bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of repeated passive source travel time tomography to reveal weak velocity changes related to the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki Mw 9.0 earthquake
Authors: Koulakov Ivan , Gladkov Valery , El Khrepy Sami , Al‐Arifi Nassir , Fathi Ismail Husain 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTemporal changes of seismic velocities may provide important information on the processes that occur inside the Earth. However, using body wave data with passive sources faces the problem of an uneven distribution of rays, which may cause artifacts with stronger amplitudes than the actual velocity changes in the Earth. We propose an algorithm for the selection of similar data sets in different time periods that minimize the artifacts related to variable data distributions. In this study, we used the data of the Japan Meteorological Agency for several years before and after the Mw 9.0 Tohoku‐Oki event that occurred on 11 March 2011. We performed careful testing using different synthetic models, showing that the selected data subsets allow detecting weak velocity changes with amplitudes above 0.2%. The analysis of the experimental data revealed important features associated with the stress and deformation distributions after the megathrust event. In the upper crust, we found a large zone along the coast with significant P velocity increase likely caused by compression of crustal rocks. This zone was cut by several elongated anomalies with local velocity decrease coinciding with the limits of the maximum slip area. These anomalies possibly mark the areas of major ruptures and deformations after the Tohoku‐Oki earthquake. In the coupling zone at a depth of 40 km, we observe a velocity decrease in the area of the Mw 7.7 aftershock representing strong fracturing in the focal zone. Beneath the volcanic arc, we observe significant (up to 0.5%) decrease of P velocity but less prominent S velocity changes.
Spatiotemporal patterns and source implications of aromatic hydrocarbons at six rural sites across China's developed coastal regions
Authors: Zhang Zhou , Zhang Yanli , Wang Xinming , Lü Sujun , Huang Zhonghui , Huang Xinyu , Yang Weiqiang , Wang Yuesi , Zhang Qiang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAromatic hydrocarbons are important anthropogenic precursors of tropospheric ozone and secondary organic aerosols. Here we measured ambient aromatic hydrocarbons from March 2012 to February 2014 at six rural sites in China's developed coastal regions. On average, benzene (B) comprised > 50% of total benzene (B), toluene (T), ethylbenzene (E), and xylenes (X) (BTEX) at sites in the Northeast China Plain (NECP) or in the North China Plain (NCP), whereas T, E, and X accounted for > 77% of total BTEX at sites in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and the Pearl River Delta in the south. BTEX at the northern sites was significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with combustion tracer‐carbon monoxide (CO) but weakly correlated with traffic marker‐methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE), suggesting that their main sources were coal and biofuel/biomass burning with substantially elevated B levels during the winter heating period. In contrast, BTEX at the southern sites originated mainly from traffic‐related and/or industrial emission sources, as indicated by the poor correlations with CO but highly significant (p < 0.01) correlations with MTBE and tetrachloroethylene, an industrial emission tracer. The B/CO emission ratios from measurement agreed within a factor of 2 with that of a previous widely used emission inventory of China, but the T/CO ratio at the NECP site and the o‐X/CO ratio at the NCP site were 29% and 38% of that in the inventory, respectively; the E/CO and X/CO ratios at the YRD site were 3.2–3.5 fold that in the emission inventory.
Dynamics of protein secretion during adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Ojima Koichi , Oe Mika , Nakajima Ikuyo , Muroya Susumu , Nishimura Takanori 
Published: May 2016

The major functions of adipocytes include both lipid storage and the production of secretory factors. However, the type of proteins released from mouse 3T3‐L1 cells during adipocyte differentiation remains poorly understood. We examined the dynamics of secreted proteins during adipocyte differentiation using mass spectrometry (MS) combined with an iTRAQ® labeling method that enables the simultaneous analysis of relative protein expression levels. A total of 215 proteins were identified and quantified from approximately 10 000 MS/MS spectra. Of these, approximately 38% were categorized as secreted proteins based on gene ontology classification. Adipokine secretion levels were increased with the progression of differentiation. By contrast, levels of fibril collagen components, such as subunits of type I and III collagens, were decreased during differentiation. Basement membrane components attained their peak levels at day 4 when small lipid droplets accumulated in differentiated 3T3‐L1 cells. Simultaneously, peak levels of collagen microfibril components that comprise type V and VI collagen subunits were also observed. Our data demonstrated that extracellular matrix components were predominantly released during the early and middle stages of adipocyte differentiation, with a subsequent increase in the secretion of adipokines. This suggests that 3T3‐L1 cells secrete adipokines after their ECM is constructed during adipocyte differentiation.
A validated case definition for chronic rhinosinusitis in administrative data: a Canadian perspective
Authors: Rudmik Luke , Xu Yuan , Kukec Edward , Liu Mingfu , Dean Stafford , Quan Hude 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundPharmacoepidemiological research using administrative databases has become increasingly popular for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS); however, without a validated case definition the cohort evaluated may be inaccurate resulting in biased and incorrect outcomes. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a generalizable administrative database case definition for CRS using International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition (ICD‐9)‐coded claims.MethodsA random sample of 100 patients with a guideline‐based diagnosis of CRS and 100 control patients were selected and then linked to a Canadian physician claims database from March 31, 2010, to March 31, 2015. The proportion of CRS ICD‐9–coded claims (473.x and 471.x) for each of these 200 patients were reviewed and the validity of 7 different ICD‐9–based coding algorithms was evaluated.ResultsThe CRS case definition of ≥2 claims with a CRS ICD‐9 code (471.x or 473.x) within 2 years of the reference case provides a balanced validity with a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 79%. Applying this CRS case definition to the claims database produced a CRS cohort of 51,000 patients with characteristics that were consistent with published demographics and rates of comorbid asthma, allergic rhinitis, and depression.ConclusionThis study has validated several coding algorithms; based on the results a case definition of ≥2 physician claims of CRS (ICD‐9 of 471.x or 473.x) within 2 years provides an optimal level of validity. Future studies will need to validate this administrative case definition from different health system perspectives and using larger retrospective chart reviews from multiple providers.
The spectrum of structural and functional imaging abnormalities in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Bernhardt Boris C. , Bernasconi Andrea , Liu Min , Hong Seok‐Jun , Caldairou Benoit , Goubran Maged , Guiot Marie C. , Hall Jeff , Bernasconi Neda 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveAlthough most temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients show marked hippocampal sclerosis (HS) upon pathological examination, 40% present with no significant cell loss but gliotic changes only. To evaluate effects of hippocampal pathology on brain structure and functional networks, we aimed at dissociating multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics in patients with HS (TLE‐HS) and those with gliosis only (TLE‐G).MethodsIn 20 TLE‐HS, 19 TLE‐G, and 25 healthy controls, we carried out a novel MRI‐based hippocampal subfield surface analysis that integrated volume, T2 signal intensity, and diffusion markers with seed‐based hippocampal functional connectivity.ResultsCompared to controls, TLE‐HS presented with marked ipsilateral atrophy, T2 hyperintensity, and mean diffusivity increases across all subfields, whereas TLE‐G presented with dentate gyrus hypertrophy, focal increases in T2 intensity and mean diffusivity. Multivariate assessment confirmed a more marked ipsilateral load of anomalies across all subfields in TLE‐HS, whereas anomalies in TLE‐G were restricted to the subiculum. A between‐cohort dissociation was independently suggested by resting‐state functional connectivity analysis, revealing marked hippocampal decoupling from anterior and posterior default mode hubs in TLE‐HS, whereas TLE‐G did not differ from controls. Back‐projection connectivity analysis from cortical targets revealed consistently decreased network embedding across all subfields in TLE‐HS, while changes in TLE‐G were limited to the subiculum. Hippocampal disconnectivity strongly correlated to T2 hyperintensity and marginally to atrophy.InterpretationMultimodal MRI reveals diverging structural and functional connectivity profiles across the TLE spectrum. Pathology‐specific modulations of large‐scale functional brain networks lend novel evidence for a close interplay of structural and functional disruptions in focal epilepsy. Ann Neurol 2016;80:142–153
Chemistry and Biology in the Biosynthesis and Action of Thyroid Hormones
Authors: Mondal Santanu , Raja Karuppusamy , Schweizer Ulrich , Mugesh Govindasamy 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThyroid hormones (THs) are secreted by the thyroid gland. They control lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism, heart rate, neural development, as well as cardiovascular, renal, and brain functions. The thyroid gland mainly produces l‐thyroxine (T4) as a prohormone, and 5′‐deiodination of T4 by iodothyronine deiodinases generates the nuclear receptor binding hormone T3. In this Review, we discuss the basic aspects of the chemistry and biology as well as recent advances in the biosynthesis of THs in the thyroid gland, plasma transport, and internalization of THs in their target organs, in addition to the deiodination and various other enzyme‐mediated metabolic pathways of THs. We also discuss thyroid hormone receptors and their mechanism of action to regulate gene expression, as well as various thyroid‐related disorders and the available treatments.
Valorization of antioxidants extracted from olive mill wastewater
Authors: Aissa Imen , Kharrat Nadia , Aloui Fatma , Sellami Mohamed , Bouaziz Mohamed , Gargouri Youssef 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAntioxidants are highly important gradients used to preserve cosmetic products and reduce the effect of oxidative stress on the skin. The present work explores the possibility of using phenolic compounds of olive mill wastewater (OMW) as effective alternatives to the commercial antioxidants used in cosmetic formulations deemed by their allergic and carcinogenic effects. Esterification of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol extracted from OMW with various fatty acids was conducted using Novozyme 435 lipase as a biocatalyst. Upon synthesis, butyrate, caprate, laurate, and palmitate tyrosyl and hydroxytyrosyl esters were isolated and evaluated for their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Results showed that laurate derivatives are the most efficient in preventing lipid oxidation and inhibiting growth of pathogenic strains. In the prospective of industrial use, laurate tyrosyl and hydroxytyrosyl derivatives were incorporated in a formulation of moisturizer to substitute the commercial antioxidant butylated hydroxyltoluene. Oleuropein, extracted from olive leaves powder, was also tested as an antiaging ingredient in cosmetic formulations. The evaluation of physicochemical, microbiological, and sensorial properties of the new cosmetic products indicated that oleuropein and lipophilic derivatives do not affect the properties of the standard formulation. Oleuropein and lipophilic derivatives can be added as active ingredients to stabilize cosmetic preparations.
Use of linear programming to ‐optimize the social, −environmental, and economic impacts of using woody feedstocks for pellet and ‐torrefied pellet production
Authors: Radics Robert I. , Dasmohapatra Sudipta , Kelley Stephen S. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractLinear programming was used to optimize the economic, environmental, and social impacts of forest biomass used for bioenergy production. Sixteen scenarios (combinations of feedstocks, products, markets, and end use) were studied. Two feedstocks (roundwood and wood residues), two densified bioenergy products (white pellet, torrefied pellet), two markets (domestic, international), and two end uses (power generation, district heating) were evaluated. The social, environmental, and economic sustainability attributes were quantified and monetized using peer‐reviewed literature to analyze the trade‐offs. Using the economic criteria alone, the model showed that the best solution was use of 70% roundwood and 30% forest residue feedstock to produce torrefied pellets (TP) sold for district heating in the EU. The model predicts $5.4 million annual profit which is driven by the use of lower cost forest residue feedstocks, and relatively higher prices for the heating market in the EU. Inclusion of all three sustainability attributes led to a different optimized solution. TP produced from roundwood and sold to the EU market for heating was the optimum, due to the social benefits derived from increased local income to landowners and reduced shipping costs. It also had added benefits of reductions in emissions across the transportation system on an energy basis. TP consistently had higher social benefits than WP due to the need for more biomass per unit of final product, and providing more local jobs and income from feedstock production. The increasing costs of carbon emissions increased the environmental benefits of TP compared to WP or coal. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
LC–MS/MS determination and interaction of the main components from the traditional Chinese drug pair Danshen–Sanqi based on rat intestinal absorption
Authors: Huang Juan , Zhang Jing , Bai Junqi , Xu Wen , Wu Dinghong , Qiu Xiaohui 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe Chinese drug pair Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)–Sanqi (Panax ginseng) has been widely used for centuries treating various cardiovascular disorders, among which salvianlic acid B (SAB), ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1), ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) and notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) were identified as the major components. The present study focused on the interaction between these components based on investigating their intestinal absorption using the Ussing chamber technique. The concentrations of SAB, GRg1, GRb1 and NGR1 in the intestinal perfusate were determined by LC–MS/MS method, followed by Q (accumulative quantity) and Papp (apparent permeability). The results showed that all these four main components displayed very low permeabilities, which implied their poor absorption in the rat intestine. The intestinal absorption level of SAB displayed regioselectivity: duodenum < jejunum < ileum. However, there was no significant difference in the absorption of GRg1 and GRb1 in the different segments. The Q and Papp values of the four main components were obviously increased in jejunum when co‐administrating Danshen extract with Sanqi extract. In conclusion, compatibility of Danshen and Sanqi could remarkably improve the intestinal absorption level of the main components in the pair. To some extent, this might explain the nature of the compatibility mechanisms of composite formulae in TCMs.
Determination of chloramphenicol in biological matrices by solid‐phase membrane micro‐tip extraction and capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Hussain Afzal , Alajmi Mohammed F. , Ali Imran 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSolid‐phase membrane micro‐tip extraction (SPMMTE) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) methods were developed and validated for analysis of chloramphenicol in human plasma and urine samples. Iron composite nanoparticles were prepared using green technology. CE was carried out using a silica capillary (60 cm × 50 μm i.d.), phosphate buffer (50 mm, 8.0 pH)–acetonitrile (95:5, v/v) as the background electrolyte, 10 kV voltage, 280 nm detection, 20 s injection time and 27 ± 1°C temperature. Frusemide was used as an internal standard. The values of migration time, electrophoretic mobility, electrophoretic velocity and theoretical plates of chloramphenicol were 12.254 min, 4.44 × 10, 7.41 × 10 and 11,227. The limits of detection and quantitation of chloramphenicol were 0.1 and 1.0 μg/mL. Recovery of chloramphenicol in the standard solution was 95%. Solid‐phase membrane micro‐tip extraction and capillary electrophoresis methods may be used to analyze chloramphenicol in human plasma and urine samples of any patient.
Does Notch play a tumor suppressor role across diverse squamous cell carcinomas?
Authors: Zhang Min , Biswas Sangita , Qin Xin , Gong Wenrong , Deng Wenbing , Yu Hongjun 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe role of Notch pathway in tumorigenesis is highly variable. It can be tumor suppressive or pro‐oncogenic, typically depending on the cellular context. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a cancer of the squamous cell, which can occur in diverse human tissues. SCCs are one of the most frequent human malignancies for which the pathologic mechanisms remain elusive. Recent genomic analysis of diverse SCCs identified marked levels of mutations in NOTCH1, implicating Notch signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of SCCs. In this review, evidences highlighting NOTCH's role in different types of SCCs are summarized. Moreover, based on accumulating structural information of the NOTCH receptor, the functional consequences of NOTCH1 gene mutations identified from diverse SCCs are analyzed, emphasizing loss of function of Notch in these cancers. Finally, we discuss the convergent view on an intriguing possibility that Notch may function as tumor suppressor in SCCs across different tissues. These mechanistic insights into Notch signaling pathways will help to guide the research of SCCs and development of therapeutic strategies for these cancers.
Compliance with adjuvant capecitabine in patients with stage II and III colon cancer: comparison of administrative versus medical record data
Authors: Amlani Adam , Kumar Aalok , Ruan Jenny Y. , Cheung Winson Y. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe aimed to examine the frequency of treatment delays as well as the reasons and appropriateness of such delays in early stage colon cancer patients receiving adjuvant capecitabine by comparing data from pharmacy dispensing versus medical records. Patients diagnosed with stage II or III colon cancer from 2008 to 2012 and who received at least two cycle of adjuvant capecitabine were reviewed for treatment delays. Data from pharmacy dispensing and patient medical records were compared. Multivariate regression models were constructed to identify predictors of treatment delays. A total of 697 patients were analyzed: median age was 70 years (IQR 30–89), 394 (57%) were men, 598 (86%) reported Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0/1, and 191 (27%) had stage II disease. In this study cohort, 396 (57%) patients experienced at least 1 treatment delay during their adjuvant treatment. Upon medical record review, half of treatment delays identified using pharmacy administrative data were actually attributable to side effects, of which over 90% were considered clinically appropriate for patients to withhold rather than to continue the drug. The most prevalent side effects were hand‐foot syndrome and diarrhea which occurred in 176 (44%) and 67 (17%) patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed a statistically significant association between stage and inappropriate treatment delays whereby patients with stage II disease were more likely to experience drug noncompliance (OR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.27–2.53, P < 0.001) than those with stage III disease. Compliance with adjuvant capecitabine was reasonable. Adherence ascertained from pharmacy administrative data differs significantly from that obtained from medical records.
Racial disparities in renal cell carcinoma: a single‐payer healthcare experience
Authors: Mafolasire Abiodun , Yao Xiaopan , Nawaf Cayce , Suarez‐Sarmiento Alfredo , Chow Wong‐Ho , Zhao Wei , Corley Douglas , Hofmann Jonathan N. , Purdue Mark , Adeniran Adebowale J. , Shuch Brian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSignificant racial disparities in survival for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) exist between white and black patients. Differences in access to care and comorbidities are possible contributors. To investigate if racial disparities persist when controlling for access to care, we analyzed data from a single‐payer healthcare system. As part of a case–control study within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California system, pathologic and clinical records were obtained for RCC cases (2152 white, 293 black) diagnosed from 1998 to 2008. Patient demographics, comorbidities, tumor characteristics, and treatment status were compared. Overall survival and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method. A Cox proportion hazards model estimated the independent associations of race, comorbidity, and clinicopathologic variables with DSS. We found that compared to white patients, black patients were diagnosed at a younger age (median 62 vs. 66 years, P < 0.001), were more likely to have papillary RCC (15% vs. 5.2%, P < 0.001), and had similar rates of surgical treatment (78.8% vs. 77.9%, P = 0.764). On multivariate analysis, advanced American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, lack of surgical treatment, larger tumor size, and higher grade were predictors of worse DSS. Race was not an independent predictor of survival. Therefore, we conclude that within a single healthcare system, differences in characteristics of black and white patients with RCC persist; black patients had different comorbidities, were younger, and had decreased tumor stage. However, unlike other series, race was not an independent predictor of DSS, suggesting that survival differences in large registries may result from barriers to healthcare access and/or comorbidity rather than disease biology.
Role of DUSP1/MKP1 in tumorigenesis, tumor progression and therapy
Authors: Shen Jiliang , Zhang Yaping , Yu Hong , Shen Bo , Liang Yuelong , Jin Renan , Liu Xiaolong , Shi Liang , Cai Xiujun 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDual‐specificity phosphatase‐1 (DUSP1/MKP1), as a member of the threonine‐tyrosine dual‐specificity phosphatase family, was first found in cultured murine cells. The molecular mechanisms of DUSP1‐mediated extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases (ERKs) dephosphorylation have been subsequently identified by studies using gene knockout mice and gene silencing technology. As a protein phosphatase, DUSP1 also downregulates p38 MAPKs and JNKs signaling through directly dephosphorylating threonine and tyrosine. It has been detected that DUSP1 is involved in various functions, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in normal cells. In various human cancers, abnormal expression of DUSP1 was observed which was associated with prognosis of tumor patients. Further studies have revealed its role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Besides, DUSP1 has been found to play a role in tumor chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and biotherapy. In this review, we will focus on the function and mechanism of DUSP1 in tumor cells and tumor treatment.