bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure of poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐alt‐propylene) diblock copolymer micelles in binary solvent mixtures
Authors: Choi Soo‐Hyung , Lee Won Bo , Lodge Timothy P. , Bates Frank S. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTThe effect of solvent selectivity on the micelle structure formed by a poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐alt‐propylene) diblock copolymer (PS‐PEP, MPS = 42,000 g/mol and MPEP = 62,000 g/mol) in solutions of squalane, a highly selective solvent for the PEP block, and 1‐phenyldodecane, a neutral solvent, is investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). The results reveal that addition of 1‐phenyldodecane systematically reduces solvent selectivity, leading to decreases in the critical micelle temperature (TCMT) and the average number of chains in a micelle (Nagg), and an increase in the solvent fraction in the core. However, the core blocks have essentially unperturbed dimensions (i.e., Rc ≈ 2 × ⟨Rg⟩o, where ⟨Rg⟩o is unperturbed radius of gyration of the core block), and therefore the micelle core radius (Rc) is nearly independent of solvent selectivity, which has not been anticipated by previous theoretical descriptions. These results demonstrate that under such conditions, excluded volume effects in the corona blocks play the dominant role in determining micelle structure. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 22–31
Micro‐Scale Frost Weathering of Sand‐Sized Quartz Grains
Authors: Woronko Barbara , Pisarska‐Jamroży Małgorzata 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe surface textures of almost 1300 quartz grains in the 0.8–1.0 mm and 0.5–0.8 mm size fractions were studied in order to analyse the effects of frost weathering. Some grains had undergone periglacial processes in present‐day active layers in Canada, Spitsbergen and Mongolia, whereas other grains were sampled from a former active layer in Poland. Microstructures were studied under a scanning electron microscope and the results statistically analysed in order to distinguish characteristic microstructures resulting from frost weathering. The quartz grains with these microstructures had been deposited by fluvial, aeolian and glacial processes and their characteristic microstructures are classified as primary microstructures. Microstructures that developed on primary ones as a result of frost weathering are called secondary microstructures. The most characteristic secondary frost weathering microstructures on the quartz grains are (1) small breakage blocks (<10 µm), (2) big breakage blocks (>10 µm) and (3) single small conchoidal fractures (<10 µm). These secondary microstructures developed commonly on the following primary microstructures: (1) sharp edges of big conchoidal fractures (>10 µm), (2) microsteps, (3) edge roundings and (4) crescentic gouges. These findings facilitate the reconstruction of cryogenic conditions, support the recognition of ancient active layers and indicate grains that are particularly susceptible to frost weathering. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Notch signaling dynamics in the adult healthy prostate and in prostatic tumor development
Authors: Pedrosa Ana‐Rita , Graça José L. , Carvalho Sandra , Peleteiro Maria C. , Duarte António , Trindade Alexandre 
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUNDThe Notch signaling pathway has been implicated in prostate development, maintenance and tumorigenesis by its key role in cell‐fate determination, differentiation and proliferation. Therefore, we proposed to analyze Notch family members transcription and expression, including ligands (Dll1, 3, 4 and Jagged1 and 2), receptors (Notch1–4) and effectors (Hes1, 2, 5 and Hey1, 2, L), in both normal and tumor bearing mouse prostates to better understand the dynamics of Notch signaling in prostate tumorigenesis.METHODSWild type mice and transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate model (TRAMP) mice were sacrificed at 18, 24 or 30 weeks of age and the prostates collected and processed for either whole prostate or prostate cell specific populations mRNA analysis and for protein expression analysis by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.RESULTSWe observed that Dll1 and Dll4 are expressed in the luminal compartment of the mouse healthy prostate, whereas Jagged2 expression is restricted to the basal and stromal compartment. Additionally, Notch2 and Notch4 are normally expressed in the prostate luminal compartment while Notch2 and Notch3 are also expressed in the stromal layer of the healthy prostate. As prostate tumor development takes place, there is up‐regulation of Notch components. Particularly, the prostate tumor lesions have increased expression of Jagged1 and 2, of Notch3 and of Hey1. We have also detected the presence of activated Notch3 in prostatic tumors that co‐express Jagged1 and ultimately the Hey1 effector.CONCLUSIONSTaken together our results point out the Notch axis Jagged1‐2/Notch3/Hey1 to be important for prostate tumor development and worthy of additional functional studies and validation in human clinical disease. Prostate 76:80–96, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Geometric modeling and local controllability of a spherical mobile robot actuated by an internal pendulum
Authors: Gajbhiye Sneha , Banavar Ravi N. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryIn this paper, we present the modeling and local equilibrium controllability analysis of a spherical robot. The robot consists of a spherical shell that is internally actuated by a pendulum mechanism. The rolling motion of the sphere manifests itself as a nonholonomic constraint in the modeling. We derive the dynamic model of the system using Lagrangian reduction and the variational principle. We first compute the Lagrangian and identify the symmetry with respect to a group action. The system Lagrangian and the rolling constraint are invariant with respect to the group isotropy and hence permit a reduced dynamic formulation termed as the nonholonomic ‘Euler‐Poincaré’ equation with advected dynamics. Using Lie brackets and symmetric products of the potential and control vector fields, local configuration accessibility and local (fiber) equilibrium controllability are presented. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypoxia Differentially Modulates the Genomic Stability of Clinical-Grade ADSCs and BM-MSCs in Long-Term Culture
Authors: Bigot Nicolas , Mouche Audrey , Preti Milena , Loisel Séverine , Renoud Marie-Laure , Le Guével Rémy , Sensebé Luc , Tarte Karin , Pedeux Rémy 
Published: September 2015

AbstractLong-term cultures under hypoxic conditions have been demonstrated to maintain the phenotype of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) and to prevent the emergence of senescence. According to several studies, hypoxia has frequently been reported to drive genomic instability in cancer cells and in MSCs by hindering the DNA damage response and DNA repair. Thus, we evaluated the occurrence of DNA damage and repair events during the ex vivo expansion of clinical-grade adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow (BM)-derived MSCs cultured with platelet lysate under 21% (normoxia) or 1% (hypoxia) O2 conditions. Hypoxia did not impair cell survival after DNA damage, regardless of MSC origin. However, ADSCs, unlike BM-MSCs, displayed altered γH2AX signaling and increased ubiquitylated γH2AX levels under hypoxic conditions, indicating an impaired resolution of DNA damage-induced foci. Moreover, hypoxia specifically promoted BM-MSC DNA integrity, with increased Ku80, TP53BP1, BRCA1, and RAD51 expression levels and more efficient nonhomologous end joining and homologous recombination repair. We further observed that hypoxia favored mtDNA stability and maintenance of differentiation potential after genotoxic stress. We conclude that long-term cultures under 1% O2 were more suitable for BM-MSCs as suggested by improved genomic stability compared with ADSCs. Stem Cells 2015;33:3608–3620
Chronic maternal morphine alters calbindin D‐28k expression pattern in postnatal mouse brain
Authors: Mithbaokar Pratibha , Fiorito Filomena , Della Morte Rossella , Maharajan Veeramani , Costagliola Anna 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTThe distribution pattern of calbindin (CB)‐D28k‐expressing neurons results to be altered in several brain regions of chronic morphine exposed adult mice. In this study, the influence of chronic maternal exposure to morphine on the distribution pattern of CB‐D28k‐expressing neurons in the brain of mouse offspring was investigated. Females of CD‐1 mice were daily administered with saline or morphine for 7 days before mating, during the whole gestation period, and until 21 day post‐partum. Their offspring were sacrificed on postnatal day 18, and the brains were examined by histology using cresyl violet and by immunohistochemistry using a rabbit polyclonal anti‐CB‐D28k antibody. Histology revealed no significant differences in the distribution pattern and the number of neurons between the offspring forebrain of the control group of mice and the two groups of mice treated with different doses of morphine. However, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the number of CB‐D28k‐immunoreactive neurons remarkably decreased in the cingulate cortex, in the layers II–IV of the parietal cortex and in all regions of the hippocampus, while it increased in the layers V–VI of the parietal cortex and in the subicular region of the offspring brain of morphine treated mice. Overall, our findings demonstrate that maternal exposure to morphine alters the pattern of CB‐D28k‐expressing neuron pattern in specific regions of murine developing brain, in a layer‐ and dose‐dependent way, thus suggesting that these alterations might represent a mechanism by which morphine modifies the functional aspects of developing brain. Synapse 70:15–23, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanocatalysts Fabricated by a Dealloying Method
Authors: Asao Naoki 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTwo types of nanomaterials with different morphologies are described in this article: nanoporous metals and titanate nanowires. Both materials are fabricated by a dealloying method. In the former case, the catalytic properties of nanoporous gold and palladium are exemplified by many chemical transformations. The reactions proceed without any support, stabilizer, or ligands. The catalyst can be easily recovered by a simple separation process and reused many times without significant loss of catalytic activity. In the latter case, the dealloying of Ti–Al alloy is described as a new fabrication method for producing ultrafine titanate nanowires. This method does not require high‐temperature conditions, which is advantageous for the construction of fine structures. The key to this process is achieving a fine dispersion of intermetallic TiAl3 nanocrystals in the Al matrix in the mother alloy. The resulting nanowires exhibit remarkable Sr2+ ion‐exchange properties.
An experimental investigation on the effect of individual turbine control on wind farm dynamics
Authors: Annoni Jennifer , Howard Kevin , Seiler Peter , Guala Michele 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIndividual wind turbines in a wind farm typically operate to maximize their performance with no consideration of the impact of wake effects on downstream turbines. There is potential to increase power and reduce structural loads within a wind farm by properly coordinating the turbines. To effectively design and analyze coordinated wind turbine controllers requires control‐oriented turbine wake models of sufficient accuracy. This paper focuses on constructing such a model from experiments. The experiments were conducted to better understand the wake interaction and impact on voltage production in a three‐turbine array. The upstream turbine operating condition was modulated in time, and the dynamic impact on the downstream turbine was recorded through the voltage output time signal. The flow dynamics observed in the experiments were used to improve a static wake model often used in the literature for wind farm control. These experiments were performed in the atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel at the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory at the University of Minnesota using particle image velocimetry for flow field analysis and turbine voltage modulation to capture the physical evolution in addition to the dynamics of turbine wake interactions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesh Location in Open Ventral Hernia Repair: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐analysis
Authors: Holihan Julie L. , Nguyen Duyen H. , Nguyen Mylan T. , Mo Jiandi , Kao Lillian S. , Liang Mike K. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThere is no consensus on the ideal location for mesh placement in open ventral hernia repair (OVHR). We aim to identify the mesh location associated with the lowest rate of recurrence following OVHR using a systematic review and meta‐analysis. A search was performed for studies comparing at least two of four locations for mesh placement during OVHR (onlay, inlay, sublay, and underlay). Outcomes assessed were hernia recurrence and surgical site infection (SSI). Pairwise meta‐analysis was performed to compare all direct treatment of mesh locations. A multiple treatment meta‐analysis was performed to compare all mesh locations in the Bayesian framework. Sensitivity analyses were planned for the following: studies with a low risk of bias, incisional hernias, by hernia size, and by mesh type (synthetic or biologic). Twenty‐one studies were identified (n = 5,891). Sublay placement of mesh was associated with the lowest risk for recurrence [OR 0.218 (95 % CI 0.06–0.47)] and was the best of the four treatment modalities assessed [Prob (best) = 94.2 %]. Sublay was also associated with the lowest risk for SSI [OR 0.449 (95 % CI 0.12–1.16)] and was the best of the 4 treatment modalities assessed [Prob (best) = 77.3 %]. When only assessing studies at low risk of bias, of incisional hernias, and using synthetic mesh, the probability that sublay had the lowest rate of recurrence and SSI was high. Sublay mesh location has lower complication rates than other mesh locations. While additional randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings, this network meta‐analysis suggests the probability of sublay being the best location for mesh placement is high.
Middle School as a Developmental Niche for Civic Engagement
Authors: Guillaume Casta , Jagers Robert , Rivas-Drake Deborah 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe present study investigated how school climate, school connectedness and academic efficacy beliefs inform emergent civic engagement behaviors among middle school youth of color. These associations were examined both concurrently and longitudinally using a developmentally appropriate measure of civic engagement. Data were drawn from two subsamples of a larger study of social/emotional development in middle school (cross‐sectional sample n = 324; longitudinal sample n = 232), M = 12 years old, 46 % female, 53 % male. Forty‐two percent (42.2 %) of the sample self‐identified as African American, 19.8 % as Multiracial or Mixed, 19.4 % as Latino, 11.6 % as Asian American or Pacific Islander, 11.6 % identified as Other, and 5.2 % as Native American. The study tested and found support for a latent mediation model in which more positive perceptions of school climate were positively related to school connectedness, and this in turn, was positively associated with civic engagement; school climate was also positively associated with academic‐self‐efficacy beliefs, but such beliefs did not mediate the climate‐civic engagement association. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Percutaneous epiphysiodesis using transphyseal screws for limb-length discrepancies: High variability among growth predictor models
Authors: Monier Bryan C. , Aronsson David D. , Sun Michael 
Published: September 2015

Purpose Percutaneous epiphysiodesis using transphyseal screws (PETS) was developed as a minimally invasive outpatient procedure to address limb-length discrepancy (LLD) that allowed immediate postoperative weight bearing and was potentially reversible by removing the screws. The aims of our study were to report our results using PETS for LLD and evaluate the accuracy of three growth predictor models. Methods Sixteen patients with an average age of 14 years were treated for LLD using PETS. Thirteen patients had screws inserted in a parallel fashion and 3 had crossed screws. We compared the predicted LLD at skeletal maturity using the three growth predictor methods with the actual LLD at skeletal maturity and preoperative LLD with the final LLD at skeletal maturity. Results The mean LLD at skeletal maturity between the predicted and final measurements was 0.2 cm using the Green−Anderson method, 1.4 cm using the Moseley method, and −0.1 cm using the Paley method. The mean preoperative LLD of 3.1 cm was corrected to 1.7 cm at skeletal maturity ( p < 0.001). Six patients complained of pain over the screw heads; however, no patient developed an infection or angular deformity. Conclusions The three growth predictor methods predicted the final LLD within an average of 1.4 cm, but there was high variability. Although PETS improved the LLD by a mean of 1.4 cm, we believe the results would have been better if PETS was performed at an earlier skeletal age.
Proximal subscapularis release for the treatment of adduction–internal rotation shoulder contracture in obstetric brachial plexus palsy
Authors: Naoum Elias , Saghbini Elie , Melhem Elias , Ghanem Ismat 
Published: September 2015

Introduction The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the results on shoulder function following isolated proximal subscapularis release in children with Erb's palsy. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 64 consecutive children with Erb's palsy who underwent a Carlioz proximal subscapularis release between 2001 and 2012. Fifty children with complete records and a minimum follow-up of 2 years were included for evaluation. Age at surgery ranged from 1.3 to 4.5 years (average 2.6 years). Preoperative active shoulder abduction/anterior elevation, active external and internal rotations as well as the Mallet score were compared with those found at 6 and 24 months postoperatively using the Student paired t test, with a confidence interval of 95 %. The results were compared between children <3 years of age at surgery and those older, and between children who had an isolated C5–C6 and those with greater involvement. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Active abduction improved 21° at 6 months and 31° (total) at 2 years ( p < 0.01) with an overall Mallet abduction score improvement of 0.58 at 6 months and 0.6 (overall) at 2 years ( p < 0.01). Active external rotation improved 52° at 6 months and 35° (total) at 2 years ( p < 0.01) with an overall Mallet external rotation score improvement of 1.3 at 6 months ( p < 0.01) and 0.52 (overall) at 2 years ( p = 0.013). There was no statistically significant change in internal rotation ( p = 0.37). We found no correlation between the child's age or the severity of involvement at surgery and the end result. Conclusion Proximal subscapularis release according to Carlioz is simple and effective in improving overall shoulder function in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy, mainly abduction and external rotation. Improvement tends to reach a plateau around 6–12 months postoperatively.
New drug regimens for HIV in pregnancy and a national strategic plan to manage HIV: A South African perspective
Authors: Ngene Nnabuike C. , Moodley Jagidesa 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn South Africa, new drug regimens (WHO treatment Option B) used to manage HIV infection in pregnancy and the national strategic plan on HIV have resulted in improved health outcomes. Among these outcomes are reductions in the following: mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) of HIV to 2.4%; maternal deaths attributable to HIV; and adverse reactions due to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The present article describes these new drug regimens and the national strategic HIV management plan, as well as their challenges and the implications of improved health outcomes. Such outcomes imply that further decreases in MTCT of HIV, and HIV attributable maternal deaths are possible if potential challenges are addressed and treatment option B + offered. A confidential enquiry into each case of MTCT is advocated to reduce vertical transmission rates to zero levels.
Ending preventable newborn deaths in a generation
Authors: Akseer Nadia , Lawn Joy E. , Keenan William , Konstantopoulos Andreas , Cooper Peter , Ismail Zulkifli , Thacker Naveen , Cabral Sergio , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe end of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) era was marked in 2015, and while maternal and child mortality have been halved, MGD 4 and MDG 5 are off‐track at the global level. Reductions in neonatal death rates (age < 1 month) lag behind those for post‐neonates (age 1−59 months), and stillbirth rates (omitted from the MDGs) have been virtually unchanged. Hence, almost half of under‐five deaths are newborns, yet about 80% of these are preventable using cost‐effective interventions. The Every Newborn Action Plan has been endorsed by the World Health Assembly and ratified by many stakeholders and donors to reduce neonatal deaths and stillbirths to 10 per 1000 births by 2035. The plan provides an evidence‐based framework for scaling up of essential interventions across the continuum of care with the potential to prevent the deaths of approximately three million newborns, mothers, and stillbirths every year. Two million stillbirths and newborns could be saved by care at birth and care of small and sick newborns, giving a triple return on investment at this key time. Commitment, investment, and intentional leadership from global and national stakeholders, including all healthcare professionals, can make these ambitious goals attainable.
Evidence supporting broader access to safe legal abortion
Authors: Faúndes Anibal , Shah Iqbal H. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractUnsafe abortion continues to be a major cause of maternal death; it accounts for 14.5% of all maternal deaths globally and almost all of these deaths occur in countries with restrictive abortion laws. A strong body of accumulated evidence shows that the simple means to drastically reduce unsafe abortion‐related maternal deaths and morbidity is to make abortion legal and institutional termination of pregnancy broadly accessible. Despite this evidence, abortion is denied even when the legal condition for abortion is met. The present article aims to contribute to a better understanding that one can be in favor of greater access to safe abortion services, while at the same time not be “in favor of abortion,” by reviewing the evidence that indicates that criminalization of abortion only increases mortality and morbidity without decreasing the incidence of induced abortion, and that decriminalization rapidly reduces abortion‐related mortality and does not increase abortion rates.
Global trends in use of long‐acting reversible and permanent methods of contraception: Seeking a balance
Authors: Joshi Ritu , Khadilkar Suvarna , Patel Madhuri 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe global trend shows that the use of permanent contraception to prevent unintended pregnancy is high. Although the trend also shows a rise in the use of long‐acting reversible methods, these are still underutilized despite having contraceptive as well as non‐contraceptive benefits. Lack of knowledge among women, dependence on the provider for information, and provider bias for permanent contraception are cited as reasons for this reduced uptake. Training of healthcare providers and increased patient awareness about the effectiveness of long‐acting reversible contraceptive methods will increase their uptake and help prevent unintended pregnancies.