bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomical dimensions using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging: Impact on the learning curve of robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
Authors: Yao Akihisa , Iwamoto Hideto , Masago Toshihiko , Morizane Shuichi , Honda Masashi , Sejima Takehiro , Takenaka Atsushi 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of anatomical dimensions as measured using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging on the outcomes of robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 100 consecutive robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy procedures that were carried out by a single surgeon at the Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Japan. Preoperative clinical data and anatomical measurements, including the calculated prostate volume pelvic cavity index, were determined based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, and their effects on console time, estimated blood loss and surgical margin status were compared.ResultsBody mass index, the prostate anteroposterior diameter, and the prostate volume‐to‐pelvic cavity index ratio were all significantly correlated with console time and estimated blood loss, based on a univariate analysis (P < 0.05). The prostate craniocaudal diameter, prostate transverse diameter and prostate volume also correlated with console time. However, based on the multiple linear regression analysis, only the prostate volume‐to‐pelvic cavity index ratio was found to be a significant predictor of console time and estimated blood loss. Furthermore, when the 100 total cases were divided into 50 early cases and 50 late cases, the prostate volume‐to‐pelvic cavity index ratio correlated with console time and estimated blood loss only in the early group, and not in the late group. In contrast, anatomical measurements had no significant effect on surgical margin status.ConclusionMagnetic resonance imaging can be a valuable adjunct to robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Our data show that patients with larger prostates and narrow, deep pelvises might present more difficulty in robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy procedures. However, the present data also show that this problem can be overcome by an experienced operator with improved surgical techniques.
Identification of a novel antimicrobial peptide, scolopendin 1, derived from centipede Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans and its antifungal mechanism
Authors: Choi H. , Hwang J‐S. , Lee D. G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn this study, a novel antimicrobial peptide, scolopendin 1, was identified from adult centipedes, Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans using RNA sequencing. Scolopendin 1 exerted an antimicrobial activity without inducing haemolysis of human erythrocytes. In order to understand the antifungal mechanism, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay was performed, which indicated that scolopendin 1 induced ROS accumulation in Candida albicans. Evaluation of fungal viability using N‐acetyl cysteine, a ROS scavenger, suggested that ROS are a major factor in scolopendin 1‐induced fungal cell death. Co‐staining of annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and propidium iodide, and TUNEL and 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) assays confirmed that ROS‐induced fungal cell death is associated with apoptosis. To further investigate the mechanism that facilitates the progression of apoptosis, changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and mitochondrial dysfunction were examined. Ca2+, a signalling molecule in the apoptotic pathway, was increased in the cytosol and mitochondria, and ROS accumulation triggered mitochondrial depolarization and the release of cytochrome c, a pro‐apoptotic factor, from the mitochondria to the cytosol. Finally, the released cytochrome c activated intracellular caspase. The present study suggests that scolopendin 1 could emerge as a model molecule that targets the apoptotic pathway and provides a novel remedy.
A case report of a 19‐week gravid patient with a dehisced abdominal wound and treated with V.A.C. ATS® Therapy System
Authors: Asukai Kei , Kashiwazaki Masaki , Koizumi Kaori , Nobunaga Toshikatsu , Yano Hiroshi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractNegative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an effective treatment for various non‐healing wounds, and V.A.C.® Therapy was the first‐approved NPWT device by the Japanese government in 2009. We report the case of a 19‐week pregnant patient where V.A.C.® Therapy was applied to her dehisced laparotomy wound with satisfactory results. The patient was a 30‐year‐old female who was referred to our hospital from her previous doctor because of the presence of an ovarian cyst on the left ovary. The patient presented at 14 weeks into her pregnancy, and surgery was considered because of no reduction in the size of the cyst. An oophorocystectomy was performed, and then the surgical incision was re‐opened at postoperative day (POD) 10 due to a surgical site infection. V.A.C.® Therapy was initiated on POD 26 (20 weeks of pregnancy) and continued for 28 days. After 28 days of V.A.C.® Therapy (POD 54), the wound was sutured for complete closure. The foetus did not experience any adverse affects from the surgery and, subsequently, normal vaginal delivery was achieved. This case is the first report of the use of V.A.C.® Therapy over a dehisced abdominal wound on a pregnant patient in our country.
Anthralin/dithranol in dermatology
Authors: Sehgal Virendra N. , Verma Prashant , Khurana Ananta 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAnthralin (1,8‐dihydroxy‐9anthrone, dithranol) was first synthesized as a derivative of chrysarobin, prepared from the araroba tree in Brazil over a century ago. Drawbacks to the use of anthralin include irritation and discoloration of the skin. This property of the molecule prompted workers to investigate details of its pharmacology, mode of action, and indications. The major point of this article is to highlight and revisit these aspects for pertinent future use. Therefore, it is worthwhile to consider that the drug is relatively innocuous, yet effective, and is devoid of any systemic side effects in contrast to a wide variety of systemic and topical therapies available for psoriasis and other dermatoses.
Physiological Response of Multiple Contrasting Rice (Oryza sativaL.) Cultivars to Suboptimal Temperatures
Authors: Gazquez A. , Maiale S. J. , Rachoski M. M. , Vidal A. , Ruiz O. A. , Menéndez A. B. , Rodríguez A. A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe physiological response of multiple rice cultivars, eighteen initially and eight cultivars later on, to suboptimal temperatures (ST) conditions was investigated in laboratory and outdoor experimental conditions. Treatment withSTdecreased growth in different extents according to the cultivar and affected thePSIIperformance, determined by chlorophyll fluorescence fast‐transient test, and stomatal conductance, regardless the experimental condition. Two groups of cultivars could be distinguished on the base of their growth and physiological parameters. The group of cultivars presenting higher growths displayed optimalJIPvalues, and higher instantaneous water use efficiency (WUEi), due to a lower Gs underST, unlike cultivars showing lower growth values, which presented worseJIPvalues and could not adjust their Gs and hence theirWUEi. In this work, we detected at least two cultivars with superior tolerance toSTthan the cold tolerant referent Koshihikari. These cultivars could be used as parents or tolerance donors in breeding for new crop varieties. On other hand, positive and significant correlations between data obtained from laboratory and outdoor experiments suggest that laboratory measurements of most of the above mentioned parameters would be useful to predict the response of rice cultivars toSToutdoor.
1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP)‐Induced Alteration in Leaf Photosynthetic Rate, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Respiration and Membrane Damage in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under High Night Temperature
Authors: Mohammed A. R. , Cothren J. T. , Chen M.‐H. , Tarpley L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHigh night temperature (HNT) can induce ethylene‐triggered reactive oxygen species production, which can cause premature leaf senescence and membrane damage, thereby affecting production, consumption and transfer of photosyn‐thates, and yield. The 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) can competitively bind with ethylene receptors and decrease ethylene effects. The objective was to determine the effects of HNT and 1‐MCP on leaf photosynthetic rate (PN), chlorophyll fluorescence, total chlorophyll (TC), respiration, membrane damage, pollen germination, spikelet fertility (SF) and yield of rice hybrid ‘XL723’. Plants were grown under ambient night temperature (ANT) (25 °C) or HNT (30 °C) with or without 1‐MCP treatment. Application of 1‐MCP was at the boot stage. The decrease in yield (11 %) under HNT was associated with decreased PN (4 %), stomatal conductance (8 %), quantum yield (11 %) TC (23 %) and SF (5 %) and increased respiration (74 %), Fo/Fm (increase in thylakoid membrane damage; 11 %) and membrane damage (leaf electrolytic leakage; 57 %). The 1‐MCP‐treated plants grown under HNT showed increased yield (17 %), which was associated with increased PN (10 %), stomatal conductance (30 %), quantum yield (9 %), TC (37 %) and SF (11 %) and decreased respiration (39 %), Fo/Fm (5 %) and membrane damage (18 %). Plants grown under HNT showed increased grain chalkiness (154 %) compared with plants grown under ANT.
2ZrO2·Y2O3Thermal Barrier Coatings Resistant to Degradation by MoltenCMAS: Part I, Optical Basicity Considerations and Processing
Authors: Krause Amanda R. , Senturk Bilge S. , Garces Hector F. , Dwivedi Gopal , Ortiz Angel L. , Sampath Sanjay , Padture Nitin P. 
Published: September 2014

The higher operating temperatures in gas‐turbine engines enabled by thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) engender new materials issues,vizsilicate particles (sand, volcanic ash, fly ash) ingested by the engine melt on the hotTBCsurfaces and form calcium–magnesium–alumino–silicate (CMAS) glass deposits. The moltenCMASglass degradesTBCs, leading to their premature failure. In this context, we have used the concept of optical basicity (OB) to provide a quantitative chemical basis for the screening ofCMAS‐resistantTBCcompositions, which could also be extended to environmental barrier coatings (EBCs). By applyingOBdifference considerations to various majorTBCcompositions and two types of importantCMASs—desert sand and fly ash—the 2ZrO2·Y2O3solid solution (ss)TBCcomposition, with the potential for highCMAS‐resistance, is chosen for this study. Here, we also demonstrate the feasibility of processing of 2ZrO2·Y2O3(ss) air‐plasma sprayed (APS)TBCusing commercially developed powders. The resultingTBCs with typicalAPSmicrostructures are found to be single‐phase cubic fluorite, having a thermal conductivity <0.9 W·(m·K)−1at elevated temperatures. The accompanying PartIIpaper presents results from experiments and analyses of high‐temperature interactions between 2ZrO2·Y2O3(ss)APS TBCand the two types ofCMASs.
Stress Modulation and Ferroelectric Properties of Nanograined PbTiO3 Thick Films on the Different Substrates Fabricated by Aerosol Deposition
Authors: Lee Jungkeun , Lee Soohwan , Choi Min‐Geun , Ryu Jungho , Lee Jong‐Pil , Lim Yun‐Soo , Jeong Dae‐Yong 
Published: September 2014

Nanograined PbTiO3 (PT) thick films were deposited on Si, yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ), and Ni substrates using an aerosol deposition (AD) method at room temperature. The AD PT thick films on each different substrate were annealed at 500°C and 700°C for 1 h to increase the crystallinity. The stresses in the PT film were modulated by controlling the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between the films and substrates during the thermal annealing process. The morphology of the AD PT films was examined from the polycrystalline dense structure (thickness ~8 μm), and the changes in the crystallographic phase, in‐plane stresses, and ferroelectric properties in annealed films were investigated. In‐plane stress analysis showed that the PT films annealed at 500°C and 700°C on each substrate exhibited compressive stress. Owing to the effects of compressive stress in the PT film, the film showed less tetragonality (c/a ratio) and enhanced ferroelectric behaviors. The change in the polarization–electric field (P–E) hysteresis loop of the PT films was explained by the stress induced from CTE mismatch between the films and substrates.
Novel Glass‐Ceramic Composition as Sealant for SOFCs
Authors: Smeacetto Federico , De Miranda Auristela , Chrysanthou Andreas , Bernardo Enrico , Secco Michele , Bindi Massimiliano , Salvo Milena , Sabato Antonio G. , Ferraris Monica 
Published: September 2014

This work deals with the design, the characterization, and testing of a novel glass‐ceramic to be used as sealant for planar solid oxide fuel cells and its compatibility with Mn1.5Co1.5O4‐coated Crofer22APU. Thermal, sintering, and crystallization behavior and thermo mechanical properties of the sealant are reviewed and discussed, indicating therefore that these compositions can be deposited at 850°C and provide an excellent compatibility with both the Mn1.5Co1.5O4‐coated Crofer22APU and the anode‐supported electrolyte. In particular, Mn1.5Co1.5O4‐coated Crofer22APU/sealant/anode‐supported‐electrolyte joined samples have been submitted to thermal tests (in air atmosphere) from RT to 800°C (SOFC operating temperature) up to 500 h. No interactions, cracks formation, or failure were observed at the Mn1.5Co1.5O4‐coated Crofer22APU/sealant interface and between the glass‐ceramic and the anode‐supported‐electrolyte after 500 h of thermal tests in air atmosphere.
Aqueous and Nonaqueous Colloidal Processing of Difficult‐to‐Densify Ceramics: Suspension Rheology and Particle Packing
Authors: Leo Silvia , Tallon Carolina , Franks George V. 
Published: September 2014

Aqueous and nonaqueous colloidal processing of zirconium diboride (ZrB2) and boron carbide (B4C) has been investigated. The aqueous and nonaqueous ZrB2 and B4C suspension formulations have been optimized. The suspensions were cast into green bodies using slip casting. The correlation between the state of dispersion with the rheological properties of the suspensions and the resulting packing density was observed in both aqueous and nonaqueous processing. The attractive interactions between powder particles in water were difficult to overcome with electrical double layer or electrosteric repulsion. Reasonably low viscosity aqueous ZrB2 suspensions up to 45 vol% solids could be prepared. It was not possible to produce low viscosity (viscosity below 1 Pa·s at shear rate of 100 s−1) aqueous B4C suspensions with solid content above 30 vol%. Slip casting of the weakly aggregated ZrB2 suspensions resulted in low packing densities (~55% relative density) of the green bodies. On the other hand, dispersion of powder particles in nonaqueous media (cyclohexane and dodecane) enabled suspensions with lower viscosities and a higher maximum solid concentration (up to 50 vol%) to be prepared. The well‐dispersed nonaqueous suspensions promoted an efficient particle packing, resulting in higher green densities (64% and 62% relative density for ZrB2 and B4C, respectively) compared to aqueous processing. The significantly high green densities are promising to allow densification of the materials at lower sintering temperature.
Effect of Niobium Oxide on the Structure and Properties of Melt‐Derived Bioactive Glasses
Authors: Lopes João Henrique , Magalhães Alviclér , Mazali Italo Odone , Bertran Celso Aparecido 
Published: September 2014

The effects of adding Nb2O5 on the physical properties and glass structure of two glass series derived from the 45S5 Bioglass® have been studied. The multinuclear 29Si, 31P, and 23Na solid‐state MAS NMR spectra of the glasses, Raman spectroscopy and the determination of some physical properties have generated insight into the structure of the glasses. The 29Si MAS NMR spectra suggest that Nb5+ ions create cross‐links between several oxygen sites, breaking Si–O–Si bonds to form a range of polyhedra [Nb(OM)6−y(OSi)y], where 1 ≤ y ≤ 5 and M = Na, Ca, or P. The Raman spectra show that the Nb–O–P bonds would occur in the terminal sites. Adding Nb2O5 significantly increases the density and the stability against devitrification, as indicated by ΔT(Tx − Tg). Bioglass particle dispersions prepared by incorporating up to 1.3 mol% Nb2O5 by replacing P2O5 or up to 1.0 mol% Nb2O5 by replacing SiO2 in 45S5 Bioglass® using deionized water or solutions buffered with HEPES showed a significant increase in the pH during the early steps of the reaction, compared using the rate and magnitude during the earliest stages of BG45S5 dissolution.
Changes in the distribution of cloud forests during the last glacial predict the patterns of genetic diversity and demographic history of the tree fern Alsophila firma (Cyatheaceae)
Authors: Ramírez‐Barahona Santiago , Eguiarte Luis E. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimWe investigated changes in distribution of cloud forests during the last 130 kyr, and tested whether these changes explain the spatial patterns of genetic diversity of the tree fern Alsophila firma (Cyatheaceae), a species restricted to this habitat.LocationMexican cloud forests.MethodsWe sampled 204 individuals from 16 localities. Genetic data consisted of DNA sequences for five chloroplast microsatellites and one nuclear gene. We used distribution modelling to predict the historical distribution of cloud forests during the last glacial period, using two palaeoclimate models: the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC) and the Community Climate System Model (CCSM). We tested the correlation between temporal cloud forest stability and genetic diversity and used an approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) framework to test two plausible demographic scenarios.ResultsThe range fluctuations observed for cloud forests during the last 130 kyr are key factors affecting the distribution of genetic variation in A. firma. Increased genetic diversity in areas with high temporal environmental suitability is probably the result of increased population sizes and higher interpopulation connectivity. In accordance with the expansion of cloud forests predicted by CCSM, the genetic data supported the scenario of a population expansion occurring c. 110 ka, followed by population divergence c. 20 ka. However, population dynamics involving expansion of suitable microclimates could reconcile the stability of cloud forests predicted by MIROC and the observed genetic patterns.Main conclusionsThe predicted changes in the distribution of cloud forests were congruent with the population genetics of A. firma. However, the choice of palaeoclimate model has a substantial impact on the inferences drawn from the observed genetic and demographic patterns. The use of alternative palaeoclimate hypotheses and biome modelling can provide a common analytical framework for evaluating the historical cohesiveness of forest communities.
Decreased SIRT3 in aged human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells increases cellular susceptibility to oxidative stress
Authors: Wang Xue‐Qing , Shao Yong , Ma Chong‐Yi , Chen Wei , Sun Lu , Liu Wei , Zhang Dong‐Yang , Fu Bi‐Cheng , Liu Kai‐Yu , Jia Zhi‐Bo , Xie Bao‐Dong , Jiang Shu‐Lin , Li Ren‐Ke , Tian Hai 
Published: September 2014

AbstractSirtuin3 (SIRT3) is an important member of the sirtuin family of protein deacetylases that is localized to mitochondria and linked to lifespan extension in organisms ranging from yeast to humans. As aged cells have less regenerative capacity and are more susceptible to oxidative stress, we investigated the effect of ageing on SIRT3 levels and its correlation with antioxidant enzyme activities. Here, we show that severe oxidative stress reduces SIRT3 levels in young human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (hMSCs). Overexpression of SIRT3 improved hMSCs resistance to the detrimental effects of oxidative stress. By activating manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase (CAT), SIRT3 protects hMSCs from apoptosis under stress. SIRT3 expression, levels of MnSOD and CAT, as well as cell survival showed little difference in old versus young hMSCs under normal growth conditions, whereas older cells had a significantly reduced capacity to withstand oxidative stress compared to their younger counterparts. Expression of the short 28 kD SIRT3 isoform was higher, while the long 44 kD isoform expression was lower in young myocardial tissues compared with older ones. These results suggest that the active short isoform of SIRT3 protects hMSCs from oxidative injury by increasing the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes. The expression of this short isoform decreases in cardiac tissue during ageing, leading to a reduced capacity for the heart to withstand oxidative stress.
HMGB1 mediates hyperglycaemia‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via ERK/Ets‐1 signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Wen‐Ke , Lu Qing‐Hua , Zhang Jia‐Ning , Wang Ben , Liu Xiang‐Juan , An Feng‐Shuang , Qin Wei‐Dong , Chen Xue‐Ying , Dong Wen‐Qian , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Yun , Zhang Ming‐Xiang 
Published: September 2014

AbstractApoptosis is a key event involved in diabetic cardiomyopathy. The expression of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is up‐regulated in diabetic mice. However, the molecular mechanism of high glucose (HG)‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis remains obscure. We aimed to determine the role of HMGB1 in HG‐induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Treating neonatal primary cardiomyocytes with HG increased cell apoptosis, which was accompanied by elevated levels of HMGB1. Inhibition of HMGB1 by short‐hairpin RNA significantly decreased HG‐induced cell apoptosis by reducing caspase‐3 activation and ratio of Bcl2‐associated X protein to B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia‐2 (bax/bcl‐2). Furthermore, HG activated E26 transformation‐specific sequence‐1 (Ets‐1), and HMGB1 inhibition attenuated HG‐induced activation of Ets‐1 via extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signalling. In addition, inhibition of Ets‐1 significantly decreased HG‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Similar results were observed in streptozotocin‐treated diabetic mice. Inhibition of HMGB1 by short‐hairpin RNA markedly decreased myocardial cell apoptosis and activation of ERK and Ets‐1 in diabetic mice. In conclusion, inhibition of HMGB1 may protect against hyperglycaemia‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by down‐regulating ERK‐dependent activation of Ets‐1.
Oridonin's therapeutic effect: Suppressing Th1/Th17 simultaneously in a mouse model of Crohn's disease
Authors: Wang Shubei , Zhang Yong , Saas Philippe , Wang Haili , Xu Ying , Chen Ke , Zhong Jie , Yuan Yaozong , Wang Ying , Sun Yunwei 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground and AimCrohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Oridonin is an effective component isolated from Rabdosia rubescens. It can inhibit the activation of transcription factor nuclear factor‐kappa B and suppress the over expression of cytokines. We postulated that oridonin may be a potential therapeutic candidate for Crohn's disease.MethodsTo confirm the postulation, we investigated clinical and immunologic modulations of oridonin in a mouse model of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid‐induced colitis.ResultsIt was found that oridonin attenuated trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid‐induced colitis as represented by a reduction in colonic interferon‐γ/inteleukin‐17 secretion and a decrement in splenic Th1/Th17 cells and effector memory CD4+ T cells. Oridonin treatment inhibited the proliferation of CD4+ T cells and upregulated the apoptosis of lymphocytes by inhibiting nuclear translocation of transcription factor nuclear factor‐kappa B.ConclusionsOridonin is a potential modulator for trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid‐induced colitis and other Th1/Th17 mediated inflammatory diseases.