bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain structural changes in patients with chronic myofascial pain
Authors: Niddam D.M. , Lee S.‐H. , Su Y.‐T. , Chan R.‐C. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundMyofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are a highly prevalent source of musculoskeletal pain. Prolonged ongoing nociceptive input from MTrPs may lead to maladaptive changes in the central nervous system. It remains, however, unknown whether pain from MTrPs is associated with brain atrophy. In addition, stress, which may contribute to the formation of MTrPs, is also known to affect brain structures. Here, we address whether structural brain changes occur in patients with chronic pain originating from MTrPs and whether such changes are related to pain or stress.MethodsVoxel‐based morphometry was used to compare grey‐matter (GM) volumes in 21 chronic pain patients, with MTrPs in the bilateral upper trapezius muscles, with 21 healthy controls. Hyperalgesia was assessed by pressure pain thresholds, and stress was assessed by cortisol levels and anxiety questionnaires.ResultsPatients exhibited normal stress levels but lowered pain thresholds. GM atrophy was found in dorsal and ventral prefrontal regions in patients. The GM density of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex correlated with pain thresholds in patients, i.e. the more atrophy, the lower pain threshold. GM atrophy was also found in the anterior hippocampus, but the atrophy was neither related to pain nor stress.ConclusionsPatients with chronic myofascial pain exhibit GM atrophy in regions involved in top‐down pain modulation and in processing of negative affect. The relationship between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and pain thresholds suggests the presence of pain disinhibition. No evidence was found for the involvement of stress. It remains unclear whether the observed atrophy contributes to the development of the chronic pain state or is caused by the ongoing nociceptive input.SignificanceChronic myofascial pain, caused by myofascial trigger points, is associated with localized brain atrophy in areas involved in pain processing and modulation, among others. These findings extend previous knowledge about peripheral and spinal changes to the supraspinal level.
Exploring REACH as a potential data source for characterizing ecotoxicity in life cycle assessment
Authors: Müller Nienke , de Zwart Dick , Hauschild Michael , Kijko Gaël , Fantke Peter 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Toxicity models in life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) currently only characterize a small fraction of marketed substances, mostly because of limitations in the underlying ecotoxicity data. One approach to improve the current data situation in LCIA is to identify new data sources, such as the European Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) database. The present study explored REACH as a potential data source for LCIA based on matching reported ecotoxicity data for substances that are currently also included in the United Nations Environment Programme/Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (UNEP/SETAC) scientific consensus model USEtox for characterizing toxicity impacts. Data are evaluated with respect to number of data points, reported reliability, and test duration, and are compared with data listed in USEtox at the level of hazardous concentration for 50% of the covered species per substance. The results emphasize differences between data available via REACH and in USEtox. The comparison of ecotoxicity data from REACH and USEtox shows potential for using REACH ecotoxicity data in LCIA toxicity characterization, but also highlights issues related to compliance of submitted data with REACH requirements as well as different assumptions underlying regulatory risk assessment under REACH versus data needed for LCIA. Thus, further research is required to address data quality, pre-processing, and applicability, before considering data submitted under REACH as a data source for use in LCIA, and also to explore additionally available data sources, published studies, and reports. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:492–500. © 2016 SETAC
Mesozoic and Cenozoic accretionary orogenic processes in Borneo and their mechanisms
Authors: Wang P. C. , Li S. Z. , Guo L. L. , Jiang S. H. , Somerville I. D. , Zhao S. J. , Zhu B. D. , Chen J. , Dai L. M. , Suo Y. H. , Han B. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe Borneo Accretionary Orogen (BAO) is located in a central position of SE Asia, surrounded by the long‐lived westward subduction of the Pacific Plate, northward subduction of the Indian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate and a passive continental margin of the South China Sea. Based on the previous studies in stratigraphy, structural geology and geophysics, a number of tectonic models on the BAO have been proposed, but these models do not perfectly match all of the geological facts. A field‐based structural analysis of the rocks of Sabah in Malaysia has recognized that the deformation in Sabah can be divided into four episodes (D1‐D4). The D1 deformation developed complete displacement foliation (S1) and NNE‐trending thrusts. Then D1 structures were reworked by the subsequent D2 deformation. D2 deformation resulted in WNW‐ or NW‐striking thrusts, followed by NNW–SSE‐trending thrusts and folds (D3). Some NNE‐trending sinistral strike‐slip faults and WNW‐trending dextral tension‐shear faults (D4) offset the D3 structures. D1 is related to the collisional event in the Sabah Orogeny during 23‐16 Ma, and D2 corresponds to the formation of the Deep Regional Uncomformity (DRU) at 16 Ma. D3 is related to the Shallow Regional Uncomformity (SRU) at 10 Ma. D4 is associated to the NW–SE‐trending extension after the multi‐stage collisional events. Analysis of the sedimentary and magmatic data reveals that the BAO is a Mesozoic and Cenozoic accretionary orogeny, represented by the intensely deformed Rajang‐Crocker Group Accretionary prism, ophiolites and calc‐alkaline igneous rocks. The accretionary orogen is related to the evolution of the Proto‐South China Sea Ocean (PSCS). The PSCS continuously subducted under the Borneo Block and closed in the Late Eocene–Early Miocene time. The subduction zone of the PSCS retreated to the north in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic and migrated to the present‐day Nansha Trough. The BAO is still active, as represented by a series of thrusting and subduction of the Dangerous Grounds under the Borneo Block. The NNE‐trending subduction‐related faults are considered as transform faults, rotating to the present‐day NW‐trending faults due to the anti‐clockwise rotation of the entire Borneo Block. In particular, the previous NNE‐trending Tinjar Fault is regarded as a major boundary in sedimentation and magmatism. To the NE of the fault, the strata and igneous rocks are Oligocene–Early Miocene, but to the SW of the fault, the strata and igneous rocks developed during the Cretaceous–Late Eocene interval. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic functional connectivity shapes individual differences in associative learning
Authors: Fatima Zainab , Kovacevic Natasha , Misic Bratislav , McIntosh Anthony Randal 
Published: June 2016

AbstractCurrent neuroscientific research has shown that the brain reconfigures its functional interactions at multiple timescales. Here, we sought to link transient changes in functional brain networks to individual differences in behavioral and cognitive performance by using an active learning paradigm. Participants learned associations between pairs of unrelated visual stimuli by using feedback. Interindividual behavioral variability was quantified with a learning rate measure. By using a multivariate statistical framework (partial least squares), we identified patterns of network organization across multiple temporal scales (within a trial, millisecond; across a learning session, minute) and linked these to the rate of change in behavioral performance (fast and slow). Results indicated that posterior network connectivity was present early in the trial for fast, and later in the trial for slow performers. In contrast, connectivity in an associative memory network (frontal, striatal, and medial temporal regions) occurred later in the trial for fast, and earlier for slow performers. Time‐dependent changes in the posterior network were correlated with visual/spatial scores obtained from independent neuropsychological assessments, with fast learners performing better on visual/spatial subtests. No relationship was found between functional connectivity dynamics in the memory network and visual/spatial test scores indicative of cognitive skill. By using a comprehensive set of measures (behavioral, cognitive, and neurophysiological), we report that individual variations in learning‐related performance change are supported by differences in cognitive ability and time‐sensitive connectivity in functional neural networks. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3911–3928, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Likelihood‐Based Inference and Prediction in Spatio‐Temporal Panel Count Models for Urban Crimes
Authors: Liesenfeld Roman , Richard Jean‐François , Vogler Jan 
Published: June 2016

SummaryWe develop a panel count model with a latent spatio‐temporal heterogeneous state process for monthly severe crimes at the census‐tract level in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Our dataset combines Uniform Crime Reporting data with socio‐economic data. The likelihood is estimated by efficient importance sampling techniques for high‐dimensional spatial models. Estimation results confirm the broken‐windows hypothesis whereby less severe crimes are leading indicators for severe crimes. In addition to ML parameter estimates, we compute several other statistics of interest for law enforcement such as spatio‐temporal elasticities of severe crimes with respect to less severe crimes, out‐of‐sample forecasts, predictive distributions and validation test statistics. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impacts of the Madden‐Julian oscillation on intraseasonal precipitation over Northeast Brazil
Authors: Valadão Cati E. A. , Carvalho Leila M. V. , Lucio Paulo S. , Chaves Rosane R. 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTThe impacts of the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) on precipitation over Northeast Brazil (NEB, also known as Nordeste) are evaluated based on daily raingauge data from 492 stations over 30‐year period (1981–2010). Composites of precipitation, outgoing longwave radiation and moisture‐flux anomalies are performed for each phase of the MJO, and over all four seasons, based on the Jones–Carvalho MJO index. To distinguish the MJO signal from other patterns of climate variability, daily data are filtered using a 20–90 day band‐pass filter; only days classified as MJO events are considered in the composites. The results show strong seasonality of the MJO's impact on precipitation. The most spatially coherent signals of precipitation anomalies occur in the austral summer, when about 80% of the raingauge stations showed increased precipitation in phases 1–2 and suppressed precipitation in phases 5–6 of the oscillation. Although the MJO impacts precipitation on intraseasonal timescales in all seasons in most locations, these impacts vary in magnitude and depend on the phase of the oscillation. Precipitation anomalies over NEB are explained by the interaction of convectively coupled Kelvin‐Rossby waves with the dominant climatic features in each season. During the austral summer and spring, westerly regimes increase precipitation over most NEB. In the austral winter and fall, precipitation anomalies exhibit more complex spatial variability. In these seasons, precipitation anomalies in coastal areas depend on the strength of the South Atlantic anticyclone, which is largely modulated by Rossby waves. The strengthening of the anticyclone intensifies the convergence of the trade winds in coastal areas and precipitation windward of the coastal range. Conversely, the intensification of the subsidence is responsible for precipitation deficits in the lee side of the range. These conditions are typically observed when easterly regimes dominate over tropical South America and NEB decreasing moisture flow from the Amazon.
Coloration mechanisms of Ag deposition‐based multicolor electrochromic device investigated by morphology of Ag deposit and its optical properties
Authors: Onodera Ryou , Tsuboi Ayako , Nakamura Kazuki , Kobayashi Norihisa 
Published: June 2016

AbstractElectrochromism, phenomenon of reversible color change induced by electrochemical redox reactions, is one of the prime candidates for full‐color electronic paper. Recently, we reported Ag‐deposition based multicolor electrochromic device showing color change between three primary colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow. These observed spectra include both absorbing and reflectance components. Therefore, it is necessary to separate these components in order to analyze coloration mechanism of the device. In this paper, coloration mechanisms of Ag deposition‐based multicolor electrochromic device were investigated in terms of measurement of the actual absorption and actual reflection of the device. Morphologies of the deposited Ag nanoparticles were also investigated by FE‐SEM, and then relationship between optical properties and deposited Ag morphologies was examined. As the results, color appearances of magenta and yellow state of the device were mainly dominated by absorption component of localized surface plasmon resonance of the deposited Ag nanoparticles. On the other hand, cyan state of the device was based on absorption as well as reflection component induced by thin film structure of the Ag deposit.
Food combination based on a pre‐hispanic Mexican diet decreases metabolic and cognitive abnormalities and gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by a sucrose‐enriched high‐fat diet in rats
Authors: Avila‐Nava Azalia , Noriega Lilia G. , Tovar Armando R. , Granados Omar , Perez‐Cruz Claudia , Pedraza‐Chaverri José , Torres Nimbe 
Published: June 2016

ScopeThere is few information about the possible health effects of a food combination based on a pre‐hispanic Mexican diet (PMD). This diet rich in fiber, polyphenols, a healthy ratio of omega 6/omega 3 fatty acids, and vegetable protein could improve carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, gut microbiota and cognitive function.Methods and resultsWe examined the effect of a PMD in a sucrose enriched high‐fat model. The PMD contains corn, beans, tomato, nopal, chia and pumpkin seeds in dehydrated form. Following induction of obesity, rats were fed PMD. PMD consumption decreased glucose intolerance, body weight gain, serum and liver triglycerides and leptin. In addition, PMD decreased the size of the adipocytes, and increased the protein abundance of UCP‐1, PPAR‐α, PGC1‐α and Tbx‐1 in white adipose tissue. Finally, the PMD significant decreased hepatic levels of ROS, oxidized proteins and GSSG/GSH ratio and an increase in the relative abundance of Bifidobacteria and the improvement of cognitive function.ConclusionConsumption of a PMD decreased the glucose intolerance and the biochemical abnormalities caused by the obesity by increasing the abundance of proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation, decreasing the oxidative stress and modifying the gut microbiota.
A comprehensive study of serum odd‐ and branched‐chain fatty acids in patients with excess weight
Authors: Mika Adriana , Stepnowski Piotr , Kaska Lukasz , Proczko Monika , Wisniewski Piotr , Sledzinski Maciej , Sledzinski Tomasz 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveWhile small amounts of odd‐chain fatty acids (OCFAs) and branched‐chain fatty acids (BCFAs) were known to be present in mammals, it was quite recently that they were shown to play an important role in human health. However, still little is known on OCFA and BCFA profiles in subjects who have obesity. The aim of this study was to verify whether obesity is associated with changes in serum OCFA and BCFA profiles.MethodsSerum content of fatty acids was determined by gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy in 23 patients with excess weight and 21 nonobese controls.ResultsSix OCFAs and six BCFAs (three iso‐BCFAs and three anteiso‐BCFAs) were found in sera from the examined subjects. Patients with excess weight presented with significantly lower serum iso‐BCFA levels than the controls. Total serum content of iso‐BCFAs correlated inversely with serum insulin, triglycerides, and 18:1/18:0 desaturation index. Both OCFA and iso‐BCFA levels correlated inversely with C‐reactive protein concentration.ConclusionsLower iso‐BCFA content in patients with excess weight may be involved in elevation of serum concentration of triglycerides and inflammation. Decreased contents of iso‐BCFAs in subjects with have obesity, and established anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties of these fatty acids, point to potential beneficial effects of an iso‐BCFA‐rich diet.
Melt polycondensation approach for reduction degradable helical polyester based on l‐cystine
Authors: Anantharaj Santhanaraj , Jayakannan Manickam 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTMelt polycondensation approach is developed for new classes of reduction responsive disulfide containing functional polyesters based on l‐cystine amino acid resources under solvent free process. l‐Cystine was converted into multi‐functional ester‐urethane monomer and subjected to thermoselective transesterification at 120 °C with commercial diols in the presence of Ti(OBu)4 to produce polyesters with urethane side chains. The polymers were produced in moderate to high molecular weights and the polymers were found to be thermally stable up to 250 °C. The β‐sheet hydrogen bonding interaction among the side chain urethane unit facilitated the self‐assembly of the polyester into amyloid‐like fibrils. The deprotection of urethane unit into amine functionality modified the polymers into water soluble cationic polyester spherical nanoparticles. The reduction degradation of disulfide bond was studied using DTT as a reducing agent and the high molecular weight polymers chains were found be chopped into low molecular weight oligomers. The cytotoxicity of cationic disulfide nanoparticle was studied in MCF‐7 cells and they were found to be biocompatible and non‐toxic to cells upto 50 μg/mL. The custom designed reduction degradable and highly biocompatible disulfide polyesters from l‐cystine are useful for futuristic biomedical applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2864–2875
Two‐step cavitation in semi‐crystalline polymer during stretching at temperature below glass transition
Authors: Chen Ran , Lu Ying , Zhao Jiayi , Jiang Zhiyong , Men Yongfeng 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTCavitation behavior in poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) upon stretching below glass transition temperature was investigated by in situ ultra‐small angle X‐ray scattering technique. Strong stress‐whitening was observed indicating an extensive occurrence of cavitation in the material during tensile deformation below Tg. The X‐ray scattering patterns suggest oriented disc‐shaped cavities with normal mostly parallel to the stretching direction occurred. Structural parameters of such cavities such as thickness, radius, and tilting angle of the normal of the disc with respect to the stretching direction have been successfully calculated using a model fitting procedure. The results exhibited a two‐step process of cavitation that small amount of large cavities appeared first and then small cavities were triggered extensively in the samples at larger strains. This two‐step cavitation phenomenon can be weakened after the quenched sample was annealed or the sample was prepared by slow cooling. This peculiar two‐step cavitation process can be understood as a result of high frozen in internal stress in quenched sample that led to local failure of the materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 2007–2014
Microstructural analysis of the cementation process during soiling on glass surfaces in arid and semi‐arid climates
Authors: Ilse Klemens , Werner Martina , Naumann Volker , Figgis Benjamin W. , Hagendorf Christian , Bagdahn Jörg 
Published: June 2016

To investigate the soiling behavior of solar energy systems like photovoltaics or concentrated solar power, glass samples were exposed to outdoor conditions in Doha, Qatar for one month. Soil formation on the glass was characterized at microstructural level using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Further, elemental analysis of the crust was done with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Small fibrous structures were found on the glass surface and dust particles, providing evidence of a cementation process leading to a strong adhesion of airborne dust particles. In contrast to the common perception, that cementation occurs via the precipitation of salt (sodium chloride) these needle structures were found to be mainly composed of oxides of Si, Mg and Al. This indicates that cementation processes in desert regions are enhanced by the growth of fibrous clay minerals.
Cross section of cemented dust particle, connected via small needles to the glass surface.magnified imageCross section of cemented dust particle, connected via small needles to the glass surface.
Quality of Life Among Primary Family Caregivers of Patients with Heart Failure in Southwest China
Authors: Hu Xiaolin , Hu Xiuying , Su Yonglin , Qu Moying 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of life (QOL) and to identify the factors (characteristics of patients and caregivers, caregiver burden, self-efficacy, and social support) related to QOL among family caregivers of patients with heart failure (HF) in Southwest China.

Design:
The study had a cross-sectional descriptive design.

Methods:
Patients and their family caregiver dyads (N = 251) in three hospitals in Chengdu were recruited from April 2013 to September 2014. Data were collected by in-person interviews. Multivariate analyses were used to identify the factors associated with physical and mental QOL of caregivers.

Findings:
The median scores of physical and mental QOL were 70 and 60, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, more caregiving hours per day, more readmissions in the last 6 months, higher caregiver burden, and lower social support were associated with poorer physical and mental QOL. Lower self-efficacy was also associated with poorer physical QOL. The variances of physical (73%) and mental (70%) QOL of caregivers were explained by these identified significant factors.

Conclusions:
The caregivers of patients with HF in Southwest China had perceived reduced QOL and experienced more seriously impaired mental health than physical health.

Clinical Relevance:
Early assessments, strategies, and policy supports developed particularly for caregivers in undeveloped areas are necessary to identify caregivers who are at a high risk of reduced QOL and to improve their well-being.