bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on the Swelling Behavior of Polymer Networks in a Nematic Solvent
Authors: Bouchikhi N , Alachaher‐Bedjaoui L , Bouchaour T. , Tabieguia G.‐J. Fossi , Maschke U. 
Published: February 2014

SummarySwelling properties and phase diagrams of binary systems composed of polyacrylate networks and a low molecular mass liquid crystal (LMWLC) have been investigated. The networks were prepared by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of reactive mixtures including a monomer, a crosslinking agent and a photo‐initiator. Poly(n‐butylacrylate) networks were prepared using two crosslinking agents: 1,6‐hexanedioldiacrylate (HDDA) and a mesogenic acrylic acid 6‐(4'‐(6‐acryloyloxy‐hexyloxy)biphenyl‐4‐yl oxy) hexyl ester (AHBH). The obtained dry polyacrylates were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, and immersed in an excess of a LMWLC solvent 4‐cyano‐4'‐pentylbiphenyl (5CB), forming polymer gels. A detailed study by polarized optical microscopy allowed to determine the swelling degree of the gels and to follow the phase behavior of the solvent inside the polymer matrix in a wide range of temperature. Swelling data were used to establish the phase diagrams in terms of composition and temperature. It was found that the poly(n‐butylacrylate) network obtained with the nematic crosslinking agent show fluctuations in the region of the nematic‐isotropic transition temperature of 5CB, probably due to the presence of nematic‐nematic coupling effects between the nematic solvent and the nematic moieties of AHBH.
Erythrosine/Triethanolamine System to Elaborate Crosslinked Poly(2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate): UV‐Photopolymerization and Swelling Studies
Authors: Hamri Salah , Bouchaour Tewfik , Maschke Ulrich 
Published: February 2014

SummaryA system composed of Erythrosine and Triethanolamine was applied as photo‐initiator for the UV‐photopolymerization of 2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate together with a crosslinking agent 1,6‐Hexanediol diacrylate, in aqueous medium. The analysis of UV‐visible and infrared spectra, which were taken at different times during polymerization/crosslinking, makes it possible to obtain useful information on the reaction mechanism. The swelling behavior of these elaborated crosslinked polymer networks in different solvents is examined. It was found that the disappearance of the Erythrosine molecule depends on the nature of the solvent. The theoretical results calculated with the Fick diffusion model show a good correlation with the swelling experiments.
Synthesis and aggregation behavior of amphiphilic nanostructures composed of carbosilane dendrimer with peripheral poly(ethylene glycol) moieties
Authors: Li Chunfang , Zhang Zhupeng , Wu Jinrong , Li Dongxiang , Hou Wanguo 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDendritic amphiphiles as novel building blocks are very important for self‐assembling in the supramolecular chemistry area. In this work, a carbosilane dendrimer with hexamethylene as the branching unit (G1) was first synthesized as a hydrophobic core and then linked with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) units as the periphery by a hydrosilylation reaction to prepare an amphiphilic dendrimer (G1‐PEG) with a yield of 27%. The aggregation behavior of G1‐PEG in water was studied with surface tension, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy methods. The surface tension data showed that the critical aggregation concentration of such dendrimers in water is approximately 0.75 g L−1. The results of dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy indicated that the aggregate size of G1‐PEG dendrimers in water is related to the concentration. Small micelles of about 10 nm were found at high concentration, large vesicles of about 100 nm were observed at low concentration, and a mixture of micelles and vesicles was found at middle concentrations. The encapsulation of G1‐PEG to a fluorescence probe verified the existence of a hydrophobic microenvironment in the aggregates at high concentrations of the amphiphilic dendrimer. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Diagnosis and management of myasthenia gravis
Authors: Sathasivam Sivakumar 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMyasthenia gravis is the most common primary disorder of neuromuscular transmission and one of the most treatable neurological disorders. In this review, Dr Sathasivam examines the epidemiology, presentation, aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons
Post‐stroke mania: a rare but treatable presentation
Authors: Routh Rajdeep , Hill Andrew 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMania occurring for the first time in later life is uncommon; however, it can rarely occur as a consequence of stroke. Here, the authors present the case of an elderly man who developed secondary mania shortly following a haemorrhagic stroke, and who responded well to treatment with olanzapine. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons
A complex case of bipolar disorder responding to combined drug therapy
Authors: Kamlana Sikandar 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe aetiology of bipolar affective disorder is complex and can involve genetic, environmental, biochemical and organic factors. Here, Dr Kamlana describes a puzzling case of bipolar disorder in a patient with brain scan abnormalities, who responded well to combined treatment with mood stabilisers, an atypical antipsychotic and an SSRI together with a programme of rehabilitation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons
Sensible: IP‐layer dynamic bandwidth management for DVB‐RCS network subdomains
Authors: Gentile Aniello , Luglio Michele , Manzo Maurizio , Zampognaro Francesco 
Published: February 2014

SUMMARYBroadband communication via satellite systems finds applications in several contexts where other technologies are not available or economically not convenient. Examples are remote areas, disaster struck areas, or vessels/ships.The scarce availability and the high cost of the bandwidth impose to improve flexibility in bandwidth management and dynamic allocation, especially on the shared return link. Typically, this capability is available only to the satellite operator (SO).An innovative dynamic bandwidth management of satellite capacity for the return link has been developed and prototyped as an Internet protocol‐based solution. This solution allows small operators renting bandwidth from the satellite operator and providing services to final customers, managing the permanently assigned resources in a flexible and efficient way.The scope of the paper is to illustrate this technique to achieve the dynamic bandwidth management for a subgroup of satellite terminals (subdomain) by using a centralized controller and distributed software with IP shaping capabilities, without interacting with the satellite operator.This approach has been applied in particular to a satellite maritime ship owner, which is thus able to dynamically distribute capacity among satellite terminals installed onboard of its ship fleet as required, as a network operator. The presented results are the outputs of simulations performed with the NS2 simulator and tests by using real hardware. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strength and stiffness of shear‐loaded fastenings for metal members and sheeting using fastening screws and rivets
Authors: Misiek Thomas , Käpplein Saskia 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe paper deals with the strength and stiffness of fastenings with fastening screws or rivets in thin‐walled sheeting and sections. After a brief review of the design equations given in some codes, an additional proposal is given. A further review covers the stiffness equations from both codes and research papers, and concludes with a recommendation for applications.
Tarsal Coalitions: Radiographic, CT, and MR Imaging Findings
Authors: Lawrence David A. , Rolen Michael F. , Haims Andrew H. , Zayour Zakaria , Moukaddam Hicham A. 
Published: February 2014

Background Tarsal coalitions affect up to 13% of the population and can be a cause of chronic ankle and hindfoot pain. They can be subdivided as osseous, cartilaginous, or fibrous types, each with unique radiographic, CT, and MR imaging findings. In particular, MR imaging offers the unique ability to determine the exact type of tarsal coalition that is present as well as whether any associated soft tissue abnormalities are present. Questions/Purposes The purposes of this paper were to (1) review the anatomy of the hindfoot; (2) review the radiographic, CT, and MR imaging findings of tarsal coalitions; and (3) review the imaging appearance of the specific types of tarsal coalitions. Methods Online searches were performed using Google Scholar with the search criteria of “tarsal coalition,” “hindfoot anatomy,” and “subtalar coalition,” and limiting the searches to papers published in the last 10 years in major radiology journals. Results The anatomy of the hindfoot is complex but essential to understand. There are various radiographic, CT, and MR imaging findings that can be consistently noted in cases of tarsal coalition. The specific types of tarsal coalition demonstrate characteristic imaging findings. Conclusions Knowledge of the normal anatomy of the foot, in particular the hindfoot, combined with the knowledge of the imaging characteristics of different histologic subtypes of coalitions (osseous, cartilaginous, and fibrous) is essential for interpreting radiographic, CT, and MR images of the ankle and foot.
Reductions in C‐reactive protein in older adults with type 2 diabetes are related to improvements in body composition following a randomized controlled trial of resistance training
Authors: Mavros Yorgi , Kay Shelley , Simpson Kylie A. , Baker Michael K. , Wang Yi , Zhao Ren R. , Meiklejohn Jacinda , Climstein Mike , O'Sullivan Anthony J. , de Vos Nathan , Baune Bernhard T. , Blair Steven N. , Simar David , Rooney Kieron , Singh Nalin A. , Fiatarone Singh Maria A. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundReductions in skeletal muscle mass and increased adiposity are key elements in the aging process and in the pathophysiology of several chronic diseases. Systemic low grade inflammation associated with obesity has been shown to accelerate the age‐related decline in skeletal muscle. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of 12 months of progressive resistance training (PRT) on systemic inflammation, and whether reductions in systemic inflammation were associated with changes in body composition. We hypothesized that reductions in systemic inflammation following 12 months of PRT in older adults with type 2 diabetes would be associated with reductions in adiposity and increases in skeletal muscle mass.MethodsParticipants (n = 103) were randomized to receive either PRT or sham‐exercise, 3 days a week for 12 months. C‐reactive protein (CRP) was used to assess systemic inflammation. Skeletal muscle mass and total fat mass were determined using bioelectrical impedance.ResultsTwelve months of PRT tended to reduce CRP compared to sham exercise (β = −0.25, p = 0.087). Using linear mixed‐effects models, the hypothesized relationships between body composition adaptations and CRP changes were significantly stronger for skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.04) and tended to be stronger for total fat mass (p = 0.07) following PRT when compared to sham‐exercise. Using univariate regression models, stratified by group allocation, reductions in CRP were associated with increases in skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.01) and reductions in total fat mass (p = 0.02) in the PRT group, but not in the sham‐exercise group (p = 0.87 and p = 0.32, respectively).ConclusionsWe have shown for the first time that reductions in systemic inflammation in older adults with type 2 diabetes following PRT were associated with increases in skeletal muscle mass. Furthermore, reductions in CRP were associated with reductions in adiposity, but only when associated with PRT. Lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing systemic inflammation in older adults with type 2 diabetes should therefore incorporate anabolic exercise such as PRT to optimize the anti‐inflammatory benefits of favorable body composition adaptations.
“It takes me a little longer to get angry now”: Homeless children traumatised by family violence reflect on an animal therapy group
Authors: Mudaly Neerosh , Graham Amanda , Lewis Nerys 
Published: February 2014

Children who experience ongoing abuse, violence and homelessness often develop social, emotional, health and behavioural problems which are frequently manifested in trauma-based behaviours including self harming and suicidal behaviours, aggressive and criminal behaviours, and drug and alcohol problems. These children often do not engage with traditional therapeutic services. Their persistent fear associated with fleeing the violence and their subsequent transient living situations prevents them from engaging with professionals.An innovative therapeutic program using animals in an activity based group setting was implemented by a family violence housing and support agency to engage these children. As part of its commitment to improving responses to children this agency funded a preliminary, independent evaluation of the program.The objective of this evaluation was to obtain feedback from the children who had attended the group on their experiences of the animal therapy group. This paper reports on the children’s views of the benefits of the group.“. . . .and when we’re holding the animals, makes you feel more calmer and stuff” (13-year-old girl)
Charting the decline in spontaneous writing in Alzheimer's disease: a longitudinal study
Authors: Forbes-McKay Katrina , Shanks Mike , Venneri Annalena 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveThis study aims to document the nature and progression of the spontaneous writing impairment observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) over a 12-month period using both a cross-sectional and prospective longitudinal design.MethodsThirty-one minimal–moderate AD patients and 30 controls matched for age and socio-cultural background completed a simple and complex written description task at baseline. The AD patients then had follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months.ResultsCross-sectional comparisons indicated that minimal–moderate AD patients produced more semantic paraphasias, phonological paraphasias, and empty and indefinite phrases, whilst producing fewer pictorial themes, repairing fewer errors, and producing shorter and less complex sentences than controls. The two groups could not be distinguished on visual paraphasias. Longitudinal follow-up, however, suggested that visual processing deteriorates over time, where the prevalence of visual errors increased over 12 months.DiscussionThe findings suggest that the deterioration of writing skills observed in the spontaneous writings of AD patients shows a pattern of impairment dominated by semantic errors with a secondary impairment in phonological processing, which is later joined by a disruption of visuospatial and graphomotor processing.
Gamma-Ray Burst Jets and their Radio Observations
Authors: Granot Jonathan , van der Horst Alexander J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRadio observations play a key role in studying the jets that power GRBs, the most luminous cosmic explosions. They are crucial for determining the GRB jet energy, the external density, and the microphysical parameters of relativistic collisionless shocks, from afterglow broadband modeling. Radio image size measurements are rare, but provide extremely useful information. The “radio flare” peaking after ~1 day helps constrain the magnetisation and magnetic-field structure of GRB outflows. This review discusses the current observational and modeling status, focusing on the afterglow and outlining prompt radio emission searches, along with recent theoretical progress in GRB jet dynamics, focusing on magnetic acceleration, jet propagation inside a massive star progenitor (for long GRBs), the reverse shock, and the late afterglow. Great progress has been made in our understanding of magnetic acceleration, collimation and later sideways expansion of GRB jets, with interesting implications for the prompt, reverse shock, and afterglow emission. We outline how theory and observations were combined to study GRB jet physics and their immediate environment. Finally, potential paths are suggested for combining theory and observations to achieve greater progress, and some prospects for the future are discussed in light of the expected improvements in observational capabilities and theoretical advances.
A review of vitamin A equivalency of β-carotene in various food matrices for human consumption
Authors: Van Loo-Bouwman Carolien A. , Naber Ton H. J. , Schaafsma Gertjan 
Published: February 2014

Vitamin A equivalency of β-carotene (VEB) is defined as the amount of ingested β-carotene in μg that is absorbed and converted into 1 μg retinol (vitamin A) in the human body. The objective of the present review was to discuss the different estimates for VEB in various types of dietary food matrices. Different methods are discussed such as mass balance, dose–response and isotopic labelling. The VEB is currently estimated by the US Institute of Medicine (IOM) as 12:1 in a mixed diet and 2:1 in oil. For humans consuming β-carotene dissolved in oil, a VEB between 2:1 and 4:1 is feasible. A VEB of approximately 4:1 is applicable for biofortified cassava, yellow maize and Golden Rice, which are specially bred for human consumption in developing countries. We propose a range of 9:1–16:1 for VEB in a mixed diet that encompasses the IOM VEB of 12:1 and is realistic for a Western diet under Western conditions. For a ‘prudent’ (i.e. non-Western) diet including a variety of commonly consumed vegetables, a VEB could range from 9:1 to 28:1 in a mixed diet.
Amicus CuriaeParticipation Before Regional Human Rights Bodies in Africa
Authors: Viljoen Frans , Abebe Adem Kassie 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA solid stream of cases have been submitted to the quasi-judicial and judicial treaty monitoring bodies making up the African regional human rights system, namely the African Commission, the African Children's Rights Committee and the African Human Rights Court, and also to sub-regional courts in Africa. Allowingamicus curiaebriefs to supplement the parties' pleadings can enhance the soundness of the factual and legal findings of these bodies, especially given their institutional and practical constraints. Thus far, the use ofamicus curiaeinterventions before the African regional human rights bodies has been negligible. In order to ensure greater participation byamici, this article suggests that the possibility ofamicusintervention should be unequivocally provided for under each of the applicable legal regimes, that the grounds for accepting or rejecting interventions should be clearly articulated, and that access to information about pending cases should be provided routinely.
The foliicolous lichen biota of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the description of six new species
Authors: VAN DEN BROECK Dries , LÜCKING Robert , ERTZ Damien 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSix new species of foliicolous lichenized fungi are described as new to science from lowland rainforest in the Congo Basin:Bapalmuia serusiauxianaVan den Broeck, Lücking & Ertz (Pilocarpaceae) characterized by (7–)15(–19)-septate ascospores of (40–)50–65(–72)×1·5–2·5 μm,Microtheliopsis ramazanianaVan den Broeck, Lücking & Ertz (Microtheliopsidaceae) characterized by 1-septate ascospores of 13–16×3–5 μm,PhylloblastiaverheyenianaVan den Broeck, Lücking & Ertz (Verrucariaceae) characterized by 3-septate ascospores of 13–15(–17)×3·0–4·5 μm,Porina duduanaVan den Broeck, Lücking & Ertz (Porinaceae) characterized by 3-septate ascospores of 11·0–14·5×2·5–3·0 μm, perithecia 130–150(–170) μm diam. and a photobiont with angular-rounded and irregularly arranged cells,Porina gryseelsianaVan den Broeck, Lücking & Ertz (Porinaceae) characterized by orange-brown perithecia and 7–9(–12)-septate ascospores of 29–46×5·0–7·5 μm,Porina weghianaVan den Broeck, Lücking & Ertz (Porinaceae) characterized by the presence of disc-shaped isidia, yellow perithecia without apical appendages and (7–)9-septate ascospores of 33–50×5·0–6·5 μm. In addition, 53 species new for the Democratic Republic of the Congo are listed, including five species new for tropical Africa and six new for the Palaeotropics, thus raising the number of species known from the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 150 to 209. Keys are presented to all known species ofMicrotheliopsisand to species ofPorinawith disc-shaped isidia.
Pine forest lichens under eutrophication generated by a great cormorant colony
Authors: MOTIEJŪNAITĖ Jurga , IRŠĖNAITĖ Reda , ADAMONYTĖ Gražina , DAGYS Mindaugas , TARAŠKEVIČIUS Ričardas , MATULEVIČIŪTĖ Dalytė , KOREIVIENĖ Judita 
Published: February 2014

AbstractLichen community changes were investigated on trees within a colony of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) established in a pine forest on the Curonian Spit, western Lithuania. The impact of birds on the forest has altered the number and characteristics of substrata available to lichens. The lowest number of lichen species and occurrences was registered on trees in the most active part of the colony with the highest nest density. Lichen community patterns were most strongly related to P and Ca content in substrata and pH values. Some acidophytic species showed negative correlations, both with long-term and short-term ornithogenic influence. However, three acidophytes (Chaenotheca ferruginea, Lepraria incana, Coenogonium pineti) demonstrated an affinity for the transitional zone and recently occupied trees, and furthermore,C. pinetiapparently reacted positively to a short-term ornithogenic influence but negatively to a long-term one. These three lichens, along with algae, were the main, and often the only, components of epiphytic communities on trees at the edge of the colony and apparently indicated the crucial point of the acidophytic community under the increasing load of nutrients. All nitrophytic species showed an affinity for a long-term bird influence and reacted negatively to a short-term influence. Only free-living algae (predominating speciesDesmococcus olivaceus) showed a clear affinity for trees occupied by bird nests.Hypogymnia physodeswas found to be an indicator for early environmental changes following eutrophication. The study also showed that high concentrations of P did not have a mitigating effect on the detrimental impact brought about by increases in N and pH levels, but was possibly equally detrimental to acidophytic lichens.
Catenarina (Teloschistaceae, Ascomycota), a new Southern Hemisphere genus with 7-chlorocatenarin
Authors: SØCHTING Ulrik , SØGAARD Majbrit Zeuthen , ELIX John A. , ARUP Ulf , ELVEBAKK Arve , SANCHO Leopoldo G. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA new genus, Catenarina (Teloschistaceae, Ascomycota), with three species is described from the Southern Hemisphere, supported by molecular data. All species contain the secondary metabolite 7-chlorocatenarin, previously unknown in lichens. Catenarinadesolata is a non-littoral, lichenicolous species found on volcanic and soft sedimentary rock at 190–300 m in and near steppes in southernmost Chile and on the subantarctic island, Kerguelen. Catenarina vivasiana grows on maritime rocks and on rock outcrops in lowland Nothofagus forests, but has also been found at altitudes up to c. 580 m on moss and detritus on outcrops in Tierra del Fuego. The Antarctic species Caloplaca iomma is transferred to Catenarina based on chemical data; it grows on rocks near the coast in maritime Antarctica.
Pertusaria yunnana, a new species from south-west China
Authors: ZHAO Zun Tian , ZHAO Xin , GAO Wei , ZHOU Guo Li , ZHANG Lu Lu 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPertusaria yunnana G. L. Zhou & Lu L. Zhang from south-western China is described as new to science. This corticolous species is characterized by the white pruinose disciform apothecia, asci with 8 ascospores, and the presence of atranorin in addition to fumarprotocetraric acid. Related lichen taxa are discussed and a key to 21 corticolous species of Pertusaria with disciform apothecia and 8-spored asci is also provided.