bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hairpin DNA‐Dependent Click Conjugation of Oligonucleotides for Electrochemical Monitoring of Copper(II)
Authors: Tang Dianyong , Zhang Jin , Tang Ying , Teng Liumei , Xia Biyun , Tang Dianping 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA new electrochemical sensing platform was designed for sensitive detection of copper(II) (Cu2+) based on click conjugation of two short oligonucleotides by using methylene blue‐functionalized hairpin DNA as the template. The analyte (Cu2+) was in situ reduced to Cu+ by sodium ascorbate, which catalyzed the click conjugation between two single‐stranded oligonucleotides one was labelled with a 5′‐alkyne and the other with 3′‐azide group via the Cu+‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition. The newly formed long‐chain oligonucleotide induced the conformational change of hairpin DNA to open the hairpin, resulting in methylene blue far away from the electrode for the decrease of redox current. Under optimal conditions, the decrease in the electronic signal was directly proportional to target Cu2+ concentration, and allowed the detection of Cu2+ at a concentration as low as 1.23 nM. Our strategy also displayed high selectivity for Cu2+ against other metal ions owing to the highly specific Cu+‐catalyzed click chemistry reaction, and was applicable for monitoring of Cu2+ in drinking water with satisfactory results.
Force–displacement response of in‐plane‐loaded URM walls with a dominating flexural mode
Authors: Petry Sarah , Beyer Katrin 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThis article presents a new mechanical model for the non‐linear force–displacement response of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls developing a flexural rocking mode including their displacement capacity. The model is based on the plane‐section hypothesis and a constitutive law for the masonry with zero tensile strength and linear elastic behaviour in compression. It is assumed that only the compressed part of the wall contributes to the stiffness of the wall and therefore the model accounts for a softening of the response due the reduction of the effective area. Stress conditions for limit states are proposed that characterise the flexural failure. The new model allows therefore linking local performance levels to global displacement capacities. The limit states criteria describe the behaviour of modern URM walls with cement mortar of normal thickness and clay bricks. The model is validated through comparison of local and global engineering demand parameters with experimental results. It provides good prediction of the effective stiffness, the force capacity and the displacement capacity of URM walls at different limit states. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intensity measure selection for vulnerability studies of building classes
Authors: Kazantzi Athanasia K. , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe selection of a scalar Intensity Measure (IM) for performing analytical vulnerability (loss) assessment across a building class is addressed. We investigate the ability of several IM choices to downgrade the effect of seismological parameters (sufficiency) as well as reduce the record‐to‐record variability (efficiency) for both highrise and lowrise sets of ‘index’ buildings. These characteristics are explored in unprecedented detail, employing comparisons and statistical significance testing at given levels of local engineering demand parameters (story drift ratios and peak floor accelerations) that relate to losses, instead of global variables such as the maximum interstory drift. Thus, a detailed limit‐state‐specific view is offered for the suitability of different scalar IMs for loss assessment. As expected, typical single‐period spectral values are found to introduce unwanted bias at high levels of scaling, both for a single as well as a class of buildings. On the other hand, the geometric mean of the spectral acceleration values estimated at several periods between the class‐average second‐mode and an elongated class‐average first‐mode period offers a practical choice that significantly reduces the spectral‐shape bias without requiring the development of new ground motion prediction equations. Given that record selection remains a site‐ and building‐specific process, such an improved IM can help achieve reliable estimates for building portfolios, as well as single structures, at no additional cost. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hot homogenization process optimization for fragrance encapsulation in solid lipid nanoparticles
Authors: Cortial Angèle , Vocanson Marc , Loubry Estelle , Briançon Stéphanie 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSolid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with perfume were prepared using a hot homogenization process coupled with ultrasounds. The objective was to develop a simple process adjustable to several kinds of lipids. The process comprised two steps: a pre‐emulsion of the melted lipids in water followed by a size reduction by sonication, before cooling. The study of several formulation parameters showed that the size distribution of SLNs depended essentially on the sonication step, and especially on the ultrasounds power and time. Five types of SLNs loaded with perfume were produced, based on petrolatum, candelilla, shea butter, C10‐18 triglycerides, and cetyl palmitate. The size distribution was below 200 nm with a narrow size distribution. Moreover, high encapsulation efficiency was obtained, at least 66.5% (±0.5) for petrolatum SLNs and 94.9% (±0.5) for cetyl palmitate SLNs and the loading % was comprised between 4.9% (±0.5) (petrolatum) and 7.0% (±0.5) (cetyl palmitate). A correlation between the partition coefficient of the molecules and the encapsulation efficiency was established for all lipids except cetyl palmitate. Cetyl palmitate, candelilla and petrolatum SLNs were stable for at least one month at 4 °C and 25 °C. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of Multivariable Regression Model for SOFC Stack Temperature Estimation in System Environment
Authors: Halinen M. , Pohjoranta A. , Pennanen J. , Kiviaho J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe applicability of multivariable linear regression (MLR) models to estimate the maximum temperature inside a SOFC stack is investigated experimentally. The experiments were carried out with a complete 10 kW SOFC system. The behavior of the maximum temperature measured inside a SOFC stack with respect to four independent input variables (stack current, air flow, air inlet temperature and fuel flow) is examined following the design of experiments methodology, and MLR models are created based on the retrieved data. The practical feasibility of the MLR estimate is investigated experimentally with the 10 kW system by evaluating the accuracy of the estimate in two test cases: (i) a system load change where the stack temperature is regulated by a closed‐loop controller using the MLR estimate and (ii) during operator‐imposed disturbances in the fuel system (a variation in the methane conversion in the fuel pre‐reformer). Finally, the performance of the MLR estimate is evaluated with another, 64‐cell stack operated at higher current density.
The Costs and Benefits of Regulating the Market for Corporate Insolvency Practitioner Remuneration
Authors: Dickfos Jennifer 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe release by the Australian Treasury on Friday, 7 November 2014 of the Insolvency Law Reform Bill (ILRB) 2014 throws the spotlight once again on corporate insolvency law reform in Australia. Significantly, the ILRB 2014 identifies amongst its purposes two objectives with respect to Corporate Insolvency Practitioner (CIP) remuneration reform. Namely, to promote market competition on price and quality and improve the overall confidence in the professionalism and competence of insolvency practitioners. This paper considers whether the proposed CIP remuneration reforms outlined in the ILRB 2014 will effectively achieve these objectives. Where it is considered that reforms are misdirected, further changes, informed by UK insolvency reform proposals, are considered.
Dysregulated TGF‐β signaling alters bone microstructure in a mouse model of Loeys‐Dietz syndrome
Authors: Dewan Ashvin K. , Tomlinson Ryan E. , Mitchell Stuart , Goh Brian C. , Yung Rachel M. , Kumar Sarvesh , Tan Eric W. , Faugere Marie‐Claude , Dietz Harry C. , Clemens Thomas L. , Sponseller Paul D. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTLoeys‐Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by vascular and skeletal abnormalities resembling Marfan syndrome, including a predisposition for pathologic fracture. LDS is caused by heterozygous mutations in the genes encoding transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) type 1 and type 2 receptors. In this study, we characterized the skeletal phenotype of mice carrying a mutation in the TGF‐β type 2 receptor associated with severe LDS in humans. Cortical bone in LDS mice showed significantly reduced tissue area, bone area, and cortical thickness with increased eccentricity. However, no significant differences in trabecular bone volume were observed. Dynamic histomorphometry performed in calcein‐labeled mice showed decreased mineral apposition rates in cortical and trabecular bone with normal numbers of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Mechanical testing of femurs by three‐point bending revealed reduced femoral strength and fracture resistance. In vitro, osteoblasts from LDS mice demonstrated increased mineralization with enhanced expression of osteoblast differentiation markers compared with control cells. These changes were associated with impaired TGF‐β1–induced Smad2 and Erk1/2 phosphorylation and upregulated TGF‐β1 ligand mRNA expression, compatible with G357W as a loss‐of‐function mutation in the TGF‐β type 2 receptor. Paradoxically, phosphorylated Smad2/3 in cortical osteocytes measured by immunohistochemistry was increased relative to controls, possibly suggesting the cross‐activation of TGF‐β–related receptors. The skeletal phenotype observed in the LDS mouse closely resembles the principal structural features of bone in humans with LDS and establishes this mouse as a valid in vivo model for further investigation of TGF‐β receptor signaling in bone. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1447–1454, 2015.
SIRT6 expression is associated with poor prognosis and chemosensitivity in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Azuma Yoko , Yokobori Takehiko , Mogi Akira , Altan Bolag , Yajima Toshiki , Kosaka Takayuki , Onozato Ryoichi , Yamaki Ei , Asao Takayuki , Nishiyama Masahiko , Kuwano Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundDespite advances in the development of various therapeutic agents, non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with a poor prognosis. To improve the prognosis of patients with NSCLC, new therapeutic targets for overcoming drug resistance are required. The process of autophagy is required to support the tumorigenesis and drug resistance of cancer cells. We investigated the clinical significance of SIRT6, a member of the NAD+‐dependent deacetylase family, which regulates a variety of cancer‐related processes, including autophagy.MethodsImmunohistochemistry analysis of SIRT6 expression and localization in 98 NSCLC clinical specimens and in vitro analysis using SIRT6‐knockout lung carcinoma cell lines were performed.ResultsPatients with high cytoplasmic expression and low nuclear expression of SIRT6 (n = 33) had more aggressive cancer, shorter overall survival, and shorter recurrence‐free survival than did patients with different SIRT6 expression profiles (P < 0.05). In vitro analysis revealed that SIRT6 knockdown lung adenocarcinoma cell line improved paclitaxel sensitivity (P < 0.05) and reduced the expression levels of both nuclear factor kappaB and autophagy marker Beclin1.ConclusionOur data demonstrated that SIRT6 expression in NSCLC could be a useful prognostic marker and that SIRT6 might represent a novel target gene for predicting sensitivity of chemotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:231–237. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of a preceding fractional carbon dioxide laser on the outcome of combined local narrowband ultraviolet B and topical steroids in patients with vitiligo in difficult‐to‐treat areas
Authors: Vachiramon Vasanop , Chaiyabutr Chayada , Rattanaumpawan Pinyo , Kanokrungsee Silada 
Published: July 2015

Background and ObjectiveConventional treatment of vitiligo on hands and feet often produces an unsatisfactory result. Various ablative treatment methods were tried with favorable results in facial, neck, and truncal areas. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined fractional CO2 laser, narrowband UVB (NB‐UVB) phototherapy, and topical clobetasol propionate in managing stable vitiligo in difficult‐to‐treat areas.Study DesignA prospective randomized‐intraindividual study was conducted on 27 patients with 27 pair‐lesions of non‐segmental vitiligo on both hands. The lesions were randomized to receive treatment with fractional CO2 laser, NB‐UVB phototherapy, and 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream (Group A) or NB‐UVB phototherapy and 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream (Group B). Fractional CO2 laser was performed at 1‐week interval for 10 sessions. NB‐UVB phototherapy was administered twice weekly for 20 sessions. Patients were evaluated 12 weeks after the last treatment. Outcome was evaluated objectively based on standard digital photographs, patient satisfaction, and adverse events.ResultsTwenty‐six patients completed the study. Six vitiligious lesions (23.1%) in group A achieved good to excellent repigmentation compared with one lesion (3.9%) in group B (P = 0.065). The overall mean improvement score was 1.35 (±1.38) in group A and 0.50 (±0.95) in group B (P = 0.0004). Patients' satisfaction score was significantly higher for the lesions in group A than group B. Lesions on the dorsum of the hand showed a higher response rate than those on the fingers. No serious side‐effects were noted.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that adding fractional CO2 laser treatment to NB‐UVB phototherapy and topical steroids improves the repigmentation rate of vitiliginous lesions on hands in some patients. This technique may be offered to vitiligo patients who are unresponsive to other treatments. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:197–202, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A survey of methods for encrypted traffic classification and analysis
Authors: Velan Petr , Čermák Milan , Čeleda Pavel , Drašar Martin 
Published: July 2015

SummaryWith the widespread use of encrypted data transport, network traffic encryption is becoming a standard nowadays. This presents a challenge for traffic measurement, especially for analysis and anomaly detection methods, which are dependent on the type of network traffic. In this paper, we survey existing approaches for classification and analysis of encrypted traffic. First, we describe the most widespread encryption protocols used throughout the Internet. We show that the initiation of an encrypted connection and the protocol structure give away much information for encrypted traffic classification and analysis. Then, we survey payload and feature‐based classification methods for encrypted traffic and categorize them using an established taxonomy. The advantage of some of described classification methods is the ability to recognize the encrypted application protocol in addition to the encryption protocol. Finally, we make a comprehensive comparison of the surveyed feature‐based classification methods and present their weaknesses and strengths. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluoroquinolone Sequential Therapy for Helicobacter pylori: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Kale‐Pradhan Pramodini B. , Mihaescu Anela , Wilhelm Sheila M. 
Published: July 2015

Study ObjectiveAs resistance of Helicobacter pylori to standard first‐line therapy is increasing globally, alternative treatment regimens, such as a fluoroquinolone‐based sequential regimen, have been explored. The objective of this meta‐analysis was to compare the efficacy of fluoroquinolone‐based sequential therapy with standard first‐line treatment for H. pylori infection.DesignMeta‐analysis of six randomized controlled trials.PatientsA total of 738 H. pylori–infected, treatment‐naive adults who received fluoroquinolone‐based sequential therapy (5–7 days of a proton pump inhibitor [PPI] and amoxicillin therapy followed by 5–7 days of a PPI, a fluoroquinolone, and metronidazole or tinidazole or furazolidone therapy) and 733 H. pylori–infected, treatment‐naive adults who received guideline‐recommended, first‐line therapy with standard triple therapy (7–14 days of a PPI plus amoxicillin and clarithromycin) or standard sequential therapy (5 days of a PPI plus amoxicillin, followed by an additional 5 days of triple therapy consisting of a PPI, clarithromycin, and metronidazole or tinidazole).Measurements and Main ResultsA systematic literature search of the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases (from inception through January 2015) was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials that compared fluoroquinolone‐based sequential therapy with guideline‐recommended, first‐line treatment regimens in H. pylori–infected, treatment‐naive adults. All selected trials confirmed H. pylori infection prior to treatment as well as post‐treatment eradication. A meta‐analysis was performed by using Review Manager 5.2. Treatment effect was determined with a random‐effects model by using the Mantel–Haenszel method and was reported as a risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). In the six randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria, 648 (87.8%) of 738 patients receiving fluoroquinolone‐based sequential therapy and 521 (71.1%) of 733 patients receiving standard regimens achieved eradication (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.09–1.35). The frequencies of adverse effects that were reported in three of the trials were comparable for all treatments (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.76–1.29). In addition, no statistically significant difference was noted in the number of patients who experienced adverse effects that prompted discontinuation of therapy (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.34–3.09). The H. pylori eradication rate appeared similar among the six trials with respect to duration of therapy and daily dose of the fluoroquinolone.ConclusionFluoroquinolone‐based sequential therapy is a reasonable treatment alternative to first‐line eradication therapy for treatment of H. pylori.
Biochemical studies on WbcA, a sugar epimerase from Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Salinger Ari J. , Brown Haley A. , Thoden James B. , Holden Hazel M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractYersinia enterocolitica is a Gram‐negative bacterium that causes yersiniosis, a zoonotic disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract of humans, cattle, and pigs, among others. The lipopolysaccharide of Y. enterocolitica O:8 contains an unusual sugar, 6‐deoxy‐d‐gulose, which requires four enzymes for its biosynthesis. Here, we describe a combined structural and functional investigation of WbcA, which catalyzes the third step in the pathway, namely an epimerization about the C‐3′ carbon of a CDP‐linked sugar. The structure of WbcA was determined to 1.75‐Å resolution, and the model was refined to an overall R‐factor of 19.5%. The fold of WbcA places it into the well‐defined cupin superfamily of sugar epimerases. Typically, these enzymes contain both a conserved histidine and a tyrosine residue that play key roles in catalysis. On the basis of amino acid sequence alignments, it was anticipated that the “conserved” tyrosine had been replaced with a cysteine residue in WbcA (Cys 133), and indeed this was the case. However, what was not anticipated was the fact that another tyrosine residue (Tyr 50) situated on a neighboring β‐strand moved into the active site. Site‐directed mutant proteins were subsequently constructed and their kinetic properties analyzed to address the roles of Cys 133 and Tyr 50 in WbcA catalysis. This study emphasizes the continuing need to experimentally verify assumptions that are based solely on bioinformatics approaches.
Protein collapse driven against solvation free energy without H‐bonds
Authors: Karandur Deepti , Harris Robert C. , Pettitt B. Montgomery 
Published: July 2015

AbstractProteins collapse and fold because intramolecular interactions and solvent entropy, which favor collapse, outweigh solute–solvent interactions that favor expansion. Since the protein backbone actively participates in protein folding and some intrinsically disordered proteins are glycine rich, oligoglycines are good models to study the protein backbone as it collapses, both during conformational changes in disordered proteins and during folding. The solvation free energies of short glycine oligomers become increasingly favorable as chain length increases. In contrast, the solubility limits of glycine oligomers decrease with increasing chain length, indicating that peptide–peptide, and potentially solvent–solvent interactions, overcome peptide–solvent interactions to favor aggregation at finite concentrations of glycine oligomers. We have recently shown that hydrogen‐ (H‐) bonds do not contribute significantly to the concentration‐based aggregation of pentaglycines but that dipole–dipole (CO) interactions between the amide groups on the backbone do. Here we demonstrate for the collapse of oligoglycines ranging in length from 15 to 25 residues similarly that H‐bonds do not contribute significantly to collapse but that CO dipole interactions do. These results illustrate that some intrapeptide interactions that determine the solubility limit of short glycine oligomers are similar to those that drive the collapse of longer glycine peptides.
Dow learnings and actions from the deepwater horizon accident
Authors: Champion John , Stevick Kenan , Study Karen , Van Geffen Sheila 
Published: July 2015

The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion on April 20, 2010, killed 11 workers, injured 16 others, and resulted in an offshore oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that is considered the largest accidental marine oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry. As with all major incidents in industry, there are lessons to learn from systemic failures that resulted in the tragic loss of life, insult to the environment, and the equipment loss. Many companies, including The Dow Chemical Company, followed the subsequent investigation closely to determine which lessons could be leveraged to strengthen internal programs.Risk identification and management systems in Dow's Process and Occupational Safety programs are robust. Dow management systems are intended to meet or exceed Industry Standards with respect to design, operation, and layers of protection. The prevention of large scale accidents like Deepwater Horizon depends on an acute awareness of worst‐case scenarios and an unfailing vigilance to ensure that essential protection layers are not compromised. Dow management system reviews in 2011 on the same management systems involved in this incident identified opportunities for improvement and/or action plans in several areas. This article will focus on three programs that resulted from those management system reviews. The three programs are:

a targeted High‐Consequence Emergency Response Drill program,
a High Potential Process Safety Near Miss Program, and
technology‐specific Process Safety Cardinal Rules.
For each of the three programs, a description of the content of the program and how it was implemented at the company level is provided. Specific examples of how these programs were implemented at a facility level are included. Each of these programs play a key role in preventing a catastrophic event and have been a part of Dow's continuing process safety performance improvement over the last several years. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 34: 335–344, 2015