bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and characterization of novel antimicrobial thin film nano‐composite membranes based on copper nanoparticles
Authors: Yahia Cherif Asma , Arous Omar , Mameri Nabil , Zhu Junyong , Ammi Said Abdallah , Vankelecom Ivo , Simoens Kenneth , Bernaerts Kristel , Van der Bruggen Bart 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDCopper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are studied for the design of advanced nanocomposite membranes owing to their highly antimicrobial properties, specific catalytic and chemical activities, abundancy and low cost. In this work, thin film nanocomposite membranes (TFN) containing CuNPs in the polyamide (PA) layer were designed via a facile interfacial polymerization method. The nanoparticles were incorporated into an aqueous solution containing piperazine monomers which is poured on the top surface of the polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane followed by adding trimesoyl chloride to form a polymerized PA film.RESULTSThe results show that the surface morphological structure investigated by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images is subject to visible changes of surface morphology, with a rougher net‐like structure while analysis of the chemical structure using attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms that the introduction of CuNPs did not impede the structure of the PA layer.The effect of addition of inorganic functionalized nanomaterials on the overall membrane performance was significant. The water flux was greatly increased (twice the original water permeability), while maintaining high retention of Na2SO4, demonstrating good performance in the range of nanofiltration (NF). Furthermore, the TFN membranes exhibited a specific antibacterial effect, reducing the number of living bacteria (Escherichia coli) by 94.0%.CONCLUSIONInorganic functionalization using CuNPs in the aqueous phase strongly enhanced membrane performance and provided the membrane surface with antimicrobial properties. This study suggests a new approach to TFN membrane research for the design of NF membranes for water treatment. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Scanning electron microscopy as a tool for authentication of oil yielding seed
Authors: Fatima Anam , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Yaseen Ghulam , Sultana Shazia , Gulfraz Muhammad , Khan Amir Muhammad 
Published: March 2018

AbstractNow‐a‐days, plant species are consumed globally for various purposes and this increasing demand leads to adulteration due to gradually exploitation in natural resources. The major causes of adulteration may be confusion in nomenclature, unawareness of authentic sources, unavailability of authentic sources, color resemblances, deficiencies in collection procedures, and misidentification. This study aims to use the microscopic techniques such as scanning electron microscopy for the authentication of the oil yielding seeds of four important and traditionally used species Prunus persica, Prunus domestica, and Eruca sativa and Argemone Mexicana from their adulterants. All of these are versatile in usage. Locally, these four plants are adulterated badly and there is need to provide a criteria and a complete monograph for correct identification. This research may prove to be helpful for quality control and as well for future studies to explore other novel aspects of these plants.
Axial complex and associated structures of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus pallidus (Sars, G.O. 1871) (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)
Authors: Ezhova Olga Vladimirovna , Malakhov Vladimir Vasil'yevich , Egorova Ekaterina Alekseevna 
Published: March 2018

AbstractStudies of echinoid microscopic anatomy over the last two centuries have created a number of inaccuracies and mistakes that have accumulated in the descriptions of the intricate organization of the coelomic system of Echinoidea. To clarify the situation, we reconstructed the axial complex and radial complex of the echinoid Strongylocentrotus pallidus. The water ring is located between the perivisceral coelom and the perioral coelom. The oral haemal ring lies between the coelothelia of the water‐vascular, perivisceral, and perioral rings. The axial part of the axial organ communicates with the oral haemal ring in interradius CD, but the axial coelom does not form the axocoelomic perihaemal ring. The ventral intestinal haemal vessel originates from the oral haemal ring in radius A, and then branches into a network of capillaries, from which the dorsal intestinal vessel starts. The pericardial coelom envelopes the pericardial part of the axial organ, the lacunae of which communicate with the haemocoel of the body wall and with the axial part of the axial organ. The genital haemal ring and the dorsal intestinal vessel communicate with the axial organ. The genital coelom passes in the CD interradius on the side opposite to the hindgut. There is a somatocoelomic perihaemal ring, which sends a pair of coelomic outgrowths into each radius, accompanied by a radial haemal vessel in the oral part. The mistakes and inaccuracies of early descriptions of the echinoid axial complex are listed. The axial complex and associated structures of sea urchins are compared with other eleutherozoans.
The Effects of Extrinsic Motivation on Scientific and Artistic Creativity among Middle School Students
Authors: Xue Yukang , Gu Chuanhua , Wu Jingjing , Dai David Yun , Mu Xiaolin , Zhou Zongkui 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe present study tested the effects of extrinsic motivation on scientific and artistic creativity among Chinese middle school students. In Study 1, a between‐groups design was applied to examine the effects of expected rewards on scientific and artistic creativity among 123 students, and in Study 2 the same design was applied to examine the effects of expected evaluation from different raters on scientific and artistic creativity among 120 students. We also considered the effects of grade and gender in both studies. The results of Study 1 indicated that expected material reward had significant negative effects on scientific creativity for 7th graders, while expected social reward had significant positive effects on scientific creativity for 8th graders, and both expected material and social rewards had significant positive effects on artistic creativity. The results of Study 2 indicated that expected evaluation from teachers and classmates had significant negative effects on scientific creativity and significant positive effects on artistic creativity. These results suggest that there is no one‐size‐fits‐all answer to the effects of extrinsic motivation and creativity, Factors such as culture, type of extrinsic motivation, grade, and domains of creativity must be fully considered when cultivating adolescents’ creativity.
Surface enhanced Raman scattering and quantum‐mechanical calculations on self‐assembling oligopeptides
Authors: Di Foggia Michele , Ottani Stefano , Torreggiani Armida , Zamuner Annj , Dettin Monica , Sanchez‐Cortes Santiago , Cesini Daniele , Tinti Anna 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectra of 5 amphiphilic oligopeptides derived from EAK16 (AEAEAKAK)2, used as biomimetic coatings for medical devices, were obtained at 10−5–10−6 M in order to study the effects of systematic amino acid substitution along the peptide chain on the corresponding interaction with Ag colloidal nanoparticles. In addition, quantum‐mechanical data on 2 of the examined peptides were very useful for clarifying the assignment of bands, widely debated in the literature. In general, the peptide–nanoparticles interaction takes place through the COO− groups. The substitution of Ala by 2‐aminobutanoic acid in the sequence, corresponding to an increase of the hydrophobic chain length, is able to affect the peptide–Ag colloid interaction. It strengthens the interaction with NH3+ groups, mediated by the Cl− anions present in the colloidal solution, although the charge transfer interaction with the COO− ions remains the dominant interaction mechanism. When Tyr substitutes the hydrophobic Ala, the interaction mechanism is strongly affected because it takes mainly place through the Tyr residues, where the aromatic rings are predominantly perpendicular to the silver surface, partly as tyrosinate ion. Thus, the addition of the Arg‐Gly‐Asp sequence, useful to provide control on the bioactivity of the bone regeneration materials, does not change the interactions with the colloid, because the spacer amino acid substitution is the main factor affecting the peptide–nanoparticle interactions.
Influence of iron redox state on black ripe olive processing
Authors: García Pedro , Romero Concepción , Brenes Manuel 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe oxidation and polymerization of the phenolic compounds present in black ripe olives give rise to their black shiny colour, which is fixed by the addition of ferrous salts such as ferrous gluconate. Among the many variables that can affect the success of this fixation step, the influence of pH on this process was assessed on fruits of the Hojiblanca cultivar processed at pilot plant scale. Hence the aim of this work was to gain knowledge on the development of this fixation step, in particular on olives that were oxidized with a single alkaline treatment.RESULTSIt was found that the penetration of the ferric cation into the olive flesh was an extremely slow process and it led to less‐dark olives. Besides, at a pH higher than 6 the oxidation of the ferrous to the ferric cation was a very rapid reaction, and olives that were processed with initial pH adjusted to 4 units had a darker colour than those without pH correction. Ultrafiltration/nanofiltration of oxidized olive solutions spiked with ferric ions or even pure oxidized ferric solutions through membranes of 10, 3 and 1 kDa revealed that ferric ions formed high‐molecular structures that inhibited the penetration of the ion into the olive flesh and therefore the fixation of the black colour.CONCLUSIONThe results presented in this study suggest that the formation of ferric ions during the colour fixation step of black ripe olives must be avoided to obtain darker olives. Consequently, the initial pH of the ferrous gluconate solution must be corrected to avoid oxidation of the ferrous to ferric cations during the fixation step. This study will contribute to the improvement of the colour fixation step of black ripe olive processing. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Intralesional PV‐10 for the treatment of in‐transit melanoma metastases—Results of a prospective, non‐randomized, single center study
Authors: Read Tavis A. , Smith Aaron , Thomas Janine , David Michael , Foote Matthew , Wagels Michael , Barbour Andrew , Smithers B. Mark 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundPatients with in‐transit melanoma metastases frequently experience high rates of recurrence, limited overall survival and reduced quality of life. After promising results within a Phase II, multi‐center study, PV‐10 treatment was continued at our institution for patients with in‐transit disease.MethodologyAn open‐label, non‐randomized, prospective study was performed at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia. Patients were treated with PV‐10 in accordance with the treatment protocol established during a previous Phase II study. The primary outcome was the complete response of treated lesions.ResultsForty‐five patients were enrolled over a total of 82 treatment episodes from July 2008 to December 2015. With sequential PV‐10 treatments the complete response rate was 42% and overall response rate 87% on an intention to treat analysis. The median follow‐up duration was 22 months and the median overall survival was 25 months from first PV‐10 treatment. Having fewer than 15 metastases at the time of treatment was associated with a complete response (P = 0.03).ConclusionsIntralesional PV‐10 provided rapid lesion‐specific ablation of melanoma metastases with well‐tolerated local effects and minimal systemic adverse events. This therapy should be considered for patients with multiple accessible deposits within the spectrum of low to moderate disease volume.
DNA hydroxymethylation of colorectal primary carcinoma and its association with survival
Authors: Zhong Anjing , Tian Yiping , Zhang Honghe , Lai Maode 
Published: March 2018

MethodsA total of 71 cases of colorectal carcinoma with hepatic metastasis were enrolled from the Department of Pathology of SIR RUN RUN SHAW Hospital. Paired primary tumors, hepatic metastases, and normal mucosa samples were collected from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues by manual macrodissection. And global levels of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in these tissues, measured by an ELISA‐like microplate‐based colorimetric methods. The immunohistochemical expression of 5‐methylcytosine and 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine were analyzed also.ResultsThe levels of DNA methylation in both primary and metastatic tumors were elevated when compared with normal mucosa, while DNA hydroxymethylation decreased slightly in those tissues. Similar results were observed in immunohistochemical staining. DNA methylation in hepatic metastases differed significantly in lymph node metastases (P = 0.037). And DNA hydroxymethylation in colorectal primary carcinoma was significantly different between tumor grade group (P = 0.018) and gender group (P = 0.048) respectively. And survival analyzes revealed that higher levels DNA hydroxymethylation were associated with better prognosis in colorectal primary carcinoma (P < 0.05).ConclusionDNA hydroxymethylation correlated with less aggressive tumor behavior in colorectal cancer and were identified as an independent prognostic factor in patients' overall survival, and downregulation of DNA hydroxymethylation may serve as a useful biomarker for colorectal cancer prognosis evaluation.
Simulation of Nonporous Polymeric Membranes Using CFD for Bioethanol Purification
Authors: Asadollahzadeh Mehdi , Raoufi Nahid , Rezakazemi Mashallah , Shirazian Saeed 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA mechanistic model is developed to simulate ethanol purification using membrane technology. In the considered process, a feed solution containing 10 wt% water + 90 wt% ethanol is contacted with a polymeric dense membrane in a pervaporation system. The membrane selectively separates water from solution in order to purify the ethanol. In the development of the model, it is assumed that the water is the main penetrant through the membrane due to the hydrophilicity of membrane material. The mass fraction of water molecules in the feed solution, as well as membrane, is estimated using Maxwell–Stefan approach. The governing equations are then solved using finite element method in order to predict mass fraction, mass transfer flux, and velocity of the solution in the membrane module. The results indicate that the model can predict the formation of concentration and velocity boundary layer in the feed solution near the membrane/feed interface. Moreover, the developed model is robust and reliable in the understanding of membrane separation processes applicable for dehydration of alcohols.
Oil type and cross‐linking influence growth of Aureobasidium melanogenum on vegetable oils as a single carbon source
Authors: Peeters Loes H. M. , Huinink Hendrik P. , Voogt Benjamin , Adan Olaf C. G. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAureobasidium melanogenum is the main fungus found in a spontaneously formed biofilm on a oil‐treated wood. This dark colored biofilm functions as a protective coating. To better understand biofilm formation, in this study A. melanogenum was cultured on olive oil and raw linseed oil. Metabolic activity and oil conversion were measured. The results show that A. melanogenum is able to grow on linseed oil and olive oil as a single carbon source. The fungus produces the enzyme lipase to convert the oil into fatty acids and glycerol. Metabolic activity and oil conversion were equal on linseed oil and olive oil. The fungus was not able to grow on severe cross‐linked linseed oil, meaning that the degree of cross‐linking of the oil is important for growth of A. melanogenum. Dark coloring of the colony was seen on linseed oil, which might be a stress response on the presence of autoxidation products in linseed oil. The colony on olive oil showed delayed melanin production indicating an inhibitory effect of olive oil on melanin production.
Avenues to molecular imaging of dying cells: Focus on cancer
Authors: Rybczynska Anna A. , Boersma Hendrikus H. , de Jong Steven , Gietema Jourik A. , Noordzij Walter , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , Elsinga Philip H. , van Waarde Aren 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSuccessful treatment of cancer patients requires balancing of the dose, timing, and type of therapeutic regimen. Detection of increased cell death may serve as a predictor of the eventual therapeutic success. Imaging of cell death may thus lead to early identification of treatment responders and nonresponders, and to “patient‐tailored therapy.” Cell death in organs and tissues of the human body can be visualized, using positron emission tomography or single‐photon emission computed tomography, although unsolved problems remain concerning target selection, tracer pharmacokinetics, target‐to‐nontarget ratio, and spatial and temporal resolution of the scans. Phosphatidylserine exposure by dying cells has been the most extensively studied imaging target. However, visualization of this process with radiolabeled Annexin A5 has not become routine in the clinical setting. Classification of death modes is no longer based only on cell morphology but also on biochemistry, and apoptosis is no longer found to be the preponderant mechanism of cell death after antitumor therapy, as was earlier believed. These conceptual changes have affected radiochemical efforts. Novel probes targeting changes in membrane permeability, cytoplasmic pH, mitochondrial membrane potential, or caspase activation have recently been explored. In this review, we discuss molecular changes in tumors which can be targeted to visualize cell death and we propose promising biomarkers for future exploration.
Thyroid cancer in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Massimino Maura , Evans Douglas B. , Podda Marta , Spinelli Claudio , Collini Paola , Pizzi Natalia , Bleyer Archie 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn adolescents and young adults, thyroid cancer accounts for 13% of all invasive neoplasms, being three times more frequent in females, but overdiagnosis and overtreatment are common. There are two therapeutic approaches, one radical and no longer preferred in all instances, and the other conservative. Permanent complications of surgery and metabolic irradiation can affect quality of life and carry an economic burden. The overall survival rate approaches 100% for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer regardless of the extent of treatment. Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a very different entity, occurring most frequently in the context of hereditary tumor susceptibility syndromes.
Down‐regulation of dishevelled‐2 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Huang Siqi , Chen Jing , Tian Ruicheng , Wang Jing , Xie Chenjie , Gao Hongxiang , Shan Yuhua , Hong Jie , Zhang Zhen , Xu Min , Gu Song 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundHepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common liver cancer found in early childhood. These patients suffer poor outcomes and need novel therapies. An abnormal activation of Wnt signaling is the hallmark of HB tumorigenesis, and its pathway is a potential candidate for a pharmacological intervention.ProcedureTissue samples of patients with HB were collected for RNA‐seq, quantitative real‐time PCR, and immunohistochemistry to identify if disheveled‐2 (Dvl‐2) was a target gene. The correlation between Dvl‐2 expression and different clinicopathological features was analyzed using statistical methods. Proliferation and invasion assays were applied after knocking down Dvl‐2 by shRNA in HepG2 and Huh6 HB cell lines. The antitumor effect of niclosamide on HB was ascertained in vitro and in vivo.ResultsDvl‐2 was overexpressed in 90% of patients with HB, and Dvl‐2 expression was positively correlated with the age of patients with HB. Knockdown of Dvl‐2 could inhibit proliferation and invasion of HB cell lines. Also, niclosamide, a Food and Drug Administration approved antihelminth compound, could effectively inhibit HB cell growth in vitro and in vivo via downregulation of Dvl‐2 and β‐catenin expression.ConclusionsOur results implicate that Dvl‐2 is a potential therapeutic target in HB, and niclosamide could have clinical potential to treat patients with HB.
Disease burden and conditioning regimens in ASCT1221, a randomized phase II trial in children with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia: A Children's Oncology Group study
Authors: Dvorak Christopher C. , Satwani Prakash , Stieglitz Elliot , Cairo Mitchell S. , Dang Ha , Pei Qinglin , Gao Yun , Wall Donna , Mazor Tali , Olshen Adam B. , Parker Joel S. , Kahwash Samir , Hirsch Betsy , Raimondi Susana , Patel Neil , Skeens Micah , Cooper Todd , Mehta Parinda A. , Grupp Stephan A. , Loh Mignon L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundMost patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) are curable only with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, the current standard conditioning regimen, busulfan‐cyclophosphamide‐melphalan (Bu‐Cy‐Mel), may be associated with higher risks of morbidity and mortality. ASCT1221 was designed to test whether the potentially less‐toxic myeloablative conditioning regimen containing busulfan‐fludarabine (Bu‐Flu) would be associated with equivalent outcomes.ProcedureTwenty‐seven patients were enrolled on ASCT1221 from 2013 to 2015. Pre‐ and post‐HCT (starting Day +30) mutant allele burden was measured in all and pre‐HCT therapy was administered according to physician discretion.ResultsFifteen patients were randomized (six to Bu‐Cy‐Mel and nine to Bu‐Flu) after meeting diagnostic criteria for JMML. Pre‐HCT low‐dose chemotherapy did not appear to reduce pre‐HCT disease burden. Two patients, however, received aggressive chemotherapy pre‐HCT and achieved low disease‐burden state; both are long‐term survivors. All four patients with detectable mutant allele burden at Day +30 post‐HCT eventually progressed compared to two of nine patients with unmeasurable allele burden (P = 0.04). The 18‐month event‐free survival of the entire cohort was 47% (95% CI, 21–69%), and was 83% (95% CI, 27–97%) and 22% (95% CI, 03–51%) for Bu‐Cy‐Mel and Bu‐Flu, respectively (P = 0.04). ASCT1221 was terminated early due to concerns that the Bu‐Flu arm had inferior outcomes.ConclusionsThe regimen of Bu‐Flu is inadequate to provide disease control in patients with JMML who present to HCT with large burdens of disease. Advances in molecular testing may allow better characterization of biologic risk, pre‐HCT responses to chemotherapy, and post‐HCT management.