bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ursodeoxycholic acid after bile duct stone removal and risk factors for recurrence: a randomized trial
Authors: Yamamoto Ryuichi , Tazuma Susumu , Kanno Keishi , Igarashi Yoshinori , Inui Kazuo , Ohara Hirotaka , Tsuyuguchi Toshio , Ryozawa Shomei 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, no established pharmacologic treatment exists for the prevention of recurrent common bile duct (CBD) stones.MethodsHere, we present a multi‐center randomized trial that compared the CBD recurrence rate after bile duct stone removal between patients given ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and the untreated group. A total of 36 patients were randomly assigned to either the UDCA (n = 15) or the untreated group (n = 21). The primary end‐point was the recurrence rate of CBD stones.ResultsThe recurrence rate of CBD stones was 6.6% in the UDCA group and 18.6% in the untreated group (P = 0.171). A multivariate analysis found that not receiving UDCA was an independent risk factor for stone recurrence. The recurrence rates of CBD stones did not differ by sex, past history of cholecystectomy, or the presence of gallstones.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that UDCA may be a novel treatment strategy to prevent the recurrence of CBD stones. However, further evaluation of UDCA in a larger number of subjects will be required to confirm the applicability of these results.
Computational characterization of fracture healing under reduced gravity loading conditions
Authors: Gadomski Benjamin C. , Lerner Zachary F. , Browning Raymond C. , Easley Jeremiah T. , Palmer Ross H. , Puttlitz Christian M. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTThe literature is deficient with regard to how the localized mechanical environment of skeletal tissue is altered during reduced gravitational loading and how these alterations affect fracture healing. Thus, a finite element model of the ovine hindlimb was created to characterize the local mechanical environment responsible for the inhibited fracture healing observed under experimental simulated hypogravity conditions. Following convergence and verification studies, hydrostatic pressure and strain within a diaphyseal fracture of the metatarsus were evaluated for models under both 1 and 0.25 g loading environments and compared to results of a related in vivo study. Results of the study suggest that reductions in hydrostatic pressure and strain of the healing fracture for animals exposed to reduced gravitational loading conditions contributed to an inhibited healing process, with animals exposed to the simulated hypogravity environment subsequently initiating an intramembranous bone formation process rather than the typical endochondral ossification healing process experienced by animals healing in a 1 g gravitational environment. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1206–1215, 2016.
Development of Passive Immunotherapies for Synucleinopathies
Authors: Bergström Ann‐Louise , Kallunki Pekka , Fog Karina 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTImmunotherapy using antibodies targeting alpha‐synuclein has proven to be an effective strategy for ameliorating pathological and behavioral deficits induced by excess pathogenic alpha‐synuclein in various animal and/or cellular models. However, the process of selecting the anti‐alpha‐synuclein antibody with the best potential to treat synucleinopathies in humans is not trivial. Critical to this process is a better understanding of the pathological processes involved in the synucleinopathies and how antibodies are able to influence these. We will give an overview of the first proof‐of‐concept studies in rodent disease models and discuss challenges associated with developing antibodies against alpha‐synuclein resulting from the distribution and structural characteristics of the protein. We will also provide a status on the passive immunization approaches targeting alpha‐synuclein that have entered, or are expected to enter, clinical evaluation. © 2015 Movement Disorder Society
Fully coupled linear modelling of incompressible free‐surface flow, compressible air and flexible structures
Authors: Toth F. , Kaltenbacher M. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryIncompressible free‐surface flow is a common assumption for the modelling of water waves. Connected with the aim to develop very large floating platforms, air chamber supported floating structures have attracted considerable research interest in the past. Such structures are carried by air entrapped in chambers formed by stiff, vertical walls. In order to model these types of structures, the interactions between surface gravity waves and compressible air must be taken into account. If the payload requirements for air chamber supported structures are low enough, the air chambers may be formed by flexible membrane cylinders. In such systems, pressure variations can lead to considerable changes in chamber volume. Therefore, the flexibility of the bounding structures must be taken into account. We present a modelling strategy to tackle the fully coupled problem of compressible gas in a flexible chamber and incompressible free‐surface flow in an unbounded domain. The governing equations and boundary conditions are described and solved by the finite element method. A perfectly matched layer is used to obtain a solution for an unbounded domain. Finally, the numerical implementation is validated by various test cases. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formulation and implementation of stress‐driven and/or strain‐driven computational homogenization for finite strain
Authors: van Dijk N. P. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryIn this paper, we present a homogenization approach that can be used in the geometrically nonlinear regime for stress‐driven and strain‐driven homogenization and even a combination of both. Special attention is paid to the straightforward implementation in combination with the finite‐element method. The formulation follows directly from the principle of virtual work, the periodic boundary conditions, and the Hill–Mandel principle of macro‐homogeneity. The periodic boundary conditions are implemented using the Lagrange multiplier method to link macroscopic strain to the boundary displacements of the computational model of a representative volume element. We include the macroscopic strain as a set of additional degrees of freedom in the formulation. Via the Lagrange multipliers, the macroscopic stress naturally arises as the associated ‘forces’ that are conjugate to the macroscopic strain ‘displacements’. In contrast to most homogenization schemes, the second Piola–Kirchhoff stress and Green–Lagrange strain have been chosen for the macroscopic stress and strain measures in this formulation. The usage of other stress and strain measures such as the first Piola–Kirchhoff stress and the deformation gradient is discussed in the Appendix. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between actigraphy‐assessed sleep quality and fat mass in college students
Authors: Kahlhöfer Julia , Karschin Judith , Breusing Nicolle , Bosy‐Westphal Anja 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveOnly a few studies have used objective measurements to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and obesity. These studies showed controversial results.MethodsSleep efficiency was measured by Actiwatch 2 in 132 healthy students (age 23.3 ± 3.7 years, BMI 23.1 ± 4.1 kg/m2) for 12 ± 3 nights, differentiating between work and free days. Physical activity, dietary habits, and autonomic function (heart rate variability, HRV) were analyzed as potential determinants of sleep quality and its relationship with body composition.ResultsSleep efficiency was 87.0% in women and 84.9% in men (P < 0.05) and was higher at free days when compared to work days in women (P < 0.05). Lower sleep efficiency was associated with a higher fat mass. This was true for sleep efficiency on work days in women [fat mass index (FMI): r = −0.35, P < 0.01] and for free days in men (FMI: r = −0.37, P < 0.05). Poor sleep efficiency was associated with less physical activity (r = 0.29, P < 0.05) and impaired HRV in women (r = 0.60, P < 0.05) and with a higher fat intake in men (r = −0.39, P < 0.05).ConclusionsPoor sleep efficiency was associated with higher fat mass. The relationship between sleep quality and fat mass differs between work and free days and may be explained by physical activity and autonomic function in women and dietary habits in men.
Design of lifestyle intervention trials to prevent excessive gestational weight gain in women with overweight or obesity
Authors: Clifton Rebecca G. , Evans Mary , Cahill Alison G. , Franks Paul W. , Gallagher Dympna , Phelan Suzanne , Pomeroy Jeremy , Redman Leanne M. , Van Horn Linda ,   The LIFE‐Moms Research Group
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveThe Lifestyle Interventions for Expectant Moms (LIFE‐Moms) Consortium is designed to determine, in pregnant women with overweight or obesity, whether various behavioral and lifestyle interventions reduce excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and subsequent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and obesity in offspring. The design and planning process of the LIFE‐Moms Consortium is described.MethodsThe LIFE‐Moms Consortium is a collaboration among seven clinical centers, a Research Coordinating Unit, and the NIH designed to support each clinical center's conduct of a separate trial of a unique intervention. Specific common measures, procedures, and eligibility criteria are consistent across the seven trials allowing data to be combined in exploratory analyses and/or compared readily.ResultsNumerous committees and working groups were created to define common measures and outcomes during pregnancy and through 1 year postpartum, develop Consortium policies, and oversee progress of the trials. The primary outcome for the Consortium is excessive GWG. Secondary outcomes include maternal, neonatal, and infant anthropometric measures, physical activity, sleep, and complications of pregnancy and delivery.ConclusionsA multi‐center consortium of independent, lifestyle interventions with common measures and outcomes may enhance the ability to identify promising interventions for improving outcomes in pregnant women and their offspring.
Adipose tissue R2* signal is increased in subjects with obesity: A preliminary MRI study
Authors: Manuel Fernández‐Real José , Blasco Gerard , Puig Josep , Moreno Maria , Xifra Gemma , Sánchez‐Gonzalez Javier , Maria Alustiza Jose , Pedraza Salvador , Ricart Wifredo , María Moreno‐Navarrete José 
Published: December 2015

Objective: Circulating and adipose tissue markers of iron overload are increased in subjects with obesity. The aim is to study iron signals in adipose tissue.Methods: Adipose tissue R2* values and hepatic iron concentration (HIC) were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 23 middle‐aged subjects with obesity and 20 subjects without obesity.Results: Subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) R2* were increased in subjects with obesity (P = 0.004 and P = 0.008) and correlated significantly and positively with HIC in all subjects. Strikingly, most of the associations of liver iron with metabolic parameters were replicated with SAT and VAT R2*. BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, HOMA value, and C‐reactive protein positively correlated with HIC and SAT and VAT R2*. BMI or percent fat mass (but not insulin resistance) contributed independently to 26.8‐34.8% of the variance in sex‐ and age‐adjusted SAT or VAT R2* (β > 0.40, P < 0.005). Within subjects with obesity, total cholesterol independently contributed to 14.8% of sex‐ and age‐adjusted VAT iron variance (β = 0.50, P = 0.025).Conclusions: Increased R2* in adipose tissue, which might indicate iron content, runs in parallel to liver iron stores of subjects with obesity. VAT iron seems also associated with serum cholesterol within subjects with obesity.
Inactivation of adipose angiotensinogen reduces adipose tissue macrophages and increases metabolic activity
Authors: LeMieux Monique J. , Ramalingam Latha , Mynatt Randall L. , Kalupahana Nishan S. , Kim Jung Han , Moustaïd‐Moussa Naïma 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveThe adipose renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) has been linked to obesity‐induced inflammation, though mechanisms are not completely understood. In this study, adipose‐specific angiotensinogen knockout mice (Agt‐KO) were generated to determine whether Agt inactivation reduces inflammation and alters the metabolic profile of the Agt‐KO mice compared to wild‐type (WT) littermates.MethodsAdipose tissue‐specific Agt‐KO mice were created using the Cre‐LoxP system with both Agt‐KO and WT littermates fed either a low‐fat or high‐fat diet to assess metabolic changes. White adipose tissue was used for gene/protein expression analyses and WAT stromal vascular cells for metabolic extracellular flux assays.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in body weight or fat mass between both genotypes on either diet. However, improved glucose clearance was observed in Agt‐KO compared to WT littermates, consistent with higher expression of genes involved in insulin signaling, glucose transport, and fatty acid metabolism. Furthermore, Agt inactivation reduced total macrophage infiltration in Agt‐KO mice fed both diets. Lastly, stroma vascular cells from Agt‐KO mice revealed higher metabolic activity compared to WT mice.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that adipose‐specific Agt inactivation leads to reduced adipose inflammation and increased glucose tolerance mediated in part via increased metabolic activity of adipose cells.
Effect of a weight reduction program on baseline and stress‐induced heart rate variability in children with obesity
Authors: Mazurak Nazar , Sauer Helene , Weimer Katja , Dammann Dirk , Zipfel Stephan , Horing Björn , Muth Eric R. , Teufel Martin , Enck Paul , Mack Isabelle 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveAutonomic dysregulation is a well‐established feature in adults with obesity but not in children. Since this dysregulation could contribute to weight dynamics, this study aimed to compare autonomic regulation in children with obesity and normal‐weight peers and to track autonomic status during weight reduction.MethodsSixty children with obesity and 27 age‐ and sex‐matched normal‐weight healthy participants were included. Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed at baseline and during a mental stress test and a subsequent recovery period. Children with obesity were investigated both upon admission and discharge.ResultsUpon admission, no significant differences in HRV parameters were found for normal‐weight participants and those with obesity. Inpatient treatment led to significant changes in HRV with increase in general variability (standard deviation of the normal‐to‐normal interval (SDNN), P < 0.001) as well as of parasympathetic regulation (root mean square successive difference (RMSSD) and high frequency power (logHF), P < 0.01). Children with obesity had sympathetic activation similar to normal‐weight controls during mental stress with subsequent return to baseline values, and weight loss did not affect this profile.ConclusionsA weight reduction program induced a change in autonomic activity in children with obesity toward parasympathetic dominance but had no influence on autonomic nervous system reactivity during stress conditions.
Tumor suppressor RIZ1 in obesity and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Xie Xiaolei , Man Xian , Zhu Zuobin , Yuan Dejian , Huang Shi 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the shared molecular pathways of obesity and cancer by exploring the role of RIZ1 in obesity and the phospatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/V‐Akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (PKB) (AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway.MethodsMale wild type (WT) and Riz1−/− mice (KO) were fed a standard diet (STD) or a high‐fat (HF) diet for up to 8 months. These mice were studied for phenotypic and molecular changes.ResultsRiz1−/− mice gained more weight on a HF diet compared to WT mice, with higher free fatty acid and increased visceral fat. Metabolic cage analysis of Riz1−/− mice showed lower oxygen consumption but no changes in food intake and ambulatory activity. Riz1−/− mice showed impaired glucose regulation but no change in insulin sensitivity. RNA‐seq and quantitative RT‐PCR analysis found altered expression in certain glycolysis and ATP production genes such as Ubiad1, Atp5g2, and Cyp4a12. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was activated in the Riz1−/− mice fed a HF diet with higher Akt3 mRNA levels and increased phosphorylation of AKT (Ser473), mTOR, and S6.ConclusionsThe results identify RIZ1 as an important regulator of both Akt3 transcription and AKT phosphorylation and suggest a role for RIZ1 in HF‐induced obesity and the AKT pathway.
Adiposity trajectory and its associations with plasma adipokine levels in children and adolescents—A prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Shenghui , Liu Rong , Arguelles Lester , Wang Guoying , Zhang Jun , Shen Xiaoming , Wang Xiaobin 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the associations of longitudinal adiposity measures with two adipokines, leptin and adiponectin, and their ratio in children and adolescents.MethodsA total of 953 children and adolescents participated in a 6‐year longitudinal study. Body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (%BF), and fat mass index (FMI) were used to assess adiposity status.ResultsAfter adjusting for possible confounders, our regression models revealed that BMI, %BF, and FMI, in both the baseline and follow‐up surveys were independently associated with a higher level of leptin and the leptin/adiponectin ratio at the follow‐up survey, whereas the significant association with adiponectin only partly existed in adiposity measures at the follow‐up visit. Moreover, the longitudinal change in adiposity measures was found to be a significant predictor for follow‐up plasma adipokine levels. Compared with the low→low group, the medium→medium group, up‐trend group, and high→high group all showed a significantly increased level of leptin and leptin/adiponectin ratio. The up‐trend group and high→high group also had significantly decreased adiponectin levels.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of adiposity surveillance and the utility of adipokines as biomarkers for adverse metabolic consequences of childhood adiposity.
Efficient extracellular expression of Bacillus deramificans pullulanase in Brevibacillus choshinensis
Authors: Zou Chun , Duan Xuguo , Wu Jing 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
In this study, the pullulanase gene from Bacillus deramificans was efficiently expressed in Brevibacillus choshinensis. The optimal medium for protein expression was determined through a combination of single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The initial pH of the medium and the culture temperature were optimized. The pullulanase yield increased 10.8-fold through medium and condition optimization at the shake-flask level. From the results of these experiments, the dissolved oxygen level was optimized in a 3-L fermentor. Under these optimized conditions, the pullulanase activity and the specific pullulanase productivity reached 1005.8 U/mL and 110.5 × 103 U/g dry cell weight, respectively, with negligible intracellular expression. The Brevibacillus choshinensis expression system has proven to be valuable for the extracellular production of pullulanase.
On the stoichiometry and stability of americium(III) complexes with a hydrophilic SO3–Ph–BTP ligand, studied by liquid–liquid extraction
Authors: Steczek Łukasz , Rejnis Magdalena , Narbutt Jerzy , Charbonnel Marie-Christine , Moisy Philippe 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
1:1 and 1:2 complexes of americium(III) with a hydrophilic anionic SO3–Ph–BTP4− ligand were detected in acidic aqueous nitrate solutions by a solvent extraction method. The determined conditional stability constants of these complexes, logβ
1 = 4.35 ± 0.07 and logβ
2 = 7.67 ± 0.06, related to 1 M aqueous solutions, are much lower than the literature values for the analogous curium species, determined by TRLFS in very dilute aqueous solutions. There is also no evidence for the existence of the 1:3 Am3+ complex similar to the reported curium(III) complex. A hypothesis has been formulated to explain these discrepancies. It suggests the necessity to carefully check the equilibria in each phase of solvent extraction systems containing two competing ligands—lipophilic and hydrophilic.
A Review of Gemini Surfactants: Potential Application in Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Kamal Muhammad Shahzad 
Published: December 2015

AbstractGemini surfactants are a group of novel surfactants with more than one hydrophilic head group and hydrophobic tail group linked by a spacer at or near the head groups. Unique properties of gemini surfactants, such as low critical micelle concentration, good water solubility, unusual micelle structures and aggregation behavior, high efficiency in reducing oil/water interfacial tension, and interesting rheological properties have attracted the attention of academic researchers and field experts. Rheological characterization and determination of the interfacial tension are two of the most important screening techniques for the evaluation and selection of chemicals for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). This review deals with rheology, wettability alteration, adsorption and interfacial properties of gemini surfactants and various factors affecting their performance. The review highlights the current research activities on the application of gemini surfactants in EOR.
Challenges in circulating tumor cell detection by the CellSearch system
Authors: Andree Kiki C. , van Dalum Guus , Terstappen Leon W.M.M. 
Published: December 2015

Enumeration and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTC) hold the promise of a real time liquid biopsy. They are however present in a large background of hematopoietic cells making their isolation technically challenging. In 2004, the CellSearch system was introduced as the first and only FDA cleared method designed for the enumeration of circulating tumor cells in 7.5 mL of blood. Presence of CTC detected by CellSearch is associated with poor prognosis in metastatic carcinomas. CTC remaining in patients after the first cycles of therapy indicates a futile therapy. Here we review challenges faced during the development of the CellSearch system and the difficulties in assigning objects as CTC. The large heterogeneity of CTC and the different approaches introduced in recent years to isolate, enumerate and characterize CTC results in a large variation of the number of CTC reported urging the need for uniform definitions and at least a clear definition of what the criteria are for assigning an object as a CTC.