bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic approach for the toxic effects of perfluorooctanoic acid on isolated rat liver and brain mitochondria
Authors: Mashayekhi V , Tehrani K Haj Mohammad Ebrahim , Hashemzaei M , Tabrizian K , Shahraki J , Hosseini M-J 
Published: January 2015

Background: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one of the most widely used perfluoroalkanes as surfactants, lubricants and processing aids in the production of polymers, which has also been detected in the environment, wildlife and human body. Animal studies indicated that PFOA caused a wide array of toxic effects including liver and brain dysfunction, carcinogenicity and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Based on the established role of mitochondria-mediated pathways in the observed toxic effects of many drugs and chemicals, in this study, the potential toxic effects of PFOA on mitochondria isolated from rat liver and brain have been investigated. Method: Mitochondria were isolated by differential centrifugation method and incubated with different concentrations of PFOA (0.5–1.5 mM). The effects of PFOA were assessed on a series of mitochondrial parameters including reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, activities of mitochondrial complexes I/II/III, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, membrane potential, lipid peroxidation (LPO), mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release. Results: The data on liver mitochondria indicated that PFOA-induced ROS elevation in both mitochondrial complexes I and III, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, swelling, cytochrome c release and decreased ATP level which induces apoptosis or necrosis. On brain mitochondria, PFOA showed fairly similar effects on the above-mentioned parameters. However, different results were obtained when the effect of PFOA was assessed on LPO and complex II activity. Conclusions: Due to the fact that PFOA had toxic effects on the mitochondria isolated, it could be suggested that mitochondrial toxicity could be a plausible mechanism for the toxic effects of this fluorochemical on liver and brain function.
Empowering the ‘shamed’ self: Recognition and critical social work
Authors: Houston Stan 
Published: January 2015

Summary This article provides a review of the contribution of Axel Honneth’s model of recognition for critical social work. While Honneth’s tripartite conceptualisation of optimal identity-formation is positively appraised, his analysis of the link between misrecognition, the experience of shame and eventual sense of moral outrage, is contested. Drawing on a range of sources, including the sociology of shame, Honneth’s ideas about the emotional antecedents of emancipatory action are revised to guide critical social work with misrecognised service users. Findings The intellectual background to Honneth’s recognition model, emanating from leading German philosophers, is described and its application to social work set out. Even so, Honneth’s model is found to be deficient in one primary regard: its assumption about the emotional antecedents to quests for withheld recognition is misapprehended. In particular, the argument in this article is that the ubiquitous emotion of shame, which Honneth argues flows from misrecognition, must be carefully addressed through the medium of relationship, otherwise it might lead to repressed shame and frustrated attempts at social struggle. To this end, a social work process is delineated for dealing with shame, following episodes of misrecognition. Applications Honneth’s model of recognition, along with revised ideas about how to recognise and manage shame, is incorporated into a conceptual framework for critical social work practice. With this renewed understanding of the impact of shame, following misrecognition, social workers should be better equipped conceptually to enable service users to take action for empowerment.
Elevated adenosine signaling via adenosine A2B receptor induces normal and sickle erythrocyte sphingosine kinase 1 activity
Authors: Sun Kaiqi , Zhang Yujin , Bogdanov Mikhail V. , Wu Hongyu , Song Anren , Li Jessica , Dowhan William , Idowu Modupe , Juneja Harinder S. , Molina Jose G. , Blackburn Michael R. , Kellems Rodney E. , Xia Yang 
Published: January 2015

Key PointsAdenosine signaling via ADORA2B induces SphK1 activity in sickle and normal erythrocytes via PKA-mediated ERK1/2 activation. Lowering adenosine by PEG-ADA or interfering ADORA2B activation by specific antagonist decreases SphK1 activity in normal and sickle RBCs.
Parmodulins inhibit thrombus formation without inducing endothelial injury caused by vorapaxar
Authors: Aisiku Omozuanvbo , Peters Christian G. , De Ceunynck Karen , Ghosh Chandra C. , Dilks James R. , Fustolo-Gunnink Susanna F. , Huang Mingdong , Dockendorff Chris , Parikh Samir M. , Flaumenhaft Robert 
Published: January 2015

Key PointsParmodulins are a new class of PAR1 inhibitors that target the cytosolic face of PAR1 to block signaling through Gαq, but not Gα12/13. Unlike vorapaxar, which causes endothelial injury, parmodulins selectively block proinflammatory, but not cytoprotective, signaling.
Interaction of kindlin-2 with integrin β3 promotes outside-in signaling responses by the αVβ3 vitronectin receptor
Authors: Liao Zhongji , Kato Hisashi , Pandey Manjula , Cantor Joseph M. , Ablooglu Ararat J. , Ginsberg Mark H. , Shattil Sanford J. 
Published: January 2015

Key PointsInteraction of the integrin β3 cytoplasmic tail with kindlin-2 selectively promotes outside-in signaling through αVβ3. Disruption of the kindlin-2/αVβ3 interaction impairs outside-in signaling and endothelial cell functions, both in vitro and in vivo.
Targeting interferon response genes sensitizes aromatase inhibitor resistant breast cancer cells to estrogen-induced cell death
Authors: Choi Hye Joung , Lui Asona , Ogony Joshua , Jan Rifat , Sims Peter J , Lewis-Wambi Joan 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Estrogen deprivation using aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is currently the standard of care for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Unfortunately, the majority of patients treated with AIs eventually develop resistance, inevitably resulting in patient relapse and, ultimately, death. The mechanism by which resistance occurs is still not completely known, however, recent studies suggest that impaired/defective interferon signaling might play a role. In the present study, we assessed the functional role of IFITM1 and PLSCR1; two well-known interferon response genes in AI resistance.

Methods
Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were used to assess mRNA and protein levels of IFITM1, PLSCR1, STAT1, STAT2, and IRF-7 in AI-resistant MCF-7:5C breast cancer cells and AI-sensitive MCF-7 and T47D cells. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed on tissue microarrays consisting of normal breast tissues, primary breast tumors, and AI-resistant recurrence tumors. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantitate intracellular IFNα level. Neutralizing antibody was used to block type 1 interferon receptor IFNAR1 signaling. Small interference RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown IFITM1, PLSCR1, STAT1, STAT2, IRF-7, and IFNα expression.

Results
We found that IFITM1 and PLSCR1 were constitutively overexpressed in AI-resistant MCF-7:5C breast cancer cells and AI-resistant tumors and that siRNA knockdown of IFITM1 significantly inhibited the ability of the resistant cells to proliferate, migrate, and invade. Interestingly, suppression of IFITM1 significantly enhanced estradiol-induced cell death in AI-resistant MCF-7:5C cells and markedly increased expression of p21, Bax, and Noxa in these cells. Significantly elevated level of IFNα was detected in AI-resistant MCF-7:5C cells compared to parental MCF-7 cells and suppression of IFNα dramatically reduced IFITM1, PLSCR1, p-STAT1, and p-STAT2 expression in the resistant cells. Lastly, neutralizing antibody against IFNAR1/2 and knockdown of STAT1/STAT2 completely suppressed IFITM1, PLSCR1, p-STAT1, and p-STAT2 expression in the resistant cells, thus confirming the involvement of the canonical IFNα signaling pathway in driving the overexpression of IFITM1 and other interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in the resistant cells.

Conclusion
Overall, these results demonstrate that constitutive overexpression of ISGs enhances the progression of AI-resistant breast cancer and that suppression of IFITM1 and other ISGs sensitizes AI-resistant cells to estrogen-induced cell death.
Fitting the epidemiology and neuropathology of the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease to prevent dementia
Authors: Mar Javier , Soto-Gordoa Myriam , Arrospide Arantzazu , Moreno-Izco Fermín , Martínez-Lage Pablo 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Recent research on biomarkers has made possible the diagnosis of pre-dementia and even preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD), thus providing the ideal context for prevention. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of the early stages of AD by fitting neuropathologic and epidemiological data to assess the feasibility of prevention programs.

Methods
The study addressed primarily the construction of a discrete event simulation model of the stages of dementia. Age was included in the mathematical functions to combine the two competitive risks that determine the epidemiology of AD, that is, time to onset of dementia and time until death by other causes. Subsequently, this model was calibrated to reproduce the prevalence of pathological findings associated with AD. The beginning of the preclinical stage was taken to coincide with Thal phase 1 deposition of amyloid-beta. The duration of the prodromal stage, marked by mild cognitive impairment, was based on a 10% annual conversion rate from this level of impairment to dementia. The validation of prevalence figures also permitted estimation of the incidence and duration of preclinical and prodromal stages.

Results
In Spain, half of the nearly 10 million people aged more than 60 years are in the early stages of AD; 35.9% are in a preclinical stage, and up to 14.2% are in a prodromal stage. However, dementia will develop in only 38% of this population. The weighted mean time to dementia was 22.0 years from the start of Thal phase 1 and 9.0 years from the start of phase 2. Results of simulation models showed a lack of correlation between clinical and pathological classifications.

Conclusions
These findings raise questions about the feasibility of drug-based prevention strategies. Currently, screening programs with biomarkers in the early stages of AD cannot be applied to the half of the general population older than 60 years. Hence, intensive research is needed regarding risk factors, so that more affordable strategies may be planned. More efficient criteria are also needed to select those subjects with mild cognitive impairment who have an increased probability of positive screening for biomarkers (prodromal stage).
Sustained-release methylphenidate in methamphetamine dependence treatment: a double-blind and placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Rezaei Farzin , Emami Maryam , Zahed Shakiba , Morabbi Mohammad-Javad , Farahzadi Mohammadhadi , Akhondzadeh Shahin 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Background
The objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy of sustained-release methylphenidate (MPH-SR) in treatment of methamphetamine dependence.

Methods
Fifty-six individuals who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for methamphetamine dependence participated in this 10-week trial. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups and received 18 to 54 mg/day sustained-released methylphenidate or placebo for 10 weeks. Craving was evaluated by a visual analogue craving scale every week. Urinary screening test for methamphetamine was carried out each week. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was used to monitor participant depressive symptoms at baseline and bi-weekly during the treatment period.

Results
At the end of the trial, the MPH-SR group was less methamphetamine positive compared to the placebo group and the difference was significant (p = 0.03). By the end of the study, MPH-SR group showed significantly less craving scores compared to the placebo group [MD (95% CI) = -10.28(0.88-19.18), t(54) = 2.19, p = 0.03]. There was greater improvement in the depressive symptoms scores in the intervention group compared to the placebo group [MD (95% CI) =2.03(0.31-3.75), t (54) =2.37, p = 0.02].

Conclusion
Sustained-released methylphenidate was safe and well tolerated among active methamphetamine users and significantly reduced methamphetamine use, craving and depressive symptoms.

Trial registration

IRCT201202281556N38
H3K36 Trimethylation-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation is Activated by Bam and Promotes Germ Cell Differentiation During Early Oogenesis in Drosophila
Authors: Mukai Masanori , Hira Seiji , Nakamura Katsuhiro , Nakamura Shoichi , Kimura Hiroshi , Sato Masanao , Kobayashi Satoru 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
Epigenetic silencing is critical for maintaining germline stem cells in Drosophila ovaries. However, it remains unclear how the differentiation factor, Bag-of-marbles (Bam), counteracts transcriptional silencing. We found that the trimethylation of lysine 36 on histone H3 (H3K36me3), a modification that is associated with gene activation, is enhanced in Bam-expressing cells. H3K36me3 levels were reduced in flies deficient in Bam. Inactivation of the Set2 methyltransferase, which confers the H3K36me3 modification, in germline cells markedly reduced H3K36me3 and impaired differentiation. Genetic analyses revealed that Set2 acts downstream of Bam. Furthermore, orb expression, which is required for germ cell differentiation, was activated by Set2, probably through direct H3K36me3 modification of the orb locus. Our data indicate that H3K36me3-mediated epigenetic regulation is activated by bam, and that this modification facilitates germ cell differentiation, probably through transcriptional activation. This work provides a novel link between Bam and epigenetic transcriptional control.
Promoting Effect of CeO2 on the Catalytic Activity of Ba–Y2O3 for Direct Decomposition of NO
Authors: Doi Yasuyuki , Haneda Masaaki , Ozawa Masakuni 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The effect of CeO2 additive on the catalytic performance of Ba–Y2O3 prepared by coprecipitaion for the direct decomposition of NO was investigated. Although Ba–Y2O3 effectively catalyzed NO decomposition, its activity was clearly increased by addition of CeO2. The optimum CeO2 content was 10 mol %. CO2-TPD measurement revealed that the addition of CeO2 into Ba–Y2O3 caused an increase in the CO2 desorption peak in the temperature range of 473 and 723 K derived from highly dispersed Ba species. The predominant role of CeO2 additive was suspected to effectively create the highly dispersed Ba species as catalytically active sites. Kinetic studies of NO decomposition on Ba–CeO2(10)–Y2O3 suggested that coexisting O2 suppresses the NO decomposition reaction by competitive adsorption. Isotopic transient kinetic analysis suggested a reaction pathway in which the surface NOx adspecies act as reaction intermediates for the formation of N2 in NO decomposition over Ba–CeO2–Y2O3. We concluded that CeO2 additive does not directly participate in the NO decomposition reaction as catalytically active species.
Fabrication of Highly Transparent, Thermally Stable, and Scalable Conductive Films from Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Imazu Naoki , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko , Nakashima Naotoshi 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
To fabricate transparent conducting films (TCFs) for electronic devices, both a high conductivity and thermal stability are significant issues due to the need for a high temperature annealing process. In this report, we describe the preparation of a highly transparent (94% transmittance), conductive (surface resistivity: 354 Ω sq−1) and thermally stable double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) film without adding any chemical doping or rinsing. Such film was obtained by a simple dilution and condensation/filtration process (DC/F). The procedure is quite simple, and thus large scalability is easy.
Study on the Bearing Resistance in a Wind Turbine Generator System
Authors: Aso Toshiyuki , Seki Kazuichi , Ushiyama Izumi 
Published: January 2015

The vertical axis wind turbine generators are mainly used for small size wind turbine generators, and are independent on wind direction. The rotor of the vertical axis wind turbine is required to start rotating at a low wind speed and to smoothly rotate with small torque loss so that the energy loss from the energy of wind is minimized and the power generation efficiency is increased. But when the rotor is designed according to the wind conditions and the safety factors in the international safety standard for small wind turbines, IEC61400–2, commercially-available bearings are not suitable for the rotor, because both of the static and dynamic load ratings are larger than those demanded for the vertical axis wind turbine. That is, the frictional force and the rotating torque resistance of the commercially-available bearings are too large for the rotor to meet the above mentioned requirements. In this study, the bearings having the most suitable load ratings and the very low frictional force for the rotor were newly designed conforming to the wind conditions and the safety factors in the above mentioned IEC61400–2. And the low torque shaft unit for the rotor using these newly designed bearings was also designed and experimentally produced. This low torque shaft unit was equipped in the real vertical axis wind turbine and a demonstration experiment was conducted. The result of the experiment showed that the low torque shaft unit started rotating at low wind speed and the power generation efficiency was improved. It is verified that the low torque shaft unit satisfies the above mentioned requirements well.
Mostow’s lattices and cone metrics on the sphere
Authors: Boadi Richard K. , Parker John R. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
In his seminal paper of 1980, Mostow constructed a family of lattices in PU(2, 1), the holomorphic isometry group of complex hyperbolic 2-space. In this paper, we use a description of these lattices given by Thurston in terms of cone metrics on the sphere, which is equivalent to Deligne and Mostow’s description of them using monodromy of hypergeometric functions. We give an explicit fundamental domain for some of Mostow’s lattices, specifically those with large phase shift. Our approach follows Parker’s approach of describing Livné’s lattices in terms of cone metrics on the sphere. The content of this paper is based on Boadi’s PhD thesis.
Effect of Boron and Titanium Addition on the Hot Ductility of Low-Carbon Nb-Containing Steel
Authors: Liu Wei-Jian , Li Jing , Shi Cheng-Bin , Huo Xiang-Dong 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The effect of boron and titanium addition on the hot ductility of Nb-containing steel was investigated using hot tensile tests. The fracture surface and the quenched longitudinal microstructure were examined by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that both steel samples had the similar change from 1,100°C to 700°C. The hot ductility of Nb-containing steel with boron and titanium addition was higher than the steel without boron and titanium in the temperature range of 900–750°C. Because the formation of intergranular ferrite was inhibited by solute boron segregating on the grain boundary, the formation of TiN changed the distribution of Nb- and boron-containing precipitates and improved the amount of intragranular ferrite.
A hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn ameliorates hyperalgesia and allodynia in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain in rats
Authors: Amoateng Patrick , Adjei Samuel , Osei-Safo Dorcas , Ameyaw Elvis Ofori , Ahedor Believe , N’guessan Benoit Banga , Nyarko Alexander Kwadwo 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Background: The hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn whole plant has demonstrated analgesic effects in acute pain models. The extract has also demonstrated anticonvulsant effects in murine models of experimental epilepsy. The present study illustrates an evaluation of the hydro-ethanolic extract of the plant for possible analgesic properties in hyperalgesia and allodynia associated with vincristine-induced neuropathy in rats.

Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting 100 μg/kg of vincristine sulphate on alternative days for 6 days (days 0, 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12). Vincristine-induced cold allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia were measured pre-vincristine administration and on days 15, 17 and 19 post-vincristine administration. The rats were then treated with S. nodiflora extract (SNE) (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg), pregabalin (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) and distilled water as vehicle daily for 5 days and pain thresholds were measured on alternate days for 3 days.

Results: SNE and pregabalin produced analgesic properties observed as increased paw withdrawal latencies to mechanical, tactile, cold water stimuli and thermal hyperalgesic tests during the 5 days of treatment.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that hydro-ethanolic extract of S. nodiflora possesses anti-hyperalgesic and anti-allodynic effects in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain in rats.
The eternal youth of azobenzene: new photoactive molecular and supramolecular devices
Authors: Baroncini Massimo , Ragazzon Giulio , Silvi Serena , Venturi Margherita , Credi Alberto 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The development of multicomponent chemical systems that can perform predetermined functions under external control – i.e., molecular devices – is a challenging task in chemistry and a fascinating objective in the frame of a bottom-up approach to nanostructures. Photochromic units undergo profound changes in their chemical and/or electronic structure upon light excitation, and are highly interesting for the construction of photocontrollable molecular devices, machines and materials. The E–Z photoisomerization of azobenzene – owing to its high efficiency, excellent reversibility and significant physico-chemical differences between the two forms – is a highly useful reaction in this regard. Azobenzene photoisomerization has been known for almost 80 years and has been exploited to implement light-induced functionalities with a large variety of compounds, biomolecules, nanosystems and materials. Here we present some of our recent investigations highlighting how this outstanding photochrome can be utilized to develop (supra)molecular systems with valuable light-induced functionalities.