bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of graphene oxide on UV curing kinetics and properties of SU8 nanocomposites
Authors: Sharif Mehdi , Pourabbas Behzad , Sangermano Marco , Sadeghi Moghadam Farjam , Mohammadi Mahsa , Roppolo Ignazio , Fazli Ali 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn the present study SU8 nanocomposites were prepared by incorporating graphene oxide (GO), and its effect on the UV curing kinetics, morphology, electrical, hardness and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were investigated at different loading levels of GO (0.1 − 3 wt%). Studying the reaction kinetics of the UV curing process by means of real‐time infrared spectroscopy showed that the polymerization rate and the final conversion of epoxy groups was related to the loading level of GO in the nanocomposites. An autocatalytic kinetics model of the curing reaction confirmed the effect of GO nanoparticles on the curing rate constant (k), the order of the initiation reaction (m) and the ultimate conversion of the UV‐cured nanocomposites. Appropriate experimental observations indicated that dispersion of GO within the resin plays a critical role on the cure kinetics and final conversion. The results of the kinetics modeling and morphological observations showed that the curing rate constant of the nanocomposites is highly dependent on the GO content and its dispersion state, indicating that GO prevents epoxy resin crosslinking by photoinitator deactivation. Moreover, oxygen functionalities, such as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, on the surface of GO facilitate interfacial interactions between epoxy groups from the matrix and GO. Electrical conductivity measurements demonstrated that the UV‐induced photo‐cured GO filled resins are conductive SU8 nanocomposites. It was observed that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites is enhanced due to the dispersion of GO in the matrix. Moreover, the microhardness analysis showed that addition of GO to neat SU8 increases the mechanical hardness of the nanocomposite. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Total chemical synthesis, refolding, and crystallographic structure of fully active immunophilin calstabin 2 (FKBP12.6)
Authors: Bacchi Marine , Jullian Magali , Sirigu Serena , Fould Benjamin , Huet Tiphaine , Bruyand Lisa , Antoine Mathias , Vuillard Laurent , Ronga Luisa , Chavas Leonard M. G. , Nosjean Olivier , Ferry Gilles , Puget Karine , Boutin Jean A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSynthetic biology (or chemical biology) is a growing field to which the chemical synthesis of proteins, particularly enzymes, makes a fundamental contribution. However, the chemical synthesis of catalytically active proteins (enzymes) remains poorly documented because it is difficult to obtain enough material for biochemical experiments. We chose calstabin, a 107‐amino‐acid proline isomerase, as a model. We synthesized the enzyme using the native chemical ligation approach and obtained several tens of milligrams. The polypeptide was refolded properly, and we characterized its biophysical properties, measured its catalytic activity, and then crystallized it in order to obtain its tridimensional structure after X‐ray diffraction. The refolded enzyme was compared to the recombinant, wild‐type enzyme. In addition, as a first step of validating the whole process, we incorporated exotic amino acids into the N‐terminus. Surprisingly, none of the changes altered the catalytic activities of the corresponding mutants. Using this body of techniques, avenues are now open to further obtain enzymes modified with exotic amino acids in a way that is only barely accessible by molecular biology, obtaining detailed information on the structure‐function relationship of enzymes reachable by complete chemical synthesis.
Structural characterization reveals a novel bilobed architecture for the ectodomains of insect stage expressed Trypanosoma brucei PSSA‐2 and Trypanosoma congolense ISA
Authors: Ramaswamy Raghavendran , Goomeshi Nobary Sarah , Eyford Brett A. , Pearson Terry W. , Boulanger Martin J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAfrican trypanosomiasis, caused by parasites of the genus Trypanosoma, is a complex of devastating vector‐borne diseases of humans and livestock in sub‐Saharan Africa. Central to the pathogenesis of African trypanosomes is their transmission by the arthropod vector, Glossina spp. (tsetse fly). Intriguingly, the efficiency of parasite transmission through the vector is reduced following depletion of Trypanosoma brucei Procyclic‐Specific Surface Antigen‐2 (TbPSSA‐2). To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of TbPSSA‐2, we determined the crystal structures of its ectodomain and that of its homolog T. congolense Insect Stage Antigen (TcISA) to resolutions of 1.65 Å and 2.45 Å, respectively using single wavelength anomalous dispersion. Both proteins adopt a novel bilobed architecture with the individual lobes displaying rotational flexibility around the central tether that suggest a potential mechanism for coordinating a binding partner. In support of this hypothesis, electron density consistent with a bound peptide was observed in the inter‐lob cleft of a TcISA monomer. These first reported structures of insect stage transmembrane proteins expressed by African trypanosomes provide potentially valuable insight into the interface between parasite and tsetse vector.
Frequency and trends of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use in Germany
Authors: Fassmer Alexander M. , Garbe Edeltraut , Schmedt Niklas 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyze the population‐based frequency of classic (c‐) and biologic (b‐) disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use over time, selected underlying indications and the specialty of the prescribing physicians in Germany. Based on the claims data of the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD), yearly cross‐sectional studies were conducted from 2004 to 2011. The prevalence of DMARD use was calculated as the number of persons with at least one dispensation per 1000 persons stratified by sex and age. In 2011, we also obtained the proportion of c‐ and b‐DMARDs users with diagnoses of selected indications and the proportion of dispensations by specialty of the physician. Between 2004 and 2011, the annual prevalence of b‐DMARD and c‐DMARD use increased from 0.35‰ to 1.54‰ and from 6.53‰ to 8.93‰, respectively. In 2011, the study population comprised 12.8 million insurants with a mean age of 44.0 years. During this year, among c‐DMARDs, methotrexate was prescribed most frequently (4.76‰), followed by azathioprine (1.72‰) and sulfasalazine (1.20‰). For b‐DMARDs, adalimumab (0.57‰), etanercept (0.46‰), and rituximab (0.23‰) were most frequently used. Notably, b‐DMARD users more often had a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis compared to c‐DMARD‐users (20.7% vs. 2.9% and 20.0% vs. 11.4%, respectively) and b‐DMARDs were more frequently prescribed by rheumatologists and other specialists. Our population‐based study highlights the increasing use of c‐ and b‐DMARDs in Germany. Compared to c‐DMARDs, b‐DMARDs were commonly used for indications besides rheumatoid arthritis. Future research should therefore also focus on their prescription patterns and safety aspects in indications other than RA.
A prospective, randomized, controlled trial of robot‐assisted vs freehand pedicle screw fixation in spine surgery
Authors: Kim Ho‐Joong , Jung Whan‐Ik , Chang Bong‐Soon , Lee Choon‐Ki , Kang Kyoung‐Tak , Yeom Jin S. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and safety of an instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using a robot‐assisted minimally invasive (Robot‐PLIF) or a conventional open approach (Freehand‐PLIF).MethodsPatients undergoing an instrumented PLIF were randomly assigned to be treated using a Robot‐PLIF (37 patients) and a Freehand‐PLIF (41 patients).ResultsFor intrapedicular accuracy, there was no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.534). For proximal facet joint accuracy, none of the 74 screws in the Robot‐PLIF group violated the proximal facet joint, while 13 of 82 in the Freehand‐PLIF group violated the proximal facet joint (P < 0.001). The average distance of the screws from the facets was 5.2 ± 2.1 mm and 2.7 ± 1.6 mm in the Robot‐PLIF and Freehand‐PLIF groups, respectively (P < 0.001).ConclusionRobotic‐assisted pedicle screw placement was associated with fewer proximal facet joint violations and better convergence orientations.
Hepatectomy for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases in the Era of Modern Preoperative Chemotherapy: Evaluation of Postoperative Complications
Authors: Fukuoka Kengo , Nara Satoshi , Honma Yoshitaka , Kishi Yoji , Esaki Minoru , Shimada Kazuaki 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundRecently, an increasing number of patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer have received chemotherapy before hepatectomy. However, the effect of chemotherapy on postoperative short‐term outcome is not well defined.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated the postoperative complications of 439 patients who underwent hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases in our division from 2005 to 2014. Patients were classified into two groups according to the presence (Cx; 84 patients) or absence (NCx; 355 patients) of preoperative chemotherapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the predictive factors for postoperative complications.ResultsThere was neither mortality nor liver failure after surgery. There was no significant difference in the frequency of postoperative complications between Groups Cx and NCx [29 vs 26 % for all complications; both 6 % for bile leakage that required therapeutic intervention; and 2 vs 3 % for Clavien–Dindo (CD) Grade ≥ IIIa, respectively]. In Group Cx, morbidity rates were similar among patients with different chemotherapy regimens. Chemotherapy‐related factors (administration of bevacizumab, oxaliplatin or irinotecan, duration of chemotherapy >150 days, and timing of hepatectomy) were not significantly associated with clinically relevant bile leakage and CD ≥ IIIa in multivariate analysis.ConclusionEven after combination chemotherapy including targeted therapy, hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases can be performed safely without increasing morbidity or mortality, if the patients fulfill the conventional criteria for surgery.
Landslide susceptibility mapping of the Sera River Basin using logistic regression model
Authors: Raja Nussaïbah B. , Çiçek Ihsan , Türkoğlu Necla , Aydin Olgu , Kawasaki Akiyuki 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Of the natural hazards in Turkey, landslides are the second most devastating in terms of socio-economic losses, with the majority of landslides occurring in the Eastern Black Sea Region. The aim of this study is to use a statistical approach to carry out a landslide susceptibility assessment in one area at great risk from landslides: the Sera River Basin located in the Eastern Black Sea Region. This paper applies a multivariate statistical approach in the form of a logistics regression model to explore the probability distribution of future landslides in the region. The model attempts to find the best fitting function to describe the relationship between the dependent variable, here the presence or absence of landslides in a region and a set of independent parameters contributing to the occurrence of landslides. The dependent variable (0 for the absence of landslides and 1 for the presence of landslides) was generated using landslide data retrieved from an existing database and expert opinion. The database has information on a few landslides in the region, but is not extensive or complete, and thus unlike those normally used for research. Slope, angle, relief, the natural drainage network (including distance to rivers and the watershed index) and lithology were used as independent parameters in this study. The effect of each parameter was assessed using the corresponding coefficient in the logistic regression function. The results showed that the natural drainage network plays a significant role in determining landslide occurrence and distribution. Landslide susceptibility was evaluated using a predicted map of probability. Zones with high and medium susceptibility to landslides make up 38.8 % of the study area and are located mostly south of the Sera River Basin and along streams.
Outcome Comparison of Nerve Transfer with Different Donor Nerves in a Rat Model
Authors: Jia Xiaotian , Yu Cong , Yang Jianyun 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjective: The phrenic nerve and the contralateral seventh cervical (C7) nerve root are the most commonly used donor nerves in the treatment of total brachial plexus avulsion. The aim of this study was to determine if the phrenic nerve or the contralateral C7 nerve root yields a superior outcome for nerve transfer. Methods: A total of 60 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. In Group A the phrenic nerve was used as the donor nerve; in Group B the contralateral C7 nerve root nerve was used as the donor nerve; in Group C the nerve was directly sutured. The results of behavioral assessment, electrophysiology, histology, nerve fiber count and muscle weight at 24 weeks postoperatively were recorded. Results: Group A showed a faster recovery time compared to Group B; however Group B showed a better functional recovery at the final outcome assessment compared to Group A. Conclusion: The contralateral C7 nerve root was better as the donor nerve for nerve transfer in the treatment of total brachial plexus avulsion.
A ‘Divorce Blueprint’? The Use of Heteronormative Strategies in Addressing Economic Inequalities on Civil Partnership Dissolution
Authors: Bendall Charlotte 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis article will explore data obtained through interviews with UK family law practitioners and clients with experience of financial relief on formalised same-sex relationship breakdown. It will focus on questions around how solicitors have approached and argued their dissolution cases (and the extent to which they have drawn upon heteronormative arguments and case law), and whether both they and the clients believed that civil partnerships are, and should be, treated similarly to marriages. The discussion will examine the different understandings of ‘equality’ employed, and question the ways that the participants relied on ideas of sameness and difference. It will be argued that the solicitors placed particular stress on sameness, and that heteronormative constructs of gendered inequalities have been transplanted into same-sex cases, in a system where practitioners’ submissions are based on ‘what works.’ This is despite the fact that lesbian and gay couples do not map onto the ‘template’ under which the parties have been subjected to different gendered expectations. Conversely, the clients were less willing to take on the full legal implications associated with (heterosexual) marital breakdown and less receptive of the solicitors ‘translating’ their matters to pigeonhole them into the existing framework.
Les logiques implicites de la prestation compensatoire dans le divorce : approches comparées européennes
Authors: Dandoy Nathalie , Granet Frédérique , Favier Yann 
Published: September 2016

Résumé
A une époque où les relations entre les hommes et les femmes sont gouvernées par des principes d’égalité et de liberté, on peut s’interroger sur la pertinence et la justification du maintien d’un droit à une prestation entre les conjoints au lendemain de leur divorce. Les législations européennes s’avérant peu disertes à cet égard, la recherche de la justification du droit à une prestation compensatoire des disparités pécuniaires nécessite l’élaboration préalable d’un outil qui permette de la mettre en évidence. Après avoir éprouvé un modèle diptyque, opposant les traditionnelles natures alimentaire et indemnitaire de la prestation financière après divorce et constaté que ce modèle ne permettait pas de comparaison pertinente entre les droits européens sélectionnés, un second modèle, conçu de manière triptyque, a été élaboré et appliqué à ces différents droits. Ce second modèle dissocie les justifications alimentaire, indemnitaire et assurantielle et permet d’identifier des différences de justification plus marquées, ce qui ne signifie cependant pas pour autant des différences notables entre les différentes prestations après divorce quant aux montants alloués.
Compenser les inégalités économiques des époux après divorce? Des critères légaux aux outils d’aide à la décision
Authors: Sayn Isabelle 
Published: September 2016

Résumé
La compensation des inégalités économiques des époux au moment du divorce est réalisée notamment par l’attribution d’une somme d’argent, versée mensuellement pendant une période plus ou moins longue ou versée sous forme de capital. Dans l’ensemble des pays européens analysés, les critères d’attribution de cette prestation sont comparables. Leur généralité aboutit à ce que le principe et le montant de cette prestation reposent en grande partie sur le pouvoir d’appréciation du juge.
Face aux incertitudes que ce pourvoir d’appréciation engendre, il n’existe pas nécessairement de barèmes ou de lignes directrices élaborés à l’initiative des autorités publiques dont l’objectif serait d’aider les magistrats et les parties dans cette évaluation. Cependant, des méthodes de calcul aux origines et aux logiques les plus variées ont vu le jour. L’article se propose de produire une revue de ces différentes méthodes et de s’interroger, pour la France, sur les logiques qu’elles défendent.
Protection sociale et compensation des inégalités économiques entre femmes et hommes
Authors: Letablier Marie-Thérèse , Dauphin Sandrine 
Published: September 2016

Résumé
Les politiques familiales, comme les systèmes de retraite, en France et dans divers pays européens, portent des mécanismes compensatoires des inégalités entre les femmes et les hommes liées à l’organisation familiale. Ces compensations sont parfois directement liées au mariage ou plus largement au couple, parfois à l’investissement parental et au temps dédié à l’entretien et au bien-être des membres de la famille. Dans cet article, nous examinons quels sont les principes compensatoires à l’œuvre dans les différentes législations de cinq pays européens relevant de différents systèmes de protection sociale. Nous utilisons le concept de familialisation pour caractériser les logiques de construction des droits sociaux des femmes dans différents systèmes, et pour en saisir la dynamique en reliant les évolutions des politiques familiales/sociales au double processus de dé-familialisation des activités parentales et de dé-spécialisation des rôles masculins et féminins.
Review of fiber superluminescent pulse amplifications
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Shen Xinglai , Hao He , Li Qinghua , Gong Mali 
Published: September 2016

High coherence of the laser is indispensable light sources in modern long or short-distance imaging systems, because the high coherence leads to coherent artifacts such as speckle that corrupt image formation. To deliver low coherence pulses in fiber amplifiers, we utilize the superluminescent pulsed light with broad bandwidth, nonlongitudinal mode structure and chaotic mode phase as the seed source of the cascaded fiber amplifiers. The influence of fiber superluminescent pulse amplification (SPA) on the limitations of the performance is analyzed. A review of our research results for SPA in the fibers are present, including the nonlinear theories of this low coherent light sources, i.e., self-focusing (SF), stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and self-phase modulation (SPM) effects, and the experiment results of the nanosecond pulses with peak power as high as 4.8 MW and pulse energy as much as 55 mJ. To improve the brightness of SPA light in the future work, we introduce our novel evaluation term and a more reasonable criterion, which is denoted by a new parameter of brightness factor for active large mode area fiber designs. A core-doped active large pitch fiber with a core diameter of

$190~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$

and a mode-field diameter of

$180~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$

is designed by this method. The designed fiber allows near diffracted limited beam quality operation, and it can achieve 100 mJ pulse energy and 540 W average power by analyzing the mode coupling effects induced by heat.
Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Multidrug Resistant Organism (MDRO) Colonization in 3 Nursing Homes
Authors: McKinnell James A. , Miller Loren G. , Singh Raveena , Kleinman Ken , Peterson Ellena M. , Evans Kaye D. , Dutciuc Tabitha D. , Heim Lauren , Gombosev Adrijana , Estevez Marlene , Launer Bryn , Tjoa Tom , Tam Steven , Bolaris Michael A. , Huang Susan S. 
Published: September 2016

Nursing home residents are at risk for acquiring and transmitting MDROs. A serial point-prevalence study of 605 residents in 3 facilities using random sampling found MDRO colonization in 45% of residents: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, 26%); extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL, 17%); vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE, 16%); carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE, 1%). MDRO colonization was associated with history of MDRO, care needs, incontinence, and catheters.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1485–1488
Business owners’ achieved social status and corporate philanthropy: Evidence from Chinese private small- and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Gao Yongqiang , Hafsi Taïeb , He Xiaobin 
Published: September 2016

AbstractUsing a nationwide survey of Chinese private small- and medium-sized enterprises, this study examines the effect of business owners’ achieved social status (AcSS) on corporate philanthropy (CP). AcSS is an institutional resource, sometimes an institutional constraint, which should lead to higher CP. In this study, it is measured by a composite index of business owners’ income, education, political ties, and individual donations. AcSS has a positive effect on CP. In different regressions, we find that individual variables, income, political ties, and individual donations are positively associated with CP, while the effect of education is not significant. Firm visibility moderates (weakens) the effect of AcSS, while owners’ equity ratio has no discernable moderation effect on CP. Overall, this study confirms that owners’ AcSS, an important resource for the firm, plays a significant role in corporate social behavior. It increases pressures and expectations from the public, leading to higher CP.