bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mediterranean diet, stroke, cognitive impairment, and depression: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Psaltopoulou Theodora , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Sergentanis Ioannis N. , Kosti Rena , Scarmeas Nikolaos 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveThis meta‐analysis aims to quantitatively synthesize all studies that examine the association between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and risk of stroke, depression, cognitive impairment, and Parkinson disease.MethodsPotentially eligible publications were those providing effect estimates of relative risk (RR) for the association between Mediterranean diet and the aforementioned outcomes. Studies were sought in PubMed up to October 31, 2012. Maximally adjusted effect estimates were extracted; separate analyses were performed for high and moderate adherence.ResultsTwenty‐two eligible studies were included (11 covered stroke, 9 covered depression, and 8 covered cognitive impairment; only 1 pertained to Parkinson's disease). High adherence to Mediterranean diet was consistently associated with reduced risk for stroke (RR = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57–0.89), depression (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54–0.86), and cognitive impairment (RR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.43–0.83). Moderate adherence was similarly associated with reduced risk for depression and cognitive impairment, whereas the protective trend concerning stroke was only marginal. Subgroup analyses highlighted the protective actions of high adherence in terms of reduced risk for ischemic stroke, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and particularly Alzheimer disease. Meta‐regression analysis indicated that the protective effects of Mediterranean diet in stroke prevention seemed more sizeable among males. Concerning depression, the protective effects of high adherence seemed independent of age, whereas the favorable actions of moderate adherence seemed to fade away with more advanced age.InterpretationAdherence to a Mediterranean diet may contribute to the prevention of a series of brain diseases; this may be of special value given the aging of Western societies. Ann Neurol 2013;74:580–591
Novel method of dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in a flexible epoxy matrix
Authors: Jagtap Siddheshwar B. , Ratna Debdatta 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTWe describe a simple and novel method for dispersing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a flexible epoxy matrix. The MWCNTs were modified with half‐neutralized dicarboxylic acids having different numbers of carbon atoms. The modified MWCNTs were prereacted with epoxy in the presence of triphenylphosphine. The dispersion of the MWCNTs and the enhancement in the tensile properties were found to be better for composites prepared with a solvent. Among the half‐neutralized dicarboxylic acids used, half‐neutralized adipic acid (HNAA) exhibited the best performance. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies clearly indicated an improvement in the level of dispersion of the MWCNTs with the addition of the modifier. The good dispersion of the MWCNTs and the resulting improvement in their properties were attributed to the cation–π interactions (the cation of HNAA and the π‐electron clouds of the MWCNTs) between the HNAA and MWCNTs and the chemical bonding of COOH groups of HNAA and the epoxy resin. The cation–π interaction and chemical bonding was assessed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. This approach did not destroy the π–electron clouds of the MWCNTs in contrast to a chemical functionalization strategy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2610–2618, 2013
Impact of p‐toluenesulfonate on polypyrrole–cobalt catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Kumar Amit , Singh Rajiv K. , Singh Hari K. , Srivastava Pankaj , Singh Ramadhar 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTPolypyrrole (PPy) and polypyrrole p‐toluenesulfonate (PPy/pTS) supported cobalt (Co) catalysts have been synthesized using in situ surfactant modified chemical oxidative polymerization. These catalysts have been characterized for their structure and electrocatalytic activity employing FT‐IR, Raman, SEM, HRTEM, and electrochemical techniques. The influence of pTS on the morphology and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity has been discussed in respect of the formation of polaronic and bipolaronic species. The impact of these species on the electrochemical performance has been studied using continuous cycling in acidic media. Overall, PPy/pTS‐Co is found to be the best suitable candidate among the catalysts synthesized for this study and can become an attractive substitute as a non‐noble catalyst material for cathode applications in fuel cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2645–2651, 2013
Electrosynthesis, characterization, and application of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) derivative with a chloromethyl functionality
Authors: Zhang Long , Wen Yangping , Yao Yuanyuan , Duan Xuemin , Xu Jingkun , Wang Xiaoqiang 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTPoly(2‐chloromethyl‐2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxine), a chloromethyl functionalized poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) derivative (PEDOT‐MeCl), was synthesized electrochemically via the potentiostatic polymerization of its monomer in dichloromethane solution containing suitable tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate, then it was used for the characterization of film properties and the fabrication of electrochemical sensor. The properties of the resulting PEDOT‐MeCl film were characterized by different methods such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible techniques, scanning electron microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis. The PEDOT‐MeCl film displayed a good reversible redox activity, remarkable capacitance properties, good thermal stability, rough, and porous structure, especially fluorescent spectra indicated that PEDOT‐MeCl was a blue‐emitter with maximum emission centered at 396 and 398 nm. Finally, the PEDOT‐MeCl film was employed for the fabrication of the sensing electrode, and dopamine was chosen as a model analyte for the application of the electrochemical sensor. Results indicated that the PEDOT‐MeCl film as sensing interface was feasible, and studies of these film properties were very beneficial for studying properties and applications of other poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) derivative films. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2660–2670, 2013
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of PCDL aliphatic hyperbranched polyurethane coatings
Authors: Wang Xuechuan , Fu Yuqiao , Guo Peiying , Ren Longfang , Wang Haijun , Qiang Taotao 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe isocyanate‐terminated polyurethane pre‐polymer (PPU) was synthesized via the step‐growth polymerization approach by using polycarbonate diol (PCDL, Mn = 2000) and isophorone disocyanate (IPDI) as monomers, dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) as the catalyst. Subsequently, the hyperbranched polyurethane (HBPU) was synthesized by graft copolymerization using PPU, hyperbranched poly(amide–ester) polyol (HPAE) and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO). The molecular structure of HBPU was characterized by means of FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR. It was observed that HBPU was synthesized as anticipated. The thermal and mechanical properties, the microstructure, and morphologies of the filmed HBPU and LPU (linear polyurethane) were tested, respectively. The filmed HBPU, revealed better thermal stability, and higher Tg accompanied with lower viscosity than those of filmed LPU. Additionally, the mechanical experiment showed that the filmed HBPU exhibited enhanced mechanical properties because it contained certain amounts of HPAE. Compared with its linear analog (LPU) specimen, the tensile strength of the filmed HBPU containing 10 wt % HPAE increased by 1.9 times (up to 28.15 MPa), and its elongation at break increased by 1.5 times (up to 543.8%), resulting from the dual effects of the hydrogen bonding and the crosslinking density in the HBPU system. The morphologies of filmed HBPU were characterized by means of WAXD and SEM, which indicated that increasing the content of HPAE lowers the crystallinity of HBPU. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2671–2679, 2013
Enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration by the combination of a polycaprolactone tubular prosthesis and a scaffold of collagen with supramolecular organization
Authors: Maturana Luiz G. , Pierucci Amauri , Simões Gustavo F. , Vidigal Mateus , Duek Eliana A. R. , Vidal Benedicto C. , Oliveira Alexandre L. R. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of implanting collagen with a supramolecular organization on peripheral nerve regeneration, using the sciatic nerve tubulization technique. For this purpose, adult female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: (1) TP – sciatic nerve repaired with empty polyethylene tubular prothesis (n = 10), (2) TPCL – nerve repair with empty polycaprolactone (PCL) tubing (n = 8), (3) TPCLF – repair with PCL tubing filled with an implant of collagen with a supramolecular organization (n = 10), (4) AG – animals that received a peripheral nerve autograft (n = 8), and (5) Normal nerves (n = 8). The results were assessed by quantification of the regenerated fibers, nerve morphometry, and transmission electron microscopy, 60 days after surgery. Immunohistochemistry and polarization microscopy were also used to analyze the regenerated nerve structure and cellular elements. The results showed that the AG group presented a larger number of regenerated axons. However, the TPCL and TPCLF groups presented more compact regenerated fibers with a morphometric profile closer to normal, both at the tube midpoint and 2 mm distal to the prosthesis. These findings were reinforced by polarization microscopy, which indicated a better collagen/axons suprastructural organization in the TPCLF derived samples. In addition, the immunohistochemical results obtained using the antibody anti‐p75NTR as a Schwann cell reactivity marker demonstrated that the Schwann cells were more reactive during the regenerative process in the TPCLF group as compared to the TPCL group and the normal sciatic nerve. Altogether, the results of this study indicated that the implant of collagen with a supramolecular organization positively influenced and stimulated the regeneration process through the nerve gap, resulting in the formation of a better morphologically arranged tissue.
Interspecific synchrony of seabird population growth rate and breeding success
Authors: Robinson James P. W. , Dornelas Maria , Ojanguren Alfredo F. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractEnvironmental variability can destabilize communities by causing correlated interspecific fluctuations that weaken the portfolio effect, yet evidence of such a mechanism is rare in natural systems. Here, we ask whether the population dynamics of similar sympatric species of a seabird breeding community are synchronized, and if these species have similar exceptional responses to environmental variation. We used a 24‐year time series of the breeding success and population growth rate of a marine top predator species group to assess the degree of synchrony between species demography. We then developed a novel method to examine the species group – all species combined – response to environmental variability, in particular, whether multiple species experience similar, pronounced fluctuations in their demography. Multiple species were positively correlated in breeding success and growth rate. Evidence of “exceptional” years was found, where the species group experienced pronounced fluctuations in their demography. The synchronous response of the species group was negatively correlated with winter sea surface temperature of the preceding year for both growth rate and breeding success. We present evidence for synchronous, exceptional responses of a species group that are driven by environmental variation. Such species covariation destabilizes communities by reducing the portfolio effect, and such exceptional responses may increase the risk of a state change in this community. Our understanding of the future responses to environmental change requires an increased focus on the short‐term fluctuations in demography that are driven by extreme environmental variability.
Brain correlates of short‐term habituation to repetitive electrical noxious stimulation
Authors: Nickel F.T. , Ott S. , Möhringer S. , Saake M. , Dörfler A. , Seifert F. , Maihöfner C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundHabituation to repetitive noxious stimuli is a well‐known phenomenon. We investigated brain correlates of habituation to pain in a transdermal electrical pain model using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).MethodsElectrical painful stimulation with 1 Hz was applied to the volar forearm of 48 healthy subjects for 45 min. Before and after conditioning stimulation, psychophysical testing and fMRI were performed. During fMRI sessions, the subjects underwent blockwise painful electrical stimulation with a fixed percept‐adapted current intensity. After fMRI 1 and fMRI 2 subjects rated the individual pain intensity of the electrical stimulus.ResultsSubstantial habituation occurred during conditioning electrical stimulation. Accordingly, areas typically involved in pain processing showed decreased activity after conditioning stimulation. The blood oxygen level‐dependent signal of the subgenual anterior cingulate gyrus, the superior parietal lobule and the supplemental motor area correlated positively with habituation. In contrast, activity in the periaqueductal grey, thalamus and insula correlated negatively. The results of the correlation analyses did not survive correction for multiple comparisons.ConclusionsWith this study, we identified central components associated with habituation to repetitive painful stimuli. The results suggest that an increase in tonic inhibitory activity in cortical pain processing areas is a major mechanism contributing to habituation to phasic noxious stimuli. Moreover, areas involved in descending pain modulation were differentially modulated. This may hint at a simultaneous activation of facilitating and inhibiting nociceptive systems that are both altered in the transdermal electrical pain model.
Platelet transfusions and bleeding complications associated with plasma exchange catheter placement in patients with presumed thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Duffy Steven M. , Coyle Thomas E. 
Published: May 2013

IntroductionBleeding risk because of thrombocytopenia in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) often causes concern during placement of the central venous catheter for plasma exchange. This perceived risk of bleeding often triggers prophylactic platelet transfusion; however, the risk of platelet transfusion is unknown.MethodsSingle institution review of bleeding episodes after catheter insertion in patients with suspected TTP.ResultsFifty‐five thrombocytopenic patients with presumed TTP underwent a total of 57 catheter insertion attempts. There were no major bleeding complications and no bleeding that required invasive intervention. Fourteen patients with a median platelet count of 12,000/µL were transfused with platelets prior to catheter placement. Five (35%) of the transfused patients had minor bleeding complications that did not require intervention. In the nontransfused group, 12 (28%) patients had minor bleeding that did not require invasive intervention and three patients experienced bleeding episodes that resolved after applying direct pressure. Eight (15%) patients died during admission. Mortality in the transfused group was 43% versus 5% in the nontransfused group. In general, patients receiving platelet transfusion prior to catheter insertion were more acutely ill.ConclusionThere were no major bleeding complications associated with plasma exchange catheter insertion in thrombocytopenic patients with presumed TTP. In light of the uncertain risk of platelet transfusion in patients with TTP, it may be reasonable to forgo prophylactic platelet transfusion prior to catheter placement. J. Clin. Apheresis 28:356–358, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional morphology of the fin rays of teleost fishes
Authors: Flammang Brooke E. , Alben Silas , Madden Peter G.A. , Lauder George V. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTRay‐finned fishes are notable for having flexible fins that allow for the control of fluid forces. A number of studies have addressed the muscular control, kinematics, and hydrodynamics of flexible fins, but little work has investigated just how flexible ray‐finned fish fin rays are, and how flexibility affects their response to environmental perturbations. Analysis of pectoral fin rays of bluegill sunfish showed that the more proximal portion of the fin ray is unsegmented while the distal 60% of the fin ray is segmented. We examined the range of motion and curvatures of the pectoral fin rays of bluegill sunfish during steady swimming, turning maneuvers, and hovering behaviors and during a vortex perturbation impacting the fin during the fin beat. Under normal swimming conditions, curvatures did not exceed 0.029 mm−1 in the proximal, unsegmented portion of the fin ray and 0.065 mm−1 in the distal, segmented portion of the fin ray. When perturbed by a vortex jet traveling at approximately 1 ms−1 (67 ± 2.3 mN s.e. of force at impact), the fin ray underwent a maximum curvature of 9.38 mm−1. Buckling of the fin ray was constrained to the area of impact and did not disrupt the motion of the pectoral fin during swimming. Flexural stiffness of the fin ray was calculated to be 565 × 10−6 Nm2. In computational fluid dynamic simulations of the fin‐vortex interaction, very flexible fin rays showed a combination of attraction and repulsion to impacting vortex dipoles. Due to their small bending rigidity (or flexural stiffness), impacting vortices transferred little force to the fin ray. Conversely, stiffer fin rays experienced rapid small‐amplitude oscillations from vortex impacts, with large impact forces all along the length of the fin ray. Segmentation is a key design feature of ray‐finned fish fin rays, and may serve as a means of making a flexible fin ray out of a rigid material (bone). This flexibility may offer intrinsic damping of environmental fluid perturbations encountered by swimming fish. J. Morphol. 274:1044–1059, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intra‐ and interscanner reliability and reproducibility of 3D whole‐brain pseudo‐continuous arterial spin‐labeling MR perfusion at 3T
Authors: Wu Bing , Lou Xin , Wu Xinhuai , Ma Lin 
Published: May 2013

PurposeTo assess the reliability and reproducibility of pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL). Intra‐ and interscanner reliability and reproducibility are essential before pooling perfusion imaging data.Materials and MethodsEight volunteers were scanned three times on two 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners using the pCASL technique. The first and third tests were conducted on scanner one, while the second test was on scanner two. The pCASL was acquired with postlabeling delay time (PLD) of 1.5 and 2.5 seconds. The cerebral blood flow (CBF) of gray matter, white matter, frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, temporal lobe, putamen, posterior cingulate, and thalamus were extracted for comparison. Reliability and reproducibility were measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and within‐subject coefficients of variation (wsCV), respectively.ResultsThe pCASL consistently had high intra‐ and interscanner measurement reliability and reproducibility. Reproducibility of the CBF values was higher, with PLD 2.5 seconds than with PLD 1.5 seconds. Different PLDs had considerable influence on the reproducibility of the different regions of the brain.ConclusionAlthough excellent intra‐ and interscanner reliability and reproducibility could support the feasibility of cross‐site pooling of ASL data, pCASL with multiple PLDs may better assess the CBF of the human brain. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:402–409. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
1H‐MR spectroscopy characterization of the adipose tissue associated with colorectal tumor
Authors: Mosconi Elisa , Minicozzi Annamaria , Marzola Pasquina , Cordiano Claudio , Sbarbati Andrea 
Published: May 2013

PurposeTo investigate colorectal tumor by looking at the lipid tissue around the lesion. Adipose tissue is not only an inert storage system for excess calories, but is involved in several pathological processes linked to tumor development.Materials and MethodsWe obtained 24 colorectal specimens after surgical excision from patients affected by colorectal cancer at different tumor stages. 1H‐MR spectoscopy (MRS) spectra were collected from two voxels, in proximity of the lesion and far from it, in each specimen with a preclinical scanner. We differentiated patients by pathological tumor stage, and we compared the chemical composition of adipose tissue between patient groups, both close the tumor and far from it.ResultsMonounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) close the lesion are increased at higher tumor stages, while MUFA far from the lesion do not follow this trend. This study is really explorative due to the small numbers of subjects and we are cautious on the interpretation of the results. However, the approach of the present work allows a further insight in the tumor characterization.ConclusionLooking at the lipid tissue around a lesion through 1H‐MRS can return important information regarding its genesis and development. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:469–474. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Texture analysis of ultrahigh field T2*‐weighted MR images of the brain: Application to Huntington's disease
Authors: Doan Nhat Trung , van den Bogaard Simon J.A. , Dumas Eve M. , Webb Andrew G. , van Buchem Mark A. , Roos Raymund A.C. , van der Grond Jeroen , Reiber Johan H.C. , Milles Julien 
Published: May 2013

PurposeTo develop a framework for quantitative detection of between‐group textural differences in ultrahigh field T2*‐weighted MR images of the brain.Materials and MethodsMR images were acquired using a three‐dimensional (3D) T2*‐weighted gradient echo sequence on a 7 Tesla MRI system. The phase images were high‐pass filtered to remove phase wraps. Thirteen textural features were computed for both the magnitude and phase images of a region of interest based on 3D Gray‐Level Co‐occurrence Matrix, and subsequently evaluated to detect between‐group differences using a Mann‐Whitney U‐test. We applied the framework to study textural differences in subcortical structures between premanifest Huntington's disease (HD), manifest HD patients, and controls.ResultsIn premanifest HD, four phase‐based features showed a difference in the caudate nucleus. In manifest HD, 7 magnitude‐based features showed a difference in the pallidum, 6 phase‐based features in the caudate nucleus, and 10 phase‐based features in the putamen. After multiple comparison correction, significant differences were shown in the putamen in manifest HD by two phase‐based features (both adjusted P values = 0.04).ConclusionThis study provides the first evidence of textural heterogeneity of subcortical structures in HD. Texture analysis of ultrahigh field T2*‐weighted MR images can be useful for noninvasive monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:633–640. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.