bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) on a soil-biota system: Role of earthworms and ryegrass
Authors: Feng Mingbao , He Qun , Shi Jiaqi , Qin Li , Zhang Xuesheng , Sun Ping , Wang Zunyao 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

In the present study, the toxic effect of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), an important brominated fire retardant, on soil was evaluated by amending with different concentrations (0 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg dry wt) for 40 d. The activities of 3 soil enzymes (urease, catalase, and alkaline phosphatase) were measured as the principal assessment endpoints. Meanwhile, the effects of natural environmental factors, such as light conditions and soil biota, on BDE-209 intoxication were studied. For the latter, 30 earthworms (Metaphire guillelmi) with fully matured clitella or ryegrass (Lolium perenne) with fully matured leaves were exposed in soil amended with BDE-209. The activities of the soil enzymes were adversely affected by BDE-209, especially for the high-concentration treatments, with greater adverse effects in the dark than in the light. The presence of earthworms reduced toxicity to BDE-209, whereas ryegrass did not. The calculated integrated biomarker response index, which provides a general indicator of the health status of test species by combining different biomarker signals, further validated these findings. Moreover, the antioxidant status (oxidant–antioxidant balance) of these 2 biota was assessed. Results indicated that BDE-209 significantly affected the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and enhanced the levels of malondialdehyde in both species. The present study may facilitate a better understanding of the toxicity of BDE-209 toward the soil environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1349–1357. © 2015 SETAC
Maintaining physical activity during head and neck cancer treatment: Results of a pilot controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Shuang G. , Alexander Neil B. , Djuric Zora , Zhou Jessica , Tao Yebin , Schipper Matthew , Feng Felix Y. , Eisbruch Avraham , Worden Francis P. , Strath Scott J. , Jolly Shruti 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundConcurrent chemoradiotherapy (concurrent CRT) to treat head and neck cancer is associated with significant reductions of weight, mobility, and quality of life (QOL). An intervention focusing on functional exercise may attenuate these losses.MethodsWe allocated patients to a 14‐week functional resistance and walking program designed to maintain physical activity during cancer treatment (MPACT group; n = 11), or to usual care (control group; n = 9). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, and 7 and 14 weeks.ResultsCompared to controls, the MPACT participants had attenuated decline or improvement in several strength, mobility, physical activity, diet, and QOL endpoints. These trends were statistically significant (p < .05) in knee strength, mental health, head and neck QOL, and barriers to exercise.ConclusionIn this pilot study of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing concurrent CRT, MPACT training was feasible and maintained or improved function and QOL, thereby providing the basis for larger future interventions with longer follow‐up. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1086–E1096, 2016
Angiofibrolipoma of the larynx: Case report and literature review
Authors: Bochnia Marek , Grabowski Krzysztof , Zalewska Agata , Morawska–Kochman Monika 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundAngiofibrolipomas are one of the rarest variants of lipomas. Laryngeal origin of lipomatous tumors is also very rare.MethodsThe nature and severity of symptoms depend on the location and the size of the laryngeal tumors. However, pedunculated of a 28‐cm long tumor with the point of origin on the left arytenoepiglottic fold reached down to the esophagus and. in spite of slight dysphagia. remained asymptomatic for many years. In this case, a narrowing of the digestive tract was masked by an adaptation to the presence of a slowly growing mass.ResultsAfter surgical removal of the tumor and 18‐month follow‐up, the patient remains asymptomatic. Nonetheless, taking into consideration a possibility of recurrence or malignance, a postoperative regular 5‐year follow‐up was recommended.ConclusionThis case report illustrates the successful transoral resection of a polypoid‐shaped angiofibrolipoma of the larynx. An easy and safe endoscopic procedure seemed to be successful in the case described. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E81–E83, 2016
Guidance for Mutual Disposition of Chromophores for Singlet Fission
Authors: Havlas Zdenek , Michl Josef 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe choice of chromophores and of their mutual geometrical arrangement for optimized singlet fission (SF) rates are considered. The electronic matrix element that enters the Fermi golden rule for the rate of SF is worked out algebraically for a simple model, but the density of states factor is not analyzed here. The model treats only the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied orbitals of the partners. It provides an approximate formula that requires only the knowledge of the expansion coefficients of these orbitals and of overlap integrals between atomic orbitals on the partners to obtain an estimate of the electronic matrix element. An illustrative application to a pair of ethylene molecules suggests that favored geometries will be those in which one of the AOs on the first ethylene overlaps with both AOs on the second ethylene, while the other AO on the first ethylene overlaps with at least one, and preferably both, AOs of the second ethylene as little as possible.
Lewis Lung Cancer Cells Promote SIGNR1(CD209b)‐Mediated Macrophages Polarization Induced by IL‐4 to Facilitate Immune Evasion
Authors: Yan Xiaolong , Li Wenhai , Pan Lei , Fu Enqing , Xie Yonghong , Chen Min , Mu Deguang 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTTumor‐associated macrophages are a prominent component of lung cancer and contribute to tumor progression by facilitating the immune evasion of cancer cells. DC‐SIGN (CD209) assists in the immune evasion of a broad spectrum of pathogens and neoplasms by inhibiting the maturation of DCs and subsequent cytokines production. However, the expression of DC‐SIGN in macrophages and its role in mediating immune evasion in lung cancer and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Our study aimed to identify the immunosuppressive role of SIGNR1 in murine macrophage differentiation and lung cancer progression. We found that SIGNR1‐positive RAW264.7 macrophages were enriched in mixed cultures with Lewis lung cancer cells (LLC) (ratio of RAW 264.7 to LLC being 1:1) after stimulation with IL‐4. Moreover, LLC‐educated macrophages exhibited significantly higher levels of IL‐10 but lower IL‐12 in response to IL‐4 treatment as determined by RT‐PCR and ELISA. However, inhibition of SIGNR1 markedly hampered the production of IL‐10, indicating that SIGNR1 was indispensable for IL‐4+LLC induced macrophage polarization towards the M2 subtype. Furthermore, polarized M2 cells immersed in a tumor microenvironment promoted the migration of LLCs, as measured by transwell assays, but migration was suppressed after blockade of SIGNR1 using CD209b antibody. In addition, IL‐4+LLC‐educated macrophages reduced the proliferation of the activated T cells and reduced IFN‐γ‐mediated Th1 response in T cells, while SIGNR1 inhibition rescued Th1 cell functions. In conclusion, murine SIGNR1 expressed in LLC‐educated macrophages appears to mediate IL‐4‐induced RAW264.7 macrophage polarization and thus facilitate lung cancer evasion. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1158–1166, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Vitro and In Vivo Anti‐Melanoma Effects of Pituranthos tortuosus Essential Oil Via Inhibition of FAK and Src Activities
Authors: Krifa Mounira , Meshri Salah Edin El , Bentouati Nawel , Pizzi Antonio , Sick Emilie , Chekir‐Ghedira Leila , Rondé Philippe 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTA large number of plants used in traditional medicines have been shown to possess antitumor activities. The aims of this study were to evaluate any anticancer effect of the essential oil (EO) extracted from P. tortuosus against B16F10 melanoma cancer cells in vitro as well as in vivo. In vitro, EO was shown to induce apoptosis and to inhibit migration and invasion processes. Further investigation revealed that EO decreased focal adhesion and invadopodia formation which was accompanied by a drastic downregulation of FAK, Src, ERK, p130Cas and paxillin. Moreover, EO treatment decreased the expression level of p190RhoGAP, and Grb2, which impair cell migration and actin assembly. Mice bearing the melanoma cells were used to confirm any in vivo effectiveness of the EO as an anti‐tumor promoting agent. In mice dosed with 100 mg EO/kg/d (for 27 days), tumor weight was inhibited by 98% compared to that in mice that did not receive the product. In conclusion, these data suggested to us that an EO of P. tortuosus could evolve to be a potential medicinal resource for use in the treatment of cancers. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1167–1175, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Statins Modulate Cyclooxygenase‐2 and Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase‐1 in Human Hepatic Myofibroblasts
Authors: Mouawad Charbel A. , Mrad May F. , El‐Achkar Ghewa A. , Abdul‐Sater Ali , Nemer Georges M. , Creminon Christophe , Lotersztajn Sophie , Habib Aïda 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTStatins have been shown to exert anti‐inflammatory and anti‐fibrogenic properties in the liver. In the present study, we explored the mechanisms underlying anti‐fibrogenic effects of statins in isolated hepatic myofibroblasts and focused on cyclooxyegnase‐2, a major anti‐proliferative pathway in these cells. We show that simvastatin and fluvastatin inhibit thymidine incorporation in hMF in a dose‐dependent manner. Pretreatment of cells with NS398, a COX‐2 inhibitor, partially blunted this effect. cAMP levels, essential to the inhibition of hMF proliferation, were increased by statins and inhibited by non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Since statins modify prenylation of some important proteins in gene expression, we investigated the targets involved using selective inhibitors of prenyltransferases. Inhibition of geranylgeranylation resulted in the induction of COX‐2 and mPGES‐1. Using gel retardation assays, we further demonstrated that statins potentially activated the NFκB and CRE/E‐box binding for COX‐2 promoter and the binding of GC‐rich regions and GATA for mPGES‐1. Together these data demonstrate that statin limit hepatic myofibroblasts proliferation via a COX‐2 and mPGES‐1 dependent pathway. These data suggest that statin‐dependent increase of prostaglandin in hMF contributes to its anti‐fibrogenic effect. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1176–1186, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors associated with skeletal muscle mass, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity in older adults: a multi‐continent study
Authors: Tyrovolas Stefanos , Koyanagi Ai , Olaya Beatriz , Ayuso‐Mateos Jose Luis , Miret Marta , Chatterji Somnath , Tobiasz‐Adamczyk Beata , Koskinen Seppo , Leonardi Matilde , Haro Josep Maria 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with low skeletal muscle mass (SMM), sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity using nationally representative samples of people aged ≥65 years from diverse geographical regions of the world.MethodsData were available for 18 363 people aged ≥65 years who participated in the Collaborative Research on Ageing in Europe survey conducted in Finland, Poland, and Spain, and the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health survey conducted in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa, between 2007 and 2012. A skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was created to reflect SMM. SMM, SMI, and percent body fat (%BF) were calculated with specific indirect population formulas. These estimates were based on age, sex, weight, height, and race. Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were defined with specific cut‐offs.ResultsThe prevalence of sarcopenia ranged from 12.6% (Poland) to 17.5% (India), and that of sarcopenic obesity ranged from 1.3% (India) to 11.0% (Spain). Higher %BF was associated with lower SMM in all countries, and with sarcopenia in five countries (p < 0.001). Compared to high levels of physical activity, low levels were related with higher odds for sarcopenia [OR 1.36 (95%CI 1.11–1.67)] and sarcopenic obesity [OR 1.80 (95%CI 1.23–2.64)] in the overall sample. Also, a dose‐dependent association between higher numbers of chronic diseases and sarcopenic obesity was observed.ConclusionsPhysical activity and body composition changes such as high %BF are key factors for the prevention of sarcopenia syndrome.
Quantification of liver perfusion using multidelay pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling
Authors: Pan Xinlei , Qian Tianyi , Fernandez‐Seara Maria A. , Smith Robert X. , Li Kuncheng , Ying Kui , Sung Kyunghyun , Wang Danny J.J. 
Published: October 2015

PurposeTo develop a free‐breathing multidelay pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) technique for quantitative measurement of liver perfusion of the hepatic artery and portal vein, respectively.Materials and MethodsA navigator‐gated pCASL sequence with balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) readout was developed and applied on five healthy young volunteers at 3T. Two labeling schemes were performed with the labeling plane applied on the descending aorta above the liver, and perpendicular to the portal vein before its entry to liver to label the hepatic artery and portal vein, respectively. For each labeling scheme, pCASL scans were performed at five or six postlabeling delays between 200 and 2000 msec or 2500 msec with an interval of 400 or 500 msec. Multidelay pCASL images were processed offline with nonrigid motion correction, outlier removal, and fitted for estimation of liver perfusion and transit time.ResultsEstimated liver perfusion of the hepatic artery and hepatic portal vein were 21.8 ± 1.9 and 95.1 ± 8.9 mL/100g/min, with the corresponding transit time of 1227.3 ± 355.5 and 667.2 ± 85.0 msec, respectively. The estimated liver perfusion and transit time without motion correction were less reliable with greater residual variance compared to those processed with motion correction (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe liver perfusion measurement using multidelay pCASL showed good correspondence with values noted in the literature. The capability to noninvasively and selectively label the hepatic artery and portal vein is a unique strength of pCASL as compared to other liver perfusion imaging techniques, such as computed tomography perfusion and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1046–1054.
Prediction of inflows into Lake Kariba using a combination of physical and empirical models
Authors: Muchuru Shepherd , Landman Willem A. , DeWitt David G. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTSeasonal climate forecasts are operationally produced at various climate prediction centres around the world. However, these forecasts may not necessarily be appropriately integrated into application models in order to help with decision‐making processes. This study investigates the use of a combination of physical and empirical models to predict seasonal inflows into Lake Kariba in southern Africa. Two predictions systems are considered. The first uses antecedent seasonal rainfall totals over the upper Zambezi catchment as predictor in a statistical model for estimating seasonal inflows into Lake Kariba. The second and more sophisticated method uses predicted low‐level atmospheric circulation of a coupled ocean–atmosphere general circulation model (CGCM) downscaled to the inflows. Forecast verification results are presented for five run‐on 3‐month seasons; from September to June over an independent hindcast period of 14 years (1995/1996 to 2008/2009). Verification is conducted using the relative operating characteristic (ROC) and the reliability diagram. In addition to the presented verification statistics, the hindcasts are also evaluated in terms of their economic value as a usefulness indicator of forecast quality for bureaucrats and to the general public. The models in general perform best during the austral mid‐summer season of DJF (seasonal onset of inflows) and the autumn season of MAM (main inflow season). Moreover, the prediction system that uses the output of the CGCM is superior to the simple statistical approach. An additional forecast of a recent flooding event (2010/2011), which lies outside of the 14‐year verification window, is presented to demonstrate the forecast system's operational capability further during a season of high inflows that caused societal and infrastructure problems over the region.
Free‐space coupling of nanoantennas and whispering‐gallery microcavities with narrowed linewidth and enhanced sensitivity
Authors: Gu Fuxing , Zhang Li , Zhu Yingbin , Zeng Heping 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDue to the broad scattering spectral profiles, localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) of Pd nanoparticles have low resolution and limited sensitivity for hydrogen detection. In this work, we use a simple light‐irradiation method to demonstrate that free‐space light can be efficiently coupled into and from the microfiber whispering‐gallery modes (WGMs) by the Pd nanoantennas. The nanoantenna–microfiber cavity system provides strong intermodal coupling between LSPRs and WGMs, and induces significant modulation of the scattering spectra. A measured full width at half‐maximum of 3.2 nm at 622.7 nm is obtained, which is the narrowest in Pd nanoparticle‐based LSPR structures reported up to now. The ultranarrow resonances offer enhanced sensitivity to hydrogen gas detection with a figure of merit reaching ∼2.22. Other advantages of the Pd nanoantenna–microfiber cavity system including independence of precise alignment of excitation light, large tunability of the resonant wavelengths, easy and low‐cost fabrication of the system, have also been demonstrated.image
Resveratrol stimulates cyclic AMP response element mediated gene transcription
Authors: Thiel Gerald , Rössler Oliver G. 
Published: October 2015

ScopeMany intracellular effects have been attributed to resveratrol, a polyphenolic phytoalexin found in grapes and in other plants, including the direct regulation of transcription. Here, we have analyzed the impact of resveratrol on gene transcription regulated by the cyclic AMP response element (CRE).Methods and resultsTranscription of a chromatin‐embedded reporter gene with CREs in its regulatory region was significantly elevated in resveratrol‐treated 293 human embryonic kidney cells, hepatoma cells and neural stem cells. The CRE thus functions as resveratrol‐responsive element. The polyphenols quercetin and naringenin also stimulated CRE‐mediated gene transcription, but not in the range of resveratrol. The polyphenol curcumin, in contrast, had no effect upon CRE‐regulated transcription. In addition, resveratrol stimulation upregulated the transcriptional activation potentials of the CRE‐binding proteins (CREB) and activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2).ConclusionCREB exhibits cytoprotective activity by stimulating CRE‐regulated genes, while ATF2 has been identified as a tumor suppressor. The fact that resveratrol upregulates CRE‐mediated gene transcription and enhances the transcriptional activation potentials of CREB and ATF2 suggests that cytoprotective and tumor suppressive activities of resveratrol may rely—at least in part—on the stimulation of CREB‐ and ATF2‐controlled target genes.
Time‐step constraints in transient coupled finite element analysis
Authors: Cui W. , Gawecka K. A. , Taborda D. M. G. , Potts D. M. , Zdravković L. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryIn transient finite element analysis, reducing the time‐step size improves the accuracy of the solution. However, a lower bound to the time‐step size exists, below which the solution may exhibit spatial oscillations at the initial stages of the analysis. This numerical ‘shock’ problem may lead to accumulated errors in coupled analyses. To satisfy the non‐oscillatory criterion, a novel analytical approach is presented in this paper to obtain the time‐step constraints using the θ‐method for the transient coupled analysis, including both heat conduction–convection and coupled consolidation analyses. The expressions of the minimum time‐step size for heat conduction–convection problems with both linear and quadratic elements reduce to those applicable to heat conduction problems if the effect of heat convection is not taken into account. For coupled consolidation analysis, time‐step constraints are obtained for three different types of elements, and the one for composite elements matches that in the literature. Finally, recommendations on how to handle the numerical ‘shock’ issues are suggested. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Mountains ofIsrael’:Fijians’Judaic Origins and the Use of theOldTestament inHighlandVitiLevu
Authors: Jones Edwin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe suggestion that theiTaukei(indigenousFijians) are a lost tribe ofIsrael has gained currency amongMethodists in the interior ofVitiLevu, coexisting with a firm and widely held belief in the ancestors’ emergence from the mysticalNakauvadra hills. For the people ofNabobuco, theHebrewBible's depiction of the relationship betweenJehovah and theIsraelites also contains powerful analogies with contemporaryChristian experiences of collective sin and redemption. This paper discusses local genealogies and the use of theOldTestament to positNabobuco andIsrael's moral equivalence within theKingdom ofGod.
Optimal first trimester preeclampsia prediction: a comparison of multimarker algorithm, risk profiles and their sequential application
Authors: Gabbay‐Benziv R. , Oliveira N. , Baschat A. A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo compare performance of multimarker algorithm, risk profiles and their sequential application in prediction of preeclampsia and determining potential intervention targets.Study DesignMaternal characteristics, ultrasound variables and serum biomarkers were collected prospectively at first trimester. Univariate analysis identified preeclampsia associated variables followed by logistic regression analysis to determine the prediction rule. Combined characteristics of the cardiovascular, metabolic and the personal risk factors were compared to the multimarker algorithm and the sequential application of both methods.ResultsOut of 2433 women, 108 developed preeclampsia (4.4%). Probability scores considering nulliparity, prior preeclampsia, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure and placental growth factor had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.784 (95% CI = 0.721–0.847). While the multimarker algorithm had the lowest false negative rate, sequential application of cardiovascular and metabolic risk profiles in screen positives reduced false positives by 26% and identified blood pressure and metabolic risk in 49/54 (91%) women with subsequent preeclampsia as treatable risk factors.ConclusionSequential application of a multimarker algorithm followed by determination of treatable risk factors in screen positive women is the optimal approach for first trimester preeclampsia prediction and identification of women that may benefit from targeted metabolic or cardiovascular treatment. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.