bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brn3a and Brn3b knockout mice display unvaried retinal fine structure despite major morphological and numerical alterations of ganglion cells
Authors: Ghinia Miruna Georgiana , Novelli Elena , Sajgo Szilard , Badea Tudor Constantin , Strettoi Enrica 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTGanglion cells (GCs), the retinal output neurons, receive synaptic inputs from bipolar and amacrine cells in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and send information to the brain nuclei via the optic nerve. Although GCs constitute less than 1% of the total retinal cells, they occur in numerous types and are the first neurons formed during retinal development. Using Brn3a and Brn3b mutant mice in which the alkaline phosphatase gene was knocked‐in (Badea et al. [Neuron] 2009;61:852–864; Badea and Nathans [Vision Res] 2011;51:269–279), we studied the general effects after gene removal on the retinal neuropil together with the consequences of lack of development of large numbers of GCs onto the remaining retinal neurons of the same class. We analyzed the morphology, number, and general architecture of various neuronal types presynaptic to GCs, searching for changes secondary to the decrement in the number of their postsynaptic partners, as well as the morphology and distribution of retinal astrocytes, for their strong topographical relation to GCs. We found that, despite GC losses, retinal organization in Brn3 null mice is remarkably similar to that of wild‐type controls. J. Comp. Neurol. 527:187–211, 2019. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Colloidal Properties of Aqueous Poly(vinyl acetate)–Borate Dispersions with Short‐Chain Glycol Ethers
Authors: Duncan Teresa T. , Berrie Barbara H. , Weiss Richard G. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe report the influence of adding five short‐chain glycol ethers (SCGEs) on the structure, stability, and viscoelastic properties of aqueous dispersions of partially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl acetate) and borax. The properties of these gel‐like materials have been investigated as a function of the structure of the added SCGE both below and above the critical aggregation (or micellar) concentrations using 11B and 13C NMR, rheology, and small‐angle neutron scattering. The results indicate that the SCGE aggregation behavior is not affected by incorporation into the gel‐like network. However, changes in the viscoelasticity and structural properties of the dispersions were detected that can be correlated to the nature of the solvent system. Also, the ability of these materials to clean an unvarnished acrylic paint surface coated with synthetic soil has been evaluated using colorimetery, and the surface of the dispersion after cleaning was visualized with scanning electron microscopy.
Envelope tests for spatial point patterns with and without simulation
Authors: Wiegand Thorsten , Grabarnik Pavel , Stoyan Dietrich 
Published: July 2016

AbstractModel testing is a central step of spatial point pattern analysis, which allows ecologists to judge if their data agree with ecological hypotheses. We present a simple and elegant solution of a challenging problem: the construction of a goodness‐of‐fit envelope test with prescribed significance levelα. Our new Analytical Global Envelope (AGE) test is not restricted to the narrow frame of complete spatial randomness testing and its envelopes can be determined by mathematical calculations. This allows us to investigate the influence of key settings of theAGEtest on the width of the envelope strip. To circumvent some assumptions of the simulation‐freeAGEtest we present a corresponding Simulation‐Based Global Envelope (SBGE) test. The envelope strip of theAGEand theSBGEtest encircles the range of a summary function such as the pair correlation function under the null model, and it has the desired property that the null hypothesis can be rejected with significance levelαif the empirical summary function wanders outside the envelopes. TheAGEtest can be applied under the mild conditions that the values of the summary functions under the null model are (approximately) normally distributed and are (approximately) independent for different distance binsrj. TheSBGEtest requires only the independence assumption. The width of the strip of theAGEenvelopes scales for a broad range of point processes with 1/n, wherenis the number of points. This casts doubt about attempts of goodness‐of‐fit testing with lown(say <100). TheAGEandSBGEtest operate with wider envelope strips than the classical “pointwise” test. Therefore, the pointwise test has to be considered as too liberal. Furthermore, we show that the width of theAGE/SBGEstrip increases approximately with ln(b), wherebis the number of distance bins. For example, theAGE/SBGEenvelopes are forb = 20 more than 50% wider than the corresponding pointwise envelopes. Our study opens up new avenues to the test problem in point pattern statistics and the newAGEandSBGEtests can be widely applied in ecology to improve the practice in null model testing.
Postdefoliation ecosystem carbon and water flux and canopy growth dynamics in sagebrush steppe bunchgrasses
Authors: Hamerlynck Erik P. , Sheley Roger L. , Davies Kirk W. , Svejcar Tony J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractDeveloping land‐use practices that lead to sustainable net primary productivity in rangelands are important, but understanding their consequences to population and community processes is not often accounted for in basic ecosystem studies. Grazed and ungrazed upland ecosystems generally do not differ in net ecosystemCO2exchange (NEE), but the underlying mechanisms and the concurrent effects of defoliation to vegetative and reproductive biomass allocation are unclear. To address this, we measured evapotranspiration (ET),NEE, and its constituent fluxes of ecosystem respiration (Reco) and gross ecosystem photosynthesis (GEP) with live canopy leaf area index (LAIlive; m2live leaf area/m2ground area) and aboveground leaf, culm, and reproductive biomass in plots of clipped and unclipped squirreltail (Elymus elymoides) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) growing in intact sagebrush steppe. Clipping reducedLAIliveby 75%, but subsequent re‐growth rates in clipped plots was similar toLAIliveaccumulation in unclipped plots. Concurrently,ETandNEEwas similar between clipped and unclipped plots, withNEEprimarily determined byGEP.GEPwas initially lower in clipped plots, but then converged with unclippedGEPeven asLAIlivecontinued to increase in both treatments.GEPconvergence was driven by higher whole‐plant photosynthesis (GEPlive = GEP/LAIlive) in clipped plots. Ecosystem water use efficiency (GEP/ET) was reduced by 16% with clipping, due to lowGEP/ET2 weeks following defoliation, butGEP/ETconverged beforeGEPlevels did. Proportional reproductive biomass was higher inE. elymoides(21.4% total biomass) than inP. spicata(0.5% total biomass) due to lower allocation to specific leaf and culm mass. Clipping reduced reproductive effort inE. elymoides, in terms of total reproductive biomass (−56%), seed mass per unit leaf area (−64%), and seed mass per flowering head (−77%). We concluded defoliation increased canopy‐level light penetration, facilitating rapid recovery of ecosystem fluxes, but that allocation to vegetative regrowth supporting this led to lower reproductive effort in these range grasses. Insights from studies such as this will be useful in formulating systems‐based land management strategies aimed at maintaining annual productivity and long‐term population and community goals in semiarid rangeland ecosystems.
One‐pot Synthesized Co/Co3O4‐N‐Graphene Composite as Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction and Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: He Bincai , Chen Xingxing , Lu Jingming , Yao Songdong , Wei Jiong , Zhao Qi , Jing Deshui , Huang Xinning , Wang Tao 
Published: July 2016

AbstractEfficient bifunctional catalysts for reversible oxygen electrodes, for electrocatalysis of both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reactions (OER) are envisioned to make a significant contribution towards the need for environmentally friendly and renewable energy systems. Despite tremendous efforts, there is still need for further development of bifunctional catalysts to achieve low‐cost catalysts with stable satisfactory long‐term performance, enhanced kinetics of the ORR and OER and high round‐trip electrolytic‐galvanic mode voltage efficiency. Herein, we demonstrate a simple one‐pot procedure for synthesis of a bifunctional catalyst comprised of a composite of cobalt/cobalt oxide and N‐doped graphene (denoted as Co/Co3O4‐N‐graphene), which exhibits very good performance in the electrocatalysis of both ORR and OER in alkaline solution. The prepared composite was characterized by TEM, SEM, Raman, XRD and XPS, to give insight of its structure‐performance correlation. The results reveal that the structure of N‐doped graphene is preserved and that both metallic Co and its oxide form of Co3O4 co‐existed in the prepared composite, with metallic Co being predominant crystalline component. Generally, a high ratio of Co in the prepared composite led to improvement of the onset potential for the OER.
Serial multiple crossed immunoelectrophoresis at a microscale: A stamp‐sized 2D immunoanalysis of protein C3 activation caused by nanoparticles
Authors: Coty Jean‐Baptiste , Varenne Fanny , Vachon Jean‐Jacques , Vauthier Christine 
Published: July 2016

Crossed immunoelectrophoresis (C‐IE) is used to detect and quantify specific proteins. An application allowed the evaluation of complement system activation by nanomaterials. The work aimed to improve the C‐IE toward a higher throughput and less tedious method. A new concept was implemented to prepare and run agarose gels. The first and the second dimension of electrophoresis were performed on a single gel plate, prepared before the beginning of the analysis. Several samples were migrated simultaneously on the same migration line. Up to 35 analyses were run at once, providing stamp‐sized electrophoregrams (2.8 × 3 cm2) maintaining the performance of the original method performed on 5 × 7 cm2 gel slabs. Robustness and precision of the method were demonstrated through a validation approach using ANOVA. Handling, experimental duration, amount of reagents, and overall cost of one analysis were considerably reduced compared to the original method. With the same equipment, seven times more analyses can be performed in one run. C‐IE can be used to analyze many types of proteins. The new experimental modalities were suitable for the application developed in the present work that was to evaluate activation of protein C3 of the complement system triggered by nanomaterials.
5G‐XHaul: a converged optical and wireless solution for 5G transport networks
Authors: Gutiérrez Jesús , Maletic Nebojsa , Camps‐Mur Daniel , García Eduard , Berberana Ignacio , Anastasopoulos Markos , Tzanakaki Anna , Kalokidou Vaia , Flegkas Paris , Syrivelis Dimitris , Korakis Thanasis , Legg Peter , Markovic Dusan , Lyberopoulos George , Bartelt Jens , Chaudhary Jay Kant , Grieger Michael , Vucic Nikola , Zou Jim , Grass Eckhard 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe common European Information and Communications Technology sector vision for 5G is that it should leverage on the strengths of both optical and wireless technologies. In the 5G context, a wide spectra of radio access technologies—such as millimetre wave transmission, massive multiple‐input multiple‐output and new waveforms—demand for high capacity, highly flexible and convergent transport networks. As the requirements imposed on future 5G networks rise, so do the challenges in the transport network. Hence, 5G‐XHaul proposes a converged optical and wireless transport network solution with a unified control plane based on software defined networking. This solution is able to support the flexible backhaul and fronthaul—X‐Haul—options required to tackle the future challenges imposed by 5G radio access technologies. 5G‐XHaul studies the trade‐offs involving fully or partially converged backhaul and fronthaul functions, with the aim of maximising the associated sharing benefits, improving efficiency in resource utilisation and providing measurable benefits in terms of overall cost, scalability and sustainability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The rehydration behavior of microwave‐dried amaranth (Amaranthus dubius) leaves
Authors: Mujaffar Saheeda , Lee Loy Alex 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe effect of temperature (35, 50, and 60°C) on the rehydration behavior of microwave‐dried amaranth (Amaranthus dubius) leaves was investigated. Leaves were dried at 700 W power level before rehydrating in water. The higher the rehydration temperature, the higher the equilibrium moisture content of the leaves, although the effect was not statistically significant. The increase in rehydration ratio was significant only as temperature increased from 50 to 60°C. The process was adequately described by the Peleg sorption model, with the Peleg rate constant (K1) and the Peleg capacity constant (K2), both decreasing as rehydration temperature increased. While the color difference (ΔE) between fresh leaves and leaves rehydrated at 35°C was significantly higher than for the leaves rehydrated at 50 and 60°C, this difference was not visible. Cooking of leaves occurred beyond 120 min at the higher rehydration temperatures . Based on the results, rehydration of microwave‐dried leaves was successfully carried out at 35°C, however, rehydrated leaves were darker than the fresh leaves. Increasing the temperature to 50°C improved the rehydration capacity and the color of the leaves, however, cooking of leaves occurred by the second hour of the process.
Effectiveness of critical care pathways for head and neck cancer surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Gordon Steven A. , Reiter Evan R. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundCritical care pathways (CCPs) are implemented within health care systems as a means to systematically decrease resource utilization, whereas maintaining a high level of care for patients with a specific diagnosis. Previous studies have shown equivocal results for CCPs in head and neck cancer surgery.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review evaluating studies of CCPs for head and neck cancer surgery, with individual outcome measures analyzed separately to describe the effect of each implemented pathway.ResultsTen before and after studies were included for systematic review. Nine reported statistically significant decreases in median/mean length of stay and 5 reported statistically significant decreases in cost of care per case.ConclusionAlthough the results are encouraging and point toward the ability of CCPs to decrease length of stay and cost of care, the evidence cannot be considered exhaustive because of the studies’ inability to account for temporal trends. Further controlled studies are recommended to validate the benefits of CCPs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1421–1427, 2016
A Plot‐Scale Monitoring Experiment To Assess The Agricultural Non‐Point Source Pollution Reductions Achieved By Silt Fences and Berms
Authors: Jang Min Won , Kim Dong Hyeon , Jang Jeong Ryeol , Kim Sang Min 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the non‐point source pollution reductions by a silt fence and berm through field monitoring. Experimental plots were established in two sizes on three slopes (110 m2 on 3 and 9% slopes, and 225 m2 on 6% slope). Flumes were used to monitor plot runoff. Runoff samples were collected during heavy rainfall (12 events from 2011 to 2014) for subsequent analysis. Cultivated crops were radish, Chinese cabbage and soybean. Runoff from the silt fence and berm treatment plots was 23.1 and 25.8% lower, respectively, than that from the control plot. On average the silt fence reduced BOD losses by −10.0% (i.e. 10% increase), COD by 28.7%, T‐N by 42.5%, T–P by 22.7%, and SS by 48.0% compared to losses from the control plot. The berm reduced BOD losses by 34.1%, COD by 30.0%, T‐N by 30.8%, T–P by 68.9%, and SS by 59.9% compared to losses from the control plot. The SS load reductions were statistically significant (5% level). Thus, the silt fence and berm were both effective in reducing pollutant losses in surface runoff. However, long‐term monitoring is required to obtain a more quantitative and reliable description of the reduction effect for diverse crops. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The component leaching from decellularized pericardial bioscaffolds and its implication in the macrophage response
Authors: Mendoza‐Novelo Birzabith , Castellano Laura E. , Padilla‐Miranda Ruth G. , Lona‐Ramos María C. , Cuéllar‐Mata Patricia , Vega‐González Arturo , Murguía‐Pérez Mario , Mata‐Mata José L. , Ávila Eva E. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe extracellular matrix molecules remaining in bioscaffolds derived from decellularized xenogeneic tissues appear to be important for inducing cell functions conducting tissue regeneration. Here, we studied whether decellularization methods, that is, detergent Triton X‐100 (TX) alone and TX combined with reversible alkaline swelling (STX), applied to bovine pericardial tissue, could affect the bioscaffold components. Thein vitromacrophage response, subdermal biodegradation, and cell infiltration were also studied. The results indicate a lower leaching of fibronectin, but a higher leaching of laminin and sulfated glycosaminoglycans from tissues decellularized with STX and TX, respectively. Thein vitrosecretion of interleukin‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein by RAW264.7 macrophages is promoted by decellularized bioscaffold leachates. A lower polymorphonuclear cell density is observed around decellularized bioscaffolds at 1‐day implantation; concurrently showing a higher cell infiltration in STX‐ than in TX‐implant. Cells infiltrated into TX‐implant show a fibroblastic morphology at 7‐day implantation, concurrently the capillary formation is observed at 14‐day. Pericardial bioscaffolds suffer biodegradation more pronounced in STX‐ than in TX‐implant. Both TX and STX decellularization methods favor a high leaching of basal lamina components, which presumably promotes a faster macrophage stimulation compared to nondecellularized tissue, and appear to be associated with an increased host cell infiltration in a rat subdermal implantation. Meanwhile, the connective tissue components leaching from TX decellularized bioscaffolds, unlike the STX ones, appear to be associated with an enhanced angiogenesis accompanied by an early‐promoted fibroblastic cell transition. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2810–2822, 2016.
Biofilm formation of periodontal pathogens on hydroxyapatite surfaces: Implications for periodontium damage
Authors: Jaffar Norzawani , Miyazaki Toshiki , Maeda Toshinari 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBiofilm formation of periodontal pathogens on teeth surfaces promotes the progression of periodontal disease. Hence, understanding the mechanisms of bacterial attachment to the dental surfaces may inform strategies for the maintenance of oral health. Although hydroxyapatite (HA) is a major calcium phosphate component of teeth, effect of biofilm formation on HA surfaces remains poorly characterized. In this study, biofilm‐forming abilities by the periodontal pathogens Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Y4 and Porphyromonas gingivalis 381 were investigated on dense and porous HAs that represent enamel and dentin surfaces, respectively. These experiments showed greater biofilm formation on porous HA, but differing attachment profiles and effects of the two pathogens. Specifically, while the detachment of A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4 biofilm was observed, P. gingivalis 381 biofilm increased with time. Moreover, observations of HA morphology following formation of A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4 biofilm revealed gaps between particles, whereas no significant changes were observed in the presence of P. gingivalis 381. Finally, comparisons of calcium leakage showed only slight differences between bacterial species and HA types and may be masked by bacterial calcium uptake. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2873–2880, 2016.
Low Dentin Matrix Protein 1 Is Associated With Incident Cardiovascular Events in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Yoon Chang-Yun , Park Jimin , Seo Changhwan , Nam Bo Young , Kim Seonghun , Kee Youn Kyung , Lee Misol , Cha Min-Uk , Kim Hyoungnae , Park Seohyun , Yun Hae-Ryong , Jung Su-Young , Jhee Jong Hyun , Kwon Young Eun , Wu Meiyan , Um Jae Eun , Kang Hye-Young , Park Jung Tak , Han Seung Hyeok , Kang Shin-Wook , Kim Hyeon Chang , Park Sungha , Lim Sung-Kil , Yoo Tae-Hyun 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

Recent reports demonstrated that dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) acts as an inhibitor of vascular calcification and might be a potential biomarker for chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder; however, no clinical investigations regarding DMP1 have been performed in dialysis patients. We investigated the prognostic value of DMP1 on cardiovascular outcomes in prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients. We recruited 223 prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients and divided them into high and low DMP1 groups according to log-transformed plasma DMP1 levels. Lateral lumbar spine radiographs were used for measurement of vascular calcification. Major cardiovascular events were compared between the two groups. A Cox proportional hazards analysis determined DMP1 was independently associated with cardiovascular outcomes. In vitro mouse osteocytes were cultured in media containing indoxyl sulfate (IS), and the expressions of DMP1 were examined. The mean age was 52.1 ± 11.8 years, and 116 (52.0%) patients were male. The median value of log DMP1 was 0.91 (0.32–2.81 ng/mL). The multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that DMP1 levels were independently associated with the presence of vascular calcification after adjustment for multiple confounding factors (odds ratio = 0.719; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.522–0.989; p = 0.043). During a mean follow-up duration of 34.6 months, incident cardiovascular events were observed in 41 (18.4%) patients. A Kaplan-Meier plot showed that the low DMP1 group had a significantly higher rate of incident cardiovascular events compared with the high DMP1 group (log-rank test, p = 0.026). In addition, multiple Cox analysis showed that low DMP1 was significantly associated with incident cardiovascular events (log 1 increase: hazard ratio = 0.855; 95% CI 0.743–0.984; p = 0.029) after adjustment for multiple confounding factors. In IS-stimulated osteocytes, mRNA and protein expression levels of DMP1 were significantly decreased compared with control osteocytes. We showed that low DMP1 levels were significantly associated with presence of vascular calcification and were independently associated with the incident cardiovascular events in prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients. DMP1 might be a potential factor contributing to cardiovascular complications in dialysis patients. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.