bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micellization of Anionic Sulfonate Gemini Surfactants and Their Interactions With Anionic Polyacrylamide
Authors: Wang Ruijuan , Yan Haitao , Hu Wenmin , Li Yanhong , Mei Zikun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAnionic sulfonate gemini surfactants 8‐s‐8(SO3)2 and 12‐s‐12(SO3)2 (s = 3, 6) were synthesized, and their micellization in aqueous solution at 25.0 °C and pH 9 was investigated. The results show that the critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of 8‐s‐8(SO3)2 are more than 2 orders of magnitude larger than those of 12‐s‐12(SO3)2, but the spacer length has a relatively small impact on the CMC. Moreover, the interactions of n‐s‐n(SO3)2 (n = 8, 12; s = 3, 6) with anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) at 25.0 °C and pH 9 were investigated using surface tensiometry, rheolgy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the surface tension and rheological properties of PAM depend on the concentration of n‐s‐n(SO3)2. Below the critical aggregation concentration of C1, surface tension is sharply reduced, the surface tension of n‐s‐n(SO3)2/PAM is lower than n‐s‐n(SO3)2 alone, but viscosity is almost unchanged with increasing Cn‐s‐n(SO3)2. Above C1, surface tension reduces very slowly until the saturated concentration of C2 is reached. Above C2, surface tension rapidly reduces until CM is attained, suggesting free n‐s‐n(SO3)2 micelles begin to form. In the region of C1–CM, the viscosity significantly increases. Above CM, surface tension is basically unchanged and these curves coincide with those of the single surfactant system. Moreover, the viscosity is almost constant. The SEM images indicate that fibrous aggregates are formed below C1, then transformed into multilayer fibrous aggregates above C1, and further into fiber‐braided‐structured and spider‐web‐structured aggregates above CM. The variation of viscosity is closely associated with the transformation of aggregates.
Ablation approach for primary liver tumors: Peri‐operative outcomes
Authors: Berger Nicholas G. , Herren Josi L. , Liu Chrissy , Burrow Robert H. , Silva Jack P. , Tsai Susan , Christians Kathleen K. , Gamblin T. Clark 
Published: February 2018

Background and ObjectivesAblation is a common treatment modality for malignant primary liver tumors(PLTs), outcomes following laparoscopic (LA) versus open ablation (OA) are ill‐defined. This project compares peri‐procedural outcomes of LA versus OA for PLTs.Materials and MethodsPatients with PLTs undergoing radiofrequency ablation were queried from ACS NSQIP Database (2005‐2013) using CPT codes. Patients undergoing percutaneous ablation or hepatic resection were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression analyses determined the association of ablation approach with 30‐day morbidity and mortality.ResultsOf 5747 with PLTs, 655 (11.4%) ablations were identified: 177 (27.0%) underwent OA, 478 (73.0%) underwent LA. Patients undergoing LA had lower mortality (1.9% vs 5.1%, P = 0.026), lower minor morbidity (2.3% vs 5.7%, P = 0.031), and lower major morbidity (4.2% vs 17.0%, P < 0.001). Adjusting for demographics, disease‐specific variables (preoperative ascites, total bilirubin, platelet count, albumin, and INR), 30‐day mortality (OR 3.85, 95%CI: 1.38‐10.80, P = 0.010), minor morbidity (OR 2.98, 95%CI: 1.16‐7.67, P = 0.024), and major morbidity (OR 4.59 95%CI: 2.41‐8.76, P < 0.001) were statistically lower in LA. OA demonstrated increased length of stay(LOS) (5 vs 2 days, P < 0.001), and longer operative time (152 vs 112 min, P < 0.001).ConclusionLA offers decreased peri‐procedural morbidity, mortality, and reduced LOS. LA should be the preferred method for hepatic ablation.
A tutorial on conducting genome‐wide association studies: Quality control and statistical analysis
Authors: Marees Andries T. , de Kluiver Hilde , Stringer Sven , Vorspan Florence , Curis Emmanuel , Marie‐Claire Cynthia , Derks Eske M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesGenome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have become increasingly popular to identify associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and phenotypic traits. The GWAS method is commonly applied within the social sciences. However, statistical analyses will need to be carefully conducted and the use of dedicated genetics software will be required. This tutorial aims to provide a guideline for conducting genetic analyses.MethodsWe discuss and explain key concepts and illustrate how to conduct GWAS using example scripts provided through GitHub (https://github.com/MareesAT/GWA_tutorial/).In addition to the illustration of standard GWAS, we will also show how to apply polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis. PRS does not aim to identify individual SNPs but aggregates information from SNPs across the genome in order to provide individual‐level scores of genetic risk.ResultsThe simulated data and scripts that will be illustrated in the current tutorial provide hands‐on practice with genetic analyses. The scripts are based on PLINK, PRSice, and R, which are commonly used, freely available software tools that are accessible for novice users.ConclusionsBy providing theoretical background and hands‐on experience, we aim to make GWAS more accessible to researchers without formal training in the field.
Measuring person‐centred care in nurse‐led outpatient rheumatology clinics
Authors: Bala Sidona‐Valentina , Forslind Kristina , Fridlund Bengt , Hagell Peter 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundMeasurement of person‐centred care (PCC) outcomes is underdeveloped owing to the complexity of the concept and lack of conceptual clarity. A framework conceptualizing outpatient PCC in rheumatology nurse‐led clinics has therefore been suggested and operationalized into the PCC instrument for outpatient care in rheumatology (PCCoc/rheum).ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to test the extent to which the PCCoc/rheum represents the underpinning conceptual outpatient PCC framework, and to assess its measurement properties as applied in nurse‐led outpatient rheumatology clinics.MethodsThe 24‐item PCCoc/rheum was administered to 343 persons with rheumatoid arthritis from six nurse‐led outpatient rheumatology clinics. Its measurement properties were tested by Rasch measurement theory.ResultsNinety‐two per cent of individuals (n = 316) answered the PCCoc/rheum. Items successfully operationalized a quantitative continuum from lower to higher degrees of perceived PCC. Model fit was generally good, including lack of differential item functioning (DIF), and the PCCoc/rheum was able to separate individuals with a reliability of 0.88. The four response categories worked as intended, with the exception of one item. Item ordering provided general empirical support of a priori expectations, with the exception of three items that were omitted owing to multidimensionality, dysfunctional response categories and unexpected ordering. The 21‐item PCCoc/rheum showed good accordance with the conceptual framework, improved fit, functioning response categories and no DIF, and its reliability was 0.86.ConclusionWe found general support for the appropriateness of the PCCoc/rheum as an outcome measure of patient‐perceived PCC in nurse‐led outpatient rheumatology clinics. While in need of further testing, the 21‐item PCCoc/rheum has the potential to evaluate outpatient PCC from a patient perspective.
Trends in bullying victimization by gender among U.S. high school students
Authors: Pontes Nancy M. H. , Ayres Cynthia G. , Lewandowski Carla , Pontes Manuel C. F. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis research used four consecutive waves of data from the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to estimate linear time trends by gender in the prevalence of school and electronic bullying victimization among U.S. high school students (N = 61,042). Dependent variables were student self‐reported school bullying victimization and electronic bullying victimization during the previous 12 months. Independent variables used to estimate multiple logistic regression models by gender were survey year, race/ethnicity, and grade level. Results showed the prevalence of school bullying increased significantly among females from 2009 (21.2%) to 2015 (24.8%), linear trend OR = 1.08 [1.04, 1.12]; and decreased significantly among males from 2009 (18.7%) to 2015 (15.8%), linear trend OR = 0.93 [0.89, 0.98]. Prevalence of electronic bullying was unchanged between 2011 to 2015 among both male and female students. Asian race, relative to White race, was associated with significantly lower rates of both school and electronic bullying victimization among females, but not males. The incidence of school and electronic bullying victimization was significantly lower among Black and Hispanic students, but not among multiple‐race students, regardless of student gender. Healthy People 2020 set a goal to reduce school bullying victimization 10% by 2019. As of 2015, school bullying victimization decreased significantly among males (16% decrease); it significantly increased among females (17% increase). Future research should explore underlying factors related to these divergent trends, and develop effective strategies to reverse the alarming rise in female school bullying victimization.
Predictors of Gabapentin Overuse With or Without Concomitant Opioids in a Commercially Insured U.S. Population
Authors: Peckham Alyssa M. , Evoy Kirk E. , Covvey Jordan R. , Ochs Leslie , Fairman Kathleen A. , Sclar David A. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveResearch suggests the medical consequences of gabapentin overuse depend on whether gabapentin is abused alone or with opioids to potentiate an opioid “high.” The objective of this study was to assess predictors of gabapentin overuse with or without concomitant opioids.MethodsData were obtained from the Truven Health MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Encounters database for 2013 through 2015. Eligibility criteria were gabapentin utilization, with or without opioids, for 120 days or longer throughout a 12‐month observation period. Cohort identification was based on patterns of overuse exceeding thresholds of 3600 mg of gabapentin and/or 50 morphine‐mg equivalents of opioids; sustained overuse was defined as three or more quarters exceeding threshold. Diagnostic predictors were measured in the 6 months pretreatment in inpatient (IP) or emergency department (ED) settings. Indications were measured in IP, ED, or ambulatory settings. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, indication, use of benzodiazepine or z‐hypnotics (i.e., zaleplon, zolpidem, eszopiclone) during gabapentin treatment, pretreatment ED/IP use, and pretreatment diagnoses of anxiety or depression.ResultsCriteria for sustained overuse were met by 2.0% of 44,148 patients treated with gabapentin without opioids and by 11.7% of 15,335 patients treated with concomitant gabapentin‐opioid. The top three predictors of sustained overuse for gabapentin‐only patients were insomnia (7.0%), euphoria (4.5%), and bipolar disorder (4.5%), and were detoxification (35.6%), altered mental status (26.3%), and addiction (21.6%) for gabapentin‐opioid patients. In adjusted analyses, concomitant opioid use multiplied the odds of sustained misuse by 6.32 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.80–6.89) and the interaction of addiction with opioid use by 1.88 (95% CI = 1.32–2.66). Among gabapentin‐only patients, sustained misuse was predicted by a history of anxiety (odds ratio = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.02–2.38) but not by a history of addiction.ConclusionsThe likelihood of gabapentin overuse alone is low but significantly increases with concomitant opioid use, especially when coupled with a history of addiction. History of addiction does not appear to increase risk of gabapentin misuse among those with gabapentin alone.
Superbase‐catalyzed domino 3H‐pyrroles synthesis from ketoximes and acetylene: DFT study vs experiment
Authors: Kuzmin Anton V. , Shabalin Dmitrii A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractElimination of vinyl alcohol from 5‐vinyloxypyrrolines in the presence of superbases (final step of domino 3H‐pyrroles synthesis from ketoximes and acetylene) is studied computationally at different levels of theory in DMSO solution (PCM). The sequences of transformations starting from nucleophilic addition of hydroxide ion to carbon‐carbon or carbon‐nitrogen double bonds are proposed as possible mechanisms. Unusual reactivity of 2,5‐dimethylphenyl substituted 5‐vinyloxypyrroline is explained within these mechanisms.
A molecular electron density theory study of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between an azomethine imine and electron deficient ethylenes
Authors: Ríos‐Gutiérrez Mar , Nasri Lilia , Khorief Nacereddine Abdelmalek , Djerourou Abdelhafid , Domingo Luis R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe selectivity and the nature of the molecular mechanism of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of an azomethine imine (AI 12) with p‐nitrobenzylidenemalononitrile (NBMN, 13) have been theoretically studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory using DFT methods at the MPWB1K/6‐31G(d) computational level. Analysis of the Conceptual DFT reactivity indices indicates that the strong nucleophilic character of AI 12 together with the high electrophilic character of NBMN 13 accounts for the strong polar character of this 32CA reaction, which demands very low activation energy. Analysis of the energy profiles indicates that this polar zw‐type 32CA reaction proceeds completely with a meta/exo selective pathway, in great agreement with the experimental data. Analyses of both molecular electrostatic potential and the non‐covalent interactions at the meta regioisomeric TSs allow explaining the observed exo stereoselectivity. Electron Localisation Function topological analysis indicates that the studied 32CA reaction takes place via a non‐concerted two‐stage one‐step mechanism as a [2n + 2τ] process.
Who reintegrates? The constituents of reintegration of displaced populations
Authors: Fransen Sonja , Bilgili Özge 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe reintegration constituents of displaced populations are understudied, despite increased attention being paid to return and reintegration outcomes. In this paper, we explore how various factors related to the migration cycle, including returnees' displacement experiences and return conditions, are associated with reintegration outcomes. For this aim, we take a multidimensional approach to the measurement of reintegration. In addition to objective reintegration outcomes, measured by food security, we address subjective assessments such as feelings of reintegration. We focus on the unique case of returnees in Burundi and make use of a database consisting of a sample of 189 former internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 194 former refugees, which allows for a comparison of the reintegration of these two groups. The analyses highlight that objective and subjective reintegration do not necessarily align and that displacement experiences and return conditions relate to reintegration outcomes in different ways. Land and livestock ownership upon return are for example positively correlated with feelings of reintegration and subjective wealth, whereas community support is crucial to cope with food security. Moreover, we show considerable variation in reintegration outcomes between refugees and IDPs, with refugees showing more positive outcomes when individual characteristics are controlled for. This result calls for more in‐depth research on the contextual and structural factors that elucidate the variation across groups going beyond individual level explanations. Overall, the findings emphasise the diversity in reintegration outcomes and identify the role of experiences during displacement and return conditions for the reintegration of refugees and IDPs.
Can the trailing spouse phenomenon be explained by employer recruitment choices?
Authors: Brandén Maria , Bygren Magnus , Gähler Michael 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIt is well known that couples tend to relocate for the sake of the man's career rather than the woman's, also known as the “trailing spouse phenomenon.” The role of employer choices in this process is unknown however. If employers are hesitant to make job offers to women who live a long way from the workplace (e.g., because of work–family balance concerns or a perceived risk that they will not follow through on their applications, or stay hired if employed), this tendency might constitute an underlying mechanism behind the moving premium of partnered men. Ours is the first study to empirically test whether employers prefer geographically distant men over geographically distant women. We sent applications for 1,410 job openings in the Swedish labour market, randomly assigning gender and parental status to otherwise equivalent applications from cohabiting or married women and men and recorded employer callbacks to these. The results indicate that employers in general tend to disfavour job applicants who live a long way from the employer's workplace. This tendency is stronger for women, both for mothers and for women with no children. Our estimated effects are imprecise but clearly suggest that employer recruitment choices contribute to the trailing spouse phenomenon by offering men a larger pool of geographically distant jobs. We call for more research on this hitherto ignored mechanism behind the trailing spouse phenomenon.
Pinus densiflora bark extract ameliorates 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene‐induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice by regulating Th1/Th2 balance and skin barrier function
Authors: Lee Jun Woo , Wu Qianwen , Jang Young Pyo , Choung Se Young 
Published: February 2018

Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora) bark has been traditionally used in Korea and other parts of East Asia to relieve inflammatory diseases. Although many studies using P. densiflora bark have been reported, its effect on atopic dermatitis (AD) has not been elucidated. Thus, we investigated whether the P. densiflora bark extract (PBE) has potential to attenuate AD symptoms and elucidated the molecular mechanism. Oral administration of PBE to mice with 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)‐induced AD lessened dermatitis scores and scratching behavior and significantly reduced measures of epidermal thickness, infiltration of mast cells and eosinophils, levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), and IgG1/IgG2a ratio in serum. PBE not only inhibited IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 but also increased IFN‐γ in splenic production. Furthermore, PBE significantly suppressed mRNA expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin and further downregulated the mRNA expression of Th2 and Th17 cytokines such as IL‐4, IL‐13, IL‐17, IL‐31, and TNF‐α. In addition, the protein expressions of filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin in lesional skin were recovered by PBE. These results suggest that PBE attenuates DNCB‐induced AD via regulating Th1/Th2 balance and skin barrier function.
Optimization redundancy allocation problem with nonexponential repairable components using simulation approach and artificial neural network
Authors: Hemmati Mojtaba , Amiri Maghsoud , Zandieh Mostafa 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRedundancy allocation is one of the adopted approaches that is used by system designers to improve the performance of systems. In this article, a new model and a novel‐solving method are provided to address the nonexponential redundancy allocation problem in series‐parallel systems with repairable components based on optimization via simulation approach and artificial neural network technique. Despite the previous researches, in this model the failure and repair times of the each component were considered to have nonnegative exponential distributions. This assumption makes the model closer to the reality where most of used components have greater chance to face a breakdown in comparison to new ones. The main aim of this research is the optimization of mean time to the first failure of the system via allocating the best redundant components for each subsystem. Since this objective function of the problem could not be explicitly mentioned, the simulation technique and artificial neural network were applied to model the problem, and different experimental designs were produced using design of experiment methods. To solve the problem, some metaheuristic algorithms were integrated with the simulation method. Several experiments were performed to test the proposed approach, and as the results show, the proposed approach is much more real than previous models, and also the near optimum solutions are promising.
Effect of dissolved organic nitrogen contamination on δ15N–NH4 determination in water samples by modification of the diffusion method with gas‐phase trapping
Authors: Cao Thi Thuy Hai , Nakamura Takashi , Saiki Makoto , Ta Thi Thao , Toyama Tadashi , Nishida Kei 
Published: February 2018

RationaleThe isotopic tracer technique is widely used to identify the sources and fate of nitrogen (N) in order to understand the N cycle and contamination in water environments. The stable isotope ratio of ammonium is expected to greatly enhance the tracing analysis by combining it with the traditional nitrate isotope ratio. Diffusion followed by gas‐phase trapping is the most commonly applied method for ammonium isotope ratio measurement. Although dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) is abundant in natural water and its breakdown in the diffusion procedure has been reported, the interference of DON with the measurement of ammonium isotope ratios has not been fully examined.MethodsThis study aims to test the effect of DON contamination by using organic N compounds, viz. humic acid and alanine. A series of diffusion experiments was conducted at a temperature of 80°C for a maximum of 7 days. Ammonia was transferred from alkaline solution and trapped with an acidic filter. This method was applied for samples with ammonium concentrations between 0.5 and 2.0 mg‐N/L.ResultsThere was no difference between the ammonium N stable isotope ratios for samples with and without added DON compounds; the fractionation between the observed value and the actual value was negligible, in the range of 0.2 to 1.0‰. The modifications of previous studies, i.e. shorter diffusion period, no vigorous shaking and using gas‐phase trapping, successfully avoided any breakdown of DON in fresh water samples.ConclusionsThe modified method provides high precision and accuracy and it is recommended for the analysis of anthropogenically influenced water samples, such as paddy fields, ground water, rivers and lakes.
Cucurbit[8]uril‐Regulated Colloidal Dispersions Exhibiting Photocontrolled Rheological Behavior
Authors: Hu Chi , Liu Ji , Wu Yuchao , West Kevin R. , Scherman Oren A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn situ photocontrol over shear‐thickening of condensed colloidal dispersions is of paramount importance in a wide range of applications including process technology and photorheological fluids. Its development and practicability, however, are hampered by the lack of well‐designed photoresponsive systems. Here, a colloidal suspension whose rheological behavior is readily switchable between shear‐thinning and shear‐thickening using an external light stimulus is reported. This smart colloidal solution contains hybrid raspberry‐like colloids prepared by employing cucurbit[8]uril as a supramolecular linker to assemble functional Fe3O4 nanoparticles onto a silica core. The formed raspberry colloids are photoresponsive and can be reversibly disassembled under UV irradiation.