bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycerol salicylate‐based containing α‐tricalcium phosphate as a bioactive root canal sealer
Authors: Portella Fernando F. , Collares Fabrício M. , dos Santos Luís A. , dos Santos Bruno P. , Camassola Melissa , Leitune Vicente C. B. , Samuel Susana M. W.
Published: January 2015

The use of bioactive materials instead of inert materials to fill the root canal space could be an effective approach to achieve a hermetic seal and stimulate the healing of periapical tissues. The purpose of this study was to develop and characterize an endodontic sealer based on a glycerol salicylate resin and α‐tricalcium phosphate (αTCP) at physical and chemical properties. Different sealers were formulated using 70% of a glycerol salicylate resin and 30% of a mixture of calcium hydroxide and αTCP (0, 5, 10, or 15%, in weight). Sealers formulated were characterized based on setting time, in vitro degradation over time, pH, cytotoxicity, and mineral deposition. Sealers presented setting time ranging from 240 to 405 min, and basic pH over 8.21 after 28 days. Higher αTCP concentration leads to sealers with low solubility. Cell viability after 48 h in direct contact with sealers was similar to a commercial sealer used as reference. The 10% and 15% αTCP sealers exhibited a calcium–phosphate layer on the surface after immersion in water and SBF for 7 days. Glycerol salicylate sealers with 10% and 15% α‐tricalcium phosphate showed reliable physical–chemical properties and apatite‐forming ability. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1663–1669, 2015.
Designing new biocompatible glass‐forming Ti75‐xZr10NbxSi15 (x = 0, 15) alloys: corrosion, passivity, and apatite formation
Authors: Abdi Somayeh , Oswald Steffen , Gostin Petre Flaviu , Helth Arne , Sort Jordi , Baró Maria Dolors , Calin Mariana , Schultz Ludwig , Eckert Jürgen , Gebert Annett
Published: January 2015

Glass‐forming Ti‐based alloys are considered as potential new materials for implant applications. Ti75Zr10Si15 and Ti60Zr10Nb15Si15 alloys (free of cytotoxic elements) can be produced as melt‐spun ribbons with glassy matrix and embedded single β‐type nanocrystals. The corrosion and passivation behavior of these alloys in their homogenized melt‐spun states have been investigated in Ringer solution at 37°C in comparison to their cast multiphase crystalline counterparts and to cp‐Ti and β‐type Ti‐40Nb. All tested materials showed very low corrosion rates as expressed in corrosion current densities icorr < 50 nA/cm2. Electrochemical and surface analytical studies revealed a high stability of the new alloys passive states in a wide potential range. This corresponds to low passive current densities ipass = 2 ± 1 µA/cm2 based on the growth of oxide films with thickness d <10 nm. A homogeneous constituent distribution in the melt‐spun alloys is beneficial for stable surface passivity. The addition of Nb does not only improve the glass‐forming ability and the mechanical properties but also supports a high pitting resistance even at extreme anodic polarization up to 4V versus SCE were oxide thickness values of d ∼35 nm are reached. With regard to the corrosion properties, the Nb‐containing nearly single‐phase glassy alloy can compete with the β‐type Ti‐40Nb alloy. SBF tests confirmed the ability for formation of hydroxyapatite on the melt‐spun alloy surfaces. All these properties recommend the new glass‐forming alloys for application as wear‐ and corrosion‐resistant coating materials for implants. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 27–38, 2016.
Pattern recognition of neuron specific enolase and carcinoembryonic antigen in whole blood samples
Authors: Stefan‐van Staden Raluca‐Ioana , Comnea‐Stancu Ionela Raluca , Surdu‐Bob Carmen Cristina , Stanciu‐Gavan Camelia
Published: January 2015

New tools and methods for pattern recognition of neuron specific enolase (NSE) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were proposed for the screening of whole blood samples. The new tools were based on stochastic sensors designed using nanoporous gold microspheres, graphite, graphene, diamond paste as well as α‐CDs, and 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyl‐21H,23H‐porphyrin. The best sensor for the assay of CEA was the one based on P/graphite (the limit of determination was 16 fg/ml and sensitivity was 2.32 × 107 s mg−1 ml), while for the assay of NSE the, best sensor was the one based on P/graphene (the limit of determination was 7.45 pg/ml and sensitivity was 2.49 × 108 s mg−1 ml). The sensor of choice for simultaneous detection of NSE and CEA is the one based on P/graphene because we need high sensitivity and low limit of determination for NSE. To our knowledge, this is the only one screening test for early detection of lung cancer, by identification of NSE and CEA in whole blood samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Persistently elevated abnormal B‐cell subpopulations and anti‐core antibodies in patients co‐infected with HIV/HCV who relapse
Authors: Kohli Anita , Funk Emily , Burbelo Peter , Barrett Lisa , Meissner Eric G. , Santich Brian , Shaffer Ashton , Johl Jessica , Sidharthan Sreetha , Moir Susan , Kottilil Shyam , Fauci Anthony S.
Published: January 2015

Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment for patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HCV is associated with modest rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) and an increased rate of relapse when compared to HCV monoinfected patients. As patients who attain SVR and patients who relapse are clinically indistinguishable during treatment, where both groups have fully suppressed HCV viral load, it has not been possible to identify in advance those who will relapse. Biomarkers that may distinguish patients with differential treatment response may be clinically useful and provide insight into mechanisms of relapse. In this retrospective study, serum and PBMCs were obtained from 41 HIV/HCV co‐infected patients and 17 healthy volunteers. Changes in antibody titers to various regions of the HCV proteome during treatment for HCV were determined using a novel luciferase immunoprecipitation assay. Changes in B‐cell subtypes in patients with differential treatment response as well as healthy volunteers were compared. This study demonstrates that elevated anti‐HCV core antibody titers persisted during HCV treatment in patients who relapsed when compared to those who attained SVR. Furthermore, characterization of B cells in patients who relapsed demonstrated an abnormal B‐cell phenotype distribution characterized by elevated frequencies of exhausted B cells among relapsers at baseline, which persisted despite suppression of HCV viremia at 24 weeks, along with increased frequencies of plasmablasts. These data suggest that anti‐HCV specific B cells may be responding to ongoing subclinical HCV replication in patients who will relapse. J. Med. Virol. 87:544–552, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of hepatitis D virus RNA carrying large fragment deletions in patients with severe hepatitis B/D receiving oral antiviral therapy
Authors: Hsu Chao‐Wei , Chao Mei , Chen Yi‐Cheng , Chang Ming‐Ling , Huang Shiu‐Feng , Yeh Chau‐Ting
Published: January 2015

A chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient had achieved complete virological suppression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) by oral antiviral therapy. Unexpectedly, fulminant hepatitis D virus (HDV) reactivation occurred, resulting in mortality. Cloning and sequence analysis identified a novel large fragment HDV deletion mutant containing only 69% of the standard genome. Reverse transcription‐PCR assay revealed persistence of this mutant with variations of the wild‐type‐to‐mutant ratios during the clinical course. Serum samples from 405 patients with chronic hepatitis B were then submitted for HDV RNA analysis. Of them, 20 (4.9%) were positive for HDV RNA and 5 HDV RNA large fragment deletions were identified in three patients, all under entecavir treatment. Two of them suffered from acute hepatitis exacerbations leading to liver failure while the third had repeated hepatitis flares. The peak bilirubin levels in these three patients were significantly higher than the others without large fragment deletions (P = 0.003). The deleted regions (527–702 bases) encompassed two ribozyme domains as well as part of the hepatitis D antigen (HDAg) reading frame. In conclusion, exacerbations of hepatitis D could occur, leading to fulminant hepatitis, even after complete virological suppression of HBV. Large fragment HDV RNA deletions were identified in some hepatitis D patients who were treated with entecavir but still experiencing severe hepatitis. J. Med. Virol. 87:634–641, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intermolecular interactions, ion solvation, and association in mixtures of 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and γ‐butyrolactone: insights from Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Marekha Bogdan A. , Koverga Volodymyr A. , Moreau Myriam , Kiselev Mikhail , Takamuku Toshiyuki , Kalugin Oleg N. , Idrissi Abdenacer
Published: January 2015

By means of Raman spectroscopy coupled with density functional theory (DFT) calculations and perturbation correlation moving window two‐dimensional correlation spectroscopy intermolecular interactions were assessed in mixtures of ionic liquid (IL) 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BmimPF6) with polar aprotic solvent γ‐butyrolactone (γ‐BL) over the entire range of compositions. The symmetrical P―F stretching vibration of the IL anion was found to be insensitive to the changes in mixture concentration in contrast to the CO stretching vibration of the γ‐BL and the imidazolium ring C―H stretching vibrations of the IL cation. Each of these vibrational profiles was decomposed in various spectral contributions, and their number was rationalized by the results of quantum‐chemical calculations and/or previous controversial published data. Progressive redshift of the ring C―H stretching wavenumbers was referred to pronounced solvation of the cation at the imidazolium ring site accompanied with H‐bond formation. This was especially pronounced at IL mole fraction less than 0.18. Complicated variations in the intensities of the individual contributions of the CO profile were treated as a manifestation of the changing with concentration pattern of the intermolecular interactions. The self‐association of γ‐BL molecules and distinct cation solvation as dominant intermolecular interactions at low IL content are replaced with weaker cation solvation and ion association at high concentrations of IL. Possible representative molecular structures were proposed on the basis of DFT calculations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevention of retinoic acid‐induced osteoporosis in mice by isoflavone‐enriched soy protein
Authors: Yang Juan , Wu Nana , Peng Jie , Yang Xiaoquan , Guo Jian , Yin Shouwei , Wang Jinmei
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

A novel soy protein aggregate enriched with isoflavones (SPA‐IS), a mixture of soy protein and isoflavones (Mix), isoflavones (IS), and the soy protein were obtained to investigate the preventive effects on osteoporosis induced by retinoic acid in Kunming mice.

RESULTS

The serum osteocalcin levels in the Mix and SPA‐IS groups decreased compared with the model group (mice showing retinoic acid‐induced osteoporosis) (P < 0.05). The trabecular analysis results showed an increased preventive effect of the SPA‐IS group over the Mix group, the IS group, and the soy protein group. The results of both left tibial maximum load and the 4th lumbar structural strength differ between the IS and the SPA‐IS groups.

CONCLUSION

The SPA‐IS exhibited obvious oestrogenic activities on retinoic acid‐induced osteoporosis in Kunming mice compared to Mix, IS, and soy protein. The results suggest that there is a potential use for SPA‐IS in the treatment of osteoporosis induced by intake of retinoic acid. The improvement of bone indicators might be attributed to the formation of aggregate particles and the improvement of IS solubility. Copyright © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasound‐assisted aqueous two‐phase extraction of phenylethanoid glycosides from Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma stems
Authors: Dong Beitao , Yuan Xiaofan , Zhao Qingsheng , Feng Qingming , Liu Boyan , Guo Yuanheng , Zhao Bing
Published: January 2015

An efficient ultrasound‐assisted aqueous two‐phase extraction and enrichment process for phenylethanoid glycosides from Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma stems was developed in this work. An ethanol/ammonium sulfate system was chosen for the aqueous two‐phase system due to its fine partitioning and recycling behaviors. Single‐factor experiments and response surface methodology were used to optimize the process parameters of the ultrasound‐assisted aqueous two‐phase extraction. The optimal conditions were as follows: a salt concentration of 23.5%, an ethanol concentration of 20%, an extraction time of 37 min, an extraction temperature of 30°C, a liquid/solid ratio of 30:1 w/w, and an ultrasound power of 300 W. Under the above conditions, the extraction yields of echinacoside and acteoside (the main components of phenylethanoid glycosides) reached 5.35 and 6.22 mg/g dry material weight, respectively. The contents of echinacoside and acteoside in the extracts reached 27.56 and 30.23 mg/g, respectively, which were 2.46‐ and 2.58‐fold higher than the amounts obtained in ultrasound‐assisted extraction. In conclusion, ultrasound‐assisted aqueous two‐phase extraction was an efficient, ecofriendly, and economical method, and it may be a promising technique for extracting and enriching bioactive components from plants.
Effects of population density and snow depth on the winter diet composition of sika deer
Authors: Seto Takayuki , Matsuda Naoko , Okahisa Yuji , Kaji Koichi
Published: January 2015

The understanding of population density and weather effects is fundamental for evaluating the population dynamics of ungulates. However, studies focusing on temporal variations in diet composition are limited. We investigated the effects of population density and snow depth on variation in the winter diet composition of 2 contrasting sika deer (Cervus nippon) populations in Oku‐Nikko and Ashio, Tochigi Prefecture, central Japan by monitoring diet composition for ≥15 years. The main food in Oku‐Nikko was dwarf bamboo (Sasa nipponica), which has a high crude protein content. This plant sometimes had low availability because of the combination of snow accumulation and reduced culm height associated with chronic grazing. The main food in Ashio was Japanese pampas grass (Miscanthus sinensis), which has a low crude protein content, but its availability was high because of high culm height and little snow accumulation. In Oku‐Nikko, snow accumulation and high deer density negatively affected the proportion of dwarf bamboo found in rumen contents, with the most significant effect found in calves. In Ashio, Japanese pampas grass composed a relatively high and constant proportion of the rumen contents when snow accumulation was ≤50 cm; however, it was negatively affected by snow accumulation of >50 cm. In addition, the utilization of Japanese pampas grass was reduced only when deer density was extremely high (>150 deer/km2). Our results clearly demonstrate that absolute density is not the sole factor that affects variation in the winter food selection of sika deer. The combined effects of snow depth and habitat quality, such as vegetation height, are overwhelmingly important in determining the winter diet composition of sika deer populations. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Optimization of CdTe thin‐film solar cell efficiency using a sputtered, oxygenated CdS window layer
Authors: Kephart Jason M. , Geisthardt Russell M. , Sampath W. S.
Published: January 2015

A major source of loss in cadmium sulfide/cadmium telluride (CdS/CdTe) solar cells results from light absorbed in the CdS window layer, which is not converted to electrical current. This film can be made more transparent by oxygen incorporation during sputter deposition at ambient temperature. Prior to this work, this material has not produced high‐efficiency devices on tin oxide‐coated soda‐lime‐glass substrates used industrially. Numerous devices were fabricated over a variety of process conditions to produce an optimized device. Although the material does not show a consistent increase in band gap with oxygenation, absorption in this layer can be virtually eliminated over the relevant spectrum, leading to an increase in short‐circuit current. Meanwhile, fill factor is maintained, and open‐circuit voltage increases relative to baseline devices with sublimated CdS. The trend of device parameters with oxygenation and thickness is consistent with an increasing conduction band offset at the window/CdTe interface. Optimization considering both initial efficiency and stability resulted in a National Renewable Energy Laboratory verified 15.2%‐efficient cell on 3.2‐mm soda‐lime glass. This window material was shown to be compatible with SnO2‐based transparent conducting oxide and high resistance transparent coated substrates using in‐line compatible processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Binding cavities and druggability of intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Zhang Yugang , Cao Huaiqing , Liu Zhirong
Published: January 2015

To assess the potential of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) as drug design targets, we have analyzed the ligand‐binding cavities of two datasets of IDPs (containing 37 and 16 entries, respectively) and compared their properties with those of conventional ordered (folded) proteins. IDPs were predicted to possess more binding cavity than ordered proteins at similar length, supporting the proposed advantage of IDPs economizing genome and protein resources. The cavity number has a wide distribution within each conformation ensemble for IDPs. The geometries of the cavities of IDPs differ from the cavities of ordered proteins, for example, the cavities of IDPs have larger surface areas and volumes, and are more likely to be composed of a single segment. The druggability of the cavities was examined, and the average druggable probability is estimated to be 9% for IDPs, which is almost twice that for ordered proteins (5%). Some IDPs with druggable cavities that are associated with diseases are listed. The optimism versus obstacles for drug design for IDPs is also briefly discussed.
Temperature dependence of ferroelectric properties and the activation energy of polarization reversal in (Pr,Mn)‐codoped BiFeO3 thin films
Authors: Nomura Yukihiro , Tachi Takashi , Kawae Takeshi , Morimoto Akiharu
Published: January 2015

We applied Vopsaroiu's model to (Bi,Pr)(Fe,Mn)O3 (BPFM) and Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) ferroelectric thin films fabricated by chemical solution deposition. The temperature dependences of the saturation polarization and the coercive field were measured in a low‐temperature region from 100 to 200 K. The saturation polarizations of BPFM thin films decreased on decreasing the measurement temperature due to the polarization pinning effect, while that of PZT thin film was almost unchanged over the temperature region. The coercive fields of all the thin films were increased linearly on decreasing the measurement temperature. The activation energies for polarization reversal in as‐grown BPFM, postannealed BPFM, and PZT thin films were 1.18, 1.25, and 0.95 eV, respectively. These results indicate that BPFM thin films have large activation energies for polarization reversal compared with PZT thin films. In addition, the postannealed BPFM thin film has a larger activation energy than the as‐grown BPFM thin film.
GaN/AlN superlattice high electron mobility transistor heterostructures on GaN/Si(111)
Authors: Wośko Mateusz , Paszkiewicz Bogdan , Vincze Andrej , Szymański Tomasz , Paszkiewicz Regina
Published: January 2015

In this work we report the growth of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures on silicon substrates using quasi AlGaN barrier layer formed by 6×(AlN/GaN) superlattice (SL) stack with nominal Al content of 35%. This is the first attempt of implementation of quasi AlGaN barrier layer in AlGaN/GaN heterostructure, originally proposed by Kawakami, on the Si(111) substrates by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) technique. The electrical properties of high‐electron mobility transistors (HEMT) type SL structures and conventional Al0.28Ga0.72N/GaN heterostructures grown on sapphire and silicon substrates were investigated and compared. The obtained results showed deterioration of channel resistivity in the heterostructure with SLs (1430 Ω/sq) in comparison to the alloy Al0.28Ga0.72N/GaN heterostructure (751 Ω/sq). Additional, surface and chemical structure characterizations were done by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) techniques. The roughness parameter Ra, estimated based on AFM scans of investigated structures was between 0.5 and 1 nm. The SIMS depth profiles of the alloy AlGaN and SL quasi AlGaN barrier did not show any significant differences between the samples deposited on sapphire and silicon substrates. The room temperature photoluminescence spectra of HEMT type SL structures revealed peaks corresponding to GaN and AlGaN band transitions, which indicates lack of sharp interfaces between AlN and GaN layers and thus formation of AlGaN transition regions in AlN/GaN SL stack.
Effect of chlorine doping on electrodeposited cuprous oxide thin films on Ti substrates
Authors: Jayathilaka K.M.D.C. , Jayasinghe A.M.R. , Sumanasekara G.U. , Kapaklis V. , Siripala W. , Jayanetti J.K.D.S.
Published: January 2015

Highly photoactive Cl‐doped Cu2O films were electrodeposited potentiostatically on Ti substrates. Optimum deposition potential was determined by Linear‐Sweep Voltammetry measurements. The influence of chlorine doping on grain size, crystallite shape and orientation was examined using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Cl due to doping. Mott–Schottky electrochemical impedance analysis showed the p‐type conductivity for undoped Cu2O films and n‐type conductivity for Cl‐doped Cu2O films. Analysis also showed that the carrier concentration of Cu2O thin films varied with Cl concentration of the deposition bath. Spectral responses of the resulting films were investigated in a photo‐electrochemical cell to optimize the CuCl2 concentration of the deposition bath to obtain highly photoactive films. Photocurrent measurements further confirmed that the conductivity of these Cl‐doped Cu2O films was n‐type while undoped films showed p‐type conductivity at a bath pH 9.3. The resistivity of Cu2O films decreased with the Cl concentration and the resistivity obtained for the Cl‐doped Cu2O films with the highest photoactivity was about 102 Ωcm at 30 °C. The low resistance and high photoactivity of Cl‐doped cuprous oxide thin films make them more suitable for solar cell and other applications.
Applying Gaia and AUML for the development of multiagent‐based control software for flexible manufacturing systems: addressing methodological and implementation issues
Authors: Duran‐Faundez Cristian , Ramos Mario , Rodriguez Pedro
Published: January 2015

In this article, we present the development of a simple multiagent‐based system for the control of a flexible manufacturing system. We followed the stages of a methodology specially conceived for the development of agent‐based system, which is an integration of the classical methodology for agent‐oriented analysis and design Gaia, and AUML (Agent‐Unified Modeling Language). We adopted as study case the CIMUBB Laboratory at the University of Bio‐Bio, which has a flexible manufacturing system including three flexible manufacturing cells interconnected by a conveyor belt. In the analysis stage, we identified roles involved, and we design models representing roles and protocols. In the design stage, we applied Gaia agent, services, and acquaintance models from Gaia, and we complemented with AUML as the adopted methodology suggests. With the developed models, we constructed a fully functional system where each agent was built as an independent process tree. Agents communicate by passing messages through the Ethernet network with socket interfaces. Various tests executed in our laboratory scale manufacturing system show the effectiveness of our implementation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of food gums on properties of pea starch and vermicelli prepared from pea starch
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Xing Yan , Sun Qingjie , Chu Lijun , Xiong Liu
Published: January 2015

The effects of food gums, such as xanthan gum, guar gum, konjac glucomannan, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and gelatin, on the pasting and textural properties of pea starch and the tensile properties of pea starch vermicelli were studied. The results showed that the addition of food gums tended to increase the peak and trough viscosities of pea starch, with the greatest effect being observed by the addition of konjac glucomannan. Pea starch gels mixed with 0.5% w/w xanthan gum, konjac glucomannan, or CMC exhibited the lowest hardness at 134.54, 140.80, and 166.95 g, respectively, which were lower than that of the control. Further, following the addition of food gums at 0.1%, pea starch gels had the highest springiness. The vermicelli tensile strength tended to decrease in the presence of food gums, except for CMC; the lowest value was observed following the addition of konjac glucomannan.
The impact of microwave heating on the granule state and thermal properties of potato starch
Authors: Ma Shenyan , Fan Daming , Wang Liyun , Lian Huizhang , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: January 2015

Microwave energy is widely used in the field of starchy food processing and heating. To date, research on microwave heating has focused predominantly on gelatinization. In order to investigate the mechanism of microwave heating, we selected potato starch, which has a typical B‐type crystalline structure of regular shape that is used and consumed widely. Based on the characteristics of the microwave heating process, we established a control heating model and evaluated this with both standard and polarizing light microscopy, laser particle size distribution analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry to probe the destruction of birefringence, the effects on the granule state, and the enthalpy involved. The results showed that thermal‐ and microwave‐specific effects applied to the different stage of gelatinization. Microwave‐specific effects dominated initially, but thermal effects began to dominate during and after gelatinization. The starch–water system was affected by microwave radiation throughout the heating process.
The many glia of a tiny nematode: studying glial diversity using Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Mizeracka Karolina , Heiman Maxwell G.
Published: January 2015

Glia constitute a major, understudied population of cells in the nervous system. Currently, it is appreciated that these cells exhibit vast morphological, functional, and molecular diversity, but our understanding of glial biology is limited. Some key unanswered questions include how glial diversity is generated during development and what functions distinct glial subtypes serve in the mature nervous system. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans contains a defined set of glia, which have clear morphological and molecular differences, and thus provides a simplified model for understanding glial diversity. In addition, recent experiments suggest that the molecular mechanisms underlying the generation of glial diversity in C. elegans are conserved with those in mammals. In this review, we summarize the surprising diversity of glial subtypes present in this simple organism, and highlight current thinking about what roles they perform in the nervous system. We emphasize how genetic approaches may be used to identify the mechanistic origins of glial diversity, which is key to understanding how glia function in health and disease. WIREs Dev Biol 2015, 4:151–160. doi: 10.1002/wdev.171

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Cellular Differentiation

Invertebrate Organogenesis > Worms

Nervous System Development > Worms
Discretization and numerical realization of contact problems for elastic‐perfectly plastic bodies. PART II – numerical realization, limit analysis
Authors: Cermak M. , Haslinger J. , Kozubek T. , Sysala S.
Published: January 2015

The paper deals with numerical realization of discretized, frictionless static contact problems for elastic‐perfectly plastic materials and the computational limit analysis. Two numerical methods based on the variational formulation in terms of stresses are analyzed: the semi‐smooth Newton method with damping and the alternating direction method of multipliers. These methods are used for tracking the loadings path to determine the discretized limit loading parameter and for solving elastic‐perfectly plastic problems.
Dislocation‐based fracture analysis of functionally graded magnetoelectroelastic solids
Authors: Mousavi S. Mahmoud
Published: January 2015

Dislocation‐based analysis of cracked magnetoelectroelastic solid under remotely uniform anti‐plane mechanical with in‐plane electromagnetic loading is presented. The solution to the generalized dislocation including screw dislocation and electric and magnetic jumps within an incompatible framework are reviewed from the literature. In order to model the system of multiple cracks in the solid, the dislocations are distributed along the crack faces. Then the densities of the dislocations are evaluated by applying the crack‐face boundary conditions. Both permeable and impermeable conditions are discussed. The entire field components including shear stress, electric displacements and magnetic inductions are determined for the cracked material, which is an advantage comparing to the methods which only provide crack tip field components. The field intensity factors are also formulated for both permeable and impermeable conditions. Finally examples including horizontal crack, inclined crack and multiple cracks are studied.
Meniscal Allograft Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Arthritis of the Thumb
Authors: Shapiro Paul S. , Diao Edward , Givens Lynn M.
Published: January 2015

Background

Arthritis at the trapeziometacarpal joint of the thumb is common. Several surgical options exist showing favorable results. We report the outcomes after interposition of allograft knee meniscus for thumb trapeziometacarpal arthritis.

Methods

Twenty-three patients (25 thumbs) had surgery for thumb trapeziometacarpal arthritis using knee meniscal allograft tissue. Eleven thumbs had a minimum follow-up of 24 months, 2 thumbs had a minimum of 12 months, and 12 thumbs had less than 6 months. Disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire scores, pain levels, grip strength, pinch strength, range of motion, and radiographic measurements were performed.

Results

Between the preoperative and 24-month follow-up measurements, patient pain levels were reduced. There was a significant improvement in DASH scores. Comparisons between preoperative and postoperative strength measurements showed increase in grip strength and key pinch strength. Trapeziometacarpal subsidence was 5.5 %, and subluxation index measurements decreased 3.9 %. There was no clinical or radiographic evidence of foreign body reaction and no other complications occurred.

Conclusions

The results of meniscal allograft arthroplasty are comparable to other surgical techniques for trapeziometacarpal arthritis with respect to pain, outcomes, strength, oppositional motion, complications, surgical time, cost, and return to work. The results suggest that meniscal allograft arthroplasty is a viable option in the surgical management of stages II and III arthritis of the TM joint. Further follow-up and clinical studies are warranted.
Monitoring ectomycorrhizal fungi at large scales for science, forest management, fungal conservation and environmental policy
Authors: Suz Laura M. , Barsoum Nadia , Benham Sue , Cheffings Chris , Cox Filipa , Hackett Louise , Jones Alan G. , Mueller Gregory M. , Orme David , Seidling Walter , Van Der Linde Sietse , Bidartondo Martin I.
Published: January 2015

Key message

The ICP Forests network can be a platform for large-scale mycorrhizal studies. Mapping and monitoring of mycorrhizas have untapped potential to inform science, management, conservation and policy regarding distributions, diversity hotspots, dominance and rarity, and indicators of forest changes.

Context

A dearth of information about fungi at large scales has severely constrained scientific, forest management, fungal conservation and environmental policy efforts worldwide. Nonetheless, fungi fulfil critical functional roles in our changing environments and represent a considerable proportion of terrestrial biodiversity. Mycorrhizal fungi are increasingly viewed as a major functional guild across forest ecosystems, and our ability to study them is expanding rapidly.

Aims

This study aimed to discuss the potential for starting a mycorrhizal monitoring programme built upon the existing forest monitoring network, raise questions, propose hypotheses and stimulate further discussion.

Results

An overview of the state-of-the-art regarding forest ectomycorrhizal ecology raises questions and recommendations for scaling up mycorrhizal assessments aimed at informing a variety of stakeholders, with a new focus on conservation and policy.

Conclusion

Fungal research and conservation are areas that can be informed by ICP Forests and may lead to useful spin-offs; research linked to long-term forest monitoring plots will enhance the relevance of science and conservation.
Data analysis in medical education research: a multilevel perspective
Authors: Leppink Jimmie
Published: January 2015

A substantial part of medical education research focuses on learning in teams (e.g., departments, problem-based learning groups) or centres (e.g., clinics, institutions) that are followed over time. Individual students or employees sharing the same team or centre tend to be more similar in learning than students or employees from different teams or centres. In other words, when students or employees are nested within teams or centres, there is a within-team or within-centre correlation that should be taken into account in the analysis of data obtained from individuals in these teams or centres. Further, when individuals are measured several times on the same performance (or other) variable, these repeated measurements tend to be correlated, that is: we are dealing with an intra-individual correlation that should be taken into account when analyzing data obtained from these individuals. In such a study context, many researchers resort to methods that cannot account for intra-team and/or intra-individual correlation and this may result in incorrect conclusions with regard to effects and relations of interest. This comparison paper presents the benefits which result from adopting a proper multilevel perspective on the conceptualization and estimation of effects and relations of interest.
N‐glycosylation and disulfide bonding affects GPRC6A receptor expression, function, and dimerization
Authors: Nørskov-Lauritsen Lenea , Jørgensen Stine , Bräuner-Osborne Hans
Published: January 2015

Investigation of post‐translational modifications of receptor proteins is important for our understanding of receptor pharmacology and disease physiology. However, our knowledge about post‐translational modifications of class C G protein‐coupled receptors and how these modifications regulate expression and function is very limited. Herein, we show that the nutrient‐sensing class C G protein‐coupled receptor GPRC6A carries seven N‐glycans and that one of these sites modulates surface expression whereas mutation of another site affects receptor function. GPRC6A has been speculated to form covalently linked dimers through cysteine disulfide linkage in the extracellular amino‐terminal domain and here we show that GPRC6A indeed is a homodimer and that a disulfide bridge between the C131 residues is formed.
mRNA expression profiles in circulating tumor cells of metastatic colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Mostert Bianca , Sieuwerts Anieta M. , Bolt-de Vries Joan , Kraan Jaco , Lalmahomed Zarina , van Galen Anne , van der Spoel Petra , de Weerd Vanja , Ramírez-Moreno Raquel , Smid Marcel , Verhoef Cornelis , IJzermans Jan N.M. , Gratama Jan W. , Sleijfer Stefan , Foekens John A. , Martens John W.M.
Published: January 2015

Introduction

The molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is a promising tool for the repeated and non‐invasive evaluation of predictive and prognostic factors. Challenges associated with CTC characterization using the only FDA approved method for CTC enumeration, the CellSearch technique, include the presence of an excess of leukocytes in CTC‐enriched blood fractions. Here we aimed to identify colorectal tumor‐specific gene expression levels in the blood of patients with and without detectable CTCs according to CellSearch criteria.

Materials and methods

Blood of 30 healthy donors (HDs) and 142 metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients was subjected to CellSearch CTC enumeration and isolation. In all samples, 95 mRNAs were measured by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR). HD blood samples and patient samples with three or more CTCs were compared to identify CTC‐specific mRNAs. Patient samples without detectable CTCs were separately analyzed.

Results

Thirty‐four CTC‐specific mRNAs were higher expressed in patients with ≥3 CTCs compared with HDs (Mann–Whitney U‐test P < 0.05). Among patients without detectable CTCs, a HD‐unlike subgroup was identified which could be distinguished from HDs by the expression of epithelial genes such as KRT19, KRT20 and AGR2. Also, in an independent patient set, a similar HD‐unlike group could be identified among the patients without detectable CTCs according to the CellSearch system.

Conclusion

Extensive molecular characterization of colorectal CTCs is feasible and a subgroup of patients without detectable CTCs according to CellSearch criteria bears circulating tumor load, which may have clinical consequences. This CTC‐specific gene panel for mCRC patients may enable the exploration of CTC characterization as a novel means to further individualize cancer treatment.
Aging Impairs Myogenic Adaptation to Pulsatile Pressure in Mouse Cerebral Arteries
Authors: Springo Zsolt , Toth Peter , Tarantini Stefano , Ashpole Nicole M , Tucsek Zsuzsanna , Sonntag William E , Csiszar Anna , Koller Akos , Ungvari Zoltan I
Published: January 2015

Stability of myogenic tone in middle cerebral arteries (MCA) is essential for adequate control over penetration of pressure waves into the distal portion of the cerebral microcirculation. Because the increased pulse pressure observed in advanced aging is associated with cerebromicrovascular injury, the effect of aging on myogenic response of mouse MCAs was determined. Aging did not affect the myogenic constriction in response to static increases in pressure, whereas it significantly impaired pulsatile pressure-induced myogenic tone. Impaired myogenic adaptation of MCAs to pulsatile pressure may allow high pressure to penetrate the distal portion of the cerebral microcirculation, contributing to microvascular damage.
Determination of α-hederin in rat plasma using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Li Hai-Long , Qin Zhen-Miao , Cai Hong-Die , Tan Yin-Feng , Zhang Xiao-Po , Luo Yu-Chao , Li Bei , Chen Feng , Zhang Jun-Qing
Published: January 2015

A sensitive, fast and cost-effective LC-ESI(−)-MS/MS method for the determination of α-hederin in rat plasma was developed and validated and successfully applied to a PK study.
The marriage of endo-cavity and exo-wall complexation provides a facile strategy for supramolecular polymerization
Authors: Wang Shilu , Wang Yiliang , Chen Zhenxia , Lin Yuejian , Weng Linhong , Han Kang , Li Jian , Jia Xueshun , Li Chunju
Published: January 2015

The marriage of exo-wall interactions and endo-cavity inclusion provides a new strategy for the construction of supramolecular polymers from unfunctionalized neutral receptors.
Electrochemical synthesis of luminescent MoS2 quantum dots
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Deepesh , Damien Dijo , Li Bo , Gullappalli Hemtej , Pillai Vijayamohanan K. , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Shaijumon Manikoth M.
Published: January 2015

Quantum dots of single-/few-layered MoS2 with tunable sizes, obtained through a unique electrochemical exfoliation process, show excellent electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution reactions.
Wobble pairs of the HDV ribozyme play specific roles in stabilization of active site dynamics
Authors: Sripathi Kamali N. , Banáš Pavel , Réblová Kamila , Šponer Jiří , Otyepka Michal , Walter Nils G.
Published: January 2015

We define specific architectural roles for common structural motifs found in the HDV ribozyme, and by extension HDV-like ribozymes and other structured non-coding RNAs.
Computational insights into the photodeactivation dynamics of phosphors for OLEDs: a perspective
Authors: Escudero Daniel , Jacquemin Denis
Published: January 2015

In this perspective we highlight recent computational efforts to unravel competing photodeactivation mechanisms of radiative and non-radiative nature of phosphors.
In situ monitoring of corrosion mechanisms and phosphate inhibitor surface deposition during corrosion of zinc–magnesium–aluminium (ZMA) alloys using novel time-lapse microscopy
Authors: Sullivan James , Cooze Nathan , Gallagher Callum , Lewis Tom , Prosek Tomas , Thierry Dominique
Published: January 2015

In situtime-lapse optical microscopy was used to examine the microstructural corrosion mechanisms in three zinc–magnesium–aluminium (ZMA) alloy coated steels immersed in 1% NaCl pH 7. Preferential corrosion of MgZn2lamellae within the eutectic phases was observed in all the ZMA alloys followed by subsequent dissolution of Zn rich phases. The total extent and rate of corrosion, measured using time-lapse image analysis and scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) estimated mass loss, decreased as Mg and Al alloying additions were increased up to a level of 3 wt% Mg and 3.7 wt% Al. This was probably due to the increased presence of MgO and Al2O3at the alloy surface retarding the kinetics of cathodic oxygen reduction. The addition of 1 × 10−2mol dm−3Na3PO4to 1% NaCl pH 7 had a dramatic influence on the corrosion mechanism for a ZMA with passivation of anodic sites through phosphate precipitation observed using time-lapse image analysis. Intriguing rapid precipitation of filamentous phosphate was also observed and it is postulated that these filaments nucleate and grow due to super saturation effects. Polarisation experiments showed that the addition of 1 × 10−2mol dm−3Na3PO4to the 1% NaCl electrolyte promoted an anodic shift of 50 mV in open circuit potential for the ZMA alloy with a reduction in anodic current of 2.5 orders of magnitude suggesting that it was acting primarily as an anodic inhibitor supporting the inferences from the time-lapse investigations. These phosphate additions resulted in a 98% reduction in estimated mass loss as measured by SVET demonstrating the effectiveness of phosphate inhibitors for this alloy system.
Application of a spoked channel array to confocal X-ray fluorescence imaging and X-ray absorption spectroscopy of medieval stained glass
Authors: Choudhury Sanjukta , Hormes Josef , Agyeman-Budu David N. , Woll Arthur R. , George Graham N. , Coulthard Ian , Pickering Ingrid J.
Published: January 2015

Confocal XFI and XAS using a spoked channel array reveal elemental distribution and speciation in 3D space with improved spatial resolution and energy-independent probing volume.
A Gaussian network model study suggests that structural fluctuations are higher for inactive states than active states of protein kinases
Authors: Kalaivani Raju , Srinivasan Narayanaswamy
Published: January 2015

Protein kinases participate extensively in cellular signalling. Using Gaussian normal mode analysis of kinases in active and diverse inactive forms, authors show that structural fluctuations are significantly higher in inactive forms and are localized in functionally sensitive sites.
Ambipolar charge transport of TIPS-pentacene single-crystals grown from non-polar solvents
Authors: Xue Guobiao , Fan Congcheng , Wu Jiake , Liu Shuang , Liu Yujing , Chen Hongzheng , Xin Huolin L. , Li Hanying
Published: January 2015

TIPS-pentacene, a standard p-channel material, exhibits electron transport as it crystallizes from non-polar solvents.
Synthesis of perovskite-type manganites Yb1−xDyxMnO3 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) via solid-state reaction and high-pressure flux methods followed by structural characterization and magnetic property studies
Authors: Zhang Yingnan , Liu Fuyang , Zheng Tong , Zhang Ziqing , Liu Wei , Zhao Xudong , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: January 2015

h-Yb1−xDyxMnO3 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) and single crystal o-Yb0.5Dy0.5MnO3 were firstly synthesized, and o-Yb0.5Dy0.5MnO3 has the paramagnetic property due to slight structural difference.
Photochromism and fluorescence modulation of pyrazolone derivatives in the solid state
Authors: Guo Jixi , Liu Li , Jia Dianzeng , Guo Mingxi , Zhang Yucai , Song Xianli
Published: January 2015

Two novel photochromic pyrazolones were synthesized, and their photochromic performance was investigated in the solid state.
Theoretical investigation of the effects of N-substitution on the photophysical properties of two series of iridium(iii) complexes
Authors: Shang Xiaohong , Han Deming , Zhan Qing , Zhou Defeng , Zhang Gang
Published: January 2015

The effects of N-substitution on the photophysical properties of two series of iridium(iii) complexes have been theoretically investigated, which can tune the emission color and enhance the photoluminescence quantum efficiency.
Electric field mediated non-volatile tuning magnetism at the single-crystalline Fe/Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.7Ti0.3O3 interface
Authors: Zhang Chao , Wang Fenglong , Dong Chunhui , Gao Cunxu , Jia Chenglong , Jiang Changjun , Xue Desheng
Published: January 2015

We report non-volatile electric-field control of magnetism modulation in Fe/Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.7Ti0.3O3 (PMN-PT) heterostructure by fabricating an epitaxial Fe layer on a PMN-PT substrate using a molecular beam epitaxy technique.
Fog-like fluffy structured N-doped carbon with a superior oxygen reduction reaction performance to a commercial Pt/C catalyst
Authors: You Chenghang , Zen Xiaoyuan , Qiao Xiaochang , Liu Fangfang , Shu Ting , Du Li , Zeng Jianhuang , Liao Shijun
Published: January 2015

A high-performance N-doped carbon catalyst with a fog-like, fluffy structure was prepared. The catalyst exhibits superior ORR performance to commercial Pt/C catalyst in alkaline medium.
Morphology-controlled In2O3 nanostructures enhance the performance of photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Chen Changlong , Moir Jonathon , Soheilnia Navid , Mahler Benoit , Hoch Laura , Liao Kristine , Hoepfner Veronika , O'Brien Paul , Qian Chenxi , He Le , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: January 2015

In2O3 nanotowers and nanowalls vertically grown on FTO substrates possess an enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation activity compared to In2O3 powder films.
Electrostatically enhanced performance of a yeast-based microbial fuel cell
Authors: Song Yang , Nayfeh Munir H. , Yau Siu-Tung
Published: January 2015

The performance of a yeast MFC is improved by applying a dc voltage Vappl to its anode without causing extra energy to be spent on the MFC.
Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles under sunlight irradiation and their colorimetric detection of Ni2+ and Co2+ ions
Authors: Annadhasan M. , Kasthuri J. , Rajendiran N.
Published: January 2015

A novel, green, one-pot and energy efficient route has been developed for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles by natural sunlight irradiation, and they were utilized effectively for the colorimetric detection of Ni2+ and Co2+ ions.