bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis of aorta of LDLR−/− mice given omega‐3 fatty acids reveals modulation of energy metabolism and oxidative stress pathway
Authors: Joumard‐Cubizolles Laurie , Gladine Cécile , Gérard Nicolas , Chambon Christophe , Brachet Patrick , Comte Blandine , Mazur Andrzej 
Published: October 2013

AbstractLong chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐n‐3PUFAs) exert potent anti‐atherosclerotic action but the mechanisms of action at the vascular level remain unclear. The present study used a non‐targeted nutrigenomic approach to investigate the modulations of the aortic proteome in atherosclerotic prone mice following DHA supplementation. LDLR−/− male mice received an atherogenic diet (20 weeks) in parallel with daily oral gavages with either oleic acid‐rich oil (Control) or a mixture of oils providing 2% of energy as DHA. The overall protein expression was determined by a proteomic approach followed by bioinformatics analysis. In addition, protein oxidative modifications, namely 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE) protein adducts, were detected with a specific antibody followed by MS analysis of the identified spots. Nineteen differentially expressed proteins have been identified in the aorta of the DHA group. The top 5 canonical pathways analysis associated all proteins to metabolic pathways and showed that most of them were related to glucose or lipid metabolism. Up‐regulation of superoxide dismutase also suggests an impact of DHA supplementation on vascular antioxidant defenses. The analysis of 4‐HNE‐protein adducts indicated that DHA supplementation did not enhance oxidative modification of proteins with 4‐HNE. This study also identified some new proteins with 4‐HNE adducts at the aortic level. In summary, DHA supplementation induces significant modifications of aorta proteome which point out the importance of metabolic changes occurring in the vascular tissue in the presence of LC‐n‐3PUFAs.
Neuronal differences between chronic low back pain and depression regarding long‐term habituation to pain
Authors: Rodriguez‐Raecke R. , Ihle K. , Ritter C. , Muhtz C. , Otte C. , May A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundLongitudinal studies of experimental pain are rare and little is known about the differences regarding sensitization and habituation over longer periods in patients with chronic pain or depression compared with controls.MethodsWe used a standardized longitudinal painful heat paradigm that was designed to induce long‐term habituation in 19 patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), 21 patients with depression (DEP) and 21 healthy participants (controls) over a time course of eight consecutive days. We applied functional magnetic resonance imaging on the first and last day of this period and after 3 months.ResultsAlthough the pain paradigm was standardized, patients with DEP exhibited significantly higher pain thresholds and a trend to higher pain ratings and, in functional imaging, showed less activation of the operculum and the secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) as compared to patients with CLBP and controls. Conversely, patients with CLBP showed increased activation in the anterior insula and parietal operculum as compared to patients with DEP and controls. Within session, all participants sensitized to pain, which was associated with higher activation levels in the thalamus, amygdala, midcingulate cortex, and sensory and motor areas. However, patients with depression showed significantly less activation in midbrain and brainstem areas.ConclusionGiven that pain and depression potentiate each other clinically, our data suggest that this may involve different cortical pain areas.
Vitamin D Does Not Increase Calcium Absorption in Young Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Gallagher J Christopher , Jindal Prachi S , Smith Lynette M 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

It is commonly said that vitamin D should be used to increase calcium absorption. We tested this statement in a dose-response study of vitamin D on calcium absorption. A total of 198 white and African American women, aged 25 to 45 years, with vitamin D insufficiency, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) &lt;20 ng/mL, were randomized in a double-blind study to vitamin D3 400, 800, 1600, 2400 IU, or placebo. A calcium supplement was given to increase mean calcium intake at baseline from 706 mg/d to 1031 mg/d. Calcium absorption was measured at baseline and after 12 months using a single isotope method with radiocalcium45 and 100 mg of calcium. Mean baseline serum 25OHD was 13.4 ng/mL (33.5 nmol/L) and increased to 40 ng/mL (100 nmol/L) on the highest dose of 2400 IU. Using a multivariate regression analysis with significant predictors, baseline absorption, calcium intake, and weight, there was no increase in 12-month calcium absorption compared with baseline on any dose of vitamin D in either whites or African Americans. There was no significant relationship between 12-month calcium absorption and final serum 25OHD. In an analysis of calcium absorption and serum 25OHD at baseline, serum 25OHD levels were divided into groups: 0 to 5, 6 to 10, 11 to 15, or 16 to 20 ng/mL. There was no evidence of a threshold decrease in calcium absorption or serum 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) amongst the lowest groups. Vitamin D doses up to 2400 IU daily did not increase calcium absorption. No threshold level of serum 25OHD for calcium absorption was found at baseline or in the longitudinal study, suggesting that active transport of calcium is saturated at very low serum 25OHD levels &lt;5 ng/mL. There is no need to recommend vitamin D for increasing calcium absorption in normal subjects. Very efficient calcium absorption at very low levels of serum 25OHD explains why people do not develop osteomalacia provided that dietary intakes of calcium and phosphorus are adequate. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Methanosaeta dominate acetoclastic methanogenesis during high‐rate methane production in anaerobic reactors treating distillery wastewaters
Authors: van Haandel Adrianus , De Vrieze Jo , Verstraete Willy , dos Santos Vagner S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnaerobic treatment of vinasses wastewater can result in high methane production rates, which depends on the ability to maintain a high specific methanogenic activity in the reactor. Here, it was investigated whether methane production could be increased by optimizing (1) temperature and (2) organic loading rate. It was expected that by maintaining high residual acetate concentrations, due to systematic overloading, anaerobic sludge with higher methanogenic activity would develop.RESULTSA pilot‐scale experiment of 180 days showed that Methanosarcina were unable to dominate acetoclastic methanogenesis in an upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor, despite the favorable conditions. This could be attributed to their reduced tendency to incorporate into sludge granules. Conversion rates of 40 to 50 kg COD m−3 d−1 were obtained for vinasses in mesophilic UASB reactors.CONCLUSIONThese high methane production rates open the possibility to achieve electricity production of more than 2 kW m−3 reactor, with concomitant economic perspectives. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Embryonic yolk removal affects a suite of larval salamander life history traits
Authors: Landberg Tobias 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTEgg size is a key life history trait affecting fitness, and it varies abundantly. The value of egg size to a mother and her offspring is often determined by a trade‐off between investing more yolk in a few large eggs or less yolk into many more, smaller eggs. Smaller eggs are generally expected to be phenotypically inferior or females could increase their fitness by making more smaller eggs. However, many females produce a mix of egg sizes and natural yolk variation induces normal developmental responses which may persist into subsequent stages of a complex life history. Since sources of phenotypic variation are easily confounded, I surgically removed yolk from embryonic spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum)using a sham surgery as a control and a split‐clutch design to isolate the effects of yolk reserve variation from genetic sources of variation. Yolk removal induced early hatching, reduced developmental stage and hatchling body size. Small hatchlings stayed relatively small through the early larval period, but 17 weeks later the correlation with early larval body size was lost. When the experiment ended, larger individuals were further along in metamorphic development but mortality was independent of early larval body size. Variation in spotted salamander yolk reserves affects a suite of hatchling life history traits that persists into the larval period. Outside the laboratory, egg size effects may cascade throughout complex amphibian life histories. Applied experimentally and comparatively, this simple yolk removal technique may help identify how traits increase or decrease their response to maternal yolk investment. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 45–53, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis C virus genotype 1: How genetic variability of the core protein affects the response to pegylated‐interferon and ribavirin therapy
Authors: Alhamlan F.S. , Al‐Ahdal M.N. , Khalaf N.Z. , Abdo A.A. , Sanai F.M. , Al‐Ashgar H.I. , ElHefnawi M. , Zaid A. , Al‐Qahtani A.A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractHepatitis C virus subgenotypes 1a and 1b are found worldwide and cause 60% of all hepatitis C cases. It has been reported recently that viral genetic variations have a critical impact on the patient treatment outcome. In particular, polymorphisms of the HCV core protein have been linked to poor treatment response. However, most of these studies were conducted on Asian populations, Japanese in particular who are infected with HCV subgenotype 1b. Hence, we aimed in this study to examine the core protein polymorphisms in Saudi patients who are infected with chronic HCV genotype 1 (1a and 1b subtypes) and its association with treatment outcome. Direct sequencing of full‐length core protein and data mining analyses were utilized. Results have shown that the response to treatment is dependent on subgenotypes. Indeed, HCV‐1b showed different point mutations that are associated with treatment outcome where the point mutations at positions 70 (Arg70Gln) and 75 (Thr75Ala) in HCV‐1b are significantly associated with PEG‐IFN/RBV treatment response. In contrast, HCV‐1a showed no significant association between core protein mutations and response to treatment. In addition, analyses of HCV‐1a core protein sequences revealed a highly conserved region especially in the responder group. This study provides a new insight in the genetic variability of full‐length core protein in HCV genotype 1 in Saudi infected patients. J. Med. Virol. 86:224–234, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Network Perspective for a Borderless International Structure: The Experience of an Italian Entrepreneurial SME in Morocco
Authors: Zardini Alessandro , Rossignoli Cecilia , Soliman Marco 
Published: October 2013

AbstractGoing global has become more than just a strategy; it is essential to ensuring revenues and firm survival, especially for organizations that function in saturated, highly competitive markets. Because small firms often lack the internal resources, competencies, information, capital, and managerial experience needed to expand globally, they tend to rely on resources held by other, partner firms. Thus, a network view that encourages resource and information sharing among participants can help smaller firms overcome any limitations stemming from a lack of internal resources. The experience of an Italian manufacturer with operations in Morocco reflects a new approach to network formation that focuses particularly on the learning process and acquisition of knowledge in local markets. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Slow Growth or Rapid Internationalization in Emerging Markets: The Case of Maybank Berhad
Authors: Ahmad Syed Zamberi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTheories on the internationalization of multinational banks are largely based on companies from developed countries. Their application has not yet been studied in depth among firms based in developing nations, however. The international expansion of Maybank Berhad and its transformation from a medium‐sized Malaysian national bank to one of the most profitable regional banks in Asia offers a template for other growing organizations in emerging markets. By building on its strong capabilities at home, creating growth in nearby markets that share its cultural outlook, and simultaneously leapfrogging over some early stages of international expansion through the acquisition of competitors in the international arena, Maybank has contradicted the notion of gradual development that is an essential aspect of the stage‐model perspective of internationalization. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrochemotherapy for the management of cutaneous and subcutaneous metastasis: A series of 39 patients treated with palliative intent
Authors: Solari Nicola , Spagnolo Francesco , Ponte Erica , Quaglia Alberto , Lillini Roberto , Battista Michela , Queirolo Paola , Cafiero Ferdinando 
Published: October 2013

Background and ObjectivesElectrochemotherapy (ECT) is technique for local control of skin metastasis. This study is primarily aimed at assessing the clinical activity of ECT in a prospective cohort of patients, and evaluating the association between primary tumor histology, number of metastatic lesions and size of tumor deposits and objective response rate.Methods and ResultsThirty‐nine patients with skin metastases from melanoma and other tumors underwent intravenous bleomycin ECT with palliative intent. No serious adverse events (SAE) or CTC grade 3 or 4 were observed. Overall response rate (ORR) was 66.6%. Response rate significantly correlated at univariate analysis both with the number (< or >10) and the size (< or >2 cm) of metastases. No relationship was observed for the histology of primary tumor. At multivariate analysis the size of the nodules under 2 cm was associated with a positive response and the correlation was statistically significant.ConclusionsORR was 66.6% and all patients obtained a subjective clinical benefit from the treatment with minimal side effects. The most suitable patients were the ones with nodules <2 cm. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:270–274. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Canonical and non‐canonical EcfG sigma factors control the general stress response in Rhizobium etli
Authors: Jans Ann , Vercruysse Maarten , Gao Shanjun , Engelen Kristof , Lambrichts Ivo , Fauvart Maarten , Michiels Jan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA core component of the α‐proteobacterial general stress response (GSR) is the extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor EcfG, exclusively present in this taxonomic class. Half of the completed α‐proteobacterial genome sequences contain two or more copies of genes encoding σEcfG‐like sigma factors, with the primary copy typically located adjacent to genes coding for a cognate anti‐sigma factor (NepR) and two‐component response regulator (PhyR). So far, the widespread occurrence of additional, non‐canonical σEcfG copies has not satisfactorily been explained. This study explores the hierarchical relation between Rhizobium etli σEcfG1 and σEcfG2, canonical and non‐canonical σEcfG proteins, respectively. Contrary to reports in other species, we find that σEcfG1 and σEcfG2 act in parallel, as nodes of a complex regulatory network, rather than in series, as elements of a linear regulatory cascade. We demonstrate that both sigma factors control unique yet also shared target genes, corroborating phenotypic evidence. σEcfG1 drives expression of rpoH2, explaining the increased heat sensitivity of an ecfG1 mutant, while katG is under control of σEcfG2, accounting for reduced oxidative stress resistance of an ecfG2 mutant. We also identify non‐coding RNA genes as novel σEcfG targets. We propose a modified model for GSR regulation in R. etli, in which σEcfG1 and σEcfG2 function largely independently. Based on a phylogenetic analysis and considering the prevalence of α‐proteobacterial genomes with multiple σEcfG copies, this model may also be applicable to numerous other species.
Slice accelerated gradient‐echo spin‐echo dynamic susceptibility contrast imaging with blipped CAIPI for increased slice coverage
Authors: Eichner Cornelius , Jafari‐Khouzani Kourosh , Cauley Stephen , Bhat Himanshu , Polaskova Pavlina , Andronesi Ovidiu C. , Rapalino Otto , Turner Robert , Wald Lawrence L. , Stufflebeam Steven , Setsompop Kawin 
Published: October 2013

PurposeTo improve slice coverage of gradient echo spin echo (GESE) sequences for dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI using a simultaneous‐multiple‐slice (SMS) method.MethodsData were acquired on 3 Tesla (T) MR scanners with a 32‐channel head coil. To evaluate use of SMS for DSC, an SMS GESE sequence with two‐fold slice coverage and same temporal sampling was compared with a standard GESE sequence, both with 2× in‐plane acceleration. A signal to noise ratio (SNR) comparison was performed on one healthy subject. Additionally, data with Gadolinium injection were collected on three patients with glioblastoma using both sequences, and perfusion analysis was performed on healthy tissues as well as on tumor.ResultsRetained SNR of SMS DSC is 90% for a gradient echo (GE) and 99% for a spin echo (SE) acquisition, compared with a standard acquisition without slice acceleration. Comparing cerebral blood volume maps, it was observed that the results of standard and SMS acquisitions are comparable for both GE and SE images.ConclusionTwo‐fold slice accelerated DSC MRI achieves similar SNR and perfusion metrics as a standard acquisition, while allowing a significant increase in slice coverage of the brain. The results also point to a possibility to improve temporal sampling rate, while retaining the same slice coverage. Magn Reson Med 72:770–778, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The ontogeny of human pulmonary angiotensin‐converting enzyme and its aberrant expression may contribute to the pathobiology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
Authors: Castro E.C. , Parks W.T. , Galambos C. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryIntroductionThe mammalian lung possesses the highest level of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) amongst all the organs. ACE is known to generate angiotensin (AT)‐II from AT‐I and to regulate serum bradykinin level, thereby controlling blood pressure. Recent data, however, indicate a role for ACE derived AT‐II in angiogenesis, pulmonary hypertension, and neonatal lung disease. The ontogeny of ACE in humans has not been investigated. We studied pulmonary ACE expression during human lung development and in human bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Material and MethodsHuman fetal autopsy lung tissue representing all three trimesters (12, 13, 16, 18, 24, 34, 39, and 40 weeks of gestational age (WGA)), as well as from 1 to 10 years of age with no significant lung pathology were used. In addition lung sections of patients with BPD (n = 5) were selected. The slides were immunostained using an anti‐ACE monoclonal antibody. The temporal and spatial pattern of ACE expression was contrasted to that of the pan‐endothelial marker CD31. Staining intensity was graded.ResultsMildly diffuse and strong microvascular endothelial immunreactivity for ACE was seen in the human fetus as early as 12 WGA. ACE expression peaked at mid gestation and remained high throughout gestation and postnatally. In BPD lungs ACE endothelial staining was largely absent, and when focal staining was observed the intensity was weak.ConclusionWe established that ACE expression is present in the human fetal lung as early as 12 WGA, remains active pre‐ and postnatally, and ACE expression was downregulated in BPD lungs. We speculate that ACE may be involved in the process of lung development. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:985–990. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced strength in bulk graphene–copper composites
Authors: Chu Ke , Jia Chengchang 
Published: October 2013

AbstractGraphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) exhibit ultra‐high strength and elastic modulus. Therefore, they are potential ideal reinforcements in metal–matrix composites (MMCs). In this work, we report the use of GNPs to strengthen the bulk Cu‐matrix composites. GNP reinforced Cu‐matrix (GNP/Cu) composites were prepared by a combination of the ball milling and hot‐pressing processing, and their mechanical properties were investigated. Microstructure studies indicated that the GNPs with 0–8 vol.% contents were well dispersed in the Cu matrix by ball milling. Compared to unreinforced Cu, the GNP/Cu composites showed a remarkable increase in yield strength and Young's modulus up to 114 and 37% at 8 vol.% GNP content, respectively. The extraordinary reinforcement is attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of GNPs and grain refinement. However, the mechanical improvement of GNP/Cu composites was still below the theoretical value. The possible reasons for this deviation were discussed and the methods for further mechanical improvement of GNP/Cu composites were proposed.
In‐gap states of In2O3 single crystals investigated by scanning tunneling spectroscopy
Authors: Braun Dorothee , Scherer Valentina , Janowitz Christoph , Galazka Zbigniew , Fornari Roberto , Manzke Recardo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe influence of intrinsic point defects on the electronic structure of n‐type In2O3 single crystals grown by two methods, namely chemical vapor transport and from the melt, was examined by scanning tunneling spectroscopy. This method is a very surface sensitive technique for measuring the local density of states. So far not resolved states within the fundamental band gap have been observed. The gap states have been studied at different crystals and after several annealing treatments in an oxidizing atmosphere. The spectroscopic results will be compared to state of the art DFT‐calculations revealing hints on the origin of the gap states of In2O3 to be due to oxygen vacancies as well as indium and oxygen interstitials.
Person–organization fit and organizational citizenship behavior: Time perspective
Authors: Wei Yu-Chen 
Published: October 2013

AbstractViewing organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) engagement from the time–cost perspective, this study not only investigates the direct effect of person–organization (P–O) fit on OCB but also examines the moderating effect of time evaluation on the effective magnitude of P–O fit on OCB. Specifically, I hypothesized that the positive relationship between P–O fit and OCB will be strengthened (weakened) if employees have a higher future- (present-) orientation time perspective. A sample of 262 bank financial specialists with supervisor-rated dependent variables is used to examine the hypothesized relationships. Research findings suggest that P–O fit can predict OCB engagement. I also found that time evaluation plays a moderating role in the relationship between P–O fit and OCB such that P–O fit will have a weaker predictive power if the employees have a higher present-orientation time perspective. The research results provide further understanding of why employees engage in OCB.