bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generation of Directly Converted Human Osteoblasts That Are Free of Exogenous Gene and Xenogenic Protein
Authors: Yamamoto Kenta , Sato Yoshiki , Honjo Kenichi , Ichioka Hiroaki , Oseko Fumishige , Sowa Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Toshiro , Kanamura Narisato , Kishida Tsunao , Mazda Osam 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTGeneration of osteoblasts from human somatic cells may be applicable in an effective transplantation therapy against bone diseases. Recently we established a procedure to directly convert human fibroblasts into osteoblasts by transducing some transcription factor genes via retroviral vectors. However, retroviral vector‐mediated transduction may potentially cause tumor formation from the infected cells, thus a non‐viral gene transfection method may be more preferable for preparation of osteoblasts to be used for transplantation therapy. Here, we constructed a plasmid vector encoding Oct4, Osterix, and L‐Myc that were an appropriate combination of transcription factors for this purpose. Osteoblast‐like phenotypes including high alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, bone matrix production and osteoblast‐specific gene expression were induced in normal human fibroblasts that were transfected with the plasmid followed by culturing in osteogenic medium. The plasmid‐driven directly converted osteoblasts (p‐dOBs) were obtained even in the absence of a xenogenic protein. The plasmid vector sequence had fallen out of the p‐dOBs. The cells formed deposition of calcified bodies in situ after transplantation into mice. These results strongly suggest that p‐dOBs can be put into practical use for a novel cell‐based therapy against bone diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2538–2545, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhancement effect in the piezoelectric degradation of organic pollutants by piezo‐Fenton process
Authors: Lv Wei , Kong Lingjun , Lan Shenyu , Feng Jinxi , Xiong Ya , Tian Shuanghong 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDDiscovery of the nanometer material‐mediated piezoelectric effect has aroused interest in research into harnessing low‐frequency vibration energy, because a little vibration energy, even muscle‐movement, can generate electrical energy. Recently, much attention has focused on developing new processes of pollutant degradation using in situ application of piezo‐generated electrical energy.RESULTSIt was found that the piezoelectric degradation of AO7 could be enhanced by adding ferrous ions. For example, 24.3%, 16.9% and 7.8% degradation of AO7, phenol and 4‐chlorophenol, respectively, was observed in a 30 min piezo‐process. Meanwhile, it was also found that H2O2 was generated in situ during the piezoelectric process. The maximum concentration of H2O2 reached 5.3 µmol L−1. It was identified that the enhancement effect of ferrous ions originated from a H2O2‐related Fenton reaction.CONCLUSIONThe finding of in situ piezo‐generated H2O2 and the piezo‐Fenton effect led to better understanding of the BaTiO3‐mediated piezo‐degradation of organic pollutants. It provides a new clue to developing an efficient piezo‐process for the degradation of organic pollutants, although the mechanism of piezo‐generating H2O2 is still under investigation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Anguilla japonica lectin 1 delivery through adenovirus vector induces apoptotic cancer cell death through interaction with PRMT5
Authors: Li Gongchu , Gao Yajun , Cui Lianzhen , Wu Liqin , Yang Xinyan , Chen Jing 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundOur previous studies have demonstrated that, through adenovirus mediated gene delivery, various exogenously expressed lectins elicited cytotoxicity to cancer cells, utilizing protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) as a common binding target.MethodsIn the present study, a FLAG tagged Anguilla japonica lectin 1 (AJL1) expression cassette was genetically harbored in a replication‐defective adenovirus genome, forming Ad.FLAG‐AJL1. The exogenous AJL1‐induced cytotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms were analyzed.ResultsThe exogenous AJL1 suppressed the proliferation of a variety of human cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. Caspase 9, Bcl‐2, X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein, mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1/2‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase were found to be responsible for the exogenous AJL1‐induced cytotoxicity. AJL1 was further suggested to regulate PRMT5‐E2F‐1 pathway, a pathway shared by previously reported marine lectins Dicentrarchus labrax fucose binding lectin and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus rhamnose binding lectin. A localization study revealed that exogenous AJL1 widely distributed in the cell membrane and cytoplasm.ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest that the PRMT5‐E2F‐1 pathway may act as a common target for exogenous lectins including AJL1, and the cellular response to exogenous AJL1 may suggest a novel agent for cancer gene therapy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the board certification system for expert surgeons (hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic field) using the data of the National Clinical Database of Japan: part 2 – Pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Miura Fumihiko , Yamamoto Masakazu , Gotoh Mitsukazu , Konno Hiroyuki , Fujimoto Jiro , Yanaga Katsuhiko , Kokudo Norihiro , Yamaue Hiroki , Wakabayashi Go , Seto Yasuyuki , Unno Michiaki , Miyata Hiroaki , Hirahara Norimichi , Miyazaki Masaru 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundData of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) cases from the National Clinical Database (NCD) were analyzed in order to validate the board certification system established by the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery (JSHBPS).MethodsBoard‐certified A training institutions and board‐certified B training institutions were required to perform at least 50 and 30 high‐level hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic (HBP) surgeries per year, respectively. Records of 17,563 patients who had undergone PD during 2011 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed according to the category of the board‐certified institution and with or without participation of board‐certified instructors or expert surgeons.ResultsOperative mortality rates after PDs performed at certified A institutions, certified B institutions, and non‐certified institutions were 1.5%, 3.0%, and 3.9%, respectively (P < 0.001). The operative mortality rates after PDs performed with participation of certified instructors or expert surgeons were better than those without (2.2% vs. 3.8%, P < 0.001). A multiple logistic regression model showed that cutoffs of high‐level HBP surgeries performed per year at hospitals that predicted 30‐day mortality after PDs were 10 and 50, and that those that predicted operative mortality were 10 and 70.ConclusionsThe requirements for board‐certified institutions, instructors, and expert surgeons to perform PD were appropriate. The requirements for board‐certified A institutions were close to the identified cutoffs. Further analyses are necessary to elucidate the implications of the board certification system.
Conformal orbit sparing radiation therapy: a treatment option for advanced skin cancer of the parotid and ear region
Authors: Foley Heath , Hopley Shane , Brown Elizabeth , Bernard Anne , Foote Matthew 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntroductionNew surgical methods have enabled resection of previously in‐operable tumours in the region of the parotid gland and ear. This has translated to deeper target volumes being treated with adjuvant radiotherapy. Due to the limitations of existing conformal techniques, alternative planning approaches are required to cover the target volume with appropriate sparing of adjacent critical structures. Although intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) may be able to achieve these goals compared with the existing conformal method, a new orbital sparing radiation therapy (OSRaT) technique was evaluated as an alternative conformal planning process. The study objective was to evaluate the dosimetry of three planning methods: pre‐existing conformal, IMRT and OSRaT techniques.MethodsTen patients were planned retrospectively using the existing three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), IMRT and OSRaT techniques. Dosimetry was analysed using the homogeneity index (HI), conformity index (CI), the volume of planning target volumes (PTV) under and over treated by the 95% isodose and dose to critical structures.ResultsOSRaT achieved superior 95% coverage of the high‐dose PTV while delivering HI similar to IMRT for intermediate and high‐dose PTVs. The CI for the high‐dose PTV was comparable between the three techniques, however IMRT was statistically better for the low‐ and intermediate dose PTVs. All three techniques showed adequate orbital sparing, however OSRaT and IMRT achieved this with less under dosing of the PTVs.ConclusionFor the treatment of patients with advanced skin cancer of the parotid and ear, both IMRT and the OSRaT techniques are viable options.
Maintaining prostate contouring consistency following an educational intervention
Authors: Nicholls Luke , Gorayski Peter , Poulsen Michael , Plank Ashley W. , Schick Karlissa , Pham Thuy , Khoo Eric L. H. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to assess variation in prostate contouring 12 months following a structured interactive educational intervention (EI) and to test the hypothesis that EIs positively impact on prostate contouring accuracy and consistency long term.MethodsA common set of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data sets were used to assess prostate contouring consistency before, immediately after and 12 months following an EI. No further EIs were provided after the initial EI. Contour variation was assessed using the volume ratio (VR), defined as the ratio of the encompassing volume to common volume.ResultsOf the original five radiation oncologists (ROs) at baseline, four completed all assessments, and one was unavailable at 12 months follow‐up. At 12 months, mean VR deteriorated by 3.2% on CT and 1.9% on MRI compared to immediately post EI. Overall, compared to the pre‐EI baseline VR, an improvement of 11.4% and 10.8% was demonstrated on CT and MRI, respectively.ConclusionGood retention of applied knowledge 12 months following an EI on prostate contouring was demonstrated. This study advocates for EIs to be included as part of continuing medical education to reduce contour variation among ROs and improve knowledge retention long term.
From the clinical to the managerial domain: the lived experience of role transition from radiographer to radiology manager in South‐East Queensland
Authors: Thompson Alarna M. N. , Henwood Suzanne M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntroductionThis study seeks to add to current literature a descriptive account of the lived experience of radiographers' transition to, and experiences of, management roles and identifies additional resources and support that are perceived as being beneficial for this transition.MethodsThis study employed a descriptive phenomenological stance. Using purposive sampling, six South‐East Queensland based private practice radiology managers, who had held their position for longer than 3 months, participated in audiotape recorded in‐depth interviews exploring their transition to, and experiences of management in radiology. Thematic analysis was used to describe and make meaning of the data.ResultsOverall, five central themes emerged through thematic analysis of the data. The results indicate that all participants' had an underlying drive to succeed during their role transition and highlight the importance of a comprehensive orientation by a mentor; the training and support to enable preparation for the role, especially in the area of people management skills and communication; the importance of access to networking opportunities and the importance of concise expectations from higher management.ConclusionRole transition can be marred with uncertainty, however; key suggestions indicate the importance of having support mechanisms in place before, during and after transitioning to a managerial role.
Monopulse time‐modulated antenna array using iterative Fourier technique
Authors: Basu Banani , Nandi Arnab 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThe iterative Fourier technique (IFT) is applied to design monopulse radar tracking system using time‐modulated linear antenna array (TMLA). IFT is used to modify the time sequences of the radio‐frequency switches connected to the antennas to generate sum and difference patterns with suppressed interference‐plus‐noise signal while constraining the power losses associated with side‐band radiation (SBR). The time modulation allows quick and precise control of the excitation distribution, which increases the tracking accuracy. To obtain best angle sensitivity, the article computes the tradeoff among side‐lobe level (SLL), half power beam width, directivity, and dynamic efficiency. The approach is proved successful to handle several design constraints through adaption in radiation domain as well as in aperture domain. Authors illustrate additional representative TMLA examples where the time sequences of the selected elements are prefixed to enhance the dynamic efficiency and directivity for different SLL and side‐band level (SBL). Application of IFT saves the computational cost significantly with respect to existing state‐of‐the‐art optimization techniques. Introduction of the symmetric switching sequences simplifies the feed network greatly. The proposed design solution is validated with a fabricated TMLA prototype consisting of two time‐switched printed dipoles with microstrip via‐hole balun at 2.45 GHz. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial and temporal variability of precipitation over the Mediterranean Basin based on 32‐year satellite Global Precipitation Climatology Project data. Part‐II: inter‐annual variability and trends
Authors: Hatzianastassiou Nikolaos , Papadimas Christos D. , Lolis Christos J. , Bartzokas Aristides , Levizzani Vincenzo , Pnevmatikos John D. , Katsoulis Basil D. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTMonthly mean satellite data from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCPv2) are used to examine the year‐by‐year variability of precipitation over the Mediterranean Basin and its changes over the period 1979–2010. The results show that the mean annual precipitation averaged over the study area has slightly increased from 1979 to 2010 by 1.28 mm or by 0.2% (trend not statistically significant at the 95% confidence level). Nevertheless, examining the trends at a local scale, spatial and temporal patterns are revealed, with opposite trends in adjacent areas and increasing precipitation in summer and autumn against almost unchanged or decreasing precipitation in winter and spring, respectively. Inter‐decadal changes of precipitation are detected, with precipitation decreasing in the 1980s, then increasing through the late 1990s and finally declining in the 2000s before levelling off since 2007. These changes are significantly anti‐correlated (R = −0.57, up to −0.66 in winter) with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index, thus confirming the critical role of this large‐scale teleconnection for the regional precipitation over the basin.
Comparative effect of drought duration on growth, photosynthesis, water relations, and solute accumulation in wild and cultivated barley species
Authors: Mejri Maroua , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Saif Tark , Abdelly Chedly , Hessini Kamel 
Published: March 2016

AbstractDrought is a major factor limiting crop production worldwide. Barley is a well‐adapted cereal that is largely grown on dry marginal land where water and salinity are the most prevalent environmental stresses. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of drought stress and subsequent recovery on growth, photosynthetic activity, water relations, osmotic adjustment (OA), and solute accumulation of wild (Hordeum maritimum) and cultivated barley (H. vulgare L.). In a pot experiment, 60 d old seedlings were subjected to drought stress for 0, 7, 14, 21, or 28 d, and then re‐watered to recover for up to 21 d. Plants were harvested at the end of each of these drought/recovery treatments. Drought significantly reduced fresh and dry weights at the whole‐plant level, photosynthetic activities, and solute and water potentials, while increasing leaf Na+ and K+ concentrations. The adverse effects of drought on growth were more marked in cultivated barley than in wild barley and the reverse was true for photosynthetic activities. During recovery, all wild barley seedlings completely recovered. For cultivated barley seedlings, rehydration had a beneficial effect on growth and photosynthesis, independent of treatment duration, but complete recovery did not occur. The reduction in leaf solute potential at full turgor in drought‐stressed barley, relative to the control, suggests active OA which was more significant in wild barley than in cultivated barley. OA was mainly due to the accumulation of inorganic (K+ in cultivated barley and Na+ in wild barley) and organic (soluble sugars and proline) solutes. The results suggest that OA is an important component of the drought‐stress adaptation mechanism in wild barley, but is not sufficient to contribute to drought tolerance in cultivated barley. In the latter species, the results show that even short periods (as little as 7 d) of water deficit stress had considerable long‐term effects on plant growth.
3D microstructural architecture of deformed glacigenic sediments associated with large‐scale glacitectonism, Jasmund Peninsula (NE Rügen), Germany
Authors: Gehrmann Anna , Hüneke Heiko , Meschede Martin , Phillips Emrys 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTThe Wissower Bach Syncline on the Jasmund Peninsula (NE Germany) has been examined to understand the complicated glacitectonic environment in the southern Baltic Sea region, comprising folds and thrust faults from the Weichselian–Pleniglacial. Soft‐sediment thin sections from a SW‐dipping thrust fault at the south‐western limb of the syncline between Cretaceous chalk (hangingwall) and Pleistocene deposits (footwall) were analysed using micromorphology and microstructural mapping. Within the diamicton bounding the fault, three different clast microfabrics were distinguished: an older, but dominant S1 fabric; a second S2 foliation orientated perpendicular to S1; and a younger subvertical S3 fabric. These fabrics developed during large‐scale folding and thrusting, subsequent fabric rotation adjacent to the thrust fault accompanied by dewatering of the diamicton and extension; the extension implies late‐stage reactivation and gravitational relaxation at the south‐western limb of the syncline as the ice retreated. The combination of a 3D microstructural model and the macroscale information has led to the development of a detailed model for the evolution of the Wissower Bach Syncline during glacitectonism and the localized reactivation of the associated thrusts in response to ice retreat. Moreover, this methodology provides a robust dataset on which to interpret the structural evolution of glacitectonic complexes.
Evolution and perspectives of cultivar identification and traceability from tree to oil and table olives by means of DNA markers
Authors: Pasqualone Antonella , Montemurro Cinzia , di Rienzo Valentina , Summo Carmine , Paradiso Vito Michele , Caponio Francesco 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn recent years, an increasing number of typicality marks has been awarded to high‐quality olive oils produced from local cultivars. In this case, quality control requires effective varietal checks of the starting materials. Moreover, accurate cultivar identification is essential in vegetative‐propagated plants distributed by nurseries and is a pre‐requisite to register new cultivars. Food genomics provides many tools for cultivar identification and traceability from tree to oil and table olives. The results of the application of different classes of DNA markers to olive with the purpose of checking cultivar identity and variability of plant material are extensively discussed in this review, with special regard to repeatability issues and polymorphism degree. The characterization of olive germplasm from all countries of the Mediterranean basin and from less studied geographical areas is described and innovative high‐throughput molecular tools to manage reference collections are reviewed. Then the transferability of DNA markers to processed products – virgin olive oils and table olives – is overviewed to point out strengths and weaknesses, with special regard to (i) the influence of processing steps and storage time on the quantity and quality of residual DNA, (ii) recent advances to overcome the bottleneck of DNA extraction from processed products, (iii) factors affecting whole comparability of DNA profiles between fresh plant materials and end‐products, (iv) drawbacks in the analysis of multi‐cultivar versus single‐cultivar end‐products and (v) the potential of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based techniques. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Enzymatic characterisation of the immobilised Alcalase to hydrolyse egg white protein for potential allergenicity reduction
Authors: Yang Anshu , Long Caiyun , Xia Jiaheng , Tong Ping , Cheng Youfei , Wang Yan , Chen Hongbing 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study examined technique characteristics of the immobilised Alcalase to hydrolyse egg white protein for potential allergenicity reduction. Alcalase was immobilised covalently on carboxyl‐functionalised magnetic beads by carbodiimide activation. The technique characteristics of the immobilised Alcalase were investigated, followed by determining the degrees of hydrolysis (DH), immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding, and IgE binding of the digested egg white protein by immobilised Alcalase.RESULTSEnzymatic activity, enzyme loading, and immobilisation yield of the prepared immobilised Alcalase were 20.55 U mg−1, 925 mg g−1, and 45%, respectively. Immobilised Alcalase showed maximum activity at pH 8.0 and 60 °C. Compared with free Alcalase, immobilised Alcalase exhibited better thermal and storage stability. Moreover, immobilised Alcalase can be reused 10 times and still maintained 55% of its initial activity. Partial hydrolysis of egg white protein by immobilised Alcalase can effectively reduce IgG and IgE binding of the hydrolysates.CONCLUSIONThis study indicates that the immobilised Alcalase can be used to hydrolyse continuously egg white protein for potential allergenicity reduction. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Exploitation of hazelnut, maize germ and sesame seed aqueous extraction residues in the stabilisation of sesame seed paste (tahini)
Authors: Evlogimenou Anthi , Paraskevopoulou Adamantini , Kiosseoglou Vassilios 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundSesame seed paste is a highly nutritious food product which, upon long‐term storage, tends to exhibit undesirable phenomena of oiling‐off and particle sedimentation. The ability of rich‐in‐fibre aqueous extraction powders originating from oleaginous raw materials to enhance the physical stability of sesame paste is investigated in this study.ResultsThe extraction residues remaining after treating hazelnut, sesame seed or maize germ with aqueous media in order to extract and exploit their oil bodies, were collected, dehydrated and milled into fine powders. The powders were then incorporated at various levels into a commercially available sesame paste product to assess their potential as paste stabilisers against oil separation. The solids from maize germ exhibited the highest stabilising ability followed by the solids from hazelnut. In contrast, the solids originating from the sesame seed were less effective in stabilising the sesame paste. Shear stress‐rate of shear measurements of sesame paste incorporating the extraction residue solids were conducted in an attempt to explain the different stabilising behaviour of the three powders.ConclusionThe intensity of interactions between the incorporated solids within the sesame paste structure may determine the rheological properties of the blend and hence its stability against oiling‐off upon long‐term storage. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry