bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lycopene supplementation restores vitamin A deficiency in mice and possesses thereby partial pro‐vitamin A activity transmitted via RAR signaling
Authors: Aydemir Gamze , Kasiri Yasamin , Bartók Emöke‐Márta , Birta Eszter , Fröhlich Kati , Böhm Volker , Mihaly Johanna , Rühl Ralph 
Published: June 2016

ScopeThe aim of this study was to compare if lycopene also possesses pro‐vitamin A (VA) activity comparable to known VA derivatives.Materials and methodsWe used a transgenic retinoic acid response element reporter mouse model (n = 8, per group) for this study, and after the initial wash out of VA using a vitamin A deficient diet (VAD) for 18 weeks, the animals were supplemented further with (a) VAD‐fed mice, (b) VAD‐fed mice plus retinol (20 mg/kg bw), (c) VAD‐fed mice plus β‐carotene (40 mg/kg bw), and (d) VAD‐fed mice plus lycopene (40 mg/kg bw). Using ex vivo scanning and gene expression analysis of retinoid target and VA marker gene analysis in various organs of these supplemented mice (b, c, d), we found increased luciferase activity and normalized marker and target gene analysis compared to group a.ConclusionsLycopene can restore VA deficiency and compensate VA for retinoic acid receptor (RAR)‐mediated signaling as the major function of VA in the mammalian organism. Lycopene administration can initiate upregulation of RAR‐mediated signaling in various organs in VAD‐fed animals via potential novel bioactive lycopene metabolites. This indicates that lycopene possesses partial pro‐VA activity in mice transmitted via RAR‐mediated signaling.
Resveratrol alleviates MPTP‐induced motor impairments and pathological changes by autophagic degradation of α‐synuclein via SIRT1‐deacetylated LC3
Authors: Guo Yan‐Jie , Dong Su‐Yan , Cui Xin‐Xin , Feng Ya , Liu Te , Yin Ming , Kuo Sheng‐Han , Tan Eng‐King , Zhao Wen‐Juan , Wu Yun‐Cheng 
Published: June 2016

ScopeThe accumulation of misfolded α‐synuclein in dopaminergic neurons is the leading cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). Resveratrol (RV), a polyphenolic compound derived from grapes and red wine, exerts a wide range of beneficial effects via activation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and induction of vitagenes. Here, we assessed the role of RV in a 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1, 2, 3, 6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced mouse model of PD and explored its potential mechanisms.Methods and resultsRV and EX527, a specific inhibitor of SIRT1, were administered before and after MPTP treatment. RV protected against MPTP‐induced loss of dopaminergic neurons, and decreases in tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine levels, as well as behavioral impairments. Meanwhile, RV administration activated SIRT1. Microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) was then deacetylated and redistributed from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, which provoked the autophagic degradation of α‐synuclein in dopaminergic neurons. Furthermore, EX527 antagonized the neuroprotective effects of RV by reducing LC3 deacetylation and subsequent autophagic degradation of α‐synuclein.ConclusionWe showed that RV ameliorated both motor deficits and pathological changes in MPTP‐treated mice via activation of SIRT1 and subsequent LC3 deacetylation‐mediated autophagic degradation of α‐synuclein. Our observations suggest that RV may be a potential prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for PD.
Multiband echo‐shifted echo planar imaging
Authors: Boyacioğlu Rasim , Schulz Jenni , Norris David G. 
Published: June 2016

PurposeTo propose the technique multiband echo‐shifted (MESH) echo planar imaging (EPI), which combines the principles of echo‐shifted acquisition for two‐dimensional multislice EPI, with both in‐plane and multiband acceleration by means of partial parallel imaging techniques.MethodsMESH EPI is suitable for functional MRI (fMRI) in situations where there is sufficient time to insert an additional EPI readout in the dead time between slice selection and the standard EPI readout. In such situations, MESH EPI can further accelerate data acquisition compared with standard multiband techniques. The method is particularly well suited for low static magnetic field strengths and lower spatial resolutions. We compared MESH with multiband and standard EPI with temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio (tSNR) measurements and resting state fMRI data.ResultsResults obtained at 1.5 T from healthy subjects revealed that the additional gradient switching did not additionally affect time course SNR over and above the reduction inherent to multiband imaging. Functional results were qualitatively similar between methods. MESH was not affected by the tSNR reduction and echo shifting gradients. The MESH data were acquired at a factor 2 or 3 faster than corresponding multiband acquisitions for echo shift factors of 1 and 2, respectively.ConclusionMESH can offer further acceleration of image acquisition for fMRI at no loss in sensitivity. Magn Reson Med 77:1981–1986, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Volume‐normalized transfer constant as an imaging biomarker for chronic inflammatory arthritis: A dynamic contrast enhanced MRI study
Authors: Chang Yongmin , Park Jang Woo , Sung Shijin , Hong Jungwan , Al Faruque Hasan , Kim Eun‐Hee , Lee Jae Jun , Lee Jongmin , Kang Young Mo 
Published: June 2016

PurposeProper diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are extremely important to optimize treatment outcomes. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) may be used as a biomarker to detect inflammatory changes in synovial joints and to discriminate active and inactive stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate vascular permeability changes associated with inflammatory arthritis progression and its treatment.MethodsArthritis was induced in DBA/1J mice by immunization with type‐II collagen emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant. Severity of arthritis was monitored using the clinical arthritis index. MR images of mice were obtained at different stages of arthritis progression and at 3 weeks after methotrexate treatment. Immunohistochemical staining using an anti‐CD31 antibody was used to assess vessel density.ResultsVolume‐normalized transfer constant increased progressively until the active stage of arthritis was reached, and thereafter declined gradually. The pattern of volume‐normalized transfer constant changes quantified using DCE‐MRI correlated with vascular densities and immunohistochemical findings. Furthermore, volume‐normalized transfer constant and densities decreased significantly in a dose‐dependent manner after treatment with methotrexate.ConclusionVolume‐normalized transfer constant assessed by DCE‐MRI can be used as an imaging biomarker for tracking disease progression and for monitoring therapeutic efficacy in inflammatory arthritis. Magn Reson Med 76:926–934, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and initial validation of the obsessive compulsive eating scale
Authors: Niemiec Martha A. , Boswell James F. , Hormes Julia M. 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveFood cravings are common and have been implicated in eating‐related pathology, including binge eating, bulimia nervosa, and unhealthy weight problems, but difficulties in defining and quantifying the phenomenon of craving are well documented. There has been an increase in focus on the study of cognitive mechanisms underlying craving, in particular the role of intrusive thoughts; however, existing craving measures fail to fully capture these aspects of the craving experience. The present study was designed to develop a psychometrically sound measure of the obsessive‐compulsive aspects of food cravings.MethodsThe proposed 14‐item Obsessive Compulsive Eating Scale (OCES) is based on the existing and well‐validated Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale, a self‐report measure of obsessive thoughts about drinking and compulsive behaviors directed towards alcohol consumption. The OCES was administered to 224 respondents (57.4%,n = 128 women).ResultsResults of confirmatory factor analyses suggested a two‐factorial structure of the OCES, which mirrors that of the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale, on which it is based. The OCES had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach'sα = 0.91) and demonstrated good convergent and criterion validity.ConclusionsThe proposed OCES is a psychometrically sound addition to the body of measurements used to assess food cravings and their role in disordered eating patterns.
The dual amylin‐ and calcitonin‐receptor agonist KBP‐042 increases insulin sensitivity and induces weight loss in rats with obesity
Authors: Hjuler Sara Toftegaard , Gydesen Sofie , Andreassen Kim Vietz , Pedersen Steffen Lund Kjær , Hellgren Lars I. , Karsdal Morten Asser , Henriksen Kim 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveIn this study, KBP‐042, a dual amylin‐ and calcitonin‐receptor agonist, was investigated as a treatment of obesity and insulin resistance in five different doses (0.625 µg/kg–10 µg/kg) compared with saline‐treated and pair‐fed controls.MethodsRats with obesity received daily s.c. administrations for 56 days, and glucose tolerance was assessed after one acute injection, 3 weeks of treatment, and again after 7 weeks of treatment. To assess the effect on insulin sensitivity, rats received 5 µg/kg KBP‐042 for 21 days before hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp.ResultsKBP‐042 induced a sustained weight loss of up to 20% without any significant weight reduction in the pair‐fed groups. Decreases in adipose tissues and lipid deposition in the liver were observed, while plasma adiponectin was increased and plasma leptin levels were decreased. Acute administration of KBP‐042 led to impaired glucose tolerance and increased plasma lactate, while this diabetogenic effect was reversed by chronic treatment. Finally, assessment of insulin sensitivity using the hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp showed that KBP‐042 increased the glucose infusion rate.ConclusionsThe study indicates that KBP‐042 combines two highly relevant features, namely weight loss and insulin sensitivity, and is thus an excellent candidate for chronic treatment of obesity and insulin resistance.
Comparison of clinical features and outcomes in patients with extraskeletal versus skeletal localized Ewing sarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Cash Thomas , McIlvaine Elizabeth , Krailo Mark D. , Lessnick Stephen L. , Lawlor Elizabeth R. , Laack Nadia , Sorger Joel , Marina Neyssa , Grier Holcombe E. , Granowetter Linda , Womer Richard B. , DuBois Steven G. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe prognostic significance of having extraskeletal (EES) versus skeletal Ewing sarcoma (ES) in the setting of modern chemotherapy protocols is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics, biologic features, and outcomes for patients with EES and skeletal ES.MethodsPatients had localized ES and were treated on two consecutive protocols using five‐drug chemotherapy (INT‐0154 and AEWS0031). Patients were analyzed based on having an extraskeletal (n = 213) or skeletal (n = 826) site of tumor origin. Event‐free survival (EFS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, compared using the log‐rank test, and modeled using Cox multivariate regression.ResultsPatients with extraskeletal ES (EES) were more likely to have axial tumors (72% vs. 55%; P < 0.001), less likely to have tumors >8 cm (9% vs. 17%; P < 0.01), and less likely to be white (81% vs. 87%; P < 0.001) compared to patients with skeletal ES. There was no difference in key genomic features (type of EWSR1 translocation, TP53 mutation, CDKN2A mutation/loss) between groups. After controlling for age, race, and primary site, EES was associated with superior EFS (hazard ratio = 0.69; 95% confidence interval: 0.50–0.95; P = 0.02). Among patients with EES, age ≥18, nonwhite race, and elevated baseline erythrocyte sedimentation rate were independently associated with inferior EFS.ConclusionClinical characteristics, but not key tumor genomic features, differ between EES and skeletal ES. Extraskeletal origin is a favorable prognostic factor, independent of age, race, and primary site.
Azobenzene‐containing LC polymethacrylates highly photosensitive in broad spectral range
Authors: Bobrovsky Alexey , Shibaev Valery , Cigl Martin , Hamplová Vĕra , Pociecha Damian , Bubnov Alexej 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTTwo photosensitive chiral liquid crystalline azobenzene‐containing polymethacrylates having different length of flexible spacer connecting chromophores with backbone were synthesized and their phase behavior and photo‐optical properties were studied. Both polymers consist of lateral methyl substituents in ortho‐position of azobenzene chromophores providing high photosensitivity even in red spectral region as well as high thermal stability of photoinduced Z‐form of azobenzene chromophores. It is shown, that smectic phase (SmA*) formation in films of polymer with longer spacer predetermines its quite unusual spectral response to UV and subsequent visible light actions. The SmA* phase promotes spontaneous homeotropic alignment of azobenzene chromophores in polymer films. UV‐irradiation induces not only E‐Z isomerization but also results in disruption of homeotropic alignment, whereas subsequent visible light action enables to obtain films with the low degree of chromophores orientation. The photo‐orientation phenomena under the action of polarized light of different wavelength on polymer films were studied. The possibility of using red polarized light of moderate intensity for optical photorecording on polymer films is demonstrated. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2962–2970
Psychosocial morbidity in women with abnormal cervical cytology managed by cytological surveillance or initial colposcopy: longitudinal analysis from the TOMBOLA randomised trial
Authors: Fielding S. , Rothnie K. , Gray N. M. , Little J. , Cruickshank M. E. , Neal K. , Walker L. G. , Whynes D. , Cotton S. C. , Sharp L. ,   In association with the TOMBOLA group
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo compare psychosocial outcomes (follow‐up related worries and satisfaction with follow‐up related information and support) over 30 months of two alternative management policies for women with low‐grade abnormal cervical cytology.MethodsWomen aged 20–59 years with low‐grade cytological abnormalities detected in the National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme were randomised to cytological surveillance or initial colposcopy. A total of 3399 women who completed psychosocial questionnaires at recruitment were invited to complete questionnaires at 12, 18, 24 and 30 months. Linear mixed models were used to investigate differences between arms in the two psychosocial outcomes. Each outcome had a maximum score of 100, and higher scores represented higher psychosocial morbidity.ResultsOn average, over 30 months, women randomised to colposcopy scored 2.5 points (95%CI −3.6 to −1.3) lower for follow‐up related worries than women randomised to cytological surveillance. Women in the colposcopy arm also scored significantly lower for follow‐up related satisfaction with information and support (−2.4; −3.3 to −1.4) over 30 months. For both outcomes, the average difference between arms was greatest at 12th‐ and 18th‐month time points. These differences remained when the analysis was stratified by post‐school education.ConclusionsWomen with low‐grade cytology, irrespective of their management, have substantial initial psychosocial morbidity that reduces over time. Implementation of newer screening strategies, which include surveillance, such as primary HPV screening, need to consider the information and support provided to women. © 2016 The Authors. Psycho‐Oncology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A micro‐computed tomography study of the negotiation and anatomical feature in apical root canal of mandibular molars
Authors: Min Yi , Ma Jing‐Zhi , Shen Ya , Cheung Gary Shun‐Pan , Gao Yuan 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the clinical negotiation of various apical anatomic features of the mandibular first molars in a Chinese population using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). A total of 152 mandibular first molars were scanned with micro‐CT at 30 µm resolution. The apical 5 mm of root canal (ARC) was reconstructed three dimensionally and classified. Subsequently, the access cavity was prepared with the ARC anatomy blinded to the operator. The ARC was negotiated with a size 10 K file with or without precurve. Information on the ability to obtain a reproducible glide path was recorded. The anatomical classification of ARC was Type I with 68.45% in mandibular first molars. The negotiation result of ARC with Category i was 387 canals (74.00%). With a bent negotiating file, 96 canals were negotiated, including 88 reproducible glide paths (Category ii) and 8 irregular glide paths (Category iii). About 7.65% canals could not be negotiated with patency successfully (Category iv). The statistical analyze shown the anatomic feature of ARC had effect on the negotiation of ARC (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ARC anatomic variations had a strong potential impact on the negotiation. The category of negotiation in ARC would be helpful in the using of NiTi rotary instruments. Negotiation of ARC to the working length with patency should be careful and skillful because of the complexities of ARC. SCANNING 38:819–824, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Caught in the Balance: An Organizational Analysis of Science Teaching in Schools With Elementary Science Specialists
Authors: MARCO‐BUJOSA LISA M. , LEVY ABIGAIL JURIST 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTElementary schools are under increasing pressure to teach science and teach it well; yet, research documents that classroom teachers must overcome numerous personal and school‐based challenges to teach science effectively at this level, such as access to materials and inadequate instructional time. The elementary science specialist model represents an alternative to the traditional model of classroom teachers providing science instruction. Although changing who teaches science may remove personal challenges, we do not know if the specialist alone can overcome the school‐based challenges to teaching science. This study explored how school supports for science teaching varied across five elementary schools with science specialists through a qualitative comparative case study methodology. Drawing upon theory from organizational studies, school supports were conceptualized as four interrelated dimensions: (1) leadership, (2) resources, (3) culture, and (4) the external environment. Findings indicate that the science specialist model alone is insufficient to overcome school‐based challenges to science teaching. Findings also reveal the potential danger of the specialist model to marginalize science as a content area. Overall, this study clarifies the importance of the principal to provide schoolwide leadership for science and to establish the value of science necessary to support a strong elementary science program.
Venture Debt Financing: Determinants of the Lending Decision
Authors: de Rassenfosse Gaétan , Fischer Timo 
Published: June 2016

Research summaryVenture debt lending is a form of start‐up financing that lies at the intersection of venture capital and traditional debt. We analyze the lending decision criteria of 55 senior U.S. venture debt lenders (VDLs) using a discrete choice experiment in order to understand how VDLs overcome barriers that traditionally hamper start‐ups’ access to debt. We find, first, that the provision of patents as collateral is as important as the provision of tangible assets to lenders. Second, VDLs showed a marked preference for start‐ups that offered warrants. Third, venture capitalists' backing substitutes for a start‐up's positive cash flows.Managerial summaryThis article provides insights into the business model of venture debt lenders. Venture debt is an equity efficient way to raise money: it limits equity dilution by prolonging runways and allowing entrepreneurs and investors to raise equity at the next funding round at a higher valuation. The research suggests that venture debt plays an important role in new venture financing, with about one venture debt dollar provided for every seven venture capital dollar invested. It further suggests that backing by venture capitalists (VCs) and the provision of patents as collateral significantly increase the chance of obtaining venture debt. Therefore, it provides additional rationales for having VCs onboard and for applying for patents. More generally, the research illustrates that debt, in the form of venture debt, is available to start‐ups with negative cash flows and no tangible assets. Copyright © 2016 Strategic Management Society.
Mesophase Transformation of Mixed Liquid Crystals Formed by Supramolecular Self‐Organization of 4‐Substituted Benzoic Acids
Authors: Yamagaki Masashi , Iwata Takashi , Okamura Haruyuki , Matsumoto Akikazu 
Published: June 2016

AbstractA mixed liquid crystalline system consisting of 4‐(octadeca‐1,3‐diynyl)benzoic acid (14PhDA) and 4‐tetradecanoxybenzoic acid (14OBA) exhibits different mesophases depending on their composition and the temperature. A mechanism is investigated for the formation of mixed liquid crystalline phases and the transformation of smectic to discotic lamellar mesophases. The three kinds of mesophases, the discotic columnar phase of 14PhDA, the smectic C phase of 14OBA, and the discotic lamellar phase of a mixture of 14PhDA and 14OBA, are simultaneously observed in a temperature range from 110 to 140 oC during the process of formation of the mixed liquid crystals by the molecular diffusion of 14PhDA and 14OBA. After rapid cooling the sample to room temperature, microscopic IR spectra are measured to estimate the composition ratio of 14PhDA and 14OBA at local positions in each mesophase. The composition ratio discontinuously changes at the boundary between the 14OBA and 14PhDA/14OBA phases due to a significant difference in the mesophase structures, i. e., the calamitic and the discotic phases, while the 14PhDA content continuously increases at another boundary between the 14PhDA/14OBA and 14PhDA mesophases. It is concluded that the diffusion of 14OBA dimer from the smectic phase to the discotic lamella phase is fast in contrast to the slow diffusion of disc‐like mesogens included in the discotic mesophases.
One–pot Selective Dihydroxylation of Limonene Combining Metal and Enzyme Catalysis
Authors: Palumbo Chiara , Ferrandi Erica E. , Marchesi Carlotta , Monti Daniela , Riva Sergio , Psaro Rinaldo , Guidotti Matteo 
Published: June 2016

AbstractA one‐pot sequential epoxidation‐hydrolysis reaction was developed by a combination of heterogeneous chemical and enzymatic catalysis, resulting in the selective dihydroxylation of (+)‐ and (‐)‐limonene. Highly enantioenriched 1,2‐diols were obtained with good overall yields by applying a titanium‐grafted silica catalyst and the enzyme limonene 1,2‐epoxide hydrolase, with no need to purify the reaction intermediate or to tune the reaction conditions to the enzymatic step.