bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visualization and segmentation of reciprocal cerebrocerebellar pathways in the healthy and injured brain
Authors: Law Nicole , Greenberg Mark , Bouffet Eric , Laughlin Suzanne , Taylor Michael D. , Malkin David , Liu Fang , Moxon‐Emre Iska , Scantlebury Nadia , Skocic Jovanka , Mabbott Donald 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDetailed information regarding the neuroanatomy of reciprocal cerebrocerebellar pathways is based on well‐documented animal models. This knowledge has not yet been fully translated to humans, in that the structure of reciprocal cerebrocerebellar pathways connecting the cerebellum with frontal lobe has not been shown in its entirety. We investigated the impact of injury and age on cerebrocerebellar pathway microstructure using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and probabilistic tractography. We used medulloblastoma (MB) as an injury model due to the known impact of tumor/treatment on the cerebellum, one of the main nodes of cerebrocerebellar pathways. We delineated and segmented reciprocal cerebrocerebellar pathways connecting the cerebellum with frontal lobe in 38 healthy children (HC) and 34 children treated for MB, and compared pathway segment DTI measures between HC and MB and across three age cohorts: childhood, early adolescence, and late adolescence. Pathway compromise was evident for the MB group compared to HC, particularly within posterior segments (Ps<0.01). Though we found no age effect, group differences in microstructure were driven by pathway segment (posterior) and age cohort (adolescence), which may reflect the extent of injury to the posterior fossa following treatment for MB and age cohort differences in radiation treatment protocol in our sample. We have examined the microstructure of reciprocal cerebrocerebellar connections in the pediatric brain and have found that these pathways are injured in MB, a clinical population treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Our findings support the late effects literature describing white matter injury emergence in the years following treatment for MB. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2615–2628, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beta oscillations reflect memory and motor aspects of spoken word production
Authors: Piai Vitória , Roelofs Ardi , Rommers Joost , Maris Eric 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTwo major components form the basis of spoken word production: the access of conceptual and lexical/phonological information in long‐term memory, and motor preparation and execution of an articulatory program. Whereas the motor aspects of word production have been well characterized as reflected in alpha‐beta desynchronization, the memory aspects have remained poorly understood. Using magnetoencephalography, we investigated the neurophysiological signature of not only motor but also memory aspects of spoken‐word production. Participants named or judged pictures after reading sentences. To probe the involvement of the memory component, we manipulated sentence context. Sentence contexts were either constraining or nonconstraining toward the final word, presented as a picture. In the judgment task, participants indicated with a left‐hand button press whether the picture was expected given the sentence. In the naming task, they named the picture. Naming and judgment were faster with constraining than nonconstraining contexts. Alpha‐beta desynchronization was found for constraining relative to nonconstraining contexts pre‐picture presentation. For the judgment task, beta desynchronization was observed in left posterior brain areas associated with conceptual processing and in right motor cortex. For the naming task, in addition to the same left posterior brain areas, beta desynchronization was found in left anterior and posterior temporal cortex (associated with memory aspects), left inferior frontal cortex, and bilateral ventral premotor cortex (associated with motor aspects). These results suggest that memory and motor components of spoken word production are reflected in overlapping brain oscillations in the beta band. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2767–2780, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PM2.5‐induced oxidative stress increases adhesion molecules expression in human endothelial cells through the ERK/AKT/NF‐κB‐dependent pathway
Authors: Rui Wei , Guan Longfei , Zhang Fang , Zhang Wei , Ding Wenjun 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore the intracellular mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular toxicity of air particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) in a human umbilical vein cell line, EA.hy926. We found that PM2.5 exposure triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, resulting in a significant decrease in cell viability. Data from Western blots showed that PM2.5 induced phosphorylation of Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal regulatory kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase B (AKT), and activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB). We further observed a significant increase in expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and vascular adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, the adhesion of monocytic THP‐1 cells to EA.hy926 cells was greatly enhanced in the presence of PM2.5. However, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a scavenger of ROS, prevented the increase of ROS generation, attenuated the phosphorylation of the above kinases, and decreased the NF‐κB activation as well as the expression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1. Furthermore, ERK inhibitor (U0126), AKT inhibitor (LY294002) and NF‐κB inhibitor (BAY11‐7082) significantly down‐regulated PM2.5‐induced ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression as well as adhesion of THP‐1 cells, but not JNK inhibitor (SP600125) and p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), indicating that ERK/AKT/NF‐κB is involved in the signaling pathway that leads to PM2.5‐induced ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression. These findings suggest PM2.5‐induced ROS may function as signaling molecules triggering ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expressions through activating the ERK/AKT/NF‐κB‐dependent pathway, and further promoting monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microminipigs as a new experimental animal model for toxicological studies: comparative pharmacokinetics of perfluoroalkyl acids
Authors: Guruge Keerthi S. , Noguchi Michiko , Yoshioka Koji , Yamazaki Eriko , Taniyasu Sachi , Yoshioka Miyako , Yamanaka Noriko , Ikezawa Mitsutaka , Tanimura Nobuhiko , Sato Masumi , Yamashita Nobuyoshi , Kawaguchi Hiroaki 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a novel minipig strain, the Microminipig (MMPig), as an animal model for studying the pharmacokinetics of a mixture of 10 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). After a single oral dose was given, we found that the blood depuration of PFAAs (blood t1/2), which we calculated using first‐order elimination curves, ranged from 1.6 to 86.6 days. Among the five body compartments analyzed, the liver was the greatest site of accumulation of perfluorooctanesulfonate and longer chain perfluorinated carboxylates such as perfluorodecanoic acid, perfluoroundecanoic acid and perfluorododecanoic acid. We observed an increasing accumulation trend of perfluorinated carboxylates in the organs associated with the fluorinated carbon chain length. The perfluorononanoic acid burden was the highest among the treated compounds 21 days after a single exposure, as 29% of the given perfluorononanoic acid dose was accumulated in the tissues. The persistence of PFAAs in edible pig tissues even after 21 days post‐exposure raises concerns about the safety of swine products. This was the first study to use MMPigs to elucidate the pharmacokinetics of a group of environmental pollutants. We found that MMPigs could be excellent experimental animals for toxicological studies due to their easy handling, cost efficacy for target compounds and ease of waste treatment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion kurtosis imaging predicts neoadjuvant chemotherapy responses within 4 days in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Chen Yunbin , Ren Wang , Zheng Dechun , Zhong Jing , Liu Xiangyi , Yue Qiuyuan , Liu Meng , Xiao Youping , Chen Weibo , Chan Queenie , Pan Jianji 
Published: April 2015

PurposeTo explore the clinical value of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and monoexponential diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) for predicting early response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Materials and MethodsFifty‐nine patients with stage III‐IVb NPC underwent four 3.0T MR scans: prior to, and on the 4th, 21st, 42nd days after NAC initiation. The parameters of DKI (corrected diffusion coefficient, D; excess diffusion kurtosis coefficient, K) and monoexponential DWI (apparent diffusion coefficient, ADC) were obtained at the first three scans. Statistical methods included Student's t‐test or Mann‐Whitney U‐test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and paired X2 test.ResultsD(pre) in responders group (RG) was significantly lower than nonresponders group (NRG) (1.029 ± 0.033 vs. 1.184 ± 0.055, ×10−3 mm2/s, P = 0.020). ADC(day4) and ΔD(day4) were the most useful parameters of the two diffusional models to distinguish RG from NRG, respectively (area under the curve, 0.761 vs. 0.895). ΔD(day4) was more sensitive than ADC(day4) to predict treatment response to NAC (P = 0.006).ConclusionBoth DKI and monoexponential DWI showed potential to predict treatment response to NAC prior to morphological change. DKI may be superior to monoexponential DWI for predicting early response to NAC in patients with locally advanced NPC. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1354–1361.
The genetic aspects of berries: from field to health
Authors: Mazzoni Luca , Perez‐Lopez Patricia , Giampieri Francesca , Alvarez‐Suarez Jose M , Gasparrini Massimiliano , Forbes‐Hernandez Tamara Y , Quiles Jose L , Mezzetti Bruno , Battino Maurizio 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBerries are a relevant source of micronutrients and nonessential phytochemicals, such as polyphenol compounds, that play a synergistic and cumulative role in human health promotion. Several systematic analyses showed that berry phenolics are able to detoxify reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, blocking their production, to intervene in the cell cycle, participating in the transduction and expression of genes involved in apoptosis, and to repair oxidative DNA damage. As a consequence, the improvement of the nutritional quality of berries has become a new quality target of breeding and biotechnological strategies, to control or to increase the content of specific health‐related compounds in fruits. This work reviews, on the basis of the in vitro and in vivo evidence, the main berries' phytochemical compounds and their possible mechanisms of action on pathways involved in several type of diseases, with particular attention to cancer, inflammation, neurodegeneration, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Upregulation of Caveolin‐1 correlate with Akt expression and poor prognosis in NPC patients
Authors: Wang Ying‐Piao , Lin Chih‐Feng , Tsai Shu‐Chun , Tsai Ching‐Hwa , Yeh Te‐Huei 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to investigate the role of Caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) progression and correlated with clinical outcomes.MethodsWe used quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) to detect the difference in the expression of mRNA level of Cav‐1 mRNA in NPC, non‐NPC cell lines, and 74 NPC and 29 nontumorous nasopharyngeal mucosa biopsies. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining were used to detect the protein expression of Cav‐1 in cell lines and biopsy tissues. We collected clinical follow‐up data to investigate the association with expression of Cav‐1 mRNA. Also, transfection of Cav‐1 and suppression by delivery of shRNA against Cav‐1 into NPC derived cell lines to analyze its influence in Akt signaling.ResultsBy use of qPCR, immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting, we found that not only is Cav‐1 overexpressed in human NPC tumor cells and NPC‐derived cell lines but high Cav‐1 mRNA expression is associated with poor overall survival time of NPC patients. Furthermore, phosphorylated Akt expression was enhanced by Cav‐1 transfection and suppressed by delivery of shRNA against Cav‐1. These data suggested a possible regulatory mechanism of Cav‐1 on Akt signaling pathway. We also transfected the Cav‐1 construct and shRNA in TW01 cells to prove the effect on Akt protein expression.ConclusionsOverexpression of Cav‐1 is related to poor prognosis in NPC patients, which correlated with Akt signaling pathway. Abrogation of Akt signaling by shRNA‐mediated knockdown of Cav‐1 decreased malignant properties of tumor cells. These data suggest the potential for Cav‐1 as a possible novel therapeutic target in NPC treatment.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 125:E231–E238, 2015
From single‐chain folding to polymer nanoparticles via intramolecular quadruple hydrogen‐bonding interaction
Authors: Wang Fei , Pu Hongting , Jin Ming , Pan Haiyan , Chang Zhihong , Wan Decheng , Du Jiang 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTSingle‐chain folding via intramolecular noncovalent interaction is regarded as a facile mimicry of biomacromolecules. Single‐chain folding and intramolecular crosslinking is also an effective method to prepare polymer nanoparticles. In this study, poly(methyl methacrylate‐co−2‐ureido‐5‐deazapterines functionalized ethylene methacrylate) (P(MMA‐co‐EMA‐DeAP)) is synthesized via free radical polymerization. The single‐chain folding of P(MMA‐co‐EMA‐DeAP) and the formation of the nanoparticles in diluted solution (concentration <0.005 mg/mL) are achieved via supramolecular interaction and intramolecular collapsing during the disruption‐reformation process of the hydrogen bonding triggered by water. The size and the morphology of the nanoparticles are characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscope, and atomic force microscope. The results show that the size of the nanoparticles depends on the molecular weight of the polymer and the loading of 2‐ureido‐5‐deazapterines functionalized ethylene methacrylate (EMA‐DeAP) on the polymer backbone. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1832–1840
Assessing the effectiveness of decision aids for decision making in prostate cancer testing: a systematic review
Authors: Ilic Dragan , Jammal Walid , Chiarelli Pauline , Gardiner Robert A. , Hughes Suzanne , Stefanovic Dana , Chambers Suzanne K. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundProstate cancer is a leading disease affecting men worldwide. Conflicting evidence within the literature provides little guidance to men contemplating whether or not to be screened for prostate cancer. This systematic review aimed to determine whether decision aids about early detection of prostate cancer improve patient knowledge and decision making about whether to undergo prostate‐specific antigen testing.MethodsMedline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and Health Technology Assessment databases up until March 2014 were searched. All included randomised controlled trials were assessed for methodological quality. Clinical selection and assessment heterogeneity among studies prevented the pooling of data for meta‐analyses. Descriptive analyses of all included studies and comparison were performed.ResultsA total of 13 randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Significant heterogeneity was present for the design and implementation of decision aids including comparative interventions and outcomes. Eight studies were of a low methodological quality, with the remaining five of medium quality. Improvements in patient knowledge following use of a decision aid were demonstrated by 11 of the 13 included studies. Seven of 10 studies demonstrated a reduction in decisional conflict/distress. Three of four studies demonstrated no difference between a decision aid and information only in reducing decisional uncertainty. Three of five studies demonstrated an increase in decisional satisfaction with use of a decision aid.ConclusionsDecision aids increase patient knowledge and confidence in decision making about prostate cancer testing. Further research into effective methods of implementation is needed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural studies on TlInSe thermoelectric material by X‐ray fluorescence holography, XAFS, and X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Hosokawa Shinya , Kamimura Kenji , Ikemoto Hiroyuki , Happo Naohisa , Mimura Kojiro , Hayashi Kouichi , Takahashi Kohki , Wakita Kazuki , Mamedov Nazim 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe local structure around the Tl atoms in TlInSe thermoelectric material was investigated by X‐ray fluorescence holography (XFH), XAFS, and X‐ray diffraction (XD). The temperature dependent XAFS and XD data reveal that no distinct phase change features are found, and the position of the Tl atoms are fluctuated randomly in the Tl chain direction of the crystal, which is consistent with the XFH result at room temperature. Also, an interference between the positions of Tl and In atoms is suggested by all of these experiments.
H∞output tracking control for uncertain networked control systems via a switched system approach
Authors: Wu Ying , Liu Tianshi , Wu Yanpeng , Zhang Yabin 
Published: April 2015

SummaryIn this paper, the problem ofH∞output tracking control for networked control systems with random time delays and system uncertainties is investigated. Effective sampling instant that is tightly related with transmission delay from sensor to actuator is proposed to ensure that the random variable time delay is always shorter than one effective sampling period. By using both active time‐varying sampling period strategy and hybrid node‐driven mechanism, the switching instant is coincided with the effective sampling instant. An augmented time‐varying networked tracking system model is provided by including the output tracking error as an additional state. However, random transmission delay causes indeterminate sampling period, which induces infinite subsystems. Gridding approach is introduced to transform the continuous time axis into discrete‐time sequences, which guarantees the finite number of switching rules. By employing multiple Lyapunov–Krasovskii functions, linear matrix inequality (LMI)‐based output trackingH∞performance analysis is presented, and robust switchingH∞model reference tracking controller for networked control systems with communication constraints and system uncertainties is designed to guarantee asymptotic tracking of prescribed reference outputs while rejecting disturbances. Finally, simulation results illustrate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed approaches. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships Between Simple Toe Elevation Angle in the Standing Position and Dynamic Balance and Fall Risk Among Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Takatori Katsuhiko , Matsumoto Daisuke 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relationships between toe elevation ability in the standing position and dynamic balance and fall risk among community‐dwelling older adults.DesignCross‐sectional survey.SettingGeneral community.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling older adults (N = 287).Main Outcome MeasureToe elevation angles in the standing position.ResultsIntra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability of measurements of the toe elevation angle was high (internal coefficient of correlation [ICC] (1,2) = 0.94 for the former and ICC (2,1) = 0.90 for the latter). Significant correlations were found between the toe elevation angle and age (r = −0.20, P < .01), 5‐m walking time (r = −0.31, P < .01), Functional Reach Test (r = 0.36, P < .01), Timed Up and Go Test (r = −0.36, P < .01), and Chair Stand Test (r = 0.26, P < .01). Subjects who experienced a fall in the previous 6 months had a significantly lower toe elevation angle compared with subjects who did not experience a fall (t = 2.19, P < .05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that results of the Functional Reach Test (β = .22, P < .001) and Timed Up and Go Test (β = −0.74, P < .001) were significantly associated with the toe elevation angle.ConclusionsToe elevation angle was an index of dynamic balance ability and appears to be a simple screening test for fall risk in community‐dwelling older adults.
Artifacts of Elegy: The Foundling Hospital Tokens
Authors: Zytaruk Maria 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis article explores the objects that were left as identifiers for the children abandoned to London's Foundling Hospital in the eighteenth century. Required by the hospital in order to permit a future reclaiming by a parent and to guard against a charge of infanticide, these tokens fulfilled an institutional priority. The token procedure, this article argues, resulted in a class of objects that can be aligned closely with elegy. Occasional objects, the tokens communicate maternal affection and a sense of dislocation. As distillations of grief and imaginative framings of loss, the foundling tokens constitute eighteenth-century artifacts of elegy.
Time-optimal path tracking for robots under dynamics constraints based on convex optimization
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Li Shurong , Guo Jian-Xin , Gao Xiao-Shan 
Published: April 2015

SUMMARYTo fully utilize the dynamic performance of robotic manipulators and enforce minimum motion time in path tracking, the problem of minimum time path tracking for robotic manipulators under confined torque, change rate of the torque, and voltage of the DC motor is considered. The main contribution is the introduction of the concepts of virtual change rate of the torque and the virtual voltage, which are linear functions in the state and control variables and are shown to be very tight approximation to the real ones. As a result, the computationally challenging non-convex minimum time path tracking problem is reduced to a convex optimization problem which can be solved efficiently. It is also shown that introducing dynamics constraints can significantly improve the motion precision without costing much in motion time, especially in the case of high speed motion. Extensive simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Design of an active device for controlling lateral stability of fast mobile robot
Authors: Krid M. , Benamar F. , Zamzami Z. 
Published: April 2015

SUMMARYMotivated by the trade-off between speed and stability for off-road navigation, a novel active anti-roll system has been developed in the context of a multidisciplinary project which aims at developing a high-speed and agile autonomous off-road rover. This paper presents the design, simulation and experimental validation of an active anti-roll system and its associated control. The proposed system possess the advantage of having a modular design that can be installed on any off-road chassis with independent suspensions. The proposed system controls directly the roll angle of the rover which is usually uncontrollable in conventional vehicles, hence improving off-road stability while maneuverings at high speed over uneven terrain. Furthermore, the control of the proposed active anti-roll system is based on a model predictive control (MPC) for the roll dynamics, which minimizes the load transfer during cornering and the energy consumed by the actuators. The control model is based on a dynamic model of the rover and on a stability criteria defined by the lateral load transfer (LLT). Moreover, this paper presents, simulation results from the high fidelity virtual platform modeled inMSC.Adams®, as well as, results from recent field tests demonstrating the effectiveness of a hydraulic active anti-roll system mounted on, an especially developed experimental platform, SPIDO ROBOT while cornering at a high speed reaching 8 m/s.