bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of nasopharyngeal pneumococcal carriage during the course of viral bronchiolitis
Authors: Faber Tina E. , Schuurs Theo A. , Veeger Nic J.G.M. , Hennus Marije P. , Bont Louis J. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe effect of viral infection on nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae during childhood is not well known. We studied dynamics of pneumococcal colonization by quantitative PCR during the natural course of viral bronchiolitis. At time of admission, 47 (47%) of 100 patients with bronchiolitis carried pneumococci. In patients with viral bronchiolitis who did not receive antibiotics, pneumococcal load decreased from time of admission to discharge (n = 35, cycle threshold 23 vs. 25, P = 0.0017) and from discharge to follow‐up (n = 22, cycle threshold 25 vs. 40, P = 0.003). We conclude that viral respiratory infection is negatively associated with pneumococcal colonization of the upper airways. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:863–867. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of imine reductase‐specific sequence motifs
Authors: Fademrecht Silvia , Scheller Philipp N. , Nestl Bettina M. , Hauer Bernhard , Pleiss Jürgen 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTChiral amines are valuable building blocks for the production of a variety of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and other specialty chemicals. Only recently, imine reductases (IREDs) were discovered which catalyze the stereoselective reduction of imines to chiral amines. Although several IREDs were biochemically characterized in the last few years, knowledge of the reaction mechanism and the molecular basis of substrate specificity and stereoselectivity is limited. To gain further insights into the sequence‐function relationships, theImine Reductase Engineering Database(www.IRED.BioCatNet.de) was established and a systematic analysis of 530 putative IREDs was performed. A standard numbering scheme based onR‐IRED‐Skwas introduced to facilitate the identification and communication of structurally equivalent positions in different proteins. A conservation analysis revealed a highly conserved cofactor binding region and a predominantly hydrophobic substrate binding cleft. Two IRED‐specific motifs were identified, the cofactor binding motif GLGxMGx5[ATS]x4Gx4[VIL]WNR[TS]x2[KR] and the active site motif Gx[DE]x[GDA]x[APS]x3{K}x[ASL]x[LMVIAG]. Our results indicate a preference toward NADPH for all IREDs and explain why, despite their sequence similarity to β‐hydroxyacid dehydrogenases (β‐HADs), no conversion of β‐hydroxyacids has been observed. Superfamily‐specific conservations were investigated to explore the molecular basis of their stereopreference. Based on our analysis and previous experimental results on IRED mutants, an exclusive role of standard position 187 for stereoselectivity is excluded. Alternatively, two standard positions 139 and 194 were identified which are superfamily‐specifically conserved and differ inR‐ andS‐selective enzymes. Proteins 2016; 84:600–610. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Capacitance‐voltage characteristic of Ga‐ and N‐polar AlGaN/GaN HEMTs
Authors: Peng Daqing , Li Zhonghui , Li Chuanhao , Zhang Dongguo , Li Liang , Dong Xun , Pan Lei , Luo Weike 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGa‐ and N‐polar AlGaN/GaN HEMTs were designed and epitaxially grown on Si‐ and C‐face SiC substrates by MOCVD. The Capacitance‐voltage characteristics of the two structures were investigated by C‐V profile and drift‐diffusion simulations. The N‐polar structure shows double channels, while the electron concentration in the second channel is one order of magnitude lower than that in the first channel. Energy band diagrams and charge distributions were studied. The second channel is formed in AlN/AlGaN interface with electrons spilling over from the first channel when adequate negative voltage was applied on the schottky contact. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Neutronographic characterization of II‐VI cubic crystals highly doped by 3d ions: on possible tendencies to structure rearrangements in the sphalerite crystal lattice
Authors: Surkova Tatiana , Maksimov Veniamin , Dubinin Sergey , Lopez‐Rivera Santos Adan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFine features of the crystal structure of Zn0.9Ni0.1S, Zn0.9V0.1Se, Zn0.95Fe0.05Se semiconductor cubic single crystals have been characterized by neutron scattering at room temperature. It has been revealed that neutron‐diffraction scans of the single crystals, in addition to intense Bragg reflections of face‐centered cubic phase, contain a complex system of diffuse scattering maxima, included superstructure reflections. The superstructure diffuse maxima are found placed on reciprocal lattice knots corresponding with the wave vectors q = (1/3 1/3 1/3) 2π/ac (ac is the cubic lattice parameter), which is interpreted as a manifestation of pretransition state. It is proposed that the revealed destabilized structure state means pretransition of reconstructive structure transformation from the cubic phase to the hexagonal phase. Strong perturbations caused by 3d ions doping lead to a collective response of the cubic lattice of the II‐VI matrices, displacing atomic planes in shears, and tend to induce the transformation. Such a complicated structure state determines nonuniform deformation field supporting possibilities to form long‐wave superstructures. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
ZnTe layers on R ‐ and S ‐plane sapphire substrates
Authors: Nakasu Taizo , Hattori Shota , Kizu Takeru , Sun Wei‐Che , Kazami Fukino , Hashimoto Yuki , Kobayashi Masakazu , Asahi Toshiaki 
Published: February 2016

AbstractZnTe epilayers were grown on R ‐plane ($ 10 \bar 1 4 $) and S ‐plane ($ 10 \bar 1 1 $) sapphire substrates by molecular beam epitaxy, and the crystal orientation and the optical property were studied. The crystal orientation of ZnTe layers on sapphire substrates was studied using X‐ray diffraction pole figure measurements. It was confirmed that (111)‐oriented domains were formed on the R ‐plane as well as on the S ‐plane substrate. Layers grown on R ‐plane exhibited higher film quality. From the low‐temperature photoluminescence, emissions caused by ZnTe exciton were observed. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Removal of sodium dodecyl sulfate from protein and peptide samples with cross‐linked [Os(dmebpy)2Cl]+/2+‐derivatized acrylamide and vinylimidazole copolymer
Authors: Zhou Jie , Rusnak Felicia 
Published: February 2016

RationaleSodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is widely used for the solubilization and denaturation of proteins, but it interferes with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), suppressing protein signals or forming adduct ions. A quick and effective clean‐up technique of SDS is essential for MS analysis of proteins. Ion‐exchange spin columns are commonly used for SDS removal in protein samples.MethodsA bulk sample of insoluble, cross‐linked [Os(dimethylbipyridine)2Cl]+/2+‐derivatized poly(acrylamide)‐poly(vinylimidazole) copolymer was synthesized and broken into small particles. The polymer was activated by washing with 1:1 ACN/water 50 mM triethylammonium phosphate 0.05% TFA, 0.1% TFA ACN and then 0.1% TFA water. Under acidic aqueous conditions, SDS adsorbs on the activated surfaces of the Os‐complexed copolymer particles, but not the proteins and peptides in the same mixtures. Thus, the copolymer can be used to remove SDS from protein and peptide samples. The copolymer‐adsorbed SDS is removed by washing with 0.1% TFA ACN, permitting re‐use of the copolymer.ResultsStandard myoglobin and some practical protein samples from a biochemistry lab spiked with different concentrations of SDS were successfully cleaned up using this Os‐copolymer for LC/MS analyses. Up to 0.2% (w/v %) of SDS can be successfully removed from those protein samples.ConclusionsThis Os‐complexed copolymer provides a new alternative for quick cleanup of SDS from protein samples, and can serve as a new class of metal complex based anion exchanger for protein purification. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hybrid strategy using global analysis of oxidized fatty acids and bioconversion by Bacillus circulans
Authors: Sanaki Takao , Inaba Yoko , Fujiwara Takuji , Yoshioka Takeshi , Matsushima Keisuke , Minagawa Kazuyuki , Higashino Kenichi , Nakano Toru , Numata Yoshito 
Published: February 2016

RationaleTargeted oxidized fatty acid analysis has been widely used to understand the roles of fatty acids in the development of diseases. However, because of the extensive structural diversity of fatty acids, it is considered that unknown lipid metabolites will remain undetected. Here, to discover and identify unknown lipid metabolites in biological samples, a global analytical system and a method of synthesizing lipid standards were investigated.MethodsOxidized fatty acids in mouse lung tissues were extracted using mixed‐mode spin columns. Separation was achieved via ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometric (MS) analysis was conducted in full scan mode using a Q Exactive Plus instrument equipped with an electrospray ionization probe, and structure analysis was carried out by high‐resolution data‐dependent tandem mass spectrometry (dd‐MS2). In addition, lipid standards, which are not commercially available, were synthesized by bioconversion using Bacillus circulans.ResultsOxidized fatty acids in mouse lung tissues were analyzed by high‐resolution accurate‐mass analysis, and multiple unknown molecules were discovered and tentatively identified using high‐resolution dd‐MS2. Among these molecules, 21‐hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (21‐HDoHE) and 22‐HDoHE, which are not commercially available, were synthesized by bioconversion. By comparing the exact masses, retention times, and characteristic fragment ions of the synthesized standards, 21‐HDoHE and 22‐HDoHE were definitively identified in the mouse lung tissue.ConclusionsOur strategy of global analysis and bioconversion can be used for the discovery and identification of unknown lipid molecules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bacteriophage cell lysis of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli for top‐down proteomic identification of Shiga toxins 1 & 2 using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Fagerquist Clifton K. , Zaragoza William J. 
Published: February 2016

RationalAnalysis of bacteria by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) often relies upon sample preparation methods that result in cell lysis, e.g. bead‐beating. However, Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can undergo bacteriophage‐induced cell lysis triggered by antibiotic exposure that may allow greater selectivity of the proteins extracted.MethodsWe have developed a sample preparation method for selective extraction of bacteriophage‐encoded proteins and specifically Shiga toxins 1 and 2 (Stx1 & 2) expressed from STEC strains induced by DNA‐damaging antibiotics. STEC strains were cultured overnight on agar supplemented with ciprofloxacin, mitomycin‐C or an iron chelator to induce the bacteriophage lytic cycle with concomitant expression and release of Stx1 and/or Stx2. Sample preparation relied exclusively on bacteriophage lysis for release Stx into the extraction solution.ResultsThree clinical STEC strains were analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐TOF‐MS/MS) and top‐down proteomics analysis: E. coli O157:H7 strain EDL933, E. coli O91:H21 strain B2F1 and E. coli O26:H11 strain ECRC #05.2217. The B‐subunit of Stx1a of EDL933 was detected and identified even though it was ~100‐fold less abundant than the B‐subunit of Stx2a that had been identified previously for this strain. Two bacteriophage‐encoded proteins were also identified: L0117 and L0136. The B‐subunits of Stx2d of strain B2F1 and Stx1a of strain ECRC #05.2217 were also detected and identified.ConclusionsBacteriophage lysis appeared to enhance the detection sensitivity of Stx for these STEC strains compared to previous work using mechanical lysis. Detection/identification of other bacteriophage‐encoded proteins (beyond Stx) tends to support the hypothesis of Stx release by bacteriophage cell lysis. Published in 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Real‐time in vitro intravascular reconstruction and navigation for endovascular aortic stent grafting
Authors: Shi Chaoyang , Tercero Carlos , Wu Xianliang , Ikeda Seiichi , Komori Kimihiro , Yamamoto Kiyohito , Arai Fumihito , Fukuda Toshio 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundTrans‐catheter endovascular stent grafting minimizes trauma and increases the benefitting patient population. However, the alignment between stent graft branches and vasculature branches remains time‐consuming and challenging, and such techniques require a significant amount of contrast agent for imaging.MethodsA new framework for intravascular reconstruction based on sensor fusion between intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging and electromagnetic (EM) tracking was proposed. A new image processing method was presented to realize fully automatic processing of IVUS imaging and 3D reconstruction in real time, as well as branch detection for alignment and deployment. Complementary navigation using CT data allows for efficient catheter advancement and assistant clinical judgement.ResultsThe reconstruction of an in vitro descending aorta phantom with branches was realized at 35 Hz, with cross‐section radius average error of 0.64 mm.ConclusionThe proposed method demonstrates significant potential for clinical applications, enables navigation for precise alignment and placement for stent grafting to reduce surgical time, and decreases hemorrhagic collisions and the use of contrast agent. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distance‐based mixture modeling for classification via hypothetical local mapping
Authors: Qiao Mu , Li Jia 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe propose a new approach for mixture modeling based only upon pairwise distances via the concept of hypothetical local mapping (HLM). This work is motivated by the increasingly commonplace applications involving complex objects that cannot be effectively represented by tractable mathematical entities. The new modeling approach consists of two steps. A distance‐based clustering algorithm is applied first. Then, HLM takes as input the distances between the training data and their corresponding cluster centroids to estimate the model parameters. In the special case where all the training data are taken as cluster centroids, we obtain a distance‐based counterpart of the kernel density. The classification performance of the mixture models is compared with other state‐of‐the‐art distance‐based classification methods. Results demonstrate that HLM‐based algorithms are highly competitive in terms of classification accuracy and are computationally efficient. Furthermore, the HLM‐based modeling approach adapts readily to incremental learning. We have developed and tested two schemes of incremental learning scalable for dynamic data arriving at a high speed.
An extended simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (E‐SART) for X‐ray dual spectral computed tomography
Authors: Hu Jingjing , Zhao Xing , Wang Feng 
Published: February 2016

SummaryX‐ray dual spectral computed tomography (DSCT) scans the measured object with two different x‐ray energy spectra and the collected polychromatic projections from this procedure can be used to perform basis material decomposition of the object. An iterative method E‐ART was recently proposed to produce highly quantitative basis material images for DSCT, but it has the drawback of slow convergence and huge computational costs. Inspired by the E‐ART method, this paper proposes an extended simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (E‐SART) for the basis material decomposition of DSCT and an accelerating strategy for improve the convergence speed of the iterative reconstruction. Compared with the E‐ART method, the proposed method has much faster convergence rate while at the same time it has better noise suppressing feature. The advantages of this method were verified by experiments in which the FORBILD thorax phantom was iteratively reconstructed from noise‐free and noisy polychromatic projections. SCANNING 38:599–611, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strategy, human capital investments, business‐domain capabilities, and performance: a study in the global software services industry
Authors: Chatterjee Joydeep 
Published: February 2016

Research summary: In knowledge‐based industries, continuous human capital investments are essential for firms to enhance capabilities and sustain competitive advantage. However, such investments present a dilemma for firms, because human resources are mobile. Using detailed project‐level operational, financial, and human capital data from a leading multinational firm in the global IT services industry, this study finds that deliberate investments in improving general human capital can help firms develop superior capabilities and maintain high profits. This paper identifies two types of capabilities essential for success in this industry—technological and business‐domain capabilities—and provides empirical evidence justifying such investments. Theoretical and practical implications of capability‐seeking general human capital investments are discussed.Managerial summary: The primary managerial implication of this research is that capability‐seeking investments in developing general human capital through strategic learning (training and internal certifications) can enhance firm performance. Although investing in general human capital is risky, the firm considered this a strategic necessity in order to thrive in the fast paced IT services industry. By leveraging general technological skills in combination with business‐domain knowledge to address customer's business problems firms can earn and sustain higher profits. Our study also demonstrates how a developing‐country firm responded to strong competitive challenge from global rivals possessing superior capabilities by upgrading the capabilities of its employees through internal development. In doing so the firm was able to narrow the capability gap vis‐à‐vis its foreign peers and expand its business globally. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual potential capacity model for reinforced concrete beams subjected to shear
Authors: Lee Deuck Hang , Han Sun‐Jin , Kim Kang Su 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe shear resistance mechanisms of a reinforced concrete (RC) member with shear reinforcement can be divided into the contributions of the concrete and the shear reinforcement. The shear resistance mechanisms of concrete can be further divided into the shear resistance of the intact concrete in the compression zone, the aggregate interlock in the cracked tension zone and the dowel action of the longitudinal tension reinforcement. The shear demand curves and potential shear capacity curves for both tension and compression zones have been derived in this study, with the assumption that the shear failures of RC members are dominated by the flexural‐shear strength. The shear capacity model was also proposed on this basis. In the proposed model, the crack width and the local stress increase in reinforcement were calculated based on the bond behaviour between the reinforcement and its surrounding concrete. Further, the crack concentration factor was introduced to consider the formation and propagation of the critical shear crack that developed from the flexural cracks. The results of a total of 1,018 shear tests were collected and compared with the analysis results provided by the proposed model. It was demonstrated that the proposed model provides a good estimate of the shear strengths of RC beams.
Scenarios of public energy research and development expenditures: financing energy innovation in Europe
Authors: Bointner Raphael , Pezzutto Simon , Sparber Wolfram 
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study is to examine public expenditures for energy R&D in Europe and the resulting energy knowledge stock. After the first oil shock energy R&D became more and more important in Europe. The energy R&D distribution among technologies of the EU member states and the European Commission was similar in the 1980s with a strong focus on nuclear energy. Nowadays, energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies are of growing importance. The new program Horizon 2020 is expected to have an equal distribution between nonnuclear and nuclear energy R&D expenditures. The cumulative energy knowledge stock induced by public R&D expenditures amounts to approximately 36 billion EUR in 2013, whereupon the EU member states’ share is more than three times larger than the European Commission's share. The study provides knowledge stock scenarios for the next years under business as usual and changing conditions. According to the scenarios, the knowledge stock will increase to 48.5–55 billion EUR by 2023. For the first time, such comparison between the EU member states’ and the European Commission's R&D expenditures has been performed for a period of more than 30 years, obtaining a clear picture of the induced energy knowledge stock. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:470–488. doi: 10.1002/wene.200This article is categorized under:

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy
Energy and Development > Economics and Policy
Energy Research & Innovation > Economics and Policy
Improving the Performance of a Ternary Prussian Blue Analogue as Cathode of Lithium Battery via Annealing Treatment
Authors: Xie Chen‐Chao , Yang Dong‐Hui , Zhong Ming , Zhang Ying‐Hui 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA ternary prussian blue analogue (V1.07Cu0.35)Fe‐PBA and its annealed derivatives were prepared and investigated for their electrochemical behavior as lithium cathode material. The results indicate that the annealed one prepared at 200 °C under argon protection, though retains similar framework with the as‐prepared one, shows improved capacity (93 mA·h·g–1 at 50 mA·g–1), cycle stability (retaining 86 % of the capacity after 50 cycles) and rate capability, attributable to improved intercalation of Li ions via removing tunnel water from framework.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of trans‐[RhCl(NO)(PtBu2H)2]BF4
Authors: Böttcher Hans‐Christian , Mayer Peter 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe synthesis and structural characterization of trans‐[RhCl(NO)(PtBu2H)2]BF4 (2) is reported. The title compound could easily be prepared in good yields by a kind of “bridge‐splitting” reaction of [{Rh(μ‐Cl)(PtBu2H)2}2] (1) with an appropriate amount of nitrosonium tetrafluoridoborate in dichloromethane at room temperature. Single crystals of 2 were grown from dichloromethane/diethyl ether and were analyzed by X‐ray crystallography.
Screen time, weight status and the self‐concept of physical attractiveness in adolescents
Authors: Suchert Vivien , Hanewinkel Reiner , Isensee Barbara 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTAdolescents in modern societies spend about 3 h per day in front of small recreational screens. The present study aims at investigating the relationships between screen time and different indicators of overweight. In addition, associations with the self‐concept of physical attractiveness and perceived weight status will be examined. In a total sample of 1228 students (47.5% girls) aged 12–17 years (M = 13.74, SD = 0.68) cross‐sectional associations were determined by conducting multiple linear regression analyses. Screen time showed a significant positive dose–response relationship with body mass index percentile, waist circumference, body fat, waist‐to‐height‐ratio, and a negative association with self‐concept of physical attractiveness independent of age, gender and moderate to vigorous physical activity. Thus, screen time seems to be associated with adolescent overweight, abdominal obesity, and body dissatisfaction. Reducing adolescents' screen time could be a promising approach for primary prevention of obesity and for the promotion of a positive physical self‐concept.