bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioactive Nanocomposite Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Hydrogels Crosslinked by Multifunctional Layered Double Hydroxides Nanocrosslinkers
Authors: Huang Heqin , Xu Jianbin , Wei Kongchang , Xu Yang J. , Choi Chun Kit K. , Zhu Meiling , Bian Liming 
Published: April 2016

Poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) based hydrogels have been widely used in many biomedical applications such as regenerative medicine due to their good biocompatibility and negligible immunogenicity. However, bioactivation of PEG hydrogels, such as conjugation of bioactive biomolecules, is usually necessary for cell‐related applications. Such biofunctionalization of PEG hydrogels generally involves complicated and time‐consuming bioconjugation procedures. Herein, we describe the facile preparation of bioactive nanocomposite PEG hydrogel crosslinked by the novel multifunctional nanocrosslinkers, namely polydopamine‐coated layered double hydroxides (PD‐LDHs). The catechol‐rich PD‐LDH nanosheets not only act as effective nanocrosslinkers reinforcing the mechanical strength of the hydrogel, but also afford the hydrogels with robust bioactivity and bioadhesion via the cortical‐mediated couplings. The obtained nanocomposite PEG hydrogels with the multifunctional PD‐LDH crosslinking domains show tunable mechanical properties, self‐healing ability, and bioadhesion to biological tissues. Furthermore, these hydrogels also promote the sequestration of proteins and support the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells without any further bio‐functionalization. Such facile preparation of bioactive and bioadhesive PEG hydrogels have rarely been achieved and may open up a new avenue for the design of nanocomposite PEG hydrogels for biomedical applications.
image
The emerging role of transcranial magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused ultrasound in functional neurosurgery
Authors: Weintraub David , Elias W. Jeffrey 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTTo review the emerging role of transcranial MR‐guided focused ultrasound as a treatment and research modality for functional neurological disorders, we summarize recent clinical and preclinical studies. Clinical trials have investigated the safety and efficacy of thermal lesions created by transcranial, high‐intensity focused ultrasound. Preclinical work has additionally investigated the ability to disrupt the blood–brain barrier and to produce reversible neuromodulation with focused ultrasound utilizing lower intensities. We discuss ongoing trials and future avenues of investigation. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
An improved solid‐shell element based on ANS and EAS concepts
Authors: Mostafa M. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThis paper presents an eight‐node nonlinear solid‐shell element for static problems. The main goal of this work is to develop a solid‐shell formulation with improved membrane response compared with the previous solid‐shell element (MOS2013), presented in . Assumed natural strain concept is implemented to account for the transverse shear and thickness strains to circumvent the curvature thickness and transverse shear locking problems. The enhanced assumed strain approach based on the Hu–Washizu variational principle with six enhanced assumed strain degrees of freedom is applied. Five extra degrees of freedom are applied on the in‐plane strains to improve the membrane response and one on the thickness strain to alleviate the volumetric and Poisson's thickness locking problems. The ensuing element performs well in both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane responses, besides the simplicity of implementation. The element formulation yields exact solutions for both the membrane and bending patch tests. The formulation is extended to the geometrically nonlinear regime using the corotational approach, explained in . Numerical results from benchmarks show the robustness of the formulation in geometrically linear and nonlinear problems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validating mortality in the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD) against a mortality registry
Authors: Ohlmeier Christoph , Langner Ingo , Garbe Edeltraut , Riedel Oliver 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeThe study aimed at validating the status and date of death of a large electronic health insurance database against data of a mortality registry, using a probabilistic record linkage.MethodsData were obtained from one local health insurance company contributing to the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD). Furthermore, data of the Bremen Mortality Index (BreMI) containing all information from death certificates were used as reference information. Both data sources were probabilistically linked. The study sample consisted of insurants dying in 2005 or 2006.ResultsOf 3245 deaths in GePaRD, 83.7% were successfully linked to BreMI records. The linkage success did not differ between men and women, age groups or insurance status groups. Date of death was accurate in 97.1% of all linked deaths.ConclusionsThe accuracy of the status of death in GePaRD is likely to be underestimated in this study because of factors related to the record linkage procedure leading to failure of the probabilistic record linkage approach and the limited completeness of BreMI. A previous validation study comparing aggregate mortality information in GePaRD with German national statistics did not indicate an overreporting of deaths in GePaRD. Thus, a higher accuracy of the status of death in GePaRD than estimated here can be assumed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐phase product obtained via crude glycerine depolymerisation of polyurethane elastomer: structure characterisation and rheological behaviour
Authors: Kopczyńska Patrycja , Datta Janusz 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPolyurethane recycling is a topic of growing interest due to the increasing amount of polyurethane waste. The main purpose of polyurethane feedstock recycling is to recover the starting polyol, a valuable material. In this work, a method of polyurethane thermo‐chemical recycling, glycerolysis by means of crude glycerine, is proposed. The main effort is focused on the employment of crude glycerine without purification from biodiesel production as a decomposing agent for polyurethane recycling. The influence of polyurethane‐to‐glycerine mass ratio (PU/GL) on chemical structure was examined using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Glass transition temperature (Tg) and thermal properties using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and also rheology were analysed. FTIR and 1H NMR analyses of the glycerolysates showed peaks similar to those of virgin polyol. From GPC chromatograms it was concluded that glycerolysates are a mixture of compounds with different molecular weights, such as recovered polyol, urethane oligomers or carbamates. Glycerolysates indicated Tg in the range from −65 to −60 °C and, for high PU/GL ratio, a second Tg appeared. Thermal stability of glycerolysates increased with increasing PU/GL ratio. The molecular weight of glycerolysates ranged from 700 to 1020 g mol−1 depending on PU/GL mass ratio. The semi‐products were defined as non‐Newtonian fluids, where viscosity depended on the shear rate. Crude glycerine, derived from biodiesel production, was successfully used in polyurethane decomposition, resulting in valuable semi‐products. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Response of moist convection to multi‐scale surface flux heterogeneity
Authors: Kang Song‐Lak , Ryu Jung‐Hee 
Published: April 2016

We investigate the response of moist convection to the spatial variation of surface sensible heat flux (SHF) in a mesoscale domain during the evolution of the afternoon convective boundary layer (CBL), using large‐eddy simulation. The surface SHF heterogeneity in the domain is analytically created as a function of the spectral slope in the wavelength range from a few tens of kilometres to a few hundreds of metres in the SHF spectrum on a log–log scale. Assuming surface energy balance and spatially uniform available energy, the prescribed SHF has a phase lag of 180° with respect to the latent heat flux (LHF) in the domain. Two sets of three simulations are forced by heterogeneous surface SHF fields, which are characterized by similar statistics. One set, however, is created with a spectral slope of (where is wave number) and the other with a slope of . All of the simulations are integrated with the same observation‐based initial sounding favourable for moist convection.In all of the ‐slope cases, early non‐precipitating shallow clouds further develop into deep thunderstorms. But in all of the ‐slope cases, only shallow clouds develop. A key process in the transition to deep convection is the formation of a mesoscale pool of cool and moist air just above the top of the CBL. This high relative humidity (RH) pool is formed by repeated deep penetrations of turbulent plumes into the free atmosphere over a mesoscale surface of high SHF. These cross‐scale fluxes, the vertical transports of mesoscale moisture and heat fluctuations by turbulent updraughts, are critical for the formation of the mesoscale pool of high RH. However, these cross‐scale fluxes are cancelled out in the process of averaging, and thus appear negligible in the vertical profiles of domain‐averaged moisture and heat fluxes.
MicroRNAs, HIV and HCV: a complex relation towards pathology
Authors: Piedade Diogo , Azevedo‐Pereira José Miguel 
Published: April 2016

SummaryMicroRNAs are small non‐coding RNAs that modulate protein production by post‐transcriptional gene regulation. They impose gene expression control by interfering with mRNA translation and stability in cell cytoplasm through a mechanism involving specific binding to mRNA based on base pair complementarity. Because of their intracellular replication cycle it is no surprise that viruses evolved in a way that allows them to use microRNAs to infect, replicate and persist in host cells. Several ways of interference between virus and host‐cell microRNA machinery have been described. Most of the time, viruses drastically alter host‐cell microRNA expression or synthesize their own microRNA to facilitate infection and pathogenesis. HIV and HCV are two prominent examples of this complex interplay revealing how fine‐tuning of microRNA expression is crucial for controlling key host pathways that allow viral infection and replication, immune escape and persistence. In this review we delve into the mechanisms underlying cellular and viral‐encoded microRNA functions in the context of HIV and HCV infections. We focus on which microRNAs are differently expressed and deregulated upon viral infection and how these alterations dictate the fate of virus and cell. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Educating Chinese Nurses About Rehabilitation Nursing: Findings From a Single Cohort Quantitative Pilot Project
Authors: Mauk Kristen L. , Li Pei Ying , Jin Huilu , Rogers Julie , Scalzitti Kristina 
Published: April 2016

Abstract

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to present results of a pilot program to educate nurses in China about rehabilitation nursing.

Design:
A single cohort, pre- and posttest design with an educational intervention.

Methods:
A 3-day basic rehabilitation nursing education program was conducted in Shanghai and Hangzhou by a certified rehabilitation nurse specialist from the United States. The effect of the educational intervention was measured using pre- and posttests for six topic areas. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and paired samples t tests.

Findings:
Paired samples t tests showed a significant improvement (p < .01) as a result of the educational intervention on all three tests covering the six basic topics.

Conclusions:
The knowledge of the nurses on topics of basic rehabilitation nursing significantly increased as a result of the educational program.

Clinical Relevance:
Rehabilitation nurses interested in international travel and developing professional relationships with nurses in China can provide education to promote our specialty practice overseas.
Oligohydramnios in complicated and uncomplicated pregnancy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rabie N. , Magann E. , Steelman S. , Ounpraseuth S. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate adverse pregnancy outcomes in singleton pregnancies diagnosed with oligohydramnios through a systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled trials.MethodsWe searched electronic databases via OVID, EBSCO, Web of Science, Google Scholar and others from 1980 to 2015. Prospective and retrospective studies with a control group were included. Two authors independently reviewed the abstracts from the literature search. Inclusion criteria were: studies in English, singleton pregnancy, normal fetal anatomy, intact membranes and oligohydramnios determined by the amniotic fluid index (AFI) technique. We stratified the meta‐analysis into two groups according to risk: high risk including studies of oligohydramnios with comorbid conditions (e.g. hypertension) and low risk including studies of isolated oligohydramnios.ResultsFifteen trials met the inclusion criteria. Nine were high‐risk and six were low‐risk studies, including 8067 and 27 526 women, respectively. Compared with women with normal AFI, those with isolated oligohydramnios had significantly higher rates of an infant with meconium aspiration syndrome (relative risk (RR), 2.83; 95% CI, 1.38–5.77), Cesarean delivery for fetal distress (RR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.64–2.85) and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (RR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.20–2.42). Patients with oligohydramnios and comorbidities were more likely to have an infant with low birth weight (RR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.27–4.34). However, rates of 5‐min Apgar score < 7 (RR, 1.85; 95% CI, 0.69–4.96), NICU admission (RR, 2.09; 95% CI, 0.80–5.45), meconium‐stained amniotic fluid (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.62–2.81) and Cesarean delivery for fetal distress (RR, 1.65; 95% CI, 0.81–3.36) were similar to those for women with normal AFI. Stillbirth rates were too low to analyze in the meta‐analysis.ConclusionsThis review helps to delineate which adverse outcomes are increased with oligohydramnios in low‐risk pregnancy (NICU admission, Cesarean delivery for fetal distress and meconium aspiration syndrome), but does not provide enough data to determine the optimal timing of delivery in such cases. Oligohydramnios in complicated pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of delivery of an infant with low birth weight, but this may be confounded by the comorbid condition. Therefore, in high‐risk pregnancy, management should be dictated by the comorbid condition and not the presence of oligohydramnios. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Magnetic resonance enema vs rectal water‐contrast transvaginal sonography in diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis
Authors: Leone Roberti Maggiore U. , Biscaldi E. , Vellone V. G. , Venturini P. L. , Ferrero S. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance enema (MR‐e) and rectal water‐contrast transvaginal sonography (RWC‐TVS) in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis.MethodsThis prospective study included 286 patients of reproductive age with clinical suspicion of rectosigmoid endometriosis. Patients underwent MR‐e and RWC‐TVS before laparoscopic excision of endometriotic lesions. The findings of MR‐e and RWC‐TVS were compared with surgical and histological results.ResultsOf the 286 patients included in the study, 151 (52.8%) had rectosigmoid endometriosis. MR‐e and RWC‐TVS had similar accuracy in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis (P = 0.063). In the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis with MR‐e, the sensitivity was 95.4% (95% CI, 90.7–99.1%), specificity was 97.8% (95% CI, 93.6–99.5%), positive predictive value (PPV) was 98.0% (95% CI, 94.1–99.6%), negative predictive value (NPV) was 95.0% (95% CI, 89.9–97.9%), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) was 42.91 (95% CI, 14.01–131.46) and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) was 0.05 (95% CI, 0.02–0.10). For diagnosis with RWC‐TVS, sensitivity was 92.7% (95% CI, 87.3–96.3%), specificity was 97.0% (95% CI, 92.6–99.2%), PPV was 97.2% (95% CI, 93.0–99.2%), NPV was 92.3% (95% CI, 86.6–96.1%), LR+ was 31.29 (95% CI, 11.90–82.25) and LR− was 0.08 (95% CI, 0.04–0.13). MR‐e and RWC‐TVS underestimated the size of the endometriotic nodules; for both imaging techniques the underestimation was greater for nodules with a diameter ≥ 30 mm. There was no significant difference in the mean intensity of pain experienced by the patients during the two examinations.ConclusionsRWC‐TVS should be the first‐line investigation in patients with clinical suspicion of rectosigmoid endometriosis and physicians should be trained in performing this examination. Considering that MR‐e is more expensive than RWC‐TVS, it should be used only when the findings of RWC‐TVS are unclear. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Aluminum‐ and Gallium‐Containing Open‐Dawson Polyoxometalates
Authors: Matsunaga Satoshi , Inoue Yusuke , Otaki Takuya , Osada Hironori , Nomiya Kenji 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAl‐ and Ga‐containing open‐Dawson polyoxometalates (POMs), K10[{Al4(μ‐OH)6}{α,α‐Si2W18O66}]·28.5H2O (Al4‐open) and K10[{Ga4(μ‐OH)6}(α,α‐Si2W18O66)]·25H2O (Ga4‐open) were synthesized by the reaction of trilacunary Keggin POM, [A‐α‐SiW9O34]10–, with Al(NO3)3·9H2O or Ga(NO3)3·nH2O, and unequivocally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, 29Si and 183W NMR, and FT‐IR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis and TG/DTA. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis revealed that the {M4(μ‐OH)6}6+ (M = Al, Ga) clusters were included in an open pocket of the open‐Dawson polyanion, [α,α‐Si2W18O66]16–, which was constituted by the fusion of two trilacunary Keggin POMs via two W–O–W bonds. These two open‐Dawson structural POMs showed clear difference of the bite angles depending on the size of ionic radii. In cases of both compounds, the solution 29Si and 183W NMR spectra in D2O showed only one signal and five signals, respectively. These spectra were consistent with the molecular structures of Al4‐ and Ga4‐open, suggesting that these polyoxoanions were obtained as single species and maintained their molecular structures in solution.
Progression and predictors of mild cognitive impairment in Chinese elderly: A prospective follow‐up in the Shanghai Aging Study
Authors: Ding Ding , Zhao Qianhua , Guo Qihao , Liang Xiaoniu , Luo Jianfeng , Yu Lirong , Zheng Li , Hong Zhen ,   Shanghai Aging Study (SAS)
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe Shanghai Aging Study is a community‐based study aiming to investigate the incidence and progression of cognitive decline in Chinese elderly, with the operational procedures and diagnostic criteria similar to cohort studies in developed countries.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 362 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosed at baseline through a clinical and neuropsychological interview. Diagnoses of dementia and MCI were made using standard criteria via consensus diagnosis.ResultsThe conversion rate to dementia was 6.0 per 100 person‐years, while the reversion rate to cognitive normal was 7.8 per 100 person‐years. Amnestic MCI multiple domains was the most risky type for dementia (conversion rate: 14.2 per 100 person‐years). Older age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.09), apolipoprotein E (APOE ε4) (HR = 2.15), and low MMSE score (HR = 1.18) were predictors for dementia.DiscussionApproximately 6% of elderly with MCI progress to dementia annually. Prospective studies are needed to further examine risk and protective predictors and to seek proper interventions for cognitive decline.
Fairtrade Certification and Livelihood Impacts on Small‐scale Coffee Producers in a Tribal Community of India
Authors: Ranjan Jena Pradyot , Grote Ulrike 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCan Fairtrade certification improve farmers’ livelihoods in small‐scale coffee farming tribal communities in India? Has Fairtrade contributed to capacity‐building among the farmers? To answer these questions, household data of 256 coffee farmers from a tribal coffee‐producing community in southern India was collected in 2010. Using the propensity score matching technique, the empirical findings show that Fairtrade certification has a positive impact on farmers’ income. However, the incidence of poverty in the community is very high, with 84% of the certified farmers being extremely poor. Some improvement in the livelihoods of certified farmers has occurred from higher and assured farm gate prices, regular collection of coffee from the village centers that reduces travel costs, and from the social Fairtrade premium. But while the benefits are modest and the process is slow, challenges remain in terms of improving the effectiveness and management of the cooperative system, as well as raising the awareness of farmers about Fairtrade certification. There is a need to strengthen the positive impacts created by Fairtrade certification by collaboration between the cooperative and local government to enhance the technical, financial and human capacities of the coffee cooperative members.
methyLiftover: cross-platform DNA methylation data integration
Authors: Titus Alexander J. , Houseman E. Andrés , Johnson Kevin C. , Christensen Brock C. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Summary: The public availability of high throughput molecular data provides new opportunities for researchers to advance discovery, replication and validation efforts. One common challenge in leveraging such data is the diversity of measurement approaches and platforms and a lack of utilities enabling cross-platform comparisons among data sources for analysis. We present a method to map DNA methylation data from bisulfite sequencing approaches to CpG sites measured with the widely used Illumina methylation bead-array platforms. Correlations and median absolute deviations support the validity of using bisulfite sequencing data in combination with Illumina bead-array methylation data.
Availability and Implementation: https://github.com/Christensen-Lab-Dartmouth/methyLiftover includes source, documentation and data references.
Contact: brock.c.christensen@dartmouth.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Prediction of glyphosate resistance level based onEPSPSgene copy number inKochia scoparia
Authors: Gaines Todd A. , Barker Abigail L. , Patterson Eric L. , Westra Philip , Westra Eric P. , Wilson Robert G. , Kniss Andrew R. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractGlyphosate-resistant (GR)Kochia scopariahas evolved in dryland chemical fallow systems throughout North America and the mechanism involves 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene duplication. Sugarbeet fields in four states were surveyed forK. scopariain 2013 and tested for glyphosate-resistance level andEPSPSgene copy number. Glyphosate resistance was confirmed inK. scopariapopulations collected from sugarbeet fields in Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. The GR samples all had increasedEPSPSgene copy number, with median population values up to 11. An empirical model was developed to estimate the level of glyphosate-resistance inK. scopariabased onEPSPSgene copy number. The results suggested that glyphosate susceptibility can be accurately diagnosed usingEPSPSgene copy number, and further increases inEPSPSgene copy number could increase resistance levels up to 8-fold relative to susceptibleK. scoparia. These trends suggest that continued glyphosate selection pressure is selecting for higherEPSPScopy number and higher resistance levels inK. scoparia. By including multipleK. scopariasamples lackingEPSPSgene duplication, our empirical model provides a more realistic estimate of fold-resistance due toEPSPSgene copy number compared to methods that do not account for normal variation of herbicide response in susceptible biotypes.