bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The significance of grafting collagen on polycaprolactone composite scaffolds: Processing–structure–functional property relationship
Authors: Kiran S. , Nune K. C. , Misra R. D. K. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe study concerns processing–structure–functional property relationship in organic–inorganic hybrid scaffolds based on grafted collagen for bone tissue engineering. Biodegradable polyester, polycaprolactone (PCL) and nanohydroxyapatite were used to fabricate three‐dimensional porous scaffolds by adopting a combination of solvent casting, particulate leaching, and polymer leaching approaches. The PCL scaffold was subsequently surface modified by chemical bonding of 1,6‐hexanediamine to the ester groups of PCL to introduce free NH2 groups. The introduction of NH2 groups as active sites enabled immobilization of biocompatible macromolecule, collagen, on the aminolyzed PCL via a cross‐linking agent, glutaraldehyde. The osteoblasts' functions, notably cell adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization, were favorably modulated because of the chemical interaction between Arg‐Gly‐Asp domains in collagen molecule and integrin receptor in the cell membrane. The study underscores the significance of grafting collagen on PCL‐nHA scaffold in modulating cellular activity and biological functions expanding its current use in soft tissue engineering to hard tissue regeneration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2919–2931, 2015.
Immunolocalization of loricrin in the maturing α‐layer of normal and regenerating epidermis of the lizard Anolis carolinensis
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo , Strasser Bettina , Eckhart Leopold 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTNumerous corneous proteins are produced during the differentiation of the complex lizard epidermis, comprising hard β‐layers and softer α‐layers. In the present ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study, we have localized a homolog of the mammalian skin barrier protein loricrin in the skin of the green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis). We used an antibody specific to the carboxyterminus of loricrin 1, a gene of the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) of A. carolinensis. Lizard loricrin is present in the maturing α‐layer (lacunar cells) of normal scale epidermis and in the accumulating corneocytes of the wound epidermis (lacunar cells) of the regenerating epidermis. The protein appears as a component of the α‐layer but not of the β‐layer. Lizard loricrin is diffused in the cytoplasm of pre‐corneous α‐keratinocytes but eventually concentrates in the packing corneous material of the maturing corneocytes of the α‐layer (lacunar) in normal epidermis or in the wound epidermis of regenerating epidermis. The protein likely contributes to the composition and pliability of the corneous material but is not specifically accumulated on the corneous cell envelope (marginal layer) that is scarcely differentiated in these cells. The study contributes to the knowledge on the distribution of specific corneous proteins that give rise to the different material properties of α‐layers versus β‐layers in lizard epidermis. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 159–167, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The dominant role of heavy precipitation in precipitation change despite opposite trends in west and east of northern China
Authors: Song Shikai , Li Longhui , Chen Xi , Bai Jie 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTBased on daily precipitation measurements from 271 meteorological stations in northern China during 1960–2011, we found that precipitation amount did not show significant trend (p = 0.25). To obtain a better understanding of regional precipitation differences, we divided northern China into two regions and five sub‐regions. A wetting tendency was identified for the northwestern of China (NW), while a drying tendency was determined for the northeastern of China (NE). Precipitation tendencies also displayed regional differences. We determined that changes in precipitation frequency dominated changes in precipitation amount for low altitude areas, while changes in precipitation intensity were the main cause of changes in precipitation amount in high altitude areas. Both precipitation frequency and intensity had an equivalent impact on changes within middle altitude regions of the NW. In contrast, changes in precipitation amount within the NE were mainly caused by precipitation frequency. The effect of precipitation intensity on precipitation amount was not significant. For all of the sub‐regions investigated, heavy precipitation contributed the most to changes in total precipitation amount. The results obtained from this study will be of value to those studying the response of northern Chinese ecosystems to climate change.
Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss in children
Authors: Chung Jae Ho , Cho Seok Hyun , Jeong Jin Hyeok , Park Chul Won , Lee Seung Hwan 
Published: February 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate clinical characteristics and possible associated factors of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) in children using univariate and multivariate analyses.Study DesignA retrospective case series with comparisons.MethodsFrom January 2007 to December 2013, medical records of 37 pediatric ISSNHL patients were reviewed to assess hearing recovery rate and examine factors associated with prognosis (gender; side of hearing loss; opposite side hearing loss; treatment onset; presence of vertigo, tinnitus, and ear fullness; initial hearing threshold), using univariate and multivariate analysis, and compare them with 276 adult ISSNHL patients.ResultsPediatric patients comprised only 6.6% of pediatric/adult cases of ISSNHL, and those below 10 years old were only 0.7%. The overall recovery rates (complete and partial) of the pediatric and adult patients were 57.4% and 47.2%, respectively. The complete recovery rate of the pediatric group (46.6%) was higher than that of the adult group (30.8%, P = .040). According to multivariate analysis, absence of tinnitus, later onset of treatment, and higher hearing threshold at initial presentation were associated with a poor prognosis in pediatric ISSNHL.ConclusionsThe recovery rate of ISSNHL in pediatric patients is higher than in adults, and the presence of tinnitus and earlier treatment onset is associated with favorable outcomes.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 125:2209–2215, 2015
Identification of novel mutations in Mexican patients with Aarskog–Scott syndrome
Authors: Pérez‐Coria Mariana , Lugo‐Trampe José J. , Zamudio‐Osuna Michell , Rodríguez‐Sánchez Iram P. , Lugo‐Trampe Angel , de la Fuente‐Cortez Beatriz , Campos‐Acevedo Luis D. , Martínez‐de‐Villarreal Laura E. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAarskog–Scott syndrome (AAS), also known as faciogenital dysplasia (FGD, OMIM # 305400), is an X‐linked disorder of recessive inheritance, characterized by short stature and facial, skeletal, and urogenital abnormalities. AAS is caused by mutations in the FGD1 gene (Xp11.22), with over 56 different mutations identified to date. We present the clinical and molecular analysis of four unrelated families of Mexican origin with an AAS phenotype, in whom FGD1 sequencing was performed. This analysis identified two stop mutations not previously reported in the literature: p.Gln664* and p.Glu380*. Phenotypically, every male patient met the clinical criteria of the syndrome, whereas discrepancies were found between phenotypes in female patients. Our results identify two novel mutations in FGD1, broadening the spectrum of reported mutations; and provide further delineation of the phenotypic variability previously described in AAS.
Gradient correction for polygonal and polyhedral finite elements
Authors: Talischi Cameron , Pereira Anderson , Menezes Ivan F. M. , Paulino Glaucio H. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryPrevious studies have shown that the commonly used quadrature schemes for polygonal and polyhedral finite elements lead to consistency errors that persist under mesh refinement and subsequently render the approximations non‐convergent. In this work, we consider minimal perturbations to the gradient field at the element level in order to restore polynomial consistency and recover optimal convergence rates when the weak form integrals are evaluated using quadrature. For finite elements of arbitrary order, we state the accuracy requirements on the underlying volumetric and boundary quadrature rules and discuss the properties of the resulting corrected gradient operator. We compare the proposed approach with the pseudo‐derivative method developed by Belytschko and co‐workers and, for linear elliptic problems, with our previous remedy that involves splitting of polynomial and non‐polynomial of elemental energy bilinear form. We present several numerical results for linear and nonlinear elliptic problems in two and three dimensions that not only confirm the recovery of optimal convergence rates but also suggest that the global error levels are close to those of approximations obtained from exact evaluation of the weak form integrals. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cylinder Test Correction for Copper Work Hardening and Spall
Authors: Souers P. Clark , Minich Roger 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAs a basis for the corrections to be discussed, an analytical equation is first presented for calculating detonation energy densities from copper wall velocities in the Cylinder test. Steinberg‐Guinan work hardening is sufficient for the Cylinder problem, between 1 and 60 GPa, with a change of Yo to 0.10 kJ cm−3 for annealed copper. An air gap correction was the first to be applied, which is a function of the initial air gap width and the tilt angle of the cylinder. Irreversible heat loss was also found to be a small error. Spall is calibrated using new copper gun shot data and this energy is also small. The model up through work hardening agrees with the code, which does not contain heat loss or spall, both of which equal the error of repetitive calculation. The effect of the many additions to the original Gurney energy is shown.
Production and Characterization of Composite Nano‐RDX by RESS Co‐Precipitation
Authors: He Beidi , Stepanov Victor , Qiu Hongwei , Krasnoperov Lev N. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractNanoscale composites of hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX) and polymeric binders were produced by co‐precipitation using rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (RESS). The binders used in this study are poly (vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (VDF‐HFP22) and polystyrene (PS). The RDX/VDF‐HFP22 and RDX/PS co‐precipitated nanoparticles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The average size of produced nanoparticles is ca. 100 nm. TEM analysis of RDX/PS nanocomposite shows a core‐shell structure with RDX as the core material and the shell consisting of the polymeric binder. X‐ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) analysis indicates polycrystalline structure of RDX in the product with a crystallite size of 42 nm. The content of RDX in the composite particles is in the range of 70–73 % by mass as determined by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS) and by XRPD.
In‐situ Monitoring of Flow‐Permeable Surface Area of High Explosive Powder using Small Sample Masses
Authors: Maiti Amitesh , Han Yong , Zaka Fowzia , Gee Richard H. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTo ensure good performance of high explosive devices over long periods of time, initiating powders need to maintain their specific surface area within allowed margins during the entire duration of deployment. A common diagnostic used in this context is the Fisher sub‐sieves surface area (FSSA). Commercial permeametry instruments measuring the FSSA requires the utilization of a sample mass equal to the crystal density of the sample material, an amount that is often one or two orders of magnitude larger than the typical masses found in standard detonator applications. Here we develop a customization of the standard device that can utilize just tens of milligram samples, and with simple calibration yield FSSA values at accuracy levels comparable to the standard apparatus. This necessitated a newly designed sample holder, made from a material of low coefficient of thermal expansion, which is conveniently transferred between an aging chamber and a re‐designed permeametry tube. This improves the fidelity of accelerated aging studies by allowing measurement on the same physical sample at various time‐instants during the aging process, and by obviating the need for a potentially FSSA‐altering powder re‐compaction step. We used the customized apparatus to monitor the FSSA evolution of a number of undoped and homolog‐doped PETN powder samples that were subjected to artificial aging for several months at elevated temperatures. These results, in conjunction with an Arrhenius‐based aging model were used to assess powder‐coarsening‐rates under long‐term storage.
Dynamically consistent shallow‐water equation sets in non‐spherical geometry with latitudinal variation of gravity
Authors: Staniforth Andrew 
Published: February 2015

The shallow‐water equations in spherical geometry have proven to be an invaluable prototypical tool to advance geophysical fluid dynamics. Many of the fundamental terms and properties, including dynamical consistency, needed to model Earth's atmosphere and oceans are embodied within them. Limitations to their wider use include the following: representation of the Earth as a sphere, rather than as an ellipsoid; gravity not varying latitudinally, but being held constant; the Coriolis force being incompletely represented; and no representation of vertical acceleration.Recent work has addressed the first three limitations, but not simultaneously. The present work addresses all four simultaneously by endowing the equations selectively with supplementary terms, whilst respecting dynamical consistency. This is accomplished using Hamilton's principle of least action, but could be done otherwise. It leads to a switch‐controlled quartet of shallow‐water equation sets, all of which include topography.Potential future applications include the following: further sensitivity tests to assess the possible impact of latitudinal variation of gravity; development of improved numerical methods with good conservation properties; examination of the stability of discretizations of the Coriolis terms; and sensitivity tests for the possible impact of vertical acceleration as a function of decreasing horizontal scale. Sensitivity experimentation would, however, necessitate scale analysis of flow regimes to ensure correct interpretation of results.
Limited Surgery for Benign Tumours of the Pancreas: A Systematic Review
Authors: Beger H. G. , Siech M. , Poch B. , Mayer B. , Schoenberg M. H. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundLimited surgical procedures for benign cystic neoplasms and endocrine tumours of the pancreas have the potential advantage of pancreatic tissue sparing compared to standard oncological resections.MethodsSearching PubMed/MedLine, Embase and Cochrane Library identified 86 full papers: 25 reporting on enucleation (EN), 38 on central pancreatectomy (CP) and 23 on duodenum‐preserving total/partial pancreatic head resection (DPPHRt/p). The results are based on analysis of data of 838, 912 and 431 patients for EN, CP and DPPHRt/s, respectively.ResultsThe indication for EN for cystic neoplasms and neuro‐endocrine tumours to EN was 20.5 and 73 %; for CP 62.9 and 31 %; and for DPPHRt/p 69.6 and 10.2 %, respectively. The estimated mean tumour sizes were in EN‐group 2.4 cm, in CP‐group 2.9 cm and in DPPHRt/p‐group 3.1 cm (DPPHRt/p vs EN, p = 0.035). Postoperative severe complications developed after EN, CP and DPPHRt/p in 9.6, 16.8 and 11.5 % of patients; pancreatic fistula in 36.7, 35.2 and 20.1 %; and reoperation was required in 4.7, 6.5 and 1.8 %, respectively. Hospital mortality after EN was 0.95 %; after CP 0.72 %; and after DPPHRt/p 0.49 %. Compared to EN and CP, DPPHRt/p exhibited significant lower frequency of reoperation (p = 0.029, p < 0.001) and lower rate of fistula (p < 0.001; p = 0.001).ConclusionEN, CP and DPPHRt/p applied for benign tumours are associated with low surgery‐related early postoperative morbidity, a very low hospital mortality and the advantages of conservation of pancreatic functions. However, the level of evidence for EN and CP compared to standard oncological resections appears presently low. There is a high level of evidence from prospective controlled trials regarding the significant maintenance of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic functions after DPPHRt/p compared to pancreato‐duodenectomy.
The Effect of Feedback regarding Coping Strategies and Illness Behavior on Hand Surgery Patient Satisfaction and Communication: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mellema Jos J. , O'Connor Casey M. , Overbeek Celeste L. , Hageman Michiel G. , Ring David 
Published: February 2015

Background Patients and surgeons can feel uncomfortable discussing coping strategies, psychological distress, and stressful circumstances. It has been suggested that patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) facilitate the discussion of factors associated with increased symptoms and disability. This study assessed the effect of providing feedback to patients regarding their coping strategy and illness behavior on patient satisfaction and patient-physician communication in orthopedic surgery. Methods In a prospective study, 136 orthopedic patients were randomly assigned to either receive feedback about the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference computer-adaptive test (CAT) prior to the visit with the hand surgeon or not. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction with the consultation and secondary outcomes involved patient-physician communication. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the influence of the feedback on patient satisfaction and communication. Results There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction between patients who received feedback and patients who did not ( P=0.70). Feedback was associated with more frequent discussion of coping strategies ( P=0.045) in bivariate analysis but was not independently associated: in multivariable analysis, only PROMIS Pain Interference CAT and age were identified as independent predictors (odds ratio (OR) 1.1; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.0–1.1, P=0.013, and OR 0.97, 95 % CI 0.94–0.99, P=0.032, respectively). No factors were associated with discussion of stressors. Discussion of circumstances was independently associated with increased PROMIS Pain Interference CAT, marital status, and work status. Conclusion We found that feedback regarding coping strategies and illness behavior using the PROMIS Pain Interference CAT did not affect patient satisfaction. Although feedback was associated with increased discussion of illness behavior in bivariate analysis, less effective coping strategies and personal factors (age, marital status, and work status) were more important factors.
Humidity interaction of lichens under astrobiological aspects: the impact of UVC exposure on their water retention properties
Authors: Jänchen J. , Meeßen J. , Herzog T.H. , Feist M. , de la Torre R. , deVera J.-P.P. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe quantitatively studied the hydration and dehydration behaviour of the three astrobiological model lichens Xanthoria elegans, Buellia frigida and Circinaria gyrosa by thermoanalysis and gravimetric isotherm measurements under close-to-Martian environmental conditions in terms of low temperature and low pressure. Additionally, the impact of UVC exposure on the isolated symbionts of B. frigida and X. elegans was studied by thermoanalysis and mass spectrometry as well as by gravimetric isotherm measurements. The thermal analysis revealed whewellite as a component of C. gyrosa which was not found in B. frigida and X. elegans. Neither the water retention nor the thermal behaviour of symbionts changed when irradiated with UVC under dry conditions. On the other hand, UVC irradiation of the wet mycobiont of B. frigida had a distinct impact on the hydration/dehydration ability which was not observed for the mycobiont of X. elegans. Possibly the melanin of B. frigida's mycobiont, that is not present in X. elegans, or a specifically damaged acetamido group of the chitin of B. frigida may be the sources of additional UVC-induced sorption sites for water associated with the UVC exposure.
Mid-infrared laser filaments in the atmosphere
Authors: Mitrofanov A. V. , Voronin A. A. , Sidorov-Biryukov D. A. , Pugžlys A. , Stepanov E. A. , Andriukaitis G. , Flöry T. , Ališauskas S. , Fedotov A. B. , Baltuška A. , Zheltikov A. M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFilamentation of ultrashort laser pulses in the atmosphere offers unique opportunities for long-range transmission of high-power laser radiation and standoff detection. With the critical power of self-focusing scaling as the laser wavelength squared, the quest for longer-wavelength drivers, which would radically increase the peak power and, hence, the laser energy in a single filament, has been ongoing over two decades, during which time the available laser sources limited filamentation experiments in the atmosphere to the near-infrared and visible ranges. Here, we demonstrate filamentation of ultrashort mid-infrared pulses in the atmosphere for the first time. We show that, with the spectrum of a femtosecond laser driver centered at 3.9 μm, right at the edge of the atmospheric transmission window, radiation energies above 20 mJ and peak powers in excess of 200 GW can be transmitted through the atmosphere in a single filament. Our studies reveal unique properties of mid-infrared filaments, where the generation of powerful mid-infrared supercontinuum is accompanied by unusual scenarios of optical harmonic generation, giving rise to remarkably broad radiation spectra, stretching from the visible to the mid-infrared.
Prejudiced interactions: implicit racial bias reduces predictive simulation during joint action with an out-group avatar
Authors: Sacheli Lucia Maria , Christensen Andrea , Giese Martin A. , Taubert Nick , Pavone Enea Francesco , Aglioti Salvatore Maria , Candidi Matteo 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDuring social interactions people automatically apply stereotypes in order to rapidly categorize others. Racial differences are among the most powerful cues that drive these categorizations and modulate our emotional and cognitive reactivity to others. We investigated whether implicit racial bias may also shape hand kinematics during the execution of realistic joint actions with virtual in- and out-group partners. Caucasian participants were required to perform synchronous imitative or complementary reach-to-grasp movements with avatars that had different skin color (white and black) but showed identical action kinematics. Results demonstrate that stronger visuo-motor interference (indexed here as hand kinematics differences between complementary and imitative actions) emerged: i) when participants were required to predict the partner's action goal in order to on-line adapt their own movements accordingly; ii) during interactions with the in-group partner, indicating the partner's racial membership modulates interactive behaviors. Importantly, the in-group/out-group effect positively correlated with the implicit racial bias of each participant. Thus visuo-motor interference during joint action, likely reflecting predictive embodied simulation of the partner's movements, is affected by cultural inter-individual differences.