bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The contribution of neurocognitive functioning to quality of life after childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kunin‐Batson Alicia , Kadan‐Lottick Nina , Neglia Joseph P. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundNeurocognitive late effects after childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are well‐documented, but their impact on quality of life (QOL) is not well understood. In this multi‐site study, we examined the relative influence of neurocognitive functioning, steroid randomization (prednisone vs. dexamethasone), and demographic characteristics on QOL in first‐remission survivors of childhood ALL.MethodsParticipants included 263 ALL survivors (ages 7–17 years at the time of evaluation; mean age at diagnosis 3.9 years) who were treated on similar legacy Children's Cancer Group chemotherapy protocols and did not receive cranial radiation. Children completed detailed neuropsychological performance tests. The Pediatric QOL Inventory was completed by children and their parents. Participants were a mean of 9 years from diagnosis at the time of assessment (with a range of 4 to 13 years).ResultsChildren and their parents reported lower mean child psychosocial QOL than healthy population norms (p < 0.05), but were not in the impaired range. Physical QOL was similar to population norms. Though neurocognitive difficulties were predominantly mild for the sample as a whole, neurocognitive deficits, specifically problems in verbal cognitive abilities and visual‐motor integration skills, were significantly associated with poor physical (p < 0.01) and Psychosocial QOL (p < 0.01). QOL was not associated with previous steroid randomization.ConclusionsALL survivors with neurocognitive deficits are at risk for poor QOL, with broad implications for their physical, social, and school functioning. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Barriers to mental health service use and preferences for addressing emotional concerns among lung cancer patients
Authors: Mosher Catherine E. , Winger Joseph G. , Hanna Nasser , Jalal Shadia I. , Fakiris Achilles J. , Einhorn Lawrence H. , Birdas Thomas J. , Kesler Kenneth A. , Champion Victoria L. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined barriers to mental health service use and preferences for addressing emotional concerns among lung cancer patients (N = 165) at two medical centers in the Midwestern United States.MethodsLung cancer patients completed an assessment of anxiety and depressive symptoms, mental health service use, barriers to using these services, and preferences for addressing emotional concerns.ResultsOnly 45% of distressed patients received mental health care since their lung cancer diagnosis. The most prevalent patient‐reported barriers to mental health service use among non‐users of these services (n = 110) included the desire to independently manage emotional concerns (58%) and inadequate knowledge of services (19%). In addition, 57% of distressed patients who did not access mental health services did not perceive the need for help. Seventy‐five percent of respondents (123/164) preferred to talk to a primary care physician if they were to have an emotional concern. Preferences for counseling, psychiatric medication, peer support, spiritual care, or independently managing emotional concerns also were endorsed by many patients (range = 40–50%). Older age was associated with a lower likelihood of preferring to see a counselor.ConclusionsFindings suggest that many distressed lung cancer patients underuse mental health services and do not perceive the need for such services. Efforts to increase appropriate use of services should address patients' desire for autonomy and lack of awareness of services. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nigramide J is a novel potent inverse agonist of the human constitutive androstane receptor
Authors: Kanno Yuichiro , Tanuma Nobuaki , Yatsu Tomofumi , Li Wei , Koike Kazuo , Inouye Yoshio 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR1I3) is very important for drug development and for understanding pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions. We screened by mammalian one hybrid assay among natural compounds to discover novel ligands of human constitutive androstane receptor (hCAR). hCAR transcriptional activity was measured by luciferase assay and mRNA levels of CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 in HepTR‐hCAR cells and human primary hepatocytes were measured by real‐time RT‐PCR. Nigramide J (NJ) whose efficacy is comparable to those of hitherto known inverse agonists such as clotrimazole, PK11195, and ethinylestradiol. NJ is a naturally occurring cyclohexane‐type amide alkaloid that was isolated from the roots of Piper nigrum. The suppressive effect of NJ on the CAR‐dependent transcriptional activity was found to be species specific, in the descending order of hCAR, rat CAR, and mouse CAR. The unliganded hCAR‐dependent transactivation of reporter and endogenous genes was suppressed by NJ at concentrations higher than 5 μmol/L. The ligand‐binding cavity of hCAR was shared by NJ and CITCO, because they were competitive in the binding to hCAR. NJ interfered with the interaction of hCAR with coactivator SRC‐1, but not with its interaction with the corepressor NCoR1. Furthermore, NJ is agonist of human pregnane X receptor (hPXR). NJ is a dual ligand of hCAR and hPXR, being an agonist of hPXR and an inverse agonist of hCAR.
Dynamic mass redistribution analysis of endogenous β‐adrenergic receptor signaling in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts
Authors: Carter Rhonda L. , Grisanti Laurel A. , Yu Justine E. , Repas Ashley A. , Woodall Meryl , Ibetti Jessica , Koch Walter J. , Jacobson Marlene A. , Tilley Douglas G. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractLabel‐free systems for the agnostic assessment of cellular responses to receptor stimulation have been shown to provide a sensitive method to dissect receptor signaling. β‐adenergic receptors (βAR) are important regulators of normal and pathologic cardiac function and are expressed in cardiomyocytes as well as cardiac fibroblasts, where relatively fewer studies have explored their signaling responses. Using label‐free whole cell dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assays we investigated the response patterns to stimulation of endogenous βAR in primary neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (NRCF). The EPIC‐BT by Corning was used to measure DMR responses in primary isolated NRCF treated with various βAR and EGFR ligands. Additional molecular assays for cAMP generation and receptor internalization responses were used to correlate the DMR findings with established βAR signaling pathways. Catecholamine stimulation of NRCF induced a concentration‐dependent negative DMR deflection that was competitively blocked by βAR blockade and non‐competitively blocked by irreversible uncoupling of Gs proteins. Subtype‐selective βAR ligand profiling revealed a dominant role for β2AR in mediating the DMR responses, consistent with the relative expression levels of β2AR and β1AR in NRCF. βAR‐mediated cAMP generation profiles revealed similar kinetics to DMR responses, each of which were enhanced via inhibition of cAMP degradation, as well as dynamin‐mediated receptor internalization. Finally, G protein‐independent βAR signaling through epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was assessed, revealing a smaller but significant contribution of this pathway to the DMR response to βAR stimulation. Measurement of DMR responses in primary cardiac fibroblasts provides a sensitive readout for investigating endogenous βAR signaling via both G protein‐dependent and –independent pathways.
Mutations at codon position 1999 of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase confer resistance to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides in Japanese foxtail (Alopecurus japonicus)
Authors: Xu Hongle , Li Jun , Zhang Di , Cheng Ying , Jiang Ying , Dong Liyao 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe intensive and global application of ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides has resulted in the evolution of resistance in a growing number of grass weeds. Among the mutations implicated in conferring resistance, limited knowledge is available regarding mutations at codon position 1999. In addition, multiple copies of genes encoding plastidic ACCase have been ignored in previous studies of resistance in Alopecurus japonicus.RESULTSDose–response tests indicated that the population JLGY‐4 had evolved high‐level resistance to fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl. The carboxyltransferase domain of the ACCase gene in A. japonicus was sequenced and compared. Two loci encoding plastidic ACCase were isolated from both the resistant and sensitive populations. Simultaneously, two resistance‐endowing mutations at codon position 1999 of ACCase were determined (W1999C and W1999L). Moreover, a molecular study was conducted to determine the mechanism of resistance to some ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides. The W1999C mutation conferred resistance to fenoxaprop and moderate resistance to pinoxaden. The W1999L mutation conferred resistance to fenoxaprop.CONCLUSIONThis study revealed that A. japonicus had multiple copies of genes encoding plastidic ACCase, and each gene was able to carry its own mutation. It also established the clear importance of the W1999C and W1999L mutations in conferring resistance to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
EPSPS amplification in glyphosate‐resistant spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus): a case of gene transfer via interspecific hybridization from glyphosate‐resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)
Authors: Nandula Vijay K , Wright Alice A , Bond Jason A , Ray Jeffery D , Eubank Thomas W , Molin William T 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDAmaranthus spinosus, a common weed of pastures, is a close relative of Amaranthus palmeri, a problematic agricultural weed with widespread glyphosate resistance. These two species have been known to hybridize, allowing for transfer of glyphosate resistance. Glyphosate‐resistant A. spinosus was recently suspected in a cotton field in Mississippi.RESULTSGlyphosate‐resistant A. spinosus biotypes exhibited a fivefold increase in resistance compared with a glyphosate‐susceptible biotype. EPSPS was amplified 33–37 times and expressed 37 times more in glyphosate‐resistant A. spinosus biotypes than in a susceptible biotype. The EPSPS sequence in resistant A. spinosus plants was identical to the EPSPS in glyphosate‐resistant A. palmeri, but differed at 29 nucleotides from the EPSPS in susceptible A. spinosus plants. PCR analysis revealed similarities between the glyphosate‐resistant A. palmeri amplicon and glyphosate‐resistant A. spinosus.CONCLUSIONSGlyphosate resistance in A. spinosus is caused by amplification of the EPSPS gene. Evidence suggests that part of the EPSPS amplicon from resistant A. palmeri is present in glyphosate‐resistant A. spinosus. This is likely due to a hybridization event between A. spinosus and glyphosate‐resistant A. palmeri somewhere in the lineage of the glyphosate‐resistant A. spinosus plants. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Investigation of GaN layers grown by high temperature vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Lukin G. , Röder C. , Barchuk M. , Schreiber G. , Pätzold O. , Kortus J. , Rafaja D. , Stelter M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractFirst experimental results on the growth of GaN films by a modified high temperature vapor phase epitaxy method (HTVPE) are presented. The method bases on a novel growth reactor, which was developed to overcome the drawbacks of conventional HTVPE. GaN films were deposited either on (0001) sapphire substrates or on MOVPE‐grown GaN templates of 15×15 mm2 with growth rates in the range of 2–7 µm/h. The influence of the substrate temperature and ammonia flow on the structural properties of the deposited films was systematically investigated in experiments on MOVPE templates. It is shown that the structural quality of the templates can be well reproduced in the overgrown layers. The layer quality and the stress relations are found to depend very sensitively on the ammonia flow in the carrier gas. Growth experiments with a direct, high‐temperature deposition of GaN films on sapphire demonstrated a strong dependence of the nucleation process on the substrate temperature and the carrier gas composition. The potential of HTVPE for the heteroepitaxial growth of GaN films on sapphire is discussed. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Die Bemessung von Verbunddübelleisten nach neuer Allgemeiner bauaufsichtlicher Zulassung
Authors: Gündel Max , Kopp Maik , Feldmann Markus , Gallwoszus Joerg , Hegger Josef , Seidl Günter 
Published: February 2014

AbstractVerbunddübelleisten sind leistungsfähige Verbundmittel für Stahlverbundträger, die vor allem in vorgefertigten Verbundbrücken eingesetzt werden. Vorteile gegenüber anderen Verbundmitteln liegen insbesondere in der hohen Tragfähigkeit, dem ausreichenden Verformungsvermögen auch bei höherfesten Betonen und der einfachen Herstellung bei oberflanschlosen Stahlprofilen. Das Fehlen eingeführter Technischer Regeln, insbesondere für die wirtschaftlichen Klothoiden‐ und Puzzlegeometrien, führte bei Projekten immer wieder zu Vorbehalten seitens der Bauherren und zu Verzögerungen im Genehmigungsprozess. Ziel des FOSTA‐Projektes P804 war es daher, offene Fragen vor allen Dingen bezüglich des Ermüdungsverhaltens dieser innovativen Verbundmittel zu klären, ein geschlossenes Bemessungskonzept zu schaffen sowie eine offene, firmenneutrale Allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung (AbZ) zu erwirken. In diesem Artikel werden die Ingenieurmodelle und Bemessungsgleichungen der AbZ zur statischen Tragfähigkeit und zur Ermüdungsfestigkeit, konstruktive Grundsätze sowie Hinweise für die Ausführung und Herstellung vorgestellt und Hintergründe erläutert.Design of composite dowels according to the new national technical approval. Composite dowels are known as powerful shear connectors in steel‐concrete‐composite girders. More and more they are used in practice especially for prefabricated composite bridges. Advantages over other shear connectors are in particular the increased strength, the sufficient deformation capacity even in high strength concrete and the simple application in steel sections without upper flange. However, missing provisions in standards for composite dowels with the economic clothoid and puzzle shape have led to retentions of clients and delays in the approval process. Hence, the aim of the recently finished research project P804 founded by FOSTA‐Research Association for Steel Application was to solve open questions concerning these innovative shear connectors and to prepare a national technical approval available (Allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung – AbZ) for any design office and construction company. In this paper design concepts for ultimate limit state and fatigue limit state, structural design principles and instructions for production and construction are presented and background information are given.
Functional Cross-Talk Between the Cellular Prion Protein and the Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule is Critical for Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem/Precursor Cells
Authors: Prodromidou Kanella , Papastefanaki Florentia , Sklaviadis Theodoros , Matsas Rebecca 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrP) is prominently expressed in brain, in differentiated neurons but also in neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs). The misfolding of PrP is a central event in prion diseases, yet the physiological function of PrP is insufficiently understood. Although PrP has been reported to associate with the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), the consequences of concerted PrP-NCAM action in NPC physiology are unknown. Here, we generated NPCs from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of postnatal day 5 wild-type and PrP null (−/−) mice and observed that PrP is essential for proper NPC proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Moreover, we found that PrP is required for the NPC response to NCAM-induced neuronal differentiation. In the absence of PrP, NCAM not only fails to promote neuronal differentiation but also induces an accumulation of doublecortin-positive neuronal progenitors at the proliferation stage. In agreement, we noted an increase in cycling neuronal progenitors in the SVZ of PrP−/− mice compared with PrP+/+ mice, as evidenced by double labeling for the proliferation marker Ki67 and doublecortin as well as by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation experiments. Additionally, fewer newly born neurons were detected in the rostral migratory stream of PrP−/− mice. Analysis of the migration of SVZ cells in microexplant cultures from wild-type and PrP−/− mice revealed no differences between genotypes or a role for NCAM in this process. Our data demonstrate that PrP plays a critical role in neuronal differentiation of NPCs and suggest that this function is, at least in part, NCAM-dependent. Stem Cells 2014;32:1674–1687
Optimal scheduling and operation of battery/wind generation system in response to real‐time market prices
Authors: Nguyen Minh Y. , Yoon Yong Tae 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper addresses the scheduling and operation problem of a combined battery and wind generation system (BWGS) in real‐time market. The proposed operation scheme consists of two control mechanisms: (i) offline scheduling according to the estimation of the market prices and the stochastic information of wind generation, and (ii) online dispatching based on the updated system state in real time. The analysis in this paper is different from the previous studies by taking into account the expense of battery energy storage under a newly defined term: cost of lifetime losses (CLLs). Thus the optimal scheduling and operation of BWGS not only gives maximum profit to the owner but also avoids the abusive operation of the battery. The case study provides a comparison of the proposed operation scheme with other approaches. It is shown that the proposed scheme considering the CLLs can significantly change the optimal charging/discharging of battery energy storage, and the increase in profit obtained in this case is about 9%. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ameliorative stroke of selenium against toxicological effects of mercuric chloride in liver of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Authors: Kothari Suresh , Choughule Neha 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTMercury, a prevalent and unrelenting toxin, occurs in a variety of forms in freshwater as well as, in marine life. Mercury is an important inducer of oxidative stress in fish leading to formation of reactive oxygen species. Selenium is an essential micronutrient for animals and has antagonistic effect against mercuric toxicity in fishes. Present study has been made to evaluate toxic effect of HgCl2 (0.15 mg/L) on liver of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bl.). Protective ability of selenium has been investigated by simultaneous exposure of fish with sodium selenite (0.15 mg/L) along with mercuric chloride. For present study Fishes were divided into three groups of ten fishes each the first group served as control, while the second group fish were exposed to HgCl2. Animals of third group were treated with HgCl2 and Na2SeO3. Results reveal that mercury induced lipid peroxidation and in response to this, antioxidants reduced glutathione (GSH) and Catalase (CAT) were reduced whereas, Glutathione reductase (GR) level was enhanced. These antioxidants scavenge the reactive oxygen radicals. Hg induced histopathological damage and elevation in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and transaminases and reduction in protein and glucose contents were evidently seen in catfish liver. Intriguingly, results indicate that under stress of mercury, the fish actively generate oxidative stress and antioxidant responses, which can be used as biomarkers of pollution. Simultaneous exposure to Selenium along with Hg suppressed Hg uptake and lipid peroxidation. Histological architecture and all biochemical parameters were maintained near normal in the presence of selenium in liver of the catfish. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 927–936, 2015.
RNA biology and the adaptation of Cryptococcus neoformans to host temperature and stress
Authors: Bloom Amanda L. M. , Panepinto John C. 
Published: February 2014

Cryptococcus neoformans is an environmental fungus that can cause severe disease in humans. C. neoformans encounters a multitude of stresses within the human host to which it must adapt in order to survive and proliferate. Upon stressful changes in the external milieu, C. neoformans must reprogram its gene expression to properly respond to and combat stress in order to maintain homeostasis. Several studies have investigated the changes that occur in response to these stresses to begin to unravel the mechanisms of adaptation in this organism. Here, we review studies that have explored stress‐induced changes in gene expression with a focus on host temperature adaptation. We compare global messenger RNA (mRNA) expression data compiled from several studies and identify patterns that suggest that orchestrated, transient responses occur. We also utilize the available expression data to explore the possibility of a common stress response that may contribute to cellular protection against a variety of stresses in C. neoformans. In addition, we review studies that have revealed the significance of post‐transcriptional mechanisms of mRNA regulation in response to stress, and discuss how these processes may contribute to adaptation and virulence.This article is categorized under:

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms
RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity of Iron(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes Containing the Rigid Pentadentate Ligand PY5Me2
Authors: Xiang Jing , Li Hao , Wu Jia‐Shou 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe reactions of PY5Me2 with hydrated metal perchlorate salts [MII(ClO4)2] in CH3CN afforded two isostructural compounds [MII(PY5Me2)(CH3CN)](ClO4)2 in high yields [M = Fe (1), Ni (2)]. The crystal structure of 2 was determined by X‐ray crystallography. The catalytic activities of 1 and 2 towards the alcohol oxidation and C–H bond activation of organic substrates were studied. Initial experiments revealed that 1 was an active catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation and C–H bond activation of various substrates, whereas 2 was not. A FeIII species [FeIII(PY5Me2)(OH)]2+ was proposed as the active species for the catalytic reactions.