bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Insights into RAFT Dispersion Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly: From Monomer Library, Morphological Control, and Stability to Driving Forces
Authors: Wang Xiao , An Zesheng 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPolymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) has been established as an efficient, robust, and versatile approach to synthesize various block copolymer nano‐objects with controlled morphologies, tunable dimensions, and diverse functions. The relatively high concentration and potential scalability makes it a promising technique for industrial production and practical applications of functional polymeric nanoparticles. This feature article outlines recent advances in PISA via reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer dispersion polymerization. Considerable efforts to understand morphological control, broaden the monomer library, enhance morphological stability, and incorporate multiple driving forces in PISA syntheses are summarized herein. Finally, perspectives on the future of PISA research are discussed.
Reactive Polymorphic Nanoparticles: Preparation via Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly and Postsynthesis Thiol–para‐Fluoro Core Modification
Authors: Busatto Nicolas , Stolojan Vlad , Shaw Michael , Keddie Joseph L. , Roth Peter J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe use of 2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzyl methacrylate (PFBMA) as a core‐forming monomer in ethanolic reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer dispersion polymerization formulations is presented. Poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] (pPEGMA) macromolecular chain transfer agents were chain‐extended with PFBMA leading to nanoparticle formation via polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA). pPEGMA‐pPFBMA particles exhibited the full range of morphologies (spheres, worms, and vesicles), including pure and mixed phases. Worm phases formed gels that underwent a thermo‐reversible degelation and morphological transition to spheres (or spheres and vesicles) upon heating. Postsynthesis, the pPFBMA cores were modified through thiol–para‐fluoro substitution reactions in ethanol using 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene as the base. For monothiols, conversions were 64% (1‐octanethiol) and 94% (benzyl mercaptan). Spherical and worm‐shaped nano‐objects were core cross‐linked using 1,8‐octanedithiol, which prevented their dissociation in nonselective solvents. For a temperature‐responsive worm sample, cross‐linking additionally resulted in the loss of the temperature‐triggered morphological transition. The use of the reactive monomer PFBMA in PISA formulations presents a simple method to prepare well‐defined nano‐objects similar to those produced with nonreactive monomers (e.g., benzyl methacrylate) and to retain morphologies independent of solvent and temperature.
Distribution of Conjugation Lengths in an Ensemble of Lattice Polymers
Authors: Alves Joniel C. F. , Freire José A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe distribution of segment sizes, that is, the average and dispersion of the number of segments of a given size per chain, is investigated in an ensemble of lattice polymers. This distribution is the lattice version of the conjugation length distribution of conjugated polymers, which is central for both electronic and photophysical properties of conjugated polymer materials. Clear evidence is found that, when the chains interact only via excluded volume, both the average and the dispersion depend exponentially on the segment size and, at least for the more prevalent segment sizes, are identical to what is found in an isolated self‐avoiding chain. Whereas the polymer concentration has a clear effect on the end‐to‐end distances of the chains, it does not affect significantly the segment size distribution of the chains. It is argued that this happens whenever there is no distance or orientation correlation in the polymer distribution, that is, in a truly amorphous system, but not in the presence of aggregates or nematic order.
Stability of an explicit high‐order spectral element method for acoustics in heterogeneous media based on local element stability criteria
Authors: Cottereau Régis , Sevilla Ruben 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThis paper considers the stability of an explicit leapfrog time marching scheme for the simulation of acoustic wave propagation in heterogeneous media with high‐order spectral elements. The global stability criterion is taken as a minimum over local element stability criteria, obtained through the solution of element‐borne eigenvalue problems. First, an explicit stability criterion is obtained for the particular case of a strongly heterogeneous and/or rapidly fluctuating medium using asymptotic analysis. This criterion is only dependent upon the maximum velocity at the vertices of the mesh elements, and not on the velocity at the interior nodes of the high‐order elements. Second, in a more general setting, bounds are derived using statistics of the coefficients of the elemental dispersion matrices. Different bounds are presented, discussed, and compared. Several numerical experiments show the accuracy of the proposed criteria in one‐dimensional test cases as well as in more realistic large‐scale three‐dimensional problems.
Tunnel collapse risk assessment based on multistate fuzzy Bayesian networks
Authors: Sun Jinglai , Liu Baoguo , Chu Zhaofei , Chen Lei , Li Xin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractExcessive structural deformation or collapse can lead to heavy casualties and substantial property loss. This paper presents a novel integrated risk assessment method based on multistate fuzzy Bayesian networks integrated with historical data, expert investigations, probability distribution calculations, discrepancy analysis, sensitivity analysis, and decision‐making. A new expert investigation is proposed with small probability intervals, expert weights, confidence index, etc. After gaining expert judgment by expert investigation, Chauvenet's criterion is first introduced in a discrepancy analysis to eliminate outlier data from the expert judgment and obtain a more reliable value. Thetdistribution and its confidence interval are also adopted to determine the characteristic value of the survey data as a triangular fuzzy number. A conditional probability table of the model is integrated with historical data and prior knowledge through the weight index. Sensitivity analysis is used to identify the critical factors by changing the probability distribution of each factor and observing the related changes in the risk event. The proposed method ensures the accuracy and scientific rigor of the assessment and the diagnosis of a tunnel accident. This method is successfully applied to assess the collapse probability of the Yu Liao Tunnel.
Associations of Hospital Length of Stay with Surgical Site Infections
Authors: Mujagic Edin , Marti Walter R. , Coslovsky Michael , Soysal Savas D. , Mechera Robert , von Strauss Marco , Zeindler Jasmin , Saxer Franziska , Mueller Alexandra , Fux Christoph A. , Kindler Christoph , Gurke Lorenz , Weber Walter P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundSurgical site infections (SSI) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. Postoperative and total hospital length of stay (LOS) are known to be prolonged by the occurrence of SSI. Preoperative LOS may increase the risk of SSI. This study aims at identifying the associations of pre‐ and postoperative LOS in hospital and intensive care with the occurrence of SSI.MethodsThis observational cohort study includes general, orthopedic trauma and vascular surgery patients at two tertiary referral centers in Switzerland between February 2013 and August 2015. The outcome of interest was the 30‐day SSI rate.ResultsWe included 4596 patients, 234 of whom (5.1%) experienced SSI. Being admitted at least 1 day before surgery compared to same‐day surgery was associated with a significant increase in the odds of SSI in univariate analysis (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.25–2.21, p < 0.001). More than 1 day compared to 1 day of preoperative hospital stay did not further increase the odds of SSI (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.77–1.50, p = 0.658). Preoperative admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) increased the odds of SSI as compared to hospital admission outside of an ICU (OR 2.19, 95% CI 0.89–4.59, p = 0.057). Adjusting for potential confounders in multivariable analysis weakened the effects of both preoperative admission to hospital (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.99–1.93, p = 0.061) and to the ICU (OR 1.89, 95% CI 0.73–4.24, p = 0.149).ConclusionThere was no significant independent association between preoperative length of stay and risk of SSI while SSI and postoperative LOS were significantly associated.
‘Revenge porn’ and the actio iniuriarum: using ‘old law’ to solve ‘new problems’
Authors: Brown Jonathan 
Published: July 2018

Abstract‘Revenge porn’ is conceptualised as a modern phenomenon which the law is not equipped to deal with. The advent of smartphone technology has allowed sexually explicit material to be created easily and disseminated quickly. An increasing number of individuals have fallen victim to this phenomenon in recent years. This paper submits that victims of revenge porn ought to be held due monetary redress in the civil law, while acknowledging that the damage done by revenge porn need not necessarily involve a loss. Victims of revenge porn are likely to suffer from severe emotional distress and upset, but these injuries are non-patrimonial. This can consequently make it difficult to frame an action for damages. This paper asks if the delict iniuria might offer appropriate remedy in instances of revenge porn. The actio iniuriarum was, in Roman law, a delict which served to protect the non-patrimonial aspects of a person's existence – ‘who a person is rather than what a person has’. As the propagation of sexually explicit images of an individual without their consent is clearly an affront to the esteem of that individual, it is argued that instances of revenge porn ought to be considered actionable as iniuria in modern Scottish law.
RELATIVE ADVANTAGE OF HIGH YIELD POTENTIAL AT LOW-YIELDING ENVIRONMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL MAIZE HYBRIDS CROPPED IN ARGENTINA
Authors: ANTONIETTA MARIANA , GUIAMET JUAN J. 
Published: July 2018

SUMMARYAn extended assumption in maize breeding is that potential yield (Ymax) predicts yield (Y) under stress conditions (here, Ymin), justifying genotypic selection under moderately high-yielding environments. Moreover, it has been postulated that Y tolerance to stress is relatively independent on the main stress factor involved in Y reduction (cross-tolerance). We carried out an analysis of four datasets from Argentine Federated Farmers network (2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012/13, 11 locations and >20 hybrids) and the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) (12 locations, 13 hybrids). No consistent relation was detected between Ymax and Ymin (r2 < 0.14) in each dataset. Y stability assessed by the coefficient of variation positively related to Ymin (r2 > 0.68 across datasets) but not to Ymax. Depending on the dataset, 40–70% of the hybrids had a varying Y performance (from worse to better) compared with the average of all hybrids, with no consistent advantage of hybrids with high Ymax within the environmental range explored in the dataset. In order to assess the existence of cross-tolerance, INTA environments were divided into two groups: water-limited environments and environments exposed to other(s) type(s) of stress. While a relation was found between average yields (r2 = 0.64) of each hybrid in both environments, there was no relation for Y stability (r2 = 0.07). Taken together, our results suggest that: (i) a high Ymax is not a good indicator of high Y tolerance under stressful conditions; (ii) Y tolerance is related to high Y stability, which may or may not involve a Y penalty under high-yielding environments; (iii) around 50% of the genotypes have Y performance that is not consistently worse or better than the average throughout the range of environments explored and (iv) cross-tolerance to stress is a peculiar trait of some hybrids, but most of the hybrids analysed here do not show cross-tolerance.
An Autoradiographic Study of Muscular Dystrophy, Motor Neuron Disease and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Authors: Monckton George , Marusyk Halyna 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe autoradiographic findings using tritiated leucine are described in muscle biopsy material from five patients with progressive muscular dystrophy (P.M.D.), three with motor neuron disease (M.N.D.) and four with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (C.M.T.). In progressive muscular dystrophy there is a marked increase in uptake of leucine into cytoplasmic proteins and precursors, and reduced incorporation into structural protein. In Charcot-Marie Tooth disease muscle there is a significantly increased uptake into cytoplasmic elements and a normal uptake into structural protein. In motor neuron disease the uptake into cytoplasmic elements appears normal but is reduced into structural proteins.The abnormal uptake in C.M.T. could be explained as a product of regenerative efforts associated with reinnervation. However, the abnormal uptake may represent the primary effects of gene action in the muscle, as seems probable in progressive muscular dystrophy.
Pigment Variant of Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinosis (Kufs’ Disease)
Authors: Horoupian Dikran S. , Ross R. T. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryA case of pigment variant of Kufs’ disease is presented. The nature of the extra-neuronal pigment is discussed. Despite some of the histochemical discrepancies that existed between this pigment and the material that had accumulated in the nerve cells, they seemed to he ultrastructurally related. The hepatocytes contained numerous heterogeneous cytosomes, some of which resembled the storage material of Niemann-Pick’s disease.Clinically the syndrome may present with progressive ataxia, spontaneous and reflex, coarse myoclonic jerks and eventual mental deterioration as well as epilepsy and muscle wasting. The pigment variant cannot be distinguished from Kufs’ disease except pathologically.
Förderung berufsbezogener Ziele in der psychosomatischen Rehabilitation durch Mentales Kontrastieren und Wenn-Dann-Pläne
Authors: Kessemeier Franziska , Petermann Franz , Stöckler Christiane , Bassler Markus , Pfeiffer Wolfgang , Kobelt Axel 
Published: July 2018

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: In der medizinischen Rehabilitation besteht ein Bedarf an Interventionen zur Förderung von Arbeitsmotivation. Mental Contrasting with Implementation Intentions (MCII) hat sich als Methode zur Unterstützung von Zielverfolgung, -bindung und -erreichung etabliert. Die vorliegende Studie untersuchte die Frage: Kann MCII berufsbezogene Ziele fördern? Methode: Patient_innen der psychosomatischen Rehabilitation nahmen an einer berufsbezogenen MCII-Intervention teil (IG; n = 100). Die Kontrollgruppe (KG; n = 100) erhielt eine MBOR-Behandlung ohne MCII-Intervention. Verwendet wurden Fragebogen zu Symptomen, Behandlungszufriedenheit sowie Therapiezielen. Ergebnisse: Patient_innen der IG nannten im Vergleich zur KG etwa zweimal häufiger Ziele mit Berufsbezug (OR = 2.292, 95 % KI [1.049, 5.004]). Nach der Intervention schätzten Patient_innen die Wahrscheinlichkeit der Zielerreichung positiver ein und hatten häufiger einen Zielerreichungsplan. Sie waren zufriedener mit ihrem Behandlungsergebnis. Schlussfolgerungen: Durch MCII priorisierten Patient_innen berufsbezogene Ziele. Die Intervention stellt eine zeit- und kostenökonomische Methode dar, um die Motivation zur Rückkehr ins Erwerbsleben in den Fokus der Reha-Maßnahme zu rücken.
An Optimized Structure-Function Design Principle Underlies Efficient Signaling Dynamics in Neurons
Authors: Puppo Francesca , George Vivek , Silva Gabriel A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDynamic signaling on branching axons is critical for rapid and efficient communication between neurons in the brain. Efficient signaling in axon arbors depends on a trade-off between the time it takes action potentials to reach synaptic terminals (temporal cost) and the amount of cellular material associated with the wiring path length of the neuron’s morphology (material cost). However, where the balance between structural and dynamical considerations for achieving signaling efficiency is, and the design principle that neurons optimize to preserve this balance, is still elusive. In this work, we introduce a novel analysis that compares morphology and signaling dynamics in axonal networks to address this open problem. We show that in Basket cell neurons the design principle being optimized is the ratio between the refractory period of the membrane, and action potential latencies between the initial segment and the synaptic terminals. Our results suggest that the convoluted paths taken by axons reflect a design compensation by the neuron to slow down signaling latencies in order to optimize this ratio. Deviations in this ratio may result in a breakdown of signaling efficiency in the cell. These results pave the way to new approaches for investigating more complex neurophysiological phenomena that involve considerations of neuronal structure-function relationships.
Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem cells in a 3D Woven Scaffold
Authors: Persson Maria , Lehenkari Petri P. , Berglin Lena , Turunen Sanna , Finnilä Mikko A. J. , Risteli Juha , Skrifvars Mikael , Tuukkanen Juha 
Published: July 2018

AbstractFiber-based scaffolds produced by textile manufacturing technology offer versatile materials for tissue engineering applications since a wide range of crucial scaffold parameters, including porosity, pore size and interconnectivity, can be accurately controlled using 3D weaving. In this study, we developed a weavable, bioactive biodegradable composite fiber from poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and hydroxyapatite powder by melt spinning. Subsequently, scaffolds of these fibers were fabricated by 3D weaving. The differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs)in vitrowas studied on the 3D scaffolds and compared with differentiation on 2D substrates having the same material composition. Our data showed that the 3D woven scaffolds have a major impact on hMSCs proliferation and activation. The 3D architecture supports the differentiation of the hMSCs into osteoblast cells and enhances the production of mineralized bone matrix. The present study further confirms that a 3D scaffold promotes hMSCs differentiation into the osteoblast–lineage and bone mineralization.
Effect of Nitrogen Doping and Temperature on Mechanical Durability of Silicon Carbide Thin Films
Authors: Tomastik Jan , Ctvrtlik Radim , Ingr Tomas , Manak Jan , Opletalova Ariana 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAmorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC) films are promising solution for functional coatings intended for harsh environment due to their superior combination of physical and chemical properties and high temperature stability. However, the structural applications are limited by its brittleness. The possible solution may be an introduction of nitrogen atoms into the SiC structure. The effect of structure and composition on tribo-mechanical properties of magnetron-sputtered a-SiCxNy thin films with various nitrogen content (0–40 at.%) and C/Si close to one deposited on silicon substrates were evaluated before and after exposure to high temperatures up to 1100 °C in air and vacuum. IR transmission spectroscopy revealed formation of multiple C-N bonds for the films with N content higher than 30 at.%. Improvement of the organization in the carbon phase with the increase of nitrogen content in the a-SiCN films was detected by Raman spectroscopy. Nanoindentation and scratch test point out on the beneficial effect of the nitrogen doping on the tribo-mechanical performance of a-SiCxNy coatings, especially for the annealed coatings. The improved fracture resistance of the SiCN films stems from the formation of triple C≡N bonds for the as deposited films and also by suppression of SiC clusters crystallization by incorporation of nitrogen atoms for annealed films. This together with higher susceptibility to oxidation of a-SiCN films impart them higher scratch and wear resistance in comparison to SiC films before as well as after the thermal exposure. The best tribo-mechanical performance in term of high hardness and sufficient level of ductility were observed for the a-Si0.32C0.32N0.36 film. The enhanced performance is preserved after the thermal exposure in air (up to 1100 °C) and vacuum (up to 900 °C) atmosphere. Annealing in oxidizing atmosphere has a beneficial effect in terms of tribological properties. Harder films with lower nitrogen content suffer from higher brittleness. FIB-SEM identified film-confined cracking as the initial failure event in SiC, while it was through-interface cracking for SiCN at higher loads. This points out on the higher fracture resistance of the SiCN films where higher strains are necessary for crack formation
A Requirement for Zic2 in the Regulation of Nodal Expression Underlies the Establishment of Left-Sided Identity
Authors: Dykes Iain M. , Szumska Dorota , Kuncheria Linta , Puliyadi Rathi , Chen Chiann-mun , Papanayotou Costis , Lockstone Helen , Dubourg Christèle , David Véronique , Schneider Jurgen E. , Keane Thomas M. , Adams David J. , Brown Steve D. M. , Mercier Sandra , Odent Sylvie , Collignon Jérôme , Bhattacharya Shoumo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractZIC2mutation is known to cause holoprosencephaly (HPE). A subset ofZIC2HPE probands harbour cardiovascular and visceral anomalies suggestive of laterality defects. 3D-imaging of novel mouseZic2mutants uncovers, in addition to HPE, laterality defects in lungs, heart, vasculature and viscera. A strong bias towards right isomerism indicates a failure to establish left identity in the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM), a phenotype that cannot be explained simply by the defective ciliogenesis previously noted in Zic2 mutants. Gene expression analysis showed that the left-determining NODAL-dependent signalling cascade fails to be activated in the LPM, and that the expression ofNodalat the node, which normally triggers this event, is itself defective in these embryos. Analysis of ChiP-seq data,in vitrotranscriptional assays and mutagenesis reveals a requirement for a low-affinity ZIC2 binding site for the activation of theNodalenhancer HBE, which is normally active in node precursor cells. These data show that ZIC2 is required for correctNodalexpression at the node and suggest a model in which ZIC2 acts at different levels to establish LR asymmetry, promoting both the production of the signal that induces left side identity and the morphogenesis of the cilia that bias its distribution.
Differentiation of Normal and Radioresistant Prostate Cancer Xenografts Using Magnetization Transfer-Prepared MRI
Authors: Lam Wilfred W. , Oakden Wendy , Murray Leedan , Klein Jonathan , Iorio Caterina , Screaton Robert A. , Koletar Margaret M. , Chu William , Liu Stanley K. , Stanisz Greg J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe ability of MRI to differentiate between normal and radioresistant cancer was investigated in prostate tumour xenografts in mice. Specifically, the process of magnetization exchange between water and other molecules was studied. It was found that magnetization transfer from semisolid macromolecules (MT) and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) combined were significantly different between groups (p < 0.01). Further, the T2 relaxation of the semisolid macromolecular pool (T2,B), a parameter specific to MT, was found to be significantly different (p < 0.01). Also significantly different were the rNOE contributions associated with methine groups at −0.9 ppm with a saturation B1 of 0.5 µT (p < 0.01) and with other aliphatic groups at −3.3 ppm with 0.5 and 2 µT (both p < 0.05). Independently, using a live-cell metabolic assay, normal cells were found to have a greater metabolic rate than radioresistant ones. Thus, MRI provides a novel, in vivo method to quantify the metabolic rate of tumours and predict their radiosensitivity.