bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of 16S rDNA Sequencing for Identification of Rare Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Loong Shih Keng , Khor Chee Sieng , Jafar Faizatul Lela , AbuBakar Sazaly 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundPhenotypic identification systems are established methods for laboratory identification of bacteria causing human infections. Here, the utility of phenotypic identification systems was compared against 16S rDNA identification method on clinical isolates obtained during a 5‐year study period, with special emphasis on isolates that gave unsatisfactory identification.MethodsOne hundred and eighty‐seven clinical bacteria isolates were tested with commercial phenotypic identification systems and 16S rDNA sequencing. Isolate identities determined using phenotypic identification systems and 16S rDNA sequencing were compared for similarity at genus and species level, with 16S rDNA sequencing as the reference method.ResultsPhenotypic identification systems identified ~46% (86/187) of the isolates with identity similar to that identified using 16S rDNA sequencing. Approximately 39% (73/187) and ~15% (28/187) of the isolates showed different genus identity and could not be identified using the phenotypic identification systems, respectively. Both methods succeeded in determining the species identities of 55 isolates; however, only ~69% (38/55) of the isolates matched at species level. 16S rDNA sequencing could not determine the species of ~20% (37/187) of the isolates.ConclusionThe 16S rDNA sequencing is a useful method over the phenotypic identification systems for the identification of rare and difficult to identify bacteria species. The 16S rDNA sequencing method, however, does have limitation for species‐level identification of some bacteria highlighting the need for better bacterial pathogen identification tools.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of sheep horn
Authors: Zhu Bing , Zhang Ming , Zhao Jian 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThe sheep horn presents outstanding mechanical properties of impact resistance and energy absorption, which suits the need of the vehicle bumper design, but the mechanism behind this phenomenon is less investigated. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the sheep horn of Small Tailed Han Sheep (Ovis aries) living in northeast China were investigated in this article. The effect of sampling position and orientation of the sheep horn sheath on mechanical properties were researched by tensile and compression tests. Meanwhile, the surface morphology and microstructure of the sheep horn were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The formation mechanism of the mechanical properties of the sheep horn was investigated by biological coupling analysis. The analytical results indicated that the outstanding mechanical properties of the sheep horn are determined by configuration, structure, surface morphology and material coupling elements. These biological coupling elements make the sheep horn possess super characteristics of crashworthiness and energy absorption through the internal coupling mechanism. We suppose that these findings would make a difference in vehicle bumper design. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:664–674, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theory of the development of curved barbs and their effects on feather morphology
Authors: Feo Teresa J. , Simon Emma , Prum Richard O. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTFeathers exhibit an extraordinary diversity of shapes, which are used by birds to accomplish a diverse set of functions. Pennaceous feathers have a double branched morphology that develops from a tube of epidermis, and variation in branch geometry determines feather shape. Feather development is both complex (i.e., a simple developmental modification can have multiple effects on mature feather shape), and redundant (i.e., different developmental modifications can create the same shape). Due to this, it is not readily apparent how different feather shapes develop. In many feathers, barbs are not straight, but instead curve in toward, or away, from the feather tip. Barb curvature can affect the shape of mature feathers but the development of curved barbs is unknown. Previous research has hypothesized that barb curvature could develop either during the helical growth of barb ridges in the tubular feather germ, or during barb angle expansion as the feather unfurls from the sheath. To better understand the development of curved barbs and their effects on mature feathers we present a theoretical model of curved barb development and test the model with empirical investigations of feathers. We find that curved barbs affect many aspects of feather morphology including vane width, barb length, and barb spacing. In real feathers, curved barbs can develop both during helical barb ridge growth and during barb angle expansion, with most of the observed curvature due to barb angle expansion. Our results demonstrate that barb angle expansion as a feather unfurls from the sheath is a complex and dynamic process that plays an important role in determining the shape and structure of mature feathers. Curved barbs create heterogeneity in barb geometry within the feather vane, which could have important implications for aerodynamic function and the development of within feather pigmentation patterns. J. Morphol. 277:995–1013, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Producing Radical‐Free Hyperpolarized Perfusion Agents for In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Using Spin‐Labeled Thermoresponsive Hydrogel
Authors: Cheng Tian , Mishkovsky Mor , Junk Matthias J. N. , Münnemann Kerstin , Comment Arnaud 
Published: May 2016

Dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) provides a way to tremendously improve the sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. Once the spins are hyperpolarized by dissolution DNP, the radicals used as polarizing agents become undesirable since their presence is an additional source of nuclear spin relaxation and their toxicity might be an issue. This study demonstrates the feasibility of preparing a hyperpolarized [1‐13C]2‐methylpropan‐2‐ol (tert‐butanol) solution free of persistent radicals by using spin‐labeled thermoresponsive hydrophilic polymer networks as polarizing agents. The hyperpolarized 13C signal can be detected for up to 5 min before the spins fully relax to their thermal equilibrium. This approach extends the applicability of spin‐labeled thermoresponsive hydrogel to the dissolution DNP field and highlights its potential as polarizing agent for preparing neat slowly relaxing contrast agents. The hydrogels are especially suited to hyperpolarize deuterated alcohols which can be used for in vivo perfusion imaging.
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Calculation of Conformational Properties and Rouse Relaxation Times of PAMAM‐EDA Dendrimers under Different pH Conditions
Authors: Freire Juan J. , Rubio Ana M. , McBride Carl 
Published: May 2016

A Monte Carlo study has been performed for protonated and non‐protonated coarse‐grained PAMAM‐EDA of generations (G) ranging from 2 to 6. This study calculates sizes, asphericities, and global and external dendrimer density profiles that confirm features previously found in other studies. It is shown that form factors do not change significantly with protonation. Diffusion coefficients, intrinsic viscosities, and Rouse relaxation times are computed as conformational averages. The hydrodynamic properties and their change with protonation are in good agreement with available experimental data. Some differences between the neutral and protonated molecules are noticeable in the case of the relaxation times corresponding to the higher generation numbers (G > 4). These features indicate that pH may play a role in the internal dynamics of dendrimers. The complex modulus curves have also been computed. When in reduced units to discount size effects, the protonation effect is seen to be very small.image
Quantification of a thermal pre‐load on polymer matrix composites by the degradation and colour change of polyurethane top coats
Authors: Eibl S. 
Published: May 2016

This work provides techniques to separately determine temperature (90–340 °C) and duration (1 minute to 240 days) of a thermal pre‐load as well as residual strength of polymer matrix composites on basis of the degradation of the top‐coat. Infrared spectroscopy and colorimetry characterizing binder degradation and colour changes of polyurethane top‐coats were used to provide a non‐destructive in‐service method to quantify incipient heat damage. A multivariate (chemometric) analysis of infrared and colorimetric data was performed. The precision of the calculated values for duration and temperature of the thermal pre‐load as well as residual strength for specimen with unknown thermal history is slightly better for the infraredspectroscopic analysis. Deviation of the calculated temperature is less than 10 °C. However, the sole analysis of colorimetric data allows a separate evaluation of these parameters. Limitations of the techniques are identified.
The italian limb girdle muscular dystrophy registry: Relative frequency, clinical features, and differential diagnosis
Authors: Magri Francesca , Nigro Vincenzo , Angelini Corrado , Mongini Tiziana , Mora Marina , Moroni Isabella , Toscano Antonio , D'angelo Maria Grazia , Tomelleri Giuliano , Siciliano Gabriele , Ricci Giulia , Bruno Claudio , Corti Stefania , Musumeci Olimpia , Tasca Giorgio , Ricci Enzo , Monforte Mauro , Sciacco Monica , Fiorillo Chiara , Gandossini Sandra , Minetti Carlo , Morandi Lucia , Savarese Marco , Fruscio Giuseppina Di , Semplicini Claudio , Pegoraro Elena , Govoni Alessandra , Brusa Roberta , Del Bo Roberto , Ronchi Dario , Moggio Maurizio , Bresolin Nereo , Comi Giacomo Pietro 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) are characterized by high molecular heterogeneity, clinical overlap, and a paucity of specific biomarkers. Their molecular definition is fundamental for prognostic and therapeutic purposes. Methods: We created an Italian LGMD registry that included 370 molecularly defined patients. We reviewed detailed retrospective and prospective data and compared each LGMD subtype for differential diagnosis purposes. Results: LGMD types 2A and 2B are the most frequent forms in Italy. The ages at disease onset, clinical progression, and cardiac and respiratory involvement can vary greatly between each LGMD subtype. In a set of extensively studied patients, targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) identified mutations in 36.5% of cases. Conclusion: Detailed clinical characterization combined with muscle tissue analysis is fundamental to guide differential diagnosis and to address molecular tests. NGS is useful for diagnosing forms without specific biomarkers, although, at least in our study cohort, several LGMD disease mechanisms remain to be identified. Muscle Nerve 55: 55–68, 2017
The Role of Leukapheresis in the Current Management of Hyperleukocytosis in Newly Diagnosed Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Nguyen Rosa , Jeha Sima , Zhou Yinmei , Cao Xueyuan , Cheng Cheng , Bhojwani Deepa , Campbell Patrick , Howard Scott C. , Rubnitz Jeffrey , Ribeiro Raul C. , Sandlund John T. , Gruber Tanja , Inaba Hiroto , Pui Ching‐Hon , Metzger Monika L. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundHyperleukocytosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been associated with early morbidity and mortality. The use of leukapheresis in these children treated with contemporary therapy remains controversial.ProcedureWe analyzed clinical data from patients enrolled onto frontline protocols for ALL (Total Therapy XV and XVI) between 2003 and 2014. We documented adverse events within the first 14 days in patients with a white blood cell (WBC) count ≥200 × 109/l and reviewed their management.ResultsFifty‐three (7.8%) of 678 consecutive pediatric patients with newly diagnosed ALL presented with hyperleukocytosis (median WBC count 393 × 109/l; range 200–1,014). Two deaths in patients without initial hyperleukocytosis occurred within the first 2 weeks from diagnosis secondary to bacterial sepsis. A total of 21 (40%) patients with ALL and hyperleukocytosis developed grade 3 or 4 adverse events regardless of the use of leukapheresis (P > 0.99 and P = 0.19). Sixteen of 53 (30%) patients with ALL received low‐dose chemotherapy for leukocytoreduction initially. One‐third of patients received urate oxidase, and none of the patients with hyperleukocytosis required hemodialysis.ConclusionsThe early morbidity and mortality commonly associated with hyperleukocytosis in children with newly diagnosed ALL can be avoided with contemporary supportive care and conservative management possibly obviating the need for costly and potentially dangerous leukapheresis.
Polymerization of epoxide with hydroxylamides as thermally latent initiators
Authors: Wang Yanmei , Kimura Mika , Sudo Atsushi , Endo Takeshi 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTA new class of thermally latent initiators for the ring‐opening polymerization of epoxides has been developed. The latent initiators developed herein were the hydroxylamides 1a, 1b, and 1c, which were synthesized from phthalide, 3‐isochromanone, and cis‐cyclohexahydrophthalide, respectively, by their ring‐opening reactions with pyrrolidine. These hydroxylamides were designed so that their hydroxyl groups could attack the amide moiety intramolecularly upon heating, leading to ring closure and formation of the corresponding lactones while releasing pyrrolidine, the initiator for the anionic ring‐opening polymerization of an epoxide. The temperatures at which this thermal dissociation occurred were strongly dependent on the hydroxylamide molecular structure. When using the hydroxylamides as thermally latent initiators, the polymerizations of bisphenol‐A diglycidyl ether were investigated at various temperatures. This investigation clarified that the threshold temperature, that is, the temperature at which polymerization was initiated, increased in the order of 1a, 1b, and then 1c. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2611–2617
Poly(aryl ether ketone) composite membrane as a high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries separator
Authors: Xie Min , Yin Mingying , Nie Guangdi , Wang Jun , Wang Ce , Chao Danming , Liu Xincai 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTWe described the design and synthesis of a modified poly(aryl ether ketone) bearing phenolphthalein and allyl groups (P‐PAEK) via nucleophilic polycondensation. A new kind of composite separator, crosslinked P‐PAEK/polyvinylidene fluoride (c‐P‐PAEK/PVDF) membrane was successfully prepared using phase separation, phase inversion method, and UV crosslinking technique. As a separator of lithium‐ion battery, c‐P‐PAEK/PVDF membrane demonstrates high porosity and uniform distribution of pores with interconnected pathways. Low thermal shrinkage, distinct shut‐down effect, high liquid electrolyte uptake capacity, and exciting liquid electrolyte wettability of the prepared c‐P‐PAEK/PVDF membrane have been revealed through comprehensive study. Moreover, the c‐P‐PAEK/PVDF membrane was applied to assemble a conventional Li/LiFePO4 coin cell, which exhibited hopeful cell performance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2714–2721
Dual roles for promoting monomers to polymers: A conjugated sulfonium salt photoacid generator as photoinitiator and photosensitizer in cationic photopolymerization
Authors: Jin Ming , Wu Xingyu , Malval Jean Pierre , Wan Decheng , Pu Hongting 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTAn efficient strategy for comprehensive utilization of the conjugated sulfonium salt photoacid generator (PAG), namely, 3‐{4‐[4‐(4‐N,N′‐diphenylamino)‐styryl]phenyl}phenyl dimethyl sulfonium hexafluoroantimonate, was developed through photoinitiated cationic photopolymerization (CP) of epoxides and vinyl ether upon exposure to near‐UV and visible light‐emitting diodes (LEDs; e.g., 365, 385, 405, and 425 nm). Photochemical mechanisms were investigated by UV–vis spectra, molecular orbital calculations, fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry, and electron spin resonance spin‐trapping analyses. Compared with commercial PAGs, the prepared conjugated sulfonium salt generated H+, which can be used as photoinitiator. Moreover, the fluorescent byproducts from photodecomposition can be used as photosensitizer of commercial iodonium salt in the photoinitiating systems of CP. These novel D‐π‐A type sulfonium‐based photoinitiating systems are efficient (epoxide conversion = 85–90% and vinyl conversion >90%; LEDs upon exposure to 365–425 nm) even in low‐concentration initiators (1%, w/w) and low curing light intensities (10–40 mW cm−2). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2722–2730
Detecting domain‐flux botnet based on DNS traffic features in managed network
Authors: Truong Dinh‐Tu , Cheng Guang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractModern botnets such as Zeus and Conficker commonly utilize a technique called domain fluxing or a domain generation algorithm to generate a large number of pseudo‐random domain names (PDNs) dynamically for botnet operators to control their bots. These botnets are becoming one of the most serious threats to Internet security on a global scale. How to prevent their destructive action is one of the most pressing issues of today. In this paper, we focus on detecting domain‐flux botnets within the monitored network based on Domain Name System (DNS) traffic features. This method passively captures all DNS traffic from the gateway of a monitored network and then extracts key features to identify PDN. Based on examining and analyzing a large number of legitimate domains as well as PDN generated by botnets, we have discovered that there is a discernible bias in the rules for constructing domain names. Therefore, we introduce a methodology that analyzes DNS traffic to extract the length and the expected value, which can distinguish between a domain name generated by humans or bots. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, various machine learning algorithms are applied to train predictive models for our detection system. This proposed scheme is implemented and tested in a real local area network. The experimental results show that our proposed method achieves the highest detective efficiency for decision tree algorithms (J48) with an average overall accuracy of up to 92.3% and a false positive rate of 4.8%. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The politicization of climate change: problem or solution?
Authors: Pepermans Yves , Maeseele Pieter 
Published: May 2016

In the academic literature, two perspectives can be distinguished regarding the climate debate. The dominant consensus‐building perspective problematizes the politicization of climate change as an important barrier to climate action and resultantly sets out to develop depoliticizing communication strategies which foster social consensus and public engagement. In contrast to this, the critical debate perspective problematizes climate change's capture in a depoliticized consensus and calls for its repoliticization to revive democratic debate and citizenship. The aim of this article is twofold. First, we will distinguish both perspectives on the basis of their diverging problem diagnoses and recommendations. Second, we will argue how only the critical debate perspective provides the tools for transformative socioecological change based on both democratic debate and democratic citizenship. We conclude by discussing how this divergence is reflective of a larger split in the social sciences between problem‐solving and critical theory and how social scientists could contribute to democratic debate and citizenship. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:478–485. doi: 10.1002/wcc.405This article is categorized under:

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge
Exposure to organochlorine pesticides and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Luo Dan , Zhou Tingting , Tao Yun , Feng Yaqian , Shen Xiaoli , Mei Surong 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGrowing evidence indicates that exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) could increase non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) risk. However, results from epidemiological studies investigating this association remain controversial. We thus conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the association between OCP exposure and NHL risk. Relevant publications were searched in PubMed, Web of Science and Embase and identified according to the inclusion criteria. Thirteen studies (6 nested case-control, 1 case-cohort and 6 case-control) were selected for this meta-analysis. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate the relationship between OCPs exposure and NHL risk. The summary OR for included studies was 1.40 (95% CI 1.27 to 1.56). No overall significant heterogeneity in the OR was observed (Ph = 0.253, I2 = 12.6%). Furthermore, OR estimates in subgroup analyses were discussed and strong associations were observed for dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE, OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.66), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH, OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.87), chlordane (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.48) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB, OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.99). This meta-analysis had suggested that total OCPs of interest was significantly positively associated with NHL risk.
Mice with Dab1 or Vldlr insufficiency exhibit abnormal neonatal vocalization patterns
Authors: Fraley E. R. , Burkett Z. D. , Day N. F. , Schwartz B. A. , Phelps P. E. , White S. A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGenetic and epigenetic changes in components of the Reelin-signaling pathway (RELN, DAB1) are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. Social communication deficits are a key component of the ASD diagnostic criteria, but the underlying neurogenetic mechanisms remain unknown. Reln insufficient mice exhibit ASD-like behavioral phenotypes including altered neonatal vocalization patterns. Reelin affects multiple pathways including through the receptors, Very low-density lipoprotein receptor (Vldlr), Apolipoprotein receptor 2 (Apoer2) and intracellular signaling molecule Disabled-1 (Dab1). As Vldlr was previously implicated in avian vocalization, here we investigate vocalizations of neonatal mice with a reduction or absence of these components of the Reelin-signaling pathway. Mice with low or no Dab1 expression exhibited reduced calling rates, altered call-type usage and differential vocal development trajectories. Mice lacking Vldlr expression also had altered call repertoires and this effect was exacerbated by deficiency in Apoer2. Together with previous findings, these observations 1) solidify a role for Reelin in vocal communication of multiple species, 2) point to the canonical Reelin-signaling pathway as critical for development of normal neonatal calling patterns in mice and 3) suggest that mutants in this pathway could be used as murine models for Reelin-associated vocal deficits in humans.