bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel glycobiomarker, Wisteria floribunda agglutinin macrophage colony‐stimulating factor receptor, for predicting carcinogenesis of liver cirrhosis
Authors: Iio Etsuko , Ocho Makoto , Togayachi Akira , Nojima Masanori , Kuno Atsushi , Ikehara Yuzuru , Hasegawa Izumi , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Yamasaki Kazumi , Shimada Noritomo , Ide Tatsuya , Shinkai Noboru , Nojiri Shunske , Fujiwara Kei , Joh Takashi , Mizokami Masashi , Narimatsu Hisashi , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: October 2015

Recently, we identified a novel liver fibrosis glycobiomarker, Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA)‐reactive colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (WFA+‐CSF1R), using a glycoproteomics‐based strategy. The aim of this study was to assess the value of measuring WFA+‐CSF1R levels for the prognosis of carcinogenesis and outcome in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). WFA+‐CSF1R and Total‐CSF1R levels were measured in serum samples from 214 consecutive HCV‐infected patients to evaluate their impact on carcinogenesis and the survival of LC patients. Serum WFA+‐CSF1R levels were significantly higher in LC patients than chronic hepatitis (CH) patients (p < 0.001). The AUC of WFA+‐CSF1R for predicting overall survival, calculated by time‐dependent ROC analysis, was 0.691 and the HR (per 1‐SD increase) was 1.80 (95% CI, 1.23–2.62, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the survival rate of LC patients with high WFA+‐CSF1R levels (≥310 ng/ml) was significantly worse than those with lower levels (p < 0.01). The AUC of WFA+/total‐CSF1R percentage (WFA+‐CSF1R%) for predicting the cumulative carcinogenesis rate was 0.760, with an HR of 1.66 (95% CI 1.26–2.20, p < 0.001). In fact, the carcinogenesis rate was significantly higher in LC patients with a high WFA+‐CSF1R% (≥ 35%, p = 0.006). Assessing serum levels of WFA+‐CSF1R has diagnostic value for predicting carcinogenesis and the survival of LC patients.
Combination therapy with zoledronic acid and cetuximab effectively suppresses growth of colorectal cancer cells regardless of KRAS status
Authors: Kato Junko , Futamura Manabu , Kanematsu Masako , Gaowa Siqin , Mori Ryutaro , Tanahashi Toshiyuki , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Yoshida Kazuhiro
Published: October 2015

Targeted molecular therapy is an effective anticancer strategy. Anti‐EGFR monoclonal antibodies such as cetuximab (CTX) have been approved for the treatment of various malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC) with wild‐type KRAS. However, their efficacy in patients with KRAS mutations has not been established. Therefore, we investigated whether CTX treatment was effective as a single agent or in combination with zoledronic acid (ZOL) in human CRC cell lines with different KRAS status. CRC cell lines SW48 (wild‐type KRAS) and LS174T (mutant KRAS) were treated with ZOL, CTX and a combination of both drugs. Cytotoxicity was measured using the MTT assay. Changes in the levels of intracellular signaling proteins were evaluated using western blot analysis. Finally, we evaluated the efficacy of the combination treatment in an in vivo xenograft model. We observed that ZOL apparently inhibited growth in both cell lines, whereas CTX showed little effect. ZOL also increased the levels of unprenylated RAS. Combined ZOL and CTX treatment was synergistic in both cell lines and was associated with inhibition of the RAS‐MAPK and AKT‐mTOR signaling pathways. Furthermore, the combination treatment was more effective in suppressing the growth of xenografts derived from both SW48 and LS174T cells; this effect was associated with increased apoptosis. These results demonstrate that ZOL inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells regardless of KRAS status, and combination therapy using ZOL and CTX enhances this growth suppression. These findings suggest a novel strategy for the treatment of CRC independent of KRAS mutational status.
Optimal Irrigation Scheduling, Irrigation Control and Drip Line Layout to Increase Water Productivity and Profit in Subsurface Drip‐Irrigated Agriculture
Authors: Seidel S. J. , Schütze N. , Fahle M. , Mailhol J.‐C. , Ruelle P.
Published: October 2015

A new optimization framework is presented which is able to identify optimal solutions for maximum profit design of subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems under limited supply. To solve this complex optimization problem, decomposition is used which splits the problem into three sub‐problems: (i) optimal irrigation control, which maximizes water distribution uniformity and minimizes percolation losses; (ii) optimal irrigation scheduling, which minimizes irrigation water applied in order to meet a high yield with a specified reliability; and (iii) optimal drip line layout, which includes the solutions of the other sub‐problems and maximizes profitability. The multi‐level optimization framework was tested in France with corn cultivated on two SDI plots with drip line spacing of 1.2 m (SDI120) and 1.6 m (SDI160), respectively. HYDRUS simulations estimated adequate irrigation amounts of 20–35 mm per event. For optimal irrigation scheduling, initial schedules were provided at sowing and adapted weekly according to observed weather data and synthetic weather scenarios. The presented framework significantly increased profit and water productivity for deficit SDI designs. The latter was increased up to 30% (SDI120), compared to seven other irrigation experiments. The optimal SDI design was achieved by SDI160, which increased profitability by 27% compared to SDI120. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient succinic acid production by engineered Escherichia coli using ammonia as neutralizer
Authors: Wu Ming‐ke , Guan Zhao , Wang Ya‐jie , Ma Jiang‐feng , Wu Hao , Jiang Min
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Ammonia is a potential neutralizer for bio‐based succinic acid production, however, low resistance of Escherichia coli to high concentrations of ammonium inhibit its application. Thus, combined adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) with pyruvate carboxylase gene over‐expression was utilized to obtain an ammonium‐tolerant E. coli for efficient succinic acid production.

RESULTS

Mutant E. coli AM060 was obtained by adaptive laboratory evolution. Fermentation results showed that the specific growth rate of recombinant was 0.67‐fold faster than BER208. Metabolites analysis of fed‐batch fermentation demonstrated that 47 g L−1 glucose was consumed and 27.33 g L−1 succinic acid was produced, which was 0.68‐ and 0.81‐fold higher than with BER208. Key enzyme activities analysis showed that the specific enzyme activities involved in nitrogen assimilation, glucose uptake and ATP supply were all increased. Furthermore, E. coli AM060/pTrc99a‐pyc was constructed to reduce the pyruvic acid accumulation and final succinic acid production increased to 33.14 g L−1 with a mass yield of 0.69 g g−1.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous utilization of ALE and a metabolic engineering strategy was effective in obtaining a highly efficient succinic acid‐producing strain using ammonia as neutralizer, and the improved ammonium resistance was attributed to the enhanced nitrogen assimilation capability, glucose uptake rate and intracellular ATP supply. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
A simple and effective method for linking field investigations of earthworms and water infiltration rate into soil at pedon‐scale
Authors: Emmerling Christoph , Rassier Kirstin M. , Schneider Raimund
Published: October 2015

Earthworm density and activity may significantly contribute, amongst others, to soil physical properties such as water infiltration rate and permeability, and thus provide a desirable ecosystem service. In environmental field studies, investigations of the two soil physical properties are highly recommended. In practice, they are carried out separately in terms of time and space and, therefore, are typically closely connected. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a combined investigation of earthworm population and infiltration rate in soil in field studies. The idea was to use an aqueous solution of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and a double‐ring cylinder for simultaneous measurements at the same pedon and, thus, without any spatio‐temporal deviation. Tap water was used as a control for the infiltration measurements with AITC. Another aim was to evaluate the plausibility of earthworm data received from those combined investigations. This was tested for some arable and grassland soils derived from various parent materials in W‐Germany differing in soil chemical and physical properties. Infiltration rates of AITC in soil were not significant different from tap water, neither for the different soils nor different land‐uses and at the different study sites. Earthworm population data revealed from AITC application with a double‐ring cylinder equipment were realistic and in line with previous investigations in the respected study area. Pearson correlation coefficient between earthworm biomass and infiltration rate of AITC was medium (R2= 0.363).
A line‐scan hyperspectral Raman system for spatially offset Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Qin Jianwei , Kim Moon S. , Schmidt Walter F. , Cho Byoung‐Kwan , Peng Yankun , Chao Kuanglin
Published: October 2015

Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) is a technique that can obtain subsurface layered information by collecting Raman spectra from a series of surface positions laterally offset from the excitation laser. Currently optical fiber probes are used as major tools in SORS measurement, which are either slow (single fiber probe with mechanical movement) or restricted in selecting offset range and interval (fiber probe array). This study proposes a new method to conduct SORS measurement based on a newly developed line‐scan hyperspectral Raman imaging system. A 785‐nm point laser was used as an excitation source. A detection module consisting of an imaging spectrograph and a charge‐coupled device camera was used to acquire line‐shape SORS data in a spectral region of −592 to 3015 cm−1. Using a single scan, the system allowed simultaneous collection of a series of Raman spectra in a broad offset range (e.g. 0–36 mm in two sides of the incident laser) with a narrow interval (e.g. 0.07 mm). Four layered samples were created by placing butter slices with thicknesses of 1, 4, 7, and 10 mm on top of melamine powder, providing different individual Raman characteristics to test the line‐scan SORS technique. Self‐modeling mixture analysis (SMA) was used to analyze the SORS data. Raman spectra from butter and melamine were successfully retrieved for all four butter‐on‐melamine samples using the SMA method. The line‐scan SORS measurement technique provides a flexible and efficient method for subsurface evaluation, which has potential to be used for food safety and quality inspection. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in liver acceptance patterns after implementation of Share 35
Authors: Washburn Kenneth , Harper Ann , Baker Timothy , Edwards Erick
Published: October 2015

The Share 35 policy was implemented June 2013. We sought to evaluate liver offer acceptance patterns of centers under this policy. We compared three 1‐year eras (1, 2, and 3) before and 1 era (4) after the implementation date of the Share 35 policy (June 18, 2013). We evaluated all offers for liver‐only recipients including only those offers for livers that were ultimately transplanted. Logistic regression was used to develop a liver acceptance model. In era 3, there were 4809 offers for Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score ≥ 35 patients with 1071 acceptances (22.3%) and 10,141 offers and 1652 acceptances (16.3%) in era 4 (P < 0.001). In era 3, there were 42,954 offers for MELD score < 35 patients with 4181 acceptances (9.7%) and 44,137 offers and 3882 acceptances (8.8%) in era 4 (P < 0.001). The lower acceptance rate persisted across all United Network for Organ Sharing regions and was significantly less in regions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. Mean donor risk index was the same (1.3) for all eras for MELD scores ≥ 35 acceptances and the same (1.4) for MELD score < 35 acceptances. Refusal reasons did not vary throughout the eras. The adjusted odds ratio of accepting a liver for a MELD score of 35+ compared to a MELD score < 35 patient was 1.289 before the policy and 0.960 after policy implementation. In conclusion, the Share 35 policy has resulted in more offers to patients with MELD scores ≥ 35. Overall acceptance rates were significantly less compared to the same patient group before the policy implementation. Centers are less likely to accept a liver for a patient with a MELD score of 35+ after the policy change. Decreased donor acceptance rates could reflect more programmatic selectivity and ongoing donor and recipient matching. Liver Transpl 22:171‐177, 2016. © 2015 AASLD.
Thiol‐ene Photocrosslinking of Cytocompatible Resilin‐Like Polypeptide‐PEG Hydrogels
Authors: McGann Christopher L. , Dumm Rebekah E. , Jurusik Anna K. , Sidhu Ishnoor , Kiick Kristi L.
Published: October 2015

A range of chemical strategies have been used for crosslinking recombinant polypeptide hydrogels, although only a few have employed photocrosslinking approaches. Here, we capitalize on the novel insect protein, resilin, and the versatility of click reactions to introduce a resilin‐like polypeptide (RLP) that is capable of photoinitiated thiol‐ene crosslinking. Lysine residues of the RLP were functionalized with norbornene acid as confirmed via 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The RLPNs were subsequently photocrosslinked with multi‐arm PEG thiols in the presence of a photoinitiator to form elastic hybrid hydrogels. The crosslinking reaction and resulting RLP‐PEG networks demonstrated cytocompatibility with human mesenchymal stem cells in both 2D cell‐adhesion and 3D photoencapsulation studies.
Well‐posedness and unique continuation property for the generalized Ostrovsky equation with low regularity
Authors: Zhang Zaiyun , Huang Jianhua
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we investigate the initial value problem (IVP henceforth) associated with the generalized Ostrovsky equation as follows:

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma3709:mma3709-math-0385
with initial data in the modified Sobolev space
. Using Fourier restriction norm method, Tao's [k,Z]−multiplier method and the contraction mapping principle, we show that the local well‐posedness is established for the initial data
with
(k = 2) and is established for the initial data
with
(k = 3). Using these results and conservation laws, we also prove that the IVP is globally well‐posed for the initial data
with s = 0(k = 2,3). Finally, using complex variables technique and Paley–Wiener theorem, we prove the unique continuation property for the IVP benefited from the ideas of Zhang ZY. et al., On the unique continuation property for the modified Kawahara equation, Advances in Mathematics (China), http://advmath.pku.edu.cn/CN/10.11845/sxjz.2014078b. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo biomechanical properties of heavy versus light weight monofilament polypropylene meshes. Does the knitting pattern matter?
Authors: Bigozzi Miguel Angel , Provenzano Sergio , Maeda Fernando , Palma Paulo , Riccetto Cassio
Published: October 2015

Aims

This work evaluated the post‐implant biomechanical properties of light‐weight (LW) and heavy‐weight (HW) monofilament polypropylene (PP) meshes with different knitting patterns in an animal model in vivo.

Methods

Forty‐five adult female Wistar rats were divided into three groups and randomly implanted with 32 × 32 mm HW‐PP (62 gm−2) orLW‐PP (16 gm−2) in the lower abdomen. LW‐PPwas tested orthogonally (called LWL and LWT) to reproduce the longitudinal and transverse planes of the vaginal wall, respectively. Abdominal walls were removed at 7, 30, and 60 days, and then tested for tensile load (maximum load until avulsion from the tissue), deflection, and stiffness to maximum load. Explants were compared over time and between groups.

Results

LW–PP meshes implanted in the LWT fashion (vaginal transverse plane) showed comparable maximum load and stiffness to HW–PP meshes, and LW–PP meshes implanted in the LWL fashion (vaginal longitudinal plane) presented lower maximum load and stiffness than the HW–PP meshes. There were no significant differences in the values of deflection at maximum load between the studied meshes as a function of time.

Conclusions

The final mechanical behavior of PP mesh can be changed by its weight and knitting pattern. These properties may be useful in making more biocompatible prostheses for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with less foreign material to maintain longitudinal vaginal elasticity and minimize sexual symptoms while maintaining transverse resistance (i.e., between vaginal fornixes) to prevent POP recurrence. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:73–79, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GGPPS‐mediated Rab27A geranylgeranylation regulates β cell dysfunction during type 2 diabetes development by affecting insulin granule docked pool formation
Authors: Jiang Shan , Shen Di , Jia Wen‐Jun , Han Xiao , Shen Ning , Tao Weiwei , Gao Xiang , Xue Bin , Li Chao‐Jun
Published: October 2015

Loss of first‐phase insulin secretion associated with β cell dysfunction is an independent predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) onset. Here we found that a critical enzyme involved in protein prenylation, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GGPPS), is required to maintain first‐phase insulin secretion. GGPPS shows a biphasic expression pattern in islets of db/db mice during the progression of T2DM: GGPPS is increased during the insulin compensatory period, followed by a decrease during β cell dysfunction. Ggpps deletion in β cells results in typical T2DM β cell dysfunction, with blunted glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion and consequent insulin secretion insufficiency. However, the number and size of islets and insulin biosynthesis are unaltered. Transmission electron microscopy shows a reduced number of insulin granules adjacent to the cellular membrane, suggesting a defect in docked granule pool formation, while the reserve pool is unaffected. Ggpps ablation depletes GGPP and impairs Rab27A geranylgeranylation, which is responsible for the docked pool deficiency in Ggpps‐null mice. Moreover, GGPPS re‐expression or GGPP administration restore glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in Ggpps‐null islets. These results suggest that GGPPS‐controlled protein geranylgeranylation, which regulates formation of the insulin granule docked pool, is critical for β cell function and insulin release during the development of T2DM. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thin polymeric film microstructure manipulation for diffused reflectance applications
Authors: Kubota Munetaka , Prasad Ajay K. , Deitzel Joseph M. , Teather Eric W.H. , Advani Suresh G.
Published: October 2015

The need to reduce energy consumption in buildings has led to the widespread adoption of energy efficient light sources, such as LEDs. Diffused light reflectors are usually preferred to distribute LED illumination uniformly across the room. In this study, unpigmented PMMA films were studied for their diffused reflectance properties. PMMA films were cast onto a cold plate under varied humidity conditions to promote the formation of a porous microstructure via solid/liquid/liquid phase separation. The relationship between casting conditions, nonsolvent content, microstructure, and diffused reflectance was studied. The diffused reflectance was evaluated using a UV/Vis spectrophotometer with an integration sphere, and the microstructure was evaluated with an SEM. It was found that increasing the nonsolvent concentration either through increased absorption of ambient humidity or by directly incorporating water into the recipe creates pores that efficiently refract visible light. Reflectance in the mid 80% was obtained just by exploiting the difference in refractive index between the PMMA and the air‐filled pores. High diffused reflectance has been achieved in PMMA films purely by manipulating the film's microstructure without the use of other expensive polymers or pigments. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2878–2883, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Combustion characteristics and synergistic effects of red phosphorus masterbatch with expandable graphite in the flame retardant HDPE/EVA composites
Authors: Tang Mengqi , Chen Man , Xu Yang , Chen Xiaolang , Sun Zhidan , Zhang Zhibin
Published: October 2015

In this work, the flammability behaviors and synergistic effects of red phosphorus masterbatch (RPM) with expandable graphite (EG) in flame‐retardant high‐density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl‐acetate copolymer (HDPE/EVA) composites have been investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 test, cone calorimeter test (CCT), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data obtained from LOI, UL‐94 test and CCT showed that suitable amount of RPM had synergistic effects with EG in the HDPE/EVA/EG/RPM composites. The addition of RPM greatly increased the LOI values by 3.4%, obtained UL‐94 V‐0 rating, decreased the heat release rates and total heat release, and prolongated the ignition time when 6.7 phr RPM substituted for EG in the HDPE/EVA/EG/RPM composites. The data from TGA and FTIR spectra also indicated the synergistic effects of RPM with EG considerably enhanced the thermal degradation temperatures. The morphological observations after UL‐94, CCT, and SEM images presented positive evidences that the synergistic effects took place for RPM with EG, and the flame‐retardant mechanism has been changed in flame‐retardant HDPE/EVA/EG/RPM composites. The formation of stable and compact charred residues promoted by RPM acted as effective heat barriers and thermal insulations, which improved the flame‐retardant performances and prevented the underlying polymer materials from burning. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2884–2892, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
N‐bromo‐hydantoin grafted polystyrene beads: Synthesis and nano‐micro beads characteristics for achieving controlled release of active oxidative bromine and extended microbial inactivation efficiency
Authors: Farah Shady , Aviv Oren , Daif Mahran , Reddy Kunduru Konda , Laout Natalia , Ratner Stanislav , Beyth Nurit , Domb Abraham J.
Published: October 2015

N‐bromo‐hydantoin and N‐bromo‐5,5′‐dimethylhydantoin conjugated polystyrene beads were synthesized from chloromethyl polystyrene beads which differ in their particles size, crosslinking, nano‐micro porosity, and tunnels size on the surface, in order to study the effect of these parameters on oxidative halogen release and resultant activity, for water purification applications. The synthesized beads were characterized using elemental analysis, FT‐IR, solid state 13C‐NMR, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The conjugation yield and kinetics in different solvents and bromine loading capacity were studied. The N‐bromoamine polystyrene beads were tested for water decontamination according to NSF 231 protocol. The release of active bromine was analyzed by spectrophotometer using a DPD‐1 kit and also studied the antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and MS2 phages. Bead's nano‐micro characteristics were found critical for oxidative halogen release control: rate stabilization and modulation, extension and also influences antimicrobial activity. The synthesized beads exhibited extended and stable release of bromine, 6 and 4 log reduction for E. coli and MS2, respectively for 250 L of passing contaminated water. Thus, N‐halamine hydantoins conjugated polystyrenes, chemically or kinetically release modified should have applications as disinfectants in water purification systems as well as medical field. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 596–610
Spatial clusters of child lower respiratory illnesses associated with community‐level risk factors
Authors: Beamer Paloma I. , Lothrop Nathan , Lu Zhenqiang , Ascher Rebecca , Ernst Kacey , Stern Debra A. , Billheimer Dean , Wright Anne L. , Martinez Fernando D.
Published: October 2015

Identifying geographic areas with increased incidence of disease may elucidate community‐level risk factors for intervention development. Lower respiratory illnesses (LRIs) are the leading cause of death in children and are associated with other morbidities. We assessed geographic clustering of LRIs and evaluated if these spatial patterns and associated risk factors differed by phenotype. Participants enrolled at birth in the Tucson Children's Respiratory Study were followed through age three for physician diagnosed LRIs. Spatial clustering analysis, based upon each participant's birth address, was performed for four LRI phenotypes. We conducted principal component analysis at the census tract level to generate indices for lower socioeconomic status (SES), poorer housing conditions, and increased air pollution. Enrollment addresses were mapped for 812 subjects, of whom 58.4%, 33.5%, 34.2%, and 23.4% had any LRI, a wheezing LRI, a viral LRI, and a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) LRI, respectively. Patterns of spatial clustering and associated risk factors differed by LRI phenotype. Multivariable regression analyses showed that wheezing LRI clusters were associated with increased air pollution (OR = 1.18, P = 0.01). Being in a viral cluster was associated with poorer housing conditions (OR = 1.28, P = 0.01), while being in a RSV cluster was associated with increased air pollution (OR = 1.14, P = 0.006), poorer housing conditions (OR = 1.54, P = 0.003), and higher SES (OR = 0.77, P = 0.001). Our use of social and environmental indices allowed us to identify broad contextual factors that may contribute to increased incidence of LRIs in specific geographic regions. To reduce LRI incidence, multifaceted interventions should be developed at the community level. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:633–642. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of carbonate extraction in analyzing moderately hydrophobic transmembrane proteins in the mitochondrial inner membrane
Authors: Kim Hayoung , Botelho Salomé Calado , Park Kwangjin , Kim Hyun
Published: October 2015

Resistance to sodium carbonate extraction is regarded as a canonical way to distinguish integral membrane proteins (MPs) from other membrane‐associated proteins. However, it has been observed that carbonate extraction releases some mitochondrial integral MPs. Here, by analyzing both artificially designed and native mitochondrial inner MPs containing transmembrane domains (TMDs) of different hydrophobicities, we show that carbonate treatment can release moderately hydrophobic TMDs from the mitochondrial inner membrane. These results suggest that resistance and sensitivity to carbonate extraction may be interpreted with caution when analyzing the nature of mitochondrial inner MPs.
Thermal stability of hydrogenated amorphous silicon passivation for p‐type crystalline silicon
Authors: Cheng Xuemei , Marstein Erik Stensrud , Haug Halvard , You Chang Chuan , Di Sabatino Marisa
Published: October 2015

The thermal stability of hydrogenated amorphous silicon‐passivated monocrystalline silicon wafers is investigated at different annealing times and temperatures. Stepwise thermal annealing was performed at temperatures ranging from 100 to 500 °C for 1, 5 and 15 min, respectively, and the effective minority carrier lifetime was measured after each annealing step using carrier density imaging. Annealing at lower temperatures up to 250 °C results in a significant improvement of the effective carrier lifetime compared with that of as‐deposited samples, increasing to a maximum value of ∼1.5 ms after annealing the sample at 200 °C for 15 min. Annealing at temperatures from 350 °C and upwards results in a reduction of the effective carrier lifetime of all samples. The temperature dependence of the effective lifetime after annealing was investigated by separating the temperature into in three separate ranges; activation‐, peak‐ and degradation. The limits of the activation and degradation temperature: were obtained through annealing experiments. The activation energy for the process responsible for the lifetime improvement was found to be 0.2 eV. An initial degradation energy around 2.1 eV was obtained for degradation process, which can be correlated with H effusion.
Imaging normal and cancerous human gastric muscular layer in transverse and longitudinal sections by multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Zhou Yi , Kang Deyong , Yang Zhenrong , Li Lianhuang , Zhuo Shuangmu , Zhu Xiaoqin , Zhou Yongjian , Chen Jianxin
Published: October 2015

Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) based on two‐photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) has been widely used for imaging microstructure of biological tissues. In this article, we used MPM to investigate the microstructure changes of normal and cancerous human gastric muscular layer in transverse and longitudinal sections. The results displayed different patterns of microstructure changes of smooth muscular tissue, cell morphology and interstitial fibers in transverse and longitudinal sections, being similar to standard histopathological images but without the need for tissue processing. Our study demonstrated that MPM can bring more detailed complementary information on tissue architecture through observing transverse and longitudinal sections of tissues, which are the important pathological information when the pathologists diagnose the gastrointestinal lesions. These observations indicate that MPM could be an important potential tool to provide real‐time pathological diagnosis for gastric cancer in the future. SCANNING 38:357–364, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A hybrid digital image watermarking algorithm based on DCT‐DWT and auto‐thresholding
Authors: Al‐maweri Nasr addin Ahmed Salem , Wan Adnan Wan Azizun , Ramli Abd Rahman , Samsudin Khairulmizam , Syed Ahmad Sharifah Mumtazah
Published: October 2015

Multimedia evolution in the current era has given digital images security and privacy a great concern. Digital image watermarking is used to produce highly protected images in order to promote secure and protected exchange over the network and between individuals. In this paper, a robust algorithm for digital image watermarking is proposed based on a hybrid watermarking and auto‐thresholding. This algorithm is designed to embed the watermarks in the transform domain using both discrete cosine transform and discrete wavelet transform (DCT‐DWT). Image is transformed to DCT then to DWT and the algorithm trains itself to choose the best embedding threshold. This threshold must satisfy a performance trade‐off and at the same time attains high imperceptibility and robustness. The algorithm performance is evaluated under various attacks and showed high‐performance level. Imperceptibility evaluation showed peak signal‐to‐noise ratio above 42.96 dB and similarity percentage above 99.27%. The algorithm proved high resistance to noising, scaling, cropping, rotation, and compression attacks. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
History and nanoeconomics in strategy and industry evolution research: Lessons from the Meiji‐Era Japanese cotton spinning industry
Authors: Braguinsky Serguey , Hounshell David A.
Published: October 2015

This paper uses nanoeconomics and historical methodology to advance strategic management research, focusing on the coevolution of firms and industry. We demonstrate the power of these methods through a study of Meiji Era Japanese cotton spinning industry from its state‐supported founding through its development into a sustained, globally competitive presence. We shed light on the role of superior human and organizational capabilities of industry leaders. In particular, we demonstrate that these helped the industry leaders to overcome deep, systematic structural factors to make a few firms highly productive and able to move the entire industry into high growth and to respond to and thrive in dynamic environments on the world stage. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discursive strategies and radical technological change: Multilevel discourse analysis of the early computer (1947–1958)
Authors: Kahl Steven J. , Grodal Stine
Published: October 2015

Research summary: This paper uses multilevel discourse analysis to advance strategic management research, focusing on the question of why firms fail in the face of radical technological change. Answering this question requires addressing how customers develop their interpretations and evaluation criteria of the new technology. This interpretive process occurs through discussions with other market participants. Firms can influence customers' interpretations through the use of language and visual images—what we call “discursive strategies.” Firms can fail to navigate technological disruptions because their discursive strategies do not communicate effectively with customers. Yet, methodological limitations have restricted the study of discursive strategies. We draw on multilevel discourse analysis and apply this method to explain why IBM outperformed Remington Rand in the early insurance market for computers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Engineer/scientist careers: Patents, online profiles, and misclassification bias
Authors: Ge Chunmian , Huang Ke‐Wei , Png Ivan P. L.
Published: October 2015

Research summary: This article applies data from LinkedIn to advance strategy research into the effect of human capital on mobility of engineers and scientists. Through an inventor survey, we show that LinkedIn provides more accurate career histories than patents. Compared to LinkedIn, patent measures of mobility generate 12 percent false positives and 83 percent false negatives. Using LinkedIn, we review findings from previous research using patents to track the effect of human capital on mobility. One previous finding is robust: that mobility is higher in Silicon Valley than elsewhere. Other findings are possibly sensitive to the measure of mobility or sample selection. We interpret our results as the outcome of targeted retention of human capital. Data for this study may be accessed at FIVE, five.dartmouth.edu.

Managerial summary: How does the mobility of engineers and scientists depend on their human capital? Previous research used patents to track inventor mobility and concluded that employers targeted inventors for recruitment by their human capital. Here, we introduce data from LinkedIn to review the previous research. Through an inventor survey, we show that LinkedIn provides more accurate career histories than patents. Compared to LinkedIn, patent measures of mobility generate 12 percent false positives and 82 percent false negatives. Among the previous findings, we show that one is robust: mobility is higher among inventors in Silicon Valley than elsewhere. Other findings are possibly sensitive to the measure of mobility or sample selection. Our results suggest that current employers target engineers and scientists for retention according to their human capital. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interparticle Forces Underlying Nanoparticle Self‐Assemblies
Authors: Luo Dan , Yan Cong , Wang Tie
Published: October 2015

Studies on the self‐assembly of nanoparticles have been a hot topic in nanotechnology for decades and still remain relevant for the present and future due to their tunable collective properties as well as their remarkable applications to a wide range of fields. The novel properties of nanoparticle assemblies arise from their internal interactions and assemblies with the desired architecture key to constructing novel nanodevices. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the interparticle forces of nanoparticle self‐assemblies is a pre‐requisite to the design and control of the assembly processes, so as to fabricate the ideal nanomaterial and nanoproducts. Here, different categories of interparticle forces are classified and discussed according to their origins, behaviors and functions during the assembly processes, and the induced collective properties of the corresponding nanoparticle assemblies. Common interparticle forces, such as van der Waals forces, electrostatic interactions, electromagnetic dipole‐dipole interactions, hydrogen bonds, solvophonic interactions, and depletion interactions are discussed in detail. In addition, new categories of assembly principles are summarized and introduced. These are termed template‐mediated interactions and shape‐complementary interactions. A deep understanding of the interactions inside self‐assembled nanoparticles, and a broader perspective for the future synthesis and fabrication of these promising nanomaterials is provided.
Model of Curvature of Crankshaft Blank During Heat Treatment, Accounting for Phase Transformations
Authors: Milenin Andriy , Rec Tomasz , Walczyk Wojciech , Pietrzyk Maciej
Published: October 2015

The manufacturing process of forging of large crankshafts is affected by bending of the shaft during heat treatment, as well as at the forging step. For this reason, analysis of the curvature of the shaft at various stages of the technology is needed. This paper deals with the modeling of elastic–plastic bending of crankshafts during heat treatment after forging. Present work is dedicated to heat treatment after forging. The aim of the paper is to develop a model and finite element (FE) software to simulate the elastic–plastic deformation of the shaft due to thermal expansion and dilatometric effect caused by phase transformations. Shaft material model is developed and the elastic–plastic characteristics are implemented in the FE code. Heat exchange with the cooling medium, dependence of thermal properties on temperature, and heat of phase transformations are accounted for in a solution of the thermal problem. Dilatometric tests are performed to supply data for identification of the phase transformation model. The method of estimation of the curvature of the shaft with one design variable is proposed. This allows to perform optimization of heat treatment in order to reduce the curvature of the shaft. The calculations are performed for several modes of the heat treatment. It is shown that in the presence of phase transformations, cooling process is accompanied by a three‐time changing of stress sign and the direction of bending of the crankshaft, which is due to the nonlinearity of thermal deformation during the phase transformations.
PDGFR-β Plays a Key Role in the Ectopic Migration of Neuroblasts in Cerebral Stroke
Authors: Sato Hikari , Ishii Yoko , Yamamoto Seiji , Azuma Erika , Takahashi Yoriko , Hamashima Takeru , Umezawa Akihiro , Mori Hisashi , Kuroda Satoshi , Endo Shunro , Sasahara Masakiyo
Published: October 2015

The neuroprotective agents and induction of endogenous neurogenesis remain to be the urgent issues to be established for the care of cerebral stroke. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-β) is mainly expressed in neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs), neurons and vascular pericytes of the brain; however, the role in pathological neurogenesis remains elusive. To this end, we examined the role of PDGFR-β in the migration and proliferation of NSPCs after stroke. A transient middle cerebral-arterial occlusion (MCAO) was introduced into the mice with conditional Pdgfrb-gene inactivation, including N-PRβ-KO mice where the Pdgfrb-gene was mostly inactivated in the brain except that in vascular pericytes, and E-PRβ-KO mice with tamoxifen-induced systemic Pdgfrb-gene inactivation. The migration of the DCX+ neuroblasts from the subventricular zone toward the ischemic core was highly increased in N-PRβ-KO, but not in E-PRβ-KO as compared to Pdgfrb-gene preserving control mice. We showed that CXCL12, a potent chemoattractant for CXCR4-expressing NSPCs, was upregulated in the ischemic lesion of N-PRβ-KO mice. Furthermore, integrin α3 intrinsically expressed in NSPCs that critically mediates extracellular matrix-dependent migration, was upregulated in N-PRβ-KO after MCAO. NSPCs isolated from N-PRβ-KO rapidly migrated on the surface coated with collagen type IV or fibronectin that are abundant in vascular niche and ischemic core. PDGFR-β was suggested to be critically involved in pathological neurogenesis through the regulation of lesion-derived chemoattractant as well as intrinsic signal of NSPCs, and we believe that a coordinated regulation of these molecular events may be able to improve neurogenesis in injured brain for further functional recovery.
Investigation of wake interaction using full‐scale lidar measurements and large eddy simulation
Authors: Machefaux E. , Larsen G. C. , Troldborg N. , Hansen Kurt. S. , Angelou N. , Mikkelsen T. , Mann J.
Published: October 2015

In this paper, wake interaction resulting from two stall regulated turbines aligned with the incoming wind is studied experimentally and numerically. The experimental work is based on a full‐scale remote sensing campaign involving three nacelle mounted scanning lidars. A thorough analysis and interpretation of the measurements is performed to overcome either the lack of or the poor calibration of relevant turbine operational sensors, as well as other uncertainties inherent in resolving wakes from full‐scale experiments. The numerical work is based on the in‐house EllipSys3D computational fluid dynamics flow solver, using large eddy simulation and fully turbulent inflow. The rotors are modelled using the actuator disc technique. A mutual validation of the computational fluid dynamics model with the measurements is conducted for a selected dataset, where wake interaction occurs. This validation is based on a comparison between wake deficit, wake generated turbulence, turbine power production and thrust force. An excellent agreement between measurement and simulation is seen in both the fixed and the meandering frame of reference. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minimum detection time (MDT) for elemental EDXRF images
Authors: Santibañez M. , Díaz A. , Figueroa R. G.
Published: October 2015

When obtaining a chemical element image through energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) scanning of a specific sample, it is important to determine the minimum detection time (MDT) required per dot (pixel) and per element in order to identify the minority and the trace elements present in the sample. Starting from the statistical criteria of limit of detection, quantitative estimations can be made regarding the concentration of elements present in the samples, determining the MDT which fits to the limit of detection previously established. Given that with this technique it is possible to implement in vivo applications, in this work, a process was developed for the MDT that is capable of generating the minimum radiation exposure in imaging EDXRF. For this proposal, the MDT is determined for metals, such as Fe, Cu, and Pb, given their great biomedical interest, in a series of equivalent bone and soft tissue phantom samples. Consequently, a criteria for global scanning time per dot was established, hence providing an elemental XRF image according to the As Low As Reasonably Achievable principles, i.e. as low an exposure as reasonably possible for each sample type studied by this sort of devices, in order to obtain appropriate information for each field of application. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased ethanol production by deletion of HAP4 in recombinant xylose-assimilating Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Matsushika Akinori , Hoshino Tamotsu
Published: October 2015

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae HAP4 gene encodes a transcription activator that plays a key role in controlling the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial respiration and reductive pathways. This work examines the effect of knockout of the HAP4 gene on aerobic ethanol production in a xylose-utilizing S. cerevisiae strain. A hap4-deleted recombinant yeast strain (B42-DHAP4) showed increased maximum concentration, production rate, and yield of ethanol compared with the reference strain MA-B42, irrespective of cultivation medium (glucose, xylose, or glucose/xylose mixtures). Notably, B42-DHAP4 was capable of producing ethanol from xylose as the sole carbon source under aerobic conditions, whereas no ethanol was produced by MA-B42. Moreover, the rate of ethanol production and ethanol yield (0.44 g/g) from the detoxified hydrolysate of wood chips was markedly improved in B42-DHAP4 compared to MA-B42. Thus, the results of this study support the view that deleting HAP4 in xylose-utilizing S. cerevisiae strains represents a useful strategy in ethanol production processes.
Elucidation of Softening Mechanism in Rinse Cycle Fabric Softeners. Part 1: Effect of Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Igarashi Takako , Morita Naoki , Okamoto Yoshimasa , Nakamura Koichi
Published: October 2015

Most softening agents, such as rinse cycle fabric softeners, used by consumers at home contain cationic surfactants that have two long alkyl chains as their main component. The softening mechanism on fibers, especially cotton, has not yet been scientifically established, despite the market prevalence of fabric softeners for decades. One explanation for the softening effect is that the friction between fibers is reduced. According to this explanation, the fiber surfaces are coated by layers of alkyl chains. Because of the low coefficient of friction between alkyl chain layers of low surface energy, the fibers easily slide against one another yielding softer cotton clothing. However, no direct scientific evidence exists to prove the validity of this explanation. The softening mechanism of cotton yarn is discussed in this paper. Bending force values of cotton yarn treated with several concentrations of softener are measured by bend testing, and cotton and polyester yarns are compared. Results indicate that increases in cotton yarn hardness after natural drying are caused by cross‐linking among inner fibers aided by bound water. This type of bound water has been known to exist even after 2 days of drying at 25 °C and 60 % relative humidity. Yarn dried in vacuo is soft, similar to that treated with softener. Thus, some of the softening effect caused by fabric softeners on cotton can be attributed to the prevention of cross‐linking by bound water between cotton fibers.
Synthesis, Surface and Antimicrobial Activities of Novel Cationic Gemini Surfactants
Authors: Ding Zhaoyun , Fang Shimin
Published: October 2015

A series of novel cationic gemini surfactants [CnH2n+1–O–CH2–CH(OH)–CH2–N+(CH3)2–(CH2)2]2·2Br− [3a (n = 12), 3b (n = 14) and 3c (n = 16)] having a 2‐hydroxy‐1,3‐oxypropylene group [−CH2–CH(OH)–CH2–O–] in the hydrophobic chain have been synthesized and characterized. Their water solubility, surface activity, foaming properties, and antibacterial activity have been examined. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of the novel cationic gemini surfactants are one to two orders of magnitude smaller than those of the corresponding monomeric surfactants. Furthermore, the novel cationic gemini surfactants have better water solubility and surface activity than the comparable [CnH2n+1–N+(CH3)2–(CH2)2]2·2Br− (n‐4‐n) geminis. The novel cationic gemini surfactants 3a and 3b also exhibit good foaming properties and show good antibacterial and antifungal activities.
Environmentally Friendly Nonionic Surfactants Derived from Jatropha Oil Fatty Acids as Inhibitors for Carbon Steel Corrosion in Acidic Medium
Authors: Negm Nabel A. , Badr Emad A. , Zakaria Khaled , El‐Raouf Mohamed Abd
Published: October 2015

The inhibition effect of four novel environmentally friendly inhibitors (derived from vanillin and a fatty acid mixture obtained from the hydrolysis of Jatropha oil) on carbon steel corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4 was investigated by weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show high efficiency of the inhibitors. The inhibition efficiency increases by increasing the polyethylene glycol chain length and the inhibitor concentration. From polarization curves, the inhibitors act as cathodic inhibitors. EIS spectra display a large capacitive loop at high frequencies followed by a large inductive loop at low frequencies. Environmental study shows inhibitors tendency towards biodegradation by the action of microorganisms after 28 days.