bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiologically Isolated Syndrome:10‐YearRisk Estimate of a Clinical Event
Authors: Lebrun‐Frenay Christine , Kantarci Orhun , Siva Aksel , Sormani Maria P. , Pelletier Daniel , Okuda Darin T. ,   for the 10‐year RISC study group on behalf of SFSEP, OFSEP
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveWe have previously identified male sex, younger age, and the presence of spinal cord lesions as independent factors that increase the 5‐year risk for evolution from radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) to multiple sclerosis. Here, we investigate risk factors for the development of a clinical event using a 10‐year, multinational, retrospectively identified RIS dataset.MethodsRIS subjects were identified according to 2009 RIS criteria and followed longitudinally as part of a worldwide cohort study. We analyzed data from 21 individual databases from 5 different countries. Associations between clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics and the risk of developing a first clinical event were determined using multivariate Cox regression models.ResultsAdditional follow‐up data were available in 277 of 451 RIS subjects (86% female). The mean age at RIS diagnosis was 37.2 years (range, 11–74 years), with a median clinical follow‐up of 6.7 years. The cumulative probability of a first clinical event at 10 years was 51.2%. Age, positive cerebrospinal fluid for oligoclonal bands, infratentorial lesions on MRI, and spinal cord lesions, were baseline independent predictors associated with a subsequent clinical event. The presence of gadolinium‐enhanced lesions during follow‐up was also associated with the risk of a seminal event. The reason for MRI and gadolinium‐enhancing lesions at baseline did not influence the risk of a subsequent clinical event.InterpretationApproximately half of all individuals with RIS experience a first clinical event within 10 years of the index MRI. The identification of independent predictors of risk for symptom onset may guide education and clinical management of individuals with RIS.ANN NEUROL 2020;88:407–417.
Ultracold Lattice Gas Automata for Single Trapped Ion Interacting with a Laser Field
Authors: Costantini G. , Zarezadeh Z. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn the same context of lattice gauge theory, a notion of cellular automaton (CA) is considered as a description of the underlying dynamics of fields evaluated on a discrete lattice. The explorative approach of this work is initiated by taking the automata evolution as an elementary description of fields dynamics on one side and pivotal role of locality on other side to connect the notion of states and transformations to density operators in quantum electrodynamics. In order to parameterize the definition of proposed model in the context of lattice field theory the nonlinear interaction is introduced with neighboring cells. In this paper, analytical and explicit expression of atomic density matrix for single trapped ion interacting with laser field based on cellular automata dynamics are discussed. The definition is further explored by introducing some probabilistic theories as the theoretical framework then it is concluded that the graph of cellular automata in continuum time limit of the CA dynamics leads to Maxwell–Bloch equation.
Synergistic effect between CuCr2O4 nanoparticles and plasticizer on mechanical properties of EP/PU/CuCr2O4 nanocomposites: Experimental approach and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Sarafrazi Marzieh , Ghasemi Ahmad Reza , Hamadanian Masood 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this research, copper chromite (CuCr2O4) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by the sol–gel auto‐combustion method. The effects of CuCr2O4 NPs and polyurethane (PU) on the tensile strength of the epoxy (EP) resin were studied by considering different weight percentages (wt%). The response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with central composite design (CCD) (RSM/CCD) methods were also used to optimize the Young's modulus, yield strength, and ultimate tensile strength of the EP/PU/CuCr2O4 nanocomposites. The composition structure and morphology of the EP/PU/CuCr2O4 nanocomposites were determined using the Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflection, Scanning Electron Microscopy, X‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. It was also shown that the RSM/CCD methods could be utilized effectively to find the optimum process variables in the tensile test of the EP/PU/CuCr2O4 nanocomposites. Moreover, the tensile test revealed that the presence of the CuCr2O4 NPs in the EP/PU matrix improved the mechanical properties. Best results were obtained with the 0.76 wt% of the CuCr2O4 NPs and the 2.6 wt% PU in the epoxy resin. The molecular dynamic simulation was used to illustrate the effect of the NPs on the interaction energy and mechanical properties of this nanocomposite. The calculated interaction energy for the EP/PU/CuCr2O4 nanocomposites was −437.96 Kcal/mol. The results showed that Young's modulus had relative agreement with the experimental results.
Opening the black box of contact: Unravelling the ways through which positive contact is imagined in a post‐conflict context
Authors: Ioannou Maria , Panagiotou Elisavet 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWhile there is growing support for the prejudice‐reduction effects of imagined contact, knowledge of the content of imagery in imagined contact studies remains scarce. This qualitative study aims to address this gap by unravelling the ways of imagining an intergroup encounter that is indeed positive. Our data consist of the imagined contact stories of 43 participants in two imagined contact studies conducted in Cyprus, a post‐conflict context characterised by low levels of contact because of long‐standing division across ethnic lines. Our analysis yielded four themes corresponding to four ways of construing positive contact: imagining a good Other, a similar Other, an inferior Other, as well as imagining successfully overcoming obstacles emerging before or during contact. While participants came up with ways to imagine positive contact that are consistent with intergroup contact literature (e.g., intergroup similarities, decategorisation), a closer look at the findings reveals that in composing a positive intergroup experience, participants made use of dysfunctional stereotypes and conflict‐perpetuating narratives whose objective is to protect their superior status and to ensure their safety during contact. The findings serve as a word of caution for imagined contact as a prejudice‐reduction intervention and they also attest to the importance of deeply knowing the psychological composition of the groups which (imagined) contact interventions typically aim to tackle.
Effect of a novel transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair device on the three‐dimensional geometry of mitral valve in degenerative mitral regurgitation
Authors: Ge Zhenyi , Pan Wenzhi , Zhou Daxin , Li Wei , Wei Lai , Liu Xianbao , Pu Zhaoxia , Shu Xianhong , Pan Cuizhen , Ge Junbo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe sought to assess the acute intraprocedural effects of the ValveClamp system in DMR patients on the mitral valve (MV) three‐dimensional (3D) geometry and the association of these effects with mitral regurgitation (MR) reduction.BackgroundFew data are available about the specific impact of transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair in patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR).MethodsThirty‐five symptomatic patients (age 74.26 ± 6.61 years) with Grade 3 to 4+ degenerative MR underwent 3D transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during ValveClamp implantation. Volumetric data sets were retrospectively analyzed using mitral valve quantitative 3D modeling software.ResultsMitral valve annular anterior–posterior (AP) diameter decreased from 33.24 ± 4.03 to 31.12 ± 3.66 mm (p < .001), and prolapse height from 4.78 ± 2.19 to 2.32 ± 1.92 mm (p < .001), and total exposed leaflet area from 1,110.29 ± 224.21 mm2 to 1,013.44 ± 228.71 mm (p = .004). Accordingly, we observed a significant reduction of MR severity after ValveClamp implantation. Multivariable analysis revealed postprocedural MR reduction was associated with shortening in anterior–posterior diameter (coefficient 0.427, p = .008) and reduction in prolapse height (coefficient 0.369, p = .021).ConclusionsValveClamp implantation exerts an acute effect on the 3D MV geometry. Postprocedural reduction in AP diameter and reduction in prolapse height correlates with MR downgrading in patients with degenerative MR.
Oral hyperpigmentation associated with hydroxyurea in a patient with polycythemia vera: A case report
Authors: Alshammasi Baneen , Albasry Zainab , Meshikhes Fatimah 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPatients may report to health practitioners with unusual symptoms that necessitate a thorough examination and review of underlying medical conditions and medications for rare side effects. Hence, it is crucial to report such rare cases to raise awareness and increase the related body of knowledge. Hydroxyurea‐associated oral hyperpigmentation has been reported.
Development of Carbon‐Neutral Cellulose‐Supported Heterogeneous Palladium Catalysts for Chemoselective Hydrogenation
Authors: Yamada Tsuyoshi , Teranishi Wataru , Park Kwihwan , Jiang Jing , Tachikawa Takumu , Furusato Shinichi , Sajiki Hironao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPalladium catalysts immobilized on cellulose particles (Pd/CLP) and on a cellulose‐monolith (Pd/CLM) were developed. These composites were applied as hydrogenation catalysts and their catalyst activities were evaluated. Although both catalysts catalyzed the deprotection of benzyloxycarbonyl‐protected aromatic amines (Ar‐N‐Cbz) and aromatic benzyl esters (Ar‐CO2Bn), only Pd/CLM could accomplish the hydrogenolysis of aliphatic‐N‐Cbz and aliphatic‐CO2Bn protective groups. The difference in the physical structure of the cellulose supports induced unique chemoselectivity. Aliphatic‐N‐Cbz and aliphatic‐CO2Bn groups were tolerated under the Pd/CLP‐catalyzed hydrogenation conditions, while Ar‐N‐Cbz, Ar‐CO2Bn, alkene, alkyne, azido and nitro groups could be smoothly reduced.
Animal Models of Mycobacteria Infection
Authors: Chan Edward D. , Verma Deepshikha , Ordway Diane J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis manuscript describes the infection of mice and guinea pigs with mycobacteria via various routes, as well as necropsy methods for the determination of mycobacterial loads within target organs. Additionally, methods for cultivating mycobacteria and preparing stocks are described. The protocols outlined are primarily used for M. tuberculosis, but can also be used for the study of other non‐tuberculosis mycobacterial species. A wide variety of animal models have been used to test new vaccines, drugs, and the impact of cigarette exposure. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Aerosol infection of mice with mycobacteriaBasic Protocol 2: Aerosol infection of guinea pig with mycobacteria using a Madison chamberAlternate Protocol 1: Cigarette exposure prior to infection of mice with mycobacteriaAlternate Protocol 2: Intravenous infection of mice with mycobacteriaBasic Protocol 3: Necropsy methods for animals experimentally infected with mycobacteriaBasic Protocol 4: Following the course of infectionBasic Protocol 5: Measuring the animal immune response to infectionSupport Protocol: Cultivation of mycobacteria for use in animal experiments
Chitosan‐based nanofragrance with antibacterial function applied to wallpaper
Authors: Zhang Tianlu , Lu Zhiguo , Yang Jun , Wang Jianze , Shen Jie , Wang Xiangyu , Xiao Zuobing , Niu Yunwei , Chen Lei , Zhang Xin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAdding fragrances to the wallpaper can optimize our living environment and office environment. However, the poor adhesion and rapid release of fragrances on wallpapers have limited their application. In this study, vanillin was encapsulated in particles based on chitosan and poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid), thereby achieving a slow release of the fragrance. In addition, due to the addition of chitosan, the adhesion of the fragrance on the wallpaper was enhanced, and the wallpaper was given antibacterial properties.
Efficacy of Artemisia annua L. extract for recovery of acute liver failure
Authors: Park Chan Young , Choi Eunyong , Yang Hee‐Jin , Ho Seong Hyun , Park Su‐Jin , Park Ki‐Moon , Kim Seon‐Hee 
Published: June 2020

AbstractArtemisia annua L. is an annual herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly grown in parts of Asia, including Korea and China, and is called by its nickname Gae‐ddong‐ssuk, or Chung‐ho. The herb is well known for its positive effects on fever and hemostasis, as well as its antibiotic effects. To evaluate the protective properties of A. annua L. on the liver, an acute liver failure animal model was set up with intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D‐galactosamine (D‐galN) in C57BL/6J mice, showing increased levels of AST (aspartate transaminase) and ALT (alanine transaminase). Oral administration of the extract of A. annua L. (EAA) for 2 weeks reduced the level of AST and ALT up to 50% of the levels in the negative control group treated with water vehicle. The efficacy of EAA was more effective than that in a comparative positive control group treated with milk thistle extract. Moreover, EAA protected hepatic cells and tissues from oxidative stresses and inflammatory damages, showing downregulation of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). We also found that LPS stimulated the mouse macrophage cell line, Raw264.7, and secreted a tremendous level of proinflammatory cytokines and the secretion of these cytokines was reduced with EAA treatment via downregulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation and p65 translocation. This study demonstrated that A. annua L. extract is a promising treatment for protection against and recovery from liver damage, as well as maintenance of liver health.
Encapsulation of L‐dopa and catechol in bovine serum albumin nanocarrier using desolvation method and their in vitro release studies
Authors: Rafipour Aysan , Yari Abdollah , Farhadi Khalil , Pakdel Firouz Ghaderi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn the current study, the interaction between L‐dopa and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as well as catechol and BSA is investigated separately. In order to achieve the optimum values for encapsulated efficiency (EE), the content of crosslinker/BSA, organic/aqueous phase, drug/BSA, stirring rate, and pH were closely studied taking the advantage of Taguchi method. Particle characterization was carried out using transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering techniques. The most appropriate catechol and L‐dopa nanoparticles in the size range of 100 nm and 65 nm, respectively, and at optimized conditions of drug/BSA = 0.1, pH = 7.4, crosslinker/BSA = 0.084, organic/aqueous phase = 4 and stirring rate 400 rpm were obtained. The most favorable EE (encapsulation efficiency) and LC (loading capacity) for L‐dopa and catechol was estimated to be 88.1% and 83.6%, respectively, and the calculated LC% was achieved 93.4% and 89.7% for L‐dopa and catechol, respectively. The chromatographic analyses results were also found to be in a good agreement with the obtained data for the calculated EE% and LC% values. in vitro release of loaded drugs from nanoparticles in phosphate‐buffered saline (pH = 7.4, incubated at 37 ± 0.5°C under stirring rate of 100 rpm) showed the release of 78% catechol and 89% L‐dopa during 480 min and 510 min, respectively.
Neutralizing BDNF and FGF2 injection into denervated skeletal muscle improve recovery after nerve repair
Authors: Rink Svenja , Chatziparaskeva Christina , Elles Luisa , Pavlov Stoyan , Nohroudi Klaus , Bendella Habib , Sarikcioglu Levent , Manthou Marilena , Dunlop Sarah , Gordon Tessa , Angelov Doychin N. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundAfter facial nerve injury and surgical repair in rats, recovery of vibrissal whisking is associated with a high proportion of mono‐innervated neuro‐muscular junctions (NMJs). Our earlier work with Sprague Dawley (SD)/Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats, which are blind and spontaneously restore NMJ‐monoinnervation and whisking, showed correlations between functional recovery and increase of fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF2) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in denervated vibrissal muscles.MethodsWe used normally sighted rats (Wistar), in which NMJ‐polyinnervation is highly correlated with poor whisking recovery, and injected the vibrissal muscle levator labii superioris (LLS) with combinations of BDNF, anti‐BDNF, and FGF2 at different postoperative periods after facial nerve injury.ResultsRats receiving anti‐BDNF+FGF2 showed low NMJ‐polyinnervation and best recovery of whisking amplitude.ConclusionsRestoration of target reinnervation after peripheral nerve injury requires a complex mixture of trophic factors with a specific time course of availability for each of them.
A review of environmentally friendly rubber production using different vegetable oils
Authors: Sovtić Novica , Predrag Kojić S. , Bera Oskar J. , Pavličević Jelena M. , Govedarica Olga M. , Jovičić Mirjana C. , Govedarica Dragan D. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractVegetable oils were investigated as plasticizers to improve the sustainability of rubber compounding. The potential use of different vegetable oils as an alternative to petroleum‐based rubber process oils was reviewed. This article presents a literature review on the current understanding of the influence of vegetable oil properties on natural rubber (NR) compounding. Hansen solubility parameters of the vegetable oils were determined to assist with the selection of vegetable oil for NR. We believe that the use of Hansen parameters could make the use of vegetable oils in rubber more convenient and cost‐effective.
Modeling of light scattering and haze in semicrystalline polymers
Authors: Molnár János , Sepsi Örs , Erdei Gábor , Lenk Sándor , Ujhelyi Ferenc , Menyhárd Alfréd 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis article reports a new model approach for the description of light scattering in semicrystalline polymers, to describe more precisely the influence of supermolecular structure on the optical properties. This is the first study in which light scattering of polymer films has been modeled using exact Mie scattering theory of radially anisotropic spheres. As a model material a well‐known polymer, isotactic polypropylene (iPP) was used. Samples were prepared with different sample thicknesses and crystalline structures in order to identify the key parameters of light scattering in polycrystalline polymeric systems. Validation haze measurements were carried out with a spectrophotometer equipped with a 150 mm snap‐in integrating sphere. It was found that the optical properties of the polycrystalline sample can be described using multiple light scattering on these scattering centers. Good agreement was found between the simulated and experimentally measured haze values which proves the reliability and applicability of our new approach.
Power to the outsiders: External hiring and decision authority allocation within organizations
Authors: Hong Bryan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractResearch SummaryThis study examines the relationship between external hiring and the allocation of decision authority within organizations, and how they interact to affect organizational change and innovation. We test our hypotheses using panel data for a nationally representative sample of businesses in Canada. We find that the practice of external hiring of managers and high‐skilled nonmanagerial employees predicts greater decision authority allocated to each respective level of the hierarchy. Reallocation of authority is positively moderated by the strategic priority of (a) workplace reorganization for managerial hiring, and (b) new product development for nonmanagerial hiring. We also find evidence of related associations with workplace reorganization and product innovation. The findings suggest that decision authority allocation is essential to effectively utilize externally acquired human capital.Managerial SummaryThis study examines how the effectiveness of hiring managers and high‐skilled nonmanagerial employees from outside the firm is related to how much decision authority they are granted. We show that for both types of employees, external hiring predicts greater decision authority allocated to each respective level of the organization. For managers, external hiring predicts a greater likelihood of organizational change when more decision authority is granted. Similarly, for high‐skilled nonmanagerial employees, external hiring predicts the development of more novel innovations when more decision authority is given. Overall, the results suggest that hiring talent from outside the firm by itself is not sufficient to expect benefits to the organization—instead, firms must also empower outside hires with the authority needed to translate their knowledge into performance.
Experimental investigation and comparison of prestressed single‐layer and repaired two‐layer reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Iskhakov Iakov , Ribakov Yuri , Holschemacher Klaus , Kaeseberg Stefan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study continues a series of theoretical and experimental investigation of two‐layer beams (TLBs), performed by the authors. Such beams consist of normal strength concrete (NSC) layer in the tensile zone and steel fibered high strength concrete (SFHSC) in the compressed one. The present research is focused on comparison of prestressed single layer beam and three repaired prestressed two‐layer beams. The research includes experimental investigation of full‐scale simple supported beams under four‐point bending. A TLB represents possibility of strengthening by addition of high strength steel fibered concrete layer. Therefore, nonrepaired beam section height is equal to that of the NSC layer in repaired ones. All prestressed specimens with equal section height were produced at real industrial conditions. After that, a SFHSC layer was added in laboratory conditions to obtain three identical TLBs (one single‐layer beam was used as a control specimen). The main aim of the research is to study the effect of repairing, using a SFHSC layer on load‐bearing capacity. All specimens were tested from initial loading up to failure. The study was focused on cracking and deflections in TLBs, compared to single‐layer one. It was found that initial cracks' development in the investigated beams starts at same mid span deflection, but the corresponding load in the repaired beams is about 50% higher, compared to the control specimen. Additionally, proper interaction between the layers without de‐bonding was verified. The load bearing capacity in the control specimen is about 77% lower, compared to the repaired ones. Results, obtained in the present study, enable to recommend using SFHSC layer for strengthening prestressed beams. This method is a promising way for repairing existing elements and creating attractive structural systems.
Commuting Involution Graphs for 4-Dimensional Projective Symplectic Groups
Authors: Everett Alistaire , Rowley Peter 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFor a group G and X a subset of G the commuting graph of G on X, denoted by $$\mathcal {C}(G,X)$$

C
(
G
,
X
)

, is the graph whose vertex set is X with $$x,y\in X$$

x
,
y
∈
X

joined by an edge if $$x\ne y$$

x
≠
y

and x and y commute. If the elements in X are involutions, then $$\mathcal {C}(G,X)$$

C
(
G
,
X
)

is called a commuting involution graph. This paper studies $$\mathcal {C}(G,X)$$

C
(
G
,
X
)

when G is a 4-dimensional projective symplectic group over a finite field and X a G-conjugacy class of involutions, determining the diameters and structure of the discs of these graphs.