bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mussel‐Inspired Photografting on Colloidal Spheres: A Generalized Self‐Template Route to Stimuli‐Responsive Hollow Spheres for Controlled Pesticide Release
Authors: Sheng Wenbo , Li Wei , Li Bin , Li Cuihua , Xu Yisheng , Guo Xuhong , Zhou Feng , Jia Xin 
Published: July 2015

A thermo‐controlled pesticide release system composed of poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) thin film grafted polydopamine (PDA) (PDMAEMA‐g‐PDA) microcapsules is reported. SiO2 microparticles are used as a template to prepare PDA‐coated SiO2 microparticles. The thermally‐responsive PDMAEMA thin films are grafted on PDA surfaces using a metal‐free surface‐initiated photopolymerization approach without adding any photo­initiator or photosensitizer under UV light irradiation. The subsequent acid etching yields PDMAEMA‐g‐PDA hollow microcapsules. PDMAEMA‐g‐PDA microcapsules exhibit well‐controlled release of avermectin (Av). The results show that the loading ability of PDMAEMA‐g‐PDA microcapsules of Av is up to 52.7% (w/w). The release kinetics of Av demonstrate that Av@PDMAEMA‐g‐PDA microcapsules exhibit temperature‐controlled release performance. This work is significant for controlled release systems. This simple design is expected to be used in various applications, such as in controlled drug release and agriculture‐related fields.
image
Late‐onset Becker muscular dystrophy: Refining the clinical features and electrophysiological findings
Authors: Beltran Papsdorf Tania , Howard James F. , Chahin Nizar 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The aim of this study was to characterize a unique distribution of muscle involvement in sporadic Becker muscle dystrophy (BMD). Methods: Retrospective chart review, clinical examination, electrophysiological studies, cardiac testing, and genetic testing were performed in 5 patients. Results: Predominant weakness and atrophy of biceps brachii, hip adduction, and quadriceps muscles was noted along with calf and extensor forearm hypertrophy. Finger flexor muscles were severely weak in 3 of 5 patients, a feature that could lead to a misdiagnosis of inclusion body myositis. Creatinine kinase was only mildly elevated in most patients. Electromyography was abnormal in all patients. Muscle biopsy in 1 patient demonstrated normal immunostaining for dystrophin. Conclusions: We found a unique and uniform distribution of muscle involvement in 5 sporadic cases of BMD. Recognizing these features is important for differentiating it from other myopathies that may have similar features and avoids unnecessary invasive procedures such as muscle biopsy. Muscle Nerve 52: 885–887, 2015
Excited‐state deactivation channels via internal conversions in two position isomers of hydroxy‐methyl‐pyridine: a theoretical study
Authors: Shterev Ivan G. , Delchev Vassil B. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTwo position isomers of hydroxy‐methyl‐pyridine (3‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐pyridine and 2‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐pyridine) were studied theoretically at the BLYP level of theory in order to find mechanisms explaining the excited‐state deactivations of isomers through ring puckering and “ethylene‐like” conical intersections. The study aims also to clarify the mechanisms of the ground‐state proton transfers. Three conical intersections S0/S1 for each isomer were found, which are accessible through the 1ππ* excited states. In both isomers, there is a 1ππ* excited‐state reaction path, which leads, in a completely barrierless manner, to the one of the conical intersections S0/S1. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypothetical protein CT398 (CdsZ) interacts with σ54 (RpoN)‐holoenzyme and the type III secretion export apparatus in Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Barta Michael L. , Battaile Kevin P. , Lovell Scott , Hefty P. Scott 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA significant challenge to bacteriology is the relatively large proportion of proteins that lack sufficient sequence similarity to support functional annotation (i.e. hypothetical proteins). The aim of this study was to apply protein structural homology to gain insights into a candidate protein of unknown function (CT398) within the medically important, obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. C. trachomatis is a major human pathogen responsible for numerous infections throughout the world that can lead to blindness and infertility. A 2.12 Å crystal structure of hypothetical protein CT398 was determined that was comprised of N‐terminal coiled‐coil and C‐terminal Zn‐ribbon domains. The structure of CT398 displayed a high degree of structural similarity to FlgZ (Flagellar‐associated zinc‐ribbon domain protein) from Helicobacter pylori. This observation directed analyses of candidate protein partners of CT398, revealing interactions with two paralogous type III secretion system (T3SS) ATPase‐regulators (CdsL and FliH) and the alternative sigma factor RpoN (σ54). Furthermore, genetic introduction of a conditional expression, affinity‐tagged construct into C. trachomatis enabled the purification of a CT398‐RpoN‐holoenzyme complex, suggesting a potential role for CT398 in modulating transcriptional activity during infection. The interactions reported here, in tandem with previous FlgZ studies in H. pylori, indicate that CT398 functions as a regulator of several key areas of chlamydial biology throughout the developmental cycle. Accordingly, we propose that CT398 be named CdsZ (Contact‐dependent secretion‐associated zinc‐ribbon domain protein).
Crystal structure of A. aeolicus LpxC with bound product suggests alternate deacetylation mechanism
Authors: Miller Matthew D. , Gao Ning , Ross Philip L. , Olivier Nelson B. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTUDP‐3‐O‐acyl‐N‐acetylglucosamine deacetylase (LpxC) is the first committed step to form lipid A, an essential component of the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria. As it is essential for the survival of many pathogens, LpxC is an attractive target for antibacterial therapeutics. Herein, we report the product‐bound co‐crystal structure of LpxC from the acheal Aquifex aeolicus solved to 1.6 Å resolution. We identified interactions by hydroxyl and hydroxymethyl substituents of the product glucosamine ring that may enable new insights to exploit waters in the active site for structure‐based design of LpxC inhibitors with novel scaffolds. By using this product structure, we have performed quantum mechanical modeling on the substrate in the active site. Based on our results and published experimental data, we propose a new mechanism that may lead to a better understanding of LpxC catalysis and inhibition. Proteins 2015; 83:1706–1719. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robotic surgery for ovarian cancers: individualization of the surgical approach to select ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Rabinovich Alex 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundWhile well‐accepted treatment for endometrial and cervical cancers, the role of robotic surgery in the management of primary and recurrent ovarian cancers remains an area of active study and debate.MethodsNarrative review of the pertinent literature on the use of robotics in the treatment of ovarian cancers.ResultsThe available evidence may indicate the feasibility of robotics for primary and secondary debulking of ovarian cancers. The use of robotics can be considered for the surgical treatment of patients requiring primary tumour excision, alone or with one additional major procedure, and patients with isolated recurrences. However, most of the publications are underpowered, retrospective, fail to provide sufficient data on long‐term oncological outcomes and are published by highly skilled minimally invasive surgeons.ConclusionsRobot‐assisted surgery may provide a tool to individualize the surgical approach to select ovarian cancer patients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implications of Genome Alterations in Chironomus bernensis Klȍtzli (Diptera) for Assessment of Trace Metal Pollution in Two Bulgarian Rivers
Authors: Michailova P. , Ilkova J. , White K. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis study assesses the effect of sediment contaminants as indicated by the measurement of trace metal levels in two large Bulgarian rivers (river Maritsa and a tributary and the river Chaya) on the genome of the abundant chironomid species Chironomus bernensis Klȍtzli. Six trace metals: Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn were analysed in the sediments plus the overlying water. The polytene chromosomes of C. bernensis were very sensitive to the pollutants on the basis of numerous somatic chromosome alterations. Two biomarkers based on the degree of somatic structural chromosome alterations—the somatic and cytogenetic indices were applied. Both indices are a sensitive and reproducible approach for assessing the genotoxic effect of contaminants in the sediments. The somatic index from the differentially contaminated sites varied from 1.93 to 2.61, indicating the sensitivity of the C. bernensis genome to anthropogenic stress. The cytogenetic index revealed a high level of pollution in the rivers with a score between 0.27 and 0.37 (<0.5 indicates ‘highly polluted’). The genome of C. bernensis responded to the trace metal pollution by the appearance of a ‘B’ chromosome in between 4.4% and 7.1% of the individuals and detected for the first time in this species. Pollution also induced a heterozygous state in one of the Nucleolar Organizers in up to 3% of the sampled populations.The sensitivity of the C. bernensis genome shows that this species is a good candidate for detecting the presence of genotoxic compounds in freshwater and assessing their genotoxic effects. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling Whitewater Park Hydraulics and Fish Habitat in Colorado
Authors: Kolden E. , Fox B. D. , Bledsoe B. P. , Kondratieff M. C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWhitewater parks (WWPs) are increasingly popular recreational amenities, but the effects of WWPs on fish habitat and passage are poorly understood. This study investigated the use of a two‐dimensional (2‐D) model as compared with a three‐dimensional (3‐D) hydrodynamic model (flow‐3D®) for assessing effects of WWPs on fish habitat. The primary aims of this study were to (1) examine the utility of 3‐D modelling versus 2‐D modelling in a hydraulically complex WWP and (2) compare modelled habitat quality for resident fishes with actual fish abundance and biomass generated from field sampling surveys. Two reaches of a wadeable river in Colorado were modelled: a natural reach and a reach containing a WWP. A 2‐D habitat suitability analysis for juvenile and adult brown trout, juvenile and adult rainbow trout, longnose dace and longnose sucker predicted the same or higher habitat quality in the WWPs than the natural pools for all four species and for all modelled flow rates; however, results from fish sampling found significantly higher fish biomass for all four species in natural pools compared with WWP pools. All hydraulic metrics (depth, depth‐averaged velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, 2‐D and 3‐D vorticity) had higher magnitudes in WWP pools than in natural pools. In the WWP pools, 3‐D model results described the spatial distribution of flow characteristics or the magnitude of variables better than 2‐D results. This supports the use of 3‐D modelling for complex flows found in WWPs, but improved understanding of linkages between fish habitat quality and 3‐D hydraulic descriptors is needed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposure to Aroclor‐1254 impairs spindle assembly during mouse oocyte maturation
Authors: Liu Shu‐Zhen , Wei Ze‐Feng , Meng Xiao‐Qian , Han Xiao‐Ying , Cheng Dong , Zhong Tao , Zhang Tian‐Liang , Wang Zhen‐Bo 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as typical environmental estrogen disruptors, are a structurally‐related group of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons that are composed of 209 isomers and present as a mixture in the environment. PCBs congener with different numbers and positions of chlorine atoms substituted on the biphenyl moiety. Aroclor‐1254 is a mixture of more than 60 PCB congeners. Previous studies have provided the evidence that PCBs have severe negative effects on reproductive functions, but the effects of PCBs on spindle assembly during mouse oocyte maturation in vitro have not been reported. In the present study, female ICR mouse immature oocytes were cultured in M2 medium with 1 and 10 μg mL−1 Aroclor‐1254 separately in vitro. The percentage of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and the first polar body extrusion were recorded. The results showed no significant difference in the percentage of GVBD or the first polar body extrusion between control oocytes and Aroclor‐1254‐treated oocytes. Further studies showed that the normal localization of γ‐tubulin and Aurora‐A kinase was interfered and α‐tubulin assembling into spindle was affected when mouse oocytes were exposed to Aroclor‐1254. The length of spindle from 10 μg mL−1 Aroclor‐1254‐treated oocytes was longer than that from control oocytes, and the spindle area in the Aroclor‐1254‐treated groups were decreased. Furthermore, the percentage of DNA damage in cumulus cells revealed an increase after exposed to Aroclor‐1254. These results will provide the important reference for the prevention of reproductive disorders caused by PCBs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1652–1662, 2016.
Anticancer activity of Kalanchoe tubiflora extract against human lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hsieh Yi‐Jen , Huang Hsuan‐Shun , Leu Yann‐Lii , Peng Kou‐Cheng , Chang Chih‐Jui , Chang Meng‐Ya 
Published: July 2015

AbstractUncontrolled cell proliferation is a common feature of human cancer. Some of herbal extract or plant‐derived medicine had been shown as an important source of effective anticancer agents. We previously reported that an n‐BuOH‐soluble fraction of Kalanchoe tubiflora has antiproliferative activity by inducing mitotic catastrophe. In this study, we showed that the H2O‐soluble fraction of Kalanchoe tubiflora (KT‐W) caused cell cycle arrest, and senescence‐inducing activities in A549 cells. We used 2 dimensional PAGE to analyze the protein expression levels after KT‐W treatment, and identified that the energy metabolism‐related proteins and senescence‐related proteins were disturbed. In vivo experiments showed that the tumor growths in A549‐xenografted nude mice were effectively inhibited by KT‐W. Our findings implied that KT‐W is a putative antitumor agent by inducing cell cycle arrest and senescence. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1663–1673, 2016.
Characterizing power performance and wake of a wind turbine under yaw and blade pitch
Authors: Marathe Neha , Swift Andrew , Hirth Brian , Walker Richard , Schroeder John 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWind turbine wakes have been recognized as a key issue causing underperformance in existing wind farms. In order to improve the performance and reduce the cost of energy from wind farms, one approach is to develop innovative methods to improve the net capacity factor by reducing wake losses. The output power and characteristics of the wake of a utility‐scale wind turbine under yawed flow is studied to explore the possibility of improving the overall performance of wind farms. Preliminary observations show that the power performance of a turbine does not degrade significantly under yaw conditions up to approximately 10°. Additionally, a yawed wind turbine may be able to deflect its wake in the near‐wake region, changing the wake trajectory downwind, with the progression of the far wake being dependent on several atmospheric factors such as wind streaks. Changes in the blade pitch angle also affect the characteristics of the turbine wake and are also examined in this paper. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal Chemistry of the M11+,2+–M22+,3+–(H)‐Arsenites: the First Cadmium(II) Arsenite, Na4Cd7(AsO3)6
Authors: Đorđević Tamara 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe crystal structures among M1–M2–(H)‐arsenites (M1 = Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Cd2+, Pb2+; M2 = Mg2+, Mn2+,3+, Fe2+,3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+) are less investigated. Up to now, only the structure of Pb3Mn(AsO3)2(AsO2OH) was described. The crystal structure of hydrothermally synthesized Na4Cd7(AsO3)6 was solved from the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Its trigonal crystal structure [space group R$\bar{3}$, a = 9.5229(13), c = 19.258(4) Å, γ = 120°, V = 1512.5(5) Å3, Z = 3] represents a new structure type. The As atoms are arranged in monomeric (AsO3)3– units. The surroundings of the two crystallographically unique sodium atoms show trigonal antiprismatic coordination, and two mixed Cd/Na sites are remarkably unequal showing tetrahedral and octahedral coordinations. Despite the 3D connection of the AsO3 pyramids, (Cd,Na)Ox polyhedra and NaO6 antiprisms, a layer‐like arrangement of the Na atoms positioned in the hexagonal channels formed by CdO4 deformed tetrahedra and AsO3 pyramids in z = 0, 1/3, 2/3 is to be mentioned. These pseudo layers are interconnected to the 3D network by (Cd,Na)O6 octahedra. Raman spectra confirmed the presence of isolated AsO3 pyramids.
Non‐invasive Prenatal Diagnosis for BRCA Mutations – a Qualitative Pilot Study of Health Professionals’ Views
Authors: Bennett Jade , Chitty Lyn , Lewis Celine 
Published: July 2015

AbstractNon‐invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) is a rapidly advancing approach that allows diagnostic testing based on analysis of cell free DNA in maternal plasma. This study aimed to explore the views of health professionals regarding the use of NIPD for BRCA1/2 mutations. Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight participants. Whilst participants viewed NIPD in general as a positive step forward in prenatal testing, they were cautious about its use for BRCA testing. Significant ethical concerns emerged regarding testing prenatally for an adult onset condition, that is not fully penetrant, and the possibility of abrogating the rights of the future child to genetic autonomy. Nevertheless, participants did identify some situations whereby the test might be beneficial, such as for individuals with very negative and traumatic personal experiences of cancer desiring reassurance or wanting to prevent passing on the condition. NIPD was also seen as having benefits over invasive testing and pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis, the only other options currently available to test prenatally for this condition. Exploring the views of a wider range of clinical specialties as well as patients at risk of hereditary breast cancer would be beneficial.
Mono‐Estolide Synthesis from trans‐8‐Hydroxy‐Fatty Acids by Lipases in Solvent‐Free Media and Their Physical Properties
Authors: Martin‐Arjol Ignacio , Isbell Terry A. , Manresa Angels 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa 42A2 is known to produce two hydroxy‐fatty acids, 10(S)‐hydroxy‐8(E)‐octadecenoic and 7,10(S,S)‐dihydroxy‐8(E)‐octadecenoic acids, when cultivated in a mineral medium using oleic acid as a single carbon source. These compounds were purified, 91 and 96 % respectively, to produce two new families of estolides: trans‐8‐estolides and saturated estolides from the monohydroxylated monomer. trans‐8‐estolides were produced by three different lipases (Novozym 435, Lipozyme RM IM and Lipozyme TL IM) with reaction yields between 68.4 ± 2.1 and 94.7 ± 2.4 % in a solvent‐free medium at 80 °C in 168 h under vacuum. Novozym 435 was found to be the most efficient biocatalyst for both hydroxy‐fatty acids with reaction yields of 71.7 ± 2.3 and 94.7 ± 2.4 %, respectively. Moreover, saturated estolides were also produced from a saturated 10(S)‐hydroxy‐8(E)‐octadecenoic. These estolides were chemically and enzymatically synthesized with Novozym 435, under the previous described reaction conditions with yields of 60.7 ± 2.1 and 71.2 ± 2.3 % respectively. Finally, viscosity, glass transition temperature, decomposition temperatures and enthalpies were determined to characterize both types of estolides. Thermal applications for both types of polyesters were improved since glass transition temperatures were lowered and decomposition temperatures were increased, with respect to their corresponding substrates.
Modulation of the velocity gradient tensor by concurrent large-scale velocity fluctuations in a turbulent mixing layer
Authors: Buxton O. R. H. 
Published: July 2015

The modulation of small-scale velocity and velocity gradient quantities by concurrent large-scale velocity fluctuations is observed by consideration of the Kullback–Leibler divergence. This is a measure that quantifies the loss of information in modelling a statistical distribution of small-scale quantities conditioned on concurrent positive large-scale fluctuations by that conditioned on negative large-scale fluctuations. It is observed that the small-scale turbulence is appreciably ‘rougher’ when the concurrent large-scale fluctuation is positive in the low-speed side of a fully developed turbulent mixing layer, which gives further evidence to the convective scale modulation argument of Buxton & Ganapathisubramani (Phys. Fluids, vol. 26, 2014, 125106, 1–19). The definition of the small scales is varied, and regardless of whether the small-scale fluctuations are dominated by dissipation or have the characteristic features of inertial range turbulence they are shown to be modulated by the concurrent large-scale fluctuations. The modulation is observed to persist even when there is a large gap in wavenumber space between the small and large scales, although local maxima are observed at intermediate length scales that are significantly larger than the predefined small scales. Finally, it is observed that the modulation of small-scale dissipation is greater than that for enstrophy with the modulation of the vortex stretching term, indicative of the interaction between strain rate and rotation, being intermediate between the two.
A State Space Solution Approach for Problems of Cylindrical Tubes and Circular Plates
Authors: Tseng W.-D. , Tarn J.-Q. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe present a general solution approach for analysis of transversely isotropic cylindrical tubes and circular plates. On the basis of Hamiltonian state space formalism in a systematic way, rigorous solutions of the twisting problems are determined by means of separation of variables and symplectic eigenfunction expansion.
A New Approach for Simulation of Hot Mix Asphalt; Numerical and Experimental
Authors: Vadood M. , Johari M.S. , Rahai A.R. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTIn this study a novel approach for 3D modeling of cylindrical sample of hot mix asphalt (HMA) is presented. To this end, the cylindrical sample was divided into several slices and using a developed algorithm the processed images were extended to 3D volumetric objects to reconstruct the 3D microstructure of HMA. To evaluate the efficiency of the presented 3D model for prediction of mechanical behavior, HMA was regarded as a two-phase mixture; mastic phase and aggregate phase. The asphalt binder, filler, air voids and fine aggregates were considered as mastic with viscoelastic behavior and the aggregate was considered as an elastic material. Two models (Burger and generalized Kelvin) were studied for determining viscoelastic behavior of mastic. Finally, to verify the model using Finite Element Method (FEM) the behavior of the 3D model was simulated under different uniaxial compressive loads. A good agreement was observed between the simulated results and corresponding experimental data which indicates the efficiency of the proposed model to simulate three-dimensional asphalt.
Exact Elasticity Solution for Axisymmetric Deformation of Circular Plates
Authors: Tseng W.-D. , Tarn J.-Q. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTWe present an exact analysis of axisymmetric bending of circular plates according to elasticity theory. On the basis of Hamiltonian state space approach, a rigorous solution of the problem is determined by means of separation of variables and symplectic eigenfunction expansion in a systematic way. The thickness effect on bending of circular plates and the applicability of the classical plate solutions for the problem are evaluated accordingly.