bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound‐guided percutaneous laser ablation in treating symptomatic solid benign thyroid nodules: Our experience in 45 patients
Authors: Achille Gaetano , Zizzi Stefania , Di Stasio Enrico , Grammatica Alberto , Grammatica Luciano 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundLaser ablation may be useful in debulking of benign thyroid nodules.MethodsIn order to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laser ablation, 45 patients with benign solid thyroid nodules, with a fluid component ≤20%, were included in our series between October 2009 and January 2011. All reported pressure and/or cosmetic complaints. Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm was used, with a fix‐power (3W), changing the application time. All patients were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months and any complications were recorded.ResultsMean nodule volume reduction decreased from 24.2 mL ± 19.4 to 4.5 ± 5.2 at 12 months (p < .001). Mean nodule volume reduction was 84% ± 13. Cosmetic signs were completely resolved in 87%, reduced in 9%, unchanged in 2%, and pressure symptoms were resolved in 88%. One patient experienced transient dysphonia.ConclusionUltrasound‐guided laser ablation is an effective tool for treatment of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in patients not eligible for surgery. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 677–682, 2016
Relative expression of vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Wilkie Mark D. , Emmett Maxine S. , Santosh Shilpa , Lightbody Kathryn A. , Lane Steven , Goodyear Paul W. , Sheard Jon D. , Boyd Mark T. , Pritchard–Jones Rowan O. , Jones Terence M. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlternative splicing of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene results in a family of antiangiogenic isoforms (VEGFxxxb), not yet investigated in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We examined, therefore, the prognostic value of the relative expression of VEGF isoforms in SCCHN.MethodsA tissue microarray comprising 187 SCCHNs was studied by immunohistochemistry with total VEGF (panVEGF) and VEGFxxxb‐specific antibodies, and scored by 2 assessors for intensity and proportion. Scores were combined and expression ratios calculated.ResultsNo meaningful significant differences were observed between panVEGF, VEGFxxxb, or expression ratio, and presence of lymphatic metastasis, or overall survival. This held true when tumor subsites were analyzed independently and when human papillomavirus (HPV) was accounted for in the oropharyngeal subgroup.ConclusionDifferential VEGF isoform expression is not a reliable prognostic biomarker for either the clinically node negative/pathologically node‐positive neck or overall survival in pharyngeal and laryngeal SCCHNs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 775–781, 2016
Dispositional Mindfulness, Spirituality, and Substance Use in Predicting Depressive Symptoms in a Treatment‐Seeking Sample
Authors: Shorey Ryan C. , Gawrysiak Michael J. , Anderson Scott , Stuart Gregory L. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveIt is imperative that research identifies factors related to depression among individuals in substance use treatment, as depression is associated with substance use relapse. Dispositional mindfulness and spirituality may bear an important role in the relationship between depression and substance use.MethodUsing preexisting patient medical records (N = 105), the current study investigated dispositional mindfulness and spirituality in relation to depressive symptom clusters (affective, cognitive, and physiological) among men in residential substance use treatment. The mean age of the sample was 41.03 (standard deviation = 10.75).ResultsFindings demonstrated that dispositional mindfulness and spirituality were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. After controlling for age, alcohol use, and drug use, dispositional mindfulness remained negatively associated with all of the depression clusters. Spirituality only remained associated with the cognitive depression cluster.ConclusionMindfulness‐based interventions may hold promise as an effective intervention for reducing substance use and concurrent depressive symptoms.
Hydro‐conversion of oleic acid in bio‐oil to liquid hydrocarbons: an experimental and modeling investigation
Authors: Forghani Amir Ahmad , Lewis David M 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study focused on understanding the reaction kinetics for the hydrocracking process. Oleic acid, as the main component of most bio‐oils, was selected as feedstock for the hydrocracking process. The hydrocracking of oleic acid was performed in a laboratory scale trickle‐bed reactor in the presence of a Ni–Zeolite β catalyst and hydrogen for hydrogenation. The concentrations of oleic acid and the three main components of jet fuel range hydrocarbons produced, which are nonane, decane and dodecane (C9, C10 and C12), were measured with GC analysis.RESULTSAccording to the aforementioned component concentrations, the rate of reaction and the related Arrhenius equation parameters were estimated. The reaction kinetic calculations were subjected to hydrocracking reactor modeling to gain a better understanding of hydrocracking. The concentrations of C9, C10 and C12 were assumed to be a separate lump of the hydrocarbons produced, namely middle hydrocarbon (MC). The reactant and MC lump concentrations throughout the reactor were measured and compared with experimental data. The modeling and experimental results are in reasonable agreement in terms of MC lump production and oleic acid conversion. The oleic acid and MC concentration profiles and reactor wall temperature profiles along the reactor were examined in this research.CONCLUSIONThe outcome of this study can be applied in simulation and commercialisation of hydrocracking as a potential process for biofuel production. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Tourism‐led Growth Revisited for Spain: Causality, Business Cycles and Structural Breaks
Authors: Mérida Adrian , Golpe Antonio A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper is aimed to test the causality relationship between the cycles of tourism and economic development for the case of Spain using quarterly time‐series data on gross domestic product, the number of nights spent in Spanish tourist accommodations and real exchange rates from 1980 to 2013. A distinction between nights spent by foreign and national tourists is also made. Although no evidence of causality is found on preliminary results, structural breaks affecting the relationships between the variables are detected. Causality from economic growth towards tourist activity is found until 1985. Results also confirm bidirectional causality from 2000 onwards. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbazole‐based poly(aryl ether ketone) containing crosslinkable allyl groups on the side chains: synthesis, characterization and properties
Authors: Wang Feifei , Wang Zhipeng , Wang Honghua , Zhou Guangyuan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper presents a feasible method for introducing crosslinkable groups into a polymer to achieve excellent chemical resistance and improved thermal stability. Here, 3,6‐bi(4‐fluorobenzenzoyl)‐N‐allylcarbazole, a novel allyl‐containing difluoroketone monomer, is synthesized and characterized. The resulting monomer is polymerized with phenolphthalein through the aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction at 160 °C to provide the soluble poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) with a pendant allyl group. The obtained PAEK is characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, NMR and gel permeation chromatography. The crosslinking reaction of the polymer occurs at 270 °C, and it imparts excellent solvent resistance. DSC analysis shows that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the cured polymer increases to 262–306 °C when the curing temperature is elevated or when the curing time is extended within certain limits. The rate of increase of Tg and the rate of the crosslinking reaction decrease as the curing time is extended under all of the investigated curing temperatures. The cured PAEKs possess good thermal stability with 5% weight loss temperatures up to 450 °C. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the polymer film cured at 300 °C for 2 h are 65 MPa and 1.4 GPa, respectively. In addition, the polymer films before and after curing exhibit similar UV−visible absorption and blue light emission. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
The structural basis for specificity in lipoxygenase catalysis
Authors: Newcomer Marcia E. , Brash Alan R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMany intriguing facets of lipoxygenase (LOX) catalysis are open to a detailed structural analysis. Polyunsaturated fatty acids with two to six double bonds are oxygenated precisely on a particular carbon, typically forming a single chiral fatty acid hydroperoxide product. Molecular oxygen is not bound or liganded during catalysis, yet it is directed precisely to one position and one stereo configuration on the reacting fatty acid. The transformations proceed upon exposure of substrate to enzyme in the presence of O2 (RH + O2 → ROOH), so it has proved challenging to capture the precise mode of substrate binding in the LOX active site. Beginning with crystal structures with bound inhibitors or surrogate substrates, and most recently arachidonic acid bound under anaerobic conditions, a picture is consolidating of catalysis in a U‐shaped fatty acid binding channel in which individual LOX enzymes use distinct amino acids to control the head‐to‐tail orientation of the fatty acid and register of the selected pentadiene opposite the non‐heme iron, suitably positioned for the initial stereoselective hydrogen abstraction and subsequent reaction with O2. Drawing on the crystal structures available currently, this review features the roles of the N‐terminal β‐barrel (C2‐like, or PLAT domain) in substrate acquisition and sensitivity to cellular calcium, and the α‐helical catalytic domain in fatty acid binding and reactions with O2 that produce hydroperoxide products with regio and stereospecificity. LOX structures combine to explain how similar enzymes with conserved catalytic machinery differ in product, but not substrate, specificities.
Key mutations stabilize antigen‐binding conformation during affinity maturation of a broadly neutralizing influenza antibody lineage
Authors: Xu Huafeng , Schmidt Aaron G. , O'Donnell Timothy , Therkelsen Matthew D. , Kepler Thomas B. , Moody M. Anthony , Haynes Barton F. , Liao Hua‐Xin , Harrison Stephen C. , Shaw David E. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTAffinity maturation, the process in which somatic hypermutation and positive selection generate antibodies with increasing affinity for an antigen, is pivotal in acquired humoral immunity. We have studied the mechanism of affinity gain in a human B‐cell lineage in which two main maturation pathways, diverging from a common ancestor, lead to three mature antibodies that neutralize a broad range of H1 influenza viruses. Previous work showed that increased affinity in the mature antibodies derives primarily from stabilization of the CDR H3 loop in the antigen‐binding conformation. We have now used molecular dynamics simulations and existing crystal structures to identify potentially key maturation mutations, and we have characterized their effects on the CDR H3 loop and on antigen binding using further simulations and experimental affinity measurements, respectively. In the two maturation pathways, different contacts between light and heavy chains stabilize the CDR H3 loop. As few as two single‐site mutations in each pathway can confer substantial loop stability, but none of them confers experimentally detectable stability on its own. Our results support models of the germinal center reaction in which two or more mutations can occur without concomitant selection and show how divergent pathways have yielded functionally equivalent antibodies. Proteins 2014; 83:771–780. © 2014 The Authors. Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Secure chaotic maps‐based authenticated key agreement protocol without smartcard for multi‐server environments
Authors: Tsai Jia‐Lun , Lo Nai‐Wei 
Published: December 2014

AbstractModern individuals heavily rely on the support of information systems. Various applications and information processing systems provide all kinds of assistance for people's lives such as information search, work scheduling, entertainment, and online shopping. For a user, in order to access an Internet‐connected system or an internal system within an enterprise, in general, a unique password is given to the user to log into the system. Therefore, how to conveniently maintain or remember multiple passwords has become a serious headache for people. In this study, a new chaotic maps‐based authenticated key agreement protocol is first proposed for multi‐server environments. A trusted third party, called the registration center (RC), is introduced in our protocol. Once a legal user has registered with the RC, this user can log into any server with only one memorable password in a multi‐server environment as long as the user has been granted access rights in advance. As security robustness of our protocol is built on randomly generated nonces and chaotic maps, there is no time synchronization issue. Security analyses and comparisons on performance efficiency and security features among existing protocols show that our protocol is computationally efficient, and withstands password‐guessing attacks and other well‐known security threats. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety and Efficacy of a tCD25 Preselective Combination Anti-HIV Lentiviral Vector in Human Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells
Authors: Barclay Sharlie L. , Yang Yimin , Zhang Siruo , Fong Ryan , Barraza Alfonso , Nolta Jan A. , Torbett Bruce E. , Abedi Mehrdad , Bauer Gerhard , Anderson Joseph S. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The successful suppression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the “Berlin Patient” has highlighted the ability of HIV-resistant hematopoietic stem cells to offer a potential functional cure for HIV-infected patients. HIV stem cell gene therapy can mimic this result by genetically modifying a patient's own cells with anti-HIV genes. Previous attempts of HIV gene therapy have been hampered by a low percentage of transplanted HIV-resistant cells which has led to minimal clinical efficacy. In our current study, we have evaluated the in vitro and in vivo safety and efficacy of a truncated/mutated form of human CD25 preselective anti-HIV lentiviral vector in human hematopoietic stem cells. This preselective vector allows us to purify vector-transduced cells prior to transplantation so an increased percentage of gene-modified cells can be delivered. Here, we demonstrate the safety of this strategy with successful engraftment and multilineage hematopoiesis of transduced cells in a humanized NOD-RAG1−/−IL-2rγ−/− knockout mouse model. Efficacy was also demonstrated with significant protection from HIV-1 infection including maintenance of human CD4+ cell levels and a decrease in HIV-1 plasma viremia. Collectively, these results establish the utility of this HIV stem cell gene therapy strategy and bring it closer to providing a functional cure for HIV-infected patients. Stem Cells 2015;33:870–879
Isolation and Characterization of Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiac Purkinje Cells
Authors: Maass Karen , Shekhar Akshay , Lu Jia , Kang Guoxin , See Fiona , Kim Eugene E. , Delgado Camila , Shen Steven , Cohen Lisa , Fishman Glenn I. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The cardiac Purkinje fiber network is composed of highly specialized cardiomyocytes responsible for the synchronous excitation and contraction of the ventricles. Computational modeling, experimental animal studies, and intracardiac electrical recordings from patients with heritable and acquired forms of heart disease suggest that Purkinje cells (PCs) may also serve as critical triggers of life-threatening arrhythmias. Nonetheless, owing to the difficulty in isolating and studying this rare population of cells, the precise role of PC in arrhythmogenesis and the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for their proarrhythmic behavior are not fully characterized. Conceptually, a stem cell-based model system might facilitate studies of PC-dependent arrhythmia mechanisms and serve as a platform to test novel therapeutics. Here, we describe the generation of murine embryonic stem cells (ESC) harboring pan-cardiomyocyte and PC-specific reporter genes. We demonstrate that the dual reporter gene strategy may be used to identify and isolate the rare ESC-derived PC (ESC-PC) from a mixed population of cardiogenic cells. ESC-PC display transcriptional signatures and functional properties, including action potentials, intracellular calcium cycling, and chronotropic behavior comparable to endogenous PC. Our results suggest that stem-cell derived PC are a feasible new platform for studies of developmental biology, disease pathogenesis, and screening for novel antiarrhythmic therapies. Stem Cells 2015;33:1102–1112
A survey of race bug detection techniques for multithreaded programmes
Authors: Hong Shin , Kim Moonzoo 
Published: December 2014

SummaryAs multithreaded programmes become popular to fully utilize multicore CPUs, many race bug detection techniques have been developed to find concurrency errors in multithreaded programmes effectively. Because these techniques have different views on target programme execution and detect race bugs of various types, it is difficult to characterize, compare and improve race bug detection techniques. This paper presents a formal execution model, which can uniformly represent various views of race bug detection techniques on target programme execution. Then, this paper classifies 43 race bug detection techniques according to their target race bugs. We classify race bugs on whether or not a bug violates operation block specification and/or data association specification. This survey provides researchers with a clear top‐down view of various race bug detection techniques. In addition, the concrete examples of various race bugs in this survey can help field engineers avoid race bugs in their multithreaded programmes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the location of broken wire wraps on the failure pressure of prestressed concrete cylinder pipes
Authors: Hajali Masood , Alavinasab Ali , Shdid Caesar Abi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe effect of the location of broken prestressing wire wraps on the overall strength of prestressed concrete cylinder pipes (PCCP) is investigated here. An advanced computational model based on non‐linear finite element analysis is used to study three possible locations of broken wire wraps: at the spigot joint, at the bell joint and in the barrel of the pipe. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the cracking of the concrete core and the yielding of the prestressing wires and steel cylinder with increasing internal pressure and with an increasing number of broken wire wraps. Two classes of 2.44 m embedded cylinder pipe (ECP) were modelled with 5, 35, 70, and 100 wire wrap breaks. The results show that broken wire wraps at the joint, and especially the spigot joint, decrease the overall strength of PCCP more so than those at the bell joint or in the barrel of the pipe. The intensity of this effect increases with increasing internal pressure and with a larger number of broken wire wraps.
Virus‐based scaffolds for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Zhao Xia , Lin Yuan , Wang Qian 
Published: December 2014

One of the major research directions of tissue engineering is to develop artificial scaffolds that can mimic extracellular matrix (ECM) and support the growth of functional cells for the repair of damaged tissues and organs. Recently, virus particles have expanded as nanosized building blocks for materials applications. Viruses represent monodispersed supramolecular assemblies with organized three‐dimensional architecture, which can be isolated in high yield and purity with batch‐to‐batch consistency. In addition, virus particles can be re‐engineered by chemical and genetic modification to incorporate multivalent functional ligands with high density and ordered arrangement. In this review, we highlight that the self‐assembly of the reengineered viruses can form two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional scaffolds, which can be employed to support cell growth and regulate cellular functions such as adhesion, spreading and proliferation. In particular, the application of virus‐based scaffolds for directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells for bone and neural regeneration is discussed. Finally, thein vivobehaviors of virus nanoparticles will be discussed for the consideration of tissue engineering applications.WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol2015, 7:534–547. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1327This article is categorized under:Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the NanoscaleImplantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and ImplantsBiology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures
Case study: Short‐term response of greater sage‐grouse habitats to wildfire in mountain big sagebrush communities
Authors: Davis Dawn M. , Crawford John A. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTOur case study evaluated the short‐term (≤11 yr) implications of wildfire on greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) breeding‐season habitat (i.e., nesting and brood‐rearing) and ground‐dwelling arthropod abundance on Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in northwestern Nevada, USA. Two different‐aged wildfire sites were sampled in mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata vaseyana) cover types in 1998 and 1999. Plant communities in burned and associated unburned areas did not differ appreciably in species composition and wildfire did not negatively impact arthropod abundance. Wildfires did not increase the frequency of exotic plant species, such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), nor did wildfire have a detrimental effect on native perennial bunchgrasses. Wildfires were effective at changing the mountain big sagebrush community structure from shrub‐dominated to one dominated by native grasses and forbs 2–3 yr post‐burn. However, the absence of shrub cover following 2–3 yr of post‐fire recovery indicates our overall estimates of vegetation structure were not consistent with published guideline requirements for managing sage‐grouse breeding‐season habitat. Although burning had little stimulatory effect on total forb cover 10–11 yr post‐burn, the vegetation and structural components needed to maintain suitable sage‐grouse nesting and brood‐rearing habitats were present in the burned site. The short‐term habitat response to wildfire suggests prescribed fire can be a useful tool to achieve management objectives by manipulating vegetation structure and composition of shrub‐dominated landscapes. However, land managers should be cautious using prescribed fire as a management tool in big sagebrush ecosystems if the goal is to improve sage‐grouse habitats. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.