bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A 3D Real‐Scale, Biomimetic, and Biohybrid Model of the Blood‐Brain Barrier Fabricated through Two‐Photon Lithography
Authors: Marino Attilio , Tricinci Omar , Battaglini Matteo , Filippeschi Carlo , Mattoli Virgilio , Sinibaldi Edoardo , Ciofani Gianni 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe investigation of the crossing of exogenous substances through the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) is object of intensive research in biomedicine, and one of the main obstacles for reliable in vitro evaluations is represented by the difficulties at the base of developing realistic models of the barrier, which could resemble as most accurately as possible the in vivo environment. Here, for the first time, a 1:1 scale, biomimetic, and biohybrid BBB model is proposed. Microtubes inspired to the brain capillaries were fabricated through two‐photon lithography and used as scaffolds for the co‐culturing of endothelial‐like bEnd.3 and U87 glioblastoma cells. The constructs show the maturation of tight junctions, good performances in terms of hindering dextran diffusion through the barrier, and a satisfactory trans‐endothelial electrical resistance. Moreover, a mathematical model is developed, which assists in both the design of the 3D microfluidic chip and its characterization. Overall, these results show the effective formation of a bioinspired cellular barrier based on microtubes reproducing brain microcapillaries to scale. This system will be exploited as a realistic in vitro model for the investigation of BBB crossing of nanomaterials and drugs, envisaging therapeutic and diagnostic applications for several brain pathologies, including brain cancer.
Shape‐Controlled 3D Periodic Metal Nanostructures Fabricated via Nanowelding
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐Jun , Shin Sang‐Ho , Choi Dae‐Geun , Park Sang‐Hu , Jeong Jun‐Ho 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA novel method for fabricating 3D metallic nanostructures to be used in polarized color filters based on nanoimprint lithography, electron‐beam evaporation, and nanowelding is proposed. The shape of the nanostructures can be controlled by adjusting the temperature for the nanowelding process. Ag nanowires deposited on polymer patterns are accumulated by the nanowelding process to build up diverse 3D nanostructures. The morphologies of the fabricated 3D nanostructures are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and focused ion beam; the heating temperature is varied from 90 to 130 °C in steps of 10 °C. In order to analyze the recrystallization phenomenon after welding, transmission electron microscopy is utilized. The 3D metallic nanostructure has different morphologies and optical properties corresponding to welding temperature conditions and accumulated layer thicknesses. Based on preliminary experimental results, the process parameters are optimized and a polarized color filter is fabricated. Optical characteristics of the filter are evaluated using polarizer and spectrometer. Through this work, it is shown that the proposed method is an effective way to realize various 3D metallic nanostructures for special optical properties, therefore the method based on nanowelding can be utilized in fabrication of functional metamaterials, optical filters, biosensors, and others.
Concurrent thoracic mesothelioma and thyroid C‐cell adenoma with amyloid deposition in an aged horse
Authors: Fortin Jessica S. , Royal Angela B. , Kuroki Keiichi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA 21‐year‐old American Saddlebred mare died with a history of weight loss and breathing difficulties of 1 month duration. Post‐mortem examination revealed a copious pleural effusion with multifocal to coalescing numerous white to grey nodular masses on the serosal surface of the pericardium, lungs and thoracic cavity. In addition, the left thyroid gland was markedly enlarged. A thoracic mesothelioma and C‐cell adenoma with amyloid deposits of the left thyroid gland were diagnosed by histopathology and confirmed by immunohistochemistry employing antibodies against cytokeratin (CK), vimentin and calcitonin. Amyloid deposits in the thyroid tumour were confirmed by Congo red staining with apple‐green birefringence under polarized light. Mesothelioma remains an uncommon neoplasm encountered in aged horses. Discussion includes the diagnostic challenge of differentiating carcinomatosis from mesothelioma by histology and differentiating reactive and neoplastic mesothelial cells by cytology.
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) in The Intensive Care Unit in a Nonoutbreak Setting: Identification of Potential Reservoirs and Epidemiological Associations Between Patient and Environmental VRE
Authors: McDermott Hélène , Skally Mairead , O’Rourke James , Humphreys Hilary , Fitzgerald-Hughes Deirdre 
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVEAmong nosocomial bloodstream infections caused by enterococcal species, Ireland has the highest proportion caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in Europe at 45.8%. The contribution of the near-patient environment to VRE transmission outside of outbreaks was investigated.DESIGNA prospective observational study was conducted during 7 sampling periods.METHODSRecovery of VRE isolates by swabbing the near-patient environment and patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) was conducted to identify reservoirs, clinical and molecular epidemiological associations, and the success of active surveillance cultures (ASCs).RESULTSOf 289 sampling occasions involving 157 patients and their bed spaces, VRE isolates were recovered from patient bed spaces, clinical samples, or both on 114 of 289 sampling occasions (39.4%). The patient and their bed space were positive for VRE on 34 of 114 VRE-associated sampling occasions (29.8%). Of 1,647 environment samples, 107 sites (6.5%) were VRE positive, with significantly greater VRE recovery from isolation rooms than from the open-plan area (9.1% vs 4.1%;P< .0001). The most frequently VRE-contaminated sites were the drip stand, bed control panel, and chart holders, which together accounted for 61% of contaminated sites. The use of ASCs resulted in a 172% increase in identification of VRE-colonized patients. Molecular typing revealed 2 environmental clusters, 1 cluster involving 3 patients and generally greater heterogeneity of patient isolates compared to environmental isolates.CONCLUSIONEven outside of outbreaks, near-patient ICU environmental contamination with VRE is common. Better infection control policies that limit environmental transmission of VRE in the ICU and that are supported by molecular epidemiological studies, in real time, are needed.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2018;39:40–45
Do high-performance human resource practices work? The mediating role of organizational learning capability
Authors: Jerez-Gómez Pilar , Céspedes-Lorente José , Pérez-Valls Miguel 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study explores the relationship between high-performance human resource practices and organizational outcomes, using organizational learning capability as a mediating variable. By analyzing a sample of 85 Spanish companies in the chemical industry, the results suggest that the application of high-performance human resource practices is positively related to the development of organizational learning capability. This, in turn, is positively related to the financial and non-financial firm’s performance. The mediating role of learning capability is useful and should be considered in studies that analyze the link between human resource practices and performance, a central topic in the literature on strategic human resource management. Additionally, this study provides indications which can help companies design suitable conditions for promoting organizational learning capability, which is directly related to the development of human resource systems.
Global collaboration in knowledge intensive firms: The role of activity configurations
Authors: Hydle Katja Maria , Brock David M 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper discusses how transnational knowledge intensive firms manage complexity across multiple locations, integrating various functional specializations and catering to multifaceted customer demands. Practice theory is used to help us understand collaboration among experts across national borders. By exploring what experts do and analyzing their practices transnationally, different configurations to provide services were found. In total, six configuration types are identified: bilateral, trilateral, chain, star, network and co-location. These configurations differently relate to three interdependent axes: coordinated actions, interaction modes and spatial dimensions. The configurations expose the relevant integrative and responsive settings. The paper contributes to the international organization literature by extending, elaborating and providing examples of transnationality; and to practice theory by exposing shapes and qualitative complexity of transnational collaboration and service provision.
Reduced cortical thickness and increased gyrification in generalized anxiety disorder: a 3 T MRI study
Authors: Molent Cinzia , Maggioni Eleonora , Cecchetto Filippo , Garzitto Marco , Piccin Sara , Bonivento Carolina , Maieron Marta , D'Agostini Serena , Balestrieri Matteo , Perna Giampaolo , Altamura A. Carlo , Brambilla Paolo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the study of the neuroanatomical correlates of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is gaining increasing interest, up to now the cortical anatomy of GAD patients has been poorly investigated and still no data on cortical gyrification are available. The aim of the present study is to quantitatively examine the cortical morphology in patients with GAD compared with healthy controls (HC) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing the gyrification patterns in GAD.MethodsA total of 31 GAD patients and 31 HC underwent 3 T structural MRI. For each subject, cortical surface area (CSA), cortical thickness (CT), gray matter volume (GMV), and local gyrification index (LGI) were estimated in 19 regions of interest using the Freesurfer software. These parameters were then compared between the two groups using General Linear Model designs.ResultsCompared with HC, GAD patients showed: (1) reduced CT in right caudal middle frontal gyrus (p < 0.05, Bonferroni corrected), (2) hyper-gyrification in right fusiform, inferior temporal, superior parietal and supramarginal gyri and in left supramarginal and superior frontal gyri (p < 0.05, Bonferroni corrected). No significant alterations in CSA and GMV were observed.ConclusionsOur findings support the hypothesis of a neuroanatomical basis for GAD, highlighting a possible key role of the right hemisphere. The alterations of CT and gyrification in GAD suggest a neurodevelopmental origin of the disorder. Further studies on GAD are needed to understand the evolution of the cerebral morphology with age and during the clinical course of the illness.
Understanding old-age adaptation policies in Europe: the influence of profit, principles and pressures
Authors: LÖSSBROEK JELLE , LANCEE BRAM , VAN DER LIPPE TANJA , SCHIPPERS JOOP 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTTo cope with an increased proportion of older workers, organisations develop old-age adaptation policies. Two strategies underlie these policies: phasing out and activating. Although the existence of these strategies is widely recognised, the reasons for their presence have rarely been explored. We identify three arguments that explain the extent to which these strategies are present: profit, principles and pressures. We hypothesise that the intensity of the phasing out strategy is higher when it is profitable and easy to replace older workers, when employer's age norms support the principle of treating older workers differently, and when external pressures are high. We also hypothesise that the intensity of the activating strategy is higher when it is profitable but hard to replace older workers, when the employer's age norms reject the principle of treating older workers differently, and when external pressures are high. We use pooled regression analysis to study imputed managerial data from 5,410 organisations in seven European countries. Results confirm the importance of external pressures for the adaptation of both strategies, and of principles for activating. Although policy feasibility is important for the adaption of both strategies, the other profit variables showed mixed results. Net benefits of older workers to the organisation are only important for phasing out, and substitutability only for activating. This paper discusses the wider implications of the study.
The Protection of Cultural Property: Post-Colonial and Post-Conflict Perspectives from Sri Lanka
Authors: Kamardeen Naazima 
Published: December 2017

Abstract:Cultural property is related to the evolution of a nation’s identity. It forms a vital link to the past, wherefrom the present and future may be nurtured and enriched. However, objects related to cultural heritage have been the target of looting and pilfering, resulting in loss to the country concerned. The situation is worsened where these objects have been removed during an era where there were no laws and regulations to control such removal. This article focuses on the loss of cultural property with reference to two specific modes of loss of particular concern to Sri Lanka—the removal of cultural property during the colonial era and the loss of cultural property during the more recent ethnic conflict. Through an analysis of the relevant laws and regulations, this article evaluates Sri Lanka’s rights to its cultural property and its efforts to regain, and preserve, its cultural heritage.
Pulsus alternans in a child with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sanandajifar Hasti , Batlivala Sarosh P. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA previously healthy 21-month-old presented with new-onset dilated cardiomyopathy. Evaluation noted pulsus alternans, with beat-to-beat alternations in aortic pulse wave amplitude, both clinically and on diagnostic studies. Pulsus alternans is an infrequent, complex pathophysiologic sign often associated with severe heart failure. The mechanisms are incompletely understood, but theorised aetiologies include beat-to-beat changes in left ventricular loading conditions, variations in myocardial oxygen supply/demand, and alternations in myocardial contractility. Recognition of pulsus alternans is important as it provides significant clinical information, may suggest suboptimal medical management, and may be the first warning sign of severe cardiac dysfunction.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for the red alga Porphyra umbilicalis
Authors: Varela-Álvarez Elena , Balau Ana C. , Paulino Cristina , Berecibar Estibaliz , Pearson Gareth A. , Serrão Ester A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe red algal genus Porphyra is sister to the genus Pyropia, the single most valuable marine crop in the Orient. We developed microsatellite loci for the red alga Porphyra umbilicalis, a widespread species in the Northern Atlantic. Enriched DNA libraries were constructed and 68 loci were screened for amplification and polymorphism. Seven polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated using 44 individuals collected from four natural populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 12. Null alleles were detected in three loci. Among the markers reported, we tested also cross-amplification with two other Porphyra spp. These polymorphic microsatellite markers should be useful for investigating population genetic structure of P. umbilicalis in the North East Atlantic.
Sex Assignment to Whole Human Responses in Rorschach
Authors: Mormont Christian , Fontan Patrick 
Published: December 2017

Abstract. According to the theory of identification, men are more likely to qualify their Rorschach human content responses as males, and women as females. These assumptions were tested in an empirical investigation using a Belgian nonpatient sample of 800. All human responses and their location were listed. Analyses were carried out on the 10 Cards and on the formal quality (FQo vs. FQu/−) of all human responses according to the subject’s and the examiner’s sex. Variables were first submitted to principal component analysis, and resulting components were compared in a 2 × 2 design in order to assess examiners’ and participants’ sex potential effects on human responses sex assignments. Univariate and multivariate ANOVA revealed no or only negligible differences. In a second step, distributions of masculine, feminine, and neutral human responses across 16 card locations that commonly elicit human responses were submitted to hierarchical clustering in order to identify masculine, feminine, and neutral locations in Rorschach cards. Chi-square tests revealed no significant association between participants’ sex and human responses locations. Results do not corroborate predictions according to the theory of identification but they do, however, highlight the role of the distal features of blots.
Young People’s Engagement With the European Union
Authors: Strohmeier Dagmar , Barrett Martyn , Bora Carmen , Caravita Simona C. S. , Donghi Elisa , Dragoti Edmond , Fife-Schaw Chris , Gómez-López Mercedes , Kapéter Eszter , Mazzone Angela , Rama Rudina , Roşeanu Gabi , Ortega-Ruiz Rosario , Steiner Hanna , Trip Simona , Tenenbaum Harriet , Urhahne Detlef , Viejo Carmen 
Published: December 2017

Abstract. This study investigated whether demographic variables, efficacy beliefs, visions, and worries are associated with four different forms of (dis)engagement with the European Union (EU): intended voting in the 2019 EU elections, nonconventional political engagement, psychological engagement, and the wish that one’s own country should leave the EU. The sample comprised 3,764 young people aged 16–25 years living in seven European countries: Albania, Austria, Germany, Italy, Romania, Spain, and the UK. Economic challenges, human rights, and the environment were the most important future visions; unemployment and poverty, climate change, civil unrests, and collapse of the EU were the most important future worries. The four forms of (dis)engagement with the EU were differentially associated with predictors, although internal efficacy and future vision of economic challenges predicted all forms. Implications for future EU policy are discussed.
Genome-wide analysis of SSR and ILP markers in trees: diversity profiling, alternate distribution, and applications in duplication
Authors: Xia Xinyao , Luan Lin Lin , Qin Guanghua , Yu Li Fang , Wang Zhi Wei , Dong Wan Chen , Song Yumin , Qiao Yuling , Zhang Xian Sheng , Sang Ya Lin , Yang Long 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMolecular markers are efficient tools for breeding and genetic studies. However, despite their ecological and economic importance, their development and application have long been hampered. In this study, we identified 524,170 simple sequence repeat (SSR), 267,636 intron length polymorphism (ILP), and 11,872 potential intron polymorphism (PIP) markers from 16 tree species based on recently available genome sequences. Larger motifs, including hexamers and heptamers, accounted for most of the seven different types of SSR loci. Within these loci, A/T bases comprised a significantly larger proportion of sequence than G/C. SSR and ILP markers exhibited an alternative distribution pattern. Most SSRs were monomorphic markers, and the proportions of polymorphic markers were positively correlated with genome size. By verifying with all 16 tree species, 54 SSR, 418 ILP, and four PIP universal markers were obtained, and their efficiency was examined by PCR. A combination of five SSR and six ILP markers were used for the phylogenetic analysis of 30 willow samples, revealing a positive correlation between genetic diversity and geographic distance. We also found that SSRs can be used as tools for duplication analysis. Our findings provide important foundations for the development of breeding and genetic studies in tree species.
Global loss of acetylcholinesterase activity with mitochondrial complexes inhibition and inflammation in brain of hypercholesterolemic mice
Authors: Paul Rajib , Borah Anupom 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThere exists an intricate relationship between hypercholesterolemia (elevated plasma cholesterol) and brain functions. The present study aims to understand the impact of hypercholesterolemia on pathological consequences in mouse brain. A chronic mouse model of hypercholesterolemia was induced by giving high-cholesterol diet for 12 weeks. The hypercholesterolemic mice developed cognitive impairment as evident from object recognition memory test. Cholesterol accumulation was observed in four discrete brain regions, such as cortex, striatum, hippocampus and substantia nigra along with significantly damaged blood-brain barrier by hypercholesterolemia. The crucial finding is the loss of acetylcholinesterase activity with mitochondrial dysfunction globally in the brain of hypercholesterolemic mice, which is related to the levels of cholesterol. Moreover, the levels of hydroxyl radical were elevated in the regions of brain where the activity of mitochondrial complexes was found to be reduced. Intriguingly, elevations of inflammatory stress markers in the cholesterol-rich brain regions were observed. As cognitive impairment, diminished brain acetylcholinesterase activity, mitochondrial dysfunctions, and inflammation are the prima facie pathologies of neurodegenerative diseases, the findings impose hypercholesterolemia as potential risk factor towards brain dysfunction.
High-efficiency terahertz devices based on cross-polarization converter
Authors: Zhao Huan , Wang Xinke , He Jingwen , Guo Jinying , Ye Jiasheng , Kan Qiang , Zhang Yan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMetasurface-based devices have been investigated intensively because of their attractive properties but these devices generally suffer from low efficiency. Here we demonstrate several high-efficiency terahertz (THz) devices based on cross-polarization converters that is composed of bilayer metasurface-based structures. The converter can transfer the polarization states of transmitted THz waves from the x-direction into the y-direction with an experimental conversion efficiency of 85%. This high-efficiency transfer mechanism is investigated in detail. Furthermore, this kind of devices can be fabricated easily. A THz metalens is designed and fabricated and its focusing and imaging properties are investigated experimentally. A pure phase THz hologram that can generate different images on different propagation planes is also designed and the image reconstruction capabilities of the phase holograms are demonstrated experimentally. The performance levels of all designed devices show excellent agreement between the theoretical expectations and the corresponding experimental results. This technology may pave the way towards practical applications of such metasurface devices.