bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic effects of the quinolone levofloxacin on rabbit meniscus cells
Authors: Wang Linlong , Wu Yunpeng , Tan Yang , Fei Xi , Deng Yu , Cao Hong , Chen Biao , Wang Hui , Magdalou Jacques , Chen Liaobin 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTQuinolones have been reported to induce adverse effects on articular cartilage, tendons and ligaments. However, the effects of quinolones on menisci have not been revealed. The present study was to test the effects of levofloxacin on meniscus cells in vitro. Rabbit meniscus cells were administrated with different concentrations of levofloxacin (0, 14, 28, 56, 112 and 224 µm) for 24 or 48 h, and cell viability and apoptosis were measured. The mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, MMP‐3, MMP‐13, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1, TIMP‐3, Col1a1, Bcl‐2, caspase‐3 and inducible nitric oxide were analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Active caspase‐3 was detected by immunocytochemical assay, while protein expression levels of MMP‐3 and MMP‐13 were measured by Western blotting assay. After treatment with levofloxacin for 48 h, cell viability was decreased from dose of 28 to 224 µm in a concentration‐dependent manner. An increase of apoptotic cells was observed by flow cytometry. Active caspase‐3 protein expression level was also increased. The mRNA level of Bcl‐2 was decreased and levels of MMP‐1, MMP‐3 and MMP‐13 in experimental groups were higher than those of controls. The protein levels of MMP‐3 and MMP‐13 were increased. Moreover, the mRNA levels of TIMP‐3 and col1a1 were decreased. A dose‐dependent increase of inducible nitric oxide mRNA expression level was also observed. Our results suggested the cytotoxic effects of levofloxacin on meniscus cells through induction of apoptosis and unbalanced MMPs/TIMPs expression. These side effects might result in meniscus extracellular matrix degradation and meniscal lesion. Thus, quinolones should be used cautiously on patients who perform athletic activities or undergo surgical meniscus repair. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Specific Attitudes Which Predict Psychology Students’ Intentions to Seek Help for Psychological Distress
Authors: Thomas Susan J. , Caputi Peter , Wilson Coralie J. 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveAlthough many postgraduate psychology programs address students’ mental health, there are compelling indications that earlier, undergraduate, interventions may be optimal. We investigated specific attitudes that predict students’ intentions to seek treatment for psychological distress to inform targeted interventions.MethodPsychology students (N = 289; mean age = 19.75 years) were surveyed about attitudes and intentions to seek treatment for stress, anxiety, or depression.ResultsLess than one quarter of students reported that they would be likely to seek treatment should they develop psychological distress. Attitudes that predicted help‐seeking intentions related to recognition of symptoms and the benefits of professional help, and openness to treatment for emotional problems.ConclusionsThe current study identified specific attitudes which predict help‐seeking intentions in psychology students. These attitudes could be strengthened in undergraduate educational interventions promoting well‐being and appropriate treatment uptake among psychology students.
Use of Mindful Reappraisal Coping Among Meditation Practitioners
Authors: Hanley Adam , Garland Eric L. , Black David S. 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveBy enhancing positive affect and cognitive flexibility, mindfulness practice may promote reappraisal of stressors. We hypothesized that coping through mindful reappraisal would be common among mindfulness practitioners from an array of traditions.MethodA sample of 118 meditation practitioners completed an online survey comprising assessments of the prevalence and frequency of mindful reappraisal, as well as measures of well‐being and distress.ResultsRegular use of mindful reappraisal was reported by over half of the sample and was significantly correlated with years of meditation practice (r = .31, p = .01), meditation practice days per month (r = .30, p = .001), and meditation hours per week (r = .30, p = .001). Controlling for frequency of meditation practice and trait mindfulness, mindful reappraisal frequency explained significant portions of variance in well‐being (P <.001) and distress (P <.001).ConclusionsMeditation practitioners commonly employ mindful reappraisal coping as a positive emotion regulatory strategy in stressful contexts.
Chemical and genetic characterization of bacteriocins: antimicrobial peptides for food safety
Authors: Snyder Abigail B , Worobo Randy W 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides are produced across all domains of life. Among these diverse compounds, those produced by bacteria have been most successfully applied as agents of biocontrol in food and agriculture. Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized, proteinaceous compounds that inhibit the growth of closely related bacteria. Even within the subcategory of bacteriocins, the peptides vary significantly in terms of the gene cluster responsible for expression, and chemical and structural composition. The polycistronic gene cluster generally includes a structural gene and various combinations of immunity, secretion, and regulatory genes and modifying enzymes. Chemical variation can exist in amino acid identity, chain length, secondary and tertiary structural features, as well as specificity of active sites. This diversity posits bacteriocins as potential antimicrobial agents with a range of functions and applications. Those produced by food‐grade bacteria and applied in normally occurring concentrations can be used as GRAS‐status food additives. However, successful application requires thorough characterization. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Ampelographic and chemical characterization of Reggio Emilia and Modena (northern Italy) grapes for two traditional seasonings: ‘saba’ and ‘agresto’
Authors: Vasile Simone Giuseppe , Montevecchi Giuseppe , Masino Francesca , Matrella Valentina , Imazio Serena Anna , Antonelli Andrea , Bignami Cristina 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBACKGROUND‘Saba’ and ‘agresto’ are traditional Italian products both based on unfermented grape juices that are concentrated by heating. The former is obtained from ripe grapes and the latter from unripe grapes. In this work, we have characterized the main red‐skinned (Ancellotta, Fortana, Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco grasparossa, Lambrusco salamino and Uva Tosca) and white‐skinned (Lugliatica, Spergola, Trebbiano di Spagna and Trebbiano modenese) cultivars used for ‘saba’ and ‘agresto’ production, focusing on the variability expressed by ampelographic traits, physical and chemical parameters and anthocyanin profile.RESULTSThe cultivars examined were effectively discriminated on the basis of their different composition profile by analysis of variance and principal component analysis. In particular, a peculiar anthocyanin profile was traced by absolute and relative values for each cultivar. The identification of the main anthocyanins of some local cultivars, their chemical characterization and their ampelographic description were one of the main achievements of this work.CONCLUSIONThe use of red grapes to obtain ‘saba’ seems more rational for the presence of higher amounts of antioxidant substances. Ancellotta showed several factors interesting for ‘saba’ production, such as the very high anthocyanin content, including anthocyanin antioxidants. A more detailed investigation on ‘agresto’ technology is required. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Syndiotactic Polystyrene‐block‐Poly(methyl methacrylate) Copolymer via Click Chemistry
Authors: Capacchione Carmine , De Roma Antonella , Buonerba Antonio , Speranza Vito , Milione Stefano , Grassi Alfonso 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSyndiotactic polystyrene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer is synthesized via the Huisgen 1,3 dipolar click cycloaddition reaction of properly end functionalized syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer segments. The end functionalized sPS is obtained by quenching the styrene polymerization catalyzed by a half‐titanocene catalyst with N‐bromosuccinimide to yield sPS‐Br, then converted into the corresponding azide (sPS‐N3) by reaction with sodium azide. The PgBiB‐PMMA segment is synthesized by ATRP of MMA using the PgBiB initiator carrying the alkyne functionality. The formation of core‐shell micelles with size depending on the copolymer composition is highlighted by AFM.magnified image
Modification of cysteine residues by cyclopentenone prostaglandins: Interplay with redox regulation of protein function
Authors: Oeste Clara L. , Pérez‐Sala Dolores 
Published: July 2013

AbstractCyclopentenone prostaglandins (cyPG) are endogenous lipid mediators involved in the resolution of inflammation and the regulation of cell proliferation and cellular redox status. Upon exogenous administration they have shown beneficial effects in models of inflammation and tissue injury, as well as potential antitumoral actions, which have raised a considerable interest in their study for the development of therapeutic tools. Due to their electrophilic nature, the best‐known mechanism of action of these mediators is the covalent modification of proteins at cysteine residues through Michael addition. Identification of cyPG targets through proteomic approaches, including MS/MS analysis to pinpoint the modified residues, is proving critical to characterize their mechanisms of action. Among the targets of cyPG are proinflammatory transcription factors, proteins involved in cell defense, such as the regulator of the antioxidant response Keap1 and detoxifying enzymes like GST, and key signaling proteins like Ras proteins. Moreover, cyPG may interact with redox‐active small molecules, such as glutathione and hydrogen sulfide. Much has been learned about cyPG in the past few years and this knowledge has also contributed to clarify both pharmacological actions and signaling mechanisms of these and other electrophilic lipids. Given the fact that many cyPG targets are involved in or are targets for redox regulation, there is a complex interplay with redox‐induced modifications. Here we address the modification of protein cysteine residues by cyPG elucidated by proteomic studies, paying special attention to the interplay with redox signaling. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 33: 110–125, 2014.
Numerical simulation of 3D sloshing in a liquid–solid mixture using particle methods
Authors: Guo L. , Morita K. 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYSloshing of liquid–solid particle mixtures is an important issue in industrial settings and research fields. In numerical simulations, difficulties are encountered in capturing or tracking the interface between different phases and calculating the interactions between particles, as well as considering hydrodynamic effects between liquid and particles. The finite volume particle (FVP) method, which is based on the Lagrangian framework, does not require applying extra techniques to capture the dynamics at the interface. Moreover, the hydrodynamic behavior between liquid phase and solid particles can be solved implicitly. The discrete element method (DEM) is a useful computational tool, which can explicitly calculate the interaction forces acting on particles and exactly describe their transient trajectories. Owing to the same particle assumption and Lagrangian description, the approach coupling FVP and DEM is more straightforward than the Euler–Lagrange approach. In this study, the applicability of the coupled FVP/DEM method is investigated by simulating sloshing in liquid–solid particle mixtures. A comparison of simulation and experimental results shows good agreement and demonstrates the accuracy of the method. It is hoped that the FVP/DEM method can provide an effective 3D means for a quantitative comparison and validation of more complicated multiphase flows with a variety of particles. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atomoxetine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the adulthood: a meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Cunill Ruth , Castells Xavier , Tobias Aurelio , Capellà Dolors 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeAtomoxetine is a non‐stimulant drug that could be an alternative to methylphenidate, whose benefit : risk balance for the treatment of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has recently been shown to be unclear. This study aimed to compare all‐cause discontinuation rate between atomoxetine and placebo in adults with ADHD. Secondarily, efficacy and safety were investigated.MethodsSystematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing atomoxetine with placebo in adults with ADHD were performed. All‐cause treatment discontinuation was the primary endpoint. Efficacy in reducing ADHD symptoms and safety were the secondary endpoints. Odds ratio (OR) and the standardized mean difference (SMD) were calculated for dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively. Data were pooled using the fixed and random effects model. The influence of study design‐related, intervention‐related and patient‐related co‐variables over the primary endpoint was investigated by means of meta‐regression. This study is registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO): CRD 42012002042.ResultsTwelve studies (3375 patients) were included. Treatment discontinuation was larger with atomoxetine than with placebo (OR = 1.39). No co‐variable was found to modify the effect of atomoxetine over treatment discontinuation. Atomoxetine showed modest efficacy in reducing ADHD symptoms irrespective of the assessor: patient (SMD = −0.33); clinician (SMD = −0.40). The rate of adverse events‐induced discontinuation was higher with atomoxetine than with placebo (OR = 2.57).ConclusionThis study suggests that atomoxetine has a poor benefit–risk balance for the treatment of adults with ADHD. The recommendation of atomoxetine use in this population is weak. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulsar bestätigt Allgemeine Relativitätstheorie im Gebiet starker Gravitation
Authors: Tauris Thomas M. , Wex Norbert 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPulsare sind schnell rotierende Neutronensterne mit außergewöhnlichen Eigenschaften. Sie besitzen die größt mögliche Materiedichte, erzeugen starke Magnetfelder und sind Quellen extremer Gravitation. Dies alles macht sie zu wertvollen astrophysikalischen Testobjekten. Der massereiche Pulsar PSR J0348+0432 eröffnet wegen seines starken Gravitationsfeldes ganz neue Möglichkeiten. So konnte jüngst ein internationales Forscherteam unter Leitung von Bonner Astronomen die Allgemeine Relativitätstheorie mit der am stärksten gekrümmten, für Präzisionstests zugänglichen Raumzeit bestätigen.
Expertin in Molekülspektroskopie
Authors: Loos Andreas 
Published: July 2013

AbstractKeine Kompromisse, die wissenschaftliche Arbeit geht vor. Durch nichts lässt sie sich beirren, auch nicht durch eine Ehe: Als sie schließlich ihren langjährigen Lehrer und Mentor als 64‐jährigen Witwer heiratet, ist sie 51 Jahre alt. Ihrer Kollegin und Freundin Lise Meitner schreibt sie danach: “Es ist schön, jeden Augenblick zu fühlen, dass wir zusammengehören und zusammenpassen.” Und dieses Gefühl genügt ihr offenkundig – zusammen leben muss sie nicht mit ihrem Ehemann.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha increases aerobic glycolysis and reduces oxidative metabolism in prostate epithelial cells
Authors: Vaughan Roger A. , Garcia‐Smith Randi , Trujillo Kristina A. , Bisoffi Marco 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDChronic inflammation promotes prostate cancer formation and progression. Furthermore, alterations in energy metabolism are a hallmark of prostate cancer cells. However, the actions of inflammatory factors on the energy metabolism of prostate epithelial cells have not been previously investigated. This is the first study to report on the effect of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) on the glycolytic and oxidative metabolism, and the mitochondrial function of widely used prostate epithelial cells.METHODSPre‐malignant RWPE‐1 and cancerous LNCaP and PC‐3 cells were treated with low‐dose TNFα. Glycolytic and oxidative metabolism was quantified by measuring extracellular acidification and oxygen consumption rates, respectively. ATP content and lactate export were measured by luminescence and fluorescence, respectively. Mitochondrial content and the expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor co‐activator 1 alpha (PGC‐1α), and Cytochrome C were measured by flow cytometry.RESULTSOur data suggest that TNFα increases glycolysis, ATP production, and lactate export, while it reduces oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial function in prostate epithelial cells. The highly aggressive PC‐3 cells tend to be less responsive to the actions of TNFα than the pre‐malignant RWPE‐1 and the non‐aggressive LNCaP cells.CONCLUSIONSCellular energetics, that is, glycolytic and oxidative metabolism is significantly influenced by low‐level inflammation in prostate epithelial cells. In widely used prostate epithelial cell models, the micro‐environmental inflammatory cytokine TNFα induces aerobic glycolysis while inhibiting oxidative metabolism. This supports the hypothesis that low‐level inflammation can induce Warburg metabolism in prostate epithelial cells, which may promote cancer formation and progression. Prostate 73: 1538–1546, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measurement of operator exposure to chlorpyrifos
Authors: Gao BeiBei , Tao ChuanJiang , Ye JiMing , Ning Jun , Mei XiangDong , Jiang ZhiFu , Chen Shuo , She DongMei 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDTo date, no research has been conducted to establish exposure levels for occupational pesticide operators under typical use scenarios in China. Through surrogate skin techniques (the whole‐body method), the authors monitored dermal and inhalation exposure of pesticide applicators in China. In addition, the exposure of pesticide mixers was analysed.RESULTSThe total dermal exposure of inexperienced and experienced applicators was respectively 4037 and 536 mg kg−1 of active ingredient (AI) handled for application to maize that was <80 cm in height. The exposure level was highest on hands; the closer to the hands, the lower arms and the upper legs, the higher the exposure. The unit exposure of mixers differed according to the formulation; exposure to emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and oil‐in‐water emulsion (EW) was greater than exposure to wettable powder (WP) or wettable dispersible granules (WG). The unit exposure of mixers via inhalation was significantly greater than that of applicators when chlorpyrifos (48% EC) was used (P < 0.0001).CONCLUSIONSThe main objectives of this study were to provide an indication of the realistic exposure risk of mixers and applicators, and to contribute useful information for risk mitigation and management and epidemiological studies in China. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of the role of holes and electrons in hysteresis and threshold voltage stability of organic field effect transistors
Authors: Padma N. , Sawant Shilpa N. , Sudarsan V. , Sen Shaswati , Gupta S. K. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractElectrical measurements on copper phthalocyanine (CuPc)‐based organic field effect transistors using SiO2 dielectric revealed hysteresis and threshold voltage instability to be due to the combined effect of both hole‐ and electron‐trapping mechanisms, with the electron‐trap density being higher than hole‐trap density. Hysteresis was found to increase further after modifying the SiO2 surface with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) while it reduced drastically after polystyrene (PS) modification. Individual contribution of holes and electrons to hysteresis and the cause of increased/reduced trapping of the same for interface modified devices were identified. The increase in hysteresis with OTS‐modified devices was attributed to increase in hole‐trap density arising from a larger grain‐boundary density of CuPc films. Minimum grain‐boundary density and efficient removal of trap centers at dielectric/semiconductor interface using PS modification resulted in minimum hysteresis. Comparison of hole‐ and electron‐trap densities estimated for measurements under different ambient conditions, like high humidity conditions and oxygen flow, showed that hole‐trap density increased with increase in humidity. Under oxygen flow, hysteresis, and hole‐trap density were found to reduce considerably, which could be attributed to creation of excess holes that readily fill hole traps, thereby resulting in increased mobile carrier concentrations.
Condensed‐phase laser ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry of highly energetic nitro‐aromatic compounds
Authors: Delgado Tomás , Alcántara José F. , Vadillo José M. , Laserna J. Javier 
Published: July 2013

RATIONALEAnalysis of explosive compounds represents an interesting field of work due to the obvious social relevance of these compounds. Direct laser ionization allows the analysis of these high internal energy compounds without sampling or preparation procedures. We have studied nitro‐aromatic compounds to understand their mass spectra when directly ionized in the condensed phase, different from the gas‐phase studies commonly conducted.METHODSDirect condensed‐phase laser ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry of high energy density materials has been performed using a 5 ns width quadrupled Nd:YAG laser. No matrix assistance was used. Fine control of the laser energy allowed the study of the fragmentation processes from values close to the ionization threshold to ones where atomic‐only mass spectra were recorded.RESULTSThe influence of the variation of extraction conditions on the recorded mass spectra was investigated. For low extraction width pulses, ions with low m/z values were mainly observed, whereas, at higher widths, higher mass fragment ions were also detected while the total ion current was maintained. Therefore, the mass spectra can be modulated to obtain mass spectra containing molecular or atomic information. The onset of ion generation for the different fragment ions was also studied, yielding information that can help to understand the processes involved in the fragmentation pathways of the molecule and in the dissociation mechanisms. Two sampling procedures allowed the prospective use of LIMS as a screening technique for nitro‐aromatic‐based highly energetic explosives.CONCLUSIONSDirect analysis of explosive compounds has been performed by laser ionization. A large dependence of the resultant spectra on the laser energy was observed that might be useful for studies of fragmentation pathways. For forensic applications, two sampling procedures might allow the use of LIMS as a screening technique. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.