bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of low-molecular-weight organic acids on the acute lethality, accumulation, and enzyme activity of cadmium in Eisenia fetida in a simulated soil solution
Authors: Liu Hai-Long , Wang Yu-Jun , Xuan Liang , Dang Fei , Zhou Dong-Mei 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

In the present study, the effects of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) on the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) to Eisenia fetida were investigated in a simulated soil solution. The LMWOAs protected E. fetida from Cd toxicity, as indicated by the increased median lethal concentration (LC50) values and the increased activity of superoxide dismutase. In addition, Cd concentrations in E. fetida decreased dramatically in the presence of LMWOAs. These results were likely because of the complexation between Cd and LMWOAs, which decreased the bioavailability and consequential toxicity of Cd to E. fetida. Notably, LMWOAs reduced Cd toxicity in decreasing order (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid [EDTA] &gt; citric acid &gt; oxalic acid &gt; malic acid &gt; acetic acid), which was consistent with the decreasing complexation constants between LMWOAs and Cd. These results advance our understanding of the interactions between Cd and LMWOAs in soil. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1005–1011. © 2016 SETAC
An intelligent selection method based on game theory in heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Salih Yass K. , See Ong Hang , Ibrahim Rabha W. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTIn next‐generation networks, users can optimize the choice with seamless transfer of different access technologies to maximize cost saving and improve quality of service. In such heterogeneous wireless environments, users equipped with multimode wireless devices that can access rich media services via one or more access networks. These networks may differ in terms of monetary cost, coverage range, technology, available bandwidth, energy usage and so on. The new challenge faced by network operators is to ensure users always connect to the best available network, whenever they want and wherever they are or another word to stay Always‐Best‐Connected. Therefore, a new intelligent method is proposed here to optimize vertical handover in selection processes to ensure Always‐Best‐Connected in heterogeneous wireless networks. The proposed solution identifies a new game network selection model for choosing the best connections from different candidate wireless networks. The selected network should satisfy the typical user demands. The proposed selection model is implemented by using the non‐cooperative game model. The proposed solution is evaluated through in‐depth analysis and simulation‐based testing. Results clearly prove that the proposed solution exhibits the highest performance compared with other solutions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma patients receiving bortezomib and thalidomide: a genetic study based on a single nucleotide polymorphism array
Authors: García‐Sanz Ramón , Corchete Luis Antonio , Alcoceba Miguel , Chillon María Carmen , Jiménez Cristina , Prieto Isabel , García‐Álvarez María , Puig Noemi , Rapado Immaculada , Barrio Santiago , Oriol Albert , Blanchard María Jesús , de la Rubia Javier , Martínez Rafael , Lahuerta Juan José , González Díaz Marcos , Mateos María Victoria , San Miguel Jesús Fernando , Martínez‐López Joaquín , Sarasquete María Eugenia ,   On behalf of the GEM (Grupo Español de MM)/PETHEMA (Programa para el Estudio de la Terapéutica en Hemopatías Malignas) cooperative study group
Published: September 2016

AbstractBortezomib‐ and thalidomide‐based therapies have significantly contributed to improved survival of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. However, treatment‐induced peripheral neuropathy (TiPN) is a common adverse event associated with them. Risk factors for TiPN in MM patients include advanced age, prior neuropathy, and other drugs, but there are conflicting results about the role of genetics in predicting the risk of TiPN. Thus, we carried out a genome‐wide association study based on more than 300 000 exome single nucleotide polymorphisms in 172 MM patients receiving therapy involving bortezomib and thalidomide. We compared patients developing and not developing TiPN under similar treatment conditions (GEM05MAS65, NCT00443235). The highest‐ranking single nucleotide polymorphism was rs45443101, located in the PLCG2 gene, but no significant differences were found after multiple comparison correction (adjusted P = .1708). Prediction analyses, cytoband enrichment, and pathway analyses were also performed, but none yielded any significant findings. A copy number approach was also explored, but this gave no significant results either. In summary, our study did not find a consistent genetic component associated with TiPN under bortezomib and thalidomide therapies that could be used for prediction, which makes clinical judgment essential in the practical management of MM treatment.
Perturbation of Akt Signaling, Mitochondrial Potential, and ADP/ATP Ratio in Acidosis‐Challenged Rat Cortical Astrocytes
Authors: Wu King‐Chuen , Cheng Ka‐Shun , Wang Yu‐Wen , Chen Yuh‐Fung , Wong Kar‐Lok , Su Tzu‐Hui , Chan Paul , Leung Yuk‐Man 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTCells switch to anaerobic glycolysis when there is a lack of oxygen during brain ischemia. Extracellular pH thus drops and such acidosis causes neuronal cell death. The fate of astrocytes, mechanical, and functional partners of neurons, in acidosis is less studied. In this report, we investigated the signaling in acidosis‐challenged rat cortical astrocytes and whether these signals were related to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. Exposure to acidic pH (6.8, 6.0) caused Ca2+ release and influx, p38 MAPK activation, and Akt inhibition. Mitochondrial membrane potential was hyperpolarized after astrocytes were exposed to acidic pH as soon as 1 h and lasted for 24 h. Such mitochondrial hyperpolarization was prevented by SC79 (an Akt activator) but not by SB203580 (a p38 inhibitor) nor by cytosolic Ca2+ chelation by BAPTA, suggesting that only the perturbation in Akt signaling was causally related to mitochondrial hyperpolarization. SC79, SB203580, and BAPTA did not prevent acidic pH‐induced cell death. Acidic pH suppressed ROS production, thus ruling out the role of ROS in cytotoxicity. Interestingly, pH 6.8 caused an increase in ADP/ATP ratio and apoptosis; pH 6.0 caused a further increase in ADP/ATP ratio and necrosis. Therefore, astrocyte cell death in acidosis did not result from mitochondrial potential collapse; in case of acidosis at pH 6.0, necrosis might partly result from mitochondrial hyperpolarization and subsequent suppressed ATP production. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1108–1117, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PCR Assay Based on the gyrB Gene for Rapid Identification of Acinetobacter baumannii‐calcoaceticus Complex at Specie Level
Authors: Teixeira Aline B. , Barin Juliana , Hermes Djuli M. , Barth Afonso L. , Martins Andreza F. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundThe genus Acinetobacter sp. comprises more than 50 species, and four are closely related and difficult to be distinguished by either phenotypic or genotypic methods: the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus‐baumannii complex (ABC). The correct identification at species level is necessary mainly due to the epidemiological aspects.MethodsWe evaluated a multiplex PCR for gyrB gene to identify the species of the ABC using the sequencing of the ITS 16S‐23S fragment as a gold standard. Isolates identified as Acinetobacter calcoaceticus‐baumannii from three hospitals at southern Brazil in 2011 were included in this study.ResultsA total of 117 isolates were obtained and 106 (90.6%) were confirmed as A. baumannii, 6 (5.1%) as A. nosocomialis and 4 (3.4%) as A. pittii by PCR for gyrB gene. Only one isolate did not present a product of the PCR for the gyrB gene; this isolate was identified as Acinetobacter genospecie 10 by sequencing of ITS. We also noted that the non‐A. baumannii isolates were recovered from respiratory tract (8/72.7%), blood (2/18.2%) and urine (1/9.1%), suggesting that these species can cause serious infection.ConclusionThese findings evidenced that the multiplex PCR of the gyrB is a feasible and simple method to identify isolates of the ABC at the species level.
Inelastic hyperspectral lidar for profiling aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Zhao Guangyu , Ljungholm Mikael , Malmqvist Elin , Bianco Giuseppe , Hansson Lars‐Anders , Svanberg Sune , Brydegaard Mikkel 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMonitoring the aquatic environment and the life of free‐floating organisms remains on the borderline of our technical capabilities. Therefore, our insights into aquatic habitats, such as, abundance and behavior of organisms are limited. In order to improve our understanding of aquatic life, we have developed a low‐cost inelastic hyperspectral lidar with unlimited focal depth and enough sensitivity and spatiotemporal resolution to detect and resolve position and behavior of individual submillimeter organisms. In this work, we demonstrate elastic as well as molecular ranging by using the water Raman band, and by observing fluorescence from chlorophyll and from dye‐tagged organisms. We present an aquatic laser‐diode‐based inelastic light detection and ranging (lidar) system with unprecedented sensitivity, spatiotemporal resolution and number of spectral bands. Our system offers new opportunities for quantitative in situ studies of aquatic organisms, and has the potential to considerably advance our understanding of biological life in aquatic systems.
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Evaluation of the in vivo effects of various laser, light, or ultrasound modalities on human skin treated with a collagen and polymethylmethacrylate microsphere dermal filler product
Authors: Wu Douglas C. , Karnik Jwala , Margarella Tara , Nguyen Vivien L. , Calame Antoanella , Goldman Mitchel P. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundBellafill® is a soft tissue dermal filler composed of non‐resorbable polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres, suspended in a water‐based carrier gel composed of 3.5% bovine collagen. It has been approved by the FDA for the correction of nasolabial folds and atrophic facial acne scars. Energy‐based therapies are used for facial rejuvenation and treatment of acne scarring. However, little has been published about the effects of energy devices on previously placed PMMA. This prospective, in vivo clinical study evaluated the safety and histopathological effects of a number of different laser, light, and ultrasound treatment modalities on PMMA‐collagen filler previously injected into human tissue.MethodsFollowing a negative reaction to the bovine collagen skin test, the abdomen of one subject (with planned mini‐abdominoplasty) was divided into a grid with 32 treatment sections. Seventeen treatment areas received subdermal injections of PMMA‐collagen product (0.1–0.2 cc in each area). The subject was assessed for adverse events at each post‐treatment office visit. Eighty days post‐injection, 30 treatment sections were treated with laser, light, or ultrasound therapy (16 of the 17 PMMA‐collagen treated areas, with two of those areas receiving a combination of therapies, and an additional 14 areas receiving laser therapy alone). One PMMA‐collagen treated area was not exposed to any energy devices, and one remaining treatment area received no treatment of any kind, representing an internal control. Sixty days following energy device treatment, the tissue was excised in a planned mini‐abdominoplasty procedure and sent for histological examination.ResultsThe subject experienced no adverse events during the study. No histological changes in PMMA microspheres were observed in any treatment area. An expected lymphohistiocytic response was identified in all areas where PMMA microspheres were present.ConclusionLaser, light, and ultrasound treatments can safely be administered following a PMMA‐collagen injection. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:811–819, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determinants for Effects of Celebrity Negative Information: When to Terminate a Relationship with a Celebrity Endorser in Trouble?
Authors: Um Nam‐Hyun , Kim Sojung 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTThis study examines three factors that influence consumers’ brand evaluation and purchase intention under negative celebrity information. The study is designed to investigate the effects of consumers’ perceived associative strength between celebrity endorser and brand, the role of congruence between a celebrity endorser's negative information and his/her endorsed brand, and the effects of consumers’ level of brand commitment. The study's findings suggest that congruence or “fit” between a celebrity endorser's negative information and an endorsed brand moderates a consumers’ evaluation of brand and purchase intentions. The study finds that a strong associative link between the brand and the celebrity endorser leads to lower brand evaluation as well as lower purchase intention. It also finds that consumers with a higher level of brand commitment are less likely to react negatively to a celebrity's bad publicity than are consumers with a lower level of brand commitment. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
(−)‐Epicatechin induces physiological cardiac growth by activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in mice
Authors: De los Santos Sergio , García‐Pérez Viridiana , Hernández‐Reséndiz Sauri , Palma‐Flores Carlos , González‐Gutiérrez Carlos J. , Zazueta Cecilia , Canto Patricia , Coral‐Vázquez Ramón M. 
Published: September 2016

ScopeThe flavanol (−)‐epicatechin (Epi) has cardioprotective effects and improves physical capacity in normal mice. In addition, Epi increases nitric oxide (NO) production by activation of both PI3K/Akt or Ca2+/CaMI/CaMKII (where Akt is protein kinase B; PI3K is phosphoinositide 3‐kinase; CaMI is calmodulin; CaMKII is Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II) signaling pathways, which have been associated with physiological and pathological cardiac hypertrophy, respectively. Notwithstanding all this information, few studies have been carried out that aimed to determine the potential beneficial effects that Epi may have in normal heart.Methods and resultsMice were treated by oral gavage with the flavanol Epi. The treatment induced a significant increase in heart weight, size of the free walls, and size of the cardiac fibers. Also, no evidence of cardiac fibrosis was revealed. Furthermore, the phosphorylation level of PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K (where mTOR is mammalian target of rapamycin; p70S6K is ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta‐1) proteins was significantly higher in the heart of Epi‐treated animals. In contrast, a significantly decreased level of pathological cardiac hypertrophy markers atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide was observed along with no modification in the level of β myosin heavy chain beta, calmodulin, and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II proteins. Hemodynamic parameters indicated an improvement in mechanical heart performance after Epi treatment. Interestingly, morphometric parameters were similar between treated and untreated mice after 4 wk without treatment.ConclusionThese findings indicate that Epi treatment induced physiological cardiac growth in healthy mice by activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Quantitative deviating effects of maple syrup extract supplementation on the hepatic gene expression of mice fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: Kamei Asuka , Watanabe Yuki , Shinozaki Fumika , Yasuoka Akihito , Shimada Kousuke , Kondo Kaori , Ishijima Tomoko , Toyoda Tsudoi , Arai Soichi , Kondo Takashi , Abe Keiko 
Published: September 2016

ScopeMaple syrup contains various polyphenols and we investigated the effects of a polyphenol‐rich maple syrup extract (MSXH) on the physiology of mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD).Methods and resultsThe mice fed a low‐fat diet (LFD), an HFD, or an HFD supplemented with 0.02% (002MSXH) or 0.05% MSXH (005MSXH) for 4 weeks. Global gene expression analysis of the liver was performed, and the differentially expressed genes were classified into three expression patterns; pattern A (LFD < HFD > 002MSXH = 005MSXH, LFD > HFD < 002MSXH = 005MSXH), pattern B (LFD < HFD = 002MSXH > 005MSXH, LFD > HFD = 002MSXH < 005MSXH), and pattern C (LFD < HFD > 002MSXH < 005MSXH, LFD > HFD < 002MSXH > 005MSXH). Pattern A was enriched in glycolysis, fatty acid metabolism, and folate metabolism. Pattern B was enriched in tricarboxylic acid cycle while pattern C was enriched in gluconeogenesis, cholesterol metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and endoplasmic reticulum stress‐related event.ConclusionOur study suggested that the effects of MSXH ingestion showed (i) dose‐dependent pattern involved in energy metabolisms and (ii) reversely pattern involved in stress responses.
Detection of glucose in the human brain with 1HMRS at 7 Tesla
Authors: Kaiser Lana G. , Hirokazu Kawaguchi , Fukunaga Masaki , B.Matson Gerald 
Published: September 2016

PurposeA new method is proposed for noninvasive detection of glucose in vivo using proton MR spectroscopy at 7 Tesla.Theory and MethodsThe proposed method utilizes J‐difference editing to uncover the resonance of beta‐glucose (β‐glc) at 3.23 ppm, which is strongly overlapped with choline. Calculations using the density matrix formalism are used to maximize the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the β‐glc resonance at 3.23 ppm. The calculations are verified using phantom and in vivo data collected at 7 Tesla.ResultsThe proposed method allows observation of the glucose signal at 3.23 ppm in the human brain spectrum. Additional co‐edited resonances of N‐acetylaspartylglutamatate and glutathione are also detected in the same experiment.ConclusionThe proposed method does not require carbon (13C)‐ labeled glucose injections and 13C hardware; as such, it has a potential to provide valuable information on intrinsic glucose concentration in the human brain in vivo. Magn Reson Med 76:1653–1660, 2016. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Global and local sensitivity analyses for coupled thermo–hydro–mechanical problems
Authors: Nguyen‐Tuan Long , Lahmer Tom , Datcheva Maria , Schanz Tom 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThis paper focuses on the sensitivity analysis for coupled thermo–hydro–mechanical problems employing both local and global sensitivity methods. A derivative‐based method is used in the local sensitivity approach, whereas the random balance designs method is used for the global sensitivity analysis. The main goal is to investigate the effect of uncertainties in the constitutive parameters on the results from nonlinear coupled thermo–hydro–mechanical analyses of unsaturated soil behavior whose modeling generally involves large sets of constitutive relations. Knowing the parameter sensitivity allows to qualitatively assess the validity of the results obtained by computational simulations of high‐risk situations, for example, emerging nuclear waste repositories. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Going straight to the source: A pilot study of bereaved parent‐facilitated communication training for pediatric subspecialty fellows
Authors: Snaman Jennifer M. , Kaye Erica C. , Cunningham Melody J. , Sykes April , Levine Deena R. , Mahoney Daniel , Baker Justin N. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundMedical trainees consistently report suboptimal instruction and poor self‐confidence in communication skills. Despite this deficit, few established training programs provide comprehensive, pediatric‐specific communication education, particularly in the provision of “bad news.” To our knowledge, no programs currently use bereaved parent educators to facilitate communication training for pediatric subspecialty trainees.ProcedureThe authors designed and implemented a pilot communication training seminar in which bereaved parent educators and faculty facilitators led small groups in interactive, role‐play scenarios. Surveys incorporating a retrospective preprogram assessment item to account for response‐shift bias were used to assess short‐ and long‐term changes in trainee comfort with delivering “bad news.”ResultsFifteen pediatric fellowship trainees participated in the communication seminar; complete data were available for 12 participants. After accounting for response‐shift bias, participants reported significant improvement in overall preparedness, breaking bad news to a patient and family, and including the adolescent or young adult patient in conversations. Additionally, participants reported a significant improvement in their ability to address a patient and family's need for information, emotional suffering at the end of life (EOL), if and when a patient should be included in the conversation, and EOL care decisions. The participant's self‐perceived improvement in comfort and preparedness persisted over time.ConclusionsCommunication training for pediatric subspecialty trainees using bereaved parent educators is feasible and effective. Both medical trainee and bereaved parent participants benefited from involvement in this pilot study. Further iterations of this training will be modified to assess objective measures of improvement in trainees’ communication skills.
High diastereoselectivity induced by intermolecular hydrogen bonding in [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction: experimental and computational mechanistic approaches
Authors: Yıldırım Ayhan , Kaya Yunus 
Published: September 2016

AbstractA diastereoselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition of N‐aryl substituted maleimides with N,α‐diphenyl nitrone possessing 11‐hydroxyundecyloxy as a flexible substituent was performed. Experimental and comprehensive mechanistic density functional theory studies reveals that intermolecular H‐bonding and steric repulsive interaction predominate exo‐Z and exo‐E cycloaddition transition states, respectively. The reaction proceeded smoothly depending on the reactants and gave a good yield of (syn) cis‐isoxazolidine or (anti) trans‐isoxazolidine as a single diastereomer.
Effects of interaction between the chelate rings and π‐conjugated systems in fused salphen complexes on UV‐Vis‐NIR spectra
Authors: Houjou Hirohiko , Yagi Keisuke , Yoshikawa Isao , Mutai Toshiki , Araki Koji 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDinuclear (Zn2, Ni2, and NiZn) complexes of fused salphen with acene‐type annelation were synthesized from 3,7‐diformyl‐2,6‐dihydroxynaphthalene. The spectroscopic properties of these complexes were compared with those of their constitutional isomers with phene‐type annelation. The acene‐type complexes exhibited a characteristic absorption band in the near‐infrared region that showed a noticeable solvent effect. Time‐dependent density functional theory calculations suggested that the absorption arose from a π → π* transition localized at the naphthalene ring, which was perturbed by the adjoining chelate rings. Effects of the connection topology in the fused salphen complexes are discussed by comparison with those of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.