bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased Immunoreactivity of the Polypeptide Precursor Pro‐Opiomelanocortin (POMC) and the Prohormone Convertase PC1/3 After Chronic Ethanol Exposure in Sprague‐Dawley Rats
Authors: Navarro Montserrat , Cubero Inmaculada , Thiele Todd E. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundThe melanocortin (MC) peptides and opioid peptide β‐endorphin are cleaved from the polypeptide precursor pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC). POMC‐derived peptides are generated by extensive posttranslational processing that involves several enzymes including prohormone convertase 1/3 and 2 (PC1/3 and PC2). Because ethanol (EtOH) decreases POMC mRNA levels, we determined whether the exposure to an EtOH‐containing diet (ED) would significantly reduce central immunoreactivity (IR) of POMC, PC1/3, PC2, and β‐endorphin.MethodsMale Sprague‐Dawley rats were given 18 days of access to a normal rodent chow or a control diet (CD), or short‐term (4 days) or long‐term (18 days) access to an ED. At the end of the study, rats were perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde, and their brains were sectioned into sets for processing with POMC, PC1/3, PC2, and β‐endorphin IR.ResultsRats exposed to an ED for 18 days (ED18) exhibited significant reductions of POMC and PC1/3 IR in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (Arc) relative to rats pair‐fed a CD. On the other hand, rats exposed to an ED did not show any changes of central β‐endorphin or PC2 IR relative to rats pair‐fed a CD, regardless of length of exposure. Because there were no differences in body weights or caloric intake between the CD and ED groups, reductions of POMC and PC1/3 IR in ED‐treated rats are best explained by EtOH exposure rather than altered energy balance.ConclusionsThis study shows that EtOH site‐specifically reduces POMC and PC1/3 IR in rat brain. These observations are consistent with EtOH‐induced reductions of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) and POMC IR that were previously reported. As MC agonists have been shown to blunt EtOH intake in rodents, exogenous MC receptor agonists, as well as targets that may increase the synthesis of endogenous α‐MSH (e.g., PC1/3), may have therapeutic value for treating alcohol abuse disorders and alcoholism.
Implementing Individual Producer Responsibility for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment through Improved Financing
Authors: Mayers Kieren , Lifset Reid , Bodenhoefer Karl , Van Wassenhove Luk N. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryUnder the European Union (EU) Waste Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) Directive, producers are responsible for financing the recycling of their products at end of life. A key intention of such extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation is to provide economic incentives for producers to develop products that are easier to treat and recycle at end of life. Recent research has shown, however, that the implementation of EPR for WEEE has so far failed in this respect.Current WEEE systems calculate their prices according to simple mass‐based allocation of costs to producers, based on broad collection categories containing a mixture of different product types and brands. This article outlines two alternative approaches, which instead calculate charges for products sold by producers by classifying them according to their eventual end‐of‐life treatment requirements and cost. Worked examples indicate that these methods provide both effective and efficient frameworks for financing WEEE, potentially delivering financial incentives to producers substantial enough to affect their potential profitability and, as a likely consequence, the decisions relating to the design of their products. In particular they fulfill three important criteria required by the WEEE Directive: they can financially reward improved design, allocate costs of historic waste proportionately (on the basis of tonnes of new products sold), and provide sufficient financial guarantees against future waste costs and liabilities. They are also relatively practical for implementation because they are based solely on cost allocation and financing. Further research and investigation would be worthwhile to test and verify this approach using real‐world data and under various scenarios.
Listening to Uncertainty
Authors: Brown Ethan , Bearman Nick 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
As the world gets more complex, it is harder and harder to see what is going on. But we are failing to use all our faculties, say Ethan Brown and Nick Bearman. We should use our ears as well as our eyes, and make our data sing. This article was another of the runners-up in our Young Statisticians Group/Significance writing competition.
Kinetic Study of Sasa veitchii Extract as a Radical Scavenger and an Antioxidant
Authors: Okada Youji , Okajima Haruo , Takeshita Kazuo , Kanamori Masato 
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  We examined the free radical scavenging activity of Sasa veitchii extract (Hoshi's Striped Bamboo Extract®, HSBE), well known in folk medicine as an efficient drug and antioxidant in detail. To evaluate the free radical scavenging activity of HSBE, its reactivity as hydrogen atom donor toward the 1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl has been measured using stopped‐flow spectrophotometry. It was found that the second‐order rate constant, k2, obtained at 25 °C was 1.4 (g/L)−1s−1 for HSBE. To compare different chain‐breaking antioxidants quantitatively, we obtained the second‐order rate constant, k2′, on the molar basis of active hydroxyl groups in the tested substances. As a result, the k2′ values for HSBE, 6‐hydroxy‐2, 5, 7, 8‐tetramethylchroman‐2‐carboxylic acid (Trolox), caffeic acid, and (+)‐catechin were 2.6 × 103, 2.0 × 103, 2.3 × 102, and 6.0 × 102 M−1s−1, respectively. These results show that HSBE and Trolox exerted the same free radical scavenging activity under these conditions. In addition, HSBE significantly inhibited the oxidation of methyl linoleate micelles in aqueous dispersions at 30 °C and its antioxidant activity (kinh) was more effective than those of caffeic acid and (+)‐catechin. This is the first study on bamboo extracts in the context of radical scavenging activity that reports kinetic results.Practical Application:  We determined the stoichiometric number and the rate constants of bamboo extracts using the method that was devised in determining the antioxidant activity of mixtures. This is the first study of bamboo extracts as an antioxidant that reports the stoichiometric and kinetic results.
Study on Mitigation of Acrylamide Formation in Cookies by 5 Antioxidants
Authors: Li Dong , Chen Yaqi , Zhang Yu , Lu Baiyi , Jin Cheng , Wu Xiaoqin , Zhang Ying 
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  This study investigated the capacity of various antioxidants in reducing the formation of acrylamide during cookie processing. Five antioxidants, antioxidants of bamboo leaves (AOB), sodium erythorbate (SE), tea polyphenols (TP), vitamin E (VE), and tert‐butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), were individually added into cookie formulas, and acrylamide content was determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Cookie quality indexes, including flavor, brittleness, and water activity, were also evaluated. Results showed that the maximum inhibitory rate of acrylamide by AOB was achieved with addition of 0.2 g/kg AOB. Addition of AOB (0.2 g/kg), TP (0.1 g/kg), VE (0.1 g/kg), SE (0.1 g/kg), and TBHQ (0.2 g/kg) mitigated the formation of acrylamide by 63.9%, 43.0%, 71.2%, 49.6%, and 54.1%, respectively. Sensory evaluation showed that the color, texture, and flavor of cookies processed with either AOB (0.2 g/kg) or VE (0.1 g/kg) had no significant difference compared to control cookies (P > 0.05). The present study indicated that AOB (0.2 g/kg) and VE (0.1 g/kg) could not only effectively mitigate the formation of acrylamide, but also retain acceptable sensory attributes of cookies. This work shows the potential effectiveness of antioxidants in food processing to decrease acrylamide formation.Practical Application:  There is an urgent need for reducing the level of acrylamide produced during food processing. This study found that certain antioxidants (antioxidant of bamboo leaves and vitamin E) could effectively inhibit acrylamide formation in cookie processing without affecting sensory properties. The results suggested that the application of antioxidants could be an effective method to decrease acrylamide formation.
Two Challenges in Cognitive Musicology
Authors: Huron David 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTwo themes in music cognition research are highlighted—inspired by the contributions in this volume: (a) statistical learning and (b) evolutionary theorizing. Our ability to test alternatives to statistical learning is threatened by the rapidly diminishing opportunities for cross‐cultural studies unconfounded by bimusicalism. Our ability to infer possible evolutionary origins for music is confounded by the “hedonic plenitude” of modern music‐making—where multiple pleasure channels are activated simultaneously. Cognitively inspired music research will benefit by studying a wider range of musical cultures. Evolutionary theorizing will benefit by further work involving comparative animal behavior.
Music Cognition and the Cognitive Sciences
Authors: Pearce Marcus , Rohrmeier Martin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWhy should music be of interest to cognitive scientists, and what role does it play in human cognition? We review three factors that make music an important topic for cognitive scientific research. First, music is a universal human trait fulfilling crucial roles in everyday life. Second, music has an important part to play in ontogenetic development and human evolution. Third, appreciating and producing music simultaneously engage many complex perceptual, cognitive, and emotional processes, rendering music an ideal object for studying the mind. We propose an integrated status for music cognition in the Cognitive Sciences and conclude by reviewing challenges and big questions in the field and the way in which these reflect recent developments.
Lifestyle Educational Program Strongly Increases Compliance to Nonpharmacologic Intervention in Hypertensive Patients: A 2‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Ferrara Aldo L. , Pacioni Delia , Di Fronzo Valentina , Russo Barbara F. , Staiano Laura , Speranza Enza , Gente Rosaria , Gargiulo Francesco , Ferrara Fabio 
Published: October 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012;14:767–772. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.The authors investigated the efficacy of a lifestyle educational program, organized in small group meetings, in improving the outcome of a nonpharmacologic intervention. One hundred and eighty‐eight hypertensive patients with stable blood pressure (BP) levels and drug therapy in the previous 6 months were randomly divided into educational care (EC) and usual care (UC) groups. They were followed at 3‐month intervals up to 2 years. In addition to the visits in an outpatient clinic, patients in the EC program participated in small group meetings in order to improve their knowledge of the disease and reinforce their motivation for treatment. At baseline, EC and UC groups were similar for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) levels, and pharmacologic treatment. Patients in the EC group had significantly reduced total energy, total and saturated fats, and sodium intake. Physical activity was significantly increased in the EC group as well. At the end of the 1‐year follow‐up, BMI (P<.001), visceral fat (P<.001), and BP (P<.001) were significantly lower in the EC group compared with the UC group. Pharmacologic treatment during the study was similar for all classes of drugs apart from diuretics whose dose was higher in the UC group at the end of the study.
Practitioner Review: Do performance‐based measures and ratings of executive function assess the same construct?
Authors: Toplak Maggie E. , West Richard F. , Stanovich Keith E. 
Published: October 2012

Background: Both performance‐based and rating measures are commonly used to index executive function in clinical and neuropsychological assessments. They are intended to index the same broad underlying mental construct of executive function. The association between these two types of measures was investigated in the current article.Method and Results: We examined the association between performance‐based and rating measures of executive function in 20 studies. These studies included 13 child and 7 adult samples, which were derived from 7 clinical, 2 nonclinical, and 11 combined clinical and nonclinical samples. Only 68 (24%) of the 286 relevant correlations reported in these studies were statistically significant, and the overall median correlation was only .19.Conclusions: It was concluded that performance‐based and rating measures of executive function assess different underlying mental constructs. We discuss how these two types of measures appear to capture different levels of cognition, namely, the efficiency of cognitive abilities and success in goal pursuit. Clinical implications of using performance‐based and rating measures of executive function are discussed, including the use of these measures in assessing ADHD.
Excessive Wnt/β‐catenin signaling disturbs tooth‐root formation
Authors: Bae C. H. , Lee J. Y. , Kim T. H. , Baek J. A. , Lee J. C. , Yang X. , Taketo M. M. , Jiang R. , Cho E. S. 
Published: October 2012

Background and ObjectiveWingless‐type MMTV integration site family (Wnt)/β‐catenin signaling plays an essential role in cellular differentiation and matrix formation during skeletal development. However, little is known about its role in tooth‐root formation. In a previous study, we found excessive formation of dentin and cementum in mice with constitutive β‐catenin stabilization in the dental mesenchyme. In the present study we analyzed the molar roots of these mice to investigate the role of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in root formation in more detail.Material and MethodsWe generated OC‐Cre:Catnb+/lox(ex3) mice by intercrossing Catnb+/lox(ex3) and OC‐Cre mice, and we analyzed their mandibular molars using radiography, histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry.ResultsOC‐Cre:Catnb+/lox(ex3) mice showed impaired root formation. At the beginning of root formation in mutant molars, dental papilla cells did not show normal differentiation into odontoblasts; rather, they were prematurely differentiated and had a disorganized arrangement. Interestingly, SMAD family member 4 was upregulated in premature odontoblasts. In 4‐wk‐old mutant mice, molar roots were about half the length of those in their wild‐type littermates. In contrast to excessively formed dentin in crown, root dentin was thin and hypomineralized in mutant mice. Biglycan and dentin sialophosphoprotein were downregulated in root dentin of mutant mice, whereas dentin matrix protein 1 and Dickkopf‐related protein 1 were upregulated. Additionally, ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 was significantly downregulated in the cementoblasts of mutant molars. Finally, in the cementum of mutant mice, bone sialoprotein was downregulated but Dickkopf‐related protein 2 was upregulated.ConclusionThese results suggest that temporospatial regulation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling plays an important role in cell differentiation and matrix formation during root and cementum formation.
Pathological bacterial translocation in cirrhosis: pathophysiology, diagnosis and clinical implications
Authors: Bellot Pablo , Francés Rubén , Such Jose 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBacterial translocation (BT) is defined by the passage of viable indigenous bacteria from the intestinal lumen to mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and other territories, and its diagnostic criteria rely on the isolation of viable bacteria in MLNs. Small intestinal overgrowth, increased intestinal permeability and immunological alterations are the main factors involved in its pathogenesis. BT is obviously difficult to identify in patients with cirrhosis, and alternative methods have been proposed instead. Bacterial DNA detection and species identification in serum or ascitic fluid has been proposed as a reliable marker of BT. Bacterial products, such as endotoxin, or bacterial DNA can translocate to extra‐intestinal sites and promote an immunological response similar to that produced by viable bacteria. Therefore, pathological BT plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the complications of cirrhosis, not only in infections, but by exerting a profound inflammatory state and exacerbating the haemodynamic derangement. This may promote in turn the development of hepatorenal syndrome, hepatic encephalopathy and other portal hypertension‐related complications. Therapeutic approaches for the prevention of BT in experimental and human cirrhosis are summarized. Finally, new investigations are needed to better understand the pathogenesis and consequences of translocation by viable bacteria (able to grow in culture), or non‐viable BT (detection of bacterial fragments with negative culture) and open new therapeutic avenues in patients with cirrhosis.
Cow's milk associated rectal bleeding: a population based prospective study
Authors: Elizur Arnon , Cohen Michal , Goldberg Michael R. , Rajuan Nelly , Cohen Adi , Leshno Moshe , Katz Yitzhak 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundIsolated rectal bleeding in infants is often attributed to the consumption of cow's milk. However, the prevalence of this condition has not been described, and its preferred diagnostic methods and management are controversial.MethodsIn a prospective population‐based study following 13,019 children from birth, 21 infants with isolated rectal bleeding attributed to cow's milk protein consumption were identified. Following evaluation, parents were encouraged to resume cow's milk protein and infants were followed for reappearance of symptoms and thereafter for 6 yr. In addition, infants with rectal bleeding were compared to a control group of healthy infants.ResultsThe prevalence of isolated rectal bleeding attributed to cow's milk consumption was 0.16%. All infants were asymptomatic within days of dietary modifications. Eleven of the 14 infants (78.5%) whose parents reintroduced cow's milk protein to their diet following our evaluation tolerated it with no adverse effects. Those 11 infants were significantly younger at initial consumption of cow's milk protein (6.7 ± 1.6 months) compared to those who continued elimination diet (17.7 ± 9.2 months), (p = 0.002) while their 1‐yr hemoglobin levels were comparable (p = 0.98). No risk factors for rectal bleeding were identified.ConclusionsThe prevalence of isolated rectal bleeding attributed to cow' milk is low. The condition is generally benign and resolves quickly with elimination diet. Reintroduction of cow's milk following resolution of symptoms is often well tolerated and is recommended for confirming the diagnosis and avoiding prolonged unnecessary elimination diets.
A randomized trial of Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP133 for the treatment of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Han Youngshin , Kim Bongjoon , Ban Jeongsook , Lee Jeongok , Kim Beom Joon , Choi Byung Sun , Hwang Sehee , Ahn Kangmo , Kim Jihyun 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere have been considerable disagreements regarding the therapeutic effects of probiotics in atopic dermatitis (AD). We performed this study to examine whether the oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP133 improves pediatric AD.MethodsIn a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, either L. plantarum CJLP133 at a dosage of 0.5 × 1010 colony‐forming units or placebo in children aged 12 months to 13 yr was given twice a day for 12 wk. SCOring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) scores, eosinophil counts, serum total IgE, and cytokines were evaluated.ResultsForty‐four of 58 patients in the probiotic group and 39 of 60 patients in the placebo group completed the study. The SCORAD score at week 14 was lower in the probiotic group than in the placebo group (p = 0.044). The mean change in the SCORAD score from weeks 2 to 14 was 9.1 in the probiotic group, which was greater than the mean change of 1.8 in the placebo group (p = 0.004). No statistical differences in the total use of topical corticosteroids were found between two groups (p = 0.815). In the probiotic group, the total eosinophil count was significantly lower at the end of the intervention compared to the baseline measurements (p = 0.023). Logarithmic IFN‐γ and IL‐4 were significantly decreased by the end of the intervention compared to baseline measurements in the probiotic group (p < 0.001 and 0.049).ConclusionsOur results suggest that supplementation with probiotic L. plantarum CJLP133 is beneficial in the treatment of pediatric AD.
‘Active Families’: Familization, Housing and Welfare across Generations in East Asia
Authors: Izuhara Misa , Forrest Ray 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDebates around welfare change have tended to concentrate on the balance between market and state provision. Although there is increasing reference to a mixed economy of welfare, this generally signifies a greater emphasis on a third sector of voluntary/community level provision. However, the family sphere has been, and still remains, an important and dynamic source of welfare provision across changing regimes and between generations. With this as background, the article addresses three particular questions. First, how has the role of families in the welfare mix changed over time? Second, how do family ‘strategies’ adapt to structural changes in order to maximize collective/individual benefits in certain areas and how do these strategies evolve over generations? Third, is such family engagement in welfare influenced by policy shifts appropriately conceptualized as ‘re‐familization’ or ‘de‐familization'? These issues are explored in the comparative socio‐economic and cultural contexts of China and Japan and draw on qualitative research with three generations of families in Shanghai and Tokyo.
Trade in Services and TFP: The Role of Regulation
Authors: van der Marel Erik 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWhat determines total factor productivity (TFP) growth in services: is it services trade or services–trade regulation? To respond to this question, we use four indicators of international trade in services since 1990 to 2005, namely foreign direct investment (FDI) inward stock, services imports, domestic sales of foreign affiliates (FATS) and FDI inflows, to examine what type of services trade forms a direct determinant. Subsequently, we analyse what type of sector‐specific regulation has played an inhibiting effect on services TFP growth. Such analysis contrasts with former studies in which mainly factor inputs and economy‐wide regulation are used to explain services TFP. This paper provides evidence that neither trade nor entry barriers are robust determinants to explain cross‐country differences. Instead, regulations on operational procedures affecting the variables costs structure of the firm seem to play a more important role in explaining TFP growth between countries, particularly in combination with information and communication technology (ICT) capital.
A symplectic proof of a theorem of Franks
Authors: Collier Brian , Kerman Ely , Reiniger Benjamin M. , Turmunkh Bolor , Zimmer Andrew 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA celebrated theorem in two-dimensional dynamics due to John Franks asserts that every area-preserving homeomorphism of the sphere has either two or infinitely many periodic points. In this work we re-prove Franks’ theorem under the additional assumption that the map is smooth. Our proof uses only tools from symplectic topology and thus differs significantly from previous proofs. A crucial role is played by the results of Ginzburg and Kerman concerning resonance relations for Hamiltonian diffeomorphisms.