bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Plasma Medicine: State and Perspectives of in Vivo Application of Cold Atmospheric Plasma
Authors: von Woedtke Th. , Metelmann H.‐R. , Weltmann K.‐D. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDriven by extensive basic research on plasma effects on living cells and microorganisms, plasma medicine has been developed as innovative medical research field during the last years. Besides partially established applications of plasma to treat materials or devices to allow effective medical applications with respect to biocompatibility or microbiological safety, respectively, the primary focus of plasma‐medical research is the direct application of plasma as part of therapeutic concepts. Even if a huge number of atmospheric pressure plasma sources for biomedical applications are described in the literature and characterized by in vitro microbiology and cell biology, there is only a limited number of in vivo experience with animals or human beings up to now. Research in plasma medicine has been mainly focused on applications in dermatology and aesthetic surgery with the aim to support tissue regeneration to improve healing of infected and/or chronic wounds as well as to treat infective and inflamed skin diseases. In general, there are four cold atmospheric plasma sources which were tested comprehensively in animals as well as human beings with respect both to its therapeutic potential and the safety of its application.Three clinical trials with cold atmospheric pressure plasma sources have been carried out yet. All three studies realized in Germany are focused on ulcer treatment. Two cold atmospheric pressure plasma sources got a CE marking as medical device in 2013. This marks a very important step to bring plasma medicine into the clinical daily routine!In future, it will become a general practical requirement to adapt special plasma sources to specific medical applications. Consequently, it is one of the main requirements for the physical and technical field of research and development in plasma medicine to find solutions for modular and flexible plasma devices which are adaptive to some extent e.g. to variable target areas. Based on this as well as together with comprehensive basic research to get much more insight into detailed mechanisms of plasma‐induced effects on living structures and the particular role of single plasma components, further fields of plasma application in vivo will be opened or extended, respectively, with both new targets like cancer treatment or new application sites like teeth, lung, eyes, nasal cavity or gastrointestinal tract. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An Inertia Driven Micro‐Actuator for Space Applications
Authors: Mita Makoto , Ataka Manabu , Fujita Hiroyuki , Toshiyoshi Hiroshi 
Published: February 2014

SUMMARYWe have developed an inertia‐driven micro actuator for the harsh environment of space. Different from the conventional PZT‐driven or other actuators, the newly developed electrostatic mechanism is free from material property change due to temperature. A mass suspended in the actuation system is designed to collide with the internal wall to produce thrust by an impact‐type inchworm mechanism.
Electric Vehicle Range Extension Control System Based on Front‐ and Rear‐Wheel Sideslip Angle and Left‐ and Right‐Motor Torque Distribution
Authors: Sumiya Hayato , Fujimoto Hiroshi 
Published: February 2014

SUMMARYIn this paper, a range extension control system based on the least‐squares method is proposed for electric vehicles with in‐wheel motors and front active steering. We propose a method that distributes the front and rear‐wheel sideslip angles and the difference in the driving force between the left and right motors resulting from the lateral force and yaw moment. The proposed method allows a reduction in the driving resistance generated due to the front steering angle. In practice, the mileage per charge is increased to about 200 m/kWh. Simulations and experiments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
PET/CT in head and neck oncology: State‐of‐the‐art 2013
Authors: Johnson Jonas T. , Branstetter Barton F. 
Published: February 2014

Objectives/HypothesisCombined positron emission tomography with simultaneous computed tomography (PET/CT performed using 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose [FDG] as a radiopharmaceutical) results in improvement in anatomic localization of tumor. This review explores the contemporary application of PET/CT to pretreatment assessment, posttreatment monitoring, and subsequent treatment planning for patients with squamous carcinoma of the head and neck.Data SourcesContemporary publications on the use of PET/CT in head and neck oncology are reviewed and synthesized.Review MethodThis review presents selected literature interpreted by expert opinion.ResultsPET/CT is highly sensitive in staging of patients with squamous cancer of the head and neck. The sensitivity is limited by tumor size, and PET/CT cannot currently replace the information obtained from elective neck dissection in the assessment of cervical metastases. In the setting of posttreatment monitoring, PET/CT allows for identification of persistent carcinoma prior to clinical observation in approximately two‐thirds of cases. However, contemporary reports do not allow assessment of cost effectiveness, and they do not allow determination if the application of PET/CT in this setting results in improved treatment outcomes. PET/CT is insensitive to evaluation of patients with glandular tumors, and those with low volume tumors and cystic metastases.ConclusionsPET/CT requires further evaluation before recommendations can be made regarding comparative effectiveness when compared to CT or MRI for posttreatment monitoring. The improved sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT during treatment planning justifies its use in this setting for patients with advanced stage squamous cancer of the head and neck. Laryngoscope, 124:913–915, 2014
Electrospinning of Ionic Supramolecular Azo Complexes
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Qian , Bazuin C. Geraldine , Pellerin Christian 
Published: February 2014

SummaryElectrospinning was applied to DMF solution mixtures of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and MO/PVP, which is an azo‐containing liquid crystalline complex between methyl orange (MO) and methylated poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) (PVP), to obtain composite light‐responsive fibers. The average diameter of the fibers, which ranged from 700 nm to 1.5 µm, increases with PMMA content. Differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy show that they are microphase separated in the form of interspersed nanostrips of PMMA‐rich and MO/PVP(‐rich) phases. The MO/PVP(‐rich) phase is liquid crystalline (smectic A) as in the bulk, but with no orientation relative to the fiber axis. The birefringence of the fibers observed by polarized optical microscopy is attributed, at least in part, to form birefringence. This study is promising for the preparation of light‐responsive fibers based on easy‐to‐prepare polymer complexes.
Preliminary Investigation of Improved Solubility of Nifedipine by Co Processing with Vinylcaprolactam/Vinylacetate/PEG6000 copolymer Through Spray Dried Solid Dispersions
Authors: Sharkawi Tahmer , Ruiz Emilie , Cacciaguerra Thomas , Domurado Martine , Bataille Bernard 
Published: February 2014

SummaryPoorly soluble drug nifedipine was co‐processed through spray‐drying with poly (vinyl caprolactam‐co‐vinyl acetate‐co‐ethylene glycol) (PVCVAEG). The obtained particles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infra‐red spectroscopy (IR), optical and electronic microscopy. Dissolution kinetics was evaluated and compared to unprocessed and processed samples. Spray‐drying produced smooth spherical particles. Crystallinity of the co‐processed nifedipine and polymeric solubilizer was reduced as showed by XRD and DSC. No specific interaction between nifedipine and the polymeric solubilizer could be observed by IR or DSC. Dissolution kinetics of the co‐processed samples was improved as compared to original nifedipine crystals and to spray‐dried plain nifedipine particles. Solubility parameters showed that nifedipine had strong probabilities of being miscible and to dissolve in the polymeric carrier. Results point to the formation of solid dispersion‐like systems which explain the improved solubility profiles.
A step towards the 3D component method for modelling beam‐to‐column joints
Authors: Heinisuo Markku , Perttola Henri , Ronni Hilkka 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper deals with the component method for the structural design of steel joints in the 3D modelling of loads. The essential features of the method are presented in terms of the local and global analysis model. There is a discussion about the location of the local joint model, the definition of generalized joint displacements and the generic nature of the method. The proposed method is verified for a beam‐to‐column joint. Verification is carried out by a detailed 3D non‐linear finite element analysis of a single joint. Other results in the literature are discussed briefly. One of the new components used in 3D modelling is introduced here. The proposed 3D component method seems to work rather well for moment resistances of joints in both ambient and fire conditions. Initial rotational stiffness needs to be studied more. Validation of the 3D component method is continuing with experiments on the end plate splice joints of rectangular tubular structures.
Modern steel design and construction in Canada’s oil sands industry
Authors: Bedair Osama 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe continuous improvements in Canada’s oil sands industrial performance have generated engineering challenges that are rarely encountered in conventional oil and gas projects. Significant developments in steel construction procedures have evolved over the past few years to cope with these challenges. New design guidelines have been developed to modernize structural steel design and construction procedures. These procedures have been successfully implemented in oil sands projects that worth billions of dollars. The author was involved in the design developments for these projects and would like to share with readers the difficulties and solutions used to cope with structural challenges that are not addressed by North American or European codes of practice.
Surgical Treatment and Perioperative Management of Idiopathic Abdominal Cocoon: Single‐Center Review of 65 Cases
Authors: Li Ning , Zhu Weiming , Li Yi , Gong Jianfeng , Gu Lili , Li Min , Cao Lei , Li Jieshou 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe abdominal cocoon (AC) is a condition in which a variable length of healthy small bowel is enveloped in a fibrocollagenous membrane, giving the appearance of a cocoon. Early experiences with treatment were associated with high mortality and morbidity rates and a low preoperative diagnostic rate, leading to underestimation of the treatment benefit of surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 65 patients who were diagnosed as having AC from 2001 to 2011. The clinical data, surgical intervention, and perioperative management were carefully reviewed.ResultsThe 65 patients (57 male, 8 female) had a median age of 39 years (range 14–79 years). Patients who received preoperative nutritional support had higher rate of grade 0 complications (p = 0.012) and a lower rate of grade II complications (p = 0.012) than those without nutritional support. Intestinal stenting during surgical intervention also decreased both grade I (p = 0.012) and grade II (p = 0.007) complications. Patients who received preoperative nutritional support and underwent intestinal stenting had a lower rate of postoperative complications (p < 0.05). In addition, patients with preoperative nutritional support were more satisfied postoperatively (p = 0.018) than those without nutritional support. This was also observed in patients with intestinal stenting versus those without it (p = 0.027).ConclusionsOur single‐center study with a large number of patients provided evidence regarding the epidemiology of AC. Preoperative nutritional support and intestinal stenting significantly reduced postoperative complications and, more importantly, increased postoperative satisfaction.
Displaying Candida antarctica lipase B on the cell surface of Aspergillus niger as a potential food-grade whole-cell catalyst
Authors: Pan Zhi-You , Yang Zhi-Ming , Pan Li , Zheng Sui-Ping , Han Shuang-Yan , Lin Ying 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Aspergillus niger is a recognized workhorse used to produce food processing enzymes because of its extraordinarily high protein-producing capacity. We have developed a new cell surface display system de novo in A. niger using expression elements from generally recognized as safe certified microorganisms. Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB), a widely used hydrolase, was fused to an endogenous cell wall mannoprotein, CwpA, and functionally displayed on the cell surface. Localization of CALB was confirmed by enzymatic assay and immunofluorescence analysis using laser scanning confocal microscopy. After induction by maltose for 45 h, the hydrolytic activity and synthesis activity of A. niger mycelium-surface displayed CALB (AN-CALB) reached 400 and 240 U/g dry cell, respectively. AN-CALB was successfully used as a whole-cell catalyst for the enzymatic production of ethyl esters from a series of fatty acids of different chain lengths and ethanol. In a solvent-free system, AN-CALB showed great synthetic activity and afforded high substrate mole conversions, which amounted to 87 % for ethyl hexanoate after 2 h, 89 % for ethyl laurate after 2 h, and 84 % for ethyl stearate after 3 h. These results suggested that CwpA can act as an efficient anchoring motif for displaying enzyme on A. niger, and AN-CALB is a robust, green, and cost-effective alternative food-grade whole-cell catalyst to commercial lipase.
A hybrid of the invasive plant Sphagneticola trilobata has similar competitive ability but different response to nitrogen deposition compared to parent
Authors: Ni Guangyan , Zhao P. , Wu W. , Lu X.‐K. , Zhao X.‐H. , Zhu L.‐W. , Niu J.‐F. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractHybridization between introduced and related native species has been suggested to be a key driving force of evolutionary processes in invasions that may be accelerated by increasing nitrogen (N) deposition. We carried out two experiments to compare the competitive ability of a newly‐reported putative hybrid (Sphagneticola calendulacea × Sphagneticola trilobata) to that of its invasive paternal parent and investigate its response to different N additions. Growth of the hybrid increased by 39.62 ± 15.69 % when grown with the native parent but showed no significant changes when grown with the invasive parent. Growth of invasive S. trilobata showed no significant changes when grown with the other two taxa. The hybrid and invasive parent inhibited the growth of the native parent by 33.27 ± 15.26 % and 78.56 ± 3.13 %, respectively. Low level N addition (50 kg N ha−1) enhanced the growth of both the hybrid and native parent, whereas medium and high levels of N additions (150, 300 kg N ha−1) had no effects on hybrid growth but decreased native parent growth. However, all N treatments had no significant effects on the growth of the invasive parent. Our results suggest that the hybrid is an equal competitor to its invasive parent and is more susceptible to N deposition. Therefore, this hybrid could be a threat to native diversity but may decline more than the invasive parent under high N conditions.
Interaction of two axisymmetric bodies falling side by side at moderate Reynolds numbers
Authors: Ern Patricia , Brosse Nicolas 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe consider the interaction of two identical disks freely falling side by side in a fluid at rest for Reynolds numbers ranging from 100 to 300, corresponding to rectilinear and oscillatory paths. For the three aspect ratios of the disks investigated, we observed that the bodies always repel one another when the horizontal distance between their centres of gravity is less than 4.5 diameters. They never come closer for distances spanning between 4.5 and 6 diameters. Beyond the latter distance, the disks appear indifferent to each other. For both rectilinear and periodic paths, the repulsion effect is weak, leading to an overall horizontal drift lower than 3 % of the vertical displacement. We propose a model for the repulsion coefficient Cr, which decreases with the separation distance between the bodies and is inversely proportional to the aspect ratio of the bodies, Cr thus being stronger for the thicker ones. Furthermore, in the case of the oscillatory paths, we show that the effect of the interaction reduces to the repulsion effect, since the characteristics of the oscillatory motion of each disk appear unaffected by the presence of the companion disk and no synchronization is observed between the paths, nor between the wakes, of the two disks.
Influence of virgin coconut oil-enriched diet on the transcriptional regulation of fatty acid synthesis and oxidation in rats – a comparative study
Authors: Arunima Sakunthala , Rajamohan Thankappan 
Published: February 2014

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) compared with copra oil, olive oil and sunflower-seed oil on the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids and the molecular regulation of fatty acid metabolism in normal rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed the test oils at 8 % for 45 d along with a synthetic diet. Dietary supplementation of VCO decreased tissue lipid levels and reduced the activity of the enzymes involved in lipogenesis, namely acyl CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase (FAS) (P< 0·05). Moreover, VCO significantly (P< 0·05) reduced thede novosynthesis of fatty acids by down-regulating the mRNA expression of FAS and its transcription factor, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, compared with the other oils. VCO significantly (P< 0·05) increased the mitochondrial and peroxisomal β-oxidation of fatty acids, which was evident from the increased activities of carnitine palmitoyl transferase I, acyl CoA oxidase and the enzymes involved in mitochondrial β-oxidation; this was accomplished by up-regulating the mRNA expression of PPARα and its target genes involved in fatty acid oxidation. In conclusion, the present results confirmed that supplementation of VCO has beneficial effects on lipid parameters by reducing lipogenesis and enhancing the rate of fatty acid catabolism; this effect was mediated at least in part via PPARα-dependent pathways. Thus, dietary VCO reduces the risk for CHD by beneficially modulating the synthesis and degradation of fatty acids.
Taking Community Seriously: Lessons from the Israeli Disengagement Plan
Authors: Stern Shai 
Published: February 2014

Eminent domain, or the expropriation of private property, is among the most controversial of legal arrangements. The challenges and threats that it poses to private property make it the subject of debate and dispute. Surprisingly, however, most Western jurisdictions embrace a similar formula to address expropriation, both in terms of the purposes that justify such action and the compensation that should be awarded to property owners.This article challenges the prevailing eminent domain formula, according to which, regardless of the circumstances of the expropriation, compensation to the property owner is determined by reference to the market value of the property. By exploring the case of Israel's 2005 disengagement plan, as a result of which 21 residential communities were uprooted by expropriation, this article argues that loss of communality should be taken into account in expropriations that uproot entire communities. However, in order for the legal arrangement to be efficient, fair and, of no less importance, to reflect the values embodied in the right to property, it should be constituted within a normative infrastructure that takes into account the values that the society wishes to endorse, and the inner meaning of these values.
Green-algal photobiont diversity (Trebouxia spp.) in representatives of Teloschistaceae (Lecanoromycetes, lichen-forming ascomycetes)
Authors: NYATI Shyam , SCHERRER Sandra , WERTH Silke , HONEGGER Rosmarie 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe green algal photobionts of 12 Xanthoria, seven Xanthomendoza, two Teloschistes species and Josefpoeltia parva (all Teloschistaceae) were analyzed. Xanthoria parietina was sampled on four continents. More than 300 photobiont isolates were brought into sterile culture. The nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (nrITS; 101 sequences) and the large subunit of the RuBiSco gene (rbcL; 54 sequences) of either whole lichen DNA or photobiont isolates were phylogenetically analyzed. ITS and rbcL phylogenies were congruent, although some subclades had low bootstrap support. Trebouxia arboricola,T. decolorans and closely related, unnamed Trebouxia species, all belonging to clade A, were found as photobionts of Xanthoria species. Xanthomendoza species associated with either T. decolorans (clade A), T. impressa, T. gelatinosa (clade I) or with an unnamed Trebouxia species. Trebouxia gelatinosa genotypes (clade I) were the photobionts of Teloschistes chrysophthalmus,T. hosseusianus and Josefpoeltia parva. Only weak correlations between distribution patterns of algal genotypes and environmental conditions or geographical location were observed.
Isalonactis, a new genus ofRoccellaceae(Arthoniales), from southern Madagascar
Authors: ERTZ Damien , TEHLER Anders , FISCHER Eberhard , KILLMANN Dorothee , RAZAFINDRAHAJA Tahina , SÉRUSIAUX Emmanuël 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe new genus and speciesIsalonactis madagascariensisis characterized by a crustose, non-corticate, often sorediate thallus containing psoromic acid, tiny white pruinose ascomata with a thalline margin, an inconspicuous excipulum, a pale brown hypothecium, 3-septate hyaline ascospores and curved filiform conidia. Phylogenetic analyses using nuLSU andRPB2sequences placeIsalonactisin theRoccellaceae, close to the generaLecanactisandChiodecton. The new species was collected on sheltered siliceous rocks in the dry landscape of the Isalo Massif (S Madagascar).Dermatiscum thunbergiiis newly recorded from Madagascar.
Adolescents with tetralogy of Fallot: neuropsychological assessment and structural brain imaging
Authors: Bellinger David C. , Rivkin Michael J. , DeMaso David , Robertson Richard L. , Stopp Christian , Dunbar-Masterson Carolyn , Wypij David , Newburger Jane W. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground: Few data are available on the neuropsychological, behavioural, or structural brain imaging outcomes in adolescents who underwent corrective surgery in infancy for tetralogy of Fallot. Methods: In this single-centre cross-sectional study, we enrolled 91 adolescents (13–16 years old) with tetralogy of Fallot and 87 referent subjects. Assessments included tests of academic achievement, memory, executive functions, visual-spatial skills, attention, and social cognition, as well as brain magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Genetic abnormalities or syndromes were present in 25% of tetralogy of Fallot patients, who had markedly greater neuropsychological morbidities than did patients without a syndrome. However, even patients without a syndrome performed significantly worse than the referent group or population norms in all of the neuropsychological domains assessed. In multivariable regression in those without a genetic/phenotypic syndrome, the strongest predictors of adverse late neurodevelopmental outcomes included a greater number of complications at the first operation, more total surgical complications across all operations, and occurrence of post-operative seizures. The presence of at least one abnormality on structural magnetic resonance imaging was more frequent in tetralogy of Fallot patients than the referent group (42% versus 8%). Conclusions: Adolescents with tetralogy of Fallot are at increased neurodevelopmental risk and would benefit from ongoing surveillance and educational supports even after childhood.