporous membrane and microchannel. The design of the miniaturized device was optimized by running continuous‐exchange CFPS in devices with a variation in the type of membrane, the size of the exchange interface, and the volume ratio of the reaction solution to the feeding solution. The effects of these design variations on the protein synthesis yield have been studied. Furthermore, the design was expanded into a 96‐unit device that can produce a large number of proteins simultaneously, enabling high‐throughput proteomics applications.
Telaprevir: new specific protease inhibitor for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Dusheiko Geoffrey 
Published: October 2011

AbstractCurrent treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection with pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) is effective in less than 50% of patients. Retreatment with the same regimen is poorly effective. The advent of direct‐acting antiviral agents that target replication of HCV promises to improve therapy for the disease. Telaprevir is a new protease inhibitor that specifically targets the NS3/4A serine protease, rapidly reducing HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) levels. Several phase 2 and phase 3 studies have assessed the efficacy and safety of telaprevir. The author discusses the results of these studies, which suggest that the addition of this specific protease inhibitor to PEG‐IFN‐alpha2 and RBV can signifi cantly improve the results of treatment in patients affected with chronic HCV infection with genotype 1, compared with the standard treatment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GGF2 (Nrg1‐β3) treatment enhances NG2+ cell response and improves functional recovery after spinal cord injury
Authors: Whittaker Matthew T. , Zai Laila J. , Lee Hyun Joon , Pajoohesh‐Ganji Ahdeah , Wu Junfang , Sharp April , Wyse Ransom , Wrathall Jean R. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe adult spinal cord contains a pool of endogenous glial precursor cells, which spontaneously respond to spinal cord injury (SCI) with increased proliferation. These include oligodendrocyte precursor cells that express the NG2 proteoglycan and can differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes. Thus, a potential approach for SCI treatment is to enhance the proliferation and differentiation of these cells to yield more functional mature glia and improve remyelination of surviving axons. We previously reported that soluble glial growth factor 2 (GGF2)‐ and basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)‐stimulated growth of NG2+ cells purified from injured spinal cord in primary culture. This study examines the effects of systemic administration of GGF2 and/or FGF2 after standardized contusive SCI in vivo in both rat and mouse models. In Sprague‐Dawley rats, 1 week of GGF2 administration, beginning 24 h after injury, enhanced NG2+ cell proliferation, oligodendrogenesis, chronic white matter at the injury epicenter, and recovery of hind limb function. In 2′,3′‐cyclic‐nucleotide 3′‐phosphodiesterase‐enhanced green fluorescent protein mice, GGF2 treatment resulted in increased oligodendrogenesis and improved functional recovery, as well as elevated expression of the stem cell transcription factor Sox2 by oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Although oligodendrocyte number was increased chronically after SCI in GGF2‐treated mice, no evidence of increased white matter was detected. However, GGF2 treatment significantly increased levels of P0 protein‐containing peripheral myelin, produced by Schwann cells that infiltrate the injured spinal cord. Our results suggest that GGF2 may have therapeutic potential for SCI by enhancing endogenous recovery processes in a clinically relevant time frame. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving the sensitivity of immunoassays with PEG‐COOH‐like film prepared by plasma‐based technique
Authors: O'Mahony Christy Charlton , Gubala Vladimir , Gandhiraman Ram Prasad , Daniels Stephen , Yuk Jong Seol , MacCraith Brian D. , Williams David E. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractHerein we report on a preparation and performance of stable, hydrophilic and biocompatible polymeric material suitable for functionalization of disposable substrates used in biosensors. This new material features COOH surface groups cross‐linked with ethylene glycol molecules and was prepared in situ on disposable, plastic substrate by high‐throughput and environmentally friendly technique called plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The film is grafted to the plasma activated plastic by sequential deposition of tetraethylorthosilicate, forming a bonding layer, and mixed vapors of acrylic acid and diethyleneglycol dimethylether (AA/PEG) that provide the desired functional groups forming a sensing, contact layer. A superior performance of the AA/PEG coating as suitable material for substrates in biomedical devices was demonstrated in a model fluorescence linked immunosorbent assay. The results were compared with other commonly used surface materials prepared by wet chemistry methods. The unique characteristic of the AA/PEG film is that the immunoassay can be executed without the need for a blocking step, typically using albumins, without negative consequences on the bioassay results. In fact, the superior quality of the materials modified with AA/PEG film was highlighted by improving the sensitivity of an immunoassay by two orders of magnitude when compared with substrates prepared by standard surface chemistry methods. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Sustained release of neurotrophin‐3 and chondroitinase ABC from electrospun collagen nanofiber scaffold for spinal cord injury repair
Authors: Liu Ting , Xu Jinye , Chan Barbara P. , Chew Sing Yian 
Published: October 2011

AbstractNerve regeneration after spinal cord injuries (SCI) remains suboptimal despite recent advances in the field. One major hurdle is the rapid clearance of drugs from the injury site, which greatly limits therapeutic outcomes. Nanofiber scaffolds represent a potential class of materials for enhancing nerve regeneration because of its biomimicking architecture. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of incorporating neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) and chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) onto electrospun collagen nanofibers for SCI treatment. By using microbial transglutaminase (mTG) mediated crosslinking, proteins were loaded onto electrospun collagen nanofibers at an efficiency of ∼45–48%. By combining NT‐3 with heparin during the protein incorporation process, a sustained release of NT‐3 was obtained (∼96% by day 28). As indicated by dorsal root ganglion outgrowth assay, NT‐3 incorporated collagen scaffolds supported neuronal culture and neurite outgrowth for a longer time period than bolus delivery of NT‐3. The presence of heparin also protected ChABC from degradation. Specifically, as evaluated by dimethylmethylene blue assay, bioactive ChABC was detected from collagen scaffolds for at least 32 days in vitro in the presence of heparin (∼32% of bioactivity retained). In contrast, ChABC bioactivity was only ∼1.9% by day 22 in the absence of heparin. Taken together, these results clearly demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating NT‐3 and ChABC via mTG immobilization to produce protein‐incorporated collagen nanofibers. Such biofunctional nanofiber constructs may find useful applications in SCI treatment by providing topographical signals and multiple biochemical cues that can promote nerve regeneration while antagonizing axonal growth inhibition for CNS regeneration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Biocompatibility and biodegradation of polycaprolactone‐sebacic acid blended gels
Authors: Salgado Christiane L. , Sanchez Elisabete M. S. , Zavaglia Cecília A. C. , Granja Pedro L. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractTissue engineering aims at creating biological body parts as an alternative for transplanting tissues and organs. A current new approach for such materials consists in injectable biodegradable polymers. Their major advantages are the ability to fill‐in defects, easy incorporation of therapeutic agents or cells, and the possibility of minimal invasive surgical procedures. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a promising biodegradable and elastic biomaterial, with the drawback of low‐degradation kineticsin vivo. In this work a biodegradable injectable gel of PCL blended with sebacic acid (SA) was prepared, to improve the degradation rate of the biomaterial. SA is known for its high degradation rate, although in high concentrations it could originate a pH decrease and thus disturb the biocompatibility of PCL. Degradation tests on phosphate buffered saline were carried out using 5% of SA on the blend and the biomaterial stability was evaluated after degradation using differential scanning calorimetry, dynamical mechanical analysis, and scanning electronic microscopy. After degradation the elastic properties of the blend decreased and the material became more crystalline and stiffer, although at a lower extent when compared with pure PCL. The blend also degraded faster with a loss of the crystalline phase on the beginning (30 days), although its thermal and mechanical properties remained comparable with those of the pure material, thus showing that it achieved the intended objectives. After cell assays the PCL‐SA gel was shown to be cytocompatible and capable of maintaining high cell viability (over 90%). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Obsessive‐compulsive disorder with predominantly scrupulous symptoms: clinical and religious characteristics
Authors: Siev Jedidiah , Baer Lee , Minichiello William E. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjectives: Scrupulosity is a relatively common but understudied subtype of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by religious or moral fears. It is difficult to treat and frequently disabling. We examined scrupulosity as it relates to (a) treatment‐seeking behavior and perceived treatment gains, (b) the perceived effect of symptoms on religious experience, and (c) conceptions of God. Method: Seventy‐two individuals with scrupulous OCD (mean age = 36; 70% women) and 75 individuals with nonscrupulous OCD (mean age = 38; 81% women) completed an internet‐based survey. Results: The groups did not differ on demographic variables or overall OCD severity. Compared with the nonscrupulous group, the scrupulous group was (a) more religious, (b) more likely to seek pastoral counseling, (c) less likely to seek medication treatment, and (d) more likely to report that symptoms interfered with their religious experience. Indeed, most scrupulous individuals endorsed that their symptoms interfered with their religious experience. Scrupulous individuals with a more negative concept of God experienced more severe symptoms, whereas a positive description of God was unrelated to severity of scrupulosity in this group. Nearly one in five scrupulous participants reported no religious affiliation. Conclusions: Scrupulous individuals have unique treatment‐seeking preferences. Moreover, most scrupulous individuals perceive their symptoms as interfering with their religious experience. Focusing on the religious costs and benefits of scrupulous rituals might have clinical utility. Finally, scrupulous individuals with a more negative concept of God experienced more severe symptoms. Future research is necessary to evaluate whether addressing such concepts can improve treatment outcome. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 67:1–9, 2011.
CURB‐65 and SMRT‐CO in the prediction of early transfers to the intensive care unit among patients with community‐acquired pneumonia initially admitted to a general ward
Authors: Huaman Moises A. , Diaz‐Kuan Alicia , Hegab Sara , Brar Indira , Kaatz Scott 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:No study has assessed the ability of pneumonia severity scores to identify the risk for early intensive care unit (ICU) transfer in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) admitted to general wards (GW). We aimed to compare the ability of CURB‐65 (confusion, urea level, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and age ≥65 years) and SMRT‐CO (systolic blood pressure, multilobar chest radiography involvement, respiratory rate, tachycardia, confusion, and oxygenation) scores to predict early ICU transfers in these patients.DESIGN:Retrospective, case‐control study. Cases were defined as patients admitted to GW with CAP that required ICU transfer within 48 hours. Controls were defined as patients admitted to GW with CAP that did not require ICU transfer. CURB‐65 and SMRT‐CO scores were calculated on presentation to emergency department (ED), and upon admission to GW. Composite scores were calculated combining data from ED and GW. Sensitivities, specificities, likelihood ratios, and areas‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) were calculated for each score.RESULTS:From 2003 to 2009, 115 cases and 345 controls were identified. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. Composite scores combining data from ED and GW had better sensitivity and AUC than scores calculated only with ED or GW data (P < 0.001). A composite SMRT‐CO score ≥2 had 76.5% (95% CI, 67.7 to 83.9) sensitivity, 67.5% (95% CI, 62.3 to 72.4) specificity, and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.77 to 0.85) AUC. A composite CURB‐65 score ≥3 had 36.5% (95% CI, 27.7 to 46.0) sensitivity, 86.3% (95% CI, 82.3 to 89.8) specificity, and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.60 to 0.72) AUC to predict early ICU transfers. Composite SMRT‐CO had higher sensitivity and AUC (P < 0.001) than composite CURB‐65.CONCLUSIONS:Composite SMRT‐CO had a better combination of sensitivity and specificity than CURB‐65 for predicting early ICU transfers. Prospective studies to confirm our findings are needed. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.