bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metal nano‐film resistivity chemical sensor
Authors: Podešva Pavel , Foret František 
Published: June 2015

In this work, we present a study on reusable thin metal film resistivity‐based sensor for direct measurement of binding of thiol containing molecules in liquid samples. While in bulk conductors the DC current is not influenced by the surface events to a measureable degree in a thin metal layer the electrons close to the surface conduct a significant part of electricity and are influenced by the surface interactions. In this study, the thickness of the gold layer was kept below 100 nm resulting in easily measureable resistivity changes of the metal element upon a surface SH‐groups binding. No further surface modifications were necessary. Thin film gold layers deposited on a glass substrate by vacuum sputtering were photolithographically structured into four sensing elements arranged in a Wheatstone bridge to compensate for resistance fluctuations due to the temperature changes. Concentrations as low 100 pM provided measureable signals. The surface after the measurement could be electrolytically regenerated for next measurements.
Comparison of two protocols of periosteal distraction osteogenesis in a rabbit calvaria model
Authors: Saulacic Nikola , Nakahara Ken , Iizuka Tateyuki , Haga‐Tsujimura Maiko , Hofstetter Willy , Scolozzi Paolo 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe regenerative pathways during periosteal distraction osteogenesis may be influenced by the local environment composed by cells, growth factors, nutrition and mechanical load. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of two protocols of periosteal distraction on bone formation. Custom made distraction devices were surgically fixed onto the calvariae of 60 rabbits. After an initial healing period of 7 days, two groups of animals were submitted to distraction rates of 0.25 and 0.5 mm/24 h for 10 days, respectively. Six animals per group were sacrificed 10 (mid‐distraction), 17 (end‐distraction), 24 (1‐week consolidation), 31 (2‐week consolidation) and 77 days (2‐month consolidation) after surgery. Newly formed bone was assessed by means of micro‐CT and histologically. Expression of transcripts encoding tissue‐specific genes (BMP‐2, RUNX2, ACP5, SPARC, collagen I α1, collagen II α1 and SOX9) was analyzed by quantitative PCR. Two patterns of bone formation were observed, originating from the old bone surface in Group I and from the periosteum in Group II. Bone volume (BV) and bone mineral density (BMD) significantly increased up to the 2‐month consolidation period within the groups (p < 0.05). Significantly more bone was observed in Group II compared to Group I at the 2‐month consolidation period (p < 0.001). Expression of transcripts encoding osteogenic genes in bone depended on the time‐point of observation (p < 0.05). Low level of transcripts reveals an indirect role of periosteum in the osteogenic process. Two protocols of periosteal distraction in the present model resulted in moderate differences in terms of bone formation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1121–1131, 2016.
The evolution of oviparity in squamate reptiles: An adaptationist perspective
Authors: Shine Richard 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPhylogenetically based analyses can suggest directions of evolutionary transitions, based on parsimony, but can never provide unambiguous answers. To clarify the relative frequency of phylogenetic shifts from oviparity to viviparity versus the reverse, we need additional sources of evidence. Adaptationist thinking (i.e., consideration of selective forces) has revealed a great deal about the transition from oviparity to viviparity, but has rarely been employed to consider the reverse transition. An evaluation of costs and benefits identifies major obstacles to the re‐evolution of oviparity. For example, even a modest decrease in the degree of embryogenesis completed in utero (i.e., a shift from viviparity back toward “normal” oviparity) requires the mother to find a suitable nest‐site (often, a risky endeavor), and a minor decrease in the duration of uterine retention of eggs may not substantially reduce maternal costs (because many of those costs are minimized by maternal behavioral adaptations to pregnancy). In many climates, a small decrease in the duration of uterine retention of eggs would not allow the female to produce a second clutch within the same season; and thus, would not reduce the fecundity disadvantage of viviparity. Life‐history theory thus suggests an asymmetry in the fitness consequences of the intermediate stages between oviparity and viviparity. That asymmetry facilitates the “forward” transition (based on thermally driven benefits to offspring viability) but opposes the “reverse” transition (based on lower fitness of heavily burdened females that need to seek nest‐sites). These factors should constrain the re‐evolution of oviparity to specific conditions (e.g., where abundant nest‐sites are available within a female's usual home range, rather than requiring extensive migration). J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 487–492, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The NFKB Inducing Kinase Modulates Hematopoiesis During Stress
Authors: González-Murillo África , Fernández Lucía , Baena Sara , Melen Gustavo J. , Sánchez Rebeca , Sánchez-Valdepeñas Carmen , Segovia José C. , Liou Hsiou-Chi , Schmid Roland , Madero Luís , Fresno Manuel , Ramírez Manuel 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The genetic programs that maintain hematopoiesis during steady state in physiologic conditions are different from those activated during stress. Here, we show that hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with deficiencies in components of the alternative NFκB pathway (the NFκB inducing kinase, NIK, and the downstream molecule NFκB2) had a defect in response to stressors such as supraphysiological doses of cytokines, chemotherapy, and hematopoietic transplantation. NIK-deficient mice had peripheral blood and bone marrow leukocyte numbers within normal ranges (except for the already reported defects in B-cell maturation); however, HSCs showed significantly slower expansion capacity in in vitro cultures compared to wild-type HSCs. This was due to a delayed cell cycle and increased apoptosis. In vivo experiments showed that NIK-deficient HSCs did not recover at the same pace as controls when challenged with myeloablative chemotherapy. Finally, NIK-deficient HSCs showed a significantly decreased competitive repopulation capacity in vivo. Using HSCs from mice deficient in one of two downstream targets of NIK, that is, either NFκB2 or c-Rel, only NFκB2 deficiency recapitulated the defects detected with NIK-deficient HSCs. Our results underscore the role of NIK and the alternative NFκB pathway for the recovery of normal levels of hematopoiesis after stress. Stem Cells 2015;33:2825–2837
Cholinergic Enhancement of Cell Proliferation in the Postnatal Neurogenic Niche of the Mammalian Spinal Cord
Authors: Corns Laura F. , Atkinson Lucy , Daniel Jill , Edwards Ian J. , New Lauryn , Deuchars Jim , Deuchars Susan A. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The region surrounding the central canal (CC) of the spinal cord is a highly plastic area, defined as a postnatal neurogenic niche. Within this region are ependymal cells that can proliferate and differentiate to form new astrocytes and oligodendrocytes following injury and cerebrospinal fluid contacting cells (CSFcCs). The specific environmental conditions, including the modulation by neurotransmitters that influence these cells and their ability to proliferate, are unknown. Here, we show that acetylcholine promotes the proliferation of ependymal cells in mice under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Using whole cell patch clamp in acute spinal cord slices, acetylcholine directly depolarized ependymal cells and CSFcCs. Antagonism by specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonists or potentiation by the α7 containing nAChR (α7*nAChR) modulator PNU 120596 revealed that both α7*nAChRs and non-α7*nAChRs mediated the cholinergic responses. Using the nucleoside analogue EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine) as a marker of cell proliferation, application of α7*nAChR modulators in spinal cord cultures or in vivo induced proliferation in the CC region, producing Sox-2 expressing ependymal cells. Proliferation also increased in the white and grey matter. PNU 120596 administration also increased the proportion of cells coexpressing oligodendrocyte markers. Thus, variation in the availability of acetylcholine can modulate the rate of proliferation of cells in the ependymal cell layer and white and grey matter through α7*nAChRs. This study highlights the need for further investigation into how neurotransmitters regulate the response of the spinal cord to injury or during aging. Stem Cells 2015;33:2864–2876
Structures with Stellae Quadrangulae Ir4Ge4: A3Ir4Ge4, (A = Ca, Sr, Eu), Ba2Ir4Ge5, and Ba2MgIr4Ge4
Authors: Kessens Rainer , Jung Walter 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe germanides Ca3Ir4Ge4, Sr3Ir4Ge4, Eu3Ir4Ge4, Ba2Ir4Ge5, and Ba2MgIr4Ge4 were obtained from mixtures of the elements at 1200 °C. The crystal structures were solved and refined from single crystal diffraction data. With the Na3Pt4Ge4 type structure (space group I$\bar{4}$3m, Z = 2) crystallize: Ca3Ir4Ge4 [a = 7.5824(2) Å], Sr3Ir4Ge4 [a = 7.6972(1) Å], and Eu3Ir4Ge4 [a = 7.6580(3) Å]. The K2Zn5As4 structure type (space group Cmcm, Z = 4) is adopted by the compounds Ba2Ir4Ge5 [a = 11.3297(4) Å, b = 6.7614(2) Å, c = 11.5930(5) Å] and Ba2MgIr4Ge4 [a = 11.0953(5) Å, b = 7.1305(5) Å, c = 11.5685(5) Å]. Both structure types are characterized by stellae quadrangulae Ir4Ge4. In Ca3Ir4Ge4, Sr3Ir4Ge4, and Eu3Ir4Ge4 these are connected to eight others by Ir–Ge bonds. In the structure of Ba2Ir4Ge5 the number of neighboring Ir4Ge4 units linked by direct bonds is reduced to six, whereas two others are connected by additional Ge atoms. In the quaternary compound these Ge atoms are substituted by Mg atoms.
Quality of Life and Late Complications After Minimally Invasive Compared to Open Esophagectomy: Results of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Maas K. W. , Cuesta M. A. , van Berge Henegouwen M. I. , Roig J. , Bonavina L. , Rosman C. , Gisbertz S. S. , Biere S. S. A. Y. , van der Peet D. L. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is widely being implemented for esophageal cancer in order to reduce morbidity and improve quality of life. Non‐randomized studies investigating the mid‐term quality of life after MIE show conflicting results at 1‐year follow‐up. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine whether MIE has a continuing better mid‐term 1‐year quality of life than open esophagectomy (OE) indicating both a faster recovery and less procedure‐related symptoms.MethodsA one‐year follow‐up analysis of the quality of life was conducted for patients participating in the randomized trial in which MIE was compared with OE. Late complications as symptomatic stenosis of anastomosis are also reported.ResultsQuality of life at 1 year was better in the MIE group than in the OE group for the physical component summary SF36 [50 (6; 48–53) versus 45 (9; 42–48) p. 003]; global health C30 [79 (10; 76–83) versus 67 (21; 60–75) p. 004]; and pain OES18 module [6 (9; 2–8) versus 16 (16; 10–22) p. 001], respectively. Twenty six patients (44 %) in the MIE and 22 patients (39 %) in the OE group were diagnosed and treated for symptomatic stenosis of the anastomosis.ConclusionsThis first randomized trial shows that MIE is associated with a better mid‐term one‐year quality of life compared to OE.
Island biogeography as a test of reproductive interference
Authors: Takakura Koh‐Ichi , Fujii Shinji 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTheoretical studies have predicted that reproductive interference must exclude either of the interacting species, but no testing of this prediction has ever been reported for natural populations. This study surveyed the distribution patterns of herbaceous Veronica plants, including one native and three alien species, to test whether the invasion of the alien species exerting reproductive interference excluded the native species. Results showed that the native species was repeatedly excluded from islands where an alien species invaded, exerting reproductive interference, and that other alien species had no significant effect on the native population survival. This survey also demonstrated that the native species altered its habitat from the ground to stone walls on the mainland where the alien species had been predominant. In the mainland populations, the fruit morphology differed from that of the islands, and the morphology in the mainland population seemed suitable for seed dispersion by ants at a stone wall habitat. We also surveyed the genetic differentiation among populations, the results of which did not support the native species genetically differentiated between mainland and island populations before the alien species invasion. These results strongly suggest that the reproductive interference excluded the recipient species at the population level and facilitated the habitat change. Additionally, results indicated that a series of field surveys of islands close to the mainland can be a powerful tool to test the ecological importance of reproductive interference.
Midline skull tumors
Authors: Maleki M 
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Variety of tumors could involve the skull; however, very few may occur over the midline. Some may affect venous blood flow of superior sagittal sinus. Few challenging cases are presented Material: 1-Rare case of osteoblastoma over the torcula, (headache, visual symptoms, papilledema, VI nerve palsy). 2- Rare case of metastatic liposarcoma involving midsagital sinus, partially occluding it (headache and visual blurring). 3- A huge atypical (grade2) meningioma over the vertex Method: Case #1, the tumor over the venous confluences (torcula) was removed easily, without any complications. Complete resolution of symptoms Case #2, complete en-block resection of tumor, with sacrifice of mid-sagittal portion of sinus, without any neurological sequellae. Case #3, subtotal resection, followed by radiotherapy.Discussion &Conclusion: Anterior 3rd of sagital sinus could be sacrificed (if necessary), without major consequences. However, whenever mid or posterior portion of the sinus is involved, interruption of venous flow could pose very serious complications. Occasionally, chronic compression of sinus may force increasing collateral venous return, in which case one may attempt a complete resection of the lesion, with sacrifice of part of the sinus, as in our second case. In the region of torcula, however, one should be very careful not to damage it
GLU298ASP and 4G/5G Polymorphisms and the Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Young Individuals
Authors: Esparza-García Juan Carlos , Santiago-Germán David , Guadalupe Valades-Mejía María , Hernández-Juárez Jesus , Aguilar-Sosa Eberth , Leaños-Miranda Alfredo , Alvarado-Moreno Antonio , Majluf-Cruz Abraham , Isordia-Salas Irma 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground:Polymorphisms in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and in the plasminogen activator inhibitor -1 (PAI-1) genes have been implicated in stroke pathogenesis but results are still controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the possible contribution of Glu298Asp in the eNOS and 4G/5G in the PAI-1polymorphisms with ischemic stroke in a young Mexican population.Materials and Methods:In a case-control study, conducted between January 2006 and June 2010, 204 patients ≤45 years of age with ischemic stroke and 204 controls matched by age and gender, were recruited. The Glu298Asp and 4G/5G polymorphisms were determined in all participants by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.Results:There was a significant difference in the Glu298Asp genotype distribution (P=0.001) and allele frequency between the two groups (P=0.001). The 4G/5G genotype distribution (P=0.40) and the allele frequency was similar between groups; (P=0.13). There were independent factors for ischemic stroke: Asp carriage (GluAsp+AspAsp) (P=0.02); smoking (P=0.01); hypertension (P=0.03), and familial history of atherothrombotic disease (P=0.04).Conclusions:The Asp allele from the Gu298Asp gene represents an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke in a young Mexican population. In contrast, the 4G/5G was not associated with an increased risk for this disease in the same group of patients, as previously has been demonstrated in other populations.
Broken Deities: The Pipe-Clay Figurines from Roman London
Authors: Fittock Matthew G. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTPipe-clay figurines are an important but under-examined category of Roman material culture in Britain. This paper presents the first typological catalogue of the 168 deity, animal and human figures imported to Roman London from Gaul during the first and second centuriesa.d. As in many other collections Venus figurines are the most common type, although there is considerable diversity in form. Comparison with continental collections highlights distinctive patterns of consumption between London, the rest of Britain and Gaul, with the city displaying relatively high numbers of exotic/unusual types, as appears to be typical ofLondiniumin general. The spatial distribution of the figurines is mapped across the settlement, while their contexts and social distribution on habitation, trade and religious sites throughout the city are explored. Whole specimens from burials and subtle patterns of fragmentation also provide a direct insight into the religious beliefs and symbolic practices of the people of Roman London.
Feeding practices in early life and later intake of fruit and vegetables among Japanese toddlers: the Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study
Authors: Okubo Hitomi , Miyake Yoshihiro , Sasaki Satoshi , Tanaka Keiko , Hirota Yoshio 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveA growing body of evidence from Western countries shows that infant feeding practices are associated with later childhood dietary habits, but little is known about these relationships in non-Western countries with different food cultures. We examined the association of breast-feeding duration and age at introduction of solid foods with later intake of fruit and vegetables among Japanese toddlers.DesignInformation on breast-feeding duration, age at introduction of solid foods and child’s intake frequency of fruit and vegetables were collected with a self-administered questionnaire at 16–24 months postpartum. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios of low intake (<1 time/d) of fruit or vegetables for each infant feeding practice.SettingJapan.SubjectsJapanese mother–child pairs (n 763) from a prospective birth cohort study.ResultsNeither breast-feeding duration nor age at introduction of solid foods was associated with fruit intake at 16–24 months of age. Breast-feeding duration, but not age at introduction of solid foods, was associated with later intake of vegetables. When breast-feeding duration was categorized into two groups with the cut-off at 6 months, children who were breast-fed for ≥6 months had a significantly decreased risk of low intake of vegetables (OR=0·53; 95 % CI 0·34, 0·84) than those breast-fed for <6 months. This association was independent of potential confounders including maternal education and maternal vegetable intake (OR=0·59; 95 % CI 0·36, 0·97).ConclusionsThis finding suggests that ≥6 months of breast-feeding may prevent low intake of vegetables in early childhood among Japanese toddlers.
Quantum Discord for d⊗2 Systems
Authors: Ma Zhihao , Chen Zhihua , Fanchini Felipe Fernandes , Fei Shao-Ming 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe present an analytical solution for classical correlation, defined in terms of linear entropy, in an arbitrary "Equation missing" system when the second subsystem is measured. We show that the optimal measurements used in the maximization of the classical correlation in terms of linear entropy, when used to calculate the quantum discord in terms of von Neumann entropy, result in a tight upper bound for arbitrary "Equation missing" systems. This bound agrees with all known analytical results about quantum discord in terms of von Neumann entropy and, when comparing it with the numerical results for 106 two-qubit random density matrices, we obtain an average deviation of order 10−4. Furthermore, our results give a way to calculate the quantum discord for arbitrary n-qubit GHZ and W states evolving under the action of the amplitude damping noisy channel.
Correct folding of an α-helix and a β-hairpin using a polarized 2D torsional potential
Authors: Gao Ya , Li Yongxiu , Mou Lirong , Lin Bingbing , Zhang John Z. H. , Mei Ye 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA new modification to the AMBER force field that incorporates the coupled two-dimensional main chain torsion energy has been evaluated for the balanced representation of secondary structures. In this modified AMBER force field (AMBER032D), the main chain torsion energy is represented by 2-dimensional Fourier expansions with parameters fitted to the potential energy surface generated by high-level quantum mechanical calculations of small peptides in solution. Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the folding of two model peptides adopting either α-helix or β-hairpin structures. Both peptides are successfully folded into their native structures using an AMBER032D force field with the implementation of a polarization scheme (AMBER032Dp). For comparison, simulations using a standard AMBER03 force field with and without polarization, as well as AMBER032D without polarization, fail to fold both peptides successfully. The correction to secondary structure propensity in the AMBER03 force field and the polarization effect are critical to folding Trpzip2; without these factors, a helical structure is obtained. This study strongly suggests that this new force field is capable of providing a more balanced preference for helical and extended conformations. The electrostatic polarization effect is shown to be indispensable to the growth of secondary structures.
Single-Molecule Imaging Reveals Dynamics of CREB Transcription Factor Bound to Its Target Sequence
Authors: Sugo Noriyuki , Morimatsu Masatoshi , Arai Yoshiyuki , Kousoku Yoshinori , Ohkuni Aya , Nomura Taishin , Yanagida Toshio , Yamamoto Nobuhiko 
Published: June 2015

AbstractProper spatiotemporal gene expression is achieved by selective DNA binding of transcription factors in the genome. The most intriguing question is how dynamic interactions between transcription factors and their target sites contribute to gene regulation by recruiting the basal transcriptional machinery. Here we demonstrate individual binding and dissociation events of the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), both in vitro and in living cells, using single-molecule imaging. Fluorescent–tagged CREB bound to its target sequence cAMP-response element (CRE) for a remarkably longer period (dissociation rate constant: 0.21 s-1) than to an unrelated sequence (2.74 s-1). Moreover, CREB resided at restricted positions in the living cell nucleus for a comparable period. These results suggest that CREB stimulates transcription by binding transiently to CRE in the time range of several seconds.