bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Graphics processing unit‐accelerated techniques for bio‐inspired computation in the primary visual cortex
Authors: Chessa Manuela , Pasquale Giulia 
Published: August 2013

SUMMARYThe spread of graphics processing unit (GPU) computing paved the way to the possibility of reaching high‐computing performances in the simulation of complex biological systems. In this work, we develop a very efficient GPU‐accelerated neural library, which can be employed in real‐world contexts. Such a library provides the neural functionalities that are the basis of a wide range of bio‐inspired models, and in particular, we show its efficacy in implementing a cortical‐like architecture for visual feature coding and estimation. In order to fully exploit the intrinsic parallelism of such neural architectures and to manage the huge amount of data that characterizes the internal representation of distributed neural models, we devise an effective algorithmic solution and an efficient data structure. In particular, we exploit both data parallelism and task parallelism, with the aim of optimally taking advantage from the computational capabilities of modern graphics cards. Moreover, we assess the performances of two different development frameworks, both supplying a wide range of basic signal processing GPU‐accelerated functions. A systematic analysis, aiming at comparing different algorithmic solutions, shows the best data structure and parallelization computational scheme to compute features from a distributed population of neural units. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the Implications of Environmental taxes: The Case of the Danish Weight Based Packaging Product Charge
Authors: Cela Enian , Kaneko Shinji 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTPackaging products, in particular those made from plastic, are playing an increasingly significant role in our everyday life. Because of the environmental issues associated with packaging, European countries, in particular EU member states, have long applied various policies to deal with this issue. One policy option that is rarely applied to packaging is taxation in the form of material levies or product charges. However, Denmark has applied product charges in the form of weight based tariffs since 1999. The purpose of the product charge is to stimulate a decrease in the demand for virgin packaging (packaging newly entering the market). This paper examines the effectiveness of Denmark's packaging charge, with a focus on non‐beverage plastic packaging. Applying a trade gravitation regression model incorporating import quantity as the dependent variable and a tax dummy amongst the explanatory variables, the analysis explores the effectiveness of the tax policy in reducing import demand. From a sample of 19 major exporters and an analysis covering the period between 1994 and 2007, we conclude that the product charge policy did not produce the desired effect. We conclude by suggesting that policy makers adopt a cautious approach to the adoption of environmental taxes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The Green Economy: Incremental Change or Transformation?
Authors: Borel‐Saladin Jacqueline Madeleine , Turok Ivan Nicholas 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThe concept of the green economy presented in three reports from leading global organizations is examined in this paper. These include the United Nations Environment Programme's Towards a Green Economy, the World Bank's Inclusive Green Growth and the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development's Towards Green Growth. The main critiques of the concept of the green economy are also considered. Contrary to views that the green economy merely represents ‘green‐washing’ and tweaking of the current economic system, this paper concludes that the green economy has the potential to effect substantive and transformative change towards the goal of sustainable development. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
A chronic oral reference dose for hexavalent chromium‐induced intestinal cancer
Authors: Thompson Chad M. , Kirman Christopher R. , Proctor Deborah M. , Haws Laurie C. , Suh Mina , Hays Sean M. , Hixon J. Gregory , Harris Mark A. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTHigh concentrations of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] in drinking water induce villous cytotoxicity and compensatory crypt hyperplasia in the small intestines of mice (but not rats). Lifetime exposure to such cytotoxic concentrations increases intestinal neoplasms in mice, suggesting that the mode of action for Cr(VI)‐induced intestinal tumors involves chronic wounding and compensatory cell proliferation of the intestine. Therefore, we developed a chronic oral reference dose (RfD) designed to be protective of intestinal damage and thus intestinal cancer. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for chromium in mice was used to estimate the amount of Cr(VI) entering each intestinal tissue section (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) from the lumen per day (normalized to intestinal tissue weight). These internal dose metrics, together with corresponding incidences for diffuse hyperplasia, were used to derive points of departure using benchmark dose modeling and constrained nonlinear regression. Both modeling techniques resulted in similar points of departure, which were subsequently converted to human equivalent doses using a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic model. Applying appropriate uncertainty factors, an RfD of 0.006 mg kg–1 day–1 was derived for diffuse hyperplasia—an effect that precedes tumor formation. This RfD is protective of both noncancer and cancer effects in the small intestine and corresponds to a safe drinking water equivalent level of 210 µg l–1. This concentration is higher than the current federal maximum contaminant level for total Cr (100 µg l–1) and well above levels of Cr(VI) in US drinking water supplies (typically ≤ 5 µg l–1). © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Applied Toxicology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of plasma components on the stability and permeability of microcapsule
Authors: Chen Li , Zhang Ying , Li Shen , Wang Xiuli , Li Na , Wang Yu , Guo Xin , Zhao Shan , Yu Weiting , Sun Guangwei , Liu Yang , Ma Xiaojun 
Published: August 2013

AbstractImmobilization of hepatocytes in microcapsules has been a potentially alternative methodology for bioartificial livers (BALs). Moreover, the stability and permeability are the key parameters of these microcapsules. However, these alginate‐based microcapsules are unstable if the surrounding medium disrupts the ionic interactions between alginate and the polycation. As hundreds of components are included in human plasma, the stability and permeability in plasma of microcapsules need to be sufficiently investigated. In the present study, the stability of three kinds of alginate‐based microcapsules was evaluated when they were immersed in plasma. Our results showed that stability of alginate‐α‐poly (l‐lysine)‐alginate (α‐APA) microcapsules was well maintained, better than those of alginate‐ε‐poly (l‐lysine)‐alginate (ε‐APA) and alginate–chitosan–alginate (ACA) microcapsules. Also, factors affecting the stability of microcapsules in plasma were analyzed and it showed that heparin was the key factor that affected the stability of α‐APA microcapsules, whereas heparin and low molecular electrolytes such as HCO3− and H2PO4−/HPO42− were the factors to ε‐APA and ACA microcapsules. In addition, the permeability evaluation showed no decrease in permeability of microcapsules after incubation in plasma. Our study might provide a foundation for the selection and modification of materials for microcapsule‐based BAL devices. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2408–2416, 2014.
Preparation, characterization, release kinetics, and in vitro cytotoxicity of calcium silicate cement as a risedronate delivery system
Authors: Gong Tianxing , Wang Zhiqin , Zhang Yubiao , Sun Changshan , Yang Quanzu , Troczynski Tom , Häfeli Urs O. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractInjectable bone cements have been well characterized and studied in non‐load bearing bone fixation and bone screw augmentation applications. Current calcium phosphate cement or poly(methyl methacrylate) cement have drawbacks like low mechanical strength and in situ exothermic properties. This leads especially in patients with osteoporosis to worsening contact between implant and bone and can finally lead to implant failure. To improve these properties, a calcium silicate cement (CSC) was prepared, which additionally contained the bisphosphonate risedronate (RA) to promote osteoblast function. Cement setting rate and compressive strength were measured and found to be reduced by RA above 0.5 wt%. X‐ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and porosity measurements by gas sorption revealed that RA reduces calcium silicate hydrate gel formation and changes the cement's microstructure. Cumulative release profiles of RA from CSC up to 6 months into phosphate buffer solution were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography, and the results were compared with theoretical release curves obtained from the Higuchi equation. Fourier transform infrared spectra measurements and drug release studies indicate that calcium–RA formed within the cement, from which the drug can be slowly released over time. An investigation of the cytotoxicity of the RA‐CSC systems upon osteoblast‐like cells showed no toxic effects of concentrations up to 2%. The delivery of RA from within a CSC might thus be a valuable and biocompatible new approach to locally deliver RA and to reconstruct and/or repair osteoporosis‐related bone fractures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2295–2304, 2014.
The use of new surface‐modified poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels in tissue engineering: Treatment of the surface with fibronectin subunits versus Ac‐CGGASIKVAVS‐OH, cysteine, and 2‐mercaptoethanol modification
Authors: Kubinová Šárka , Horák Daniel , Vaněček Václav , Plichta Zdeněk , Proks Vladimír , Syková Eva 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSuperporous poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) is successfully used as a scaffold material for tissue engineering; however, it lacks functional groups that support cell adhesion. The objective of this study was to investigate the cell‐adhesive properties of biomimetic ligands, such as laminin‐derived Ac‐CGGASIKVAVS‐OH (SIKVAV) peptide and fibronectin subunits (Fn), as well as small molecules exemplified by 2‐mercaptoethanol (ME) and cysteine (Cys), immobilized on a copolymer of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with 2‐aminoethyl methacrylate (AEMA) by a maleimide‐thiol coupling reaction. The maleimide group was introduced to the P(HEMA‐AEMA) hydrogels by the reaction of their amino groups with N‐γ‐maleimidobutyryl‐oxysuccinimide ester (GMBS). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were used to investigate the cell adhesive properties of the modified hydrogels. A significantly larger area of cell growth as well as a higher cell density were found on Fn‐ and SIKVAV‐modified hydrogels when compared to the ME‐ and Cys‐modified supports or neat P(HEMA‐AEMA). Moreover, Fn‐modification strongly stimulated cell proliferation. The ability of MSCs to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts was maintained on both Fn‐ and SIKVAV‐modifications, but it was reduced on ME‐modified hydrogels and neat P(HEMA‐AEMA). The results show that the immobilization of SIKVAV and Fn‐subunits onto superporous P(HEMA‐AEMA) hydrogels via a GMBS coupling reaction improves cell adhesive properties. The high proliferative activity observed on Fn‐modified hydrogels suggests that the immobilized Fn‐subunits maintain their bioactivity and thus represent a promising tool for application in tissue engineering. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2315–2323, 2014.
The effect of active ingredient‐containing chitosan/polycaprolactone nonwoven mat on wound healing: In vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Bai Meng‐Yi , Chou Tz‐Chong , Tsai Jie‐Chang , Yu Wen‐Chun 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe use of an electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nonwoven mat that is coated with a layer of chitosan (CS) containing active ingredient [tea tree oil (TTO)] represents an effective strategy for producing functional dressings. CS‐coated porous PCL nonwoven mat (CS3/PCLNM) with various concentrations of active ingredients were produced and investigated. In vitro, active ingredient‐containing CS3/PCLNM is effective in inhibiting the formation of nitrite and the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Both active ingredient TTO and CS have been proven to reach their maximum amount of releases within 24 h of contact with water‐based environment. In vivo, full‐thickness skin removal (1.2 cm × 1.2 cm) was performed on the back of the C57BL6/J mice in noninfected and infected animal models. Four groups of functional dressings were tested in this work including Tegderm™, PCLNM, CS3/PCLNM, and 100 μL TTO‐CS3/PCLNM. After 7 days post‐treatment, the bacterial levels were found to be significantly lower in both CS3/PCLNM and 100 μL TTO‐CS3/PCLNM‐treated groups than in the control group (81.6 ± 18.1% and 93.7 ± 9.57% of reductions in the bacterial load in the pus relative to the control group, respectively). Additionally, based on the histological analyses, the 100 μL TTO‐CS3/PCLNM‐treated group outperformed all other groups in wound healing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2324–2333, 2014.
A 3‐D numerical study of the thermal evolution of the Moon after cumulate mantle overturn: The importance of rheology and core solidification
Authors: Zhang Nan , Parmentier E. M. , Liang Yan 
Published: August 2013

AbstractModels in which the mantle of the Moon evolves from an initially stratified state following magma ocean solidification and overturn have been applied to address important features of long‐term thermal evolution of the Moon, including convective instability of overturned ilmenite‐bearing cumulates (IBC) at the lunar core‐mantle boundary, generation of mare basalts, core sulfur content and inner core radius, paleomagnetism, and the present‐day mantle structure. Whether a dense overturned IBC‐rich layer at the bottom of the mantle can become thermally unstable to generate a single upwelling is controlled largely by the temperature‐dependence of viscosity (the activation energy). Convective instability of the IBC‐rich layer controls the heat flux out the core and the presence of an internally generated magnetic field. A long period of (~700 Ma) high positive core‐mantle‐boundary (CMB) heat flux after the instability of the IBC‐rich layer is expected from our models. Present‐day deep mantle temperatures inferred from seismic and gravitational inversion constrain the magnitude of mantle viscosity from 5 × 1019 to 1 × 1021 Pa s. The CMB temperature and solidified inner core radius inferred from seismic reflection constrain the core sulfur content. Our evolution models with 5–10 wt % sulfur content can produce the observed 240 km radius inner core at the present day. The asymmetrical distribution of the deep moonquakes only in the nearside mantle could be explained as the remnant structure of the single chemical upwelling generated from IBC‐rich layer. Our evolution model after the overturn results in an early ~0.55 km expansion in radius for ~1000 Ma due to the radiogenic heating associated with IBC in the deep mantle and may provide a simple explanation for the early expansion inferred from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory mission.
Is type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with alterations in hearing? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Akinpelu Olubunmi V. , Mujica‐Mota Mario , Daniel Sam J. 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/HypothesisThe aim of this study was to systematically and quantitatively review the available evidence on the effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus on hearing function.Data Sources and Review MethodsEligible studies were identified through searches of eight different electronic databases and manual searching of references. Articles obtained were independently reviewed by two authors using predefined inclusion criteria to identify eligible studies. Meta‐analysis was performed on pooled data using Cochrane's Review Manager.ResultsEighteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Hearing loss (HL) was defined by all studies as pure tone average greater than 25dB in the worse ear. The incidence of HL ranged between 44% and 69.7% for type 2 diabetics, significantly higher than in controls (OR 1.91; 95% confidence interval 1.47–2.49). The mean PTA (pure tone audiometry) thresholds were greater in diabetics than in controls for all frequencies [test or overall effect Z = 3.68, P = 0.0002]. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave V latencies were also statistically significantly longer in diabetics when compared to control groups [OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.82– 4.37, P < 0.00001].ConclusionsType 2 diabetic patients had significantly higher incidence for at least the mild degree of HL when compared with controls. Mean PTA thresholds were greater in diabetics for all frequencies but were more clinically relevant at 6000 and 8000 Hz. Prolonged ABR wave V latencies in the diabetic group suggest retro‐cochlear involvement. Age and duration of DM play important roles in the occurrence of DM‐related HL.Level of Evidence3a. Laryngoscope, 124:767–776, 2014
Antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy in microlaryngeal surgery
Authors: Francis David O. , Dang Jennifer H. , Fritz Mark A. , Garrett C. Gaelyn 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/HypothesisIndications for antiplatelet and anticoagulation use are expanding. There is no evidence to direct therapeutic management in patients undergoing microlaryngeal surgeries. Our aim was to compare bleeding complications between microlaryngeal surgeries performed for patients preoperatively taken off and maintained on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation therapy.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsPatients undergoing microlaryngeal surgeries (2008–2009) on baseline antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation therapy were identified. Records were reviewed to determine whether therapy was stopped preoperatively. The primary outcome, bleeding complication, was compared between those taken off and maintained on therapy. Patient characteristics, surgical data, and outcomes were assessed.ResultsOf 287 microlaryngeal surgeries, 26% were performed for patients on antiplatelet (23%) and/or anticoagulation (3%) therapy. There was no difference in bleeding complications between patients' naïve to and on baseline antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy [naïve: 3.8% vs. on: 5.3%, P = 0.58] and no thromboembolic events. Among surgeries performed for patients on baseline antiplatelet therapy, 35% preoperatively stopped therapy. No observed difference in bleeding complications was observed between those taken off or maintained on therapy [off: 8.0% vs. on: 4.9%, P = 0.63]. Of 3% of surgeries performed for patients on warfarin, no bleeding complications occurred, even among the 8/10 with therapeutic international normalized ratios.ConclusionsPerioperative management decisions regarding antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy are becoming more common. Results suggest that antiplatelet therapy can be maintained during microlaryngeal surgery without increasing bleeding risk. Further prospective research is required to confirm findings and rigorously investigate the safety of continuing warfarin and other anticoagulation therapy in these surgeries.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 124:928–934, 2014
Duplicated facial nerve trunk with a first branchial cleft cyst
Authors: Hinson Drew , Poteet Perry , Bower Charles 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/HypothesisFirst branchial cleft anomalies are rare and their various anatomical relationships to the facial nerve have been described. We encountered a 15‐year‐old female with a type II first branchial cleft cyst presenting as a right neck mass that we found during surgical excision to transverse two main facial nerve trunks. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a first branchial cleft anomaly in conjunction with a duplicated facial nerve trunk.Laryngoscope, 124:662–664, 2014
Changing indications for maxillomandibular reconstruction with osseous free flaps: A 17‐year experience with 620 consecutive cases at UCLA and the impact of osteoradionecrosis
Authors: Zaghi Soroush , Danesh Jennifer , Hendizadeh Leenoy , Nabili Vishad , Blackwell Keith E. 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo characterize the changing indications for osseous free flaps in maxillomandibular reconstruction at our institution.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsDatabase review of patients who underwent free‐flap reconstruction of the jaws using vascularized bone‐containing free tissue transfer from 1995 to 2012 at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).ResultsA total of 620 osseous free flaps were performed. The most common indications for surgery were squamous cell carcinoma (n = 442) and osteoradionecrosis (ORN)) of the mandible (n = 73). There were no significant differences in 90‐day perioperative complication, flap viability, or mortality rates between any of the indications for surgery. Patients older than 60 years had a higher rate of major perioperative complication (P = 0.0028). ORN cases represented 1.3% ± 1.2% of surgical volume from 1995 to 2000, 8.7% ± 1.8% from 2001 to 2006, and 17.5% ± 2.2% from 2007 to 2012 (P <0.0001). Among cases of ORN, 95.8% of patients had radiation therapy completed at centers outside of our hospital system. For patients with ORN, there was an average interval of 8.7 ± 8.0 years from initiation of radiotherapy to the date of mandibulectomy (range 1–37 years).ConclusionThe incidence of ORN as an indication for free‐flap reconstruction has increased at our institution in recent years. This may reflect an increasing need for the surgical management of medically refractory ORN, a rising awareness or prevalence of ORN overall, and/or increasing comfort with free flaps as a treatment for ORN. Patients who undergo free‐flap surgery for ORN do not have greater risks of 90‐day perioperative complications or differences in free‐flap viability as compared to patients who undergo free‐flap reconstruction for other indications.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 124:1329–1335, 2014