bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of cannabinoid receptor‐1 activation in mitochondrial depolarizing effect of lipopolysaccharide in human spermatozoa
Authors: Barbonetti A. , Vassallo M. R. C. , Costanzo M. , Battista N. , Maccarrone M. , Francavilla S. , Francavilla F. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryGram‐negative bacteria frequently involved in urogenital tract infections release the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS); its receptor, toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4), has been recently identified in human spermatozoa, and its direct activation has been suggested in mediating adverse effects of LPS on human spermatozoa. However, the underlying signal transduction remains to be clarified. In other cell types, LPS induces the generation of endocannabinoids, which are involved in mediating endotoxin effects. In human spermatozoa, which exhibit a completely functional endocannabinoid system, the activation of cannabinoid receptor‐1 (CB1) inhibited sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). In this study, we tested the hypothesis of a contribution of CB1 activation by sperm‐generated endocannabinoids in the adverse effects exerted by LPS on human spermatozoa. The exposure of motile sperm suspensions to E. coli LPS produced a significant decrease in sperm ΔΨm, assessed at flow cytometry with JC‐1, similar to that induced by Metanandamide (Met‐AEA), a non‐hydrolyzable analogue of the endocannabinoid AEA. The LPS‐induced inhibition of ΔΨm was prevented by the selective CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, SR141716. However, the inhibition of ΔΨm induced by either LPS or Met‐AEA did not affect sperm motility. Consistent with this finding, the CB1‐mediated inhibition of ΔΨm was neither associated to mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species as evaluated by flow cytometry with MytoSox Red nor to apoptosis pathway activation as evaluated with cytoflorimetric assay for activated caspase‐9 and caspase‐3. Any oxidative genomic damage was also ruled out with the cytoflorimetric quantification of the oxidized base adduct 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine. In conclusion, E. coli LPS inhibited sperm ΔΨm through the activation of CB1, but this effect was not accompanied to the activation of mitochondrial dysfunction‐related apoptotic/oxidative mechanisms, which could affect sperm motility and genomic integrity.
LaMnO3–Ni0.75Mn2.25O4 Supported Bilayer NTC Thermistors
Authors: Zhao Yong‐Li , Zhao Chun‐Hua , Huang Juan , Zhao Bing 
Published: April 2014

A bilayer concept was proposed to adjust the electrical properties of NTC thermistors. The conventional NTC material Ni0.75Mn2.25O4 was chosen as the sensitive layer, and high conductive LaMnO3–Ni0.75Mn2.25O4 composite was chosen as the support layer. The bilayer NTC thermistors were successfully fabricated by classical uniaxial pressing method. After cosintering at 1235°C for 4 h, the two layers adhered well to each other without any cracking or delamination. The resistance decreased linearly with the decrease in the thickness of Ni0.75Mn2.25O4 layer, and the B values varied between 3868 and 3901 K. After annealing at 150°C in air for 500 h, the resistance shifts at 25°C were less than 1%, which mean that the bilayer NTC thermistors had high stability.
Structure Evolution and Electrical Properties of Y3+‐Doped Ba1−xCaxZr0.07Ti0.93O3 Ceramics
Authors: Liu Hairui , Li Qiang , Li Yuanyuan , Luo Nengneng , Shim Jaeshik , Gao Jinghan , Yan Qingfeng , Zhang Yiling , Chu Xiangcheng 
Published: April 2014

Lead free piezoelectric ceramics of Y3+‐doped Ba1−xCaxZr0.07Ti0.93O3 with x = 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 were prepared. Composition and temperature‐dependent structural phase evolution and electrical properties of as‐prepared ceramics were studied systematically by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, impedance analyzer, ferroelectric test system, and unipolar strain measurement. Composition with x = 0.10 performs a good piezoelectric constant d33 of 363 pC/N, coercive field Ec of 257 V/mm, remanent polarization Pr of 14.5 μC/cm2, and a Curie temperature Tm of 109°C. High‐resolution X‐ray diffraction was introduced to indicate presence of orthorhombic phase. Converse piezoelectric constant d33* of x = 0.10 composition performed better temperature stability in the range from 50°C to 110°C. That means decreasing orthorhombic–tetragonal phase transition temperature could be an effective way to enlarge its operating temperature range.
Percolation in Borosilicate Glass Matrix Composites Containing Antimony‐Doped Tin Oxide Segregated Networks. Part II: Examination of Electrical Behavior Using Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Pruyn Timothy L. , Gerhardt Rosario A. 
Published: April 2014

Glass nanocomposites, fabricated using borosilicate glass microspheres and antimony tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles, were previously reported to have formed segregated networks at the boundaries of the glass particles. This resulted in an electrically conducting composite at low volume fractions (~0.5–0.8 vol%) of ATO nanoparticles. The wide range of electrical response in these borosilicate glass composites containing networks of varying concentration of ATO was examined using impedance spectroscopy. The electrical resistance of these composites varied over a range of around 12 orders of magnitude and exhibited several different types of insulator and conductor behavior. The formation of the ATO network was identified and tracked by scanning electron microscopy images and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) scans. Detailed impedance spectroscopy analysis using all of the dielectric functions (impedance, permittivity, electric modulus, and admittance) was found to be an excellent method for detecting the development of the network and the effect that processing variables can have on its formation and the overall electrical properties of the nanocomposites.
Enhanced Cycle Stability of Magnetite/Carbon Nanoparticles for Li Ion Battery Electrodes
Authors: Seo Seung‐Deok , Lee Duk‐Hee , Shim Hyun‐Woo , Lee Sungjun , Kim Dong‐Wan 
Published: April 2014

We demonstrate a facile synthesis of monodisperse magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) via a simple wet chemical route at 180°C using oleylamine (C18H37N), which serves as a solvent, ligand, and surfactant. The particles have a narrow size distribution centered at about 10 nm. To provide better electron conductivity and structural stability, the as‐synthesized particles are given a carbon nanocoating by pyrolysis of the residual surfactant on their surface. This pyrolysis forms a uniform thin nanocoating on each particle, and a core/shell Fe3O4/carbon NP network was thus obtained. The core/shell Fe3O4/carbon electrode shows better reversible capacity, cycle life, and rate capability than a bare Fe3O4 NP electrode because of its efficient electron transport and stress relaxation provided by the thin carbon layer.
Large‐Scale Synthesis of Isotropic Single‐Crystalline ScF3 Cubes by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Hu Lei , Chen Jun , Pan Zhao , Deng Jinxia , Yu Ranbo , Xing Xianran 
Published: April 2014

Scandium fluoride (ScF3) belongs to one of the rare compounds which exhibit isotropic negative thermal expansion. Here, a facile and environmentally friendly hydrothermal synthesis method has been presented. High‐quality single‐crystalline ScF3 cubes, with an average size of 200 nm, can be easily fabricated in a large scale. Sc(NO3)3 and NH4HF2 were used as precursors. The as‐prepared ScF3 demonstrates cubic symmetry (Pm‐3 m), which was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and selected‐area electron diffraction. Its uniform morphology and size were characterized by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, thermal analysis was also performed in argon gas atmosphere to investigate its thermal stability.
Range expansion and distributional limits of the nine‐banded armadillo in the United States: an update of Taulman & Robbins (1996)
Authors: Taulman James F. , Robbins Lynn W. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe conducted a new survey of biologists throughout the southern and central United States, in order to update our last analysis of the range expansion and distributional limits of the nine‐banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) since 1994. While the armadillo's range has remained stationary to the west along a line corresponding to about 50 cm annual precipitation, it has advanced to the north through central Kansas, into central Illinois, south‐western Indiana and western Kentucky, through central Tennessee, covering Alabama and all but the north‐eastern region of Georgia, and into central South Carolina. The population has reached a latitude corresponding to an average minimum daily January temperature of −8 °C in Kansas. Armadillos may continue to move northwards in states farther east where they do not yet reach the −8 °C zone. In the eastern seaboard states, other factors besides winter temperature extremes may be limiting the armadillo's range expansion.
Revascularization strategies for patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Iqbal J. , Serruys P. W. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPatients with coronary artery disease who have prognostically significant lesions or symptoms despite optimum medical therapy require mechanical revascularization with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or both. In this review, we will evaluate the evidence‐based use of the two revascularization approaches in treating patients with coronary artery disease. CABG has been the predominant mode of revascularization for more than half a century and is the preferred strategy for patients with multivessel disease, especially those with diabetes mellitus, left ventricular systolic dysfunction or complex lesions. There have been significant technical and technological advances in PCI over recent years, and this is now the preferred revascularization modality in patients with single‐vessel or low‐risk multivessel disease. Percutaneous coronary intervention can also be considered to treat complex multivessel disease in patients with increased risk of adverse surgical outcomes including frail patients and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Improvements in both CABG (including total arterial revascularization, off‐pump CABG and ‘no‐touch’ graft harvesting) and PCI (including newer‐generation stents, adjunctive pharmacotherapy and intracoronary imaging) mean that they will continue to challenge each other in the future. A ‘heart team’ approach is strongly recommended to select an evidence‐based, yet individualized, revascularization strategy for all patients with complex coronary artery disease. Finally, optimal medical therapy is important for all patients with coronary artery disease, regardless of the mode of revascularization.
Lowering plasma glucose concentration by inhibiting renal sodium–glucose cotransport
Authors: Abdul‐Ghani M. A. , DeFronzo R. A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMaintaining normoglycaemia not only reduces the risk of diabetic microvascular complications but also corrects the metabolic abnormalities that contribute to the development and progression of hyperglycaemia, that is insulin resistance and beta‐cell dysfunction. Progressive beta‐cell failure, in addition to side effects associated with many current antidiabetic agents, for example hypoglycaemia and weight gain, presents major obstacles to the achievement of the recommended goal of glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thus, novel effective therapies are needed for optimal glucose control in subjects with T2DM. Most recently, specific inhibitors of the renal sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) have been developed to produce glucosuria and lower the plasma glucose concentration. Because of the iR unique mechanism of action, which is independent of insulin secretion and insulin action, these agents are effective in lowering the plasma glucose concentration in all stages of the disease and can be combined with all other antidiabetic agents. In this review, we will summarize the available data concerning the mechanism of action, efficacy and safety of this novel class of antidiabetic agents.
The palaeoecology of trilobites
Authors: Fortey R. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTrilobites comprise a major group of extinct marine arthropods, which thrived in a variety of habitats surrounding the Palaeozoic palaeocontinents. The evidence that can be used to infer their ecology is reviewed, including functional anatomy, field occurrence and geology in comparison with living arthropods and palaeogeography. Where different lines of evidence are consistent with one interpretation, the inferred life habits are considered well supported, but there remain some intriguing enigmas. Trilobites occupied many of the ecological niches available to living marine arthropods, including the pelagic realm. Benthic species included predator/scavengers, grazers and particle feeders, and specialist filter feeders. Different contemporaneous natural assemblages of trilobites occupied different habitats ranging from shallow water to deep environments, which are characterized by distinctive suites of genera (biofacies). Such differentiation was already well established in the Cambrian. Dispersed palaeocontinents through much of the Palaeozoic further encouraged the evolution of endemics and distinct suites of taxa in relation to palaeolatitude. Taken together, these factors go some way towards explaining the great variety of species that evolved during more than 250 million years of their history.
The role of the neck in the feeding behaviour of the Tyrannosauridae: inference based on kinematics and muscle function of extant avians
Authors: Snively E. , Russell A. P. , Powell G. L. , Theodor J. M. , Ryan M. J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTyrannosaurid necks were strong and powerful instruments for wielding the jaws during feeding. Hypotheses of tyrannosaurid neck function are here grounded by observations of neck morphology and function in extant archosaurs. Respectively derived morphologies in birds, crocodilians and tyrannosaurids compromise inferences for some muscles. However, alternate reconstructions indicate that tyrannosaurid neck muscles combined the robustness of crocodilian musculature with the functional regionalization seen in birds. Alternate hypothesized attachments of an avian‐style muscle, the M. complexus, indicate different capacities for head dorsiflexion and lateroflexion. Electromyography of the M. complexus in chickens strengthens inferences about its function in both dorsiflexion and lateroflexion in extinct dinosaurs, and further suggests that it imparted roll about the longitudinal axis in concert with the actions of contralateral ventroflexors. Videography of extant raptors reveals the involvement of the neck when striking at prey and tearing flesh, and reconstructed tyrannosaurid musculature indicates capacity for similar neck function during the feeding cycle. As for birds, muscles originating in the anterior region of the neck likely stabilized the head by isometric or eccentric contraction as tyrannosaurids (and other large theropods) tore flesh by rearing back the body through extension of their hind limbs.
Pelagic palaeoecology: the importance of recent constraints on ammonoid palaeobiology and life history
Authors: Ritterbush K. A. , Hoffmann R. , Lukeneder A. , De Baets K. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA review of fossil evidence supports a pelagic mode of life (in the water column) of ammonoids, but they may have spent their life close to the seabottom (demersal), planktonically, or nektonically depending upon the ontogenetic stage and taxon. There are good indications for a planktonic mode of life of ammonoid hatchlings, but a broad range of reproductive strategies might have existed (egg‐laying, fecundity). Isotope and biogeographical studies indicate that some forms migrated or swam for considerable distances, whereas others may have been primarily transported by oceanic currents during early and/or late ontogeny. Diverse ammonoid habitats are also supported by evidence from predator–prey relationships derived from characteristic injuries and exceptional fossil finds, which indicate chiefly predatory or scavenging lifestyles. Sublethal injuries preserved in some ammonoid shells, as well as rare stomach and coprolite contents, provide evidence of predation by other cephalopods, arthropods and various jawed vertebrates. Various lines of evidence suggest that different groups of ammonoids had quite different ecologies, but shell shape alone can only give upper constraints on ammonoid capabilities, a matter that needs to be considered when interpreting their diversity and evolutionary history.
Conservationists, hunters and farmers: the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus management conflict in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Delibes‐Mateos Miguel , Ferreira Catarina , Rouco Carlos , Villafuerte Rafael , Barrio Isabel Catalán 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Biodiversity conflicts arise when the interests of different stakeholders over common resources compete. Typically, the more parties involved, the more complex situations become.
Resolution of biodiversity conflicts requires an understanding of the ecological, social and economic factors involved, in other words the interests and priorities of each stakeholder. However, in most biodiversity conflicts, many of these components remain poorly understood.
As a case study, we analyse the conflict involving conservationists, hunters and farmers in the management of a native lagomorph, the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, in the Iberian Peninsula.
We review the socio‐economic context of the rabbit management conflict, investigating the roles of the main stakeholders involved in the conflict and evaluating the ecological, economic and social factors that motivate it. We provide management directions for the short‐term amelioration of the conflict and discuss some long‐term perspectives.
Overall, the interests of conservationists, hunters and farmers depend on the specific scenario where the conflict takes place. A deeper understanding of the human dimensions of the conflict will help in the design of an appropriate management model to solve this biodiversity conflict in the Iberian Peninsula.
Laser resection of lingual thyroid gland
Authors: Luna‐Ortiz K. , Rodriguez‐Falconi A. , Valenzuela‐Salazar C. , Gomez‐Pedraza A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLingual thyroid is a rare condition resulting in an abnormal development during its descent from the foramen cecum. Most cases are asymptomatic, and only 0.01% of cases will present with obstructive symptoms. We present a case of lingual thyroid in a 33‐year‐old woman with clinical symptoms of foreign body sensation. Lingual thyroid was diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging and 99mTc thyroid scan. Resection was decided upon using a transoral approach with O2 laser. Definitive diagnosis was established of lingual thyroid with colloid goiter. The patient had an uneventful post‐operative course and was discharged at 24 h. The patient is being followed up with hormonal treatment. Management of this condition remains controversial. We discuss the diagnostic approach and therapeutic alternatives.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis: an unusual cause of tooth mobility
Authors: Vinall C. , Hamse D. , Steven L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLangerhans cell histiocytosis (formerly known as histiocytosis X) is a rare disease of unknown pathogenesis characterised by a pathological proliferation of immature Langerhan cells (important components of the immune response, functioning as antigen presenting cells). Clinical presentation can range from a solitary lesion of bone to a multisystem life‐threatening disorder. Oral manifestations of Langerhans cell histiocytosis have been reported to be as high as 77%. Dentists may be the first clinicians to see early manifestations of the disease. Failure to recognise and appropriately refer these patients could result in extensive destruction of involved tissue, or delay management of the more serious multiorgan disease. We report a case of localised Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a 47‐year‐old female presenting with a short history of single tooth mobility. The clinical and radiographic evaluation, differential diagnosis and management are reported.
Optimal Angle of Needle Insertion for Fluoroscopy‐Guided Transforaminal Epidural Injection of L5
Authors: Ra In‐Hoo , Min Woo‐Kie 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundUnlike other sites, there is difficulty in performing TFESI at the L5‐S1 level because the iliac crest is an obstacle to needle placement.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify the optimal angle of fluoroscopy for insertion and advancement of a needle during L5 TEFSI.MethodsWe conducted an observational study of patients undergoing fluoroscopy‐guided L5 TFESI in the prone position. A total of 80 patients (40 men and 40 women) with radiating pain of lower limbs were enrolled. During TFESI, we measured the angle at which the L5 vertebral body forms a rectangular shape and compared men and women. Then, we measured area of safe triangle in tilting angle of fluoroscopy from 15° to 35° and compared men and women.ResultsThe mean cephalocaudal angle, where the vertebral body takes the shape of a rectangle, was 11.0° in men and 13.9° in women (P = 0.007). In men, the triangular area was maximal at 18.3 mm² with an oblique view angle of 25°. In women, the area was maximal at 23.6 mm² with an oblique view angle of 30°. At an oblique view angle of 30° and 35°, the area was significantly greater in women (P < 0.05).ConclusionWhen TFESI is performed at the L5 region in the prone position, placement of fluoroscopy at a cephalocaudal angle of 11.0° and an oblique angle of 25° in men and cephalocaudal angle of 13.9° and an oblique angle of 30° in women would be most reasonable.
Photoactive Titania Float for Disinfection of Water; Evaluation of Cell Damage by Bioanalytical Techniques
Authors: Shwetharani R. , Jyothi M. S. , Laveena P. D. , Geetha Balakrishna R. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA photoactive float was fabricated with the modified titania to cause a feasible disinfection of water, contaminated with E. coli. The commercially available titania was doped with neodymium by pulverization technique to enhance its activity in sunlight and a multiapproach technique was used to evaluate the extended efficiency of the doped sample. X‐ray diffraction patterns depicted the retention of anatase phase on doping and the existence of neodymium was confirmed by the energy dispersive atomic X‐ray analysis and the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy and Bruner–Emmett–Teller analysis depicted a marginal increase in the particle size and a decrease in the surface area, respectively. Doping induces semiconductor behavior with lower band energy that could respond to visible light and exhibit better disinfection activity. The “f” and “d” transitions of the lanthanide in doped sample caused new electronic behavior of trapping/detrapping effect together with bandgap narrowing. The amount of malondialdehyde, protein, DNA and RNA released on destruction of E. coli was observed to be 0.915 × 10−3 μg mL−1, 859.912 μg mL−1, 20.173 μg mL−1 and 1146.073 μg mL−1, respectively. The above analytical methods along with standard plate count method substantiated the enhanced disinfection efficiency of the doped sample in sunlight.