bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photo-crosslinked hierarchically honeycomb-patterned/macroporous scaffolds of calcium phosphate cement promote MC3T3-E1 cell functions
Authors: Wu X. H. , Wu Z. Y. , Qian J. , Yan Y. G. , Wei J. , Li H. , Su J. C.
Published: April 2015

Novel photo-crosslinked hierarchically honeycomb-patterned/macroporous scaffolds of calcium phosphate cement were fabricated through a facile process using a breath-figure method. MC3T3-E1 cell functions were significantly enhanced on these scaffolds compared to others.
Reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography separation of positional isomers on a MIL-53(Fe) packed column
Authors: Yan Zhiming , Zhang Wenmin , Gao Jia , Lin Yifen , Li Jianrong , Lin Zian , Zhang Lan
Published: April 2015

The application of the metal–organic framework (MOF) MIL-53(Fe) as a novel stationary phase for reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation of positional isomers is described for the first time.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of p-type Ag2Te by Cu substitution
Authors: Zhu Hangtian , Luo Jun , Zhao Huaizhou , Liang Jingkui
Published: April 2015

p-type Ag2Te is improved to be a promising thermoelectric material by Cu substitution, which enables the formation of a novel layered nanostructure and substantially modulates the transport properties.
Controllable oxygenic functional groups of metal-free cathodes for high performance lithium ion batteries
Authors: Xiong Dongbin , Li Xifei , Shan Hui , Yan Bo , Dong Litian , Cao Ye , Li Dejun
Published: April 2015

The poriferous reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with abundant oxygen-containing functional groups synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method was successfully employed as a high performance cathode in lithium-ion batteries.
Development of a new model system to dissect isoform specific Akt signalling in adipocytes
Authors: Kajno Esi , McGraw Timothy E. , Gonzalez Eva
Published: April 2015

Protein kinase B (Akt) kinases are critical signal transducers mediating insulin action. Genetic studies revealed that Akt1 and Akt2 signalling differentially contribute to sustain lipid and glucose homoeostasis; however Akt isoform-specific effectors remain elusive due to the lack of a suitable model system to mechanistically interrogate Akt isoform-specific signalling. To overcome those technical limitations we developed a novel model system that provides acute and specific control of signalling by Akt isoforms. We generated mutants of Akt1 and Akt2 resistant to the allosteric Akt inhibitor MK-2206. We then developed adipocyte cell lines, in which endogenous Akt1 or Akt2 has been replaced by their corresponding drug-resistant Akt mutant. Treatment of those cells with MK-2206 allowed for acute and specific control of either Akt1 or Akt2 function. Our data showed that Akt1W80A and Akt2W80A mutants are resistant to MK-2206, dynamically regulated by insulin and able to signal to Akt downstream effectors. Analyses of insulin action in this cellular system showed that Akt1 and Akt2 are both able to mediate insulin regulation of the transcription factor forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) and the glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), revealing a redundant role for these Akt kinases in the control of glucose transport into fat cells. In contrast, Akt1 signalling is uniquely required for adipogenesis, by controlling the mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) of pre-adipocytes that precedes white adipose cell differentiation. Our data provide new insights into the role of Akt kinases in glucose transport and adipogenesis and support our model system as a valuable tool for the biochemical characterization of signalling by specific Akt isoforms.
Serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 concentration is not increased by plant stanol ester consumption in normo- to moderately hypercholesterolaemic non-obese subjects. The BLOOD FLOW intervention study
Authors: Simonen Piia , Stenman Ulf-Håkan , Gylling Helena
Published: April 2015

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) regulates low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) metabolism by targeting LDL receptors for degradation. Statins increase serum PCSK9 concentration limiting the potential of statins to reduce LDL-C, whereas ezetimibe, inhibitor of cholesterol absorption, has ambiguous effects on circulating PCSK9 levels. Plant stanols also reduce cholesterol absorption, but their effect on serum PCSK9 concentration is not known. Therefore, we performed a controlled, randomized, double-blind study, in which 92 normo- to moderately hypercholesterolaemic subjects (35 males and 57 females) consumed vegetable-oil spread 20 g/day enriched (plant stanol group, n=46) or not (control group, n=46) with plant stanols 3 g/day as ester for 6 months. Fasting blood samples were drawn at baseline and at the end of the study. Serum PCSK9 concentration was analysed with Quantikine Elisa Immunoassay, serum and lipoprotein lipids enzymatically and serum non-cholesterol sterols with GLC. At baseline, PCSK9 concentration varied from 91 to 716 ng/ml with a mean value of 278±11 (S.E.M.) ng/ml with no gender difference. It correlated with serum and LDL-C, serum triglycerides, age, body mass index (BMI) and plasma glucose concentration, but not with variables of cholesterol metabolism when adjusted to serum cholesterol. Plant stanols reduced LDL-C by 10% from controls (P<0.05), but PCSK9 levels were unchanged and did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated for the first time that inhibition of cholesterol absorption with plant stanol esters did not affect serum PCSK9 concentration. Thus, plant stanol esters provide an efficient dietary means to lower LDL-C without interfering with the PCSK9 metabolism and in this regard the LDL receptor-mediated cellular cholesterol uptake and removal.
Wide‐area measurement system‐based transient excitation boosting control to improve power system transient stability
Authors: Zhou Yuzhi , Huang Hongyang , Xu Zheng , Hua Wen , Yang Fenyan , Liu Sheng
Published: April 2015

Transient excitation boosting control (TEBC) is a cost‐effective emergency control technique to improve the power system transient stability. However, it is found in this study that the conventional TEBCs have some drawbacks and may be ineffective or even worsen the system stability in some cases. To overcome these problems, a novel wide‐area measurement system (WAMS)‐based TEBC (WTEBC) is proposed in this study. The proposed control law is as follows: boosting the excitation of the critical machines (CMs) in the critical swing and stopping their excitation boosting as the rotor angles of the CMs drop below a threshold after the critical swing. The implementations of the above control law in the special protection system are also provided. The simulation results from the 4‐machine system and the China Southern power grid prove the superiority of the WTEBC over the conventional TEBCs. Furthermore, it also indicates that the stabilising effect is quite significant as long as the round‐trip WAMS delay is <0.3 s, which further confirms the feasibility of the WTEBC in the practical engineering.
Frequency response estimation method for high wind penetration considering wind turbine frequency support functions
Authors: Yan Ruifeng , Saha Tapan Kumar
Published: April 2015

To achieve renewable energy targets, more wind turbine generators (WTGs) are being integrated into many power networks around the world. However, unlike traditional synchronous generators, modern WTGs are driven by power electronic devices which provide almost zero inertia and frequency response to frequency related events such as generator tripping. Wind manufacturers and researchers have been working on synthetic WTG inertia support, which can better utilise the rotational nature of WTGs. However, synthetic inertia alone may be insufficient under certain circumstances to prevent automatic under frequency load shedding after generation tripping, which causes security concerns for network operation. Consequently, WTG active power control (APC, similar to governor control) should be activated to improve network security. However, APC will costly reduce WTG output from the maximum power point and result in financial concerns. Therefore when and how much APC service should be activated becomes an extremely important question, which has not been addressed in the literature. This study develops a new method to quickly estimate frequency response caused by generator tripping hence system operators can use this proposed method to continuously evaluate inertia and headroom competency and accordingly activate the amount of WTG inertia and APC required for reliable system operation.
Enhanced anti‐cancer activity by co‐delivery of docetaxel and perifosine with multifunctional nanoparticles via regulation of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Bu Xiangyuan , Shen Qi
Published: April 2015

Recent researches revealed that phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) plays an important role in the development of drug resistance, reducing the anti‐tumour activity of cytotoxic drugs, such as docetaxel (DTX). The aim of this reported work has been to evaluate DTX and the PI3K/Akt inhibitor perifosine co‐loaded Fol/R7 (folate/R7) nanoparticles (NPs) for enhancing anti‐cancer activity. The NPs were evaluated by size, zeta potential and morphology. Then cell viability, cellular uptake and apoptosis were performed in MCF‐7 and MCF‐7/Adr cells. The PI3K/Akt inhibition effect was assessed by western blotting. Compared with other experimental groups, DTX and perifosine loaded Fol/R7NPs displayed the highest cytotoxicity, cell uptake and early apoptosis in MCF‐7/Adr cells. Furthermore, the PI3K/Akt inhibition effect was enhanced by the Fol/R7NPs compared with the free drug group. The DTX and perifosine co‐loaded Fol/R7NPs could be a potential, safe and efficient option for enhancing anti‐cancer activity.
Recent Advances in the Total Synthesis of Prenylflavonoid and Related Diels–Alder Natural Products
Authors: Han Jianguang , Jones Alexander , Lei Xiaoguang
Published: April 2015

This review summarizes the application of different strategies for the key Diels–Alder cycloaddition in prenylflavonoid and related Diels–Alder natural products synthesis, highlighting the application of novel methodologies and innovative strategies in the synthesis of these natural products and their analogues.

1 Introduction

2 Classical Conditions for the Diels–Alder Cycloaddition

2.1 Thermal Promotion

2.2 High-Pressure Promotion

2.3 Brønsted Acid Catalysis

3 Modern Approaches to the Diels–Alder Cycloaddition

3.1 Electron-Transfer Initiation

3.2 Silver-Nanoparticle Catalysis

3.3 Chiral-Boron-Complex Promotion

4 Conclusion
Deleterious effects of obesity on physical fitness in pre‐pubertal children
Authors: Ceschia Arianna , Giacomini Stefano , Santarossa Simone , Rugo Miriam , Salvadego Desy , Da Ponte Alessandro , Driussi Caterina , Mihaleje Martina , Poser Stefano , Lazzer Stefano
Published: April 2015

The prevalence of obesity in children has increased dramatically during the past decades in Europe and understanding physical fitness and its components in children is critical to design and implement effective interventions. The objective of the present study was to analyse the association between physical fitness (aerobic, speed, agility, power, flexibility and balance) and body mass index (BMI) in pre‐pubertal children. A total of 2411 healthy schoolchildren (7–11 years) participated in this study. Anthropometric characteristics and body composition were assessed by skinfold thickness. Physical fitness was measured by nine physical fitness tests: endurance running, 20 m running speed, agility, handgrip strength, standing long jump and squat jump, sit and reach, medicine ball forward throw and static balance. No relevant differences were observed between boys and girls regarding anthropometric characteristics, body composition and physical fitness. However, overweight and obese children showed significantly lower physical fitness levels in endurance running, speed and agility (mean: +18.8, +5.5 and +14.5% of time to complete tasks, respectively), lower limb power normalised to body mass (−23.3%) and balance tests (number of falls: +165.5%) than their normal weight counterparts. On the other hand, obesity did not affect handgrip, throwing and flexibility. In conclusion, increased BMI was associated with lower performance capabilities limiting proper motor skill development, which directly affects the ability of children to take on sports skills. Actions undertaken to promote children's wellness and fitness should be prioritised and introduced early in life with the aim of enhancing physical fitness as well as preventing overweight and obesity.
Sac2/INPP5F is an inositol 4-phosphatase that functions in the endocytic pathway
Authors: Nakatsu Fubito , Messa Mirko , Nández Ramiro , Czapla Heather , Zou Yixiao , Strittmatter Stephen M. , De Camilli Pietro
Published: April 2015

The recruitment of inositol phosphatases to endocytic membranes mediates dephosphorylation of PI(4,5)P2, a phosphoinositide concentrated in the plasma membrane, and prevents its accumulation on endosomes. The importance of the conversion of PI(4,5)P2 to PtdIns during endocytosis is demonstrated by the presence of both a 5-phosphatase and a 4-phosphatase (Sac domain) module in the synaptojanins, endocytic PI(4,5)P2 phosphatases conserved from yeast to humans and the only PI(4,5)P2 phosphatases in yeast. OCRL, another 5-phosphatase that couples endocytosis to PI(4,5)P2 dephosphorylation, lacks a Sac domain. Here we show that Sac2/INPP5F is a PI4P phosphatase that colocalizes with OCRL on endocytic membranes, including vesicles formed by clathrin-mediated endocytosis, macropinosomes, and Rab5 endosomes. An OCRL–Sac2/INPP5F interaction could be demonstrated by coimmunoprecipitation and was potentiated by Rab5, whose activity is required to recruit Sac2/INPP5F to endosomes. Sac2/INPP5F and OCRL may cooperate in the sequential dephosphorylation of PI(4,5)P2 at the 5 and 4 position of inositol in a partnership that mimics that of the two phosphatase modules of synaptojanin.
Pulse energy measurement at the SXR instrument
Authors: Moeller Stefan , Brown Garth , Dakovski Georgi , Hill Bruce , Holmes Michael , Loos Jennifer , Maida Ricardo , Paiser Ernesto , Schlotter William , Turner Joshua J. , Wallace Alex , Jastrow Ulf , Kreis Svea , Sorokin Andrey A. , Tiedtke Kai
Published: April 2015

A gas monitor detector was implemented and characterized at the Soft X-ray Research (SXR) instrument to measure the average, absolute and pulse-resolved photon flux of the LCLS beam in the energy range between 280 and 2000 eV. The detector is placed after the monochromator and addresses the need to provide reliable absolute pulse energy as well as pulse-resolved measurements for the various experiments at this instrument. This detector provides a reliable non-invasive measurement for determining flux levels on the samples in the downstream experimental chamber and for optimizing signal levels of secondary detectors and for the essential need of data normalization. The design, integration into the instrument and operation are described, and examples of its performance are given.
Actors and barriers to the adoption of LCC and LCA techniques in the built environment
Authors: D'Incognito Maria , Costantino Nicola , Migliaccio Giovanni C.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the existing barriers to the slow adoption of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) in construction, and the main responsible actors.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research design is based on a two-phase approach. First, the existing literature was studied through a multiple-step content analysis (CA) approach, which combined unsupervised concept mapping with computer aided CA. Using a relational CA approach, statistical-based analysis tools were initially used to identify the relationships between actors and barriers. Later, a Delphi study was administered to a panel of experts, to triangulate, validate, and refine the initial results.

Findings

– The study revealed that organizational culture is the most relevant barrier, and that clients and professionals are the actors that predominantly influence the adoption of LCC and LCA in projects. Technical and financial barriers, such as the lack and quality of input data and the high costs of implementation are also deemed relevant.

Research limitations/implications

– The CA was performed by a single rater on a sample that included 50 papers in English language. Future research may focus on enlarging the sample, extending it to other languages, and linking the source (or the expert) to their professional context to evaluate geographical differences in barriers.

Originality/value

– The adopted approach gives new insights on the relationships behind the rejection of LCA and LCC suggesting that solutions at the organizational level may be more effective than technical ones.
Segmenting CSA members by motivation: anything but two peas in a pod
Authors: Pole Antoinette , Kumar Archana
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to seek to segment CSA members based on their motivations to join a CSA.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data obtained from an online survey of 565 members belonging to a New York state CSA were analyzed using a combined hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analysis.

Findings

– Based on their motivations to join a CSA results reveal four distinct types of segments among CSA members: No-Frills Member, Foodie Member, Nonchalant Member, and Quintessential Member. Results show all four clusters differ statistically across demographic characteristics including gender, political affiliation, and household income. The clusters differed across psychographic characteristics such as attitudes toward the treatment of animals, treatment of farm workers, pesticide use, the environment, food miles, and limiting factory farm purchases. Quintessential Members emerge as most concerned with food purchasing decisions while No-Frills Members are least concerned.

Research limitations/implications

– The study employs a non-random purposive sample of CSAs in New York state. Respondents were recruited indirectly to participate in an online survey. The length and complexity of the survey, absence of an email address for respondents, levels of digital fluency, and technical glitches may result in lower participation rates.

Practical implications

– This paper offers recommendations to farmers for retaining and attracting different types of CSA members.

Originality/value

– This is the first study that segments CSA members in the USA based on their motivations to subscribe to a CSA, and it differentiates CSA member clusters based on their demographics, psychographics, and food purchasing decisions.
Internationalization pathways and the performance of SMEs
Authors: Fernández Olmos Marta , Díez-Vial Isabel
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the chosen specific internationalization pathway on the relationship between internationalization and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper analyses the internationalization pathway among small- and medium-sized enterprises which internationalize through exporting and are more limited in terms of the resources they can leverage across markets.

Findings

– Empirical evidence obtained from a sample of wineries in La Rioja shows that the internationalization – export performance relationship is characterized by a U-shaped curve for firms with a gradual internationalization pathway, and an S-shaped curve for firms with an accelerated internationalization pathway.

Research limitations/implications

– This empirical study on the impact of export intensity on performance has acknowledged the importance of costs caused by the liability of foreignness and the transaction and coordination costs involved in each market expansion process. However, it has not examined the effect of differences in absorptive and coordination capabilities at the firm level.

Practical implications

– The findings about the role of the specific internationalization pathway in driving export intensity and performance appear to be relevant from a public-policy perspective. Local policies aimed at promoting exports have been widely based on the argument that firms can improve their performance through increasing their level of international sales. However, empirical evidence shows that these efforts may not work as well as was thought, unless combined with the right market expansion pathway and the optimal level of exports associated with this international market expansion.

Social implications

– Most studies on the effect of international market expansion on firm performance have not considered the influence of the specific market expansion pathway chosen. In taking this factor into account, this paper contributes to the existing body of work by developing an integrative theoretical framework that explores how the pathway of internationalization impacts on firms’ performance.

Originality/value

– Most studies on the effect of international market expansion on firm performance have not considered the influence of the specific market expansion process chosen. In taking this factor into account, this paper contributes to the existing body of work by developing an integrative theoretical framework that explores how the process of international market expansion impacts on firms’ performance.
Internationalization motives: sell more, buy better, upgrade and escape
Authors: Cuervo-Cazurra Alvaro , Narula Rajneesh , Un C. Annique
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this the paper is to review the motives for internationalization to clarify previous arguments and provide a theory-driven classification.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors build on behavioral economics and propose a classification of internationalization motives as the result of the interaction among two dimensions, an economics-driven exploitation of existing resources or exploration of new resources, and a psychology-driven search for better host country conditions or avoidance of poor home country conditions.

Findings

– These two dimensions result in four internationalization motives: sell more, in which the company exploits existing resources at home and obtains better host country conditions; buy better, in which the company exploits existing resources abroad and avoids poor home country conditions; upgrade, in which the company explores for new resources, and it obtains better host country conditions; and escape, in which the company explores for new resources and avoids poor home country conditions.

Originality/value

– This theory-driven classification provides predictive power for future analyses of internationalization motives.
Nouveaux documents sabéens provenant de Kamna du VIIIe–VIIe siècle avant J.‐C.
Authors: Arbach Mounir , Rossi Irene
Published: April 2015

The four new inscriptions published here (Kamna 30 A, B, 31, 32 and 33), which come from illegal excavations and belong to a Yemeni private collection, shed new light on the relationship between the kingdom of Sabaʾ and the city‐states of the Jawf. They provide new synchronisms between the kings of Sabaʾ and those of Kamna, allowing the proposal of a more precise chronology of the city‐states of the Jawf for the second half of the eighth century and the early seventh century BC.
Clinical implementation of NIPT – technical and biological challenges
Authors: Brady P. , Brison N. , Van Den Bogaert K. , de Ravel T. , Peeters H. , Van Esch H. , Devriendt K. , Legius E. , Vermeesch J.R.
Published: April 2015

Non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal aneuploidy detection is increasingly being offered in the clinical setting. Whereas the majority of tests only report fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13, genome‐wide analyses have the potential to detect other fetal, as well as maternal, aneuploidies. In this review, we discuss the technical and clinical advantages and challenges associated with genome‐wide cell‐free fetal DNA profiling.
The Various Hemodynamic Profiles of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Adults
Authors: Fadel Bahaa M. , Mohty Dania , Husain Aysha , Dahdouh Ziad , Al‐Admawi Mohammad , Pergola Valeria , Di Salvo Giovanni
Published: April 2015

The patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has diverse clinical and hemodynamic manifestations depending on its size and the degree of the ensuing left‐to‐right shunt. A small PDA that causes minor shunting has no major hemodynamic consequences. Conversely, a large PDA with a significant left‐to‐right shunt may lead to various hemodynamic abnormalities. These include left‐sided volume overload that may result in heart failure and/or pulmonary hypertension, the latter being a flow‐dependent and mostly reversible phenomenon. The most feared complication is the development of severe and irreversible pulmonary hypertension (Eisenmenger physiology). In this manuscript, we provide examples of the various hemodynamic profiles of PDA as assessed by echocardiography in the adult population.
Stable Asymptotics forM‐estimators
Authors: La Vecchia Davide
Published: April 2015

We review some first‐order and higher‐order asymptotic techniques forM‐estimators, and we study their stability in the presence of data contaminations. We show that the estimating function (ψ) and its derivative with respect to the parameterplay a central role. We discuss in detail the first‐order Gaussian density approximation, saddlepoint density approximation, saddlepoint test, tail area approximation via the Lugannani–Rice formula and empirical saddlepoint density approximation (a technique related to the empirical likelihood method). For all these asymptotics, we show that a boundedψ(in the Euclidean norm) and a bounded(e.g. in the Frobenius norm) yield stable inference in the presence of data contamination. We motivate and illustrate our findings by theoretical and numerical examples about the benchmark case of one‐dimensional location model.
Genomic best linear unbiased prediction method reflecting the degree of linkage disequilibrium
Authors: Nishio M. , Satoh M.
Published: April 2015

The degree of linkage disequilibrium (LD) between markers differs depending on the location of the genome; this difference biases genetic evaluation by genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP). To correct this bias, we used three GBLUP methods reflecting the degree of LD (GBLUP‐LD). In the three GBLUP‐LD methods, genomic relationship matrices were conducted from single nucleotide polymorphism markers weighted according to local LD levels. The predictive abilities of GBLUP‐LD were investigated by estimating variance components and assessing the accuracies of estimated breeding values using simulation data. When quantitative trait loci (QTL) were located at weak LD regions, the predictive abilities of the three GBLUP‐LD methods were superior to those of GBLUP and Bayesian lasso except when the number of QTL was small. In particular, the superiority of GBLUP‐LD increased with decreasing trait heritability. The rates of QTL at weak LD regions would increase when selection by GBLUP continues; this consequently decreases the predictive ability of GBLUP. Thus, the GBLUP‐LD could be applicable for populations selected by GBLUP for a long time. However, if QTL were located at strong LD regions, the accuracies of three GBLUP‐LD methods were lower than GBLUP and Bayesian lasso.
An experimental test of density‐dependent selection on temperament traits of activity, boldness and sociability
Authors: Le Galliard J.‐F. , Paquet M. , Mugabo M.
Published: April 2015

Temperament traits are seen in many animal species, and recent evolutionary models predict that they could be maintained by heterogeneous selection. We tested this prediction by examining density‐dependent selection in juvenile common lizards Zootoca vivipara scored for activity, boldness and sociability at birth and at the age of 1 year. We measured three key life‐history traits (juvenile survival, body growth rate and reproduction) and quantified selection in experimental populations at five density levels ranging from low to high values. We observed consistent individual differences for all behaviours on the short term, but only for activity and one boldness measure across the first year of life. At low density, growth selection favoured more sociable lizards, whereas viability selection favoured less active individuals. A significant negative correlational selection on activity and boldness existed for body growth rate irrespective of density. Thus, behavioural traits were characterized by limited ontogenic consistency, and natural selection was heterogeneous between density treatments and fitness traits. This confirms that density‐dependent selection plays an important role in the maintenance of individual differences in exploration‐activity and sociability.
Nomenclatural transfer of Chinese Pulsatilla to Anemone (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Jiang Nan , Zhou Zhuang , Guan Kai‐Yun , Yu Wen‐Bin
Published: April 2015

Pulsatilla has been separated from Anemone by many authors. However, molecular phylogenies show that this genus, along with Barneoudia, Knowltonia, Hepatica and Oreithales, is nested with Anemone. For this reason, Pulsatilla is better treated as a section of Anemone. For the Chinese Pulsatilla species, nine species names are already available in Anemone, and the remaining names of three species and four infraspecific taxa are transferred to Anemone here.
Light‐mediated DNA Repair Prevents UVB‐induced Cell Cycle Arrest in Embryos of the Crustacean Macrobrachium olfersi
Authors: Zeni Eliane Cristina , Ammar Dib , Leal Mayana Lacerda , da Silva Heloisa Schramm , Allodi Silvana , Müller Yara Maria Rauh , Nazari Evelise Maria
Published: April 2015

High levels of ultraviolet‐B (UVB) radiation can negatively affect aquatic animals. Macrobrachium olfersi is a prawn that lives in clear freshwaters and during the breeding season, females carry eggs in an external brood pouch. Therefore, we hypothesize that eggs are also exposed to environmental UVB radiation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether UVB radiation induces DNA damage and compromises cell cycle in embryos of M. olfersi. In laboratory, UVB irradiance (310 mW. cm−2) that embryos receive in the natural environment was simulated. After irradiation, embryos were kept under different light conditions in order to recognize the presence of cell repair. UVB radiation induces DNA damage, specifically thymine dimers. After 48 h of UVB exposure, a significant decrease in the level of these dimers was observed in embryos kept under visible light while it remained constant in the dark. Moreover, under visible light and darkness, a decrease in proliferation was observed after 48 h of irradiation. An increase in PCNA expression and decrease in p53 expression were observed after, respectively, 1 and 48 h of exposure. Our results showed that UVB radiation disturbs the cell cycle and induces DNA damage in M. olfersi embryos. However, under visible light these embryos showed successful DNA repair.
Animal models for peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Sculean Anton , Engebretson Steven P. , Becker Jürgen , Sager Martin
Published: April 2015

The treatment of infectious diseases affecting osseointegrated implants in function has become a demanding issue in implant dentistry. Since the early 1990s, preclinical data from animal studies have provided important insights into the etiology, pathogenesis and therapy of peri‐implant diseases. Established lesions in animals have shown many features in common with those found in human biopsy material. The current review focuses on animal studies, employing different models to induce peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis.
Clinical approaches to treat peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis
Authors: Renvert Stefan , Polyzois Ioannis N.
Published: April 2015

Therapies proposed for the treatment of peri‐implant diseases are primarily based on the evidence available from treating periodontitis. The primary objective is elimination of the biofilm from the implant surface, and nonsurgical therapy is a commonly used treatment. A number of adjunctive therapies have been introduced to overcome accessibility problems or difficulties with decontamination of implant surfaces as a result of specific surface characteristics. It is now accepted that following successful decontamination, clinicians can attempt to regenerate the bone that was lost as a result of infection. The ultimate goal is re‐osseointegration, and a number of regenerative techniques have been introduced. By reviewing the existing evidence, it seems that peri‐implant mucositis is reversible when appropriately treated. Additionally, a combined therapy (mechanical therapy with local antimicrobials as adjuncts) can serve as an alternative to surgical intervention when treating peri‐implantits in cases not suitable for surgery. Surgical therapy is an effective method for treating peri‐implantitis, and various degrees of success of the use of regenerative procedures have been reported, regardless of whether or not radiographic evidence of defect fill has been achieved. Finally, no matter which therapy is employed, a prerequisite for the long‐term stability of treatment results obtained is the ability of the patient to maintain good oral hygiene.
Biomaterials for promoting periodontal regeneration in human intrabony defects: a systematic review
Authors: Sculean Anton , Nikolidakis Dimitris , Nikou George , Ivanovic Aleksandar , Chapple Iain L. C. , Stavropoulos Andreas
Published: April 2015

Intrabony periodontal defects are a frequent complication of periodontitis and, if left untreated, may negatively affect long‐term tooth prognosis. The optimal outcome of treatment in intrabony defects is considered to be the absence of bleeding on probing, the presence of shallow pockets associated with periodontal regeneration (i.e. formation of new root cementum with functionally orientated inserting periodontal ligament fibers connected to new alveolar bone) and no soft‐tissue recession. A plethora of different surgical techniques, often including implantation of various types of bone graft and/or bone substitutes, root surface demineralization, guided tissue regeneration, growth and differentiation factors, enamel matrix proteins or various combinations thereof, have been employed to achieve periodontal regeneration. Despite positive observations in animal models and successful outcomes reported for many of the available regenerative techniques and materials in patients, including histologic reports, robust information on the degree to which reported clinical improvements reflect true periodontal regeneration does not exist. Thus, the aim of this review was to summarize, in a systematic manner, the available histologic evidence on the effect of reconstructive periodontal surgery using various types of biomaterials to enhance periodontal wound healing/regeneration in human intrabony defects. In addition, the inherent problems associated with performing human histologic studies and in interpreting the results, as well as certain ethical considerations, are discussed. The results of the present systematic review indicate that periodontal regeneration in human intrabony defects can be achieved to a variable extent using a range of methods and materials. Periodontal regeneration has been observed following the use of a variety of bone grafts and substitutes, guided tissue regeneration, biological factors and combinations thereof. Combination approaches appear to provide the best outcomes, whilst implantation of alloplastic material alone demonstrated limited, to no, periodontal regeneration.
Wound models for periodontal and bone regeneration: the role of biologic research
Authors: Sculean Anton , Chapple Iain L. C. , Giannobile William V.
Published: April 2015

The ultimate goals of periodontal therapy remain the complete regeneration of those periodontal tissues lost to the destructive inflammatory‐immune response, or to trauma, with tissues that possess the same structure and function, and the re‐establishment of a sustainable health‐promoting biofilm from one characterized by dysbiosis. This volume ofPeriodontology 2000discusses the multiple facets of a transition from therapeutic empiricism during the late 1960s, toward regenerative therapies, which is founded on a clearer understanding of the biophysiology of normal structure and function. This introductory article provides an overview on the requirements of appropriatein vitrolaboratory models (e.g. cell culture), of preclinical (i.e. animal) models and of human studies for periodontal wound and bone repair. Laboratory studies may provide valuable fundamental insights into basic mechanisms involved in wound repair and regeneration but also suffer from a unidimensional and simplistic approach that does not account for the complexities of thein vivosituation, in which multiple cell types and interactions all contribute to definitive outcomes. Therefore, such laboratory studies require validatory research, employing preclinical models specifically designed to demonstrate proof‐of‐concept efficacy, preliminary safety and adaptation to human disease scenarios. Small animal models provide the most economic and logistically feasible preliminary approaches but the outcomes do not necessarily translate to larger animal or human models. The advantages and limitations of all periodontal‐regeneration models need to be carefully considered when planning investigations to ensure that the optimal design is adopted to answer the specific research question posed. Future challenges lie in the areas of stem cell research, scaffold designs, cell delivery and choice of growth factors, along with research to ensure appropriate gingival coverage in order to prevent gingival recession during the healing phase.
Extending the gift of donation: blood donor public health studies
Authors: Burgdorf K. S. , Pedersen O. B. V. , Sørensen E. , Thørner L. W. , Hjalgrim H. , Erikstrup C. , Ullum H.
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives

The effect of blood donation on donor health has long been a neglected research area. Blood donors are generally willing to contribute to scientific studies, and data obtained from blood donors may thus serve as a source for general health research. The Danish Blood Donor Study (DBDS) intends to study the influence of blood donation on the health of blood donors and to serve as a national platform for collaborative health research.

Materials and Methods

DBDS relies on an existing infrastructure for standardized data collection, handling and storage of plasma samples in the blood banks. In addition, we obtain an informed consent and collect a four‐page questionnaire data, data from public registries, and DNA on all participating donors.

Results

Since 2010, more than 86 000 Danish blood donors have been enrolled in DBDS (participation rate >95% of invited donors). Questionnaire data from the first 40 000 donors are available for research. DNA has been extracted, and ferritin and hsCRP have been measured among the first 20 000 donors. In addition, clinical endpoints are available through the Danish national health registries. A large variety of collaborative studies have been initiated, and the costs of DBDS are much lower than similar studies where the infrastructure needs to be invented for pure research purposes.

Conclusion

The DBDS shows that it is feasible to establish a large prospective epidemiological research cohort within the blood bank system at a low cost. Blood donors are willing to provide information for health research, ensuring a high participation rate.
The three‐pillar matrix of patient blood management
Authors: Isbister J. P.
Published: April 2015

‘Muse before you Transfuse’

For the majority of patients undergoing uncomplicated elective surgery, and in most cases of cancer chemotherapy, it should be possible to minimize or avoid blood transfusion by a standard of care that focuses on the management of a patient's own blood by optimizing and preserving haematopoietic reserves and tolerating deficiencies in reserves. Patient blood management is not an intervention or an alternative to allogeneic blood transfusion; it is sound evidence‐based clinical practice. Patient blood management improves clinical outcomes and as a corollary minimizes or avoids unnecessary allogeneic blood transfusions, reduces risks and helps contain health costs. The use of some autologous transfusion techniques, erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents and antifibrinolytic agents may be regarded as transfusion alternatives, but also bring with them potential hazards and costs that need balancing in the same manner as the decision to transfuse. Managing the triad of haematological risk factors for surgical patients, that is anaemia, haemorrhage and transfusion, is addressed by focusing on the three pillars of patient blood management. Maximizing total red cell mass, minimizing blood loss and tolerating of anaemia are of the essence. Most of the core principles of patient blood management come from a sound understanding of physiological and pathophysiological knowledge of haemopoiesis, haemostasis and oxygen transport and the causative mechanisms of the well‐understood hazards of blood transfusion. The concept of personalized medicine is best epitomized by Sir William Osler in his aphorism: ‘It is much more important to know what sort of a patient has a disease than what sort of a disease a patient has’.
Improving clinical practice through the use of clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Czaja M. T. , Carson J. L.
Published: April 2015

Clinical practice guidelines are a valued resource for clinicians looking for expert recommendations to direct clinical decision‐making. However, the reliability and trustworthiness of many clinical practice guidelines were subpar as many guidelines were fraught with expert opinion, conflicts of interest and bias. The Institute of Medicine thus created a set of standards for the development of clinical practice guidelines. These standards emphasize transparency, avoidance of conflicts of interest and a foundation in high‐quality peer‐reviewed evidence. The AABB adhered to the IOM standards in generating guidelines on red blood cell transfusion in 2012. A varied, multidisciplinary panel was convened to perform a rigorous evaluation of all available research. Clear rationale was given to every recommendation, including a discussion on the lack of available evidence when the panel was unable to make a strong recommendation. Both the quality of evidence used to make recommendations and the strength of the recommendations themselves were rated. The end result was a set of recommendations expounding a restrictive blood transfusion strategy that clinicians should feel comfortable relying on to influence their practice. Overall, all future guidelines should strive to follow in the footsteps of the AABB guidelines by meeting the IOM standards.
The effect of precipitation and air temperature on land‐cover change in the Sahel
Authors: Cho Jaeil , Lee Yang‐Won , Lee Ho‐Sang
Published: April 2015

Vegetation changes in the Sahel region are strongly affected by variation in rainfall, but air temperature has been considered a relatively minor climatic factor in previous studies. However, soil moisture, the major water source for vegetation in arid and semiarid regions, is generally dependent on temperature‐controlled evaporation. Therefore, we can hypothesize that air temperature modifies the sensitivity of vegetation greenness to rainfall because water loss in soil is critically vulnerable to temperature, although Sahel plants can tolerate high temperatures. In this study, the annual mean of daily maximum air temperature was used as a constraint in analyzing the relationships between annual changes in the cumulative enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and total rainfall. We found that rainfall increase in hotter years could not well induce land greening, and decreased rainfall in cooler years did not necessarily cause vegetation degradation. This presents the importance of temperature as a climatic component in understanding the mechanism of rainfall‐induced land‐cover changes in the Sahel region.
Computation of Lower Bounds for a Multiple Depot, Multiple Vehicle Routing Problem With Motion Constraints
Authors: Manyam Satyanarayana G. , Rathinam Sivakumar , Darbha Swaroop
Published: April 2015

This paper considers the problem of planning paths for a collection of identical vehicles visiting a given set of targets, such that the total lengths of their paths are minimum. Each vehicle starts at a specified location (called a depot) and it is required that each target to be on the path of at least one vehicle. The path of every vehicle must satisfy the motion constraints of every vehicle. In this paper, we develop a method to compute lower bound to the minimum total path lengths by relaxing some of the constraints and posing it as a standard multiple traveling salesmen problem (MTSP). A lower bound is often important to ascertain suboptimality bounds for heuristics and for developing stopping criterion for algorithms computing an optimal solution. Simulation results are presented to show that the proposed method can be used to improve the lower bounds of instances with four vehicles and 40 targets by approximately 39%.
A novel ultrashort capillary gas chromatography method using on-column injection and detection
Authors: Alkhateeb Fadi L. , Hayward Taylor C. , Thurbide Kevin B.
Published: April 2015

A novel method for ultrashort capillary column gas chromatography (GC) analysis is introduced, which employs on-column injection and detection and rapid temperature programming. Using 10–20 cm long capillary columns, results showed that the method provides efficient and very rapid separations for relatively simple mixtures. Moreover, the on-column aspect of the method used here is demonstrated to avoid the extra column analyte degradation that can occur in traditional approaches to such separations. As a result, the developed method allows for the first time the GC analysis of some very large and (or) highly thermally labile analytes, such as polypeptides and drug molecules that are normally prone to decomposition. As an application, this method is further used to monitor pharmaceutical degradant formation as a function of temperature and was found to provide similar results to those obtained from conventional high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Overall, the findings indicate that this ultrashort GC column approach could be useful in these areas and potentially others, where relatively simple GC analysis and universal flame ionization detection is desirable.