bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DegP primarily functions as a protease for the biogenesis of β‐barrel outer membrane proteins in the Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli
Authors: Ge Xi , Wang Rui , Ma Jing , Liu Yang , Ezemaduka Anastasia N. , Chen Peng R. , Fu Xinmiao , Chang Zengyi
Published: December 2013

DegP (also designated as HtrA) and its homologs are found in prokaryotic cells and such eukaryotic organelles as mitochondria and chloroplasts. DegP has been found to be essential for the growth of Gram‐negative bacteria under heat shock conditions and arguably considered to possess both protease and chaperone activities. The function of DegP has not been clearly defined. Using genetically incorporated non‐natural amino acids as photo‐crosslinkers, here we identified the β‐barrel outer membrane proteins (OMPs) as the major natural substrates of DegP in Escherichia coli cells. We also demonstrated that DegP primarily functions as a protease, at both low and high temperatures, to eliminate unfolded OMPs, with hardly any appreciable chaperone activity in cells. We also found that the toxic and cell membrane‐damaging misfolded OMPs would accumulate in DegP‐lacking cells cultured under heat shock conditions. Together, our study defines the primary function of DegP in OMP biogenesis and offers a mechanistic insight into the essentiality of DegP for cell growth under heat shock conditions.

Structured digital abstract

DegP physically interacts with ompA by pull down (1, 2)

DegP physically interacts with ompX, ompA, ompW, ompF, nmpC and ompC by pull down (View interaction)

DegP physically interacts with ompC and ompF by pull down (View interaction)

DegP physically interacts with ompC and ompA by pull down (View interaction)

DegP physically interacts with ompC, malE, fkpA, ompW, ompA, ompF, nmpC and ompX by cross-linking study (View interaction)
Detrital nutrient content determines growth rate and elemental composition of bromeliad‐dwelling insects
Authors: González Angélica L. , Romero Gustavo Q. , Srivastava Diane S.
Published: December 2013

In many aquatic ecosystems, detritus is the main basal resource and is able to support highly productive food webs. However, detritus is a relatively poor‐quality resource compared with living plants. Despite substantial research on how the nutrient content of living plants limits herbivores, there is little information on whether the nitrogen (N) and/or phosphorus (P) content of plant detritus similarly limits detritivore performance, especially under natural conditions.

We examined this question by rearing larval chironomids and caddisflies within detrital‐based tank‐bromeliad ecosystems on different food qualities. We manipulated detrital nutrient content by increasing N and P simultaneously or separately.

Chironomids and caddisflies showed faster growth rates when they fed on enriched detritus. Both N and P contents of the detritus limited the growth of chironomids, but combined effects were antagonistic (i.e. growth rates were less than expected according to single additions of N or P). By contrast, the growth of caddisflies was greater when fed on N‐rich detritus, but was unaffected by P enrichment. These results suggest that under natural conditions, chironomids and caddisflies show reduced growth rates because they face strong nutrient limitation.

We also found that increased growth rates were correlated with an increase in the body P content of chironomids and caddisflies, which is consistent with the growth rate hypothesis. This hypothesis predicts that high body P content permits the rapid ribosomal RNA production needed for high growth rates. This study therefore provides some of the first direct evidence for the growth rate hypothesis in detrital systems. Although detritus quality was an important factor determining the growth of detritivores, it had no effect on the survival of these insects.

Our study highlights the importance of N and P additions as well as their interaction in constraining the growth of different consumers. Our findings point to the need for future studies integrating organism life history traits and ecological stoichiometry to better understand how food quality affects the functioning of detritus‐based ecosystems.
Phylogeography of noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) reveals multiple refugia
Authors: Schrimpf Anne , Theissinger Kathrin , Dahlem Jenifer , Maguire Ivana , Pârvulescu Lucian , Schulz Holger K. , Schulz Ralf
Published: December 2013

Reconstructing the phylogeographic history of a species can aid in defining areas of conservation priority. For freshwater species, historical river structure plays a significant role in explaining genetic differentiation and population structure. However, human‐induced translocations can erase the natural genetic structure, especially for species of commercial interest such as the noble crayfish (Astacus astacus).

Our aim was to reconstruct the current genetic structure of the endangered noble crayfish in central Europe to identify refugial areas that are hotspots of genetic diversity. We analysed a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I, and the 16S rRNA from 540 noble crayfish specimens from 156 sampling sites distributed around five European sea basins. Additionally, we conducted a microsatellite analysis of 289 individuals from 22 sites.

Both mitochondrial and nuclear markers revealed genetically relatively homogenous populations in central Europe that had been influenced by anthropogenic translocations. However, some areas (Eider catchment in northern Germany and Rhineland‐Palatinate in south‐western Germany) show a distinct genetic structure with endemic haplotypes and private alleles indicating (i) that these areas were refugia for A. astacus in central Europe and (ii) that these populations have not been subject to anthropogenic translocations. Further, we found the highest genetic diversity in the Black Sea basin and particularly high differentiation between populations from the western Balkans and the remaining Black Sea populations. The split between Western Balkan and the remaining European populations is estimated to have occurred approximately 700 k years before present, whereas remaining differentiations occurred within the last 450 k years. Using migration modelling, we detected that the North Sea basin and the Baltic Sea basin were colonised independently via different colonisation paths from the eastern Black Sea basin, while the western Balkans did not contribute to this colonisation.

Our results suggest the existence of at least two refugial areas in south‐eastern Europe. To conserve maximum genetic diversity, conservation priorities for noble crayfish should focus on the south‐eastern European genetic hotspots and on populations in central Europe that hold an autochthonous genetic structure (e.g. Langsee in the Eider catchment area). We further propose that each river catchment should form a separate management unit to reduce anthropogenic genetic homogenisation.
Reconstructing long‐term changes (150 years) in the carbon cycle of a clear‐water lake based on the stable carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of chironomid and cladoceran subfossil remains
Authors: Frossard Victor , Verneaux Valérie , Millet Laurent , Jenny Jean‐Philippe , Arnaud Fabien , Magny Michel , Perga Marie‐Elodie
Published: December 2013

Long‐term trends, spanning about 150 years, in δ13C values in the head capsules (HCs) of three chironomid taxa and pelagic cladoceran exoskeletons are reported for a reoligotrophicated, deep, clear‐water lake using a multidepth approach. The trends were taxon specific, and Bayesian change point analyses defined three homogenous temporal sequences of HC δ13C.

From the 1850s to the 1930s, the δ13C values were stable and similar in the littoral and deep zones, suggesting that littoral and deep chironomids relied on similar carbon sources; the HCs and cladoceran δ13C values were approximately −32‰, providing no evidence of organic carbon reworking via microbial mineralisation. From the 1930s to the 1950s, the littoral HC and cladoceran δ13C values decreased by 2‰. This decrease was probably related to an increase in respiration processes in the epilimnion following an increase in trophic state of the lake. The deep HC δ13C values remained stable during this period, suggesting that most of the additional primary production due to eutrophication was transferred to higher trophic levels.

From the 1950s onward, the littoral HC and cladoceran δ13C values remained steady, whereas the deep HC values decreased substantially (−4‰), despite the restoration of oligotrophic conditions in open water. This pattern suggests the existence of organic carbon accumulation and microbial mineralisation at the lake bottom as well as a possible increase in methane‐derived carbon consumption by chironomids.

These processes were attributed to a lower trophic efficiency within the pelagic food web, decreasing the functional efficiency of the lake. Our results suggest that the functioning of the lake was characterised by low heterotrophic activities prior to the 1930s and that since the 1990s, the increase in heterotrophic activities has been supported by autochthonous organic carbon recycling.
A locus on mouse Ch10 influences susceptibility to limbic seizure severity: fine mapping and in silico candidate gene analysis
Authors: Winawer M. R. , Klassen T. L. , Teed S. , Shipman M. , Leung E. H. , Palmer A. A.
Published: December 2013

Identification of genes contributing to mouse seizure susceptibility can reveal novel genes or pathways that provide insight into human epilepsy. Using mouse chromosome substitution strains and interval‐specific congenic strains (ISCS), we previously identified an interval conferring pilocarpine‐induced limbic seizure susceptibility on distal mouse chromosome 10 (Ch10). We narrowed the region by generating subcongenics with smaller A/J Ch10 segments on a C57BL/6J (B6) background and tested them with pilocarpine. We also tested pilocarpine‐susceptible congenics for 6‐Hz ECT (electroconvulsive threshold), another model of limbic seizure susceptibility, to determine whether the susceptibility locus might have a broad effect on neuronal hyperexcitability across more than one mode of limbic seizure induction. The ISCS Line 1, which contained the distal 2.7 Mb segment from A/J (starting at rs29382217), was more susceptible to both pilocarpine and ECT. Line 2, which was a subcongenic of Line 1 (starting at rs13480828), was not susceptible, thus defining a 1.0 Mb critical region that was unique to Line 1. Bioinformatic approaches identified 45 human orthologs within the unique Line 1 susceptibility region, the majority syntenic to human Ch12. Applying an epilepsy network analysis of known and suspected excitability genes and examination of interstrain genomic and brain expression differences revealed novel candidates within the region. These include Stat2, which plays a role in hippocampal GABA receptor expression after status epilepticus, and novel candidates Pan2, Cdk2, Gls2 and Cs, which are involved in neural cell differentiation, cellular remodeling and embryonic development. Our strategy may facilitate discovery of novel human epilepsy genes.
Mortality of resprouting chaparral shrubs after a fire and during a record drought: physiological mechanisms and demographic consequences
Authors: Pratt R. Brandon , Jacobsen Anna L. , Ramirez Aaron R. , Helms Anjel M. , Traugh Courtney A. , Tobin Michael F. , Heffner Marcus S. , Davis Stephen D.
Published: December 2013

We examined postfire regeneration of chaparral shrubs during an intense drought. This study focused on the demography and physiology of shrub species that resprout from a basal lignotuber following fire. We found significant levels of resprout mortality when intense drought occurred in the year following fire during the period of shrub recovery. Three of the seven sampled resprouting species had the greatest or near greatest levels of mortality ever recorded when compared to previous studies. Most shrub mortality occurred during the drought after individuals had resprouted (i.e. individuals survived fire, resprouted and then subsequently died). Physiological measurements of species with high mortality suggested that resprout stems were highly embolized and xylem hydraulic conductivities were close to zero during the peak of the drought. In addition, lignotubers of two of the three species experiencing high mortality were depleted of starch. Population densities of most shrub species declined after the drought compared with their prefire levels, with the exception of one drought tolerant obligate seeding species. Resprouting shrub species may deplete their carbohydrate reserves during the resprouting process, making them particularly vulnerable to drought because of the need to transpire water to acquire the CO2 that is used to supply energy to a large respiring root system. Drought appears to interact with fire by altering postfire shrub recovery and altering species abundances and composition of chaparral communities.
Topo‐climatic microrefugia explain the persistence of a rare endemic plant in the Alps during the last 21 millennia
Authors: Patsiou Theofania S. , Conti Elena , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Theodoridis Spyros , Randin Christophe F.
Published: December 2013

Ongoing rapid climate change is predicted to cause local extinction of plant species in mountain regions. However, some plant species could have persisted during Quaternary climate oscillations without shifting their range, despite the limited evidence from fossils. Here, we tested two candidate mechanisms of persistence by comparing the macrorefugia and microrefugia (MR) hypotheses. We used the rare and endemic Saxifraga florulenta as a model taxon and combined ensembles of species distribution models (SDMs) with a high‐resolution paleoclimatic and topographic dataset to reconstruct its potential current and past distribution since the last glacial maximum. To test the macrorefugia hypothesis, we verified whether the species could have persisted in or shifted to geographic areas defined by its realized niche. We then identified potential MR based on climatic and topographic properties of the landscape and applied refined scenarios of MR dynamics and functions over time. Last, we quantified the number of known occurrences that could be explained by either the macrorefugia or MR model. A consensus of two or three SDM techniques predicted absence between 14–10, 3–4 and 1 ka bp, which did not support the macrorefugia model. In contrast, we showed that S. florulenta could have contracted into MR during periods of absence predicted by the SDMs and later re‐colonized suitable areas according to the macrorefugia model. Assuming a limited and realistic seed dispersal distance for our species, we explained a large number of the current occurrences (61–96%). Additionally, we showed that MR could have facilitated range expansions or shifts of S. florulenta. Finally, we found that the most recent and the most stable MR were the ones closest to current occurrences. Hence, we propose a novel paradigm to explain plant persistence by highlighting the importance of supporting functions of MR when forecasting the fate of plant species under climate change.
Legal constraints and opportunities for biochar: a case analysis of EU law
Authors: van Laer Tania , de Smedt Peter , Ronsse Frederik , Ruysschaert Greet , Boeckx Pascal , Verstraete Willy , Buysse Jeroen , Lavrysen Luc J.
Published: December 2013

This article addresses biochar from a legal point of view. It analyses different policies and regulations from a European (Flemish) point of view and provides a first and general insight in what potential legal constraints the development of a biochar industry might face and what opportunities lie ahead. This is due to the fact that biochar is a recent product and a lot of scientific uncertainty still exists regarding the consequences of its application. From the analysis it appears a multitude of policies and legislative measures influence the development of the biochar industry. Hence, it is important that all these policies and legislative measures are analyzed in an appropriate manner. Moreover, considerable lobbying, negotiating and cooperation between different disciplines (legal, scientific, economical, etc.) will be required so as to develop a feasible and safe biochar framework.
Long‐term outcome after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in geriatric Mexican patients
Authors: Cortés‐Flores Ana Olivia , Álvarez‐Villaseñor Andrea del Socorro , Fuentes‐Orozco Clotilde , Ramírez‐Campos Kenia Militzi , Ramírez‐Arce Anais del Roció , Macías‐Amezcua Michel Dassaejv , Chávez‐Tostado Mariana , Hernández‐Machuca Joel Sealtiel , González‐Ojeda Alejandro
Published: December 2013

Aim

To evaluate long‐term survival and prognostic factors in elderly Mexican patients who have undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).

Methods

The present study was a retrospective cohort analysis of 110 patients aged older than 70 years without head and neck malignancy who underwent PEG between January 2005 and December 2012. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for demographic and clinical variables, and survival was determined by the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Medium age and follow up were 82.45 ± 6.6 years and 688.3 ± 394.6 days, respectively. The patients who died in the early postoperative period (n = 6) were older than those who survived. The Karnofsky performance status and lymphocyte count were non‐significantly lower in non‐survivors. The body mass index and serum albumin level were lower in non‐survivors (P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively) and Charlson's Comorbidity Index (CCI) was higher. A total of 32 (29%) patients died later in the postoperative period with a mean follow up of 436.2 ± 267.4 days. Risk factors for mortality included Karnofsky Performance Status (odds ratio [OR] 9.76, 95% CI: 3.26–29.3), CCI (OR 7.04, 95% CI: 2.31–21.41) and postoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR 3.45, 95% CI: 1.71–6.67). Postgastrostomy pneumonia occurred in 36.8% of the patients who died during follow‐up (OR 0.28, 95% CI: 0.6–1.26).

Conclusions

Karnofsky performance status, Charlson's comorbidity index and postoperative hypoalbuminemia, were independent risk factors for mortality. Modifiable factors are related to nutritional support. Early PEG may help prevent malnutrition and infection. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 19–26.
The biogeography of insects' length–dry mass relationships
Authors: Martin Charles A. , Proulx Raphaël , Magnan Pierre
Published: December 2013

Biomass measures are central to estimating secondary productivity and studying how resources are distributed within an ecosystem. Because directly measuring insect biomass is a lengthy process, many authors have resorted to empirical length–dry mass relationships.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relative importance of latitude, climate and physical habitat (aquatic vs. terrestrial) in explaining the variability in length–dry mass relationships among insect populations.

A global meta‐analysis of the body length–dry mass power coefficients of 457 insect samples was conducted using mixed‐effects models.

The length–dry mass power coefficients of insects were positively related to the absolute latitude of the study site and to habitat type; with insects captured in aquatic habitats being characterised by higher allometric coefficients than terrestrial ones. Neither the annualised climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) nor the metamorphosis type of insect taxa had a significant effect on the allometric coefficients.

The findings may lead to a generalised body length–dry mass relationship for insects, accounting for both the phylogenetic relatedness and the environmental (biotic and abiotic) context of populations.
Herbivores on native and exotic Senecio plants: is host switching related to plant novelty and insect diet breadth under field conditions?
Authors: Castells Eva , Morante Maria , Goula Marta , Pérez Nicolas , Dantart Jordi , Escolà Anna
Published: December 2013

Native herbivores can establish novel interactions with alien plants after invasion. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether these new associations are quantitatively significant compared to the assemblages with native flora under natural conditions.

Herbivores associated with two exotic plants, namely Senecio inaequidens and S. pterophorus, and two coexisting natives, namely S. vulgaris and S. lividus, were surveyed in a replicated long‐term field study to ascertain whether the plant–herbivore assemblages in mixed communities are related to plant novelty and insect diet breadth.

Native herbivores used exotic Senecio as their host plants. Of the 19 species of Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Hemiptera found in this survey, 14 were associated with the exotic Senecio plants. Most of these species were polyphagous, yet we found a higher number of individuals with a narrow diet breadth, which is contrary to the assumption that host switching mainly occurs in generalist herbivores.

The Senecio specialist Sphenella marginata (Diptera: Tephritidae) was the most abundant and widely distributed insect species (ca. 80% of the identified specimens). Sphenella was associated with S. lividus, S. vulgaris and S. inaequidens and was not found on S. pterophorus. The presence of native plant congeners in the invaded community did not ensure an instantaneous ecological fitting between insects and alien plants.

We conclude that novel associations between native herbivores and introduced Senecio plants are common under natural conditions. Plant novelty is, however, not the only predictor of herbivore abundance due to the complexity of natural conditions.
Fatalities and hospitalisations due to acute poisoning among New Zealand adults
Authors: Peiris‐John R. , Kool B. , Ameratunga S.
Published: December 2013

Background

Acute poisoning accounts for a significant proportion of the total burden of disease worldwide. While the rate of poisoning fatalities in New Zealand is comparable to other industrialised countries, demographic trends in incidence, particularly including socio‐economic indicators and substances involved, are less well known.

Aim

To determine demographic patterns and substances related to acute poisoning fatalities and hospital admissions in New Zealand among people at the age of 25 years or older.

Methods

Records with a poisoning external cause of injury code were identified using the national mortality (1999–2008) and hospital discharge (2000–2009) databases, and population‐based incidence and trends were analysed.

Results

The 1841 fatalities and 29 881 primary hospital admissions over the 10‐year period accounted for mean annual rates of 7.1 and 115.4/100 000, respectively. The majority of deaths from acute poisoning were among males with the converse for hospitalisations for self‐poisoning. While hospitalisation for intentional poisoning decreased with advancing age, admissions for unintentional poisoning increased, especially in Pacific people at the age of 65 years or older. Overall, fatality and hospitalisation rates increased with increasing deprivation. Two thirds of deaths and hospitalisations were due to intentional self‐poisoning. Carbon monoxide was involved in most fatal intentional self‐poisoning events, while pharmaceuticals were the main agent involved in fatal unintentional poisonings and poisoning admissions, irrespective of intent.

Conclusions

The majority of hospitalisations and deaths due to poisoning in New Zealand adults are intentional self‐harm episodes. A comprehensive approach to monitoring poisoning, the underlying risks and the implementation of interventions is required to minimise risks.
Perceived stress and coping strategies among Jordanian nursing students during clinical practice in psychiatric/mental health courses
Authors: Al‐Zayyat Abdulkarim Subhi , Al‐Gamal Ekhlas
Published: December 2013

Clinical practice in the psychiatric/mental health nursing (PMHN) field is considered a highly‐stressful experience for nursing students. The purpose of the present study was to identify the degrees of stress, the types of stressors, and coping strategies perceived by undergraduate nursing students during their clinical practice in PMHN courses. A descriptive, longitudinal design was used. Sixty‐five students registered in PMHN clinical courses were recruited from five Jordanian universities using a systematic random‐sampling method. Data collection was conducted in the second semester of the 2012–2013 academic year at two points of time: pre‐PMHN clinical training and post‐PMHN training. The Basic Information Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, and Coping Behavior Inventory were administered. Students' ages ranged from 20 to 25 years. The findings illustrate that the highest reported types of stressors at both data‐collection times were taking care of patients, stress related to teachers and nursing staff, and from assignments and workloads. The most utilized coping strategy at both data‐collection times was problem solving. The findings of the present study are useful for clinical educators in identifying nursing students' stressors, easing their learning in the clinical setting, and establishing an efficient PMHN course programme.
Self‐management in Chinese people with schizophrenia and their caregivers: A qualitative study on facilitators and barriers
Authors: Zou Haiou , Li Zheng , Arthur David , Wang Hongxing
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to explore facilitators and barriers of self‐management from the viewpoint of Chinese people with schizophrenia and their caregivers. A qualitative study using the individual interview method was used. Twenty‐one people with schizophrenia and 14 caregivers were interviewed. Three facilitators were identified: family and peer support, positive relationships with health professionals, and positive attitudes towards self‐management. Four barriers were identified: lack of knowledge and skills, financial constraint, social stigma, and uncoordinated mental health services. The findings from this study should help nurses to recognize the factors that influence self‐management and provide direction for nurses and other health professionals involved in initiating and implementing family‐based self‐management programmes for people with schizophrenia. The findings also call for the development of antistigma programmes, which are needed to help reduce prejudice and discrimination towards individuals with schizophrenia in China. The study also provides information for health policy makers in China to help them make potential changes in mental health services, which can better meet the needs of Chinese people with schizophrenia.
Effect of fluoride varnish and chlorhexidine–thymol varnish on mutans streptococci levels in human dental plaque: a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Paul Sanchit , Baranya Shrikrishna Suprabha , Suman Ethel , Shenoy Ramya , Rao Arathi
Published: December 2013

Background

Recent systematic reviews on clinical trials comparing the efficacy of chlorhexidine and fluoride varnish found that the evidence was inconclusive and further well‐conducted randomized controlled clinical trials were advocated.

Aim

To compare the effect of fluoride varnish (F) and Chlorhexidine–thymol varnish (CHX/T) with intensive application regimen on mutans streptococci (MS) levels in human dental plaque.

Design

Seventy‐five subjects between 6 and 10 years of age were allocated into three groups: Group 1‐F varnish (n = 29); Group 2‐CHX/T varnish(n = 29); Group 3‐placebo varnish (n = 17) by stratified block randomization. After baseline plaque samples were obtained, varnish application was applied and repeated at an interval of 3 days in each group. Plaque samples were repeated at 48 h, 1 month, and 3 months. The samples were spread over mitis‐salivarius‐bacitracin (MSB) culture media, and the colony‐forming units per ml (CFU) were measured.

Results

In both Groups 1 and 2, Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank test revealed significant differences in log CFU values of MS between baseline and 48 h, baseline and 1 month but no significant difference between baseline and 3 months. An intergroup comparison at different time intervals showed that the difference between three groups was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

F varnish and CHX/T varnish, with an intensive regimen application have equivocal effect on MS levels in dental plaque.
Class IV laser therapy as treatment for chemotherapy‐induced oral mucositis in onco‐haematological paediatric patients: a prospective study
Authors: Chermetz Maddalena , Gobbo Margherita , Ronfani Luca , Ottaviani Giulia , Zanazzo Giulio A. , Verzegnassi Federico , Treister Nathaniel S. , Di Lenarda Roberto , Biasotto Matteo , Zacchigna Serena
Published: December 2013

Background

Oral mucositis is a debilitating side effect of chemotherapy. Laser therapy has recently demonstrated efficacy in the management of oral mucositis (OM).

Aim

This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of class IV laser therapy in patients affected by OM.

Design

Eighteen onco‐haematological paediatric patients receiving chemotherapy and/or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, prior to total body irradiation, affected by OM, were enrolled in this study. Patients were treated with class IV laser therapy for four consecutive days; the assessment of OM was performed through WHO Oral Mucositis Grading Objective Scale, and pain was evaluated through visual analogue scale. Patients completed a validated questionnaire, and photographs of lesions were taken during each session. Patients were re‐evaluated 11 days after the first day of laser therapy.

Results

All patients demonstrated improvement in pain sensation, and all mucositis was fully resolved at the 11‐day follow‐up visit, with no apparent side effects. Laser therapy was well tolerated with remarkable reduction in pain associated with oral mucositis after 1–2 days of laser therapy.

Conclusions

Given class IV laser therapy appears to be safe, non‐invasive, and potentially effective, prospective, randomized, controlled trials are necessary to further assess efficacy and to determine optimal treatment parameters.
Influenza virus infection mimicking an acute abdomen in a female adolescent
Authors: Vivar Karina L. , Uyeki Timothy M.
Published: December 2013

We report an adolescent with respiratory symptoms admitted for clinical signs of an acute abdomen. The only diagnostic finding was influenza A viral RNA detected in an upper respiratory tract specimen. Influenza should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with respiratory illness and abdominal pain during influenza season.
Cyclic negative pressure wound therapy: an alternative mode to intermittent system
Authors: Lee Kangwoo N , Ben‐Nakhi Muneera , Park Eun J , Hong Joon P
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a novel mode of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) that minimises pain while preserving the efficacy in wound healing. A porcine model was used in this study. Wounds were generated in animals and treated with either simple dressing or various treatment modes of NPWT. The wound volume, perfusion level and vasculature status were analysed and compared among different groups. Clinical application was performed to evaluate the level of pain occurring when negative pressure is applied. Among the NPWT groups, the Cyclic‐50 group showed most decrement in wound volume, even though statistical relevance was not found (P = 0·302). The perfusion level was significantly increased in the Cyclic‐50 group compared with the Intermittent group (P < 0·001) and the Cyclic‐100 group (P = 0·004). Evaluation of blood vessel formation revealed that the Cyclic‐50 group showed the highest number of vasculature with statistical significance (P < 0·001). In clinical application, the cyclic group showed significant decrease in pain compared with the intermittent group (P = 0·001). The cyclic NPWT mode decreased patient discomfort while maintaining superior wound healing effects as the intermittent mode.
Paracrine factors from mesenchymal stem cells: a proposed therapeutic tool for acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Li Jiwei , Huang Sha , Wu Yan , Gu Chengwei , Gao Dongyun , Feng Changjiang , Wu Xu , Fu Xiaobing
Published: December 2013

Despite extensive researches in acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), current pharmacological therapies and respiratory support are still the main methods to treat patients with ALI and ARDS and the effects remain limited. Hence, innovative therapies are needed to decrease the morbidity and mortality. Because of the proven therapeutic effects in other fields, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might be considered as a promising alternative to treat ALI and ARDS. Numerous documents demonstrate that MSCs can exert multiple functions, such as engraftment, differentiation and immunoregulation, but now the key researches are concentrated on paracrine factors secreted by MSCs that can mediate endothelial and epithelial permeability, increase alveolar fluid clearance and other potential mechanisms. This review aimed to review the current researches in terms of the effects of MSCs on ALI and ARDS and to analyse these paracrine factors, as well as to predict the potential directions and challenges of the application in this field.
One‐Step Fast Synthesis of Li4Ti5O12 Particles Using an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet
Authors: Chang Shih‐Min , Rodríguez Tolava Erwin F. , Yang Yao‐Jhen , Li Hsin‐Chieh , Lee Rung‐Chuan , Wu Nae‐Lih , Hsu Cheng‐Che
Published: December 2013

A one‐step process to fabricate crystalline Li4Ti5O12(LTO) particles directly from solution using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) is reported. This process uses Ti and Li ions‐containing salt solutions as the precursor, which is ultrasonically nebulized and then transported to the downstream of the APPJ using a carrier gas. With an extremely short contact time (<0.1 s) between the precursor droplets and the plasma jet, crystalline LTO can be fabricated in one step without additional rinse and postannealing steps. The LTO particle size can be effectively controlled using a preheater, the precursor solution composition and concentration, and the carrier gas flow rate. By properly adjusting the operating condition, particles of diameters from 100 nm to few μm with various morphologies can be obtained. When used as an electrode material, the resulting LTO powders fabricated under selected conditions show specific capacities over 100 mAh/g even at 50 C rate.
Structure and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Low Firing Bi2Te2W3O16 Ceramics
Authors: Schileo Giorgio , Dias Anderson , Moreira Roberto L. , Jackson Tim J. , Smith Paul A. , Chung Kelvin T. S. , Feteira Antonio
Published: December 2013

Dense Bi2Te2W3O16 ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid‐state reaction route. X‐ray diffraction data show the room‐temperature (RT) crystal symmetry of Bi2Te2W3O16 to be well described by the centrosymmetric monoclinic C2/c space group [a = 21.280(5) Å, b = 5.5663(16) Å, c = 12.831(3) Å and β = 124.014(19)° and Z = 4]. Raman spectroscopy analyses are in broad agreement with space group assignment, but also revealed the presence of Bi2W2O9 as a secondary phase. This phase is present as plate‐like grains embedded on a fine‐grained equiaxed matrix, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. From the fitting of infrared reflectivity data the relative permittivity, εr, was estimated as 34.2, and the intrinsic quality factor, Qu × f as 57 500 GHz. At RT and microwave frequencies, Bi2Te2W3O16 ceramics sintered at 720°C for 6 h exhibit εr ~ 34.5, Qu × f = 3173 GHz (at 7.5 GHz), and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency, τf = −92 ppm/°C. This shows a good agreement between the estimated and measured εr values, but also shows that, in principle, the dielectric losses of the ceramics are of extrinsic origin.
Modified Pechini Synthesis of Proton‐Conducting Ba(Ce,Ti)O3 and Comparative Studies of the Effects of Acceptors on its Structure, Stability, Sinterability, and Conductivity
Authors: Chi Xiaowei , Zhang Jingchao , Wen Zhaoyin , Liu Yu
Published: December 2013

The phase structure, chemical stability, sinterability, and electrical performance of the proton‐conducting Ba(Ce,Ti)O3 solid solution with a series of acceptors M (M = In, Y, Sm) synthesized by a modified Pechini method were systematically investigated. The substitution of cerium with titanium was proved as an effective way to improve the stability of BaCeO3. Especially for the BaCe0.95Ti0.05O3−δ sample doped with In, no change in the phase was found even after treatment in the atmosphere containing both CO2 and H2O at 700°C for 10 h. Thanks to the highly sinteractive powders with particle size of ~100 nm, dense ceramics were easily acquired. Moreover, compared with the undoped BaCe0.95Ti0.05O3 sample, In, Y, and Sm dopants further improved the sinterability of the solid solution. In particular, In played a role of sintering aid and led to the largest linear shrinkage of the ceramics. As to the electrical performance, the transport properties of the samples under various atmospheres were analyzed and compared. The impedance tests demonstrated the best electrical performance of the Y‐doped samples.
Processing, Characterization, and Modeling of Room‐Temperature‐Vulcanized Silicone‐Derived Ceramic Foams
Authors: Chen Haibiao , Parthasarathy Triplicane A. , Cinibulk Michael K. , Chen Ming‐Yung
Published: December 2013

A novel method was developed to produce ceramic foams from a silicone precursor which was foamed and vulcanized at room temperature. Silicone foams were prepared by platinum‐catalyzed cross‐linking and dehydrogenation of reactive polysiloxanes. Silicone foams were converted to ceramic foams after being pyrolyzed at 1200°C in argon. Near‐net‐shape polymer‐to‐ceramic conversion was achieved when SiC particles were added to the polymer as a solid filler. A simple physical model was created to describe the rising and pyrolysis of the silicone foam, and was validated by experimental data. Foam density was largely dependent on the content of ethanol, which was used as a chemical blowing agent. Up to 1.8 wt% ethanol was effective in driving foam rising without leading to foam collapse. SiC filler helped reduce weight loss and volumetric shrinkage during pyrolysis, and slightly increased foam density. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that although incorporating a solid filler helps to reduce the bulk shrinkage, it cannot prevent local microcracking and residual porosity.
Fabrication of Barium Strontium Titanate (Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3) 3D Microcomponents from Aqueous Suspensions
Authors: Olhero Susana M. , Kaushal Ajay , Ferreira José M. F.
Published: December 2013

This study reports on the fabrication of BST (Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3)‐based 3D microcomponents through an aqueous colloidal approach. The BST powder was synthesized by solid‐state reaction assisted by thermal analysis and XRD diffraction. Well crystalline cubic BST single phase was obtained upon heat‐treating the precursor powder mixture at 1200°C–1250°C. The reactivity of the BST powder toward water was evaluated by the changes in pH and concentration of leached ionic species along aging time. Hydrolysis reactions were suppressed by chemisorbing a suitable phosphate‐based protective agent and enabled an excellent dispersion ability to be achieved. Aqueous suspensions with solids loadings as high as 50 vol% that are stable against hydrolysis for several days could easily be prepared from the surface‐treated BST powder in aqueous solutions of an epoxy resin. After adding a suitable hardener, the colloidal suspensions could easily be cast into soft silicon rubber molds to obtain homogeneous and high dense green BST bodies.
Optical Properties and van der Waals–London Dispersion Interactions in Berlinite Aluminum Phosphate from Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectroscopy
Authors: Dryden Daniel M. , Tan Guolong L. , French Roger H.
Published: December 2013

The interband optical properties of single‐crystal berlinite AlPO4 have been investigated in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) range using VUV spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The complex optical properties were directly determined from 0.8 to 45 eV. Band gap energies, index of refraction and complex dielectric functions, oscillator index sum rule, and energy loss functions were calculated through Kramers–Kronig transformation. Direct and indirect band gap energies of AlPO4 over the absorption coefficient range of 33–11 000 cm−1 are 8.06 and 7.89 eV, respectively. The index of refraction at 2 eV, nvis, is 1.51. The interband transition features at 10.4, 11.4, 14.2, 16.2, 17.3, 21, 22.5, 24.5, and 31 eV were indexed and correlated with the electronic structure of AlPO4. Strong similarities were observed between AlPO4 and its structural isomorph SiO2 in the exciton and interband transitions, resulting from the similarity of their constituent tetrahedra and the strong electron localization therein. The London dispersion spectrum for AlPO4 was calculated, and the Hamaker coefficients for AlPO4 with various interlayers were calculated using the Lifshitz method. These results elucidate the role of phosphate complex anions on the electronic structure and van der Waals forces in important organic and inorganic systems.
Structural/Optical Properties and CO Oxidation Activities of SnO2 Nanostructures
Authors: Sohn Youngku
Published: December 2013

Tetragonal SnO2 nanostructures with different sizes, band gaps, and defects were synthesized by varying the amounts of ammonia and polyethylene glycol (PEG) used during production and their structural and optical properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) crystallography, BET surface area analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence imaging, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, the CO oxidation activity was examined by temperature‐programmed reduction and temperature‐programmed CO oxidation measurements. SEM and XRD analysis revealed that the particle size decreased with increasing PEG, but increased with increasing ammonia. Additionally, the band gaps decreased with increasing ammonia, but not with increasing PEG. Tetragonal SnO formed when larger amounts of ammonia were used, and this was converted to SnO2 upon annealing at temperatures up to 700°C. The SnO2 showed a unique strong green emission at 560 nm, which was attributed to a new oxygen deficiency. In addition, a sharp (328 nm) and two broad (390 and 460 nm) photoluminescence peaks corresponding to gap emission and the oxygen vacancies, respectively, were observed. The difference in CO oxidation activity with SnO2 was attributed to varying sizes and defects formed in response to preparation under different reaction conditions.
Luminescence and Quantum Efficiencies of Eu3+‐Doped Vanadate Garnets
Authors: Xie Hongde , Tsuboi Taiju , Huang Wei , Huang Yanlin , Qin Lin , Seo Hyo Jin
Published: December 2013

Nondoped and 5.0 mol% Eu3+‐doped vanadate garnets Ca5Mg4(VO4)6, NaCa2Mg2[VO4]3, KCa2Mg2[VO4]3, and NaSr2Mg2[VO4]3 were synthesized by solid‐state reactions. The formation of single‐phase compound with garnet structure is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. The photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation (PLE) spectra are investigated together with color coordinates. The luminescence process is discussed on the charge‐transfer transitions in [VO4]3− ions and the crystal structure. The PL quantum efficiencies (QE) are measured for nondoped and Eu3+‐doped samples. The Eu3+‐doped samples have higher QEs than the corresponding nondoped ones although the energy transfer occurs from [VO4]3− to Eu3+. Broad emission band due to [VO4]3− with intense sharp lines due to Eu3+, which gives white color, is observed in Eu3+‐doped NaCa2Mg2[VO4]3 and NaSr2Mg2[VO4]3 under excitation with UV light. These materials are suggested to be useful for lighting under the excitation with near‐UV LED.
Enhanced Magnetodielectric Effect in Graded CoFe2O4/Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 Particulate Composite Films
Authors: Chen Bo , Wang Jun‐Yong , Zhou Ming‐Xiu , Wan Jian‐Guo , Liu Jun‐Ming
Published: December 2013

Graded particulate composite films in which ferromagnetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles are gradedly distributed in the ferroelectric Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 matrix along the thickness direction have been prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si wafers via sol–gel spin‐coating method and rapid annealing process. Compared with the homogenous films, the graded ones not only exhibited magnetic anisotropy, but also showed evident increase in both ferroelectric polarization and dielectric tunability. Moreover, great enhancement of magnetodielectric effect was observed in such graded films. We elucidated the origin of enhanced magnetodielectric coupling and attributed it to the combined influence of two factors, that is, the enhanced ferroelectric polarization caused by CoFe2O4 distribution gradient and flexoelectric polarization induced by strain gradient under external magnetic field. This work presents a feasible way to modulate the magnetoelectric coupling in ferromagnetic–ferroelectric composite films for developing high‐performance multiferroic materials at nanoscale.
Energetics of Silica‐Poor Glasses in the Systems MgO–SiO2 and Mg0.5Ca0.5O–SiO2
Authors: Nasikas Nektarios K. , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: December 2013

A series of alkaline‐earth silicate glasses, with compositions ranging from the metasilicate to the ortho‐ and suborthosilicate, have been synthesized by aerodynamic levitation and CO2 laser melting. They have been studied by high‐temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry with 2PbO·B2O3 as solvent. The enthalpies of formation from the oxides at room temperature () have been calculated from the solution enthalpies. Glasses in the Ca0.5Mg0.5O–SiO2 system show greater energetic stability than those in the MgO–SiO2 system, with a more pronounced negative enthalpy of mixing near the orthosilicate composition. This stabilization may explain why it is possible to prepare glasses poorer in silica (suborthosilicate) in the Ca0.5Mg0.5O–SiO2 system but not in the MgO–SiO2 system. The thermodynamic observations support earlier structural studies in these systems.
Intense Red Photoluminescence Emission of Sol–Gel‐Derived Nanocrystalline Mg2TiO4 Thin Films
Authors: Ho Yi‐Da , Su Chia‐Hui , Huang Cheng‐Liang
Published: December 2013

In this work, undoped Mg2TiO4 thin films were fabricated on p‐type Si(111) substrates by the sol–gel method, and the red photoluminescence (PL) of the films is introduced and discussed. According to the experimental results, the red emission appears when the films have been thermally treated at higher temperatures, which have a long range and well‐organized crystalline arrangement. Furthermore, to have better realization of the red emission mechanism of Mg2TiO4 films, the optical band gap of Mg2TiO4 (EgMg2TiO4) was estimated at ~3.7 eV; furthermore, 325 nm (corresponding energy, hν = 3.82 eV > EgMg2TiO4) and 633 nm (corresponding energy, hν = 1.96 eV < EgMg2TiO4) excited light sources were used to clarify the position of the defect levels. In addition, the influence of annealing atmospheres (O2, air, and vacuum) on the red emission of our samples is also discussed. A significant variety of red emissions can be found between these annealing conditions: the red emission can be effectively enhanced by O2 annealing, but weakened by vacuum annealing. Results reveal that the red emission of Mg2TiO4 thin films may be highly dependent on the completeness of the O–X–O (X = Mg, Ti) bonds.