bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advances in Graphene/Graphene Composite Based Microbial Fuel/Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Liu Zhuangzhuang , Zhou Lei , Chen Qi , Zhou Wen , Liu Ying 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe modifications of electrodes using graphene and graphene composites in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) have been widely applied for enhancing the electrochemical catalytic activity and performance of MFCs and MECs. Graphene as one of advanced materials has shown outstanding features for promoting practical applications of MFCs. This review summarizes the modification methods and characterization methods of graphene and related graphene composites on electrode surfaces in MFCs and MECs. The performance improvements of MFCs and MECs by various graphene related composites have been reviewed, which will provide an efficient guide for selecting suitable graphene material to modify electrodes in MFCs and MECs for improving their performance.
Estimation of instantaneous peak flow from maximum mean daily flow by regionalization of catchment model parameters
Authors: Ding Jie , Haberlandt Uwe 
Published: October 2016

AbstractRegionalization methods have been effectively used in many hydrological studies, such as regional flood frequency analysis and low flows. However, there is no study to estimate the instantaneous peak flow (IPF) from maximum mean daily flow (MDF) using hydrological models with regionalized parameters. In this paper, the semidistributed conceptual hydrological model Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning is operated on a daily time step for 18 catchments in the Aller‐Leine basin, Germany. The model is calibrated on four different flow statistics, including winter/summer extremes distribution and flow duration curves. The model parameter values are predefined with the associated catchment descriptors by a transfer function. Two different regionalization schemes are investigated: one is carried out for all the catchments in the study area; the other one is only performed for several catchments within a cluster. The k‐means algorithm is used to 12 different catchment characteristics from all 18 catchments as the partitional clustering algorithm. Subsequently, the general extreme value distributions are fitted to the modeled MDFs, which are then transferred into IPF quantiles using a multiple regression model.The results show that (a) the uncertainty resulted from model parameter regionalization for the estimation of IPFs is much smaller than the error when using MDFs instead of IPFs; (b) the hydrological responses of the clustered catchments located in the flat areas are, in general, not as homogeneous as the ones in high elevated regions; and (c) the model with the parameters derived from the same regionalization coefficients within a cluster performs better using the corresponding parameters estimated through all the catchments.
Characterization and in vivo performance of nitric oxide‐releasing extracorporeal circuits in a feline model of thrombogenicity
Authors: Goudie Marcus J. , Brainard Benjamin M. , Schmiedt Chad W. , Handa Hitesh 
Published: October 2016

AbstractInfection and thrombosis are the two leading complications associated with blood contacting medical devices, and have led to the development of active materials that can delivery antibiotics or antithrombotic agents. Two key characteristics of these materials are the ability to produce controlled delivery, as well as minimal systemic delivery of the agent outside of the device site. Nitric oxide (NO) releasing materials are attractive as NO plays pivotal roles in the body's natural defense against bacterial infection, as well as regulation of platelet adhesion and activation. This work characterizes an NO‐releasing extracorporeal circuit (ECC) under flow conditions for the first time, examining the effect of incubation and application of the top coating on leaching of NO donor and NO‐release kinetics. Top coated ECCs with incubation delivered ca. 1% of the total NO potential over the 4‐h period, whereas uncoated ECCs delivered over 4.5% of the total NO. Incubated ECC loops maintained a flux of 1.83 ± 0.50 × 10−10 mol min−1 cm−2 for the full 4 h duration. The NO‐releasing ECC loops significantly increased the time‐to‐clot as compared to the corresponding control (11 ± 3.6 min control, 132 ± 93.0 min NO‐releasing) when evaluated in vivo in a feline animal model. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 539–546, 2017.
Castanea sativa Mill. Bark Extract Protects U‐373 MG Cells and Rat Brain Slices Against Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Santulli Chiara , Brizi Claudia , Micucci Matteo , Del Genio Ambra , De Cristofaro Assunta , Bracco Federica , Pepe Giuseppina Lucia , di Perna Ilaria , Budriesi Roberta , Chiarini Alberto , Frosini Maria 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTIschemic brain injury is one of the most important causes of death worldwide. The use of one‐drug‐multi‐target agents based on natural compounds is a promising therapeutic option for cerebral ischemia due to their pleiotropic properties. This study assessed the neuroprotective properties of Castanea sativa Mill. bark extract (ENC) in human astrocytoma U‐373 MG cells subjected to oxygen‐glucose deprivation and reperfusion and rat cortical slices subjected to ischemia‐like conditions or treated with glutamate or hydrogen peroxide. Neuroprotective effects were determined by assessing cells or slices viability (MTT assay), ROS formation (DCFH‐DA assay), apoptosis (sub G0/G1 peak), nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation (DAPI staining) as well as changes in lysosomes and mitochondria morphology (Acridine Orange and Rhodamine123 staining, respectively). ENC treatment before injury on U‐373 MG cells (5–50 μg/ml) and cortical slices (50–100 μg/ml) provided neuroprotection, while lower or higher concentrations (100 μg/ml U‐373 MG cells, 200 μg/ml brain slices) were ineffective. ENC addition during reperfusion or after the injury was not found to be effective. The results suggest that ENC might hold potential as preventive neuroprotective agent, and indicate the importance of further studies exploring its mechanism of action. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 839–850, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of FLT3/TKD and IDH1 Mutations in Pakistani Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients by Denaturing HPLC
Authors: Ali Akbar , Gale Rosemary E. , Shakoori Abdul Rauf 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by an increase in the number of myeloid cells in the marrow and an arrest in their maturation. Various genetic mutations are associated with AML. FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), a member of the class III receptor tyrosine kinase family, plays an important role in stem cell survival, and the development of dendritic and natural killer cells. FLT3/TKD mutations are generally missense mutations or in‐frame alterations of residues D835 and I836 within the activation loop of the FLT3 protein. D835 mutations have been reported to occur in ≈ 7% of AML patients. Mutations have also been reported in exon 4 of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) in ≈9% of AML patients. Mutations in FLT3/TKD and IDH1 genes were studied in AML patients from Pakistan and correlated with the laboratory findings. FLT3/TKD mutations were found in 7%, while IDH1 mutations were found in 10% Pakistani AML patients. Neither of these mutations was significantly correlated with age and sex, although the incidence of these mutations was higher in female patients. These mutations were found to be positively associated with each other. IDH1 mutations were positively associated with FAB type M1 and negatively associated with FAB type M2. In conclusion, the overall incidence of all these mutations in Pakistani patients was within the globally reported ranges. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1174–1181, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Platycodin D Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis by Repressing the NFATc1 and MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Choi Jae Ho , Han Younho , Kim Yong An , Jin Sun Woo , Lee Gi Ho , Jeong Hyung Min , Lee Hyun Sun , Chung Young Chul , Lee Young Chun , Kim Eun Ju , Lee Kwang Youl , Jeong Hye Gwang 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTPlatycodon grandiflorum root‐derived saponins (Changkil saponins, CKS) are reported to have many pharmacological activities. In our latest research, CKS was proven to have a significant osteogenic effect. However, the detail molecular mechanism of CKS on osteoclastic differentiation has not been fully investigated. Administration of CKS considerably reduced OVX‐induced bone loss, and ameliorated the reduction in plasma levels of alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphorus observed in OVX mice. CKS also repressed the deterioration of bone trabecular microarchitecture. Interestingly, platycodin D, the most abundant and major pharmacological constituent of triterpenoid CKS, inhibited receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced activation of NF‐κB, and ERK and p38 MAPK, ultimately repressing osteoclast differentiation. OVX‐induced bone turnover was attenuated by CKS, possibly via repression of osteoclast differentiation by platycodin D, the active component of CKS. Platycodin D can be regarded as an antiosteoporotic candidate for treatment of osteoporosis diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 860–868, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of intensive and alternative production systems on the technological and quality parameters of rapeseed seed (Brassica napus L. ‘Siska’)
Authors: Turinek Maja , Bavec Martina , Repič Milan , Turinek Matjaž , Krajnc Andreja Urbanek , Möllers Christian , Tres Alba , Bavec Franc 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDOrganic production is widely assumed to affect quality and nutritional parameters of arable crops. A field experiment was started in 2009 following integrated (INT), organic (ORG) and biodynamic (BD) production standards for wheat, maize and rapeseed production. With resort to standard analytical procedures and chemometrics, compositional parameters of Brassica napus L. ‘Siska’ seed (water, protein, oil and glucosinolate content) by non‐destructive near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and fatty acid composition determined by gas chromatography, were assessed.RESULTSThe BD and ORG production systems positively influenced oleic fatty acid and oil content in comparison to INT, which had higher levels of protein and water content (19.8% and 4.7%, respectively), as well as linolenic (3.8%), gadoleic (12.6%) and hexadecadienoic (15.5%) fatty acids. Increases in the listed parameters were linked to mineral fertilizer application in the INT production system. With principal component analysis (PCA) the INT samples were clearly differentiated. The PCA results were influenced by differences in linolenic, gadoleic and behenic fatty acid levels as well as protein and water content.CONCLUSIONBecause quality parameters in rapeseed are increased in alternative production systems, production with an understanding of the soil processes and yield formation presents an opportunity for ORG and BD farmers. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Core–shell column Tanaka characterization and additional tests using active pharmaceutical ingredients
Authors: Ludvigsson Jufang Wu , Karlsson Anders , Kjellberg Viktor 
Published: October 2016

In the last decade, core–shell particles have gained more and more attention in fast liquid chromatography separations due to their comparable performance with fully porous sub‐2 μm particles and their significantly lower back pressure. Core–shell particles are made of a solid core surrounded by a shell of classic fully porous material. To embrace the developed core–shell column market and use these columns in pharmaceutical analytical applications, 17 core–shell C18 columns purchased from various vendors with various dimensions (50 mm × 2.1 mm to 100 mm × 3 mm) and particle sizes (1.6–2.7 μm) were characterized using Tanaka test protocols. Furthermore, four selected active pharmaceutical ingredients were chosen as test probes to investigate the batch to batch reproducibility for core–shell columns of particle size 2.6–2.7 μm, with dimension of 100 × 3 mm and columns of particle size 1.6 μm, with dimension 100 × 2.1 mm under isocratic elution. Columns of particle size 2.6–2.7 μm were also tested under gradient elution conditions. To confirm the claimed comparable efficiency of 2.6 μm core–shell particles as sub‐2 μm fully porous particles, column performances of the selected core–shell columns were compared with BEH C18, 1.7 μm, a fully porous column material as well.
Laser Applications in Gear Box Manufacturing at Mercedes‐Benz
Authors: Talmon l'Armée Patrick 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn the past years, the number of laser applications has risen worldwide. Along with that, the variety of the applications grew. The high‐power laser beam was first used in series production for cutting and welding. With decreasing prices and increasing quality of beam sources, applications that have been too expensive or technically not feasible in the past can be realized today. Mercedes‐Benz, the main brand of the Daimler AG, was one of the first users of lasers in series production and still expands the use of the laser beam as a wear‐free tool.
Molecular Cancer Imaging with Polymeric Nanoassemblies: From Tumor Detection to Theranostics
Authors: Mi Peng , Wang Fang , Nishiyama Nobuhiro , Cabral Horacio 
Published: October 2016

Several imaging modalities have been widely applied for the detection of cancer and its pathological activity in combination with probes capable of improving the contrast between healthy and cancerous tissues. Biocompatible polymeric nanoassemblies have been developed for precise detection of malignant tumors by enhancing the selectivity and sensitivity of the imaging. Exploiting the compartmentalized structure of the nanoassemblies advantageously allows delivering both imaging and therapeutic agents for cancer multifunctional imaging and theranostics, i.e., the combination of therapy and diagnosis tool on a single platform. Thus, nanoassemblies have high potential not only for cancer molecular imaging but also for tracing nanoparticles in biological systems, studying their biological pathways, gathering pathological information, monitoring therapeutic effects, and guiding pinpoint therapies. In this review, polymeric nanoassemblies for optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, multifunctional imaging, and image‐guided therapy, emphasizing their role in cancer diagnosis and theranostics are highlighted.
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Hyaluronan/Tannic Acid Nanoparticles Via Catechol/Boronate Complexation as a Smart Antibacterial System
Authors: Montanari Elita , Gennari Arianna , Pelliccia Maria , Gourmel Charlotte , Lallana Enrique , Matricardi Pietro , McBain Andrew J. , Tirelli Nicola 
Published: October 2016

Nanoparticles based on hyaluronic acid (HA) are designed to deliver tannic acid (TA) as an antimicrobial agent. The presence of HA makes these particles potentially useful to target bacteria that colonize cells presenting HA membrane receptors (e.g. CD44), such as macrophages. HA bearing 3‐aminophenyl boronic acid groups (HA‐APBA) is reacted with TA, yielding nanoparticles with a size that decreases with decreasing HA molecular weight (e.g. 200 nm for 44 kDa, 400 nm for 737 kDa). The boronate esters make the nanoparticles stable at physiological pH, but their hydrolysis in an acidic environment (pH = 5) leads to swelling/solubilization, therefore potentially allowing TA release in endosomal compartments. We have assessed the nanoparticle toxicity profile (on RAW 264.7 macrophages) and their antimicrobial activity (on E. coli and on both methicillin‐sensitive and ‐resistant S. aureus). The antibacterial effect of HA‐APBA/TA nanoparticles was significantly higher than that of TA alone, and has very similar activity to TA coformulated with a reducing agent (ascorbic acid), which indicates both the nanoparticles to protect TA catechols from oxidation, and the effective release of TA after nanoparticle internalization. Therefore, there is potential for these nanoparticles to be used in stable, effective, and potentially targetable nanoparticle‐based antimicrobial formulations.
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Isolation and characterization of roridin E
Authors: Ridge Clark D. , Mazzola Eugene P. , Coles Martyn P. , Hinkley Simon F. R. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe commonly occurring, high‐cytotoxicity macrolide roridin E has been re‐isolated from Stachybotrys chartarum and characterized by 1‐D and 2‐D NMR spectroscopy. Assignment of the spectral data for roridin E revealed differences from the accepted literature, and spectra are reported herein to aid in future identification. For the first time confirmation of structure was provided by a crystallographic solution for roridin E. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple roles of FOXJ3 in spermatogenesis: A lesson from Foxj3 conditional knockout mouse models
Authors: Ni Lili , Xie Hongchang , Tan Li 
Published: October 2016

SUMMARYThe transcription factor FOXJ3 (Forkhead box J3) is highly expressed in spermatogonia and meiotic spermatocytes within mouse testes. Here, we addressed how FOXJ3 might participate in spermatogenesis using two conditional knockout mouse models in which Foxj3 was deleted from either spermatogonia or meiotic spermatocytes. Both models exhibited complete male sterility, but distinct etiologies: Deleting FOXJ3 from spermatogonia using Foxj3flox/flox, Mvh‐Cre mice caused Sertoli‐cell‐only syndrome in males. Foxj3‐deficient spermatogonia were lost as early as postnatal Day 4, partially due to the accumulation of DNA double‐stranded breaks. In contrast, loss of FOXJ3 in spermatocytes using Foxj3flox/flox, Stra8‐Cre mice led to meiotic arrest. Indeed, the mRNA abundance of meiotic arrest‐related proteins (Rad51, Dmc1, Brca1, Brca2, Brit1, Eif4g3, Hop2, Hormad1, and Rnf212) was significantly reduced in Foxj3flox/flox, Stra8‐Cre spermatocytes. Thus, we conclude that FOXJ3 is required for the survival of spermatogonia and participates in spermatocyte meiosis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 1060–1069, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perceived weight discrimination and chronic biochemical stress: A population‐based study using cortisol in scalp hair
Authors: Jackson Sarah E. , Kirschbaum Clemens , Steptoe Andrew 
Published: October 2016

ObjectiveThere is increasing evidence for weight‐based discrimination against persons with obesity. This study aimed to examine the physiological impact of perceived weight discrimination on cortisol in hair, an indicator of chronic stress exposure.MethodsData were from 563 nonsmoking individuals with obesity (body mass index, BMI ≥30 kg/m2) participating in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Experiences of discrimination were reported via questionnaire, and hair cortisol concentrations were determined from the scalp‐nearest 2‐cm hair segment. Height and weight were objectively measured. ANCOVAs tested associations between perceived weight discrimination and hair cortisol concentration overall and by degree of obesity. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and BMI.ResultsMean hair cortisol concentrations were 33% higher in those who had experienced weight discrimination than those who had not (mean log pg/mg 1.241 vs. 0.933, F = 12.01, P = 0.001). The association between weight discrimination and hair cortisol was particularly pronounced in individuals with severe (class II/III) obesity (1.402 vs. 0.972, F = 11.58, P = 0.001).ConclusionsWeight discrimination is associated with the experience of stress at a biological level. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of cortisol may play a role in generating a vicious circle of weight gain and discrimination and contribute to obesity‐associated health conditions.
The effect of a semi‐industrial masterbatch process on the carbon nanotube agglomerates and its influence in the properties of thermoplastic carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Herrera‐Ramírez Luis C. , Castell Pere , Castillo‐Rodríguez Miguel , Fernández Ángel , Guzman de Villoria Roberto 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTThis study details an industrial process to prepare polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with different loadings (0.5–10wt.%) of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from a direct dilution of a masterbatch produced by an optimized extrusion compounding process. The work demonstrates how the anisotropy in the distribution of CNTs can have a positive effect on the electrical conductivity and fracture toughness of the resulting composites. The composite with the highest loading of CNTs had an electrical conductivity of 10−2 S/m comparable with those reported in the available literature. The composites showed anisotropy in their properties that seems to be caused by the non‐homogeneous distribution of the agglomerates produced by the orientation of the flow direction during the injection process. The composites produced in this work exhibited a fracture toughness up to 55% higher than neat PP and failed by polymer ductile tearing. It was found that the CNT agglomerates distributed throughout the matrix increased the toughness of PP by promoting plastic deformation of the matrix during the fracture process and by a slight load transfer between the polymer matrix and the CNTs of the agglomerates. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 189–197
Explosive Properties and Thermal Stability of Urea‐Hydrogen Peroxide Adduct
Authors: Matyáš Robert , Selesovsky Jakub , Pelikán Vojtěch , Szala Mateusz , Cudziło Stanisław , Trzciński Waldemar A. , Gozin Michael 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe adduct of urea and hydrogen peroxide (UHP) is industrially produced material on a large scale. Although UHP is widely used as a bleaching and oxidizing agent, its properties as energetic material are generally overlooked. In this work we report comprehensive characterization of UHP explosive and thermal properties. We found that UHP is a compound with a negative value of standard enthalpy of formation (−565.1 kJ mol−1). It is not sensitive to impact and friction. However, we demonstrated that UHP (ρ=0.93 g cm−3; packed into a steel pipe with inner diameter of 206 mm) detonates with experimental velocity of detonation (VOD) of 3780 m s−1. Moreover, for UHP with maximal theoretical density (ρ=1.43 g cm−3), the calculated VOD reaches 5219 m s−1. Based on our findings, we recommend that present regulations regarding the handling, storage and transportation of the UHP should be revised, especially in cases, where UHP is kept on a large scale, under confinement and at places where the temperature can reach above 60 °C.
Software development practices in small entities: an ISO29110‐based survey
Authors: Majchrowski Annick , Ponsard Christophe , Saadaoui Sanae , Flamand Jacques , Deprez Jean‐Christophe 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSmall and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in software development often experience problems in mastering their development processes. This can lead to time and cost overruns or failure to address functional and nonfunctional requirements. In general, this can significantly affect customer satisfaction and hamper business growth potential. This paper reports on a survey conducted in Belgium to assess more precisely which and how SMEs are affected by problems related to development processes. The survey was driven by the ISO29110 lightweight standard focusing on very small entities developing software, ie, whose internal IT department is less than 25 people. Worldwide, and in particular in Belgium, this represents a very large portion of SMEs in business. Survey results highlight the most frequent issues and how they may be linked to organization and project characteristics. The survey is based on a free online self‐assessment tool. Therefore, results go 1 step further than identifying issues encountered in companies: the tool also infers a set of quick‐win high‐level recommendations to solve these issues. Our results are also compared with those reported by other surveys targeting both large and small companies.