bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On density–flow relationships during crowd evacuation
Authors: Haworth Brandon , Usman Muhammad , Berseth Glen , Kapadia Mubbasir , Faloutsos Petros 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTraffic and pedestrian dynamics communities often use a standard qualitative classification, namely, level of service (LoS), to describe the relationship between the crowd flow and crowd density in an environment. However, this classification has not yet been rigorously studied in the application of synthetic crowds, which are derived using a variety of approaches and may model certain behaviors better than others. Although synthetic crowds can be simulated to extrapolate crowd flow for rigorous quantitative analysis, these may be at odds with the qualitative LoS. In order to successfully use computer‐assisted design, it is important to have sound quantitative metrics as the basis for analysis and optimization. In this paper, we present a systematic empirical analysis of LoS for synthetic crowds. Using established crowd simulation techniques, we quantify the relation between crowd density and crowd flow for evacuation scenarios across different simulators to explore conformity to qualitative LoS classifications. Following this study, we perform environment optimization experiments under various LoS conditions. Finally, we test the generality of optimizing under these LoS conditions. Our results motivate the need for further study, using real and synthetic crowd datasets across representative environment benchmarks.
Microalgae‐based Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals: An Emerging Field with Immense Market Potential
Authors: Jha Durga , Jain Vishakha , Sharma Brinda , Kant Anil , Garlapati Vijay Kumar 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMicroalgae are one of the renewable sources for pharmaceutical compounds as well as biofuels. The microalgae sector is growing rapidly due to the scarcity of substrate sources, more yields, and the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status of compounds associated with microalgae. Due to this GRAS status, the algal products are beneficial not only for the pharmaceutical but also for the food industry. In this review, insights into the different process aspects and obstacles of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compounds derived from microalgae on large‐scale are discussed. Various culture production methods like photoautotrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic processes have been included and recent advances in metabolic strategies for upgrading the microalgal technology for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compounds are highlighted as well as the prospects in the field presented. Overall, this review discusses the question, how microalgae can be a great advantage for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry.
Structure‐Induced Switching of the Band Gap, Charge Order, and Correlation Strength in Ternary Vanadium Oxide Bronzes
Authors: Tolhurst Thomas M. , Andrews Justin L. , Leedahl Brett , Marley Peter M. , Banerjee Sarbajit , Moewes Alexander 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRecently, V2O5nanowires have been synthesized as several different polymorphs, and as correlated bronzes with cations intercalated between the layers of edge‐ and corner‐ sharing VO6octahedra. Unlike extended crystals, which tend to be plagued by substantial local variations in stoichiometry, nanowires of correlated bronzes exhibit precise charge ordering, thereby giving rise to pronounced electron correlation effects. These developments have greatly broadened the scope of research, and promise applications in several frontier electronic devices that make use of novel computing vectors. Here a study is presented of δ‐SrxV2O5, expanded δ‐SrxV2O5, exfoliated δ‐SrxV2O5and δ‐KxV2O5using a combination of synchrotron soft X‐ray spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. The band gaps of each system are experimentally determined, and their calculated electronic structures are discussed from the perspective of the measured spectra. Band gaps ranging from 0.66 ± 0.20 to 2.32 ± 0.20 eV are found, and linked to the underlying structure of each material. This demonstrates that the band gap of V2O5can be tuned across a large portion of the range of greatest interest for device applications. The potential for metal–insulator transitions, tuneable electron correlations and charge ordering in these systems is discussed within the framework of our measurements and calculations, while highlighting the structure‐property relationships that underpin them.
PCR Incorporation of Polyoxometalate Modified Deoxynucleotide Triphosphates and Their Application in Molecular Electrochemical Sensing of Yersinia pestis
Authors: Ortiz Mayreli , Debela Ahmed M. , Svobodova Marketa , Thorimbert Serge , Lesage Denis , Cole Richard B. , Hasenknopf Bernold , O'Sullivan Ciara K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRedox‐labeled nucleotides are of increasing interest for the fabrication of next generation molecular tools and should meet requirements of being thermally stable, sensitive, and compatible with polymerase‐mediated incorporation while also being electrochemically discriminable. The synthesis and characterization of Keggin and Dawson polyoxometalate–deoxynucleotide (POM–dNTP) bioconjugates linked through 7‐deaza‐modified purines is described. The modified POM–dNTPs were used for polymerase‐based amplification of a DNA sequence specific for Yersinia pestis and the amplified DNA detected using an electrochemical DNA sensor. This highlights the potential of polyoxometalates as thermally stable, sensitive and polymerase‐compatible redox labels for exploitation in bioanalytical applications.
A Nonmetal‐Containing Nitric Oxide Donor Activated with Single‐Photon Green Light
Authors: Blangetti Marco , Fraix Aurore , Lazzarato Loretta , Marini Elisabetta , Rolando Barbara , Sodano Federica , Fruttero Roberta , Gasco Alberto , Sortino Salvatore 
Published: May 2017

AbstractUsing a facile synthetic route, an organic NO release agent based on a BODIPY light‐harvesting antenna was devised. This compound is stable in the dark and delivers NO under photoexcitation with biologically favorable green light. Temporally regulated vasodilation capability is demonstrated on rat aorta by green‐light‐induced NO release.
Both the frequency of HbA1c testing and the frequency of self‐monitoring of blood glucose predict metabolic control: A multicentre analysis of 15 199 adult type 1 diabetes patients from Germany and Austria
Authors: Schwandt A. , Best F. , Biester T. , Grünerbel A. , Kopp F. , Krakow D. , Laimer M. , Wagner C. , Holl R.W. ,   on behalf of the Diabetes‐Patienten‐Verlaufsdokumentation (DPV) initiative
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to examine the association between metabolic control and frequency of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurements and of self‐monitoring of blood glucose, as well as the interaction of both.MethodsData of 15 199 adult type 1 diabetes patients registered in a standardized electronic health record (DPV) were included. To model the association between metabolic control and frequency of HbA1c testing or of self‐monitoring of blood glucose, multiple hierarchic regression models with adjustment for confounders were fitted. Tukey‐Kramer test was used to adjust P values for multiple comparisons. Vuong test was used to compare non‐nested models.ResultsThe baseline variables of the study population were median age 19.9 [Q1; Q3: 18.4; 32.2] years and diabetes duration 10.4 [6.8; 15.7] years. Haemoglobin A1c was 60.4 [51.5; 72.5] mmol/mol. Frequency of HbA1c testing was 8.0 [5.0; 9.0] within 2 years, and daily self‐monitoring of blood glucose frequency was 5.0 [4.0; 6.0]. After adjustment, a U‐shaped association between metabolic control and frequency of HbA1c testing was observed with lowest HbA1c levels in the 3‐monthly HbA1c testing group. There was an inverse relationship between self‐monitoring of blood glucose and HbA1c with lower HbA1c associated with highest frequency of testing (>6 daily measurements). Quarterly HbA1c testing and frequent self‐monitoring of blood glucose were associated with best metabolic control. The adjusted Vuong Z statistic suggests that metabolic control might be better explained by HbA1c testing compared to self‐monitoring of blood glucose (P < .0001).ConclusionThis research reveals the importance of quarterly clinical HbA1c monitoring together with frequent self‐monitoring of blood glucose in diabetes management to reach and maintain target HbA1c.
The enemy between us: The psychological and social costs of inequality
Authors: Wilkinson Richard G. , Pickett Kate E. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThere is now substantial evidence that larger income differences in a society increase the prevalence of most of the health and social problems that tend to occur more frequently lower down the social ladder. The pathways through which human beings are sensitive to inequality are however less clear. This paper outlines the explanatory theory that we think best fits the growing but incomplete body of evidence available. Inequality appears to have its most fundamental effects on the quality of social relations—with implications affecting the prevalence of a number of psychopathologies. We suggest that human beings have two contrasting evolved social strategies: one that is adaptive to living in a dominance hierarchy and the other appropriate to more egalitarian societies based on reciprocity and cooperation. Although both strategies are used in all societies, we hypothesise that the balance between them changes with the extent of material inequality.
Building the Next Bioethics Commission
Authors: Capron Alexander M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAt every moment, somewhere in the world, a group of men and women are sitting around a table deliberating about an ethical issue posed by medicine and research, whether as a research ethics committee; a hospital or clinical ethics committee; a stem‐cell review committee; a gene transfer research committee; a biobank ethics committee; an ethics advisory committee for a medical or nursing association or nongovernmental organization; a state, provincial, national, or intergovernmental bioethics committee; or an ad hoc panel examining a particular development or case. However, the last national committee in the United States, the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues, held its final meeting at the end of August 2016 and closed its doors. Should we regret its departure? I believe that the United States would benefit from having another national bioethics advisory body, but I do not think that the commission should simply have continued under a new president in the same form. Instead, looking at the experience of that commission and its six predecessors—who they were, how they worked, the functions they served, and the problems they experienced—we can derive some useful ideas for anyone planning to build the next commission.
Effects of controlled micro‐/nanosurfaces on osteoblast proliferation
Authors: Iwata Natsuko , Nozaki Kosuke , Horiuchi Naohiro , Yamashita Kimihiro , Tsutsumi Yusuke , Miura Hiroyuki , Nagai Akiko 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMicro‐/nanostructured implant surfaces mimicking natural bone architecture are expected to have positive effects on osteoblast proliferation. In this study, to clarify the optimal microstructure scale on micro‐/nano‐titanium surfaces, highly controlled microstructure surfaces were fabricated with a titania nanotube oxide layer by sandblast treatment and electrochemical anodization. Average surface roughness (Ra) and mean width of the profile elements (RSm) increased in proportion to the size of the blasting media. The crystalline structure and wettability were similar for all samples after anodizing and annealing. MG63 osteoblast‐like osteosarcoma cells showed reduced spreading area on smaller microstructure surfaces after incubation for 24 h. Cell proliferation assays, including cell counting and cell cycle analyses, showed that micro‐/nanosurfaces with smaller microstructures (Ra = 0.6 µm, RSm = 11.1 µm) had the most positive effect. This result indicated that smaller microstructures of hierarchical surfaces enhanced cell proliferation, despite similar chemical compositions and wettabilities. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2589–2596, 2017.
Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Induced Apoptosis in U937 Cells Promotes Cathepsin D‐Independent Stefin B Degradation
Authors: Bidovec Katja , Božič Janja , Dolenc Iztok , Turk Boris , Turk Vito , Stoka Veronika 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTLysosomal cathepsins were previously found to be involved in tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα)‐induced apoptosis. However, there are opposing views regarding their role as either initiators or amplifiers of the signaling cascade as well as the order of molecular events during this process. In this study, we investigated the role of cathepsin D (catD) in TNFα/cycloheximide‐induced apoptosis in U937 human monocytic cells. TNFα‐induced apoptosis proceeds through caspase‐8 activation, processing of the pro‐apoptotic molecule Bid, mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, and caspase‐3 activation. The translocation of lysosomal catD into the cytosol was a late event, suggesting that lysosomal membrane permeabilization and the release of cathepsins are not required for the induction of apoptosis, but rather amplifies the process through the generation of reactive oxygen species. For the first time, we show that apoptosis is accompanied by degradation of the cysteine cathepsin inhibitor stefin B (StfB). CatD did not exhibit a crucial role in this step. However, this degradation was partially prevented through pre‐incubation with the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine, although it did not prevent apoptosis and its progression. These results suggest that the degradation of StfB, as a response to TNFα, could induce a cell death amplification effect as a result of progressive damage to lysosomes during TNFα treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4813–4820, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LncRNA‐MALAT1 Promotes Angiogenesis of Thyroid Cancer by Modulating Tumor‐Associated Macrophage FGF2 Protein Secretion
Authors: Huang Jian‐kang , Ma Ling , Song Wen‐hua , Lu Bang‐yu , Huang Yu‐bin , Dong Hui‐ming , Ma Xiao‐kai , Zhu Zheng‐zhi , Zhou Rui 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTTumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment have been associated with enhanced tumor progression. In this study, we investigated the role and molecular mechanisms of MALAT1 in TAMs derived from thyroid cancer. The expression of MALAT1 and FGF2 in thyroid cancer tissues and cells were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot. TAMs were transfected with indicated constructs. Then the culture medium (CM) from TAMs was harvested for assay. Secreted FGF2 protein levels and TNF‐α, IL‐12, and IL‐10 levels were detected by ELISA. The cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of FTC133 cells were determined with a CCK‐8 assay and a Transwell assay, respectively. In addition, HUVEC vasculature formation was measured by matrigel angiogenesis assay. The higher levels of MALAT‐1 and FGF2 were observed in thyroid cancer tissues and in thyroid cancer cells compared to that in the control. Besides, in the presence of si‐MALAT1, the levels of TNF‐α and IL‐12 were significantly up‐regulated whereas IL‐10 was down‐regulated in the CM from TAMs. Moreover, down‐regulation of MALAT1 in TAMs reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion of FTC133 cells and inhibited angiogenesis. However, overexpression of FGF2 blocked the effects of MALAT1 siRNAs on cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Our results suggest that MALAT1‐mediated FGF2 protein secretion from TAMs inhibits inflammatory cytokines release, promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of FTC133 cells and induces vasculature formation. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4821–4830, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electric capacitance tomography for nondestructive testing of standing trees
Authors: Carcangiu Sara , Fanni Alessandra , Montisci Augusto 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this paper, an innovative Artificial Neural Network (ANN)‐based approach to solve the bi‐dimensional Electric Capacitance Tomography inverse problem is proposed in order to assess the health state of standing trees. Using a set of examples, an ANN is trained to solve the direct problem, ie, to associate the properties of the tree trunk affected by defects to a set of capacitance values. Then, the trained ANN is inverted in order to obtain the defect position and dimensions on the basis of measured capacitance values. The potentiality of the method is presented making reference to several target examples.
Homogenization and trend analysis of monthly mean and maximum wind speed time series in Finland, 1959–2015
Authors: Laapas Mikko , Venäläinen Ari 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTObserved near‐surface monthly mean and maximum wind speed time series were homogenized in this study. Observations from 144 weather stations were used in the homogenization process, of which 33 covered the entire study period of 1959–2015. Homogenized time series were used to assess the linear trends in wind speed time series for various periods of interest, including the period of 1979–2008 for comparison with other studies. Trends were analysed on annual and seasonal levels.Based on statistical homogenization, by applying the HOMER homogenization tool and use of station history metadata, 95% of the analysed time series were found to be at least to some degree inhomogeneous. Almost half of the detected inhomogeneities were verified by metadata, most of which were due to changes in station location and height of the anemometer. Adjustment of detected inhomogeneities resulted in both temporally and spatially more consistent time series, therefore improving the quality of observational wind speed time series of Finland.Trends in homogenized wind speed time series, in both mean and maximum, were found to be generally negative around the whole study area. The mean linear trend of the annual mean and maximum wind speed of 33 weather stations for the period of 1959–2015 were estimated to be −0.09 and −0.32 m s−1 decade−1, respectively. Negative trends were consistently found, regardless of data period and season. A majority of these trends were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Application of linear gradient elution in countercurrent chromatography for the separation of triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Pulsatilla koreana Nakai
Authors: Lee Kyoung Jin , Song Kwangho , Song Da Young , Kim Yeong Shik 
Published: May 2017

A linear gradient elution method using countercurrent chromatography was developed for the separation of four triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Pulsatilla koreana Nakai, including hederacolchiside E, which is responsible for the neuroprotective activity of this plant. The target fraction was obtained by 80% methanol elution of solid phase column chromatography. The partition coefficients of the target compounds were very different, which means they are difficult to separate with a single biphasic solvent system. Several important parameters for gradient elution, such as addition of alcohol content to the solvent system, starting point of the second mobile phase, and the time for the gradient change were logically determined and optimized. Four triterpenoid saponins could ultimately be separated, analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography, and their structures were identified by comparing the mass spectra and NMR spectra with the literature data. The compounds and yields were: hederasaponin B (1; 21.3 mg/100 mg), hederacolchiside E (2; 19.8 mg/100 mg), cernuoside A (3; 18.4 mg/100 mg), and cernuoside B (4; 17.3 mg/100 mg). Gradient‐elution countercurrent chromatography allows the effective separation of compounds with a wide polarity range.
SMAD3 expression and regulation of fibroplasia in vocal fold injury
Authors: Hiwatashi Nao , Benedict Peter A. , Dion Gregory R. , Bing Renjie , Kraja Iv , Amin Milan R. , Branski Ryan C. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveRecent reports highlight the efficacy of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting SMAD3 to regulate transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β)‐mediated fibroplasia in vocal fold fibroblasts. The current study sought to investigate SMAD3 expression during wound healing in vivo and quantify the downstream transcriptional events associated with SMAD3 knockdown in vitro.Study DesignIn vivo and in vitro.MethodsUnilateral vocal fold injury was created in a rabbit model. SMAD3 and SMAD7 mRNA expression was quantified at 1 hour and 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days following injury. In vitro, multi‐gene analysis technology was employed in our immortalized human vocal‐fold fibroblast cell line following TGF‐β1 stimulation ± SMAD3 knockdown across time points.ResultsSMAD3 mRNA expression increased following injury; upregulation was significant at 3 and 7 days compared to control (both P < 0.001). SMAD7 mRNA was also upregulated at 3, 7, and 14 days (P = 0.02, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). In vitro, SMAD3 knockdown reduced the expression of multiple profibrotic, TGF‐β signaling, and extracellular matrix metabolism genes at 6 and 24 hours following TGF‐β1 stimulation.ConclusionCumulatively, these data support SMAD3 as a potential master regulator of TGF‐β‐mediated fibrosis. SMAD3 transcription peaked 7 days following injury. Multi‐gene analysis indicated that the therapeutic effectiveness of SMAD3 knockdown may be related to regulation of downstream mediators of fibroplasia and altered TGF‐β signaling.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 127:E308–E316, 2017
Fibula osteofascial flap with proximal skin paddle for intraoral reconstruction
Authors: Maldonado Andrés A. , Langerman Alexander 
Published: May 2017

Backgroundthe fibula free flap has become a workhorse in intraoral reconstruction. However, its skin paddle has multiple drawbacks. The aim of this report is to establish the applicability of the fibula osteofascial flap in intraoral reconstruction. Methods: prospectively maintained database was performed in 15 patients who underwent fibula osteofascial flap for intraoral reconstruction. Mandibular reconstruction was the main location (13 patients). Ten flaps were done following tumor resection, three due to osteoradionecrosis and two following mandible fracture/bone loss. A standard fibula flap dissection performing an anterior approach was done, adding a distal fascial flap isolated on the distal perforators (for intraoral reconstruction) and a proximal skin paddle (for external soft tissue reconstruction). Results: One flap was lost due to hypercoagulable state. Fourteen flaps survived with complete oral mucosalization, resembling physiological intraoral bone coverage by 7 weeks (range: 6–8 weeks). One patient presented with delayed donor‐site wound healing. The mean follow‐up was 14.4 months (range: 2–33 months). Thirteen patients (87%) were without tracheotomy at last follow‐up, and 14 patients (93%) were taking at least some nutrition by mouth. Conclusion: Fibula osteofascial flap can be safely used for intraoral reconstruction. This flap provides a stable, thin, and vascularized fascia over the fibula with minimal donor‐site complications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:276–281, 2017.