bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of diffusion‐weighted MRI for differentiating acute from chronic cholecystitis
Authors: Wang Annie , Shanbhogue Alampady K. , Dunst Diane , Hajdu Cristina H. , Rosenkrantz Andrew B. 
Published: December 2015

PurposeTo assess the use of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) for differentiating acute from chronic cholecystitis, in comparison with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features.Materials and MethodsLiver MRI including DWI (b‐values 0/500/1000s/mm2) was performed at 1.5T ≤30 days before cholecystectomy in 83 patients with abdominal pain. Two radiologists assessed cases for conventional (gallstones, wall thickening, pericholecystic fluid, pericholecystic fat changes, gallbladder distension, pericholecystic liver enhancement, mural T2‐hyperintensity, mural hyperenhancement, mural striations, abscess, intraluminal membranes, and mural defect) and DWI (increased mural signal on high b‐value images, visually low apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], and ADC values) features.ResultsAcute cholecystitis was present in 43%; chronic cholecystitis was present in 57%. Nine of 12 conventional features were more frequent in acute cholecystitis for both readers (P ≤ 0.003). Increased mural signal on high b‐value images was more frequent (P < 0.001) in acute than chronic cholecystitis for R1 (92% vs. 32%) and R2 (83% vs. 30%). Sensitivity and specificity of increased signal on high b‐value images were: R1, 92%/68%; R2, 83%/70%. Visually low ADC was more frequent in acute cholecystitis for R2 (P < 0.001) but not R1 (P = 0.406); ADC values were not different between groups for either reader (P = 0.104–0.139). Among conventional and DWI features, only increased signal on high b‐value DWI was independently associated with acute cholecystitis for both readers (P = 0.006–0.012).ConclusionVisually increased mural signal on high b‐value DWI was highly sensitive and moderately specific for acute cholecystitis, being an independent predictor relative to conventional features for both readers. Although requiring larger studies, DWI (particularly the high b‐value images) may have additive value relative to conventional MRI‐suspected acute cholecystitis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:89–97.
Discrimination of Polygonatum species and identification of novel markers using 1H NMR‐ and UPLC/Q‐TOF MS‐based metabolite profiling
Authors: Lee Min Young , Moon Byeong Cheol , Kwon Yong‐Kook , Jung Youngae , Oh Tae Kyu , Hwang Geum‐Sook 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDRhizomes of Polygonatum species are commonly used as herbal supplements in Asia. They have different medicinal effects by species but have been misused and mixed owing to their similar taste and smell. Therefore accurate and reliable analytical methods to discriminate between Polygonatum species are required.RESULTSIn this study, global and targeted metabolite profiling using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q‐TOF MS) was applied to discriminate between different Polygonatum species. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) models were used to classify and predict species of Polygonatum. Cross‐validation derived from PLS‐DA revealed good predictive accuracy. Polygonatum species were classified into unique patterns based on K‐means clustering analysis. 4‐Hydrobenzoic acid and trigonelline were identified as novel marker compounds and quantified accurately.CONCLUSIONThe results demonstrate that metabolite profiling approaches coupled with chemometric analysis can be used to classify and discriminate between different species of various herbal medicines. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic analysis of salt‐responsive proteins in oat roots (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Bai Jianhui , Liu Jinghui , Jiao Weihong , Sa Rula , Zhang Na , Jia Ruizong 
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUNDOat is considered as a moderately salt‐tolerant crop that could be used to improve saline and alkaline soil. Previous studies have focused on short‐term salt stress exposure (0.5–48 h), while molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance in oat remain unclear.RESULTSLong‐term salt stress (16 days) increased the levels of superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde content, putrescine content, spermidine content and soluble sugar content and reduced catalase activity in oat roots. The stress also caused changes in protein profiles in the roots. At least 1400 reproducible protein spots were identified in a two‐dimensional electrophoresis gel, among which 23 were differentially expressed between treated vs control plants and 13 were identified using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry.CONCLUSIONThese differentially expressed proteins are involved in five types of biological process: (1) two fructose‐bisphosphate aldolases, four alcohol dehydrogenases, an enolase, a UDP‐glucuronic acid decarboxylase and an F1‐ATPase alpha subunit related to carbohydrate and energy metabolism; (2) a choline monooxygenase related to stress and defense; (3) a lipase related to fat metabolism; (4) a polyubiquitin related to protein degradation; (5) a 14‐3‐3 protein related to signaling. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Race not rural residency is predictive of surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma: Analysis of the Texas Cancer Registry
Authors: Alawadi Zeinab M. , Phatak Uma R. , Kao Lillian S. , Ko Tien C. , Wray Curtis J. 
Published: December 2015

Background and ObjectivesRural patients have poor access to specialists and are less likely to receive evidence‐based cancer care. We hypothesized that hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients from rural counties in Texas would be less likely to receive surgical therapy than those from urban areas.MethodsThe Texas Cancer Registry was queried (2000–2008). County‐level data included “rural or urban” designation and income variables derived by zip code. Surgical intervention included: (i) ablation, (ii) resection–partial or total lobectomy, or (iii) transplantation. A multinomial logistic regression was created to determine predictors of intervention.ResultsFive thousand thirty seven HCC patients were identified (86% urban) for study. A multinomial regression demonstrated, older age, African–American race, and lower income reduced the likelihood of ablation. Younger age, female gender, Caucasian, and Asian/other race predicted surgical resection, or transplantation. Hispanic race was associated with lower likelihood of resection (RRR 0.75) and transplantation (RRR 0.74), whereas African–American race was associated with pronounced decrease for transplantation (RRR 0.48). Area of residency was not predictive of intervention.ConclusionsRural residency did not decrease the likelihood of surgical intervention for hepatocellular carcinoma. Race and income continue to be associated with significant treatment disparity. Additional investigation should focus on factors that govern the selection of resection or transplantation for potentially eligible patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:84–88. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bromination of Anisoles Using N‐Bromophthalimide: A Synthetic and Kinetic Approach
Authors: Anjaiah B. , Kumar M. Satish , Srinivas P. , Rajanna K. C. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTN‐Bromophthalimide (NBP)‐triggered bromination of aromatic compounds has been studied in the presence of aqueous acetic acid. Reaction Kinetics indicated first order in [NBP] and zero order in [Anisole]. The reactions afforded very good yields of corresponding bromo derivatives under kinetic conditions. The mechanism of the reaction is explained through the formation of acetyl hypobromite due to the interaction of NBP and acetic acid, which in turn reacts with anisole to afford a bromo derivative of anisole.
Trophic factors for Parkinson's disease: To live or let die
Authors: Olanow C. Warren , Bartus Raymond T. , Volpicelli‐Daley Laura A. , Kordower Jeffrey H. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTTrophic factors show great promise in laboratory studies as potential therapies for PD. However, multiple double‐blind, clinical trials have failed to show benefits in comparison to a placebo control. This article will review the scientific rationale for testing trophic factors in PD, the results of the different clinical trials that have been performed to date, and the possible explanations for these failed outcomes. We will also consider future directions and the likelihood that trophic factors will become a viable therapy for patients with PD. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
What Helped Nonprofits Weather the Great Recession?
Authors: Lin Weiwei , Wang Qiushi 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis study examined the effectiveness of several financial strategies for nonprofit organizations in fighting the Great Recession. Using data from human services and community improvement organizations in the state of New Jersey, we tested hypotheses about the relationships between three measures of financial sustainability and various fundraising efforts and financial indicators. We found that (1) except for strong external funding relationships, funding efforts were generally not effective in enhancing financial sustainability during the crisis; (2) higher operating margin and equity ratio improved an organization's ability to generate revenue and maintain expense levels, but higher debt ratio and administrative cost ratio were generally harmful; and (3) revenue diversification might aggravate fiscal stress and cause more expense cuts in a severe crisis. These findings improve our understanding of the mechanics of nonprofit management during times of harsh fiscal conditions and suggest useful ways for nonprofit organizations to navigate future financial crises.
BMI changes in adolescents treated with bupropion SR for smoking cessation
Authors: Floden Lysbeth , Taren Douglas L. , Muramoto Myra L. , Leischow Scott J. 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveAdolescent overweight and obesity and smoking continue to be very important health challenges because of their lasting effects on overall health. Weight gain after smoking cessation is a barrier to quitting as well as a negative consequence to health. This study reports changes in the body mass index (BMI) z‐scores of adolescent smokers participating in a dose‐ranging clinical trial of bupropion SR (150 mg/day and 300 mg/day) for smoking cessation.MethodsA total of N = 296 adolescent smokers (placebo n = 100, 150 mg/day n = 101, 300 mg/day n = 95) with a BMI z‐score of 0.5 (sd: 1.4), 0.5 (sd: 1.3), and 0.5 (sd: 1.2) in the placebo, 150 mg/day, and 300 mg/day groups, respectively, were followed for 6 months.ResultsAdolescents in the 300 mg/day group had a significant reduction in BMI z‐score 6 weeks after quitting (β = −0.16, CI = (−0.29, −0.04), P‐value = 0.01). This result was not sustained at the 6‐month follow‐up.ConclusionsA reduction in BMI z‐score during smoking cessation with bupropion has important implications for the future of adolescent smoking cessation. These results are particularly relevant for adolescents who have either overweight or obesity or who have reservations about quitting for fear of gaining weight or BMI.
Pharmacologic immunosuppression of mononuclear phagocyte phagocytosis by caffeine
Authors: Steck Ryan P. , Hill Spencer L. , Weagel Evita G. , Scott Weber K. , Robison Richard A. , O'Neill Kim L. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractCaffeine is the most widely used neurostimulant in the world. There is considerable debate on its effect on immune cells as it has been shown to antagonize adenosine receptors (ARs), which mediate an anti‐inflammatory switch in activated immune cells. A second target is phosphodiesterase, where it acts as an inhibitor. If the primary effect of caffeine on mononuclear phagocytes were to antagonize ARs we would expect cells exposed to caffeine to have a prolonged proinflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanism of action of caffeine in mononuclear phagocytes. Human mononuclear phagocytes were separated from whole blood and pretreated with protein kinase A inhibitor (PKA) and then exposed to micromolar physiological concentrations of caffeine. Phagocytosis and phagocytosis exhaustion were quantified using flow cytometry. Treatments were analyzed and compared to controls, using a beta regression controlling for factors of age, gender, caffeine intake, and exercise. We found that caffeine suppresses phagocytosis at micromolar physiological concentrations. This suppression was prevented when mononuclear phagocytes were pretreated with PKA inhibitor, suggesting that caffeine's phagocytic suppression may be due to its function as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, pushing cells towards an anti‐inflammatory response. Additionally, these effects are altered by regular caffeine intake and fitness level, emphasizing that tolerance and immune robustness are important factors in mononuclear phagocyte activation. These results demonstrate that caffeine may be acting as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and suppressing phagocytosis in mononuclear phagocytes by promoting an anti‐inflammatory response.
miRNA‐27b levels are associated with CYP3A activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ekström Lena , Skilving Ilona , Ovesjö Marie‐Louise , Aklillu Eleni , Nylén Hanna , Rane Anders , Diczfalusy Ulf , Björkhem‐Bergman Linda 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPrevious in vitro studies have shown that microRNA‐27b (miR‐27b) may regulate mRNA levels of CYP3A4, vitamin D receptor (VDR), and Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) as well as CYP3A4 protein expression and activity. In vitro studies have also shown that vitamin D may affect the expression of CYP3A4. The primary aim of this pilot study was to investigate the association between miR‐27b and CYP3A expression and activity. The secondary aim was to investigate the association between 25‐hydroxy vitamin D in serum and CYP3A activity. Mi‐RNA‐27b was quantified using real‐time PCR in serum samples (n = 28) and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D was measured and correlated with the levels of the endogenous CYP3A activity marker 4β‐hydroxycholesterol. In addition, the correlation between miR‐27b and CYP3A activity, measured by dextromethorphan N‐demethylation and 6β‐hydroxylation of testosterone and the gene expression of CYP3A4, VDR and PPARα were assessed in 20 human liver samples. A significant association between circulatory miR‐27b levels and 4β‐hydroxycholesterol ratio was found; P = 0.04, and between hepatic miR‐27b levels and CYP3A activity, measured by dextromethorphan N‐demethylation in human liver (P = 0.04). There was no association between hepatic miR‐27b and mRNA levels of CYP3A4, VDR or PPARα. There was a significant association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels and 4β‐hydroxycholesterol ratio, P = 0.002. In conclusion, this pilot‐study supports the hypothesis that miR‐27b levels as well as 25‐hydroxyvitamin D may affect CYP3A activity in vivo. The results indicate that miR‐27b exerts its inhibitory effect on a translational level rather than affecting mRNA levels.
Potential mechanism of enhanced postprandial glucagon‐like peptide‐1 release following treatment with a diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 inhibitor
Authors: Liu Jinqi , McLaren David G. , Chen Dunlu , Kan Yanqing , Stout Steven J. , Shen Xiaolan , Murphy Beth Ann , Forrest Gail , Karanam Bindhu , Sonatore Lisa , He Shuwen , Roddy Thomas P. , Pinto Shirly 
Published: December 2015

AbstractStudies have demonstrated that blockade of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) leads to prolonged release of glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) after meal challenge. The current study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism of action underlying the elevated levels of GLP‐1 release following pharmacological inhibition of DGAT1. We utilized a potent, specific DGAT1 inhibitor, compound A, to investigate the changes in intestinal lipid profile in a mouse model after oral administration of the compound and challenge with tracer containing fatty meal. [13C18]‐oleic acid and LC‐MS were employed to trace the fate of dietary fatty acids provided as part of a meal challenge in lean mice. Lipid profiles in plasma, proximal to distal segments of intestine, and feces were evaluated at various times following the meal challenge to study the kinetics of fatty acid absorption, synthesis into complex lipids, and excretion. Pharmacological inhibition of DGAT1 led to reduction of postprandial total and newly synthesized triglyceride (TG) excursion and significant increases in TG and FFA levels in the distal portion of intestine enriched with enteroendocrine L cells. Enhanced levels of FFA and cholesteryl ester were observed via fecal fat profiling. DGAT1 inhibition leads to enhancement of carbon flow to the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine within the intestine. DGAT1 inhibition markedly increases levels of TG and FFA in the distal intestine, which could be the predominant contributor to the prolonged and enhanced postprandial GLP‐1 release. Inactivation of DGAT1 could provide potential benefit in the treatment of dysmetabolic diseases.
Comparative study on MAPbI3 based solar cells using different electron transporting materials
Authors: Adhikari Krishna R. , Gurung Shekhar , Bhattarai Binod K. , Soucase Bernabé Marí 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis paper presents a comparative study on organometal halide perovskite based solar cells using two different transparent conducting oxides such as TiO2 and ZnO as electron transporting materials. Simulation is an interesting tool for studying the behavior of every component of a solar cell device as well as for analyzing the performance of the full device. Solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS)‐1D has been the tool used for numerical simulation of such devices. Influences of thickness of absorber and ETMs, interface trap density of states and dopant concentration of ETMs on the performance of photovoltaic solar cells are studied. Comparable efficiencies of 22.35% and 22.49% for PV devices made of spiro‐MeOTAD/MAPbI3/TiO2 and spiro‐MeOTAD/MAPbI3/ZnO, respectively, with 400/400/90 nm thicknesses under 1 Sun illumination are observed. The performance of both devices indicates the replacement of the TiO2 by a ZnO layer. It could be a good option to reduce the cost and increase the mobility of ETM for this type of solar cells. Generally, increase in thickness of MAPbI3 perovskite up to around 700 nm results into increase in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the solar cells. On the other hand, TiO2 and ZnO layers thicker than 90 nm results into decrease in the efficiency of the devices. Furthermore, the increase in interface trap density is found to reduce the efficiency of the devices. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Collinear and degenerate polariton pair emission via biexciton‐resonant hyper‐parametric scattering
Authors: Shimizu Hayate , Oohata Goro , Yamamoto Yasuo , Mizoguchi Kohji 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe report on the efficient generation of the collinear and degenerate polariton pair via biexciton‐resonant hyper‐parametric scattering (RHPS) in a CuCl single crystal using the non‐collinear and two‐color excitation method. By using this excitation method, a strong emission peak is observed at one‐half of the biexciton energy (Ebx/2). The strong emission obtained at Ebx/2 originates from the collinear and degenerate scattered polariton pair generated through the RHPS process. Furthermore, it is found that the energies of the scattered polaritons are split and deviated from Ebx/2, when the energies of the two excitation pulses are changed. We discuss the variation of the scattered polariton energies with changing the energies of the two excitation pulses on the basis of the phase matching condition for the RHPS process. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Phototransport in colloidal nanoplatelets array
Authors: Lhuillier Emmanuel , Dayen Jean‐Francois , Thomas Daniel O. , Robin Adrien , Ithurria Sandrine , Aubin Herve , Dubertret Benoit 
Published: December 2015

AbstractColloidal nanocrystals are promising materials for achieving low cost optoelectronic devices. In this paper, we focus on the transport and photo transport properties of 2D nanoplatelet thin films and their use for photodetection. We present evidence that improved performances relies on good trap passivation as well as overcoming the inherent large exciton binding energy of the 2D NPL. This can be achieved using a phototransistor configuration with transport at the single particle scale (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural and optical characterization of hybrid ZnO/polymer core‐shell nanowires fabricated by oxidative chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Bley Stephanie , Rückmann Max , Castro‐Carranza Alejandra , Meierhofer Florian , Mädler Lutz , Voss Tobias , Gutowski Jürgen 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPolycrystalline (pc) n‐doped ZnO layers and n‐doped ZnO nanowires are coated with the p‐doped organic poly‐mers polypyrrole and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) by oxidative chemical vapour deposition. The structural characterization of the polypyrrole‐coated pc‐ZnO layer shows that the thickness and homogeneity of the polymer shell depends on the amount of the oxidizing agent FeCl3. Electrical measurements of the formed pn‐junction prepared with 0.1 g and 0.3 g FeCl3, show ideality factors of η = 1.7 and η = 4, representing the quality of the formed diode (ideal case η = 1), which is decreasing with increasing amount of oxidizing agent. Structural studies of the hybrid core‐shell nanowires reveal that a thin and homogeneous coating of the nanowires is achieved by using 0.1 g FeCl3. Energy dispersive X‐ray measurements confirm that chlorine is incorporated into the polymer shell. Optical characterization of the hybrid structures via photoluminescence measurements show a broadening of the exciton lines of the ZnO nanowires after polymer coating (especially for PEDOT) which is attributed to etching processes of the wire surface occurring during the application of FeCl3, whereas, the general optical properties of ZnO are not affected. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)