bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of a Glypican‐3‐Binding Peptide for In Vivo Non‐Invasive Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Detection
Authors: Qin Zainen , Wang Jingjing , Wang Ye , Wang Guohao , Wang Xiangyu , Zhou Zhiyang , Liu Gang , Gao Shi , Zhu Lei 
Published: November 2016

Early and accurate detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is essential to improve the prognosis of patients and reduce the morbidity of surgical therapy. Glypican‐3 (GPC3) is a protein abnormally expressed in HCC that has been identified as a serological and histochemical HCC marker. A novel peptide that specifically recognizes GPC3 will facilitate early detection of HCC and guide the treatment strategy. Herein, phage display screening technology is utilized to obtain a GPC3 binding peptide (GBP) using HCC cells expressing GPC3 in varying abundances. After seven rounds of panning, a peptide with sequence of THVSPNQGGLPS is identified with 735.2 ± 53.6 × 10−9
m affinity to GPC3. The ability to target GPC3 in vivo is evaluated by intravenous injection of GBP labeled with a near‐infrared dye, Cy5.5, into a HCC tumor‐bearing mouse model. Significant high tumor accumulation (tumor/muscle ratio: 6.49 ± 0.55) of Cy5.5‐GBP in HepG2 tumors is observed compared with that of the low GPC3 expressing prostate cancer cell line, PC3 (tumor/muscle ratio: 1.15 ± 0.32). By targeting GPC3, GBP differentiates tumor tissues from normal liver tissues in patients, suggesting a great clinical translation potency of GBP. Collectively, GBP demonstrates great potential for HCC detection via fluorescent imaging or histological staining.
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One‐Step Synthesis of Biodegradable Polyurethane Prepolymer and Its Rapid Gelation Behavior at High Water Content
Authors: Mu Youbing , Xue Sasa , Pei Danfeng , Jiang Wei , Wan Xiaobo 
Published: November 2016

In this study, a very simple, scalable, and low‐cost one‐step recipe is presented for preparing a biodegradable polyurethane prepolymer composed of isocyanate terminated linear polyethylene glycol and isocyanate terminated four‐armed polycaprolactone. Then, the corresponding hydrogels are easily formed by mixing the prepolymer with water in few minutes. The resulting hydrogel shows excellent mechanical properties with high tensile strength (up to 233.6 KPa) and recorded elongation rate (5000%), while maintaining high water content (up to 91% mass ratio). Meanwhile, the maximum water retaining capacity of the hydrogel can be up to 40 times of polyurethane prepolymer (in mass), which is equal to 97.6% water content. In addition, the degradation properties of the obtained hydrogel are studied in detail. This study demonstrates a facile approach to prepare the hydrogel with both excellent mechanical properties and high water content, which marks it as a potential candidate for applications in agrological field, such as sand fixing in desertification control.
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Tailoring the Retention of Charged Model Compounds in Polymer Functionalized Paper‐Based Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Wendenburg Sonja , Nachbar Michelle‐Lisa , Biesalski Markus 
Published: November 2016

Studies on the retention of model compounds in tailor‐made microfluidic paper devices using laboratory‐made paper sheets and lithographic polymer deposition for the design of micro­fluidic paper substrate are presented. The capillary‐driven transport of two differently charged dyes (tartrazine, methylene blue) as model molecules is studied under fully wetted conditions. By quantitative retention factor analysis, it is shown that the dye retention can be controlled within the paper channel by the pH and the conductivity of the fluid phase. The retention is further strongly influenced by the application of solutions of just one model dye compared to a mixture of multiple dyes, and the presence of in‐channel defined “polymer patches” (i.e., areas where the paper fibers have been modified with a functional polymer carrying charges prior to the fully wetted flow). Such covalently attached polymer patches can be used easily to concentrate oppositely charged molecules at spatially defined positions within the microfluidic paper.
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Phase‐Separation‐Induced Formation of Janus Droplets Based on Aqueous Two‐Phase Systems
Authors: Yuan Hao , Ma Qingming , Song Yang , Tang Matthew Y. H. , Chan Yau Kei , Shum Ho Cheung 
Published: November 2016

In this study, Janus droplets are fabricated by inducing phase separation of single‐phase droplets made up of an aqueous two‐phase system (ATPS). The resultant Janus droplets are highly monodisperse in structures and internal morphologies. Due to the affinity partitioning properties of ATPS, encapsulated ingredients can automatically partition into different compartments of the resultant Janus droplets. The use of biocompatible and cytocompatible ATPS also enables the encapsulation of enzymes and cells in the resultant droplets with their activity preserved at a relatively high level.
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Thermoresponsive Polymer Brushes on Organic Microspheres for Biomolecular Separation and Immobilization
Authors: Bagán Héctor , Kamra Tripta , Jiang Lingdong , Ye Lei 
Published: November 2016

A new method is developed to synthesize organic microsphere‐supported polymer brushes for affinity separation of saccharides and glycoproteins. In the first step, crosslinked polymer microspheres are synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The terminal ATRP initiators on the microspheres are used to graft polymer brushes from propargyl acrylate andN‐isopropyl acrylamide. The microsphere‐supported polymer brushes are conjugated with an azide‐tagged phenylboronic acid to complete the material synthesis. The microsphere‐supported, boronic acid‐containing polymer brushes are able to bind not only low molecular weightcis‐diol compounds but also glycoproteins. The synthetic procedure developed in this work provides a convenient means for preparing all‐organic microsphere‐supported polymer brushes that have high alkaline stability. Using the surface‐attached polymer brushes to immobilize a catalytic glycoprotein (horseradish peroxidase), it is possible to retain on‐particle enzyme activity due to the open structure of the polymer brushes and the oriented immobilization.image
Detailed Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Structure and Self‐Diffusion of Linear and Cyclic n‐Alkanes in Melt and Blends
Authors: Alatas Panagiotis V. , Tsalikis Dimitrios G. , Mavrantzas Vlasis G. 
Published: November 2016

Results are presented for the density, free volume, self‐diffusion, structure, and conformation of short linear and cyclic n‐alkanes in their own melt and in blends at equal carbon number from detailed atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in the isothermal‐isobaric (NPT) statistical ensemble using the explicit‐atom optimized potentials for liquid simulations (OPLS‐AA) force‐field. In agreement with experimental data reported in an earlier study by von Meerwall et al. (2003), cyclic alkanes are characterized by higher densities and diffuse more slowly than their equivalent linear alkanes. Their configurations are also dominated by certain conformers whose exact shape depends on the molecular length n of the cyclic alkane. The smaller the value of n the more symmetric the shape of these conformers. The MD results support the findings of von Meerwall et al. (2003) that the overall (single average) diffusion coefficient of linear and cyclic alkanes in their blend is equal to the weight‐average of the diffusion coefficients of the neat species at the same temperature. Simulation results are also presented for the average size, individual diffusivities, and intermolecular CC pair distribution function of the two components (linear and cyclic) as a function of molecular weight and blend concentration in cyclic molecules.
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Metal fiber incorporation in carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) for improved electrical conductivity
Authors: Hannemann B. , Backe S. , Schmeer S. , Balle F. , Breuer U. P. 
Published: November 2016

Compared to aluminum alloys, contemporary carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) structures offer poor electrical conductivity. Additional metal elements are necessary to fulfill important electrical functions like lightning strike protection, electromagnetical shielding, electrical bonding and grounding, compromising carbon fiber reinforced polymers' lightweight potential. Past research attempts tried to overcome this drawback by modifying the resin system, but could not demonstrate sufficient improvements. A different approach is the incorporation of highly conductive endless metal fibers into the carbon fiber reinforced polymers. The increased density of the composite is compensated by eliminating the need for additional electrical system installation items. The present paper covers the feasibility of this novel hybrid material concept.For this purpose, electrical conductivity tests are realized on unidirectional coupons with different steel fiber volume fractions and compared with analytical values. Stainless chrome‐nickel steel fibers as well as copper cladded low carbon steel fibers are investigated. First, the specific conductance of the steel fibers is determined. These values are used to calculate the potential conductivity of unidirectional reinforced hybrid laminates based on the rule of mixture. Subsequently, unidirectional reinforced hybrid laminates with different steel fiber fractions are manufactured. The specific conductance of these composites is measured, using an in‐house developed conductivity testing facility.The test results show that by incorporating steel fibers the electrical conductance of the composite can be increased by a factor of 29.8, compared to conventional carbon fiber reinforced polymers.
Anatomic variability of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve: Value of 3T MRI in identifying anomaly for surgical intervention
Authors: Fritz Jan , Zolnoun Denniz , Lee Dellon A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe anatomic variability of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFC) creates diagnostic as well as therapeutic problems. A case is reported in which a woman with complaints of pain in the anterior and lateral thigh was referred for evaluation. Symptoms arose after an abdominal hysterectomy. Her symptoms were the territory of the LFC and not of the L2/L3 dermatome. She had a Tinel sign that was positive for the LFC skin territory, but this was located over the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), instead of medial to it. For this reason, a 3‐Tesla MR neurography imaging was obtained. This showed the LFC as crossing over the ASIS, instead of being located either within or beneath the inguinal ligament. MRI imaging facilitated successful surgical treatment. This is the first report of the MR neurography and intraoperative appearance of this least common anatomic course for the LFC.
Piperine inhibits ABCA1 degradation and promotes cholesterol efflux from THP‐1‐derived macrophages
Authors: Wang Limei , Palme Veronika , Rotter Susanne , Schilcher Nicole , Cukaj Malsor , Wang Dongdong , Ladurner Angela , Heiss Elke H. , Stangl Herbert , Dirsch Verena M. , Atanasov Atanas G. 
Published: November 2016

ScopeIncreased macrophage cholesterol efflux (ChE) is considered to have anti‐atherosclerotic effect counteracting cardiovascular disease. The principle pungent ingredient of the fruits of Piper nigrum, piperine, is identified in this study as a ChE inducer in THP‐1‐derived macrophages, and mechanisms underlying this effect are explored.Methods and resultsWithout affecting cell viability, piperine concentration‐dependently enhances ChE in THP‐1‐derived macrophages from 25 to 100 μM. The expression level of the key cholesterol transporter protein ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is significantly upregulated by piperine, as revealed by western blot analyses. However, two other ChE‐mediating transporter proteins, ATP‐binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) and scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SR‐B1), remain unaffected. Piperine exerts no influence on ABCA1 mRNA levels, but significantly inhibits the degradation of ABCA1, as evident by an increased half‐life of the protein in the presence of cycloheximide. Furthermore, it is found that piperine likely interferes with the calpain‐mediated ABCA1 degradation pathway and exhibits significant inhibition of calpain activity.ConclusionOur findings suggest that piperine promotes ChE in THP‐1‐derived macrophages by upregulation of ABCA1, which might be mediated by inhibition of calpain activity. This novel bioactivity makes the dietary constituent piperine a good candidate to be further explored for therapeutic or preventive applications in the context of atherosclerosis.
Compartmentalized low‐rank recovery for high‐resolution lipid unsuppressed MRSI
Authors: Bhattacharya Ipshita , Jacob Mathews 
Published: November 2016

PurposeTo introduce a novel algorithm for the recovery of high‐resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) data with minimal lipid leakage artifacts, from dual‐density spiral acquisition.MethodsThe reconstruction of MRSI data from dual‐density spiral data is formulated as a compartmental low‐rank recovery problem. The MRSI dataset is modeled as the sum of metabolite and lipid signals, each of which is support limited to the brain and extracranial regions, respectively, in addition to being orthogonal to each other. The reconstruction problem is formulated as an optimization problem, which is solved using iterative reweighted nuclear norm minimization.ResultsThe comparisons of the scheme against dual‐resolution reconstruction algorithm on numerical phantom and in vivo datasets demonstrate the ability of the scheme to provide higher spatial resolution and lower lipid leakage artifacts. The experiments demonstrate the ability of the scheme to recover the metabolite maps, from lipid unsuppressed datasets with echo time (TE) = 55 ms.ConclusionThe proposed reconstruction method and data acquisition strategy provide an efficient way to achieve high‐resolution metabolite maps without lipid suppression. This algorithm would be beneficial for fast metabolic mapping and extension to multislice acquisitions. Magn Reson Med 78:1267–1280, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Investigation of anodal stimulation and its implications for F‐wave examinations
Authors: Kanbayashi Takamichi , Yamauchi Takaharu , Miyaji Yosuke , Sonoo Masahiro 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Recent studies have shown that stimulation occurs at the anode of stimulating electrodes instead of anodal block. This phenomenon may be a pitfall in F‐wave examinations. Methods: Subjects included 10 healthy volunteers. Their ulnar nerve was stimulated at the wrist with the cathode placed distally. Antidromic impulses were evaluated using mixed nerve action potential (MNAP) at the elbow. Results: Anodal stimulation occurred for both sensory and motor fibers at 22 mm proximal to the anode, on average, which may theoretically shorten the F‐wave latency by about 0.8 ms. Displacement of the anode away from the nerve made anodal stimulation less likely. In contrast, displacement of the cathode away from the nerve lowered the threshold for anodal stimulation, a newly found interaction between cathode and anode. Conclusions: In this work we identified detailed features of anodal stimulation and potential influence on F‐wave examinations. Muscle Nerve 56: 51–56, 2017.
A review of muscle‐ and performance‐based assessment instruments in DM1
Authors: Symonds Tara , Campbell Patrick , Randall Jason A. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionMany outcome assessments used in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) were developed in other populations. Therefore, reliability and validity of these must be established in DM1 populations.MethodsA structured literature review was conducted to identify muscle strength and performance‐based functional outcome assessments used in DM1 and to review the DM1‐specific reliability and validity evidence for those outcome assessments.ResultsEighteen articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The quantitative muscle testing technique and manual muscle testing were the key assessments of muscle strength. Reliability and validity evidence was also noted for several functional assessments of upper extremity (e.g., Purdue Pegboard Test) and lower extremity function (6‐Minute Walk Test).ConclusionsThis review identified a few measures with encouraging reliability and validity for use in a DM1 populations but highlighted the need for more research. Muscle Nerve 56: 78–85, 2017.
Bent spine syndrome as the initial symptom of late‐onset Pompe disease
Authors: Taisne Nicolas , Desnuelle Claude , Juntas Morales Raul , Ferrer Monasterio Xavier , Sacconi Sabrina , Duval Fanny , Sole Guilhem , Flipo René Marc , Lacour Arnaud , Vermersch Patrick , Cardon Thierry 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Late‐onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a rare disorder characterized by progressive proximal muscle weakness and early respiratory insufficiency, for which enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is available. Methods: Having diagnosed a case of LOPD presenting with bent spine syndrome, we conducted a brief survey in the French centers involved in management of Pompe disease, from which we collected data on 3 other cases. Results: The patients (3 women and 1 man) had a mean age of 64 years (range 51–77 years) and a delay in diagnosis of approximately 10 years (range 8–42 years). At diagnosis, 3 patients already had respiratory symptoms. All had normal or very mildly raised creatine kinase levels and magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in the paraspinal muscles. They exhibited the most frequent mutation in Pompe disease (c.‐32‐13 T>G). Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of this atypical presentation of LOPD to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment. Muscle Nerve 56: 167–170, 2017
MRI bullseye sign: An indicator of peripheral nerve constriction in parsonage‐turner syndrome
Authors: Sneag Darryl B. , Saltzman Eliana B. , Meister David W. , Feinberg Joseph H. , Lee Steve K. , Wolfe Scott W. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe role of MRI in identifying hourglass constrictions (HGCs) of nerves in Parsonage‐Turner syndrome (PTS) is largely unknown.MethodsSix patients with PTS and absent or minimal recovery underwent MRI. Surgical exploration was performed at identified pathologic sites.ResultsThe time between symptom onset and surgery was 12.4 ± 6.9 months; the time between MRI and surgery was 1.3 ± 0.6 months. Involved nerves included suprascapular, axillary, radial, and median nerve anterior interosseous and pronator teres fascicles. Twenty‐three constriction sites in 10 nerves were identified on MRI. A “bullseye sign” of the nerve, identified immediately proximal to 21 of 23 sites, manifested as peripheral signal hyperintensity and central hypointensity orthogonal to the long axis of the nerve. All constrictions were confirmed operatively.ConclusionsIn PTS, a bullseye sign on MRI can accurately localize HGCs, a previously unreported finding. Causes of HGCs and the bullseye sign are unknown. Muscle Nerve 56: 99–106, 2017.
A new simplified Hypothesis B method for calculating consolidation settlements of double soil layers exhibiting creep
Authors: Feng W.‐Q. , Yin J.‐H. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryThis paper presents a new simplified method, based on Hypothesis B, for calculating the consolidation settlements of double soil layers exhibiting creep. In the new simplified Hypothesis B method, different stress–strain states including over‐consolidation and normal consolidation states can be considered with the help of the ‘equivalent time’ concept. Zhu and Yin method and US Navy method are adopted to calculate the average degree of consolidation for a double soil layer profile. This new simplified Hypothesis B method is then used to calculate the consolidation settlements of double soil layers, which have two different total thicknesses of soil layer (4 m and 8 m) and three different OCR values (Over‐Consolidation Ratio, OCR = 1, 1.5 and 2). The accuracy and verification of this new simplified method are examined by comparing the calculated results with simulation results from a fully coupled finite element (FE) program using a soft soil creep model. Four cases of double layer soil profiles are analyzed. Hypothesis A method with US Navy method for the average degree of consolidation has also been used to for calculating consolidation settlements of the same cases. For Case I(4m) and Case III(8m), it is found that curves of the new simplified Hypothesis B method using both Zhu and Yin method and US Navy method are very close to the results from FE simulations with the relative errors within 8.5%. For Case II(4m) and Case IV(8m), it is found that curves of the new simplified Hypothesis B method using Zhu and Yin method agree better with results from FE simulations with the relative errors within 11.7% than curves of the new simplified Hypothesis B method adopting US Navy method with the relative error up to 36.1%. Curves of Hypothesis A method adopting US Navy method have the relative error up to 55.0% among all four cases. In overall, the new simplified Hypothesis B method is suitable for calculation of consolidation settlements of double soil layers exhibiting creep, in which, Zhu and Yin method is recommended to obtain the average degree of consolidation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A skewed kernel approach for the simulation of shocks using SPH
Authors: Prasanna Kumar S. S. , Patnaik B. S. V. , Liu G. R. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryA wide variety of jump discontinuities, such as shock fronts, are abound in high‐speed flows. An accurate approximation of these fronts may require higher order techniques either under mesh‐based methods or mesh‐free methods. In the latter class, the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is becoming popular as a promising method. However, the standard approach in SPH (like any other discrete methods) can result in highly diffusive solutions because of the inevitable use of artificial viscosity to suppress numerical oscillations. On the other hand, the SPH formulation allows innovative ways to model complicated phenomena. In this paper, we introduce the novel idea of a skewed Gaussian kernel, to improve the shock capturing capability in high speed flows. Here, the standard Gaussian kernel function is modified, and its ‘shape’ is altered with a predesigned tunable skewness parameter, while the basic unity property of the kernel function is still preserved. The SPH with the proposed skewed Gaussian kernel is then applied on a number of benchmark problems in computational fluid dynamics, featuring shocks. The simulations have shown significantly better shock capture through the skewed kernel approach as against the standard techniques, with almost no increase in computational time. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid Naked‐Eye Discrimination of Cytochrome P450 Genetic Polymorphism through Non‐Crosslinking Aggregation of DNA‐Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Akiyama Yoshitsugu , Wang Guoqing , Shiraishi Shota , Kanayama Naoki , Takarada Tohru , Maeda Mizuo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe front cover artwork is provided by the group of Tohru Takarada at RIKEN (Japan). The image shows a colorimetric single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping method that uses spontaneous aggregation of DNA‐modified gold nanoparticles (DNA–AuNPs) for the simple and rapid SNP genotyping of the human cytochrome P450 2C19 monooxygenase gene. For more details, read the full text of the Full Paper at p. 508.