bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
External validation of the fatty liver index and lipid accumulation product indices, using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to identify hepatic steatosis in healthy controls and obese, insulin-resistant individuals
Authors: Cuthbertson Daniel J , Weickert Martin O , Lythgoe Daniel , Sprung Victoria S , Dobson Rebecca , Shoajee-Moradie Fariba , Umpleby Margot , Pfeiffer Andreas F H , Thomas E Louise , Bell Jimmy D , Jones Helen , Kemp Graham J 
Published: October 2014

Background and aimsSimple clinical algorithms including the fatty liver index (FLI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) have been developed as surrogate markers for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), constructed using (semi-quantitative) ultrasonography. This study aimed to validate FLI and LAP as measures of hepatic steatosis, as determined quantitatively by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS).MethodsData were collected from 168 patients with NAFLD and 168 controls who had undergone clinical, biochemical and anthropometric assessment. Values of FLI and LAP were determined and assessed both as predictors of the presence of hepatic steatosis (liver fat >5.5%) and of actual liver fat content, as measured by 1H-MRS. The discriminative ability of FLI and LAP was estimated using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC). As FLI can also be interpreted as a predictive probability of hepatic steatosis, we assessed how well calibrated it was in our cohort. Linear regression with prediction intervals was used to assess the ability of FLI and LAP to predict liver fat content. Further validation was provided in 54 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.ResultsFLI, LAP and alanine transferase discriminated between patients with and without steatosis with an AUROC of 0.79 (IQR=0.74, 0.84), 0.78 (IQR=0.72, 0.83) and 0.83 (IQR=0.79, 0.88) respectively although could not quantitatively predict liver fat. Additionally, the algorithms accurately matched the observed percentages of patients with hepatic steatosis in our cohort.ConclusionsFLI and LAP may be used to identify patients with hepatic steatosis clinically or for research purposes but could not predict liver fat content.
Quantitative Genetic Analysis Indicates Natural Selection on Leaf Phenotypes Across Wild Tomato Species (Solanumsect.Lycopersicon; Solanaceae)
Authors: Muir Christopher D , Pease James B , Moyle Leonie C 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAdaptive evolution requires both raw genetic material and an accessible path of high fitness from one fitness peak to another. In this study, we used an introgression line (IL) population to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for leaf traits thought to be associated with adaptation to precipitation in wild tomatoes (Solanum sect. Lycopersicon; Solanaceae). A QTL sign test showed that several traits likely evolved under directional natural selection. Leaf traits correlated across species do not share a common genetic basis, consistent with a scenario in which selection maintains trait covariation unconstrained by pleiotropy or linkage disequilibrium. Two large effect QTL for stomatal distribution colocalized with key genes in the stomatal development pathway, suggesting promising candidates for the molecular bases of adaptation in these species. Furthermore, macroevolutionary transitions between vastly different stomatal distributions may not be constrained when such large-effect mutations are available. Finally, genetic correlations between stomatal traits measured in this study and data on carbon isotope discrimination from the same ILs support a functional hypothesis that the distribution of stomata affects the resistance to CO2 diffusion inside the leaf, a trait implicated in climatic adaptation in wild tomatoes. Along with evidence from previous comparative and experimental studies, this analysis indicates that leaf traits are an important component of climatic niche adaptation in wild tomatoes and demonstrates that some trait transitions between species could have involved few, large-effect genetic changes, allowing rapid responses to new environmental conditions.
Developmental Defects in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model for Type III Galactosemia
Authors: Brokate-Llanos Ana M , Monje José M , Murdoch Piedad del Socorro , Muñoz Manuel J 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Type III galactosemia is a metabolic disorder caused by reduced activity of UDP-galactose-4-epimerase, which participates in galactose metabolism and the generation of various UDP-sugar species. We characterized gale-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans and found that a complete loss-of-function mutation is lethal, as has been hypothesized for humans, whereas a nonlethal partial loss-of-function allele causes a variety of developmental abnormalities, likely resulting from the impairment of the glycosylation process. We also observed that gale-1 mutants are hypersensitive to galactose as well as to infections. Interestingly, we found interactions between gale-1 and the unfolded protein response.
F‐Spondin Inhibits Differentiation of Clastic Precursors via Lipoprotein Receptor–Related Protein 8 (LRP8)
Authors: Oka Hiroko , Kitagawa Masae , Takata Takashi 
Published: October 2014

Background: F‐spondin, known to be a secreted neuronal glycoprotein, is highly expressed on the tooth root surface. The authors previously reported that F‐spondin is one of the specific markers of cementoblasts in periodontal tissue. In chronic periodontitis, significant cemental resorption rarely occurs on the root side, although alveolar bone resorption by osteoclasts is one of the major pathologic changes. Thus, it was hypothesized that secretory F‐spondin from cementoblasts might be involved in differentiation of clastic cells on the root surface. The authors studied effects of secretory F‐spondin from F‐spondin–expressing cells and its pathway on receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐mediated differentiation of clastic cells.Methods: Osteoclast precursors were used in this study. With a chamber assay, the authors examined effects of secretory molecules from F‐spondin–expressing cells of transgenic mice on RANKL‐induced clastic cell differentiation.Results: Secretory molecules from F‐spondin–overexpressing cells significantly inhibited the RANKL‐mediated tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive cells from primary progenitor cells with the chamber system. F‐spondin suppressed RANKL‐mediated nuclear factor of activated T‐cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1); TRAP; cathepsin K; and dendritic cell–specific transmembrane protein (DC‐STAMP) expression in the cells. The suppressive effect of F‐spondin on RANKL‐induced differentiation of clastic cells was partially blocked by knockdown of low‐density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 8 (LRP8).Conclusions: These findings indicate that secretory factors from F‐spondin–expressing cells, including F‐spondin, downregulate differentiation of clastic precursors. Moreover, F‐spondin inhibits RANKL‐mediated differentiation of clastic cells partially via LRP8. It is suggested that secretory F‐spondin may act protectively from cemental resorption partially via LRP8 in periodontal tissue.
Quantitative Assessment of the Associations Between Interleukin‐8 Polymorphisms and Periodontitis Susceptibility
Authors: Chen Xing , Huang Jinping , Zhong Liangjun , Ding Cheng 
Published: October 2014

Background: This review assesses the associations of interleukin‐8 gene (IL‐8) −251A/T (rs4073) and −845T/C (rs2227532) polymorphisms with susceptibility to periodontitis.Methods: Several electronic databases were searched for eligible articles. Twelve studies involving 2,233 cases and 2,655 controls were retrieved and analyzed. Odds ratios (ORs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of relationship between the IL‐8 polymorphisms and periodontitis risk.Results: No significant association was found for IL‐8 −251A/T polymorphism with periodontitis in the overall analysis and stratification by periodontitis type and smoking status. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity revealed that −251A/T T allele and TT genotype were associated with decreased risk of periodontitis in a Brazilian mixed population (T allele versus A allele: OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.94, Pheterogeneity = 0.30; TT versus AA: OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.93, Pheterogeneity = 0.39; TT versus AA/AT: OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.98, Pheterogeneity = 0.01). In addition, −251A/T T allele was associated with increased periodontitis risk in Asians. Pooled estimates showed that the −845T/C polymorphism was associated with periodontitis susceptibility in overall analysis and the chronic periodontitis subgroup. In addition, marginal associations were observed between −845T/C polymorphism and periodontitis in a Brazilian mixed population. Moreover, this association was also confirmed to be significant in Brazilian non‐smokers.Conclusion: This meta‐analysis indicated that both IL‐8 −251A/T and −845T/C polymorphisms may be involved in the development of periodontitis in a Brazilian mixed population, whereas the −251A/T allele T appeared to be a risk factor for periodontitis in Asians.
Distal Femoral Subchondral Metastasis Mistaken for an Insufficiency Fracture and Treated with Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Born Trevor R. , Rose Peter S. , Mabry Tad M. 
Published: October 2014

Case:
A seventy-three-year-old woman who had been given the tentative diagnosis of spontaneous osteonecrosis presented to our clinic for a second opinion. Additional imaging and evaluation revealed the lesion to be a subchondral metastasis consistent with breast cancer. She received proper oncologic treatment and subsequent total knee arthroplasty.

Conclusion:
Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of the possibility of metastatic disease manifesting itself in the form of an isolated subchondral lesion about the knee. For patients with such lesions, treatment in the form of total knee arthroplasty is a viable option that can provide excellent pain relief and function.
Optimal Information Asymmetry, Control Environment, and Investment in Firm-Specific Human Capital
Authors: Brisley Neil , Douglas Alan V. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT
When future operations are expected to provide information rents, managers concerned with being replaced can entrench themselves with value-increasing firm-specific human capital (SHC). In motivating SHC investment, the firm trades off the incentive effects of an ex ante commitment to asymmetric information against the costs of compensation rents and private benefits.
Firm value, therefore, is affected by (1) the accuracy with which the board observes and interprets information, and (2) the strength of the control environment restricting the manager's ability to benefit from concealing and diverting firm value. It is optimal to maintain a partially informed board to the mutual benefit of shareholders and managers, and for firms in a stricter control environment to maintain a more informed board. Due to the indirect effect on SHC, regulations that strengthen control adversely affect firm value unless the information and control environments are sufficiently biased toward managerial preferences.
JEL Classifications: G30; G38; M12; M48.
The Consequences of Hiring Lower-Wage Workers in an Incomplete-Contract Environment
Authors: Brown Jason L. , Martin Patrick R. , Moser Donald V. , Weber Roberto A. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT
Firms frequently attempt to increase profits by replacing some existing workers with new lower-wage workers. However, this strategy may be ineffective in an incomplete-contract environment because the new workers may provide lower effort in response to their lower wages, and hiring new lower-wage workers may damage the remaining original workers' reciprocal relationship with the firm. We conduct an experiment to examine this issue and find that when new lower-wage workers become available, firms hire them to replace original higher-wage workers and pay the new workers lower wages. However, these lower wages do not improve firm profit because the decision to hire new lower-wage workers causes both the new and remaining workers to provide lower effort. Moreover, hiring lower-wage workers reduces new workers' payoffs and, thus, decreases social welfare. These unintended consequences suggest that firms should consider both the wage savings and the potential costs when deciding whether to replace some workers with new lower-wage workers. We discuss the implications of our findings for contract design, hiring practices, and managerial accountants.
Selection Benefits of Stock-Based Compensation for the Rank-and-File
Authors: Hales Jeffrey , Wang Laura W. , Williamson Michael G. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT
We investigate a potential selection benefit of stock-based compensation for rank-and-file employees, whose pay under this compensation form is insensitive to their individual efforts. We use a laboratory experiment to demonstrate that individuals with higher levels of dispositional optimism are more likely to choose compensation that is contingent on a company's future stock price than to choose fixed pay, even after controlling for the individual's risk preferences. Furthermore, compared to participants selecting fixed pay, those selecting stock-based compensation also perform better on a challenging problem-solving task, a result that we show is due to their higher levels of dispositional optimism. Collectively, we demonstrate that stock-based compensation can have productivity-enhancing effects, even if stock prices are completely insensitive to individual efforts. In doing so, we provide a partial explanation for the puzzling prevalence of stock-based compensation plans at the rank-and-file level and contribute to the broader contract-selection literature.
Effect of posterior impaction and setback of the maxilla on retropalatal airway and velopharyngeal dimensions after two-jaw surgery in skeletal Class III patients
Authors: Kim Taeyun , Baek Seung-Hak , Choi Jin-Young 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To evaluate the changes in retropalatal airway and velopharyngeal dimensions after posterior impaction (PI) only or PI and setback (PI/SB) of the maxilla in patients with skeletal Class III undergoing two-jaw surgery.

Materials and Methods:
Subjects consisted of 60 Class III patients treated with two-jaw surgery. They were divided into two groups: group 1 (n  = 30; PI of the maxilla; mean  =  2.6 mm) and group 2 (n = 30; PI/SB of the maxilla; mean  =  2.8 mm and 1.8 mm, respectively). Using three dimensional computed tomography images taken 1month before surgery (T0) and at least 6 months after surgery (T1), retropalatal airway volume, minimum cross-sectional area, and lateral and anteroposterior (AP) dimensions of minimum cross-sectional area, soft palate angle, soft palate length, and pharyngeal depth were measured. A paired t-test and independent t-test were used for statistical analysis.

Results:
Group 1 showed increase in retropalatal airway volume and minimum cross-sectional area (P &lt; .01 and P &lt; .05, respectively). Group 2 exhibited decrease in retropalatal airway volume, minimum cross-sectional area, and lateral and AP dimensions of minimum cross-sectional area (all P &lt; .01). Although groups 1 and 2 showed an increase in soft palate length (P &lt; .01 and P &lt; .001, respectively), pharyngeal depth significantly increased only in group 1 (P &lt; .01). Groups 1 and 2 were significantly different in retropalatal airway volume, minimum cross-sectional area, and AP dimension (P &lt; .05, P &lt; .001, and P &lt; .05, respectively).

Conclusion:
Because the direction of surgical movement in the maxilla can determine the changes in the retropalatal airway and velopharyngeal dimensions, it is recommended that clinicians investigate whether patients suffer from sleep-related breathing disorders before performing PI/SB of the maxilla.
Four-year Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Clinical Performance of a Glass Ionomer Restorative System
Authors: Gurgan S , Kutuk ZB , Ergin E , Oztas SS , Cakir FY 
Published: October 2014

SUMMARY

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a glass ionomer restorative system compared with a microfilled hybrid posterior composite in a four-year randomized clinical trial.

Methods
A total of 140 (80 Class 1 and 60 Class 2) lesions in 59 patients were either restored with a glass ionomer restorative system (Equia, GC, Tokyo, Japan), which was a combination of a packable glass ionomer (Equia Fil, GC) and a self-adhesive nanofilled coating (Equia Coat, GC), or with a microfilled hybrid composite (Gradia Direct Posterior, GC) in combination with a self-etch adhesive (G-Bond, GC) by two experienced operators according to the manufacturer's instructions. Two independent examiners evaluated the restorations at baseline and at one, two, three, and four years postrestoration according to the modified US Public Health Service criteria. Polyvinyl siloxane impression negative replicas at each recall were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate surface characteristics. The statistical analyses were carried out with McNemar, Pearson Chi-square, and Cochran Q- tests (p&lt;0.05).

Results
After four years, 126 (76 Class 1 and 50 Class 2) restorations were evaluated in 52 patients, with a recall rate of 88.1%. None of the restorations showed trends to downgrade in anatomical form, secondary caries, surface texture, postoperative sensitivity, and color match (p&gt;0.05). Significant differences in marginal adaptation and discoloration were found at four years compared to baseline for both restorative materials for Class 1 and Class 2 restorations (p&lt;0.05). Only one Class 2 Equia restoration was missing at three years (3.9%), and another one was missing at four years (7.7%) (p&gt;0.05). SEM evaluations were in accordance with the clinical findings.

Conclusions
The use of both materials for the restoration of posterior teeth exhibited a similar and clinically successful performance after four years.
Design, Synthesis and Pharmacological Screening of β-Amino-, Thiadiazole/Thiadiazine-Phosphonate Based Triazole Motifs as Antimicrobial/Cytotoxic Agents
Authors: Abdou Wafaa M. , Ganoub Neven A. , Sabry Eman 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Three different series of phosphonate derivatives, b-aminoand fused thiadiazolo/thiadiazine-phosphonates have been synthesized using the addition and/or addition-cyclization protocol of Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) reagents to 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols. The design of potentially antimicrobial and anticancer phosphor esters relied on the results of computer-assisted molecular modeling. All synthesized phosphonates were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activities while anticancer properties were determined for eight out of twenty new phosphonates. The tested phosphonates, except for compounds that have a nitrile moiety, exhibited moderate to significant antimicrobial activity. Nevertheless, the most active compounds were fused thiadiazole-phosphonates, which inhibited the growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria better than b-aminophosphonates and fused thiadiazolophosphonates. In parallel, the antitumor activity screenings of selected phosphonates from each series and substrate 1 were also done. Their antitumor properties against ten carcinoma cell lines, including breast (MCF7, MDA-MB- 231/ ATCC, MDA-MB-435, BT-549), ovarian (IGROVI, OVCAR-3, SK-OV-3), prostate (PX-3, PU-145), and liver (HEPG2), were investigated. The results showed that all synthesized compounds reflected remarkable antitumor activity against breast (especially MDA-MB-231/ATCC and BT-549), and prostate carcinoma cell lines (PC-3 and DU-145), whereas a moderate to good effect on ovarian and liver cancer cells was observed.
Potential of the Essential Oil from Pimenta Pseudocaryophyllus as an Antimicrobial Agent
Authors: Suzuki Érika Yoko , Baptista Edilene Bolutari , Resende Do Carmo Antônio Márcio , Miranda Chaves Maria Das Graças Afonso , Chicourel Elizabeth Lemos , Barbosa Raposo Nádia Rezende 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the essential oil of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus in inhibiting the growth of the main bacteria responsible for bad perspiration odor (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus hauseri, Micrococcus yunnanensis and Corynebacterium xerosis). The chemical profile of the essential oil was evaluated by high-resolution gas chromatography (HR-GC) and four constituents were identified, eugenol being the major component (88.6 %). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by means of the turbidimetric method, using the microdilution assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the essential oil ranged from 500 to 1,000 μg mL-1. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations confirmed the physical damage and morphological alteration of the test bacteria treated with the essential oil, reference drugs and eugenol. The findings of the study demonstrated that this essential oil can be used in the formulation of personal care products.
Antioxidative Activity and Inhibition of Key Enzymes Linked to Type-2 Diabetes (α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase) by Khaya Senegalensis
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed Auwal , Koorbanally Neil Anthony , Islam Md. Shahidul 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidative activity of Khaya senegalensis extracts and inhibitory effects of some solvent fractions on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. The stem bark, root and leaf samples of the plant were sequentially extracted with ethyl acetate, ethanol and water and then tested for antioxidative activity. Our findings revealed that the ethanolic extract of the root had the highest antioxidative activity. Solvent-solvent fractionation of the root ethanolic extract yielded a butanol fraction that showed higher antioxidative activity than other fractions. Furthermore, the butanol fraction had significantly higher (p < 0.05) α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 2.89 ± 0.46 and 97.51 ± 5.72 μg mL-1, respectively. Enzyme kinetic studies indicated that the butanol fraction is a non-competitive inhibitor for α-glucosidase with an inhibition binding constant Ki of 1.30 μg mL-1 and a competitive inhibitor of α-amylase with a Ki of 7.50 μg mL-1. GC-MS analysis revealed that the butanol fraction contained two chromones, p-anilinophenol and 3-ethyl-5-(3- ethyl-(3H)-benzothiazol-2-ylidene)-2-(p-tolylvinylamino)- 4-thiazolidinone. Data obtained in the study suggest that the butanol fraction derived from the ethanolic extract of K. senegalensis root possessed excellent antioxidative as well as α-glucosidase and a-amylase inhibitory activities while chromones and/or p-anilinophenol could be the main bioactive compounds responsible for the observed activities.
Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Coreopsis Tinctoria Nuff. and Optimisation of Isolation by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Lan Shumin , Lin Jingming , Zheng Ni 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the antioxidant activity of Coreopsis tinctoria flowering tops (CTFT). Studies were conducted to obtain suitable extraction conditions for chlorogenic acid, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin and kaempferol, which were identified and quantified by HPLC. Response surface methodology was employed to optimise the ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions including extraction time, ethanol concentration and liquid-solid ratio. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was analysed using various antioxidant models, such as DPPH, ABTS and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. CTFT extracted for 15.0 min with ethanol at a concentration of 60.4 % and with liquidsolid ratio 27.5:1 possessed a considerable amounts of total flavonoids and polyphenols (18.9 %). This extract showed higher scavenging activity of ABTS and hydroxyl radical activity than rutin, however not in the DPPH test. We may assume that CTFT possess antioxidant and free radical scavenging potentials.