bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stem Cell–Derived Endochondral Cartilage Stimulates Bone Healing by Tissue Transformation
Authors: Bahney Chelsea S , Hu Diane P , Taylor Aaron J , Ferro Federico , Britz Hayley M , Hallgrimsson Benedikt , Johnstone Brian , Miclau Theodore , Marcucio Ralph S 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Although bone has great capacity for repair, there are a number of clinical situations (fracture non-unions, spinal fusions, revision arthroplasty, segmental defects) in which auto- or allografts attempt to augment bone regeneration by promoting osteogenesis. Critical failures associated with current grafting therapies include osteonecrosis and limited integration between graft and host tissue. We speculated that the underlying problem with current bone grafting techniques is that they promote bone regeneration through direct osteogenesis. Here we hypothesized that using cartilage to promote endochondral bone regeneration would leverage normal developmental and repair sequences to produce a well-vascularized regenerate that integrates with the host tissue. In this study, we use a translational murine model of a segmental tibia defect to test the clinical utility of bone regeneration from a cartilage graft. We further test the mechanism by which cartilage promotes bone regeneration using in vivo lineage tracing and in vitro culture experiments. Our data show that cartilage grafts support regeneration of a vascularized and integrated bone tissue in vivo, and subsequently propose a translational tissue engineering platform using chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Interestingly, lineage tracing experiments show the regenerate was graft derived, suggesting transformation of the chondrocytes into bone. In vitro culture data show that cartilage explants mineralize with the addition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) or by exposure to human vascular endothelial cell (HUVEC)-conditioned medium, indicating that endothelial cells directly promote ossification. This study provides preclinical data for endochondral bone repair that has potential to significantly improve patient outcomes in a variety of musculoskeletal diseases and injuries. Further, in contrast to the dogmatic view that hypertrophic chondrocytes undergo apoptosis before bone formation, our data suggest cartilage can transform into bone by activating the pluripotent transcription factor Oct4A. Together these data represent a paradigm shift describing the mechanism of endochondral bone repair and open the door for novel regenerative strategies based on improved biology. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Combined use of satellite estimates and rain gauge observations to generate high‐quality historical rainfall time series over Ethiopia
Authors: Dinku Tufa , Hailemariam Kinfe , Maidment Ross , Tarnavsky Elena , Connor Stephen 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTClimate data are used in a number of applications including climate risk management and adaptation to climate change. However, the availability of climate data, particularly throughout rural Africa, is very limited. Available weather stations are unevenly distributed and mainly located along main roads in cities and towns. This imposes severe limitations to the availability of climate information and services for the rural community where, arguably, these services are needed most. Weather station data also suffer from gaps in the time series. Satellite proxies, particularly satellite rainfall estimate, have been used as alternatives because of their availability even over remote parts of the world. However, satellite rainfall estimates also suffer from a number of critical shortcomings that include heterogeneous time series, short time period of observation, and poor accuracy particularly at higher temporal and spatial resolutions. An attempt is made here to alleviate these problems by combining station measurements with the complete spatial coverage of satellite rainfall estimates. Rain gauge observations are merged with a locally calibrated version of the TAMSAT satellite rainfall estimates to produce over 30‐years (1983‐todate) of rainfall estimates over Ethiopia at a spatial resolution of 10 km and a ten‐daily time scale. This involves quality control of rain gauge data, generating locally calibrated version of the TAMSAT rainfall estimates, and combining these with rain gauge observations from national station network. The infrared‐only satellite rainfall estimates produced using a relatively simple TAMSAT algorithm performed as good as or even better than other satellite rainfall products that use passive microwave inputs and more sophisticated algorithms. There is no substantial difference between the gridded‐gauge and combined gauge‐satellite products over the test area in Ethiopia having a dense station network; however, the combined product exhibits better quality over parts of the country where stations are sparsely distributed.
Flexible high‐resolution full‐color top‐emitting active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode display
Authors: Chida Akihiro , Aoyama Tomoya , Eguchi Shingo , Inoue Tatsunori , Senda Naoyuki , Sakuishi Tatsuya , Ikeda Hisao , Shitagaki Satoko , Ohsawa Nobuharu , Inoue Hideko , Suzuki Kunihiko , Seo Hiromi , Sasaki Toshiki , Nonaka Yusuke , Nakashima Harue , Suzuki Tsunenori , Watabe Takeyoshi , Seo Satoshi , Hirakata Yoshiharu , Yamazaki Shunpei , Yasumoto Seiji , Sato Masataka , Yasuda Yuki , Okazaki Shoji , Nakamura Wataru , Mitsui Seiichi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe developed a high‐performance 3.4‐in. flexible active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode (AMOLED) display with remarkably high resolution using an oxide semiconductor in a backplane, by applying our transfer technology that utilizes metal separation layers. Using this panel, we also fabricated a prototype of a side‐roll display for mobile uses. In these AMOLED displays, a white OLED combined with a color filter was used in order to achieve remarkably high resolution. For the white OLED, a tandem structure in which a phosphorescent emission unit and a fluorescent emission unit are serially connected with an intermediate layer sandwiched between the emission units was employed. Furthermore, revolutionary technologies that enable a reduction in power consumption in both the phosphorescent and fluorescent emission units were introduced to the white tandem OLED.
Epigallocatechin gallate improves insulin signaling by decreasing toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) activity in adipose tissues of high‐fat diet rats
Authors: Bao Suqing , Cao Yanli , Fan Chenling , Fan Yuxin , Bai Shuting , Teng Weiping , Shan Zhongyan 
Published: November 2013

ScopeIn this study, we investigated the beneficial effects and the underlying mechanism of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in adipose tissues of rats fed with a high‐fat diet (HFD).Methods and resultsFasting plasma insulin, epididymal fat coefficient and free fatty acids, homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance index, and the average glucose infusion rate were determined. EGCG significantly decreased free fatty acids, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance index, and epididymal fat coefficient, and increased glucose infusion rate in HFD group. The levels of toll‐like receptor 4, TNF receptor associated factor 6, inhibitor‐kappa‐B kinase β, p‐nuclear factor κB, tumor necrosis factor α, and IL‐6 in the EGCG group were all significantly lower than the HFD control group. EGCG also decreased the level of phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1 and increased phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase and glucose transporter isoform 4 in the HFD group. Decreased macrophage infiltration was in EGCG group versus HFD group, and the protein level of CD68 in EGCG group was also significantly lower than that of HFD group.ConclusionEGCG attenuated inflammation by decreasing the content of macrophages, interfered the toll‐like receptor 4 mediated inflammatory response pathway, thus, improving insulin signaling in adipose tissues.
Parent and clinician preferences for location of end‐of‐life care: Home, hospital or freestanding hospice?
Authors: Kassam Alisha , Skiadaresis Julia , Alexander Sarah , Wolfe Joanne 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundCurrent options for location of end‐of‐life (EOL) care for children with cancer include home, hospital, and freestanding pediatric hospice (FSPH). However, access to these options varies greatly depending on geographical location. We aimed to determine bereaved parent and clinician preferences for location to EOL care and death.ProcedureWe administered questionnaires to 75 bereaved parents (response rate 54%) and 48 pediatric oncology clinicians (response rate 91%) at a large teaching hospital. Main outcome measure was parent and clinician ranking for preferred location of EOL care and death if given the options of home, hospital or FSPH.ResultsMajority of parents and clinicians ranked home as their first choice for EOL care (70.2% and 87%, respectively) and death (70.8% and 89.1%, respectively). Compared to clinicians, parents gave a higher ranking to hospital (P < 0.01) and lower ranking to FSPH (P < 0.01) as the preferred location for EOL care and death. Congruence between actual and preferred location of EOL care was more likely when a palliative care team was involved (P < 0.01) and less likely for children with haematologic malignancies (P = 0.03).ConclusionsParents and clinicians prefer home as the location for EOL care and death for children with cancer. Hospital based palliative care is a preferred alternative if home is not desired. FSPH is a relatively recent phenomena and further research needs to be directed towards understanding its cost benefit in comparison to home and hospital‐based EOL care. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:859–864. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemometric Discrimination of Different Tomato Cultivars Based on Their Volatile Fingerprint in Relation to Lycopene and Total Phenolics Content
Authors: Socaci Sonia A. , Socaciu Carmen , Mureşan Crina , Fărcaş Anca , Tofană Maria , Vicaş Simona , Pintea Adela 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe characteristic flavour of tomato is given by a complex mixture of sugars, acids, amino acids, minerals and volatile metabolites. Of these, volatile compounds are considered to greatly influence the flavour of tomato fruits. The volatile aroma compounds and phytochemical content of tomatoes are dependent on genotype, environmental conditions and cultural practices, and can thus be used for cultivar discrimination.ObjectiveTo assess the possibility of using the volatile profile of tomato to fingerprint and discriminate different tomato cultivars based on an ‘in‐tube extraction’ technique coupled to gas chromatography, combined with mass spectrometry (ITEX/GC–MS) and a chemometric approach.ResultsUsing the ITEX/GC–MS technique, 61 volatiles were analysed and separated from tomato cultivars, with 58 being identified. The main volatiles identified in all tomato cultivars were: hexanal, trans‐2‐hexenal, 1‐hexanol, 3‐pentanone, 3‐methylbutanol, 2‐methylbutanol, 3‐methylbutanal and 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one. The lycopene content and total phenolic compound content of the tomato cultivars varied between 36.78 and 73.18 mg/kg fresh weight (fw) and from 119.4 to 253.7 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per kilogram fresh weight, respectively. Volatile fingerprint and phytochemical composition led to a good differentiation between tomato cultivars, with the first two principal components explaining 89% of the variance in the data.ConclusionThe tomato cultivars studied were easily discriminated based on their characteristic volatile profile that was obtained using the reliable ITEX/GC–MS technique. Principal component analysis revealed, in addition to volatile compounds, the important role played by the total phenolic content in tomato cultivar discrimination, which is highly correlated with phenotypic and biochemical differences between tomato cultivars. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graphene oxide sheet–polyaniline nanohybrids for enhanced photovoltaic performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Chen , Tseng Lin‐Chieh , Lee Rong‐Ho 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, photovoltaic (PV) properties of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) incorporated with graphene oxide nanosheet‐polyaniline (GOS‐PANI) nanohybrid/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blend gel electrolytes were investigated. Chemical structure and composition of GOS‐PANI nanohybrids were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The images of transmission electron microscopy revealed that PANI nanorods were anchored to the single‐layered GOS for the GOS‐PANI nanohybrids. Ionic conductivities of the GOS‐PANI/PEO–based gel electrolytes were measured using a conductivity meter. The electrochemical catalytic activities of the GOS‐PANI nanohybrids were determined through cyclic voltammetry. These GOS‐PANI nanohybrids were served as the extended electron transfer materials and catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of I3−. Due to the enhancement of the ionic conductivity and electrochemical catalytic activity of the gel electrolyte, better PV performance was observed for the DSSCs based on the GOS‐PANI containing electrolytes as compared to the pristine PEO electrolyte‐based DSSC sample. Moreover, PV performances of the GOS‐PANI/PEO–based DSSCs were closely related to the PANI content of GOS‐PANI nanohybrids. The highest photo‐energy conversion efficiency (5.63%) was obtained for an optimized GOS‐PANI/PEO (5:95, w/w) blend gel electrolyte‐based DSSC sample. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 321–332
Correlated matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and fluorescent imaging of photocleavable peptide‐coded random bead‐arrays
Authors: Lim Mark J. , Liu Ziying , Braunschweiger Karen I. , Awad Amany , Rothschild Kenneth J. 
Published: November 2013

RATIONALERapidly performing global proteomic screens is an important goal in the post‐genomic era. Correlated matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) and fluorescent imaging of photocleavable peptide‐coded random bead‐arrays was evaluated as a critical step in a new method for proteomic screening that combines many of the advantages of MS with fluorescence‐based microarrays.METHODSSmall peptide‐coded model bead libraries containing up to 20 different bead species were constructed by attaching peptides to 30–34 µm diameter glass, agarose or TentaGel® beads using photocleavable biotin or a custom‐designed photocleavable linker. The peptide‐coded bead libraries were randomly arrayed into custom gold‐coated micro‐well plates with 45 µm diameter wells and subjected to fluorescence and MALDI mass spectrometric imaging (MALDI‐MSI).RESULTSPhotocleavable mass‐tags from individual beads in these libraries were spatially localized as ~65 µm spots using MALDI‐MSI with high sensitivity and mass resolution. Fluorescently tagged beads were identified and correlated with their matching photocleavable mass‐tags by comparing the fluorescence and MALDI‐MS images of the same bead‐array. Post‐translational modification of the peptide Kemptide was also detected on individual beads in a photocleavable peptide‐coded bead‐array by MALDI‐MSI alone, after exposure of the beads to protein kinase A (PKA).CONCLUSIONSCorrelated MALDI‐MS and fluorescent imaging of photocleavable peptide‐coded random bead‐arrays can provide a basis for performing global proteomic screening. © 2013 The Authors. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model checking aircraft controller software: a case study
Authors: Chen Zhe , Gu Yi , Huang Zhiqiu , Zheng Jun , Liu Chang , Liu Ziyi 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThis paper documents an application of model checking to formally verify an interrupt‐driven Slats and Flaps Control Unit software programmed in C, one component of a certain type of Chinese aircraft. Our objective was to identify errors rather than to prove correctness. We focused on the correctness of the algorithms used in the buffer operations, which are very common and important in aircraft software. In the verification, a total of four flawed code fragments was identified, including a minor efficiency issue. According to the programming team, this is regarded as a very successful result, and this project is the first successful attempt to apply model checking to the practice of verifying onboard aircraft software in China. Thanks to its completeness and reality, this case study can also serve as a complete and valuable real‐world example for teaching and learning model checking. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of intrapartum ultrasound in the prediction of complicated operative forceps delivery of fetuses in non‐occiput posterior position
Authors: Cuerva M. J. , Bamberg C. , Tobias P. , Gil M. M. , De La Calle M. , Bartha J. L. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the hypothesis that intrapartum ultrasound (ITU) measurements, including the angle of progression (AOP), progression distance (PD) and head direction (HD), can predict complicated forceps delivery in non‐occiput posterior deliveries.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, a single operator performed ITU on 30 patients with an indication for operative forceps delivery. Managing obstetricians were blinded to the results. ITU was performed just before blade application, between contractions and concurrently with contractions and active pushing. Forceps delivery was classified as complicated when one or more of the following situations occurred: three or more tractions; a subjective impression of a difficult or failed application; a third‐degree or higher perineal tear; significant bleeding during the episiotomy repair; major tear; significant traumatic neonatal lesion.ResultsTwenty‐one forceps deliveries were classified as uncomplicated and nine were complicated. The strongest predictor of a complicated forceps delivery, calculated using the area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve (AUC), was the AOP between contractions (AOP1) (AUC = 98.9%). The best cut‐off for predicting a difficult forceps delivery was an AOP1 of 138° (sensitivity = 85.7%, specificity = 100%). The best predictive model included both the AOP1 and the HD during a contraction with active pushing (HD2).ConclusionThe sonographic parameters AOP and HD can be used to predict complicated operative forceps delivery in fetuses in non‐occiput posterior position. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Climate change research and policy in Portugal
Authors: Carvalho Anabela , Schmidt Luísa , Santos Filipe Duarte , Delicado Ana 
Published: November 2013

This article offers a review of research and policy on climate change in Portugal and is organized into three main themes: scientific knowledge and assessment of climate change; policy analysis and evaluation; and public engagement. Modern scientific research on meteorology and climatology started in Portugal in the 1950s and a strong community of researchers in climate science, vulnerabilities, impacts, and adaptation has since developed, particularly in the last decade. Nevertheless, there are still many gaps in research, especially regarding the economic costs of climate change in Portugal and costs and benefits of adaptation. Governmental policies with a strong emphasis on mitigation were introduced at the end of the 1990s. As greenhouse gas emissions continued to rise beyond its Kyoto target for 2012, the country had to resort to the Kyoto Flexibility Mechanisms in order to comply. Climate change adaptation policies were introduced in 2010 but are far from being fully implemented. Regarding public engagement with climate change, high levels of concern contrast with limited understanding and rather weak behavioral dispositions to address climate change. Citizens display a heavy reliance on the media as sources of information, which are dominated by a techno‐managerial discourse mainly focused on the global level. The final part of the article identifies research gaps and outlines a research agenda. Connections between policy and research are also discussed. WIREs Clim Change 2014, 5:199–217. doi: 10.1002/wcc.258This article is categorized under:

Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > National Reviews
Cannibalistic siblicide in praying mantis nymphs (Miomantis caffra)
Authors: Fea Murray P. , Stanley Margaret C. , Holwell Gregory I. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInclusive fitness theory predicts that cannibalism should be more likely to arise if close relatives can be avoided, suggesting that cannibalistic species will possess mechanisms for minimizing predation on kin. JuvenileMiomantis caffraare good candidates for the possession of such traits because; (1) groups of siblings hatch together into the same locale, (2) they are aggressive hunters, and (3) they are strongly cannibalistic. In this study, the possibility of kin recognition or avoidance inM. caffrais investigated by laboratory comparison of cannibalism rates between groups of differing relatedness. In order to examine the likelihood of encounters between early instar siblings, the extent of dispersal away from the ootheca in the days following hatching is also observed. Nymphs did not rapidly disperse after hatching, so the chances of full siblings encountering one another in the wild appear to be high. Despite this, cannibalism was equally high in groups of full siblings and groups of mixed parenthood. We suggest that forM. caffra, a generalist ambush predator, the benefits of indiscriminate aggression may outweigh any inclusive fitness benefits that would be gained from kin discrimination.
Burrowing by badgers (Meles meles) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) changes soil conditions and vegetation in a European temperate forest
Authors: Kurek Przemysław , Kapusta Paweł , Holeksa Jan 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study examined the effects of burrow digging and habitation by the European badger (Meles meles) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) on soil properties and the plant community. The vegetation of control plots located in a similar but undisturbed habitat was compared with that of 18 burrow plots established at badger setts (N = 9) and fox dens (N = 9) in a lowland forest area in Poland. Soil physicochemical properties at different disturbance levels (mounds, intermounds and reference areas) were also investigated. The animals altered nutrient availability in the burrow plots considerably by excavating material from deep soil horizons that were less acidic and higher in K, Ca, Mg and available P but poorer in C and N. The effect was stronger for the badger, probably because it displaced larger amounts of material and disturbed wider areas. The activity of the two carnivores induced similar changes in plant communities. They increased herbaceous species richness and caused a shift in the herbaceous species composition: versus the control plots, the burrow plots contained more fugitive species (short‐living plants typical for disturbed environments), among which ruderal forbs, including nutrient‐demanding species, dominated. The carnivores also increased the species richness of fleshy‐fruited shrubs and trees. The primary reason for this was probably not burrowing but endozoochorous seed dispersal. Overall, the results indicate that the badger setts and fox dens differ significantly from the forest matrix in terms of soil and vegetation parameters, and that they contribute to habitat heterogeneity and biological diversity.