bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and self‐assembling of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐block‐poly(L‐lactide)‐block‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) triblock copolymers prepared by combination of ring‐opening polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Hu Yanfei , Darcos Vincent , Monge Sophie , Li Suming 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTNovel thermo‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐block‐poly(l‐lactide)‐block‐poly(N‐isopropylacylamide) (PNIPAAm‐b‐PLLA‐b‐PNIPAAm) triblock copolymers were successfully prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization of NIPAAm with Br‐PLLA‐Br macroinitiator, using a CuCl/tris(2‐dimethylaminoethyl) amine (Me6TREN) complex as catalyst at 25 °C in a N,N‐dimethylformamide/water mixture. The molecular weight of the copolymers ranges from 18,000 to 38,000 g mol−1, and the dispersity from 1.10 to 1.28. Micelles are formed by self‐assembly of copolymers in aqueous medium at room temperature, as evidenced by 1H NMR, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The critical micelle concentration determined by fluorescence spectroscopy ranges from 0.0077 to 0.016 mg mL−1. 1H NMR analysis in selective solvents confirmed the core‐shell structure of micelles. The copolymers exhibit a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) between 32.1 and 32.8 °C. The micelles are spherical in shape with a mean diameter between 31.4 and 83.3 nm, as determined by TEM and DLS. When the temperature is raised above the LCST, micelle size increases at high copolymer concentrations due to aggregation. In contrast, at low copolymer concentrations, decrease of micelle size is observed due to collapse of PNIPAAm chains. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3274–3283
Use of polystyrene brushes to investigate the role of interface between substrates and thin homogeneous films
Authors: Dinelli Franco , Sgrilli Tommaso , Ricci Andrea , Baschieri Paolo , Pingue Pasqualantonio , Puttaswamy Manjunath , Kingshott Peter 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe viscoelastic properties of thin polystyrene (PS) films depend on confinement, as it can modify the molecular dynamics affecting the glass transition. In the recent past, the authors have investigated the region next to the free interface by means of an atomic force microscope suitably modified to monitor the indentation of a tip into a film during a given lapse of time while applying a constant load. Herein, to explore the interface with the substrate, the authors report on experiments in which PS brushes grafted to native silicon oxide were used. It was found that the film wettability on brushes and H‐terminated silicon can be highly improved when compared with native silicon oxide. In addition, the glass transition temperature of thin films increases up to the bulk value in the case of film/brush combinations with high molecular weight or films with high molecular weight on H‐terminated silicon. Data are discussed according to hypotheses such as residual solvent presence, interface free volume, and molecular mechanical coupling. These observations can be of great interest for nanotechnological applications, especially in those instances where one needs to tailor the temperature dependence of viscoelastic properties of thin films. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1149–1156
High levels of biological activity of Cry1Ac protein expressed on MON 87701 × MON 89788 soybean against Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)
Authors: Bernardi Oderlei , Dourado Patrick M , Carvalho Renato A , Martinelli Samuel , Berger Geraldo U , Head Graham P , Omoto Celso 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundGenetically modified MON 87701 × MON 89788 soybean (Glycine max) that expresses the Cry1Ac and EPSP‐synthase proteins is a new Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tool for controlling Heliothis virescens in Brazil. To Support Insect Resistance Management (IRM) programs and understand the value of this event for IPM, we conducted laboratory and field studies to assess the biological activity of Cry1Ac protein expressed on Bt soybean against this insect pest.ResultsHeliothis virescens was highly susceptible to purified Cry1Ac protein [LC50 (FL 95%) = 0.026 (0.021–0.033) µg Cry1Ac mL–1 diet]. In bioassays with freeze‐dried MON 87701 × MON 89788 soybean tissue diluted 25 times in an artificial diet, there was 100% mortality of H. virescens. In bioassays with leaf disc, young trifoliate, flower buds, pods and high artificial infestation under greenhouse condition, MON 87701 × MON 89788 soybean showed a high level of control against H. virescens. Moreover, larvae from first through fifth instar were highly susceptible to MON 87701 × MON 89788 soybean.ConclusionsThe MON 87701 × MON 89788 soybean provides an effective alternative in controlling Heliothis virescens and complies with the concept of high‐dose for IRM programs. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Wuhan Atmosphere Radio Exploration (WARE) radar: System design and online winds measurements
Authors: Zhengyu Zhao , Chen Zhou , Haiyin Qing , Guobin Yang , Yuannong Zhang , Gang Chen , Yaogai Hu 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe basic configuration of the Wuhan MST (mesosphere‐stratosphere‐troposphere) radar, which was designed and constructed by the School of Electronic Information, Wuhan University, is preliminarily described in this paper. The Wuhan MST radar operates at very high frequency (VHF) band (53.8 MHz) by observing the real‐time characteristics of turbulence and the wind field vector in the height range of 3.5–90 km (not including 25–60 km) with high temporal and height resolutions. This all–solid‐state, all‐coherent pulse Doppler radar is China's first independent development of an MST radar focusing on atmospheric observation. The subsystems of the Wuhan MST radar include an antenna system, a feeder line system, all–solid‐state radar transmitters, digital receivers, a beam control system, a signal processing system, a data processing system, a product generation system, and a user terminal. Advanced radar technologies are used, including highly reliable all–solid‐state transmitters, low‐noise large dynamic range digital receivers, an active phased array, high‐speed digital signal processing, and real‐time graphic terminals. This paper describes the design and implementation of the radar. Preliminary online wind measurements and results of the comparison to simultaneous observations by a GPS rawinsonde are presented as well.
Threshold visual secret sharing based on Boolean operations
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Sharma Rajendra K. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTWe design a new (k,n)‐threshold visual secret sharing scheme on the basis of Boolean operations. We propose two different algorithms to encrypt a secret image into n meaningless shares such that no secret information can be obtained by having any k − 1 or fewer shares. However, the secret image can be reconstructed easily by XOR of any k (≤n) or more shares. Both the algorithms have used simple Boolean operations such as OR and XOR. The proposed scheme broadens the potential applicability of Boolean operation‐based visual secret sharing by generating the shares of size same as that of the original secret image. Formal proofs, security analysis, and the experimental results are given to demonstrate the correctness and feasibility of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved cancelable fingerprint templates using minutiae‐based functional transform
Authors: Moon Daesung , Yoo Jang‐Hee , Lee Mun‐Kyu 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTSince Ratha et al. introduced the functional transform for cancelable fingerprint templates, a few simulation attacks to this method have been proposed. The attacks are based on the fact that the transform depends only on the predefined parameters. That is, the attacker may fully simulate the transform and partially invert it if the parameters are available. Although an original template is transformed using different parameters for different systems, even the compromise of only one of these systems may reveal the original template, which may be a serious potential threat from a practical viewpoint. In this paper, we propose an improved functional transform, whose parameters are decided by the original template, as well as predefined user‐specific keys. Because the information on the original template will not be available to the attacker even when a system is compromised, the proposed method significantly improves the security of the original template by preventing the attacker from reconstructing the transform. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concise Review: Two negative feedback loops place mesenchymal stem/stromal cells at the center of early regulators of inflammation
Authors: Prockop Darwin J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRecent data demonstrated that MSCs can be activated by proinflammatory signals to introduce two negative feedback loops into the generic pathway of inflammation. In one loop, the activated MSCs secrete PGE2 that drives resident macrophages with an M1 proinflammatory phenotype toward an M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype. In the second loop, the activated MSCs secrete TSG-6 that interacts with CD44 on resident macrophages to decrease TLR2/NFκ-B signaling and thereby decrease the secretion of proinflammatory mediators of inflammation. The PGE2 and TSG-6 negative feedback loops allow MSCs to serve as regulators of the very early phases of inflammation. These and many related observations suggest that the MSC-like cells found in most tissues may be part of the pantheon of cells that protect us from foreign invaders, tissue injury, and aging.
Performance‐based evaluation and strengthening of tall buildings in the Los Angeles region by using Bayesian structural reliability
Authors: Hart Gary C. , Conte Joel P. , Park Kidong , Ellingwood Bruce R. , Wong Kevin K. F. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYThis paper presents the motivation and the mathematics required for the introduction of Bayesian structural reliability theory into the process of evaluating and strengthening any tall building located in the Los Angeles region. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene cloning and enzymatic characterization of an endoprotease Endo-Pro-Aspergillus niger
Authors: Kang Chao , Yu Xiao-Wei , Xu Yan 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
A novel endoprotease Endo-Pro-Aspergillus niger (endoprotease EPR) was first successfully expressed at high level in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris and the purification procedure was established. The endoprotease EPR is 95 % identity with proline specific endopeptidase from A. niger CBS513.88 (EMBL; AX458699), while sharing low identity with those from other microorganisms. The purified endoprotease EPR was a monomer of 60 kDa. Furthermore, the peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) analysis confirmed that the purified protein was an endoprotease Endo-Pro-Aspergillus niger. A three-dimensional model revealed that the active site of the enzyme was located in Ser(179)-Asp(458)-His(491), based on template 3n2zB with sequence identity of 17.6 %. The optimum pH and temperature of the endoprotease EPR were pH 4–5 and 35 °C, and the stabilities were pH 3–7 and 15–60 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the endoprotease EPR had the ability to digest peptides with the C-terminal of proline as well as alanine, and was also capable of hydrolyzing larger peptides. The properties of the endoprotease EPR made it a highly promising candidate for future application in the field of brewing and food process.
“There's a Whole Different Way of Working with Adolescents”: Interviews with Australian Genetic Counselors About their Experiences with Adolescent Clients
Authors: Tse Cheryl , Sahhar Margaret , Wallace Jane , Duncan Rony E. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAdolescence is a developmental period marked by unique physical, psychological and social changes. Guidelines about working with adolescents are available to health professionals in other fields, yet few resources are tailored specifically to genetic counselors. The current qualitative study explored the experiences of genetic counselors who work with adolescent clients to determine whether challenges exist and if further training and support are needed. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 genetic counselors from Australia. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis from which 7 key themes emerged: 1) Adolescents: A distinct client group? 2) Characteristics of adolescents; 3) Strategies for working with adolescents; 4) Confidentiality; 5) Parental involvement and presence in sessions; 6) Benefits of working with adolescents; and 7) The effectiveness of past training and education. The findings hold important implications for clinical practice and may inform future training programs and guidelines for genetic counselors internationally.
Relationship between the timing of vessel formation and leaf phenology in ten ring‐porous and diffuse‐porous deciduous tree species
Authors: Takahashi Sayaka , Okada Naoki , Nobuchi Tadashi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe goal of this study is to clarify how different aspects of plant function are coordinated developmentally for species of ring‐porous versus diffuse‐porous deciduous trees, comparing the timing of leaf phenology and vessel formation in twigs and stems from an ecophysiological viewpoint. Cylindrical stem cores and twigs were collected at intervals from early spring through summer from five ring‐porous and five diffuse‐porous species in a cool temperate forest, and leaf and vessel formation were observed simultaneously. We found that the first‐formed vessels of the year were lignified in twigs around the time of leaf appearance and at or before full leaf expansion of each tree in both groups of species with flush‐leaves. Vessels in stems were lignified 2 weeks before to 4 weeks after leaf appearance and before or around full leaf expansion of the tree in ring‐porous species. This was significantly earlier than in diffuse‐porous species, in which stem vessel lignification was 2–8 weeks after leaf appearance and at or after full leaf expansion of the tree. The timing of vessel formation in twigs compared to stems was significantly earlier in ring‐porous species than in diffuse‐porous species. Lignification of vessels in stems occurred within 2 weeks of lignification in the twigs of ring‐porous species and 2–8 weeks after lignification in twigs of diffuse‐porous species. These results indicate the order and time‐lag of leaf and vessel formation. Ring‐porous species showed intensive leaf/vessel production, whereas diffuse‐porous species showed less intensive leaf/vessel production.
Living Arrangements and the Elderly: An Analysis of Old-Age Mortality by Household Structure in Casalguidi, 1819–1859
Authors: Manfredini Matteo , Breschi Marco 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe elevated levels of protection, assistance, and care enjoyed by the elderly living in complex households has long been a key assumption of many family system theories. However, although this hypothesis has been demonstrated for contemporary contexts, quantitative evidence for past populations is particularly scarce, if not nonexistent. This article investigates the relationship between old-age mortality and living arrangements in a mid–nineteenth century Tuscan population, where the joint family system of sharecroppers coexisted alongside the nuclear system of day laborers. Our findings demonstrate that within complex households, the complexity of relationships, gender inequalities, and possible competition for care and resources among the most vulnerable household members—namely, the elderly and the young—weakens the assumption that the elderly benefitted from lower rates of old-age mortality.
The Relationship between Homebound Status and Occupational Competence, and Its Effects on Health-related Quality of Life
Authors: Ishibashi Yu , Yamada Takashi , Kobayashi Norikazu , Hashimoto Mime , Forsyth Kirsty 
Published: May 2013

Objective/Background This study aims to develop a fuller understanding of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes for older adults who were homebound (either occupationally competent or not occupationally competent) and not homebound (either occupationally competent or not occupationally competent). Methods All the study participants were ≥65 years of age (N = 5,135) and lived in the city of Arakawa (Tokyo, Japan). Questionnaires were inclusive of the Short Form-8 for HRQOL and Occupational Self-Assessment (version 2.1), and were sent to participants by mail. The response rate was 38.7% (1,991/5,135) and the valid rate response was 66.1% (1,317/1,991). The participants were divided into four groups, namely, group A (not homebound/high occupational competence), group B (not homebound/low occupational competence), group C (homebound/high occupational competence), and group D (homebound/low occupational competence). This study analyzed the HRQOL using analysis of variance. Results Group A (not homebound/high occupational competence) had the highest HRQOL, whereas group D (homebound/low occupational competence) had the lowest HRQOL among the four groups. However, group C (homebound/high occupational competence) had higher HRQOL than group B (not homebound/low occupational competence). Conclusion Occupational competence is not dependent on homebound status. Having high occupational competence supports higher HRQOL than not being homebound.
On a local to global principle in étale K-groups of curves
Authors: Banaszak Grzegorz , Krasoń Piotr 
Published: May 2013

AbstractLetXbe a smooth, proper and geometrically irreducible curveXdefined over a number fieldFand letχbe a regular and proper model ofXoverOF,Sl. In this paper we address the problem of detecting the linear dependence over ℤlof elements in the étaleK-theory ofχ. To be more specific, letP∊Ket2n(χ)and let ⋀̂ ⊂Ket2n(χ)be a ℤl-submodule. Letrυ:Ket2n(χ)→Ket2n(χυ)be the reduction map for υ ∉Sl. We prove, under some conditions onX, that ifrυ($\(P)_circumflex\$) ∈rυ(⋀̂) for almost all υ of$\mathematical script capital(O) F,Sl\$then$\(P)_circumflex\$∈ ⋀̂ +Ket2n(χ)tor.
Do positive or negative stressful events predict the development of new brain lesions in people with multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Burns M. N. , Nawacki E. , Kwasny M. J. , Pelletier D. , Mohr D. C. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundStressful life events have long been suspected to contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity. The few studies examining the relationship between stressful events and neuroimaging markers have been small and inconsistent. This study examined whether different types of stressful events and perceived stress could predict the development of brain lesions.MethodThis was a secondary analysis of 121 patients with MS followed for 48 weeks during a randomized controlled trial comparing stress management therapy for MS (SMT-MS) to a waitlist control (WLC). Patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans every 8 weeks. Every month, patients completed an interview measure assessing stressful life events and self-report measures of perceived stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms, which were used to predict the presence of gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) and T2lesions on MRI scans 29–62 days later. Participants classified stressful events as positive or negative. Negative events were considered ‘major’ if they involved physical threat or threat to the patient's family structure, and ‘moderate’ otherwise.ResultsPositive stressful events predicted decreased risk for subsequent Gd+ lesions in the control group [odds ratio (OR) 0.53 for each additional positive stressful event, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30–0.91] and less risk for new or enlarging T2lesions regardless of group assignment (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.55–0.99). Across groups, major negative stressful events predicted Gd+ lesions (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.18–2.64) and new or enlarging T2lesions (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.11–2.23) whereas moderate negative stressful events, perceived stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms did not.ConclusionsMajor negative stressful events predict increased risk for Gd+ and T2lesions whereas positive stressful events predict decreased risk.
The distribution of short character sums
Authors: LAMZOURI YOUNESS 
Published: May 2013

AbstractLet χ be a non-real Dirichlet character modulo a primeq. In this paper we prove that the distribution of the short character sumSχ,H(x)= ∑x<n≤x+Hχ(n), asxruns over the positive integers belowq, converges to a two-dimensional Gaussian distribution on the complex plane, provided that logH=o(logq) andH→ ∞ asq→ ∞. Furthermore, we use an idea of Selberg to establish an upper bound on the rate of convergence.
Functional analysis of bovine Nramp1 and production of transgenic cloned embryosin vitro
Authors: Cheng Xiang , Yu Xiaoli , Liu Yajun , Deng Jie , Ma Xiaoling , Wang Huayan 
Published: May 2013

SummaryNatural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (Nramp1) plays an important role in restraining the growth of intracellular pathogens within macrophages. In this study,Nramp1cDNA was cloned from Qinchuan cattle and its anti-bacterial activity was demonstrated as being able to significantly inhibit the growth ofSalmonella abortusovisandBrucella abortusin macrophages. Calf fibroblasts stably transfected with pSP–NRAMP1–HA vector were used to reconstruct bovine embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Reconstructed embryos were maturatedin vitroand the blastocyst formation rate (14.0%) was similar to that of control embryos (14.5%). Transgenic blastocysts were transplanted into 43 recipient cattle, of which 14 recipients became pregnant as evidenced by non-return estrus and by rectal palpation. One fetus was aborted after 6½ months of pregnancy and transgene integration was confirmed by semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Together, this study showed that bovine Nramp1 retains biological function against the growth of intracellular bacteria and can be used to reconstruct embryos and produceNramp1transgenic cattle, which may benefit the animal and enhance their ability to prevent attack by intracellular pathogens.
Viral endomyocardial infection in the 1st year post transplant is associated with persistent inflammation in children who have undergone cardiac transplant
Authors: Molina Kimberly , Denfield Susan , Fan Yuxin , Moulik Mousumi , Towbin Jeffrey , Dreyer William , Rossano Joseph 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground: Viral genome in cardiac allograft has been associated with early graft loss in children who have undergone cardiac transplant from unknown mechanisms. Methods: This study is a retrospective review of children who have undergone cardiac transplant at a single institution from 1/2004 to 5/2008. Patients underwent cardiac catheterisations with endomyocardial biopsies to evaluate for rejection – graded on Texas Heart Institute scale – and the presence of virus by polymerase chain reaction. Patients with virus identified during the first year post transplant were compared at 1 year post transplant with virus-free patients. Results: The cohort comprised 59 patients, and the median age at transplant was 5.1 years. Viral genomes were isolated from 18 (31%) patients. The PCR + group had increased inflammation on endomyocardial biopsies, with a median score of 4 (ISHLT IR) versus 1 (ISHLT 1R) in the PCR – group (p = 0.014). The PCR + group had a similar cardiac index (median 3.7 ml/min/m2), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (median 10 mmHg), and pulmonary vascular resistance index (median 1.7 U m2) comparatively. PCR + patients were more likely to have experienced an episode of rejection (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Children who developed viral endomyocardial infections after a cardiac transplant have increased allograft inflammation compared with virus-free patients. However, the haemodynamic profile is similar between the groups. The ongoing subclinical inflammation may contribute to the early graft loss associated with these patients.