bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐layered electrospun PVA/PCL/PVA nanofibrous mats containing tetracycline hydrochloride and phenytoin sodium: A case study on sustained control release, antibacterial, and cell culture properties
Authors: Askari Pouyan , Zahedi Payam , Rezaeian Iraj 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTThe main objective of this work was to prepare a tailor‐made electrospun nanofibrous samples based on poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) containing tetracycline hydrochloride (TC‐HCl) as a middle layer and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) including phenytoin sodium (PHT‐Na) as lateral layers. The characterizations of the three‐layered electrospun samples were carried out by using SEM, ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy along with swelling/weight loss, UV–vis spectrophotometry as well as HPLC, antibacterial and MTT tests. The SEM micrograph images showed that the average diameter of PCL nanofibers was decreased from 243 ± 7 nm to 181 ± 5 nm by adding TC‐HCl. The hydrolytic degradation of PVA nanofibers in the exposure of phosphate buffer solution (PBS) was confirmed by ATR‐FTIR results in which a change at the intensity of the characteristic peak located at 3333 cm−1 corresponding to hydroxyl groups (OH) was observed. The UV–vis outcomes revealed a sustained control release of TC‐HCl from the three‐layered nanofibrous samples (PVA/PCL/PVA) with an amount of about 43% compared to the PCL nanofibers which had an ultimate release of the drug about 79%. Furthermore, the HPLC chromatograms showed the released PHT‐Na from PVA nanofibers about 87%. Finally, the MTT assay along with the antibacterial evaluation exhibited that the surfaces of these electrospun three‐layered nanofibrous samples have no cytotoxicity as well as the controlled release of TC‐HCl from them enabled their prolonged use for preventing the bacterium growth such as S. aureus during 24‐h treatment time. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43309.
Electrospun plasma‐modified chitosan/poly(ethylene terephthalate)/ferrocenyl‐substituted N‐acetyl‐2‐pyrazoline fibers for phosphate anion sensing
Authors: Maslakci Neslihan Nohut , Eren Esin , Topel Seda Demirel , Cin Gunseli Turgut , Oksuz Aysegul Uygun 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTTwo ferrocenyl‐substituted N‐acetyl‐2‐pyrazolines, N‐acetyl‐3‐(2‐furyl)‐5‐ferrocenyl‐2‐pyrazoline (Fc‐1) and N‐acetyl‐3‐(2‐thienyl)‐5‐ferrocenyl‐2‐pyrazoline (Fc‐2) electrospun fibers, were produced in the presence of plasma‐modified chitosan (PMCh)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) supporting polymers with an electrospinning method. The morphological and chemical characterizations of the PMCh/PET/Fc‐1 and PMCh/PET/Fc‐2 electrospun fibers were determined by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis results indicated the presence of ferrocene within the PMCh/PET nanofibers. The electrochemical behavior of the PMCh/PET/Fc‐1 and PMCh/PET/Fc‐2 electrospun fibers were investigated by cyclic voltammetry measurements based on the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple. The new PMCh/PET/Fc‐1 and PMCh/PET/Fc‐2 electrospun fibers aggregated on the indium tin oxide were used for phosphate anion sensing. The highest oxidation peak currents were observed for the PMCh/PET/Fc‐1 electrospun fibers at about 0.56 V in 0.1M phosphate buffer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43344.
Benefits of marine protected areas for tropical coastal sharks
Authors: Yates Peter M. , Tobin Andrew J. , Heupel Michelle R. , Simpfendorfer Colin A. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Coastal sharks face increasing pressure from anthropogenic impacts and environmental change. Estimated population declines in some species have created uncertainty about the effectiveness of existing management approaches. In particular, there are scarce data on the benefits of marine protected areas (MPAs) for sharks, including whether they can be used to conserve multiple sympatric species comprising diverse life histories and habitat use patterns.
This study used fishery‐independent longline and gill‐net surveys to investigate the effects of sub‐bay‐sized MPAs (c. 100–300 km2) on the abundance and community structure of tropical coastal sharks. In addition, tag–recapture data from fishery‐dependent and fishery‐independent sources were used to investigate the movements of individuals across MPA boundaries.
Species composition varied significantly between management zones, and overall shark abundance on longlines was higher inside MPAs.
Length–frequency distributions of blacktip (Carcharhinus tilstoni/Carcharhinus limbatus) and pigeye (Carcharhinus amboinensis) sharks inside MPAs included a greater proportion of sharks larger than c. 800 mm compared with those in open zones, although results varied between gear types for pigeye sharks.
Tagging and recapture locations indicated repeated and potentially long‐term use of MPAs by individuals of some species.
Although the potential benefits of MPAs were not equal for all species, coastal MPAs may increase the survival of young sharks to maturity, or shelter parts of breeding stocks, and therefore do not necessarily need to be large to provide benefits.
Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti–Interferon‐Inducible Protein 16 Antibodies Associate With Digital Gangrene in Patients With Scleroderma
Authors: McMahan Zsuzsanna H. , Shah Ami A. , Vaidya Dhananjay , Wigley Fredrick M. , Rosen Antony , Casciola‐Rosen Livia 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo examine the association between anti–interferon‐inducible protein 16 (anti–IFI‐16) antibodies and clinical features of scleroderma.MethodsSera from a discovery sample of 94 patients with scleroderma and 47 healthy controls were assayed for anti–IFI‐16 antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and associations were examined using regression analyses. Since anti–IFI‐16 autoantibodies were found to be strongly associated with digital gangrene in the discovery sample, a subsequent case–control study (with subjects matched 1:1 on disease duration) was designed for further exploration. Cases were patients with scleroderma and digital gangrene, while controls were patients with scleroderma and Raynaud's phenomenon alone (n = 39 matched pairs). Nonparametric, unadjusted matched pairs analysis as well as univariate and multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsIn the discovery sample, anti–IFI‐16 antibodies were more prevalent in patients with scleroderma than in healthy controls (18% versus 2%; P = 0.01). Patients with anti–IFI‐16 antibodies, compared to anti–IFI‐16 antibody–negative patients, were more likely to have limited scleroderma (77% versus 46%; P = 0.03), a longer disease duration (median 15.2 years [interquartile range 10.6–18.3] versus 6.0 years [interquartile range 3.4–13.8]; P < 0.01), digital gangrene (24% versus 4%; P = 0.02), and a low diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) (P < 0.01). In the case–control study, 35 (45%) of 78 patients were anti–IFI‐16 antibody positive. Anti–IFI‐16 antibody levels were significantly higher in cases with digital gangrene than in matched controls (P = 0.02). In analyses adjusted for age, cutaneous scleroderma subtype, smoking, and DLco, high anti–IFI‐16 antibody levels were associated with the presence of digital gangrene (adjusted odds ratio 2.3, 95% confidence interval 1.0–5.6, P = 0.05). The odds of having digital gangrene increased with higher anti–IFI‐16 antibody titers, in a dose‐dependent manner.ConclusionAnti–IFI‐16 antibodies are associated with digital gangrene in patients with scleroderma. Longitudinal prospective studies exploring anti–IFI‐16 antibodies as a disease biomarker, and biologic studies investigating the pathogenicity of these antibodies, are warranted.
Suppressive Effects of Insulin on Tumor Necrosis Factor–Dependent Early Osteoarthritic Changes Associated With Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hamada Daisuke , Maynard Robert , Schott Eric , Drinkwater Christopher J. , Ketz John P. , Kates Stephen L. , Jonason Jennifer H. , Hilton Matthew J. , Zuscik Michael J. , Mooney Robert A. 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveObesity is a state of chronic inflammation that is associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), as well as an increased risk of osteoarthritis (OA). This study was undertaken to define the links between obesity‐associated inflammation, insulin resistance, and OA, by testing the hypotheses that 1) tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is critical in mediating these pathologic changes in OA, and 2) insulin has direct effects on the synovial joint that are compromised by insulin resistance.MethodsThe effects of TNF and insulin on catabolic gene expression were determined in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) isolated from human OA synovium. Synovial TNF expression and OA progression were examined in 2 mouse models, high‐fat (HF) diet–fed obese mice with type 2 DM and TNF‐knockout mice. Insulin resistance was investigated in synovium from patients with type 2 DM.ResultsInsulin receptors (IRs) were abundant in both mouse and human synovial membranes. Human OA FLS were insulin responsive, as indicated by the dose‐dependent phosphorylation of IRs and Akt. In cultures of human OA FLS with exogenous TNF, the expression and release of MMP1, MMP13, and ADAMTS4 by FLS were markedly increased, whereas after treatment with insulin, these effects were selectively inhibited by >50%. The expression of TNF and its abundance in the synovium were elevated in samples from obese mice with type 2 DM. In TNF‐knockout mice, increases in osteophyte formation and synovial hyperplasia associated with the HF diet were blunted. The synovium from OA patients with type 2 DM contained markedly more macrophages and showed elevated TNF levels as compared to the synovium from OA patients without diabetes. Moreover, insulin‐dependent phosphorylation of IRs and Akt was blunted in cultures of OA FLS from patients with type 2 DM.ConclusionTNF appears to be involved in mediating the advanced progression of OA seen in type 2 DM. While insulin plays a protective, antiinflammatory role in the synovium, insulin resistance in patients with type 2 DM may impair this protective effect and promote the progression of OA.
Histone Methylation and STAT‐3 Differentially Regulate Interleukin‐6–Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase Gene Activation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts
Authors: Araki Yasuto , Tsuzuki Wada Takuma , Aizaki Yoshimi , Sato Kojiro , Yokota Kazuhiro , Fujimoto Kenta , Kim Yoon‐Taek , Oda Hiromi , Kurokawa Riki , Mimura Toshihide 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveSynovial fibroblasts (SFs) produce matrix‐degrading enzymes that cause joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role in autoimmune diseases. This study was undertaken to elucidate the epigenetic mechanism that regulates the transcription of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in RASFs.Methods MMP gene expression and histone methylation profiles in the MMP promoters were examined in RASFs. The effect of WD repeat domain 5 (WDR5) silencing on histone methylation and MMP gene expression in RASFs was analyzed. MMP gene expression, surface expression of the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) receptor, phosphorylation of STAT‐3, and binding of STAT‐3 in the MMP promoters were investigated in RASFs stimulated with IL‐6.Results The MMP‐1, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, and MMP‐13 genes were actively transcribed in RASFs. Correspondingly, the level of histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) was elevated, whereas that of H3K27me3 was suppressed in the MMP promoters in RASFs. The decrease in H3K4me3 via WDR5 small interfering RNA reduced the levels of messenger RNA for MMP‐1, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, and MMP‐13 in RASFs. Interestingly, IL‐6 signaling significantly increased the expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and MMP‐13, but not MMP‐9, in RASFs. Although the IL‐6 signaling pathway was similarly active in RASFs and osteoarthritis SFs, STAT‐3 bound to the MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and MMP‐13 promoters, but not the MMP‐9 promoter, after IL‐6 stimulation in RASFs.ConclusionOur findings indicate that histone methylation and STAT‐3 regulate spontaneous and IL‐6–induced MMP gene activation in RASFs. The combination of chromatin structure and transcription factors may regulate distinct arthritogenic properties of RASFs.
A random forests approach to prioritize Highway Safety Manual (HSM) variables for data collection
Authors: Saha Dibakar , Alluri Priyanka , Gan Albert 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe Highway Safety Manual (HSM) recommends using the empirical Bayes method with locally derived calibration factors to predict an agency's safety performance. The data needs for deriving these local calibration factors are significant, requiring very detailed roadway characteristics information. Many of these data variables are currently unavailable in most of the agencies' databases. Furthermore, it is not economically feasible to collect and maintain all the HSM data variables. This study aims to prioritize the HSM calibration variables based on their impact on crash predictions. Prioritization would help to identify influential variables for which data could be collected and maintained for continued updates, and thereby reduce intensive data collection efforts. Data were first collected for all the HSM variables from over 2400 miles of urban and suburban arterial road networks in Florida. Using 5 years (2008–2012) of crash data, a random forests data mining approach was then applied to measure the importance of each variable in crash frequency predictions for five different urban and suburban arterial facilities including two‐lane undivided, three‐lane with a two‐way left‐turn lane, four‐lane undivided, four‐lane divided, and five‐lane with a two‐way left‐turn lane. Two heuristic approaches were adopted to prioritize the variables: (i) simple ranking based on individual relative influence of variables; and (ii) clustering based on relative influence of variables within a specific range. Traffic volume was found as the most influential variable. Roadside object density, minor commercial driveway density, and minor residential driveway density variables were the other variables with significant influence on crash predictions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confidence in Dyadic Decision Making: The Role of Individual Differences
Authors: Schuldt Jonathon P. , Chabris Christopher F. , Woolley Anita Williams , Hackman J. Richard 
Published: December 2015

AbstractGroups typically express more confidence than individuals, yet how individual‐level confidence combines during collaborative decision tasks is not well understood. We prescreened 686 community members using a novel confidence measure (a true/false trivia test) intentionally designed to be difficult (accuracy rates were not significantly better than chance) and randomly assigned 72 individuals to collaborate on a matched version of the same test in dyads composed of two low‐confidence individuals, two high‐confidence individuals, or one of each (“mixed”). Consistent with past research, we found that the confidence expressed by dyads was higher than the confidence expressed by individuals; importantly, however, this pattern varied markedly by dyad type, with low‐confidence dyads showing the largest increase, mixed dyads showing a moderate increase, and high‐confidence dyads showing no increase—despite the fact that all dyads showed similarly low accuracy (about 55%). These results highlight the conditions under which groups express greater confidence than individuals and offer insights for the composition of collaborative decision‐making teams. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“I can see it in your eyes”: Biased Processing and Increased Arousal in Dishonest Responses
Authors: Hochman Guy , Glöckner Andreas , Fiedler Susann , Ayal Shahar 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAccording to self‐maintenance theory, people notice their dishonest acts and thus experience ethical dissonance between their misconduct and their positive moral self. In this view, dishonesty is facilitated by justifications that redefine moral boundaries. By contrast, the bounded ethicality approach suggests that biased perception prevents people from becoming aware of their dishonesty. We tested the key process assumptions behind these accounts using pupillary responses and fixation data and found physiological evidence for both kinds of mechanisms. In particular, physiological arousal increased at the initial stage of cheating responses. This suggests that people are on some level aware of their wrongdoings. At the same time, however, we found attentional biases that can reduce the likelihood for detecting potentially disadvantageous information. We suggest that dishonest acts come at the internal cost of increased tension, which people aim to avoid by pre‐emptive biased processing as well as post hoc justifications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo pharmacokinetics of and tissue distribution study of physalin B after intravenous administration in rats by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zheng Yunliang , Chen Jing , Liu Lin , Liang Xingguang , Hong Dongsheng 
Published: December 2015

AbstractA rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry quantitative analysis method was established for the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study of physalin B in rat. Physalin B and physalin H (internal standard, IS) were separated on an Agilent Eclips XDB C8 column. MS detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in the multiple reaction monitoring mode with a positive eletrospray ionization source. The assay was validated in the concentration ranges of 22.6–22600 ng/mL for heart and lung and 4.52–4520 ng/mL for other tissues. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (RSD) were ≤9.23 and ≤12.51%, respectively, with accuracy (%) in the range of 88.07–113.2%. A pharmacokinetic study showed that physalin B has a long dwell time with a half‐life of 321.2 ± 29.5 min and clearance of 175.4 ± 25.7 mL/min/kg after intravenous administration. Additionally, physalin B showed a wide tissue distribution with a special higher penetration in lung. The data presented in this study could provide useful information for the further study of physalin B. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Ncl. Basalis Meynert volume on the Trail‐Making‐Test are restricted to the left hemisphere
Authors: Lammers Florian , Mobascher Arian , Musso Francesco , Shah Nadim Jon , Warbrick Tracy , Zaborszky Laszlo , Winterer Georg 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundCortical acetylcholine released from cells in the basal forebrain facilitates cue detection and improves attentional performance. Cholinergic fibres to the cortex originate from the CH4 cell group, sometimes referred to as the Nucleus basalis of Meynert and the Nucleus subputaminalis of Ayala. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of volumes of cholinergic nuclei on attention and executive function.MethodsThe volumes of CH4 and CH4p subregions were measured in a subgroup of 38 subjects (33.5 ± 11 years, 20 females) from a population‐based cohort study of smokers and never‐smokers who have undergone additional MR imaging. To define regions of interest, we applied a DARTEL‐based procedure implemented in SPM8 and a validated probabilistic map of the basal forebrain. Attention and executive function were measured with Trail‐Making Test (TMT A+B) and Stroop‐Task.ResultsWe found a quadratic effect of the left CH4 subregion on performance of the TMT. Extremely small as well as extremely large volumes are associated with poor test performance.ConclusionsOur results indicate that a small CH4 volume predisposes for a hypocholinergic state, whereas an extremely large volume predisposes for a hypercholinergic state. Both extremes have detrimental effects on attention. Comparable nonlinear effects have already been reported in pharmacological studies on the effects cholinergic agonists on attention.
Racial disparities in overall survival among renal cell carcinoma patients with young age and small tumors
Authors: Schwartz Kendra , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Colt Joanne S. , Miller David C. , Chow Wong‐Ho , Purdue Mark P. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe examined the overall survival of a population‐based cohort of black and white patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to better understand the paradox of poorer RCC survival despite more frequent diagnosis at lower stage among blacks. Renal cell carcinoma patients (699 white, 252 black) diagnosed between 2002 and 2007 in metropolitan Detroit were followed for vital status in the Detroit Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry. Hazard ratios (HR) of death for black versus white race and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models stratified by demographic and prognostic factors, and in models successively adjusted for clinical factors, comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors. Mean follow‐up time was 88.4 months for white patients and 89.6 months for black patients (P = 0.49), with 202 white deaths and 89 black deaths (P = 0.06). While black race was weakly associated with poorer overall survival (P = 0.053), black patients <65 years at diagnosis or with tumors <4 cm in size had significantly poorer survival than their white counterparts (HR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.06–2.01 and HR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.51–3.06, respectively). The racial disparities within these two subgroups were minimally affected by adjustment for clinical/treatment factors (HR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.01–2.19 and HR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.27–2.99), but were substantially reduced when renal‐relevant comorbidities were added (HR = 1.30, 95% CI 0.89–1.91 and HR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.16–2.66). After further adjustment for socioeconomic factors, the survival disparities were essentially null (HR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.71–1.85 and HR = 1.15, 95% CI 0.67–1.98). In this population‐based sample of RCC patients, younger black patients and those with small tumors had poorer overall survival than whites. The disparity was explained primarily by racial differences in renal‐relevant comorbidities, particularly chronic renal failure, and socioeconomic deprivation. Future research should focus on younger patients and those with smaller tumors to better understand how these factors may contribute to the survival disparity.
Determination of ETV6‐RUNX1 genomic breakpoint by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Jin Yanliang , Wang Xingwei , Hu Shaoyan , Tang Jingyan , Li Benshang , Chai Yihuan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe t(12;21)(p13;q22) ETV6‐RUNX1 gene fusion is one of the most common chromosomal translocation in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is associated with favorable prognosis. The identification of the genomic sequence of the breakpoint flanking regions of the ETV6‐RUNX1 translocation should be the best strategy to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with ETV6‐RUNX1‐positive ALL. In this study, the ETV6‐RUNX1 translocation was sequenced by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) in 26 patients with ETV6‐RUNX1‐positive ALL and re‐sequenced by using the Sanger method. Interestingly, the three‐way translocation, including ETV6‐RUNX1, was detected in five patients. Four of them relapsed during or after therapy, while 21 patients without the three‐way translocation were still in remission (P < 0.0001). The three‐way translocation pattern was identical between the diagnosis and relapse samples in three patients, excluding one patient (SCMC‐001245). The relapse samples retained the translocation of ETV6‐RUNX1 relative to the three‐way translocation t(8;12;21) at diagnosis, suggesting that the three‐way translocation might be an important risk factor for relapse in patients with ETV6‐RUNX1‐positive ALL and should be further studied.