bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Designing new biocompatible glass‐forming Ti75‐xZr10NbxSi15 (x = 0, 15) alloys: corrosion, passivity, and apatite formation
Authors: Abdi Somayeh , Oswald Steffen , Gostin Petre Flaviu , Helth Arne , Sort Jordi , Baró Maria Dolors , Calin Mariana , Schultz Ludwig , Eckert Jürgen , Gebert Annett 
Published: January 2015

AbstractGlass‐forming Ti‐based alloys are considered as potential new materials for implant applications. Ti75Zr10Si15 and Ti60Zr10Nb15Si15 alloys (free of cytotoxic elements) can be produced as melt‐spun ribbons with glassy matrix and embedded single β‐type nanocrystals. The corrosion and passivation behavior of these alloys in their homogenized melt‐spun states have been investigated in Ringer solution at 37°C in comparison to their cast multiphase crystalline counterparts and to cp‐Ti and β‐type Ti‐40Nb. All tested materials showed very low corrosion rates as expressed in corrosion current densities icorr < 50 nA/cm2. Electrochemical and surface analytical studies revealed a high stability of the new alloys passive states in a wide potential range. This corresponds to low passive current densities ipass = 2 ± 1 µA/cm2 based on the growth of oxide films with thickness d <10 nm. A homogeneous constituent distribution in the melt‐spun alloys is beneficial for stable surface passivity. The addition of Nb does not only improve the glass‐forming ability and the mechanical properties but also supports a high pitting resistance even at extreme anodic polarization up to 4V versus SCE were oxide thickness values of d ∼35 nm are reached. With regard to the corrosion properties, the Nb‐containing nearly single‐phase glassy alloy can compete with the β‐type Ti‐40Nb alloy. SBF tests confirmed the ability for formation of hydroxyapatite on the melt‐spun alloy surfaces. All these properties recommend the new glass‐forming alloys for application as wear‐ and corrosion‐resistant coating materials for implants. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 27–38, 2016.
Prevention of retinoic acid‐induced osteoporosis in mice by isoflavone‐enriched soy protein
Authors: Yang Juan , Wu Nana , Peng Jie , Yang Xiaoquan , Guo Jian , Yin Shouwei , Wang Jinmei 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDA novel soy protein aggregate enriched with isoflavones (SPA‐IS), a mixture of soy protein and isoflavones (Mix), isoflavones (IS), and the soy protein were obtained to investigate the preventive effects on osteoporosis induced by retinoic acid in Kunming mice.RESULTSThe serum osteocalcin levels in the Mix and SPA‐IS groups decreased compared with the model group (mice showing retinoic acid‐induced osteoporosis) (P < 0.05). The trabecular analysis results showed an increased preventive effect of the SPA‐IS group over the Mix group, the IS group, and the soy protein group. The results of both left tibial maximum load and the 4th lumbar structural strength differ between the IS and the SPA‐IS groups.CONCLUSIONThe SPA‐IS exhibited obvious oestrogenic activities on retinoic acid‐induced osteoporosis in Kunming mice compared to Mix, IS, and soy protein. The results suggest that there is a potential use for SPA‐IS in the treatment of osteoporosis induced by intake of retinoic acid. The improvement of bone indicators might be attributed to the formation of aggregate particles and the improvement of IS solubility. Copyright © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasound‐assisted aqueous two‐phase extraction of phenylethanoid glycosides from Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma stems
Authors: Dong Beitao , Yuan Xiaofan , Zhao Qingsheng , Feng Qingming , Liu Boyan , Guo Yuanheng , Zhao Bing 
Published: January 2015

An efficient ultrasound‐assisted aqueous two‐phase extraction and enrichment process for phenylethanoid glycosides from Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma stems was developed in this work. An ethanol/ammonium sulfate system was chosen for the aqueous two‐phase system due to its fine partitioning and recycling behaviors. Single‐factor experiments and response surface methodology were used to optimize the process parameters of the ultrasound‐assisted aqueous two‐phase extraction. The optimal conditions were as follows: a salt concentration of 23.5%, an ethanol concentration of 20%, an extraction time of 37 min, an extraction temperature of 30°C, a liquid/solid ratio of 30:1 w/w, and an ultrasound power of 300 W. Under the above conditions, the extraction yields of echinacoside and acteoside (the main components of phenylethanoid glycosides) reached 5.35 and 6.22 mg/g dry material weight, respectively. The contents of echinacoside and acteoside in the extracts reached 27.56 and 30.23 mg/g, respectively, which were 2.46‐ and 2.58‐fold higher than the amounts obtained in ultrasound‐assisted extraction. In conclusion, ultrasound‐assisted aqueous two‐phase extraction was an efficient, ecofriendly, and economical method, and it may be a promising technique for extracting and enriching bioactive components from plants.
Effects of population density and snow depth on the winter diet composition of sika deer
Authors: Seto Takayuki , Matsuda Naoko , Okahisa Yuji , Kaji Koichi 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThe understanding of population density and weather effects is fundamental for evaluating the population dynamics of ungulates. However, studies focusing on temporal variations in diet composition are limited. We investigated the effects of population density and snow depth on variation in the winter diet composition of 2 contrasting sika deer (Cervus nippon) populations in Oku‐Nikko and Ashio, Tochigi Prefecture, central Japan by monitoring diet composition for ≥15 years. The main food in Oku‐Nikko was dwarf bamboo (Sasa nipponica), which has a high crude protein content. This plant sometimes had low availability because of the combination of snow accumulation and reduced culm height associated with chronic grazing. The main food in Ashio was Japanese pampas grass (Miscanthus sinensis), which has a low crude protein content, but its availability was high because of high culm height and little snow accumulation. In Oku‐Nikko, snow accumulation and high deer density negatively affected the proportion of dwarf bamboo found in rumen contents, with the most significant effect found in calves. In Ashio, Japanese pampas grass composed a relatively high and constant proportion of the rumen contents when snow accumulation was ≤50 cm; however, it was negatively affected by snow accumulation of >50 cm. In addition, the utilization of Japanese pampas grass was reduced only when deer density was extremely high (>150 deer/km2). Our results clearly demonstrate that absolute density is not the sole factor that affects variation in the winter food selection of sika deer. The combined effects of snow depth and habitat quality, such as vegetation height, are overwhelmingly important in determining the winter diet composition of sika deer populations. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Optimization of CdTe thin‐film solar cell efficiency using a sputtered, oxygenated CdS window layer
Authors: Kephart Jason M. , Geisthardt Russell M. , Sampath W. S. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA major source of loss in cadmium sulfide/cadmium telluride (CdS/CdTe) solar cells results from light absorbed in the CdS window layer, which is not converted to electrical current. This film can be made more transparent by oxygen incorporation during sputter deposition at ambient temperature. Prior to this work, this material has not produced high‐efficiency devices on tin oxide‐coated soda‐lime‐glass substrates used industrially. Numerous devices were fabricated over a variety of process conditions to produce an optimized device. Although the material does not show a consistent increase in band gap with oxygenation, absorption in this layer can be virtually eliminated over the relevant spectrum, leading to an increase in short‐circuit current. Meanwhile, fill factor is maintained, and open‐circuit voltage increases relative to baseline devices with sublimated CdS. The trend of device parameters with oxygenation and thickness is consistent with an increasing conduction band offset at the window/CdTe interface. Optimization considering both initial efficiency and stability resulted in a National Renewable Energy Laboratory verified 15.2%‐efficient cell on 3.2‐mm soda‐lime glass. This window material was shown to be compatible with SnO2‐based transparent conducting oxide and high resistance transparent coated substrates using in‐line compatible processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Binding cavities and druggability of intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Zhang Yugang , Cao Huaiqing , Liu Zhirong 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTo assess the potential of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) as drug design targets, we have analyzed the ligand‐binding cavities of two datasets of IDPs (containing 37 and 16 entries, respectively) and compared their properties with those of conventional ordered (folded) proteins. IDPs were predicted to possess more binding cavity than ordered proteins at similar length, supporting the proposed advantage of IDPs economizing genome and protein resources. The cavity number has a wide distribution within each conformation ensemble for IDPs. The geometries of the cavities of IDPs differ from the cavities of ordered proteins, for example, the cavities of IDPs have larger surface areas and volumes, and are more likely to be composed of a single segment. The druggability of the cavities was examined, and the average druggable probability is estimated to be 9% for IDPs, which is almost twice that for ordered proteins (5%). Some IDPs with druggable cavities that are associated with diseases are listed. The optimism versus obstacles for drug design for IDPs is also briefly discussed.
Applying Gaia and AUML for the development of multiagent‐based control software for flexible manufacturing systems: addressing methodological and implementation issues
Authors: Duran‐Faundez Cristian , Ramos Mario , Rodriguez Pedro 
Published: January 2015

SummaryIn this article, we present the development of a simple multiagent‐based system for the control of a flexible manufacturing system. We followed the stages of a methodology specially conceived for the development of agent‐based system, which is an integration of the classical methodology for agent‐oriented analysis and design Gaia, and AUML (Agent‐Unified Modeling Language). We adopted as study case the CIMUBB Laboratory at the University of Bio‐Bio, which has a flexible manufacturing system including three flexible manufacturing cells interconnected by a conveyor belt. In the analysis stage, we identified roles involved, and we design models representing roles and protocols. In the design stage, we applied Gaia agent, services, and acquaintance models from Gaia, and we complemented with AUML as the adopted methodology suggests. With the developed models, we constructed a fully functional system where each agent was built as an independent process tree. Agents communicate by passing messages through the Ethernet network with socket interfaces. Various tests executed in our laboratory scale manufacturing system show the effectiveness of our implementation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The many glia of a tiny nematode: studying glial diversity using Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Mizeracka Karolina , Heiman Maxwell G. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTGlia constitute a major, understudied population of cells in the nervous system. Currently, it is appreciated that these cells exhibit vast morphological, functional, and molecular diversity, but our understanding of glial biology is limited. Some key unanswered questions include how glial diversity is generated during development and what functions distinct glial subtypes serve in the mature nervous system. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans contains a defined set of glia, which have clear morphological and molecular differences, and thus provides a simplified model for understanding glial diversity. In addition, recent experiments suggest that the molecular mechanisms underlying the generation of glial diversity in C. elegans are conserved with those in mammals. In this review, we summarize the surprising diversity of glial subtypes present in this simple organism, and highlight current thinking about what roles they perform in the nervous system. We emphasize how genetic approaches may be used to identify the mechanistic origins of glial diversity, which is key to understanding how glia function in health and disease. WIREs Dev Biol 2015, 4:151–160. doi: 10.1002/wdev.171This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Cellular Differentiation
Invertebrate Organogenesis > Worms
Nervous System Development > Worms
Meniscal Allograft Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Arthritis of the Thumb
Authors: Shapiro Paul S. , Diao Edward , Givens Lynn M. 
Published: January 2015

Background Arthritis at the trapeziometacarpal joint of the thumb is common. Several surgical options exist showing favorable results. We report the outcomes after interposition of allograft knee meniscus for thumb trapeziometacarpal arthritis. Methods Twenty-three patients (25 thumbs) had surgery for thumb trapeziometacarpal arthritis using knee meniscal allograft tissue. Eleven thumbs had a minimum follow-up of 24 months, 2 thumbs had a minimum of 12 months, and 12 thumbs had less than 6 months. Disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire scores, pain levels, grip strength, pinch strength, range of motion, and radiographic measurements were performed. Results Between the preoperative and 24-month follow-up measurements, patient pain levels were reduced. There was a significant improvement in DASH scores. Comparisons between preoperative and postoperative strength measurements showed increase in grip strength and key pinch strength. Trapeziometacarpal subsidence was 5.5 %, and subluxation index measurements decreased 3.9 %. There was no clinical or radiographic evidence of foreign body reaction and no other complications occurred. Conclusions The results of meniscal allograft arthroplasty are comparable to other surgical techniques for trapeziometacarpal arthritis with respect to pain, outcomes, strength, oppositional motion, complications, surgical time, cost, and return to work. The results suggest that meniscal allograft arthroplasty is a viable option in the surgical management of stages II and III arthritis of the TM joint. Further follow-up and clinical studies are warranted.
Monitoring ectomycorrhizal fungi at large scales for science, forest management, fungal conservation and environmental policy
Authors: Suz Laura M. , Barsoum Nadia , Benham Sue , Cheffings Chris , Cox Filipa , Hackett Louise , Jones Alan G. , Mueller Gregory M. , Orme David , Seidling Walter , Van Der Linde Sietse , Bidartondo Martin I. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Key message

The ICP Forests network can be a platform for large-scale mycorrhizal studies. Mapping and monitoring of mycorrhizas have untapped potential to inform science, management, conservation and policy regarding distributions, diversity hotspots, dominance and rarity, and indicators of forest changes.

Context

A dearth of information about fungi at large scales has severely constrained scientific, forest management, fungal conservation and environmental policy efforts worldwide. Nonetheless, fungi fulfil critical functional roles in our changing environments and represent a considerable proportion of terrestrial biodiversity. Mycorrhizal fungi are increasingly viewed as a major functional guild across forest ecosystems, and our ability to study them is expanding rapidly.

Aims

This study aimed to discuss the potential for starting a mycorrhizal monitoring programme built upon the existing forest monitoring network, raise questions, propose hypotheses and stimulate further discussion.

Results

An overview of the state-of-the-art regarding forest ectomycorrhizal ecology raises questions and recommendations for scaling up mycorrhizal assessments aimed at informing a variety of stakeholders, with a new focus on conservation and policy.

Conclusion

Fungal research and conservation are areas that can be informed by ICP Forests and may lead to useful spin-offs; research linked to long-term forest monitoring plots will enhance the relevance of science and conservation.
mRNA expression profiles in circulating tumor cells of metastatic colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Mostert Bianca , Sieuwerts Anieta M. , Bolt-de Vries Joan , Kraan Jaco , Lalmahomed Zarina , van Galen Anne , van der Spoel Petra , de Weerd Vanja , Ramírez-Moreno Raquel , Smid Marcel , Verhoef Cornelis , IJzermans Jan N.M. , Gratama Jan W. , Sleijfer Stefan , Foekens John A. , Martens John W.M. 
Published: January 2015

IntroductionThe molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is a promising tool for the repeated and non‐invasive evaluation of predictive and prognostic factors. Challenges associated with CTC characterization using the only FDA approved method for CTC enumeration, the CellSearch technique, include the presence of an excess of leukocytes in CTC‐enriched blood fractions. Here we aimed to identify colorectal tumor‐specific gene expression levels in the blood of patients with and without detectable CTCs according to CellSearch criteria.Materials and methodsBlood of 30 healthy donors (HDs) and 142 metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients was subjected to CellSearch CTC enumeration and isolation. In all samples, 95 mRNAs were measured by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR). HD blood samples and patient samples with three or more CTCs were compared to identify CTC‐specific mRNAs. Patient samples without detectable CTCs were separately analyzed.ResultsThirty‐four CTC‐specific mRNAs were higher expressed in patients with ≥3 CTCs compared with HDs (Mann–Whitney U‐test P < 0.05). Among patients without detectable CTCs, a HD‐unlike subgroup was identified which could be distinguished from HDs by the expression of epithelial genes such as KRT19, KRT20 and AGR2. Also, in an independent patient set, a similar HD‐unlike group could be identified among the patients without detectable CTCs according to the CellSearch system.ConclusionExtensive molecular characterization of colorectal CTCs is feasible and a subgroup of patients without detectable CTCs according to CellSearch criteria bears circulating tumor load, which may have clinical consequences. This CTC‐specific gene panel for mCRC patients may enable the exploration of CTC characterization as a novel means to further individualize cancer treatment.
BTB-ZF transcriptional regulator PLZF modifies chromatin to restrain inflammatory signaling programs
Authors: Sadler Anthony J. , Rossello Fernando J. , Yu Liang , Deane James A. , Yuan Xiangliang , Wang Die , Irving Aaron T. , Kaparakis-Liaskos Maria , Gantier Michael P. , Ying Hangjie , Yim Howard C. H. , Hartland Elizabeth L. , Notini Amanda J. , de Boer Suzan , White Stefan J. , Mansell Ashley , Liu Jun-Ping , Watkins D. Neil , Gerondakis Steve , Williams Bryan R. G. , Xu Dakang 
Published: January 2015

SignificanceMaintaining physiological balance is vital in the primary response to infectious and other stress stimuli to avert damaging inflammation. Delineation of the cell regulatory processes that control inflammatory processes better enable the development of informed strategies to treat associated pathologies. Toward this end, we identify that the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) transcription factor limits pathogen-induced inflammation. PLZF stabilizes a repressor complex that encompasses histone deacetylase activity, which modifies the state of chromatin. This activity maintains homeostasis by decreasing the scale of induction of select immune response genes. In the absence of PLZF, the chromatin structure is altered, enabling active transcriptional complexes to immediately assemble on gene promoters, resulting in inordinate production of inflammatory cytokines.
Osteocytes mediate the anabolic actions of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling in bone
Authors: Tu Xiaolin , Delgado-Calle Jesus , Condon Keith W. , Maycas Marta , Zhang Huajia , Carlesso Nadia , Taketo Makoto M. , Burr David B. , Plotkin Lilian I. , Bellido Teresita 
Published: January 2015

Significance
Bone anabolic stimuli activate canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling and human mutations of this pathway underscore its essential role in bone accrual. However, the cell responsible for orchestrating these actions has remained elusive. This study identifies osteocytes as mediators of the anabolic effect of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling in bone; further, it dissects desired (bone gain) from undesired (decreased resorption and leukemia) outcomes by selective activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling in osteocytes versus osteoblasts. Long-lived osteocytes constitute more than 90% of bone cells, thus representing more logical and effective target cells to induce bone anabolism than scarce, short-lived osteoblasts. These findings pave the way toward the development of better treatments for osteoporosis and other bone-related disorders targeting osteocytic Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Cross-evaluation of metrics to estimate the significance of creative works
Authors: Wasserman Max , Zeng Xiao Han T. , Amaral Luís A. Nunes 
Published: January 2015

Significance
Whether it is Hollywood movies or research papers, identifying works of great significance is imperative in a modern society overflowing with information. Through analysis of a network constructed from citations between films as referenced in the Internet Movie Database, we obtain several automated metrics for significance. We find that the best automated method can identify significant films, represented by selection to the US National Film Registry, at least as well as the aggregate rating of many experts and far better than the rating of a single expert. We hypothesize that these results may hold for other creative works.
Reductions in emissions from deforestation from Indonesia’s moratorium on new oil palm, timber, and logging concessions
Authors: Busch Jonah , Ferretti-Gallon Kalifi , Engelmann Jens , Wright Max , Austin Kemen G. , Stolle Fred , Turubanova Svetlana , Potapov Peter V. , Margono Belinda , Hansen Matthew C. , Baccini Alessandro 
Published: January 2015

SignificanceOur paper is significant in a number of respects. First, we expand the literature on quasi-experimental evaluation of the causal impact of conservation measures to include agricultural concessions. Second, our report is rare in that we use panel data and techniques in a literature on spatially explicit land-use change econometrics that has necessarily relied upon cross-sectional analyses because of data-availability constraints. Third, our report is rare among land-use change scenario analyses in that we calibrate the effect of land-use designations empirically, rather than assuming idealized perfect effectiveness of conservation measures or complete conversion without such measures. Finally, we compare the effectiveness of place-based policies with alternative price-based instruments for climate-change mitigation within a globally significant landscape.
Combating pertussis resurgence: One booster vaccination schedule does not fit all
Authors: Riolo Maria A. , Rohani Pejman 
Published: January 2015

SignificancePertussis has reemerged as a major public health concern in many countries where vaccine uptake remains high and pertussis has been considered well controlled until recently. In our paper, we address the important scientific and practical problem of developing optimal booster vaccination schedules by using a genetic algorithm. Our results argue that booster vaccination schedules developed based on misdiagnosis of the problem are likely to be epidemiologically ineffective and economically costly.