bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extruded versus solvent cast blends of poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) and biopolymers isolated from municipal biowaste
Authors: Franzoso Flavia , Vaca‐Garcia Carlos , Rouilly Antoine , Evon Philippe , Montoneri Enzo , Persico Paola , Mendichi Raniero , Nisticò Roberto , Francavilla Matteo
Published: November 2015

Water‐soluble biopolymers (SBO) were isolated from the alkaline hydrolysate of two materials sampled from an urban waste treatment plant; that is, an anaerobic fermentation digestate and a compost. The digestate biopolymers contained more lipophilic and aliphatic C, and less acidic functional groups than the compost biopolymers. The SBO were blended with poly (vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene), hereinafter EVOH. The blends were extruded and characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC)– multi angle static light scattering (MALS) analysis, and for their thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties. The blends behavior depended on the type of SBO and its relative content. Evidence was obtained for a condensation reaction occurring between the EVOH and SBO. The best results were obtained with the blends containing up to 10% SBO isolated from the biowaste anaerobic digestate. Compared with the neat EVOH, these blends exhibited lower melt viscosity and no significant or great difference in mechanical properties. The results on the extrudates, compared with those previously obtained on the same blends obtained by solvent casting, indicate that the blends properties depend strongly also on the processing technology. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43009.
Describing and quantifying the chemical composition distribution in unimodal and multimodal ZN‐polyethylene using CRYSTAF
Authors: Albrecht Andreas , Jayaratne Kumudini , Jeremic Ljiljana , Sumerin Victor , Pakkanen Anneli
Published: November 2015

A new approach in describing and quantifying the chemical composition distribution (CCD) in Ziegler–Natta‐polyethylene copolymers was developed by using crystallization analysis fractionation (Crystaf). Copolymers of ethylene and α‐olefins (1‐butene and 1‐hexene) polymerized with different ZN catalyst systems were analyzed. Distinct differences in the CCD between the different polymer types (catalyst‐cocatalyst system and comonomer type) were observed and could be quantified. Same approach was applied to 2‐dimensional fractionation technique, cross fractionation chromatography, to describe and quantify the CCD of multimodal polyethylene copolymers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43089.
HD5 and HBD1 variants’ solvation potential energy correlates with their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli
Authors: Porto William F. , Nolasco Diego O. , Pires Állan S. , Fernandes Gabriel R. , Franco Octávio L. , Alencar Sérgio A.
Published: November 2015

The structure‐activity relationship of defensins is not clear. It is known that point mutations in HD5 and HBD1 could modify their activities; however, these mutations do not seem to alter their three‐dimensional structures. Here, applying molecular dynamics simulations, this relationship was studied in depth. There are modifications in flexibility, solvent accessible surface area and radius of gyration, but these properties are not reflected in the activity. Only alterations in the solvation potential energy were correlated to antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. Data here reported could lead to a better understanding of structural and functional aspects of α‐ and β‐defensins. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 43–50, 2016.
Structural impact of proline mutations in the loop region of an ancestral membrane protein
Authors: Nadeau Vincent G. , Deber Charles M.
Published: November 2015

The sodium ion‐translocating F0F1 ATP synthase from the bacterium Ilyobacter tartaricus contains a highly stable rotor ring composed of 11 c subunits. The synthase subunit c—in effect an 89‐residue peptide that folds into a helical hairpin consisting of two membrane‐spanning helices and a cytoplasmic loop—was probed for the structural impact of a series of substitutions with the β‐turn‐inducing proline‐glycine couplet scanning the hairpin loop (residues 44‐51) of the I. tartaricus sequence. We found that a Pro residue in other than the wild type position 47 alters the gross secondary structure of subunit c from α‐helical to β‐sheet‐like, as well as changing its oligomeric ring structure, and its stability toward heat and trichloroacetic acid treatment. Such a Pro‐mediated structural switch in one of the first membrane proteins in life hints to a potential evolutionary connection between α‐helical and β‐sheet membrane proteins. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) : 37–42, 2016.
Approaches to the stabilization of bioactive epitopes by grafting and peptide cyclization
Authors: Conibear Anne C. , Chaousis Stephanie , Durek Thomas , Johan Rosengren K. , Craik David J. , Schroeder Christina I.
Published: November 2015

Peptides are attracting increasing interest from the pharmaceutical industry because of their specificity and ability to address novel targets, including protein–protein interactions. However, typically they require stabilization for therapeutic applications owing to their susceptibility to degradation by proteases. Advances in the ability to chemically synthesize peptides and the development of new side‐chain and backbone ligation strategies provide new tools to stabilize bioactive peptide epitopes. Two such epitopes are LyP1, a nine residue peptide that localizes to tumor cells and has potential as an anticancer therapeutic, and RGDS, a tetrapeptide shown to bind to survivin and induce apoptosis. Here we applied a variety of strategies for the stabilization of LyP1 and RGDS, including side‐chain cyclization using “click” chemistry and “grafting” the epitopes into two naturally occurring cyclic peptide scaffolds, i.e., θ‐defensins and cyclotides. NMR data showed that the three‐disulfide θ‐defensin and cyclotide scaffolds accommodated the LyP1 and RGDS epitopes but that scaffolds with fewer disulfide bonds were structurally compromised by inclusion of the LyP1 epitope. LyP1, LyP1‐, and RGDS‐grafted peptides that were largely unstructured also had reduced resistance to degradation in human serum, showing that grafting into a stable cyclic scaffold is an effective strategy for increasing the stability of a bioactive peptide epitope. Overall, the study demonstrates several methods for stabilizing peptide epitopes using side‐chain or backbone cyclization and illustrates their potential in peptide drug design. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 89–100, 2016.
Sonographic examination of the median nerve in dialysis patients and after renal transplantation
Authors: Carolus Anne Elisabeth , Schenker Peter , Dombert Thomas , Fontana Johann , Viebahn Richard , Schmieder Kirsten , Brenke Christopher
Published: November 2015

Objective

Patients with renal insufficiency are predisposed to develop CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome). In particular, long‐term dialysis seems to contribute to changes in median nerve texture which lead to an increased risk for CTS. The current study was designed to evaluate if these structural changes can be detected by HRS (high‐resolution sonography). Additionally, the current study aimed to determine if changes are reversible after termination of dialysis.

Methods

Fifty patients (98 hands) were included in the study. The study population was subdivided into three groups: patients without any history of renal disease (H, n = 20), patients with long‐term dialysis (D, n = 10), and patients after renal transplantation (TX, n = 20). None of the patients had any clinical symptoms for a median nerve compression syndrome. The CSA (cross‐sectional area) of the median nerve was evaluated both 12 cm proximally of the carpal tunnel inlet and directly at the carpal tunnel inlet. The ratio of those two values, the WFR (wrist forearm ratio), was calculated and analyzed.

Results

The CSA demonstrated significantly higher values in dialysis (D) and transplanted (TX) patients compared to the healthy (H) control group (P < 0.001). No significant differences were detectable between the D and TX groups. Specifically, there was no significant difference in the WFR.

Conclusion

Patients with chronic renal disease demonstrate significantly higher CSA values compared to their healthy counterparts. Termination of dialysis does not seem to reverse these morphological changes.
KernelHive: a new workflow‐based framework for multilevel high performance computing using clusters and workstations with CPUs and GPUs
Authors: Rościszewski Paweł , Czarnul Paweł , Lewandowski Rafał , Schally‐Kacprzak Marcel
Published: November 2015

The paper presents a new open‐source framework called KernelHive for multilevel parallelization of computations among various clusters, cluster nodes, and finally, among both CPUs and GPUs for a particular application. An application is modeled as an acyclic directed graph with a possibility to run nodes in parallel and automatic expansion of nodes (called node unrolling) depending on the number of computation units available. A methodology is proposed for parallelization and mapping of an application to the environment that includes selection of devices using a chosen optimizer, selection of best grid configurations for compute devices, optimization of data partitioning and the execution. One of possibly many scheduling algorithms can be selected considering execution time, power consumption, and so on. An easy‐to‐use GUI is provided for modeling and monitoring with a repository of ready‐to‐use constructs and computational kernels. The methodology, execution times, and scalability have been demonstrated for a distributed and parallel password‐breaking example run in a heterogeneous environment with a cluster and servers with different numbers of nodes and both CPUs and GPUs. Additionally, performance of the framework has been compared with an MPI + OpenCL implementation using a parallel geospatial interpolation application employing up to 40 cluster nodes and 320 cores. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal activity and autonomic nervous system arousal predict developmental trajectories of children's comorbid behavior problems
Authors: Chen Frances R. , Raine Adrian , Glenn Andrea L. , Granger Douglas A.
Published: November 2015

The combined effects of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis activity and autonomic nervous system (ANS) arousal were examined on developmental trajectories of children's comorbid internalizing and externalizing problems. Participants were 394 urban dwelling, primarily African American, youth (50% male, age 11–12 years). Parent‐reported child behavior problems were obtained initially, 3, 6, and 12 months later. Saliva samples (collected at the initial assessment) were assayed for cortisol (HPA) and alpha‐amylase (ANS). Cross‐domain latent class growth analysis identified a stable comorbid trajectory and four other distinct short‐term developmental trajectories of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. ANS arousal was negatively associated with the probability of stable comorbidity, but only among youth who also had high levels of HPA axis activity. Findings underscore the predictive value of the interaction of HPA axis activity and ANS arousal in differentiating children with stable comorbidity and have important implications for etiological theories and treatment outcome research. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58: 393–405, 2016.
Context differences in delta beta coupling are associated with neuroendocrine reactivity in infants
Authors: Brooker Rebecca J. , Phelps Randi A. , Davidson Richard J. , Goldsmith H. Hill
Published: November 2015

Although evidence suggests that delta–beta coupling may provide a useful index of trait level cortico‐subcortical cross talk in baseline contexts, there has been little work done to clarify the role of delta–beta coupling across contexts and in association with other physiological markers of emotion processing. We examined whether individual differences in coupling were visible across both positive and negative emotion‐eliciting episodes during infancy (age 6 months). We also tested the convergence between measures of delta–beta coupling and neuroendocrine reactivity, which is also believed to index emotion processing. Patterns of coupling across emotion‐eliciting episodes differed based on infants' levels of cortisol reactivity. Low cortisol‐reactive infants largely did not show differences in coupling across emotion contexts while high cortisol‐reactive infants showed greater coupling in non‐fear contexts during baseline and fear episodes. Moreover, high cortisol‐reactive infants showed greater coupling than low‐reactive infants in non‐positive episodes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58: 406–418, 2016.
Lightning Observation in 3D Using a Multiple LF Sensor Network and Comparison with Radar Reflectivity
Authors: YOSHIDA SATORU , WU TING , USHIO TOMOO , TAKAYANAGI YUJI
Published: November 2015

A three‐dimensional (3D) lightning mapper consisting of multiple low‐frequency (LF) sensors has been developed to monitor thunderstorms and to estimate their charge structure. We have been conducting an observation campaign using the 3D lightning mapper in Kansai, Japan, since October 2012. In this study, we determine 3D source locations of intracloud and cloud‐to‐ground flashes and compare them with the radar reflectivity estimated by phased‐array radar (PAR) with high temporal and spatial resolution. Most LF sources are located in high radar reflectivity regions, confirming that the 3D LF lightning mapper monitors thunderstorms. A lightning flash with heavy branches is clearly imaged. Based on the bidirectional leader theory that negative and positive ends of a lightning leader develop simultaneously, we estimate the positive and negative charge regions in a thundercloud from the LF source locations. The radar reflectivity estimated by PAR supports the charge structure estimated by LF source locations.
A Hydrogen‐Storage Distributed Generation System Using Unitized Reversible Cells and Its Operational Scheme
Authors: YAMAGUCHI YUYA , TAKAHASHI AKIKO , IMAI JUN , FUNABIKI SHIGEYUKI
Published: November 2015

Environmental issues such as global warming and depletion of natural energy resources are posing problems. Photovoltaic systems have been attracting attention as a form of renewable energy. The output power of a photovoltaic system changes sharply because solar radiation intensity and temperature vary with the weather. In conventional photovoltaic systems, the surplus power, excluding the power consumed in the load, flows back to the grid. Therefore, fluctuations in the output power of a photovoltaic system may have an adverse effect on the grid. This paper proposes a novel hydrogen‐storage distributed generation system using a unitized reversible cell that integrates a fuel cell and water electrolyzer to smooth reverse power flow. The hydrogen‐storage distributed generation system was modeled and a computer simulation was performed. Using two evaluation methods, the proposed system is shown to be effective at leveling power flow back to the grid.
Basic Study on Islanding Detection Method for PV Systems by Harmonic Impedance Detection in Case of Including Induction Motor in Load System
Authors: YOSHIDA YOSHIAKI , SUZUKI HIROKAZU , FUJIWARA KOJI , ISHIHARA YOSHIYUKI
Published: November 2015

It is important that photovoltaic (PV) systems detect islanding caused by power system faults to ensure electrical safety. Thus we propose a novel islanding detection method which detects the harmonic impedance by injecting harmonic currents synchronized with the exciting current harmonics of the pole transformer. For the case in which an induction motor load is included in the load system, basic experiments on islanding detection and simulation analysis are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Iron Loss Analysis of Permanent Magnet Motors Fed by PWM Inverter
Authors: MARUYAMA ERI , TAKAHASHI AKESHI , WAKUI SHINICHI , Hatsune Wataru
Published: November 2015

Carrier harmonic losses that consist of iron loss, eddy current loss, and ac copper loss are produced in a permanent magnet machine driven by a PWM inverter. It is already known that a higher motor inductance can lead to lower carrier harmonic losses. This paper investigates the carrier harmonic loss composition of two motors with identical dimensions but different inductances. The results of finite element analysis (FEA) showed that the eddy current loss in the iron core accounts for most of the carrier harmonic loss. It is also shown that the carrier harmonic loss of the iron core is quantifiable using theoretical calculations.
Explicit numerical solutions of a microbial survival model under nonisothermal conditions
Authors: Zhu Si , Chen Guibing
Published: November 2015

Differential equations used to describe the original and modified Geeraerd models were, respectively, simplified into an explicit equation in which the integration of the specific inactivation rate with respect to time was numerically approximated using the Simpson's rule. The explicit numerical solutions were then used to simulate microbial survival curves and fit nonisothermal survival data for identifying model parameters in Microsoft Excel. The results showed that the explicit numerical solutions provided an easy way to accurately simulate microbial survival and estimate model parameters from nonisothermal survival data using the Geeraerd models.
Astrocyte sodium signaling and the regulation of neurotransmission
Authors: Kirischuk Sergei , Héja László , Kardos Julianna , Billups Brian
Published: November 2015

The transmembrane Na+ concentration gradient is an important source of energy required not only to enable the generation of action potentials in excitable cells, but also for various transmembrane transporters both in excitable and non‐excitable cells, like astrocytes. One of the vital functions of astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) is to regulate neurotransmitter concentrations in the extracellular space. Most neurotransmitters in the CNS are removed from the extracellular space by Na+‐dependent neurotransmitter transporters (NeuTs) expressed both in neurons and astrocytes. Neuronal NeuTs control mainly phasic synaptic transmission, i.e., synaptically induced transient postsynaptic potentials, while astrocytic NeuTs contribute to the termination of phasic neurotransmission and modulate the tonic tone, i.e., the long‐lasting activation of extrasynaptic receptors by neurotransmitter that has diffused out of the synaptic cleft. Consequently, local intracellular Na+ ([Na+]i) transients occurring in astrocytes, for example via the activation of ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors, can affect the driving force for neurotransmitter uptake, in turn modulating the spatio‐temporal profiles of neurotransmitter levels in the extracellular space. As some NeuTs are close to thermodynamic equilibrium under resting conditions, an increase in astrocytic [Na+]i can stimulate the direct release of neurotransmitter via NeuT reversal. In this review we discuss the role of astrocytic [Na+]i changes in the regulation of uptake/release of neurotransmitters. It is emphasized that an activation of one neurotransmitter system, including either its ionotropic receptor or Na+‐coupled co‐transporter, can strongly influence, or even reverse, other Na+‐dependent NeuTs, with potentially significant consequences for neuronal communication. GLIA 2016;64:1655–1666
Swallowing performance and tube feeding status in patients treated with parotid‐sparing intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Roe Justin W.G. , Carding Paul N. , Drinnan Michael J. , Harrington Kevin J. , Nutting Christopher M.
Published: November 2015

Background

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the swallowing performance of patients with head and neck cancer treated with parotid‐sparing intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Methods

Sixty‐two patients were recruited. Data were collected before and up to 12 months after treatment. Measures included the Performance Status Scale for head and neck cancer (PSS‐HN Normalcy of Diet and Eating in Public subscales), tube feeding status, and 100 mL water swallow test (WST) volume and capacity scores.

Results

There was a significant reduction in PSS‐HN and WST scores from baseline to 3 months (p < .001). Significant improvements were observed up to 12 months on the PSS‐HN. Swallowing volume and capacity scores recovered but did not reach statistical significance. Tube feeding was not required in 47% of the patients.

Conclusion

IMRT significantly impacts on swallowing performance, although there is a trend for improvement up to 12 months after treatment. Our data support a case‐by‐case approach to tube feeding. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1436–E1444, 2016
Prospective validation of ab initio liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma upon detection of risk factors for recurrence after resection
Authors: Ferrer‐Fàbrega Joana , Forner Alejandro , Liccioni Alexandre , Miquel Rosa , Molina Víctor , Navasa Miquel , Fondevila Constantino , García‐Valdecasas Juan Carlos , Bruix Jordi , Fuster Josep
Published: November 2015

A decade ago we proposed to enlist for transplantation those patients with resected hepatocellular carcinoma in whom pathology registered pejorative histological markers (microvascular invasion and/or satellites; ab initio indication) and not wait for the appearance of recurrence. This study evaluates the outcome of this approach. From 1995 to 2012, 164 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent resection. Eighty‐five patients were potential candidates for liver transplantation and were considered for it upon detection of pejorative histological markers. Patients without these markers were followed, and salvage liver transplantation was considered upon development of tumor recurrence/liver function impairment. Thirty‐seven patients were at high risk and 48 at low risk of recurrence at pathology. Twenty‐three out of 37 high‐risk patients recurred during follow‐up, but in nine of them the tumor burden extent contraindicated liver transplantation. Seventeen were finally transplanted: 10 of them presented recurrence at imaging/explant. After a median posttransplant follow‐up of 50.9 months, hepatocellular carcinoma had recurred in two patients and five patients had died, the 5‐year survival being 82.4%. Twenty‐six of the 48 low‐risk patients developed recurrence, and 11 of them were transplanted. After a median posttransplant follow‐up of 59 months, two patients developed recurrence and five died, their 5‐year survival being 81.8%. Conclusion: Enlistment of patients at high risk of HCC recurrence after resection but before recurrence development seems a valid strategy and is associated with excellent long‐term outcome; as early (<6 months) recurrence reflects an aggressive tumor behavior leading to tumor extent exceeding transplant criteria, we propose to wait at least 6 months before enlistment; however, once included on the waiting list, priority strategies should be implemented in order to reach effective transplantation prior to the appearance of recurrence. (Hepatology 2016;63:839–849)
Effect of heme oxygenase‐1 gene promoter polymorphism on cancer risk by histological subtype: A prospective study in arseniasis‐endemic areas in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Meei‐Maan , Lee Chih‐Hung , Hsu Ling‐I , Cheng Wen‐Fang , Lee Te‐Chang , Wang Yuang‐Hung , Chiou Hung‐Yi , Chen Chien‐Jen
Published: November 2015

Heme oxygenase (HO)−1 is upregulated by many stressful stimuli, including arsenic. A GT‐repeat ((GT)n) polymorphism in the HO‐1 gene promoter inversely modulates the levels of HO‐1 induction. Previous HO‐1 (GT)n polymorphism studies in relation to cancer risk have shown disparate results. We prospectively investigated the associations between HO‐1 (GT)n polymorphism and cancer risk related to arsenic from drinking water. Totally, 1,013 participants from community‐based cohorts of arseniasis‐endemic areas in Taiwan were followed for 13 years. Allelic polymorphisms were classified into long (L, ≥27 (GT)n) and short (S, <27 (GT)n). Newly developed cases were identified through linkage with National Cancer Registry of Taiwan. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard methods were used to evaluate effects of the HO‐1 polymorphism alone or combined with arsenic exposure. Results showed that participants with the S/S genotype had an increased risk of Bowen's disease (HR = 10.49; 95% CI: 2.77–39.7), invasive skin cancer (HR = 2.99; 95% CI: 1.13–7.87), and lung squamous cell carcinoma (HR = 3.39; 95% CI: 1.15–9.95) versus those with L/S or L/L genotype. The S/S genotype combined with high arsenic exposure (>300 μg/L) had a greater risk of skin cancer compared to the genotype alone. Consistent with previous findings, participants with the S‐allele had a reduced risk of lung adenocarcinoma (HR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.03–0.68) versus those with L/L genotype. There were no significant differences in risk of urothelial carcinoma among the three genotypes. Associations of HO‐1 (GT)n polymorphism with cancer risk differs by histological subtype and the polymorphism should be considered a modifier in the risk assessment of arsenic exposure.
Blocking mammalian target of rapamycin alleviates bone cancer pain and morphine tolerance via µ‐opioid receptor
Authors: Jiang Zongming , Wu Shaoyong , Wu Xiujuan , Zhong Junfeng , Lv Anqing , Jiao Jing , Chen Zhonghua
Published: November 2015

The current study was to examine the underlying mechanisms responsible for the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in regulating bone cancer‐evoked pain and the tolerance of systemic morphine. Breast sarcocarcinoma Walker 256 cells were implanted into the tibia bone cavity of rats and this evoked significant mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Our results showed that the protein expression of p‐mTOR, mTOR‐mediated phosphorylation of 4E–binding protein 4 (4E‐BP1), p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase 1 (S6K1) as well as phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinase (p‐PI3K) pathways were amplified in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord of bone cancer rats compared with control rats. Blocking spinal mTOR by using rapamycin significantly attenuated activities of PI3K signaling pathways as well as mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Additionally, rapamycin enhanced attenuations of protein kinase Cɛ (PKCɛ)/protein kinase A (PKA) induced by morphine and further extended analgesia of morphine via µ‐opioid receptor (MOR). Our data for the first time revealed specific signaling pathways leading to bone cancer pain, including the activation of mTOR and PI3K and downstream PKCɛ/PKA, and resultant sensitization of MOR. Targeting one or more of these signaling molecules may present new opportunities for treatment and management of bone cancer pain often observed in clinics.
Poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)/gelatin composite electrospun scaffolds with porous crater‐like structures for tissue engineering
Authors: Hwang Patrick T.J. , Murdock Kyle , Alexander Grant C. , Salaam Amanee D. , Ng Joshua I. , Lim Dong‐Jin , Dean Derrick , Jun Ho‐Wook
Published: November 2015

Electrospinning has been widely used to fabricate scaffolds imitating the structure of natural extracellular matrix (ECM). However, conventional electrospinning produces tightly compacted nanofiber layers with only small superficial pores and a lack of bioactivity, which limit the usefulness of electrospinning in biomedical applications. Thus, a porous poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/gelatin composite electrospun scaffold with crater‐like structures was developed. Porous crater‐like structures were created on the scaffold by a gas foaming/salt leaching process; this unique fiber structure had more large pore areas and higher porosity than the conventional electrospun fiber network. Various ratios of PCL/gelatin (concentration ratios: 100/0, 75/25, and 50/50) composite electrospun scaffolds with and without crater‐like structures were characterized by their microstructures, surface chemistry, degradation, mechanical properties, and ability to facilitate cell growth and infiltration. The combination of PCL and gelatin endowed the scaffold with both structural stability of PCL and bioactivity of gelatin. All ratios of scaffolds with crater‐like structures showed fairly similar surface chemistry, degradation rates, and mechanical properties to equivalent scaffolds without crater‐like structures; however, craterized scaffolds displayed higher human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) proliferation and infiltration throughout the scaffolds after 7‐day culture. Therefore, these results demonstrated that PCL/gelatin composite electrospun scaffolds with crater‐like structures can provide a structurally and biochemically improved three‐dimensional ECM‐mimicking microenvironment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1017–1029, 2016.
Stainless steel surface functionalization for immobilization of antibody fragments for cardiovascular applications
Authors: Foerster A. , Hołowacz I. , Sunil Kumar G. B. , Anandakumar S. , Wall J. G. , Wawrzyńska M. , Paprocka M. , Kantor A. , Kraskiewicz H. , Olsztyńska‐Janus S. , Hinder S. J. , Bialy D. , Podbielska H. , Kopaczyńska M.
Published: November 2015

Stainless steel 316 L material is commonly used for the production of coronary and peripheral vessel stents. Effective biofunctionalization is a key to improving the performance and safety of the stents after implantation. This paper reports the method for the immobilization of recombinant antibody fragments (scFv) on stainless steel 316 L to facilitate human endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) growth and thus improve cell viability of the implanted stents for cardiovascular applications. The modification of stent surface was conducted in three steps. First the stent surface was coated with titania based coating to increase the density of hydroxyl groups for successful silanization. Then silanization with 3 aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) was performed to provide the surface with amine groups which presence was verified using FTIR, XPS, and fluorescence microscopy. The maximum density of amine groups (4.8*10−5 mol/cm2) on the surface was reached after reaction taking place in ethanol for 1 h at 60° C and 0.04M APTS. On such prepared surface the glycosylated scFv were subsequently successfully immobilized. The influence of oxidation of scFv glycan moieties and the temperature on scFv coating were investigated. The fluorescence and confocal microscopy study indicated that the densest and most uniformly coated surface with scFv was obtained at 37°C after oxidation of glycan chain. The results demonstrate that the scFv cannot be efficiently immobilized without prior aminosilanization of the surface. The effect of the chemical modification on the cell viability of EPC line 55.1 (HucPEC‐55.1) was performed indicating that the modifications to the 316 L stainless steel are non‐toxic to EPCs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 821–832, 2016.
ZnO nanoparticles assist the refolding of denatured green fluorescent protein
Authors: Pandurangan Muthuraman , Zamany Ahmad Jawid , Kim Doo Hwan
Published: November 2015

Proteins are essential for cellular and biological processes. Proteins are synthesized and fold into the native structure to become active. The inability of a protein molecule to remain in its native conformation is called as protein misfolding, and this is due to several environmental factors. Protein misfolding and aggregation handle several human diseases. Protein misfolding is believed to be one of the causes of several disorders such as cancer, degenerative diseases, and metabolic pathologies. The zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle was significantly promoted refolding of thermally denatured green fluorescent protein (GFP). In the present study, ZnO nanoparticles interaction with GFP was investigated by ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometer, fluorescence spectrophotometer, and dynamic light scattering. Results suggest that the ZnO nanoparticles significantly assist the refolding of denatured GFP. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The carbocyanine dye DiD labels in vitro and in vivo neural stem cells of the subventricular zone as well as myelinated structures following in vivo injection in the lateral ventricle
Authors: Carradori Dario , Barreau Kristell , Eyer Joël
Published: November 2015

Carbocyanines are fluorescent lipophilic cationic dyes used since the early 1980s as neuronal tracers. Several applications of these compounds have been developed thanks to their low cell toxicity, lateral diffusion within the cellular membranes, and good photostability. 1,1′‐Dioctadecyl‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethylindodicarbocyanine 4‐chlorobenzenesulfonate (DiD) is an interesting component of this family because, in addition to the classic carbocyanine properties, it has a longer wavelength compared with its analogues. That makes DiD an excellent carbocyanine for labeling cells and tissues with significant intrinsic fluorescence. Drug encapsulation, drug delivery, and cellular transplantation are also fields using DiD‐based systems where having detailed knowledge about its behavior as a single entity is important. Recently, promising studies concerned neural stem cells from the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle in the brain (their natural niche) and their potential therapeutic use. Here, we show that DiD is able to label these stem cells in vitro and present basilar information concerning its pharmacokinetics, concentrations, and microscope protocols. Moreover, when DiD is injected in vivo in the cerebrospinal fluid present in the lateral ventricle of rat, it also labels stem cells as well as myelinated structures of the caudoputamen. This analysis provides a database to consult when planning experiments concerning DiD and neural stem cells from the subventricular zone. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hutterite‐type cataract maps to chromosome 6p21.32‐p21.31, cosegregates with a homozygous mutation in LEMD2, and is associated with sudden cardiac death
Authors: Boone Philip M. , Yuan Bo , Gu Shen , Ma Zhiwei , Gambin Tomasz , Gonzaga‐Jauregui Claudia , Jain Mahim , Murdock Todd J. , White Janson J. , Jhangiani Shalini N. , Walker Kimberly , Wang Qiaoyan , Muzny Donna M. , Gibbs Richard A. , Hejtmancik J. Fielding , Lupski James R. , Posey Jennifer E. , Lewis Richard A.
Published: November 2015

Background

Juvenile‐onset cataracts are known among the Hutterites of North America. Despite being identified over 30 years ago, this autosomal recessive condition has not been mapped, and the disease gene is unknown.

Methods

We performed whole exome sequencing of three Hutterite‐type cataract trios and follow‐up genotyping and mapping in four extended kindreds.

Results

Trio exomes enabled genome‐wide autozygosity mapping, which localized the disease gene to a 9.5‐Mb region on chromosome 6p. This region contained two candidate variants, LEMD2 c.T38G and MUC21 c.665delC. Extended pedigrees recruited for variant genotyping revealed multiple additional relatives with juvenile‐onset cataract, as well as six deceased relatives with both cataracts and sudden cardiac death. The candidate variants were genotyped in 84 family members, including 17 with cataracts; only the variant in LEMD2 cosegregated with cataracts (LOD = 9.62). SNP‐based fine mapping within the 9.5 Mb linked region supported this finding by refining the cataract locus to a 0.5‐ to 2.9‐Mb subregion (6p21.32‐p21.31) containing LEMD2 but not MUC21. LEMD2 is expressed in mouse and human lenses and encodes a LEM domain‐containing protein; the c.T38G missense mutation is predicted to mutate a highly conserved residue within this domain (p.Leu13Arg).

Conclusion

We performed a genetic and genomic study of Hutterite‐type cataract and found evidence for an association of this phenotype with sudden cardiac death. Using combined genetic and genomic approaches, we mapped cataracts to a small portion of chromosome 6 and propose that they result from a homozygous missense mutation in LEMD2.
Prospective motion correction and selective reacquisition using volumetric navigators for vessel‐encoded arterial spin labeling dynamic angiography
Authors: Frost Robert , Hess Aaron T. , Okell Thomas W. , Chappell Michael A. , Tisdall M. Dylan , van der Kouwe André J. W. , Jezzard Peter
Published: November 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to improve robustness to motion in a vessel‐encoded angiography sequence used for patient scans. The sequence is particularly sensitive to motion between imaging segments, which causes ghosting and blurring that propagates to the final angiogram.

Methods

Volumetric echo planar imaging (EPI) navigators acquired in 275 ms were inserted after the imaging readout in a vessel‐encoded pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (VEPCASL) sequence. The effects of movement between segments on the images were tested with phantom experiments. Deliberate motion experiments with healthy volunteers were performed to compare prospective motion correction (PMC) with reacquisition versus no correction.

Results

In scans without motion, the addition of the EPI navigator to the sequence did not affect the quality of the angiograms in comparison with the original sequence. PMC and reacquisition improved the visibility of vessels in the angiograms compared with the scans without correction. The reacquisition strategy was shown to be important for complete correction of imaging artifacts.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated an effective method to correct motion in vessel‐encoded angiography. For reacquisition of 15 segments, the technique requires approximately 30 s of additional scanning (∼25%). Magn Reson Med 76:1420–1430, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Fabrication and characterization of rice bran carbon/styrene butadiene rubber composites fabricated by latex compounding method
Authors: Zhang Yinhang , Ge Xin , Deng Fei , Li Mei‐Chun , Cho Ur Ryong
Published: November 2015

Novel rice bran carbon (RBC) filled styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites were fabricated by latex compounding method (LCM). The chemical structure determination and the static precipitation experiments definitely authenticated the hydrophilicity of RBC, which enables RBC to be uniformly dispersed in water without surface modification and thereby compounded with rubber latex directly. The SBR/RBC composites prepared by LCM exhibited homogeneous filler dispersion state and superior mechanical properties compared with those compounded by solid compounding method (SCM). The vulcanization properties, mechanical properties, thermal stabilities, and swelling properties of SBR/RBC composites prepared by LCM were studied. It was revealed that the tensile strength, modulus, and tear strength of SBR/RBC composites increased correspondingly as the RBC loading increased from 0 to 80 phr. The decomposition temperature would stop rising when the filler loading exceeded 40 phr. The significant increases of the crosslink density with increasing filler volume content indicated the reinforcement effect of RBC. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2594–2602, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reinforced thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of in situ microfibrillar composites through multistage stretching extrusion
Authors: Zhang Xianlong , Wu Hong , Guo Shaoyun , Wang Yuzhong
Published: November 2015

To surmount difficulty of the melt processing and deterioration of mechanical properties of polymer composites induced by high fraction of the reinforced fibers and thermal conductive fillers, polyethylene (PE)/boron nitride (BN)/polyamide 6 (PA6) and PE/BN/poly(‐hydroxybenzate‐co‐DOPO‐benzenediol dihydrodiphenyl ether terephthalate) (PHDDT) in situ microfibrillar composites were prepared through multistage stretching extrusion. The experimental results showed that both the tensile and impact strength of the PE/BN/PA6 and PE/BN/PHDDT composites were improved. Meanwhile, the thermal conductivities of the PE/BN, PE/BN/PA6, and PE/BN/PHDDT composites were also reinforced. Based on the equation proposed by Y. Agari, the new modified equations can well predict the thermal conductivity of the composites prepared through multistage stretching extrusion with different number of laminating‐multiplying elements. In addition, it was found that PHDDT can act as a “processing aid” to reduce the viscosity of the PE/BN composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2663–2669, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dependent, independent, and pseudo‐independent protection layers in risk analysis
Authors: Jin Hui , Summers Angela
Published: November 2015

Risk analysis is an important tool to provide support for various risk management decisions in hazardous industries. For the last decade, the semiquantitative Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) has been the dominating risk analysis technique in the US process industry. One basic assumption in LOPA is that all the protection layers are independent from each other and from the initiating cause; otherwise, no risk reduction credit should be taken in the LOPA. However, many processes do have protection layers, which are dependent to some extent. For these systems, assuming independency may be too optimistic, whereas disregarding the partial risk reduction afforded from a partially dependent protection layer is pessimistic.

This article considers processes with dependent protection layers (with a shared component), independent protection layers, and pseudo‐independent protection layers (subject to common cause failure). A long distance gas pipeline system is used as an example. Using reduced Event Trees for incident scenario modeling, Fault Trees for protection layers, and solving them in a coupled calculation, this article shows how protection layer dependencies are treated in risk analysis to obtain the overall risk reduction without being too optimistic or pessimistic. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 35: 286–294, 2016
Identification of a novel phenamacril‐resistance‐related gene by the cDNA‐RAPD method in Fusarium asiaticum
Authors: Ren Weichao , Zhao Hu , Shao Wenyong , Ma Weiwei , Wang Jianxin , Zhou Mingguo , Chen Changjun
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Fusarium asiaticum, a dominant pathogen of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in East Asia, causes huge economic losses. Phenamacril, a novel cyanoacrylate fungicide, has been increasingly applied to control FHB in China, especially where resistance of F. asiaticum against carbendazim is severe. It is important to clarify the resistance‐related mechanisms of F. asiaticum to phenamacril so as to avoid control failures, and to sustain the usefulness of the new product.

RESULTS

A novel phenamacril‐resistance‐related gene Famfs1 was obtained by employing the cDNA random amplified polymorphic DNA (cDNA‐RAPD) technique, and was validated by genetic and biochemical assays. Compared with the corresponding progenitors, deletion of Famfs1 in phenamacril‐sensitive or highly phenamacril‐resistant strains caused a significant decrease in effective concentrations inhibiting radial growth by 50% (EC50 value). Additionally, the biological fitness parameters (including mycelial growth under different stresses, conidiation, perithecium formation and virulence) of the deletion mutants attenuated significantly.

CONCLUSION

Famfs1 not only was involved in the resistance of F. asiaticum to phenamacril but also played an important role in adaptation of F. asiaticum to the environment. Moreover, our data suggest that the cDNA‐RAPD method can be a candidate technique to clone resistance‐related genes in fungi. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Differentiation of ring-substituted bromoamphetamine analogs by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Inoue Hiroyuki , Negishi Shoko , Nakazono Yukiko , Iwata Yuko T. , Tsujikawa Kenji , Ohtsuru Osamu , Miyamoto Kazuna , Yamashita Takuya , Kasuya Fumiyo
Published: November 2015

There has been a rapid increase over the last decade in the appearance of new non-controlled psychoactive substances. Minor changes in the chemical structures of these compounds, such as the extension of an alkyl residue or replacement of a single substituent, are regularly made to avoid regulatory control, leading to the manufacture of many new potentially dangerous drugs. Bromoamphetamine analogs (bromoamphetamine [Br-AP] and bromomethamphetamine (Br-MA]) are ring-substituted amphetamines that can behave as stimulants, as well as exhibiting inhibitory activity towards monoamine oxidases in the same way as amphetamines. Gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS–MS) was used in this study to differentiate ring-substituted bromoamphetamine analogs. Free bases, trifluoroacetyl derivatives, and trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives of six analytes were successfully separated using DB-1ms and DB-5ms columns. Electron ionization MS–MS analysis of the TMS derivatives allowed for the differentiation of three regioisomers. TMS derivatives of 2-positional isomers provided significant product ions. The spectral patterns of 3- and 4-positional isomers were different. Chemical ionization MS–MS analysis of free bases for [M+H–HBr]+ ions at m/z 134 and 148 allowed for differentiation of the regioisomers. The spectra of 2-positional isomers contained characteristic product ions formed by dehydrogenation at m/z 132 and m/z 146 for 2Br-AP and 2Br-MA, respectively. The spectra of 3-positional isomers contained α-cleaved iminium cations as the base peaks. The spectra of 4-positional isomers showed a tropylium cation at m/z 91 as the base peak. These results demonstrate that GC–MS–MS can be used for the differentiation of regioisomeric Br-AP analogs in forensic practice.
Optimization of Phospholipid Nanoparticle Formulations Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Naeem Sumaira , Kiew Lik Voon , Chung Lip Yong , Suk Vicit Rizal Eh , Mahmood Asif , Misran Misni Bin
Published: November 2015

The present study deals with the optimization of phospholipid liposome formulations to mimic red blood cells. Optimization of different concentrations of distearylphosphatidylcholine, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylserine at a fixed concentration of lecithin and Tween® 80 was done using response surface methodology. The optimized formulation produced liposomes with a particle size in the range of 112–196 nm. The optimized formulation shows low encapsulation efficiency at low levels of insulin but increases at higher loading levels. Formulated vesicles fulfill the size requirement for intravenous drug delivery. The present system is environmentally friendly with respect to biodegradability and biocompatibility.
Affirmative Action and Subgroup Inequality in Higher Education: Adapting Indian Policy Solutions to the American Context
Authors: Pelle Michael , Patel Sayari , Leung Benedict
Published: November 2015

This paper analyzes racial and ethnic subgroup inequality in higher education in India and the US. Affirmative action policies in both countries rely upon broad categories that subsume distinct groups. These policies have failed to alleviate the significant underrepresentation of black natives and certain lower-castes by considering these populations alongside discrete and oftentimes more advantaged groups. Such inequality hinders attainment of affirmative action's remedial justice and diversity goals. Some states in India have implemented ‘quotas within quotas’ to alleviate such underrepresentation, dividing lower caste subgroups for admissions purposes. We suggest that US institutions of higher education adopt a similar model by considering black Hispanics, multiracial blacks, black immigrants, and black natives as separate categories in recruiting and admissions.