bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ag‐nanocomposite based on carboxymethylcellulose for humidity detection: Green synthesis and sensing performances
Authors: Marzouk Wiem , Sakly Nawfel , Roudesli Sadok , Ben Ouada Hafedh , Majdoub Hatem 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTA novel highly sensitive Ag‐nanocomposite for humidity detection has been successfully prepared. Initially, cellulose isolated from Tunisian palm date petiole was converted to carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as biomatrix under heterogeneous conditions. The synthesized product was thoroughly characterized by means of FT‐IR spectroscopy, viscosity analysis, and high performance size exclusion chromatography multiangle laser light scattering. CMC was used as reducing and stabilizing agent to prepare CMC‐stabilized silver nanoparticles via a rapid green method. The bioreduction of silver ions under different experimental conditions, including Ag+ concentration and pH, was investigated. Optimal experimental conditions provided a long‐term stable colloidal suspension and well‐dispersed spherical shape Ag NPs with a size ranging from 13 to 28 nm. Ag‐nanocomposite coated quartz microbalance crystal was used as sensitive layer for humidity detection. A comparative study showed that the immobilized metallic nanostructures greatly reduced changes in visco‐elastic properties, increased surface area as well as surface local charge density of the CMC. Consequently, sensor performances were greatly enhanced: better stability even at higher relative humidity (RH), good reproducibility and linearity (11–98% RH), low hysteresis characteristics, and rapid response and recovery times (14 and 6 s, respectively) were obtained. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43686.
Checkpoints for Autoreactive B Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Lupus Patients Assessed by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Malkiel Susan , Jeganathan Venkatesh , Wolfson Stacey , Manjarrez Orduño Nataly , Marasco Emiliano , Aranow Cynthia , Mackay Meggan , Gregersen Peter K. , Diamond Betty 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveAntinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are diagnostic in several autoimmune disorders, yet the failure to achieve B cell tolerance in these diseases is still poorly understood. Although secreted ANAs detected by an indirect immunofluorescence assay are the gold standard for autoreactivity, there has been no convenient assay with which to measure the frequency of circulating B cells that recognize nuclear antigens (ANA+ B cells) in patients. The aim of this study was to generate an assay to easily identify these B cells and to examine its utility in a study of autoreactive B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsWe developed and validated a novel flow cytometry–based assay that identifies ANA+ B cells using biotinylated nuclear extracts, and utilized it to examine B cell tolerance checkpoints in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from SLE patients and healthy controls.ResultsWe observed progressive selection against ANA+ B cells as they matured from transitional to naive to CD27+IgD− and CD27+IgD+ memory cells in both healthy subjects and SLE patients; however, ANA+ naive B cells in SLE patients were not anergized to the same extent as in healthy individuals. We also showed that anergy induction is restored in SLE patients treated with belimumab, an inhibitor of BAFF.ConclusionThis assay will enable studies of large populations to identify potential genetic or environmental factors affecting B cell tolerance checkpoints in healthy subjects and patients with autoimmune disease and permit monitoring of the B cell response to therapeutic interventions.
Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of the Fullerene C60 Salt of Crystal Violet, (CV+)(C60.−)⋅0.5 C6H4Cl2, which Contained Closely Packed Zigzagged C60.− Chains
Authors: Konarev Dmitri V. , Kuzmin Alexey V. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Ishikawa Manabu , Otsuka Akihiro , Yamochi Hideki , Saito Gunzi , Lyubovskaya Rimma N. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe reduction of fullerene C60 by zinc dust in the presence of crystal violet cations (CV+) yielded a deep‐blue solution, from which crystals of (CV+)(C60.−)⋅0.5 C6H4Cl2 (1) were obtained by slow mixing with n‐hexane. The salt contained isolated, closely packed zigzagged chains that were composed of C60.− radical anions with a uniform interfullerene center‐to‐center distance of 9.98 Å. In spite of the close proximity of the fullerenes, they did not dimerize, owing to spatial separation by the phenyl substituents of CV+. The room‐temperature conductivity of compound 1 was 3×10−2 S cm−1 along the fullerene chains. The salt exhibited semiconducting behavior, with an activation energy of Ea=167 meV. Spins localized on C60.− were antiferromagnetically coupled within the fullerene chains, with a Weiss temperature of −19 K without long‐range magnetic ordering down to 1.9 K.
H∞Non‐Fragile Synchronous Guaranteed Control of Uncertainty Complex Dynamic Network with Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Luo Yi‐ping , Deng Fei , Zhou Bi‐feng , Luo Xin , Liu Huan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA kind ofH∞non‐fragile synchronization guaranteed control method is put forward for a class of uncertain time‐varying delay complex network systems with disturbance input. The network under consideration includes unknown but bounded nonlinear coupling functionsf(x) and the coupling term and node system with time‐varying delays. The nonlinear vector functionf(x) need not be differentiable but should satisfy the norm bound. A non‐fragile state feedback controller of the gain with sufficiently large regulation margin is designed. It is ensured that the parameters of the controller could still be effective under small perturbation. The sufficient conditions for the existence ofH∞synchronous non‐fragile guaranteed control of this system have been obtained by constructing a suitable Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, adopting matrix analysis, using the theorem of Schur complement and linear matrix inequalities (LMI). These conditions can guarantee robust asymptotic stability for each node of network with disturbance as well as achieve a prescribed robustH∞performance level. Finally, the feasibility of the designed method is verified by a numerical example.
Using stop bar detector information to determine turning movement proportions in shared lanes
Authors: Gholami Ali , Tian Zong 
Published: April 2016

SummaryTurning vehicle volumes at signalized intersections are critical inputs for various transportation studies such as level of service, signal timing, and traffic safety analysis. There are various types of detectors installed at signalized intersections for control and operation. These detectors have the potential of producing volume estimates. However, it is quite a challenge to use such detectors for conducting turning movement counts in shared lanes. The purpose of this paper was to provide three methods to estimate turning movement proportions in shared lanes. These methods are characterized as flow characteristics (FC), volume and queue (VQ) length, and network equilibrium (NE). FC and VQ methods are based on the geometry of an intersection and behavior of drivers. The NE method does not depend on these factors and is purely based on detector counts from the study intersection and the downstream intersection. These methods were tested using regression and genetic programming (GP). It was found that the hourly average error ranged between 4 and 27% using linear regression and 1 to 15% using GP. A general conclusion was that the proposed methods have the potential of being applied to locations where appropriate detectors are installed for obtaining the required data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advance in phage display technology for bioanalysis
Authors: Tan Yuyu , Tian Tian , Liu Wenli , Zhu Zhi , J. Yang Chaoyong 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPhage display technology has emerged as a powerful tool for target gene expression and target‐specific ligand selection. It is widely used to screen peptides, proteins and antibodies with the advantages of simplicity, high efficiency and low cost. A variety of targets, including ions, small molecules, inorganic materials, natural and biological polymers, nanostructures, cells, bacteria, and even tissues, have been demonstrated to generate specific binding ligands by phage display. Phages and target‐specific ligands screened by phage display have been widely used as affinity reagents in therapeutics, diagnostics and biosensors. In this review, comparisons of different types of phage display systems are first presented. Particularly, microfluidic‐based phage display, which enables screening with high throughput, high efficiency and integration, is highlighted. More importantly, we emphasize the advances in biosensors based on phages or phage‐derived probes, including nonlytic phages, lytic phages, peptides or proteins screened by phage display, phage assemblies and phage‐nanomaterial complexes. However, more efficient and higher throughput phage display methods are still needed to meet an explosion in demand for bioanalysis. Furthermore, screening of cyclic peptides and functional peptides will be the hotspot in bioanalysis.
Electronic properties of tetrathiafulvalene‐modified cyclic‐β‐peptide nanotube
Authors: Uji Hirotaka , Kim Hyunji , Imai Tomoya , Mitani Shota , Sugiyama Junji , Kimura Shunsaku 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTCyclic tri‐β‐peptide having tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) at the side chain was synthesized to prepare a peptide nanotube aligning TTF side chains along the nanotube. The polarized light microscopic observations revealed crystallization of the cyclic peptide by the vapor diffusion method. Fourier‐transform infrared and electron diffraction measurements of the crystals clarified formation of homogeneous hydrogen bonds making a columnar structure with a layer spacing of 4.9 Å. Electronic measurements of the peptide crystals on a gold mica substrate were carried out by the current sensing AFM. The current–voltage curves showed a rectification behavior, whose profile was consistent with a metal and p‐type semiconductor junction. The p‐type property is supported by the first principle calculations, which showed the HOMO orbital delocalizing fully over the plane of the TTF ring with the energy level of −5.1 eV. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 275–282, 2016.
Review: Structure and mechanism of the dynein motor ATPase
Authors: Schmidt Helgo , Carter Andrew P. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTDyneins are multiprotein complexes that move cargo along microtubules in the minus end direction. The largest individual component of the dynein complex is the heavy chain. Its C‐terminal 3500 amino‐acid residues form the motor domain, which hydrolyses ATP in its ring of AAA+ (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities) domains to generate the force for movement. The production of force is synchronized with cycles of microtubule binding and release, another important prerequisite for efficient motility along the microtubule. Although the large scale conformational changes that lead to force production and microtubule affinity regulation are well established, it has been largely enigmatic how ATP‐hydrolysis in the AAA+ ring causes these rearrangements. The past five years have seen a surge of high resolution information on the dynein motor domain that finally allowed unprecedented insights into this important open question. This review, part of the “ATP and GTP hydrolysis in Biology” special issue, will summarize our current understanding of the dynein motor mechanism with a special emphasis on the recently obtained crystal and EM structures. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 557–567, 2016.
Systematic review of the complications following isolated calf deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Garry J , Duke A , Labropoulos N 
Published: April 2016

Abstract

Background
A large number of studies have examined the potential complications of calf deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There is no consensus on when or how to treat patients to prevent these complications. This systematic review assessed the rate of proximal propagation, pulmonary embolism, major bleeding and recurrence in patients with isolated calf DVT.

Methods
Database searches of MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of Science were undertaken along with extensive cross-referencing. Two independent reviewers screened the papers using stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included studies were graded on six methodological standards. Data on propagation, pulmonary embolism, recurrence and major bleeding were abstracted.

Results
A total of 4261 papers were found; 15 met the inclusion criteria, including five randomized clinical trials and ten prospective cohort studies. The propagation rate to the popliteal vein or above was around 9 per cent and the rate of pulmonary embolism was close to 1·5 per cent. No studies found anticoagulant therapy to reduce the rate of adverse outcomes.

Conclusion
The literature on calf DVT is heterogeneous, limiting conclusions from data analysis. Adverse outcomes are infrequent and studies do not suggest that they are reduced by anticoagulation.
Clinical evaluation of the bed cycling test
Authors: Feil Katharina , Boettcher Nicolina , Lezius Franziska , Habs Maximilian , Hoegen Tobias , Huettemann Katrin , Muth Carolin , Eren Ozan , Schoeberl Florian , Zwergal Andreas , Bayer Otmar , Strupp Michael 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectiveAdditionally to the forearm rolling test to detect mild unilateral upper limb dysfunction, the bed cycling test (BCT) for detection of mild to moderate lower limb dysfunction was developed, evaluated and compared to the leg holding test.MethodsIn a prospective observer‐blinded study, 60 patients withMRI/CT‐proven focal cerebral hemisphere lesions and a mild to moderate unilateral paresis of the lower limb (graduatedMRC3–4/5), and 60 control persons with normal imaging were examined and filmed. Nine observers blinded to the diagnosis evaluated these videos. The sensitivity, specificity and the positive and negative predictive values of the clinical tests were analyzed.ResultsThe observers gave a correct evaluation ofBCTin 35.5% of all patients with focal cerebral lesions compared to 26.0% for the leg holding test. On the other hand, observers had false negative results in 29.1% of cases withBCTand 44.7% with leg holding test. In 36.7% of patients, onlyBCTwas pathological while leg holding test was unremarkable. The sensitivity of the combination of both tests was 0.68 (95%CI0.61–0.75). TheBCTis more sensitive (64.3%) than leg holding test (46.2%) while the specificity of leg holding test (85.6%) is higher than ofBCT(70.1%) to detect a cerebral lesion affecting the lower limb. The inter‐rater variability is high with no differences comparing different types of clinical experience.ConclusionsTheBCTis a useful additional clinical bedside test to detect subtle unilateral cerebral lesions. TheBCTis easy to perform and can be added to the routine neurological examination.
Homocysteinemia and early outcome of acute ischemic stroke in elderly patients
Authors: Forti Paola , Maioli Fabiola , Arnone Giorgia , Coveri Maura , Pirazzoli Gian Luca , Zoli Marco , Procaccianti Gaetano 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectivesPlasma total homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk factor for ischemic stroke (IS) but its relationship withISoutcome is uncertain. Moreover, previous studies underrepresented olderISpatients, although risk of both hyperhomocysteinemia andISincreases with age. We investigated whether, in elderly patients with acuteIS,tHcy measured on admission to the Stroke Unit (SU) is an independent predictor ofSUdischarge outcomes.Materials and MethodsData are for 644 consecutive patients aged 80.3 ± 8.7 years, admitted to an ItalianSUwith diagnosis of acuteIS. PlasmatHcy was measured onSUadmission. Investigated outcomes included mortality duringSUstay and poor functional status (modified Rankin Scale score ≥3) atSUdischarge for survivors. The association of plasmatHcy with the study outcomes was assessed using Odds Ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) from logistic regression models adjusted for demographics, pre‐stroke features,ISseverity, and laboratory data onSUadmission (serum C‐reactive protein, serum albumin, and renal function).ResultsMedian plasmatHcy was 16.7 μmol/L (interquartile range, 13.0–23.3 μmol/L). Outcome incidence was 5.3% for mortality and 49.7% for poor functional status. PlasmatHcy was unrelated to mortality in both univariate and multivariable‐adjusted analyses. Conversely, plasmatHcy was associated with poor functional status of survivors in univariate analyses (P = 0.014). Multivariable‐adjusted analyses showed that, compared to normal homocysteinemia (tHcy <16 μmol/L), risk of being discharged with poor functional status significantly increased for moderate (tHcy ≥30 mol/L) but not mild (16.0–29.9 μmol/L) hyperhomocysteinemia.ConclusionsIn elderly patients with acuteIS, high admission plasmatHcy is unrelated to mortality duringSUstay but is an independent predictor of poor functional status atSUdischarge in survivors. The association, however, is limited to patients with moderate hyperhomocysteinemia.
AKT1 and BRAF mutations in pediatric aggressive fibromatosis
Authors: Meazza Cristina , Belfiore Antonino , Busico Adele , Settanni Giulio , Paielli Nicholas , Cesana Luca , Ferrari Andrea , Chiaravalli Stefano , Massimino Maura , Gronchi Alessandro , Colombo Chiara , Pilotti Silvana , Perrone Federica 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAside from the CTNNB1 and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutations, the genetic profile of pediatric aggressive fibromatosis (AF) has remained poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to shed more light on the mutational spectrum of pediatric AF, comparing it with its adult counterpart, with a view to identifying biomarkers for use as prognostic factors or new potential therapeutic targets. CTNNB1, APC, AKT1, BRAF TP53, and RET Sanger sequencing and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) with the 50‐gene Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 were performed on formalin‐fixed samples from 28 pediatric and 33 adult AFs. The prognostic value of CTNNB1, AKT1, and BRAF mutations in pediatric AF patients was investigated. Recurrence‐free survival (RFS) curves were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method and statistical comparisons were drawn using the log‐rank test. In addition to the CTNNB1 mutation (64%), pediatric AF showed AKT1 (31%), BRAF (19%), and TP53 (9%) mutations, whereas only the CTNNB1 mutation was found in adult AF. The polymorphism Q472H VEGFR was identified in both pediatric (56%) and adult (40%) AF. Our results indicate that the mutational spectrum of pediatric AF is more complex than that of adult AF, with multiple gene mutations involving not only CTNNB1 but also AKT1 and BRAF. This intriguing finding may have clinical implications and warrants further investigations.
Role of Facilitated Transport Membranes and Composite Membranes for Efficient CO2 Capture – A Review
Authors: Rafiq Sikander , Deng Liyuan , Hägg May‐Britt 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCO2 emission from anthropogenic sources has raised global environmental concerns, and efficient reduction of these greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO2 is recognized world‐wide as very important along with the implementation of new green energy technology. Membrane technology is considered to be one of the efficient techniques to be used for CO2 capture. Among different types of membranes, mixed matrix membranes and facilitated transport membranes have gained much interest in recent years due to documented high CO2 permeance through these membranes, especially when the gas is humid as is the case for flue gas from combustion. In the current review, a comprehensive discussion is focused on the development of hybrid membranes involving the selection of the fixed site carrier (FSC) membranes and the interaction of nanosilica‐particles in a polymer membrane for efficient CO2 capture. Other facilitated transport membranes and mixed matrix membranes are also briefly discussed.
Hemodynamic changes in systolic and diastolic function during isoproterenol challenge predicts symptomatic response to myectomy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with labile obstruction
Authors: Prasad Megha , Geske Jeffrey B. , Sorajja Paul , Ommen Steve R. , Schaff Hartzell V. , Gersh Bernard J. , Nishimura Rick A. 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the utility of changes in systolic and diastolic function by isoproterenol challenge in predicting symptom resolution post‐myectomy in selected patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and labile obstruction.BackgroundIn a subset of symptomatic HCM patients without resting/provocable obstruction on noninvasive assessment, isoproterenol challenge during hemodynamic catheterization may elicit labile left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, and demonstrate the effect of obstruction on diastolic function. These changes may determine whether patients achieve complete symptom resolution post‐myectomy.MethodsBetween February 2003 and April 2009, 18 symptomatic HCM patients without LVOT obstruction on noninvasive testing underwent isoproterenol provocation and septal myectomy due to presence of provocable gradient and were followed for 4 (IQR 3–7) years.ResultsThirteen (72.2%) had complete symptom resolution, while 5 (27.8%) had improved, but persistent symptoms. Those with provoked gradient >100 mm Hg or increase in left atrial pressure (LAP) with isoproterenol had symptom resolution.ConclusionsSymptomatic HCM patients without LVOT gradient on noninvasive testing may demonstrate labile obstruction with isoproterenol. With isoproterenol, patients with high LVOT gradient or increase in LAP concomitant with an increase in gradient achieved complete symptom resolution post‐myectomy. Thus, improved diastolic filling as well as outflow gradient production in patients with HCM may predict symptom response to myectomy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Promotion of Hydrogen Desorption from Palladium Surfaces by Fluoropolymer Coating
Authors: Delmelle Renaud , Ngene Peter , Dam Bernard , Bleiner Davide , Borgschulte Andreas 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe catalytic activity of Pd surfaces towards hydrogen desorption was significantly improved by a nanometer‐thin polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer, as shown by an enhancement in the permeability of a Pd membrane coated on the permeate side. The origin of this effect was found to be due to a lowering of the barrier for hydrogen desorption, as evidenced by a change in the rate‐limiting mechanism of hydrogen permeation through the membrane from desorption (un‐coated) to diffusion controlled. In situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the electronic structure of the sputtered PTFE. Apart from C–Fn subunits (n=1, 2, 3), we found that nonsaturated carbon atoms became hydrogenated during hydrogen permeation, which was indicative of an interaction between Pd and PTFE. This interaction was weak; no Pd−F bonds were formed. We thus attributed the effect to an increase in the hydrophobicity of the surface by the porous PTFE layer and to a promoter effect of hydrogen desorption as a result of electrostatic interactions between chemisorbed hydrogen and physisorbed PTFE.