bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous quantification of catechin, epicatechin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, piperine and glycyrrhetinic acid in rat plasma by HPLC‐MS/MS: application to a pharmacokinetic study of Longhu Rendan pills
Authors: Wang Tianming , Ding Liqing , Jin Huajia , Shi Rong , Li Yuanyuan , Wu Jiasheng , Li Yifei , Zhu Li , Ma Yueming 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA sensitive, specific, accurate HPLC‐MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of catechin, epicatechin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, piperine and glycyrrhetinic acid from Longhu Rendan pills in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation was performed with a Hypersil Gold C18 column using a gradient of methanol and 0.01% acetic acid containing 0.2 mm ammonium acetate as mobile phase. The analytes were quantified on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, operating in selected reaction monitoring mode and switching the electrospray ion source polarity between positive and negative modes in a single run. The calibration curves of catechin, epicatechin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, piperine and glycyrrhetinic acid were linear over the concentration ranges of 5–2000, 5–2000, 0.5–200, 0.5–200, 0.25–100, 0.25–100, 0.025–10 and 0.50–200 ng mL−1, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐assay precisions and accuracies were <11.6 and 91.9–108.2%, respectively, for all analytes. Matrix effects for all analytes were between 88.2 and 114.2%. Stability testing showed that all analytes were stable in plasma at 24 °C for 3 h, at 4 °C for 24 h, after three freeze–thaw cycles, and at −80 °C for 15 days. The method was successfully applied to an in vivo study evaluating the pharmacokinetics of multiple nonvolatile compounds following intragastric administration of Longhu Rendan pills to rats. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlations between arm motor behavior and brain function following bilateral arm training after stroke: a systematic review
Authors: Choo Pei Ling , Gallagher Helen L. , Morris Jacqui , Pomeroy Valerie M. , van Wijck Frederike 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundBilateral training (BT) of the upper limb (UL) might enhance recovery of arm function after stroke. To better understand the therapeutic potential of BT, this study aimed to determine the correlation between arm motor behavior and brain structure/function as a result of bilateral arm training poststroke.MethodsA systematic review of quantitative studies of BT evaluating both UL motor behavior and neuroplasticity was conducted. Eleven electronic databases were searched. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed methodological quality, using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool.ResultsEight studies comprising 164 participants met the inclusion criteria. Only two studies rated “strong” on the EPHPP tool. Considerable heterogeneity of participants, BT modes, comparator interventions and measures contraindicated pooled outcome analysis. Modes of BT included: in‐phase and anti‐phase; functional movements involving objects; and movements only. Movements were mechanically coupled, free, auditory‐cued, or self‐paced. The Fugl‐Meyer Assessment (UL section) was used in six of eight studies, however, different subsections were used by different studies. Neural correlates were measured using fMRI and TMS in three and five studies, respectively, using a wide variety of variables. Associations between changes in UL function and neural plasticity were inconsistent and only two studies reported a statistical correlation following BT.ConclusionsNo clear pattern of association between UL motor and neural response to BT was apparent from this review, indicating that the neural correlates of motor behavior response to BT after stroke remain unknown. To understand the full therapeutic potential of BT and its different modes, further investigation is required.
Disseminated histoplasmosis presenting as pelvic inflammatory disease
Authors: Rimtepathip Parin P. , Erickson Alex , Katner Harold , Bakri Younes 
Published: November 2015

Key Clinical MessageA 39‐year‐old female patient was presented with acute abdominal pain. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed extensive granulomas throughout the abdomen. Disseminated TB was suspected, but the biopsies were negative. Due to a high degree of suspicion, a urine antigen test was performed and was strongly positive for histoplasmosis.
Systematical Laboratory Tests with a Bucket Centrifuge and a Pressure Nutsche – Comparison of the Cake Permeability
Authors: Verdurand Elodie , Ebert Roland , Nicolaou Ioannis 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIt is always stated that cakes formed under centrifugal fields have lower cake permeability than the cakes formed under gas pressure difference, but systematical investigations have not yet been published. Results are reported for two different suspensions from experiments carried out with both techniques under identical suspension conditions. A new standardized analysis method supported by cake flow‐through experiments is explained and allows the plotting of all results in the same diagram. For both suspensions, and contrary to the common belief, significantly higher cake permeability values for the laboratory centrifuge tests were determined. Explanations for this behavior are given.
Core–Shell Al‐Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Configurations to Enhance Reaction Kinetics and Energy Performance for Nanoenergetic Materials
Authors: Wang Jun , Qiao Zhiqiang , Yang Yuntao , Shen Jinpeng , Long Zhang , Li Zhaoqian , Cui Xudong , Yang Guangcheng 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe energy performance of solid energetic materials (Al, Mg, etc.) is typically restricted by a natural passivation layer and the diffusion‐limited kinetics between the oxidizer and the metal. In this work, we use polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the fluorine carrier and the shielding layer to construct a new type of nano‐Al based fuels. The PTFE shell not only prevents nano‐Al layers from oxidation, but also assists in enhancing the reaction kinetics, greatly improving the stability and reactivity of fuels. An in situ chemical vapor deposition combined with the electrical explosion of wires (EEW) method is used to fabricate core–shell nanostructures. Studies show that by controlling the stoichiometric ratio of the precursors, the morphology of the PTFE shell and the energy performance can be easily tuned. The resultant composites exhibit superior energy output characters than that of their physically mixed Al/PTFE counterparts. This synthetic strategy might provide a general approach to prepare other high‐energy fuels (Mg, Si).
Modelling the effect of soil burn severity on soil erosion at hillslope scale in the first year following wildfire in NW Spain
Authors: Fernández Cristina , Vega José A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractFire severity is recognized as a key factor in explaining post‐fire soil erosion. However, the relationship between soil burn severity and soil loss has not been fully established until now. Sediment availability may also affect the extent of post‐fire soil erosion. The objective of this study was to determine whether soil burn severity, estimated by an operational classification system based on visual indicators, can significantly explain soil loss in the first year after wildfire in shrubland and other areas affected by crown fires in northwest (NW) Spain. An additional aim was to establish indicators of sediment availability for use as explanatory variables for post‐fire soil loss. For these purposes, we measured hillslope‐scale sediment production rates and site characteristics during the first year after wildfire in 15 experimental sites using 65 plots. Sediment yields varied from 0.2 Mg ha−1 to 50.1 Mg ha−1 and soil burn severity ranged from low (1.8) to very high (4.5) in the study period. A model that included soil burn severity, annual precipitation and a land use factor (as a surrogate for sediment availability) as explanatory variables reasonably explained the erosion losses measured during the first year after fire. Model validation confirmed the usefulness of this empirical model. The proposed empirical model could be used by forest managers to help evaluate erosion risks and to plan post‐fire stabilization activities. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiating unipolar and bipolar depression by alterations in large‐scale brain networks
Authors: Goya‐Maldonado Roberto , Brodmann Katja , Keil Maria , Trost Sarah , Dechent Peter , Gruber Oliver 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundMisdiagnosing bipolar depression can lead to very deleterious consequences of mistreatment. Although depressive symptoms may be similarly expressed in unipolar and bipolar disorder, changes in specific brain networks could be very distinct, being therefore informative markers for the differential diagnosis. We aimed to characterize specific alterations in candidate large‐scale networks (frontoparietal, cingulo‐opercular, and default mode) in symptomatic unipolar and bipolar patients using resting state fMRI, a cognitively low demanding paradigm ideal to investigate patients.MethodsNetworks were selected after independent component analysis, compared across 40 patients acutely depressed (20 unipolar, 20 bipolar), and 20 controls well‐matched for age, gender, and education levels, and alterations were correlated to clinical parameters.ResultsDespite comparable symptoms, patient groups were robustly differentiated by large‐scale network alterations. Differences were driven in bipolar patients by increased functional connectivity in the frontoparietal network, a central executive and externally‐oriented network. Conversely, unipolar patients presented increased functional connectivity in the default mode network, an introspective and self‐referential network, as much as reduced connectivity of the cingulo‐opercular network to default mode regions, a network involved in detecting the need to switch between internally and externally oriented demands. These findings were mostly unaffected by current medication, comorbidity, and structural changes. Moreover, network alterations in unipolar patients were significantly correlated to the number of depressive episodes. Conclusion: Unipolar and bipolar groups displaying similar symptomatology could be clearly distinguished by characteristic changes in large‐scale networks, encouraging further investigation of network fingerprints for clinical use. Hum Brain Mapp 37:808–818, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonlinear Granger Causality: Guidelines for Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Diks Cees , Wolski Marcin 
Published: November 2015

SummaryWe propose an extension of the bivariate nonparametric Diks–Panchenko Granger non‐causality test to multivariate settings. We first show that the asymptotic theory for the bivariate test fails to apply to the multivariate case, because the kernel density estimator bias and variance cannot both tend to zero at a sufficiently fast rate. To overcome this difficulty we propose to reduce the order of the bias by applying data sharpening prior to calculating the test statistic. We derive the asymptotic properties of the ‘sharpened’ test statistic and investigate its performance numerically. We conclude with an empirical application to the US grain market, using the price of futures on heating degree days as an additional conditioning variable. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved Clinical Functioning for Patients Receiving Fee Discounts That Reward Treatment Engagement
Authors: Stanley Ian H. , Chu Carol , Brown Tiffany A. , Sawyer Kathryn A. , Joiner Thomas E. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveFinancial incentives may have utility in promoting psychotherapy attendance and adherence, leading to improved clinical functioning. This study presents results from a novel application of financial incentives—a progressively lowered pay scale that rewards therapy attendance and adherence.MethodOverall, 110 outpatients participated; 56 patients (51%) were enrolled in the financial incentives condition and received a 5% fee discount—applied iteratively across sessions—if they followed defined criteria (e.g., completed homework).ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of the number of sessions attended, therapy duration, and number of no‐shows and cancellations. However, adjusting for Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) at intake, patients receiving the financial incentives had significantly higher GAF rating at termination compared with those who did not receive the intervention.ConclusionsFinancial incentives that reward therapy attendance and adherence with discounted fees is associated with improved clinical functioning.
Why Untie Aid? An Empirical Analysis of the Determinants of South Korea's Untied Aid from 2010 to 2013
Authors: Chung Soyoon , Eom Young Ho , Jung Heon Joo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAs untying aid was widely considered key to enhancing aid effectiveness, the South Korean government decided to increase the share of untied aid. While the share increased substantially in recent years, considerable variation exists in the proportion of untied aid provided to different recipient countries. This article explores the reasons why. We identify three key variables: international factors, economic interests and recipient country governance. By analysing South Korea's aid data for the period 2010–2013, we find that Korea's aid‐untying practice is affected by international norms and the recipient country's governance, but not by peer pressure and economic interests. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Melatonin administration induced reactivation in the seminal gland of the soay rams during non‐breeding season: An ultrastructural and morphometrical study
Authors: Mokhtar Doaa M. , Abd‐Elhafeez Hanan H. , Abou‐Elmagd Ahmed , Hassan Ahmed H. S. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTFifteen adult Soay rams were used in this experiment. Eight animals were given subcutaneous implants containing melatonin, while the other seven animals were used as control. After 11 weeks, the rams were killed and the seminal vesicles were examined by light and electron microscope. In contrast to the control grouped animals, the melatonin treated rams showed morphological, morphometrical, and ultrastructural changes as a result of reactivation of the glandular tissues of the seminal glands. The ratio of interstitial connective tissues to glandular tissues was reduced in the treated group. Melatonin induced an evident significant increase in number and height of principal cells that showed signs of increased secretory activity; apical cytoplasmic protrusions became well developed and covering the inner surface of the glandular end‐pieces, also, the basal cells were significantly increased in number. The main cytological alteration in the principal cells of the seminal vesicles in treated animals was prominent increase in the concentrically arranged membranes of sER, secretory vacuoles and glycogen granules and appearance of numerous lysosomes and multivesicular bodies. Interstitial Cajal‐ like cells were significantly increased in number and formed a network around the epithelium and between smooth muscle cells in the treated group. The main components of these cells were mitochondria, rER, sER, and many caveolae. The cytological alterations were accompanied by subepithelial and intraepithelial nonmyelinated nerve terminals in the treated animals. The results support the view that melatonin activates and increases the secretory activity of seminal gland in sheep. J. Morphol. 277:231–243, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological analysis of the hagfish heart. I. The ventricle, the arterial connection and the ventral aorta
Authors: Icardo José M. , Colvee Elvira , Schorno Sarah , Lauriano Eugenia R. , Fudge Douglas S. , Glover Chris N. , Zaccone Giacomo 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTWe have studied the heart in three species of hagfish:Myxine glutinosa,Eptatretus stoutii, andEptatretus cirrhatusand report about the morphology of the ventricle, the arterial connection and the ventral aorta. On the whole, the hagfish heart lacks outflow tract components, the ventricle and atrium adopt a dorso‐caudal rather than a ventro‐dorsal relationship, and the sinus venosus opens into the left side of the atrium. This may indicate a “defective” cardiac looping during embryogenesis. The ventral aorta is elongated inM. glutinosaandE. stoutiibut sac‐like inE. cirrhatus. The ventricles are entirely trabeculated. The myocytes show a low myofibrillar content and junctional complexes formed by fascia adherens and desmosomes. Gap junctions could not be demonstrated. Myocardial cells inM. glutinosacontain numerous lipid droplets. These droplets are less numerous inE. stoutiiand practically absent inE. cirrhatus, suggesting different metabolic requirements. Other cell types present in the ventricle are chromaffin cells and granular leukocytes that contain rod‐shaped granules. The ventricle‐aorta connection is guarded by a bicuspid valve with left and right, pocket‐like leaflets. The leaflets extend from the cranial end of the ventricle into the aorta but the junction is asymmetrical. This junction contains a ganglion‐like structure inE. cirrhatus. The ventral aorta shows endothelial, media, and adventitial layers. The media contains smooth muscle cells surrounded by dense bands formed by tightly‐packed extracellular filaments. In addition, a short number of elastic fibers are observed inM. glutinosaandE. stoutii. Cellular and extracellular elements are more loosely organized in the aorta ofE. cirrhatus. The collagenous adventitia contains ganglion‐like cells in the three species. In the absence of nerves, chromaffin and ganglion‐like cells may control the activity of the myocardium and that of the aortic smooth muscle cells, respectively. J. Morphol. 277:326–340, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
‘Arm‐based’ parameterization for network meta‐analysis
Authors: Hawkins Neil , Scott David A. , Woods Beth 
Published: November 2015

We present an alternative to the contrast‐based parameterization used in a number of publications for network meta‐analysis. This alternative “arm‐based” parameterization offers a number of advantages: it allows for a “long” normalized data structure that remains constant regardless of the number of comparators; it can be used to directly incorporate individual patient data into the analysis; the incorporation of multi‐arm trials is straightforward and avoids the need to generate a multivariate distribution describing treatment effects; there is a direct mapping between the parameterization and the analysis script in languages such as WinBUGS and finally, the arm‐based parameterization allows simple extension to treatment‐specific random treatment effect variances.We validated the parameterization using a published smoking cessation dataset. Network meta‐analysis using arm‐ and contrast‐based parameterizations produced comparable results (with means and standard deviations being within +/− 0.01) for both fixed and random effects models. We recommend that analysts consider using arm‐based parameterization when carrying out network meta‐analyses. © 2015 The Authors Research Synthesis Methods Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Monoclonal antibodies specific to heat‐treated porcine blood
Authors: Raja Nhari Raja Mohd Hafidz , Hamid Muhajir , Rasli Nurmunirah Mohamad , Omar Abdul Rahman , El Sheikha Aly Farag , Mustafa Shuhaimi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDPorcine blood is potentially being utilized in food as a binder, gelling agent, emulsifier or colorant. However, for certain communities, the usage of animal blood in food is strictly prohibited owing to religious concerns and health reasons. This study reports the development of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against heat‐treated soluble proteins (HSPs) of autoclaved porcine blood; characterization of MAbs against blood, non‐blood and plasma from different animal species using qualitative indirect non‐competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and immunoblotting of antigenic components in HSPs of porcine blood.RESULTSFifteen MAbs are specific to heat‐treated and raw porcine blood and not cross‐reacted with other animal blood and non‐blood proteins (meat and non‐meat). Twelve MAbs are specific to porcine plasma, while three MAbs specific to porcine plasma are cross‐reacted with chicken plasma. Immunoblotting revealed antigenic protein bands (∼60, ∼85–100 and ∼250 kDa) in porcine blood and plasma recognized by the MAbs.CONCLUSIONSelection of MAbs that recognized 60 kDa HSPs of porcine blood and plasma as novel monoclonal antibodies would be useful for detection of porcine plasma in processed food using the immunoassay method. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Isolation of a furan fatty acid from Hevea brasiliensis latex employing the combined use of pH‐zone‐refining and conventional countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Englert Michael , Ulms Kerstin , Wendlinger Christine , Vetter Walter 
Published: November 2015

Furan fatty acids are valuable and bioactive minor fatty acids that usually contribute <0.1% to the fatty acid content of food samples. Their biological role still remains unclear as authentic furan fatty acid standards are not readily available and thorough experimental studies verifying the relevance of furan fatty acids are thus virtually impossible. An efficient protocol for the isolation of the furan fatty acid 9‐(3‐methyl‐5‐pentylfuran‐2‐yl)‐nonanoic acid from hydrolyzed and centrifuged latex of Hevea brasiliensis was developed using countercurrent chromatography. A first run using pH‐zone‐refining countercurrent chromatography provided 48.4 mg of 9‐(3‐methyl‐5‐pentylfuran‐2‐yl)‐nonanoic acid from 210 mg latex extract in a purity of 95%. The purity was increased to 99% by means of one second run in conventional countercurrent chromatography mode. The Structure and purity of 9‐(3‐methyl‐5‐pentylfuran‐2‐yl)‐nonanoic acid were determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy.
Synthesis of Novel Cellulose Carbamates Possessing Terminal Amino Groups and Their Bioactivity
Authors: Ganske Kristin , Wiegand Cornelia , Hipler Uta‐Christina , Heinze Thomas 
Published: November 2015

Cellulose phenyl carbonates are an excellent platform to synthesize a broad variety of soluble and functional cellulose carbamates. In this study, the synthesis of cellulose carbamates with terminal amino groups, namely ω‐aminoethylcellulose‐ and ω‐aminoethyl‐p‐aminobenzyl‐cellulose carbamate, is discussed. The products are well soluble and their structures can be clearly described by NMR spectroscopy. The cellulose carbamates exhibit a bactericide and fungicide activity in vitro. The ω‐aminoethylcellulose carbamate possesses a strong activity against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus (IC50 of 0.02 mg mL−1 and 0.05 mg mL−1). The antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity can be improved by p‐amino‐benzylamine (ABA) as an additional substituent. The mixed cellulose carbamate exhibits a high biocompatibility (LC50 of 3.18 mg mL−1) and forms films on cotton and PES, which exhibit a strong activity against S. aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
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