bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repeater F‐waves are signs of motor unit pathology in polio survivors
Authors: Hachisuka Akiko , Komori Tetsuo , Abe Tatsuya , Hachisuka Kenji 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to determine whether F‐waves reveal electrophysiological features of anterior horn cells in polio survivors.MethodsForty‐three polio survivors and 20 healthy controls underwent motor nerve conduction studies of the median and tibial nerves bilaterally, including sampling of F‐waves elicited by 100 stimuli and the determination of motor unit number estimation (MUNE).ResultsA significant increase in abnormally stereotyped (“repeater”) F–waves and a reduction of F‐wave persistence were observed in both nerves in the polio group as compared with the control group. Repeater F‐waves had a negative correlation with MUNE.ConclusionsThese trends in F‐wave persistence and repeater F‐waves after motor unit loss are characteristic findings in polio survivors. Repeater F‐waves are a sign of motor unit pathology. Muscle Nerve 51:680–685, 2015
A generalized model for geosynthetic reinforced railway tracks resting on soft clays
Authors: Rajesh S. , Choudhary K. , Chandra S. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe present study pertains to the development of a foundation model for predicting the behavior of geosynthetic reinforcement railway track system rested on soft clay subgrade. The ballast and sub‐ballast layers have been idealized by Pasternak shear layer. The geosynthetic layer is represented by a stretched rough elastic membrane. Burger model has been used to characterize the soft clay subgrade. Numerical solutions have been obtained by adopting the finite difference scheme combined with non‐dimensioning the governing equations of the proposed model. The results confirm that the present model is quite capable of predicting the time‐dependent settlement response of geosynthetic reinforcement railway track system placed on soft clay subgrade. The surface settlement profile and mobilized tensile load of geosynthetics has been evaluated by considering variation in the wheel load, sleeper width, thickness of ballast and sub‐ballast layers and shear modulus of ballast and sub‐ballast layers. It has been observed that an increase in the sleeper width by 24% results in the reduction in central settlement and mobilized tensile load by 6.5% and 20.1%, respectively. It was found that with a 50% increase in the thickness of the ballast layer, the central settlement has decreased by 7.3% and the mobilized tension at the zone of maximum curvature has increased by 24.6%. However, with an increase in the thickness of the sub‐ballast layer, a considerable reduction in both central settlement and the mobilization of tension on geosynthetic has been noticed. The pattern of variation of settlement and mobilized tension for an increase in the shear modulus of ballast and sub‐ballast material was found to be almost similar. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical and shape‐memory properties of poly(mannitol sebacate)/cellulose nanocrystal nanocomposites
Authors: Sonseca Águeda , Camarero‐Espinosa Sandra , Peponi Laura , Weder Christoph , Foster E. Johan , Kenny José M. , Giménez Enrique 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTPolyesters based on polyols and sebacic acid, known as poly(polyol sebacate)s (PPS), are attracting considerable attention, as their properties are potentially useful in the context of soft‐tissue engineering applications. To overcome the drawback that PPSs generally display rather low strength and stiffness, we have pursued the preparation of nanocomposites based poly(mannitol sebacate) (PMS), a prominent example of this materials family, with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Nanocomposites were achieved in a two‐step process. A soluble, low‐molecular‐weight PMS pre‐polymer was formed via the polycondensation reaction between sebacic acid and D‐mannitol. Nanocomposites with different CNC content were prepared by solution‐casting and curing under vacuum using two different profiles designed to prepare materials with low and high degree of crosslinking. The as‐prepared nanocomposites have higher stiffness and toughness than the neat PMS matrix while maintaining a high elongation at break. A highly crosslinked nanocomposite with a CNC content of 5 wt % displays a sixfold increase in Young's modulus and a fivefold improvement in toughness. Nanocomposites also exhibit a shape memory effect with a switch temperature in the range of 15 to 45 °C; in particular the materials with a thermal transition in the upper part of this range are potentially useful for biomedical applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3123–3133
Aphonia and epiglottitis in neonate with concomitant MRSA skin infection
Authors: Noble Jennifer , Devor Renee , Rogalski Francis J. , Vergara Wilfredo , Reddy Ramalinga P. , Bhumbra Nasreen 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe report an unusual case of a neonate with aphonia due to epiglottitis with a concomitant methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection of the genitalia and associated septic emboli to the groin area and mouth. We postulate that the MRSA infection caused a transient bacteremia that seeded the epiglottis, likely causing the epiglottitis. In the evaluation of a neonate with aphonia, while the two primary differentials to consider are vocal cord paralysis and laryngeal web, among other considerations is epiglottitis (supraglottitis).
Effects of hypoxic preconditioning on synaptic ultrastructure in mice
Authors: Liu Yi , Sun Zhishan , Sun Shufeng , Duan Yunxia , Shi Jingfei , Qi Zhifeng , Meng Ran , Sun Yongxin , Zeng Xianwei , Chui Dehua , Ji Xunming 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTHypoxic preconditioning (HPC) elicits resistance to more drastic subsequent insults, which potentially provide neuroprotective therapeutic strategy, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we examined the effects of HPC on synaptic ultrastructure in olfactory bulb of mice. Mice underwent up to five cycles of repeated HPC treatments, and hypoxic tolerance was assessed with a standard gasp reflex assay. As expected, HPC induced an increase in tolerance time. To assess synaptic responses, Western blots were used to quantify protein levels of representative markers for glia, neuron, and synapse, and transmission electron microscopy was used to examine synaptic ultrastructure and mitochondrial density. HPC did not significantly alter the protein levels of astroglial marker (GFAP), neuron‐specific markers (GAP43, Tuj‐1, and OMP), synaptic number markers (synaptophysin and SNAP25) or the percentage of excitatory synapses versus inhibitory synapses. However, HPC significantly affected synaptic curvature and the percentage of synapses with presynaptic mitochondria, which showed concomitant change pattern. These findings demonstrate that HPC is associated with changes in synaptic ultrastructure. Synapse 69:7–14, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of loads on a horizontal axis wind turbine operating in yawed flow conditions
Authors: del Campo V. , Ragni D. , Micallef D. , Diez F. J. , Ferreira C. J. Simão 
Published: August 2014

AbstractStereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV) has been used to characterize the flow around the blade of a yawed horizontal axis wind turbine model. The goal was to assess the possibility of obtaining the 3D velocity field around the blade, the pressure distribution, and the aerodynamic loads being exerted on the blade under unsteady flow conditions. The SPIV equipment was mounted on a traverse system and provided with phase‐locked velocity planes perpendicular to the blade axis, scanning the blade from the root to the tip, at three different azimuthal positions, so as to have information of the time variation of the flow. The pressure distribution and the aerodynamic loads on each plane were obtained via 3D formulation. Main differences encountered when measuring loads in yawed flow compared with axial flow have been discussed. Finally, the consistency of the results with similar results obtained computationally with a panel model was assessed. The proposed methodology presents one step further in the application of SPIV to measure forces on a horizontal axis wind turbine, assessing the possibility of estimating the blade loads when the turbine is operating under non‐axial flow conditions, with the goal of better simulating real working operating regimes in a wind farm, where the flow is typically not uniform. The proposed methodology could be developed and used to better understand relevant wind energy issues such as dynamic loading and active load control efficiency, in the future. The processed and averaged flow fields from the experimental SPIV data are made available online to the reader. See appendix for description of the files. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An open-label study to determine the maximum tolerated dose of the multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor CEP-11981 in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Pili Roberto , Carducci Michael , Brown Peter , Hurwitz Herbert 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBackground This phase I study evaluated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of CEP-11981, an oral vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with advanced, relapsed, or refractory solid tumors. Methods Oral CEP-11981 dose escalations followed a modified Fibonacci sequence (from 3.0 to 4.2, 5.9, 11.8, 19.7, 29.6, 41.4, 55.0, 73.0, 97.4, and 126.6 mg/m2). The maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), tumor response, and safety were evaluated. Results CEP-11981 was tolerated at doses between 3.0 and 97.4 mg/m2. The MTD of CEP-11981 was determined to be 97.4 mg/m2, with DLTs observed at the 126.6 mg/m2 dose. The DLTs were grade 4 neutropenia in 1 patient and grade 3 T-wave inversion with chest heaviness and fatigue in 1 patient. All 3 events resolved on stopping CEP-11981. The most frequently reported adverse events of any grade were fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, back pain, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, and dyspnea. Treatment-related grade 3/4 neutropenia was observed in the highest-dose cohorts (2 patients at 97.4 mg/m2 and 1 patient at 126.6 mg/m2), indicating some off-target inhibition. VEGF inhibition was greatest in the higher-dose groups. Although no patient experienced complete or partial response, 44 % patients achieved stable disease when measured at ≥ 6 weeks, which occurred more frequently in cohorts receiving ≥ 73.0 mg/m2. Conclusions In patients with recurrent or refractory solid tumors, disease stabilization was achieved. Despite acceptable tolerability of CEP-11981 at the MTD, further development by the sponsor has ceased.
Bully victimization and emotional problems in adolescents: Moderation by specific cognitive coping strategies?
Authors: Garnefski Nadia , Kraaij Vivian 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveRelationships between bully victimization and symptoms of depression/anxiety were examined. In addition, it was studied whether this relationship was moderated by specific cognitive coping strategies.MethodsParticipants were 582 secondary school students who filled out online self‐report questionnaires on bully victimization, cognitive coping, and depression/anxiety. (Moderated) Multiple Regression analysis was performed.ResultsStrong relationships were found between bully victimization and symptoms of depression and anxiety. On top of that, two cognitive coping strategies moderated the relationship between bullying and depression, i.e. rumination (strengthening) and positive refocusing (reducing). Cognitive coping strategies that moderated the effect of bullying on anxiety symptoms were rumination, catastrophizing (strengthening) and positive reappraisal (reducing).ConclusionThe results provide possible targets for intervention: when helping adolescents who have been bullied, maladaptive cognitive coping strategies could be assessed and challenged, while more adaptive strategies could be acquired.
Identification of putative downstream genes of Oct‐3, a pluripotent cell‐specific transcription factor
Authors: Saijoh Yukio , Fujii Hideta , Meno Chikara , Sato Mayumi , Hirota Yoshihiro , Nagamatsu Shinya , lkeda Masako , Hamada Hiroshi 
Published: August 2014

Background:  Oct‐3, a pluripotent cell‐specific POU transcription factor, appears to be a key regulator in pluripotential early embryonic cells and germ cells. In order to study how pluripotency is maintained, it is essential to know what genes are regulated by Oct‐3Results:  By employing a subtraction method, we identified several pluripotent cell‐specific genes. Based upon expression patterns in various cell lines lacking or possessing Oct‐3 function, about half of the genes were placed downstream of Oct‐3. These downstream genes included a previously‐known gene (Glut‐3: a gene for a glucose transporter) and novel genes (226, 383 and 880). Their expression patterns paralleled that of Oct‐3: all of these genes were highly expressed in pluripotent cells such as EC/ES cells, but switched off upon differentiation. More importantly, their expression was rescued in 'revertant' cells that ectopically acquired the Oct‐3 transactivating function. Furthermore, the expression profiles of Glut‐3, 226 and 383 during mouse development also overlapped that of Oct‐3. The Glut‐3 gene possessed multiple Oct‐3 binding sites in its transcriptional regulatory regions, suggesting that at least one of the downstream genes was a direct target of Oct‐3.Conclusion:  A large proportion of pluripotent cell‐specific genes appear to be downstream targets of Oct‐3.
Efficacy and tolerability of luliconazole cream 1% for dermatophytoses: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Feng Xiaowei , Xie Jinwei , Zhuang Kaiwen , Ran Yuping 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe evaluated the efficacy and safety of luliconazole cream 1% in the treatment of dermatophytoses. According to our meta‐analysis, short‐term treatment of luliconazole cream 1% can result in the complete clearance of dermatophytoses. It showed that 1% luliconazole was more effective than controlled drugs or vehicle (week 4: odds ratio = 1.46, 95% confidence interval = 1.12–1.91), and no more adverse events occurred in the 1% luliconazole group (week 4: odds ratio = 1.01, 95% confidence interval = 0.71–1.44). This effect strengthens the evidence for luliconazole cream 1% being more effective than vehicle, 1% terbinafine, 1% bifonazole, and 0.1% or 0.5% luliconazole.
Anti‐allergic mechanisms of Japanese herbal medicine, yokukansan on mast cells
Authors: Yamamura Kazuhiko , Kato Shiori , Kato Takahiro A. , Mizoguchi Yoshito , Monji Akira , Kanba Shigenobu , Furue Masutaka , Takeuchi Satoshi 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe previously reported that the addition of orally administered yokukansan (YKS), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, to the standard regimen using histamine H1‐receptor inhibitors was effective in controlling refractory chronic urticaria, but the mechanism remained unknown. YKS has also been reported to be effective on inhibiting the development of atopic dermatitis‐like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. As known, the release of various chemical mediators including histamine from degranulated mast cells is strongly related to the mechanism of these diseases. Thus the purpose of this study was to examine the mechanisms behind the medicinal effects of YKS on mast cells using an in vitro system and rat basophil leukemia (RBL‐2H3) cells. The degree of degranulation was measured by β‐hexosaminidase secretion assay and intracellular calcium influx assay. ELISA for cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐4) was also conducted using cell culture media. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of YKS on the expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, E‐selectin) and cytokine production (IL‐8) in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells using gene‐transcriptional‐ and immunohisotoligical analysis. We found that YKS inhibited secretion of β‐hexosaminidase, intracellular calcium increase, production of TNF‐α and ICAM‐1 expression, and that several YKS ingredients may be the key effectors. In conclusion, YKS may suppress several mast cell functions such as degranulation and calcium increase that eventually inhibits the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, YKS suppresses ICAM‐1 expression on human microvascular endothelial cells. These findings may promote our understanding of the beneficial effects of YKS on mast cell‐associated allergic diseases.
Histopathological investigation of clinically non‐affected perilesional scalp in alopecias detected unexpected spread of disease activities
Authors: Watanabe‐Okada Emiko , Amagai Masayuki , Ohyama Manabu 
Published: August 2014

AbstractHistopathological comparison between clinically affected and intact regions in alopecia patients has been considered to facilitate better understanding of the pathophysiology of ongoing disease. Theoretically, adjacent intact regions should provide ideal controls as they should share close histological characteristics, however, to what extent clinically non‐affected neighboring regions maintain their pathological integrity has not been fully assessed. The goal of this study is to delineate histopathological characteristics of clinically intact perilesional regions in the patients with various forms of alopecia. Transverse sections of 4‐mm punch biopsy at the levels of isthmus and suprabulbar portion were obtained from seemingly unimpaired perilesional scalp of 50 Japanese alopecia patients (16 alopecia areata [AA] multiplex, 19 scarring alopecia [SA], 15 other conditions) and subject to histopathological investigation. Initial screening detected decrease in anagen (anagen : telogen ratio = 82.4:17.6) when compared with previously reported standard hair counts in normal Asian scalp. This finding prompted further investigation. Unexpectedly, 33 (66%) specimens demonstrated some microscopic abnormalities, 10 (62.5%) AA specimens showed increase in telogen ratio, vellus hair count and miniaturization, while perifollicular inflammatory cell infiltration was detected in 5 (26.3%) SA cases. Exclusion of histologically affected specimens yielded average hair count numbers resembling those reported in Koreans, supporting the pathological integrity of selected samples and, more importantly, indicating normal hair counts in east Asians. These findings indicated a less recognized significance of histopathological investigation of clinically non‐affected perilesional scalp in alopecias for better assessment of the spread of disease activities, which should enable better management of hair loss conditions.
Heat stress is a potent stimulus for enhancing rescue efficiency of recombinant Borna disease virus
Authors: Kojima Shohei , Honda Tomoyuki , Matsumoto Yusuke , Tomonaga Keizo 
Published: August 2014

AbstractRecently developed vector systems based on Borna disease virus (BDV) hold promise as platforms for efficient and stable gene delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). However, because it currently takes several weeks to rescue recombinant BDV (rBDV), an improved rescue procedure would enhance the utility of this system. Heat stress reportedly enhances the rescue efficiency of other recombinant viruses. Here, heat stress was demonstrated to increase the amount of BDV genome in persistently BDV‐infected cells without obvious cytotoxicity. Further analyses suggested that the effect of heat stress on BDV infection is not caused by an increase in the activity of BDV polymerase. More cells in which BDV replication occurs were obtained in the initial phase of rBDV rescue by using heat stress than when it was not used. Thus, heat stress is a useful improvement on the published rescue procedure for rBDV. The present findings may accelerate the practical use of BDV vector systems in basic science and the clinic and thus enable broader adoption of this viral vector, which is uniquely suited for gene delivery to the CNS.
Comparison Between 2 Methods of Solid–Liquid Extraction for the Production of Cinchona calisaya Elixir: An Experimental Kinetics and Numerical Modeling Approach
Authors: Naviglio Daniele , Formato Andrea , Gallo Monica 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to compare the extraction process for the production of China elixir starting from the same vegetable mixture, as performed by conventional maceration or a cyclically pressurized extraction process (rapid solid–liquid dynamic extraction) using the Naviglio Extractor. Dry residue was used as a marker for the kinetics of the extraction process because it was proportional to the amount of active principles extracted and, therefore, to their total concentration in the solution. UV spectra of the hydroalcoholic extracts allowed for the identification of the predominant chemical species in the extracts, while the organoleptic tests carried out on the final product provided an indication of the acceptance of the beverage and highlighted features that were not detectable by instrumental analytical techniques. In addition, a numerical simulation of the process has been performed, obtaining useful information about the timing of the process (time history) as well as its mathematical description.
Post‐flowering photoperiod has marked effects on fruit chemical composition in red raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Authors: Mazur S.P. , Sønsteby A. , Wold A.‐B. , Foito A. , Freitag S. , Verrall S. , Conner S. , Stewart D. , Heide O.M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe effect of photoperiod on nutritional quality and chemical composition of ‘Glen Ample’ red raspberry has been studied under controlled environment conditions. Long day (LD) conditions during fruit growth and maturation significantly increased fruit concentrations of ascorbic acid, total phenolics, organic acids such as malic, quinic and ellagic acids, as well as the ferric reducing activity power, while reducing the concentrations of soluble solids, sucrose and the sugar/acid ratio. The levels of total anthocyanin and oxalic acid were not significantly affected by photoperiod whereas semi‐quantitative analysis indicated a significant increase in the levels of some ellagitannins. The same responses were found whether LD was established by day‐length extension with low‐intensity light or by night interruption, thus demonstrating that the observed changes in nutritional quality of raspberry fruit was mediated through specific photoperiodic mechanism(s) independently of the daily light energy supply.
Age‐Related Effects of Alcohol from Adolescent, Adult, and Aged Populations Using Human and Animal Models
Authors: Squeglia Lindsay M. , Boissoneault Jeff , Van Skike Candice E. , Nixon Sara Jo , Matthews Douglas B. 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundThis review incorporates current research examining alcohol's differential effects on adolescents, adults, and aged populations in both animal and clinical models.MethodsThe studies presented range from cognitive, behavioral, molecular, and neuroimaging techniques, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of how acute and chronic alcohol use affects the brain throughout the life span.ResultsAge of life is a significant factor in determining the effect of alcohol on brain functioning. Adolescents and aged populations may be more negatively affected by heavy alcohol use when compared to adults.ConclusionsInvestigations limiting alcohol effects to a single age group constrains understanding of differential trajectories and outcomes following acute and chronic use. To meaningfully address the sequencing and interaction effects of alcohol and age, the field must incorporate collaborative and integrated research efforts focused on interdisciplinary questions facilitated by engaging basic and applied scientists with expertise in a range of disciplines including alcohol, neurodevelopment, and aging.