bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature‐Insensitive High Strain in Lead‐Free Bi0.5(Na0.84K0.16)0.5TiO3–0.04SrTiO3 Ceramics for Actuator Applications
Authors: Malik Rizwan Ahmed , Hussain Ali , Maqbool Adnan , Zaman Arif , Ahn Chang‐Won , Rahman Jamil Ur , Song Tae‐Kwon , Kim Won‐Jeong , Kim Myong‐Ho 
Published: August 2015

Lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics, 0.96[{Bi0.5 (Na0.84K0.16)0.5}1−xLix(Ti1−yNby)O3]–0.04SrTiO3 (BNKLiTN–ST) with x, y = 0–0.030, were synthesized by solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction patterns indicated that Li and Nb successfully diffused into the BNKT–ST lattice and formed a pure perovskite structure with x, y ≤ 0.025. Increasing the Li and Nb contents (x, y = 0.020) induced a phase transformation from the coexistent rhombohedral–tetragonal phases for pure BNKT–ST ceramics to a pseudocubic phase, resulting in degradation of the remnant polarization and coercive field. However, the field‐induced strain was markedly enhanced at x, y = 0.020, giving rise to a giant dynamic piezoelectric constant (d33* = Smax/Emax = 800 pm/V). Furthermore, the temperature dependence of the field‐induced strain response showed temperature‐insensitivity up to 120°C. To explore its potential for device applications, a 10‐layered stack‐type multilayer actuator was fabricated from the optimal composition (x, y = 0.020). This actuator showed a large Smax/Emax of 600 pm/V at a relatively low driving field of 4.5 kV/mm suggesting highly promising results in lead‐free BNT‐based ceramics.
Soft X‐ray Ptychographic Imaging and Morphological Quantification of Calcium Silicate Hydrates (C–S–H)
Authors: Bae Sungchul , Taylor Rae , Shapiro David , Denes Peter , Joseph John , Celestre Rich , Marchesini Stefano , Padmore Howard , Tyliszczak Tolek , Warwick Tony , Kilcoyne David , Levitz Pierre , M Monteiro Paulo J. 
Published: August 2015

Morphological details of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) stemming from the hydration process of Portland cement (PC) phases are crucial for understanding the PC‐based systems but are still only partially known. Here we introduce the first soft X‐ray ptychographic imaging of tricalcium silicate (C3S) hydration products. The results are compared using both scanning transmission X‐ray and electron transmission microscopy data. The evidence shows that ptychography is a powerful method to visualize the details of outer and inner product C–S–H of fully hydrated C3S, which have fibrillar and an interglobular structure with average void sizes of 20 nm, respectively. The high‐resolution ptychrography image enables us to perform morphological quantification of C–S–H, and, for the first time, to possibly distinguish the contributions of inner and outer product C–S–H to the small angle scattering of cement paste. The results indicate that the outer product C–S–H is mainly responsible for the q−3 regime, whereas the inner product C–S–H transitions to a q−2 regime. Various hypotheses are discussed to explain these regimes.
Biogeography of the Gondwanan genus Lomatia (Proteaceae): vicariance at continental and intercontinental scales
Authors: Milner Melita L. , Weston Peter H. , Rossetto Maurizio , Crisp Michael D. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimWe tested whether the divergence of South American and Australian Lomatia was the result of the breakup of Gondwana, and assessed the date of divergence between Tasmania and mainland Australia, and across the Hunter River Valley.LocationSouth America (Chile and Argentina) and eastern Australia (Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland).MethodsWe sequenced one chloroplast (psbA–trnH intergenic spacer) and two nuclear (PHYA and ITS) markers across all 12 species of Lomatia, five species of Telopea and Embothrium coccineum, and included sequences from GenBank for the rest of the tribe Embothrieae. Species relationships were inferred using Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses, then divergence times estimated using the random local clock in beast.ResultsThe chronogram is congruent with geological events: SAm (SAm (SAm (Tas (NEQld (SEAus north of the Hunter + SEAus south of the Hunter))))). South American and Australian species of Lomatia diverged between 35 and 64 Ma. Tasmanian species of Lomatia diverged from mainland Australian taxa c. 32 Ma. Mainland Australian species of Lomatia are mostly not corroborated as monophyletic but show a divergence either side of the Hunter River Valley, dated at 17 Ma.Main conclusionsThe divergence date between South American Lomatia ferruginea and Australian species cannot exclude Gondwanan vicariance; however, divergences within South America occurred prior to separation of South America and Australia from Antarctica. Tasmanian species diverged from mainland Australia in the early Oligocene. Mainland Australian species of Lomatia are not resolved but form two clades representing populations north and south of the Hunter River Valley, confirming the Hunter River Valley as a significant barrier to gene flow for plants. We suggest that drying events that divided northern and southern floras at the Hunter River Valley occurred at the same time as those that divided eastern and western floras.
Highly abundant defense proteins in human sweat as revealed by targeted proteomics and label‐free quantification mass spectrometry
Authors: Csősz É. , Emri G. , Kalló G. , Tsaprailis G. , Tőzsér J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe healthy human skin with its effective antimicrobial defense system forms an efficient barrier against invading pathogens. There is evidence suggesting that the composition of this chemical barrier varies between diseases, making the easily collected sweat an ideal candidate for biomarker discoveries.ObjectiveOur aim was to provide information about the normal composition of the sweat, and to study the chemical barrier found at the surface of skin.MethodsSweat samples from healthy individuals were collected during sauna bathing, and the global protein panel was analysed by label‐free mass spectrometry. SRM‐based targeted proteomic methods were designed and stable isotope labelled reference peptides were used for method validation.ResultsNinety‐five sweat proteins were identified, 20 of them were novel proteins. It was shown that dermcidin is the most abundant sweat protein, and along with apolipoprotein D, clusterin, prolactin‐inducible protein and serum albumin, they make up 91% of secreted sweat proteins. The roles of these highly abundant proteins were reviewed; all of which have protective functions, highlighting the importance of sweat glands in composing the first line of innate immune defense system, and maintaining the epidermal barrier integrity.ConclusionOur findings with regard to the proteins forming the chemical barrier of the skin as determined by label‐free quantification and targeted proteomics methods are in accordance with previous studies, and can be further used as a starting point for non‐invasive sweat biomarker research.
Pathological, biochemical, and biophysical characteristics of the transthyretin variant Y114H (p.Y134H) explain its very mild clinical phenotype
Authors: Sekijima Yoshiki , Campos Raúl I. , Hammarström Per , Nilsson K. Peter R. , Yoshinaga Tsuneaki , Nagamatsu Kiyoshiro , Yazaki Masahide , Kametani Fuyuki , Ikeda Shu‐ichi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractTransthyretin (TTR) is a homotetrameric protein that must misfold in order to form amyloid fibrils. Misfolding includes rate limiting tetramer dissociation, followed by fast tertiary structural changes of the monomer that enable aggregation. Hereditary ATTR amyloidosis is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with systemic deposition of amyloid fibrils induced by TTR gene mutation. We identified a rare Y114H (p.Y134H) TTR variant in a Japanese patient presenting with late‐onset, very mild clinical course. The patient had an extremely low serum variant TTR concentration (18% of total TTR), whereas the composition of variant TTR was 55% in amyloid fibrils in tenosynovial tissues obtained at carpal tunnel release surgery. The amyloid fibril deposits in the ATTR Y114H patient had an altered structure compared with that in wild‐type ATTR patients, as determined by luminescent conjugated poly/oligo‐thiophene fluorescence spectroscopy. Biophysical studies using recombinant protein showed that Y114H TTR was markedly destabilized both thermodynamically and kinetically and was highly amyloidogenic in vitro. These data suggest that extremely low serum variant Y114H TTR concentration, probably due to endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation of unstable variant TTR protein, protected this patient from severe amyloidosis, as self‐assembly of the amyloidogenic intermediate is a concentration‐dependent process.
Early onset Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth neuropathy type 2A and severe developmental delay: expanding the clinical phenotype of MFN2‐related neuropathy
Authors: Tufano Maria , Cappuccio Gerarda , Terrone Gaetano , Manganelli Fiore , Pisciotta Chiara , Geroldi Alessandro , Capponi Simona , Del Giudice Ennio 
Published: August 2015

AbstractCharcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) syndromes are a group of clinically heterogeneous disorders of the peripheral nervous system. Mutations of mitofusin 2 (MFN2) have been recognized to be associated with CMT type 2A (CMT2A). CMT2A is primarily an axonal disorder resulting in motor and sensory neuropathy. We report a male child with psychomotor delay, dysmorphic features, and weakness of lower limbs associated with electrophysiological features of severe, sensory‐motor, axonal neuropathy. The patient was diagnosed with early onset CMT2A and severe psychomotor retardation associated with c.310C>T mutation (p.R104W) in MFN2 gene. CMT2A should be considered in patients with both axonal sensory‐motor neuropathy and developmental delay.
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment versus cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vos‐Vromans D. C. W. M. , Smeets R. J. E. M. , Huijnen I. P. J. , Köke A. J. A. , Hitters W. M. G. C. , Rijnders L. J. M. , Pont M. , Winkens B. , Knottnerus J. A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this trial was to evaluate the difference in treatment effect, at 26 and 52 weeks after the start of treatment, between cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment (MRT) for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).DesignMulticentre, randomized controlled trial of patients with CFS. Participants were randomly assigned to MRT or CBT.SettingFour rehabilitation centres in the Netherlands.SubjectsA total of 122 patients participated in the trial.Main outcome measuresPrimary outcomes were fatigue measured by the fatigue subscale of the Checklist Individual Strength and health‐related quality of life measured by the Short‐Form 36. Outcomes were assessed prior to treatment and at 26 and 52 weeks after treatment initiation.ResultsA total of 114 participants completed the assessment at 26 weeks, and 112 completed the assessment at 52 weeks. MRT was significantly more effective than CBT in reducing fatigue at 52 weeks. The estimated difference in fatigue between the two treatments was −3.02 [95% confidence interval (CI) −8.07 to 2.03; P = 0.24] at 26 weeks and −5.69 (95% CI −10.62 to −0.76; P = 0.02) at 52 weeks. Patients showed an improvement in quality of life over time, but between‐group differences were not significant.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that MRT is more effective in reducing long‐term fatigue severity than CBT in patients with CFS. Although implementation in comparable populations can be recommended based on clinical effectiveness, it is advisable to analyse the cost‐effectiveness and replicate these findings in another multicentre trial.Click here to view the Editorial Comment by J. Nijs et al.
Detecting the vulnerable plaque in patients
Authors: Gonçalves I. , den Ruijter H. , Nahrendorf M. , Pasterkamp G. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAtherosclerosis is a systemic condition that eventually evolves into vulnerable plaques and cardiovascular events. Pathology studies reveal that rupture‐prone atherosclerotic plaques have a distinct morphology, namely a thin, inflamed fibrous cap covering a large lipidic and necrotic core. With the fast development of imaging techniques in the last decades, detecting vulnerable plaques thereby identifying individuals at high risk for cardiovascular events has become of major interest. Yet, in current clinical practice, there is no routine use of any vascular imaging modality to assess plaque characteristics as each unique technique has its pros and cons. This review describes the techniques that may evolve into screening tool for the detection of the vulnerable plaque. Finally, it seems that plaque morphology has been changing in the last decades leading to a higher prevalence of ‘stable’ atherosclerotic plaques, possibly due to the implementation of primary prevention strategies or other approaches. Therefore, the nomenclature of vulnerable plaque lesions should be very carefully defined in all studies.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of hedgehog signalling in epithelial/mesenchymal interactions in squamous cell carcinoma transformation: a pilot study
Authors: Gonzalez Ana Cristina , Ferreira Maira , Ariel Tamires , Reis Sílvia Regina , Andrade Zilton , Peixoto Medrado Alena 
Published: August 2015

Precancerous lesions have been studied because of their carcinogenic potential and their association with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been reported. In the tumour microenvironment, the processes of angiogenesis and tissue remodelling are regulated by a family of proteins (Hedgehog) described as being able to modulate epithelial/mesenchymal interactions. The objective of this study was to perform a comparative study of precancerous lesions and SCCs by immunohistochemistry for the presence of Sonic, Gli2, SMO and Patched proteins, members of the Hedgehog pathway. Sixteen cases diagnosed as actinic cheilitis associated with SCC were compared to normal oral mucosa. The sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry and the positively stained cells were counted by morphometric analysis. There was a significant progressive increase in expression of all proteins of the Hedgehog pathway, both in the epithelium and in the connective tissue, when sections of normal mucosa, dysplasia and carcinoma were compared (P < 0.05). Thus, one may suggest that the Hedgehog pathway in tumour transformation influences SCC, and more studies should be conducted to expand the understanding of the role of these proteins in neoplastic transformation.
Sensitivity to chromosomal breakage as risk factor in young adults with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Braakhuis Boudewijn J. M. , Nieuwint Aggie W. M. , Oostra Anneke B. , Joenje Hans , Flach Géke B. , Graveland A. Peggy , Brakenhoff Ruud H. , Leemans C. René 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) may develop in young adults. In contrast to older patients, the well‐known etiological factors, exposure to tobacco and alcohol, play a minor role in the carcinogenesis in this patient group. It has been suggested that an intrinsic susceptibility to environmental genotoxic exposures plays a role in the development of OSCC in these patients. The hypothesis was tested whether young OSCC patients have an increased sensitivity to induced chromosomal damage.Subjects and MethodsFourteen OSCC patients with an average age of 32 years (range 20–42) were selected. Peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin fibroblasts of patients and 14 healthy controls were subjected to the chromosome breakage test with Mitomycin C. This test is routinely used to identify Fanconi anemia patients, who are well‐known for their inherited high sensitivity to this type of DNA damage, but also for the high risk to develop OSCC. Human papilloma virus status of the carcinomas was also determined.ResultsNone of the 14 young patients with OSCC had an increased response in the MMC‐chromosomal breakage test. All tumors tested negative for human papilloma virus.ConclusionNo evidence was obtained for the existence of a constitutional hypersensitivity to DNA chromosomal damage as a potential risk factor for OSCC in young adults.
Combined melatonin and exendin‐4 therapy preserves renal ultrastructural integrity after ischemia–reperfusion injury in the male rat
Authors: Yip Hon‐Kan , Yang Chih‐Chao , Chen Kuan‐Hung , Huang Tien‐Hung , Chen Yi‐Ling , Zhen Yen‐Yi , Sung Pei‐Hsun , Chiang Hsin‐Ju , Sheu Jiunn‐Jye , Chang Chia‐Lo , Chen Chih‐Hung , Chang Hsueh‐Wen , Chen Yen‐Ta 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe tested whether combined melatonin (Mel) and exendin‐4 (Ex4) treatment can better preserve glomerular structural integrity after ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury compared with either alone. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 50) were equally divided into sham control (SC), IR, IR‐Ex4 (10 μg/kg subcutaneously 30 min after reperfusion and daily for 5 days), IR‐Mel (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally at 30 min postreperfusion and 50 mg/kg at 6 and 18 hr), and IR‐Ex4‐Mel were euthanized at day 14. Serum creatinine level and urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio at days 3 and 14 were highest in IR group and lowest in SC, significantly higher in IR‐Ex4 and IR‐Mel groups than in IR‐Ex4‐Mel group (all P < 0.001) without significant difference between IR‐Ex4 and IR‐Mel groups. Changes in podocyte injury score (PIS) and kidney injury score were highest in IR group and lowest in SC, significantly higher in IR‐Ex4 and IR‐Mel groups than in IR‐Ex4‐Mel, and significantly higher in IR‐Mel group than in IR‐Ex4 group (all P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical microscopic findings of the expressions of FSP‐1 and WT‐1 (two glomerular damage indicators) and KIM‐1 and snail (two renal tubular‐damaged indicators) showed an identical pattern, whereas the expressions of ZO‐1, p‐cadherin, podocin, dystroglycan, fibronectin, and synaptopodin (six indices of glomerular integrity) demonstrated an opposite pattern compared to that of PIS among five groups (all P < 0.001). Protein expressions of inflammatory (TNF‐α/NF‐κB/MMP‐9) and oxidative stress (NOX‐1, NOX‐2, oxidized protein) biomarkers exhibited an identical pattern to that of PIS among five groups (all P < 0.001). Combined melatonin–exednin‐4 therapy further protected glomerulus from IR injury.
Risk Factors and Outcomes in Cats with Acquired Myasthenia Gravis (2001–2012)
Authors: Hague D.W. , Humphries H.D. , Mitchell M.A. , Shelton G.D. 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundAcquired myasthenia gravis (MG) in cats most commonly causes generalized weakness without megaesophagus and is more often associated with a cranial mediastinal mass, compared to dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo extend the clinical findings described in the report of 2000 onMGin cats (J Am Vet Med Assoc 215:55–57).AnimalsTwo hundred and thirty‐five cats withMG.MethodsRetrospective case study to evaluate the long‐term outcome and incidence of spontaneous remission in myasthenic cats. Information including signalment, clinical presentation, presence of and type of cranial mediastinal mass, treatment including surgical versus medical, survival time, and outcome including spontaneous remissions was collected and analyzed in cats diagnosed at theComparativeNeuromuscularLaboratory,University ofCaliforniaSanDiego by detection of acetylcholine receptor antibody titers >0.3 nmol/L by immunoprecipitation radioimmunosassay.ResultsAcquiredMGin cats is associated with a euthanasia rate of 58%. Abyssinian and Somali cats had an increased incidence ofMGcompared to mixed breed cats or cats of other breeds. A cranial mediastinal mass, most commonly thymoma, was observed in 52% of the cats, which is higher than in the previous report. Spontaneous remission is not a characteristic ofMGin cats.Conclusions and clinical importanceMyasthenia gravis in cats is a chronic disease associated with a high incidence of a cranial mediastinal mass. Spontaneous remission is not common and clinicians should warn owners of the necessity for long‐term treatment. The clinical outcome with a cranial mediastinal mass did not differ between surgical or medical treatment.
Patchiness of deep‐sea communities in Papua New Guinea and potential susceptibility to anthropogenic disturbances illustrated by seep organisms
Authors: Samadi Sarah , Puillandre Nicolas , Pante Eric , Boisselier Marie‐Catherine , Corbari Laure , Chen Wei‐Jen , Maestrati Philippe , Mana Ralph , Thubaut Justine , Zuccon Dario , Hourdez Stéphane 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe deep‐sea part of the ‘Papua Niugini Biodiversity Expedition’ surveyed the deep‐sea environments along the coasts of New Guinea Island in the Bismarck Sea, from the Vitiaz Strait to the border between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Irian Jaya. This expedition was a follow‐up of the BIOPAPUA cruise (2010) that gave some of the first insights into the diversity of the deep‐sea fauna of the Bismarck and Solomon Seas for environments other than deep‐sea hydrothermal vents. The main aims of the cruise were to survey the diversity of the fauna of (i) hard bottoms that are typically found on deep seamounts, (ii) Astrolabe Bay from 200 m to about 1000 m, (iii) the chemosynthetic environments of the deep sea, including cold‐seep environments and plant debris. Astrolabe Bay was one of our targets because its topography allows sampling over the complete bathymetric gradient covered by our sampling gear (down to 1000 m depth), and the recent start of nickel refining activities in the bay is a potential threat to its marine fauna for which little reference data are available. Sampling in the bay revealed not only a diversified fauna associated with soft bottoms and plant debris, but also a chemosynthetic fauna typical of cold‐seep environments (e.g. siboglinid worms and bathymodioline mussels) below the Ramu refinery. Although the refinery activities had officially started just one week before our work in the area, we observed impacts of these activities. Our molecular work indicates that the siboglinid tubeworm species and one of the two mussel species collected below the Ramu refinery have so far only been documented from this location, despite intensive sampling effort. This illustrates the potential destructive effects of human activities in areas where the diversity and uniqueness of deep‐sea communities are poorly understood.
Swimming speeds of polychaete larvae collected near deep‐sea hydrothermal vents
Authors: Beaulieu Stace E. , Sayre‐McCord R. Thomas , Mills Susan W. , Pradillon Florence , Watanabe Hiromi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractFor benthic fauna endemic to hydrothermal vents, larval dispersal in the plankton is required for maintenance of populations and colonization of new vents. Dispersal distances in the plankton are expected to be influenced by vertical positioning into horizontal currents, and larval survival in the plankton as well as encounter rates for settlement cues may be influenced by swimming speed. Here, we present the first quantitative measurements of swimming speeds of polychaete larvae collected near deep‐sea hydrothermal vents. We focused on three polychaete larvae of different morphotypes, with two morphotypes identified genetically to Capitellidae and Spionidae. Mean swimming speeds and helical parameters of the deep‐sea polychaete larvae (measured at 1 atm) were similar to values reported for shallow‐water polychaete larvae, with mean helical 3D swimming speeds ranging from 0.8–1.4 mm·s−1. To account for swimming that deviated from helical patterns, we developed a new method to reconstruct 3D swimming trajectories, using the 2D track and larval orientation. Speeds were generally faster for downward swimming, with mean vertical displacement speeds ranging from 0.6–0.8 mm·s−1 downward as compared with 0.2–0.6 mm·s−1 upward. Mean swimming speeds and helical parameters differed among the individuals. Our results are a first step towards constraining a behavioral component in models of larval dispersal between deep‐sea hydrothermal vents.