bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of the eating disorder belief questionnaire
Authors: Bergin Jacqueline , Wade Tracey D. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe purpose of this investigation was to examine the psychometric properties of the eating disorder belief questionnaire (EDBQ).MethodThe EDBQ was administered to clinical patients with bulimia nervosa (n = 44) and nonclinical female university students (n = 298). Six types of psychometric testing were conducted: internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, ability to discriminate between clinical and nonclinical groups, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis.ResultsPsychometric testing generally supported the utility of the EDBQ with good internal consistency, 4‐ to 6‐week test–retest reliability, convergent validity, and ability to discriminate between groups. The a priori structure of the EDBQ was shown to provide a good fit to the observed data.DiscussionThe results suggest that the EDBQ is a reliable and valid measure that may assist researchers and clinicians aiming to assess eating disorder cognitions in populations with bulimic symptoms. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:640–646)
Biologic interactions determining geographic range size: a one species response to phylogenetic community structure
Authors: Herrera‐Alsina Leonel , Villegas‐Patraca Rafael 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRange size variation in closely related species suggests different responses to biotic and abiotic heterogeneity across large geographic regions. Species turnover generates a wide spectrum of species assemblages, resulting in different competition intensities among taxa, creating restrictions as important as environmental constraints. We chose to adopt the widely used phylogenetic relatedness (NRI) measurement to define a metric that depicts competition strength (via phylogenetic similarity), which one focal species confronts in its environment. This new approach (NRIfocal) measures the potential of the community structure effect over performance of a single species. We chose two ecologically similar Peucaea sparrows, which co‐occur and have highly dissimilar range size to test whether the population response to competition intensity is different between species. We analyzed the correlation between both Peucaea species population sizes and NRIfocal using data from point counts. Results indicated that the widespread species population size was not associated with NRIfocal, whereas the population of restricted‐sized species exhibited a negative relationship with competition intensity. Consequently, a species' sensitivity to competition might be a limiting factor to range expansion, which provides new insights into geographic range analysis and community ecology.
Prognosis and response to therapy of first inpatient and outpatient heart failure event in a heart failure clinical trial: MADIT‐CRT
Authors: Skali Hicham , Dwyer Edward M. , Goldstein Robert , Haigney Mark , Krone Ronald , Kukin Marrick , Lichstein Edgar , McNitt Scott , Moss Arthur J. , Pfeffer Marc A. , Solomon Scott D. 
Published: February 2014

AimsHospitalization for worsening heart failure (HF) is known to increase mortality and morbidity risk and has been frequently used as an endpoint in randomized clinical trials. Whether outpatient management of HF exacerbation carries similar prognostic and therapeutic information is less well known, but could be important for the design of trials that use HF hospitalization as an endpoint.Methods and resultsMADIT‐CRT randomized patients with mild HF symptoms to resynchronization therapy vs. control with an average follow‐up of 3.3 years and a total of 191 deaths. HF events were centrally adjudicated for receiving i.v. decongestive therapy in an outpatient setting, or an augmented HF regimen during a hospital stay. Patients were compared according to whether their first HF was an out‐ or inpatient event. The first primary event was non‐fatal outpatient HF, non‐fatal inpatient HF, and death in 52, 331, and 78 patients, respectively. Patients with inpatient HF tended to be older and more likely to have HF of ischaemic aetiology than subjects who developed outpatient HF events. The risk of death following either type of non‐fatal HF events was extremely high [hazard ratio (HR) 12.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.1–16.9 for inpatient HF; HR 10.7, 95% CI 6.1–18.7 for outpatient HF] compared with subjects without non‐fatal HF events. Allocation to CRT‐D was associated with significant reduction in both types of HF.ConclusionOutpatient management of worsening HF portends a high risk of death, similar to inpatient HF events, and may be equally sensitive to the effects of therapy. These findings suggest that outpatient HF events should be considered in publicly reported outcomes measures and future HF clinical trials.Trial RegistrationNCT01294449.
Evaluation of [12C/11C]Carbon Monoxide Binding to Copper(I) Tris(pyrazolyl)borate Complexes
Authors: Kealey Steven , White Andrew J. P. , Gee Antony D. , Long Nicholas J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe copper(I) coordination chemistry of tris(3‐R‐5‐R′‐pyrazolyl)borate ligands (TpR,R′) bearing substituent groups attached to the pyrazole rings has been investigated under nitrogen and carbon monoxide atmospheres [1 (TpPh,SMe) R = Ph, R′ = SCH3; 2 (TpPy) R = 2‐pyridyl, R′ = H; 3 (TpPhos,Me) R = 2‐(diphenylphosphinyl)phenyl, R′ = CH3]. The reactivity is strongly dependent on the coordinating potential of the substituent groups; in the absence of CO, 1 formed an insoluble complex [Cu(TpPh,SMe)]n (1b), 2 formed a multinuclear species [Cu(TpPy)]n (2a; tetrameric in solution, dimeric in the solid state) and 3 formed a discrete complex [Cu(TpPhos,Me)] (3a). Under a CO atmosphere, 1 displayed irreversible CO binding to form the complex [Cu(TpPh,SMe)CO] (1c), 2 showed reversible CO binding between 2a and the mononuclear species [Cu(TpPy)CO] (2b), and 3 did not bind to CO, but instead formed 3a. The reactivity of the copper complexes of 1 and 2 with [11C]carbon monoxide has been examined in the radiochemistry laboratory to investigate the reversibility of 11CO binding. The solid‐state structures of [Tl(TpPh,SMe)] (1a), 1c and 2a were elucidated by X‐ray crystallography.
Conformational Regulation of Substituted Azepanes through Mono‐, Di‐, and Trifluorination
Authors: Patel Alpesh Ramanlal , Hunter Luke , Bhadbhade Mohan M. , Liu Fei 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSubstituted azepanes have flexible ring structures and this conformational diversity is important for their bioactivity. We have shown that a single fluorine atom, when installed diastereoselectively on a model azepane ring, can bias its ring to one major conformation. Here the conformational effects of mono‐, di‐, and trifluorination, as well as hydroxylation, on substituted azepanes have been investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy and computational modeling in chloroform. Fluorine substitution was found to be more effective than hydroxyl group substitution in reducing conformational disorder; however, multiple fluorinations may not lead to additive conformational control and can result in complex conformational outcomes.
Subclinical cognitive decline in middle‐age is associated with reduced task‐induced deactivation of the brain's default mode network
Authors: Hansen Naja Liv , Lauritzen Martin , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Osler Merete , Avlund Kirsten , Fagerlund Birgitte , Rostrup Egill 
Published: February 2014

AbstractCognitive abilities decline with age, but with considerable individual variation. The neurobiological correlate of this variation is not well described. Functional brain imaging studies have demonstrated reduced task‐induced deactivation (TID) of the brain's default mode network (DMN) in a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases involving cognitive symptoms, in conditions with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, and even in advanced but healthy aging. Here, we investigated brain activation and deactivation during a visual‐motor task in 185 clinically healthy males from a Danish birth cohort, whose cognitive function was assessed in youth and midlife. Using each individual as his own control, we defined a group with a large degree of cognitive decline, and a control group. When correcting for effects of total cerebral blood flow and hemoglobin level, we found reduced TID in the posterior region of the DMN in the cognitive decline group compared to the control group. Furthermore, increased visual activation response was found in the cognitive decline group, indicating that the TID reduction was not exclusively due to overall impaired vascular reactivity. These results suggest a neurobiological basis for subclinical cognitive decline in late midlife, which includes TID alterations similar to the pattern seen in patients with AD and mild cognitive impairment. Hence, TID reduction might be suggested as an early marker for subtle cognitive decline in aging. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4488–4498, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A multi‐method field experiment to determine local groundwater flow in a glacier forefield
Authors: Kobierska Florian , Jonas Tobias , Griessinger Nena , Hauck Christian , Huxol Stephan , Bernasconi Stefano M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe implemented multiple independent field techniques to determine the direction and velocity of groundwater flow at a specific stream reach in a glacier forefield. Time‐lapse experiments were conducted using two electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) lines installed in a cross pattern. A circular array of groundwater tubes was also installed to monitor groundwater flow via discrete salt injections. Both inter‐borehole and ERT results confirmed this stream section as a losing reach and enabled quantification of the flow direction. Both techniques yielded advection velocities varying between 5.7 and 21.8 m/day. Estimates of groundwater flow direction and velocity indicated that groundwater infiltrates from the stream nearby and not from the adjacent lateral moraine. Groundwater age estimated from radon concentration measurements supported this hypothesis. Despite uncertainties inherent to each of the methods deployed, the combination of multiple field techniques allowed drawing consistent conclusions about local groundwater flow. We thus regard our multi‐method approach as a reliable way to characterize the two‐dimensional groundwater flow at sites where more invasive groundwater investigation techniques are difficult to carry out and local heterogeneities can make single measurements unreliable. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lack of synergistic interaction between the two mechanisms of action of tapentadol in gastrointestinal transit
Authors: Cowan A. , Raffa R.B. , Tallarida C.S. , Tallarida R.J. , Christoph T. , Schröder W. , Tzschentke T.M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundA multi‐mechanistic approach offers potential enhancement of analgesic efficacy, but therapeutic gain could be offset by an increase in adverse events. The centrally acting analgesic tapentadol [(–)‐(1R,2R)‐3‐(3‐dimethylamino‐1‐ethyl‐2‐methyl‐propyl)‐phenol hydrochloride] combines μ‐opioid receptor (MOR) agonism and neuronal noradrenaline reuptake inhibition (NRI), both of which contribute to its analgesic effects. Previously, isobolographic analysis of occupation‐effect data and a theoretically equivalent methodology determining interactions from the effect scale demonstrated pronounced synergistic interaction between the two mechanisms of action of tapentadol in two models of antinociception (low‐intensity tail‐flick and spinal nerve ligation). The present study investigated the nature of interaction of the two mechanisms on a surrogate measure for gastrointestinal adverse effect (inhibition of gastrointestinal transit).MethodsDose–response curves were generated in rats for tapentadol alone or in combination with the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, or the α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine, to reveal the effect of tapentadol based upon MOR agonism, NRI, and combined mechanisms.ResultsThe dose–effect curve of tapentadol was shifted to the right by both antagonists, thereby providing data to distinguish between MOR agonism and NRI. Analysis revealed a simple additive interaction between the two mechanisms on this endpoint, in contrast to the synergistic interaction previously demonstrated for antinociception.ConclusionsWe believe this is the first published evaluation of mechanistic interaction for a surrogate measure of adverse effect of a single compound with two mechanisms of action, and the results suggest that there is a greater separation between the analgesic and gastrointestinal effects of tapentadol than expected based upon its analgesic efficacy.
Fabrication of a heparin–PVA complex hydrogel for application as a vascular access
Authors: Negishi Jun , Nam Kwangwoo , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Hashimoto Yoshihide , Funamoto Seiichi , Higami Tetsuya , Fujisato Toshiya , Kishida Akio 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA high hydrostatic pressure method, which can apply over 600 MPa pressure was employed for preparing a hydrogel of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) loaded with heparin. The aim of this study was to fabricate a heparin–PVA hydrogel conduit and evaluate its potential for vascular access. Heparin–PVA complex hydrogel showed suppressed heparin release and prevented clot formation, depending on the molecular weight of the PVA. Strength of the hydrogel conduit was increased by embedding a Dacron® mesh between two PVA layers. The tubular heparin–PVA complex hydrogel displayed a burst pressure of 750 mmHg. The tubular heparin–PVA complex hydrogel did not show any occlusion or burst for 2 weeks after implantation, implying that this heparin–PVA complex hydrogel shows high potential for use as a vascular access. This is the first report on the preparation of a multilayered PVA hydrogel with heparin embedded on one side only. The proposed approach could be expanded to the fabrication of various biomaterials for specific purposes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1426–1433, 2014.
Metabolic Pathways Related to Oxidative Stress in Patients With Hemoglobin H Disease and Iron Overload
Authors: Chiou Shyh‐Shin , Tsao Chao‐Jung , Tsai Shih‐Meng , Wu Ye‐Ru , Liao Yu‐Mei , Lin Pei‐Chin , Tsai Li‐Yu 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundIron overload is a major complication in patients with hemoglobin H (Hb H) disease and causes damage of tissues.MethodsWe investigated 26 Hb H patients and 75 controls to evaluate their oxidative stress and antioxidant statuses.ResultsThere were significantly increased levels of superoxide anion in leucocytes, nitrite (N), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRx) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in erythrocytes, decreased levels of nitrate (N) and vitamin C in plasma, and reduced glutathione (GSH) in erythrocytes, in addition to the abnormal iron status in the patients when compared with those in the controls. Meanwhile, levels of serum ferritin were positively correlated with serum iron, plasma MDA, and erythrocyte SOD in the patients. In addition, the activities of SOD were positively correlated with those of GPx and GRx, and the levels of GSSG and MDA, but negatively correlated with those of GSH. Furthermore, the levels of MDA were negatively correlated those of vitamin C.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the presence of oxidative stress and decreased levels of antioxidants; moreover, the related metabolic antioxidant pathway is active in Hb H patients with iron overload.
Complement‐Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC) to Detect Anti‐HLA Antibodies: Old but Gold
Authors: Saito Patrícia Keiko , Yamakawa Roger Haruki , da Silva Pereira Lucieni Christina Marques , da Silva Junior Waldir Veríssimo , Borelli Sueli Donizete 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundThe criterion (gold) standard to detect anti‐human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies is the complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assay. Recently, more sensitive methods have been used for the same purpose.MethodsThis study analyzed 70 serum samples of patients with end‐stage renal disease using CDC, CDC with the addition of anti‐human globulin (CDC‐AHG), CDC with the addition of dithiothreitol (CDC‐DTT), and the recent solid‐phase immunoassay (SPI; Labscreen PRA) to detect anti‐HLA antibodies.ResultsMean percent panel reactive antibodies (PRA) detected by SPI was 37.5% (±34.2) higher than the values detected by the other methods. Comparative analyses revealed significant difference between CDC and CDC‐AHG, and between CDC and SPI (P< 0.0001), but not between CDC‐AHG and SPI (P= 0.8026).ConclusionAlthough the CDC‐AHG method is “old,” its performance to detect anti‐HLA antibodies in the samples analyzed was comparable to the SPI in the evaluation of percent class I PRA.
Association of Novel Gene Polymorphisms RRM1 −756T>C and −269 C>A With Breast Cancer
Authors: Chen Dar‐Ren , Chuang Chun‐Yi , Wu Buor‐Chang , Yang Shun‐Fa , Peng Yu‐Hsien , Tsai Hsiu‐Ting 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundGenetic variants are reported to play an important role in the susceptibility of breast cancer. Ribonucleotide reductase 1 (RRM1) is suggested to play an essential role in the regulation of cancer development. The purpose of this study was to identify novel gene polymorphisms of RRM1 −756T>C and RRM1 −269 C>A specific to patients with breast cancer and healthy controls.MethodsA total of 833 subjects, including 321 healthy controls and 512 patients with breast cancer, were recruited in this study. Allelic discrimination of RRM1 −756T>C (rs11030919) and RRM1 −269C>A (rs12806698) polymorphisms of the RRM1 gene was assessed with the real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 1.20 (0.71–2.04) and 1.10 (0.65–1.86) to have breast cancer among individuals with CC alleles of RRM1 −756T>C and individuals with AA alleles of RRM1 −269C>A gene polymorphism, respectively, compared to individuals having wild type of RRM1 gene polymorphisms. Also, there was no significant genetic interaction effect on the susceptibility of breast cancer and nonassociation between genetic polymorphisms and clinical statuses of breast cancer.ConclusionGene polymorphisms of RRM1 −756T>C and RRM1 −269C>A may be not an important factor for the susceptibility of breast cancer.
Fluorescence Immunoassay of Human D‐dimer in Whole Blood
Authors: Kim Tae Kyum , Oh Sang Wook , Mok Young Joon , Choi Eui Yul 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundD‐dimer is a widely used biomarker for the initial clinical assessment of suspected deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Here, we presented a new fluorescence (FL) D‐dimer assay system, which was developed with a platform of point‐of‐care test (POCT) for clinical applications.MethodsWhole blood was mixed with FL‐labeled anti‐D‐dimer detector antibody, and then loaded onto a disposable cartridge. After 12 min of incubation, the FL intensity was acquired by scanning of test cartridge and converted as level of D‐dimer in a laser FL scanner. The analytical performance of FL immunoassay was evaluated by linearity, recovery, and precision tests. The comparability of the developed assay was examined with automated reference methods.ResultsThe FL assay system showed a good linearity, and the analytical mean recovery of control was 103% in a dynamic working range. The imprecision of intra‐ and inter‐as‐say of coefficient of variations from assay system was less than 8%. The developed FL assay system showed strong correlation with two automated reference assays, Vidas D‐dimer (r = 0.973) and Stalia D‐dimer (r = 0.971).ConclusionThe new FL immunoassay for D‐dimer is a user‐friendly, precise, and reproducible platform of POCT in whole blood.
A new strategy for enhancement of poly‐γ‐glutamic acid production by multiple physicochemical stresses in Bacillus licheniformis
Authors: Wei Xuetuan , Tian Guangming , Ji Zhixia , Chen Shouwen 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe physicochemical stress‐induced bioprocess is an efficient strategy for enhancement of the production of microbial metabolites, but multiple physicochemical stresses have not applied in poly‐γ‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) production.RESULTSThe effects of multiple physicochemical stresses on the production and synthetase genes transcription of γ‐PGA were investigated in Bacillus licheniformis WX‐02. Under heat stress stimulated at 50 °C, osmotic stress induced by 3% KCl, and alkaline stress mediated by pH 8.5, γ‐PGA yields increased by 66%, 106% and 133%, respectively, and the transcription levels of γ‐PGA synthetase gene PgsC were improved 3.1‐fold, 3.6‐fold and 5.4‐fold compared with the control. Heat and osmotic stress also induced the up‐regulation of another γ‐PGA synthetase gene of PgsB with 1.4‐fold and 4.3‐fold increase, respectively. By combined application of heat and pH stress, the maximum γ‐PGA yield reached 29.34 g L−1, 185% higher than the control.CONCLUSIONThis study provided a novel strategy to enhance γ‐PGA yield by physicochemical stresses treatment, and the possible mechanism was also determined. The stress‐mediated strategy can be easily applied in γ‐PGA production at large scale. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
MRI of the carotid artery at 7 Tesla: Quantitative comparison with 3 Tesla
Authors: Koning Wouter , de Rotte Alexandra A.J. , Bluemink Johanna J. , van der Velden Tijl A. , Luijten Peter R. , Klomp Dennis W.J. , Zwanenburg Jaco J.M. 
Published: February 2014

PurposeTo evaluate the 7 Tesla (T) MRI of the carotid arteries, as quantitatively compared with 3T.Materials and MethodsThe 7T MRI of the carotid arteries was performed in six healthy subjects and in two patients with carotid stenosis. The healthy group was scanned at 3T and at 7T, using current coil setups at both field strengths. T1 and T2 values of the normal carotid vessel wall were assessed at both field strengths. B1+ maps and signal to noise ratio (SNR) maps were obtained, as well as T1 weighted images with a resolution as high as 0.4 × 0.4 × 1.5 mm3.ResultsThe T1 of the normal carotid vessel wall was found to be 1227 ± 47 ms at 3T and 1628 ± 130 ms at 7T, while a T2 of 55 ± 11 ms at 3T and 46 ± 4 ms at 7T was found. A twofold average gain in SNR at the carotid arteries was found with 7T. T1 weighted images showed an increased SNR at 7T for all subjects.ConclusionEvaluation between 3T and 7T carotid MRI with optimized setups at both field strengths showed improved SNR at 7T, an increase in vessel wall T1 and a decrease in vessel wall T2. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:773–780. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.