bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preserved gastric motility in patients with early gastric cancer after endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Higuchi Naomi , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Ihara Eikichi , Akahoshi Kazuya , Akiho Hirotada , Sumida Yorinobu , Motomura Yasuaki , Kubokawa Masaru , Ito Tetsuhide , Takayanagi Ryoichi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground and AimEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is now accepted as a minimally invasive treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC). To our knowledge, however, the functional effects of ESD have not been determined in patients with EGC. We therefore investigated whether gastric motility was affected by ESD.MethodsUsing the 13C‐octanoic acid breath test, gastric emptying of solid test meals was examined in 26 EGC patients and 18 healthy controls, with EGC patients assayed before and about 2 months after ESD. Based on 13CO2 breath‐excretion curves, the lag‐phase time (Tlag), half‐emptying time (T1/2), and gastric emptying coefficient (GEC) were calculated as indices of gastric emptying.ResultsIn healthy controls, the mean Tlag, T1/2, and GEC were 85.5 ± 4.9 min, 148.5 ± 8.0 min, and 3.01 ± 0.09 h, respectively. Before ESD, the mean Tlag, T1/2, and GEC in the EGC patients were 90.1 ± 5.5 min, 174.7 ± 10.4 min, 2.64 ± 0.08 h, respectively. GEC, but not Tlag or T1/2, differed significantly in the two groups, with gastric emptying slower in EGC patients than in controls. Relative to before ESD, the mean Tlag, T1/2, and GEC in EGC patients after ESD were 109.2% ± 7.8%, 107.9% ± 9.6%, 108.4% ± 4.7%, respectively, indicating that ESD did not significantly affect any of these gastric emptying parameters in EGC patients.ConclusionESD is an effective treatment for EGC both in preserving organs and gastric motility.
Impact of Serving Temperature on Sensory Properties of Red Wine as Evaluated Using Projective Mapping by a Trained Panel
Authors: Ross Carolyn F. , Weller Karen M. , Alldredge J. Richard 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the specific sensory attributes of red wines served at three temperatures. Using projective mapping (Napping), a trained panel (n = 12) evaluated six Washington State Lemberger red wines in replicate and sorted these wines based on their sensory attributes. Results indicated greater variability between replicate perceptual maps at 10 and 16C, while wine served at 22C produced the same perceptual maps for both replicates. The wines served at 10 and 16C were described more frequently as astringent, sour and bitter, with fewer aroma descriptors used compared with those served at 22C. This study is the first to provide description of the sensory properties of Lemberger wines and the effect of serving temperature on this wine. This study also showed the importance of replicate evaluations when using Napping for a small number of panelists evaluating a product with high individual variation.Practical ApplicationsThis study describes how serving temperature affects the sensory properties perceived in red wine. This is useful for those in the wine and hospitality industries who have thought this to be the case but have lacked in formal scientific studies. These industries can use this information to better showcase their red wines. From a sensory standpoint, this study shows how projective mapping (Napping) needs to be carefully considered based on the expected variation and number of participating panelists.
Preference and Gender Associations of Perfumes Applied on Human Skin
Authors: Lindqvist Anna 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe perception of fragrances has been a growing field of interest, where perfumes classified as either typically feminine or typically masculine primarily have been used as stimuli. The current study explored gender associations and preferences of more “unisex” perfumes found in the middle of a gender continuum of fragrances, both when the fragrances were applied on humans, and when they were presented in glass bottles. Blindfolded participants indicated if they wanted to use the fragrances themselves, if they wanted their partner to use the perfumes, scaled gender associations (femininity and masculinity) for each perfume and tried to guess the gender of the person each perfume was applied on when not presented in a bottle. Results show that the gender of the person that the perfume was applied on did not affect the participants' preference or their gender scaling. Moreover, the preference did not differ between female and male participants, indicating that the commercial gender categorization is less important to the perfume consumers.Practical ImplicationsOn the commercial market, most perfumes are classified as either feminine or masculine, although the odor quality of feminine and masculine odors are overlapping and constitute a continuum rather than two separate clusters of odors. Earlier research has shown that participants tend to prefer perfumes positioned in the middle of this gender continuum. The current study investigates gender associations and preferences of perfumes from the middle of the gender continuum while these are applied on humans. When blindfolded participants evaluated their perception of the perfumes in this study, it became clear that neither the gender of the humans that the perfumes were applied on, nor the commercial gender labeling of the perfumes were important to their perception. Consequently, the commercial gender categorization does not seem to be sufficient for all perfumes. Instead, the classification of perfumes could be according to other aspects, e.g., according to odor quality.
Development of a Lexicon for Commercially Available Cabbage (Baechu) Kimchi
Authors: Chambers Edgar , Lee Jeehyun , Chun Soonsil , Miller Ashley E. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractCommercially available cabbage (baechu) kimchi is growing in popularity outside Korea in part because of globalization and a growing interest in specialty foods. Within Korea, commercially available kimchi is important because many households do not have time to prepare traditional kimchi at home. Despite this fact, little work has been published characterizing the sensory attributes of this popular fermented food. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop an initial sensory lexicon for popular commercially available cabbage (baechu) kimchi, including specific flavor references, in order to allow researchers to measure and compare sensory characteristics, and (2) to use the lexicon to determine if it described differences in a range of commercially available wedge (pogi) and sliced (mat) fresh and fermented baechu kimchi available in Korea. A lexicon with 15 flavors and two key texture terms was developed by a descriptive panel to characterize baechu kimchi samples and is presented here in both English and Korean to enhance use. Age (fresh or fermented) and manufacturer had a tremendous influence on the sensory characteristics of the commercial kimchi samples. Areas for future research include examining sensory properties of kimchi made from products other than cabbage, conducting consumer research to relate acceptability of baechu kimchi products with descriptive scores, and comparing homemade and commercially produced kimchi products.Practical ApplicationsThe development of this lexicon is the first of its kind for kimchi and can help sensory scientists better understand this unique product and will help manufacturers differentiate their products from competitors and improve existing products on the market. Sensory scientists will also be able to use this information to standardize the sensory attributes of baechu kimchi and provide a common platform on which to evaluate these products.
Potentiation of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cultured wild ginseng root extract through probiotic fermentation
Authors: Park Byoung-Gun , Jung Hyun-Joo , Cho Young-Wook , Lim Hye-Won , Lim Chang-Jin 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Objectives
This work aimed to determine some pharmacological properties of non-fermented (WG) and fermented (FWG) extracts of cultured wild ginseng root.

Methods
WG was treated with Bifidobacterium longum to generate FWG. Ginsenoside patterns were analysed using thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The effect of WG and FWG on reactive oxygen species (ROS) was examined in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Intracellular ROS were detected by flow cytometry. Nitrite in culture supernatant fractions was determined using the Griess reaction. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl was used to determine anti-radical activity. Cell viability was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.

Key findings
FWG was rich in ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2, compared with WG. FWG diminished the enhanced ROS level more strongly than WG in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Both WG and FWG decreased the nitrite levels in stimulated macrophage cells with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 2.7 and 1.5 mg/ml, respectively, implying that FWG had an enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. Neither WG nor FWG exhibited cytotoxicity on the macrophage cells. In the radical scavenging assay, the IC50 values of WG and FWG were 32.6 and 0.78 mg/ml, respectively, suggesting that FWG had an increased scavenging activity.

Conclusions
FWG possesses enhanced antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity, indicating that fermentation of cultured wild ginseng root extract with a probiotic bacterium can strengthen some of its desirable effects.
Establishment of a central post-stroke pain model using global cerebral ischaemic mice
Authors: Tamiya Shigeyuki , Yoshida Yuki , Harada Shinichi , Nakamoto Kazuo , Tokuyama Shogo 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Objectives
Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the world. Central post-stroke pain (CPSP), an intractable secondary disease, is a serious problem that occurs following cerebral stroke. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying CPSP and standard treatments for it are not well established. Therefore, we examined the nociceptive threshold and alterations in the current stimulus threshold of primary afferent neurons in bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCAO) mice.

Methods
Male ddY mice were subjected to 30 min of BCAO. The development of mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and changes in current stimulus threshold in the hind paws were measured after BCAO using the von Frey test, plantar test and a Neurometer, respectively.

Key findings
The threshold for mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in both hind paws was significantly decreased on day 3 after BCAO as compared with pre-BCAO treatment. Furthermore, the sensitivity of C and Aβ fibres (at stimulation of 5 and 2000 Hz, respectively) was increased on day 3 after BCAO as compared with pre-BCAO treatment, while that of Aδ fibres was not altered.

Conclusions
Our data show the development of bilateral hyperalgesia in this model. Potentially, C and Aβ fibre-specific hypersensitization after stroke may have contributed to these symptoms.
A qualitative study exploring female patients' experiences of self‐harm in a medium secure unit
Authors: Baker A. , Wright K. , Hansen E. 
Published: December 2012

Accessible summary

This study explores the experience of five women who self‐harm and are cared for by a medium secure (forensic) service.

The five women speak of their own understanding of their self‐harm.

Six themes emerged, each with sub‐themes. These are:

‘the traumatized individual’

‘interrupted maturation process’

‘the hidden experience’

‘crossing the line’

‘individual and systemic repercussions’

‘nascent potential protection’

We concluded that a joint approach between women and their health workers, which included a shared understanding of their self‐harm, would be helpful to all parties.
AbstractThis study utilized a social constructivist model and reports upon interviews conducted with five female patients in a medium secure service. Their perception of self‐harm is considered. Six themes emerged from the data, ‘the traumatized individual’, ‘interrupted maturation process’, ‘the hidden experience’, ‘crossing the line’, ‘individual and systemic repercussions’, ‘nascent potential protection’. In addition to the six themes that emerged, we concluded that, although individual perceptions of self‐harm varied, commonalities existed across accounts and that individual formulation may assist both patients and staff to gain a personalized understanding, thus, enabling less harmful ways of coping to be established.
Random mutagenesis and topology analysis of the autoinducing peptide biosynthesis proteins in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Thoendel Matthew , Horswill Alexander R. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe Staphylococcus aureus accessory gene regulator (agr) is a peptide signalling system that regulates the production of secreted virulence factors required to cause infections. The signal controlling agr function is a 7‐9 residue thiolactone‐containing peptide called an autoinducing peptide (AIP) that is biosynthesized from the AgrD precursor by the membrane peptidase AgrB. To gain insight into AgrB and AgrD function, the agrBD genes were mutagenized and screened for deficiencies in AIP production. In total, single‐site mutations at 14 different residues in AgrD were identified and another 20 within AgrB. In AgrD, novel mutations were characterized in the N‐terminal leader and throughout the central region encoding the AIP signal. In AgrB, most mutations blocked peptidase activity, but mutations in the K129–K131 residues were defective in a later step in AIP biosynthesis, separating the peptidase function from thiolactone ring formation and AIP transport. With the identification of residues in AgrB essential for AgrD processing, we reevaluated the membrane topology and the new model predicts four transmembrane helices and a potential re‐entrant loop on the cytoplasmic face. Finally, co‐immunoprecipitation studies indicate that AgrB forms oligomeric structures within the membrane. These studies provide further insight into the unique structural and functional properties of AgrB.
Development of autoantibodies after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Chen Ching‐Yi , Ho Ming‐Chih , Wu Jia‐Feng , Jeng Yung‐Ming , Chen Huey‐Ling , Chang Mei‐Hwei , Lee Po‐Huang , Hu Rey‐Heng , Ni Yen‐Hsuan 
Published: December 2012

AbstractDn‐AIH is a long‐term complication after LT. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of autoantibodies in pediatric recipients and the clinical significance. From 1992 to 2008, 96 pediatric LT for non‐autoimmune liver diseases were performed in 94 children in our institution. Serum autoantibodies were checked in 68 subjects (73.9%). A positive autoantibody was defined as titers ≥1:40 for ANA, or ≥1:20 for ASMA, anti‐LKM, and AMA. Autoantibodies were detectable in 51 of 68 patients (75.0%). There was positivity for ANA in 30 patients, ASMA in 32, and AMA in three, while anti‐LKM was all negative. Immunosuppressive treatment with CsA, more than one episode of rejection, and abnormal ALT were risk factors for the development of autoantibodies. The incidence of the development of autoantibodies was 75.0% in pediatric LT cases in this study. ASMA was the most commonly found autoantibody. Autoantibodies may not play a sentinel role for dn‐AIH after LT.
Growth and temperature‐related phenotypic plasticity in the cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii
Authors: Soares Maria Carolina S. , Lürling Miquel , Huszar Vera L. M. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryCylindrospermopsis raciborskii is an invasive and potentially toxic cyanobacterium, which has recently spread worldwide, mainly because of its tolerance to a wide range of climatic conditions. C. raciborskii is able to change several traits in response to environmental changes and its morphology is also affected by these changes (especially in nutrients). We also expected temperature to affect the morphology of this cyanobacterium. We examined the growth and morphology of C. raciborskii at different temperatures and compared laboratory results to the morphology of this cyanobacterium in situ. As expected, growth rates increased with temperature. In addition, a high carrying capacity at 32°C suggests that this cyanobacterium is able to form more dense blooms at high temperatures. Fragile trichomes and low growth rates were observed at 12°C. An increase in the growth rate related to temperature resulted in a decrease in trichome length, with shorter trichomes at 32°C. The same pattern was observed in wild populations of C. raciborskii in a tropical reservoir, where shorter trichomes were observed in warmer months, when biomass was highest. This species' high ability to adapt to different environmental conditions throughout the year (i.e., nutrients, temperature) may have provided it with an additional advantage to increase its perennial blooms, mainly in tropical regions.
Modelling and simulation of blood collection systems: improvement of human resources allocation for better cost‐effectiveness and reduction of candidate donor abandonment
Authors: Alfonso E. , Xie X. , Augusto V. , Garraud O. 
Published: December 2012

Background  This study addresses the modelling and simulation of blood collection for fixed blood collection sites in a medium‐sized large French city, as well as mobile blood collection in urban and rural environments.Study Design and Methods  Formal Petri net models were used to describe all relevant donor flows of the various blood collection systems; the Petri net models were converted onto discrete‐event simulation models, allowing the evaluation of a large number of scenarios and configurations of blood collection systems. Quantitative models were proposed that encompassed all components of the blood collection systems, such as the donor arrival process, resource capacities and performance indicators. Appropriate experimental designs and cost‐effectiveness analyses were used to determine the best configurations of human resources and donor appointment strategies.Results  The donor service level depended on both adequate human resources capacity and appropriate appointment strategies. These decisions depend on the distribution during the day of walk‐in donors.Conclusion  Models permit to improve management of blood collection; they have now partially entered the real situation, awaiting further implementation.
Genomic Plasticity Enables a Secondary Electron Transport Pathway in Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Schicklberger M. , Sturm G. , Gescher J. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTMicrobial dissimilatory iron reduction is an important biogeochemical process. It is physiologically challenging because iron occurs in soils and sediments in the form of insoluble minerals such as hematite or ferrihydrite.Shewanella oneidensisMR-1 evolved an extended respiratory chain to the cell surface to reduce iron minerals. Interestingly, the organism evolved a similar strategy for reduction of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which is reduced at the cell surface as well. It has already been established that electron transfer through the outer membrane is accomplished via a complex in which β-barrel proteins enable interprotein electron transfer between periplasmic oxidoreductases and cell surface-localized terminal reductases. MtrB is the β-barrel protein that is necessary for dissimilatory iron reduction. It forms a complex together with the periplasmic decahemec-type cytochrome MtrA and the outer membrane decahemec-type cytochrome MtrC. Consequently,mtrBdeletion mutants are unable to reduce ferric iron. The data presented here show that this inability can be overcome by a mobile genomic element with the ability to activate the expression of downstream genes and which is inserted within the SO4362 gene of the SO4362-to-SO4357 gene cluster. This cluster carries genes similar tomtrAandmtrBand encoding a putative cell surface DMSO reductase. Expression of SO4359 and SO4360 alone was sufficient to complement not only anmtrBmutant under ferric citrate-reducing conditions but also a mutant that furthermore lacks any outer membrane cytochromes. Hence, the putative complex formed by the SO4359 and SO4360 gene products is capable not only of membrane-spanning electron transfer but also of reducing extracellular electron acceptors.
B0 → J/ψf2(1270) decay in QCD factorization
Authors: Sayahi Mahboobeh , Mahraban Hossein 
Published: December 2012

In this paper, the hadronic decay B0 → J/ψf2(1270) has been analyzed using the “QCD factorization” method. The effective coefficients [Formula: see text] have been calculated for three helicity states (h = 0, +, –) which give three contributions of amplitude. We have assumed two scenarios for J/ψ. First, we have considered that J/ψ behaves as a light meson compared to the B meson and second, we have considered the mass of J/ψ in our calculations meaning that mJ/ψ/mb is held fixed. The branching ratios are calculated in these two scenarios and also in different energy scales (μ = mb, μ = mb/2, and μ = 2mb). The obtained results are in agreement with available experimental data for the second scenario and μ = 2mb.
Quantum star-graph analogues of PT-symmetric square wells
Authors: Znojil Miloslav 
Published: December 2012

We recall the solvable [Formula: see text]-symmetric quantum square well on an interval of x ∈ (–L, L) := [Formula: see text] (with an α-dependent non-Hermiticity given by Robin boundary conditions) and generalize it. In essence, we just replace the support interval [Formula: see text] (reinterpreted as an equilateral two-pointed star graph with Kirchhoff matching at the vertex x = 0) with a q-pointed equilateral star graph [Formula: see text] endowed with the simplest complex-rotation-symmetric external α-dependent Robin boundary conditions. The remarkably compact form of the secular determinant is then deduced. Its analysis reveals that (i) at any integer q = 2, 3, …, there exists the same q-independent and infinite subfamily of the real energies, and (ii) at any special q = 2, 6, 10, …, there exists another, additional, q-dependent infinite subfamily of the real energies. In the spirit of the recently proposed dynamical construction of the Hilbert space of a quantum system, the physical bound-state interpretation of these eigenvalues is finally proposed.
TWIST1 Is an ERK1/2 Effector That Promotes Invasion and Regulates MMP-1 Expression in Human Melanoma Cells
Authors: Weiss Michele B. , Abel Ethan V. , Mayberry Melanie M. , Basile Kevin J. , Berger Adam C. , Aplin Andrew E. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Tumor cells often use developmental processes to progress toward advanced disease. The E-box transcription factor TWIST1 is essential to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration in the developing neural crest. In melanoma, which derives from the neural crest cell lineage, enhanced TWIST1 expression has been linked to worse clinical prognosis. However, mechanisms underlying TWIST1 expression and whether aberrant TWIST1 levels promote steps in melanoma progression remain unknown. Here, we report that elevated TWIST1 mRNA/protein expression is dependent on extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling, which is hyperactive in the majority of melanomas. We show that TWIST1 protein levels are especially high in melanoma cell lines generated from invasive, premetastatic stage tumors. Furthermore, TWIST1 expression is required and sufficient to promote invasion through Matrigel and spheroid outgrowth in three-dimensional dermal-mimetic conditions. Alterations to spheroid outgrowth were not as a result of altered cell death, cell-cycle profile, or paradigm EMT protein changes. Importantly, we identify matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) as a novel downstream target of TWIST1. We have determined that TWIST1 acts, in a dose-dependent manner, as a mediator between hyperactive ERK1/2 signaling and regulation of MMP-1 transcription. Together, these studies mechanistically show a previously unrecognized interplay between ERK1/2, TWIST1, and MMP-1 that is likely significant in the progression of melanoma toward metastasis. Cancer Res; 72(24); 6382–92. ©2012 AACR.