bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Porous Glass Monoliths with an Aligned Pore System via Stretch Forming
Authors: Barascu Andrei , Kullmann Jens , Reinhardt Bjoern , Rainer Thomas , Roggendorf Hans , Dubiel Manfred , Enke Dirk 
Published: September 2012

Porous glasses with an aligned pore system were prepared by using a stretch‐forming device. For the experiments a sodium borosilicate glass with the composition 62.5 wt% SiO2, 30.5 wt% B2O3 and 7 wt% Na2O was prepared. The characterization of this glass includes X‐ray fluorescence analysis and dilatometry. The applied stretch‐forming apparatus allowed the simultaneous phase separation and elongation of the glass samples. The obtained glass templates were chemically treated with hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide solution to extract the soluble sodium rich borate phase. The resulting porous glass samples were characterized by environmental scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion. Different degrees of pore alignment were realized by varying the parameters of the stretch‐forming process.
Detection of Transcribed Seal Impressions Using 3‐D Pressure Traces
Authors: Lee Joong , Kong Seong G. , Lee Young‐Soo , Kim Jun‐Suk , Jung Nak‐Eun 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSeals have been frequently used to certify that individuals or organizations have authorized or approved a document that bears these impressions. Much attention has been focused on the detection of forged seal impressions to expose and prevent seal‐related frauds. This paper describes an image‐processing technique that detects seal impressions transferred from a genuine document to a target document using transcription media. The proposed method utilizes a three‐dimensional (3‐D) scanner to generate a pressure trace map of the suspect seal impression. After utilizing a noise‐reduction algorithm to improve image quality, the pressure map is aligned with a 2‐D image of the same seal impression. The pressure ratio, determined by comparing the pressure map and inked impression of a suspect seal, can be used to determine whether the seal is genuine or was transferred to the target document. The results show that the proposed technique successfully identified transcribed seal impressions with an error rate of <1%.
The Evidence of the Rugoscopy Effectiveness as a Human Identification Method in Patients Submitted to Rapid Palatal Expansion
Authors: Barbieri Ana A. , Scoralick Raquel A. , Naressi Suely C. M. , Moraes Mari E. L. , Daruge Eduardo , Daruge Eduardo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe objective of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of rugoscopy as a human identification method, even when the patient is submitted to rapid palatal expansion, which in theory would introduce doubt. With this intent, the Rugoscopic Identity was obtained for each subject using the classification formula proposed by Santos based on the intra‐oral casts made before and after treatment from patients who were subjected to palatal expansion. The casts were labeled with the patients' initials and randomly arranged for studying. The palatine rugae kept the same patterns in every case studied. The technical error of the intra‐evaluator measurement provided a confidence interval of 95%, making rugoscopy a reliable identification method for patients who were submitted to rapid palatal expansion, because even in the presence of intra‐oral changes owing to the use of palatal expanders, the palatine rugae retained the biological and technical requirements for the human identification process.
Loss of dentin sialophosphoprotein leads to periodontal diseases in mice
Authors: Gibson M. P. , Zhu Q. , Liu Q. , D'Souza R. N. , Feng J. Q. , Qin C. 
Published: August 2012

Background and ObjectiveDentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and its cleaved products, dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) and dentin sialoprotein (DSP), play important roles in biomineralization. Recently, we observed that DSPP is highly expressed in the alveolar bone and cementum, indicating that this molecule may play an important role in the formation and maintenance of a healthy periodontium, and its deletion may cause increased susceptibility to periodontal diseases. The objective of this investigation was to study the effects of Dspp ablation on periodontal tissues by analyzing Dspp null mice.Material and MethodsNewborn to 6‐mo‐old Dspp null mice were examined, and the 3‐ and 6‐mo‐old Dspp null mice were characterized in detail using X‐ray radiography, histology and scanning electron microscopy (backscattered as well as resin‐infiltrating). Wild‐type mice of the same age groups served as the normal controls.ResultsThe Dspp null mice showed significant loss of alveolar bone and cementum, particularly in the furcation and interproximal regions of the molars. The alveolar bone appeared porous while the quantity of cementum was reduced in the apical region. The canalicular systems and osteocytes in the alveolar bone were abnormal, with reduced numbers of canaliculi and altered osteocyte morphology. The loss of alveolar bone and cementum along with the detachment of the periodontal ligaments (PDL) led to the apical migration of the epithelial attachment and formation of periodontal pockets.ConclusionInactivation of DSPP leads to the loss of alveolar bone and cementum and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections in PDL of Dspp null mice. The fact that the loss of DSPP results in periodontal diseases indicates that this molecule plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the periodontium.
Reflectance confocal microscopy characteristics of eight cases of pustular eruptions and histopathological correlations
Authors: Debarbieux Sébastien , Depaepe Lauriane , Poulalhon Nicolas , Dalle Stéphane , Balme Brigitte , Thomas Luc 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundReflectance confocal microscopy (RCM)'s interest has been well established for the non‐invasive diagnosis of skin cancers, especially melanocytic, and in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant cutaneous lesions. However, its diagnostic interest in inflammatory skin diseases still needs to be demonstrated. Our purpose was to evaluate the correlation between RCM and conventional histopathology in a series of pustular eruptions of different pathogeny.MethodsReflectance confocal microscopy analysis was performed in eight consecutive unselected patients in whom the diagnoses of pustular psoriasis, bacterial sur‐infection, herpes‐type virus skin sur‐infection, Sneddon‐Wilkinson subcorneal putulosis and Hailey‐Hailey disease have been made and images were compared to conventional histopathology.ResultsNeutrophils within the epidermis exhibited never reported earlier specific features, with either a shiny granular sludge or polylobated particules with a bright granular content. Moreover, some specific etiologies could be identified, such as acantholysis and herpes‐type virus‐infected keratinocytes.ConclusionOur studies show a good correlation between RCM and conventional histopathology in pustular eruptions. Reflectance confocal microscopy may play an important role in the differential diagnosis of pustular eruptions; as most of the pathologic clues are epidermal, narrow thickness of the field of imaging, its main technical limitation, is indeed of lesser importance.
Combination of adalimumab with traditional systemic antipsoriatic drugs – a report of 39 cases
Authors: Philipp Sandra , Wilsmann‐Theis Dagmar , Weyergraf Ansgar , Rotterdam Sebastian , Frambach Yvonne , Gerdes Sascha , Mössner Rotraut 
Published: August 2012

SummaryBackground: Monotherapy with TNF‐α inhibitors does not always produce a sufficient response in psoriasis patients. Combinations of TNF‐α antagonists such as adalimumab with systemic antipsoriatic therapies such as methotrexate are not approved for use in psoriasis, and the published data are scarce.Patients and methods: The charts of 39 psoriasis patients from 6 dermatology departments were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were given adalimumbab with another systemic antipsoriatic drug.Results: Combination therapy with methotrexate was most common (n = 32), followed by acitretin (n = 4) and cyclosporine (n = 3). Combination therapy with methotrexate lasted 10.8 ± 11.2 months (mean), with cyclosporine for 6.8 ± 3.3 months, and with acitretin 12.9 ± 12.4 months. Combinations were effective in the majority of patients: 30/39 (76.9 %) had a good (n = 9) or excellent (n = 21) response. Two patients had a moderate response and 7 patients had a poor response and were switched to another treatment. Overall, safety was very good. Eighteen patients experienced 24 adverse events; none was severe and/or required hospitalization. Of these, 10/24 adverse events were infections, most often infections of the upper respiratory tract (n = 5), bronchitis (n = 2), and influenza (n = 1).Conclusions: Combinations of adalimumab with traditional systemic antipsoriatic treatments offer a promising method for managing severe or recalcitrant psoriasis. More data are needed to determine the long‐term safety and efficacy of these combinations.
Functional traits of trees on and off termite mounds: understanding the origin of biotically‐driven heterogeneity in savannas
Authors: Van der Plas F. , Howison R. , Reinders J. , Fokkema W. , Olff H. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractQuestionsIn African savannas, Macrotermes termites contribute to small‐scale heterogeneity by constructing large mounds. Operating as islands of high nutrient and water availability and low fire frequency, these mounds support distinct, diverse communities of trees that have been shown to be highly attractive to browsers. However, the distinct traits of tree species on termite mounds have hardly been studied, even though this may help to understand processes determining (1) their characteristic community structure and (2) attractiveness for browsers. Here, we compare functional trait and browser preference values between tree species on and off termite mounds.LocationHluhluwe‐iMfolozi Park, Kwazulu‐Natal, South Africa.MethodsWe recorded tree community compositions for 16 large Macrotermes natalensis mounds and 16 control plots of 100 m2 each in a paired design. For each observed tree species we measured 22 traits, related to water and nutrient use, fire tolerance, light competition and anti‐herbivore defence, and compared average trait values between mound and control communities. Furthermore, we investigated the feeding preferences of ungulate browsers for the most common tree species and how this was linked to their associated traits.ResultsTermite mounds supported tree communities that were distinct from the surrounding savanna vegetation. Mounds hosted more evergreen and less leguminous tree species than control communities, and the dominant species were less mechanically defended, less nutritious, had larger leaves and lower wood density than the species dominating control plots. Browsers preferred leguminous tree species with high leaf N and P content, which were relatively rare on termite mounds.ConclusionsOverall, we conclude that termite mounds in this savanna form small refuges for tree species that seem less adapted to fire (more evergreens), have low nutrient availability (less nitrogen fixers) and suffer from water stress (larger leaf sizes) than typical savanna trees. Surprisingly, despite their reputation as browsing hotspots, the tree species dominating mounds are less nutritious and less preferred by browsers than tree species of the surrounding savanna, which may be explained by the relatively nutrient‐rich nature of this savanna or intraspecific trait differences.
HLA class II polymorphisms and recurrent spontaneous abortion in a Southern Brazilian cohort
Authors: Bompeixe E. P. , Carvalho Santos P. S. , Vargas R. G. , von Linsingen R. , Zeck S. C. , Wowk P. F. , Bicalho M. G. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryA high proportion of human recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) remain unexplained. The possible association between RSA and different genetic polymorphisms within the human leucocyte antigen system (HLA system, the human major histocompatibility complex) has been investigated with conflicting results since many decades. Here, we describe a case–control study with 136 Southern Brazilian women of predominantly European ancestry (75 control and 61 cases with unexplained RSA). We investigated the relationship between unexplained RSA and alleles and genotypes from two classical loci of the HLA: HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQB1, as well as three loci related to cytokine production and their serum levels: TNFA (−308G>A), IL10 (−1082G>A, −819T>C, −592A>C) and IFNG (+874A>T). Genotyping was performed by an allele‐specific PCR method. While all results concerning cytokine‐related genes turned out to be negative, we found the genotype HLA‐DQB1*02:02, 03:01 to be significantly decreased and the allele HLA‐DRB1*11:04 to be significantly increased among patients.
Analysis of triclosan and 4n‐nonylphenol in Colombian reservoir water by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Martinez Marian , Peñuela Gustavo A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn this work were determined triclosan and 4n‐nonylphenol in water from a reservoir that is used to provide water to a purification plant in an important city in Colombia. The analytical methodology was validated using solid‐phase extraction and analysis by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The analysis by GC‐MS showed good linearity in the range of 0.05–5 μg/L for both compounds. Recoveries from 79 to 109% and standard deviations of 2.5–7.7 for low concentrations and from 3.8 to 9.6 (n = 5) for high concentrations were obtained for both compounds. In Colombia, this is the first time that these compounds have been analysed in water supplying of a drinking water treatment plant. The validated method was applied to the analysis of 27 samples collected in August 2010 in 11 locations from the reservoir and in the influent and effluent of the drinking water treatment plant. In total, seven samples were found to contain triclosan.
Low‐Level Laser Therapy and Sodium Diclofenac in Acute Inflammatory Response Induced by Skeletal Muscle Trauma: Effects in Muscle Morphology and mRNA Gene Expression of Inflammatory Markers
Authors: de Almeida Patrícia , Lopes‐Martins Rodrigo Álvaro Brandão , Tomazoni Shaiane Silva , Albuquerque‐Pontes Gianna Móes , Santos Larissa Aline , Vanin Adriane Aver , Frigo Lucio , Vieira Rodolfo P , Albertini Regiane , de Tarso Camillo de Carvalho Paulo , Leal‐Junior Ernesto Cesar Pinto 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPharmacological therapy is widely used in the treatment of muscle injuries. On the other hand, low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) arises as a promising nonpharmacological treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of sodium diclofenac (topical application) and LLLT on morphological aspects and gene expression of biochemical inflammatory markers. We performed a single trauma in tibialis anterior muscle of rats. After 1 h, animals were treated with sodium diclofenac (11.6 mg g‐1 of solution) or LLLT (810 nm; continuous mode; 100 mW; 3.57 W cm−2; 1, 3 or 9 J; 10, 30 or 90 s). Histological analysis and quantification of gene expression (real‐time polymerase chain reaction—RT‐PCR) of cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX‐1 and COX‐2) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) were performed at 6, 12 and 24 h after trauma. LLLT with all doses improved morphological aspects of muscle tissue, showing better results than injury and diclofenac groups. All LLLT doses also decreased (P < 0.05) COX‐2 compared to injury group at all time points, and to diclofenac group at 24 h after trauma. In addition, LLLT decreased (P < 0.05) TNF‐α compared both to injury and diclofenac groups at all time points. LLLT mainly with dose of 9 J is better than topical application of diclofenac in acute inflammation after muscle trauma.
A model‐based quantitative assessment of the carbon benefits of introducing iLUC factors in the European Renewable Energy Directive
Authors: Malins Chris 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe European Commission has a mandate from the EU's Renewable Energy and Fuel Quality Directives to propose a methodology, consistent with the best available science, to address indirect land use change (iLUC). One proposed solution to the iLUC problem is the application of iLUC factors in European fuels policy – it is widely expected that should the EU adopt such iLUC factors, they would be based on iLUC modelling using the International Food Policy Research Institute's (IFPRI) MIRAGE model. Taking the iLUC factors from IFPRI MIRAGE as our central estimate, we use Monte Carlo analysis on a simple model of potential biofuel pathways for Europe to assess the likely average carbon saving from three possible European biofuel policy scenarios: no action on iLUC; raised GHG thresholds for direct emissions savings; and the introduction of iLUC factors. We find that without iLUC factors (or some other effective iLUC minimization approach) European biofuel mandates are unlikely to deliver significant GHG emissions benefits in 2020, and have a substantial probability of increasing net GHG emissions. In contrast, the implementation of iLUC factors is likely to significantly increase the carbon savings from EU biofuel policy. With iLUC factors, it is likely that most permitted pathways would conform to the Renewable Energy Directive requirement for a minimum 50% GHG reduction compared to fossil fuels.
Increasing association between a neuropeptide Y promoter polymorphism and body mass index during the course of development
Authors: Hohmann S. , Buchmann A. F. , Witt S. H. , Rietschel M. , Jennen‐Steinmetz C. , Schmidt M. H. , Esser G. , Banaschewski T. , Laucht M. 
Published: September 2012

Summary
What is already known about this subject?
NPY serves as a potent orexigenic signal and plays an important role in body weight regulation. Recently, evidence for the impact of NPY gene variation on body weight regulation and risk of obesity was provided.
Research has indicated that genetic influences on some traits such as BMI change with age, with often showing a stronger effect as children mature.

What this study adds?
We show first evidence from a longitudinal study, demonstrating an association between NPY rs16147 genotype and BMI development from infancy into young adulthood.
The NPY effect appears to increase with age, being more pronounced in older age groups than in younger ones.
ObjectiveTo investigate the association of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) promoter polymorphism rs16147 with body mass index (BMI) during the course of development from infancy to adulthood.DesignLongitudinal, prospective study of a German community sample.Subjectsn = 306 young adults (139 males, 167 females).MeasurementsParticipants’ body weight and height were assessed at the ages of 3 months and 2, 4.5, 8, 11, 15 and 19 years. NPY rs16147 was genotyped.ResultsControlling for a number of possible confounders, homozygote carriers of the rs16147 C allele exhibited significantly lower BMI scores when compared with individuals carrying the T allele. In addition, a significant genotype by age interaction emerged, indicating that the genotype effect increased during the course of development.ConclusionsThis is the first longitudinal study to report an association between rs16147 and BMI during childhood and adolescence. The finding that this effect increased during the course of development may either be due to age‐dependent alterations in gene expression or to maturation processes within the weight regulation circuits of the central nervous system.
Single amino acid residue in the M4 domain of GluN1 subunit regulates the surface delivery of NMDA receptors
Authors: Kaniakova Martina , Lichnerova Katarina , Vyklicky Ladislav , Horak Martin 
Published: September 2012

AbstractN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors are glutamate ion channels that are critically involved in excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity. The functional NMDA receptor is a heterotetramer composed mainly of GluN1 and GluN2 subunits. It is generally thought that only correctly assembled NMDA receptors can pass the quality control checkpoint in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are transported to the cell surface membranes. The molecular mechanisms underlying these processes remain poorly understood. Using chimeric and mutated GluN1 subunits expressed in heterologous cells, we identified a single amino acid residue within the fourth membrane domain (M4) of GluN1 subunit, L830, that regulates the surface number of NMDA receptors. Our experiments show that this residue is not critical for the interaction between GluN1 and GluN2 subunits or for the formation of functional receptors, but rather that it regulates the forward trafficking of the NMDA receptors. The surface expression of both GluN2A‐ and GluN2B‐containing receptors is regulated by the L830 residue in a similar manner. We also found that the L830 residue is not involved in the trafficking of individually expressed GluN1 subunits. Our data reveal a critical role of the single amino acid residue within the GluN1 M4 domain in the surface delivery of functional NMDA receptors.
Socializing, networking and development: a report from the second ‘Young Microbiologists Symposium on Microbe Signalling, Organization and Pathogenesis’
Authors: Caly Delphine L. , Coulthurst Sarah J. , Geoghegan Joan A. , Malone Jacob G. , Ryan Robert P. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryIn mid‐June, the second Young Microbiologists Symposium took place under the broad title of ‘Microbe signalling, organization and pathogenesis’ on the picturesque campus of University College Cork, Ireland. The symposium attracted 150 microbiologists from 15 different countries. The key feature of this meeting was that it was specifically aimed at providing a platform for junior scientists to present their work to a broad audience. The meeting was principally supported by Science Foundation Ireland with further backing from the Society for General Microbiology, the American Society for Microbiology and the European Molecular Biology Organization. Sessions focused on microbial gene expression, biogenesis, pathogenicity and host interaction. In this MicroMeeting report, we highlight some of the most significant advances and exciting developments reported during various talks and poster presentations given by the young and talented microbiologists.
Biosynthetic pathway to neuromelanin and its aging process
Authors: Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Murase Takaya , Zucca Fabio A. , Zecca Luigi , Ito Shosuke 
Published: September 2012

SummaryUsing model compounds of the melanic component of neuromelanin (NM) prepared by tyrosinase oxidation at various ratios of dopamine (DA) and cysteine (Cys) under physiological conditions, we examined a biosynthetic pathway to NM and its aging process by following the time course of oxidation to NM and the subsequent structural modification of NM under various heating conditions. Chemical degradation methods were applied to the synthetic NM. 4‐Amino‐3‐hydroxyphenylethylamine (4‐AHPEA) and thiazole‐2,4,5‐tricarboxylic acid (TTCA) were used as markers of benzothiazine and benzothiazole units, respectively. By following the time course of the biosynthetic pathway of synthetic NM, we found that neurotoxic molecules are trapped in NM. An aging simulation of synthetic NM showed that benzothiazine units in NM are gradually converted to benzothiazole during the aging process. Thus, natural NM was found to be similar to aged (heated) NM prepared from a 2:1 molar ratio of DA and Cys.