bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macrocyclic and Polymeric Oxaziridine‐Derivatives
Authors: Dickmeis Marcus , Cinar Hakan , Ritter Helmut 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMacrocyclic and polymeric imines 5,5′ and 6,6′ are obtained in excellent yields by template‐free polycondensation of 1,6‐bis(4‐formylbenzoyloxy)hexane (1) with commercially available 4,4′‐methylene‐bis(cyclohexylamine) (2) and with bis(2‐amino‐2‐methylprop‐1‐yl)adipate dihydrochloride (4), respectively. The degree of macrocyclization during imine synthesis strongly depends on the diamine. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption–ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry analysis and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements show that (2) leads to more macrocyclic adducts than (4). The subsequent meta‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid oxidation of polyimines 5,5′ and 6,6′ ($ \bar M_{\rm n} $ = 1650–11 200 g mol−1, $ \bar M_{\rm w} $ = 3800–27 350 g mol−1) yields the corresponding polyoxaziridines 7,7′ and 8,8′ consisting of macrocyclic and linear polymeric structures ($ \bar M_{\rm n} $ = 1750–8050 g mol−1, $ \bar M_{\rm w} $ = 3250–15 800 g mol−1). The synthesized polyoxaziridines are relatively stable and storable at room temperature.
Effect of Hydrogen Bonds on Structures and Glass Transition Temperatures of Maleimide–Isobutene Alternating Copolymers: Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Zhou Qian‐Hao , Li Ming , Yang Po , Gu Yi 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to use molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to study the influence of hydrogen bonding on the structure and glass transition temperature (Tg) of maleimide–isobutene alternating copolymers (poly(RMI‐alt‐IB)), a promising material used in the optoelectronics industry. The Tg obtained by MD simulation shows that the incorporation of hydrogen bonding increased the Tg for 48 K. The static and dynamic properties of poly(RMI‐alt‐IB)s are examined in this study. All the results prove that intermolecular CO…HO is the main hydrogen bond in the copolymers, while negligible intramolecular hydrogen bonding is observed. The segmental mobility and chain mobility are decreased because of the existance of the hydrogen bonds. magnified image
Clinical and socioeconomic predictors of pregnancy termination for fetuses with congenital heart defects: a population‐based evaluation
Authors: Tararbit Karim , Bui Thi Thanh Thao , Lelong Nathalie , Thieulin Anne‐Claire , Goffinet François , Khoshnood Babak 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study aims to (1) evaluate the probability and timing of termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (TOPFA) for all congenital heart defects (CHD) and categories of CHD and (2) assess clinical and socioeconomic predictors of TOPFA for isolated CHD excluding ventricular septal defects (VSD).MethodsUsing population‐based data from the Paris Registry of Congenital Malformations, we assessed the probability of TOPFA and gestational age at TOPFA. We used logistic regression to estimate the adjusted effects of maternal characteristics, clinical factors (CHD type, fetal growth restriction, nuchal translucency measurement and gestational age at prenatal diagnosis) on the odds of TOPFA.ResultsThe proportion of TOPFA for prenatally diagnosed CHD was 46% for all CHD combined, 82% for CHD associated with chromosomal anomalies and 27% for isolated CHD‐VSD excluded. Isolated CHD‐VSD excluded diagnosed before 22 weeks of gestational age had a 3.2‐fold higher odds of TOPFA (adjusted OR 3.2, 95%CI 1.4–7.1). Maternal occupation was not associated with the odds of TOPFA. Women of African origin had a tenfold lower odds of TOPFA than women of French origin (adjusted OR 0.1, 95%CI 0.02–0.4).ConclusionIn addition to severity of CHD, early prenatal diagnosis and maternal characteristics were highly associated with the probability of TOPFA for CHD. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solution processed high band‐gap CuInGaS2 thin film for solar cell applications
Authors: Park Se Jin , Cho Jin Woo , Lee Joong Kee , Shin Keeshik , Kim Ji‐Hyun , Min Byoung Koun 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA high band‐gap (~1.55 eV) chalcopyrite compound film (CuInGaS2) was synthesized by a precursor solution‐based coating method with an oxidation and a sulfurization heat treatment process. The film revealed two distinct morphologies: a densely packed bulk layer and a rough surface layer. We found that the rough surface is attributed to the formation of Ga deficient CuInGaS2 crystallites. Because of the high band‐gap optical property of the CuInGaS2 absorber film, a solar cell device with this film showed a relatively high open circuit voltage (~787 mV) with a power conversion efficiency of 8.28% under standard irradiation conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inter‐Regional Differentials in Nutritional Intake in India: Evidence from Cluster Analysis
Authors: Sethi Amarjit Singh , Pandhi Ritu 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMaking use of NSSO data for the 50th, 55th, and 61st Rounds, an attempt has been made in the present empirical study to assess inter‐state differentials among 23 states and 6 Union Territories (UTs) of India with respect to per capita per diem intake of calories, protein, and fat, separately for rural and urban regions. The study (through the applications of univariate ANOVA, MANOVA, and clustering techniques) has revealed the presence of high‐profile gaps among states and UTs with respect to nutritional intake. Although constitution of clusters of the states/UTs for rural and urban regions was not exactly identical, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal happened to be the states/UTs which commonly appeared (among both the regions) in the laggard cluster (associated with the lowest nutritional intake). As an implication for framing policies regarding nutritional aspects, the government needs to remain vigilant about the presence of high‐profile inter‐state and inter‐regional differentials in nutritional intake and give increased emphasis to the states/UTs falling in the laggard clusters. The state must not shirk away from the responsibility of providing welfare means to the truly deserving section of the society so as to build a healthy nation.
Trends in Public Financing of Human Development: Human Development's Effect upon Regional Inequalities: A Study from 1993 to 2007
Authors: Bal Nilotpal 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe advent of globalization in India has led to an increase in regional disparities across India in the past 20 years. During this span of time, these regional inequalities have assumed themselves into a major problem for the development strategy of the country. The Convergence Hypothesis (Barro & Sala‐i‐Martin, 1991), based on neoclassical paradigms, emphasizes that when the growth rate of an economy accelerates, initially some regions with better stock of resources would grow faster than other regions, but after a period of time, on account of law of diminishing returns to capital, there will be a convergence of growth rates across different regions. But in the case of India, the results have been starkly different. Policymakers and academicians have suggested that one of the most effective ways of reducing these inequalities has been increasing the growth of social infrastructure across all states in the country. The paper tries to establish the relationship between the financing of human development by different state governments and its impact upon regional inequalities. The results suggest that the increase in public expenditure on education and health endowments in the country definitely have a significant impact upon the regional inequalities, but with a larger lag of at least 10 years.
Institutional and Political Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment: Evidence From BRICS Economies
Authors: Jadhav Pravin , Katti Vijaya 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis paper explores the role of institutional and political factors in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) and the comparative importance of these factors in attracting FDI. This study uses panel data for a period of 10 years (2000–2010) in order to examine the significant determinants of FDI in BRICS from a holistic approach. Analysis has been done using the panel unit‐root test and multiple regressions. This study takes into account Macroeconomic Stability (Inflation Rate), Political Stability/No Violence, Government Effectiveness, Regulatory Quality, Control of Corruption, Voice and Accountability, and Rule of Law as potential institutional and political determinants of FDI. These factors are based on their relative importance from previous empirical literature. The overall results show that two factors, namely Government Effectiveness and Regulatory Quality, are positively related to FDI inflow in BRICS. Three variables in the model, namely Political Stability, Voice and Accountability, and Control of Corruption, have a negative impact on FDI inflow in BRICS economies, which implies that these three factors are not important for attracting more FDI inflow.
Impact of the Elderly Club on the Social Well‐Being of the Rural Elderly in the Northeastern Region of Thailand
Authors: Torut Buraskorn , Pongquan Soparth 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThailand's aging population is increasing and tends to be concentrated in rural areas. Currently, the Thai Government is concerned with providing for sustained social welfare for the aging population. Policy will recommend the implementation of an elderly club in all sub‐districts, places where older persons in the local area can gather and enjoy social activities. The purpose of this research is to assess the effects of the availability of such social services on the quality of life of the elderly in the Northeastern region of Thailand. Quality of life of the elderly depends on many disciplinary factors, including health, social, finance, basic needs, and secure environment. The livelihood framework is used as a model to study and measure constructively the quality of life of the rural elderly. Subjective well‐being is utilized for quantifying and comparing the quality of life of the active and non‐active members of the elderly club. The findings were drawn from surveying the satisfaction of the elderly regarding their well‐being. Semi‐structured interviews were also conducted with the stakeholders related to establishing and organizing the activities for the elderly club. The result has shown that older persons who are members of an active elderly club have higher social subjective well‐being. However, for the elderly club to be effective, it must have strong leadership and meaningful collaboration among related stakeholders. In addition, the community must recognize the value of nurturing the well‐being of the elderly in order to maintain an active club that enhances the quality of life of the elderly in the rural area.
Women Empowerment as Multidimensional Capability Enhancement: An Application of Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Bhattacharya Joysankar , Banerjee Sarmila 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis paper tries to offer a comprehensive measure for empowerment where empowerment is viewed as capability enhancement. A critique of the idea of considering autonomy as the sole indicator of empowerment has been presented, and an attempt has been made to supplement autonomy with other dimensions like health and knowledge in shaping empowerment. This paper tries to offer a quantitative measure for empowerment constituted of capability scores on all these three dimensions. A particular form of structural equation modeling called Multiple Indicator Multiple Cause model has been used to estimate capabilities, and the empowerment index (EI) has been constructed as a weighted average of the scores of Health, Knowledge, and Autonomy. The method has been applied on some primary survey data collected from adult women of two districts of West Bengal, and the results demonstrated the fact that high autonomy along with high attainment in other capabilities definitely improves the EI, but considerable empowerment attainment may be observed even with low autonomy but with higher achievements in other capabilities and vice versa.
Effect of temperature on the electrical properties of ITO in a TiO2/ITO film
Authors: Nishimoto Naoki , Yamada Yasuji , Ohnishi Yosuke , Imawaka Naoto , Yoshino Katsumi 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThermal stabilities of indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates and TiO2/ITO structures were evaluated in relation to their electrical properties. The ITO substrates and TiO2/ITO structures were annealed at 350, 400, and 500 °C. The ITO substrate with large grain size showed higher thermal stability than that with small grain size. The thermal stability of TiO2/ITO structure improved with increasing TiO2 thickness, and a decrease in electron concentration was observed in resistance‐increased samples. These changes were attributed to variations in grain‐boundary potential caused by oxygen adsorption. It may be concluded that variation of the grain‐boundary potential by thermal annealing has a dominant influence on resistance. Therefore, optimization of the grain size is important to improve the thermal stability of ITO. This mechanism and procedure can be applied to improve the characteristics of other TCO materials.
Mechanical and electrical properties of carbon‐nanotube‐reinforced Cu–Ti alloy matrix composites
Authors: Chu Ke , Jia Cheng‐chang , Li Wen‐sheng , Wang Ping 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIt is known that there is a very weak bonding between carbon nanotube (CNT) and pure copper matrix since copper is known to be naturally nonwetting with CNT. In this study, the titanium is applied as a matrix‐alloying element and the CNT‐reinforced copper–titanium (Cu–Ti) alloy composites (Cu–Ti/CNT) are fabricated by a powder metallurgical method. The results show that Cu–Ti/CNT composites evidently exhibit enhanced interfacial bonding and yield strength while retaining the electronic conductivity of Cu/CNT composites. Improvements in interfacial bonding and mechanical properties of the composites are attributed to the formation of a thin transition layer of TiC at the interface between CNTs and Cu–Ti matrix.
Irradiation study on Srn+1TinO3n+1 Ruddlesden‐Popper phases synthesized by hot‐forging
Authors: Tang Ming , Fuierer Paul , Dickens Peter , Fu Engang 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe hot‐forging technique was used to obtain both the n = 2 (Sr3Ti2O7) and n = ∞ (SrTiO3) members of Ruddlesden‐Popper phase Srn+1TinO3n+1. Pure phase and high density (>95% theoretical) materials were achieved using this technique. These polycrystalline samples were irradiated with 200 keV He ions to a fluence of 2×1021 ion/m2 (corresponding to a peak dose at 5 dpa) at room temperature to study radiation damage effects. Microstructural investigation on pristine and irradiated samples was performed using grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (GIXRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Three phenomena are revealed upon comparing prisXtine versus irradiated samples. First, both compounds interplanar lattice spacings increased after irradiation. Second, peak broadening possibly suggests incredibly small grain due to irradiation. Third, experiment results revealed an amorphization in the irradiated Sr3Ti2O7, while no amorphization was observed in irradiated SrTiO3. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Activity modulation MEE growth of 2H‐AlN on Si(111) using double buffer layer grown by PA‐MBE
Authors: Ohachi Tadashi , Yamamoto Yuka , Ariyada Osamu , Sato Yuuki , Yoshikado Sinzo , Wada Motoi 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAs a demonstration of the activity modulation migration enhanced epitaxy (AM‐MEE) heteroepitaxial 2H‐AlN thin films of 53.8 nm and 171.3 nm thickness on Si(111) on a double buffer layer (DBL) have been grown by the AM‐MEE of plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA‐MBE) method. It is a droplet free growth and an atomic layer epitaxy (ALE). The influence of the DBL, which was formed in a MBE chamber before the AM‐MEE growth of 2H‐AlN thin films on Si(111), was studied to improve the crystallinity of AlN films. For the growth of high quality 2H‐AlN on Si(111), the optimization of growth of the DBL. The interface roughness of the DBL as a layer between two layers of AlN and Si, AlN/DBL/Si was characterized by grazing incidence X‐ray reflectivity (GIXR) and the surfaces were observed by AFM. Full width at half maximum (FWHM) of ω /2θ for 53.8 nm and 171.3 nm thickness AlN (0002) films were 12.1 arcmin and 7.1 arcmin, respectively. AFM images showed droplet free growth after the AM‐MEE and importance of the preparation of initial clean Si surface. Unifrom formation of DBL on a large size wafer of Si was available to use indirect exposure of N radical atoms. By increasing the thickness of the AlN the crystallinity was improved but the surface roughness of AlN did not depend on the thickness of the AlN films obtained by fitting results of GIXR curves. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Unified phase and magnitude speech spectra data hiding algorithm
Authors: Djebbar Fatiha , Ayad Beghdad , Abed‐Meraim Karim , Hamam Habib 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we present a unified algorithm for phase and magnitude speech spectra data hiding. The phase and the magnitude speech spectra are concurrently investigated to increase the capacity and the security of the embedded information. The proposed algorithm in this paper is based on finding secure spectral embedding areas in wideband magnitude speech spectrum. Our approach exploits these areas to hide data in both speech components (i.e., phase and magnitude). The embedding locations and hiding capacity are defined according to a controlled acceptable distortion in the magnitude spectrum. The latter is expressed as a set of parameters controlled by the sender. Consequently, the hiding capacity and the locations of concealed data change for each data communication instance to further prevent malicious intrusions. Objective results show that the presented algorithm in this paper secures hidden data and achieves interesting tradeoffs between the hiding capacity and the speech quality. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Oct4-pRb Axis, Controlled by MiR-335, Integrates Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Cell Cycle Control
Authors: Schoeftner Stefan , Scarola Michele , Comisso Elisa , Schneider Claudio , Benetti Roberta 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
The pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) is controlled by a network of transcription factors, mi-RNAs, and signaling pathways. Here, we present a new regulatory circuit that connects miR-335, Oct4, and the Retinoblastoma pathway to control mESC self-renewal and differentiation. Oct4 drives the expression of Nipp1 and Ccnf that inhibit the activity of the protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) complex to establish hyperphosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein 1 (pRb) as a hallmark feature of self-renewing mESCs. The Oct4-Nipp1/Ccnf-PP1-pRb axis promoting mESC self-renewal is under control of miR-335 that regulates Oct4 and Rb expression. During mESC differentiation, miR-335 upregulation co-operates with the transcriptional repression of Oct4 to facilitate the collapse of the Oct4-Nipp1/Ccnf-PP1-pRb axis, pRb dephosphorylation, the exit from self-renewal, and the establishment of a pRb-regulated cell cycle program. Our results introduce Oct4-dependent control of the Rb pathway as novel regulatory circuit controlling mESC self-renewal and differentiation.
A ubiquitous chromatin opening element prevents transgene silencing in pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated progeny
Authors: Pfaff Nils , Lachmann Nico , Ackermann Mania , Kohlscheen Saskia , Brendel Christian , Maetzig Tobias , Niemann Heiner , Antoniou Michael N. , Grez Manuel , Schambach Axel , Cantz Tobias , Moritz Thomas 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Methylation-induced gene silencing represents a major obstacle to efficient transgene expression in pluripotent cells and thereof derived tissues. As ubiquitous chromatin opening elements (UCOE) have been shown to prevent transgene silencing in cell lines and primary hematopoietic cells, we hypothesized a similar activity in pluripotent cells. This concept was investigated in the context of cytidine deaminase (CDD) gene transfer, an approach to render hematopoietic cells resistant to the chemotherapeutic agent Ara-C. When murine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)/embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were transduced with self-inactivating lentiviral vectors using housekeeping (truncated elongation factor 1α; EFS) or viral (spleen focus-forming virus; SFFV) promoters, incorporation of an heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins A2 B1/chromobox protein homolog 3 locus-derived UCOE (A2UCOE) significantly increased transgene expression and Ara-C resistance and effectively prevented silencing of the SFFV-promoter. The EFS promoter showed relatively stable transgene expression in naïve iPSCs, but rapid transgene silencing was observed upon hematopoietic differentiation. When combined with the A2UCOE, however, the EFS promoter yielded stable transgene expression in 73% ± 6% of CD41+ hematopoietic progeny, markedly increased CDD expression levels, and significantly enhanced Ara-C resistance in clonogenic cells. Bisulfite sequencing revealed protection from differentiation-induced promoter CpG methylation to be associated with these effects. Similar transgene promoting activities of the A2UCOE were observed during murine neurogenic differentiation, in naïve human pluripotent cells, and during nondirected multilineage differentiation of these cells. Thus, our data provide strong evidence that UCOEs can efficiently prevent transgene silencing in iPS/ESCs and their differentiated progeny and thereby introduce a generalized concept to circumvent differentiation-induced transgene silencing during the generation of advanced iPSC/ESC-based gene and cell therapy products.
Brief Report: Blockade of Notch Signaling in Muscle Stem Cells Causes Muscular Dystrophic Phenotype and Impaired Muscle Regeneration
Authors: Lin Shuibin , Shen Huangxuan , Jin Baofeng , Gu Yumei , Chen Zirong , Cao Chunxia , Hu Chengbin , Keller Charles , Pear Warren S. , Wu Lizi 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of devastating diseases characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, with etiologies including muscle gene mutations and regenerative defects of muscle stem cells. Notch signaling is critical for skeletal myogenesis and has important roles in maintaining the muscle stem cell pool and preventing premature muscle differentiation. To investigate the functional impact of Notch signaling blockade in muscle stem cells, we developed a conditional knock-in mouse model in which endogenous Notch signaling is specifically blocked in muscle stem cell compartment. Mice with Notch signaling inhibition in muscle stem cells showed several muscular dystrophic features and impaired muscle regeneration. Analyses of satellite cells and isolated primary myoblasts revealed that Notch signaling blockade in muscle stem cells caused reduced activation and proliferation of satellite cells but enhanced differentiation of myoblasts. Our data thus indicate that Notch signaling controls processes that are critical to regeneration in muscular dystrophy, suggesting that Notch inhibitor therapies could have potential side effects on muscle functions.