bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exerting Additive‐Assisted Morphological Control during Hydrothermal Polymerization
Authors: Taublaender M. Josef , Reiter Manuel , Unterlass Miriam M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHydrothermal polymerization (HTP) is a benign and inherently green synthetic approach to synthesize highly crystalline polyimides (PIs) in nothing but high‐temperature water (HTW). In a typical HTP experiment, highly crystalline PI microparticles of sheet‐like as well as flower‐like morphology are obtained. Within this contribution, the effect of four additives (PEG400, PEG8000, P123, CTAB) on the crystallinity and morphology of the PI poly(p‐phenylene pyromellitimide) is investigated. From the experiments performed, it becomes evident that the type as well as the concentration of additive heavily influences morphology. However, even the highest tested concentration of additive (67 g L−1 of PEG8000) does not lead to a change in average crystallinity, as determined from powder X‐ray diffraction. Hence, this approach provides a straightforward method to intentionally tune PI particle morphology without losing the outstanding materials properties generated by the high crystallinity obtained via HTP. Additionally, a hypothesis regarding the poly(ethylene glycol)‐induced morphology alteration is presented.
Virtual phantom magnetic resonance imaging (ViP MRI) on a clinical MRI platform
Authors: Saint‐Jalmes Hervé , Bordelois Alejandro , Gambarota Giulio 
Published: November 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to implement Virtual Phantom Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ViP MRI), a technique that allows for generating reference signals in MR images using radiofrequency (RF) signals, on a clinical MR system and to test newly designed virtual phantoms.MethodsMRI experiments were conducted on a 1.5 T MRI scanner. Electromagnetic modelling of the ViP system was done using the principle of reciprocity. The ViP RF signals were generated using a compact waveform generator (dimensions of 26 cm × 18 cm × 16 cm), connected to a homebuilt 25 mm‐diameter RF coil. The ViP RF signals were transmitted to the MRI scanner bore, simultaneously with the acquisition of the signal from the object of interest. Different types of MRI data acquisition (2D and 3D gradient‐echo) as well as different phantoms, including the Shepp–Logan phantom, were tested. Furthermore, a uniquely designed virtual phantom — in the shape of a grid — was generated; this newly proposed phantom allows for the investigations of the vendor distortion correction field.ResultsHigh quality MR images of virtual phantoms were obtained. An excellent agreement was found between the experimental data and the inverse cube law, which was the expected functional dependence obtained from the electromagnetic modelling of the ViP system. Short‐term time stability measurements yielded a coefficient of variation in the signal intensity over time equal to 0.23% and 0.13% for virtual and physical phantom, respectively. MR images of the virtual grid‐shaped phantom were reconstructed with the vendor distortion correction; this allowed for a direct visualization of the vendor distortion correction field. Furthermore, as expected from the electromagnetic modelling of the ViP system, a very compact coil (diameter ~ cm) and very small currents (intensity ~ mA) were sufficient to generate a signal comparable to that of physical phantoms in MRI experiments.ConclusionsThe ViP MRI technique was successfully implemented on a clinical MR system. One of the major advantages of ViP MRI over previous approaches is that the generation and transmission of RF signals can be achieved with a self‐contained apparatus. As such, the ViP MRI technique is transposable to different platforms (preclinical and clinical) of different vendors. It is also shown here that ViP MRI could be used to generate signals whose characteristics cannot be reproduced by physical objects. This could be exploited to assess MRI system properties, such as the vendor distortion correction field.
Hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased risk of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Shih Hung‐Jen , Huang Chun‐Jen , Lin Jui‐An , Kao Ming‐Chang , Fan Yen‐Chun , Tsai Pei‐Shan 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundA high fat diet is associated with risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, whether hyperlipidemia is associated with BPH remains unclear. This population‐based cohort study elucidated whether hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased risk of BPH.MethodsWe used a new‐exposure design and analyzed data retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2013. The cohort of men with newly diagnosed hyperlipidemia and the age‐ and index‐date‐matched (1:3) nonhyperlipidemia cohort were tracked for incidence of BPH during a 1‐ to 14‐year follow‐up. Diagnosis of BPH using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, and the occurrence of BPH diagnosis plus the use of alpha‐blockers or 5‐alpha reductase inhibitors or receipt of transurethral resection of the prostate were the primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. The confounders in this study were diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity, liver cirrhosis, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, metformin, aspirin, and number of urologist visits. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for the propensity score.ResultsA total of 35 860 subjects (aged 40‐99 years)—including the hyperlipidemia cohort (n = 8,965) and nonhyperlipidemia cohort (n = 26 895)—were identified. Our data revealed that the hyperlipidemia cohort had significantly higher incidences of developing BPH (24.6% vs 12.3%, P < 0.001) and treated BPH (13% vs 5.7%, P < 0.001) compared with the nonhyperlipidemia cohort. The risk of developing BPH in the hyperlipidemia cohort was significantly higher than that in the nonhyperlipidemia cohort (HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.63‐1.83, P < 0.001) after adjustment for the propensity score.ConclusionsHyperlipidemia is associated with an increased risk of clinical BPH.
The severe hailstorm in southwest Germany on 28 July 2013: characteristics, impacts and meteorological conditions
Authors: Kunz Michael , Blahak Ulrich , Handwerker Jan , Schmidberger Manuel , Punge Heinz Jürgen , Mohr Susanna , Fluck Elody , Bedka Kris M. 
Published: November 2017

At the end of July 2013, a series of severe thunderstorms associated with heavy rainfall, severe wind gusts and large hail affected parts of Germany. On 28 July 2013, two supercells formed almost simultaneously in southern Germany, from which only the more southerly cell produced hailstones up to 10 cm in diameter on a hailswath approximately 120 km long and 15–20 km wide. For the insurance industry, this event, with losses of more than EUR 1 billion, was one of the most expensive natural disasters that has ever occurred in Germany.This article investigates the creation, temporal evolution and effects of the most severe supercell that day by considering and merging radar and satellite data, eyewitness reports, insurance loss data and numerical model studies. Observations of hail at ground level fit very well with a cold‐ring‐shaped structure in the cloud‐top brightness temperature observed by a geostationary satellite imager. Various simulations conducted with the convection‐permitting COnsortium for Small‐scale MOdeling (COSMO) revealed that the track of the hailstorm could be reproduced only when convection was triggered artificially by two warm bubbles that produced single cells that were precursors of the supercell. The model results suggested that the supercell developed near a pre‐existing single cell through low‐level flow convergence in an environment with moderate CAPE but substantial wind shear and storm‐relative helicity, both of which persisted for several hours in the area in which the supercell moved.
Boosting the numbers of STEM majors? The role of high schools with a STEM program
Authors: Bottia Martha Cecilia , Stearns Elizabeth , Mickelson Roslyn Arlin , Moller Stephanie 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis article investigates whether attending a high school that offers a specialized science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics program (high school with a STEM program) boosts the number of students majoring in STEM when they are in college. We use a longitudinal sample of students in North Carolina, whom we follow from middle school through college graduation, to estimate the effect of attending a high school with a STEM program on students’ interest in STEM, odds of declaring, and chances of persisting in their intention to major in STEM. Although our multilevel models indicate that attending a high school with a STEM program has a positive association with students’ STEM‐related outcomes, once we control for sample self‐selection through propensity score matching, we do not find evidence that attending high schools with a math and science–focused program significantly influences trajectories of STEM educational advantage for public school students in North Carolina. Our study concludes that perhaps even more important for college STEM success than what happensin high schoolis what STEM‐related academic, familial, and formal/informal learning experiences the student hadprior to entering high school.
The investigation on the effect of surface radiation oxidation of bamboo fiber‐filled PMMA composite
Authors: Chang Qiuxiang , Zhao Haojie , He Runqin 
Published: November 2017

The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of surface thermal oxidation of bamboo/poly(methyl methacrylate) composite by irradiation. Thermal oxidative effects on the surface energy of bamboo fiber were measured by radiation as a function of exposure time and temperature. Oxidized bamboo/poly(methyl methacrylate), after exposure to air at temperatures of 100°C and 110°C, had a range of maximum surface energies from 38 to 41 mJ/m2. Comparisons between Fourier transform infrared carbonyl peak growth and the surface energy showed that both methods detect oxidation, though the increase in surface energy was detected before the carbonyl peak growth was noticeable. The work of adhesion predicted by the surface free energies obtained in this work between a coated calcium carbonate and bamboo fiber changes by 10% due to the oxidation of the polymer at 110°C. The structural results were discussed in the oxidation chemistry of the macromolecule.
Phyllocarid crustaceans from the Late Devonian of the Kowala quarry (Holy Cross Mountains, central Poland)
Authors: Broda Krzysztof , Collette Joseph , Budil Petr 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPhyllocarida (Crustacea, Malacostraca) are among the most diversified and widespread Late Devonian arthropods. Although previous studies mention phyllocarid fossils from Late Devonian (Frasnian and Famennian) deposits of the Holy Cross Mountains of south‐central Poland, phyllocarids from the Kowala quarry have not been systematically described. Two new species are described from Kowala strata: Echinocaris bisulcata sp. nov. characterized by oval carapace valves with a short hinge line, cone‐like tubercules on the carapace anterior lobe, two pronounced lateral sulci (ventral and median) and two pairs of short spines on every abdominal segment; and Montecaris marynowskii sp. nov. characterized by two pairs of robust abdominal spines, a telson that is shorter than furcal rami, distal parts of which are parallel to the telson, and a body length approximately four times longer than the telson length. Additionally, an isolated furca identified as Dithyrocaris sp. is described herein. Damage observed in the holotype specimen of Montecaris marynowski sp. nov. is consistent with a healed injury, possibly caused by predatory fish. Notes concerning the global occurrences of montecaridids, echinocaridids and the genus Dithyrocaris in the Late Devonian are also provided.
Anti‐obesity and anti‐inflammatory effects of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐γ induced by bofutsushosan powder versus extract
Authors: Kobayashi Kyoko , Saito Kaoru , Yumita Masae , Obara Satoshi , Yasuta Kohshu , Sasaki Kenroh 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTAimBofutsushosan (BT) has been used to treat systemic inflammatory diseases, including obesity, according to an original Chinese prescription book written in 1172. The ‘‐san’ suffix of ‘Bofutsushosan’ means that BT is prescribed as a pulverized crude drug. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ is known to play a pivotal role in adipocyte differentiation and to downregulate the transcription of adipocytokine genes leading to an inflammatory response. Given that the ‘san’ formulation is important for the anti‐inflammation effect, we compared the anti‐obesity and anti‐inflammatory effects of PPARγ induced by BT powder with those by BT extract.MethodsThe PPARγ agonistic activity of the separate crude BT drug components was measured on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For in vivo studies, male mice of the C57BL/6 strain were fed a high‐fat diet containing 6.4% BT extract or BT powder for 65 days.ResultsWater extract prepared from the BT components Saposhnikoviae Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Ephedra Herba, and Scutellariae Radix had strong PPARγ ligand activity on ELISA. BT powder produced a significant reduction in visceral fat weight in addition to increases in PPARγ mRNA expression and peroxidase activity in visceral fat. BT powder and BT extract considerably decreased fatty acid binding protein‐4 (FABP4), although the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionPeroxidase catalyzes lipid peroxides. Oxidative stress and inflammation induce FABP4 expression. BT powder was a more effective anti‐inflammatory agent than BT extract. Furthermore, FABP4 triggers the ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of PPARγ. This suggests that decrease in PPARγ by FABP4 might be restored by treatment with BT powder.
A Multi‐institutional Comparison of Adrenal Venous Sampling in Patients with Primary Aldosteronism: Caution Advised if Successful Bilateral Adrenal Vein Sampling is Not Achieved
Authors: Wang Tracy S. , Kline Greg , Yen Tina W. , Yin Ziyan , Liu Ying , Rilling William , So Benny , Findling James W. , Evans Douglas B. , Pasieka Janice L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroductionIn patients with primary aldosteronism (PA), adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is recommended to differentiate between unilateral (UNI) or bilateral (BIL) adrenal disease. A recent study suggested that lateralization could be predicted, based on the ratio of aldosterone/cortisol levels (A/C) between the left adrenal vein (LAV) and inferior vena cava (IVC), with a 100% positive predictive value (PPV). This study aimed to validate those findings utilizing a larger, multi‐institutional cohort.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of patients with PA who underwent AVS from 2 tertiary‐care institutions. Laterality was predicted by an A/C ratio of >3:1 between the dominant and non‐dominant adrenal. AVS results were compared to LAV/IVC ratios utilizing the published criteria (Lt ≥ 5.5; Rt ≤ 0.5).ResultsOf 222 patients, 124 (57%) had UNI and 98 (43%) had BIL disease based on AVS. AVS and LAV/IVC findings were concordant for laterality in 141 (64%) patients (69 UNI, 72 BIL). Using only the LAV/IVC ratio, 54 (24%) patients with UNI disease on AVS who underwent successful surgery would have been assumed to have BAH unless AVS was repeated, and 24 (11%) patients with BIL disease on AVS may have been incorrectly offered surgery (PPV 70%). Based on median LAV/IVC ratios (left 5.26; right 0.31; BIL 2.84), no LAV/IVC ratio accurately predicted laterality.DiscussionThis multi‐institutional study of patients with both UNI and BIL PA failed to validate the previously reported PPV of LAV/IVC ratio for lateralization. Caution should be used in interpreting incomplete AVS data to differentiate between UNI versus BIL disease and strong consideration given to repeat AVS prior to adrenalectomy.
The differential influence of absent and harsh fathers on juvenile delinquency
Authors: Simmons Cortney , Steinberg Laurence , Frick Paul J. , Cauffman Elizabeth 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTResearchers have identified father absence as a contributor to juvenile delinquency. Consequently, politicians and community leaders are making efforts to re‐engage fathers. However, it is possible that the presence of fathers is not, in itself, a substantial protective factor and, in some cases, can even be more detrimental than father absence. Employing a diverse sample of male juvenile offenders in the U.S. (ages 13–17), the present study examined the differential effects of absent fathers and harsh fathers on delinquency. Results indicated that youth in the harsh‐father group engaged in more offending behaviors and used more substances than youth in the absent‐father group. This difference remained even after controlling for the mother‐child relationship. Implications of these findings for future research and delinquency prevention programs are discussed.
Robotic-Assisted and Image-Guided MRI-Compatible Stereoelectroencephalography
Authors: Hall Jeffery A. , Khoo Hui Ming 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground: Stereoelectroencephalography has been in regular use at the Montreal Neurological Institute since 1972. The technique has been in constant evolution to incorporate advances in materials, imaging, and robotics technology. MRI-compatible electrodes were introduced in 2007 and robotics in 2011. Here we report on the technique, safety, and advantages of our current method of stereoelectroencephalography implantation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent stereoelectroencephalography by the senior author. Technical, clinical, and radiological complications, and postimplantation outcomes were analyzed. Only patients implanted with MRI-compatible electrodes were included to review MRI abnormalities with electrodes in situ. Results: A total of 53 patients were implanted with 550 electrodes (average=10.4 per patient), for an average duration of 14.6 days. There was no mortality, infection, or new neurologic deficit. Two patients had a superficial screw plunge without clinical consequence. Four patients demonstrated asymptomatic MRI abnormalities (7.54% per patient, or 0.72% per electrode). MRI with electrodes in situ was used for neuronavigation in all 29 who underwent resection and yielded a histopathological diagnosis of focal cortical dysplasia in 15 MRI-negative patients. Conclusions: The technique of stereoelectroencephalography described here was associated with no clinical morbidity although not without technical complications or radiologic (MRI) abnormalities. We should therefore remain vigilant in refining the technique and minimizing the number of electrodes required to answer a well-developed hypothesis regarding the epileptogenic zone. The use of MRI-compatible electrodes allowed neuronavigation using the images with the electrodes in situ, which was useful to tailor the eventual definitive resection and in localizing MRI-negative lesions.
Botulinum Toxin Type A for Pain in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Bruno Veronica , Freitas Maria Eliza , Mancini Deborah , Lui Jane P. , Miyasaki Janis , Fox Susan H. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground and ObjectivePain is a frequent symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD), and the therapeutic alternatives are scarce. The goal of this trial was to measure the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) in the treatment of limb pain in advanced PD.MethodsA randomized double-blind crossover versus placebo study of BTXA for limb pain in advanced Parkinson’s disease was conducted. Subjects received individualized BTXA/placebo dosing per pain distribution in limbs. The primary outcome was a measure of change in global pain on a numeric rating scale (NRS) at 4 and 12 weeks postinjection and on a visual analogue scale 12 weeks after treatment. Secondary outcomes included the percentage of responders, physician-rated clinical global impressions, MDS–UPDRS and PDQ–39 scores, and adverse events.ResultsA total of 12 subjects completed the trial. Treatment with BTXA (average dose=241.66 U) produced a significant reduction in NRS score 4 weeks after the injections (–1.75 points, range from –3 to 7,p=0.033). However, there was no significant difference compared to placebo (p=0.70). Participants with dystonic pain showed a greater reduction in NRS score after 4 weeks when treated with BTXA (2.66 points vs. 0.75 for placebo). There were no significant differences for any of the secondary outcomes or significant adverse events.ConclusionsTargeted BTXA injections were safe in patients with limb pain and advanced PD; however, the present study failed to show a significant effect when compared to placebo. Further studies may be focused on evaluating the effect of BTXA particularly in dystonic pain.
SKYHAWK, SKYSHIELD, AND THE SOVIETS: REVISITING CANADA'S COLD WAR
Authors: MCKERCHER ASA , SAYLE TIMOTHY ANDREWS 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFor the past two decades, Canadian international historians have largely missed the Cold War, or at least a significant portion of it. Certainly, there has been no shortage of studies of Canadian foreign policy featuring the bipolar struggle, and yet historians have largely confined their attention to Canada's admittedly crucial relationship with the United States, while Canadian–Soviet relations have been ignored. Indeed, in the historiography of Canada's Cold War international relations, the communist powers are largely missing. Hoping to challenge this limited focus, we frame our article around two Canada–US air defence exercises held in 1959 and 1960. While historians have viewed these exercises within the context of Canada's relationship with the United States, we highlight the wider Cold War framework in which Canadian policy was formed. After all, these exercises occurred during the mini-détente of the late 1950s and the collapse of the Paris summit in May 1960. As we demonstrate, the failure to take full account of the Cold War is a shortcoming of much of the writing on Canadian international relations, and so we offer an example of the need to take seriously Canada's foreign policy toward the communist bloc.
Human parasitology worldwide research
Authors: Garrido-Cardenas Jose Antonio , Mesa-Valle Concepción , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this article, the trends in human parasitology have been studied through the analysis of the number of publications in this area. The parameters studied were: number of articles, language, countries and institutions with the highest number of publications, and keywords with greater presence in the articles of human parasitology. The results of the analysis confirm the growing interest in this area, observing an exponential growth in the number of publications in the last decades. We also verified that the main country in terms of scientific production is the USA, although among the most important institutions, we find non-US centres such as the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. For observing the relative importance of the journals that publish articles in this specific topic, an index has been created based on theh-index of the journal with publications related to human parasitology and divided by every 100 items. This rank is led fist by ‘Journal of Medical Entomology’ closely followed by ‘Parasitology’. The analysis of the keywords allows to draw conclusions about the great importance of malaria in the current world research. A change in analytical methodology is also observed, and molecular techniques are now being imposed. These techniques, in the near future, have to influence in an improvement in the treatments and prevention of the diseases caused by parasites. Finally, it can be seen that diseases traditionally studied as helminthiasis and amebiasis are currently as well studied as others such as toxoplasmosis or leishmaniasis.