bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functionalizing titanium surface with PAMAM dendrimer and human BMP2 gene via layer‐by‐layer assembly for enhanced osteogenesis
Authors: Chen Weizhen , Li Wen , Xu Kui , Li Menghuan , Dai Liangliang , Shen Xinkun , Hu Yan , Cai Kaiyong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe study reports on the gene functionalization of titanium substrates with multilayered functional human BMP2 (hBMP2) gene plasmid and its effects on osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo. The multilayers comprising cationic poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer/EGFP‐hBMP2 plasmid DNA complex (d‐DNA) and anionic naked plasmid were deposited on titanium substrates via layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly technique, which was revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), water contact angle measurement, and release profiles. The expression of marker gene EGFP and functional gene hBMP2 were observed in osteoblasts. The assays of alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen secretion, ECM mineralization, and osteogenesis‐related genes expression indicated that the multilayered structure improved the osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Moreover, the femur and subcutaneous transplantation of multilayered titanium implants were also investigated to reveal osteogenesis peri‐implant by using histological examination and X‐ray imaging. The in vivo histologic results showed that the BMP2 group (containing functional gene hBMP2) resulted in improved osteogenic proteins expression in subcutaneous and femur tissue, as well as high level of bone formation and % bone‐implant contact (%BIC) peri‐implant. The study offers an effective dendrimer and hBMP2 based strategy for surface functionalization of titanium implants in potential orthopedic applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 706–717, 2018.
An alternating direction method of multipliers for the solution of matrix equations arising in inverse problems
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Nagy James G. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryIn this paper, we consider an efficient approach to solve a linear ill‐posed inverse problem
with total variation regularization, where
has a Kronecker product structure,
. A numerical scheme is developed by using a variable splitting technique and directly exploiting the Kronecker structure of the problem. Experimental results on image restoration applications illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Simple and economical CALB/polyethylene/aluminum biocatalyst for fatty acid esterification
Authors: Cavallaro Valeria , Ercoli Daniel Ricardo , Tonetto Gabriela Marta , Ferreira María Luján 
Published: October 2017

Candida antarctica lipase B was immobilized for the first time (at the author's knowledge) onto linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) films. Polymer films were previously bonded to a commercial aluminum sheet using a simple support preparation method. Biocatalyst performance was evaluated in penthyl oleate synthesis at room temperature. Two different catalyst geometries were tested and compared: one aluminum‐polyethylene 50 mm × 50 mm foil (50CAT) or near 5 mm × 5 mm aluminum‐polyethylene foils (5CAT). The obtained results demonstrate that the biocatalyst obtained with 50 mm × 50 mm aluminum‐polyethylene foil or 50CAT is reusable in up to 7 cycles, easy to separate from reaction products, and economical in comparison with commercial Novozym 435. Novel and economical CALB/LLDPE/Al biocatalyst is an attractive alternative for possible applications in a continuous monolithic reactor and future industrial scaling up.
Composite poly(ethylene carbonate) electrolytes with electrospun silica nanofibers
Authors: Li Zhenguang , Matsumoto Hidetoshi , Tominaga Yoichi 
Published: October 2017

We prepared a ternary composite polymer electrolyte from poly(ethylene carbonate) (PEC), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) and non‐calcined silica nanofibers (SNFs) having 3 average diameters (300, 700, and 1000 nm). The SNF composite electrolytes were obtained as homogeneous, self‐standing membranes. The ionic conductivity of PEC/LiTFSI 100 mol% was increased by the addition of SNFs, and the thinner SNFs with average diameter 300 nm were most effective in improving the conductivity. The conductivity was of the order of 10−4 S/cm at 60°C. The lithium transference number of the SNF300 composite was greater than 0.7. Stress‐strain curves of the composites indicated significant increases in Young's modulus and maximum stress for the PEC electrolytes. The 5% weight‐loss temperature of the composites also improved with the addition of SNF.
Sound absorption behavior of flexible polyurethane foams including high molecular‐weight copolymer polyol
Authors: Sung Giwook , Kim Jin Seok , Kim Jung Hyeun 
Published: October 2017

Noise pollution is an important issue for automotive industries. In this article, the high molecular‐weight copolymer polyol is blended in the polyol mixtures for fabricating flexible polyurethane foams to improve sound absorption efficiency. Changes of cavity size and material density of the foams are negligible by inclusion of copolymer polyol in the polyol mixture, but the closed pore ratio and specific airflow resistance increase for the copolymer polyol content higher than 20 wt% because of changes of phase separation behavior from drainage flow rate reduction that occurs with increased viscosity. Sound absorption efficiency increases with increasing copolymer polyol content up to 20 wt%, but it decreases beyond this point. The sound absorption property mainly results from the closed pore ratio, not from the cavity size. The compression strength increases with increasing copolymer polyol contents by increased amount of hard segments. Therefore, an optimum amount of high molecular‐weight polyol is recommended for enhanced sound absorption property.
Dissociation of nNOS from PSD‐95 promotes functional recovery after cerebral ischaemia in mice through reducing excessive tonic GABA release from reactive astrocytes
Authors: Lin Yu‐Hui , Liang Hai‐Ying , Xu Ke , Ni Huan‐Yu , Dong Jian , Xiao Hui , Chang Lei , Wu Hai‐Yin , Li Fei , Zhu Dong‐Ya , Luo Chun‐Xia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMechanisms underlying functional recovery after stroke are little known, and effective drug intervention during the delayed stage is desirable. One potential drug target, the protein–protein interaction between neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD‐95), is critical to acute ischaemic damage and neurogenesis. We show that nNOS–PSD‐95 dissociation induced by microinjection of a recombinant fusion protein, Tat‐nNOS‐N1–133, or systemic administration of a small‐molecule, ZL006, from day 4 to day 10 after photothrombotic ischaemia in mice reduced excessive tonic inhibition in the peri‐infarct cortex and ameliorated motor functional outcome. We also demonstrated improved neuroplasticity including increased dendrite spine density and synaptogenesis after reducing excessive tonic inhibition by nNOS–PSD‐95 dissociation. Levels of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABA transporter‐3/4 (GAT‐3/4) are increased in the reactive astrocytes in the peri‐infarct cortex. The GAT‐3/4‐selective antagonist SNAP‐5114 reduced tonic inhibition and promoted function recovery, suggesting that increased tonic inhibition in the peri‐infarct cortex was due to GABA release from reversed GAT‐3/4 in reactive astrocytes. Treatments with Tat‐nNOS‐N1–133 or ZL006 after ischaemia inhibited astrocyte activation and GABA production, prevented the reversal of GAT‐3/4, and consequently decreased excessive tonic inhibition and ameliorated functional outcome. The underlying molecular mechanisms were associated with epigenetic inhibition of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 and monoamine oxidase B expression through reduced NO production. The nNOS–PSD‐95 interaction is thus a potential target for functional restoration after stroke and ZL006, a small molecule inhibitor of this interaction, is a promising pharmacological lead compound. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revisiting the Ancylostoma Caninum Secretome Provides New Information on Hookworm–Host Interactions
Authors: Morante Taylor , Shepherd Catherine , Constantinoiu Constantin , Loukas Alex , Sotillo Javier 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHookworm infection is a major tropical parasitic disease affecting almost 500 million people worldwide. These soil‐transmitted helminths can survive for many years in the intestine of the host, where they feed on blood, causing iron deficiency anemia and other complications. These parasites release a variety of molecules known as excretory/secretory products (ESPs) that are involved in many different biological processes that govern parasite survival. Using a combination of separation techniques such as SDS‐PAGE and OFFGEL electrophoresis, in combination with state‐of‐the‐art mass spectrometry we have reanalyzed the dog hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum, ESPs (AcESP). We identified 315 proteins present in the AcESP, compared with just 105 identified in previous studies. The most highly represented family of proteins is the SCP/TAPs (110 of the 315 proteins), and the most abundant constituents of AcESP are homologues of the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMP) family. Interestingly, we identified new homologs of well‐known vaccine candidates and immunomodulatory proteins. This study provides novel information about the proteins secreted by A. caninum, and constitutes a comprehensive dataset to study the proteins involved in host–hookworm interactions.
Crystal structure of the human dual specificity phosphatase 1 catalytic domain
Authors: Gumpena Rajesh , Lountos George T. , Raran‐Kurussi Sreejith , Tropea Joseph E. , Cherry Scott , Waugh David S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe dual specificity phosphatase DUSP1 was the first mitogen activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP) to be identified. It dephosphorylates conserved tyrosine and threonine residues in the activation loops of mitogen activated protein kinases ERK2, JNK1 and p38‐alpha. Here, we report the crystal structure of the human DUSP1 catalytic domain at 2.49 Å resolution. Uniquely, the protein was crystallized as an MBP fusion protein in complex with a monobody that binds to MBP. Sulfate ions occupy the phosphotyrosine and putative phosphothreonine binding sites in the DUSP1 catalytic domain.
Herbicide discovery in light of rapidly spreading resistance and ever‐increasing regulatory hurdles
Authors: Peters Bodo , Strek Harry J 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAccording to the United Nations, the global population is expected to grow to almost 10 billion people in 2050. This means that the demand for food, feed and fiber will double while at the same time, agriculture is being challenged by a scarcity of water, global warming, less land available for farming, protection of natural habitats, a demand for biodiversity on farms and other factors. In addition, crop protection products are under pressure from rapidly spreading resistance and increasing regulatory requirements. Many regulatory bodies are also moving away from a risk assessment approach to a more hazard‐based approach to grant registrations. Nevertheless, chemical crop protection compounds remain attractive and necessary to combat pests, particularly weeds. Industry has increased its efforts to find new molecules that are highly biologically effective on target species, including resistant populations, but safe for non‐target organisms. To manage resistance in the future, a diverse toolbox is needed that includes herbicides with a variety of different chemistries and modes of action, combined with non‐chemical measures in integrated systems. However, discovering a herbicide and getting it registered and to the market is an extremely complex endeavor full of risk, much of it incalculable. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Detecting changes in location using distribution‐free control charts with big data
Authors: Sparks R. , Chakraborti S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper proposes a simple distribution‐free control chart for monitoring shifts in location when the process distribution is continuous but unknown. In particular, we are concerned with big data applications where there are sufficient in‐control data that can be used to specify certain quantiles of interest which, in turn, are used to assess whether the new, incoming data to be monitored are in control. The distribution‐free chart is shown to lose very little power against the Shewhart charts designed for normally distributed data. The proposed charts offer a practical and robust alternative to the classical Shewhart charts which assume normality, particularly when monitoring quantiles and the data distribution is skewed. The effect of the size of the reference sample is examined on the assumption that the quantiles are known. Conclusions and recommendations are offered.
General concepts, assumptions, drawbacks, and misuses in kinetic Monte Carlo and microkinetic modeling simulations applied to computational heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Prats Hèctor , Illas Francesc , Sayós Ramón 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn the present article, we survey two common approaches widely used to study the kinetics of heterogeneous catalytic reactions. These are kinetic Monte Carlo simulations and microkinetic modeling. We discuss typical assumptions, advantages, drawbacks, and differences of these two methodologies. We also illustrate some wrong concepts and inaccurate procedures used too often in this kind of kinetics studies. Thus, several issues as for instance minimum energy diagrams, diffusion processes, lateral interactions, or the accuracy of the reaction rates are discussed. Some own examples mainly based on water gas shift reaction over Cu(111) and Cu(321) surfaces are chosen to explain the different developed topics on the kinetics of heterogeneous catalytic reactions.
How effective are reducing plasma afterglows at atmospheric pressure in removing sulphide layers: Application on tarnished silver, sterling silver and copper
Authors: Schalm Olivier , Storme Patrick , Gambirasi Arianna , Favaro Monica , Patelli Alessandro 
Published: October 2017

A plasma afterglow from a gas mixture of 5 vol% H2in He is able to remove tarnish layers on pure silver in a matter of seconds. This dry, localized, and noncontact cleaning technique is a promising method to clean historical objects where silver is combined with organic materials and where traditional cleaning techniques are not recommended. However, historical objects are often manufactured with silver alloys but somehow their tarnish layers are removed less effectively with plasma treatments. To understand the different impact of the afterglow, the surfaces of corroded silver, sterling silver, and copper coupons are characterized before and after plasma treatment by a multianalytical approach combing optical and confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive X‐ray analysis and chronopotentiometry. The analyses demonstrate that the few hundred nanometre‐thick tarnish layer on pure silver is transformed through the whole thickness resulting in a porous metallic film. On top of that metallic film, some isolated remnant Ag2S particles are found. For sterling silver, a yellowing of the surface occurs. The Ag‐rich corrosion products are reduced to a large extent, while the Cu‐rich corrosion products are only partially reduced. For corroded copper, no apparent visual change is observed at a macroscopic scale, although the morphology of the surface changed. The results allow an evaluation of the cleaning efficiency and provide a deeper understanding of hydrogen plasma effects on the transformation of sulphide corrosion layers at atmospheric pressure.
Analysis of polymer parts: buried problems
Authors: Walzak Mary Jane , Bloomfield Heather 
Published: October 2017

The analysis of manufactured parts for the source of defects is challenging as these defects are often buried below the surface. An example of this type of problem is a defect that occurs in a molded and multilayered painted part.The automotive industry continues to increase the amount of plastics used in their vehicles in order to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiencies. The polymers are usually specified based on their mechanical properties as it is these properties that will dictate the effectiveness of the polymer in replacing a metal part. The paintability of the surface is often a secondary consideration.The polymer alloy of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene is used in some interior and exterior car components. This polymer alloy has a number of mechanical properties that make it attractive for use in automotive parts, however, variations in its domain structure can have an effect on its properties. The process of identifying the root cause of a defect occurring on a painted molded polycarbonate/acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene part will be examined. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Basic Surgical Skills Course in Sub‐Saharan Africa: An Observational Study of Effectiveness
Authors: Fergusson Stuart J. , Sedgwick David M. , Ntakiyiruta Georges , Ntirenganya Faustin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) course is a common component of postgraduate surgical training programmes in sub‐Saharan Africa, but was originally designed in a UK context, and its efficacy and relevance have not been formally assessed in Africa.MethodsAn observational study was carried out during a BSS course delivered to early‐stage surgical trainees from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Technical skill in a basic wound closure task was assessed in a formal Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSAT) before and after course completion. Participants completed a pre‐course questionnaire documenting existing surgical experience and self‐perceived confidence levels in surgical skills which were to be taught during the course. Participants repeated confidence ratings and completed course evaluation following course delivery.ResultsA cohort of 17 participants had completed a pre‐course median of 150 Caesarean sections as primary operator. Performance on the OSAT improved from a mean of 10.5/17 pre‐course to 14.2/17 post‐course (mean of paired differences 3.7, p < 0.001). Improvements were seen in 15/17 components of wound closure. Pre‐course, only 47% of candidates were forming hand‐tied knots correctly and 38% were appropriately crossing hands with each throw, improving to 88 and 76%, respectively, following the course (p = 0.01 for both components). Confidence levels improved significantly in all technical skills taught, and the course was assessed as highly relevant by trainees.ConclusionThe Basic Surgical Skills course is effective in improving the basic surgical technique of surgical trainees from sub‐Saharan Africa and their confidence in key technical skills.
Less is More: The Impact of Multidisciplinary Thyroid Conference on the Treatment of Well‐Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Moore Maureen D. , Postma Emily , Gray Katherine D. , Ullmann Timothy M. , Hurley James R. , Goldsmith Stanley , Sobel Vivian R. , Schulman Aaron , Scognamiglio Theresa , Christos Paul J. , Hassett Erin , Luick Jessica , Whitehall Dana , Zarnegar Rasa , Fahey Thomas J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn 2006, a multidisciplinary thyroid conference (MDTC) was implemented to better plan management of thyroid cancer patients at our institution. This study assessed the clinical impact of a MDTC on radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment patterns.MethodsA prospective database (2003–2014) collected patient and tumor characteristics, RAI doses, and tumor recurrences. Patients treated with total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma ≥1 cm were stratified based on American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk classification. RAI regimens were compared before initiation of MDTC (2003–2005, n = 88), after establishment of MDTC (2007–2009, n = 95), and after the release of 2009 ATA guidelines (2011–2014, n = 181). RAI doses were defined as low (≤75 mCi), intermediate (76–150 mCi), and high (>150 mCi).ResultsThere was a significant decrease in the number of patients who received high‐dose RAI after implementation of MDTC compared to before initiation of MDTC in the intermediate and high‐risk patient groups (p = 0.04 and p < 0.01) without an associated increase in tumor recurrence (11 vs. 7%, p = 0.74). On multivariable analysis, presentation of a patient at MDTC was a negative predictor for receiving high‐dose RAI (p = 0.002). As might be expected, there was also a significant decrease in use of RAI after the 2009 ATA guidelines were issued compared to after implementation of MDTC (p < 0.01).ConclusionIn conjunction with implementation of a thyroid malignancy multidisciplinary conference, we observed significantly decreased postoperative dosing of RAI without increased tumor recurrence. The 2009 ATA guidelines were associated with a further decrease in RAI administration. Treatment for patients with thyroid carcinoma is optimized by a multidisciplinary approach.
Spatially explicit dynamic N‐mixture models
Authors: Zhao Qing , Royle J. Andrew , Boomer G. Scott 
Published: October 2017

AbstractKnowledge of demographic parameters such as survival, reproduction, emigration, and immigration is essential to understand metapopulation dynamics. Traditionally the estimation of these demographic parameters requires intensive data from marked animals. The development of dynamic N‐mixture models makes it possible to estimate demographic parameters from count data of unmarked animals, but the original dynamic N‐mixture model does not distinguish emigration and immigration from survival and reproduction, limiting its ability to explain important metapopulation processes such as movement among local populations. In this study we developed a spatially explicit dynamic N‐mixture model that estimates survival, reproduction, emigration, local population size, and detection probability from count data under the assumption that movement only occurs among adjacent habitat patches. Simulation studies showed that the inference of our model depends on detection probability, local population size, and the implementation of robust sampling design. Our model provides reliable estimates of survival, reproduction, and emigration when detection probability is high, regardless of local population size or the type of sampling design. When detection probability is low, however, our model only provides reliable estimates of survival, reproduction, and emigration when local population size is moderate to high and robust sampling design is used. A sensitivity analysis showed that our model is robust against the violation of the assumption that movement only occurs among adjacent habitat patches, suggesting wide applications of this model. Our model can be used to improve our understanding of metapopulation dynamics based on count data that are relatively easy to collect in many systems.