bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amino Acid, Organic Acid, and Sugar Profiles of 3 Dry Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties
Authors: John K.M. Maria , Luthria Devanand 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this study, we compared the amino acid, organic acid and sugar profiles of 3 different varieties of dry beans (black bean [BB], dark red bean [DRB], and cranberry bean [CB]). The efficiency of the 2 commonly used extraction solvents (water and methanol:chloroform:water [2.5:1:1, v/v/v/]) for cultivar differentiation based on their metabolic profile was also investigated. The results showed that the BB contained the highest concentration of amino acids followed by DRB and CB samples. Phenylalanine, a precursor for the biosynthesis of phenolic secondary metabolites was detected at low concentration in CB samples and correlated with the reduced anthocyanins content in CB extract as documented in the published literature. Comparing the extractability of 2 extraction solvents, methanol:chloroform:water (2.5:1:1, v/v/v/) showed higher recoveries of amino acids from 3 beans, whereas, sugars were extracted in higher concentration with water. Analytically, gas chromatography detected sugars (9), amino acids (11), and organic acids (3) in a single run after derivatization of the extracts. In comparison, ion chromatography detected only sugars in a single run without any derivatization step with the tested procedure. Bean samples are better differentiated by the sugar content extracted with water as compared to the aqueous organic solvent extracts using partial least‐square discriminant analysis.
Microbiological Quality of Raw Dried Pasta from the German Market, with Special Emphasis on Cronobacter Species
Authors: Akineden Ömer , Murata Kristina Johanna , Gross Madeleine , Usleber Ewald 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe microbiological quality of 132 dried pasta products available on the German market, originating from 11 different countries, was studied. Sample materials included soft or durum wheat products, some of which produced with other ingredients such as eggs, spices, or vegetables. Parameters included hygiene indicators (aerobic plate count, mold count, the presence of Enterobacteriaceae) and pathogenic/toxinogenic bacterial species (Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, presumptive Bacillus cereus, and Cronobacter spp.). The overall results of hygiene parameters indicated a satisfactory quality. Salmonella was not found in any sample. Three samples were positive for S. aureus (102 to 104 colony forming unit (CFU)/g). Presumptive B. cereus at levels of 103 to 104 CFU/g were detected in 3 samples. Cronobacter spp. were isolated from 14 (10.6%) products. Of these, 9 isolates were identified as C. sakazakii, 2 each as C. turicensis and C. malonaticus, and 1 as C. muytjensii. The isolates were assigned to 9 multilocus sequence typing (MLST) sequence types and to 14 different PFGE profiles. Although pasta products are typically cooked before consumption, some consumers, and children in particular, may also eat raw pasta as nibbles. Raw pasta seems to be a relevant source of exposure to dietary Cronobacter spp., although health risks are probably restricted to vulnerable consumers. High numbers of presumptive B. cereus as found in some samples may be a risk after improper storage of cooked pasta products because toxinogenic strains are frequently found within this species.
Fluoroscopy‐assisted epidural catheter placement: an exploratory analysis of 303 pre‐operative epidurograms
Authors: Yeager M. P. , Bae E. E. , Parra M. C. , Barr P. A. , Bonham A. K. , Sites B. D. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundEpidural catheters that are placed for post‐operative analgesia have a significant failure rate in the first 24 hours. Beginning in 2011, we have used fluoroscopic guidance to place all non‐obstetrical epidural catheters. In this retrospective analysis, we hypothesized that the characteristics of dye distribution on an epidurogram obtained immediately after catheter placement would predict clinical catheter function after surgery.MethodsThe epidurograms and medical records of 303 consecutive patients who had epidural catheters placed for post‐operative analgesia were reviewed. We extracted data on epidural dye distribution on the epidurograms and compared these results to the clinical function of the epidural catheters assessed on post‐operative day 1 (POD1).ResultsThe three‐dimensional pattern of epidural dye distribution (cephalad–caudad, right–left, anterior–posterior) had significant correlations with clinical function of an epidural catheter after surgery. Increased cephalad–caudad and anterior dye spread both correlated with decreased epidural solution infusion rates on POD1, whereas right‐ or left‐sided dye distribution correlated with unilateral sensory deficits. A higher catheter placement on the neuraxis correlated with lower pain scores after thoracic surgery.ConclusionsAn epidurogram obtained immediately after epidural catheter placement may have clinical utility for predicting clinical function of the catheter after surgery.
Capital structure of multinational and domestic corporations – a cross‐country comparison
Authors: Akhtar Shumi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis study investigates whether the determinants of capital structure between multinational corporations (MCs) and domestic corporations (DCs) vary across Australia, U.S., Japan, U.K. and Malaysia. Results show (i) the debt holding capacity and majority of the explanatory factors vary between DCs and MCs and also across countries; (ii) Australia, Japan, U.K. and Malaysian MCs hold significantly less long‐term debt relative to U.S. firms; (iii) DCs and MCs that operate under an imputation tax system hold significantly less short‐ and long‐term debt; and (iv) DCs and MCs operating under common law have significantly less short‐term debt and significantly higher long‐term debt.
Preaching to the Choir: Americans Prefer Communicating to Copartisan Elected Officials
Authors: Broockman David E. , Ryan Timothy J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPast work suggests that partisan attachments isolate citizens from encountering elite messages contrary to their points of view. Here, we present evidence that partisan attachments not only serve to filter the information citizens receive from political elites; they also work in the other direction, isolating politicians from encountering potentially contrary perspectives from citizens. In particular, we hypothesized that Americans prefer expressing their opinions to politicians who share their party identification and avoid contacting outpartisan politicians. Three studies—drawing on a mixture of observational, field experimental, and natural experimental approaches—support this hypothesis: Citizens prefer to “preach to the choir,” contacting legislators of the same partisan stripe. In light of evidence that contact from citizens powerfully affects politicians’ stances and priorities, these findings suggest a feedback loop that might aggravate political polarization and help explain how politicians of different parties could develop different perceptions of the same constituencies.
Systematic review of randomized trials of the effect of iron supplementation on iron stores and oxygen carrying capacity in pregnancy
Authors: Daru Jahnavi , Cooper Natalie A.M. , Khan Khalid S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionAnemia in pregnancy affects 25% of all pregnancies in Europe with iron deficiency affecting even more. Despite supplementation, iron deficiency persists. This review will assess the effect on serum ferritin (iron stores) and hemoglobin (oxygen‐carrying capacity) following iron supplementation in pregnant women with anemic and non‐anemic iron deficiency.Material and methodsA systemic search of electronic databases and trial registers was conducted from inception to January 2014. Randomized controlled trials of iron supplementation that measured serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels before and after supplementation were selected. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data and assessed quality. Descriptive analyses were carried out.ResultsThe review included 23 randomized controlled trials (3525 women). In iron deficiency anemia, more studies described statistically significant increases in serum ferritin levels than in hemoglobin levels following intravenous iron supplementation. In non‐anemic iron deficiency there were more statistically significant increases in serum ferritin levels than in hemoglobin levels following oral supplementation. There were no studies reporting maternal quality of life outcomes.ConclusionsSerum ferritin appears to change more than hemoglobin following iron supplementation. The clinical effects of this need further investigation.
Prediction model for early biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy based on the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment score and the presence of secondary circulating prostate cells
Authors: Murray Nigel P. , Aedo Socrates , Reyes Eduardo , Orellana Nelson , Fuentealba Cynthia , Jacob Omar 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveTo establish a prediction model for early biochemical recurrence based on the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score and the presence of secondary circulating prostate cells (CPCs).Patients and MethodsWe conducted a prospective single‐centre study of men who underwent radical prostatectomy as monotherapy for prostate cancer. Clinicopathological findings were used to calculate the CAPRA score. At 90 days after surgery, blood was taken for CPC detection, mononuclear cells were obtained using differential gel centrifugation, and CPCs were identified using immunocytochemistry. A CPC was defined as a cell expressing prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) but not CD45. The CPC test results were defined as positive or negative. Patients were followed up for up to 5 years and biochemical recurrence was defined as a PSA level >0.2 ng/mL. The validity of the CAPRA score was calibrated using partial validation, and Cox proportional hazard regression to build three models: a CAPRA score model, a CPC model and a CAPRA/CPC combined model.ResultsA total of 321 men, with a mean age of 65.5 years, participated in the study. After 5 years of follow‐up the biochemical recurrence‐free survival rate was 98.55%. For the model that included CAPRA score there was a hazard ratio (HR) of 7.66, for the CPC model there was an HR of 34.52 and for the combined model there were HRs of 2.60 for CAPRA score and 22.5 for CPC. Using the combined model, 23% of men changed from the low‐risk to the high‐risk category, or vice versa.ConclusionThe incorporation of CPC detection significantly improved the model's discriminative ability in establishing the probability of biochemical recurrence; patients in the high‐risk group according to CAPRA score who are negative for CPCs have a much better prognosis. The addition of CPC detection gives clinically significant information to aid the decision on who may be eligible for adjuvant therapy.
Honokiol sensitizes breast cancer cells to TNF‐α induction of apoptosis by inhibiting Nur77 expression
Authors: Xie Lei , Jiang Fuquan , Zhang Xindao , Alitongbieke Gulimiran , Shi Xinlei , Meng MinJun , Xu Yiming , Ren Anshi , Wang Jing , Cai Lijun , Zhou Yunxia , Xu Yang , Su Ying , Liu Jie , Zeng Zhiping , Wang Guanghui , Zhou Hu , Chen Quan Cheng , Zhang Xiao‐kun 
Published: October 2015

Background and PurposeThe orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 is implicated in the survival and apoptosis of cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to determine whether and how Nur77 serves to mediate the effect of the inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α in cancer cells and to identify and characterize new agents targeting Nur77 for cancer therapy.Experimental ApproachThe effects of TNF‐α on the expression and function of Nur77 were studied using in vitro and in vivo models. Nur77 expression was evaluated in tumour tissues from breast cancer patients. The anticancer effects of honokiol and its mechanism of action were assessed by in vitro, cell‐based and animal studies.Key ResultsTNF‐α rapidly and potently induced the expression of Nur77 in breast cancer cells through activation of IκB kinase and JNK. Knocking down Nur77 resulted in TNF‐α‐dependent apoptosis, while ectopic Nur77 expression in MCF‐7 cells promoted their growth in animals. Levels of Nur77 were higher in tumour tissues than the corresponding tissues surrounding the tumour in about 50% breast cancer patients studied. Our in vitro and animal studies also identified honokiol as an effective sensitizer of TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis by inhibiting TNF‐α‐induced Nur77 mRNA expression, which could be attributed to its interference of TNFR1's interaction with receptor‐interacting protein 1 (RIPK1).Conclusions and ImplicationsTNF‐α‐induced Nur77 serves as a survival factor to attenuate the death effect of TNF‐α in cancer cells. With its proven human safety profile, honokiol represents a promising agent that warrants further clinical development.
Blood–brain and retinal barriers show dissimilar ABC transporter impacts and concealed effect of P‐glycoprotein on a novel verapamil influx carrier
Authors: Chapy Hélène , Saubaméa Bruno , Tournier Nicolas , Bourasset Fanchon , Behar‐Cohen Francine , Declèves Xavier , Scherrmann Jean‐Michel , Cisternino Salvatore 
Published: October 2015

Background and PurposeThe respective impact and interplay between ABC (P‐glycoprotein/P‐gp/Abcb1a, BCRP/ABCG2, MRP/ABCC) and SLC transporter functions at the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–retinal barriers (BRB) are incompletely understood.Experimental ApproachWe measured the initial cerebral and retinal distribution of selected ABC substrates by in situ carotid perfusion using P‐gp/Bcrp knockout mice and chemical ABC/SLC modulation strategies. P‐gp, Bcrp, Mrp1 and Mrp4 were studied by confocal retina imaging.Key ResultsChemical or physical disruption of P‐gp increased [3H]‐verapamil transport by ~10‐fold at the BBB and ~1.5‐fold at the BRB. [3H]‐Verapamil transport involved influx‐mediated by an organic cation clonidine‐sensitive/diphenhydramine‐sensitive proton antiporter at both barriers; this effect was unmasked when P‐gp was partially or fully inhibited/disrupted at the BBB. Studies of [3H]‐mitoxantrone and [3H]‐zidovudine transport suggested, respectively, that Bcrp efflux was less involved at the BRB than BBB, whereas Mrps were significantly and similarly involved at both barriers. Confocal imaging showed that P‐gp and Bcrp were expressed in intra‐retinal vessels (inner BRB/iBRB) but absent from the blood/basal membrane of cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (outer BRB/oBRB/RPE) where, in contrast, Mrp1 and Mrp4 were localized.Conclusions and ImplicationsP‐gp, Bcrp, Mrp1 and Mrp4 are differentially expressed at the outer and inner BRB, resulting in an altered ability to limit substrate distribution at the retina as compared with the BBB. [3H]‐Verapamil distribution is not P‐gp‐specific and involves a proton antiporter at both the BBB and BRB. However, this transport is concealed by P‐gp at the BBB, but not at the BRB, where P‐gp activity is reduced.
All‐trans retinoic acid protects against doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity by activating the ERK2 signalling pathway
Authors: Yang Liang , Luo Cheng , Chen Cong , Wang Xun , Shi Wen , Liu Jiankang 
Published: October 2015

Background and PurposeDoxorubicin is a powerful antineoplastic agent for treating a wide range of cancers. However, doxorubicin cardiotoxicity of the heart has largely limited its clinical use. All‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) plays an important role in many cardiac biological processes, but its protective effects on doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity remain unknown. Here, we studied the effect of ATRA on doxorubicin cardiotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms.Experimental ApproachesCellular viability assays, Western blotting and mitochondrial respiration analyses were employed to evaluate the cellular response to ATRA in H9c2 cells and primary cardiomyocytes. Quantitative PCR and gene knockdown were performed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of ATRA's effects on doxorubicin cardiotoxicity.Key ResultsATRA significantly inhibited doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells and primary cardiomyocytes. ATRA was more effective against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity than resveratrol and dexrazoxane. ATRA also suppressed reactive oxygen species generation and restored expression levels of mRNA and proteins in the phase II detoxifying enzyme system: nuclear factor‐E2‐related factor 2, manganese superoxide dismutase, haem oxygenase‐1, and mitochondrial function (mitochondrial membrane integrity, mitochondrial DNA copy numbers and mitochondrial respiration capacity, biogenesis and dynamics). Both a ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) and ERK2 siRNA, but not ERK1 siRNA, abolished the protective effect of ATRA against doxorubicin‐induced toxicity in H9c2 cells. Remarkably, ATRA did not compromise the anticancer efficacy of doxorubicin in gastric carcinoma cells.Conclusions and ImplicationsATRA protected cardiomyocytes against doxorubicin‐induced toxicity, by activating the ERK2 pathway, without compromising its anticancer efficacy. Therefore, ATRA is a promising candidate as a cardioprotective agent against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity.
PPARγ agonists regulate bidirectional transport of amyloid‐β across the blood–brain barrier and hippocampus plasticity in db/db mice
Authors: Wang Hao , Chen Fang , Zhong Kai Long , Tang Su Su , Hu Mei , Long Yan , Miao Ming Xing , Liao Jian Min , Sun Hong Bing , Hong Hao 
Published: October 2015

Background and PurposeThere is emerging evidence suggesting that abnormal transport of amyloid‐β (Aβ) across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is involved in diabetes‐associated cognitive decline. We investigated whether PPARγ agonists restore Aβ transport across the BBB and hippocampal plasticity in db/db mice.Experimental ApproachEfflux and influx of Aβ across the BBB were determined by stereotaxic intra‐cerebral or i.a. infusion of [125I]‐Aβ1–40 respectively. Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1), which are involved in Aβ influx and efflux, PPARγ and NF‐κB p65 at the BBB, as well as hippocampal Aβ, caspase‐3, Bax and Bcl‐2 were assayed by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR. In vivo, hippocampal LTP was recorded, and Morris water maze and Y‐maze tasks were performed.Key ResultsTreatment with PPARγ agonists, rosiglitazone (0.8 mg·kg−1) and pioglitazone (9.0 mg·kg−1), for 6 weeks significantly increased Aβ efflux and decreased Aβ influx across the BBB in db/db mice. Concomitantly, they decreased hippocampal Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42, suppressed neuronal apoptosis, as indicated by decreased caspase‐3 activity and increased ratio of Bcl‐2/Bax, and increased hippocampal plasticity, characterized by an enhanced in vivo LTP and better performance in behavioural tests. Furthermore, the PPARγ agonists induced the expression of LRP1 gene by activation of PPARγ and suppressed RAGE gene expression by inactivation of NF‐κB signalling at the BBB of db/db mice.Conclusions and ImplicationsPPARγ agonists modify abnormal Aβ transport across the BBB and this is accompanied by amelioration of β‐amyloidosis and an improvement in hippocampal plasticity in diabetic mice.
How Do Fruit Bat Seed Shadows Benefit Agroforestry? Insights from Local Perceptions in Kerala, India
Authors: Deshpande Kadambari , Kelkar Nachiket 
Published: October 2015

AbstractOld‐world fruit bats are known to provide significant benefits to tropical agroforestry through seed dispersal services. However, the social pathways through which local people perceive and actually utilize these benefits are not well understood. Through interview surveys with plantation owners and farmers in the Western Ghats of Kerala (India), we documented local perceptions and knowledge about the socio‐ecological importance of fruit bat seed dispersal shadows. Respondents’ perceptions were highly positive, with greater benefits reported from seed dispersal, than costs from fruit damage by bats. Interestingly, seed aggregation of commercial fruit crops (cashew, areca) by fruit bats was perceived to reduce agricultural labour costs in plantations. Our study demonstrates that local perceptions can offer valuable insights toward understanding the contribution of bat‐generated ecosystem services for tropical agroforestry systems, and in turn may facilitate effective fruit bat conservation.
Quality, quantity and duration of lives
Authors: Duclos Jean‐Yves , Housseini Bouba 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe evaluation of development processes and of public policies often involves comparisons of social states that differ in income distributions, population sizes and life longevity. This may require social evaluation principles to be sensitive to the quality, the quantity and the duration of lives. This paper: 1) reviews some of the normative issues at stake, 2) proposes and discusses some specific methods to address them in a generalized utilitarian framework and 3) briefly illustrates the application of some of these methods to the global distribution of incomes, population sizes and longevity over the last century. Depending on the approach taken, it is found inter alia that global social welfare in 2010 can be deemed to be between 1.8 and 407 times that of 1910, the role given to the quantity of lives being particularly important in that assessment.
The Dimensionality of Language Ability in Young Children
Authors:   Language and Reading Research Consortium
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study was to empirically examine the dimensionality of language ability for young children (4–8 years) from prekindergarten to third grade (n = 915), theorizing that measures of vocabulary and grammar ability will represent a unitary trait across these ages, and to determine whether discourse skills represent an additional source of variance in language ability. Results demonstrated emergent dimensionality of language across development with distinct factors of vocabulary, grammar, and discourse skills by third grade, confirming that discourse skills are an important source of variance in children's language ability and represent an important additional dimension to be accounted for in studying growth in language skills over the course of childhood.
Individual Differences in Statistical Learning Predict Children's Comprehension of Syntax
Authors: Kidd Evan , Arciuli Joanne 
Published: October 2015

Variability in children's language acquisition is likely due to a number of cognitive and social variables. The current study investigated whether individual differences in statistical learning (SL), which has been implicated in language acquisition, independently predicted 6‐ to 8‐year‐old's comprehension of syntax. Sixty‐eight (N = 68) English‐speaking children completed a test of comprehension of four syntactic structures, a test of SL utilizing nonlinguistic visual stimuli, and several additional control measures. The results revealed that SL independently predicted comprehension of two syntactic structures that show considerable variability in this age range: passives and object relative clauses. These data suggest that individual differences in children's capacity for SL are associated with the acquisition of the syntax of natural languages.