bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-shape active composites by 3D printing of digital shape memory polymers
Authors: Wu Jiangtao , Yuan Chao , Ding Zhen , Isakov Michael , Mao Yiqi , Wang Tiejun , Dunn Martin L. , Qi H. Jerry 
Published: April 2016

AbstractRecent research using 3D printing to create active structures has added an exciting new dimension to 3D printing technology. After being printed, these active, often composite, materials can change their shape over time; this has been termed as 4D printing. In this paper, we demonstrate the design and manufacture of active composites that can take multiple shapes, depending on the environmental temperature. This is achieved by 3D printing layered composite structures with multiple families of shape memory polymer (SMP) fibers – digital SMPs - with different glass transition temperatures (Tg) to control the transformation of the structure. After a simple single-step thermomechanical programming process, the fiber families can be sequentially activated to bend when the temperature is increased. By tuning the volume fraction of the fibers, bending deformation can be controlled. We develop a theoretical model to predict the deformation behavior for better understanding the phenomena and aiding the design. We also design and print several flat 2D structures that can be programmed to fold and open themselves when subjected to heat. With the advantages of an easy fabrication process and the controllable multi-shape memory effect, the printed SMP composites have a great potential in 4D printing applications.
The Efficacy of GnRHa Alone or in Combination with rhGH for the Treatment of Chinese Children with Central Precocious Puberty
Authors: Wang Mengjie , Zhang Youjie , Lan Dan , Hill Jennifer W. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe addition of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) to GnRH agonist (GnRHa) to treat central precocious puberty (CPP) is controversial. We systemically reviewed and evaluated the efficacy and safety of the rhGH and GnRHa adjunctive therapy in Chinese children with CPP and assessed the influence of age and therapy duration on the efficacy of the combined treatment. A total of 464 patients were included from 14 studies. Compared with baseline, administration of GnRHa plus rhGH led to a significant increase in height, predicted adult height (PAH) and height standard deviation for bone age (HtSDS-BA), corresponding to a weighted mean difference (WMD) (95%CI) of 9.06 cm (6.41, 11.70), 6.5 cm (4.47, 8.52) and 0.86 (0.58, 1.14) respectively. Subgroup analysis showed the combined therapy had increased efficacy in subjects with initial treatment age younger than 10 years old or with treatment lasting over 12 months. Compared with GnRHa alone treatment, the combined treatment led to a significant increase in height, PAH and HtSDS-BA, corresponding to a WMD (95% CI) of 3.56 cm (2.54, 4.57), 3.76 cm (3.19, 4.34) and 0.56 (0.43, 0.69). The combined treatment exhibited no safety concerns. Our findings may aid clinicians in making treatment decisions for children with CPP.
Defining Clonal Color in Fluorescent Multi-Clonal Tracking
Authors: Wu Juwell W. , Turcotte Raphaël , Alt Clemens , Runnels Judith M. , Tsao Hensin , Lin Charles P. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractClonal heterogeneity and selection underpin many biological processes including development and tumor progression. Combinatorial fluorescent protein expression in germline cells has proven its utility for tracking the formation and regeneration of different organ systems. Such cell populations encoded by combinatorial fluorescent proteins are also attractive tools for understanding clonal expansion and clonal competition in cancer. However, the assignment of clonal identity requires an analytical framework in which clonal markings can be parameterized and validated. Here we present a systematic and quantitative method for RGB analysis of fluorescent melanoma cancer clones. We then demonstrate refined clonal trackability of melanoma cells using this scheme.
Unprecedented Fine Structure of a Solar Flare Revealed by the 1.6 m New Solar Telescope
Authors: Jing Ju , Xu Yan , Cao Wenda , Liu Chang , Gary Dale , Wang Haimin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSolar flares signify the sudden release of magnetic energy and are sources of so called space weather. The fine structures (below 500 km) of flares are rarely observed and are accessible to only a few instruments world-wide. Here we present observation of a solar flare using exceptionally high resolution images from the 1.6 m New Solar Telescope (NST) equipped with high order adaptive optics at Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO). The observation reveals the process of the flare in unprecedented detail, including the flare ribbon propagating across the sunspots, coronal rain (made of condensing plasma) streaming down along the post-flare loops and the chromosphere’s response to the impact of coronal rain, showing fine-scale brightenings at the footpoints of the falling plasma. Taking advantage of the resolving power of the NST, we measure the cross-sectional widths of flare ribbons, post-flare loops and footpoint brighenings, which generally lie in the range of 80–200 km, well below the resolution of most current instruments used for flare studies. Confining the scale of such fine structure provides an essential piece of information in modeling the energy transport mechanism of flares, which is an important issue in solar and plasma physics.
Climate variability rather than overstocking causes recent large scale cover changes of Tibetan pastures
Authors: Lehnert L. W. , Wesche K. , Trachte K. , Reudenbach C. , Bendix J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe Tibetan Plateau (TP) is a globally important “water tower” that provides water for nearly 40% of the world’s population. This supply function is claimed to be threatened by pasture degradation on the TP and the associated loss of water regulation functions. However, neither potential large scale degradation changes nor their drivers are known. Here, we analyse trends in a high-resolution dataset of grassland cover to determine the interactions among vegetation dynamics, climate change and human impacts on the TP. The results reveal that vegetation changes have regionally different triggers: While the vegetation cover has increased since the year 2000 in the north-eastern part of the TP due to an increase in precipitation, it has declined in the central and western parts of the TP due to rising air temperature and declining precipitation. Increasing livestock numbers as a result of land use changes exacerbated the negative trends but were not their exclusive driver. Thus, we conclude that climate variability instead of overgrazing has been the primary cause for large scale vegetation cover changes on the TP since the new millennium. Since areas of positive and negative changes are almost equal in extent, pasture degradation is not generally proceeding.
Single-Chain Magnets Based on Octacyanotungstate with the Highest Energy Barriers for Cyanide Compounds
Authors: Wei Rong-Min , Cao Fan , Li Jing , Yang Li , Han Yuan , Zhang Xiu-Ling , Zhang Zaichao , Wang Xin-Yi , Song You 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBy introducing large counter cations as the spacer, two isolated 3, 3-ladder compounds, (Ph4P)[CoII(3-Mepy)2.7(H2O)0.3WV(CN)8]·0.6H2O (1) and (Ph4As)[CoII(3-Mepy)3WV(CN)8] (2, 3-Mepy = 3-methylpyridine), were synthesized and characterized. Static and dynamic magnetic characterizations reveal that compounds 1 and 2 both behave as the single-chain magnets (SCMs) with very high energy barriers: 252(9) K for 1 and 224(7) K for 2, respectively. These two compounds display the highest relaxation barriers for cyano-bridged SCMs and are preceded only by two cobalt(II)-radical compounds among all SCMs. Meanwhile, a large coercive field of 26.2 kOe (1) and 22.6 kOe (2) were observed at 1.8 K.
RNA-seq analysis for detecting quantitative trait-associated genes
Authors: Seo Minseok , Kim Kwondo , Yoon Joon , Jeong Jin Young , Lee Hyun-Jeong , Cho Seoae , Kim Heebal 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMany recent RNA-seq studies were focused mainly on detecting the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two or more conditions. In contrast, only a few attempts have been made to detect genes associated with quantitative traits, such as obesity index and milk yield, on RNA-seq experiment with large number of biological replicates. This study illustrates the linear model application on trait associated genes (TAGs) detection in two real RNA-seq datasets: 89 replicated human obesity related data and 21 replicated Holsteins’ milk production related RNA-seq data. Based on these two datasets, the performance between suggesting methods, such as ordinary regression and robust regression, and existing methods: DESeq2 and Voom, were compared. The results indicate that suggesting methods have much lower false discoveries compared to the precedent two group comparisons based approaches in our simulation study and qRT-PCR experiment. In particular, the robust regression outperforms existing DEG finding method as well as ordinary regression in terms of precision. Given the current trend in RNA-seq pricing, we expect our methods to be successfully applied in various RNA-seq studies with numerous biological replicates that handle continuous response traits.
p53 activation contributes to patulin-induced nephrotoxicity via modulation of reactive oxygen species generation
Authors: Jin Huan , Yin Shutao , Song Xinhua , Zhang Enxiang , Fan Lihong , Hu Hongbo 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPatulin is a major mycotoxin found in fungal contaminated fruits and their derivative products. Previous studies showed that patulin was able to induce increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and oxidative stress was suggested to play a pivotal role in patulin-induced multiple toxic signaling. The objective of the present study was to investigate the functional role of p53 in patulin-induced oxidative stress. Our study demonstrated that higher levels of ROS generation and DNA damage were induced in wild-type p53 cell lines than that found in either knockdown or knockout p53 cell lines in response to patulin exposure, suggesting p53 activation contributed to patulin-induced ROS generation. Mechanistically, we revealed that the pro-oxidant role of p53 in response to patulin was attributed to its ability to suppress catalase activity through up-regulation of PIG3. Moreover, these in vitro findings were further validated in the p53 wild-type/knockout mouse model. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report addressing the functional role of p53 in patulin-induced oxidative stress. The findings of the present study provided novel insights into understanding mechanisms behind oxidative stress in response to patulin exposure.
Postoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Rates with Subfascial Epidural Drain Placement after Intentional Durotomy in Spine Surgery
Authors: Niu Tianyi , Lu Derek S. , Yew Andrew , Lau Darryl , Hoffman Haydn , McArthur David , Chou Dean , Lu Daniel C. 
Published: April 2016

Study Design Retrospective chart review. Objective Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a known complication of intraoperative durotomy. Intraoperative placement of subfascial epidural drains following primary dural repair has been proposed as a potential management strategy to prevent formation of CSF cutaneous fistula and symptomatic pseudomeningocele. Here we describe our experience with subfascial drain after intentional durotomy. Methods Medical records of patients who underwent placement of subfascial epidural drains during spinal procedures with intentional intraoperative durotomies over a 4-year period at two institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcomes of interest were postoperative CSF cutaneous fistula or symptomatic pseudomeningocele formation. Results Twenty-five patients were included. Mean length of follow-up was 9.5 months. Twelve patients (48%) underwent simultaneous arthrodesis. The average duration of the drain was 5.3 days with average daily output of 126.5 mL. Subgroup analyses revealed that average drain duration for the arthrodesis group was 6.33 days, which is significantly greater than that of the nonfused group, which was 3.7 days ( p = 0.016). Similarly, the average daily drain output for the arthrodesis subgroup at 153.1 mL was significantly higher than that of the nonfused subgroup (86.8 mL, p = 0.04). No patient developed postoperative CSF cutaneous fistula or symptomatic pseudomeningocele or had negative sequelae associated with overdrainage of CSF. One patient had a delayed wound infection. Conclusions The intraoperative placement of subfascial epidural drains was not associated with postoperative development of CSF cutaneous fistula, symptomatic pseudomeningocele, overdrainage, or subdural hematoma in the cases reviewed. Subfascial closed wound drain placement is a safe and efficacious management method after intentional spinal durotomies. It is particularly helpful in those who undergo simultaneous arthrodesis, as those patients have statistically higher daily drain output and longer drain durations.
The type III secretion system apparatus determines the intracellular niche of bacterial pathogens
Authors: Du Juan , Reeves Analise Z. , Klein Jessica A. , Twedt Donna J. , Knodler Leigh A. , Lesser Cammie F. 
Published: April 2016

SignificanceBacterial pathogens use a variety of strategies to evade host cell innate immune responses. For some, this includes the establishment of an intracellular replicative niche. Although many intracellular pathogens remodel phagosomes to support bacterial replication, others lyse their internalization vacuole to reside within the host cell cytosol. Little is currently known regarding how bacteria, particularly Gram-negative pathogens, mediate phagosomal escape. Using complementary reductionist and functional interchangeability experimental approaches, we demonstrate that the type III secretion system machinery itself directly modulates the extent to which bacteria escape from phagosomes. Given the high prevalence of type III secretion systems among intracellular bacterial pathogens, these studies have identified a potential means by which the intracellular niche of Gram-negative bacteria is defined.
Mechanism of inhibition of human glucose transporter GLUT1 is conserved between cytochalasin B and phenylalanine amides
Authors: Kapoor Khyati , Finer-Moore Janet S. , Pedersen Bjørn P. , Caboni Laura , Waight Andrew , Hillig Roman C. , Bringmann Peter , Heisler Iring , Müller Thomas , Siebeneicher Holger , Stroud Robert M. 
Published: April 2016

SignificanceThis paper reports the first structure of WT-human glucose transporter 1 (hGLUT1), to our knowledge, cocrystallized with inhibitors. The structures provide a template to develop therapeutic inhibitors applicable to cancers, because cancer cells become dependent on greatly increased glucose consumption. This dependence results in up-regulation of glucose transporter expression, especially hGLUT1. The bound inhibitors include the natural compound cytochalasin B and two of a series of previously undescribed organic compounds that bind in the submicromolar range. Our results emphasize that modulation of glucose import by hGLUTs should focus on making good interaction points for compounds and that the actual chemical backbone of the inhibitor is of less importance.
The Mass Spectra of the Lankacidin Antibiotics
Authors: Uramoto Masakazu , Ôtake Noboru 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Bundlins A and B, antibiotics elaborated by Streptomyces sp. 6642 GC1, have the unique structures which possess a seventeen-membered carbon skeleton fused with an unusual β-keto-δ-Mactonic system and a pyruvamide side chain. In the course of the structural studies of the antibiotics, we found that these compounds showed the interesting fragmentations in their mass spectra and in consequence, the investigation about the interpretation of the principal peaks together with their formation mechanism was undertaken by the aid of high resolution mass spectrometry and the measurement of meta stable ions. In addition to the two antibiotics, the mass spectra of related compounds designated T–2636 D and T-2636 F were also investigated.
Interaction between Polyoxin and Active Center of Chitin Synthetase
Authors: Hori Masahiro , Kakiki Kazuo , Misato Tomomasa 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Various derivatives of polyoxin C, other polyoxins and several uridine analogues have been known as competitive inhibitors of chitin-UDP acetylglucosaminyitransferase (EC 2.4.1.16, chitin synthetase). Their inhibitory activities were more or less dependent on pH. The variation of inhibitor constants Ki or Michaelis-Menten parameters Km and V with pH was investigated and the data obtained were plotted according to the method proposed by Dixon et al. From the results of the pKi-pH plots for the above competitive inhibitors, it was concluded that the ionized amino group at C−2″ position acted a very important role for the binding of polyoxins to chitin synthetase. The carbonyl oxygen atoms at C−1″ and of the carbamoyloxy group probably participated in the hydrogen bond formation with the enzyme. And pH scarcely influenced on the interaction between the carboxyl group at C−5″ and the enzyme. The results of the Dixon plots for variations of Km and V with pH suggested that an unionized imidazole group (pKa = 6.3) and an ionized amino group (pKa = 7.7) of chitin synthetase were concerned in the enzyme reaction.
Purification of a Nuclease from Penicillium citrinum
Authors: Fujimoto Masao , Kuninaka Akira , Yoshino Hiroshi 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
A nuclease was purified about 1500-fold with a recovery of 20% from an aqueous extract of culture of a pigmentless mutant VI–10–14 of Penicillium citrinum on wheat bran. The purified preparation was homogeneous on the basis of the criteria of ultracentrifugation and disc gel electrophoresis. The preparation was essentially free of 5′-nucleotidase, non-specific phosphomonoesterase, non-specific phosphodiesterase and 3′-monoester forming nuclease. The preparation hydrolyzed phosphodiester bonds in RNA and DNA to yield 5′-mononucleotides, and also the phosphomonoester bond in 2′- and 3′-AMP to yield nucleoside and inorganic phosphate. The enzyme activities toward these substrates were not separated and relative ratio of their specific activities remained constant throughout the purification, suggesting that a single enzyme was responsible for these activities.
Identity of Phosphodiesterase and Phosphomonoesterase Activities with Nuclease P1 (a Nuclease from Penicillium citrinum)
Authors: Fujimoto Masao , Kuninaka Akira , Yoshino Hiroshi 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Enzymatic properties of a purified Penicillium nuclease (designated as nuclease P1) were investigated. The enzyme activities for RNA, heat-denatured DNA, native DNA, 3′-AMP and 2′-AMP showed a great degree of similarity with respect to the following properties: a) Range of stable pH (5~8), b) temperature optima (at around 70°C), c) thermostability (about 50% inactivation at 67°C, pH 6.0 for 15 min, d) effect of metal ions and SH inhibitors, e) requirement of Zn2+, f) protection from the heat-inactivation by albumin and Zn2+, g) inactivation on standing in the cold and reactivation on heating, h) sensitivity to protease, and i) competitive relationship between substrates in the enzyme reaction. Moreover, the ratio of enzyme activities in several mutants of Penicillium citrinum was constant. From these results, together with constant ratio of the specific activities throughout purification, it is concluded that a single enzyme might be responsible for both phosphodiesterase and phosphomonoesterase functions.
A New Growth Effecting Peptide of Bacillus Species from Soybean Cake
Authors: Chiyonobu Toshikazu , Shirai Katsuhisa , Adachi Osao , Ameyama Minoru 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
A new peptide, which has a marked effect on the growth of Bacillus species, was purified from soybean cake by a procedure employing ammonium sulfate fractionation, and active charcoal-, DEAE-Sephadex A–25- and Sephadex gel-column chromatographies. The purified peptide gave a single band on paper electrophoresis. The peptide possessed the following properties: specific extinction (E at 280nm), 11.9; N-terminal amino acid, glutamate; molecular weight, 8058; total number of amino acid, 70; chemical composition (%), C, 49.12; H, 6.26; N, 16.44; and S, 2.34; isoelectric point, pH4.3. The hydrolyzed peptide had no stimulative effect on the growth of Bacillus species. Especially, those microorganisms belonging to the genera of Bacillus, Arthrobacter and Xanthomonas were remarkably sensitive to the peptide.
Interview with Pamela Skinner
Authors: Cassell Kay Ann 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
An interview with Pamela Skinner, Head of Collection Development, Smith College, USA.

Design/methodology/approach
Interview.

Findings
An interesting interview providing information about collection development in a private college that is part of a consortium.

Originality/value
This interview shows how Smith College Libraries is dealing with a changing collection development environment.
Financing innovative SMEs of traditional sectors: the supply side
Authors: Harel Ronen , Kaufmann Dan 
Published: April 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to study the funding difficulties of innovative SMEs in traditional sectors (ISTS) and asks whether current conditions represent a financing market failure.Design/methodology/approach– The study explores the financial tools available in Israel and their relevancy to ISTS by conducting in-depth interviews with different key figures in the financial industry. These include managers at venture capital (VC) funds, banks, private equity (PE) funds, mezzanine funds, as well as officials from the public sector.Findings– In this study the authors identify the existence of a market failure relating to the funding of ISTS and suggest that the current VC, PE and mezzanine fund models cannot provide adequate financing solutions for ISTS in Israel.Practical implications– In light of the importance of these firms to the economy, governmental intervention is required, if more innovative activity of ISTS is desired. To this end, the study proposes a funding scheme that addresses the special needs of these companies.Originality/value– The study contributes to the literature by focussing specifically on the challenges of ISTS and by using a qualitative approach to analyzing the relevancy of different financial mechanisms to their needs.
The social aspects of consumption as predictors of consumer loyalty
Authors: Tsiotsou Rodoula H 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
– Nowadays, companies are seeking to create meaningful and long-term relationships with their customers. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the role of parasocial and social aspects of consumption in building trustworthy and loyal relationships in both offline and online services.

Design/methodology/approach
– Two studies were conducted using the survey research method. The first study collected data from 285 soccer fans, and the second study collected data from 298 Facebook consumers.

Findings
– The study confirms the proposed model and suggests that parasocial and social relationships act as significant antecedents of service brand loyalty in both offline and online services.

Originality/value
– This is the first study that examines parasocial and social relationships in tandem and their role in developing loyal relationships with service brands. It also confirms that social relationships in a service setting play a significant role in predicting brand trust and loyalty.