bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Various Seat Design Parameters: A Computational Analysis
Authors: Huang Mengjie , Hajizadeh Khatereh , Gibson Ian , Lee Taeyong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNowadays, low back pain becomes a common healthcare problem. Poor or unsuitable seat design is related to the discomfort and other healthcare problems of users. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of seat design variables on the compressive loadings of lumbar joints. A basis that includes a musculoskeletal human body model and a chair model has been developed using LifeMOD Biomechanics Modeller. Inverse and forward dynamic simulations have been performed for various seat design parameters. The results show that the inclination of backrest and seat pan may or may not decrease the compressive spinal joint forces, depending on other conditions. The medium‐level height and depth of seat pan and the medium‐level and high‐level height of backrest are found to cause the minimum compressive loads on lumbar joints. This work contributes to a better understanding of sitting biomechanics and provides some useful guidelines for seat design.
The applicability of chemical alternatives assessment for engineered nanomaterials
Authors: Hjorth Rune , Hansen Steffen Foss , Jacobs Molly , Tickner Joel , Ellenbecker Michael , Baun Anders 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

The use of alternatives assessment to substitute hazardous chemicals with inherently safer options is gaining momentum worldwide as a legislative and corporate strategy to minimize consumer, occupational, and environmental risks. Engineered nanomaterials represent an interesting case for alternatives assessment approaches, because they can be considered both emerging “chemicals” of concern, as well as potentially safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals. However, comparing the hazards of nanomaterials to traditional chemicals or to other nanomaterials is challenging, and critical elements in chemical hazard and exposure assessment may have to be fundamentally altered to sufficiently address nanomaterials. The aim of this paper is to assess the overall applicability of alternatives assessment methods for nanomaterials and to outline recommendations to enhance their use in this context. The present paper focuses on the adaptability of existing hazard and exposure assessment approaches to engineered nanomaterials as well as strategies to design inherently safer nanomaterials. We argue that alternatives assessment for nanomaterials is complicated by the sheer number of nanomaterials possible. As a result, the inclusion of new data tools that can efficiently and effectively evaluate nanomaterials as substitutes is needed to strengthen the alternatives assessment process. However, we conclude that with additional tools to enhance traditional hazard and exposure assessment modules of alternatives assessment, such as the use of mechanistic toxicity screens and control banding tools, alternatives assessment can be adapted to evaluate engineered nanomaterials as potential substitutes for chemicals of concern and to ensure safer nanomaterials are incorporated in the design of new products. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:177–187. © 2016 SETAC

Key Points
We conclude that with additional tools, alternatives assessment can be adapted to evaluate engineered nanomaterials both as potential substitutes for chemicals of concern and to ensure safer nanomaterials are incorporated in the design of new products. While traditional chemical risk assessment still is infeasible for nanomaterials at large, alternatives assessment could drive near-term decision making about materials choices as well as incorporate mechanistic toxicity data to aid the selection of safer nanomaterials. We encourage case studies of alternatives assessments that evaluate nanomaterials in order to further develop the necessary methods and to identify additional methodological needs going forward.
Transitions at Different Moments in Time: A Spatial Probit Approach
Authors: Elhorst J. Paul , Heijnen Pim , Samarina Anna , Jacobs Jan P. A. M. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThis paper adopts a spatial probit approach to explain interaction effects among cross‐sectional units when the dependent variable takes the form of a binary response variable and transitions from state 0 to 1 occur at different moments in time. The model has two spatially lagged variables: one for units that are still in state 0 and one for units that had already transferred to state 1. The parameters are estimated on observations for those units that are still in state 0 at the start of the different time periods, whereas observations on units after they transferred to state 1 are discarded, just as in the literature on duration modeling. Furthermore, neighboring units that had not yet transferred may have a different impact from units that had already transferred. We illustrate our approach with an empirical study of the adoption of inflation targeting for a sample of 58 countries over the period 1985–2008. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CCL20/CCR6 Signaling Regulates Bone Mass Accrual in Mice
Authors: Doucet Michele , Jayaraman Swaathi , Swenson Emily , Tusing Brittany , Weber Kristy L , Kominsky Scott L 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

CCL20 is a member of the macrophage inflammatory protein family and is reported to signal monogamously through the receptor CCR6. Although studies have identified the genomic locations of both Ccl20 and Ccr6 as regions important for bone quality, the role of CCL20/CCR6 signaling in regulating bone mass is unknown. By micro–computed tomography (μCT) and histomorphometric analysis, we show that global loss of Ccr6 in mice significantly decreases trabecular bone mass coincident with reduced osteoblast numbers. Notably, CCL20 and CCR6 were co-expressed in osteoblast progenitors and levels increased during osteoblast differentiation, indicating the potential of CCL20/CCR6 signaling to influence osteoblasts through both autocrine and paracrine actions. With respect to autocrine effects, CCR6 was found to act as a functional G protein–coupled receptor in osteoblasts and although its loss did not appear to affect the number or proliferation rate of osteoblast progenitors, differentiation was significantly inhibited as evidenced by delays in osteoblast marker gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization. In addition, CCL20 promoted osteoblast survival concordant with activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway. Beyond these potential autocrine effects, osteoblast-derived CCL20 stimulated the recruitment of macrophages and T cells, known facilitators of osteoblast differentiation and survival. Finally, we generated mice harboring a global deletion of Ccl20 and found that Ccl20-/- mice exhibit a reduction in bone mass similar to that observed in Ccr6-/- mice, confirming that this phenomenon is regulated by CCL20 rather than alternate CCR6 ligands. Collectively, these data indicate that CCL20/CCR6 signaling may play an important role in regulating bone mass accrual, potentially by modulating osteoblast maturation, survival, and the recruitment of osteoblast-supporting cells. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Small Players Ruling the Hard Game: siRNA in Bone Regeneration
Authors: Ghadakzadeh Saber , Mekhail Mina , Aoude Ahmed , Hamdy Reggie , Tabrizian Maryam 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Silencing gene expression through a sequence-specific manner can be achieved by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The discovery of this process has opened the doors to the development of siRNA therapeutics. Although several preclinical and clinical studies have shown great promise in the treatment of neurological disorders, cancers, dominant disorders, and viral infections with siRNA, siRNA therapy is still gaining ground in musculoskeletal tissue repair and bone regeneration. Here we present a comprehensive review of the literature to summarize different siRNA delivery strategies utilized to enhance bone regeneration. With advancement in understanding the targetable biological pathways involved in bone regeneration and also the rapid progress in siRNA technologies, application of siRNA for bone regeneration has great therapeutic potential. High rates of musculoskeletal injuries and diseases, and their inevitable consequences, impose a huge financial burden on individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Modeling and optimization of struvite recovery from wastewater and reusing for heavy metals immobilization in contaminated soil
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Xue‐jiang , Wang Wei‐shi , Yan Xiang‐bo , Xia Peng , Chen Jie , Zhao Jian‐fu 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBACKROUNDFew studies have been carried out to connect nutrients recovery from wastewater and heavy metals immobilization in contaminated soil. To achieve the goal, ammonia nitrogen (AN) and phosphorus (P) were recovered from rare‐earth wastewater by using the formation of struvite, which was used as the amendment with plant ash for copper, lead and chromium immobilization.RESULTSAN removal efficiency and residual P reached 95.32 ± 0.73% and 6.14 ± 1.72 mg L−1 under optimal conditions: pH=9.0, n(Mg): n(N): n(P) = 1.2:1:1.1, which were obtained using response surface methodology (RSM). The minimum available concentrations of Cu, Pb and Cr (CPC) separately reduced to 320.82 mg kg−1, 190.77 mg kg−1 and 121.46 mg kg−1 with increasing immobilization time at the mass ratio of phosphate precipitate (PP)/plant ash (PA) of 1:3. Humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) were beneficial to immobilize Cu, both of which showed no effect or even a negative effect on Pb and Cr immobilization.CONCLUSIONBuilding up a suitable ‘bridge’ to connect and achieve recovery of nutrients and reuse of struvite. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
A Streptomyces lividans SipY deficient strain as a host for protein production: standardization of operational alternatives for model proteins
Authors: Gabarró Marcel·la V , Gullón Sonia , Vicente Rebeca L , Caminal Glòria , Mellado Rafael P , López‐Santín Josep 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDExtracellular protein production by Gram‐positive bacteria, such as Streptomyces, may be complementary to current established protein production processes. The performance of a Streptomyces lividans mutant strain, deficient in the major signal peptidase (SipY) is investigated for the production of proteins secreted via the secondary Tat pathway.RESULTSThe SipY deficient strain has shown advantages over the wild type strain, in terms of extracellular productivity, specific activity and rheological behaviour. Two operational modes, batch and fed‐batch, have been studied using mannitol as carbon source. The results showed that two successive mannitol additions in fed‐batch mode led to improved secretory protein production using Streptomyces agarase as a model protein. This production process was also explored for the Tat secretory protein S. lividans laccase. The predicted sequence for the pre‐laccase coding sequence has been cloned into the mutant strain under the control of the agarase promoter. Batch and fed‐batch laccase production, using either mannitol or glucose as carbon source, have been developed and quantified.CONCLUSIONSThe usefulness of a Streptomyces lividans SipY deficient strain as protein producer has been demonstrated. A proposed operating mode with substrate additions has been employed for the optimisation of Tat proteins production, although some adjustments might be necessary depending on the secretory protein. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Interrater reliability of emergency physician‐performed ultrasonography for diagnosing femoral, popliteal, and great saphenous vein thromboses compared to the criterion standard study by radiology
Authors: Mulcare Mary R. , Lee Randall W. , Pologe Jonas I. , Clark Sunday , Borda Tomas , Sohn Youdong , Sacco Dana L. , Riley David C. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTPurposeTo assess the interrater reliability and test characteristics of lower limb sonographic examination for the diagnosis of deep venous and proximal great saphenous vein thrombosis when performed by Emergency Physicians (EPs) as compared to that by the Department of Radiology (Radiology). The secondary objective was to assess the effects of patient body mass index and EP satisfaction with bedside ultrasound on sensitivity and specificity.MethodsA prospective study was conducted for patients with clinical suspicion for lower extremity thrombus. EPs evaluated for venous thrombosis in the common femoral vein, femoral vein of the thigh, popliteal vein, and proximal great saphenous vein. Subsequently, all patients received ultrasounds by Radiology, the criterion standard.ResultsOne hundred ninety‐seven patients (257 individual legs) were evaluated. There was 90–95% agreement between EP and Radiology, moderate kappa agreement for common femoral vein, and femoral vein of the thigh and fair kappa agreement for great saphenous vein and popliteal vein. The sensitivity and specificity of EP ultrasounds compared with criterion standard were lower than previously reported. There was no trend in patient body mass index or provider satisfaction influencing the test characteristics.ConclusionsOur study suggests that point‐of‐care sonography should not replace Radiology‐performed scans. The required amount of training for EPs to be competent in this examination needs further investigation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:360–367, 2016
Diagnostic value of echocardiography in isolated congenital unilateral lung agenesis combined with different anomalies: Two rare cases in children
Authors: He Huan , Sun Feifei , Ren Weidong , Wang Yonghuai , Xu Shu 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTUnilateral lung agenesis, a rare congenital deformity, is secondary to abnormal embryonic development, leading to a shift of the mediastinum and remaining lung. In our case reports, we describe the diagnostic courses of two pediatric patients with unilateral lung agenesis admitted to our hospital in 2014. We present and compare the findings in transthoracic echocardiography with that in CT. Echocardiography played a pivotal role in revealing pulmonary deformities and leading to the diagnosis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:514–517, 2016
Regulation of BMP2‐induced intracellular calcium increases in osteoblasts
Authors: Xu Wenfeng , Liu Bo , Liu Xue , Chiang Martin Y. M. , Li Bo , Xu Zichen , Liao Xiaoling 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTAlthough bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP2) is a well‐characterized regulator that stimulates osteoblast differentiation, little is known about how it regulates intracellular Ca2+ signaling. In this study, intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) upon BMP2 application, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src activities were measured in the MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast cell line using fluorescence resonance energy transfer‐based biosensors. Increase in [Ca2+]i, FAK, and Src activities were observed during BMP2 stimulation. The removal of extracellular calcium, the application of membrane channel inhibitors streptomycin or nifedipine, the FAK inhibitor PF‐573228 (PF228), and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) siRNA all blocked the BMP2‐stimulated [Ca2+]i increase, while the Src inhibitor PP1 did not. In contrast, a gentle decrease of endoplasmic reticulum calcium concentration was found after BMP2 stimulation, which could be blocked by both streptomycin and PP1. Further experiments revealed that BMP2‐induced FAK activation could not be inhibited by PP1, ALP siRNA or the calcium channel inhibitor nifedipine. PF228, but not PP1 or calcium channel inhibitors, suppressed ALP elevation resulting from BMP2 stimulation. Therefore, our results suggest that BMP2 can increase [Ca2+]i through extracellular calcium influx regulated by FAK and ALP and can deplete ER calcium through Src signaling simultaneously. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1725–1733, 2016.
Influence of berry ripeness on accumulation, composition and extractability of skin and seed flavonoids in cv. Sangiovese (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Allegro Gianluca , Pastore Chiara , Valentini Gabriele , Muzzi Enrico , Filippetti Ilaria 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe anthocyanin and tannin concentration and composition of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sangiovese berries were investigated from post‐veraison to harvest. Exhaustive extraction with methanol and acetone was performed to determine the total flavonoid concentration, while a model hydroalcoholic solution was used to prepare extracts representing the winemaking process. The aim of this study was to improve the knowledge of the phenolic maturity of Sangiovese grape.RESULTSThe total anthocyanin concentration increased during ripening, but the quantity of extractable anthocyanins increased more rapidly than the total. The total skin tannin concentration declined from post‐veraison to harvest, whereas the extractable portion increased, with little difference in the composition of the fractions. Both the total and extractable seed tannin concentration diminished rapidly just after veraison, and only small fluctuations were detected until harvest.CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that the extractability of anthocyanins and skin tannins increases during ripening, whereas there is no clear trend for seed tannins during the same period. This is the first survey to study the behavior of phenolic compounds during different steps of ripening of Sangiovese grape. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
FlowCAM optimization: Attaining good quality images for higher taxonomic classification resolution of natural phytoplankton samples
Authors: Camoying Marianne G. , Yñiguez Aletta T. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTaxonomic data on phytoplankton composition is important for ecological studies, however, such information is not easy to gather. Imaging devices and image classification software have been developed in the past decades for rapid phytoplankton assessment. Taxonomic resolution output of classification software are primarily limited by the quality of images produced by these imaging instruments. FlowCAM has been utilized in several studies for this endeavor. However, the phytoplankton categories that the instrument is currently able to discriminate are still few compared to the outputs of microscopy. This study aimed to produce high resolution FlowCAM images of fixed phytoplankton samples from natural environments without compromising sample analysis time. It was also aimed to optimize the capability of FlowCAM's VisualSpreadsheet software to automatically classify phytoplankton images. The use of FOV300 flow cell and 10X objective combination has proven to be effective in producing good quality images at a faster rate. The modified hardware configuration resulted to FlowCAM counts that were comparable to that of the standard microscopy method. FlowCAM was able to automatically classify images of dominant phytoplankton groups in the two key sardine fishery areas in the Philippines with relatively high accuracy values. These phytoplankton groups are represented by genera with complex morphological structures (e.g., setae) such as Chaetoceros and Bacteriastrum as well as those genera with simple shapes such as Pseudo‐nitzschia (thin‐elongate) and Coscinodiscus (spherical).
Synthesis and Preparation of Bio‐Based ROMP Thermosets from Functionalized Renewable Isosorbide Derivative
Authors: Wang Bingtao , Mireles Kathryn , Rock Mitch , Li Yuzhan , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Gao De , Kessler Michael R. 
Published: February 2016

One novel monomer based on renewable isosorbide, isosorbide silicon norbornene (ISN), is synthesized and a series of bio‐based thermosets is prepared via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of ISN in place of partial dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) in the presence of Grubbs' catalyst. 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have been implemented to confirm the chemical composition of ISN and examine the curing behaviors of ISN/DCPD comonomers, respectively. Compared to DCPD, ISN is found to exhibit higher reactivity that allows facile lower temperature ROMP making it an ideal candidate for bio‐based self‐healing applications. The effect of incorporation of ISN on the thermal and mechanical properties of cured poly(ISN/DCPD) thermosets is also evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, thermal mechanical analysis, and universal tensile test. The poly(ISN/DCPD) thermosets display good thermal/mechanical properties due to the introduction of less rigid ISN moieties and higher cross‐linking density of the material.
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AllergenOnline: A peer‐reviewed, curated allergen database to assess novel food proteins for potential cross‐reactivity
Authors: Goodman Richard E. , Ebisawa Motohiro , Ferreira Fatima , Sampson Hugh A. , van Ree Ronald , Vieths Stefan , Baumert Joseph L. , Bohle Barbara , Lalithambika Sreedevi , Wise John , Taylor Steve L. 
Published: February 2016

ScopeIncreasingly regulators are demanding evaluation of potential allergenicity of foods prior to marketing. Primary risks are the transfer of allergens or potentially cross‐reactive proteins into new foods. AllergenOnline was developed in 2005 as a peer‐reviewed bioinformatics platform to evaluate risks of new dietary proteins in genetically modified organisms (GMO) and novel foods.Methods and resultsThe process used to identify suspected allergens and evaluate the evidence of allergenicity was refined between 2010 and 2015. Candidate proteins are identified from the NCBI database using keyword searches, the WHO/IUIS nomenclature database and peer reviewed publications. Criteria to classify proteins as allergens are described. Characteristics of the protein, the source and human subjects, test methods and results are evaluated by our expert panel and archived. Food, inhalant, salivary, venom, and contact allergens are included. Users access allergen sequences through links to the NCBI database and relevant references are listed online. Version 16 includes 1956 sequences from 778 taxonomic‐protein groups that are accepted with evidence of allergic serum IgE‐binding and/or biological activity.ConclusionAllergenOnline provides a useful peer‐reviewed tool for identifying the primary potential risks of allergy for GMOs and novel foods based on criteria described by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (2003).