bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Introducing unemployment insurance to developing countries
Authors: Vodopivec Milan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe paper analyzes key labor market and institutional features of developing countries that affect functioning of unemployment insurance: a large informal sector, weak administrative capacity, and large political risk. It argues that these countries should tailor an OECD-style unemployment insurance program to their circumstances, among others by relying on self-insurance (via unemployment insurance savings accounts), complemented by solidarity funding, as a key source of financing; by simplifying monitoring of job-search behavior and labor market status; and by piggybacking on existing networks to administer benefits. The paper also addresses the question whether developing countries should introduce unemployment insurance.JEL codesJ65, J68
Clinical characteristics in subjects with NLRP3 V198M diagnosed at a single UK center and a review of the literature
Authors: Rowczenio Dorota M , Trojer Hadija , Russell Tonia , Baginska Anna , Lane Thirusha , Stewart Nicola M , Gillmore Julian D , Hawkins Philip N , Woo Patricia , Mikoluc Bozena , Lachmann Helen J 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Mutations in the NLRP3 gene are associated with the dominantly inherited cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS). The significance of the V198M variant is unclear; it has been reported in association with various CAPS phenotypes and as a variant of uncertain consequence. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical phenotypes and treatments in individuals with V198M assessed in a single UK center.

Methods
DNA samples from 830 subjects with fever syndromes or a family history of CAPS were screened for mutations in the NLRP3 gene with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. A detailed medical history was available in all cases. Inflammatory disease activity was monitored monthly with measurements of serum amyloid A protein (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in symptomatic individuals.

Results
NLRP3 V198M was identified in 19 subjects. It was found in association with CAPS in five cases, in one patient with Schnitzler syndrome, in three patients who also had a nucleotide alteration in another fever gene, and in three other patients with evidence of an autoinflammatory phenotype. Seven asymptomatic individuals were detected during screening of family members.

Conclusions
The NLRP3 V198M variant shows variable expressivity and reduced penetrance. It may be associated with classical inherited or apparently sporadic CAPS and with atypical autoinflammatory disease of varying severity, intriguingly including Schnitzler syndrome. The factors that influence the pathogenic consequences of this variant remain unknown. However, the remarkable response to interleukin 1 (IL-1) blockade in all but one individual in our series confirms that their clinical features are indeed mediated by IL-1.
Premetazoan genome evolution and the regulation of cell differentiation in the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta
Authors: Fairclough Stephen R , Chen Zehua , Kramer Eric , Zeng Qiandong , Young Sarah , Robertson Hugh M , Begovic Emina , Richter Daniel J , Russ Carsten , Westbrook M Jody , Manning Gerard , Lang B Franz , Haas Brian , Nusbaum Chad , King Nicole 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Background
Metazoan multicellularity is rooted in mechanisms of cell adhesion, signaling, and differentiation that first evolved in the progenitors of metazoans. To reconstruct the genome composition of metazoan ancestors, we sequenced the genome and transcriptome of the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta, a close relative of metazoans that forms rosette-shaped colonies of cells.

Results
A comparison of the 55 Mb S. rosetta genome with genomes from diverse opisthokonts suggests that the origin of metazoans was preceded by a period of dynamic gene gain and loss. The S. rosetta genome encodes homologs of cell adhesion, neuropeptide, and glycosphingolipid metabolism genes previously found only in metazoans and expands the repertoire of genes inferred to have been present in the progenitors of metazoans and choanoflagellates. Transcriptome analysis revealed that all four S. rosetta septins are upregulated in colonies relative to single cells, suggesting that these conserved cytokinesis proteins may regulate incomplete cytokinesis during colony development. Furthermore, genes shared exclusively by metazoans and choanoflagellates were disproportionately upregulated in colonies and the single cells from which they develop.

Conclusions
The S. rosetta genome sequence refines the catalog of metazoan-specific genes while also extending the evolutionary history of certain gene families that are central to metazoan biology. Transcriptome data suggest that conserved cytokinesis genes, including septins, may contribute to S. rosetta colony formation and indicate that the initiation of colony development may preferentially draw upon genes shared with metazoans, while later stages of colony maturation are likely regulated by genes unique to S. rosetta.
Small molecules, big roles – the chemical manipulation of stem cell fate and somatic cell reprogramming
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Wenlin , Laurent Timothy , Ding Sheng 
Published: February 2013

SummaryDespite the great potential of stem cells for basic research and clinical applications, obstacles – such as their scarce availability and difficulty in controlling their fate – need to be addressed to fully realize their potential. Recent achievements of cellular reprogramming have enabled the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or other lineage-committed cells from more accessible and abundant somatic cell types by defined genetic factors. However, serious concerns remain about the efficiency and safety of current genetic approaches to cell reprogramming and traditional culture systems that are used for stem cell maintenance. As a complementary approach, small molecules that target specific signaling pathways, epigenetic processes and other cellular processes offer powerful tools for manipulating cell fate to a desired outcome. A growing number of small molecules have been identified to maintain the self-renewal potential of stem cells, to induce lineage differentiation and to facilitate reprogramming by increasing the efficiency of reprogramming or by replacing genetic reprogramming factors. Furthermore, mechanistic investigations of the effects of these chemicals also provide new biological insights. Here, we examine recent achievements in the maintenance of stem cells, including pluripotent and lineage-specific stem cells, and in the control of cell fate conversions, including iPSC reprogramming, conversion of primed to naïve pluripotency, and transdifferentiation, with an emphasis on manipulation with small molecules.
Schaumsklerosierungstherapie
Authors: Reich-Schupke S. , Stücker M. 
Published: February 2013

ZusammenfassungDie Anwendung von Aethoxysklerol® in aufgeschäumter Form ist in Deutschland seit 2009 als Behandlungsoption der Varikose zugelassen. Entsprechend der aktuellen Leitlinien ist sie grundsätzlich für alle Formen der Varikose geeignet. Besonders bewährt hat sie sich in der Behandlung der Seitenastvarikose und Perforantes sowie als nicht-operative Alternative bei der Stammvarikose. Voraussetzung für die Planung und Durchführung der Schaumsklerosierungstherapie ist neben Anamnese und klinischer Untersuchung eine sorgfältige Duplexsonographie am stehenden Patienten zur Erstellung eines Venenmappings. Ist die Indikation und Entscheidung zur Sklerosierungstherapie gefallen, so muss der Patient sorgfältig informiert werden und schriftlich der Behandlung zustimmen.Für die Punktion der Varize sollte der Patient stehen oder sitzen, alternativ kann er bei gut sichtbaren Varizen oder duplexkontrollierter Direktpunktion auch liegen. Die Applikation des Sklerosierungsmittels sollte immer im Liegen erfolgen. Für die Schaumherstellung haben sich das Tessari- und das DSS-System bewährt. Nach der Injektion des Schaums sollten eine exzentrische Kompression, ein lokaler Kompressionsverband und anschließend eine Kompression mittels Kompressionsstrumpf erfolgen.Die Nebenwirkungen der Schaumsklerosie-rung unterscheiden sich nicht wesentlich von denen der Flüssigsklerosierung. Zur Verlaufskontrolle eignet sich die Duplexsonographie.
Finite decomposition complexity and the integral Novikov conjecture for higher algebraic K-theory
Authors: Ramras Daniel A. , Tessera Romain , Yu Guoliang 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Decomposition complexity for metric spaces was recently introduced by Guentner, Tessera, and Yu as a natural generalization of asymptotic dimension. We prove a vanishing result for the continuously controlled algebraic K-theory of bounded geometry metric spaces with finite decomposition complexity. This leads to a proof of the integral K-theoretic Novikov conjecture, regarding split injectivity of the K-theoretic assembly map, for groups with finite decomposition complexity and finite CW models for their classifying spaces. By work of Guentner, Tessera, and Yu, this includes all (geometrically finite) linear groups.
Use of Portland Cement and Polymer Fibers to Stabilize Very High Moisture Content Fine-Grained Soils
Authors: Carruth William D. , Howard Isaac L. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Very high moisture content fine-grained soils are plentiful in wetlands, river basins, and after floods. They can be problematic and require disposal facilities to be constructed in some instances. Any means of handling or re-using these materials is potentially appealing. Using chemical stabilization (e.g., Portland cement) can enhance strength, but the resulting product can be brittle. Adding polymer fibers as a secondary stabilizer can add noticeable ductility while offering at least some strength and stiffness benefits. Two fiber types and Portland cement were mixed into three soils with varying properties at elevated moisture content and tested for shear strength via: (1) unconfined compression (UC), and (2) with hand-held gages. Fiber-reinforced and non-fiber-reinforced specimens were compared in terms of shear strength, elastic modulus, and ductility. Fiber addition, in general, increased shear strength, and the level of increase was affected by soil organic content. Ductility was considerably improved by fiber addition. Correlations were developed by soil type so that conservative elastic modulus values could be calculated from shear strength, and it was observed that fibers increased elastic moduli values.
Behaviour of Two Closely Spaced Strip Footings Placed on a Stiff Clay Bed under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Islam Md. Ariful , Gnanendran C. T. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Foundations are sometimes placed very close to each other because of space limitations or to limit the footing loads or to accommodate certain structural details. When footings are placed at close spacing, they interact with each other and the behaviour of each individual footing is altered compared to that of a single isolated footing. Also, foundations are often subjected to cyclic live loads in addition to self-weight of the structure causing change in soil performance below it. The design of foundations placed close to each other and subjected to cyclic loading is very complex as both of the phenomena (i.e., footing interference and cyclic load) affects the behaviour of foundation soil. The presence of clayey soil deposits in the construction site adds further uncertainty to this problem because there is no consensus among the researchers regarding interfering footing behaviour on clay. To uncover the actual behaviour of two closely spaced surface strip footings on clay deposits under cyclic loading, small-scale experimental studies with footings placed at two different spacings were carried out in the Civil Engineering laboratory at the University of New South Wales (UNSW@ADFA). The study shows that the application of low-frequency cyclic load improves the bearing capacity and stiffness of foundation soil (clay), irrespective of the interfering footing spacing. Also, the permanent deformation of interfering footings placed at closer spacing is found to be smaller compared to that of footings placed at wider spacing.
Experimental Study Investigating the Effects of Setup Conditions on Bender Element Velocity Results
Authors: Marjanovic Jana , Germaine John T. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
An experimental program was conducted in order to establish the dominant factors that affect the interpretation of the small strain shear modulus of soils when using bender elements. Both Ticino sand and resedimented Boston blue clay (RBBC) were used to develop the characteristics of the bender element behavior and to isolate the parameters that most closely need to be monitored during the experimental procedure. After the experimental program was completed, a comparison with published results was performed as a secondary measure of reliability of the measurements. The conclusion of this investigation showed that the signals produced by the bender elements can be substantially improved if the wavelength ratio and aspect ratio are maintained in an acceptable range of greater than two and less than one, respectively. Furthermore, after conducting an extensive series of ray path analyses and varying the confining material of the specimen, it was clear that the geometry of the bender element was the cause of major discrepancies between velocity results, which was caused by the creation of not only side traveling P-waves in addition to the orthogonally propagating S-wave, but also directly traveling P-waves.
Corrosion Damage Analysis and Material Characterization of Sherman and Centaur—The Historic Military Tanks
Authors: Saeed Adil , Khan Zulfiqar A. , Montgomery Eliza L. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
A study of corrosion damage and material characterization of two historic military tanks, the Sherman and Centaur is reported. Experiments were conducted to analyse surface corrosion and corrosion propagation from surface to sub-surface. Significant surface corrosion was found, and this phenomenon was further facilitated by delamination failure mechanisms. Corrosion depth for the Sherman was approximately 110 μm, where sulphide inclusions were detected in the sub-surface analysis. The Centaur's analysis showed corrosion pits at 100 μm depth. These pits possess random geometrical configurations with evidence of sulphur, sodium, and calcium.
The presence of thyroid peroxidase antibody of IgG2 subclass is a risk factor for thyroid dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Shao Cuiping , Huo Na , Zhao Lanlan , Gao Ying , Fan Xiaohong , Zheng Yingying , Wang Lifen , Lu Haiying , Xu Xiaoyuan , Guo Xiaohui 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction (TD) and IgG subclasses of thyroid autoantibodies (TAs) and to determine the predictive factors of TD in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.DesignThree hundred and twelve untreated hepatitis C virus-infected patients without a history of TD or treatment with thyroid hormones were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Clinical and biological factors were statistically analyzed to determine the correlation between TD and this patient population.ResultsThe incidence of TD was 12.5% in CHC patients. Clinical hypothyroidism (5.8%) and subclinical hypothyroidism (3.8%) were more frequent than clinical hyperthyroidism (1.6%) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (1.3%). The percentage of TA-positive patients was significantly higher in people >60 years than in those ≤60 years (31.9 vs 18.6%;P=0.042). Positive thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) was more frequent, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were lower in patients who displayed TD (TPOAb: 62.1 vs 10.8%,P=0.000; ALT: 43.5 vs 51 IU/l,P=0.046). The positive percentage of TPOAb IgG2 subclass in the TD group was significantly higher than that of patients without TD (66.7 vs 16.7%,P=0.005). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that only TPOAb IgG2 subclass positivity was an independent risk factor for TD in CHC patients (odds ratio=8; 95% CI: 1.225–52.246;P=0.030).ConclusionsTPOAb IgG2 subclass positivity is a risk factor for TD in CHC patients before antiviral treatment. IgG2 subclass of TPOAb might play an important role in the presence of TD in CHC patients.
Chronic Conditions Among Children Investigated by Child Welfare: A National Sample
Authors: Stein Ruth E.K. , Hurlburt Michael S. , Heneghan Amy M. , Zhang Jinjin , Rolls-Reutz Jennifer , Silver Ellen J. , Fisher Emily , Landsverk John , Horwitz Sarah McCue 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE:To assess the presence of chronic health conditions (CHCs) among a nationally representative sample of children investigated by child welfare agencies.METHODS:The study included 5872 children, aged 0 to 17.5 years, whose families were investigated for maltreatment between February 2008 and April 2009. Using data from the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, we examined the proportion of children who had CHC. We developed 2 categorical and 2 noncategorical measures of CHC from the available data and analyzed them by using bivariate and multivariable analyses.RESULTS:Depending on the measure used, 30.6% to 49.0% of all children investigated were reported by their caregivers to have a CHC. Furthermore, the children identified by using diverse methods were not entirely overlapping. In the multivariable analyses, children with poorer health were more likely to be male, older, and receiving special educational services but not more likely to be in out-of-home placements.CONCLUSIONS:The finding that a much higher proportion of these children have CHC than in the general population underscores the substantial health problems of children investigated by child welfare agencies and the need to monitor their health carefully, regardless of their placement postinvestigation.
Bio-mimetic integrated surface nano structures for medical imaging scintillation materials
Authors: Pignalosa P. , Liu B. , Guo W. , Duan X. , Yi Y. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTWe have improved bio-inspired Moth eye nanostructures to enhance the scintillator materials external quantum efficiency significantly. As a proof of concept, we have demonstrated very high light output efficiency enhancement for Lu2SiO5:Ce3+ (LSO:Ce) film in large area. The X-ray mammographic instrument was employed to demonstrate the light output enhancement of the Lu2SiO5:Ce thin film with bio-inspired Moth eye-like nano photonic structures. Our work could be extended to other thin film scintillator materials and is promising to achieve lower patient dose, higher resolution image of human organs and even smaller scale medical imaging.
Biosynthesis and Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose Produced by a Wild Strain of Acetobacter spp.
Authors: Yassine Fatima , Ibrahim Michael , Bassil Maria , Chokr Ali , Serghei Anatoli , El Samrani Antoine , El Tahchi Mario , Boiteux Gisele 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTMany advances in nanomaterials synthesis have been recorded during the last 30 years. Bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by bacteria belonging to the genera Acetobacter, Rhizobium, Agrobacterium, and Sarcina is acquiring major importance as one of many eco-friendly materials with great potential in the biomedical field. The shape of BC bulk is sensitive to the container shape and incubation conditions such as agitation, carbon source, rate of oxygenation, electromagnetic radiation, temperature, and pH. The challenge is to control the dimension and the final shape of biosynthesized cellulose, by the optimization of culture conditions. The production of 3D structures based on BC is important for many industrial and biomedical applications such as paper and textile industries, biological implants, burn dressing material, and scaffolds for tissue regeneration. In our work, wild strains of Acetobacter spp. were isolated from homemade vinegar then purified and used for cellulose production. Four media of different initial viscosity were used. Cultures were performed under static conditions at 29°C, in darkness. The dimensions and texture of obtained bacterial cellulose nanofibers were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the biosynthesized material has a cellulose I crystalline phase characterized by three crystal planes. fourrier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) data confirmed the chemical nature of the fibers. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that BC preserves a relatively superior non-degradable fraction compared to microcrystalline cellulose.
Nanofabrication of DLC-dot Arrays by Room-temperature Curing Imprint-liftoff Method
Authors: Kiyohara Shuji , Matta Shohei , Ishikawa Ippei , Tanoue Hideto , Takikawa Hirofumi , Taguchi Yoshio , Sugiyama Yoshinari , Omata Yukiko , Kurashima Yuichi 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTAs an application to the nanoemitter, we investigated the nanofabrication of diamond-like carbon (DLC)-dot arrays by room-temperature curing imprint-liftoff (RTCIL) method using aluminum mask. The DLC film which has excellent properties similar to diamond properties was used as the patterning material. A polished glass like carbon (GC) was used as a mold material. The polysiloxane in the state of sticky liquid at room temperature and stable in air exhibits a negative-exposure characteristics. Therefore, the polysiloxane was used as electron beam (EB) resist and oxide mask material in EB lithography, and also used as RTC-imprint resist material. An aluminum was used as oxide metal mask material of liftoff. We have fabricated the GC mold of dot arrays with 5 µm-square and 500 nm-height. We carried out the RTCIL process using the GC mold under the following optimum imprint conditions: 0.5 MPa-imprinting pressure and 5 min- holding time. Aluminum film on the imprinted polysiloxane was prepared by vacuum evaporation method and its thickness is 20 nm. Finally, the polysiloxane patterns were removed with acetone and aluminum mask patterns were fabricated. We found that the maximum etching selectivity of aluminum film against DLC film was as high as 35, which was obtained under an ion energy of 400 eV. Then we processed the patterned aluminum on DLC film with an ECR oxygen ion shower. We fabricated DLC-dot arrays with 5 µm-square and 400 nm-height with an aspect ratio of 0.08.
Highly Efficient Porous Enzyme-based Carbonaceous Electrodes Obtained Through Integrative Chemistry
Authors: Flexer Victoria , Brun Nicolas , Backov Rénal , Mano Nicolas 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThis work concerns the search for new electrode materials for efficient biofuel cells applications. Using a hard templating method we prepared carbonaceous electrodes modified further with Glucose Oxidase and Os polymer. The glucose electrooxidation current is 13-fold bigger on the porous electrode than on flat glassy carbon for the same enzyme loading. These electrodes are three dimensional and posses hierarchical porosity, to optimize the need for both surface area and efficient fuel delivery Although, the dependence of the catalytic current with the rotation rate suggests that the size and quantity of the macropores is not yet fully optimized, the electrode preparation protocol is simple and low cost, and can be easily adapted to tune the pore sizes. The mechanical strength and the synthetic route allow for the external shape and size of the electrodes to be designed on demand, an important feature to incorporate electrodes into devices.