bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amphiphilic block copolymer poly(lactic acid)‐block‐(glycidylazide polymer)‐block‐polystyrene: synthesis and self‐assembly
Authors: Li Guoping , Dong Haoxue , Liu Menghui , Xia Min , Chai Chunpeng , Luo Yunjun 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe triblock energetic copolymer poly(lactic acid)‐block‐(glycidylazide polymer)‐block‐polystyrene (PLA‐b‐GAP‐b‐PS) was synthesized successfully through atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene and ring‐opening polymerization of d,l‐lactide. The energetic macroinitiator GAP‐Br, which was made from reacting equimolar GAP with α‐bromoisobutyryl bromide, firstly triggered the ATRP of styrene with its bromide group, and then the hydroxyl group on the GAP end of the resulting diblock copolymer participated in the polymerization of lactide in the presence of stannous octoate. The triblock copolymer PLA‐b‐GAP‐b‐PS had a narrow distribution of molecular weight. In the copolymer, the PS block was solvophilic in toluene and improved the stability of the structure, the PLA block was solvophobic in toluene and served as the sacrificial component for the preparation of porous materials, and GAP was the basic and energetic material. The three blocks of the copolymer were fundamentally thermodynamically immiscible, which led to the self‐assembly of the block copolymer in solution. Further studies showed that the concentration and solubility of the copolymer and the polarity of the solvent affected the morphology and size of the micelles generated from the self‐assembly of PLA‐b‐GAP‐b‐PS. The micelles generated in organic solvents at 10 mg mL−1 copolymer concentration were spherical but became irregular when water was used as a co‐solvent. The spherical micelles self‐assembled in toluene had three distinct layers, with the diameter of the micelles increasing from 60 to 250 nm as the concentration of the copolymer increased from 5 to 15 mg L−1. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Concise Review: Innate and Adaptive Immune Recognition of Allogeneic and Xenogeneic Cell Transplants in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Hoornaert Chloé J. , Le Blon Debbie , Quarta Alessandra , Daans Jasmijn , Goossens Herman , Berneman Zwi , Ponsaerts Peter 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOver the last 30 years, numerous allogeneic and xenogeneic cell grafts have been transplanted into the central nervous system (CNS) of mice and men in an attempt to cure neurological diseases. In the early studies, human or porcine embryonic neural cells were grafted in the striatum of animals or patients in an attempt to replace lost neurons. Although the immune-privileged status of the brain as a recipient organ was widely accepted, it rapidly became evident that CNS-grafted allogeneic and xenogeneic cells could be recognized and rejected by the immune system, resulting in poor neural graft survival and limited functional recovery. Since then, the CNS transplantation field has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of studies in which allogeneic and xenogeneic neural or mesenchymal stem cells (NSCs or MSCs, respectively) are transplanted, predominantly aiming at providing trophic stimulation and promoting endogenous repair of the brain. Interestingly, in many recent NSC and MSC-based publications functional improvement was used as the principal measure to evaluate the success of cell transplantation, while the fate of transplanted cells remained largely unreported. In this review, we first attempt to understand why primary neural cell isolates were largely substituted for NSCs and MSCs in cell grafting studies. Next, we review the current knowledge on the immune mechanisms involved in the recognition and rejection of allogeneic and xenogeneic cellular grafts in the CNS. Finally, we propose strategies to reduce graft immunogenicity and to improve graft survival in order to design improved cell-based CNS therapies.
The Habsburg Monarchy, 1490-1848
Authors: Fichtner Paula Sutter 
Published: February 2017

The Habsburg monarchy was a singular experiment in diversity within the European continent. By the eighteenth century it stretched from the Austrian Netherlands to the Balkans and southern Poland, and south into Italy. Its subjects spoke a number of languages, and while the social and institutional structure of these lands shared common features, there were also substantial differences among them. Was the Habsburg monarchy therefore an empire like those of Great Britain, France or Spain?
Drawing upon modern theoretical perspectives on European expansion to answer this question, Paula Sutter Fichtner argues that the Habsburg holdings did indeed constitute a form of European imperialism, and that they are best understood in such terms.
Incidental nodal metastasis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in neck dissection specimens from head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Lenzi R , Marchetti M , Muscatello L 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground:Occult differentiated thyroid carcinomas are not uncommon. The initial presentation of a thyroid carcinoma is often detection of a metastatic cervical lymph node.Methods:A retrospective review was performed of the medical records of 304 patients who underwent neck dissection between 1996 and 2008 for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.Results:Ten patients (3.3 per cent) had nodal metastasis originating from papillary thyroid cancer. All of these patients underwent thyroidectomy and post-operative 131iodine radiometabolic therapy. No patient developed a thyroid tumour after surgery.Conclusion:Despite its metastatic spread, thyroid cancer does not affect the overall prognosis of patients who are already being treated for a more aggressive malignancy. However, in otherwise healthy patients, it is worth treating this second malignancy to avoid potential complications related to local disease or metastatic thyroid cancer.
Single CD28 stimulation induces stable and polyclonal expansion of human regulatory T cells
Authors: He Xuehui , Smeets Ruben L. , van Rijssen Esther , Boots Annemieke M. H. , Joosten Irma , Koenen Hans J. P. M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCD4+FOXP3+ Treg are essential for immune tolerance. Phase-1 clinical trials of Treg-therapy to treat graft-versus-host-disease reported safety and potential therapeutic efficacy. Treg-based trials have started in organ-transplant patients. However, efficientex vivoexpansion of a stable Treg population remains a challenge and exploring novel ways for Treg expansion is a pre-requisite for successful immunotherapy. Based on the recent finding that CD28-signaling is crucial for survival and proliferation of mouse Treg, we studied single-CD28 stimulation of human Treg, without T cell receptor stimulation. Single-CD28 stimulation of human Treg in the presence of recombinant human IL-2(rhIL-2), as compared to CD3/CD28/rhIL-2 stimulation, led to higher expression levels of FOXP3. Although the single-CD28 expanded Treg population was equally suppressive to CD3/CD28 expanded Treg, pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-17A/IFNγ) production was strongly inhibited, indicating that single-CD28 stimulation promotes Treg stability. As single-CD28 stimulation led to limited expansion rates, we examined a CD28-superagonist antibody and demonstrate a significant increased Treg expansion that was more efficient than standard anti-CD3/CD28-bead stimulation. CD28-superagonist stimulation drove both naïve and memory Treg proliferation. CD28-superagonist induction of stable Treg appeared both PI3K and mTOR dependent. Regarding efficient and stable expansion of Treg for adoptive Treg-based immunotherapy, application of CD28-superagonist stimulation is of interest.
Nasal Reconstruction Involving Multiple Subunit Defects
Authors: Fort Matthew , Cox Artemus 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe challenges of nasal reconstruction are readily apparent to any surgeon who has undertaken this task. Defects involving multiple subunits of the nose usually require adjacent tissue transferred to the wound typically in the form of a forehead flap or other local flaps. Herein, we describe current thought on the subunit principle and the application of local flaps and grafts in reconstructing larger superficial defects of the nose. Primary attention is paid to analysis and patient counseling.
Sequential activation of the three protomers in the Moloney murine leukemia virus Env
Authors: Sjöberg Mathilda , Löving Robin , Lindqvist Birgitta , Garoff Henrik 
Published: February 2017

Significance
The biosynthesis of class I viral membrane fusion proteins as trimers provides the possibility of forming a stable coiled coil core from its transmembrane subunits, on which an effective fusion machinery can be built. Although the coiled coil must engage all three protomers simultaneously, it has remained unclear whether this is also the case with the other steps of their activation pathways. We studied this question with the Moloney murine leukemia virus Env, for which activation can be followed by surface (SU)-transmembrane (TM) intersubunit disulfide isomerization and subsequent SU release. We found that this early activation step occurred sequentially in one protomer after the other, forming asymmetric oligomer intermediates.
Enhanced Aortic Reflected Wave Magnitude Accounts for the Impact of Female Gender on Aortic Pressure Augmentation in a Group of African Ancestry
Authors: Tade Grace , Norton Gavin R. , Booysen Hendrik L. , Sibiya Moekanyi J. , Ballim Imraan , Sareli Pinhas , Woodiwiss Angela J. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Aortic reflected wave magnitude (RM) may not account for sex-specific differences in aortic pressure augmentation in Caucasians. However, aortic reflected waves are greater in groups of African descent than other ethnic groups. We determined whether RM or alternative factors explain the impact of sex on aortic augmented pressure (Pa) in participants of African ancestry.

METHODS
We assessed aortic function (radial applanation tonometry, SphygmoCor) in 1,197 randomly recruited community participants of African ancestry (age ≥ 16 years). Aortic forward (Pf) and backward (Pb) wave separation was performed assuming an aortic triangular flow wave validated against aortic velocity measurements.

RESULTS
Across the adult lifespan, women had greater multivariate-adjusted augmentation index (AIx) and Pa. This was associated with multivariate-adjusted age-related increases in Pb, RM (Pb/Pf), and time to the peak of Pf and decreases in backward wave foot time; but not increases in Pf. With adjustors, Pa was associated with female gender (β-coefficient = 3.81 ± 0.34), a relationship which was markedly attenuated by adjustments for RM (β-coefficient = 1.78 ± 0.31, P &lt; 0.0001 vs. without adjustments for RM), and Pb (β-coefficient = 2.05 ± 0.19, P &lt; 0.0001 vs. without adjustments for Pb), but not by adjustments for Pf, time to the peak of Pf, or backward wave foot time. Similarly, AIx was associated with female gender, a relationship which was markedly attenuated by adjustments for RM, Pb, and backward wave foot time, but not alternative factors.

CONCLUSIONS
In contrast to reports in alternative populations, the relationship between aortic pressure augmentation and female gender in participants of African descent is accounted for mainly by increases in RM.
A discrete choice experiment to explore carer preferences
Authors: Chester Helen , Clarkson Paul , Davies Linda , Sutcliffe Caroline , Roe Brenda , Hughes Jane , Challis David 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a case study to test the applicability of the discrete choice experiment (DCE) method to assess the preferences of carers of people with dementia. The focus of enquiry was home care provision.

Design/methodology/approach
A multi-method approach was adopted for this pilot study. A literature review identified key characteristics of home care for dementia. This informed consultations with lay representatives. Key attributes of home care for the DCE were identified and formed the basis for the schedule. In all, 28 carers were recruited by two voluntary organisations to complete the DCE. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyse the data.

Findings
Seven attributes of home care for people with dementia were identified from the consultation. The use of the DCE approach permitted the identification of those most important to carers. Despite the modest sample, statistically significant findings were reported in relation to five of the attributes indicating their relevance. A lay involvement in the identification of attributes contributed to the ease of administration of the schedule and relevance of the findings.

Originality/value
This study demonstrated the utility of a DCE to capture the preferences of carers of people with dementia and thereby gather information from carers to inform policy, practice and service development. Their involvement in the design of the schedule was critical to this process.
How purchasing managers can benefit from new opportunities
Authors: Bérard Stéphanie , Stien Cédric 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to intend to provide managers with some ideas and reflections about how to promote a favorable environment for creativity and risk taking and how to instill a new management style. It proposes some thoughts on diminishing hierarchical levels, fostering cross-functional exchanges, diversifying team profiles and being a mindful manager.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is a general review.

Findings
This study is a general review.

Originality/value
This paper intends to promote emotional intelligence and mindfulness for purchasing managers, to foster opportunities and creativity within their teams.
Integrated major haemorrhage management in the retrieval setting: Damage control resuscitation from referral to receiving facility
Authors: Wijesuriya Julian D , Keogh Sean 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMajor haemorrhage is a leading cause of death in critically ill or injured patients requiring medical retrieval and presents significant clinical and logistic challenges irrespective of patient location, primary pathophysiology or mode of transport. It is essential that all care providers involved in the retrieval patient pathway, including referring hospitals, ambulance services, retrieval teams and tertiary receiving centres, adopt a common approach to the management of this complex patient group through the use of retrieval‐specific, integrated protocols. These should incorporate the latest clinical evidence base, recognise the differences between primary and inter‐facility missions and clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the retrieval clinical coordinator. By unifying the response across services, the aim is to facilitate seamless transition of care with ongoing damage control resuscitation from point of referral, during transfer and on arrival at the receiving centre.
Comparing and contrasting life history variation in four aphid hyperparasitoids
Authors: BUITENHUIS ROSEMARIJE , HARVEY JEFFREY A. , VET LOUISE E. M. , BOIVIN GUY , BRODEUR JACQUES 
Published: February 2017

1. In primary parasitoids, significant differences in life history and reproductive traits are observed among parasitoids attacking different stages of the same host species. Much less is known about hyperparasitoids, which attack different stages of primary parasitoids.2. Parasitoids exploit hosts in two different ways. Koinobionts attack hosts that continue feeding and growing during parasitism, whereas idiobionts paralyse hosts before oviposition or attack non‐growing host stages, e.g. eggs or pupae.3. Koino‐/idiobiosis in primary parasitoids are often associated with different expression of life history trade‐offs, e.g. endo‐ versus ectoparasitism, high versus low fecundity and short versus long life span.4. In the present study, life history parameters of two koinobiont endoparasitic species (Alloxysta victrix; Syrphophagus aphidivorus), and two idiobiont ectoparasitic species (Asaphes suspensus; Dendrocerus carpenteri) of aphid hyperparasitoids were compared. These hyperparasitoids attack either the parasitoid larva in the aphid before it is killed and mummified by the primary parasitoid or the parasitoid prepupa or pupa in the dead aphid mummy.5. There was considerable variation in reproductive success and longevity in the four species. The idiobiont A. suspensus produced the most progeny by far and had the longest lifespan. In contrast, the koinobiont A. victrix had the lowest fecundity. Other developments and life history parameters in the different species were variable.6. The present results reveal that there was significant overlap in life history and reproductive traits among hyperparasitoid koinobionts and idiobionts, even when attacking the same host species, suggesting that selection for expression of these traits is largely association specific.
Political Culture in Jamaica Before Anticolonial Nationalism
Authors: Richards Jake Christopher 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper considers scholarship on political culture in Jamaica in 1865, the year of the Morant Bay rebellion. It situates the historiography of political culture in relation to three trends: first, an older historiography that envisaged the rebellion as indicative of nationalist consciousness; second, a more recent focus on the local politics of protest in the period 1838–1900; and third, another recent approach of explaining political culture through the dynamic relationship between metropole and colony. The paper then goes on to suggest that the latter two approaches are congenial to analysing the Underhill Meetings, a set of key political discussions prior to the rebellion which nevertheless have been underutilized in the historiography. The paper concludes by considering the possible linkages between the Underhill Meetings and the reform initiatives of the post‐rebellion colonial state. Overall, it argues for the possibility of island‐wide political consciousness without the need for ethno‐nationalism or “imagined communities”
Defining hypotension in anesthetized infants by individual awake blood pressure values: a prospective observational study
Authors: Weber Frank , Koning Laurens , Scoones Gail P. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundBlood pressure (BP) is the most commonly applied clinical surrogate parameter for tissue perfusion and cerebral autoregulation. Hypotension during anesthesia may contribute to unfavorable outcome in young children. Hypotension in anesthetized infants can be defined using BP values relative to individual awake baseline or absolute BP values.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of the two definitions and to compare the incidences of hypotension.MethodThis was a prospective observational study in 151 infants <12 months of age. The percentage of successful awake BP measurements was calculated and related to the infant's behavioral state. Hypotension under sevoflurane anesthesia was defined by a decrease of mean arterial pressure (MAP) relative to awake baseline (>20% in infants <6 months, >40% in infants >6 months) or absolute MAP values (<35 mmHg in infants <6 months, <43 mmHg in infants >6 months). The incidences of hypotension using the two definitions were compared.ResultsAwake BP values were obtained in 85% of the patients. Calm patients were more likely to allow their BP to be measured than anxious patients. Anxious patients had higher preinduction MAP values than calm patients. The relative BP approach resulted in a higher incidence of postinduction hypotension than using absolute BP values.ConclusionsAwake BP values were unobtainable in 15% of our patients, resulting in the necessity to define hypotension under anesthesia using absolute BP values. Definitions of hypotension using either absolute MAP or values relative to awake baseline are not interchangeable.
Is the Precautionary Principle Really Incoherent?
Authors: Boyer‐Kassem Thomas 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe Precautionary Principle has been an increasingly important principle in international treaties since the 1980s. Through varying formulations, it states that when an activity can lead to a catastrophe for human health or the environment, measures should be taken to prevent it even if the cause‐and‐effect relationship is not fully established scientifically. The Precautionary Principle has been critically discussed from many sides. This article concentrates on a theoretical argument by Peterson (2006) according to which the Precautionary Principle is incoherent with other desiderata of rational decision making, and thus cannot be used as a decision rule that selects an action among several ones. I claim here that Peterson's argument fails to establish the incoherence of the Precautionary Principle, by attacking three of its premises. I argue (i) that Peterson's treatment of uncertainties lacks generality, (ii) that his Archimedian condition is problematic for incommensurability reasons, and (iii) that his explication of the Precautionary Principle is not adequate. This leads me to conjecture that the Precautionary Principle can be envisaged as a coherent decision rule, again.
CT protocol management: simplifying the process by using a master protocol concept
Authors: Szczykutowicz Timothy P. , Bour Robert K. , Rubert Nicholas , Wendt Gary , Pozniak Myron , Ranallo Frank N. 
Published: February 2017

This article explains a method for creating CT protocols for a wide range of patient body sizes and clinical indications, using detailed tube current information from a small set of commonly used protocols. Analytical expressions were created relating CT technical acquisition parameters which can be used to create new CT protocols on a given scanner or customize protocols from one scanner to another. Plots of mA as a function of patient size for specific anatomical regions were generated and used to identify the tube output needs for patients as a function of size for a single master protocol. Tube output data were obtained from the DICOM header of clinical images from our PACS and patient size was measured from CT localizer radiographs under IRB approval. This master protocol was then used to create 11 additional master protocols. The 12 master protocols were further combined to create 39 single and multiphase clinical protocols. Radiologist acceptance rate of exams scanned using the clinical protocols was monitored for 12,857 patients to analyze the effectiveness of the presented protocol management methods using a two‐tailed Fisher's exact test. A single routine adult abdominal protocol was used as the master protocol to create 11 additional master abdominal protocols of varying dose and beam energy. Situations in which the maximum tube current would have been exceeded are presented, and the trade‐offs between increasing the effective tube output via 1) decreasing pitch, 2) increasing the scan time, or 3) increasing the kV are discussed. Out of 12 master protocols customized across three different scanners, only one had a statistically significant acceptance rate that differed from the scanner it was customized from. The difference, however, was only 1% and was judged to be negligible. All other master protocols differed in acceptance rate insignificantly between scanners. The methodology described in this paper allows a small set of master protocols to be adapted among different clinical indications on a single scanner and among different CT scanners.PACS number: 87.57.Q