bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aromatic versus Aliphatic: Hydrogen Bonding Pattern in Chain‐Extended High‐Performance Polyurea
Authors: Iqbal Nahid , Tripathi Manorama , Parthasarathy Surekha , Kumar Devendra , Roy Prasun K. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPolyurea, a reaction product of functional isocyanates and amines, is finding increasing application in the field of protective coatings, especially for retrofitting purposes. The properties of polyurea can be tuned by the prudent choice of reactants, specifically chain extenders. In this work, an experimental study into the consequences of chain extension of a representative polyurea formulation with different type of chain extenders (aromatic and aliphatic) has been undertaken, with an aim to gain an insight into their role in improving properties. Rheological studies were performed to understand the effect of their inclusion on the processing conditions and quantification of the gelation time. Aromatic chain extenders are far more reactive than their aliphatic counterparts, which lead to significantly short ‘gel‐time’ as quantified by rheometry. The degree of H‐bonding was qualitatively established by the red‐shift associated with N−H and >C=O bands in the FTIR spectra of the polymer. Introduction of either type of chain extender lead to remarked processability of polyurea formulations through spray coating technique. An optimal aromatic: aliphatic chain extender ratio was found to result in optimal H‐bonding, which in turn reflected in terms of mechanical properties. Dynamic studies were performed and all formulations were found to exhibit sub‐ambient Tg which is appreciably affected by the type of chain extender used. Higher aromatic: aliphatic chain extender ratio was found to result in higher storage modulus and lower dissipation potential.
Literature review of flexibility attributes: A flexibility framework for software developing organization
Authors: Nurdiani Indira , Börstler Jürgen , Fricker Samuel A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSoftware developing organizations strive to achieve flexibility to maintain a competitive advantage. There is no common understanding of what characterize flexibility for a software organization beyond the scope of the software product. Without a common understanding, it is difficult to evaluate the degrees of flexibility of software development approaches. The aim of this literature review is to collect attributes that characterize flexibility. The collected attributes are consolidated into a flexibility framework with 3 main attributes: properties of change, flexibility perspectives, and flexibility enablers. The resulting flexibility framework is then used to evaluate Agile and Lean practices. The evaluation shows that Agile and Lean practices address many flexibility attributes. However, some attributes are not addressed, such as infrastructure flexibility and strategic flexibility. On the basis of our evaluation, the classifications of flexibility attributes that we present in this paper could be used to aid software organization flexibility evaluation.
From Aqueous Dispersions to Functional Materials: Capillarity and Electrostatic Adhesion
Authors: Galembeck Fernando 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe author was first acquainted with polymer lattices as model particles for studying sedimentation phenomena, evolving towards the elucidation of synthetic and natural latex heterogeneity and microchemistry. This brought new elements to understand the remarkable mechanical properties of natural rubber, leading to the latex route for making nanocomposites. These materials show exceptional properties that are largely due to electrostatic adhesion, a concept that had been previously presented by Deryagin but was later abandoned. Electrostatic adhesion is the outcome of ion partition and self‐assembly within drying aqueous dispersions, producing co‐existing domains with opposite charges. Their examination allowed several experimental observations leading to the proposal of mechanisms to explain hitherto challenging electrostatic phenomena shown by solids and liquids. Water plays a decisive role in all the different phenomena described in this account.
The Long-Term Effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on Women’s Depression and Mental Distress
Authors: Rung Ariane Lisann , Oral Evrim , Fontham Elizabeth , Harrington Daniel J. , Trapido Edward J. , Peters Edward S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the study is to describe changes in mental health among women following an oil spill and to examine their association with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DHOS).MethodsThe Women and Their Children’s Health study followed 2038 women in Louisiana after the DHOS. Subjects were interviewed in 2012-2014 and 2014-2016. Oil spill exposure was characterized using survey items about economic and physical exposures. Outcomes were depressive symptoms and mental distress.ResultsAfter adjustment for relevant demographics, depressive symptoms increased over 2 time points following the DHOS, whereas symptoms of mental distress decreased. For every year increase in time since the DHOS, the rate ratio for depressive symptoms increased by a factor of 1.08. In contrast, the rate ratio for mental distress decreased by a factor of 0.97. In addition, initial associations between economic and physical exposure to the DHOS persisted up to 6 years after the spill; women who were more highly exposed experienced higher levels of depressive symptoms (rate ratios ranged from 1.08 to 1.11) and mental distress (rate ratios from 1.05 to 1.11) at each time point than women who were less exposed.ConclusionA better understanding of recovery patterns following an oil spill can help direct critical mental health response efforts. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:183–190)
Diversity of cnidarians and cycloneuralians in the Fortunian (early Cambrian) Kuanchuanpu Formation at Zhangjiagou, South China
Authors: Shao Tiequan , Tang Hanhua , Liu Yunhuan , Waloszek Dieter , Maas Andreas , Zhang Huaqiao 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe latest discovery of microfossils from the lower Cambrian (Fortunian Stage) Zhangjiagou Lagerstätte in South China are presented. This lagerstätte is rich in exceptionally preserved microfossils, including embryos ofOlivooides multisulcatus,Olivooides mirabilis, andPseudooides prima; hatched stages ofO.multisulcatus,O.mirabilis,Hexaconularia sichuanensis, andQuadrapyrgites quadratacris; and cycloneuralians represented byEopriapulites sphinx. The largest known fragment ofO.mirabilisimplies that its adult length can be more than 9.0 mm with at least 50 annuli, and the longest known specimen ofQ.quadratacrishas at least 18 annuli. These unusually large specimens refute the non-feeding larvae hypothesis forOlivooidesandQuadrapyrgites.Based on the current material, it is inferred that (1) early cnidarians have a high diversity in the Fortunian Stage; (2)P.primamight represent the embryonic stages ofH.sichuanensis; (3) adults ofOlivooidesandQuadrapyrgitesmay have reached centimeter-scale dimensions with more than 50 annuli; (4)OlivooidesandQuadrapyrgitesmay be better interpreted as coronate scyphozoans; (5) cycloneuralians also had a high diversity in the Zhangjiagou Lagerstätte; and (6) cycloneuralians might have originally been part of the early Cambrian meiofauna rather than belonging to the macrobenthos. Such ancestral cycloneuralians might have beenEopriapulites-like, possessing pentaradially symmetric, backward pointing, and internally hollow introvert scalids used as locomotory devices.
The Age of the ‘Anosovka-Tel’manskaya Culture’ and the Issue of a Late Streletskian at Kostёnki 11, SW Russia
Authors: Dinnis Rob , Bessudnov Alexander A. , Reynolds Natasha , Douka Katerina , Dudin Alexander E. , Khlopachev Gennady A. , Sablin Mikhail V. , Sinitsyn Andrei A. , Higham Thomas F.G. 
Published: February 2018

Triangular, concave-base ‘Streletskian points’ are documented in several assemblages from the Kostёnki complex of Upper Palaeolithic sites in south-western Russia. Some of these assemblages have been argued to evidence very early modern human occupation of Eastern Europe. However, Streletskian points are also recorded from younger contexts, notably at Kostёnki 11, where examples are attributed both to Layer V and the stratigraphically higher Layer III. The apparent relatively young age of Layer III has led some to view it as the latest manifestation of the Streletskian, although its assemblage has also been compared to the non-Streletskian Layer I of Kostёnki 8, with the two described together as the Anosovka-Tel’manskaya Culture.Radiocarbon dates of 24–23,000 bp (c. 28,500–27,000 cal bp) for a wolf burial associated with Layer III of Kostёnki 11 confirm the layer as younger than other Streletskian assemblages at Kostёnki. New radiocarbon dates for Kostёnki 8 Layer I show that the two layers are broadly contemporary, and that both are close in age to assemblages of Kostёnki’s (Late Gravettian) Kostёnki-Avdeevo Culture. In the light of these new radiocarbon dates the context of the Streletskian point from Kostёnki 11 Layer III is considered. Although firm conclusions are not possible, unresolved stratigraphic problems and the lack of technological context for this single artefact at the very least leave a question mark over its association with other material from the layer.
Identification of vitamin B12 deficiency in vegetarian Indians
Authors: Naik Sadanand , Mahalle Namita , Bhide Vijayshri 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe prevalence of a sub-clinical vitamin B12 deficiency in the vegetarians is high. Total serum vitamin B12 concentration alone does not reliably reflect vitamin B12 status. Holotranscobalamin (holo-TC) II is a bioactive B12 fraction promoting specific uptake of B12 by cells and the circulating concentration reflects the intake of B12, whereas total homocysteine (tHcy) indicates the metabolic ability. In this study, we investigated the diagnostic value of circulating holo-TC, B12, folate and homocysteine in vegetarians who were at risk of B12 deficiency. B12-related biomarkers were measured in 119 young, healthy graduate vegetarians. None was folate deficient. As per reported definition, half were B12 deficient; 70 % of males and 50 % of females had low plasma holo-TC concentrations; and 92 % of males and half of females had hyperhomocysteinaemia. None had any clinical signs of B12 deficiency. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated similar AUC at the B12 concentration of 100 and 150 pmol/l when holo-TC (0·777 and 0·784) and homocysteine (0·924 and 0·928) were used as variables. Cut-off value of 100 pmol/l resulted in the highest sensitivity of 77·78 % and specificity of 71·05 % with a predictive value of 19·6 pmol/l for holo-TC and a sensitivity of 82·72 % and specificity of 89·7 % with a predictive value of 21·7 µmol/l for homocysteine. The combination of B12, holo-TC and tHcy improves the diagnostic accuracy at these cut-offs, and we suggest that for the young Indian vegetarians the cut-off for plasma B12 and holotrancobalamin is 100 pmol/l and 19·6 pmol/l, respectively, and for homocysteine it is 17·6 (females) and 27 µmol/l (males) for identifying B12 deficiency.
Resting-state thalamic dysconnectivity in schizophrenia and relationships with symptoms
Authors: Ferri J. , Ford J. M. , Roach B. J. , Turner J. A. , van Erp T. G. , Voyvodic J. , Preda A. , Belger A. , Bustillo J. , O'Leary D. , Mueller B. A. , Lim K. O. , McEwen S. C. , Calhoun V. D. , Diaz M. , Glover G. , Greve D. , Wible C. G. , Vaidya J. G. , Potkin S. G. , Mathalon D. H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundSchizophrenia (SZ) is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder associated with disrupted connectivity within the thalamic-cortico-cerebellar network. Resting-state functional connectivity studies have reported thalamic hypoconnectivity with the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex as well as thalamic hyperconnectivity with sensory cortical regions in SZ patients compared with healthy comparison participants (HCs). However, fundamental questions remain regarding the clinical significance of these connectivity abnormalities.MethodResting state seed-based functional connectivity was used to investigate thalamus to whole brain connectivity using multi-site data including 183 SZ patients and 178 matched HCs. Statistical significance was based on a voxel-level FWE-corrected height threshold of p < 0.001. The relationships between positive and negative symptoms of SZ and regions of the brain demonstrating group differences in thalamic connectivity were examined.ResultsHC and SZ participants both demonstrated widespread positive connectivity between the thalamus and cortical regions. Compared with HCs, SZ patients had reduced thalamic connectivity with bilateral cerebellum and anterior cingulate cortex. In contrast, SZ patients had greater thalamic connectivity with multiple sensory-motor regions, including bilateral pre- and post-central gyrus, middle/inferior occipital gyrus, and middle/superior temporal gyrus. Thalamus to middle temporal gyrus connectivity was positively correlated with hallucinations and delusions, while thalamus to cerebellar connectivity was negatively correlated with delusions and bizarre behavior.ConclusionsThalamic hyperconnectivity with sensory regions and hypoconnectivity with cerebellar regions in combination with their relationship to clinical features of SZ suggest that thalamic dysconnectivity may be a core neurobiological feature of SZ that underpins positive symptoms.
Cost-utility analysis of antiviral use under pandemic influenza using a novel approach – linking pharmacology, epidemiology and heath economics
Authors: Wu D. B. C. , Chaiyakunapruk N. , Pratoomsoot C. , Lee K. K. C. , Chong H. Y. , Nelson R. E. , Smith P. F. , Kirkpatrick C.M. , Kamal M. A. , Nieforth K. , Dall G. , Toovey S. , Kong D. C. M. , Kamauu A. , Rayner C. R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSimulation models are used widely in pharmacology, epidemiology and health economics (HEs). However, there have been no attempts to incorporate models from these disciplines into a single integrated model. Accordingly, we explored this linkage to evaluate the epidemiological and economic impact of oseltamivir dose optimisation in supporting pandemic influenza planning in the USA. An HE decision analytic model was linked to a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) – dynamic transmission model simulating the impact of pandemic influenza with low virulence and low transmissibility and, high virulence and high transmissibility. The cost-utility analysis was from the payer and societal perspectives, comparing oseltamivir 75 and 150 mg twice daily (BID) to no treatment over a 1-year time horizon. Model parameters were derived from published studies. Outcomes were measured as cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the integrated model's robustness. Under both pandemic scenarios, compared to no treatment, the use of oseltamivir 75 or 150 mg BID led to a significant reduction of influenza episodes and influenza-related deaths, translating to substantial savings of QALYs. Overall drug costs were offset by the reduction of both direct and indirect costs, making these two interventions cost-saving from both perspectives. The results were sensitive to the proportion of inpatient presentation at the emergency visit and patients’ quality of life. Integrating PK/PD–EPI/HE models is achievable. Whilst further refinement of this novel linkage model to more closely mimic the reality is needed, the current study has generated useful insights to support influenza pandemic planning.
Hydrocarbons in soil and meltwater stream sediments near Artigas Antarctic Research Station: origin, sources and levels
Authors: Rodríguez Carolina , Iglesias Karen , Bícego Márcia C. , Taniguchi Satie , Sasaki Silvio Tarou , Kandratavicius Noelia , Bueno Carolina , Brugnoli Ernesto , Venturini Natalia 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs and PAHs) were investigated in soil and meltwater stream sediments near the Uruguayan Artigas Research Station (BCAA). Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and gas chromatography mass spectrometry were used to determine the composition of AHs and PAHs, respectively. Total AH concentrations were in the range 0.57–2333 µg g-1, while total PAH concentrations were in the range 1.36–51 650 ng g-1. Based on AH and PAH concentrations, sites in the service area and next to the boat storeroom are highly contaminated, while the other sites sampled have moderate to low contamination levels or are not impacted. High unresolved complex mixture concentrations indicate the occurrence of previous petrogenic contamination, but the dominance of low molecular weight and alkyl PAHs indicate recent oil introductions. Anthropogenic hydrocarbons dominate and are related to diesel fuel and organic residue combustion, fuel storage and boat traffic. Petrogenic contamination is relatively high, as at other Antarctic stations, but is restricted to the boat storeroom and the service area where the incinerator, the generator room and fuel tanks are located. Improvements made in fuel management procedures and the dismantling of the old fuel tanks will reduce the risk of diesel leaks and their impact on the environment near the BCAA. This study provides reference information for future environmental monitoring.
Non-linear electrical modeling of MASMOS structure to design power amplifiers for 4G applications
Authors: Simbélie Frédérique , Laurent Sylvain , Medrel Pierre , Prigent Michel , Regis Myrianne , Creveuil Yann , Quéré Raymond 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper presents the characterization and modeling process of MASMOS structures by means of a classical compact three-port electrical non-linear model approach. From DC andS-parameters measurements, a large signal model (LSM) has been developed for two different MASMOS structures. The proposed LSM and associated modeling approach have been validated through load pull measurements with different harmonic load conditions. Then, generic multi-tone measurements have been carried out making use of an innovative test bench to quantify linearity performances of MASMOS structures. The model is used in a power amplifiers design flow for LTE applications and is expected to allow a significant reduction of simulation time, compared with technological-oriented model as BSIM3.
Offspring birth weight and cardiovascular mortality among parents: the role of cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Shaikh F. , Kjøllesdal M. K. , Naess Ø. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAn inverse association between offspring birth weight (BW) and higher risk of parental cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and morbidity has been reported. Shared environmental, genetic and intrauterine factors may be responsible for explaining these associations. We studied the role of parental CVD risk factors in the association between offspring BW and CVD mortality among mothers and fathers. All births registered in Medical Birth Registry Norway (1967–2012) were linked to three health surveys, National Educational Registry and Cause of Death Registry. Number of births with information of parental CVD risk factors available for the analyses was 1,006,557 (520,670 for mothers and 485,887 for fathers). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used, following CVD deaths in parents from 1974 to 2012. An inverse association between offspring BW and CVD mortality was observed among both parents: hazard ratio 1.60 (1.44–1.75) for mothers and 1.16 (1.10–1.23) for fathers. Among mothers, adjustment for smoking, triglycerides and diabetes reduced the risk to 1.36 (1.25–1.52), 1.57 (1.43–1.73) and 1.58 (1.43–1.79), respectively. Adjustment for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) both reduced the risk to 1.53 (1.37–1.66). Among fathers, adjustments for smoking, DBP, SBP reduced the risk to 1.08 (1.02–1.15), 1.13 (1.06–1.19) and 1.14 (1.08–1.22), respectively. Triglycerides and diabetes both reduced the risk to 1.15 (1.09–1.12). Our results indicate that shared environmental factors might be important in the association. A stronger association in mothers suggest that intrauterine factors also are at play.
CRISPR whole-genome screening identifies new necroptosis regulators and RIPK1 alternative splicing
Authors: Callow Marinella G. , Watanabe Colin , Wickliffe Katherine E. , Bainer Russell , Kummerfield Sarah , Weng Julie , Cuellar Trinna , Janakiraman Vasantharajan , Chen Honglin , Chih Ben , Liang Yuxin , Haley Benjamin , Newton Kim , Costa Michael R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe necroptotic cell death pathway is a key component of human pathogen defense that can become aberrantly derepressed during tissue homeostasis to contribute to multiple types of tissue damage and disease. While formation of the necrosome kinase signaling complex containing RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL has been extensively characterized, additional mechanisms of its regulation and effector functions likely remain to be discovered. We screened 19,883 mouse protein-coding genes by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout for resistance to cytokine-induced necroptosis and identified 112 regulators and mediators of necroptosis, including 59 new candidate pathway components with minimal or no effect on cell growth in the absence of necroptosis induction. Among these, we further characterized the function of PTBP1, an RNA binding protein whose activity is required to maintain RIPK1 protein abundance by regulating alternative splice-site selection.
EGFR-PI3K-PDK1 pathway regulates YAP signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: the mechanism and its implications in targeted therapy
Authors: Xia Hongwei , Dai Xinyu , Yu Huangfei , Zhou Sheng , Fan Zhenghai , Wei Guoqing , Tang Qiulin , Gong Qiyong , Bi Feng 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway and Hippo signaling play an important role in the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the crosstalk between these two pathways and its implications in targeted therapy remains unclear. We found that the activated EGFR signaling could bypass RhoA to promote the expression of YAP(Yes-associated protein), the core effector of the Hippo signaling, and its downstream target Cyr61. Further studies indicated that EGFR signaling mainly acted through the PI3K-PDK1 (Phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1) pathway to activate YAP, but not the AKT and MAPK pathways. While YAP knockdown hardly affected the EGFR signaling. In addition, EGF could promote the proliferation of HCC cells in a YAP-independent manner. Combined targeting of YAP and EGFR signaling by simvastatin and the EGFR signaling inhibitors, including the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) gefitinib, the RAF inhibitor sorafenib and the MEK inhibitor trametinib, presented strong synergistic cytotoxicities in HCC cells. Therefore, the EGFR-PI3K-PDK1 pathway could activate the YAP signaling, and the activated EGFR signaling could promote the HCC cell growth in a YAP-independent manner. Combined use of FDA-approved inhibitors to simultaneously target YAP and EGFR signaling presented several promising therapeutic approaches for HCC treatment.