bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Energy Storage of Dielectric Nanocomposites at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Rajib Mohammad , Martinez Ricardo , Shuvo Mohammad , Karim Hasanul , Delfin Diego , Afrin Samia , Rodriguez Gerardo , Chintalapalle Ramana , Lin Yirong 
Published: May 2015

Enhancing the performance of dielectric capacitors toward higher energy density and higher operating temperatures has been drawing increased interest. Therefore, in this investigation, research efforts were dedicated to the fabrication and characterization of nanocomposites in order to enhance the energy density at both room temperature and elevated temperature. The dielectric capacitors are fabricated using nanocomposites composed of BaTiO nanoparticles with polyimide (PI) matrix aiming at combining the high relative dielectric permittivity of the ceramic filler and the high breakdown strength of the polymeric matrix. Dielectric energy storage performance is assessed for nanocomposites with volume fractions ranging from 0 to 20% under operating frequency from 20 Hz to 1 MHz and temperatures ranging from 20 to 120C. It is observed that with the increase of temperature, the capacitance increased while the energy density slightly decreased but significantly higher than pure polymer samples. The highest energy density was found for BaTiO/PI nanocomposites with 20% volume fraction, 9.63 J/cm at 20C and 6.79 J/cm at 120C. Overall, testing results indicate that using nanocomposites of BaTiO/PI as a dielectric component shows promise for implementation to preserve high energy density values up to temperatures of 120C.
Synthesis of High‐Performance BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ Phosphor Through a Facile Aqua‐Suspension Method
Authors: Zhu Qiang Qiang , Xu Xin , Hao Lu Yuan 
Published: May 2015

High‐performance BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ (BAM) phosphor was prepared by a facile aqua‐suspension method, based on the in situ surface charge modification of starting powders with the aid of the γ‐Al2O3 porous structure. When stirred in de‐ionized water at 80°C, the starting powders of BaCO3, MgO, and Eu2O3 were positive surface charged, and attracted by the porous and negative charged γ‐Al2O3 powders. Through the electrostatic effect, high uniformed BAM precursor was achieved after the aqua‐medium was removed. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra indicated some new chemical bonds among the reactants of the BAM precursor, which improved the powder activity and made it possible to achieve high‐performance BAM phosphor at a lower calcination temperature. The obtained BAM phosphor exhibited a narrow particle size distribution, enhanced crystallinity, and a short decay time.
The Implementation of Fluorescence‐Based Detection in LTCC (Low‐Temperature‐Co‐Fired‐Ceramics) Microfluidic Modules
Authors: Malecha Karol 
Published: May 2015

The possibility of the application of fluorescence‐based detection method in a microfluidic system is discussed. It consists of a microfluidic module and complementary housing. Both parts are made from LTCC technology. Three microfluidic module designs are analysed. They vary by way of their constructions of a transparent window, which is used for the transmission of a fluorescence signal from the module to the photodetector integrated onto the housing. The influence of the type of materials used for optical windows on performance of the system is discussed. According to the performed measurements, a concentration as low as 0.03 ng/mL was detected.
Large defects in aplasia cutis congenita treated by large‐sized thin split‐thickness skin grafting: long‐term follow‐up of 18 patients
Authors: Liu Yan , Qiu Lin , Fu Yuexian , Tian Xiaofei , Yuan Xingang , Xiao Jun , Li Tianwu 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the long‐term results of using surgical large‐sized thin split‐thickness skin grafting to treat aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) in neonates.MethodsThis study included 18 ACC neonates with large skin defects who underwent large‐sized thin split‐thickness skin grafting at our hospital from March 2002 to November 2011. The size of the lesion was >10% of the total body surface area (TBSA) in 16 patients, 7% of TBSA in one patient, and 3% of TBSA in another patient. The size of the skin graft was designed to be equal to or slightly larger than the size of the lesion.ResultsSkin grafts in 16 patients who were followed for periods of 6 months–7 years after surgery showed good survival; however, two patients were lost to follow‐up. The wound healed completely without scarring in five patients. One of the five patients who healed without scarring had failed previous conservative treatment. Several mild hypertrophic scars occurred in one patient, and flat, thin, shiny, soft, parchment‐like scars were noted in five other patients. Dark red, hard, raised hypertrophic scars occurred in five patients who had partial necrosis in the skin graft after surgery.ConclusionA large‐sized thin split‐thickness skin graft can be used to effectively close a wound and permit healing to occur with reduced long‐term scarring. This procedure is ideal for treating skin defects in patients with ACC.
Business model development, founders' social capital and the success of early stage internet start‐ups: a mixed‐method study
Authors: Spiegel Olav , Abbassi Puja , Zylka Matthäus Paul , Schlagwein Daniel , Fischbach Kai , Schoder Detlef 
Published: May 2015

AbstractInformation technology (IT) and entrepreneurship are more closely related than ever. The internet, in particular, inspires the current ‘generation start‐up’. While some early stage internet start‐ups have quickly become major successes, others fail to secure required follow‐up funding and collapse. In this paper, we build on and extend the emerging business model research stream with the aim of better understanding the differences between successful and unsuccessful early stage internet start‐ups. In the qualitative first part of our mixed‐method study, 17 expert informant interviews reveal that internet start‐up business models are in permanent flux, continually changed and adapted by founders, who identify their professional social network (i.e. their social capital) as a critically important factor for developing the business model and ultimately making their start‐ups successful. In the quantitative second part of the study, we test this claim based on a social network analysis of 70 internet start‐ups and their 145 founders. We find strong support for the critical importance of the founders' social capital for early stage internet start‐up success. The findings of this study advance our understanding of the relationship between founders' social capital, the development of business models and the success of early stage internet start‐ups.
Impact of relationships between test and training animals and among training animals on reliability of genomic prediction
Authors: Wu X. , Lund M.S. , Sun D. , Zhang Q. , Su G. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryOne of the factors affecting the reliability of genomic prediction is the relationship among the animals of interest. This study investigated the reliability of genomic prediction in various scenarios with regard to the relationship between test and training animals, and among animals within the training data set. Different training data sets were generated from EuroGenomics data and a group of Nordic Holstein bulls (born in 2005 and afterwards) as a common test data set. Genomic breeding values were predicted using a genomic best linear unbiased prediction model and a Bayesian mixture model. The results showed that a closer relationship between test and training animals led to a higher reliability of genomic predictions for the test animals, while a closer relationship among training animals resulted in a lower reliability. In addition, the Bayesian mixture model in general led to a slightly higher reliability of genomic prediction, especially for the scenario of distant relationships between training and test animals. Therefore, to prevent a decrease in reliability, constant updates of the training population with animals from more recent generations are required. Moreover, a training population consisting of less‐related animals is favourable for reliability of genomic prediction.
Impact on Clinical Outcome of Premature Interruption of Cryoenergy Delivery Due to Phrenic Nerve Palsy During Second Generation Cryoballoon Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: CHIERCHIA GIAN‐BATTISTA , MUGNAI GIACOMO , HUNUK BURAK , STRÖKER ERWIN , VELAGIĆ VEDRAN , SAITOH YUKIO , IRFAN GHAZALA , HACIOGLU EBRU , CICONTE GIUSEPPE , BRUGADA PEDRO , DE ASMUNDIS CARLO 
Published: May 2015

Cryoenergy Interruption Due to Phrenic Nerve PalsyIntroductionRight phrenic nerve paralysis (PNP) is the most frequently observed complication occurring during cryoballoon ablation (CB). Our aim was to analyze the impact of the premature interruption (PI) of cryoenergy delivery in a large series of consecutive patients during ablation in the right‐sided veins on clinical outcome.Methods and ResultsAll consecutive patients having undergone second‐generation CB ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) from July 2012 to September 2014 were included in our analysis. Exclusion criteria were persistent AF, presence of an intracavitary thrombus, uncontrolled heart failure, moderate or severe valvular disease, left atrium (LA) diameter ≥55 mm, and contraindications to general anesthesia. A total 287 consecutive patients with drug‐resistant paroxysmal AF having undergone pulmonary vein isolation by means of CB technology (male 65%, age 57.6 ± 13.1 years) were included. The incidence of PNP in the study population was 8.0% (23/287). At a mean follow‐up of 11.5 ± 3.9 months, the success rate without antiarrhythmic therapy was 81.6%. Patients with PNP had similar rates of AF recurrence compared with those without PNP (17.4% vs. 17.8%; P = 0.9); the former had a mean follow‐up of 10.9 ± 3.7 months, the latter 11.8 ± 4.5 months (P = 0.3).ConclusionConclusion: Our findings show that patients in whom freezing was interrupted due to PNP had a similar outcome on 1‐year follow‐up compared with those in whom freezing cycles were completed in the septal veins. No baseline clinical or procedural characteristics were found to predict AF recurrence in patients having experienced PNP.
Treatment of Hypertension in Children With Catecholamine‐Secreting Tumors: A Systematic Approach
Authors: Romero Mauricio , Kapur Gaurav , Baracco Rossana , Valentini Rudolph P. , Mattoo Tej K. , Jain Amrish 
Published: May 2015

Management of blood pressure in children with pheochromocytoma and other catecholamine‐secreting tumors (CSTs) is unique and challenging. The authors report a single‐center experience using sequential α‐adrenergic blockade (phenoxybenzamine), increased fluid intake, and β‐blockade for presurgical management of 10 CSTs in children. In this retrospective review, mean duration for blood pressure control in preparation for surgery was 4.5±2.6 weeks. Intraoperative hypertension was noted transiently (<2 hours) in eight patients (80%) and was treated with continuous infusion of short‐acting antihypertensive agents. Two (20%) patients required vasopressor medication infusion to manage intraoperative hypotension. Only two (20%) patients developed postoperative hypotension and required vasopressor medication infusion for <24 hours. All antihypertensive medications were discontinued in the immediate (≤4 days) postoperative period in 80% of patients. In conclusion, a systematic and multidisciplinary approach utilizing adrenergic blockade is effective in treating children with CSTs.
Clinical Use of Pulse Wave Analysis: Proceedings From a Symposium Sponsored by North American Artery
Authors: Townsend Raymond R. , Black Henry R. , Chirinos Julio A. , Feig Peter U. , Ferdinand Keith C. , Germain Michael , Rosendorff Clive , Steigerwalt Susan P. , Stepanek Jan A. 
Published: May 2015

The use of pulse wave analysis may guide the provider in making choices about blood pressure treatment in prehypertensive or hypertensive patients. However, there is little clinical guidance on how to interpret and use pulse wave analysis data in the management of these patients. A panel of clinical researchers and clinicians who study and clinically use pulse wave analysis was assembled to discuss strategies for using pulse wave analysis in the clinical encounter. This manuscript presents an approach to the clinical application of pulse waveform analysis, how to interpret central pressure waveforms, and how to use existing knowledge about the pharmacodynamic effect of antihypertensive drug classes in combination with brachial and central pressure profiles in clinical practice. The discussion was supplemented by case‐based examples provided by panel members, which the authors hope will provoke discussion on how to understand and incorporate pulse wave analysis into clinical practice.
Inadequate Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensive Patients Referred for Cardiac Stress Test
Authors: Mousa Tarek M. , Akinseye Oluwaseun A. , Kerwin Todd C. 
Published: May 2015

The current study examined the degree of blood pressure (BP) control and incidence of myocardial ischemia in hypertensive patients (n=2039) referred for cardiac stress test. Patients were categorized into well‐controlled (<140/90 mm Hg), poorly controlled (140–160/90–100 mm Hg), and very poorly controlled (>160/100 mm Hg) groups according to their resting BP. The mean age[±standard error of the mean] of the patients was 68±13 years, and 885 (43.4%) were men. The prevalence of well‐controlled hypertension (HTN) was 47.2%, poorly controlled HTN was 29.5%, and very poorly controlled HTN was 23.3%. Evidence of ischemia was seen in 19.8% and 19.3% of the well‐controlled and poorly controlled groups, respectively. The very poorly controlled group had the lowest incidence of ischemia (14.3%) (P<.05) compared with the other two groups. Symptoms that mimic ischemic heart disease in hypertensive patients may be partly explained by poorly controlled BP. Quality of care might be improved by optimally controlling BP in patients with angina symptoms prior to ordering diagnostic testing associated with radiation exposure and cost.
MMPs and angiogenesis affect the metastatic potential of a human vulvar leiomyosarcoma cell line
Authors: Alias Carlotta , Rocchi Laura , Ribatti Domenico , Caraffi Stefano , D'Angelo Alessandra , Perris Roberto , Mangieri Domenica 
Published: May 2015

AbstractGynaecological leiomyosarcoma (gLMS) represent a heterogeneous group of soft tissue sarcoma, characterized by rare incidence, high aggressiveness and propensity to infiltrate secondary organs, poor prognosis and lethality, because of the lack of biological mechanisms that underlying their progression and effective pharmaceutical treatments. This study was focused on some of the aspects of progression and dissemination of a subtype of gLMS namely vulvar LMS (vLMS). We therefore used a vulvar LMS‐derived cell line namely SK‐LMS‐1, coupled with in vitro and in vivo assays. We observed that SK‐LMS‐1 cells have a strong invasive capacity in vitro, through the activity of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, while in vivo these cells induce a strong angiogenic response and disseminate to the chick embryo liver. Therefore, we postulate that metalloproteinases are involved in the spreading behaviour of SK‐LMS‐1. Further investigations are necessary to better understand the molecular and cellular machinery involved in the progression of this malignancy.
Visual system evolution and the nature of the ancestral snake
Authors: Simões B. F. , Sampaio F. L. , Jared C. , Antoniazzi M. M. , Loew E. R. , Bowmaker J. K. , Rodriguez A. , Hart N. S. , Hunt D. M. , Partridge J. C. , Gower D. J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe dominant hypothesis for the evolutionary origin of snakes from ‘lizards’ (non‐snake squamates) is that stem snakes acquired many snake features while passing through a profound burrowing (fossorial) phase. To investigate this, we examined the visual pigments and their encoding opsin genes in a range of squamate reptiles, focusing on fossorial lizards and snakes. We sequenced opsin transcripts isolated from retinal cDNAand used microspectrophotometry to measure directly the spectral absorbance of the photoreceptor visual pigments in a subset of samples. In snakes, but not lizards, dedicated fossoriality (as in Scolecophidia and the alethinophidianAnilius scytale) corresponds with loss of all visual opsins other thanRH1 (λmax490–497 nm); all other snakes (including less dedicated burrowers) also have functionalsws1andlwsopsin genes. In contrast, the retinas of all lizards sampled, even highly fossorial amphisbaenians with reduced eyes, express functionallws,sws1,sws2andrh1genes, and most also expressrh2(i.e. they express all five of the visual opsin genes present in the ancestral vertebrate). Our evidence of visual pigment complements suggests that the visual system of stem snakes was partly reduced, with two (RH2 andSWS2) of the ancestral vertebrate visual pigments being eliminated, but that this did not extend to the extreme additional loss ofSWS1 andLWSthat subsequently occurred (probably independently) in highly fossorial extant scolecophidians andA. scytale. We therefore consider it unlikely that the ancestral snake was as fossorial as extant scolecophidians, whether or not the latter are para‐ or monophyletic.
Multi‐scale modeling of Arabidopsis thaliana response to different CO2 conditions: From gene expression to metabolic flux
Authors: Liu Lin , Shen Fangzhou , Xin Changpeng , Wang Zhuo 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMulti‐scale investigation from gene transcript level to metabolic activity is important to uncover plant response to environment perturbation. Here we integrated a genome‐scale constraint‐based metabolic model with transcriptome data to explore Arabidopsis thaliana response to both elevated and low CO2 conditions. The four condition‐specific models from low to high CO2 concentrations show differences in active reaction sets, enriched pathways for increased/decreased fluxes, and putative post‐transcriptional regulation, which indicates that condition‐specific models are necessary to reflect physiological metabolic states. The simulated CO2 fixation flux at different CO2 concentrations is consistent with the measured Assimilation‐CO2intercellular curve. Interestingly, we found that reactions in primary metabolism are affected most significantly by CO2 perturbation, whereas secondary metabolic reactions are not influenced a lot. The changes predicted in key pathways are consistent with existing knowledge. Another interesting point is that Arabidopsis is required to make stronger adjustment on metabolism to adapt to the more severe low CO2 stress than elevated CO2. The challenges of identifying post‐transcriptional regulation could also be addressed by the integrative model. In conclusion, this innovative application of multi‐scale modeling in plants demonstrates potential to uncover the mechanisms of metabolic response to different conditions.
The mitochondrial uncoupler DNP triggers brain cell mTOR signaling network reprogramming and CREB pathway up‐regulation
Authors: Liu Dong , Zhang Yongqing , Gharavi Robert , Park Hee Ra , Lee Jaewon , Siddiqui Sana , Telljohann Richard , Nassar Matthew R. , Cutler Roy G. , Becker Kevin G. , Mattson Mark P. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMitochondrial metabolism is highly responsive to nutrient availability and ongoing activity in neuronal circuits. The molecular mechanisms by which brain cells respond to an increase in cellular energy expenditure are largely unknown. Mild mitochondrial uncoupling enhances cellular energy expenditure in mitochondria and can be induced with 2,4‐dinitrophenol (DNP), a proton ionophore previously used for weight loss. We found that DNP treatment reduces mitochondrial membrane potential, increases intracellular Ca2+ levels and reduces oxidative stress in cerebral cortical neurons. Gene expression profiling of the cerebral cortex of DNP‐treated mice revealed reprogramming of signaling cascades that included suppression of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and insulin – PI3K – MAPK pathways, and up‐regulation of tuberous sclerosis complex 2, a negative regulator of mTOR. Genes encoding proteins involved in autophagy processes were up‐regulated in response to DNP. CREB (cAMP‐response element‐binding protein) signaling, Arc and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, which play important roles in synaptic plasticity and adaptive cellular stress responses, were up‐regulated in response to DNP, and DNP‐treated mice exhibited improved performance in a test of learning and memory. Immunoblot analysis verified that key DNP‐induced changes in gene expression resulted in corresponding changes at the protein level. Our findings suggest that mild mitochondrial uncoupling triggers an integrated signaling response in brain cells characterized by reprogramming of mTOR and insulin signaling, and up‐regulation of pathways involved in adaptive stress responses, molecular waste disposal, and synaptic plasticity.
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Physiological bioenergetic challenges such as exercise and fasting can enhance neuroplasticity and protect neurons against injury and neurodegeneration. Here, we show that the mitochondrial uncoupling agent 2,4‐dinitrophenol (DNP) elicits adaptive signaling responses in the cerebral cortex involving activation of Ca2+‐CREB and autophagy pathways, and inhibition of mTOR and insulin signaling pathways. The molecular reprogramming induced by DNP, which is similar to that of exercise and fasting, is associated with improved learning and memory, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for DNP.
Rapid balloon distension as a tool to study cortical processing of visceral sensations and pain
Authors: Lelic D. , Nissen T. D. , Brock C. , Aziz Q. , Drewes A. M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe processing of discomfort and pain in the central nervous system is normally studied with experimental methods, but it is mandatory that they are reliable over time to ensure that any interventions will result in valid results. We investigated reliability of rapid balloon distension in the rectum to elicit cortical evoked potentials (CEPs) to study the reliability of central processing of visceral sensation and discomfort/pain.MethodsEighteen healthy volunteers had two series of rectal balloon distensions performed on two separate days. Individualized balloon pressure, corresponding to pain detection threshold or to the maximum possible distension (30 psi), was used. Within‐ and between days reliability was measured in terms of amplitudes and latencies of the CEP global field power, topography and underlying brain networks.Key ResultsThere were two prominent peaks in the CEP recordings at mean latencies of 157 and 322 ms. There were no differences in latencies or amplitudes (p = 0.3) and they passed the Bland–Altman test for reproducibility. There were no differences in topographies (p > 0.7). Brain source connectivity revealed the cingulate‐operculum network as the most consistent network within and between subjects. There were no differences in the location of brain sources in this network (p = 0.9) and the source coordinates were reproducible. Finally, the cingulate source generally had higher strength than operculum source (p < 0.001).Conclusions & InferencesA reliable method to study central mechanisms underlying visceral sensation and pain was established. The method may improve our understanding of visceral pain and could be an objective method for studying efficacy of analgesics on visceral pain.