bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of integrins in platelets
Authors: Bennett Joel S. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTBlood platelets prevent bleeding after trauma by forming occlusive aggregates at sites of vascular injury. Platelet aggregation is mediated by the integrin heterodimer αIIbβ3 and occurs when platelet agonists generated at the injury site convert αIIbβ3 from its resting to its active conformation. Active αIIbβ3 is then able to bind macromolecular ligands such as fibrinogen that crosslink adjacent platelets into hemostatic aggregates. Platelets circulate in a plasma milieu containing high concentrations of the principal αIIbβ3 ligand fibrinogen. Thus, αIIbβ3 activity is tightly regulated to prevent the spontaneous formation of platelet aggregates. αIIbβ3 activity is regulated at least three levels. First, intramolecular interactions involving motifs located in the membrane‐proximal stalk regions, transmembrane domains, and the membrane‐proximal cytosolic tails of αIIb and β3 maintain αIIbβ3 in its inactive conformation. Transmembrane domain interactions appear particularly important because disrupting these interactions causes constitutive αIIbβ3 activation. Second, the agonist‐stimulated binding of the cytosolic proteins talin and kindlin‐3 to the β3 cytosolic tail rapidly causes αIIbβ3 activation by disrupting the intramolecular interactions constraining αIIbβ3 activity. Third, the strength of ligand binding to active αIIbβ3 seems to be allosterically regulated. Thus, αIIbβ3 exists in a minimum of three interconvertible states: an inactive (resting) state that does not interact with ligands and two active ligand binding states that differ in their affinity for fibrinogen and in the mechanical stability of fibrinogen complexes they form. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 323–333, 2015.
Left hippocampus–amygdala complex macro‐ and microstructural variation is associated with BDNF plasma levels in healthy elderly individuals
Authors: Manna Antonietta , Piras Fabrizio , Caltagirone Carlo , Bossù Paola , Sensi Stefano L. , Spalletta Gianfranco 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIntroductionDeep brain gray matter (GM) structures are involved in several neurodegenerative disorders and are affected by aging. In this study, we investigated the potential relationship between levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a putative biomarker of age‐ and clinically relevant brain dysfunctions, and the presence of structural modifications that were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging in six deep GM structures.MethodsVolume changes and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scalars were studied in the thalamus, putamen, hippocampus, caudate nucleus, amygdala and pallidum of a cohort of 120 healthy subjects. The cohort included young (18–39 years old), adult (40–59 years old) and elderly (60–76 years old) subjects.ResultsNo correlations were seen in the young and adult cohorts. In the elderly group, we observed reduced BDNF levels that correlated with increased DTI‐based mean diffusivity occurring in the left hippocampus along with decreased normalized volume in the left amygdala.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that, in elderly subjects, BDNF may exert regional and lateralized effects that allow the integrity of two strategic deep GM areas such as the hippocampus and the amygdala.
Assessment of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy using the LDIFLARE technique: a novel technique to detect neural small fiber dysfunction
Authors: Sharma Sanjeev , Venkitaraman Ramachandran , Vas Prashanth R. J. , Rayman Gerry 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe diagnosis and quantification of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) remains a challenge. Conventional methods including quantitative sensory testing (QST), nerve conduction tests, and biopsy are unable to detect subclinical changes, and do not consistently correlate with severity of patients' symptoms and functional impairment. This study aims to determine the utility of the LDI (laser Doppler imager) FLARE technique in the diagnosis of CIPN and whether it correlates with symptom severity.Materials and MethodsWe assessed 24 patients with established CIPN [12 due to platinum analogs (PA) and 12 to Taxanes (TX)] and 24 matched healthy controls (HC). All underwent neurophysiological examination including vibration perception threshold (VPT), sural nerve amplitude (SNAP) and conduction velocity (SNCV), LDIFLARE, and fasting biochemistry. The QLQ‐CIPN20 questionnaire was used to assess symptom severity.ResultsHC, combined chemotherapy (CG), PA, and TX groups were matched for age, sex, BMI, and blood pressure. The LDIFLARE was significantly reduced in CG compared to HC (P =< 0.0001), whereas SNAP (P = 0.058) and SNCV (P = 0.054) were not. The LDIFLARE correlated with the QLQ‐CIPN20 symptom scores in all three categories namely, CG (P =< 0.0001), PA (P = 0.001) and TX (P = 0.027) whilst, VPT, SNAP, and SNCV did not.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the LDIFLARE technique is more helpful in confirming the diagnosis of CIPN in patients with distal sensory symptoms than current commonly used methods. Moreover, this novel test fulfils the unmet need for a diagnostic test that relates to the severity of symptoms. This may be useful in quantifying early changes in small fibre function indicating early CIPN.
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) from Traditional Uses to Potential Biomedical Applications
Authors: Mnif Sami , Aifa Sami 
Published: May 2015

AbstractCumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a small annual and herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is a multipurpose plant species cultivated in the Middle East, India, China, and several Mediterranean countries, including Tunisia. Its fruit, known as cumin seed, is most widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes. It is generally used as a food additive, popular spice, and flavoring agent in many cuisines. Cumin has also been widely used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including hypolipidemia, cancer, and diabetes. The literature presents ample evidence for the biological and biomedical activities of cumin, which have generally been ascribed to its content and action of its active constituents, such as terpens, phenols, and flavonoids. The present paper provides an overview of phytochemical profile, biological activities, and ethnomedical and pharmacological uses of Cumin.
Regenerative therapy for the management of a large skin wound in a dog
Authors: Zubin Elena , Conti Virna , Leonardi Fabio , Zanichelli Stefano , Ramoni Roberto , Grolli Stefano 
Published: May 2015

Key Clinical MessageExtensive full‐thickness skin wounds are quite common in domestic animals. In these report, following the failure of reconstructive surgery, adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells, and platelet‐rich plasma were successfully used in a dog to improve speed and quality of skin tissue healing, avoiding suffering, and debilitating effects.
Size Control of Atorvastatin Calcium Particles Based on Spherical Agglomeration
Authors: Wu Songgu , Li Kangli , Zhang Tianwei , Gong Junbo 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAtorvastatin calcium (AC) spherical crystals were prepared by spherical agglomeration. CH2Cl2 acting as bridging liquid was added together with the drug solution or after the antisolvent precipitation process. Polymorph transformation in antisolvent crystallization and agglomeration processes was observed by focused‐beam reflectance measurement (FBRM). The results suggested the occurrence of an immediate agglomeration when CH2Cl2 was added together with the drug solution. Size‐controllable AC spherical crystals with improved flowability and compressibility can be obtained by adjusting the amount of CH2Cl2 and the stirring speed. The improved compaction behavior of the AC particles can be applied for direct tableting. A higher stirring speed can reduce the amount of bridging liquid which is required for effective agglomeration. It was a prerequisite for fine particles to be wetted by the bridging liquid in the spherical agglomeration process.
What can we learn from a dress with ambiguous colors?
Authors: Melgosa Manuel , Gómez‐Robledo Luis , Isabel Suero María , Fairchild Mark D. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe performed objective spectroradiometric measurements on an LCD image of the recently famous Tumblr dress which is typically perceived by people as blue/black or white/gold. The average ± standard deviation of the CIELAB coordinates was as follows: For a set of 33 points in the areas considered as blue/white, L* = 46 ± 6, C*ab = 33 ± 6, and hab = 282 ± 3°, and for a set of 36 points in the areas considered as black/gold, L* = 29 ± 6; C*ab = 10 ± 4; hab = 16 ± 34°. Initially, this first set of values has low variability and corresponds to a blue color, whereas the second set of values has a very large hue‐angle range, including points which can be considered as both gold and black colors. We also performed spectrophotometric measurements on an original model of this dress, and, assuming D65 illuminant and CIE 1931 colorimetric standard observer, the average results were L* = 26, C*ab = 39, and hab = 289°, and L* = 10, C*ab = 1, and hab = 290° for the blue/white and black/gold points, respectively. We discuss the influence of different factors on the blue/black and white/gold perceptions of different people, including observers' variability in color‐matching functions, Bezold–Brücke and Abney effects, background influence, and illumination assumptions. Although more research on the effect shown in this dress is needed, we think that from this example we can learn that objects do not have specific colors; that is, color is a human perception, and many times the answer of the human visual system is not simple and relies on assumptions of unknown, and variable, origin. © 2015 The Authors Color Research & Application Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc., 40, 525–529, 2015
Copper‐ and Vanadium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cleavage of Lignin using Dioxygen
Authors: Mottweiler Jakob , Puche Marta , Räuber Christoph , Schmidt Thomas , Concepción Patricia , Corma Avelino , Bolm Carsten 
Published: May 2015

AbstractTransition‐metal‐containing hydrotalcites (HTc) and V(acac)3/Cu(NO3)2⋅3 H2O (acac=acetylacetonate) mixtures were tested for their catalytic activity in the cleavage of the lignin model compound erythro‐1‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(2‐methoxyphenoxy)‐l,3‐propanediol (1) with molecular oxygen as oxidant. Both catalytic systems displayed high activity and good selectivity and afforded veratric acid as the main product. The catalyst behavior was studied by EPR spectroscopy, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. After the catalysts were established for the model system, lignin depolymerization studies were performed with various organsolv and kraft lignin sources. The oxidative depolymerization and lignin bond cleavage were monitored by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), MALDI MS, and 2D‐NMR (HSQC). Irrespective of the lignin pretreatment, both HTc‐Cu‐V and V(acac)3/Cu(NO3)2⋅3 H2O were able to cleave the β‐O‐4 linkages and the resinol structures to form dimeric and trimeric products.
Self‐Assembled 3D Graphene‐Based Aerogel with Co3O4 Nanoparticles as High‐Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor Electrode
Authors: Xie Lijing , Su Fangyuan , Xie Longfei , Li Xiaoming , Liu Zhuo , Kong Qingqiang , Guo Xiaohui , Zhang Yaoyao , Wan Liu , Li Kaixi , Lv Chunxiang , Chen Chengmeng 
Published: May 2015

AbstractUsing graphene oxide and a cobalt salt as precursor, a three‐dimensional graphene aerogel with embedded Co3O4 nanoparticles (3D Co3O4–RGO aerogel) is prepared by means of a solvothermal approach and subsequent freeze‐drying and thermal reduction. The obtained 3D Co3O4–RGO aerogel has a high specific capacitance of 660 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and a high rate capability of 65.1 % retention at 50 A g−1 in a three‐electrode system. Furthermore, the material is used as cathode to fabricate an asymmetric supercapacitor utilizing a hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) as anode and 6 M KOH aqueous solution as electrolyte. In a voltage range of 0.0 to 1.5 V, the device exhibits a high energy density of 40.65 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 340 W kg−1 and shows a high cycling stability (92.92 % capacitance retention after 2000 cycles). After charging for only 30 s, three CR2032 coin‐type asymmetric supercapacitors in series can drive a light‐emitting‐diode (LED) bulb brightly for 30 min, which remains effective even after 1 h.
Development, psychometric properties and preliminary clinical validation of a brief, session‐by‐session measure of eating disorder cognitions and behaviors: The ED‐15
Authors: Tatham Madeleine , Turner Hannah , Mountford Victoria A. , Tritt Ashley , Dyas Rebecca , Waller Glenn 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTObjective In the treatment research literature on other psychological disorders, there is a move towards session‐by‐session symptom measurement. The necessary measures need to be brief, focused on core features since the last session, and readily available to clinicians. There is no measure in the eating disorders that meets those criteria. This research reports the development and validation of such a self‐report questionnaire.Method The authors generated and refined a brief set of attitudinal and behavioral items. The resulting questionnaire (the ED‐15) and an existing measure (Eating Disorders Examination‐Questionnaire; EDE‐Q) were completed by a large nonclinical adult sample (N = 531), a group of self‐reported eating disorder sufferers (N = 63), and a group of women (N = 33) diagnosed with bulimia nervosa or atypical bulimia nervosa and undertaking cognitive‐behavioral therapy.Results Factor analysis identified two scales (Weight and Shape Concerns; Eating Concerns), with strong internal consistency and test‐retest reliability. Correlations with the EDE‐Q (r = 0.889) indicates that the ED‐15 and EDE‐Q measure near‐identical constructs. The ED‐15 differentiated self‐reported eating‐disordered and nonclinical groups to the same degree as the longer EDE‐Q. Session‐by‐session analysis of the CBT treatment group demonstrated that the different ED‐15 scales changed in different patterns across therapy.Discussion The ED‐15 is not proposed as an alternative to existing measures, but as a complementary tool, used to measure session‐by‐session change for clinical and research purposes. Future research will track changes in ED‐15 scores across therapy, to determine the importance of very early response to therapy and sudden changes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:1005–1015).
Exposure to the androgenic brominated flame retardant 1,2-dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl)-cyclohexane alters reproductive and aggressive behaviors in birds
Authors: Marteinson Sarah C. , Letcher Robert J. , Fernie Kimberly J. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Detected in environmental samples, 1,2-dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl) cyclohexane (DBE-DBCH) is a bioaccumulative isomer of a current-use brominated flame retardant. All 4 structural isomers are androgen agonists; however, little toxicological information exists for this compound. The objective of the present study was to determine if β-DBE-DBCH, the isomer found most prominently in animal tissue, affects androgen-dependent behavior of breeding American kestrels (Falco sparverius). The authors hypothesized that if β-DBE-DBCH acts as an androgen agonist in kestrels, androgen-dependent behaviors (i.e., copulation, courtship, aggression) would increase and behaviors inhibited by androgens (i.e., parental care behaviors) would decrease. Sixteen captive experimental kestrel pairs were exposed to 0.239 ng β-DBE-DBCH/g kestrel/d by diet from 4 wk prior to pairing until their nestlings hatched (mean 82 d) and compared with vehicle only–exposed control pairs (n = 15). Androgen-dependent behaviors were significantly increased in β-DBE-DBCH–exposed birds, consistent with the authors' hypothesis. These behavioral changes included copulation and other sexual behaviors in males and females and aggression in males, suggesting that β-DBE-DBCH may have acted like an androgen agonist in these birds. Parental behaviors were not reduced in exposed birds as predicted, although dietary exposure had ceased before chicks hatched. Further assessment of β-DBE-DBCH is recommended given these behavioral changes and the previously reported reproductive changes in the same birds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2395–2402. © 2015 SETAC
Completed suicide among nursing home residents: a systematic review
Authors: Murphy Briony J. , Bugeja Lyndal , Pilgrim Jennifer , Ibrahim Joseph E. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to systematically review published research describing the frequency, nature, and contributing factors of completed suicides among nursing home residents.MethodsIn accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Statement, this review examined all original, peer‐reviewed literature published in English between 1 January 1949 and 31 December 2013 describing completed suicides among nursing home residents. Information extracted for analysis included: study and population characteristics, method of suicide, potential risk factors, and interventions.ResultsEight studies were identified; the majority (n = 5) conducted in the United States of America. There were 113 suicides in nursing homes reported in the literature, 101 with detailed information available for aggregate analysis. The majority were male (n = 62, 61.4%), aged between 61 and 93 years. Suicide was most commonly by hanging (n = 27, 38.0%) or falling from a height (n = 27, 38.0%). Risk factors were considered in a proportion of studies. Depression was examined in 27 cases and present in 18 (67%). Duration of residence was examined in 25 cases, 13 (52%) of which had resided in the nursing home less than 12 months. Physical health was examined in 22 cases, 11 (50%) of whom were experiencing physical decline. Prior suicidal behaviour, cognitive function, and personal loss were also examined. Organizational risk factors and intervention strategies were rarely considered.ConclusionsThere is a paucity of research describing completed suicide among nursing home residents. More large‐scale research is required using standardized methods for reporting information to better understand and prevent completed suicides in this setting. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain activity and connectivity during poetry composition: Toward a multidimensional model of the creative process
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Erkkinen Michael G. , Healey Meghan L. , Xu Yisheng , Swett Katherine E. , Chow Ho Ming , Braun Allen R. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractCreativity, a multifaceted construct, can be studied in various ways, for example, investigating phases of the creative process, quality of the creative product, or the impact of expertise. Previous neuroimaging studies have assessed these individually. Believing that each of these interacting features must be examined simultaneously to develop a comprehensive understanding of creative behavior, we examined poetry composition, assessing process, product, and expertise in a single experiment. Distinct activation patterns were associated with generation and revision, two major phases of the creative process. Medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) was active during both phases, yet responses in dorsolateral prefrontal and parietal executive systems (DLPFC/IPS) were phase‐dependent, indicating that while motivation remains unchanged, cognitive control is attenuated during generation and re‐engaged during revision. Experts showed significantly stronger deactivation of DLPFC/IPS during generation, suggesting that they may more effectively suspend cognitive control. Importantly however, similar overall patterns were observed in both groups, indicating the same cognitive resources are available to experts and novices alike. Quality of poetry, assessed by an independent panel, was associated with divergent connectivity patterns in experts and novices, centered upon MPFC (for technical facility) and DLPFC/IPS (for innovation), suggesting a mechanism by which experts produce higher quality poetry. Crucially, each of these three key features can be understood in the context of a single neurocognitive model characterized by dynamic interactions between medial prefrontal areas regulating motivation, dorsolateral prefrontal, and parietal areas regulating cognitive control and the association of these regions with language, sensorimotor, limbic, and subcortical areas distributed throughout the brain. Hum Brain Mapp 36:3351–3372, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc..
One‐Pot Synthesis of 3‐Alkoxy‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐ones by the Reactions of 2‐(Azidomethyl)benzoates with NaH
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Chikazawa Yuuki , Ezaki Kosuke 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA new and facile method for the general preparation of 3‐alkoxy‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐ones has been developed. Thus, the reaction of 2‐(azidomethyl)benzoates with NaH affords, after workup with H2O, 3‐alkoxy‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐ones 2. 2‐Substituted 3‐alkoxy‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐ones 4 can be obtained by adding alkyl halides prior to workup with H2O.
Risky drug use and effects on sleep quality and daytime sleepiness
Authors: Ogeil Rowan P. , Phillips James G. , Rajaratnam Shantha M. W. , Broadbear Jillian H. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveSleep problems are commonly reported following alcohol and cannabis abuse, but our understanding of sleep in non‐clinical drug using populations is limited. The present study examined the sleep characteristics of alcohol and cannabis users recruited from the wider community.MethodsTwo hundred forty‐eight self‐identified alcohol and/or cannabis users (131 women and 117 men) with a mean age of 26.41 years completed an online study that was advertised via online forums, print media and flyers. As part of the study, participants completed validated sleep scales assessing sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) in addition to validated drug scales assessing alcohol (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and cannabis (Marijuana Screening Inventory) use.ResultsProblems with sleep quality were more commonly reported than were complaints of excessive daytime sleepiness. Clinically significant poor sleep quality was associated with comorbid problem alcohol and cannabis use. Women reporting problem alcohol and cannabis use had poorer sleep outcomes than men.ConclusionsSocial drug users who report risky alcohol and cannabis use also report poor sleep. Poor sleep quality likely exacerbates any drug‐associated problems in non‐clinical populations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.