bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fusion of multiple time‐domain GPR datasets of different center frequencies
Authors: Xu Xianlei , Li Junpeng , Qiao Xu , Fang Gui 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTGround‐penetrating radar is widely used in non‐destructive underground inspection because of its precision and high resolution, especially at shallow layers. However, single‐antenna ground‐penetrating radar data may lead to erroneous evaluations. To avoid this problem, we propose a fusion method for ground‐penetrating radar data acquired at different center frequencies. The datasets are first preprocessed using zero calibration and denoizing, and subsequently processed further using a novel algorithm for spatial (horizontal and vertical) calibration that produces results in the same spatial coordinate system. We carried out a comparative fusion experiment using Fourier, wavelet, S and principal‐component transforms and using data acquired at center frequencies 100, 200 and 400 MHz. Our results show that the proposed fusion algorithm can effectively exploit the complementarity and redundancy of information at different center frequencies, with the wavelet‐transform‐based fusion showing the best performance on image quality according to different metrics. Moreover, the proposed method enhanced the information entropy and the average gradient, whereas the root‐mean‐square error of the fusion data remained below 24%.
Validation study of osteometric techniques for sorting commingled human skeletal remains in archaeological samples
Authors: Bertsatos Andreas , Chovalopoulou Maria‐Eleni 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe biological profile of human remains is fundamental for understanding the structure of past societies and their life histories. However, the assessment of the demographics of an assemblage is hindered when dealing with commingled burials. Consequently, methods for sorting commingled skeletons are essential in a bioarchaeological context. The aim of this study was to provide insight into osteometric sorting techniques when dealing with archaeological commingled skeletal remains. For the purposes of this research, Byrd and LeGarde's pair‐matching osteometric sorting and regression models, which use measurements created for fragmented bones, were tested on 61 adult individuals exhumed from single burial plots from five different Greek archaeological sites. The results showed that the regression models exhibit much lower rates of true positive results (18.2–67.6% and 4.8–71.7% for the left and right side, respectively) than the pair‐matching model (74.1–89.5%), whereas the rates of the false positive results are almost equivalent (approximately 20–35%). Therefore, the application of the pair‐matching osteometric sorting model can provide a set of potential matches in an archaeological context. However, it is essential to utilize other techniques as well, in order to verify the results.
Effects of a semi‐bio‐based triazine derivative on intumescent flame‐retardant polypropylene
Authors: Wang Xinjun , Wang Zongbao , Li Juan 
Published: February 2019

A semi‐bio‐based synergist (N, N′, N″‐1, 3, 5‐triazine‐2, 4, 6‐triyltris‐glycine [TTG]) was prepared by using glycine and cyanuric chloride. The structure of TTG was characterized by 1H NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The TTG was applied in polypropylene (PP)/intumescent flame‐retardant compounds to improve its flame retardancy. The flame‐retardant properties of PP compounds were evaluated by limiting oxygen index and vertical burning tests (UL‐94). The results showed that 17 wt% intumescent flame‐retardant and 1 wt% TTG makes PP achieve the UL‐94 V‐0 rating without drippings, and the limiting oxygen index value is increased to 29.5 vol%. The thermal degradation behavior and char morphology of PP compounds were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that TTG accelerates the formation of char layer, regulates the porous structure of char layer, and enhances its barrier property. Therefore, the temperatures of PP compound after two ignitions during the UL‐94 test are decreased significantly as shown in infrared thermal imaging. In addition, the combustion characteristics of PP compounds were investigated by cone calorimeter. The peak of heat release rate (PHRR) of PP compound is 67% reduced, and the tPHRR is delayed from 223 to 430 seconds, indicates that the combustion risk of PP compound is reduced.
Long‐term persistence and adherence to blood pressure lowering agents among older Australians
Authors: Si Si , Ofori‐Asenso Richard , Briffa Tom , Sanfilippo Frank M. , Ilomaki Jenni , Qin XiWen , Tacey Mark , Reid Christopher M. , Liew Danny 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPurposePoor adherence and persistence to blood pressure lowering (BPL) agents leads to increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the long‐term adherence, persistence, and re‐initiation of BPL agents among older Australians (aged ≥65 years).MethodsWe utilised the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data covering a 10% random sample of Australians. We identified 31 088 older Australians (mean age, 75.4 years; 56% females) with newly initiated BPL therapy from 2008 to 2016. Adherence was assessed using the proportion of days covered (PDC) at 6‐month intervals. Discontinuation was defined as ≥90 days without BPL coverage. Cox regression was applied to compare the time till the first discontinuation of BPL agents across different BPL categories and among various subgroups.ResultsOver a mean follow‐up of 3.8 years, 40% to 70% of older Australians received a BPL agent discontinued it. The median time to discontinuation ranged from 159 to 373 days. Persistence with fixed dose combinations was the best (68%, 58%, and 41% at 6, 12, and 36 months respectively), followed by angiotensin II receptor blockers (69%, 58%, and 40%), beta‐blockers (67%, 54%, and 36%), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (62%, 51%, and 34%), calcium channel blockers (57%, 47%, and 31%), and diuretics (59%, 41%, and 23%). Among those who discontinued, 30% to 50% re‐initiated, with median days to re‐initiation ranging from 177 to 302. Only 21% to 42% of the study population maintained “good” adherence (PDC ≥ 0.8) to BPLs over 3 years.ConclusionCompliance to BPL agents is poor among older Australians. Interventions to enhance adherence and persistence to BPL agents are needed.
Effect of Lidocaine on Viability and Gene Expression of Human Adipose–derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: An in vitro Study
Authors: Nie Hai , Kubrova Eva , Wu Tao , Denbeigh Janet M. , Hunt Christine , Dietz Allan B. , Smith Jay , Qu Wenchun , van Wijnen Andre J. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo assess the biologic effects of lidocaine on the viability, proliferation, and function of human adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) in vitro.MethodsAdipose‐derived MSCs from three donors were exposed to lidocaine at various dilutions (2 mg/mL to 8 mg/mL) and exposure times (0.5 to 4 hours). Cell number and viability, mitochondrial activity, and real‐time reverse‐transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) were analyzed at 0 (immediate effects) or 24 and 48 hours (recovery effects) after treatment with lidocaine.ResultsTrypan blue staining showed that increasing concentrations of lidocaine decreased the number of observable viable cells. 3‐[4,5,dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐5‐[3‐carboxymethoxy‐phenyl]‐2‐[4‐sulfophenyl]‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS) assays revealed a concentration‐ and time‐ dependent decline of mitochondrial activity and proliferative ability. Gene expression analysis by RT‐qPCR revealed that adipose‐derived MSCs exposed to lidocaine express robust levels of stress response/cytoprotective genes. However, higher concentrations of lidocaine caused a significant downregulation of these genes. No significant differences were observed in expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) markers COL1A1 and DCN except for COL3A1 (P < .05). Levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) for proliferation markers (CCNB2, HIST2H4A, P < .001) and MKI67 (P < .001) increased at 24 and 48 hours. Expression levels of several transcription factors— including SP1, PRRX1, and ATF1—were modulated in the same manner. MSC surface markers CD44 and CD105 demonstrated decreased expression immediately after treatment, but at 24 and 48 hours postexposure, the MSC markers showed no significant difference among groups.ConclusionLidocaine is toxic to MSCs in a dose‐ and time‐ dependent manner. MSC exposure to high (4‐8 mg/mL) concentrations of lidocaine for prolonged periods can affect their biologic functions. Although the exposure time in vivo is short, it is essential to choose safe concentrations when applying lidocaine along with MSCs to avoid compromising the viability and potency of the stem cell therapy.
Cross‐linking induced thermoresponsive hydrogel with light emitting and self‐healing property
Authors: Shen Jiafu , Wang Xuemeng , An Heng , Chang Limin , Wang Yong , Li Wenjuan , Qin Jianglei 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTDevelopment of self‐healing hydrogels with thermoresponse is very important for artificial smart materials. In this article, the self‐healing hydrogels with reversible thermoresponses were designed through across‐linking‐induced thermoresponse (CIT) mechanism. The hydrogels were prepared from ketone group containing copolymer bearing tetraphenyl ethylene (TPE) and cross‐linked by naphthalene containing acylhydrazide cross‐linker. The mechanical property, light emission, self‐healing, and thermo‐response of the hydrogels were investigated intensively. With regulation of the copolymer composition, the hydrogels showed thermoresponse with the LCST varied from above to below body temperature. At the same time, the hydrogels showed self‐healing property based on the reversible characteristic of the acylhydrazone bond. The hydrogel also showed temperature‐regulated light emission behavior based on AIE property of the TPE unit. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 869–877
Hydroxyl‐tolerated polymerization of N‐phenoxycarbonyl α‐amino acids: A simple way to polypeptides bearing hydroxyl groups
Authors: Yang Zhening , Bai Tianwen , Ling Jun , Shen Youqing 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTDiffering from the moisture‐sensitive α‐amino acid N‐carboxyanhydrides (AA‐NCAs) monomers, N‐phenoxycarbonyl α‐amino acids (AA‐NPCs) can be prepared and stored in open air. In this contribution, we report that the controlled polymerizations of AA‐NPC monomers of O‐tert‐butyl‐dl‐serine (BRS‐NPC), Nε‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐l‐lysine (ZLL‐NPC) and Nε‐trifluoroacetyl‐l‐lysine (FLL‐NPC) initiated by amines are surprisingly able to tolerate common nucleophilic impurities such as water and alcohols at a level of monomer concentration. The structures of polypeptides synthesized in the presence of water or alcohols agree well with the designed ones in the case of repeated chain extensions. Detailed mechanism study and density functional theory calculation reveal that the low concentration of AA‐NCA and the high activity of amines are the key factors to the controllability of AA‐NPC polymerizations. The water‐ and alcohol‐tolerant property in polymerizations of AA‐NPCs encourages the following studies on unprotected (phenolic) hydroxyl groups containing AA‐NPCs. The controllable polymerizations of N‐phenoxycarbonyl l‐tyrosine (LT‐NPC) and N‐phenoxycarbonyl S‐(3‐hydroxypropyl)‐l‐cysteine (HLC‐NPC) initiated by amines are confirmed and reported for the first time, which extends the library of AA‐NPCs and polypeptides as well. All the universality of library, the convenience of monomer preparation, and the controllability and water‐ and alcohol‐tolerant property of polymerization of AA‐NPCs significantly enhance the feasibility of polypeptide synthesis, making AA‐NPC approach a promising synthetic method of polypeptides. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 907–916
Protein dynamics analysis reveals that missense mutations in cancer‐related genes appear frequently on hinge‐neighboring residues
Authors: Sayılgan Jan Fehmi , Haliloğlu Türkan , Gönen Mehmet 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMissense mutations have various effects on protein structures, also leading to distorted protein dynamics that plausibly affects the function. We hypothesized that missense mutations in cancer‐related genes selectively target hinge‐neighboring residues that orchestrate collective structural dynamics. To test our hypothesis, we selected 69 cancer‐related genes from the Cancer Gene Census database and their representative protein structures from the Protein Data Bank. We first identified the hinge residues in two global modes of motion by applying the Gaussian Network Model. We then showed that missense mutations are significantly enriched on hinge‐neighboring residues in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. We observed that several oncogenes (eg, MAP2K1, PTPN11, and KRAS) and tumor suppressor genes (eg, EZH2, CDKN2C, and RHOA) strongly exhibit this phenomenon. This study highlights and rationalizes the functional importance of missense mutations on hinge‐neighboring residues in cancer.
Chemical inhibition of Kir channels reduces salivary secretions and phloem feeding of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover)
Authors: Li Zhilin , Davis Jeffrey A , Swale Daniel R 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe unique feeding biology of aphids suggests novel insecticide targets are likely to exist outside of the nervous system. We therefore aimed to directly test the hypothesis that pharmacological inhibition of inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels would result in salivary gland failure and reduced sap ingestion by the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii.RESULTSThe Kir inhibitors VU041 and VU590 reduced the length of the salivary sheath in a concentration dependent manner, indicating that the secretory activity of the salivary gland is reduced by Kir inhibition. Next, we employed the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique to measure the impact Kir inhibition has to aphid sap feeding and feeding biology. Data show that foliar application of VU041 eliminated the E1 and E2 phases (phloem feeding) in all aphids studied. Contact exposure to VU041 after foliar applications was found to be toxic to A. gossypii at 72 and 96 h post‐infestation, indicating mortality is likely a result of starvation and not acute toxicity. Furthermore, VU041 exposure significantly altered the feeding behavior of aphids, which is toxicologically relevant for plant–virus interactions.CONCLUSIONThese data suggest Kir channels are critical for proper function of aphid salivary glands and the reduced plant feeding justifies future work in developing salivary gland Kir channels as novel mechanism aphicides. Furthermore, products like VU041 would add to a very minor arsenal of compounds that simultaneously reduce vector abundance and alter feeding behavior. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Multicriteria evaluation and optimization of the ultrasonic sealing performance based on design of experiments and response surface methodology
Authors: D'huys Karlien , Bamps Bram , Peeters Roos , De Ketelaere Bart 
Published: February 2019

Proper closure is an essential packaging quality aspect and can, amongst others, be achieved with ultrasonic sealing. The ultrasonic sealing performance depends on the film type, and the seal settings, such as seal time, applied force and ultrasonic amplitude. Because these parameters are less intuitive than heat seal parameters and optimal settings are undefined for many films, this work presents an efficient approach to evaluate the effect of these settings on the ultrasonic sealing performance. An experimental design defines the experiments to perform. A response surface methodology is then used to model the relation between seal settings and sealing performance. Based on these models, the seal settings are optimized. As there are several criteria to express sealing performance, single‐criteria and multicriteria optimizations are described.The approach was illustrated for a polyethylene terephthalate/linear low‐density polyethylene‐C4 film. The seal settings were optimized to obtain high seal strength, limited ultrasonic horn displacement, and low seal energy. The optimum settings were 0.1 seconds (seal time), 4.32 N/mm (force), and 28.75 μm (amplitude). The predicted optimum strength, horn displacement, and energy were 2.32 N/mm, 40 μm, and 11.66 J, respectively. Besides the optimum, the seal window is also of interest. A broad seal window ensures sufficient seal strength for a wide range of settings. For the polyethylene terephthalate/linear low‐density polyethylene‐C4 film, a strength of ≥90% of the optimum was obtained for 39% of the input combinations within the design space.The presented approach is widely applicable (other films and sealing processes) since it is flexible in the input parameters, design, and responses.
Evaluating the potential of nanoparticles for controlling zinc stearate release from low‐density polyethylene into food simulants
Authors: Zabihzadeh Khajavi Maryam , Mohammadi Reza , Ahmadi Shervin , Farhoodi Mehdi , Abedi Abdol‐Samad 
Published: February 2019

The present study addressed the effect of polymer nanocomposites with different loading contents of fume silica (nanospheres) and nanoclay (nanosheet) on migration of zinc stearate from packaging materials into food simulants. Specific migration levels of zinc stearate from neat low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and LDPE/nanocomposites into two food simulants stored at 40°C for 10 days were determined by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that incorporation of nanoparticles, especially at 1 wt% loading level of nano silica, noticeably increased degree of crystallinity, which significantly reduced water vapour permeability. Nanocomposites had a lower migration of zinc stearate in comparison with neat polymer. Additionally, results of this study revealed that physical properties of the food simulant had dominant effect on migration of zinc stearate.
Modeling and robust adaptive iterative learning control of a vehicle‐based flexible manipulator with uncertainties
Authors: Xing Xueyan , Liu Jinkun 
Published: February 2019

SummaryIn this brief, this paper deals with a robust adaptive iterative learning control (ILC) problem for a flexible manipulator attached to a moving vehicle with uncertainties. To begin with, considering the infinite dimensionality of the flexible distributed parameter system, a coupled ordinary differential equation and partial differential equation model is established without any discretization. Then, it is followed by a presentation of an adaptive ILC strategy, which can drive the vehicle and joint to the desired positions based on a proportional‐derivative feedback structure with unmodeled dynamics and external disturbances. The deformation of the flexible manipulator can also be suppressed simultaneously under the proposed control laws. By using Lyapunov's direct method, the stability of the closed‐loop system is demonstrated. The simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control laws.
The effect of trace additions of copper and pretreatment conditions on the filiform corrosion of powder‐coated aluminium alloy AA6060
Authors: Halseid Malgorzata , Gundersen Jan Tore B. , Bauger Øystein , Hentschel Thomas 
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a short review of the literature data and the newest studies of filiform corrosion (FFC) testing of profiles extruded using a recycling‐friendly AA 6xxx aluminium alloy, with Cu content up to 0.09 wt%. As the pretreatment plays a significant role in avoiding FFC on powder‐coated aluminium profiles, the profiles were pretreated and coated at three different production sites. They have been tested at 40°C, 82% RH for 1000 hours (according to modified ISO 4623‐2). It was observed that differences in FFC behaviour of the same type of profile coated at different plants were more significant than differences between samples with increasing Cu content.In order to understand the differences between profiles coated at different sites, GDOES analysis of samples was performed, specially focusing on surface enrichment of copper through the pretreatment.
Progress toward Understanding the Interactions between DNA Nanostructures and the Cell
Authors: Chiu Yee Ting Elaine , Li Huize , Choi Chung Hang Jonathan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAdvances in DNA nanotechnology empower the programmable assembly of DNA building blocks (oligonucleotides and plasmids) into DNA nanostructures with precise architectural control. As DNA nanostructures are biocompatible and can naturally enter mammalian cells without the aid of transfection agents, they have found numerous biological or biomedical applications as delivery carriers of therapeutic and imaging cargoes into mammalian cells for at least a decade. Nevertheless, mechanistic studies on how DNA nanostructures interact with cells have remained limited and incomprehensive until 2–3 years ago. This Review presents the recent progress in elucidating the “cell–nano” interactions of DNA nanostructures, with an emphasis on three key classes of structures commonly utilized in intracellular applications: tile‐based structures, origami‐based structures, and nanoparticle‐templated structures. Structural parameters of DNA nanostructures and strategies of biochemical modification for promoting intracellular delivery are discussed. Biological mechanisms for cellular uptake, including specific pathways and receptors involved, are outlined. Routes of intracellular trafficking and degradation, together with strategies for re‐directing their trafficking, are delineated. This Review concludes with several aspects of the “bio–nano” interactions of DNA nanostructures that warrant future investigations.
Controlling Chirality across Length Scales using DNA
Authors: Cecconello Alessandro , Simmel Friedrich C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNano‐objects with chiral properties attract growing interest due to their relevance for a wide variety of technological applications. For example, chiral nano‐objects may be used in characterization platforms that involve chiral molecular recognition of proteins or in the fabrication of nanomechanical devices such as screw‐gears or nanoswimmers. Spatial ordering of emitters of circularly polarized light might greatly benefit from the utilization of chiral shapes. Tools developed in DNA nanotechnology now allow precise tailoring of the chiral properties of molecules and materials at various length scales. Among others, they have already been applied to control the handedness of helical shapes (configurational chirality) or the chiral positioning of different‐sized nanoparticles at the vertices of tetrahedra (compositional chirality). This work covers some of the key advances and recent developments in the field of chiral DNA nanoarchitectures and discusses their future perspectives and potential applications.