bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐resolution synchrotronX‐ray analysis of bioglass‐enriched hydrogels
Authors: Gorodzha Svetlana , Douglas Timothy E. L. , Samal Sangram K. , Detsch Rainer , Cholewa‐Kowalska Katarzyna , Braeckmans Kevin , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Skirtach Andre G. , Weinhardt Venera , Baumbach Tilo , Surmeneva Maria A. , Surmenev Roman A.
Published: January 2016

Enrichment of hydrogels with inorganic particles improves their suitability for bone regeneration by enhancing their mechanical properties, mineralizability, and bioactivity as well as adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of bone‐forming cells, while maintaining injectability. Low aggregation and homogeneous distribution maximize particle surface area, promoting mineralization, cell–particle interactions, and homogenous tissue regeneration. Hence, determination of the size and distribution of particles/particle agglomerates in the hydrogel is desirable. Commonly used techniques have drawbacks. High‐resolution techniques (e.g., SEM) require drying. Distribution in the dry state is not representative of the wet state. Techniques in the wet state (histology, µCT) are of lower resolution. Here, self‐gelling, injectable composites of Gellan Gum (GG) hydrogel and two different types of sol–gel‐derived bioactive glass (bioglass) particles were analyzed in the wet state using Synchrotron X‐ray radiation, enabling high‐resolution determination of particle size and spatial distribution. The lower detection limit volume was 9 × 10−5mm3. Bioglass particle suspensions were also studied using zeta potential measurements and Coulter analysis. Aggregation of bioglass particles in the GG hydrogels occurred and aggregate distribution was inhomogeneous. Bioglass promoted attachment of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSC) and mineralization. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1194–1201, 2016.
Providing sustained transgene induction through affinity‐based drug delivery
Authors: Rivera‐Delgado Edgardo , Ward Emily , von Recum Horst A.
Published: January 2016

Small molecule drug activators of gene expression have been used in applications ranging from gene therapy, to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. One concern is that for sustained gene expression, a long‐term, controlled delivery system is needed. Insoluble polymers containing a high proportion of cyclodextrin (CD) affinity groups have been shown to prolong drug delivery far beyond that capable of polymers relying on diffusion alone. In this study we evaluate the capacity of such polymers to deliver the transgene inducer doxycycline. Our results show that initial drug loading is proportional to affinity, with ∼8% loading in high‐affinity γ‐CD polymers; ∼7% loading in moderate‐affinity β‐CD polymers; and only ∼4.5% loading in the non‐affinity control polymer made from linear dextran. When release aliquots from these polymers were incubated with cells genetically modified for inducible transgene expression we observed activation of transgene expression for up to three weeks from samples released by affinity‐based polymers. We showed that drug stability is maintained over the course of the study using a bacterial zone of inhibition assay where again affinity‐based polymers show sustained availability of drug, weeks longer than non‐affinity controls. Lastly we provide theoretical calculations of strength of binding interactions between cyclodextrins and many additional transgene inducers demonstrating the broad utility of this delivery platform. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1135–1142, 2016.
Tuning microenvironment modulus and biochemical composition promotes human mesenchymal stem cell tenogenic differentiation
Authors: Rehmann Matthew S. , Luna Jesus I. , Maverakis Emanual , Kloxin April M.
Published: January 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising for the regeneration of tendon and ligament tissues. Toward realizing this potential, microenvironment conditions are needed for promoting robust lineage‐specific differentiation into tenocytes/ligament fibroblasts. Here, we utilized a statistical design of experiments approach to examine combinations of matrix modulus, composition, and soluble factors in human MSC tenogenic/ligamentogenic differentiation. Specifically, well‐defined poly(ethylene glycol)‐based hydrogels were synthesized using thiol–ene chemistry providing a bioinert base for probing cell response to extracellular matrix cues. Monomer concentrations were varied to achieve a range of matrix moduli (E∼ 10–90 kPa), and different ratios of integrin‐binding peptides were incorporated (GFOGER and RGDS for collagen and fibronectin, respectively), mimicking aspects of developing tendon/ligament tissue. A face‐centered central composite response surface design was utilized to understand the contributions of these cues to human MSC differentiation in the presence of soluble factors identified to promote tenogenesis/ligamentogenesis (BMP‐13 and ascorbic acid). Increasing modulus and collagen mimetic peptide content increased relevant gene expression and protein production or retention (scleraxis, collagen I, tenascin‐C). These findings could inform the design of materials for tendon/ligament regeneration. More broadly, the design of experiments enabled efficient data acquisition and analysis, requiring fewer replicates than if each factor had been varied one at a time. This approach can be combined with other stimuli (for example, mechanical stimulation) toward a better mechanistic understanding of differentiation down these challenging lineages. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1162–1174, 2016.
Effect of boron oxide addition on the viscosity‐temperature behaviour and structure of phosphate‐based glasses
Authors: Sharmin Nusrat , Hasan Muhammad S. , Rudd Chris D. , Boyd Daniel , Werner‐Zwanziger Ulrike , Ahmed Ifty , Parsons Andrew J.
Published: January 2016

In this study, nine phosphate‐based glass formulations from the system P2O5‐CaO‐Na2O‐MgO‐B2O3 were prepared with P2O5 content fixed as 40, 45 and 50 mol%, where Na2O was replaced by 5 and 10 mol% B2O3 and MgO and CaO were fixed to 24 and 16 mol%, respectively. The effect of B2O3 addition on the viscosity‐temperature behaviour, fragility index and structure of the glasses was investigated. The composition of the glasses was confirmed by ICP‐AES. The viscosity‐temperature behaviour of the glasses were measured using beam‐bending and parallel –plate viscometers. The viscosity of the glasses investigated was found to shift to higher temperature with increasing B2O3 content. The kinetic fragility parameter, m and F1/2, estimated from the viscosity curve were found to decease with increasing B2O3 content. The structural analysis was achieved by a combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance. 31P solid‐state magic‐angle‐spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS‐NMR) showed that the local structure of the glasses changes with increasing B2O3 content. As B2O3 was added to the glass systems, the phosphate connectivity increases as the as the Q1 units transforms into Q2 units. The 11B NMR results confirmed the presence of tetrahedral boron (BO4) units for all the compositions investigated. Structural analysis indicates an increasing level of cross‐linking with increasing B2O3 content. Evidence of the presence of P‐O‐B bonds was also observed from the FTIR and 31P NMR analysis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 764–777, 2017.
Smad8/9 Is Regulated Through the BMP Pathway
Authors: Katakawa Yuko , Funaba Masayuki , Murakami Masaru
Published: January 2016

Members of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) family function through Smad‐dependent and Smad‐independent pathways. The Smad‐dependent pathway is stimulated through the phosphorylation of receptor‐regulated Smad (R‐Smad) and inhibited through the dephosphorylation of R‐Smad or the gene induction of inhibitory Smad (I‐Smad). Little information is available on the regulation of R‐Smad gene expression. BMP4 potentiated the up‐regulation of Smad8/9 expression in C2C12, H9c2, 3T3‐L1, HepG2, B16, and primary fibroblasts. BMP4‐induced Smad8/9 expression was cycloheximide‐insensitive and LDN‐193189‐sensitive, suggesting a direct event mediated through BMP type I receptors. BMP4 transcriptionally stimulated the Smad8/9 gene, and BMP‐responsive elements (BREs) spanning nt −121 to nt −44 are involved in the up‐regulation of Smad8/9 expression in response to BMP4. Phosphorylated Smad1/5/8/9 specifically bound to the BREs of Smad8/9 gene. The present study reveals that Smad8/9 is a unique R‐Smad regulated through the BMP pathway at the mRNA level. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1788–1796, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combining classical molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical methods for the description of electronic excitations: The case of carotenoids
Authors: Prandi Ingrid G. , Viani Lucas , Andreussi Oliviero , Mennucci Benedetta
Published: January 2016

Carotenoids are important actors both in light‐harvesting (LH) and in photoprotection functions of photosynthetic pigment–protein complexes. A deep theoretical investigation of this multiple role is still missing owing to the difficulty of describing the delicate interplay between electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom. A possible strategy is to combine accurate quantum mechanical (QM) methods with classical molecular dynamics. To do this, however, accurate force–fields (FF) are necessary. This article presents a new FF for the different carotenoids present in LH complexes of plants. The results show that all the important structural properties described by the new FF are in very good agreement with QM reference values. This increased accuracy in the simulation of the structural fluctuations is also reflected in the description of excited states. Both the energy order and the different nature of the lowest singlet states are preserved during the dynamics when the new FF is used, whereas an unphysical mixing is found when a standard FF is used. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Possible mechanism of BN fullerene formation from a boron cluster: Density‐functional tight‐binding molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Ohta Y.
Published: January 2016

We simulate the formation of a BN fullerene from an amorphous B cluster at 2000 K by quantum mechanical molecular dynamics based on the density‐functional tight‐binding method. We run 30 trajectories 200 ps in length, where N atoms are supplied around the target cluster, which is initially an amorphous B36 cluster. Most of the incident N atoms are promptly incorporated into the target cluster to form B‐N‐B bridges or NB3 pyramidal local substructures. BN fullerene formation is initiated by alternating BN ring condensation. Spontaneous atomic rearrangement and N2 dissociation lead to the construction of an sp2 single‐shelled structure, during which the BN cluster undergoes a transition from a liquid‐like to a solid‐like state. Continual atomic rearrangement and sporadic N2 dissociation decrease the number of defective rings in the BN cluster and increase the number of six‐membered rings, forming a more regular shell structure. The number of four‐membered rings tends to remain constant, and contributes to more ordered isolated‐tetragon‐rule ring placement. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ex situ bioremediation of chlorophenol contaminated soil: comparison of slurry and solid‐phase bioreactors with the two‐step polymer extraction‐bioregeneration process
Authors: Mosca Angelucci Domenica , Tomei M Concetta
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

An innovative approach for ex situ soil bioremediation, based on absorptive polymers extraction combined with biological regeneration of the polymer in a two‐phase partitioning bioreactor (TPPB), was tested to remediate soil contaminated by chlorophenols. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of the proposed technology in comparison with conventional technologies, such as slurry bioreactors and solid‐phase bioreactors.

RESULTS

A soil highly contaminated (∼4 g kg−1 for each compound) by a mixture of 4‐chlorophenol (4CP) and pentachlorophenol (PCP), was treated with different bioremediation systems. Removal efficiencies achieved with polymer extraction were >70% for a contact time of 24 h; the contaminated polymer was then regenerated in a TPPB (∼100 and 85% biodegradation efficiencies for 4CP and PCP, respectively). No degradation of PCP occurred in conventional bioreactors, while, for 4CP, 40 days were required for its biodegradation in the slurry bioreactor, and 80 days to reach 67% removal in the solid‐phase bioreactor.

CONCLUSION

Advantages of the two‐step polymer‐based soil treatment in comparison with conventional technologies have been demonstrated for chlorophenols contaminated soils: efficiencies in the range 70–80% for soil decontamination and almost complete mineralization of the two compounds were achieved with reaction times suitable for application (<20 days). © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Emerging therapy in arthritis: Modulation of markers of the inflammatory process
Authors: Mortarino P.A. , Goy D.P. , Abramson D.B. , Cabello J. , Bumaguin G.E. , Vitelli E.J. , Toledo J. , Sarrio L. , Pezzotto S.M. , Mardegan Issa J.P. , Cointry G.R. , Feldman S.
Published: January 2016

The induction of tolerance has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for arthritis aiming to decrease progression of the pathology, probably by promoting suppressor mechanisms of the autoimmune response. This work aimed to confirm whether the treatment with vitamin D3 could synergize oral tolerance induced by hydrolyzed collagen peptides, in our experimental model of antigen induced arthritis in New Zealand rabbits. Clinical observation of the phenomenon indicates that simultaneous treatment with hydrolyzed collagen peptides and vitamin D3 was beneficial when compared with no treatment, for arthritic animals, and for arthritic animals that received treatment with only hydrolyzed collagen peptides or vitamin D3. Treatment with hydrolyzed collagen peptides caused diminished proinflammatory cytokine levels, an effect synergized significantly by the simultaneous treatment with vitamin D3. The anatomical‐pathological studies of the animals that received both treatments simultaneously showed synovial tissues without lymphocytic and plasma cell infiltrates, and without vascular proliferation. Some of the synovial tissue of the animals of these groups showed a slight decrease in Galectin‐3 expression. We propose that simultaneous oral treatment with vitamin D3 and hydrolyzed collagen peptides could increase the immunoregulatory effect on the process of previously triggered arthritis. We used articular cartilage hydrolysate and not collagen II because peptides best expose antigenic determinants that could induce oral tolerance. Oral tolerance may be considered in the design of novel alternative therapies for autoimmune disease and we have herein presented novel evidence that the simultaneous treatment with vitamin D3 may synergize this beneficial effect. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:89–97, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synchrotron radiation X‐ray micro‐fluorescence: Protocol to study mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Rezende Karla Mayra , Bönecker Marcelo , Perez Carlos Alberto , Mantesso Andrea
Published: January 2016

The micro‐X‐ray fluorescence by synchrotron radiation (μ‐XRF) is a method to determine the composition of tissues without destroying the samples. However, this technique has never been used for the analysis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). This study compared different protocols for fixing, storing, preserving, and establishing the correct numbers of dental derived MSC submitted to μ‐XRF analysis. Stem cells were obtained from human dental tissue. After cell expansion, and MACS isolation, the samples were fixed and the following quantities of cells 1 × 104 to 1 × 107 were divided in two groups: G1: fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde diluted in phosphate‐buffered saline solution, and G2: fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde diluted in MilliQ water. The G1 cells showed precipitation of chemical components from the solution resulting in the formation of salt crystals while G2 cells were clear and almost transparent in the sample holder. With regards to cells concentration, the best results occurred when four droplets of 1 × 107 cells were analyzed. This work shows that to identify and study the distribution of trace elements in MSC by μ‐XRF, the best protocol is fixation in 4% paraformaldehyde diluted with MilliQ water at 4°C and a concentration of four incremental droplets of 1 × 107 cells. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:149–154, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Online coupling of high‐performance liquid chromatography with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the identification of historical dyes
Authors: Zaffino Chiara , Bedini Giulia Dulcedo , Mazzola Giorgio , Guglielmi Vittoria , Bruni Silvia
Published: January 2016

High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is still, today, the technique of choice for the analysis of natural dyes in artistic objects and historical textiles, particularly in association with photodiode array (PDA) detection. In the last two decades, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) gained also increasing importance for these investigations thanks to its sensitivity and limited requirements in terms of sample quantity. In favor of SERS, its high specificity in molecular recognition typical of vibrational spectroscopy should be mentioned, whereas this non‐separative technique is obviously disadvantaged in the analyses of mixed chromophores, as is often the case of many natural dyes and also of tints obtained by the combined use of different colorants. An optimized experimental setup combining the two techniques, HPLC‐PDA and SERS, is proposed in the present work, allowing online SERS detection of different dyeing compounds eluted from the HPLC column. Examples are presented concerning some of the colorants most widely used in history, such as morin and luteolin for yellow dyes, alizarin, purpurin, laccaic, kermesic, and carminic acids for red ones, and indigotin for blue tints. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chinese researchers, scholarly communication behaviour and trust
Authors: Nicholas David , Xu Jie , Xu Lifang , Su Jing , Watkinson Anthony
Published: January 2016

Over 660 Chinese researchers were questioned about their scholarly use, citing, and publishing and how trust is exercised in these key activities. Research showed few signs of new forms of scholarly usage behaviour taking hold, despite multiple opportunities afforded by Science 2.0 developments. Thus, for determining trustworthiness for usage purposes, the most important activity was reading the abstract. In terms of citations, citing the seminal source was the most common activity. In contrast, citing non‐peer reviewed sources, such as the social media, was not thought acceptable. For publishing, relevance to the field was the most important factor when choosing a place to publish. Comparisons were made with a study of 3650 international researchers, which employed the same methods and questions. The main differences between Chinese and international researchers were that the former (a) rated abstracts more highly, (b) took into account impact factors more when citing and publishing and (c) were much more likely to be influenced by institutional directives when placing their articles.
Early adopters of ORCID functionality enabling recognition of peer review: Two brief case studies
Authors: Hanson Brooks , Lawrence Rebecca , Meadows Alice , Paglione Laura
Published: January 2016

Key points

Publishers increasingly acknowledge the need for better recognition of peer review activities and are experimenting with ways to achieve this.

A recent community working group recommended a set of data exchange standards to support this recognition, and these have now been implemented by the Open Researcher and Contributor ID.

The American Geophysical Union and F1000 are the first adopters of this new functionality.
A Selective Mucin/Methylcellulose Hybrid Gel with Tailored Mechanical Properties
Authors: Nowald Constantin , Penk Anja , Chiu Hsin‐Yi , Bein Thomas , Huster Daniel , Lieleg Oliver
Published: January 2016

Mucin glycoproteins are key components of native mucus which serves as an initial barrier in the human body against microbial attack. Mucins are able to prevent bacterial adhesion and can trap viruses. However, the weak mechanical properties of mucin solutions have so far prevented their application in a physiological environment. Here, methylcellulose biopolymers are used as mechanical adjuvants to overcome this limitation and generate a thermoresponsive mucin/methylcellulose hybrid system. The hybrid material developed combines the selective permeability properties brought about by mucins with the thermal autogelation properties of methylcellulose. As a consequence, triggered by contact with body‐warm surfaces, the hybrid material rapidly forms a gel at physiological conditions, and this external temperature stimulus can also be harnessed to stimulate drug release from incorporated thermosensitive liposomes. Finally, the hybrid gel selectively retards the release of embedded molecules which can be used to further control and prolong drug release from the material.

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Recent Strategies in Tissue Engineering for Guided Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Belanger Kayla , Dinis Tony M. , Taourirt Sami , Vidal Guillaume , Kaplan David L. , Egles Christopher
Published: January 2016

The repair of large crushed or sectioned segments of peripheral nerves remains a challenge in regenerative medicine due to the complexity of the biological environment and the lack of proper biomaterials and architecture to foster reconstruction. Traditionally such reconstruction is only achieved by using fresh human tissue as a surrogate for the absence of the nerve. However, recent focus in the field has been on new polymer structures and specific biofunctionalization to achieve the goal of peripheral nerve regeneration by developing artificial nerve prostheses. This review presents various tested approaches as well their effectiveness for nerve regrowth and functional recovery.

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Study of photocatalytic properties of pure and doped ZnO powders
Authors: Labib S.
Published: January 2016

In this paper pure ZnO and doped Bi–ZnO powders annealed at 200 °C were prepared using conventional solid state reaction and were applied as photocatalysts for Cr(VI) reduction. Structural properties were studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and optical properties were investigated using photoluminescence (PL) spectrophotometry and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) absorbance spectroscopy. Based on the obtained results, it was found that bismuth (Bi) had a strong impact in varying the electronic structure of ZnO. This was mainly referred to Bi that existed in different states as an acceptor, donor and plasmonic nanostructure metal. According to the literature Bi was known to be acted as an acceptor and donor without knowing how it acted in this manner. A new mechanism was proposed describing the different states of Bi as waves having different orientations when interacting within ZnO. The time at which an interaction of incident UV light with the oriented Bi wave within ZnO occurred must be less than the duration of existence of such wave at this orientation.
Physical and mechanical properties of SEBS/polypropylene nanocomposites reinforced by nano CaCO3
Authors: Qazviniha M. R. , Abdouss M. , Musavi M. , Mazinani S. , Kalaee M.
Published: January 2016

In present study, styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylenes)‐b‐styrene triblock copolymer (SEBS) and polypropylene (PP) are prepared. This mixing is followed by adding 3, 5 and 10 wt% of nano CaCO3. The morphology and thermal behavior of PP/SEBS/nano‐CaCO3 compounds are characterized by different methods. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs of cryo‐fractured PP/SEBS/nano‐CaCO3 nanocomposites show that with increasing nano‐CaCO3 loading, the aggregation becomes worse. However, followed by adding 5 wt% nano‐CaCO3 into PP/SEBS nanocomposites, nano‐CaCO3 is homogeneously dispersed in PP matrix. The photomicrograph of transmission electron microscopy confirms that SEBS/PP/nano‐CaCO3 nanocomposites are formed, as low aggregations of calcium carbonate were well‐dispersed in polymer matrix. With a rise in nano‐filler content, the tensile and impact strength of PP/SEBS/CaCO3 nanocomposite are fixed while the elastic modulus of PP/SEBS nanocomposites increases followed by adding nano‐CaCO3 to polymer blend, which could be due to the acceptable nano‐CaCO3 dispersion quality.
Treatment Preferences at the End‐of‐Life in Parkinson's Disease Patients
Authors: Li Wei , Ng Hwee Lan , Li Wenyun , Piano Anthony N. , Karim Shireen Abdul , Tay Kay Yaw , Au Wing Lok , Tan Louis CS
Published: January 2016

Background

Few studies have been performed on palliative care in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study was undertaken to understand treatment preferences of PD patients toward end‐of‐life care.

Methods

A questionnaire modified from the Willingness to Accept Life‐Sustaining Treatment instrument was administered to participants. Four different scenarios based on the burden of care and outcome of the treatment were presented in detail to obtain decisions for end‐of‐life care. The responses in each scenario were compared between PD patients and controls. Further analyses were performed to identify factors that influenced treatment preferences among PD patients.

Results

In total, 136 PD patients and 60 controls were recruited. Parkinson's disease patients and controls were demographically similar, except that PD patients had more previous hospital admissions (P = 0.0195). Parkinson's disease patients were more likely to opt for high‐burden care with poor outcome than controls (odds ratio [OR] = 2.11, P = 0.04).

In the subgroup analysis for PD patients, the factors that influenced treatment preference toward end‐of‐life care were belief in religion (OR: 7.43, 95% confidence interval:1.97–28.07), higher Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score (2.51, 1.14–5.50) in scenario B; belief in religion (6.93, 2.23–21.43), married patients (6.93, 2.23–21.43) in scenario C; and Chinese patients (0.29, 0.10–0.79), better PD knowledge (0.37, 0.17–0.80), and higher UPDRS motor scores (3.05, 1.35–6.9) in scenario D.

Conclusion

Parkinson's disease patients were more likely to agree to high‐burden care with a poor outcome compared to controls. Among PD patients, race, marital status, religious status, knowledge about PD, and severity of motor impairment significantly influenced their end‐of‐life treatment preferences.
Lewy body pathology involves the olfactory cells in Parkinson's disease and related disorders
Authors: Saito Yuko , Shioya Ayako , Sano Terunori , Sumikura Hiroyuki , Murata Miho , Murayama Shigeo
Published: January 2016

Background

The “dual‐hit” and propagation hypotheses of α‐synuclein suggests that the olfactory cells of the olfactory epithelium are among the earliest sites of involvement in Parkinson's disease (PD). We investigated the olfactory epithelium in consecutive cases that had been registered with a brain bank.

Objectives

This study was undertaken to check the presence or absence of Lewy body pathology in olfactory cells.

Methods

Thirty‐six male and 11 female patients were examined, including eight with PD, two with dementia with Lewy bodies, 11 with incidental Lewy body disease, and 26 with no Lewy‐related alpha‐synucleinopathy. The olfactory epithelium was sampled by craniotomy followed by resection of the cribriform plate, which was fixed in formalin and decalcified with ethylenediaminetetra‐acetate. Coronal paraffin‐embedded sections of the plate were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or immunohistochemically stained with antibodies against phosphorylated α‐synuclein to detect Lewy body pathology and neuronal markers of protein gene product 9.5, phosphorylated neurofilament, and tyrosine hydroxylase.

Results

Lewy body pathology was detected in the olfactory cells of the olfactory epithelium in a single patient with incidental Lewy body disease and in six patients with PD, but it was not detected in patients who had dementia with Lewy bodies.

Conclusions

We detected Lewy body pathology in the olfactory epithelium in six of the eight patients with Parkinson's disease and in one patient with incidental Lewy body pathology. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Dopaminergic treatment modulates sensory attenuation at the onset of the movement in Parkinson's disease: A test of a new framework for bradykinesia
Authors: Macerollo Antonella , Chen Jui‐Cheng , Korlipara Prasad , Foltynie Thomas , Rothwell John , Edwards Mark John , Kilner James Morvan
Published: January 2016

Background

The primary motor sign of Parkinson's disease is bradykinesia. It has been surprisingly difficult to provide a clear neurobiological mechanism for this fundamental movement deficit in Parkinson's disease. It has been proposed that in healthy individuals the gating of sensory afferents prior to and during movement is an essential step in initiating movement. This down‐weighting has been proposed to account for the attenuation of the somatosensory evoked potential following median nerve stimulation at the onset of and during hand movements. The objective of this study was to test whether this sensory attenuation present at movement onset in healthy controls is present in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Methods

Eighteen right‐handed patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and 16 right‐handed age‐matched healthy participants were studied. Somatosensory evoked potentials were elicited after electrical stimulation of the median nerve at the wrist. Electroencephalograms were recorded over the scalp at 3 sites on according to the International 10‐20 System (F3, C3, and P3). Somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded in 2 conditions: at rest and at the onset of movement (a self‐paced abduction movement of the right thumb).

Results

Off medication, Parkinson's disease patients had no sensory attenuation at movement onset. On medication, sensory attenuation at movement onset was present.

Conclusions

We suggest that this preliminary result is consistent with the hypothesis that, a failure in sensory attenuation contributes to the difficulties in movement initiation in Parkinson's disease. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Docosahexaenoic acid attenuates adipose tissue angiogenesis and insulin resistance in high fat diet‐fed middle‐aged mice via a sirt1‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Luo Xiaoqin , Jia Ru , Yao Qinyu , Xu Yirui , Luo Zhenyu , Luo Xiao , Wang Nanping
Published: January 2016

Scope

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22: 6, n‐3), one of PUFAs, exerts beneficial effects on inflammatory diseases, obesity and diabetes. Angiogenesis in adipose tissue has a major role in the development of obesity and its related metabolic complications. Inhibition of angiogenesis is an emerging strategy for the novel treatment for obesity. Thus, we examined the effect of DHA on angiogenesis in adipose tissues and investigated the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

In high‐fat diet (HFD) fed middle‐aged mice, DHA inhibited the macrophage‐derived inflammation and angiogenesis in adipose tissues, reduced adipocyte size and body fat composition and improved insulin sensitivity. Moreover, DHA reversed the HFD‐induced reduction of Sirt1 in adipose tissues. Interestingly, the effects of DHA were attenuated by lentivirus‐mediated Sirt1 knockdown with increasing expression of markers of macrophage‐derived inflammation and angiogenesis, associated with impaired insulin sensitivity.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings demonstrated that DHA reduced angiogenesis of adipose tissues and attenuated insulin resistance in HFD‐induced obese mice via the activation of Sirt1.
Numerical modeling of dynamic rock fracture with a combined 3D continuum viscodamage‐embedded discontinuity model
Authors: Saksala T. , Brancherie D. , Ibrahimbegovic A.
Published: January 2016

This paper deals with numerical modeling of dynamic failure phenomena in rate‐sensitive quasi‐brittle materials, such as rocks, with initial microcrack populations. To this end, a continuum viscodamage‐embedded discontinuity model is developed and tested in full 3D setting. The model describes the pre‐peak nonlinear and rate‐sensitive hardening response of the material behavior, representing the fracture‐process zone creation, by a rate‐dependent continuum damage model. The post‐peak response, involving the macrocrack creation accompanied by exponential softening, is formulated by using an embedded displacement discontinuity model. The finite element implementation of this model relies upon the linear tetrahedral element, which seems appropriate for explicit dynamic analyses involving stress wave propagation. The problems of crack locking and spreading typical of embedded discontinuity models are addressed in this paper. A combination of two remedies, the inclusion of viscosity in the spirit of Wang's viscoplastic consistency approach and introduction of isotropic damaging into the embedded discontinuity model, is shown to be effective in the present explicit dynamics setting. The model performance is illustrated by several numerical simulations. In particular, the dynamic Brazilian disc test and the Kalthoff–Winkler experiment show that the present model provides realistic predictions with the correct failure modes and rate‐dependent tensile strengths of rock at different loading rates. The ability of initial embedded discontinuity populations to model the initial microcrack populations in rocks is also successfully tested. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rotaxane‐type hyperbranched polymers from a crown ether host and paraquat guests containing blocking groups
Authors: Lee Minjae , Gibson Harry W.
Published: January 2016

Rotaxane‐type hyperbranched polymers are synthesized for the first time from A2B type semi‐rotaxane monomers formed in situ via complexation of bis(m‐phenylene)‐32‐crown‐10 dimethanol (1) and two paraquat ω‐n‐alkylenecarboxylic acid derivatives with tris(p‐t‐butylphenyl)methylphenylalkylene stoppers (8 and 9). Rotaxane and taco complexes exist in solutions of the hyperbranched polyesters in CD3CN/CDCl3 as confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, but the taco complexes, which derive from non‐rotaxanated paraquat units, disappear in DMSO‐d6. NMR spectroscopy indicates the portion of rotaxanes strongly interlocked by the environment (inner rotaxanes) is larger in HP1•9, which has longer alkylene spacers, perhaps indicating a higher degree of polymerization. The molecular size increases upon formation of the hyperbranched polymers are confirmed by dynamic light scattering and by viscometry. As with covalent hyperbranched polymers a number of potential applications exist; the unique mechanically linked character and the presence of uncomplexed host and guest moieties foreshadow the use of such systems for their responses to external stimuli with the added benefit of providing molecular recognition sites useful as delivery vehicles. Use of other host‐guest motifs to form the semirotaxane A2B monomers is possible and complementary systems with higher binding constants will enable efficient syntheses of high molecular weight, mechanically linked hyperbranched polymers. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1647–1658
Pd‐initiated polymerization of diazo compounds bearing dialkoxyphosphinyl group and hydrolysis of the resulting polymers and oligomers to afford phosphonic acid‐containing products
Authors: Shimomoto Hiroaki , Oda Akira , Kanayama Motoki , Sako Tomoya , Itoh Tomomichi , Ihara Eiji , Hoshikawa Naohiro , Koiwai Akihiko , Hasegawa Naoki
Published: January 2016

Pd‐initiated polymerization and oligomerization of diazo compounds containing a dialkoxyphosphinyl group are described. Polymerization of 2‐dialkoxyphosphinylethyl diazoacetates with π‐allylPdCl‐based initiating systems afforded CC main chain polymers bearing phosphonate on each main chain carbon atom. The quantitative transformation of the side chain phosphonate to phosphonic acid resulted in the formation of water soluble polymers having the acid groups accumulated around their main chains, although the carbonyl ester linkage in the side chain was cleaved via intramolecular acid‐assisted hydrolysis in water at 80 °C. Pd‐initiated oligomerization of diethyl diazomethylphosphonate yielded an oligomeric product bearing diethoxyphosphiny groups directly attached to its main chain carbons, with unexpected incorporation of azo group in the main chain framework. Hydrolysis of the phosphonate of the oligomer afforded a water‐soluble product, which was revealed to show higher proton conductivity than poly(vinylphosphonic acid) under certain conditions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1742–1751
Simulation of pulse responses of lithium salt‐doped poly ethyleneoxide
Authors: Liu Ao , Zeng Fei , Hu Yuandong , Lu Siheng , Dong Wenshuai , Li Xiaojun , Chang Chiating , Guo Dong
Published: January 2016

Ionic migration in organic electrolytes resembles that in neural system involving signal transportation. Here, ionic dynamic simulations are applied to explore pulse responses of lithium‐doped polyethyleneoxide complexes. Two main interactions were considered: diffusion of ions and directional movement guided by an applied electric field. Frequency responses are simulated using arbitrary wave shape. It is found that redistribution of ions results in accumulation of charge and establishes a reverse inbuilt electric field controlling the discharging process and the frequency response. The charging current's wave shape is controlled mainly by contribution from the diffusion process, which strengthens the charging current in the first millisecond before weakening it. For stimulation with higher energy density (higher frequency), activation of ion channels should be considered and an active ion number is introduced to describe the process. The weights of calculated discharging current agree well with the experimental results. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 831–837
New insights on the mitochondrial proteome plasticity in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Aroso Miguel , Ferreira Rita , Freitas Ana , Vitorino Rui , Gomez‐Lazaro Maria
Published: January 2016

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases whose relentless progression results in severe disability. Although PD aetiology is unknown, growing evidences point to the mitochondrial involvement in the pathobiology of this disorder. So, it seems imperative to understand the means by which the molecular pathways harboured in this organelle are regulated. With the advances in MS‐based proteomics, there is a substantial expectation in the increased knowledge of mitochondrial protein dynamics. Still, few studies have been performed on mitochondrial protein profiling in the context of PD. In order to integrate data from these studies, network analyses were performed taking into consideration variables such as model of PD, cell line, or tissue origin. Overall, data retrieved from these analyses highlighted the modulation of the biological processes related with “generation of energy,” “cellular metabolism,” and “mitochondrial transport” in PD. However, it was noted that the impact of sample type and/or PD model on the biological processes was modulated by the disease. Moreover, technical considerations related to protein characterization using gel‐based or gel‐free MS approaches should be considered in data comparison among different studies. Data from the present review will help to envisage future studies targeting these mechanisms.
Silicon‐based nanocomposites for thermoelectric application
Authors: Schierning Gabi , Stoetzel Julia , Chavez Ruben , Kessler Victor , Hall Joseph , Schmechel Roland , Schneider Tom , Petermann Nils , Wiggers Hartmut , Angst Sebastian , Wolf Dietrich E. , Stoib Benedikt , Greppmair Anton , Stutzmann Martin , Brandt Martin S.
Published: January 2016

Here we present the realization of efficient and sustainable silicon‐based thermoelectric materials from nanoparticles. We employ a gas phase synthesis for the nanoparticles which is capable of producing doped silicon (Si) nanoparticles, doped alloy nanoparticles of silicon and germanium (Ge), SixGe1–x, and doped composites of Si nanoparticles with embedded metal silicide precipitation phases. Hence, the so‐called “nanoparticle in alloy” approach, theoretically proposed in the literature, forms a guideline for the material development. For bulk samples, a current‐activated pressure‐assisted densification process of the nanoparticles was optimized in order to obtain the desired microstructure. For thin films, a laser annealing process was developed. Thermoelectric transport properties were characterized on nanocrystalline bulk samples and laser‐sintered‐thin films. Devices were produced from nanocrystalline bulk silicon in the form of p–n junction thermoelectric generators, and their electrical output data were measured up to hot side temperatures of 750 °C. In order to get a deeper insight into thermoelectric properties and structure forming processes, a 3D‐Onsager network model was developed. This model was extended further to study the p–n junction thermoelectric generator and understand the fundamental working principle of this novel device architecture.

Gas phase synthesis of composite nanoparticles; nanocrystalline bulk with optimized composite microstructure; laser‐annealed thin film.
Milliwatt‐class GaN‐based blue vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting lasers fabricated by epitaxial lateral overgrowth
Authors: Hamaguchi Tatsushi , Fuutagawa Noriyuki , Izumi Shouichiro , Murayama Masahiro , Narui Hironobu
Published: January 2016

We have achieved continuous‐wave (CW) operation of gallium nitride (GaN)‐based vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting lasers (VCSELs) fabricated by epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) using dielectric distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) as masks for selective growth. The GaN VCSELs exhibited CW operation at a wavelength of 453.9 nm, and the maximum output power was 1.1 mW, which is the highest value reported to date. GaN‐based materials have presented challenges for obtaining DBRs with high reflectivity and a wide stopband, precise control of the cavity length and a lateral confinement structure to provide laser operation. The proposed VCSEL is immune to these concerns. Its two dielectric DBRs were obtained free from cracks. A high reflectance of more than 99.9% and a stopband with a width of 80–97 nm were obtained for both DBRs. The cavity length was controlled by epitaxial growth to as short as 4.5 µm. An ITO contact electrode on p‐type GaN, which is required for a lateral confinement structure, showed electrical reliability under a high current density of 59.6 kA cm−2. The present data demonstrate that the fabrication process adopted here overcomes the shortcomings that have prevented the widespread use of GaN‐based VCSELs.
Modelling and Thermal Analysis of Tray‐layered Fruits inside Ventilated Packages during Forced‐air Precooling
Authors: Lu Li‐xin , Chen Xiu‐qin , Wang Jun
Published: January 2016

Ventilated packaging is widely used in the forced‐air precooling practice for horticultural produce. Fresh fruits are living organisms which are sensitive to temperature in turn related to airflow and heat transfer inside package. In this study, a transient mathematical model considering heat of respiration and evaporation is developed to predict the thermal response of tray‐layered fruits in ventilated packages during forced‐air precooling. Specifically, the heat source is combined with the energy conservation equation and loaded into numerical solution by User Defined Function (UDF). Temperature profiles of three variously distributed circular and oblong vents in three different patterns (spaced, paralleled and crossed stacking) are simulated, separately. The results show that the heat source affects fruit cooling process, and the layered fruit in paralleled stacking pattern tends to be cooled better than others. Furthermore, the results indicate that vertical oblong vent could improve the longitudinal and lateral airflow, while non‐central vent design could greatly improve the overall cooling performance. Definitely a triangular distribution of three circular vents was superior to laterally distributed centre vents with 66.5% higher uniformity and 2.5°C lower of the highest temperature. Compared with the three identical vertical oblong vent conditions, vent design with one hand hole and two side vertical oblong vents can be cooled more uniformly with an increase of 6.5%. It is revealed that vents with large major‐to‐minor axis ratio could be applied to balance airflow and ease cooling differences for a rapid but uniform cooling. Experimental validations were performed for Sim2, Sim4 and Sim6, Sim8, Sim9, and good agreement was obtained considering the five vent conditions with the error less than 3.5°C but coordinated later (within the limits of the experimental uncertainty).Thus the numerical model can be used to predict and optimize temperature distribution within precooling packages. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of different alloying additives and pre‐treatments on the anodising behaviour of AA2007
Authors: Schlögl C. M. , Antrekowitsch H.
Published: January 2016

Most of the common alloying additives in wrought aluminium alloys have a strong impact on the anodising process and the aluminium oxide surface layer produced. Depending on their concentration, appearance in the aluminium matrix and electrochemical behaviour, they lead to different colouring and optical appearance of the aluminium oxide, respectively. These elements could also have an impact on the layer thickness and affect their regularity of them. In most cases, the influence of corrosion resistance and surface hardness is unavoidable. Therefore, the aim of this work is to analyse and illustrate the impact of different aluminium grain refiners (like TiB2 and Zr) and chip breaking additives (like Bi, Sn and Pb) on the anodising behaviour of AA2007 aluminium. Hence, several AlCuMg alloys with varied amount of these substitutes were produced and heat treated. To avoid and discover interdependencies of alloying elements, materials with only one alloying element (like Al‐1%Ti) were also produced. Additionally, different chemical and mechanical pre‐treatments were compared. Variations in current densities during the anodising processes completed the investigation. In the experimental part, the different materials were mechanically (e.g. turning, milling and polishing) and chemically pre‐treated (in NaOH and/or HNO3), anodised in sulphuric acid and hot sealed in a pilot plant. After the whole anodising process, cross‐section preparations in combination with scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis helped to investigate the impact of single alloying additives, reflect the effects of different pre‐treatments and show the results of variation in anodising conditions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.