bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Velocity encoding with the slice select refocusing gradient for faster imaging and reduced chemical shift‐induced phase errors
Authors: Middione Matthew J. , Thompson Richard B. , Ennis Daniel B. 
Published: July 2013

PurposeTo investigate a novel phase‐contrast MRI velocity‐encoding technique for faster imaging and reduced chemical shift‐induced phase errors.MethodsVelocity encoding with the slice select refocusing gradient achieves the target gradient moment by time shifting the refocusing gradient, which enables the use of the minimum in‐phase echo time (TE) for faster imaging and reduced chemical shift‐induced phase errors. Net forward flow was compared in 10 healthy subjects (N = 10) within the ascending aorta (aAo), main pulmonary artery (PA), and right/left pulmonary arteries (RPA/LPA) using conventional flow compensated and flow encoded (401 Hz/px and TE = 3.08 ms) and slice select refocused gradient velocity encoding (814 Hz/px and TE = 2.46 ms) at 3 T.ResultsImproved net forward flow agreement was measured across all vessels for slice select refocused gradient compared to flow compensated and flow encoded: aAo vs. PA (1.7% ± 1.9% vs. 5.8% ± 2.8%, P = 0.002), aAo vs. RPA + LPA (2.1% ± 1.7% vs. 6.0% ± 4.3%, P = 0.03), and PA vs. RPA + LPA (2.9% ± 2.1% vs. 6.1% ± 6.3%, P = 0.04), while increasing temporal resolution (35%) and signal‐to‐noise ratio (33%).ConclusionSlice select refocused gradient phase‐contrast MRI with a high receiver bandwidth and minimum in‐phase TE provides more accurate and less variable flow measurements through the reduction of chemical shift‐induced phase errors and a reduced TE/repetition time, which can be used to increase the temporal/spatial resolution and/or reduce breath hold durations. Magn Reson Med 71:2014–2023, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Muscle conduction velocity, surface electromyography variables, and echo intensity during concentric and eccentric fatigue
Authors: Gonzalez‐Izal Miriam , Cadore Eduardo Lusa , Izquierdo Mikel 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) contractions may involve different mechanisms related to changes in sarcolemma status and the consequent alteration of action potential transmission along muscle fibers. Methods: Muscle conduction velocity (CV), surface electromyography signal (sEMG), muscle quality, and blood lactate concentrations were analyzed during CON and ECC actions. Results: Compared with ECC, the CON protocol resulted in greater muscle force losses, blood lactate concentrations, and changes in sEMG parameters. Similar reductions in CV were detected in both protocols. Higher echo intensity values were observed 2 days after ECC due to greater muscle damage. Conclusions: The effects of the muscle damage produced by ECC exercise on the transmission of action potentials along muscle fibers (measured as the CV) may be comparable with the effects of hydrogen accumulation produced by CON exercise (related to greater lactate concentrations), which causes greater force loss and change in other sEMG variables during CON than during ECC actions. Muscle Nerve 49:389–397, 2014
Are multifocal motor neuropathy patients underdiagnosed? An epidemiological survey in Japan
Authors: Miyashiro Ai , Matsui Naoko , Shimatani Yoshimitsu , Nodera Hiroyuki , Izumi Yuishin , Kuwabara Satoshi , Imai Tomihiro , Baba Masayuki , Komori Tetsuo , Sonoo Masahiro , Mezaki Takahiro , Kawamata Jun , Hitomi Takefumi , Kohara Nobuo , Arimura Kimiyoshi , Hashimoto Shuji , Arisawa Kokichi , Kusunoki Susumu , Kaji Ryuji ,   on behalf of the Japanese Multifocal Motor Neuropathy Study Group
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Our objective was to do an epidemiologic survey of patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) in comparison with those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Japan. Methods: In this retrospective study, we examined 46 patients with MMN and 1,051 patients with ALS from major neuromuscular centers in Japan from 2005 to 2009. Diagnosis was based on the European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) and the revised El Escorial criteria. The efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) was also taken into consideration in the diagnosis of MMN. Results: The ratio of MMN to ALS patients (0–0.10) varied among the centers, but mostly converged to 0.05. The prevalence was estimated to be 0.29 MMN patients and 6.63 ALS patients per 100,000 population. Conclusions: The frequency of MMN patients was around 1 out of 20 ALS patients, and MMN was possibly underdiagnosed in some centers. Muscle Nerve 49:357–361, 2014
Innervation zone locations in 43 superficial muscles: Toward a standardization of electrode positioning
Authors: Beretta Piccoli Matteo , Rainoldi Alberto , Heitz Carolin , Wüthrich Marianne , Boccia Gennaro , Tomasoni Enrico , Spirolazzi Carlo , Egloff Michele , Barbero Marco 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We describe the innervation zone (IZ) location in 43 muscles to provide information for appropriate positioning of bipolar electrodes for clinical and research applications. Methods: The IZ was studied in 40 subjects (20 men and 20 women) using multichannel surface electromyography (sEMG). Signal quality was checked visually to identify motor unit action potentials and estimate muscle fiber conduction velocity. Results: Results in 33 muscles were classified as excellent or good, because it was possible to identify an area which is favorable for appropriate positioning of an electrode pair without the need to previously determine the IZ location. Conclusions: Knowledge of IZ location will increase standardization and repeatability of sEMG measures. Muscle Nerve 49:413–421, 2014
Rasch analysis of clinical outcome measures in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Cano Stefan J. , Mayhew Anna , Glanzman Allan M. , Krosschell Kristin J. , Swoboda Kathryn J. , Main Marion , Steffensen Birgit F. , Bérard Carole , Girardot Françoise , Payan Christine A.M. , Mercuri Eugenio , Mazzone Elena , Elsheikh Bakri , Florence Julaine , Hynan Linda S. , Iannaccone Susan T. , Nelson Leslie L. , Pandya Shree , Rose Michael , Scott Charles , Sadjadi Reza , Yore Mackensie A. , Joyce Cynthia , Kissel John T. ,   on behalf of the International Coordinating Committee for SMA Clinical Trials Rasch Task Force
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Trial design for SMA depends on meaningful rating scales to assess outcomes. In this study Rasch methodology was applied to 9 motor scales in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Methods: Data from all 3 SMA types were provided by research groups for 9 commonly used scales. Rasch methodology assessed the ordering of response option thresholds, tests of fit, spread of item locations, residual correlations, and person separation index. Results: Each scale had good reliability. However, several issues impacting scale validity were identified, including the extent that items defined clinically meaningful constructs and how well each scale measured performance across the SMA spectrum. Conclusions: The sensitivity and potential utility of each SMA scale as outcome measures for trials could be improved by establishing clear definitions of what is measured, reconsidering items that misfit and items whose response categories have reversed thresholds, and adding new items at the extremes of scale ranges. Muscle Nerve 49:422–430, 2014
Quadrature for meshless Nitsche's method
Authors: Zhang Qinghui 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn this article, we study effect of numerical integration on Galerkin meshless method (GMM), applied to approximate solutions of elliptic partial differential equations with essential boundary conditions (EBC). It is well‐known that it is difficult to impose the EBC on the standard approximation space used in GMM. We have used the Nitsche's approach, which was introduced in context of finite element method, to impose the EBC. We refer to this approach as the meshless Nitsche's method (MNM). We require that the numerical integration rule satisfies (a) a “discrete Green's identity” on polynomial spaces, and (b) a “conforming condition” involving the additional integration terms introduced by the Nitsche's approach. Based on such numerical integration rules, we have obtained a convergence result for MNM with numerical integration, where the shape functions reproduce polynomials of degree k ≥ 1. Though we have presented the analysis for the nonsymmetric MNM, the analysis could be extended to the symmetric MNM similarly. Numerical results have been presented to illuminate the theoretical results and to demonstrate the efficiency of the algorithms.Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 265–288, 2014
Expression of FUS-CHOP fusion protein in immortalized/transformed human mesenchymal stem cells drives mixoid liposarcoma formation
Authors: Rodriguez Rene , Tornin Juan , Suarez Carlos , Astudillo Aurora , Rubio Ruth , Yauk Carole , Williams Andrew , Rosu-Myles Michael , Funes Juan M. , Boshoff Chris , Menendez Pablo 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Increasing evidence supports that mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) may represent the target cell for sarcoma development. Although different sarcomas have been modeled in mice upon expression of fusion oncogenes in MSCs, sarcomagenesis has not been successfully modeled in human MSCs (hMSCs). We report that FUS-CHOP, a hallmark fusion gene in mixoid liposarcoma (MLS), has an instructive role in lineage commitment, and its expression in hMSC sequentially immortalized/transformed with up to five oncogenic hits (p53 and Rb deficiency, hTERT over-expression, c-myc stabilization, and H-RASv12 mutation) drives the formation of serially transplantable MLS. This is the first model of sarcoma based on the expression of a sarcoma-associated fusion protein in hMSC, and allowed us to unravel the differentiation processes and signaling pathways altered in the MLS-initiating cells. This study will contribute to test novel therapeutic approaches and constitutes a proof-of-concept to use hMSCs as target cell for modeling other fusion gene-associated human sarcomas.
MiRNA-20 and mirna-106a regulate spermatogonial stem cell renewal at the post-transcriptional level via targeting STAT3 and Ccnd1
Authors: He Zuping , Jiang Jiji , Kokkinaki Maria , Tang Lin , Zeng Wenxian , Gallicano Ian , Dobrinski Ina , Dym Martin 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Studies on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are of unusual significance because they are the unique stem cells that transmit genetic information to subsequent generations and they can acquire pluripotency to become embryonic stem-like cells that have therapeutic applications in human diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as critical endogenous regulators in mammalian cells. However, the function and mechanisms of individual miRNAs in regulating SSC fate remain unknown. Here, we report for the first time that miRNA-20 and miRNA-106a are preferentially expressed in mouse SSCs. Functional assays in vitro and in vivo using miRNA mimics and inhibitors reveal that miRNA-20 and miRNA-106a are essential for renewal of SSCs. We further demonstrate that these two miRNAs promote renewal at the post-transcriptional level via targeting STAT3 and Ccnd1 and that knockdown of STAT3, Fos, and Ccnd1 results in renewal of SSCs. This study thus provides novel insights into molecular mechanisms regulating renewal and differentiation of SSCs and may have important implications for regulating male reproduction.
RNA Tectonics (tectoRNA) for RNA nanostructure design and its application in synthetic biology
Authors: Ishikawa Junya , Furuta Hiroyuki , Ikawa Yoshiya 
Published: July 2013

RNA molecules are versatile biomaterials that act not only as DNA‐like genetic materials but also have diverse functions in regulation of cellular biosystems. RNA is capable of regulating gene expression by sequence‐specific hybridization. This feature allows the design of RNA‐based artificial gene regulators (riboregulators). RNA can also build complex two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D nanostructures, which afford protein‐like functions and make RNA an attractive material for nanobiotechnology. RNA tectonics is a methodology in RNA nanobiotechnology for the design and construction of RNA nanostructures/nanoobjects through controlled self‐assembly of modular RNA units (tectoRNAs). RNA nanostructures designed according to the concept of RNA tectonics are also attractive as tools in synthetic biology, but in vivo RNA tectonics is still in the early stages. This review presents a summary of the achievements of RNA tectonics and its related researches in vitro, and also introduces recent developments that facilitated the use of RNA nanostructures in bacterial cells. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:651–664. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1185This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry
RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico
Synthesis and Characterization of Pillared Metal Sulfates (Diamine)MeSO4, (Me = Zn, Cd)
Authors: Luberda‐Durnaś Katarzyna , Mucha Dariusz , Sanz‐Camacho Paula , Łasocha Wiesław 
Published: July 2013

AbstractHybrid organic‐inorganic materials of the type (diamine)MeSO4(Me = Cd, Zn) [diamine =p‐xylylenediamine (PXDA) orm‐xylylenediamine (MXDA)] have not been described in the literature to date. Four compounds of this type, namely, (MXDA)ZnSO4(1), (MXDA)CdSO4(2), (PXDA)ZnSO4(3), and (PXDA)CdSO4(4), were synthesized by solvothermal methods. Since all compounds crystallized as very fine powders, crystal structure studies were performed using powder diffraction methods. All compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic crystal system and the cell parameters are:a= 9.8004(4) Å,b= 10.7829(3) Å,c= 4.88473(19) Å for1; 9.8824(10), 11.0907(7), 4.9663(5) Å for2; 9.8496(3), 21.2419(5), 4.89556(17) Å for3; and 10.1136(4), 21.6625(3), 4.9562(2) Å for4. The compounds with MXDA as a linker, crystallize in the space groupP21ma, those with PXDA inPnma. These hybrid materials are built of inorganic monolayers [–Me–(SO4)–] joined by organic linkers created by diamines (PXDA or MXDA). Me metal ions and SO42–anions form layers with a honeycomb structure. In addition to crystal structure, chemical analyses and SEM investigations were performed. Thermal stability of the compounds was also investigated using TG‐DSC methods and XRD as a function of temperature.
Benefits Derived by College Students from Mentoring At‐Risk Youth in a Service‐Learning Course
Authors: Weiler Lindsey , Haddock Shelley , Zimmerman Toni S. , Krafchick Jen , Henry Kimberly , Rudisill Sarah 
Published: July 2013

AbstractService learning is increasingly being used as a pedagogical strategy for promoting the development of civic‐mindedness among university students. Despite the use of this strategy, little is known about the benefits derived from specific types of service‐learning experiences. Additionally, few notable studies have examined the unique outcomes experienced by mentors of at‐risk youth. Therefore, this study examines the civic‐related benefits that college students derive from mentoring at‐risk youth within a structured, service‐learning course. A series of linear regression models were estimated to determine if there were significant post‐intervention differences between the treatment and comparison condition for the variables of interest, after adjusting for key background factors and pre‐intervention levels of all variables. The results indicated that, in comparison to college students who did not participate in the course (n = 258), college student in Campus Corps, a youth mentoring program, (n = 390) had significantly higher scores at post‐intervention regarding mentors’ civic attitudes, community service self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, interpersonal and problem solving skills, political awareness, and civic action. Findings hold important implications for youth mentoring programs and future research.
256 – Family Therapy Based On Cognitive-behavioral Approach For Depressed Adolescent: a Case Study
Authors: Khodayarifard M. 
Published: July 2013

Introduction:Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders, that is attened by psychologists. There are many treatment method for depression. According to research findings, family has important role in creating, maintaining and treating of depression syndrome, also research findings showed that Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) is effective in treatment of depression. Therefore, family therapy based on cognitive-behavioral approach, is suggested in treating depression.Objectives:The main aime of this study was to explore the effect of family therapy based on cognitive-behavioral approch as an effective treatment.Methods:Method of the study was case study research. Data were obtained by clinical interview and psychological tests. In this study, a severly depressed subject (17 years old) was treated by using on CBT family therapy.Results:Almost all the subscale of MMPI and SCL-90 and other instruments showed significant decrease in psychological problems after therapy as compared with the obtained results before the therapy.Conclusions:It can be concluded that some probable reasons for decreasing the depression of the client included solving conflicts and interpersonal problems by means of training certain skills such as problem solving, developing relationship with others, effective coping, assertiveness and positive thinking were effective. Consistency and inconsistency of the results was discussed.
269 – Increase of Beta-endorphin Plasma Level as a Potential Marker of Positive Response to Treatment of Depression
Authors: Kubryak O. , Emelyanova I. 
Published: July 2013

Introduction:There are new materials in looking for objective tools of mental conditions of depression patients. Grant of Russian humanitarian scientific fund: 11-06-00869.Objectives:21 patient (7 male; 14 female; mean age - 38.2 years).Aims:Assessment of beta-endorphin concentration in peripheral blood in patients with mild and moderate unipolar depression. Implementation of this parameter as a marker of treatment efficacy.Methods:Ethically approved prospective study; HDRS; ELISA; statistical analysisResults:Changes in beta-endorphin level appeared to be more significant marker than peptides‘ absolute level. Degree of beta-endorphin changes and degree of HDRS score changes were significantly correlated (p = 0.009; Spearman correlation coefficient ρ = - 0.6). Individual change was calculated as ratio of previous value divided by subsequent value. Therefore, higher increase of beta-endorphin concentration was associated with higher decrease in HDRS score. Figure.[Figure]A0 - mean HDRS sample score (n=21); A1 - mean HDRS score in patients with beta-endorphin decrease (n=6); A2 - mean HDRS score in patients with beta-endorphin increase (n=15).Conclusion:Preliminary data show that increase in beta-endorphin plasma level in patients with non-psychotic unipolar depression after 2 weeks of treatment is associated with positive response to treatment.
271 – Gray Matter Reduction Associated with Cognitive Dysfunction in First-episode, Treatment-naive Young Adults with Major Depressive Disorder: A Voxel-based Morphometry Study
Authors: Huang M. , Luo B. , Hu J. , Xu Y. 
Published: July 2013

Introduction:The association between gray matter and cognitive dysfunction in young major depression remains unclear.Objectives:To investigate the brain gray matter and the correlation with cognitive function in first-episode, treatment-naive patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).Aims:To explore brain structural pathological mechanisms of cognitive impairment in MDD.Methods:46 MDD aged 18-45 year and 46 controls were assessed by Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and Trail making test (TMT). Then, 30 patients and 30 controls were obtained by MRI scan.Results:The total number of errors, number of preservative errors, random errors of WSCT in MDD were significantly more than that in controls, and the completion time in the TMT-A and TMT-B was longer than that in controls. MDD showed significant less gray matter volumns than controls in frontal lobe (right precentral gyrus, bilateral superior frontal gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus), parietal lobe (left postcentral gyrus, left paracentral lobule, and bilateral precuneus), temporal lobe (right superior temporal gyrus), and occipital lobe (left superior occipital gyrus). There was a significant negative correlation between left postcentral gyrus and left superior occipital gyrus gray matter density and the TMT-B completion time (r=-0.462, P=0.017; r=-0.448, P=0.022).Conclusions:The first-episode MDD patient exhibiteded cognitive impairment and showed significant lower gray matter density than controls in frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe. Decreased gray matter density in left postcentral gyrus and left superior occipital gyrus may be involved in the executive dysfunction.
279 – The Reduction in Anxiety and Depression by Education of Patients with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Aghakhani N. , Sharif F. , Khademvatan K. , Rahbar N. , Eghtedar S. , Shojaei Motlagh V. 
Published: July 2013

Background:The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of education on anxiety and depression in patients with myocardial infarction in selected hospitals of Urmia hospitals in 2009.Methods:This study was a quasi-experimental study that comprised 124 patients selected randomly and divided into two groups. The experimental group was educated by a face to face training and educational booklet. Control group did not receive any intervention. The level of anxiety and depression was evaluated by using HADS questionnaire at 3 intervals. After 48 hours of admission, discharge day and 2 months after discharge.Results:The findings suggest that MI patients worried about their social role, interpersonal relations and personal health, which can exacerbate symptoms and complicate their future care. There was no significant difference between control and experimental groups before the intervention, But after the intervention, anxiety and depression in the experimental group was significantly less than control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Considering the beneficial effect of intervention on reducing anxiety and depression in such patients, the patient's education should be one of the health care goals. Most researches may also be required toconfirm the results in other groups of patients.