bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Paraoxonase 1 Gene Polymorphism and Enzyme Activity With Carotid Plaque in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Charles‐Schoeman Christina , Lee Yuen Yin , Shahbazian Ani , Gorn Alan H. , FitzGerald John , Ranganath Veena K. , Taylor Mihaela , Ragavendra Nagesh , McMahon Maureen , Elashoff David , Reddy Srinivasa T. 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship of genetic and biochemical determinants of paraoxonase 1 activity to carotid plaque as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThe relationships between paraoxonase 1 activity, PON1 genotype (for the functional polymorphism at position 192), and carotid plaque presence were determined in 168 RA patients. After an overnight fast, blood was collected for lipoprotein analysis, and paraoxonase 1 activity was measured using paraoxon as the substrate. The PON1 Q192R genotype was determined for all patients. Lipoprotein cholesterol levels, traditional CV risk factors, medication use, and RA disease characteristics were assessed for all patients.ResultsParaoxonase 1 activity values in the RA patients were highest for the RR genotype, intermediate for the QR genotype, and lowest for the QQ genotype (P < 0.0001). Compared to patients with either the QQ genotype or the QR genotype, patients with the RR genotype demonstrated decreased risk of carotid plaque on multivariate analysis, controlling for traditional CV risk factors, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels, prednisone use, and cholesterol‐lowering medication use (P < 0.05). Additional multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for the above factors also revealed a significant association of plasma paraoxonase 1 activity with carotid plaque in RA patients. Lower plasma paraoxonase 1 activity was associated with increased risk of carotid plaque (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe current findings suggest a relationship of the genetic determinants and activity of paraoxonase 1 to CV risk in RA patients, as assessed by the presence or absence of carotid plaque. Further CV outcome studies are warranted to validate the utility of paraoxonase 1 as a biomarker of CV risk in patients with RA.
Trial and error method for optimal tradable credit schemes: The network case
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Yang Hai , Han Deren , Liu Wei 
Published: August 2013

SUMMARYRecent studies on the new congestion reduction method―tradable credit scheme rely on the full information of speed‐flow relationship, demand function, and generalized cost. As analytical travel demand, functions are difficult to establish in practice. This paper develops a trial and error method for selecting optimal credit schemes for general networks in the absence of demand functions. After each trial of tradable credit scheme, the credit charging scheme and total amount of credits to be distributed are updated by both observed link flows at traffic equilibrium and revealed credit price at market equilibrium. The updating strategy is based on the method of successive averages and its convergence is established theoretically. Our numerical experiments demonstrate that the method of successive averages based trial and error method for tradable credit schemes has a lower convergence speed in comparison with its counterpart for congestion pricing and could be enhanced by exploring more efficient methods that make full use of credit price information. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of calcium alginate on peripheral nerve regeneration: In vivo study
Authors: Szarek Dariusz , Marycz Krzysztof , Bednarz Paulina , Tabakow Paweł , Jarmundowicz Włodzimierz , Laska Jadwiga 
Published: August 2013

AbstractRecently, we described the influence of sodium alginate on the inflammatory infiltrate during neuroregeneration in tube nerve grafts. It was noticeable that there was the coexistence of inflammatory cells, including neutrophils, plasma cells, and macrophages with Schwann cells and axons. This may indicate a beneficial interaction between alginates and the infiltrate and the additional beneficial effect of the cells on the neuroregeneration process in the inflammatory infiltrates. In this study, we have performed in vivo evaluation of our novel tubular implant prepared by a polyurethane/polylactide blend filled with alginate fibers. The influence of filling the lumen of the tubes with sodium and calcium alginates on the regeneration process of the rat sciatic nerve was investigated. The neuroregeneration process was assessed by detailed histomorphometric studies, axon counting, and calculating the regenerative indexes. It was observed that calcium alginate had a supportive effect on nerve regeneration similar to nerve autotransplant.
Re‐engineering the μ‐conotoxin SIIIA scaffold
Authors: Akondi K. B. , Lewis R. J. , Alewood P. F. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTVoltage‐gated sodium (Nav) channels are responsible for generation and propagation of action potentials throughout the nervous system. Their malfunction causes several disorders and chronic conditions including neuropathic pain. Potent subtype specific ligands are essential for deciphering the molecular mechanisms of Nav channel function and development of effective therapeutics. µ‐Conotoxin SIIIA is a potent mammalian Nav1.2 channel blocker that exhibits analgesic activity in rodents. We undertook to reengineer loop 1 through a strategy involving charge alterations and truncations which led to the development of µ‐SIIIA mimetics with novel selectivity profiles. A novel [N5K/D15A]SIIIA(3–20) mutant with enhanced net positive charge showed a dramatic increase in its Nav1.2 potency (IC50 of 0.5 nM vs. 9.6 nM for native SIIIA) though further truncations led to loss of potency. Unexpectedly, it appears that SIIIA loop 1 significantly influences its Nav channel interactions despite loop 2 and 3 residues constituting the pharmacophore. This minimal functional conotoxin scaffold may allow further development of selective NaV blockers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 347–354, 2014.
Molecular and Crystal Structure Diversity, and Physical Properties of Tetrathiafulvalene Derivatives Substituted with Various Aryl Groups through Sulfur Bridges
Authors: Sun Jibin , Lu Xiaofeng , Shao Jiafeng , Li Xuexiang , Zhang Shangxi , Wang Baolin , Zhao Jinlian , Shao Yongliang , Fang Ran , Wang Zhaohui , Yu Wei , Shao Xiangfeng 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA library of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivatives (TTF‐1–TTF‐47) bearing aryl groups attached through sulfur bridges has been created. The peripheral aryl groups exert a significant influence on both the electronic and crystallographic properties of the resulting TTFs. These TTFs display broad absorption bands at 400–500 nm caused by intramolecular charge‐transfer transitions between the aryl groups and central TTF core, and their first redox potentials increase with increasing electron‐withdrawing ability of the aryl groups. In their crystal structures (22 examples), the central TTF cores adopt various conformations, including chair, half‐chair, boat, and planar conformations. Moreover, the peripheral aryl groups exhibit multiple alignment modes with respect to the central TTF core, caused by their rotation about the two CS bonds of the sulfur bridges. The packing motifs of these TTFs depend on both the nature of the aryl groups and their spatial alignment modes. Driven by intermolecular van der Waals forces and π–π interactions between the aryl groups and between the aryl groups and the TTF core, these TTFs adopt various packing structures. As a typical example, TTF‐14, an achiral molecule, adopts a helical chain stack through intermolecular atomic close contacts. Moreover, the molecular geometries and packing motifs of these TTFs are sensitive to environmental variation, as exemplified by TTF‐28, which adopts three distinct crystal modifications with diverse molecular geometries and stacking modes under different crystallization conditions. This work indicates that these TTFs are potential candidates as electronic materials, as well as functional building blocks for supramolecular assembly.
Prognostic value of rapid response to enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy in a routine clinic sample of eating disorder outpatients
Authors: Raykos Bronwyn C. , Watson Hunna J. , Fursland Anthea , Byrne Susan M. , Nathan Paula 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study examined whether rapid response to enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT‐E) was associated with superior treatment outcomes in a transdiagnostic sample of patients with an eating disorder.MethodParticipants were 105 patients with a primary eating disorder diagnosis who received individual CBT‐E at a community‐based outpatient clinic. Patients completed measures of eating disorder and related pathology at baseline and post‐treatment. The Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) was administered at baseline and again, on average, 4.6 weeks after commencing treatment to assess rapid response to CBT‐E. Patients achieving reliable change on the EDE‐Q at this point were classified as rapid responders.ResultsNo baseline differences distinguished rapid and nonrapid responders. Rapid responders had significantly lower scores on EDE‐Q global at post‐treatment, were more likely to achieve full remission, and required significantly fewer treatment sessions than nonrapid responders. One‐quarter of the nonrapid responders went on to achieve full remission. There were no group differences on measures of anxiety and depression symptoms at the end of treatment.DiscussionEarly change in treatment is encouraged to achieve the best possible prognosis in CBT‐E. Those who did not achieve rapid response still had an overall significant improvement in symptoms from pretreatment to post‐treatment, but a lower rate of full remission. Nonrapid responders are an important group of patients to study because they offer researchers an opportunity to improve clinical decision‐making and treatment outcomes for patients who are at risk of suboptimal response. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2013; 46:764–770)
Head and neck fascia and compartments: No space for spaces
Authors: Guidera Alice K. , Dawes Patrick J. D. , Fong Amy , Stringer Mark D. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAn accurate understanding of the arrangement of cervical fascia and its associated compartments is essential for differential diagnosis, predicting the spread of disease, and surgical management. The purpose of this detailed review is to summarize the anatomic, clinical, and radiological literature to determine what is known about the arrangement of cervical fascia and to highlight controversies and consensus. The current terminology used to describe cervical fascia and compartments is replete with confusing synonyms and inconsistencies, creating important interdisciplinary differences in understanding. The term “spaces” is inappropriate. A modified nomenclature underpinned by evidence‐based anatomic and radiologic findings is proposed. This should not only enhance our understanding of cervical anatomy but also facilitate clearer interdisciplinary communication. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1058–1068, 2014
Predicted no effect concentration derivation as a significant source of variability in environmental hazard assessments of chemicals in aquatic systems: An international analysis
Authors: Hahn Thorsten , Diamond Jerry , Dobson Stuart , Howe Paul , Kielhorn Janet , Koennecker Gustav , Lee-Steere Chris , Mangelsdorf Inge , Schneider Uwe , Sugaya Yoshio , Taylor Ken , Dam Rick Van , Stauber Jenny L 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Environmental hazard assessments for chemicals are carried out to define an environmentally “safe” level at which, theoretically, the chemical will not negatively affect any exposed biota. Despite this common goal, the methodologies in use are very diverse across different countries and jurisdictions. This becomes particularly obvious when international scientists work together on documents with global scope, e.g., in the World Health Organization (WHO) International Program on Chemical Safety. In this article, we present a study that describes the extent of such variability and analyze the reasons that lead to different outcomes in deriving a “safe level” (termed the predicted no effect concentration [PNEC] throughout this article). For this purpose, we chose 5 chemicals to represent well-known substances for which sufficient high-quality aquatic effects data were available: ethylene glycol, trichloroethylene, nonylphenol, hexachlorobenzene, and copper (Cu). From these data, 2 data sets for each chemical were compiled: the full data set, that contained all information from selected peer-review sources, and the base data set, a subsample of the full set simulating limited data. Scientists from the European Union (EU), United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia independently carried out hazard assessments for each of these chemicals using the same data sets. Their reasoning for key study selection, use of assessment factors, or use of probabilistic methods was comprehensively documented. The observed variation in the PNECs for all chemicals was up to 3 orders of magnitude, and this was not simply due to obvious factors such as the size of the data set or the methodology used. Rather, this was due to individual decisions of the assessors within the scope of the methodology used, especially key study selection, acute versus chronic definitions, and size of assessment factors. Awareness of these factors, together with transparency of the decision-making process, would be necessary to minimize confusion and uncertainty related to different hazard assessment outcomes, particularly in international documents. The development of a “guideline on transparency in decision-making” ensuring the decision-making process is science-based, understandable, and transparent, may therefore be a promising way forward. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2014;10:30–36. © 2013 SETAC
Using sparse dose–response data for wildlife risk assessment
Authors: Hill Ryan A , Pyper Brian J , Lawrence Gary S , Mann Gary S , Allard Patrick , Mackintosh Cheryl E , Healey Norm , Dwyer James , Trowell Jennifer 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Hazard quotients based on a point-estimate comparison of exposure to a toxicity reference value (TRV) are commonly used to characterize risks for wildlife. Quotients may be appropriate for screening-level assessments but should be avoided in detailed assessments, because they provide little insight regarding the likely magnitude of effects and associated uncertainty. To better characterize risks to wildlife and support more informed decision making, practitioners should make full use of available dose–response data. First, relevant studies should be compiled and data extracted. Data extractions are not trivial—practitioners must evaluate the potential use of each study or its components, extract numerous variables, and in some cases, calculate variables of interest. Second, plots should be used to thoroughly explore the data, especially in the range of doses relevant to a given risk assessment. Plots should be used to understand variation in dose–response among studies, species, and other factors. Finally, quantitative dose–response models should be considered if they are likely to provide an improved basis for decision making. The most common dose–response models are simple models for data from a particular study for a particular species, using generalized linear models or other models appropriate for a given endpoint. Although simple models work well in some instances, they generally do not reflect the full breadth of information in a dose–response data set, because they apply only for particular studies, species, and endpoints. More advanced models are available that explicitly account for variation among studies and species, or that standardize multiple endpoints to a common response variable. Application of these models may be useful in some cases when data are abundant, but there are challenges to implementing and interpreting such models when data are sparse. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2014;10:3–11. © 2013 SETAC
Selecting surrogate endpoints for estimating pesticide effects on avian reproductive success
Authors: Bennett Richard S , Etterson Matthew A 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
A Markov chain nest productivity model (MCnest) has been developed for projecting the effects of a specific pesticide-use scenario on the annual reproductive success of avian species of concern. A critical element in MCnest is the use of surrogate endpoints, defined as measured endpoints from avian toxicity tests that represent specific types of effects possible in field populations at specific phases of a nesting attempt. In this article, we discuss the attributes of surrogate endpoints and provide guidance for selecting surrogates from existing avian laboratory tests as well as other possible sources. We also discuss some of the assumptions and uncertainties related to using surrogate endpoints to represent field effects. The process of explicitly considering how toxicity test results can be used to assess effects in the field helps identify uncertainties and data gaps that could be targeted in higher-tier risk assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;9:600–609. © 2013 SETAC
Adhesive protein‐free synthetic hydrogels for retinal pigment epithelium cell culture with low ROS level
Authors: Chen Yong Mei , Liu Zhen Qi , Feng Zhi Hui , Xu Feng , Liu Jian Kang 
Published: August 2013

AbstractEngineering of human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell monolayer with low level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is important for regenerative RPE‐based therapies. However, it is still challenging to culture RPE monolayer with low ROS level on soft substratesin vitro. To address this, we developed cytocompatible hydrogels to culture human RPE cell monolayer for future use in regenerative RPE‐based therapies. The cell adhesion, proliferation, monolayer formation, morphology, survival, and ROS level of human ARPE‐19 cells cultured on the surfaces of negatively charged poly (2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl propane sulfonic sodium) (PNaAMPS) and neutral poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) (PDMAAm) hydrogels with different stiffness were investigated. The importance of hydrogel stiffness on the cell function was firstly highlighted on the base of determined optimal Young's modulus for cultivation of RPE cell monolayer with relatively low ROS level. The construction of RPE cell monolayer with low ROS level on the PNaAMPS hydrogel may hold great potential as promising candidates for transplantation of RPE cell monolayer‐hydrogel construct into the subretinal space to repair retinal functions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2258–2267, 2014.
Polar motion excitations for an Earth model with frequency‐dependent responses: 1. A refined theory with insight into the Earth's rheology and core‐mantle coupling
Authors: Chen Wei , Ray Jim , Li JianCheng , Huang ChengLi , Shen WenBin 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis study aims to improve the polar motion theory by developing refined frequency‐dependent transfer functions with the most current models for ocean tides, the Earth's rheology, and core‐mantle coupling. First, we present a power law for mantle anelasticity constrained by the Chandler period TCW and quality factor QCW and an empirical quasi‐fluid rheology model with a linear dependence on frequency, which is suitable for a period as long as ~18.6 years. Then we adopt the diurnal ocean tides from the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service Conventions (2010), the long‐period ocean model of Dickman and Gross (2010), and the equilibrium ocean pole tide model of Desai (2002) to calculate the oceanic corrections to the Love numbers. Further, we present discussions on the geophysical and observational aspects of the Chandler period TCW and quality factor QCW, and provide preferred values and intervals for TCW and QCW, which allow us to place some constraints on the mantle anelasticity and core‐mantle coupling ratio ηCW. Although ηCW is affected by uncertainties in TCW and QCW, we find its real part should be around 2%–3% while its imaginary part might be only a few thousandths. Finally, the frequency‐dependent polar motion transfer functions T L and T NL are determined based on the models of frequency‐dependent Love numbers and core‐mantle coupling discussed above. Our transfer functions are related to the values of TCW and QCW, however, our analyses demonstrate that our transfer functions are rather stable and not sensitive to perturbations in TCW and QCW.
Bathymetry and geological structures beneath the Ross Ice Shelf at the mouth of Whillans Ice Stream, West Antarctica, modeled from ground‐based gravity measurements
Authors: Muto Atsuhiro , Christianson Knut , Horgan Huw J. , Anandakrishnan Sridhar , Alley Richard B. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractNew gravity data reveal important geologic controls on the location and behavior of the grounding zone of Whillans Ice Stream (WIS), West Antarctica. Grounding zones of ice sheets and contiguous ice shelves are important for understanding ice sheet dynamics, as key processes that influence the grounded ice and its discharge into the ocean occur in these regions. Here, we model the bathymetry and shallow geological structures beneath the Ross Ice Shelf in an embayment of the WIS grounding zone using gravity data collected on the ground, in conjunction with seismic and radar data. We find that the region of shallow ocean water (<~50 m) is extensive; oceanographic models suggest that grounding zones exhibiting thin ocean cavities with gently sloping ice‐ocean interfaces are likely to be tidally well mixed, leading to slower basal melting than would occur in a thicker, stratified water column. Beneath the ocean water column, we model a fault and a sedimentary basin in a half‐graben, filled with two layers of sediments. The total thickness of the sediment layer is 900 to 1250 m in the half‐graben, and 600 to 800 m on the upthrown block, and the basement depth is no more than 2000 m. We observe that the upper, softer sediment is thinnest near the modern grounding line and may possibly pinch out near our grid, and that the modeled fault is roughly parallel to part the grounding. We therefore hypothesize that the WIS grounding line stabilized in its current location in part due to the subglacial geology.