bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐molecular‐weight symmetrical multiblock copolymers: Synthesis by RAFT polymerization and characterization
Authors: Pafiti Kyriaki S. , Patrickios Costas S. , Abetz Clarissa , Abetz Volker 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTHigh‐molecular‐weight (MW) symmetrical multiblock copolymers, based on the hydrophobic monomers styrene (Sty) and methyl methacrylate (MMA), and the more polar monomer, 2‐vinyl pyridine (2VPy), were prepared using stepwise reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. All copolymers shared a common poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) midblock, introduced as a bifunctional macromolecular chain transfer agent. In total, five ABA triblock copolymers, five ABCBA pentablock terpolymers, and two ABCDCBA heptablock quaterpolymers (comprising four different monomer types) were synthesized. The MWs of the multiblock polymers were determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, with the latter values being closer to the theoretically expected, whereas GPC MW distributions were relatively narrow, broadening with the number of blocks. The compositions of the synthesized polymers, as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy, were also close to the expected values. Finally, films cast from chloroform solutions of the pentablock terpolymers P2VPy‐b‐PSty‐b‐PEG‐b‐PSty‐b‐P2VPy, PSty‐b‐PMMA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PMMA‐b‐PSty, and P2VPy‐b‐PMMA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PMMA‐b‐P2VPy examined using transmission electron microscopy exhibited PSty and PMMA cylinders (first two) and lamellae (third terpolymer). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 4957–4965
Time to Readiness for Discharge is a Valid and Reliable Measure of Short‐Term Recovery After Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Fiore Julio F. , Faragher Ian G. , Bialocerkowski Andrea , Browning Laura , Denehy Linda 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundShort‐term recovery after colorectal surgery has been traditionally investigated through length of stay (LOS). However, this measure is influenced by several confounding factors. This study aimed to investigate the construct validity and reliability of assessing the time to achieve standardized discharge criteria (time to readiness for discharge, or TRD) as a measure of short‐term recovery. In a secondary analysis, we compared sample size requirements for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using TRD or LOS as outcome measures.MethodsSeventy patients participated in the construct validity study and 21 patients participated in the reliability study. TRD was defined as the number of days to achieve discharge criteria previously defined by consensus. Construct validity was investigated by testing six hypothesis based on the assumption that TRD measures short‐term recovery. Reliability was calculated by comparing measures of TRD by two independent assessors. Variability estimates (standard deviations) of LOS and TRD were used for sample size calculations.ResultsFive of the six hypotheses were supported by the data (p < 0.05). Interobserver reliability was excellent (ICC2.1 = 0.99). Sample size estimations showed that RCTs using TRD as an outcome measure require approximately 23 % less participants compared to RCTs using LOS.ConclusionsThe results of this research support the construct‐validity and reliability of TRD as a measure of short‐term recovery. Using TRD as an alternative to LOS may reduce sample size requirements in future RCTs.
Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) Facilitated by Video‐Assistance and Anal Insertion of a Single‐Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS®)‐Port: Preliminary Experience
Authors: Walensi Mikolaj , Käser Samuel A. , Theodorou Panagiotis , Bassotti Gabrio , Cathomas Gieri , Maurer Christoph A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjective
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is an established method for the resection of benign and early malignant rectal lesions. Very recently, TEM via an anally inserted single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS®)‐port has been proposed to overcome remaining obstacles of the classical TEM equipment.MethodsNine patients with a total of 12 benign or early stage malignant rectal polyps were operated using the SILS®‐port for TEM. Patients’ and polyps’ characteristics, perioperative and postoperative complications, as well as operating and hospitalization time were recorded.ResultsAll 12 polyps (ten low‐grade adenoma, one high‐grade adenoma, one pT2 carcinoma [preoperatively staged as T1]) were resected. Local full‐thickness bowel wall resection was performed for three lesions and submucosal resection for nine lesions. Median operating time was 64 (range 30–180) min. No conversion to laparoscopic or open techniques was necessary. The median maximum diameter of the specimen was 25 (range 3–60) mm, fragmentation of polyps was avoidable in 11 of 12 (92 %) lesions, and resection margins were histologically clear in 11 of 12 (92 %) polyps. Only one patient, in whom three lesions were resected, experienced a complication as postoperative hemorrhage. No mortality occurred. Median hospitalization time was four (range 1–14) days.ConclusionsSILS®‐TEM is a feasible and safe method, providing numerous advantages in application, handling, and economy compared with the classical TEM technique. SILS®‐TEM might become a promising alternative to classical TEM. Randomized, controlled trials comparing safety and efficacy of both instrumental settings will be needed in the future.
Physical Properties of Chocolate with Addition of Cocoa Butter Equivalent of Moderate Hardness
Authors: Torbica Aleksandra M. , Pajin Biljana S. , Omorjan Radovan P. , Lončarević Ivana S. , Tomić Jelena M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this study, the fat phase of chocolate samples which contained cocoa butter from Ghana and cocoa butter equivalent (CBE) of moderate hardness was analyzed. Physical properties and shelf life of chocolate depend on the fat phase behavior as well as the amount and composition of added CBE. The laboratory‐made chocolate samples were tempered at three different pre‐crystallization temperatures (25, 27 and 29 °C), with three different concentrations of CBE, amounting to 3, 5 and 7 %, calculated on chocolate. The color and other physical attributes of chocolate samples were investigated by the following analytical methods: thermoreographic measurement, solid fat content (SFC) of chocolate, Blooming test (thermo‐cycle test 32/20 °C) and color measurement. It was found that using CBE of moderate hardness did not change the melting properties of chocolate in relation to the investigated cocoa butter from Ghana (of moderate hardness). It was found that all three applied temperatures of pre‐crystallization are optimum for the chocolate mass with the addition of the investigated CBE under the given measurement conditions. At all these temperatures, the chocolate had excellent fat bloom resistance.
GOLDIE RANK OF PRIMITIVE QUOTIENTS VIA LATTICE POINT ENUMERATION
Authors: MEINEL JOANNA , STROPPEL CATHARINA 
Published: October 2013

AbstractLet k be an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. I. M. Musson and M. Van den Bergh (Mem. Amer. Math. Soc., vol. 136, 1998, p. 650) classify primitive ideals for rings of torus invariant differential operators. This classification applies in particular to subquotients of localized extended Weyl algebras $\mathcal{A}_{r,n-r}=k[x_1,\ldots,x_r,x_{r+1}^{\pm1}, \ldots, x_{n}^{\pm1},\partial_1,\ldots,\partial_n],$ where it can be made explicit in terms of convex geometry. We recall these results and then turn to the corresponding primitive quotients and study their Goldie ranks. We prove that the primitive quotients fall into finitely many families whose Goldie ranks are given by a common quasi-polynomial and then realize these quasi-polynomials as Ehrhart quasi-polynomials arising from convex geometry.
Outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery for recurrent head and neck cancer
Authors: Reynolds L F , Rigby M H , Trites J , Hart R , Taylor S M 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjective:To report our outcomes with salvage CO2 laser surgery following recurrence of laryngeal and oropharyngeal cancer after radiotherapy.Method:This study entailed a prospective review of patients treated with transoral laser microsurgery for recurrent laryngeal and oropharyngeal cancer between 2002 and 2010 at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Science Centre in Canada.Results:Sixteen patients were identified, with a mean follow up of 30.6 months. Five patients died of recurrence. Complications were common in patients with oropharyngeal cancer. The overall survival and disease-free survival rates at an average of 29.8 months follow up were 50 per cent and 68.8 per cent respectively.Conclusion:Salvage surgery using transoral laser microsurgery should be considered in the management of patients with recurrent laryngeal and oropharyngeal cancer. This technique offers acceptable salvage rates with less comorbidity than other treatments.
Review Article: Callimachus
Authors: Lightfoot Jane L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper discusses a new edition of Callimachus' Aitia by Annette Harder and a monograph, Callimachus in Context, by Benjamin Acosta-Hughes and Susan Stephens. A ‘contextual’ focus is common to both works, the edition no less than the monograph, which tackles the poem on what Harder calls the micro-, macro- and meso-levels, in order, not only to establish readings, explicate Realien and clarify detail, but also to explore literary techniques, structure and the degree to which the poem reflects the society and culture in which it was written. Recent interpretations have seen catalogue technique and organization as fundamental to the Aitia's poetics, and the review considers aspects of both the poem's structure and its contemporaneity – as well as the limitations of an excessively Alexandriacentric approach.
Socially Mediated Internet Surveys: Recruiting Participants for Online Experiments
Authors: Cassese Erin C. , Huddy Leonie , Hartman Todd K. , Mason Lilliana , Weber Christopher R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe Socially Mediated Internet Survey (SMIS) method is a cost-effective technique used to obtain web-based, adult samples for experimental research in political science. SMIS engages central figures in online social networks to help recruit participants among visitors to these websites, yielding sizable samples for experimental research. We present data from six samples collected using the SMIS method and compare them to those gathered by other sampling approaches such as Amazon's Mechanical Turk. While not representative of the general adult population, our SMIS samples are significantly more diverse than undergraduate convenience samples, not only demographically but also politically. We discuss the applicability of the method to experimental research and its usefulness for obtaining samples of special, politically relevant subpopulations such as political sophisticates and activists. We argue that the diversity of SMIS samples, along with the ability to capture highly engaged citizens, can circumvent questions about the artificiality of political behavior experiments entirely based on student samples and help to document sources of heterogeneous experimental treatment effects.
Systematically Biased Beliefs about Political Influence: Evidence from the Perceptions of Political Influence on Policy Outcomes Survey
Authors: Caplan Bryan , Crampton Eric , Grove Wayne A. , Somin Ilya 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMany scholars argue that retrospective voting is a powerful information shortcut that offsets widespread voter ignorance. Even deeply ignorant voters, it is claimed, can effectively punish incumbents for bad performance and reward them if things go well. But if voters' understanding of which officials are responsible for which outcomes is systematically biased, retrospective voting becomes an independent source of political failure rather than a cure for it. We design and administer a new survey of the general public and political experts to test for such biases. Our analysis reveals frequent, large, robust biases in voter attributions of responsibility for a variety of political actors and outcomes with a tendency for the public to overestimate influence, although important examples of underestimation also exist.
Elateres Motiva: From the Good Will to the Good Human Being
Authors: Marwah Inder 
Published: October 2013

AbstractKant's ethics has long been bedevilled by a peculiar tension. While his practical philosophy describes the moral obligations incumbent on all free, rational beings, Kant also understands moral anthropology as addressing ‘helps and hindrances’ to our moral advancement. How are we to reconcile Kant'sCriticalaccount of a transcendentally free human will with hisdevelopmentalview of anthropology, history and education as assisting in our collective progress towards moral ends? I argue that Kant in fact distinguishes between theobjectivedetermination of moral principles andsubjectiveprocesses of moral acculturation developing human beings’ receptivity to the moral law. By differentiating subjective and objective dimensions of moral agency, I argue (1) that we better interpret the relationship between Kant's transcendental and anthropological accounts as a division of labour between principles of obligation and principles of volition, and so, as complementary rather than contradictory; and (2) that this counters the view of Kant's ethics as overly formalistic by recognizing his ‘empirical ethics’ as attending to the unsystematizable facets of a properly human moral life.
Long bone histology indicates sympatric species ofDimetrodon(Lower Permian, Sphenacodontidae)
Authors: Shelton Christen D. , Sander P. Martin , Stein Koen , Winkelhorst Herman 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe Briar Creek Bonebed (Artinskian, Nocona Formation) in Archer County is one of the richest sources ofDimetrodonbones in the Lower Permian of Texas, USA. Based on size, a small (D.natalis), an intermediate (D. booneorum), and a large species (D. limbatus) have been described from this locality. It has been proposed that these traditionally recognised species represent an ontogenetic series of only one species. However, the ontogenetic series hypothesis is inconsistent with the late ontogenetic state of the small bones, as suggested by their osteology and degree of ossification. Histological analysis of newly excavated material from the Briar Creek Bonebed has resolved some of the discretion between these two competing hypothesis, confirming the coexistence of a small (D. natalis) with at least one largerDimetrodonspecies. An external fundamental system is present in the largest sampled long bones identified asD. natalis. The histology ofD. natalispostcrania is described as incipient fibro lamellar bone. This tissue is a combination of parallel-fibred and woven-fibred bone that is highly vascularised by incipient primary osteons. The species status ofD. booneorumandD. limbatusremain unresolved.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine attenuates serum starvation-induced apoptosis via suppression of the Fas (APO-1/CD95)/JNK (SAPK) pathway
Authors: Li H , Zhou Y , Zhao A , Qiu Y , Xie G , Jiang Q , Zheng X , Zhong W , Sun X , Zhou Z , Jia W 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAsymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is synthesized by protein arginine methyltransferases during methylation of protein arginine residues and released into blood upon proteolysis. Higher concentrations of ADMA in blood have been observed in patients with metabolic diseases and certain cancers. However, the role of ADMA in colon cancer has not been well investigated. ADMA serum levels in human patients diagnosed with colon cancer were found to be higher than those present in healthy subjects. ADMA treatment of LoVo cells, a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, attenuated serum starvation-induced apoptosis and suppressed the activation of the Fas (APO-1/CD95)/JNK (SAPK) (c-Jun N terminal protein kinase/stress-activated protein kinase)pathway. ADMA also suppressed the activation of JNK triggered by death receptor ligand anti-Fas mAb and exogenous C2-ceramide. Moreover, we demonstrated that ADMA pretreatment protected LoVo cells from doxorubicin hydrochloride-induced cell death and activation of the Fas/JNK pathway. In summary, our results suggest that the elevated ADMA in colon cancer patients may contribute to the blocking of apoptosis of cancer cells in response to stress and chemotherapy.
Empirical validation of viral quasispecies assembly algorithms: state-of-the-art and challenges
Authors: Prosperi Mattia C. F. , Yin Li , Nolan David J. , Lowe Amanda D. , Goodenow Maureen M. , Salemi Marco 
Published: October 2013

AbstractNext generation sequencing (NGS) is superseding Sanger technology for analysing intra-host viral populations, in terms of genome length and resolution. We introduce two new empirical validation data sets and test the available viral population assembly software. Two intra-host viral population ‘quasispecies’ samples (type-1 human immunodeficiency and hepatitis C virus) were Sanger-sequenced and plasmid clone mixtures at controlled proportions were shotgun-sequenced using Roche's 454 sequencing platform. The performance of different assemblers was compared in terms of phylogenetic clustering and recombination with the Sanger clones. Phylogenetic clustering showed that all assemblers captured a proportion of the most divergent lineages, but none were able to provide a high precision/recall tradeoff. Estimated variant frequencies mildly correlated with the original. Given the limitations of currently available algorithms identified by our empirical validation, the development and exploitation of additional data sets is needed, in order to establish an efficient framework for viral population reconstruction using NGS.
Distribution and clinical correlates of viral and host genotypes in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Rao Huiying , Wei Lai , Lopez‐Talavera Juan Carlos , Shang Jia , Chen Hong , Li Jun , Xie Qing , Gao Zhiliang , Wang Lei , Wei Jia , Jiang Jianning , Sun Yongtao , Yang Ruifeng , Li Hong , Zhang Haiying , Gong Zuojiong , Zhang Lunli , Zhao Longfeng , Dou Xiaoguang , Niu Junqi , You Hong , Chen Zhi , Ning Qin , Gong Guozhong , Wu Shuhuan , Ji Wei , Mao Qing , Tang Hong , Li Shuchen , Wei Shaofeng , Sun Jian , Jiang Jiaji , Lu Lungen , Jia Jidong , Zhuang Hui 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground and AimChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is relatively frequent in China. This study investigated the clinical, demographic, and viral and host genetic characteristics that may influence disease manifestations and clinical management.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional observational study, treatment‐naïve Han ethnic adults with recently confirmed chronic HCV infection were enrolled at 28 hospitals across China. HCV genotype and host interleukin 28B (IL28B) genotypes were determined and compared with patient demographic parameters and medical status.ResultsAmong the 997 HCV‐positive patients analyzed, 56.8% were infected with HCV genotype 1b, followed in prevalence by genotypes 2, 3, and 6, with substantial regional variation. Overall, 84.1% of patients were IL28B genotype CC (rs12979860), with little regional variation. Cirrhosis was reported in 10.1% of patients and was significantly associated with hepatitis B virus coinfection, low HCV viral load, low serum alanine aminotransferase, high serum aspartate aminotransferase, diabetes, and high pickled food consumption. Medical procedures were common transmission risk factors; however, lifestyle‐associated risk factors, including intravenous drug abuse and tattoos or piercings, were more common in patients with HCV genotype 3 or 6.ConclusionsMost HCV‐infected Han Chinese patients were IL28B genotype CC (rs12979860). HCV genotypes varied by geographic region, and disease characteristics differed according to HCV genotype. Relatively frequent detection of advanced liver disease may reflect limitations on access to antiviral therapy, and suggests that greater awareness of factors that influence HCV‐associated disease may help avoid clinical complications and improve patient outcomes.
Derived categories and rationality of conic bundles
Authors: Bernardara Marcello , Bolognesi Michele 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe show that a standard conic bundle over a minimal rational surface is rational and its Jacobian splits as the direct sum of Jacobians of curves if and only if its derived category admits a semiorthogonal decomposition by exceptional objects and the derived categories of those curves. Moreover, such a decomposition gives the splitting of the intermediate Jacobian also when the surface is not minimal.
Corrigendum: On the use of a discrete form of the Itô formula in the article ‘Almost sure asymptotic stability analysis of the -Maruyama method applied to a test system with stabilising and destabilising stochastic perturbations’
Authors: Berkolaiko Gregory , Buckwar Evelyn , Kelly Cónall , Rodkina Alexandra 
Published: October 2013

In the original article [LMS J. Comput. Math. 15 (2012) 71–83], the authors use a discrete form of the Itô formula, developed by Appleby, Berkolaiko and Rodkina [Stochastics 81 (2009) no. 2, 99–127], to show that the almost sure asymptotic stability of a particular two-dimensional test system is preserved when the discretisation step size is small. In this Corrigendum, we identify an implicit assumption in the original proof of the discrete Itô formula that, left unaddressed, would preclude its application to the test system of interest. We resolve this problem by reproving the relevant part of the discrete Itô formula in such a way that confirms its applicability to our test equation. Thus, we reaffirm the main results and conclusions of the original article.
Effects of Substitutions at the 4′ and 2 Positions on the Bioactivity of 4′-Ethynyl-2-Fluoro-2′-Deoxyadenosine
Authors: Kirby Karen A. , Michailidis Eleftherios , Fetterly Tracy L. , Steinbach Musetta A. , Singh Kamalendra , Marchand Bruno , Leslie Maxwell D. , Hagedorn Ariel N. , Kodama Eiichi N. , Marquez Victor E. , Hughes Stephen H. , Mitsuya Hiroaki , Parniak Michael A. , Sarafianos Stefan G. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) form the backbone of most anti-HIV therapies. We have shown that 4′-ethynyl-2-fluoro-2′-deoxyadenosine (EFdA) is a highly effective NRTI; however, the reasons for the potent antiviral activity of EFdA are not well understood. Here, we use a combination of structural, computational, and biochemical approaches to examine how substitutions in the sugar or adenine rings affect the incorporation of dA-based NRTIs like EFdA into DNA by HIV RT and their susceptibility to deamination by adenosine deaminase (ADA). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy studies of 4′-substituted NRTIs show that ethynyl or cyano groups stabilize the sugar ring in the C-2′-exo/C-3′-endo (north) conformation. Steady-state kinetic analysis of the incorporation of 4′-substituted NRTIs by RT reveals a correlation between the north conformation of the NRTI sugar ring and efficiency of incorporation into the nascent DNA strand. Structural analysis and the kinetics of deamination by ADA demonstrate that 4′-ethynyl and cyano substitutions decrease the susceptibility of adenosine-based compounds to ADA through steric interactions at the active site. However, the major determinant for decreased susceptibility to ADA is the 2-halo substitution, which alters the pK
a
of N1 on the adenine base. These results provide insight into how NRTI structural attributes affect their antiviral activities through their interactions with the RT and ADA active sites.