bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface immobilization and bioactivity of TGF‐β1 inhibitor peptides for bone implant applications
Authors: Sevilla Pablo , Vining Kyle V. , Dotor Javier , Rodriguez Daniel , Gil F. Javier , Aparicio Conrado 
Published: March 2015

AbstractTGF‐β1 is the most related cytokine with the production of fibrotic tissue. It plays an important role on the production of collagen by fibroblasts and other types of cells. The inhibition of this cytokine reduces fibrosis in various types of tissue. Biofunctionalization of dental and orthopedic implants with biomolecules enables modification of the physical, chemical and biochemical properties of their surfaces to improve its biological and clinical performance. Our objective was to develop a reliable method to immobilize oligopeptides on Ti surfaces to obtain a surface with TGF‐β1 inhibitory activity that will potentially minimize fibrotic encapsulation of implants during the process of osseointegration. We covalently immobilized TGF‐β1 inhibitor P17‐peptides on Ti surfaces and assessed by characterizing each step of the process that we successfully biofunctionalized the implant surfaces. High amounts of peptides were anchored and homogeneously distributed on the surfaces with mechanical and thermochemical stability after in vitro simulated challenges. Notably, the immobilized peptides retained their TGF‐β1 inhibitory activity in vitro. Thus, these biofunctional coatings are potential candidates for inducing a fast and reliable osseointegration in vivo. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 385–394, 2016.
New Insights In Intestinal Sar1B GTPase Regulation and Role in Cholesterol Homeostasis
Authors: Sané Alain , Seidman Ernest , Spahis Schohraya , Lamantia Valérie , Garofalo Carole , Montoudis Alain , Marcil Valérie , Levy Emile 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTSar1B GTPase is a key component of Coat protein complex II (COPII)‐coated vesicles that bud from the endoplasmic reticulum to export newly synthesized proteins. The aims of this study were to determine whether Sar1B responds to lipid regulation and to evaluate its role in cholesterol (CHOL) homeostasis. The influence of lipids on Sar1B protein expression was analyzed in Caco‐2/15 cells by Western blot. Our results showed that the presence of CHOL (200 μM) and oleic acid (0.5 mM), bound to albumin, increases Sar1B protein expression. Similarly, supplementation of the medium with micelles composed of taurocholate with monooleylglycerol or oleic acid also stimulated Sar1B expression, but the addition of CHOL (200 μM) to micelle content did not modify its regulation. On the other hand, overexpression of Sar1B impacted on CHOL transport and metabolism in view of the reduced cellular CHOL content along with elevated secretion when incubated with oleic acid‐containing micelles for 24 h, thereby disclosing induced CHOL transport. This was accompanied with higher secretion of free‐ and esterified‐CHOL within chylomicrons, which was not the case when oleic acid was replaced with monooleylglycerol or when albumin‐bound CHOL was given alone. The aforementioned cellular CHOL depletion was accompanied with a low phosphorylated/non phosphorylated HMG‐CoA reductase ratio, indicating elevated enzymatic activity. Combination of Sar1B overexpression with micelle incubation led to reduction in intestinal CHOL transporters (NPC1L1, SR‐BI) and metabolic regulators (PCSK9 and LDLR). The present work showed that Sar1B is regulated in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner by dietary lipids, suggesting an adaptation to alimentary lipid flux. Our data also suggest that Sar1B overexpression contributes to regulation of CHOL transport and metabolism by facilitating rapid uptake and transport of CHOL. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2270–2282, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Separation of the acid‐sugar mixtures by using acid retardation and further concentration of the eluents by using continuous‐effect membrane distillation
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Qin Yingjie , Li Pingli , Zhang Kunming , Liu Qing , Liu Liqiang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDA major cost in acid‐catalysed hydrolysis of biomass to fermentable sugars is the consumption of acid itself. In this study, a combined process was developed in which the acid and sugar in the hydrolysate were separated using an acid retardation process and then the dilute aqueous product streams were concentrated using a continuous‐effect membrane distillation (CEMD) process, thus acid could be reused as catalyst.RESULTSThe recovery rate of sugar was as high as 94.3–99.2% while the recovery rate of sulfuric acid was 92.4–98.9%. The eluents were further concentrated using the CEMD process. When a solution of 2 wt% sulfuric acid was concentrated to c. 40 wt%, the maximum value of permeation flux (Jw) and gained output ratio (GOR) was 6.20 L m−2 h−1 and 15.50, respectively. Meanwhile, the dilute aqueous sugar solution obtained from corn stover was concentrated 20‐fold to a final concentration of c. 497.6 g L−1 using the CEMD process with a final GOR of 5.5.CONCLUSIONThe combination of acid retardation and CEMD is suitable for the production of sugar, further purification and concentration of eluents; the sugar solution can be used for fermentation and acid solution can be reused as catalyst. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Nutrient removal from biogas slurry and biogas upgrading of crude biogas at high CO2 concentrations using marine microalgae
Authors: Zhao Yongjun , Ge Zhigang , Zhang Hui , Bao Jiqing , Sun Shiqing 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study aims to simultaneously reduce biogas slurry nutrient and upgrade biogas via microalgal production. Marine microalgae were grown in a culture medium containing a mixture of seawater and biogas slurry with CO2 from synthetic biogas. The effects of different ratios of biogas slurry and various influent concentrations of CH4 in synthetic biogas on the growth of Nannochloropsis sp. were examined. Nutrient removal and biogas upgrading were also studied under different influent CH4 concentrations.RESULTSNannochloropsis sp. showed optimal growth in 40% biogas slurry and significantly enhanced growth in synthetic biogas with 50% CO2. The optimal range of influent CH4 concentration for the removal of biogas slurry nutrients was 45% to 50%. Notably, the influent CH4 concentration of 60% (v/v) provided an optimal CO2 concentration for Nannochloropsis sp. cultivation. Advantageous CO2 removal and biogas upgrading were observed under this condition. This treatment increased CH4 concentration in synthetic biogas from 60% to 93.58% after 6 days cultivation.CONCLUSIONAppropriate control of the biogas slurry or seawater and CH4 concentrations in the influent is crucial to simultaneously optimize nutrient removal and biogas upgrading. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Histology of the heterostracan dermal skeleton: Insight into the origin of the vertebrate mineralised skeleton
Authors: Keating Joseph N. , Marquart Chloe L. , Donoghue Philip C. J. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTLiving vertebrates are divided into those that possess a fully formed and fully mineralised skeleton (gnathostomes) versus those that possess only unmineralised cartilaginous rudiments (cyclostomes). As such, extinct phylogenetic intermediates of these living lineages afford unique insights into the evolutionary assembly of the vertebrate mineralised skeleton and its canonical tissue types. Extinct jawless and jawed fishes assigned to the gnathostome stem evidence the piecemeal assembly of skeletal systems, revealing that the dermal skeleton is the earliest manifestation of a homologous mineralised skeleton. Yet the nature of the primitive dermal skeleton, itself, is poorly understood. This is principally because previous histological studies of early vertebrates lacked a phylogenetic framework required to derive evolutionary hypotheses. Nowhere is this more apparent than within Heterostraci, a diverse clade of primitive jawless vertebrates. To this end, we surveyed the dermal skeletal histology of heterostracans, inferred the plesiomorphic heterostracan skeleton and, through histological comparison to other skeletonising vertebrate clades, deduced the ancestral nature of the vertebrate dermal skeleton. Heterostracans primitively possess a four‐layered skeleton, comprising a superficial layer of odontodes composed of dentine and enameloid; a compact layer of acellular parallel‐fibred bone containing a network of vascular canals that supply the pulp canals (L1); a trabecular layer consisting of intersecting radial walls composed of acellular parallel‐fibred bone, showing osteon‐like development (L2); and a basal layer of isopedin (L3). A three layered skeleton, equivalent to the superficial layer L2 and L3 and composed of enameloid, dentine and acellular bone, is possessed by the ancestor of heterostracans + jawed vertebrates. We conclude that an osteogenic component is plesiomorphic with respect to the vertebrate dermal skeleton. Consequently, we interpret the dermal skeleton of denticles in chondrichthyans and jawless thelodonts as independently and secondarily simplified. J. Morphol. 276:657–680, 2015. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Morphology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo measurement reproducibility of femoral neck microarchitectural parameters derived from 3T MR images
Authors: Hotca Alexandra , Rajapakse Chamith S. , Cheng Chen , Honig Stephen , Egol Kenneth , Regatte Ravinder R. , Saha Punam K. , Chang Gregory 
Published: March 2015

PurposeTo evaluate the within‐day and between‐day measurement reproducibility of in vivo 3D MRI assessment of trabecular bone microarchitecture of the proximal femur.Materials and MethodsThis Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)‐compliant, Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved study was conducted on 11 healthy subjects (mean age = 57.4 ± 14.1 years) with written informed consent. All subjects underwent a 3T MRI hip scan in vivo (0.234 × 0.234 × 1.5 mm) at three timepoints: baseline, second scan same day (intrascan), and third scan 1 week later (interscan). We applied digital topological analysis and volumetric topological analysis to compute the following microarchitectural parameters within the femoral neck: total bone volume, bone volume fraction, markers of trabecular number (skeleton density), connectivity (junctions), plate‐like structure (surfaces), plate width, and trabecular thickness. Reproducibility was assessed using root‐mean‐square coefficient of variation (RMS‐CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsThe within‐day RMS‐CVs ranged from 2.3% to 7.8%, and the between‐day RMS‐CVs ranged from 4.0% to 7.3% across all parameters. The within‐day ICCs ranged from 0.931 to 0.989, and the between‐day ICCs ranged from 0.934 to 0.971 across all parameters.ConclusionThese results demonstrate high reproducibility for trabecular bone microarchitecture measures derived from 3T MR images of the proximal femur. The measurement reproducibility is within a range suitable for clinical cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies in osteoporosis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1339–1345.
Diagnostic accuracy of diffusion‐weighted MRI for differentiation of cervical cancer and benign cervical lesions at 3.0T: Comparison with routine MRI and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Kuang Fei , Yan Zhiping , Li Huili , Feng Hao 
Published: March 2015

PurposeTo compare the diagnostic accuracy of routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (T1WI and T2WI), diffusion‐weighted MRI (DWI), and DCE‐MRI (dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI) at 3.0T for differentiation of cervical cancer and benign cervical lesions.Materials and MethodsA cohort of 75 cervical cancer patients, 26 cervical leiomyoma patients, 22 patients with cervical polyps consecutively underwent pelvic MRI scanning on a 3T MR unit. Two radiologists independently evaluated images at three imaging settings; routine MRI alone, DWI combined with routine MRI (DWI+routine MRI), and DCE‐MRI. The apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were calculated from b 0, 600 s/mm2 and b 0, 1000 s/mm2.ResultsDWI+routine MRI was significantly better than routine MRI and obtained high accuracy (0.95); the diagnostic performance was not significantly different between DWI+routine MRI and DCE‐MRI. Reader agreement was excellent for both DWI+routine MRI (κ, 0.90) and DCE‐MRI (κ, 0.92). The ADCs of cervical cancer were significantly lower than those of benign cervical lesions at both ADC maps (P = 0.0001). The diagnostic accuracy was not different at both ADC maps (P = 0.375).ConclusionFor differentiation of cervical cancer and benign cervical lesions, unenhanced MRI with combined diffusion‐weighted and routine MRI (DWI+routine MRI) at 3T can provide accurate information and may be preferable to DCE. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1094–1099.
Microwave noise modeling for MOSFETs
Authors: Yu Panpan , Chen Bo , Gao Jianjun 
Published: March 2015

SummaryAnalytical expressions for the noise parameters of radio frequency metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) are presented in this paper. These expressions are derived from an accurate small‐signal and noise equivalent circuit model, which takes into account the substrate parasitics and series inductances. Further, simplified expressions for noise parameters in the low‐frequency range are given. Good agreement is obtained between measured and calculated results up to 14 GHz for 0.35 µm MOSFET over a wide range of bias points. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of juice extraction methods in the pungency measurement of onion bulbs
Authors: Yoo Kil Sun , Lee Eun Jin , Hamilton Brian K , Patil Bhimanagouda S 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDOnion pungency is estimated by measuring the pyruvic acid content in juice extracted from fresh tissues. We compared pyruvic acid content and its variation in the juices extracted by the pressing, maceration, blending with no water, or blending with water (blend/water) methods.RESULTSThere were considerable differences in the pyruvic acid content and coefficient of variation (CV) among these methods, and there was an interaction between the onion cultivars and the juice extraction methods. The pressing method showed over 30% CV in the quartered or composite samples. The blend/water method showed the greatest pyruvic acid content in the shortday‐type (‘TG1015Y’ and ‘Texas Early White’) onions, while the pressing method showed the greatest pyruvic acid content in the longday‐type onions. The blend/water method, which gave ratios between 1:1 and 1:4 (w/w), showed the same pyruvic acid content. The blending (no water) method had the highest correlation, followed by the maceration method. The lowest correlations were found with the pressing method and the blend/water method.CONCLUSIONSComplete homogenisation of tissues with 1:1 or greater ratios of water was necessary for the maximum consistency and full development of the pyruvic acid reaction for onion pungency measurement. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Pairing call‐response surveys and distance sampling for a mammalian carnivore
Authors: Hansen Sara J. K. , Frair Jacqueline L. , Underwood H. Brian , Gibbs James P. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTDensity estimates accounting for differential animal detectability are difficult to acquire for wide‐ranging and elusive species such as mammalian carnivores. Pairing distance sampling with call‐response surveys may provide an efficient means of tracking changes in populations of coyotes (Canis latrans), a species of particular interest in the eastern United States. Blind field trials in rural New York State indicated 119‐m linear error for triangulated coyote calls, and a 1.8‐km distance threshold for call detectability, which was sufficient to estimate a detection function with precision using distance sampling. We conducted statewide road‐based surveys with sampling locations spaced ≥6 km apart from June to August 2010. Each detected call (be it a single or group) counted as a single object, representing 1 territorial pair, because of uncertainty in the number of vocalizing animals. From 524 survey points and 75 detections, we estimated the probability of detecting a calling coyote to be 0.17 ± 0.02 SE, yielding a detection‐corrected index of 0.75 pairs/10 km2(95% CI: 0.52–1.1, 18.5% CV) for a minimum of 8,133 pairs across rural New York State. Importantly, we consider this an index rather than true estimate of abundance given the unknown probability of coyote availability for detection during our surveys. Even so, pairing distance sampling with call‐response surveys provided a novel, efficient, and noninvasive means of monitoring populations of wide‐ranging and elusive, albeit reliably vocal, mammalian carnivores. Our approach offers an effective new means of tracking species like coyotes, one that is readily extendable to other species and geographic extents, provided key assumptions of distance sampling are met. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Pennsylvania's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program benefits ring‐necked pheasants but not enough to reverse declines
Authors: Pabian Sarah E. , Wilson Andrew M. , Klinger Scott R. , Brittingham Margaret C. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTIn 2000, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) was started in Pennsylvania as an incentive program for farm owners to restore grassland and riparian areas to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. The grassland restoration part of the program is thought to produce high quality habitat for rapidly declining populations of ring‐necked pheasants. We used data collected via roadside counts from 2001–2002 and 2009–2010 in a 20‐county area in south‐central Pennsylvania to determine whether CREP field establishment during that time period affected pheasant populations. Pheasant abundances responded positively to the amount of CREP cover; the change in abundance between the two time‐periods increased by 3.2% with every unit increase in the percent CREP coverage within 500 m. Changes in relative abundance increased by an additional 21.9% with every unit increase in the percent CREP coverage within 5,000 m of survey routes, indicating additional benefits of CREP when located in the surrounding landscape. Although pheasant abundances responded positively to CREP, they declined across the area by 52% from the 2001–2002 to 2009–2010 time periods, indicating the overall amount of CREP land was inadequate to reverse the population decline. Because only 6.0% of survey stops currently have conditions necessary to support steady or increasing pheasant populations, the amount of additional CREP coverage needed to reverse population declines in the study area is impractical and will need to be used in combination with other management techniques to be successful. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Transcartilaginous ear piercing and infectious complications: A systematic review and critical analysis of outcomes
Authors: Sosin Michael , Weissler Jason M. , Pulcrano Marisa , Rodriguez Eduardo D. 
Published: March 2015

Objectives/HypothesisThe purpose of this systematic review was to critically analyze infectious complications and treatment following transcartilaginous ear piercing.Data SourcesMEDLINE Pubmed database.Review MethodsA MEDLINE PubMed database search using free text, including “ear chondritis,” “ear perichondritis,” “ear cartilage piercing,” and “auricle piercing,” yielded 483 titles. Based on set inclusion and exclusion criteria, the titles, abstracts, and full text articles were reviewed for inclusion and underwent data extraction. Pooled outcomes are reported.ResultsA total of 29 articles met inclusion criteria, including 66 patients. The mean age of the patients was 18.7 ± 7.6 years (range: 11–49), 87.5% female. Ear deformity was more likely to occur following postpiercing perichondritis of the scapha 100% versus the helix 43% (P = 0.003). Mean duration of symptoms prior to patients seeking medical attention was 6.1 ± 4.1 days. Greater than 5 days of symptoms prior to seeking treatment was significantly more likely to result in hospitalization. Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for 87.2% infections. Of the patients with Pseudomonas, 92.3% were hospitalized versus 75% of the patients infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Initial oral antibiotics prescribed did not target the cultured bacterium in 53.3% of cases; of these, 87.5% were hospitalized.ConclusionsTranscartilaginous postpiercing infection may lead to ear deformity and hospitalization. Patients (customers) and practitioners must be aware of optimal treatment strategies to minimize associated morbidity. Scapha piercing and delay in presentation are associated with poorer outcomes. Pseudomonas is the most common bacterial infection. Initial antibiotic selection must be optimized accordingly. Laryngoscope, 125:1827–1834, 2015
How should unmatched otolaryngology applicants proceed?
Authors: Schwan Josianna , Abaza Mona , Cabrera‐Muffly Cristina 
Published: March 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine the attitudes of otolaryngology residency program directors and chairpersons toward unmatched residency applicants, including whether a surgical internship or research year is preferred in considering repeat applicants.Study DesignCross‐sectional survey.MethodsApproval was obtained from the Colorado Multiple Institution Review Board. A 12‐question Web‐based survey was sent to otolaryngology residency program directors and chairpersons three times over a 6‐week period. Responses collected from respondents were anonymous, with no identifying characteristics.ResultsForty‐five percent of those contacted responded to the survey. The most commonly recommended course of action for an unmatched applicant was completion of a general surgery intern year (43%) or a year of research (31%). Program directors were more likely than chairpersons to recommend a year of research (P value 0.014). Ninety‐seven percent of the respondents felt it was important or essential to obtain new letters of recommendation. Respondents ranked poor interview skills as the most common reason for applicants remaining unmatched (29%).ConclusionOtolaryngology residency match is even more competitive for previously unmatched applicants. Unmatched applicants should be advised to proceed with either a research year or postgraduate year 1 general surgery year. Before applying again, applicants should obtain new letters of recommendation, and the importance of improving poor interviewing skills should be emphasized by advisors.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 125:2291–2294, 2015