bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidative Degradation of Polybenzimidazole Membranes as Electrolytes for High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Liao J. H. , Li Q. F. , Rudbeck H. C. , Jensen J. O. , Chromik A. , Bjerrum N. J. , Kerres J. , Xing W. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPolybenzimidazole membranes imbibed with acid are emerging as a suitable electrolyte material for high‐temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The oxidative stability of polybenzimidazole has been identified as an important issue for the long‐term durability of such cells. In this paper the oxidative degradation of the polymer membrane was studied under the Fenton test conditions by the weight loss, intrinsic viscosity, size exclusion chromatography, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. During the Fenton test, significant weight losses depending on the initial molecular weight of the polymer were observed. At the same time, viscosity and SEC measurements revealed a steady decrease in molecular weight. The degradation of acid doped PBI membranes under Fenton test conditions is proposed to start by the attack of hydroxyl radicals at the carbon atom linking imidazole ring and benzenoid ring, which may eventually lead to the imidazole ring opening and formation of small molecules and terminal groups for further oxidation by an endpoint oxidation.
Depression subtypes and 5‐years risk of mortality in aged 70 years: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Vilalta‐Franch Joan , Planas‐Pujol Xènia , López‐Pousa Secundino , Llinàs‐Reglà Jordi , Merino‐Aguado Javier , Garre‐Olmo Josep 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAimsTo estimate the mortality risk related to different mood disorders in a geriatric sample of subjects aged 70 years and over without dementia.MethodAll non‐demented subjects at baseline who participate on a second phase of a population‐based cohort study were included. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between depression and 5‐year survival of 451 elderly people without dementia originally recruited for a representative community dementia cohort study. Baseline evaluation included the Cambridge Mental Disorders of the Elderly Examination Schedule. Depressive disorders (major and minor episode) were assessed according DSM‐IV criteria and classified according the age of onset (late vs. early). The late‐onset depression was classified according to the presence or absence of depression‐executive dysfunction syndrome (DEDS).ResultsThe initial cohort size was 451 subjects, among which 10.9% (n = 49) suffered a major depressive episode and 10.4% (n = 47) a minor depressive disorder. Among the total affective disorders, 77.9% (n = 74) were late‐onset depressions and 29.5% (n = 28) had executive dysfunction. After 5 years, the vital status of 94% (n = 424) of the participants was known and the mortality was 18.9% (n = 80). Late‐onset major depressive episode with executive dysfunction was related to mortality after adjustment by age, gender, marital status, level of education, comorbidity (or health global status) and cognitive impairment (HR = 3.70; 95% CI = 1.55–8.83). The executive dysfunction was found to be an independent mortality risk factor (HR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.15–3.64).ConclusionsThere is a statistically significant association between mortality and late‐onset major depression with executive dysfunction. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiproliferative mechanism of a cannabinoid agonist by cell cycle arrest in human gastric cancer cells
Authors: Park Jae Myung , Xian Xiang‐Shu , Choi Myung‐Gyu , Park Hyeyeon , Cho Yu Kyung , Lee In Seok , Kim Sang Woo , Chung In‐Sik 
Published: February 2011

AbstractFor gastric cancers, the antineoplastic activity of cannabinoids has been investigated in only a few reports and knowledge regarding the mechanisms involved is limited. We have reported previously that treatment of gastric cancer cells with a cannabinoid agonist significantly decreased cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Here, we evaluated the effects of cannabinoids on various cellular mediators involved in cell cycle arrest in gastric cancer cells. AGS and MKN‐1 cell lines were used as human gastric cancer cells and WIN 55,212‐2 as a cannabinoid agonist. Cell cycles were analyzed by flow cytometry and western blotting. Treatment with WIN 55,212‐2 arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase. WIN 55,212‐2 also upregulated phospho‐ERK1/2, induced Kip1/p27 and Cip1/WAF1/p21 expression, decreased cyclin D1 and cyclin E expression, decreased Cdk 2, Cdk 4, and Cdk 6 expression levels, and decreased phospho‐Rb and E2F‐1 expression. ERK inhibitor decreased the proportion of G0/G1 phase which was induced by WIN 55,212‐2. Inhibition of pAKT led to cell cycle arrest in gastric cancer cells. Cell cycle arrest preceded apoptotic response. Thus, this cannabinoid agonist can reduce gastric cancer cell proliferation via G1 phase cell cycle arrest, which is mediated via activation of the MAPK pathway and inhibition of pAKT. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1192–1205, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord blood: Reevaluation of critical factors for successful isolation and high ability to proliferate and differentiate to chondrocytes as compared to mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow and adipose tissue
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Hirai Masako , Cantero Susana , Ciubotariu Rodica , Dobrila Ludy , Hirsh Allen , Igura Koichi , Satoh Hitoshi , Yokomi Izuru , Nishimura Toshihide , Yamaguchi Satoru , Yoshimura Kotaro , Rubinstein Pablo , Takahashi Tsuneo A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractHuman umbilical cord blood (CB) is a potential source for mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) capable of forming specific tissues, for example, bone, cartilage, or muscle. However, difficulty isolating MSC from CB (CB‐MSC) has impeded their clinical application. Using more than 450 CB units donated to two public CB banks, we found that successful cell recovery fits a hyper‐exponential function of time since birth with very high fidelity. Additionally, significant improvement in the isolation of CB‐MSC was achieved by selecting cord blood units having a volume ≥90 ml and time ≤2 h after donor's birth. This resulted in 90% success in isolation of CB‐MSC by density gradient purification and without a requirement for immunoaffinity methods as previously reported. Using MSC isolated from bone marrow (BM‐MSC) and adipose tissue (AT‐MSC) as reference controls, we observed that CB‐MSC exhibited a higher proliferation rate and expanded to the order of the 1 × 109 cells required for cell therapies. CB‐MSC showed karyotype stability after prolonged expansion. Functionally, CB‐MSC could be more readily induced to differentiate into chondrocytes than could BM‐MSC and AT‐MSC. CB‐MSC showed immunosuppressive activity equal to that of BM‐MSC and AT‐MSC. Collectively, our data indicate that viable CB‐MSC could be obtained consistently and that CB should be reconsidered as a practical source of MSC for cell therapy and regenerative medicine using the well established CB banking system. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1206–1218, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Further evaluation of a novel nano‐scale gene vector for in vivo transfection of siRNA
Authors: Liu Fan , Qiao Fang‐Fang , Tong Man‐Li , Liu Li‐Li , Fu Zuo‐Gen , Dan Bing , Lin Li‐Rong , Yang Tian‐Ci , Zhang Zhong‐Ying 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn this research, a lipid‐cationic polymer (LCP) containing the side‐chain branching of brassidic acid was synthesized using chemical methods. As a gene vector for small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) transfection, the efficiency and biosafety of LCP were preliminarily evaluated to investigate its possible application on tumor gene therapy. The toxicity, side‐effects, and biosafety of LCP were investigated in animals based on the results of in vitro experiments. The siRNA against cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) was transfected by LCP to interfere with the COX‐2 expression in nude‐transplanted tumors. Hematoxylin and eosin stains, immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot were performed to evaluate the efficiency of LCP for siRNA transfection. The animal toxicity experiment showed that a high concentration of LCP had a low toxic effect on animals and did not induce allergic or pyrogenic reactions. The results from the in vivo transfection indicated that LCP could efficiently transfect siRNA and silence the target gene expression. The LCP gene vector for siRNA transfection is highly efficient during in vivo transfection and had low toxicity. From all aspects of tumor gene therapy and basic research, LCP is valuable for scientific research and medical applications. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1329–1336, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality improvement projects targeting health care–associated infections: Comparing virtual collaborative and toolkit approaches
Authors: Speroff Theodore , Ely E. Wes , Greevy Robert , Weinger Matthew B. , Talbot Thomas R. , Wall Richard J. , Deshpande Jayant K. , France Daniel J. , Nwosu Sam , Burgess Hayley , Englebright Jane , Williams Mark V. , Dittus Robert S. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:Collaborative and toolkit approaches have gained traction for improving quality in health care.OBJECTIVE:To determine if a quality improvement virtual collaborative intervention would perform better than a toolkit‐only approach at preventing central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and ventilator‐associated pneumonias (VAPs).DESIGN AND SETTING:Cluster randomized trial with the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of 60 hospitals assigned to the Toolkit (n=29) or Virtual Collaborative (n=31) group from January 2006 through September 2007.MEASUREMENT:CLABSI and VAP rates. Follow‐up survey on improvement interventions, toolkit utilization, and strategies for implementing improvement.RESULTS:A total of 83% of the Collaborative ICUs implemented all CLABSI interventions compared to 64% of those in the Toolkit group (P = 0.13), implemented daily catheter reviews more often (P = 0.04), and began this intervention sooner (P < 0.01). Eighty‐six percent of the Collaborative group implemented the VAP bundle compared to 64% of the Toolkit group (P = 0.06). The CLABSI rate was 2.42 infections per 1000 catheter days at baseline and 2.73 at 18 months (P = 0.59). The VAP rate was 3.97 per 1000 ventilator days at baseline and 4.61 at 18 months (P = 0.50). Neither group improved outcomes over time; there was no differential performance between the 2 groups for either CLABSI rates (P = 0.71) or VAP rates (P = 0.80).CONCLUSION:The intensive collaborative approach outpaced the simpler toolkit approach in changing processes of care, but neither approach improved outcomes. Incorporating quality improvement methods, such as ICU checklists, into routine care processes is complex, highly context‐dependent, and may take longer than 18 months to achieve. © Society of Hospital Medicine Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011
Tuning structural and optical properties of blue‐emitting polymeric semiconductors
Authors: Guha Suchi , Chandrasekhar Meera , Scherf Ulli , Knaapila Matti 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe present a comparison of the optical properties of blue‐emitting polymers with varying backbone conformation under pressure. Among them alkyl substituted side chain polyfluorenes (PF) have a rich phase morphology. The effect of pressure on the backbone emission allows an understanding of the localized and delocalized electronic states and energy transfer mechanisms. The photoluminescence spectra are characterized by well‐defined vibronic peaks, which red‐shift and broaden with increasing pressure. Effects on both interchain and intrachain ordering in these polymer chains can be deduced from such optical studies under pressure. The Raman spectra under pressure provide insight into structural changes as well as electron–phonon interactions in PFs.magnified imageThe blue emission of PF at atmospheric pressure appears green (through a diamond anvil cell) at higher pressure.
Correlation effects in the electronic and structural properties of Cr2AlC
Authors: Ramzan M. , Lebègue S. , Ahuja R. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn this Letter, we present the electronic and structural properties calculated by first principles GGA and GGA+U calculations of Cr2AlC, a member of the MAX phases family of compounds. While GGA fails to obtain a correct description, the GGA+U method successfully reproduces the experimental equilibrium volume and bulk modulus values of Cr2AlC, and predict it to be a ferromagnet. Therefore, correlation effects are crucial for the correct description of Cr2AlC, provided that a suitable value of U is chosen. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A comparison of designs for one‐step screening and response surface estimation
Authors: Edwards David J. , Truong David H. Q. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe sequential design approach to response surface exploration is often viewed as advantageous as it provides the opportunity to learn from each successive experiment with the ultimate goal of determining optimum operating conditions for the system or process under study. Recent literature has explored factor screening and response surface optimization using only one three‐level design to handle situations where conducting multiple experiments is prohibitive. The most straightforward and accessible analysis strategy for such designs is to first perform a main‐effects only analysis to screen important factors before projecting the design onto these factors to conduct response surface exploration. This article proposes the use of optimal designs with minimal aliasing (MA designs) and demonstrates that they are more effective at screening important factors than the existing designs recommended for single‐design response surface exploration. For comparison purposes, we construct 27‐run MA designs with up to 13 factors and demonstrate their utility using established design criterion and a simulation study. Copyright 2011 © John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional Effects of Adult Human Olfactory Stem Cells on Early-Onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Pandit Sonali R. , Sullivan Jeremy M. , Egger Viktoria , Borecki Alexander A. , Oleskevich Sharon 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Transplantation of exogenous stem cells has been proposed as a treatment to prevent or reverse sensorineural hearing loss. Here, we investigate the effects of transplantation of adult human olfactory mucosa-derived stem cells on auditory function in A/J mice, a strain exhibiting early-onset progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Recent evidence indicates that these stem cells exhibit multipotency in transplantation settings and may represent a subtype of mesenchymal stem cell. Olfactory stem cells were injected into the cochleae of A/J mice via a lateral wall cochleostomy during the time period in which hearing loss first becomes apparent. Changes in auditory function were assessed 1 month after transplantation and compared against animals that received sham injections. Hearing threshold levels in stem cell-transplanted mice were found to be significantly lower than those of sham-injected mice (p &lt; .05) for both click and pure tone stimuli. Transplanted cells survived within the perilymphatic compartments but did not integrate into cochlear tissues. These results indicate that transplantation of adult human olfactory mucosa-derived stem cells can help preserve auditory function during early-onset progressive sensorineural hearing loss.
Sequestration through forestry and agriculture
Authors: Conant Richard T. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractCurrent climate mitigation policies have not fully resolved contentious issues regarding the inclusion of carbon sequestration through changes in forestry and agricultural management practices. Terrestrial carbon sinks could be a low‐cost mitigation option that fosters conservation and development, yet issues related to accurately documenting the amount of carbon sequestered undermine confidence that emission offsets through sequestration are equivalent to emission reductions. From an atmospheric perspective, net of CO2removals through sequestration are equivalent to emission reductions over a given period of time. But carbon will not remain sequestered in biomass or soils indefinitely and investments in sequestration could stifle investments in reducing emissions from other sources. Many international climate agreements cap emissions from some countries or sectors but enable participation of uncapped countries or sectors for forestry and agricultural sequestration. This structure can prompt emission increases in parts of the uncapped entities that weaken the value of emission reductions earned through sequestration. This has been a minor issue under the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol. Reduced emissions through deforestation and degradation is susceptible to the same problems. The purpose of this article is to review the science, politics, and policy that form the basis of arguments for and against the inclusion forestry and agricultural sequestration as a component of current and future international climate mitigation policies.WIREs Clim Change2011 2 238–254 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.101This article is categorized under:The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Decarbonizing Energy and/or Reducing Demand
Victims of bullying in childhood and suicide attempts in adulthood
Authors: Meltzer H. , Vostanis P. , Ford T. , Bebbington P , Dennis M.S. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPurposeTo examine whether self-reported exposure to bullying during childhood is associated with suicide attempts over the life course, and if so, what mechanisms could account for this relationship.Subjects and methodsA random probability sample comprising 7461 respondents was interviewed for the 2007 survey of psychiatric morbidity of adults in Great Britain. Survey respondents were asked about suicidal attempts and whether they were bullied in childhood.ResultsRecall of being bullied in childhood decreased with age from 25% of 16–24-year-olds to 4% among those 75 or over with few differences in the proportions between men and women. Bullying co-occurred with several victimisation experiences including sexual abuse and severe beatings and with running away from home. Even after controlling for lifetime factors known to increase the risk of suicidal behaviour, adults who reported bullying in childhood were still more than twice as likely as other adults to attempt suicide later in life.DiscussionBeing the victim of bullying involves the experience of suffering a defeat and humiliation that in turn could lead to entrapment, hopelessness, depression and suicidal behaviour.ConclusionsBullying is already known to be associated with substantial distress and other negative consequences and this further evidence of a strong correlation with the risk of suicide in later life should increase further the motivation of society, services and citizens to act decisively to reduce bullying in childhood.
A rare case of multiple neuromuscular variations in the axilla and arm
Authors: Wang Pei , Hsien Yu‐Lin , Ho Wan‐Yi , Liu Chun‐Chih , Hsiao Tin‐Hsin 
Published: February 2011

AbstractDuring the dissection of a 73‐year‐old embalmed male cadaver, we noted unusual variations in the flexor compartment of the upper limb—bilateral axillary arch muscles, a three‐headed biceps brachii muscle with two supernumerary bellies—and variations in the origin of the musculocutaneous and median nerves from the brachial plexus. The morphological and clinical significance of this unique coexistence of multiple neuromuscular variations are discussed.
Dispensing of prescribed analgesics in Norway among young people with foreign-or Norwegian-born parents
Authors: Log Tomas , Skurtveit Svetlana , Tverdal Aage , Furu Kari , Hartz Ingeborg 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Purpose
To examine and compare dispensing of prescribed analgesics between young people with parents from countries with a Muslim majority and those with parents born in Norway.

Methods
Our study-population constituted 11,542 adolescents from the Norwegian Youth Health Surveys conducted in 2000–2003. Users and non-users of prescribed analgesics at baseline were analysed separately. Self-reported information on their parents’ birth country was used to classify them into one of the three predefined groups: Norway, countries with a Muslim majority or others. To study and compare dispensing of prescribed analgesics, data from the youth surveys were linked to the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD) 2004–2007. Dispensed analgesics studied were antiinflammatory and antirheumatic products (non-steroid), opioids and other analgesics and antipyretics.

Results
Among non-users of prescribed analgesics at baseline, 34% of all males with parents born in Norway received prescribed analgesics at least once during 2004–2007, compared to 36% in the group with parents from countries with a Muslim majority. The proportions of females receiving prescribed analgesics were about 44% in both of the two previously mentioned groups. Among users of prescribed analgesics at baseline, the proportion of individuals who were dispensed prescribed analgesics in 2004–2007 was generally higher than for those that were non-users at baseline. Both males and females with parents from countries with a Muslim majority reported more pain compared to those with parents born in Norway. No statistical differences were detected between participants with parents from countries with a Muslim majority compared to those with parents born in Norway in terms of prescribed analgesics dispensed or total amount of analgesics dispensed in 2004–2007. For the dispensing of all analgesics in 2004–2007 the adjusted OR for having parents from countries with a Muslim majority compared to parents born in Norway was 1.02 (0.87–1.21) among non-users of prescribed analgesics at baseline and 0.82 (0.57–1.16) among users.

Conclusions
There were no differences in the dispensing of prescribed analgesics between young people with parents born in countries with a Muslim majority and those with parents born in Norway. Nor did the amount of prescribed analgesics differ between these groups.
Parametric excitation-based inverse bending gait generation
Authors: Harata Yuji , Asano Fumihiko , Taji Kouichi , Uno Yoji 
Published: February 2011

SUMMARYIn a gait generation method based on the parametric excitation principle, appropriate motion of the center of mass restores kinetic energy lost by heel strike. The motion is realized by bending and stretching a swing-leg regardless of bending direction. In this paper, we first show that inverse bending restores more mechanical energy than forward bending, and then propose a parametric excitation-based inverse bending gait for a kneed biped robot, which improves gait efficiency of parametric excitation walking.