bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MnTM‐4‐PyP Modulates Endogenous Antioxidant Responses and Protects Primary Cortical Neurons against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Cheng Kuo‐Yuan , Guo Fei , Lu Jia‐Qi , Cao Yuan‐Zhao , Wang Tian‐Chang , Yang Qi , Xia Qing 
Published: December 2014

SummaryAimsOxidative stress is a direct cause of injury in various neural diseases. Manganese porphyrins (MnPs), a large category of superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimics, shown universally to have effects in numerous neural disease models in vivo. Given their complex intracellular redox activities, detailed mechanisms underlying the biomedical efficacies are not fully elucidated. This study sought to investigate the regulation of endogenous antioxidant systems by a MnP (MnTM‐4‐PyP) and its role in the protection against neural oxidative stress.MethodsPrimary cortical neurons were treated with MnTM‐4‐PyP prior to hydrogen peroxide–induced oxidative stress.ResultsMnTM‐4‐PyP increased cell viability, reduced intracellular level of reactive oxygen species, inhibited mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and ameliorated endoplasmic reticulum function. The protein levels and activities of endogenous SODs were elevated, but not those of catalase. SOD2 transcription was promoted in a transcription factor–specific manner. Additionally, we found FOXO3A and Sirt3 levels also increased. These effects were not observed with MnTM‐4‐PyP alone.ConclusionInduction of various levels of endogenous antioxidant responses by MnTM‐4‐PyP has indispensable functions in its protection for cortical neurons against hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress.
Memory Without Consolidation: Temporal Distinctiveness Explains Retroactive Interference
Authors: Ecker Ullrich K. H. , Brown Gordon D. A. , Lewandowsky Stephan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIs consolidation needed to account for retroactive interference in free recall? Interfering mental activity during the retention interval of a memory task impairs performance, in particular if the interference occurs in temporal proximity to the encoding of the to‐be‐remembered (TBR) information. There are at least two rival theoretical accounts of this temporal gradient of retroactive interference. The cognitive neuroscience literature has suggested neural consolidation is a pivotal factor determining item recall. According to this account, interfering activity interrupts consolidation processes that would otherwise stabilize the memory representations of TBR items post‐encoding. Temporal distinctiveness theory, by contrast, proposes that the retrievability of items depends on their isolation in psychological time. According to this theory, information processed after the encoding of TBR material will reduce the temporal distinctiveness of the TBR information. To test between these accounts, implementations of consolidation were added to the SIMPLE model of memory and learning. We report data from two experiments utilizing a two‐list free recall paradigm. Modeling results imply that SIMPLE was able to model the data and did not benefit from the addition of consolidation. It is concluded that the temporal gradient of retroactive interference cannot be taken as evidence for memory consolidation.
Induction therapy: clinical and quality of life outcomes in aged renal transplant recipients
Authors: Palanisamy Arun P. , Al Manasra Abdel R. , Pilch Nicole A. , Dowden Jacob E. , Nadig Satish N. , McGillicuddy John W. , Baliga Prabakar K. , Chavin Kenneth D. , Taber David J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundOne primary purpose of transplant is to improve quality of life (QOL) in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) ≥50 yr of age, where death with a functioning graft limits life years gained. We aimed to determine the impact of induction therapy, with its subsequent effects on rejection, infection, and readmissions, on QOL.MethodsSubanalysis of patients ≥50 yr of age that participated in a single‐center, prospective, risk‐stratified, randomized, open‐label study. Two hundred RTRs ≥ 50 yr of age.InterventionsAll patients received either rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) or interleukin 2 receptor antagonists (IL‐2RA) in addition to tacrolimus (FK), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and corticosteroids in a randomized fashion. Outcome analyses included safety, efficacy, and QOL.ResultsResults reported 1 yr post‐transplant. Of 111 patients ≥50 yr old, 48 received IL‐2RA and 63 received rATG. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Patients that received rATG had a trend toward lower acute rejection rates, fewer readmissions, and fewer supratherapeutic tacrolimus troughs, with similar rates of infections. QOL analysis demonstrated patients that received rATG were significantly more likely to have improvements in physical and social functioning after transplant.ConclusionsContrary to the common practice, T‐cell depletion in recipients ≥50 yr of age may be beneficial.
The potential of liquid‐based cytology in lymph node cytological evaluation: the role of morphology and the aid of ancillary techniques
Authors: Rossi E. D. , Martini M. , Straccia P. , Bizzarro T. , Fadda G. , Larocca L. M. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesOur aim was to evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of liquid‐based cytology (LBC) on lymph node fine needle aspiration (FNA). FNA may fulfil a challenging role in the evaluation of the majority of primary (benign and malignant) diagnoses as well as metastatic lymph node lesions. Although the morphological features may be quite easily recognized, cytological samples with a scant cellular component may raise some issues.MethodsWe appraised 263 cytological lymph nodes from different body regions analysed between January and December 2013, including 137 male and 126 female patients, and processed with LBC.ResultsThe cytological diagnoses included 160 benign and 103 malignant lesions. We reported 35 benign and 73 malignant lesions from 108 with surgical follow‐up. The latter malignant series included 68 metastatic lesions, four suspicious for malignancy and one inadequate sample. The cytological diagnoses were supported by 62 conclusive immunocytochemical and 28 molecular analyses. Of the 108 cases, we documented 35 true negatives, 72 true positives, one false negative and no false positives, resulting in 98.6% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 99% diagnostic accuracy, 97.2% negative predictive value and 100% positive predictive value.ConclusionsFNA represents the first diagnostic tool in lymph node management and a reliable approach in order to avoid an excision biopsy. Furthermore, LBC is a feasible method for ancillary tests for which methanol‐fixed samples are suitable, such as immunocytochemistry and molecular analysis.
The importance of parasite geography and spillover effects for global patterns of host–parasite associations in two invasive species
Authors: Wells Konstans , O'Hara Robert B. , Morand Serge , Lessard Jean‐Philippe , Ribas Alexis 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimGeographic spread and range expansion of species into novel environments may merge originally separated species assemblages, yet the possible drivers of geographic heterogeneity in host–parasite associations remain poorly understood. Here, we examine global patterns in the parasite assemblages of two rat species and explore the role of parasite acquisition from local pools of host species.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe compiled a global data set of helminth parasites (n = 241 species) from two rat species (Rattus rattus species complex, R. norvegicus) and, concomitantly, from all other mammal species known to be infected by the same parasites. We used an inverse Bayesian modelling approach to explicitly link species‐level to community‐level infestation probabilities at different geographic scales and alleviate the shortcoming of sampling bias.ResultsPatterns of species richness and turnover of parasites in the two focal rat species revealed clear biogeographic structure with lowest species richness and most distinct assemblages in Madagascar and highest species richness and least distinct assemblages in the Palaearctic region. Parasite species richness and turnover across regions were correlated for the two focal hosts, although they were associated with distinct assemblages within regions. Infection probability of a focal host with any given parasite was clearly related to infection probability of the local species pool of wildlife hosts with that same parasite. Infection probability of other mammal species infected with these parasite species, in turn, decreased with their taxonomic distance to the genus Rattus.Main conclusionsOur study demonstrates the importance of spillover of parasites from local wildlife hosts to invasive rats on global patterns of host–parasite associations. Considering both changes in local pools of host species and the global distributions of parasite and pathogen diversity in consistent model frameworks may therefore advance the forecasting of species‐level infestation patterns and the possible risk of disease emergence from local to global scale.
Development and the epigenome: the ‘synapse’ of gene–environment interplay
Authors: Boyce W. Thomas , Kobor Michael S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper argues that there is a revolution afoot in the developmental science of gene–environment interplay. We summarize, for an audience of developmental researchers and clinicians, how epigenetic processes – chromatin structural modifications that regulate gene expression without changing DNA sequences – may offer a strong, parsimonious account for the convergence of genetic and contextual variation in the genesis of adaptive and maladaptive development. Epigenetic processes may play a plausible explanatory role in understanding: divergent trajectories and sexual dimorphisms in brain development; statistical interactions between genes and environments; the biological embedding of early psychosocial adversities; the linkages of such adversities to disorders of mental health; the striking individual variation in the strength of those linkages; the molecular origins of critical and sensitive periods; and the transgenerational inheritance of risk and protection. Taken together, these arguments converge in a claim that epigenetic processes constitute a promising and illuminating point of connection – a ‘synapse’ – between genes and environments.
Effect of changes in end‐tidal carbon dioxide tension on oral tissue blood flow during dexmedetomidine infusion in rabbits
Authors: Okada Reina , Matsuura Nobuyuki , Kasahara Masataka , Ichinohe Tatsuya 
Published: December 2014

A decrease in arterial carbon dioxide tension induces an increase in masseter muscle blood flow and a decrease in mandibular bone marrow blood flow during general anesthesia. In addition, dexmedetomidine infusion reduces oral tissue blood flow. In this study we investigated how end‐tidal carbon dioxide tension (ET‐CO2) changes influence on oral tissue blood flow during continuous dexmedetomidine infusion in rabbits. Eleven male Japan White rabbits were anesthetized with sevoflurane. Then, ET‐CO2 was set at 30 mmHg and adjusted to 40 and 60 mmHg, and heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, common carotid artery blood flow, mandibular bone marrow blood flow, masseter muscle blood flow, and blood flow in other oral tissues were measured. Following this, the ET‐CO2 was returned to 30 mmHg and dexmedetomidine was infused over 60 min. The measurements were repeated. Most parameters increased, regardless of whether or not dexmedetomidine was present, and heart rate and masseter muscle blood flow decreased in an ET‐CO2‐dependent manner. Dexmedetomidine infusion suppressed ET‐CO2‐dependent masseter muscle blood flow change. Masseter muscle blood flow during ET‐CO2 at 30 mmHg with dexmedetomidine was the same as that during ET‐CO2 at 40 mmHg without dexmedetomidine. Our findings suggest that dexmedetomidine infusion and slight hypocapnia under general anesthesia suppress an increase in masseter muscle blood flow as well as reducing mandibular bone marrow blood flow. These results may be of significance for decreasing bleeding during oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Investors' Judgments, Asset Pricing Factors and Sentiment
Authors: Shefrin Hersh 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper presents results based on new data showing that the relationships involving investors' judgments of risk and variables such as beta, size, and book‐to‐market equity (B/M) have the same directional effects as those involving realised returns. Moreover, the relationships involving risk are mediated by Baker–Wurgler sentiment, with directional effects similar to those that have already been documented for realised returns. In this regard, Baker‐Wurgler sentiment mediates the time series of investors' judgments of expected return and the cross‐section of their judgments about risk. The results are consistent with the position that investors' judgments of risk and return, both mediated by sentiment, influence market prices.
Calculation of mixed mode stress intensity factors for an elliptical subsurface crack under arbitrary normal loading
Authors: Alizadeh K. J. , Ghajar R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractNormal loading causes mixed fracture modes in an elliptical subsurface crack because of the nonsymmetrical geometry with respect to the crack face. In this paper, mixed mode weight functions (MMWFs) for elliptical subsurface cracks in an elastic semi‐infinite space under normal loading are derived. Reference mixed mode stress intensity factors (MMSIFs), calculated by finite element analysis, under uniform normal loading are used to derive MMWFs. The cracks have aspect ratios and crack depth to crack length ratios of 0.2–1.0 and 0.05 to infinity, respectively. MMWFs are used to calculate MMSIFs for any point of the crack front under linear and nonlinear two‐dimensional (2D) loadings. So, in order to evaluate the fatigue crack growth phenomenon under complicated 2D stress distributions, MMWFs can be easily used. The comparison between the MMSIFs obtained from the MMWFs and finite element analysis indicates high accuracy.
Comparing seasonal dynamics of functional and taxonomic diversity reveals the driving forces underlying phytoplankton community structure
Authors: Weithoff Guntram , Rocha Marcia R. , Gaedke Ursula 
Published: December 2014

SummaryIn most biodiversity studies, taxonomic diversity is the measure for the multiplicity of species and is often considered to represent functional diversity. However, trends in taxonomic diversity and functional diversity may differ, for example, when many functionally similar but taxonomically different species co‐occur in a community. The differences between these diversity measures are of particular interest in diversity research for understanding diversity patterns and their underlying mechanisms.We analysed a temporally highly resolved 20‐year time series of lake phytoplankton to determine whether taxonomic diversity and functional diversity exhibit similar or contrasting seasonal patterns. We also calculated the functional mean of the community inn‐dimensional trait space for each sampling day to gain further insights into the seasonal dynamics of the functional properties of the community.We found an overall weak positive relationship between taxonomic diversity and functional diversity with a distinct seasonal pattern. The two diversity measures showed synchronous behaviour from early spring to mid‐summer and a more complex and diverging relationship from autumn to late winter.The functional mean of the community exhibited a recurrent annual pattern with the most prominent changes before and after the clear‐water phase. From late autumn to winter, the functional mean of the community and functional diversity were relatively constant while taxonomic diversity declined, suggesting competitive exclusion during this period.A further decline in taxonomic diversity concomitant with increasing functional diversity in late winter to early spring is seen as a result of niche diversification together with competitive exclusion. Under these conditions, several different sets of traits are suitable to thrive, but within one set of functional traits only one, or very few, morphotypes can persist.Taxonomic diversity alone is a weak descriptor of trait diversity in phytoplankton. However, the combined analysis of taxonomic diversity and functional diversity, along with the functional mean of the community, allows for deeper insights into temporal patterns of community assembly and niche diversification.
Batch recall of French plasma‐derived products due to variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease risk: the psychological impact on haemophilic patients, changes in their therapeutic demands and behaviour and ethical considerations
Authors: Aouba A. , Harroche A. , Frenzel L. , Torchet M. ‐F. , Rothschild C. , François I. , Mamzer‐Bruneel M. ‐F. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe choice of plasma‐derived products (PdP) vs. recombinant products (RP) for treating haemophilia is influenced by the infectious and perceived safety of the products. Batch recall of PdP due to the risk of variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD) may have unfavourable psychological impacts on haemophilia patients and influence their product preferences. This study aimed to assess the psychological impact of batch recalls of PdP in six haemophilia patients and their therapeutic demands, and to discuss the ethical problems in physicians’ management of this event. A survey was conducted using a new interview form and an existing anxiety and depression questionnaire. Batch recalls produce recurrent negative emotional outcomes in haemophiliacs and their families. The quality, understanding and efficiency of the batch recall announcements were unsatisfactory in some respects. Only one patient still had some of the vials in question, and only three patients understood the real reason for the batch recall. Four patients asked to change their PdP for RP; a fifth patient was considering doing so. Here, topics for discussion include the delivery of an unclear message to patients about a very uncertain risk of a frightening disease, the reasons to maintain PdP when RP are largely available, except in specific cases, and the related discomfort for caregivers. The ethical questions revealed by batch recalls and the high psychological impact of vCJD risk on patients can no longer be ignored, and require surveys assessing the rationales and choices of the healthcare authorities, manufacturers, prescribers and users.
Is self‐management feasible and acceptable for addressing nutrition and physical activity needs of cancer survivors?
Authors: Lawn Sharon , Zrim Stephanie , Leggett Stephanie , Miller Michelle , Woodman Richard , Jones Lynnette , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Sukumaran Shawgi , Karapetis Chris , Koczwara Bogda 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐management is recommended for patients with chronic conditions, but its use with cancer survivors is underexplored. Optimal strategies for achieving lifestyle changes in cancer survivors are not known.ObjectiveWe aimed to determine feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of self‐management‐based nutrition and physical activity interventions for cancer survivors.Design, setting and participantsAdult survivors (n = 25) during (Group 1 , n = 11) or post (Group 2, n = 14)‐curative chemotherapy for solid tumours, most (n = 20, 80%) with breast cancer, were recruited prospectively from a single clinical centre.InterventionThe Flinders Living Well Self‐Management Program, a generic self‐management care planning programme, was utilized to establish patient‐led nutrition and exercise goals within a tailored 12‐week intervention. Fortnightly progress reviews occurred with assessments at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks.ResultsMost participants (84%) found the intervention acceptable/very acceptable. Both groups showed a trend towards significant improvement in the self‐management capability ‘knowledge about changing risk factors’ (P = 0.047); Group 2 showed a trend towards significantly improved ‘psychological impacts’ (P = 0.007). Goal ratings improved for both groups (P = 0.001). Quality of life improved for both groups for emotional functioning (P = 0.03). Physical functioning improved for Group 2 (P = 0.05); however, most symptom domains worsened for Group 1, as expected given their treatment stage.Discussion and conclusionsSelf‐management interventions are feasible for this population. In particular, building self‐management capacity during the active phase of patients' cancer treatment provides health and psychosocial benefits. Larger randomized controlled trials are required to further determine efficacy. Further translational research is also needed to determine acceptability,feasibility, enablers and barriers for clinicians embedding this approach into routine cancer survivorship care.
The Reformation in Global Perspective
Authors: Parker Charles H. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractConcepts and methods introduced by the “new world history” present important opportunities to contextualize the European Reformation in transregional frames of reference. A global approach allows historians to situate the Reformation more fully within the orbit of people, ideas, and cultural goods that interacted with one another across the early modern world. A number of historians who study missionary encounters, especially those of Jesuits, have already initiated global methodologies in analyzing the Reformation overseas. Other scholars have pointed to ways in which an engagement with the wider world influenced European societies. These works indicate the rich possibilities for looking at the Reformation with new eyes. In assessing this scholarship, this article discusses the prospects and challenges for adopting global perspectives in the study of the Reformation.
Hemangioma Activity and Severity Index (HASI), an instrument for evaluating infantile hemangioma: development and preliminary validation
Authors: Semkova Kristina , Kazandjieva Jana , Kadurina Miroslava , Tsankov Nikolay 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundInfantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign vascular tumors of infancy. Their evaluation is important and requires the use of a unified scoring system.ObjectivesWe designed a novel scoring index, the Hemangioma Activity and Severity Index (HASI), for the clinical evaluation of IHs. The purpose of this pilot study was to validate the HASI.MethodsThe HASI was evaluated for validity by an external panel of experts. The reliability study included 59 children with superficial and mixed hemangiomas. Patients attended an assessment visit and a subsequent visit three days later for a second scoring. They were then followed up monthly for six months and scored at each visit by two investigators separately.ResultsInterclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for inter‐rater reliability were 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75–0.88) for IH activity and 0.94 (95% CI 0.91–0.96) for IH severity. Intra‐rater reliability was high, with negligible mean differences of 0.3 and 0.4 points between the two ratings. The average time required to complete the scoring was 2.5 minutes.ConclusionsOur preliminary studies on the HASI show promising results in terms of its clinical utility and applicability in practice. It could be used by physicians as an objective instrument for the scoring of IHs.