bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional Non‐Viral Delivery Systems Based on Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Yang Gaomai , Lv Fengting , Wang Bing , Liu Libing , Yang Qiong , Wang Shu 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMultifunctional nanomaterials with simultaneous therapeutic and imaging functions explore new strategies for the treatment of various diseases. Conjugated polymers (CPs) are considered as novel candidates to serve as multifunctional delivery systems due to their high fluorescence quantum yield, good photostability, and low cytotoxicity. Highly sensitive sensing and imaging properties of CPs are well reviewed, while the applications of CPs as delivery systems are rarely covered. This feature article mainly focuses on CP‐based multifunctional non‐viral delivery systems for drug, protein, gene, and cell delivery. Promising directions for the further development of CP‐based delivery systems are also discussed. magnified image
Syndiotactic Polystyrene Films with Different Uniplanar Orientations: Additional Information on Crystal Phase Transitions
Authors: Rizzo Paola , Albunia Alexandra R. , Guerra Gaetano 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSyndiotactic polystyrene δ form films, exhibiting a//c// and a⟂c// uniplanar orientations and subjected to annealing procedures in the temperature range of 60–130 °C, have been thoroughly characterized by X‐ray diffraction. The reported results indicate that the gradual irreversible transformation from the nanoporous δ phase toward the dense γ phase occurs with a continuous transformation of the 010 and $ \bar 210 $ reflections of the δ form into the 020 and 200 reflections of the γ form, respectively. This analysis allows ruling out of the occurrence of a new reflection typical of an intermediate phase, as suggested by X‐ray diffraction measurements on unoriented or axially oriented samples.
Highly Filled Polystyrene/Laponite Hybrid Nanoparticles Prepared Using the Ad‐miniemulsion Polymerisation Technique
Authors: Zengeni Eddson , Hartmann Patrice C. , Pasch Harald 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe preparation of highly filled polystyrene/Laponite (PS/Lap) hybrid nanoparticles by the ad‐miniemulsion polymerisation technique, using conventional free‐radical polymerisation, is described. Laponite (Lap) is first modified with a polymerisable cationic surfactant. Then, using a second surfactant dispersions are prepared under sonication. A stable hybrid miniemulsion is obtained after mixing and co‐sonicating both miniemulsions. The polymerisation is conducted using an oil‐soluble initiator to obtain hybrid nanoparticles. PS/Lap hybrid nanoparticles are effectively prepared with clay contents as high as 50 wt%. TEM reveals that the highly filled hybrid latexes (≥30 wt%) exhibit encapsulated morphology with homogeneously distributed clay platelets.
Functional diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the human primary visual cortex at 7 T
Authors: Branzoli Francesca , Techawiboonwong Aranee , Kan Hermien , Webb Andrew , Ronen Itamar 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPurpose:Microstructural and metabolic changes directly related to neuronal activation have been investigated using functional diffusion‐weighted spectroscopy.Methods:The volume of interest was positioned in the primary visual cortex. A time series of alternating diffusion‐ and non‐diffusion‐weighted 1H spectra was acquired at 7 T employing stimulated echo acquisition mode sequence and a long diffusion time (Δ = 245 ms). Time‐resolved series of metabolite apparent diffusion coefficient values were derived.Results:Significant increases in apparent diffusion coefficient of 3.3 ± 1.4% (p = 0.05) and 3.9 ± 0.9% (p = 0.002) for total n‐acetyl aspartate and total creatine, respectively, and 8.1 ± 2.5% (p = 0.03) for total choline were observed in response to visual stimulation.Conclusion:The increase in apparent diffusion coefficient for these metabolites is a potential indication for microstructural changes in neurons during neural activation and/or for an increase in the energy‐dependent cytoplasmic streaming associated with enhanced metabolism during visual stimulation. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous dual end‐functionalization of peg via the passerini three‐component reaction for the synthesis of ABC miktoarm terpolymers
Authors: Li Lei , Kan Xiao‐Wei , Deng Xin‐Xing , Song Cheng‐Cheng , Du Fu‐Sheng , Li Zi‐Chen 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn this article, we demonstrate the Passerini three‐component reaction as a simple, effective method for the synthesis of polymers with double functional end groups, which are key precursors for the preparation of ABC miktoarm terpolymers. Thus, via the one‐step Passerini reaction of monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)–propionaldehyde (PEG‐CHO) with 2‐bromo‐2‐methylpropionic acid and propargyl isocyanoacetamide, the PEG chain end was simultaneously functionalized with one atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiating site and one alkynyl group. The resulting PEG(‐alkynyl)‐Br was then used for the synthesis of three types of miktoarm ABC terpolymers via two approaches. First, we conducted ATRP of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), then click reaction with azido‐terminated polystyrene (PS‐N3) or poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) (PtBA‐N3) and obtained two ABC miktoarm terpolymers PEG(‐b‐PNIPAM)‐b‐PS and PEG(‐b‐PNIPAM)‐b‐PtBA. Alternatively, we conducted single electron transfer living radical polymerization of tBA and click reaction with PS‐N3 simultaneously to give PEG(‐b‐PtBA)‐b‐PS. All the polymer precursors and miktoarm terpolymers have been characterized by 1H NMR, Fourier transform infrared, gel permeation chromatography, demonstrating that both approaches provided well‐defined ABC miktoarm terpolymers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Synthesis and characterization of novel renewable polyesters based on 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid and 2,3‐butanediol
Authors: Gubbels E. , Jasinska‐Walc L. , Koning C. E. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNovel polyesters from 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid or 2,5‐dimethyl‐furandicarboxylate and 2,3‐butanediol have been synthesized via bulk polycondensation catalyzed by titanium (IV) n‐butoxide, tin (IV) ethylhexanoate, or zirconium (IV) butoxide. The polymers were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), matrix‐assisted laser ionization‐desorption time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, electrospray ionization quadruple time‐of‐flight mass spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Fully bio‐based polyesters with number average molecular weights ranging from 2 to 7 kg/mol were obtained which can be suitable for coating applications. The analysis of their thermal properties proved that these polyesters are thermally stable up to 270–300 °C, whereas their glass transition temperature (Tg) values were found between 70 and 110 °C. Furthermore, a material was prepared with a molecular weight of 13 kg/mol, with a Tg of 113 °C. This high Tg would make this material possibly suitable for hot‐fill applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
HARP photoconductive film using CdSe layer with high quantum efficiency
Authors: Miyakawa Kazunori , Ohkawa Yuji , Matsubara Tomoki , Kikuchi Kenji , Kubota Misao , Egami Norifumi 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe have been developing high‐gain avalanche rushing amorphous photoconductor (HARP) imaging devices to achieve ultra‐high‐sensitivity television cameras with high picture quality. The HARP photoconductive film, which multiplies signal electric charges through an avalanche multiplication phenomenon, is mainly made of amorphous selenium (a‐Se) that has a band gap width of about 2.0 eV. The film has little sensitivity to light with wavelengths over 620 nm. To solve this problem drastically, we developed a new HARP film with a cadmium selenide (CdSe) layer to improve the quantum efficiency for red light. The new film had a quantum efficiency of over 80% across almost all of the visible light region and a multiplication factor of over 10. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Erratum: 10‐GHz 4.69‐W/mm InAlN/GaN HFET on sapphire substrate [Phys. Status Solidi C 9, 855–857 (2012)]
Authors: Feng Zhihong , Liu Bo , Yin Jiayun , Wang Jinjin , Gu Guodong , Dun Shaobo , Cai Shujun 
Published: November 2012

AbstractUnfortunately, the Fig. 2 in the right column on page 856 was misplaced and should be corrected. The correct figure is shown here (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Regularized partial least squares with an application to NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Allen Genevera I. , Peterson Christine , Vannucci Marina , Maletić‐Savatić Mirjana 
Published: November 2012

AbstractHigh‐dimensional data common in genomics, proteomics, and chemometrics often contains complicated correlation structures. Recently, partial least squares (PLS) and Sparse PLS methods have gained attention in these areas as dimension reduction techniques in the context of supervised data analysis. We introduce a framework for Regularized PLS by solving a relaxation of the SIMPLS optimization problem with penalties on the PLS loadings vectors. Our approach enjoys many advantages including flexibility, general penalties, easy interpretation of results, and fast computation in high‐dimensional settings. We also outline extensions of our methods leading to novel methods for non‐negative PLS and generalized PLS, an adoption of PLS for structured data. We demonstrate the utility of our methods through simulations and a case study on proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy data. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2012
Sparse fusion systems
Authors: Glesser Adam 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe define sparse saturated fusion systems and show that, for odd primes, sparse systems are constrained. This simplifies the proof of the Glauberman–Thompson p-Nilpotency Theorem for fusion systems and a related theorem of Stellmacher. We then define a more restrictive class of saturated fusion systems, called extremely sparse systems, that are constrained for all primes.
Bringing Corporate Welfare In
Authors: FARNSWORTH KEVIN 
Published: November 2012

AbstractOne of the consequences of the post-2008 global economic crisis is that it has thrust into the public spotlight the issue of state provision for corporations, putting paid to the myth that capitalism and businesses could ultimately be more profitable, more efficient and more competitive without state interference and direct support. The reality is that corporations of every size and within every sector depend on government support in some way. Hence, while the measures taken by governments in response to the global crisis have been exceptional in their scale, they are not exceptional by design. Rather, direct and indirect state support to corporations – referred to here as corporate welfare – is commonplace and is deeply embedded within the state's operations with various forms of assistance being delivered through social policies. In such an environment, the fact that social policy has very little to say about ‘corporate welfare’ is a serious omission. Bringing corporate welfare into social policy analysis reinforces the potential defence of the welfare state and, at the same time, increases our understanding of how best to balance the needs of private businesses with those of citizens on the one hand, and the burden of paying for welfare on the other. To this end, this paper argues for a deeper recognition, understanding, consideration and embedding of corporate welfare in social policy analysis. The first half of the paper advances conceptually the analysis of corporate welfare, mapping corporate and social welfare along a continuum. The second half provides some empirical evidence of the relative size of corporate and social welfare provision in a number of OECD countries.
Stiffness estimation of a parallel manipulator using image analysis and camera calibration techniques
Authors: Gonzalez-Hernandez Abraham , Castillo-Castaneda Eduardo 
Published: November 2012

SUMMARYThis work presents a methodology using image analysis to estimate the experimental stiffness of a parallel robot, Parallix LKF-2040, a 3-degree-of-freedom manipulator. The proposed methodology has a simple implementation and can be applied to different architectures of parallel robots. This methodology uses image analysis and camera calibration techniques to estimate compliant displacements of mobile platform produced by several loads at the end effector level, and calculate stiffness in a specific position of mobile platform. Experimental results are presented for different positions within the workspace.
Structure and consequences of the kinetic ballooning/interchange instability in the magnetotail
Authors: Pritchett P. L. , Coroniti F. V. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe structure and dynamical consequences of the kinetic ballooning/interchange instability (BICI) that can be excited in the curved magnetic geometry characteristic of the terrestrial plasma sheet are investigated by means of three‐dimensional electromagnetic particle‐in‐cell simulations. Compared with earlier studies that considered a single Bz minimum configuration with an extremely large midtail field, additional simulations are performed in which this maximum is reduced to a more realistic value, the dependence on the values of the plasma beta and of the mass and temperature ratios mi/me and Ti/Te is investigated, and the limiting case of a constant Bz profile is examined. The general properties of the BICI modes are found to be unaltered by these changes. Significantly, the BICI excitation is found not to require an explicit tailward magnetic field gradient; it appears to be sufficient for the entropy to decrease with distance down the tail. The BICI wavelength varies inversely with Bz, and the eigenmodes are strongly field aligned with parallel electron flows comparable to the ion thermal velocity. In the edge of the plasma sheet, the oscillations in Bx and Bz have comparable magnitude. Once excited, the growth of the modes is robust and leads to the formation of intense interchange heads that propagate earthward. When the equatorial plasma beta is on the order of 500 or higher, the Bz field can be driven southward in the wake of the heads. This results in the onset of localized magnetic reconnection and a violent disruption of the plasma sheet.
Least-squares fitting with errors in the response and
predictor
Authors: Burr T. , Croft S. , Reed B.C. 
Published: November 2012

Least squares regression is commonly used in metrology for calibration and estimation. In
regression relating a response y to a predictor x, the
predictor x is often measured with error that is ignored in analysis.
Practitioners wondering how to proceed when x has non-negligible error
face a daunting literature, with a wide range of notation, assumptions, and approaches.
For the model ytrue = β0 + β1   xtrue,
we provide simple expressions for errors in predictors (EIP) estimators
β̂0, EIP for β0 and β̂1, EIP for β1 and for an
approximation to covariance
(β̂0, EIP,
β̂1, EIP). It is assumed that there are measured data
x = xtrue + ex,
and
y = ytrue + ey
with errors ex in x and
ey in y and the
variances of the errors ex and
ey are allowed to depend on
xtrue and ytrue, respectively.
This paper also investigates the accuracy of the estimated cov(β̂0, EIP,
β̂1, EIP) and provides a numerical Bayesian alternative using
Markov Chain Monte Carlo, which is recommended particularly for small sample sizes where
the approximate expression is shown to have lower accuracy than desired.
Traumatic Posterior L4–L5 Fracture Dislocation of the Lumbar Spine: A Case Report
Authors: Zarate-Kalfopulos Baron , Romero-Vargas Samuel , Alcántara-Canseco Cesar , Rosales-Olivarez Luis Miguel , Alpizar-Aguirre Armando , Reyes-Sánchez Alejandro 
Published: November 2012

Study Design Case report. Objective The diagnosis and surgical management of a patient with traumatic bilateral posterior dislocation of L4–L5 is presented with a thorough review of the existing literature. Summary of Background Data Traumatic dislocation of L4–L5 has been reported in the English literature in only five cases; of these, only two were retrolisthesis. Methods A 20-year-old patient was involved in a high-energy vehicular accident and presented with back pain and inability to ambulate. Neurological assessment showed motor strength grade 2/5 in the proximal lower-extremity muscle groups (L1–L3 myotomes) and 0/5 strength distally (L4–S1 myotomes); in addition, incontinence of sphincters was found. X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a three-column ligamentous injury with posterior fracture-dislocation of the L4 vertebral body with complete posterior displacement of L4 to L5 vertebral body. The patient underwent posterior approach with reduction, transpedicular fixation, and posterolateral fusion with autologous bone graft. Results At 1-year follow-up, the patient had recovered muscular strength in proximal lower-extremities muscle groups, sphincter function had fully recovered, and he was able to ambulate with crutches. There was no recovery of distal extremity sensorimotor function. Plain radiograph and CT scan showed good alignment and progressive maturation of his fusion procedure. Conclusion Traumatic retrolisthesis of L4–L5 is a high-energy unstable fracture; reduction of the dislocation is challenging because of the heavy forces acting in the lower lumbar spine. Instrumented fusion restores alignment and maintains segmental stability.
A Radiological Comparison of Anterior Fusion Rates in Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: McCarthy M. J. H. , Ng L. , Vermeersch G. , Chan D. 
Published: November 2012

Aim To compare anterior fusion in standalone anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) using cage and screw constructs and anterior cage–alone constructs with posterior pedicle screw supplementation but without posterior fusion. Methods Eighty-five patients underwent single- or two-level ALIF procedure for degenerative disk disease or lytic spondylolisthesis (SPL). Posterior instrumentation was performed without posterior fusion in all cases of lytic SPL and when the anterior cage used did not have anterior screw through cage fixation. Results Seventy (82%) patients had adequate radiological follow-up at a mean of 19 months. Forty patients had anterior surgery alone (24 single level and 16 two levels) and 30 had front-back surgery (15 single level and 15 two levels). Anterior locked pseudarthrosis was only seen in the anterior surgery–alone group when using the STALIF cage (Surgicraft, Worcestershire, UK) (37 patients). This occurred in five of the single-level surgeries (5/22) and nine of the two-level surgeries (9/15). Fusion was achieved in 100% of the front-back group and only 65% (26/40) of the anterior surgery–alone group. Conclusion Posterior pedicle screw supplementation without posterolateral fusion improves the fusion rate of ALIF when using anterior cage and screw constructs. We would recommend supplementary posterior fixation especially in cases where more than one level is being operated.
Evaluating the Use of an Alternative Breed Type as a Pest Management Strategy
Authors: Epplin Francis M. , Ervin R. Terry 
Published: November 2012

AbstractUse of an alternative breed type has been proposed as a management strategy for cow‐calf producers confronted with tick‐infested pastures. The objective of the research reported in this paper is to compare the economics of a Brahman crossbreeding (50 percent Brahman‐50 percent British) system with a British crossbreeding system. Because few estimates of breed differences are available, parametric programming was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of results to base estimates. The proposed strategy to use Brahman crosses on tick‐infested pastures is economically sound over wide ranges of the parameters considered.
Sequential Modeling of White Wheat Marketing Strategies
Authors: Lambert David K. , McCarl Bruce A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA discrete stochastic progamming model is developed to directly maximize expected utility resulting from alternative white wheat marketing strategies. Time‐series and regression techniques are used to simulate post‐harvest price events. Farm characteristics and risk attitudes of a small group of Pacific Northwest wheat producers define the constraints and the objective functions for the model. The sequential formulation of the model, in which price uncertainty is continuously resolved, results in more flexible sales patterns over the marketing year than a nonsequential formulation of the problem. Alternative utility functional forms have little influence on optimal marketing plans.
Can Increasing an Input Price Increase Competitive Profits
Authors: Ladd George W. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe envelope theorem asserts that the effect of an input price change on firm profit equals the negative of the quantity of the input used. Students of policy, however, believe that an increase in an input price can result in decreased production and higher product price, and possibly even in higher profit. The theorem is partial equilibrium and is not applicable to situations in which a parametric change generates general equilibrium effects. Conditions are identified under which an input price change can change profit in the same direction. Increasing corn price can increase profits from livestock.
Effects of Selected Credit Programs on Farm Financial Survival
Authors: Batte Marvin T. , Farr Terry J. , Lee Warren F. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA computer simulation model is used to determine the effects of policies designed to reduce interest rates and/or loan payments on firm solvency, profitability and cashflow adequacy for a representative eastern Corn Belt farm. A state linked deposit program and the FmHA's Interest Rate Reduction and Debt Deferral programs are analyzed under low, medium and high levels of farm financial leverage. The FmHA Interest Rate Reduction program provides some improvement (relative to the base case) in firm profitability, solvency and cashflow at the 40 percent debt‐to‐asset level, with the ending debt‐to‐asset ratio below that at the beginning of the simulation. This same policy, applied to the 70 percent beginning debt‐to‐asset case, results in increased debt‐to‐asset ratios over, and a negative cashflow at the end of the eight‐year simulation. The linked deposit program provides similar, but substantially less, improvement in these financial measures than the FmHA Reduction plan due to its limit to operating loans. Firm solvency tends to deteriorate over the eight‐year simulation period under the FmHA Debt Deferral scenario, and the 70 percent debt‐to‐asset case is insolvent by year eight.
Multicommodity Export Subsidies
Authors: Haley Stephen L. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractRecently there has been renewed attention to the welfare‐enhancing effects of export subsidies, in particular targeted export subsidies. This report extends that analysis to the case where cross price effects are significant to trade. In the context of two exportables, a subsidy on one of the goods can be welfare enhancing if a combination of conditions hold. First, the export level of the subsidized good should be low. Second, the rest‐of‐world (ROW) own price substitution elasticity for the subsidized good should be large, and the two exportables should be complementary or only weakly substitutable in ROW. Third, the two exportables should be strongly substitutable in the subsidizing country. Optimal subsidies that incorporate cross effects and targeting can be derived from the spatial equilibrium framework. An example based on USDA's trade liberalization model shows that there are small gains from a targeted U.S. subsidy program for wheat and corn. Sensitivity analysis shows that cross price effects can be important when determining the amount of the subsidies and when evaluating their benefit to the subsidizing country.