bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrokinetically controlled fluid injection into unicellular microalgae
Authors: Zhou Xuewen , Zhang Xixi , Boualavong Jonathan , Durney Andrew R. , Wang Tonghui , Kirschner Scott , Wentz Michaela , Mukaibo Hitomi
Published: April 2017

Electrokinetically controlled microinjection is reported as an effective transport mechanism for microinjection into the wild‐type strain of the widely studied model microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. A microinjection system using glass capillary pipettes was developed to capture and impale the motile cells. To apply an electric field and induce electrokinetic flow (e.g., electrophoresis and electroosmosis), an electrode was inserted directly into the solution inside the impaling injection pipette and another electrode was inserted into the external cell media. The viability of the impaled cells was confirmed for more than an hour under 0.01 V using the fluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide dual fluorescent dye based assay. The viability was also found to increase almost logarithmically with decreasing voltage and to depend strongly on the solution within the injection pipette. Successful electrokinetic microinjection into cells was confirmed by both an increase in cell volume under an applied voltage and electric field dependent delivery of fluorescent fluorescein molecules into an impaled cell. Our study offers novel opportunities for quantitative delivery of biomolecules into microalgae and advancing the research and development of these organisms as biosynthetic factories.
Characterization of a single‐isomer carboxymethyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin in chiral capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Fejős Ida , Varga Erzsébet , Benkovics Gábor , Malanga Milo , Sohajda Tamás , Szemán Julianna , Béni Szabolcs
Published: April 2017

In this work, the synthesis, characterization, and chiral capillary electrophoretic study of heptakis‐(2,3‐di‐O‐methyl‐6‐O‐carboxymethyl)‐β‐CD (HDMCM), a single‐isomer carboxymethylated CD, are presented. The pH‐dependent and selector concentration‐dependent enantiorecognition properties of HDMCM were investigated and discussed herein. The enantioseparation was assessed applying a structurally diverse set of noncharged, basic, and zwitterionic racemates. The increase in the selector concentration and gross negative charge of HDMCM improved the enantioseparation that could be observed in the majority of the cases. HDMCM was also successfully applied as BGE additive in NACE using a methanol‐based system in order to prove the separation selectivity features and to highlight the broad applicability of HDMCM. Over 25 racemates showed partial or baseline separation with HDMCM under the conditions investigated, among which optimal enantiomer migration order was found for the four stereoisomers of tadalafil, tapentadol, and dapoxetine, offering the possibility of a chiral CE method development for chiral purity profiling of these drugs.
Stress softening behaviour of HDNR bearings: modelling and influence on the seismic response of isolated structures
Authors: Tubaldi Enrico , Ragni Laura , Dall'Asta Andrea , Ahmadi Hamid , Muhr Alan
Published: April 2017

High‐damping natural rubber (HDNR) bearings are extensively employed for seismic isolation of structures because of their low horizontal stiffness and high damping capacity. Filler is used in HDNR formulations to increase the dissipative capacity, and it induces also a stress softening behaviour, known as the Mullins effect. In this paper, a wide experimental campaign is carried out on a large number of virgin HDNR samples to better investigate some aspects of the stress softening behaviour, such as the direction dependence and recovery properties, and to characterize the stable and softening response under different strain histories. Test results are also used to define a model for simulating the response of HDNR bearings in shear that advances the state of the art in the description of the stress softening, which can be significant during the earthquake time history. The proposed model is used to analyse the seismic response of a simplified isolated structure modelled as an SDOF system under ground motions with different characteristics and by considering two different conditions for the bearings: one assuming the virgin (or fully recovered) rubber properties and the other assuming the stable (or fully scragged) rubber properties. The results show that, in the case of far‐field records, the differences between the responses are limited although not negligible, whereas for near‐fault records, modelling the bearings as being in their virgin state significantly reduces the effect of this kind of motion on isolated structures. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple models guide strategies for agricultural nutrient reductions
Authors: Scavia Donald , Kalcic Margaret , Muenich Rebecca Logsdon , Read Jennifer , Aloysius Noel , Bertani Isabella , Boles Chelsie , Confesor Remegio , DePinto Joseph , Gildow Marie , Martin Jay , Redder Todd , Robertson Dale , Sowa Scott , Wang Yu‐Chen , Yen Haw
Published: April 2017

In response to degraded water quality, federal policy makers in the US and Canada called for a 40% reduction in phosphorus (P) loads to Lake Erie, and state and provincial policy makers in the Great Lakes region set a load‐reduction target for the year 2025. Here, we configured five separate SWAT (US Department of Agriculture's Soil and Water Assessment Tool) models to assess load reduction strategies for the agriculturally dominated Maumee River watershed, the largest P source contributing to toxic algal blooms in Lake Erie. Although several potential pathways may achieve the target loads, our results show that any successful pathway will require large‐scale implementation of multiple practices. For example, one successful pathway involved targeting 50% of row cropland that has the highest P loss in the watershed with a combination of three practices: subsurface application of P fertilizers, planting cereal rye as a winter cover crop, and installing buffer strips. Achieving these levels of implementation will require local, state/provincial, and federal agencies to collaborate with the private sector to set shared implementation goals and to demand innovation and honest assessments of water quality‐related programs, policies, and partnerships.
The automatic weather stations NOANN network of the National Observatory of Athens: operation and database
Authors: Lagouvardos K. , Kotroni V. , Bezes A. , Koletsis I. , Kopania T. , Lykoudis S. , Mazarakis N. , Papagiannaki K. , Vougioukas S.
Published: April 2017

During the last 10 years, the Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development of the National Observatory of Athens has developed and operates a network of automated weather stations across Greece. The motivation behind the network development is the monitoring of weather conditions in Greece with the aim to support not only the research needs (weather monitoring and analysis, weather forecast skill evaluation) but also the needs of various communities of the production sector (agriculture, constructions, leisure and tourism, etc.). By the end of 2016, 335 weather stations are in operation, providing real‐time data at 10‐min intervals. This paper provides information about the logistics of this network, including real‐time applications of the collected data as well as information on the quality control protocols, the construction of the station data and metadata repository and the means through which the data are made available to users.
Why were 800 m of the Boßler Tunnel built twice? – TBM passing a shotcrete section
Authors: Goldberger Harald , Esslinger Christoph , Lützerath Thomas , Müller Jörg Rainer , Galli Mario
Published: April 2017

Impermeable tunnels are usually built conventionally with drill and blast or excavators followed by an inner lining or by mechanized tunnelling method with a segment lining. A combination of both methods on certain sections is commonly used for large tunnels due to geological and geotechnical considerations. The construction of the same section with both methods is not common and seems bizarre.

However, this is exactly what happened at the 8.8 km Boßler Tunnel, part of the new high‐speed line Wendlingen–Ulm. Due to a section of about 800 m built by drill and blast as well as geological explorations, the mechanized tunnel drive could be extended. So a solution had to be developed to enable the TBM to pass through the existing tunnel. Design, economic, contractual and technical issues were considered to obtain the best solution: the TBM passed through the existing shotcrete section cutting replacement soil, followed by the installation of precast tunnel segments.
Design and construction of the new railway bridge over the River Neckar – Challenges of the foundations
Authors: Zimmerer Martin , Wenger Philipp , Lienhart Christoph , Heer Sebastian
Published: April 2017

As part of the Stuttgart 21 infrastructure project, German Railways is building a four‐line railway bridge across the River Neckar in Stuttgart, work started in 2016.

The Neckar railway bridge has an overall length of 345 m and has two abutments and six support axes. The structure crosses rail lines from the urban transit (Stadtbahn), the main trunk road B 10, inner city roads, the Neckar River, pedestrian and cycle ways as well as diverse public and private utilities.

The bridge structure is located within the core mineral water protection zone, with its strict restrictions regarding the permissible depth of penetration into the subsoil and groundwater reservoirs. The mineral water springs lie within the construction site 26 m below the surface as artesian aquifers with an artesian pressure of ca. 10 m above ground level. From a groundwater management perspective, and following a program of five ground investigations and their evaluation, a raft foundation at the mid‐level of the lower Keuper, built using cut‐and‐cover technique with a compressed air caisson, was chosen as the most economical foundation type for the three primary supports.

A further programme of hydrochemical and geomechanical ground investigations was undertaken during the construction design phase. Following an evaluation of these additional ground parameters, it was possible to replace the compressed air caisson with a more economical deep foundation using large diameter piles. A management concept for possible scenarios was needed for the large diameter pile construction to achieve the required consent for exceptions from the ban on ground penetration in the area of the mineral springs.
Tired and misconnected: A breakdown of brain modularity following sleep deprivation
Authors: Ben Simon Eti , Maron‐Katz Adi , Lahav Nir , Shamir Ron , Hendler Talma
Published: April 2017

Sleep deprivation (SD) critically affects a range of cognitive and affective functions, typically assessed during task performance. Whether such impairments stem from changes to the brain's intrinsic functional connectivity remain largely unknown. To examine this hypothesis, we applied graph theoretical analysis on resting‐state fMRI data derived from 18 healthy participants, acquired during both sleep‐rested and sleep‐deprived states. We hypothesized that parameters indicative of graph connectivity, such as modularity, will be impaired by sleep deprivation and that these changes will correlate with behavioral outcomes elicited by sleep loss. As expected, our findings point to a profound reduction in network modularity without sleep, evident in the limbic, default‐mode, salience and executive modules. These changes were further associated with behavioral impairments elicited by SD: a decrease in salience module density was associated with worse task performance, an increase in limbic module density was predictive of stronger amygdala activation in a subsequent emotional‐distraction task and a shift in frontal hub lateralization (from left to right) was associated with increased negative mood. Altogether, these results portray a loss of functional segregation within the brain and a shift towards a more random‐like network without sleep, already detected in the spontaneous activity of the sleep‐deprived brain. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3300–3314, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adherence to nutrition‐based cancer prevention guidelines and breast, prostate and colorectal cancer risk in the MCC‐Spain case–control study
Authors: Romaguera Dora , Gracia‐Lavedan Esther , Molinuevo Amaia , de Batlle Jordi , Mendez Michelle , Moreno Victor , Vidal Carmen , Castelló Adela , Pérez‐Gómez Beatriz , Martín Vicente , Molina Antonio J. , Dávila‐Batista Verónica , Dierssen‐Sotos Trinidad , Gómez‐Acebo Inés , Llorca Javier , Guevara Marcela , Castilla Jesús , Urtiaga Carmen , Llorens‐Ivorra Cristóbal , Fernández‐Tardón Guillermo , Tardón Adonina , Lorca José Andrés , Marcos‐Gragera Rafael , Huerta José María , Olmedo‐Requena Rocío , Jimenez‐Moleon José Juan , Altzibar Jone , de Sanjosé Silvia , Pollán Marina , Aragonés Núria , Castaño‐Vinyals Gemma , Kogevinas Manolis , Amiano Pilar
Published: April 2017

Prostate, breast and colorectal cancer are the most common tumours in Spain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between adherence to nutrition‐based guidelines for cancer prevention and prostate, breast and colorectal cancer, in the MCC‐Spain case–control study. A total of 1,718 colorectal, 1,343 breast and 864 prostate cancer cases and 3,431 population‐based controls recruited between 2007 and 2012, were included in the present study. The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRC/AICR) score based on six recommendations for cancer prevention (on body fatness, physical activity, foods and drinks that promote weight gain, plant foods, animal foods and alcoholic drinks; score range 0–6) was constructed. We used unconditional logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders. One‐point increment in the WCRF/AICR score was associated with 25% (95% CI 19–30%) lower risk of colorectal, and 15% (95% CI 7–22%) lower risk of breast cancer; no association with prostate cancer was detected, except for cases with a Gleason score ≥7 (poorly differentiated/undifferentiated tumours) (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76–0.99). These results add to the wealth of evidence indicating that a great proportion of common cancer cases could be avoided by adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
Antibacterial and bioactive coatings on titanium implant surfaces
Authors: Kulkarni Aranya Anupama , Pushalkar Smruti , Zhao Minglei , LeGeros Racquel Z. , Zhang Yu , Saxena Deepak
Published: April 2017

Various surface modifications have been tried for enhancing osseointegration of the dental implants like mechanical and/or chemical treatments and deposition of calcium phosphate coatings. The objective of this research was to develop calcium‐phosphate based thin coatings with antibacterial and bioactive properties for potential application in dental implants. Titanium (Ti) discs were immersed in different calcifying solutions: CaP (positive control), F‐CaP, Zn‐CaP, and FZn‐CaP and incubated for 24 h. Negative control was uncoated Ti discs. Coated surfaces were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Antibacterial properties were tested using Porphyromonas gingivalis because of its strong association with periodontal and peri‐implant infections. Bacterial adhesion and colonization were studied at different timepoints. The coated surfaces had compositional characteristics similar to that of bone mineral and they inhibited the growth, colonization and adherence of P. gingivalis, resulted in reduced thickness of biofilms and bacterial inhibition in the culture medium as compared to the positive and negative controls (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the experimental groups (p > 0.05). It has been previously demonstrated that these coatings have excellent in vitro bioactivity (formed carbonate hydroxyapatite when immersed in a simulated body fluid). Such coatings can enhance osseointegration and prevent infection in implants, thereby improving the success rates of implants. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2218–2227, 2017.
Graphene oxide enrichment of collagen membranes improves DPSCs differentiation and controls inflammation occurrence
Authors: Radunovic Milena , De Colli Marianna , De Marco Patrizia , Di Nisio Chiara , Fontana Antonella , Piattelli Adriano , Cataldi Amelia , Zara Susi
Published: April 2017

Collagen membranes are used in oral surgery for bone defects treatment acting as a barrier that does not allow the invasion of soft tissue into the growing bone. To improve biocompatibility collagen membranes were coated with graphene oxide (GO), a graphene derivative. The aim of this study was to investigate the biocompatibility of GO coated collagen membranes on human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) focusing on biomaterial cytotoxicity, ability to promote DPSCs differentiation process and to control inflammation event induction. DPSCs were cultured on uncoated membranes and on both 2 and 10 μg mL−1 GO coated membranes up to 28 days. Alamar blue and LDH cytotocicity assay, PGE2 ELISA assay, real time RT‐PCR for RUNX2, BMP2, SP7, TNFα and COX2 genes expression were performed. Proliferation is higher on GO coated membranes at days 14 and 28. LDH assay evidences no cytotoxicity. BMP2 and RUNX2 expression is higher on coated membranes, BMP2 at early and RUNX2 and SP7 at late experimental times. PGE2 levels are lower on GO coated membranes at days 14 and 28, both TNFα and COX2 expression is significantly decreased when GO is applied. GO coated membranes are not toxic for DPSCs, induce a faster DPSCs differentiation into odontoblasts/osteoblasts and may represent good alternative to conventional membranes thus ensuring more efficient bone formation and improving the clinical performance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2312–2320, 2017.
Histone Modifications Pattern Associated With a State of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Cultures Derived From Amniotic Fluid of Normal and Fetus‐Affected Gestations
Authors: Savickienė Jūratė , Matuzevičius Dalius , Baronaitė Sandra , Treigytė Gražina , Krasovskaja Natalija , Zaikova Ilona , Navakauskas Dalius , Utkus Algirdas , Navakauskienė Rūta
Published: April 2017

Human amniotic fluid (AF)‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) sharing embryonic and adult stem cells characteristics are interesting by their multipotency and the usage for regenerative medicine. However, the usefulness of these cells for revealing the fetal diseases still needs to be assessed. Here, we have analyzed the epigenetic environment in terms of histone modifications in cultures of MSCs derived from AF of normal pregnancies and those with fetal abnormalities. The comparison of MSCs samples from AF of normal pregnancies (N) and fetus‐affected (P) revealed two distinct cultures by their proliferation potential (P I and P II). Cell populations from N and P I samples had similar growth characteristics and exhibited quite similar cell surface (CD44, CD90, CD105) and stemness markers (Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, Rex1) profile that was distinct in slower growing and faster senescent P II cultures. Those differences were associated with changes in 5‐Cyt DNA methylation and alterations in the expression levels of chromatin modifiers (DNMT1, HDAC1/2), activating (H4ac, H3K4me3), and repressive (H3K9me2/me3, H3K27me3) histone marks. MSCs isolated from AF with the genetic or multifactorial fetal diseases (P II samples) were enriched with repressive histone marks and H4K16ac, H3K9ac, H3K14ac modifications. This study indicates that differential epigenetic environment reflects a state of AF‐MSCs dependently on their growth, phenotype, and stemness characteristics suggesting a way for better understanding of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in AF‐MSCs cultures in normal and diseased gestation conditions. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3744–3755, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NEAT1/miR‐181c Regulates Osteopontin (OPN)‐Mediated Synoviocyte Proliferation in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Qiyuan , Wang Wanchun , Zhang Fan , Deng Youwen , Long Zeling
Published: April 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by progressive destruction of articular cartilage, resulting in significant disability. Inflammatory cytokines commonly initiate the extreme changes in the synovium and cartilage microenvironment of the OA patients, subsequently resulting in cell dysfunctions, especially synoviocyte dysfunction. We revealed that the expression of osteopontin (OPN), which has been reported to regulate expression of various inflammatory factors associating with the pathogenesis of OA including matrix metalloprotease 13 (MMP13), interlukine‐6 and 8 (IL‐6 and IL‐8), is significantly upregulated in OA tissues. In the present study, online tools were used to screen out the candidate miRNAs of OPN. Among the candidate miRNAs, miR‐181c inhibited OPN mRNA expression the most strongly. Ectopic expression of miR‐181c significantly repressed synoviocyte proliferation, as well as the levels of OPN, MMP13, IL‐6, and IL‐8. Further, the candidate lncRNAs of miR‐181c were screened out by using DianaTools; among which NEAT1 showed to inversely regulate miR‐181c. By performing Luciferase assays, we revealed that NEAT1 competed with OPN for miR‐181c binding. After NEAT1 knockdown, MMP13, IL‐6, and IL‐8 expression was reduced; the synoviocyte proliferation was repressed, as well as OPN protein levels; the suppressive effect of NETA1 knockdown on synoviocyte proliferation and the indicated factors were partially reversed by miR‐181c inhibition. In OA tissues, OPN mRNA, and NEAT1 expression was upregulated, whereas miR‐181c expression was downregulated, indicating that targeting NEAT1 to rescue miR‐181c expression so as to inhibit OPN expression and synoviocyte proliferation might be an efficient strategy for OA treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3775–3784, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MiR‐21/PTEN Axis Promotes Skin Wound Healing by Dendritic Cells Enhancement
Authors: Han Zhaofeng , Chen Ya , Zhang Yile , Wei Aizhou , Zhou Jian , Li Qian , Guo Lili
Published: April 2017

A number of miRNAs associated with wound repair have been identified and characterized, but the mechanism has not been fully clarified. MiR‐21 is one of wound‐related lncRNAs, and the study aimed to explore the functional involvement of miR‐21 and its concrete mechanism in wound healing. In this study, the rat model of skin wounds was established. The expression of miR‐21, PTEN and related molecules of wound tissues or cells was determined by quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The regulatory role of miR‐21 on PTEN was examined by luciferase reporter gene assay. Flow cytometry assay was applied to measure cell number changes. MiR‐21 was upregulated at 6, 24, 48, 72 h after model establishment, and the increase reached a maximum at 24 h in wound tissues. MMP‐9 expression presented the same tread as miR‐21 and was significantly enhanced within 6 h of wound formation, and then remained to be increased to the maximum at 24 h. The increase of miR‐21 was accompanied by the increase of cell total number and DCs ratio in wound fluids. MiR‐21 overexpression significantly improved the healing of skin wounds and increased the ratio of DCs in rats. The results of using FL confirmed that miR‐21 overexpression obviously promoted DCs differentiation. Additionally, miR‐21 could activate AKT/PI3K signaling pathway via inhibition of PTEN. MiR‐21 contributes to wound healing via inhibition of PTEN that activated AKT/PI3K signaling pathway to increase DCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3511–3519, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of denoising on precision and accuracy of saturation‐recovery‐based myocardial T1 mapping
Authors: Bustin Aurélien , Ferry Pauline , Codreanu Andrei , Beaumont Marine , Liu Shufang , Burschka Darius , Felblinger Jacques , Brau Anja C.S. , Menini Anne , Odille Freddy
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of a novel postprocessing denoising technique on accuracy and precision in myocardial T1 mapping.

Materials and Methods

This study introduces a fast and robust denoising method developed for magnetic resonance T1 mapping. The technique imposes edge‐preserving regularity and exploits the co‐occurence of spatial gradients in the acquired T1‐weighted images. The proposed approach was assessed in simulations, ex vivo data and in vivo imaging on a cohort of 16 healthy volunteers (12 males, average age 39 ± 8 years, 62 ± 9 bpm) both in pre‐ and postcontrast injection. The method was evaluated in myocardial T1 mapping at 3T with a saturation‐recovery technique that is accurate but sensitive to noise. ROIs in the myocardium and left‐ventricle blood pool were analyzed by an experienced reader. Mean T1 values and standard deviation were extracted and compared in all studies.

Results

Simulations on synthetic phantom showed signal‐to‐noise ratio and sharpness improvement with the proposed method in comparison with conventional denoising. In vivo results demonstrated that our method preserves accuracy, as no difference in mean T1 values was observed in the myocardium (precontrast: 1433/1426 msec, 95%CI: [−40.7, 55.9], p = 0.75, postcontrast: 766/759 msec, 95%CI: [−60.7, 77.2], p = 0.8). Meanwhile, precision was improved with standard deviations of T1 values being significantly decreased (precontrast: 223/151 msec, 95%CI: [27.3, 116.5], p = 0.003, postcontrast: 176/135 msec, 95%CI: [5.5, 77.1], p = 0.03).

Conclusion

The proposed denoising method preserves accuracy and improves precision in myocardial T1 mapping, with the potential to offer better map visualization and analysis.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1377–1388.
Improving on‐shelf availability of promotional products at a Malaysian department store
Authors: Lee Kuang Siew , Tan Cheng Ling
Published: April 2017

Promotional offers, such as “buy‐one‐get‐one‐free,” are designed to attract consumers, create customer loyalty, and build market share. When specially advertised items are out of stock or not immediately available on the shelf, however, promotional efforts can have the opposite effect. An analysis of on‐shelf availability problems at one of Malaysia's oldest and largest department store chains led to the creation of a process mapping flow chart that revealed a number of underlying problems. Several recommendations subsequently were made to resolve or ameliorate those issues in the short term, without incurring any substantial costs. This retailer's experience can be applied to other firms with supply chain inefficiencies that hamper the availability of promotional products.
Surface cross‐linked UHMWPE using peroxides
Authors: Gul Rizwan M. , Fung Katharina , Doshi Brinda N. , Oral Ebru , Muratoglu Orhun K.
Published: April 2017

Crosslinking of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been successfully used to improve its wear performance. Wear is a surface phenomenon and limiting crosslinking to a layer only on the surface is desirable, as crosslinking of the bulk of the implant reduces its mechanical strength and toughness. We present a novel technique to surface crosslink consolidated UHMWPE/vitamin‐E blends by diffusing an organic peroxide into the polymer at moderate temperatures, followed by heating to above the peroxide decomposition temperature to cause crosslinking on the surface. We characterized the surface crosslink density and wear rate of surface crosslinked UHMWPE/vitamin‐E blends with two different types of peroxides. Both peroxides resulted in surface crosslinking with an increase in wear resistance comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art highly crosslinked UHMWPE used for orthopedic implants. The addition of the antioxidant vitamin‐E led to higher oxidation resistance. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2551–2556, 2017.
Predicament of Chinese legislation on genetically modified food (GMF) labeling management and solutions – from the perspective of the new food safety law
Authors: Li Wei , Li Han
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

This paper considers the background of Article 69 of the newly revised Food Safety Law in China in combination with the current situation of Chinese legislation on GMF labeling management, compared with a foreign genetically modified food labeling management system, revealing deficiencies in the Chinese legislation with respect to GMF labeling management, and noting that institutions should properly consider the GMF labeling management system in China.

RESULTS

China adheres to the principle of mandatory labeling based on both product and processes in relation to GMFs and implements a system of process‐centered mandatory labeling under a negotiation–construction form. However, China has not finally defined the supervision mode of mandatory labeling of GMFs through laws, and this remains a challenge for GMF labeling management when two mandatory labeling modes coexist.

CONCLUSION

Since April 2015 and October 1, 2015 when the Food Safety Law was revised and formally implemented respectively, the applicable judicial interpretations and enforcement regulations have not made applicable revisions and only principle‐based terms have been included in the Food Safety Law, it is still theoretically and practically difficult for mandatory labeling of GMFs in juridical practices and conflicts between the principle of GMF labeling and the purpose that safeguards consumers' right to know remain. The GMF labeling system should be legislatively and practically improved to an extent that protects consumers' right to know. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Chow ring of generic flag varieties
Authors: Karpenko Nikita A.
Published: April 2017

Let G be a split semisimple algebraic group over a field k and let X be the flag variety (i.e., the variety of Borel subgroups) of G twisted by a generic G‐torsor. We start a systematic study of the conjecture, raised in in form of a question, that the canonical epimorphism of the Chow ring of X onto the associated graded ring of the topological filtration on the Grothendieck ring of X is an isomorphism. Since the topological filtration in this case is known to coincide with the computable gamma filtration, this conjecture indicates a way to compute the Chow ring. We reduce its proof to the case of . For simply‐connected or adjoint G, we reduce the proof to the case of simple G. Finally, we provide a list of types of simple groups for which the conjecture holds. Besides of some classical types considered previously (namely, A, C, and the special orthogonal groups of types B and D), the list contains the exceptional types G2, F4, and simply‐connected E6.
Media hype: Patient and scientific perspectives on misleading medical news
Authors: Robledo Israel , Jankovic Joseph
Published: April 2017

In this age of digital technology, Internet, and social media we are increasingly subjected to an information and disinformation overload. This includes not only political and economic information but also medical news, which is often presented as a “new discovery”, “miracle cure” or some other press hyperbole. In this viewpoint article we present patient and scientific perspectives some recent episodes of medical hype related to Parkinson's disease research, including proposed therapies such as nilotinib, marijuana, stem cells and other controversial therapies that have attracted the mainstream and social media. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of vigilance on the part of patients and physicians when interpreting these often exaggerated and/or unfounded health claims. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Long‐term neuromuscular outcomes of west nile virus infection: A clinical and electromyographic evaluation of patients with a history of infection
Authors: Athar Parveen , Hasbun Rodrigo , Nolan Melissa S. , Salazar Lucrecia , Woods Steven P. , Sheikh Kazim , Murray Kristy O.
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Neuromuscular clinical manifestations during acute West Nile virus (WNV) infection are well documented; however, long‐term neurologic outcomes still require investigation. Methods: We conducted a long‐term follow‐up study in patients with history of WNV infection. Of the 117 patients who participated in neurologic and neurocognitive evaluations, 30 were referred for neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic evaluation based on abnormal findings. Results: We found that 33% of these patients (10 of 30) showed abnormalities on nerve conduction and/or needle electromyography due to primary or secondary outcomes of WNV infection. Most common electrodiagnostic findings and causes of long‐term disability were related to anterior horn cell poliomyelitis (WNV poliomyelitis). Electrical data on these patient populations were similar to those observed in chronic poliomyelitis. Discussion: With more than 16,000 cases of WNV neuroinvasive disease reported across the USA since 1999, understanding clinical outcomes from infection will provide a resource for physicians managing long‐term care of these patients. Muscle Nerve 57: 77–82, 2018
April, April: Gestartet wie gestochen
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2017

Ein Projekt beginnt mit dem ersten Schritt, eine Baumaßnahme mit dem ersten Stich.
Bilanz Merck: für Forscher und Flüssigkristalle
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2017

Merck hat das Jahr 2016 mit Rekordzahlen abgeschlossen und ist gewachsen. Der Zukauf von Sigma‐Aldrich brachte mehr Synergiegewinne als erwartet.
Vom emissionsfreien Kamin und musikalischen Molekül
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: April 2017

Im letzten Jahr gab es nicht nur Katastrophen zu vermelden, sondern auch Lösungen für drängende Umweltprobleme wie Feinstaub im Auto und zu viel Stickstoff in der Luft. Kunst und Kultur wären ohne Chemie und die Materialien, die sie liefert, weniger schön, und das trifft uneingeschränkt auch für Wassernutzer und Wassertrinker zu.
GDCh kooperiert mit Israel
Authors: Weinig Hans‐Georg
Published: April 2017

6. Angewandte‐Symposium „Chemistry for our future“ und Unterzeichnung eines Kooperationsabkommens
Multiple crosslinking bionanocomposites reinforced with mussel‐inspired poly(dopamine) surface modified nanoclay: Construction, properties, and characterization
Authors: Wang Zhong , Kang Haijiao , Qi Chusheng , Zhang Shifeng , Li Jianzhang
Published: April 2017

This article reports a bioinspired strategy for the preparation of robust soy protein isolate (SPI) based nanocomposites using a poly(dopamine) coating montmorillonite (D‐MMT) as reinforcement and ferric ion (Fe(III)) as a coordination crosslinking center. Typically, the catechol groups present on MMT provide multiple crosslinking reaction sites for bio‐nanocomposites reinforcement: Coordination among Fe(III)‐catechol interactions as well as covalent interactions based on the Michael addition/Schiff base reaction or hydrogen‐bonded between D‐MMT and the SPI matrix. The morphological, mechanical, hydrophobic, water‐resistant, and thermal behaviors of the resultant SPI‐based nanocomposites were investigated. The interaction between D‐MMT and the SPI matrix was investigated via the scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results showed that, with 5 wt% D‐MMT loading, the tensile strength, and elasticity modulus of the SPI‐based nanocomposite films increased by 75.2 and 135.2%, respectively, compared with the control. The enhanced mechanical properties of the obtained modified films were, in fact, a result of the multiple crosslinking system, as confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and solid‐state 13C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy. The bionanocomposite films also demonstrated reduced water absorption and water solubility, and enhanced thermal stability performance compared to the other film samples. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E90–E100, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Infrared thermography to locate impact damage in thin and thicker carbon/epoxy panels
Authors: Boccardi Simone , Carlomagno Giovanni Maria , Boffa Natalino Daniele , Ricci Fabrizio , Meola Carosena
Published: April 2017

This work is concerned with the use of infrared thermography (IRT) to investigate impact damaging of carbon/epoxy materials. IRT has already proved suitability to visualize thermal effects induced by impact tests, but till now it has been mainly used with thin laminates with little attention toward the thicker ones. The aim of this work is to compare thermal effects evolving on both thin and relatively thick laminates to better validate the use of IRT and to get information useful for the comprehension of composites impact damaging mechanisms. Impact tests are carried out at different energies with a modified Charpy pendulum while the specimen surface opposite to that struck by the impactor is viewed by the infrared imaging device, which collects a sequence of thermal images. The analysis of the temperature variations during impact supplies information about the peak contact force, the initiation of the impact damage as well extension of delamination and of the overall impact affected zone. In addition, impacted specimens are non‐destructively evaluated with lock‐in thermography; the obtained phase images are compared with thermal images recorded during impact. An integration of results helps to estimate the impact damage location and its size. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:657–664, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Energy absorption capacity of ferroelectrets based on porous polypropylene
Authors: Mohebbi Abolfazl , Rodrigue Denis
Published: April 2017

Ferroelectret materials are special group of piezoelectric materials obtained from the cellular structure of nonpolar polymers. They are under investigation for a variety of applications such as actuators, vibration control, speakers, microphones, sensors, as well as healthcare monitoring systems. In this work, the effect of morphological and mechanical properties of ferroelectret films on their capacitance and stored energy capacity was studied. Different eye‐like cellular structure of porous polypropylene films with different cell aspect ratio (AR) and mechanical properties were used. The optimized sample was obtained with AR = 6.6 using nitrogen (N2) as the ionizing gas to give a quasi‐static piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of about 800 pC/N, an electrode charge density of about 2.10 mC/m2, a maximum capacitance of about 465 pF, as well as a maximum stored energy capacity of about 1,824 pJ. It was observed that replacing air with N2 as the ionizing gas led to an increase in charge/voltage output. Moreover, by replacing air with N2 as the ionizing gas, the capacitance and stored energy of the samples were improved by about 20% and 80%, respectively. Hence, it can be concluded that the capacitance was mostly related to the cellular morphology of the samples while the stored energy was also function of the ionizing gas used. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:300–309, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Plasma surface modification of materials and their entrapment of water contaminant: A review
Authors: Duan Shengxia , Liu Xia , Wang Yanan , Meng Yuedong , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hayat Tasawar , Li Jiaxing
Published: April 2017

Recently, rapid industrialization development has discharged a large amount of various pollutants into the aquatic environment mainly containing organic and inorganic pollutants. It is an emerging issue to eliminate these pollutants to achieve better water quality. Meanwhile, it is also imperative to investigate an environmental friendly method to modify materials with great adsorption abilities. Plasma technique has been utilized as an efficient and environmental friendly method to modify adsorbents which exhibit outstanding abilities for entrapment of water contaminants. This review gives an account of the previous researches on the various adsorbents in entrapment of water contaminants, including: (i) modifications of various functional groups onto adsorbents by using plasma technique; (ii) their applications in highly efficient entrapment of water contaminant. Additionally, this review also gives the further research trend on modificaton of specific functional groups onto adsorbent in the pollutants entrapment.
Ambient air plasma pre‐treatment of non‐woven fabrics for deposition of antibacterial poly (l‐lactide) nanoparticles
Authors: Ivanova Tatiana V. , Krumpolec Richard , Homola Tomáš , Musin Eduard , Baier Grit , Landfester Katharina , Cameron David C. , Černák Mirko
Published: April 2017

Production of medical dressings specific to infected wounds remains one of the great challenges in medicine. In this paper, an integrated application that allows the immobilization of poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) nanoparticles (NPs) containing the antimicrobial agent octenidine on non‐woven fabrics (NWs) is investigated. Non‐thermal plasma generated by atmospheric pressure diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge (DCSBD) was used for activation, modification, and improvement of the surface properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) NWs. The DCSBD system was integrated into a roll‐to‐roll production setup that prepared NWs for deposition of NPs using purpose‐adapted inkjet printing equipment. The surface properties of the plasma‐treated polymers were examined by means of strike‐through time (SST) measurements and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The plasma modification of PET and PP NWs improved NP distribution and enabled uniform diffusion over polymer surfaces. The SST measurements indicate improvements in the hydrophilicity and permeability of plasma‐treated PET and PP fabrics by reducing strike‐through time from 400 s (for untreated polymers) to 6 s. This continuous method of delivering NPs onto plasma‐pretreated polymer surfaces has the potential to be adapted to impregnated dressing production, with considerable benefits in terms of cheapness, convenience, speed, and full automation.
Docking and molecular dynamics simulations of the Fyn‐SH3 domain with free and phospholipid bilayer‐associated 18.5‐kDa myelin basic protein (MBP)—Insights into a noncanonical and fuzzy interaction
Authors: Bessonov Kyrylo , Vassall Kenrick A. , Harauz George
Published: April 2017

The molecular details of the association between the human Fyn‐SH3 domain, and the fragment of 18.5‐kDa myelin basic protein (MBP) spanning residues S38–S107 (denoted as xα2‐peptide, murine sequence numbering), were studied in silico via docking and molecular dynamics over 50‐ns trajectories. The results show that interaction between the two proteins is energetically favorable and heavily dependent on the MBP proline‐rich region (P93‐P98) in both aqueous and membrane environments. In aqueous conditions, the xα2‐peptide/Fyn‐SH3 complex adopts a “sandwich”"‐like structure. In the membrane context, the xα2‐peptide interacts with the Fyn‐SH3 domain via the proline‐rich region and the β‐sheets of Fyn‐SH3, with the latter wrapping around the proline‐rich region in a form of a clip. Moreover, the simulations corroborate prior experimental evidence of the importance of upstream segments beyond the canonical SH3‐ligand. This study thus provides a more‐detailed glimpse into the context‐dependent interaction dynamics and importance of the β‐sheets in Fyn‐SH3 and proline‐rich region of MBP. Proteins 2017; 85:1336–1350. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of replacement and addition of an amino acid contained in a cyclic peptide corresponding to a β‐hairpin loop sequence of human EGF receptor
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuya , Mizuguchi Takaaki , Hattori Yasunao , Ohara Naho , Ninomiya Ryunosuke , Iida Mika , Ooe Honami , Yamazaki Yukako , Takata Minami , Tamamura Hirokazu , Akaji Kenichi
Published: April 2017

Effects of replacement and addition of an amino acid in a cyclic decapeptide 1 (cyclic‐CYNPTTYQMC) for inhibitory activity to dimerization of human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were examined. By alanine scanning of 1 corresponding to the arm structure (residues 246–254) of a β‐hairpin loop sequence (residues 242–259) of EGFR, it was confirmed that replacement of any amino acid in the loop structure lowered the dimerization inhibitory activity of 1. Among the residues examined, Tyr at position 246 and Thr at 250 were found to be crucial for dimer formation. Addition of an amino acid to the N‐terminus of 1 also affected the dimerization inhibitory activity. Addition of an amino acid containing a moderately hydrophilic side‐chain increased the inhibitory activity. In contrast, an intramolecular hydrogen bond of 1 is not thought to be crucial for holding the dimer structure on the basis of the dimerization inhibitory activities of N‐methylated analogues of 1. These results will be useful for the design and evaluation of a potent dimerization inhibitor as an anti‐proliferation agent. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fertility and urban context: A case study from Ghana, West Africa, using remotely sensed imagery and GIS
Authors: Benza Magdalena , Weeks John R. , Stow Douglas A. , López‐Carr David , Clarke Keith C.
Published: April 2017

Sub‐Saharan Africa has the highest levels of fertility in the world, despite rapid urban growth in most nations of the region. While there are many reasons for the fact that fertility decline is slow in Africa, we hypothesize that the relationship between fertility and urbanization is obscured by the fact that urbanization takes place along a gradient. In the most urban places (e.g., neighborhoods of the largest cities), fertility is apt to be very low, but most urban residents are residing in places that are somewhere along a continuum from completely rural to the most urban possible. All previous attempts to define that urban gradient and relate it to fertility levels rely in one form or another on census data. Because sub‐Saharan‐African countries are among the least prolific in terms of census gathering, a measure that relies solely on satellite imagery to gage a place's position along the urban gradient could be extremely useful. This paper describes a methodology for doing this and then uses data from the West African country of Ghana to examine how spatial patterns of land cover are associated with fertility. Satellite imagery and landscape metrics are used to create an urban context definition based on landscape patterns using a gradient approach. Census data are used to model the association between urban context and fertility through ordinary least square regression and spatial autoregressive models. Results indicate that there are significant differences in fertility between different urban contexts.
Clergy in place in England: Bias to the poor or inverse care law?
Authors: Hirst Michael
Published: April 2017

Faith traditions frequently proclaim priority for the poor and socially marginalised, emphasising individual and collective responsibility towards those in poverty. Ordained ministers or clergy—possibly the main investment of religious organisations—play a key role in encouraging and fulfilling that commitment in their local settings. This paper considers the availability of clergy to provide pastoral care in areas of high socio‐economic deprivation. Data from the 2011 census of England are used to correlate area variations in the number of clergy with household and neighbourhood deprivation. Findings show that clergy are distributed inversely to socio‐economic deprivation at the ecological level. Fewer clergy are available or readily accessible in the most deprived areas, raising questions about their ability to respond pastorally and act politically on behalf of the poor. Market forces that draw clergy deployments towards less deprived areas warrant further investigation.