bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental, lifestyle, and familial/ethnic factors associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Anderson Lesley A. , Duncombe Andrew S. , Hughes Maria , Mills Moyra E. , Wilson Jessica C. , McMullin Mary F. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMyeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are characterized by overproduction of mature functional blood cells and are often associated with an acquired genetic mutation of Janus Kinase 2V617F. The etiology of MPNs remains unknown. The aim of this article was to review and collate all known published data investigating environmental and lifestyle factors associated with MPNs. Medline, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science were systematically searched using terms for MPNs and observational study designs to identify studies investigating the risk factors for MPNs published before March 2010. Of 9,156 articles identified, 19 met the selection criteria. Although the studies exhibited heterogeneity, in case definitions, study design, and risk factors investigated, several themes emerged. A strong association was found with Jewish descent, and with a family history of MPNs. Autoimmune conditions, specifically Crohn's disease, were more common in patients with MPNs. Certain occupational groups were significantly associated with MPNs including occupations with potential exposure to benzene and/or petroleum. Blood donation was associated with an increased risk of polycythemia vera specifically. The vast heterogeneity in studies identified as part of this review suggests that large scale systematic assessment of etiological factors associated with MPNs is warranted. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maxillary changes and occlusal traits in crania with artificial fronto‐occipital deformation
Authors: Jimenez Publio , Martinez‐Insua Arturo , Franco‐Vazquez Jaime , Otero‐Cepeda Xose Luis , Santana Urbano 
Published: October 2011

AbstractArtificial fronto‐occipital deformation of the cranial vault was typical of pre‐Columbian cultures in the central Andean coastal regions. We have studied the influence of this deformation on maxillary and mandibular morphology. Measurements were performed on 86 adult Ancon skulls with anteroposterior deformation. Undeformed skulls from the area of Makatampu (n = 52) were used as the control group. To explore the influence of the deformity on occlusion, the skulls were categorized using the Angle classification and the alignment of the interincisor midline. In the group of deformed skulls, there was an increase in lateral growth of the vault and of the base of the skull (P < 0.001), giving rise to a greater interpterygoid width of the maxilla (P < 0.001), and an increase in the transverse diameter of the palatal vault. The mandible presented an increase in the length of the rami (P < 0.001) and in the intercondylar width, with no alteration of mandibular length. The deformed skulls had normal (class I) occlusion, with no displacement of the midline. The difference in the asymmetry index between the two groups was not statistically significant. Artificial fronto‐occipital deformation of the cranial vault provoked compensatory lateral expansion of the base that was correlated with the transverse development of the maxilla and mandible. Occlusion and sagittal intermaxillary position were not affected by the cranial deformity. These results provide evidence of the integration between the neurocranium and the viscerocranium in craniofacial development, and support the hypothesis of a compensatory effect of function. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Semi‐interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels based on aspen hemicellulose and chitosan: Effect of crosslinking sequence on hydrogel properties
Authors: Karaaslan Muzaffer Ahmet , Tshabalala Mandla A. , Buschle‐Diller Gisela 
Published: October 2011

AbstractSemi‐interpenetrating network hydrogel films were prepared using hemicellulose and chemically crosslinked chitosan. Hemicellulose was extracted from aspen by using a novel alkaline treatment and characterized by HPSEC, and consisted of a mixture of high and low molecular weight polymeric fractions. HPLC analysis of the acid hydrolysate of the hemicellulose showed that its major constituent sugar was xylose. X‐ray analysis showed that the relative crystallinity of hydrogels increased with increasing hemicellulose content up to 31.3%. Strong intermolecular interactions between chitosan and hemicellulose were evidenced by FT‐IR analysis. Quantitative analysis of free amino groups showed that hemicellulose could interrupt the chemical crosslinking of chitosan macromolecules. Mechanical testing and swelling experiments were used to define the effective network crosslink density and average molecular weight between crosslinks. Swelling ratios increased with increasing hemicellulose content and mainly consisted of H‐bonded bound water. Results revealed that by altering the hydrogel preparation steps and hemicellulose content, crosslink density and swelling behavior of semi‐IPN hydrogels could be controlled without deteriorating their mechanical properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis, characterization, and ionic conductivity of novel crosslinked polymer electrolytes for Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Aydın Hamide , Bozkurt Ayhan 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn this work, we communicate on the synthesis, characterization, and ionic conductivity of a series of novel crosslinked inorganic–organic gel polymer electrolytes. These crosslinked polymers were prepared by the modification of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in the presence of borane‐tetrahydrofuran (BH3/THF) complex. During crosslinking, the polymer was doped with lithium trifluoromethane‐sulfonate (CF3SO3Li) salt. Molecular weight of both PVA and PEG was varied, and the concentration of Li‐salt was arranged for the ratio of lithium atoms to ether oxygen atoms. Boron‐containing polymer electrolytes were produced and abbreviated as PVA1PEGX‐Y and PVA2PEGX‐Y. The reaction of PEG with PVA and the interaction of Li+ ions with EO units were confirmed by FTIR. Thermal stability of these materials was measured with thermogravimetric analysis, and thermal behaviors were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The ionic conductivity of these novel polymer electrolytes was studied by dielectric‐impedance spectroscopy. Li‐ion conductivity of these crosslinked polymer electrolytes depends on the length of the side units as well as the doping ratio. The maximum ionic conductivity was measured as 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The effect of UV‐irradiation and molten medium on the mechanical and thermal properties of polystyrene–polycarbonate blends
Authors: Ayoub Ali , Massardier‐Nageotte Valérie 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPolymer materials with improved properties can be obtained through polymer blends. As a polymer mixture is generally immiscible and incompatible, it is necessary to develop new methods to improve the interfacial adhesion. The aim of this work is to find formulations and associated processes to upgrade engineering polystyrene (PS) and polycarbonate (PC) polymer blends with the objective of using the best “process‐formulation” couple. In this study, blends of PS/PC were prepared in molten medium using reactive extrusion after UV‐irradiation. The effects of UV‐irradiation on some properties of blends under molten medium were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The data showed that the presence of polycarbonate in the blend increased the tensile strength and elongation at break with respect to pure PS. The mechanical properties of the blends were improved after irradiation. All irradiated blends are thermally more stable than those nonirradiated. Chemical changes can be clearly seen in FTIR spectra through two bands assigned to CO and OH groups. The mutual influence between the PS/PC polymer blends compositions during UV‐irradiation was studied. PS and PC have different photo‐mechanisms due to the larger UV absorption of polystyrene and formation of more stable tertiary carbon radicals. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis and In‐Vitro Antimycobacterial Activity of Fluoroquinolone Derivatives Containing a Coumarin Moiety
Authors: Guo Qiang , Liu Ming‐Liang , Feng Lian‐Shun , Lv Kai , Guan Yan , Guo Hui‐Yuan , Xiao Chun‐Ling 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA series of gatifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and 8‐OCH3 ciprofloxacin coumarin derivatives with remarkable improvement in lipophilicity as compared to the parent fluoroquinolones was designed, synthesized, and characterized by 1H‐NMR, MS, and HRMS. These derivatives were evaluated for their in‐vitro activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis CMCC 93202 and MTB H37Rv ATCC 27294. All of the synthesized compounds were less active than the parent compounds against M. smegmatis CMCC 93202, but the activity of compound 6 was found to be 2–8‐fold more potent than ciprofloxacin, 8‐OCH3 ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and rifampin, and comparable to gatifloxacin against MTB H37Rv ATCC 27294. These results indicated that the lipophilicity of the tested compounds is not the sole parameter affecting antimycobacterial activity.
Influence of training and stage of search on gaze behavior in a library catalog faceted search interface
Authors: Kules Bill , Capra Robert 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis study examined how searchers interact with a web‐based, faceted library catalog when conducting exploratory searches. It applied multiple methods, including eye tracking and stimulated recall interviews, to investigate important aspects of faceted search interface use, specifically: (a) searcher gaze behavior—what components of the interface searchers look at; (b) how gaze behavior differs when training is and is not provided; (c) how gaze behavior changes as searchers become familiar with the interface; and (d) how gaze behavior differs depending on the stage of the search process. The results confirm previous findings that facets account for approximately 10–30% of interface use. They show that providing a 60‐second video demonstration increased searcher use of facets. However, searcher use of the facets did not evolve during the study session, which suggests that searchers may not, on their own, rapidly apply the faceted interfaces. The findings also suggest that searcher use of interface elements varied by the stage of their search during the session, with higher use of facets during decision‐making stages. These findings will be of interest to librarians and interface designers who wish to maximize the value of faceted searching for patrons, as well as to researchers who study search behavior.
Synthesis, Electronic, and Morphological Properties of Tetrahedral Oligothiophenes with n‐Hexyl Terminal Groups
Authors: Matsumoto Kouzou , Kugo Sota , Takajo Daisuke , Inaba Akira , Hirao Yasukazu , Kurata Hiroyuki , Kawase Takeshi , Kubo Takashi 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA series of tetrahedral oligothiophenes bearing n‐hexyl groups at the α‐positions of the terminal thiophene rings, (n‐C6H13(C4H2S)n)4C (Hex‐TnTM; n=1–4), has been synthesized by Kosugi–Migita–Stille coupling as a key reaction. Thanks to the improved solubility afforded by the terminal n‐hexyl groups, the largest homologue (n=4) was successfully obtained. Whereas the smaller derivatives (n=1, 2) were obtained as liquid substances, the larger derivatives (n=3, 4) were obtained as solids. Hex‐T3 TM partially adopts syn conformations between the adjacent thiophene rings in the crystal, probably owing to the packing force. Hex‐T3 TM not only appeared in the crystalline state but also the amorphous state, which was stable to up to 80 °C. Regardless of the terminal groups, the derivatives of n=2 exhibited a broad fluorescence with large Stokes shifts compared to the corresponding linear analogues, thereby suggesting the presence of intramolecular interactions between the bithiophene moieties. Interactions between terthiophene branches was also suggested in the radical cations of Hex‐T3 TM by cyclic voltammetry measurements.
Systematic robustness analysis of least squares mobile robot velocity estimation using a regular polygonal optical mouse array
Authors: Kim Sungbok , Kim Hyunbin 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis paper presents the robust velocity estimation of an omnidirectional mobile robot using a regular polygonal array of optical mice that are installed at the bottom of a mobile robot. First, the velocity kinematics from a mobile robot to an array of optical mice is derived, from which the least squares estimation of the mobile robot velocity is obtained as the simple average of the optical mouse velocity readings. Second, it is shown that a redundant number of optical mice contributes to the robustness of the least squares mobile robot velocity estimation against both measurement noises and partial malfunction of optical mice. Third, the sensitivity analysis of the least squares mobile robot velocity estimation to imprecise installation of optical mice is made, from which a practical method of optical mouse position calibration is devised. Finally, some experimental results using commercial optical mice are given to demonstrate the validity and performance of the proposed mobile robot velocity estimation.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Simultaneous determination of prochlorperazine and its metabolites in human plasma using isocratic liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Tashiro Masaki , Naito Takafumi , Kagawa Yoshiyuki , Kawakami Junichi 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTOral prochlorperazine (PCZ), an antiemetic, undergoes extensive first‐pass metabolism. The study developed a simultaneous analytical method for PCZ and its major metabolites, prochlorperazine sulfoxide (PCZSO), N‐demethylprochlorperazine (NDPCZ) and 7‐hydroxyprochlorperazine (PCZOH), in human plasma using an isocratic liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method. Deproteinized plasma specimens were separated using a 3 µm particle size octadecylsilyl column, and the run time was 10 min. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration ranges of 0.01–40 µg/L for PCZ, NDPCZ and PCZOH, and 0.05–80 µg/L for PCZSO. The intra‐ and inter‐assay precisions and accuracies were within 7.0 and 99–104% and within 9.0 and 99–105%, respectively. The lower limits of quantification in human plasma were 10 ng/L for PCZ, NDPCZ and PCZOH, and 50 ng/L for PCZSO. The validated method was applied to the determination of plasma samples in 37 cancer patients receiving PCZ. Large interindividual variations were observed in plasma concentrations of PCZ, PCZSO, NDPCZ and PCZOH (relative standard deviation, 89.4, 88.7, 86.4 and 78.2%, respectively). In conclusion, this simultaneous LC‐MS/MS method with acceptable analytical performance can be helpful for evaluating the pharmacokinetics of PCZ, including the determination of its metabolites in cancer patients and in clinical research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Tubulin Colchicine Domain: a Molecular Modeling Perspective
Authors: Massarotti Alberto , Coluccia Antonio , Silvestri Romano , Sorba Giovanni , Brancale Andrea 
Published: October 2011

AbstractComputational approaches have been increasingly applied to drug design over the past three decades and have already provided some useful results in the discovery of anticancer drugs. Given the increased availability of crystal structures in recent years, a growing number of molecular modeling studies on tubulin have been reported. Herein we present a brief overview of the role played by computational methods in anti‐tubulin research, specifically in the context of colchicine binding agent research. An overview of current structures is reported, along with a brief discussion on the issues associated with the various tubulin isotypes. Finally, a summary of the most recent and relevant results is presented, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by researchers in this field.
Generation of Potential Energy Surfaces in High Dimensions and Their Haptic Exploration
Authors: Haag Moritz P. , Marti Konrad H. , Reiher Markus 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA method is proposed for the automated generation of potential energy surfaces in high dimensions. It combines the existing algorithm for the definition of new energy data points, based on the interpolating moving least‐squares algorithm with a simulated annealing procedure. This method is then studied in a haptic quantum chemistry environment that requires a fast evaluation of gradients on a potential energy surface with automatic improvement of its accuracy. As an example we investigate the nitrogen binding pathway in the Schrock dinitrogen fixation complex with this set‐up.
“Here's the Separation Wall”: Political tourism in the Holy Land
Authors: Chaitin Julia 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis article explores political tourism to Israel–Palestine that focuses on supporting peace and social justice activities. These tours visit locations of contention and meet with organizations working to end the conflict and social injustices. I provide an overview of thirty‐one organizations that carry out political tours, and discuss sociopolitical issues and psychosocial factors that are important to address in such trips, providing examples from tours. It is suggested that when tours take these issues into consideration, a potential is created to build a cadre of better‐informed and culturally sensitive activists who can support the peace process.
Chemistry of β‐Carbolines as Synthetic Intermediates
Authors: Domínguez Gema , Pérez‐Castells Javier 
Published: October 2011

Abstractβ‐Carbolines are present in a wide variety of indole alkaloids that display important biological activities. Here we review the most recent aspects of the chemistry of β‐carbolines with a focus on functionalization of the β‐carboline system and transformations into other interesting compounds. Aromatizations, reductions and alkylations of the heterocyclic system are thus summarized first, followed by methodologies directed towards the formation of additional fused rings. Finally, rearrangements that transform β‐carbolines into other heterocyclic systems are covered.
Synthesis of Phostone‐Constrained Nucleic Acid (P‐CNA) Dinucleotides Through Intramolecular Arbuzov's Reaction
Authors: Catana Dan‐Andrei , Maturano Marie , Payrastre Corinne , Lavedan Pierre , Tarrat Nathalie , Escudier Jean‐Marc 
Published: October 2011

AbstractP‐CNAs are dinucleotide building blocks in which the torsional angles α and β of the sugar/phosphate backbone are constrained to non‐canonical values within a cyclic phosphonate structure (phostone) synthesised by diastereoselective intramolecular Arbuzov reaction. The reaction has been improved through the use of microwave activation and addition of lithium bromide.
The new and improved NIST Dragon's LAIR (Lofting and Ignition Research) facility
Authors: Manzello Samuel L. , Suzuki Sayaka 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYSeveral studies suggest that the firebrands are a major cause of structural ignition of Wildland–Urban Interface fires in USA and Australia. For 40 years, past firebrand studies have focused on how far firebrands fly and do not assess the vulnerabilities of structures to ignition from firebrand showers. The development of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Dragon has allowed the quantification of structure ignition vulnerabilities of full‐scale building assemblies. Full‐scale tests are necessary to highlight vulnerabilities of structures to ignition under firebrand attack, whereas bench‐scale test methods afford the capability to test new firebrand‐resistant technologies and may serve as the basis for new standard testing methodologies. To this end, the present investigation was undertaken to construct a new and improved Dragon's Lofting and Ignition Research facility. This entailed removing the NIST Baby Dragon from the wind tunnel facility and inserting the new and improved NIST continuous feed Baby Dragon. The unique feature of the continuous feed Baby Dragon, over the current NIST Baby Dragon, is the capability to produce a constant firebrand shower in order to expose building materials to continual firebrand bombardment. The efficacy of the new experimental facility to determine ignition regime maps of building materials exposed to wind‐driven firebrand showers is presented. Specifically, ignition regime maps are presented as a function of continuous firebrand generation rate, wind tunnel speed, and cedar moisture content. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular perturbations restrict potential for liver repopulation of hepatocytes isolated from non–heart-beating donor rats
Authors: Enami Yuta , Joseph Brigid , Bandi Sriram , Lin Juan , Gupta Sanjeev 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Organs from non–heart-beating donors are attractive for use in cell therapy. Understanding the nature of molecular perturbations following reperfusion/reoxygenation will be highly significant for non–heart-beating donor cells. We studied non–heart-beating donor rats for global gene expression with Affymetrix microarrays, hepatic tissue integrity, viability of isolated hepatocytes, and engraftment and proliferation of transplanted cells in dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient rats. In non–heart-beating donors, liver tissue was morphologically intact for >24 hours with differential expression of 1, 95, or 372 genes, 4, 16, or 34 hours after death, respectively, compared with heart-beating donors. These differentially expressed genes constituted prominent groupings in ontological pathways of oxidative phosphorylation, adherence junctions, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and other discrete pathways. We successfully isolated viable hepatocytes from non–heart-beating donors, especially up to 4 hours after death, although the hepatocyte yield and viability were inferior to those of hepatocytes from heart-beating donors (P < 0.05). Similarly, although hepatocytes from non–heart-beating donors engrafted and proliferated after transplantation in recipient animals, this was inferior to hepatocytes from heart-beating donors (P < 0.05). Gene expression profiling in hepatocytes isolated from non–heart-beating donors showed far greater perturbations compared with corresponding liver tissue, including representation of pathways in focal adhesion, actin cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix–receptor interactions, multiple ligand–receptor interactions, and signaling in insulin, calcium, wnt, Jak-Stat, or other cascades. Conclusion: Liver tissue remained intact over prolonged periods after death in non–heart-beating donors, but extensive molecular perturbations following reperfusion/reoxygenation impaired the viability of isolated hepatocytes from these donors. Insights into molecular changes in hepatocytes from non–heart-beating donors offer opportunities for improving donor cell viability, which will advance the utility of non–heart-beating donor organs for cell therapy or other applications. (Hepatology 2012)