bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public transit service operation strategy under indifference thresholds‐based bi‐modal equilibrium
Authors: Wang Wei (Walker) , Wang David Z. W. , Sun Huijun , Wu Jianjun 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThis paper investigates public transit service (fare and frequency) operation strategies in a bi‐modal network with assumption of indifference thresholds‐based travelers' mode choice behavior. Under such behavior, users would switch to a new mode only if its utility is larger than the utility of current mode plus a threshold. The concept of indifference thresholds‐based bi‐modal equilibrium (ITBE) and the properties of the ITBE solution are explicitly proposed. Considering transit operator's different economic objectives (profit‐maximizing, no‐deficit and total system cost‐minimizing), the effect of indifference thresholds on transit fare and frequency schemes is studied. Some numerical experiments are accompanied to verify the theoretical results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymeric nanoparticle‐based delivery of TRAIL DNA for cancer‐specific killing
Authors: Tzeng Stephany Y. , Wilson David R. , Hansen Sarah K. , Quiñones‐Hinojosa Alfredo , Green Jordan J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractLack of specificity in cancer therapeutics severely limits the efficacy of many existing treatment modalities. The use of Tumor Necrosis Factor‐related Apoptosis‐Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) is of interest to the field due to this protein's ability to cause cell death specifically in cancer cells without harming the surrounding healthy tissue. Here, we report that polymeric nanoparticles, based on synthetic poly(beta‐amino ester)s (PBAEs) and containing DNA, are able to selectively transfect cancer cells in vitro over healthy cells of the same tissue type. Moreover, PBAE‐based nanoparticles containing TRAIL DNA are able to transfect several human cancer cell cultures in vitro and cause cell death. While certain cell types, including human glioblastoma (GBM), showed resistance to TRAIL, we found that the expression of TRAIL‐binding surface proteins was predictive of each cell type's resistance to TRAIL therapy. We demonstrate a non‐viral nanomedicine approach to cancer gene therapy that can improve cancer specificity via both biomaterial selection and through the use of cancer‐targeting genetic cargo.
Mixed Polymer‐Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles as Forward Osmosis Draw Agents of Tuned Hydrophilicity
Authors: Dey Priyanka , Izake Emad L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe recently reported a polymer‐coated magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) draw agent for the forward osmosis (FO) water desalination process. The water flux was found to increase when the polymer poly(sodium acrylate) (PSA) was anchored to the MNP surface as compared to the polymer (or polyelectrolyte solution) alone, due to the polymer chains being stretched out and most of the hydrophilic groups on the polymer contributing to water flux. We herein report the use of a secondary polymer poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) PNIPAM to manipulate the PSA polymer conformation and influence inter‐ and intrachain interactions to enhance the efficiency of the FO draw agent. These PSA–PNIPAM‐coated MNPs generated a much higher water flux of ∼11.66 LMH when compared to the 100 % PSA‐coated MNPs featuring a value of ∼5.32 LMH under identical FO conditions. The osmotic pressure and water flux driven by the mixed polymer‐coated MNPs were found to be a strong function of the net polymer coverage on MNPs, that is, net available hydrophilic groups. Our new draw agent demonstrates potential for use in the water industry due to its improved efficiency and cost effectiveness as it uses only ∼0.062 % (w/v) of the draw agent solution.
Peracetic Acid Depolymerization of Biorefinery Lignin for Production of Selective Monomeric Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Ma Ruoshui , Guo Mond , Lin Kuan‐ting , Hebert Vincent R. , Zhang Jinwen , Wolcott Michael P. , Quintero Melissa , Ramasamy Karthikeyan K. , Chen Xiaowen , Zhang Xiao 
Published: July 2016

AbstractLignin is the largest source of renewable material with an aromatic skeleton. However, due to the recalcitrant and heterogeneous nature of the lignin polymer, it has been a challenge to effectively depolymerize lignin and produce high‐value chemicals with high selectivity. In this study, a highly efficient lignin‐to‐monomeric phenolic compounds (MPC) conversion method based on peracetic acid (PAA) treatment was reported. PAA treatment of two biorefinery lignin samples, diluted acid pretreated corn stover lignin (DACSL) and steam exploded spruce lignin (SESPL), led to complete solubilization and production of selective hydroxylated monomeric phenolic compounds (MPC‐H) and monomeric phenolic acid compounds (MPC‐A) including 4‐hydroxy‐2‐methoxyphenol, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid. The maximized MPC yields obtained were 18 and 22 % based on the initial weight of the lignin in SESPL and DACSL, respectively. However, we found that the addition of niobium pentoxide catalyst to PAA treatment of lignin can significantly improve the MPC yields up to 47 %. The key reaction steps and main mechanisms involved in this new lignin‐to‐MPC valorization pathway were investigated and elucidated.
Detailed Investigation of the Immunodominant Role of O‐Antigen Stoichiometric O‐Acetylation as Revealed by Chemical Synthesis, Immunochemistry, Solution Conformation and STD‐NMR Spectroscopy for Shigella flexneri 3a
Authors: Boutet Julien , Blasco Pilar , Guerreiro Catherine , Thouron Françoise , Dartevelle Sylvie , Nato Farida , Cañada F. Javier , Ardá Ana , Phalipon Armelle , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús , Mulard Laurence A. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractShigella flexneri 3a causes bacillary dysentery. Its O‐antigen has the {2)‐[α‐d‐Glcp‐(1→3)]‐α‐l‐Rhap‐(1→2)‐α‐l‐Rhap‐(1→3)‐[Ac→2]‐α‐l‐Rhap‐(1→3)‐[Ac→6]≈40 %‐β‐d‐GlcpNAc‐(1→} ([(E)ABAcCAcD]) repeating unit, and the non‐O‐acetylated equivalent defines S. flexneri X. Propyl hepta‐, octa‐, and decasaccharides sharing the (E′)A′BAcCD(E)A sequence, and their non‐O‐acetylated analogues were synthesized from a fully protected BAcCD(E)A allyl glycoside. The stepwise introduction of orthogonally protected mono‐ and disaccharide imidate donors was followed by a two‐step deprotection process. Monoclonal antibody binding to twenty‐six S. flexneri types 3a and X di‐ to decasaccharides was studied by an inhibition enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and STD‐NMR spectroscopy. Epitope mapping revealed that the 2C‐acetate dominated the recognition by monoclonal IgG and IgM antibodies and that the BAcCD segment was essential for binding. The glucosyl side chain contributed to a lesser extent, albeit increasingly with the chain length. Moreover, tr‐NOESY analysis also showed interaction but did not reveal any meaningful conformational change upon antibody binding.
Highly Efficient Triplet Photosensitizers: A Systematic Approach to the Application of IrIII Complexes containing Extended Phenanthrolines
Authors: Lu Yue , McGoldrick Niamh , Murphy Frances , Twamley Brendan , Cui Xiaoneng , Delaney Colm , Máille Gearóid M. Ó , Wang Junsi , Zhao Jianzhang , Draper Sylvia M. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA series of IrIII complexes, based on 1,10‐phenanthroline featuring aryl acetylene chromophores, were prepared and investigated as triplet photosensitizers. The complexes were synthesized by Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions using a “chemistry‐on‐the‐complex” method. The absorption properties and luminescence lifetimes were successfully tuned by controlling the number and type of light‐harvesting group. Intense UV/Vis absorption was observed for the IrIII complexes with two light‐harvesting groups at the 3‐ and 8‐positions of the phenanthroline. The asymmetric IrIII complex (with a triphenylamine (TPA) and a pyrene moiety attached) exhibited the longest lifetime. Red emission was observed for all the complexes in deaerated solutions at room temperature. Their emission at low temperature (77 K) and nanosecond time‐resolved transient difference absorption spectra revealed the origin of their triplet excited states. The singlet‐oxygen (1O2) sensitization and triplet‐triplet annihilation (TTA)‐based upconversion were explored. Highly efficient TTA upconversion (ΦUC=28.1 %) and 1O2 sensitization (ΦΔ=97.0 %) were achieved for the asymmetric IrIII complex, which showed intense absorption in the visible region (λabs=482 nm, ϵ=50900 m−1 cm−1) and had a long‐lived triplet excited state (53.3 μs at RT).
Isolation, Stereochemical Study, and Antioxidant Activity of Benzofuranone Derivatives from a Mangrove‐derived Fungus Eurotium rubrum MA‐150
Authors: Meng Ling‐Hong , Mándi Attila , Li Xiao‐Ming , Liu Yang , Kurtán Tibor , Wang Bin‐Gui 
Published: July 2016

AbstractEnantiomers of a 2‐benzofuran‐1(3H)‐one derivative [(–)‐1 and (+)‐1] and four known analogs (2, 3, 4, 5) were isolated and identified from the culture extract of Eurotium rubrum MA–150, a fungus obtained from the mangrove‐derived rizospheric soil. Their structures were established by detailed interpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data and the structure of (±)‐1 was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The absolute configuration of the enantiomers (–)‐1 and (+)‐1 was determined by means of online high‐performance liquid chromatography – electronic circular dichroism (HPLC‐ECD) measurements and time‐dependent Density Functional Theory – electronic circular dichroism (TDDFT‐ECD) calculations. Compounds (±)‐1 as well as 2 and 3 exhibited potent DPPH radical scavenging activities with IC50 values of 1.23, 2.26, and 3.99 μg/mL, respectively. Chirality 28:581–584, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variable selection for frailty transformation models with application to diabetic complications
Authors: Liu Xu , Song Xinyuan , Xie Shangyu , Zhou Yong 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis article focuses on variable selection in the context of gamma frailty transformation models for multivariate survival times. We propose a method based on a nonconcave penalty function to select relevant regression predictors and simultaneously estimate model parameters and nonparametric functions. Our procedure performs as well as the oracle one in which the true model is assumed to be known. We conduct simulation studies to demonstrate the performance of the proposed methodology. We apply our method to a case study based on the Hong Kong Diabetes Registry, and obtain new insights on the risk factors of cardiovascular–renal complications for type 2 diabetic patients.The Canadian Journal of Statistics44: 375–394; 2016 © 2016 Statistical Society of Canada
Visualization of Dust Particle Data with Plasma Simulation Results Using Virtual‐Reality System
Authors: Ohtani H. , Shoji M. , Ohno N. , Suzuki Y. , Ishiguro S. , Kageyama A. , Tamura Y. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe develop the environment in which the time‐sequence experimental data of three‐dimensional dust particle positions observed by the stereoscopic fast framing cameras is visualized in one virtual‐reality space with the results of the equilibrium plasma simulation in the vessel device data integrally using a virtual‐reality system. Since their three‐dimensional relative positions can be displayed, it is possible to analyze the three‐dimensional relationship between the dust trajectories, the magnetic‐field structure, and the devices in the vessel. It is confirmed that the observed dust particles are distributed in the periphery region. Most dusts move along the magnetic‐field line, but some particles move radially across the lines with sharply curved trajectories. The transport direction varies from place to place. This system promoted the viewers' understanding. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Model of Self‐similar Radiative Transfer in Resonance Lines for Testing the Edge Plasma Codes
Authors: Sdvizhenskii P. A. , Krasheninnikov S. I. , Kukushkin A. B. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractPossibilities of obtaining the analytical solutions of the one‐dimensional equation of radiative transfer in resonance atomic/ionic lines in the Biberman‐Holstein model for testing the edge plasma codes are investigated. It is shown that for some types of similarity of spatial profiles of three characteristics, namely, background plasma density, line shape width and non‐radiation source of atomic excitation, the profile of excited atoms density may be described analytically in terms of the similarity of the above‐mentioned profiles. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Simulation Analysis of Carbon Deposition Profile in the Closed Helical Divertor Configuration in the Large Helical Device
Authors: Shoji M. , Kawamura G. , Tanaka H. , Watanabe I. , Kobayashi M. , Tokitani M. , Masuzaki S. , LHD Experiment Group  
Published: July 2016

AbstractRecent long pulse plasma discharges in the Large Helical Device have been interrupted by radiation collapse induced by large amounts of dusts released from a closed divertor region. Traces of exfoliation of carbon‐rich mixed material deposition layers were found in the divertor region after the experimental campaigns, indicating that the thickly accumulated deposited layers were exfoliated and broken into dusts. Simulation of the density profiles of carbon deposition in the divertor region by EMC3‐EIRENE reasonably explains the observation of the exfoliation of the deposition layers. It shows that the positions of the exfoliated layers correspond to the area where the density of the carbon deposition is high. It also proves that change of the configuration of target plates in the closed divertor is effective for controlling the accumulation of the carbon deposition, and carbon atoms released from the new target plates does not influence the main plasma confinement region. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of Classical and Neo‐classical Cross‐field Transport of Tungsten Impurity in Realistic Tokamak Geometry
Authors: Yamoto S. , Homma Y. , Inoue H. , Sawada Y. , Hoshino K. , Hatayama A. , Bonnin X. , Coster D. , Schneider R. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe initial simulation study of the neoclassical perpendicular self‐diffusion transport in the SOL/Divertor regions for a realistic tokamak geometry with the IMPGYRO code has been performed in this paper. One of the most unique features of the IMPGYRO code is calculating exact Larmor orbit of the test particle instead of assuming guiding center approximation. Therefore, effects of the magnetic drifts in realistic tokamaks are naturally taken into account in the IMPGYRO code. This feature makes it possible to calculate neoclassical transport processes, which possibly become large in the SOL/divertor plasma. Indeed, neoclassical self‐diffusion process, the resultant effect of the combination of magnetic drift and Coulomb collisions with background ions, has already been included in the IMPGYRO model. In the present paper, prior to implementing the detailed model of neoclassical transport process into IMPGYRO, we have investigated the effect of neoclassical selfdiffusion in a realistic tokamak geometry with lower single null X‐point. We also use a model with guiding center approximation in order to compare with the IMPGYRO full orbit model. The preliminary calculation results of each model have shown differences in the perpendicular average velocity of impurity ions at the top region of the SOL. The mechanism which leads to the difference has been discussed. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Maternal separation increases later immobility during forced swim in guinea pig pups: evidence for sensitization of a depressive‐like state
Authors: Hennessy Michael B. , Schreibeis Amanda D. , Schiml Patricia A. , Deak Terrence 
Published: July 2016

AbstractEarly‐life stress is thought to increase later vulnerability for developing depressive illness by sensitizing underlying stress‐responsive systems. Guinea pig pups separated from their mother and isolated in a novel cage for 3 hr exhibit a sensitized depressive‐like behavioral response when separated again the following day as well as weeks later. The behavioral response and its sensitization appear to be mediated by inflammatory factors. To determine if this sensitization is specific to the separation response or if it reflects a broader underlying depressive‐like state, guinea pig pups that had either been separated for 3 hr or remained with their mothers were observed in the forced swim test the following 3 days. Earlier separation was found to increase the duration of immobility, a measure sensitive to antidepressant treatment. These results support the use of the guinea pig as a model for examining mechanisms of inflammatory‐mediated sensitization of depression following stress in early life.
Enhanced oral bioavailability of quercetin by a new non‐aqueous self‐double‐emulsifying drug delivery system
Authors: Wang Qiang , Hu Caibiao , Qian Airui , Liu Tian , Zhang Hong , Zhang Yali , Xia Qiang 
Published: July 2016

The present study investigated a new non‐aqueous self‐double‐emulsifying drug delivery system (SDEDDS) to enhance oral bioavailability of quercetin (QT), a drug with poor water solubility. The new formulation was prepared using a modified two‐step method and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The optimized formulation consisted of oil‐in‐oil emulsions and hydrophilic surfactant that could spontaneously emulsify to oil‐in‐oil‐in‐water (O/O/W) double emulsions in the mixed aqueous gastrointestinal environment, with drugs mainly encapsulated in the inner oil phase of the double emulsions. Furthermore, the non‐aqueous QT‐SDEDDS exhibited sustained release of quercetin under conditions mimicking gastrointestinal tract, and gave significantly higher AUC and Cmax than did quercetin control suspension (p < 0.05). In particular, the AUC of the non‐aqueous QT‐SEDDS was about 5.22‐fold higher than that of drug control suspension, with an absolute bioavailability of 26.67%. The obtained results demonstrated that SDEDDS was successfully developed and could be a promising technique for improving the oral bioavailability of quercetin with low solubility.Practical applications:Conventional SDEDDS is mainly designed to encapsulate, protect, and release hydrophilic bioactive components. Hence, the new non‐aqueous SDEDDS could as a drug delivery system to encapsulate hydrophobic drug with low oral bioavailability. Pharmacokinetic studies have displayed increased relative bioavailability (more than fivefold) of QT‐SDEDDS compared to quercetin suspension in rats after oral administration, with an absolute bioavailability of 26.67%. The new formulation was prepared using a modified two‐step method, which is widespread and easy to handle. Furthermore, the used excipients are considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for addition to food and/or drug products. Regard to industrial production aspects, the non‐aqueous SDEDDS have the chance to be exploited as drug delivery system in commercial products. Hence, the non‐aqueous SDEDDS could be applicable delivery system for hydrophobic compounds with low oral bioavailability.(i) The new non‐aqueous QT‐SDEDDS could spontaneously emulsify to oil‐in‐oil‐in‐water (O/O/W) double emulsions upon mild agitation by dilution in aqueous media; and (ii) after oral administration in rats, the non‐aqueous SDEDDS displayed an absolute bioavailability of 26.67%, which was 5.22 times higher than that of quercetin control suspension.
Effects of seismic isolation on the seismic response of a California high‐speed rail prototype bridge with soil‐structure and track‐structure interactions
Authors: Li Yong , Conte Joel P. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryWith the launch of the high‐speed train project in California, the seismic risk is a crucial concern to the stakeholders. To investigate the seismic behavior of future California High‐Speed Rail (CHSR) bridge structures, a 3D nonlinear finite‐element model of a CHSR prototype bridge is developed. Soil‐structure and track‐structure interactions are accounted for in this comprehensive numerical model used to simulate the seismic response of the bridge and track system. This paper focuses on examining potential benefits and possible drawbacks of the a priori promising application of seismic isolation in CHSR bridges. Nonlinear time history analyses are performed for this prototype bridge subjected to two bidirectional horizontal historical earthquake ground motions each scaled to two different seismic hazard levels. The effect of seismic isolation on the seismic performance of the bridge is investigated through a detailed comparison of the seismic response of the bridge with and without seismic isolation. It is found that seismic isolation significantly reduces the deck acceleration and the force demand in the bridge substructure (i.e., piers and foundations), especially for high‐intensity earthquakes. However, seismic isolation increases the deck displacement (relative to the pile cap) and the stresses in the rails. These findings imply that seismic isolation can be promisingly applied to CHSR bridges with due consideration of balancing its beneficial and detrimental effects through using appropriate isolators design. The optimum seismic isolator properties can be sought by solving a performance‐based optimum seismic design problem using the nonlinear finite‐element model presented herein. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unrelated Future Costs and Unrelated Future Benefits: Reflections on NICE Guide to the Methods of Technology Appraisal
Authors: Morton Alec , Adler Amanda I. , Bell David , Briggs Andrew , Brouwer Werner , Claxton Karl , Craig Neil , Fischer Alastair , McGregor Peter , van Baal Pieter 
Published: July 2016

SummaryIn this editorial, we consider the vexing issue of ‘unrelated future costs’ (for example, the costs of caring for people with dementia or kidney failure after preventing their deaths from a heart attack). The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance isnotto take such costs into account in technology appraisals. However, standard appraisal practice involves modelling the benefits of those unrelated technologies. We argue that there is a sound principled reason for including both the costs and benefits of unrelated care. Changing this practice would have material consequences for decisions about reimbursing particular technologies, and we urge future research to understand this better. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laryngotracheal reconstruction with a prefabricated fasciocutaneous free flap for recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Olivia T. , Tamaki Akina , Rezaee Rod P. , Zender Chad A. 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundPrefabricated composite free flaps have been described as a technique for reconstruction of laryngotracheal defects.MethodsWe present a 74‐year‐old woman with recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who was initially treated with thyroidectomy, tracheal resection, and subsequent vocal cord medialization. The patient's recurrent disease was treated with partial laryngectomy and reconstruction using a prefabricated composite free flap. A 2‐stage procedure was performed using conchal cartilage to create a prefabricated radial forearm free flap.ResultsThe patient's airway was successfully reconstructed with preservation of speech and swallow function.ConclusionThis case provides further evidence supporting the use of prefabricated free flaps in airway reconstruction and the ability to obtain successful outcomes in a patient with multiple prior surgeries in the operative field and requiring adjuvant external beam radiation therapy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2512–E2514, 2016