bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insulin‐like growth factor 1 prevents diastolic and systolic dysfunction associated with cardiomyopathy and preserves adrenergic sensitivity
Authors: Roof S. R. , Boslett J. , Russell D. , del Rio C. , Alecusan J. , Zweier J. L. , Ziolo M. T. , Hamlin R. , Mohler P. J. , Curran J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimsInsulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1)‐dependent signalling promotes exercise‐induced physiological cardiac hypertrophy. However, the in vivo therapeutic potential of IGF‐1 for heart disease is not well established. Here, we test the potential therapeutic benefits of IGF‐1 on cardiac function using an in vivo model of chronic catecholamine‐induced cardiomyopathy.MethodsRats were perfused with isoproterenol via osmotic pump (1 mg kg−1 per day) and treated with 2 mg kg−1 IGF‐1 (2 mg kg−1 per day, 6 days a week) for 2 or 4 weeks. Echocardiography, ECG, and blood pressure were assessed. In vivo pressure–volume loop studies were conducted at 4 weeks. Heart sections were analysed for fibrosis and apoptosis, and relevant biochemical signalling cascades were assessed.ResultsAfter 4 weeks, diastolic function (EDPVR, EDP, tau, E/A ratio), systolic function (PRSW, ESPVR, dP/dtmax) and structural remodelling (LV chamber diameter, wall thickness) were all adversely affected in isoproterenol‐treated rats. All these detrimental effects were attenuated in rats treated with Iso+IGF‐1. Isoproterenol‐dependent effects on BP were attenuated by IGF‐1 treatment. Adrenergic sensitivity was blunted in isoproterenol‐treated rats but was preserved by IGF‐1 treatment. Immunoblots indicate that cardioprotective p110α signalling and activated Akt are selectively upregulated in Iso+IGF‐1‐treated hearts. Expression of iNOS was significantly increased in both the Iso and Iso+IGF‐1 groups; however, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) levels were decreased in the Iso group and maintained by IGF‐1 treatment.ConclusionIGF‐1 treatment attenuates diastolic and systolic dysfunction associated with chronic catecholamine‐induced cardiomyopathy while preserving adrenergic sensitivity and promoting BH4 production. These data support the potential use of IGF‐1 therapy for clinical applications for cardiomyopathies.
Synovial macrophage-derived IL-1βregulates the calcitonin receptor in osteoarthritic mice
Authors: Takano S , Uchida K , Miyagi M , Inoue G , Aikawa J , Fujimaki H , Minatani A , Sato M , Iwabuchi K , Takaso M 
Published: September 2015

SummaryRecent studies have reported that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) contributes to joint pain. However, regulation of the CGRP/CGRP receptor signalling in osteoarthritis (OA) is not fully understood. To investigate the regulation of CGRP/CGRP receptor signalling by macrophages in the synovial tissue (ST) of OA joints, we characterized the gene expression profiles of CGRP and CGRP receptors in the ST of OA mice (STR/Ort). In addition, we examined whether macrophage depletion by the systemic injection of clodronate-laden liposomes affected the expression of CGRP and CGRP receptors in ST. CD11c+ macrophages in the ST of STR/Ort and C57BL/6J mice were analysed by flow cytometry. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to evaluate the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, CGRP, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) in F4/80+ and F4/80− cells. The effects of IL-1β on the expression of CGRP and CLR by cultured synovial cells were also examined. The percentage of CD11c+ macrophages in the ST of STR/Ort was higher than that in C57/BL6J mice. Notably, the F4/80+ cell fraction expressed IL-1β highly, whereas the F4/80− cell fraction expressed CGRP, CLR, and RAMP1 highly. In addition, expression of the IL-1β and CLR genes was increased in ST, but was decreased upon macrophage depletion, and the IL-1β treatment of cultured synovial cells up-regulated CLR. Taken together, the present findings suggest that synovial macrophages are the major producers of IL-1β and regulators of CLR in OA mice. Therefore, macrophages and IL-1β may be suitable therapeutic targets for treating OA pain.
Example‐Driven Procedural Urban Roads
Authors: Nishida G. , Garcia‐Dorado I. , Aliaga D. G. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSynthesizing and exploring large‐scale realistic urban road networks is beneficial to 3D content creation, traffic animation and urban planning. In this paper, we present an interactive tool that allows untrained users to design roads with complex realistic details and styles. Roads are generated by growing a geometric graph. During a sketching phase, the user specifies the target area and the examples. During a growing phase, two types of growth are effectively applied to generate roads in the target area; example‐based growth uses patches extracted from the source example to generate roads that preserve some interesting structures in the example road networks; procedural‐based growth uses the statistical information of the source example while effectively adapting the roads to the underlying terrain and the already generated roads. User‐specified warping, blending and interpolation operations are used at will to produce new road network designs that are inspired by the examples. Finally, our method computes city blocks, individual parcels and plausible building and tree geometries. We have used our approach to create road networks covering up to 200 and containing over 3500 km of roads.
Treatment of Peri‐Implant Defects in the Rabbit's Tibia with Adipose or Bone Marrow‐Derived Mesenchymal Stems Cells
Authors: Erdogan Özgür , Supachawaroj Nuttawut , Soontornvipart Kumpanart , Kheolamai Pakpoom 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundMesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment in conjunction with bone graft materials or space filler can be an alternative to autogenous bone grafts in the treatment of peri‐implant bone defects.PurposeTo evaluate the success of bone regeneration capacity of adipose‐derived and bone marrow‐derived MSCs for the treatment of peri‐implant bone defects when applied with a beta‐tricalcium phosphate/collagen‐based scaffold.Material and MethodsForty implants were placed into the tibiae of 10 rabbits bilaterally. Surgical defects created around the implants were treated with one the following treatment modalities: 1) adipose‐derived MSC transplanted scaffold + collagen membrane; 2) bone marrow‐derived MSC transplanted scaffold + collagen membrane; 3) autogenous bone + collagen membrane; and 4) collagen membrane only. The bone regeneration capacity of each technique was determined by histomorphometry, micro‐CT, and measuring the implant stability by resonance frequency analysis.ResultsOne limb of one rabbit was excluded because of fracture, and another limb was excluded because of infection. All parameters on 36 implants revealed that both sources of MSC can form equivalently new bone that is comparable with autogenous bone. The defects treated with membrane only had significantly less bone formation compared with other groups.ConclusionBoth adipose‐derived and bone marrow‐derived MSC treatments are feasible alternatives to autogenous bone grafts in the treatment of peri‐implant osseos defects.
Newsvendor Problems with Demand Shocks and Unknown Demand Distributions
Authors: O'Neil Shawn , Zhao Xuying , Sun Daewon , Wei Jerry C. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTIn today's competitive market, demand volume and even the underlying demand distribution can change quickly for a newsvendor seller. We refer to sudden changes in demand distribution as demand shocks. When a newsvendor seller has limited demand distribution information and also experiences underlying demand shocks, the majority of existing methods for newsvendor problems may not work well since they either require demand distribution information or assume stationary demand distribution. We present a new, robust, and effective machine learning algorithm for newsvendor problems with demand shocks but without any demand distribution information. The algorithm needs only an approximate estimate of the lower and upper bounds of demand range; no other knowledge such as demand mean, variance, or distribution type is necessary. We establish the theoretical bounds that determine this machine learning algorithm's performance in handling demand shocks. Computational experiments show that this algorithm outperforms the traditional approaches in a variety of situations including large and frequent shocks of the demand mean. The method can also be used as a meta‐algorithm by incorporating other traditional approaches as experts. Working together, the original algorithm and the extended meta‐algorithm can help manufacturers and retailers better adapt their production and inventory control decisions in dynamic environments where demand information is limited and demand shocks are frequent
The effect of model inclination during fabrication on mouthguard calliper‐measured and CT scan‐assessed thickness
Authors: Farrington Timothy , Coward Trevor , Onambele‐Pearson Gladys , Taylor Rebecca L. , Earl Philip , Winwood Keith 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimExcessive material thinning has been observed in the production of custom‐made mouthguards in a number of studies, due to production anomalies that may lead to such thinning. This study investigated thinning material patterns of custom‐made mouthguards when the anterior angulation of dental model was increased during the thermoforming process.Materials and methodsA total of 60 samples of mouthguard blanks were thermoformed on identical maxillary models under four anterior inclination conditions (n = 4 × 15): control 0, 15, 30 and 45°. Each mouthguard sample was measured, using an electronic calliper gauge at three anatomical points (anterior labial sulcus, posterior occlusion and posterior lingual). Mouthguards were then CT scanned to give a visual representation of the surface thickness.ResultsData showed a significant difference (P < 0.005) in the anterior mouthguard thickness between the four levels of anterior inclination, with the 45° inclination producing the thickest mouthguards, increasing the mean anterior thickness by 75% (2.8 mm, SD: 0.16) from the model on a flat plane (1.6 mm, SD: 0.34). Anterior model inclination of 30 and 45° inclinations increased consistencies between the thickest and thinnest mouthguards in the anterior region of these sample groups.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of standardizing the thermoforming process, as this has a significant effect on the quality and material distribution of the resultant product. In particular, greater model inclination is advised as this optimizes the thickness of the anterior sulcus of the mouthguard which may be more prominently at risk from sport‐related impact.
Functional trait variation along environmental gradients in temperate and Mediterranean trees
Authors: Vilà‐Cabrera Albert , Martínez‐Vilalta Jordi , Retana Javier 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimCharacterizing the variation of functional traits in nature is a first step towards linking environmental changes to changes in ecosystem function. Here we aim to characterize the spatial variability of major plant functional traits along wide environmental gradients in Mediterranean and temperate forests, and assess to what extent this variability differs between two dominant families in Northern Hemisphere forests: Fagaceae and Pinaceae.LocationCatalonia (north‐east Iberian Peninsula).MethodsFour functional traits were selected to incorporate information on both the leaf and the wood economic spectra: maximum tree height (Hmax), wood density (WD), leaf mass per area (LMA) and nitrogen content of leaves (Nmass). We quantified the variance distribution of each functional trait across three nested ecological scales: population, species and family. Through such scales, we explored the spatial variation of functional traits through climatic and biotic gradients, as well as the covariation among traits.ResultsFunctional trait variability was distributed across all the ecological scales considered, but mostly at the family level, with functional traits differing markedly between Fagaceae and Pinaceae. Within families, variation in functional traits was similar or higher within species than between species. The spatial variability in functional traits was related to biotic and abiotic gradients, although this effect was quantitatively small compared with differences between families. Covariation among functional traits was not necessarily conserved across ecological scales. Trait covariation across all species was structured along the Hmax−WD and LMA−Nmass axes, but this structure was partially lost within families, where variation was mostly structured along the Hmax−LMA and WD−Nmass axes.Main conclusionsIntraspecific variation emerges as a fundamental component of functional trait structure along wide environmental gradients. Understanding the sources of intraspecific variation, as well as how it contributes to community assembly and ecosystem functioning, thus becomes a primary research question.
Influence of cerebral white matter lesions on the activities of daily living of older patients with mild stroke
Authors: Yamashita Yutaka , Wada Ikuo , Horiba Mitsuya , Sahashi Kento 
Published: September 2015

AimNeurological symptom severity is a prognostic factor for post‐stroke activities of daily living (ADL). Recently, it has been reported that white matter lesions indicate poor functional prognosis in patients with stroke. The present study investigated the influence of white matter lesions on the ADL of older patients with stroke who have mild neurological symptoms.MethodWe investigated ADL at discharge in 44 patients with stroke (men, n = 27; women, n = 17; mean age 78 years [range 71–85 years]) aged ≥65 years with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores of ≤5 (cerebral infarction, n = 37; cerebral hemorrhage, n = 7). We used single correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis to investigate factors that correlated with ADL at discharge. ADL at discharge was also evaluated on the basis of white matter lesion severity (Fazekas classification, grades 0–3).ResultsSingle correlation analysis showed that age (r = −0.36, P = 0.016), male sex (r = 0.362, P = 0.016), neurological symptom severity (r = −0.361, P = 0.016), ADL on starting rehabilitation (r = 0.685, P < 0.001) and white matter lesion severity (r = −0.361, P = 0.016) significantly correlated with ADL at discharge. Multiple regression analysis showed that ADL on starting rehabilitation (β = 0.519, t = 4.723, P < 0.001) and white matter lesion severity (β = −0.309, t = −3.057, P < 0.01) were statistically significant prognostic factors for ADL at discharge. ADL at discharge score was significantly lower in the group with high white matter lesion severity (Fazekas, grade 2) than in the other two groups (Fazekas, grade 0, P < 0.01; Fazekas, grade 1, P < 0.05).ConclusionSevere white matter lesions are a prognostic factor for poor ADL at discharge in older patients with stroke who have mild neurological symptoms. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 942–947.
Identification of risk factors associated with the development of skin tears in hospitalised older persons: a case–control study
Authors: Lewin Gill F , Newall Nelly , Alan Janine J , Carville Keryln J , Santamaria Nick M , Roberts Pam A 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTo identify the risk factors associated with the development of skin tears in older persons four hundred and fifty three patients (151 cases and 302 controls) were enrolled in a case–control study in a 500‐bed metropolitan tertiary hospital in Western Australia between December 2008 and June 2009. Case eligibility was defined by a skin tear on admission, which had occurred in the last 5 days; or, a skin tear developed during hospitalisation. For each case, two controls who did not have a skin tear and had been admitted within 1 day of the case, were also enrolled. Data collected from the nursing staff and inpatient medical records included characteristics known, or hypothesised, to be associated with increased vulnerability to skin tears. Data analysis included a series of multivariate stepwise regressions to identify a number of different potential explanatory models. The most parsimonious model for predicting skin tear development comprised six variables: ecchymosis (bruising); senile purpura; haematoma; evidence of a previously healed skin tear; oedema; and inability to reposition oneself independently. The ability of these six characteristics to predict who among older patients could subsequently develop a skin tear now needs to be determined by a prospective study.
Optical and Tunable Dielectric Properties of K0.5Na0.5NbO3–SrTiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Fan Huiqing , Zhao Yuwei , Dong Guangzhi 
Published: September 2015

Pure perovskite K0.5Na0.5NbO3–xSrTiO3 (x = 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, and 0.19) ceramics were prepared by using a solid‐state reaction process. The ceramics were optically transparent for visible and near‐infrared wavelengths. Then, high tunability (24.1%) and low dielectric loss (0.016) for the x = 0.18 sample indicated the transparent ceramics could be used in tunable devices. The Lorentz‐type relation fitting for the temperature dependence of dielectric permittivity showed that these ceramics had a typical relaxor behavior, and the polar nanoregions were related to the tunable dielectric properties. The nonlinear dielectric behavior was further explored by the Johnson model combined with Langevin terms, which revealed that the polar nanoregions contributed to the nonlinear ε(E) dependencies with contributions of 12.3%, 11.6%, 5.9%, and 3.6% for x = 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, and 0.19, respectively.
Plasmonic Effects of Infiltrated Silver Nanoparticles Inside TiO2 Film: Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance in DSSCs
Authors: Garmaroudi Zahra Andaji , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza 
Published: September 2015

The plasmonic effects of infiltrated silver (Ag) nanoparticles, with different contents, inside a nanostructured TiO2 film on the photovoltaic performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are explored. The synthesized Ag nanoparticles are immobilized onto deposited TiO2 nanoparticles by a new strategy using 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), a bifunctional linker molecule. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images show that monodispersed Ag and polydispersed TiO2 nanoparticles have an average diameter of 12 ± 3 nm and 5 ± 1 nm, respectively. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis reveals that Ag nanoparticles were successfully functionalized and capped with MPA. Optical studies on the MPA‐capped Ag nanoparticles inside TiO2 film show an increase in the total absorbance of the electrode. Moreover, EIS measurements confirm that MPA‐capped Ag nanoparticles inhibit the charge recombination and improve the stability of nanoparticles in I3−/I− electrolyte. The DSSC assembled with optimal content of MPA‐capped Ag nanoparticles demonstrated an enhanced power conversion efficiency (8.82% ± 0.07%) compared with the pure TiO2 (7.30% ± 0.05%). The increase in cell efficiency was attributed to the enhanced dye light absorption in strength and spectral range due to the surface plasmon resonance of MPA‐capped Ag nanoparticles in the photoanode.
Phase Relationship and Ionic Conductivity in Na–SrSiO3 Ionic Conductor
Authors: Jee Youngseok , Zhao Xuan , Lei Xueling , Huang Kevin 
Published: September 2015

The Na–SrSiO3 as a potential high‐conductivity ionic conductor for intermediate temperature solid oxide electrochemical cells (SOECs) has drawn much attention recently. Some of these studies questioned the feasibility of Na doping and therefore the creation of oxygen vacancies, while others suggested an alternative phase responsible for the ionic conduction. In this study, a systematic investigation was carried out to understand the ionic conduction in Na–SrSiO3. Through in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction, thermal analysis, microstructural characterization, and electrical conductivity measurement, Na–SrSiO3 was shown as a two‐phase material, one being slightly Na‐doped SrSiO3 and another being amorphous Na2Si2O5. The former was an electrical insulator whereas the latter was a good ionic conductor. It was also found that the amorphous Na2Si2O5 phase was unstable at the temperature ≥500°C, crystallizing into the insulating polycrystalline Na2Si2O5 which causes conductivity to “bend‐over” at higher temperatures. A preliminary Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics (AIMD) simulation suggested that the amorphous Na2Si2O5 be predominantly a Na+ conductor.
Microstructure and Electrical Properties of Nonstoichiometric 0.94(Na0.5Bi0.5+x)TiO3–0.06BaTiO3Lead‐Free Ceramics
Authors: Qiao Xiao‐Shuang , Chen Xiao‐Ming , Lian Han‐Li , Chen Wei‐Ting , Zhou Jian‐Ping , Liu Peng 
Published: September 2015

0.94(Na0.5Bi0.5+x)TiO3–0.06BaTiO3(x = −0.04, 0, 0.02; namedNB0.46T‐6BT,NB0.50T‐6BT,NB0.52T‐6BT, respectively) lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared via the solid‐state reaction method. Effects of Bi3+nonstoichiometry on microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties were studied. All ceramics show typical X‐ray diffraction peaks ofABO3perovskite structure. The lattice parameters increase with the increase in the Bi3+content. The electron probe microanalysis demonstrates that the excess Bi2O3in the starting composition can compensate the Bi2O3loss induced during sample processing. The size and shape of grains are closely related to the Bi3+content. For the unpoledNB0.50T‐6BTandNB0.52T‐6BT, there are two dielectric anomalies in the dielectric constant–temperature curves. The unpoledNB0.46T‐6BTshows one dielectric anomaly accompanied by high dielectric constant and dielectric loss at low frequencies. After poling, a new dielectric anomaly appears around depolarization temperature (Td) for all ceramics and theTdvalues increase with the Bi3+amount decreasing from excess to deficiency. The diffuse phase transition character was studied via the Curie–Weiss law and modified Curie–Weiss law. The activation energy values obtained via the impedance analysis are 0.69, 1.05, and 1.16 eV forNB0.46T‐6BT,NB0.50T‐6BTandNB0.52T‐6BT, respectively, implying the change in oxygen vacancy concentration in the ceramics. The piezoelectric constant, polarization, and coercive field of the ceramics change with the variation in the Bi3+content. The Rayleigh analysis suggests that the change in electrical properties of the ceramics with the variation in the Bi3+amount is related to the effect of oxygen vacancies.