bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The retinal ganglion cell layer predicts normal‐appearing white matter tract integrity in multiple sclerosis: A combined diffusion tensor imaging and optical coherence tomography approach
Authors: Alves Carolina , Batista Sónia , d'Almeida Otília C. , Sousa Lívia , Cunha Luís , Bernardes Rui , Castelo‐Branco Miguel 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe investigated the relationship between retinal layers and normal‐appearing white matter (WM) integrity in the brain of patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), using a combined diffusion tensor imaging and high resolution optical coherence tomography approach. Fifty patients and 62 controls were recruited. The patients were divided into two groups according to presence (n = 18) or absence (n = 32) of optic neuritis. Diffusion tensor data were analyzed with a voxel‐wise whole brain analysis of diffusion metrics in WM with tract‐based spatial statistics. Thickness measurements were obtained for each individual retinal layer. Partial correlation and multivariate regression analyses were performed, assessing the association between individual retinal layers and diffusion metrics across all groups. Region‐based analysis was performed, by focusing on tracts associated with the visual system. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were computed to compare the biomarker potential for the diagnosis of MS, using the thickness of each retinal layer and diffusion metrics. In patients without optic neuritis, both ganglion cell layer (GCL) and inner plexiform layer thickness correlated with the diffusion metrics within and outside the visual system. GCL thickness was a significant predictor of diffusion metrics in the whole WM skeleton, unlike other layers. No association was observed for either controls or patients with a history of optic neuritis. ROC analysis showed that the biomarker potential for the diagnosis of MS based on the GCL was high when compared to other layers. We conclude that GCL integrity is a predictor of whole‐brain WM disruption in MS patients without optic neuritis.
Risk factors for stress urinary incontinence after native‐tissue vaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Frigerio Matteo , Manodoro Stefano , Palmieri Stefania , Spelzini Federico , Milani Rodolfo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo identify risk factors for postoperative stress urinary incontinence (POSUI) after native‐tissue prolapse repair without a concomitant anti‐incontinence procedure.MethodsThe present single‐center retrospective study included women with genital prolapse who underwent high uterosacral ligament suspension without a concomitant anti‐incontinence procedure during 2008–2013. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for POSUI (identified through clinical interview and International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire–Short Form [ICIQ‐SF] self‐administration) at 6 months.ResultsIn total, 87 (20.9%) of 417 women developed POSUI. Preoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urodynamically diagnosed SUI were significantly associated with POSUI; moreover, women with POSUI had a higher preoperative ICIQ‐SF score, a lower opening detrusor pressure, and a lower detrusor pressure at maximum flow than did women without POSUI (P<0.05 for all comparisons). In the multivariate analysis, preoperative SUI (odds ratio 3.11), a detrusor pressure at maximum flow of less than 30 cm H2O (odds ratio 2.93), and urodynamically diagnosed SUI (odds ratio 2.26) were independent risk factors for POSUI.ConclusionPreoperative urodynamic parameters, obtained before prolapse repair surgery, were associated with POSUI and could be useful in providing adequate counseling to facilitate decision making on whether to add a concomitant anti‐incontinence procedure.
Modified Kappa‐Carrageenan as a Heterogeneous Green Catalyst for the Synthesis of Nitrogen and Sulfur‐Containing Indenone‐Fused Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Bayat Mohammad , Nasri Shima 
Published: January 2018

The three component reaction of aromatic aldehydes and 1,3‐indandione in the presence of 4‐amino‐6‐hydroxy‐2‐mercaptopyrimidine is catalyzed by active kappa‐carrageenan under mild conditions to afford the desired products in clean reaction profiles. The kappa carrageenan sources are bioavailable and are extracted from Chondrus crispus, a red seaweed. The catalyst could be prepared by mixing of kappa‐carrageenan in a mechanical mortar for 5 min in a simple step. Good yields with superior atom economy, green and recyclable catalyst with natural source, and simple work‐up are the main advantages of the method for the synthesis of dihydropyridopyrimidines.
The Effects of Visual Arts Pedagogies on Children's Intrinsic Motivation, Creativity, Artistic Skill, and Realistic Drawing Ability
Authors: Chad‐Friedman Emma , Lee Yoona , Liu Xiaodong , Watson Malcolm W. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis exploratory study compared the effects of two different teaching methods (teacher‐directed vs. choice‐based) on the overall art skills, realistic drawing ability, intrinsic motivation to pursue art, and creativity in art productions in children attending the two art programs. The sample consisted of 83 third graders who completed two art exercises and an intrinsic motivation questionnaire. Using the Consensual Assessment Technique, 20 undergraduate art majors rated each drawing on creativity, overall artistic skill, and realistic drawing ability; these scores showed high‐internal consistency and served as measures for art skills and creativity. Children from the teacher‐directed program scored significantly higher on art skill (M = 3.09) than the children from the choice‐based program (M = 2.53,p = .025). Children from the teacher‐directed program also performed better on realistic drawing (M = 3.7,p = .038) than the children from the choice‐based program (M = 2.99). Art teaching method did not predict intrinsic motivation or creativity. Further analyses showed significant correlations between intrinsic motivation scores and overall art skill (r = .376,p = .002) and realistic drawing skill (r = .335,p = .007). Participating in the teacher‐directed program is associated with higher levels of artistic skill and realistic drawing ability, which are correlated with increased intrinsic motivation.
Selective extraction of bisphenol A from water by one‐monomer molecularly imprinted magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Lin Zhenkun , Zhang Yanfang , Su Yu , Qi Jinxia , Jia Yinhang , Huang Changjiang , Dong Qiaoxiang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOne‐monomer molecularly imprinted magnetic nanoparticles were prepared as adsorbents for selective extraction of bisphenol A from water in this study. A single bi‐functional monomer was adopted for preparation of the molecularly imprinted polymer, avoiding the tedious trial‐and‐error optimizations as traditional strategy. Moreover, bisphenol F was used as the dummy template for bisphenol A to avoid the interference from residual template molecules. These nanoparticles showed not only large adsorption capacity and good selectivity to the bisphenol A but also outstanding magnetic response performance. Furthermore, they were successfully used as magnetic solid‐phase extraction adsorbents of bisphenol A from various water samples, including tap water, river water, and seawater. The developed method was found to be much more efficient, convenient, and economical for selective extraction of bisphenol A compared with the traditional solid‐phase extraction. Separation of these nanoparticles can be easily achieved with an external magnetic field, and the optimized adsorption time was only 15 min. The recoveries of bisphenol A in different water samples ranged from 85.38 to 93.75%, with relative standard deviation lower than 7.47%. These results showed that one‐monomer molecularly imprinted magnetic nanoparticles had the potential to be popular adsorbents for selective extraction of pollutants from water.
The changing copyright landscape in academic publishing
Authors: Dodds Francis 
Published: January 2018

Key points
This article marks the publication of the Tenth edition Clark's Publishing Agreements: A book of precedents.
The growing complexity of traditional assignment agreements is accompanied by researchers’ misunderstanding about their rights.
There is a shifting balance between assignment and licensing of rights in an author's work.
Academics continue to agree standard assignment contracts even where they disagree with the principles.
Publishers are loosening control over copyright in response to demands from funders and a growing minority of researchers.
There is a complex range of researchers’ attitudes to copyright issues.
Solid lubrication in fluid film lubrication
Authors: de Oliveira M.M. , Hammes G. , Binder C. , Klein A.N. , de Mello J.D.B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis work aims to study the effect of solid lubrication combined with a liquid lubricant in a cooperative lubrication regime. The solid lubricant consists of sintered composites, which contain solid lubricant dispersed in a metallic matrix. The durability of the lubricious regime (μ < 0.2) was studied. The combined action significantly increased the durability of the lubricious regime (3 orders of magnitude). Additionally, the use of 3D triboscopy made it possible, using an original approach, to verify a significant increase in the friction coefficient at the dead centres of the strokes. This difference between the friction coefficients was discussed in terms of the debris accumulation and the change in the lubrication regime. A preponderant role was assigned to the accumulation of debris.
Incorporation of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Nanocapsules
Authors: Ronco Ludmila I. , Feuser Paulo E. , da Cas Viegas Alexandre , Minari Roque J. , Gugliotta Luis M. , Sayer Claudia , Araújo Pedro H. H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) encapsulated in polymeric systems are promising materials for hyperthermia treatments and targeting drug delivery in cancer therapy. To improve the encapsulation efficiency of therapeutic drugs, high amounts of fatty acids can be incorporated into the polymer matrix. The effect of the monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid (OA)/Crodamol (triacylglycerol of saturated fatty acids) ratio in the incorporation of MNPs in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocapsules by miniemulsion polymerization is investigated. The OA/Crodamol ratio affects polymerization kinetics, polymer microstructure, and nanocapsules morphology. Furthermore, MNPs are efficiently encapsulated in PMMA nanocapsules with high Crodamol content while preserving their super‐paramagnetic behavior with considerable magnetization saturation values.
B2O3/SiO2/Phenolic Resin Hybrid Materials Produced by Simultaneous Twin Polymerization of Spiromonomers
Authors: Weißhuhn Julia , Seifert Andreas , Dzhagan Volodymyr , Palaniyappan Saravanan , Zahn Dietrich R. T. , Wagner Guntram , Spange Stefan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA synthetic procedure for boron oxide/silica/carbon polymer hybrid materials is presented, which does not need water as a reagent. For this purpose, the combined polymerization of the two twin monomers 2,2′‐spirobi[4H‐1,3,2‐benzodioxasiline] 1 and spiroboronate tetra‐n‐butylammonium bis(ortho‐hydroxymethylphenolato)borate 2 is successful to produce homogeneous hybrid materials by thermal treatment in the melt at 180 °C. The achieved hybrid material shows a ternary composition. It consists of silica, polyborate‐tetra(n‐butyl)ammonium, and phenolic resin. The tetra(n‐butyl)ammonium cation within the hybrid material, originating from monomer 2, can be easily sacrificed by Hofmann degradation at 300 °C. Thereby, it serves as the proton source for the BOH moiety. This thermal treatment finally results in the formation of the boron oxide network. The reaction between both inorganic networks under the formation of SiOB bonds occurs at 450 °C in air atmosphere, which is proven with infrared spectroscopy. Oxidation and carbonization of the hybrid materials provide composite materials with a similar composition of C/B2O3/SiO2. Their use as effective flame retardant materials is demonstrated.
Aqueous Solution‐Processable, Flexible Thin‐Film Transistors Based on Crosslinked Chitosan Dielectric Thin Films
Authors: Singh Ranjodh , Lin Yen‐Ting , Ko Fu‐Hsiang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe hydrophilic character of chitosan (CS) limits its use as a gate dielectric material in thin‐film transistors (TFTs) based on aqueous solution‐processable semiconductor materials. In this study, this drawback is overcome through controlled crosslinking of CS and report, for the first time, its application to aqueous solution‐processable TFTs. In comparison to natural CS thin films, crosslinked chitosan (Cr‐CS) thin films are hydrophobic. The dielectric properties of Cr‐CS thin films are explored through fabrication of metal–insulator–metal devices on a flexible substrate. Compared to natural CS, the Cr‐CS dielectric thin films show enhanced environmental and water stabilities, with a high breakdown voltage (10 V) and low leakage current (0.02 nA). The compatibility of Cr‐CS dielectric thin films with aqueous solution‐processable semiconductors is demonstrated by growing ZnO nanorods via a hydrothermal method to fabricate flexible TFT devices. The ZnO nanorod‐based TFTs show a high field‐effect mobility (linear regime) of 10.48 cm2 V−1 s−1. Low temperature processing conditions (below 100 °C) and water as the solvent are utilized to ensure the process is environmental friendly to address the e‐waste problem.
Hydroperoxide Traces in Common Cyclic Ethers as Initiators for Controlled RAFT Polymerizations
Authors: Eggers Steffen , Abetz Volker 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHerein, a reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is introduced for reactive monomers like N‐acryloylpyrrolidine or N,N‐dimethylacrylamide working without a conventional radical initiator. As a very straightforward proof of principle, the method takes advantage of the usually inconvenient radical‐generating hydroperoxide contaminations in cyclic ethers like tetrahydrofuran or 1,4‐dioxane, which are very common solvents in polymer sciences. The polymerizations are surprisingly well controlled and the polymers can be extended with a second block, indicating their high livingness. “Solvent‐initiated” RAFT polymerizations hence prove to be a feasible access to tailored materials with minimal experimental effort and standard laboratory equipment, only requiring the following ingredients: hydroperoxide‐contaminated solvent, monomer, and RAFT agent. In other respects, however, the potential coinitiating ability of the used solvent is to be considered when investigating the kinetics of RAFT polymerizations or aiming for the synthesis of high‐livingness polymers, e.g., multiblock copolymers.
P‐Type Low‐Molecular‐Weight Hydrogelators
Authors: Draper Emily R. , Dietrich Bart , Brasnett Christopher , Sproules Stephen , McDonald Tom O. , Seddon Annela M. , Adams Dave J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAs the use of low‐molecular‐weight gelators (LMWGs) as components in single and multicomponent systems for optoelectronic and solar cell applications increases, so does the need for more functional gelators. There are relatively few examples of p‐type gelators that can be used in such systems. Here, the synthesis and characterization of three amino‐acid‐functionalized p‐type gelators based on terthiophene, tetrathiafulvalene, and oligo(phenylenevinylene) are described. The cores of these molecules are already used as electron donors in optoelectronic applications. These newly designed molecules can gel water to form highly organized structures, which can be dried into thin films that show p‐type behavior.
A Continuum Model of Mucosa with Glycan‐Ion Pairing
Authors: Sterling James D. , Baker Shenda M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAdvances in the study of glycosoaminoglycan biohydrogels, label‐free electrokinetic analysis of soft‐diffuse layers in contact with saline solutions, and elucidation of ion‐specific behavior in many biochemical systems offer the opportunity to marry these principal features in a new mathematical model of the mucosal glycocalyx. The model is based on the electroquasistatic subset of Maxwell's equations in the form of the steady‐state continuum Poisson–Boltzmann equation for electrostatics with explicit incorporation of pairwise binding of ions to fixed charged‐groups in the hydrogel. The pairwise association is modeled using reversible bimolecular reactions via stoichiometric dissociation constants that represent the rule of matching water affinities—the observation that similar hydration structures of the pair results in less dissociation. Applications of the model to specific gels and salts, including a heparin star polyethylene glycol (starPEG) biohydrogel and the airway surface liquid layer in cystic fibrosis, are presented to postulate some quantitative consequences of glycocalyx ion partitioning.
Lactic Acid Bacteria May Impact Intestinal Barrier Function by Modulating Goblet Cells
Authors: Ren Chengcheng , Dokter‐Fokkens Jelleke , Figueroa Lozano Susana , Zhang Qiuxiang , de Haan Bart J. , Zhang Hao , Faas Marijke M. , de Vos Paul 
Published: January 2018

ScopeLactic acid bacteria (LAB) are recognized to promote gastrointestinal health by mechanisms that are not fully understood. LABs might modulate the mucus and thereby enhance intestinal barrier function. Herein, we investigate effects of different LAB strains and species on goblet cell genes involved in mucus synthesis.Methods and resultsGene expression profiles of goblet‐cell‐associated products (mucin MUC2, trefoil factor 3, resistin‐like molecule β, carbohydrate sulfotransferase 5, and galactose‐3‐O‐sulfotransferase 2) induced by LAB or their derived conditioned medium in human goblet cell line LS174T are studied. Effects of LAB on gene transcription are assessed with or without exposure to TNF‐α, IL‐13, or the mucus damaging agent tunicamycin. LAB do impact the related genes in a species‐ and strain‐specific fashion and their effects are different in the presence of the cytokines and tunicamycin. Bioactive factors secreted by some strains are also found to regulate goblet cell‐related genes.ConclusionOur findings provide novel insights in differences in modulatory efficacy on mucus genes between LAB species and strains. This study further unravels direct interactions between LAB and intestinal goblet cells, and highlights the importance of rationally selecting appropriate LAB candidates to achieve specific benefits in the gut.
Highly Dispersible and Bioavailable Curcumin but not Native Curcumin Induces Brown‐Like Adipocyte Formation in Mice
Authors: Nishikawa Sho , Kamiya Misa , Aoyama Hiroki , Nomura Mami , Hyodo Takuma , Ozeki Aoi , Lee Hyunjin , Takahashi Tsukasa , Imaizumi Atsushi , Tsuda Takanori 
Published: January 2018

ScopeThe induction of brown‐like adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders via the ability of these cells to release excess energy as heat in association with uncoupling protein 1. Some experimental trials suggest that curcumin (a yellow pigment from turmeric) has a suppressive effect on the accumulation of body fat. However, there is little evidence to show that curcumin induces the formation of brown‐like adipocytes and the molecular mechanisms involved remain elusive. In addition, in most experimental trials, high doses of curcumin are administered.Methods and resultsHighly dispersible and bioavailable curcumin (HC, i.e., 4.5 mg native curcumin kg–1) but not the same dose of native curcumin induces the formation of brown‐like adipocytes in mouse inguinal WAT. Moreover, the formation of brown‐like adipocytes induced by HC in inguinal WAT may be mediated by the production of local norepinephrine from accumulated alternatively activated macrophages.ConclusionThese novel findings suggest that curcumin increases energy expenditure by inducing the formation of brown‐like adipocytes via a unique molecular mechanism. Importantly, they show that HC has significant bioactive effects in vivo at lower doses of curcumin.
Noninvasive reconstruction of placental methylome from maternal plasma DNA: Potential for prenatal testing and monitoring
Authors: Sun Kun , Lun Fiona M.F. , Leung Tak Y. , Chiu Rossa W.K. , Lo Y.M. Dennis , Sun Hao 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveDuring human pregnancy, the DNA methylation of placental tissue is highly relevant to the normal growth and development of the fetus; therefore, methylomic analysis of the placental tissue possesses high research and clinical value in prenatal testing and monitoring. Thus, our aim is to develop an approach for reconstruction of the placental methylome, which should be completely noninvasive and achieve high accuracy and resolution.ResultsWe propose a novel size‐based algorithm, FEtal MEthylome Reconstructor (FEMER), to noninvasively reconstruct the placental methylome by genomewide bisulfite sequencing and size‐based analysis of maternal plasma DNA. By applying FEMER on a real clinical dataset, we demonstrate that FEMER achieves both high accuracy and resolution, thus provides a high‐quality view of the placental methylome from maternal plasma DNA. FEtal MEthylome Reconstructor could also predict the DNA methylation profile of CpG islands with high accuracy, thus shows potential in monitoring of key genes involved in placental/fetal development. Source code and testing datasets for FEMER are available at http://sunlab.cpy.cuhk.edu.hk/FEMER/.ConclusionFEtal MEthylome Reconstructor could enhance the noninvasive fetal/placental methylomic analysis and facilitate its application in prenatal testing and monitoring.
Core–Shell Poly (Ionic Liquid)@Mesoporous Silica Chemiluminescent Nanoprobes for Sensitive Intracellular Hydrogen Peroxide Imaging
Authors: Zhou Kai , Zhang Feng , Xu Jing , He Hui , Wei Weili , Xia Zhining 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDespite significant developments in spatial distribution imaging of H2O2 as one the most important nonradical reactive oxygen species, novel background‐free, highly sensitive, and selective probes that allow intracellular sensing are still imperative. This is mainly because the fluorescent probes usually suffer some drawbacks such as, fluorescence bleaching and requirement of bulky light sources. In this study, the rational design and fabrication of a nonenzymatic nanoprobe (c‐PIL@mSiO2) with dramatically improved sensitivity for chemiluminescent (CL) imaging of intracellular and in vivo H2O2 at nano molar level is presented. The limit of detection is lower than the endogenous H2O2 concentration, and is significantly better than that of some recently reported fluorescent and CL probes. Structurally, the nanoprobe is composed of a unique amphiphilic poly(ionic liquid) core for preserving H2O2 responsive reagents, and a mesoporous silica shell acts as an “exoskeleton” to provide hydrophilic nature. The multiple alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic nanodomains of the poly(ionic liquid) core increase mass transfer dynamics, which increase the sensitivity of H2O2 imaging. RAW264.7 macrophages and mice models of inflammations experiment show that the c‐PIL@mSiO2 is capable of imaging H2O2 intracellular and in vivo. This probe for the first time achieves CL detection of endogenous intracellular H2O2 without disruption of cells.