bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silk fibroin protein‐based nonwoven mats incorporating baicalein Chinese herbal extract: preparation, characterizations, and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Chan Wing P. , Huang Kuan‐Chen , Bai Meng‐Yi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn this study, we demonstrated a natural silk fibroin protein (SFP) that was blended with a Chinese herbal extract (baicalein, BAI) to obtain an effective combination for producing electrospun nonwoven mats with anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial functions. A series of SFP‐based electrospun nonwoven mats with additives of varying compositions were produced and investigated. Performance comparisons showed that the SFP/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/BAI nonwoven mat is the optimal one. In vitro, SFP/PVP/BAI nonwoven mat is effective in inhibiting the formation of nitrite in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced nitrite formation in Raw 264.7 macrophages model and the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Especially in the case of SFP/PVP/BAI nonwoven mat, Bai has been proved to reach their maximum amount of releases of approximately 64.8% within 24 h of contact with water‐based environment as compared to the SFP/BAI nonwoven mat (only 30.1% of release within 24 h). For in vivo experiments, a 1.2 cm × 1.2 cm wound area was created on the back of mice and seeded with 1 × 107 CFU/mL of S. aureus to induce an infected wound model. The experimental results show significant acceleration of the wound closure process in mice treated with SFP/PVP/BAI nonwoven mat (4 days of reduction as compared to the untreated group), reduction in infiltration of neutrophils, nitrite formation, and inhibition of growth of wound bacteria. Histological images of the group treated with SFP/PVP/BAI nonwoven mat showed a compete repair of skin hierarchy, increasing production of collagen fibers, and enhancement of angiogenesis. This may bring a better recovery of skin appearance after treatment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 420–430, 2017.
Chemical and biochemical sensing applications of microstructured optical fiber‐based systems
Authors: Calcerrada Matías , García‐Ruiz Carmen , González‐Herráez Miguel 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis paper provides an up‐to‐date overview on the use of microstructured optical fibers (MOFs) in chemical sensing during the last ten years, more specifically, applications in liquid media including the use of solid‐core photonic crystal fibers, hollow‐core PCFs and other MOFs and related microstructures. To this aim, a classification of different types of fiber‐based chemical sensors is first made, followed by a description of the most important MOFs and their operation principles in chemical sensing. Then, studies on the use of MOFs in fluorescence, Raman and SERS detection among other detection principles are discussed. Finally, literature including the implementation of these microstructures in home‐made and commercial analytical equipment is summarized. This review intends not only to give a current perspective on the use of MOFs and microstructures in chemical sensing, but also to make an approach between the fields of optical fiber and analytical chemistry, in order to understand the basic principles of operation in this promising frontier of knowledge.
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A combined non‐contact acoustic thermometer and infrared hygrometer for atmospheric measurements
Authors: Underwood R. , Gardiner T. , Finlayson A. , Few J. , Wilkinson J. , Bell S. , Merrison J. , Iverson J. J. , de Podesta M. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTTemperature and humidity measurements in the upper atmosphere are of critical importance for understanding the Earth's climate. However, such measurements are difficult for several reasons. Rising sondes carry moisture upwards, compromising measurements in the dry stratospheric environment. In addition, the difference in the time constants of thermometers and hygrometers leads to difficulties in determining the extent of saturation of the air. Finally, the effects of insolation, evaporative cooling and the poor thermal contact with the air compound the other measurement problems.To address these issues, tests on a new non‐contact temperature and humidity sensor (non‐contact thermometer and hygrometer, NCTAH), which can make rapid non‐contact measurements in atmospheric air, have been reported.The temperature and humidity measurements are made using an acoustic interferometer and a tuneable diode laser absorption spectrometer (TDLAS), respectively. This combination of sensors offers many potential advantages and allows each sensor to supply a key correction required by the other. The present study describes the design rationale and reports test results measured at the National Physical Laboratory and results from simulated ascents through the atmosphere (to −57 °C and 130 hPa characteristic of an altitude of 15 km) at the Planetary Environment Facility at the University of Aarhus, Denmark.The NCTAH makes two temperature measurements per second with a resolution of ∼0.01 °C and a likely uncertainty of measurement of u(k = 1) = 0.1 °C. Water vapour mixing ratios were measured over a range of ∼100 to 3 x 104 ppmv corresponding to dew points from −42 to +24 °C at atmospheric pressure.
Critique and suggested modifications of the degree days methodology to enable long‐term electricity consumption assessments: a case study in Birmingham, UK
Authors: Azevedo Juliana Antunes , Chapman Lee , Muller Catherine L. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTEnergy consumption and outdoor ambient temperatures are inherently related. Low temperatures increase consumption via space heating, whereas high temperatures result in increased demand for refrigeration and air conditioning. A common approach used for investigating this relationship in detail is via the calculation of heating and cooling degree days. Starting with a critical review of studies in the scientific literature that have used this technique, this study highlights a range of limitations with the methodology, particularly with respect to standardization, which potentially hinder the utility of the technique in climate change risk assessments. Using an analysis of electricity consumption in Birmingham, UK, as an example, this study calls for a standardization of the approach via the use of a universal base temperature calculated using average outdoor air temperatures. Adoption of this measure will not only enable meaningful comparisons to be made across regions, but will also permit a more robust means to account for acclimatization in longer term analyses such as that required by climate change risk assessments. This is demonstrated in this study by coupling the existing degree days methodology with a temporal analogue.
First‐pass myocardial perfusion imaging with whole‐heart coverage using L1‐SPIRiT accelerated variable density spiral trajectories
Authors: Yang Yang , Kramer Christopher M. , Shaw Peter W. , Meyer Craig H. , Salerno Michael 
Published: November 2015

PurposeTo design and evaluate two‐dimensional (2D) L1‐SPIRiT accelerated spiral pulse sequences for first‐pass myocardial perfusion imaging with whole heart coverage capable of measuring eight slices at 2 mm in‐plane resolution at heart rates up to 125 beats per minute (BPM).MethodsCombinations of five different spiral trajectories and four k‐t sampling patterns were retrospectively simulated in 25 fully sampled datasets and reconstructed with L1‐SPIRiT to determine the best combination of parameters. Two candidate sequences were prospectively evaluated in 34 human subjects to assess in vivo performance.ResultsA dual density broad transition spiral trajectory with either angularly uniform or golden angle in time k‐t sampling pattern had the largest structural similarity and smallest root mean square error from the retrospective simulation, and the L1‐SPIRiT reconstruction had well‐preserved temporal dynamics. In vivo data demonstrated that both of the sampling patterns could produce high quality perfusion images with whole‐heart coverage.ConclusionFirst‐pass myocardial perfusion imaging using accelerated spirals with optimized trajectory and k‐t sampling pattern can produce high quality 2D perfusion images with whole‐heart coverage at the heart rates up to 125 BPM. Magn Reson Med 76:1375–1387, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Iterative representing set selection for nested cross approximation
Authors: Mikhalev A. Yu. , Oseledets I. V. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryA new fast algebraic method for obtaining an
‐approximation of a matrix from its entries is presented. The main idea behind the method is based on the nested representation and the maximum volume principle to select submatrices in low‐rank matrices. A special iterative approach for the computation of so‐called representing sets is established. The main advantage of the method is that it uses only the hierarchical partitioning of the matrix and does not require special ‘proxy surfaces’ to be selected in advance.The numerical experiments for the electrostatic problem and for the boundary integral operator confirm the effectiveness and robustness of the approach. The complexity is linear in the matrix size and polynomial in the ranks. The algorithm is implemented as an open‐source Python package that is available online. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing Cancer Care: a psycho‐educational intervention to improve knowledge of care options and breast cancer self‐management
Authors: Schulman‐Green Dena , Jeon Sangchoon 
Published: November 2015

AbstractObjectiveWe tested the feasibility and acceptability of a psycho‐educational self‐management intervention, Managing Cancer Care: A Personal Guide (MCC), to improve knowledge of care options (curative, palliative, and hospice care) among a range of breast cancer self‐management skills.MethodsWe conducted a one‐group, pre‐post‐test study among women with non‐metastatic breast cancer (n = 105). We gave participants the printed, self‐guided, seven‐module intervention following enrollment. At baseline and 2  months, we measured knowledge of care options, desired and actual role in self‐management, medical communication skills, experience and management of transitions, anxiety, depression, uncertainty, and self‐efficacy. We conducted interviews to obtain module ratings and qualitative data on strengths and limitations of MCC.ResultsKnowledge of care options (δ = 0.40 (1.11), p = 0.0005) and desired role in self‐management (δ = −0.28 (1.08), p = 0.0177) significantly improved. Less skilled medical communicators significantly improved their communication (δ = 3.47, standard deviation = 6.58, p = 0.0449). Multivariate modeling showed that changes in our primary outcomes of medical communication and management of transitions seemed to drive positive changes in our secondary outcomes of anxiety, depression, uncertainty, and self‐efficacy. Participants highly rated MCC and reported the importance of understanding care options despite non‐metastatic disease.ConclusionsMCC is a feasible and acceptable means of improving knowledge of care options and other aspects of breast cancer self‐management. The combination of modules offered in MCC appears to have beneficial interactive effects. We are currently testing MCC more rigorously in a randomized controlled trial to explore mediating and moderating relationships. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differences in the efficacy of carboxylic acid amide fungicides against less sensitive strains of Plasmopara viticola
Authors: Nanni Irene Maja , Pirondi Alessandro , Mancini Daniela , Stammler Gerd , Gold Randall , Ferri Ilaria , Brunelli Agostino , Collina Marina 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDPlasmopara viticola is controlled by fungicides with different modes of action, including carboxylic acid amides (CAAs). The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the response of CAA‐resistant P. viticola strains towards CAAs.RESULTSThe G1105S mutation affects all four CAAs, but with different impacts. While this confirms that they have the same mode of action, it shows that differences between CAAs can occur.CONCLUSIONFurther molecular modelling and docking studies are needed to gain a better understanding of the different behaviours reported here. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Surgical outcomes after laparoscopic or robotic liver resection in hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity‐score matched analysis with conventional open liver resection
Authors: Han Dai Hoon , Choi Sung Hoon , Park Eun Jung , Kang Dae Ryong , Choi Gi Hong , Choi Jin Sub 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to compare perioperative and oncologic outcomes between minimally invasive liver resection (MILR) and conventional open liver resection (COLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using a propensity‐score matched analysis.MethodsNinety‐nine patients who received MILR were matched with 198 patients treated with COLR out of 928 patients with HCC who received curative liver resection from 2002 to 2012. A multivariable logistic model based on factors related to the patient, tumor, and surgical procedure was used to estimate a propensity score.ResultsThe MILR group experienced significantly less intraoperative blood loss (mean: 389.55 vs 580.66 mL; P = 0.008), lower complication rates (13.1% vs 24.7%; P = 0.020), and a shorter length of hospital stay (mean: 8.40 vs 13.39 days; P < 0.001). The two groups did not differ significantly in disease‐free (P = 0.701) or overall survival (P = 0.086).ConclusionsMILR produced better perioperative and comparable oncologic outcomes than COLR for HCC. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer‐assisted surgery and intraoral welding technique for immediate implant‐supported rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla: case report and technical description
Authors: Albiero Alberto Maria , Benato Renato 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundComplications are frequently reported when combining computer assisted flapless surgery with an immediate loaded prefabricated prosthesis. The authors have combined computer‐assisted surgery with the intraoral welding technique to obtain a precise passive fit of the immediate loading prosthesis.MethodsAn edentulous maxilla was rehabilitated with four computer assisted implants welded together intraorally and immediately loaded with a provisional restoration.ResultsA perfect passive fit of the metal framework was obtained that enabled proper osseointegration of implants. Computer assisted preoperative planning has been shown to be effective in reducing the intraoperative time of the intraoral welding technique. No complications were observed at 1 year follow‐up.ConclusionsThis guided‐welded approach is useful to achieve a passive fit of the provisional prosthesis on the inserted implants the same day as the surgery, reducing intraoperative time with respect to the traditional intraoral welding technique. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed reliable H∞ consensus control for a class of multi‐agent systems under switching networks: A topology‐based average dwell time approach
Authors: Wang Xin , Yang Guang‐Hong 
Published: November 2015

SUMMARYThis paper investigates the problem of distributed reliable H∞ consensus control for high‐order networked agent systems with actuator faults and switching undirected topologies. The Lipschitz nonlinearities, several types of actuator faults, and exogenous disturbances are considered in subsystems. Suppose the communication network of the multi‐agent systems may switch among finite connected graphs. By utilizing the relative state information of neighbors, a new distributed adaptive reliable consensus protocol is presented for actuator failure compensations in individual nodes. Note that the Lyapunov function for error systems may not decrease as the communication network is time‐varying; as a result, the existing distributed adaptive control technique cannot be applied directly. To overcome this difficulty, the topology‐based average dwell time approach is introduced to deal with switching jumps. By applying topology‐based average dwell time approach and Lyapunov theory, the distributed controller design condition is given in terms of LMIs. It is shown that the proposed scheme can guarantee that the reliable H∞ consensus problem is solvable in the presence actuator faults and external disturbance. Finally, two numerical examples are given the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Botulinum neurotoxin effects on masseter muscle fibre in WNIN obese rats—Scanning electron microscope analysis
Authors: Nemani Shivaram , Putchha Uday K. , Periketi Madhusudhanachary , Pothana Sailaja , Nappanveettil Giridharan , Nemani Harishankar 
Published: November 2015

SummaryWNIN/Ob obese mutant rats are unique in comparison to similar rodent models of obesity established in the West. The present study is aimed to evaluate the masticatory function and histological changes in masseter muscle fibres treated with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) in WNIN/Ob rats. Twelve WNIN/Ob obese rats and 12 lean rats at 35 days of age were taken and divided into four groups (6 rats in each group): Group‐I (WNIN/Ob) and Group‐II (lean) rats were injected with BoNT/A (1 unit) into right side of masseter muscle. For control left masseter of both phenotypes was injected with saline. Group‐III (WNIN/Ob) and Group‐IV (lean) rats were without any treatment. Growth and food intake was monitored daily for 45 days. Rats were euthanized and gross necropsy was carried out to check any abnormalities. Masseter muscles were dissected and mean muscle mass was recorded. Small portion of muscle was stored in 10% formalin for hematoxylin‐eosin (H&E) staining and remaining tissue stored in gluteraldehyde for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). There is a significant decrease in the body weights and food intake of BoNT/A treated obese rats. The H&E staining of the masseter muscle in both groups showed normal morphology and orientation. The SEM analysis showed that, fibre size in BoNT/A treated masseter muscle of obese rats increased more than the saline treated side and in control rats. The increase in the muscle fibre size and transition of muscle fibre subtypes may be due to the reduced masticatory function of the masseter muscle. SCANNING 38:396–402, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Equilibrating and Disequilibrating Effects of Entrepreneurship: Revisiting the Central Premises
Authors: Keyhani Mohammad , Lévesque Moren 
Published: November 2015

Research summaryWe review existing theoretical propositions on the equilibrating and disequilibrating effects of entrepreneurship in the market process. We then introduce a game theoretical model of the market process and employ computer simulation to analyze it through time. The formal analysis suggests that entrepreneurship as the creation of new opportunities may not always be disequilibrating, and entrepreneurship as the discovery and exploitation of existing opportunities may not always be equilibrating. We identify specific conditions that produce counterexamples to the generic equilibration and disequilibration propositions previously considered to be the central premises of entrepreneurship research.Managerial summaryMany entrepreneurs advance society by building businesses around creative new ideas. Yet, other entrepreneurs start businesses by discovering opportunities to profit without necessarily innovative ideas. In reality, most entrepreneurship involves both creation and discovery. We run computer simulations of a small hypothetical economy to analyze the impact of creation and discovery actions on the extent to which the economy contains unexploited opportunities at any given time. Our results largely support previous ideas on how entrepreneurs help clear the markets by discovering opportunities or how innovations disrupt the market through creative destruction. Our results also highlight ways in which these ideas may be oversimplified and may have boundary conditions.
Local indicators of climate change: the potential contribution of local knowledge to climate research
Authors: Reyes‐García Victoria , Fernández‐Llamazares Álvaro , Guèze Maximilien , Garcés Ariadna , Mallo Miguel , Vila‐Gómez Margarita , Vilaseca Marina 
Published: November 2015

Local knowledge has been proposed as a place‐based tool to ground‐truth climate models and to narrow their geographic sensitivity. To assess the potential role of local knowledge in our quest to understand better climate change and its impacts, we first need to critically review the strengths and weaknesses of local knowledge of climate change and the potential complementarity with scientific knowledge. With this aim, we conducted a systematic, quantitative meta‐analysis of published peer‐reviewed documents reporting local indicators of climate change (including both local observations of climate change and observed impacts on the biophysical and the social systems). Overall, primary data on the topic are not abundant, the methodological development is incipient, and the geographical extent is unbalanced. On the 98 case studies documented, we recorded the mention of 746 local indicators of climate change, mostly corresponding to local observations of climate change (40%), but also to observed impacts on the physical (23%), the biological (19%), and the socioeconomic (18%) systems. Our results suggest that, even if local observations of climate change are the most frequently reported type of change, the rich and fine‐grained knowledge in relation to impacts on biophysical systems could provide more original contributions to our understanding of climate change at local scale.WIREs Clim Change2016, 7:109–124. doi: 10.1002/wcc.374This article is categorized under:Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Evaluating Future Impacts of Climate ChangeSocial Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge
Putting flexible animal prospection into context: escaping the theoretical box
Authors: Osvath Mathias 
Published: November 2015

The debate on non‐human future‐oriented cognition has long revolved around the question whether such cognition at all occurs. Closer inspection reveals just how much cognition in general—down to its simplest forms—is geared toward predicting the future in a bid to maintain homeostasis and fend off entropy. Over the course of life's existence on Earth, evolution and natural selection have, through a series of evolutionary arms races, gotten increasingly good at achieving this. Prospection has reached its current pinnacle based partly on a system for episodic cognition that—as research increasingly is showing—is not limited principally to human beings. Nevertheless, and despite some notable recent defections, many researchers remain convinced of the merits of the Bischof–Köhler Hypothesis with its claim that no species other than human beings is able to anticipate future needs or otherwise live in anything other than the immediate present moment. What might, at first, appear to be empirical disputes turn out to reveal largely unquestioned theoretical divides. Without due care, one risks setting out conditions for ‘true’ future orientation that are irrelevant for describing human cognition. In sorting out the theoretical and terminological muddle framing contemporary debate, this article makes a plea for moving beyond past dogmas while putting animal prospection research into the context of evolution and contemporary cognitive science. WIREs Cogn Sci 2016, 7:5–18. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1372This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition