bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medial knee joint contact force in the intact limb during walking in recently ambulatory service members with unilateral limb loss: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Miller Ross H. , Krupenevich Rebecca L. , Pruziner Alison L. , Wolf Erik J. , Schnall Barri L. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundIndividuals with unilateral lower limb amputation have a high risk of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA) in their intact limb as they age. This risk may be related to joint loading experienced earlier in life. We hypothesized that loading during walking would be greater in the intact limb of young US military service members with limb loss than in controls with no limb loss.MethodsCross-sectional instrumented gait analysis at self-selected walking speeds with a limb loss group (N = 10, age 27 ± 5 years, 170 ± 36 days since last surgery) including five service members with transtibial limb loss and five with transfemoral limb loss, all walking independently with their first prosthesis for approximately two months. Controls (N = 10, age 30 ± 4 years) were service members with no overt demographical risk factors for knee OA. 3D inverse dynamics modeling was performed to calculate joint moments and medial knee joint contact forces (JCF) were calculated using a reduction-based musculoskeletal modeling method and expressed relative to body weight (BW).ResultsPeak JCF and maximum JCF loading rate were significantly greater in limb loss (184% BW, 2,469% BW/s) vs. controls (157% BW, 1,985% BW/s), with large effect sizes. Results were robust to probabilistic perturbations to the knee model parameters.DiscussionAssuming these data are reflective of joint loading experienced in daily life, they support a “mechanical overloading” hypothesis for the risk of developing knee OA in the intact limb of limb loss subjects. Examination of the evolution of gait mechanics, joint loading, and joint health over time, as well as interventions to reduce load or strengthen the ability of the joint to withstand loads, is warranted.
A decade of volcanic construction and destruction at the summit of NW Rota‐1 seamount: 2004–2014
Authors: Schnur Susan R. , Chadwick William W. , Embley Robert W. , Ferrini Vicki L. , de Ronde Cornel E. J. , Cashman Katharine V. , Deardorff Nicholas D. , Merle Susan G. , Dziak Robert P. , Haxel Joe H. , Matsumoto Haru 
Published: February 2017

AbstractArc volcanoes are important to our understanding of submarine volcanism because at some sites frequent eruptions cause them to grow and collapse on human timescales. This makes it possible to document volcanic processes. Active submarine eruptions have been observed at the summit of NW Rota‐1 in the Mariana Arc. We use remotely operated vehicle videography and repeat high‐resolution bathymetric surveys to construct geologic maps of the summit of NW Rota‐1 in 2009 and 2010 and relate them to the geologic evolution of the summit area over a 10 year period (2004–2014). We find that 2009 and 2010 were characterized by different eruptive styles, which affected the type and distribution of eruptive deposits at the summit. Year 2009 was characterized by ultraslow extrusion and autobrecciation of lava at a single eruptive vent, producing a large cone of blocky lava debris. In 2010, higher‐energy explosive eruptions occurred at multiple closely spaced vents, producing a thin blanket of pebble‐sized tephra overlying lava flow outcrops. A landslide that occurred between 2009 and 2010 had a major effect on lithofacies distribution by removing the debris cone and other unconsolidated deposits, revealing steep massive flow cliffs. This relatively rapid alternation between construction and destruction forms one end of a seamount growth and mass wasting spectrum. Intraplate seamounts, which tend to grow larger than arc volcanoes, experience collapse events that are orders of magnitude larger and much less frequent than those occurring at subduction zone settings. Our results highlight the interrelated cyclicity of eruptive activity and mass wasting at submarine arc volcanoes.
Historic and projected changes in vapor pressure deficit suggest a continental‐scale drying of the United States atmosphere
Authors: Ficklin Darren L. , Novick Kimberly A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractVia air temperature increases and relative humidity changes, climate change will modify vapor pressure deficit (VPD), which is an important determinant of water vapor and CO2 exchange between the land surface and atmosphere. VPD is the difference between the water vapor the air can hold at saturation (es) and the actual amount of water vapor (ea). Here we assess changes in VPD, es, and ea in the United States (U.S.) for the recent past (1979–2013) and the future (2065–2099) using gridded, observed climate data and output from general circulation models. Historically, VPD has increased for all seasons, driven by increases in es and declines in ea. The spring, summer, and fall seasons exhibited the largest areal extent of significant increases in VPD, which was largely concentrated in the western and southern portions of the U.S. The changes in VPD stemmed from recent air temperature increases and relative humidity decreases. Projections indicate similar, amplified patterns into the future. For the summer, the general circulation model ensemble median showed a 51% projected increase (quartile range of 39 and 64%) in summer VPD for the U.S., reflecting temperature‐driven increases in es but decreases or minimal changes in relative humidity that promotes negligible changes in ea. Using a simple model for plant hydraulic functioning, we also show that in the absence of stomatal acclimation, future changes in VPD can reduce stomatal conductance by 9–51%, which is a magnitude comparable to the expected decline in stomatal conductance from rising CO2.
Nuclear erythroid 2‐related factor 2 activation inhibits house dust mite–induced sinonasal epithelial cell barrier dysfunction
Authors: London Nyall R. , Tharakan Anuj , Lane Andrew P. , Biswal Shyam , Ramanathan Murugappan 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundDysregulated sinonasal epithelial cell (SNEC) barrier function has been proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of sinonasal inflammatory conditions such as allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Allergens such as house dust mite (HDM) have been reported to disrupt SNEC barrier integrity. We have recently identified nuclear erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation via sulforaphane (SFN) stimulation to stabilize SNEC barrier function. The purpose of this study was to explore whether Nrf2 activation could ameliorate HDM‐induced SNEC barrier dysfunction.MethodsHuman SNECs (HSNECs) were grown from patients at the air‐liquid interface (ALI). HSNECs were stimulated with HDM with or without pharmacologic activation of Nrf2 with SFN. HSNECs were then stained for the epithelial cell junction protein zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) and cell surface localization was evaluated by confocal microscopy. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and paracellular fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐dextran permeability was measured in response to stimulation with HDM and SFN.ResultsHDM stimulation caused a global disruption of the protein ZO‐1 along with an associated decrease in TER (p < 0.001) and increased FITC‐dextran paracellular permeability (p < 0.0001). Enhancing Nrf2 activation through treatment with SFN prior to stimulation with HDM was associated with increased localization of ZO‐1 at the cell surface and statistically significant increases in TER (p < 0.05) and decrease in paracellular FITC‐dextran permeability (p < 0.001).ConclusionThis is the first study to demonstrate that HDM‐induced SNEC barrier dysfunction may be preventable by Nrf2 activation. The Nrf2 antioxidant pathway may represent a potential therapeutic target for allergen‐induced sinonasal inflammation.
Antagonistic effects on mechanical properties of microfibrillar composites with dual reinforcement: Explanation by FEA model of soft interface
Authors: Kelnar Ivan , Kratochvíl Jaroslav , Kaprálková Ludmila , Zhigunov Alexander , Padovec Zdeněk , Růžička Milan , Nevoralová Martina 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTNanofillers (NF) in microfibrillar composites support melt‐drawing and may lead to improved performance. However, antagonistic effects have also been found. The deterioration of mechanical properties by drawing in the presence of NF, as found by other authors in analogous undrawn systems, has not yet been explained. Experiments indicating the importance of NF migration between the HDPE matrix and the PA6 fibrils in the course of drawing have led to a tentative conclusion of changed crystallinity in the interfacial area resulting in a layer with reduced modulus. This was confirmed by the finite element analysis considering the formation of a “soft” interface as a result of reduced content of HDPE spherulites at the fiber surfaces. The results show a marked impact of this phenomenon on modulus. This original concept presents a basis for explaining some antagonistic effects in multicomponent polymer systems and a tool for the more rational design of composite materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44712.
Dual antibacterial functional regenerated cellulose fibers
Authors: Ates Busra , Cerkez Idris 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTN‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide monomer was used to impart dual antibacterial functionality to regenerated cellulose fibers. In this regard, the monomer was grafted onto the surfaces by a “grafting from” technique, then the tertiary amine groups were quaternized and the acyclic amide groups were halogenated. Antibacterial activities of the mono‐ and dual‐functional coatings were comparatively evaluated. All the treatments were found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with about six logs bacterial reduction. It was found that dual‐functional coatings provided rapid inactivation as opposed to the monofunctional coatings. FTIR, TGA, and SEM analysis, wash fastness, light stabilities, and the mechanical properties of the coated fabrics were also comparably reported. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44872.
Characterization of the binding of a glycosylated serine protease from Euphorbia cf. lactea latex to human fibrinogen
Authors: Siritapetawee Jaruwan , Talabnin Chutima , Vanichtanankul Jarunee , Songsiriritthigul Chomphunuch , Thumanu Kanjana , Chen Chun‐Jung , Komanasin Nantarat 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this study, the binding of a glycosylated serine protease (EuP‐82) with human fibrinogen was investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). ITC analysis indicated that the binding of EuP‐82 to fibrinogen in the conditions with or without the activator (Ca2+) was an exothermic reaction (dominant negative enthalpy), which tended to be driven by hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions. In contrast, the binding of fibrinogen−EuP‐82 in the condition with the inhibitor (Zn2+) was an unfavorable endothermic reaction. EuP‐82 could not inhibit the platelet activity in citrated whole blood via the ADP–receptor pathways (mainly, P2Y1 and P2Y12), but it could enhance the platelet aggregation. The ITC together with whole blood platelet aggregation suggested that EuP‐82 provided multiple fibrinogen‐binding sites that were not related to the arginine‐glycine‐aspartate (RGD) and the dodecapeptide sequences of fibrinogen. In addition, EuP‐82 had neither thrombin‐like activity nor anticoagulant activity. The SR‐FTIR spectra revealed that EuP‐82 was a glycoprotein. Deglycosylation of EuP‐82 did not affect its proteolytic activity. Moreover, EuP‐82 did not exhibit any toxicity to the living cells (NIH‐3T3). This study supports that EuP‐82 may be useful for wound‐healing material through stabilizing the clot via the platelet induction for the first process.
Selectively Converting Biomass to Jet Fuel in Large‐scale Apparatus
Authors: Li Jie , Sun Jian , Fan Ronggang , Yoneyama Yoshiharu , Yang Guohui , Tsubaki Noritatsu 
Published: February 2017

AbstractJet fuel is not easy to synthesize by the biomass‐to‐liquid (BTL) process owing to the limitation of the Anderson–Schulz–Flory (ASF) hydrocarbon distribution law in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) with biomass‐derived syngas (CO+H2). Here, we realized an anti‐ASF distribution to selectively produce jet fuel from biomass on a large scale by addition of small amounts of 1‐olefin, a FTS product, into syngas, enhancing jet fuel selectivity in hydrocarbons up to 64 % and that in oil product to as high as 91 %. The Co/SiO2 catalyst (300 g) was loaded into a flow‐type three‐phase reactor and 120 h continuous operation was conducted by using the real‐time on‐line biomass‐derived syngas from an entrained bed gasifier of biomass (240 kg day−1) of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. The production rate of liquid oil reached 720 g kgcat−1 h−1. The structure of the fresh and used catalyst was characterized in detail, accompanied with lab‐scale data on reaction performance and catalyst properties. The stable technology process from biomass gasification to FTS, stable catalyst structure, and novel design of 1‐olefin addition are the key to success in selectively converting biomass to jet fuel on a large scale.
Do Capitation‐based Reimbursement Systems Underfund Tertiary Healthcare Providers? Evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Shin Somi , Schumacher Christoph , Feess Eberhard 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOne of the main concerns about capitation‐based reimbursement systems is that tertiary institutions may be underfunded due to insufficient reimbursements of more complicated cases. We test this hypothesis with a data set from New Zealand that, in 2003, introduced a capitation system where public healthcare provider funding is primarily based on the characteristics of the regional population. Investigating the funding for all cases from 2003 to 2011, we find evidence that tertiary providers are at a disadvantage compared with secondary providers. The reasons are that tertiary providers not only attract the most complicated, but also the highest number of cases. Our findings suggest that accurate risk adjustment is crucial to the success of a capitation‐based reimbursement system. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro assessment of the growth and plasma membrane H+‐ATPase inhibitory activity of ebselen and structurally related selenium‐ and sulfur‐containing compounds in Candida albicans
Authors: Orie Natalie N. , Warren Andrew R. , Basaric Jovana , Lau‐Cam Cesar , Piętka‐Ottlik Magdalena , Młochowski Jacek , Billack Blase 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEbselen (EB, compound 1) is an investigational organoselenium compound that reduces fungal growth, in part, through inhibition of the fungal plasma membrane H+‐ATPase (Pma1p). In the present study, the growth inhibitory activity of EB and of five structural analogs was assessed in a fluconazole (FLU)‐resistant strain of Candida albicans (S2). While none of the compounds were more effective than EB at inhibiting fungal growth (IC50 ∼ 18 μM), two compounds, compounds 5 and 6, were similar in potency. Medium acidification assays performed with S2 yeast cells revealed that compounds 4 and 6, but not compounds 2, 3, or 5, exerted an inhibitory activity comparable to EB (IC50 ∼ 14 μM). Using a partially purified Pma1p preparation obtained from S2 yeast cells, EB and all the analogs demonstrated a similar inhibitory activity. Taken together, these results indicate that EB analogs are worth exploring further for use as growth inhibitors of FLU‐resistant fungi.
Efficient salt‐aided aqueous extraction of bitter almond oil
Authors: Liu Lei , Yu Xiuzhu , Zhao Zhong , Xu Lirong , Zhang Rui 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDSalt‐aided aqueous extraction (SAAE) is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly method of oil extraction that is influenced by many factors. In the present study, we investigated the effect of SAAE on bitter almond oil yield.RESULTSThis study used sodium bicarbonate solution as extraction solvent and the optimal extraction parameters predicted by Box–Behnken design (i.e., concentration of sodium bicarbonate, 0.4 mol L−1; solvent‐to‐sample ratio, 5:1; extraction temperature, 84 °C; extraction time, 60 min), for oil recovery of 90.9%. The physiochemical characteristics of the extracted oil suggest that the quality was similar to that of the aqueous enzymatic extracted oil. Moreover, the content of hydrocyanic acid (HCN) in bitter almond oil was found to be less than 5 mg kg−1, which was lower compared to that obtained by other reported methods. Results of microanalysis indicated that SAAE led to significant improvement in oil yield by allowing the release of oil and decreasing the emulsion fraction. Therefore, extraction of bitter almond oil by SAAE is feasible.CONCLUSIONThese results demonstrate that extraction of bitter almond oil by SAAE based on the salt effect is feasible on a laboratory scale. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
New application of three‐dimensional printing biomaterial in nasal reconstruction
Authors: Park Sun Hwa , Yun Byeong Gon , Won Joo Yun , Yun Won Soo , Shim Jin Hyung , Lim Mi Hyun , Kim Do Hyun , Baek Sang A. , Alahmari Yahya Dhafer , Jeun Jun Ho , Hwang Se Hwan , Kim Sung Won 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesPolycaprolactone (PCL) is an U.S. Food and Drug Administration‐approved synthetic biodegradable polymer and is easily fabricated into three‐dimensional (3D) structures. In this study, the 3D‐printed PCL implant for nasal augmentation was further evaluated for its suitability for nasal surgeries such as septoplasty and rhinoplasty.MethodsTen New Zealand White rabbits were included and divided into study and sham groups (7 and 3, respectively). A lateral incision was made on the nasal dorsum and a pocket formed in the subperichondrial plane between the upper lateral cartilage and nasal septum. Polycaprolactone was fabricated based on 3D printing technology into a 0.8 × 0.8‐cm rectangular shape for use as a nasal implant. The material was inserted as a septal extension graft and sutured with alar cartilage for nasal reshaping. The implants were harvested 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation and evaluated by gross morphological assessment and histological examination.ResultsThe initial shape of the implant was unchanged in all cases, and no definitive postoperative complications were seen over the 3‐month period. Gross morphological evaluation confirmed that implants remained in their initial location without migration or extrusion. Histologic evaluations showed that the implant architectures were maintained with excellent fibrovascular ingrowth and minimal inflammatory reactions.ConclusionPolycaprolactone can be used for nasal reconstruction such as nasal augmentation. Polycaprolactone is easy to work with and will avoid the increased operative time and morbidity associated with autograft harvesting. Therefore, PCL implants designed by 3D printing can serve as clinically biocompatible materials in craniofacial reconstruction in the future.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 127:1036–1043, 2017
PPAR‐γ agonist ameliorates liver pathology accompanied by increasing regulatory B and T cells in high‐fat‐diet mice
Authors: Xu Zhipeng , Wang Gang , Zhu Yuxiao , Liu Ran , Song Jingwei , Ni Yangyue , Sun Hongzhi , Yang Bingya , Hou Min , Chen Lin , Ji Minjun , Fu Zan 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivePeroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ plays critical roles in human metabolic disorders. However, the mechanism remains incompletely understood. Regulatory cells contribute to these metabolic improvements; therefore, whether PPAR‐γ agonist regulates regulatory cells was investigated.MethodsC57BL/6J mice received a normal or high‐fat diet (HFD) with or without pioglitazone treatment. Mice were sacrificed for detecting the metabolic parameters. Lymphocytes from spleen and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were collected and analyzed for ST2+Tregs and Bregs by flow cytometry. IL‐10 in the liver or VAT was detected by immunofluorescence and ELISA. Correlation analysis between IL‐10 and liver weight or serum total cholesterol was made by Pearson correlation analysis.ResultsPioglitazone increased VAT weight but reduced serum total cholesterol, hepatic steatosis, and cholesterol crystallization formation. Pioglitazone treatment enhanced ST2+Tregs and Bregs in the VAT and spleen of HFD‐fed mice (all P < 0.05). Pioglitazone treatment increased IL‐10 in the livers or VAT of HFD‐fed mice (all P < 0.05). The expression of IL‐10 in the liver was significantly negatively correlated with liver weight or serum total cholesterol in pioglitazone‐treated HFD‐fed mice (r2 = 0.74, P < 0.05; r2 = 0.58, P < 0.05).ConclusionsPPAR‐γ signaling plays a critical role in the regulation of metabolic disorders through promoting regulatory cell response.
Romiplostim for therapy‐related thrombocytopenia in pediatric malignancies
Authors: Jacobson Amanda E. , Shah Nilay , Setty Bhuvana A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTherapy‐related thrombocytopenia (TRT), due to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, is common with pediatric cancer treatments, and it can result in dose reductions and therapy delays. Romiplostim, a thrombopoietin mimetic, is efficacious as a second‐line treatment for immune thrombocytopenia in children and for TRT in adult cancer patients. However, there are no data for its use for TRT in children. We report a case series of five children treated for solid tumors where romiplostim was used without adverse effects to successfully resolve and prevent therapy‐limiting refractory TRT. Prospective studies on this use of romiplostim are warranted.
A note on the Kazdan-Warner type condition
Authors: Han Zheng-chao , Li YanYan 
Published: February 2017

This paper addresses the necessary conditions for a function

K(x)

on

\mathbf S^n

to be the scalar curvature function of a metric pointwise conformal to the standard metric on

\mathbf S^n

. The well known necessary conditions are:

K(x)

is positive somewhere and satisfies the Kazdan–Warner type condition (
see
the text below). It has remained an outstanding problem for many years whether the above necessary conditions are also sufficient. Recently W. Chen and C. Li ([ChL]) proved that the above conditions are not sufficient by producing
changing sign
functions

K

which satisfy the above conditions, but are not scalar curvature functions of any metric pointwise conformal to the standard metric on

\mathbf S^n

. In their construction, it is essential that

K

changes sign

. In fact, for

n =

2, it follows from the results of [XY] that for the class of
positive
nondegenerate axisymmetric functions the Kazdan–Warner type condition is actually necessary and sufficient. This brings up a natural question that whether this is a general fact, or it is only so for axisymmetric functions. In this note we answer the above question for

2 ≤ n ≤ 4

by producing a family of
positive
functions

K

which satisfy the Kazdan–Warner type condition, but nevertheless are not scalar curvature functions of any metric pointwise conformal to the standard metric on

\mathbf S^n

.

Résumé

Nous construisons certaines fonctions positives sur

\mathbf S^n

,

2 ≤ n ≤ 4

, qui satisfont les conditions de type Kazdan–Warner, mais telles qu’elles ne sont pas les courbures scalaires des métriques conformes á la métrique standard de

\mathbf S^n

.